polly made me do it!

I've been reading Polly's blog, Sassafras Stuff for awhile now and admiring her style from afar. Then came along this post. This is the post that got me into my car, driving an hour to peek inside The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall where I had the privilege of seeing Polly's style (and incredible merchandising!) firsthand. Just look at her amazing use of color and blending of vintage goods. She should be in a magazine!I was lucky to acquire a couple of those sweet little vocabulary cards from her booth.



A few more snaps around the store. Oh, how I wanted this old salesman's card of shoe buckles, but it was $45. so there it stayed.


Also got this Bobbsey Twins book for a dollar, so I was a happy camper.
If you ever find yourself in Lancaster, Ohio, this place is a treasure! Polly's booths alone are so worth the trip!

an easy way to help

The delightful artist, Rebecca Sower, has started an etsy shop, Haiti by Hand. So many talented artists are donating beautiful works for this worthy cause...check it out. There are incredible new things every day. Every penny of the sale of each item is donated directly to the hands of Haitian women and families. You can read about her love for and direct involvement with Haiti here. It's such an easy way for us all to help make a difference.

hurting hearts

Sending up prayers for all the little hearts in Haiti.

snow days...and sausage soup

We had our first snow day yesterday...this steamy, brothy, hearty soup was just the ticket for dinner. It's soooo yummy!
Sausage Soup
It simmers nearly 2 hours, but it's so worth the wait!

1 lb. ground hot turkey sausage
1 big onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
8 cups chicken broth
14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
8-oz. can tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
2 t. Italian seasoning
1/2 c. dried orzo pasta

In a big soup pot, brown & drain sausage well. Add onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic & seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover & simmer for an hour. Add uncooked orzo pasta, return to boiling, then simmer, uncovered for half hour to an hour. Enjoy!