TheRustedChain - The Blog

Fingerprint Friday

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:18:00 +0000

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------

You know how a new year feels like a clean slate?
It's a time to start fresh. Forget all the wrongs of the previous year.
Convince yourself that you'll do all the right things from now on.

Well guess what? Jesus has offered that same deal for anytime, anywhere!
For real! All you have to do is call on Him, apologize for your wrongs, and tell him you want to be right from now on.

He will welcome you with open arms, help you through life, give you hope, love, support, guidance, and an eternity with him.

A heck of a lot better than some New Year's resolution, I'd say.

Happy New Year, ladies and gents!

Please tell me...

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0000

that my house isn't the only one that looks like this after Christmas.

And we're still Christmas-ing it up over here!
One more shindig to attend and then this place is getting cleaned!

Confessions and big changes.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:51:00 +0000

~ I'm not going to admit the number of no-bake cookies I ate last week.

~ I don't remember the last time I worked out.

~ I haven't had a haircut since before I went to Vegas.

~ I forgot to make one of my orders. It was for a local friend and I didn't have her checkout through etsy because I knew I wouldn't flake out on a friend. And then I ran into her in The WalMarts the other day and she was all, "Heyyy, about that order... Did you ever make that?" Ack!!! It's a miracle that I still have friends, to be honest.

~ My feet are horrifically ragged right now. Ironic that I'm a licensed nail tech.

~ I'm terribly impatient.

~ I've always hated the name PamperingBeki.

*insert tire screeching noise here*

What kind of lame name is PamperingBeki?! Let's be honest.
It's something I picked many years ago when I made my first ebay purchase.
And then I branched into designing and selling jewelry, and well, the name stuck.

And I did my best to work with it. I used it as my brand.
I came up with a slogan that matched - "Go ahead, Pamper Yourself!"

But all this time, I've hated it. And have always been too scared to change it.

And it's finally time.

PamperingBeki is now TheRustedChain.

Because I have an issue with patience, I don't have my logos switched yet.
But hopefully they'll be coming soon.

A little info - This name has been in the works for many months.
It is a LOT of work and money to change everything - business cards, stickers, stamps, advertising, etc.

About the name - I wanted it to start with "The" or "That". I just find those the most memorable.

I wanted it to have a rustic - casual - small townish - relaxed feel.

I wanted it to reflect jewelry in some way.

It also had to be available all over the internet - the domain name, Facebook, twitter, etsy, etc.

After months of consideration and searching, we found the right one. The Rusted Chain.

I'm still working on different facets of it all. Still stocking the new etsy shop.

We have big plans for growth this year and felt like "PamperingBeki" was holding the business back from being what it really can be.

The designs will be largely the same as they have been, with a better balance of the beaded and stamped styles, combined with new earrings. It's felt very one dimensional lately and as an artist, I'm not digging that.

So there you have it. This was supposed to be announced after the new year, but I think I've mentioned once or twice that I'm not good with patience.

I'm super excited about it and I hope you guys will be too!
If you have questions, please let me know and I'll try to answer them in the comments.

By the way, we had a white Christmas! Did you have a good one?

Didn't get what you wanted?

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Use code IWANT15 for a 15% rebate on purchase at PamperingBeki.com. Exp. 1/1/10.

No Fingerprint Friday...

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:20:00 +0000

because we're off celebrating the most beautiful Fingerprint of all, the birth of our King.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

And Merry Christmas to anyone who happens to stop by today. You are loved!

A peek...

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Just a little peek into my world lately.

Packages galore. 20-30 a day. For me, that's a lot.
12-14 hour days making jewelry and neglecting my house.
I learned that I can't do it on my own next year.
I had help from family this year, but next year I'm going to need more help.

