This is Me.

The optional self portrait theme for September was sharing your story, what is going on in your life, through a self portrait.

For any of you following me on Facebook, you'll know that my *story* involves an adorable but mischievous dog, Riley.

Last night, she was sprayed by a skunk for the second time in her life.

So, I sit here, later than usual, writing this post because I am the kind of blogger that often waits until the last minute to write posts...and I am the type of person that has a dog that attracts skunks and I am the type of person that is convinced I now smell like skunk because 'THIS IS ME'  (covered in a hydrogen peroxide, baking soda paste, after a skunky wet dog has just given a good shake - sigh).

So, come out from behind the camera and show me who YOU are. 

<div align="center"> <a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/" title="While Wearing Heels" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnvvORsnwZfgA2wSfHxHbZ1YPUtCcVTVHuV01cKBzTC-q7ERQeucbVGOcFsjFcAtjm3K8GUu6_VHmUFDcl_Rp0DR4RigPdpuol1szkGPIEJbOUcZ3QGN_D9yOxbbuIXg5z_F-aQb7Hq2i/s1600/This+is+ME+-210.jpg" alt="While Wearing Heels" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Sunflowers and Memories

Life can get busy and as a result, sometimes, it's easy to forget about the things that really matter. 

These are the times you just want to slow down for a minute, take stock of life and what really matters and smell the roses...or in this case the sunflowers.

Sometimes, you just need to enjoy the day...

and create some happiness and memories in the process.

Sometimes, you just need to take some time and refocus on what really matters.

Hoping you've had your share of happiness and good memories this past month and that you might have captured some of it in pictures.  If so, make sure you come back tomorrow and share your own story in the 'This is Me' self portrait link party.

How To Teach Children To Draw Stars

I have an easy, fool proof way to teach children to draw stars. 

Grab some paper and something to write with.

Start by having your child write a capital A.

When completing the middle of the A, have your child extend the line through the A on both sides.

Starting at either the left or right side of the extended line, draw a line to the bottom of the opposite leg.

Draw a line from the remaining end of the extended line to the bottom of the opposite leg.

As easy as that, a star made and...

Before you know it, you'll have a sheet full of stars.

And, it all started with an A.

Wood Coaster Tutorial

When you are married to a wood-aholic, it's just a matter of time that you find your coasters replaced by wood coasters...from a log. 

Fortunately, for you {that is, if you are interested}, the wood-aholic is sharing how to make your very own wood coasters.

First, and not surprisingly, you'll need to find a log, preferably one that is about 4 inches in diameter.

Using a mitre box, cut 1/4-1/2 inch sections off of the log.

 

Cut as many sections as you want, taking care to protect your fingers as you get close to the end of the log.   Though these coasters are unique, they aren't worth losing a finger for.

Once you've finished cutting out your coasters, you'll want to sand them.  Sand the rough edges of the bark and both the top and bottom of the coasters.

Next, apply a layer of polyurethane to your coaster.  

You can see the difference between the coaster that is uncoated (or finished) and the one that is coated with polyurethane.

Once they've dried, your coasters are complete.

Decorate with them.

Or enjoy them for their intended purpose.

Cheers!

Linking up to:

Coats for a Cause

As the season is beginning to change, and here in the Midwest that can happen over night and come unexpectedly, I have realized how blessed my family is.  Grace has never gone hungry or cold and the same can be said for both my husband and myself. I wish every family was as blessed but sadly this is not the case.

So, in an effort to make a difference, I have decided to launch 'Coats for a cause'. 

How can you help?

Clean out your closet.  If you have a gently used coat that no longer fits or that you no longer wear...donate it! 

If you want to participate but you don't have any outgrown, unused coats visit your local thrift stores.  Often times, they have gently used coats you could buy and then donate.

Where can you donate?

The list is endless.  Where I typically will gather a bag and donate to Goodwill, Goodwill does not give your item directly to those in need instead they sell your item and profits go to fund their mission (which is a great mission).

SO, contact a local school in your area.  Most schools will have websites that list a staff directory.  Try and locate the social worker's email, reach out and ask how you can help.  The school social worker will know of families that are in need and your donation can make an immediate different to a child or family in your own community. 

Contact a local church.  Churches can be another great resource in finding a child or family that needs your help.  Some churches have clothing drives and will give families an opportunity to come and 'shop' for what they need free of charge.

Contact Purple Heart or another charitable organization that will process your donations directly to those in need.

Have any other resources you could recommend?  Please leave me a comment and I'll add it to the list.

How many coats can *we*, this community of blog readers and blog writers donate?

I would love to have 40 coats donated by the end of the year.  40!  Easy, right?  I'll be keeping a tally on my sidebar of coats donated.  I'll update it weekly so we can keep track of the difference we are making.

Once you've donated a coat, you can leave me a comment here or on facebook.  You can send me an email at whilewearingheels {at} gmail (dot) com OR you can share a description of up your donation in the' Coats for a Cause' link party, which opens today and will remain open until the end of the year.

