Hang up the stockings....

It's time to decorate for Christmas!!

(These are now available in my Etsy shop too)

Look at the camera for mommy! Yeah Right.

How did I get both of my adorable children to look at the camera and smile for these shots??

"Nemo" took the picture.

No really, he did.

Well, technically he didn't but that's not what the kids thought! (Oh, we parents can be a sneaky bunch!)

The secret is balancing our little Nemo on top of the camera, setting the auto-timer, and then telling the kids to look at Nemo and smile so "he" can take the picture!

If mommy or daddy asked them to look and smile at the camera? It would be a no go.

Trust me....the pictures above would have had tears or the back of the kids heads. (Speaking from experience on this one.)

Now Nemo does a fine job with the auto timer set, but what about when MOMMY is behind the lens and Nemo is busy somewhere else??

Well, while breezing around Etsy creating a treasury, I found the most awesome "Look at the camera" solution ever!!!

It's a Lens Pet from Mandee Franee Designs on Etsy!!!

Isn't it just the cutest idea ever?!? And, it's perfect for anyone trying to photograph babies or children. I absolutely love it! They are too cute! Mandee Franee has many more designs in her shop! Go check it out...you might just find one that's perfect for your camera!

Brrrr it has gotten chilly!

I love this time of year....the leaves are falling like rain in my back yard, the air is crisp, and the temperature has finally cooled down after a long, hot GA summer. This is also the perfect time of year for chili. Here's my recipe (the original is by my friend Patty....I changed mine slightly):

1 lb. cooked Ground Turkey

1 can Bushes Magic chili starter

3 cans kidney beans (I use two light red and one dark red)

2 cans rotel

1 can diced tomatoes

chili powder to taste

1 small chopped onion (I cook it in the skillet a little with the turkey)

Then I just dump all of that into the crock pot, let it sit on low for 4-5 hours, and it's ready to go! I absolutely love it and it makes a lot so you can have it afterwards for leftovers.

Feel free to share your chili recipe too! Happy cooking!

Boy Bag Tags

Now available in my shop!

Head on over to Sweet Samantha to check them out!

I took the plunge....

And started a facebook fan page.....

Go to Facebook.com/SimplySweetSamantha and "like" my site today!

On my fan page you will be able to:

~Find more pictures!

~Interact with other "fans"

~Write on my wall and ask me questions

~Participate in special facebook contests

Come on over and check it out!!