A wonderful gift from Ruth.
It came, literally, when I was in tears from stress.
And then I bawled like a baby because I couldn't believe someone would be so nice!
I want to be Ruth when I grow up.
The problem is I think she's younger than me. And much more hip.
And probably skinnier.
And lives a life in England. And says words like fab, mum, pyjamas, and pub.
Maybe if I start talking like her, I'll be cool like her...
Seriously - dark chocolate, coffee, citrus, a blinged up handmade ornament - this package could not have been more tailored to me.

A little $2 wreath I whipped up late last night.

Original Snowman art by The Boy.

Wishing you the warmest and most glorious Christmas Eve you've ever had.

Yummy Snowman

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:29:00 +0000

We (finally!) had craft time today.

This kept them entertained for a reallllly long time.
That is always a good thing.

Large marshmallows
Sucker sticks
lots of candy
frosting for glue

The Boy.

The idea initially was to dip the snowmen in white chocolate before decorating.
I, being right on top of things as always, realized too late that we didn't have enough white chocolate.

So we just used little dabs of frosting as glue instead.
I gave each kid a different color toothpick to use for the glue.

Pretzel sticks would've made cute arms too, but yeah... didn't have those either.

The Boy's friend.

The Baby.

The Girl. I realize I should be looking at her or her creation, but did you see that amazing Christmas light bokeh behind her?! Ohmygoodness. Can't even stand it.
From this day forward every picture I take will be in front of a Christmas tree.

Mine. Yeah, I made one too! The kids can't have all the fun.

My camera battery died right as I was taking pictures.
No big deal really except it made me realize I haven't charged it since early Fall.
Oh.My.Gosh!!

That tells me just how few pictures I've taken recently! Crazy.
I can't wait to start taking them more often again.
And to create new jewelry again.

Just you wait, there's big things coming from me.
BIG, I tell ya.
Or maybe that's just my thighs from all this candy...

p.s. The winner of the Life is Sweet necklace is Laura! You really need to check out her blog. This couldn't be more perfect for her.

Christmas-y randomness.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:12:00 +0000

~ I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on my orders and starting to feel a little Christmas-y!

~ I mail the very last order of the year today.
WooHooo!!!

~ You guys rock.

~ If you haven't already, today's the last day to enter the Life is Sweet necklace giveaway.

~ Have you seen this video? Or heard the song?
The Boy is obsessed with it.
We have it dvr'd and he watches it about 10 times a day.
He's trying hard to learn it.
He doesn't get that it's a bit impossible with only one person. But whatever.

~ I had planned on posting it here and then I saw that my friend Jody had posted it on her blog the other day. She has good taste. So I'm going to copy her and post it too.

~ I put up a quick listing for a gift certificate.
You know, in case you need to drop hints to your husband or something.
Or if you forgot to buy grandma's gift and she lives on the other side of the country.

$20 Gift Certificate

~ I slept until 9:30 today. I love sleep. It's so nice to have the kids on break from school.

~ Later today when they're fighting, I won't think that.

~ After the first of the year, I'm taking on a new identity. That's my big news.
I'm just working on ironing out all the details. Hmmmm.....

~ Today I will be baking, wrapping the last of the presents, and actually enjoying my kids. I hope.

~ Whenever I post a youtube video, it makes the comments section go whacky.
If you want to leave a comment and there's no link, just use the post below this one. No idea why it does that.

Happy Monday!

Crying.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

I've done a lot of crying lately.
Crying because I feel blessed.
Crying because I feel stressed.
Crying because of nice emails.
Crying because of nasty emails.
Crying because my kids are so amazing.
Crying because my kids won't stop fighting.
Crying because I feel overwhelmed.
Crying because a friend calls me, or a lovely gift arrives just at the right moment.

I'm a wreck, I tell ya!
But you know what always helps?

Chocolate.

Today is The Boy's birthday.
He's 8.
And yeah, I cried over that too. (Y'all catch on quick!)
Later we'll sing this song. And I'll cry.
We learned it from Jess. And every time I think of her I cry.

I took these brownies to his class yesterday.
Brownie bites with crushed peppermint candy on top.

Surely you've figured out if you've been reading my blog for long, that I love easy recipes.