Feel free to share the button or help promote 'Coats for a Cause'. Let's make a difference!

<div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiCU0qw2XRWuNdDUlSrlXeWdZahgpxq4aZViGtZQjfl7FpllAirNLYf6iI3YPK8SKxe1yKkweIN3ia6gDu_QxGS85gs7Fco_boAMRSkKDKhGN4YXceo9jtl3LsjX-uZ902AYhoFohhm8/s1600/coat-200gray.jpg " alt="While Wearing Heels" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

How many coats have you donated?

Halloween Costumes

Is it too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes?

I guess, as far as retail goes, it might be too late, especially since most stores already have their Christmas decorations out.

The past few years, I've made Grace's Halloween costume.  When talking homemade, it's never too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes.

Last year, Grace wanted to be a pig. 

Believe it or not, I took a monkey costume and transformed it into a pig costume (including a curly piggy tail).

The year before, Grace was a sheep.

Bah, bah black sheep have you any candy?

My favorite costume, though, the one that convinced me to continue to make homemade Halloween costumes, was the Martha Stewart inspired chicken costume.

 A costume I am almost tempted to make in adult size.

This year...well, this year we've only just begun thinking about what she wants to be.  At the moment it is ranging from Alice (of Alice in Wonderland) to Robin (as in Batman and Robin). Thank goodness for pinterest. 

Regardless of what she decides, I have a feeling I will need to channel my inner Tim Gunn and (hopefully) make it work, whatever she decides.

Have you started thinking about costumes, yet?  

Goodwill Hunting Hunting Roundup

It's that time of month again, when I show off my most recent thrifted finds.

So, without further ado...

This past month, my trips to Goodwill were minimal.  My only memorable trip was on the 15th.  Depending on your area, Goodwills will offer special discount days or half off days.  On the 15th, bonus scratch off tickets are handed out to customers with a Goodwill card (a preferred card for Goodwill).  The scratch off ticket gives you the opportunity to save an extra 10, 15 or 20 percent off your purchase.

This month, I bought the following.

For just over $18.

First up, a brand new, still with tags, Pairs in Pears.  This retails for $14.95 and I paid $1.99 (minus 10%).

I can't seem to resist vintage tins.  This one, at .99 cents (minus 10%), was no exception.

Goodwill is also a great place to shop craft materials.  I've found new yarn, ribbons, threads and craft kits before.  This time, I found a wooden embroidery hoop for .49 cents (minus 10%). 

I love having a stash of wooden embroidery hoops on hand to make things like my make a wish embroidery or...

an arrangement of custom felt bunnies.

But back to my thrifting finds.

This Estee Lauder toiletry bag, was a bit of an impulse buy but for $3.99 (minus 10%) I decided to indulge. 

I got Grace some chalk a-doos for .99 cents (minus 10%).  I love chalk holders and Grace loves princesses, so it was a win win.

 

I found a cute dress for 3.99.  A good tip, when buying clothes, look them over for any rips, tears or missing buttons.  Most thrift stores will offer a discount if you find a flaw.  This dress was missing a button and I was given $1 discount, plus I got an extra 10% off with my scratch off card.

I also found 2 work shirts for my husband.  Kenneth Cole and Tailorbyrd for $4.99 a piece ($10 total, minus 10%).

The Tailorbyrd shirt had this cute lime green pelican embroidered below the last button.

My total $21.42.  I spent over $20 (which Goodwill gives10% discount everyday for spending) and I I had a scratch off for an additional 10% off.  With my discounts my total was $17.36.  With tax, I was just over $18.

Now it's your turn. What thrifted finds have you splurged on this past month?  Or what thrifted finds did you pass up?

Until next time, happy thrifting. Linked up to:

Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe

Believe it or not, not everything I make is made out of felt...though, rarely do I share recipes here, I do cook and cook often at that.  I love good food, mostly made from recipes of other talented bloggers BUT today, I'll share with you my latest favorite dish.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza.  Yum.

To make this delicious meal, you'll need the following:  *pizza dough (recipe to follow) or pre-made pizza crust, alfredo sauce, spinach, grilled chicken, red and yellow cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese (not pictured).

To make your own pizza dough: 

Combine 4 cups of flour, 1/3 a cup of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt and 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of yeast.  Mix ingredients well.  Cover your bowl with saran wrap and allow the dough time to rise.  I let mine sit for about 6-8 hours.  *You could make it a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.

To make Chicken Alfredo Pizza:

Roll out your pizza dough (should be enough to fit 2 large cookie sheets) or get your pre-made pizza crusts out.

Cover the dough evenly with Alfredo sauce.  Top with fresh spinach, diced grilled chicken, and both the red and yellow tomatoes.  I cut my tomatoes in half but you can opt to leave them whole.  Finally, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in a preheat oven at 375 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes.   

The best part of this meal, it tastes just as good the next day reheated!

Bon appetite.