The Best Laid Plans

Movie Day and Party

2012-02-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

I am a big fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. She is a wonderfully talented writer. She always has a mystery, a little tension between the main characters and laugh-out-loud hysterical scenes. In fact, my husband has asked that I not read her books in the bed because I will wake him laughing. Last Friday, One for the Money was released. It is the movie based on her first book in the series. It is very close to the book and was really well done. A group of us all read the series and decided to make a date to watch the movie.

Three generations of readers in our family. From left to right, my sister, my mom, my daughter and myself. All lovers of Stephanie, Joe and Ranger!

click here for a preview of the movie

http://oneforthemoneyfilm.com/index2.html

Happy Birthday, Son!

2012-01-30T18:42:00.001-05:00

My son, Cody, turned 25 yesterday. WOW! I have a 25 year old man for a son. Cody is a wonderful blessing to our family with strong values and family bonds. Cody is a head middle school baseball coach, coaches off-season travel baseball, works in a restaurant, writes three different blogs, including Braves101.com about the Atlanta Braves and is in a band. In all his busyness he also has a wonderful relationship with his girlfriend and sees his momma, me, almost every day. Oh yeah, he lives next door! ;) What more could a momma ask for?

Message/Photo Frame

2012-01-26T09:58:00.001-05:00

I did it! Another Pinterest pin. I made my sister this photo/message frame. I was inspired by this link, http://theinspiredroom.net/diy/how-to-make-a-photo-frame/.

This is the finished project but now that I am looking at it, I believe I need to add at least one more string of twine near the top.

The Inspired Room, the blog my inspiration was from, built their frame from old picket fence pieces. I, on the other hand, went to Hobby Lobby and bought a premade frame in rustic, weathered wood.

I purchased a roll of Natural Jute and measured across the frame. I allowed enough on each side for a knot and trimming. I then knotted the end and attached with upholstery tacks. I tapped the tacks in with a hammer and that was it. Easy peasy! A simple but really cute birthday gift for my sister, who had pinned the inspiration piece! It was a win-win for us both.

Clean It Up!

2012-01-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

There are so many recipes online for making your own household cleaners. Two of my favorite places to find recipes that actually work are Young House Love and her post on cleaning up your act naturally.

photo from Young House Love blog

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/10/clean-up-your-act-all-natural-homemade-cleaners/

Mini Manor has a post on homemade cleaners that is also excellent.

photo from Mini Manor Blog

http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2011/09/homemade-cleaners-green-cleaning.html

I have found by making my own cleaning supplies that I save money and it is a much healthier option. The chemicals in most bought cleaners almost always irritate my asthma but using the recipes provided by the two blogs mentioned, I have had no adverse reactions, even when using the essential oils. I have made and used the soft scrub, toilet cleaner, clothing spot remover, mold/mildew remover and tub and tile cleaner. I am planning to use Young House Love's recipe for liquid laundry detergent. Items are already purchased. I will let you know how I like it.

Do you have any homemade cleaning recipes or tips? I would love to hear from you.

Valentine Day Treats

2012-01-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

Over at Cookies and Cups is a recipe for Strawberry Fudge using only two ingredients! How easy is that?

http://cookiesandcups.com/strawberry-2-ingredient-fudge/

Love from the Oven shares these yummy looking Pink Velvet Cupcakes and also a how to on making cake pops.

http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2012/01/07/pink-velvet-cake-pops/

Polli shares this so scrumptious recipe for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.

http://www.polliblog.com/2011/02/red-velvet-whoopie-pies.html

Annie's Eats has the recipe for these beautiful chocolate sugar cookies with Marble Royal icing.

http://annies-eats.com/2011/02/09/chocolate-sugar-cookies-and-how-to-marble-royal-icing/

Valentine Day is such a fun day to celebrate the person you love. When my son was in college and not in a relationship, he celebrated it with a group of other singles by going out to dinner and called it Single Awareness Day. At least he had a great sense of humor.

I hope these recipes get you in the mood for love!

Decoupage F

2012-01-19T10:16:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, I found a pin for homemade Modge Podge. Now, never having used the original, I can't say if it works better or the same, however it does work. Here is a link to the recipe I used:

http://babblingsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/10/homemade-mod-podge.html

Basically, it is an Elmer's glue and water combo.