This was a boxed brownie mix. I added chocolate chips.
Baked in mini muffin tins. 16 minutes I think.
Then took them out, sprinkled crushed peppermints on top, and put them back in for 2 more minutes.

They were yummy!
And easy.

When I took them to his class yesterday, I also took his teacher her gift.
And guess what?
She cried. (Happy tears.)
I rock!

Fingerprint Friday

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:05:00 +0000

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

This week as you go about the Christmas craziness, remember to give Glory to God in the highest.
He is the reason for all of this!
Everything we do is for Him and because of Him.
(If MckLinky doesn't want to work again, just put your link in the comments.)

Because you're so sweet...

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:12:00 +0000

***This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to the participants!***

I have a feeling you've done nice things for other people lately.
Am I right?
You've baked cookies, decorated your nest, visited your kids' class to help, volunteered at church, provided warm meals for your family...
Given a little surprise present to someone, "just because"...
Given your kids clean clothes to wear to school... (okay so maybe their socks didn't match. Whatever.)
Offered a compliment to someone...
Provided a shoulder to cry on and a warm hug to a person in need...
Sent Christmas cards to loved ones...

You are a woman. You are a giver.
But sometimes you need a little refuel for yourself.

So, I'm offering you this necklace.
For YOU. When you wear it, I want you to remember that your life is sweet.
You are a blessed and beautiful person.

(And really, how often can an adult wear cupcakes and get away with it?
Now you can.)

Want to enter?

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite way to unwind or refuel your spirit.
2. Tweet, facebook, or blog about it for additional entries. (make sure to leave a seperate comment for these.)
3. Sit back and hope that you're the random winner, chosen on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Enjoy this Holiday Season, you sweet ladies!

Monday random.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:48:00 +0000

- I have no new pictures to share. How sad is that for a photographer?!

- I got silly putty on my favorite jeans this morning. They're ruined now. (yes, it was the silly putty you guys warned me about that The Baby got for his birthday.)

- I got a nasty email/comment the other day about the blogger ornament exchange, saying she never got her partner. I had in my "sent" box the email I'd sent to her telling her who her partner was. RUDE. And seriously? I do this for fun. It's certainly not because I have free time on my hands. I don't love random people telling me how lame I am when I held up my end of the deal. Oh and I visited her blog - it was all about God. Fab. Thank you to all of you who were KIND and gracious about it!

- I have a ridiculous amount of orders sitting here waiting to be mailed. I'm waiting on a supply order of chain. And I've been waiting for days. Have I mentioned that I'm not good at waiting? Because I'm not. So far all my customers have been wonderful! Love them.

- The school called today to have me come pick up my kid, who had just puked all over herself. And the nurse. Poor nurse.

- I hadn't had a shower and didn't have a bra on yet. And leftover makeup from church yesterday morning. Lucky school staff got to see me that way. I sooooo looked like a trendy-hot mom-have it all together-fashionable-jewelry designer chick. I rock.

- I was a really good wife and mom over the weekend. Really good. Finally. That feels good.

- The Baby has a pair of safety scissors and a piece of paper and is making "snow" confetti all over the house. And I'm not stopping him. But it's worth it for the peace and quiet.

- Wonder of my chain is here yet? Because I could really mail those orders now...

- How bad is coffee for me, really? I mean, like if I were to drink 4 or 5 cups a day? Hypothetically, of course.

- Be sure to check out project320 today. Lots of good stuff there.

- I think Wham's "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart" is the worst Christmas song ever. If it could be removed from the earth, that would be fab.

- Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. Seriously? What were you thinking?!

- Off to get lunch and see if my chain is here yet.

Happy Monday to you!

Instant Gourmet.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:38:00 +0000

You know how to make rice krispy treats, right?
Marshmallowey gooey peanut buttery krispy little delights.

But, an easy and quick update on the classic is to substitute Nutella for the peanut butter.

Hazelnutty chocolatey gooey krispy little squares of heaven!

