shopping for a cause

Christmas is fast approaching......
My goal this year, as in years past, is to stay away from big box stores.
I like to buy gifts locally, handmade, or supporting a good cause.
I love shopping at museum stores, the items are nice and unique.
The majority of the proceeds go to community art programs.

The museum shop of the Art Institute of Chicago
has some really nice gift giving ideas.

The Spa Goddess on ETSY has some amazing handmade products.

Saco Valley Fiber Artist
has a great Christmas sale every year,
last year I bought quite a few gifts there.

I will be doing a show this year....hope to see you there! The cookie walk is fantastic!!!!

Casco Bay High School-Craft Fair and Cookie Walk

196 Allen Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
Portland

Nov 20, 2010. The 5th annual Casco Bay High School / Portland Arts & Technology High School Craft Fair is an event not to be missed. Free admission, pleanty of free parking, free entertainment and over 50 of the most talented crafters from all over Maine. Check out Portland's longest cookie walk too. New and Used book sale, white elephant table, raffles galore. Visit the Casco Bay Cafe for some hot chili, soup, delicious sandwiches or a slice of home made pie and coffee. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

stuff that I am liking

This song! Badly Drawn Boy

This hair style

I am so in love with this tunic! Green Rainbow Shop

This lovely scarf from here

NPR on Sunday afternoons

especially this show

I am currently making bags for this charity

These Bora Bora Bars, they are so light, fresh, and delicious. YUM!

This recipe was a hit with everyone!

Proper English Cottage Pie

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 pound shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. To Make Meat Filling: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in ground beef and saute 1 minute. Add onion and carrot, then continue to saute until meat is no longer pink and onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour, cinnamon, mixed herbs, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, combine beef broth and tomato paste. Mix together, then add to beef mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat and simmer mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost all of liquid has been absorbed. Spoon mixture into a 9 inch pie plate.
4. To Make Potato Topping: Place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and place over high heat. Allow to come to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain.
5. Mash potatoes until smooth, then add butter or margarine, followed by milk. Whip until fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread potatoes over beef filling. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until top is browned and cheese is bubbly.