entertained: a easy spicy soup

so last night I had to whip up dinner in a pinch. it was cold and I was kinda tired so I wanted something quick, easy, and satisfying. I came up with dumpling soup!



Now let me start off by saying, I am so NOT a chef, I barely know how to boil water! But just like everyone else has been tightening their belts and M and I are no exception, and so to the kitchen I go to whip up my own CHEAP and healthy meal.

OK, I started with a bag of frozen chicken dumplings from Trader Joe's and a bag of frozen Asian stir fry vegetables, also from TJ's. I'm thinking I need something fresh, and then I spy a half bag of spinach, double points for using up something before it goes bad!

Alrighty, I've got stuff to work with but, now how to put it all together?
I put some chicken stock, I usually have that in the pantry, into a big soup pot and throw in the frozen veg. I brought that to a boil and added the spinach and dumplings and brought them up to temperature. The directions on the bag of dumplings said, "Don't over cook!" so I made sure to put them in last. And Voila! a soup was made (in like 7 minutes!)

I let my concoction simmer till M got home from work and then gave it a another taste... and it was good but... it needed something. So into the fridge for the ever present and often used chili garlic sauce (btw- this is the only thing not purchased at TJ's, did I mention that I love that freaking place?) and a heaping tablespoon of it went into the pot. Be CAREFUL, that stuff is H-O-T, but so so very tasty. It really made the soup. And best of all M loved it. He had 2 giant bowls.

Another successful dinner... I'm getting pretty good at this! I will keep ya posted on new culinary dscoveries

xo Lea

entertained: music for the holidays

so I'm printing, stamping, printing, and stamping lots and lots of Christmas cards. and I will have them ready to share with y'all soon, but I wanted to let you all know what is helping me get into the spirit of the season right now.

Spiced apple muffins from TraderJoe's (go check out their website they have lots of helpful things like pre-made lists and recipes, it's pretty rad).

and music on Pandora! it is so great; you can make lots of stations that will play what ever you like and they have a ton of Christmas music.

ok well... back to work!!

designed: fall store displays

I just thought I would share a few pictures from the stores that I worked for as a Visual Merchandiser in Montgomery, AL. These are a few of the fall displays. I'm actually currently on a bus - mobile blogging (the bus has WiFi- how cool is that!?!) on our way down to Washington DC. M has an opening for his graphic art in Arlington, VA and then we are planning our 2nd visit to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to check out the awesome foliage. If you are in the area, I highly recommend it! It is beautiful! So in honor of the season...



Merchandising is all about the eye catching impact, you probably wouldn't do this much decorating for your home. It's meant to be fun and inspirational, ya know?





check back soon for some cool pictures of leaves 'n stuff. And also I've got a TON of awesome new projects that I'm working on. They will be up for your enjoyment as soon as possible!!!

xo Lea

entertained: the holidays

MORE CHRISTMAS ALERT!!! I know it seems like it's a little too early to be talking about Christmas, but I've had the holidays on the brain for a while now, at least I haven't started singing Christmas carols just yet... Anyway, I have a really lovely new card for you to send to your loved ones! It reminds me of a winter wonderland...



It is also available in green, which I love with a craft paper envelope. And there is just a simple Merry Christmas in the inside. Lovely.





Oh, wouldn't YOU like some? Just let me know!
xo Lea

loved: everyone!

got a new card y'all, it's so super cute. I don't think that you can say "I love you" too much. and this little card is short and sweet. spread the love people, buy a card from me! ;)


ps- my cards will hopefully be in store in the Southeast as well as in Manhattan and the good ole BK, SOON!!!!!
xo Lea