3 TBS butter
1 bag small marshmallows
6 cups crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup Nutella

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in Nutella until melted.
2. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. (I spray my hand with cooking spray and smash them down that way.)

Take them to your neighbors, office, kid's class, Sunday School group, whatever.
People will love them!

Fingerprint Friday

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:08:00 +0000

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of godSo look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------

This week I've seen more and more Holiday spirit popping out everywhere.
Decorations are all over the neighborhoods, snow is on the ground.
People are buying presents, baking, caroling.
All that I've seen is good.
I haven't seen one bad attitude! Not one person cranky, stressed or rushed.
People seem to really "get" the true reason for the season this year.

And yes, I recognize the irony of showing a picture of Santa, while talking about the true meaning of Christmas. Haha!
It's the only holiday-ish picture I had on hand from this week.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Done.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:57:00 +0000

As of today, we are done taking orders for Christmas delivery.

Any orders received after today may be delayed in shipping.

I just have to take a break and spend time with my own family.
That is the entire point of having a family owned business!

We have been overwhelmed at how successful you all have made this year!

I think in January I need a vacation.
Just me and a friend. Somewhere tropical.
With sand.
And a spa.
And a fruity drink or 7.

Ahhhh, that would be so nice!

Does it even matter?

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Last week, I spent a fair amount of time feeling sorry for myself.
And stressed out.
Will I ever get well? Will I ever get these orders out on time?
And I kept thinking about a phrase from a restaurant I used to wait tables in.
When the servers would get "in the weeds", crazy stressed, taking on more than they could handle, the managers would tell them, "It's just pizza and beer. That's it.
It just beer and pizza! In the grand scheme of things, none of this is that important."

And that led me to thinking, "it's just jewelry. That's it. Just jewelry."
I recognize that what I do is not rocket science.
(One of my favorite jokes is - "It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure that out!" Haha!)
I'm blessed to be able to work from home and create what I love, but it's just jewelry.
Does it really even matter?

And then I got an email that stopped me cold in my tracks.

"Beki,

I just wanted to thank you for the Blessed necklace I purchased from you in July. Every night my two year old would hold it as she fell asleep. I rarely took it off because she enjoyed tugging on it so much. She suffered from a neurological disease and didn't have the best control of her movements but the silver disk was the perfect size for her two year old palm and she could hold it quite well. On August 28 she went to Heaven (the day after her little sister was born, the reasons for God's timing are only His to know I suppose). Anyway, having that necklace to hold in my hand, something she held is so amazingly precious to me. Especially now as her little sister begins to tug on it it's a reminder of how it felt before. I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful and STURDY design. I truly am blessed and these days I need the reminder around my neck.

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that this piece is so special to me and to thank you."

Oh. My. Gosh.

It does matter! All of it!
Every little thing you do or don't do. It does matter!
Does it matter if I ignore my kids for 5 more minutes to check email?

Does it matter that I don't give $10 to that popular charity that everyone seems to be blogging about this year?

Does it matter that I just make a simple craft from my home and sell it to a few people out there on the internet?

Does it matter if I blog or don't blog? Or if thousands of people read it one day, and only hundreds the next?

Yes, it all matters. Every decision matters.
Even if you don't see it. Even if you don't know it right away.
Even if you never know it.

It matters.
You matter!
God put you at this exact spot for this exact moment in time.

Because you matter.

Bless you as you go through this week.
May you have a peace and a joy and a sense of place in this life.

In case no one told you recently, you matter.

December.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:15:00 +0000

It's always a crazy month.
For everyone. Not just me.
But I whine more than others.
And I whine about it every year.
But there's really just no way to skip an entire month.
Trust me, I've looked into it.

In addition to the regular December craziness, two of my three kids have December birthdays.

And this year I'm running a jewelry business and photography business - both of which exploded into more than I could've imagined!
(I've had my jewelry business for several years, but this is the busiest it's ever been.
I've hardly shared any of my photo shoots lately, just because of lack of time. But there have been some gorgeous people in front of my lens!)
And then I decided to lay in bed sick for almost a week and just let orders stack up.

