Karen’s Opinion

It is a scary thing when you think about how easy it would be for someone to be mistaken for another. When a crime is committed, how can everyone be sure that the correct person has been arrested? Cries of innocence are pushed aside as we think justice will prevail. How many innocent people are in our prisons?

It is good when innocent people are released from prison. Even though a sentence might be reduced if one cows down and admits to something they didn’t do the only hope is to remain steadfast. Making a sentence shorter by saying, “yeah, I did it” would be tempting.

Because there are people who can do something to help the wrongly accused, there is hope that others will be released. It must be a nightmare to be accused and convicted of something you didn’t do. It could happen to any one of us. I hope to see changes that will make the conviction process different. There has to be a faster way for DNA results to be achieved. I think it should be mandatory that DNA tests are presented in every court case. It always boils down to the dollar. It has to change.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Liz Claiborne New York Outlets. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I mentioned, in an earlier post, fall has arrived here in the mid west. As much as I hate what comes after fall, I love the fall season for its cooler temperatures, menu changes and beautiful scenery. One of the best aspects of fall is that I get to change my wardrobe.

My shorts and sleeveless tops are put in drawers and out come the sweatshirts, long pants and sweaters. My favorite thing about fall fashion is that this menopausal mama gets to wear sweaters which can be taken off when I feel my blood temperature rising.

I have been noticing some changes in the fashions for this fall. Longer sweaters are in style and there are beautiful colors being introduced like deep royal blues and mustards. I see a shopping trip in my future.

One of my favorite places to shop is the Liz Claiborne New York Outlets at Michigan City a few hours north of us. I drop my husband off at the casino so I can concentrate on shopping.

I want to find a blouse with ruffles like I have been seeing the talk show hosts wearing. I know I will find it at Liz Claiborne NY Outlets. My only problem will be limiting myself to which new stripe or stylish print I need to purchase. At least buying will be less stressful knowing that the new Fall fashions are available for sale – up to 40% off. Yes, Liz Claiborne New York Outlet stores offer the best savings on everything. You can find items on sale at up to 70% savings! You California girls will love finding end of season shorts and tops on sale.

What are you waiting for? I’ll see you there.

I know that the folks in California are feeling the heat but here in Indiana, we are experiencing cool, fall weather. It is time to think about making soups and chili. One of my favorite soups is Taco Soup.

We are eating healthy food in this house. At least, we are trying to eat healthy food! There are a few chocolate truffles and some saltwater taffy laying around trying to ruin my resolve to eat better. I hope they don’t win. I found this great recipe for Taco Soup from my favorite cook, Paula Deen.

Taco Soup

2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bottega Verde. All opinions are 100% mine.

I never thought I would ever compare myself with Dolly Parton but, after watching an interview with her on television, I found out that we have something in common. We do not go out in public without makeup. No way, no how. If the smoke alarm started shrieking in the middle of the night, this mama would have to grab her makeup bag.

Wearing makeup has its responsibilities. The wrong type of makeup worn year after year can have damaging effects on your skin. That is why it is important to use natural products such as those from Bottega Verde. Their Italian Beauty Package offers high-quality cosmetics based on natural active ingredients. I am anxious to try their Almond line because it hydrates and moisturizes the skin. My skin tends to be dry and I love all the products in this line because they are promoted as nourishing and gentle. Their products have a light scent that is not over powering.

Visit their website at http://www.bottegaverde-usa.com/Italian-Beauty-Package.html to see what Italian women have been enjoying for many years. You can even sample a few of their products for a small shipping fee.

From Tuscany, Italy and finally to the United States, Bottega Verde will become your favorite cosmetic supplier.