Journals & Grandma's House of Central OregonI


My senior year of high school we took a test, that I can no longer remember the name of, but essentially you answered a million different questions and then were given your top three career choices. They were evidently supposed to be fairly accurate, I am not sure how, but do you know what my top career choices were?
  1. A Nun
  2. Addictions Counselor
  3. Psychologist 
I can guarantee that these are not the normal answers for most high school seniors. I am not quite sure how my test answers arrived at those results. I am Catholic but I have never felt the calling to join the convent. I do like to think of myself as a good listener and I always weigh both sides/options equally so maybe that is where the counselor or psychologist came in? The thing that all three have in common though is service and that characteristic is something to be proud of and be shared. 

 I have been brainstorming ways I can give back through my business but have had a hard time coming up with something since calligraphy doesn't really tie into a lot of service organizations. One day it finally clicked to me on something I could do. Many people who use my journals use them for prayer or reflection, so what better way to give back than by giving a portion of the proceeds from each sale to an service organization!

With that being said I am happy to announce that now, a portion of proceeds from all journal sales will be donated to Grandma's House of Central Oregon. Grandma's House is a non-profit home and outreach center, providing safe shelter to homeless or abused pregnant, parenting and adopting girls in Central Oregon. I love what this organization stands for and even more, I love that the girls in these less than ideal, sometimes heartbreaking situations, still decide to choose and believe that everyone's life is precious. 

 Jenna Kutcher, who is a Wisconsin photographer, blogger, girl boss, lady entrepreneur extraordinaire, recently wrote a great post about giving back, service and why it makes sense. Read on if you have another minute. 

 Interested in purchasing a journal? They are only $12 and have a variety of uses, they even make great bridal party gifts! Head on over to the Etsy shop to snag yours now! Shopping doesn't count if it is for a good cause right?!

Spiked Strawberry Arnold Palmer | National Iced Tea Day on Wednesday, June 10th


The temperatures in central Oregon have been in the high 90s and into the triple digits the past couple days. I am not one to complain about the weather but it is TOASTY outside and Mother Nature did not let us ease into summer weather. 

 I caught myself yesterday saying, "I'm melting!!!" on multiple occasions. I literally felt like the Wicked Witch of the West, in more ways than one.

 As soon as I got home I made myself a refreshing cocktail to cool off my innards because I was drinking water all day and it just was not cutting it. This drink can be made with out without booze, so everyone can enjoy it!

 Tomorrow is National Iced Tea Day so this would be the perfect drink to make and share to celebrate the day! It is so easy and quick! Just gather the ingredients below, mix, garnish if you wish and enjoy. 

Spiked Strawberry Arnold Palmer

1/2 c. iced tea
1/2 c. Skinny Girl Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler
1 shot quality vodka (HRD does not count, I swear by Crater Lake)
Ice cubes
Strawberry or Lemon Slice

 Mix liquids together in glass and top with ice. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or lemon slice if you wish. Sit and enjoy, then have another and maybe another...
I was apprehensive about this but it was actually really good!

Quickly make ice tea but making tea in a glass measuring cup
and then put in the freezer to cool.

Family Size!

Enjoy!

Paradise Produce | Wooden Sign



If you live in Central Oregon, specifically Madras, and have never been to Paradise Produce, you need to plan on taking a drive out to the country and visiting. Paradise Produce was started a couple years ago by our neighbor Terri Buck and has grown overtime. She features garden fresh produce, farm eggs, local honey, flowers and veggie starts. 

 She has a self serve, honor system, building on their farm, where you can drop by and purchase what you need, whether someone is there or not. She is also generally at the Saturday Market in Madras. Once canning season starts you can purchase bulk produce items from her. I purchased POUNDS of tomatoes from her last year for salsa and pasta sauce and they were delicious! 

 Terri starts a lot of her produce in a large greenhouse, her flowers in a smaller greenhouse and then when the weather warms up she has a large outdoor garden space. Terry recently asked me if I would make a wooden sign for her greenhouse building to help keep visitors from roaming the produce greenhouse. While she appreciates your curiosity, it is best for your safety and also the plants to not enter the greenhouse. No one wants to be eating squashed produce or slipping on a rogue tomato and twisting an ankle!

 If you are looking for fresh, local veggies this is the place to go! Take a beautiful drive out to the country, say hi to Terri and purchase some quality goods! Follow Paradise Produce to keep up to date about what is available! 


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