Stress? Nahhh...

So yesterday I knew there was no possible way I could do a "real" birthday party for The Baby.
Chuck E. Cheese to the rescue.
Overpriced rubbery pizza, cheap plastic toys that it takes 12,480 tickets to purchase, and hundreds of kids screaming at the tops of their lungs.
Fun times!

For my little man, though... it was worth it.

Okay, actually for the sake of my own sanity, it was worth it. But whatever.

Out of all the presents he got, his favorite was Silly Putty.

He had such a good time.
He's a big three year old now.
And I kept what little bit of sanity I had left.

--------------------
The winner of the camera strap cover by Shealynn is Julie! Congratulations.

Oh, and my big news is still coming. To be announced soon.
And I'm not pregnant. You funny girls.

Fingerprint Friday

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:05:00 +0000

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------

Today "The Baby" is 3.
3 years old!
That's hard to imagine.
I already can't remember life before him.
He's the perfect finishing piece to our family.

(I wish I had more to say, but I've been on my deathbed all week. Okay maybe a slight exaggeration, but very very sick.
My brain is mush.
My fever is finally gone and I think I'm on the mend now. The Baby won't really get a homemade party tonight. Probably a store bought cake and take out pizza. But that's okay.
I'm drowning in orders and emails and not sure how it will all get done, but God will provide a way.)

I can.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:31:00 +0000

I can do it.
But not by myself.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

This message is really not intended for anyone but me.
Sometimes I just need a reminder.
So I'm putting it here where I can look back on it when I need the push.

A new giveaway!

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:40:00 +0000

My friend Shealynn is a fellow blogger, etsy seller, and photography addict.

I've been drooling over her camera strap covers for a long time.

Like this one. *Swoon.*

Or this one with ruffles. I heart ruffles.

And because she's so nice, she's offered to give this one away to one of you!

Gorgeous, huh?
To enter -
1. Visit Shealynn's shop and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite.

2. Tweet, Facebook, or blog about it for extra entries. Please leave a comment for each thing you do.

3. Sit back and hope that your name is drawn as the random winner on Saturday, Dec. 5!

Good luck!

**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all the participants!**

Sick and Tired.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:43:00 +0000

That's me.

Saturday I started coming down with a nasty bug.
I was thinking, "Great. I don't have time to be sick!" when in reality, there's never a good time for moms to get sick.
I spent all day Sunday in bed.
Wishing I had a snuggie. (for real!)
Running a fever. And chills.
And singing Katy Perry's song "You're hot then you're Cold" over and over in my head.

The Man was nice enough to take care of the kids.
He made them pancakes for dinner.
It's the only thing he knows how to make.
Oh, and brownies. He's the pancake and brownie maker in our house.

At 5:00pm I finally got out of bed and headed downstairs.

And saw this.

(Funky lighting on this one.)

The Man and kids had put up Christmas decorations.
Which really meant, they had dumped every Christmas box they could find, all over the dining room floor.

It was a sweet gesture so I pretended to be happily surprised, although all I was thinking was "Holy cow, I have to clean all this up!!"

I took a long bath and decided that someday when I'm rich and famous, I want a heated bathtub.
I love baths, but I hate the way the cold porcelain tub sucks out the heat so fast!

This morning I was still too sick to take the kids to school.
So I had them ride their bikes. In 20 degree weather.
The Boy couldn't find any gloves. The girl only found one.
What a mess they were, but I sent them off anyway.

I walked them outside and absolutely loved the way that 20 degrees felt on my feverish skin!
So after I sent them off I sat on the porch swing for a few minutes.
For real.

I think I'm slowly rejoining the land of the living now.
I apologize if I owe you an email. I'll get to it soon. I hope.

Just because...

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:06:00 +0000

It's the holiday weekend.

And I'm still hopped up on tryptophan.

And company is here.

