A Party: Girlfriends, Food...Clothes!

Shoulda taken photo after the romantic candles were lit!

Can you see these ladies getting down to business in this last photo? One highlight of November was my girls party, with soups and cider and a clothing swap. Yes, we all brought a few bags of clothes from our I-never-wear-this-or-that-doesn't-fit-quite-right pile and we swapped. One room was set up as a dressing room, the other for shopping, the music was loud, and we giggled the night away. It was seriously fun. Our house is big enough for parties and I love hosting them! I'll definitely be having a spring party just like this one! 


(Note: Here are a few tips for a successful "clothing swap". Make it big. Have many friends bring lots of clothes and there will be a range of sizes. Have displays and clothes racks ready. I prefer to have no rules on who shops when or what you can take. Set up a dressing room with full length mirror. Parties in a home are always more fun. Make it a true party with good food and drinks. Don't be afraid to turn the music up in case people feel like dancin'! Whatever is not swapped will be donated to charity at the end of the night.) 


The soups were mexican chili and autumn gold soup with Michael's cranberry sourdough and vanilla butter (new fav). 


Mexican Chili


1 lb ground turkey, browned
1 jar salsa, I prefer a chunky salsa
1 cup water
1 bag frozen corn
2 cans black beans, undrained
1 package Taco seasoning


Combine all ingredients in crockpot on low for 8 hrs (or high for 4ish hrs) OR whip up in a pot on stovetop and let simmer on low for 30 minutes. Enjoy with your favorite chili toppings.