It's Giveaway Time!

And the winner is....lucky number 7: Laura of Cubits Organic Living! Congratulations, Laura.

Thanks to Random.org for selecting our lucky winner.

You could win your choice of one of these sweet Matryoshka Dolls from my Etsy shop. These darling little dolls are made from imported Japanese fabric and fluffy, vintage chenille to add extra softness and color. Each one is the perfect size for little hands to hold, and has a bell inside for a quiet rattle sound.

Entry Requirements:

*Follow this blog (3 entries)

*Tweet this Giveaway with this premade tweet:

RT this to WIN a sweet Matryoshka Doll from @RegalCottage http://tinyurl.com/22napcn

*View my shop and leave a comment on this post. Tell me your favorite item in my shop. (1 entry)

Contest lasts until October 31st. Winner will be drawn at random and announced November 1st.

Easy and (Sorta) Healthy Frito Chili Pie

When I was a little girl, Frito Pie was one of my favorite items on the school cafeteria menu. I'm pretty sure, it is no longer on any school menus. I bet it was one of the first to go in the push for better nutrition on school menus.

Well, I have come up with a healthier version of this classic dish. The sweet potatoes give the chili a bit of a sweet flavor and thicken the base while adding vitamin A and fiber. I hope it's a favorite at your house, and maybe one day it will make it's way back on the school menu.

1 lb. ground beef

2 cans Rotel, tomatoes and green chilies (You may want to use the mild Rotel if you are serving this to kids)

2 cans Ranch Style beans

1 can tomato sauce

McCormick's chili seasoning packet

1 cup canned sweet potatoes (or fresh steamed)

1/2 onion

Grated cheddar cheese

Fritos

Brown ground beef. Drain fat. Return meat to pot. Add Rotel, Ranch Style Beans, Chili seasoning, tomato sauce. Drain and mash sweet potatoes. Add mashed sweet potatoes to pot. Simmer for 30 minutes. Chop onions. Put a handful of Fritos in the bottom of each bowl. Top with chili. Add more Fritos. Top with Cheese and onions.

I Love this Little Creek

This is a picture of the creek behind my house. It's a small creek that winds through the neighborhoods of Far North Dallas. It is officially named White Rock Creek because it runs into White Rock Lake. This creek is where I go when I need to rejuvenate. My kids love to get really dirty here. They often try to "catch" fish with things like string, bread, and buckets. I love this little creek.

Press Update!

I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an online magazine, Suite101. The article is on upcycling vintage fabric and is titled From Thrifty to Hip - Repurposing Vintage Fabrics. What fun it was to work on this with contributing writer, Jane Larkin.

Training to be a Barista

What a way to start the day!

The Perfect Frozen Margarita

Growing up in Dallas, I always heard that the Frozen Margarita was first invented in Dallas. It had something to do with a Slurpee Machine (also invented in Dallas by 7-Eleven) and El Fenix Restaurant. I don't know if any of this is true, but I do know my husband's margaritas are the absolute best. Here is his recipe.

The Perfect Frozen Margarita

1 Can Bacardi Frozen Margarita Mix

2/3 Can Tequilla (Use a very good quality Tequilla. Patron Silver is our favorite)

2/3 Can Cointreau liquer

Lime wedges

Add frozen margarita mix, tequilla, and Cointreau to blender. Fill blender to the top with ice. Mix throughly until all ice is chopped to a very fine consistency. Garnish with 1 lime wedge per glass.

Inspiration: Wild Wishing Flowers

Hard to believe these gorgeous purple flowers grow wild. They are from a kudzu vine. This pesky vine grows invasively over everything, but when these little purple star like flowers bloom, it's hard to mind. Their gorgeous shade of purple is the source of inspiration behind my Wishing Flowers Regal Play Balls.

Big News in the Micro-Boutique Marketplace, IndieGenius

I have got some really big news to share with you! I have been invited to participate in the newest venture in the handmade revolution, the micro-boutique marketplace, IndieGenius. This is such an exciting opportunity, and I am thrilled to share this news with you.

IndieGenius is slated to open in October in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. It will be a collection of independently owned micro-boutiques all under one roof in one of the hippest areas in town. It will be open six days a week so shoppers can have the freedom to shop when they like {not just on craft fair days} in a climate controlled environment.

Translation: Handmade Indie Designer Mall.

Dallas has always been on the forefront of shopping innovation, {This is the city where Neiman Marcus got it's start, you know} and I am so proud to be a part of this one!

Pictures from the Cowtown Indie Bazaar