Ellie@Home by Nicole Kapise-Perkins

  20 questions for a New Year’s Eve reflection 2014-12-30 05:01 by Tsh A s you end this new year and move on to the next, I hope you take a bit of time to reflect . Post-eggnog, it’s easy to want to speed forward with gusto, packing up the ornaments until next year and juice-cleansing your system from all the holiday indulgence. But ease your foot onto the brake for the next few days, and gift yourself the space and freedom to reflect on the past twelve months. I’m all about starting a new year fresh, making a few goals, finding that one special word, and cleaning out the cobwebs from the corners. But all that stuff is much more meaningful when you look behind you at the bends in your road. Honor the past year by celebrating your joys, mourning your losses, and shaking your head at the wonder of it all. Isn’t it amazing another year has passed? And so the earth goes round and round, with us about to orbit once more. Whether you’re headed to a party or headed to the l...

This is the foundation recipe for the chicken pot pie that I make once a month. I'm not a huge fan, but my husband and sons like it so much that it's a monthly request (sometimes weekly) and I actually have to make 2 of them, or make it in a large casserole dish (buy extra pie crust if you do this) and there still aren't any leftovers. Enjoy! Savory Chicken Pot Pie <img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/gmi-digital-library/ae5f07e7-da29-40e6-9f69-f82effe91cee.jpg" alt="Savory Chicken Pot Pie"/> Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts make a delicious pot pie that’s made using chicken and Green Giant veggies - a cozy dinner. prep time 10 min total time 40 min ingredients 4 servings 4 Ingredients Crust ...

     I've been away, caught up in all the to-do that goes along with the holly-daze, and I've missed being able to pop in and fill people in on the weirdness and loveliness that is my life. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, whatever you observe, filled with fun, laughter, introspection, fulfillment, friends and loved ones. I'll be back later with a simple recipe for a nice, calm, sit-down dinner...something I'll be making tonight after I find my house. I lost it somewhere amid the paper, ninja gear for the five year old, books, resumes and college transcripts. I know it's here somewhere.....      Much love to you and all you hold dear, and I'll be back. I'm looking forward to sharing recipes, books, music, and quiet times with all of you!    <3, Nicole

My short story Endurance is getting mixed reviews at FictionMagazines.com....we'll see if it makes the cut for New Realms Magazine . ( I thought it was a good story, lol). I've decided to take the plunge and investigate self-publishing through Dorrance Publishing ( http://dorrancepublishing.com ). The biggest drawback I can foresee (at present) is the fees. I have no idea what they are going to be, or what the payment process looks like. There's only one way to find out, I suppose. Guy Furpurr is on its way, and we'll see what Dorrance has to say. (Ooo, I'm rhyming again. Time to write some poetry, I guess.) In the meantime, while I wait I'll rampage through my kitchen and make some messes. And cookies. Orange Hazelnut Bars (from the much-missed For Me Magazine ) 2 sticks butter, softened 2/3 c. granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk 1 tsp. vanilla 3 c. flour 1 Tbs. grated orange zest 1 c. orange marmalade 1 c. hazelnuts, toasted ...

Nicole,      Thank you for sending us "A Cookie Jar Full of Seashells, and Other Poems".  The staff and I have accepted this piece for FIVE Poetry. Congratulations!      You may spread the word far and wide that you will be published in this issue. We encourage you to promote your issue alongside your fellow authors to generate sales and gain readers. Reach out to a small blog you follow, get them to interview you, and send the interview to bigger blog; post to Twitter, Facebook, and Google+; share with a forum like AbsoluteWrite.com, reddit.com, or wherever you hang out; and email your fans, friends, and family.       Please reply with any comments or questions you may have about the publishing process. Your editor, Doug Editor-in-Chief http://www.fictionmagazines.com OH MY GODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've done it!!!!! SQUEE!!!!! (Ahem.) Thank you, readers and friends, for all your support and encouragement. I ...

More DIY gifts, these ones from http://andreasnotebook.com  . Take a look at Andrea's Notebook, and these fun DIY gift tutorials! Kitchen tablet holder Lemon Sugar Scrub Cute little candy box Letter magazine or paperback book holder Fancy cork board Wine cork mini succulent magnets Tile coasters Patchwork pouches Leather tablet cover Commuter Cowl  infinity scarf Gathered case for sunglasses Easy cloth napkins       20 DIY gifts to make her for under $10!

I'm not going to post each one of these...there's 101!! But check out these great ideas that the crew at Hello Natural shared! 101 Homemade Holiday Gifts November 15, 2014 by Daria Patrunjel Not sure where to start your Christmas shopping? Look no further than your own home – you probably have at hand most of the supplies you need to make all sorts of thoughtful homemade holiday gifts. From delicious treats in a jar to jewelry and kid-friendly gifts, we have it pretty much worked out: Food 1.  Winter trail mix by Cafe Johnsonia. A little bit of snacking never hurt anyone, especially when they’re as healthy as these mixed nuts. Perfect for co-workers! 2.  Cranberry marshmallow swirl brownies by Beard and Bonnet. These are not only delicious and Christmas-looking, but also gluten-free! 3.  Caramel apples by Modern Wife Style. If there are kids in the household, they’re gonna want these caramel apples. That’s a fact. 4.  Homemade mulli...