And it's a major shopping holiday.

And my kids are out of school.

And my schedule is all messed up.

And because .... well I have no nother excuses.

So for those reasons, Fingerprint Friday will not be seen today.
It will be back next week.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:23:00 +0000

Free shipping worldwide PLUS 15% rebate with code THANKS15. Exp. 12/1

PamperingBeki.com

(This is not the big news I was referring to. But still big.)

Happy Turkey/family/nap/parade/football day to you!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
~Psalm 107:1~

It's here.

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:36:00 +0000

The holiday season.
It's officially here.

One of our traditions is to go to Silver Dollar City every year.
It is just beautiful!
They put up over 4 million lights!
Good Morning America called it one of the best light displays in the nation.
I agree.
So last weekend we headed to Missouri.

They do a fabulous version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Amazing.

We had our very own "Tiny Tim" in the audience.

At the end of the play it "snows" on stage.
And then on the audience too!
It's bubble suds, but it looks like snow. It's so fun to watch the kids go nuts!

I love the rustic signs all over the park.

There's also a light parade after dark.

The kids can meet Santa and he tells them the true story of Christmas.
I've never seen another Santa do that!
He thanks them for sitting on his lap, asks what they'd like, and then begins talking about "Once, long long ago, a baby was born. A very special baby. His name was Jesus and he came to save the world.
We give gifts to honor Him and celebrate His birthday."
The wait for Santa is always long, but because he tells each kid the true story, it's well worth it.
The awe on the kids' faces is so touching.

SDC makes the best hot chocolate in.the.world.
Unbelievable.
I asked them once what they do to make it so insanely good and the lady told me I don't really want to know all the details.
But it involves lots of butter, heavy cream, and Ghirardelli chocolate.
Oh.My.Word.

The next day we went to Bass Pro and The Baby got to meet "Christmas."
That's what he calls Santa.
He sat on Christmas' lap and got a candy cane.

I came face to face with a bear.

The Baby snuggling with Papa in his "yee-haw boy hat.".

And my sweet little niece.
Remember her?
Now she looks just like Betty Boop.

On a personal note, I feel very out of the loop.
I haven't had any time lately to surf blogs or comment like I want.
My business is going extremely well and keeping me so busy!
It's nearly a full time job just keeping up with supplies.
That's a good problem to have.
I'm sure it will slow down after Christmas and I'll be able to connect with all of you a bit more.
I apologize for being so selfish lately.

And I have big news coming up too. Big exciting news.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Apple Crumb Pie

joshandbeki@yahoo.com (Beki - TheRustedChain) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:44:00 +0000

I love apples.
Seriously love them.
I may have even kissed one before taking a bite once. But let's not discuss that.

We're going to make a delicious easy apple pie with crumb topping.

Slice and peel about 5 or 6 apples.
I don't peel them completely.
Besides being lazy, I like the bits of peel left on for flavor and nutrition.
It's a nice rustic perfectly imperfect kind of thing.

Those go into a premade pie crust. What?!
If it's good enough for B. Smith, it's good enough for me.
While I try not to be a brand snob, when it comes to pie crusts, Pillsbury is the best.
There really is a difference.

After baking for about 35 minutes, you pull it out and sprinkle on the crumb topping.

Bake for another 40-50 minutes.

Ingredients -
1 deep pie crust
5 Tbsp. melted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
5 or 6 delicious apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sugar
lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup rolled oats

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine apples, sprinkle of lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Toss together and let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.

2. Scrape mixture into pie crust, set on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes.

3. While the apples are baking, mix melted butter, brown sugar, remaining 1 cup flour, remaining 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and rolled oats in a small bowl. Pinch or stir with a fork until crumbly.

4. After 35 minutes, remove pie and sprinkle with crumb topping. Return it to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Let cool and serve.

My personal serving suggestion -

If you've never made a homemade apple pie, this is a great one to start with.
You can even do it for Thanksgiving dinner! Put it all together and bake the day before.
Easy peasy.