I love monogram's on anything in lots of different varieties of items and styles. In fact, I love them so much I have Pinterest board that is called, Letters, Numbers and Names, Oh My. On that board, I have pinned many different tutorial but the one I chose for the above F letter follows.

http://www.craftsandsutch.com/2011/02/love-song-love-letters-with-printables.html

I followed her instructions for the decoupage exactly. Before starting I painted the edges with a dark brown, then laid the letter upside down on the scrapbook paper, traced, cut out and was ready to begin. I wasn't sure exactly how it would dry out. It seemed to have a couple of bubbles that I could not smooth out while wet. However, once it dried, it dried smoothly. For a first timer, I think it turned out pretty snappy!

And for those who might be interested, I purchased my letter at Hobby Lobby for .99 cents.

Framed Fabric

2012-01-18T10:41:00.002-05:00

As mentioned in my last post, I am a huge Pinterest fan. I pinned a while back the above post, framing fabric or scrapbook paper. The post can be found at http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/easy-exciting-exclusive/.

Unfortunately, I did not take a before or during photo of my project but I do have a snapshot of my own finished project. I took an old frame that was very gold and painted it black. I removed the old floral print, cleaned the glass, glued the fabric, that I had washed and ironed smooth, on to the cardboard backing and finished the project with closing off the back. The fabric is a vintage-style of a woman doing laundry, ironing, etc. A perfect fabric to hang in my laundry area.

I am sorry for the picture not being hung. We have all the walls bare of nails as we prepare to paint this weekend. So, what do you think? I love it!

Pina Colada Cupcakes

2012-01-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe on Pinterest. Since I am a fan of both pineapple and coconut

and it seemed to be an easy recipe, I gave them a try this weekend. They were

a huge hit at the Bahama's Dinner Party we attended on Saturday night. They are

moist and delicious and even better, low-fat.

I have quickly become addicted to Pinterest. I love all the crafty and decorating

ideas and the abundance of recipes. I have a new board on my Pinterest account,

Pins I have actually tried. I would love for you to follow me here and on Pinterest

as I cook, craft, decorate and sew my way through all the wonderful ideas.

Go to http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/pina-colada-cupcakes.html for the wonderful

recipe.

Books, books and more books!

2011-11-03T20:27:00.005-04:00

What do I spend my time doing? Reading. Do you have a favorite author or genre? Do you want to talk about the books you like or look for a review on some you might try? Over the next month I will be sharing some of favorite books and authors. Let's talk about books!

Where did the year go?

2010-12-15T14:45:00.002-05:00

Somehow I lost an entire year of blogging and don't know where it has gone! I have missed checking in with all my blog friends and hope to be up and active now.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a year filled with many joys and blessings.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T16:51:00.003-05:00

May you be blessed this Christmas week.

Our family is rejoicing the good news of Isaiah9:6,

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. "

Tuesday Tutorial

2009-12-08T16:54:00.003-05:00

Over at Oops I Craft My Pants Off is a tutorial for yes, Modge Podge shoes! What a great idea to customize a pair of plain slippers especially if you are having a difficult time finding the perfect pair for an outfit. These are adult shoes but think of all the fun ideas for little girls!

http://oopsicraftmypants.blogspot.com/2009/09/mod-podge-monday-shoes.html

Anyone there? Recipe Monday

2009-12-07T11:24:00.002-05:00

I have been so out of touch the last two months and I feel I have lost all contact with the cyber world. Fall is always a hard time for me physically. I have asthma and allergies and my worst time is when the leaves start falling on the ground. Mold sets in and I start wheezing and coughing and getting congested. And then my immune system lowers and I catch anything that is going around. Right now, I have the old typical cold. But enough about that...I am happy to be back and plan to keep this blog current. :)

We tried a casserole recipe last week that can only be described as solid, comfort food. Which is perfect for cold winter nights. We all enjoyed it with a garden salad. I did try and make it in a lower fat version.

Hamburger Casserole

2 lbs. ground beef (I used very lean)
5 medium potatoes
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (I used low-fat, low-sodium)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Peel the potatoes, cut in to small pieces and boil until nearly done. Cook onion and meat until brown. Drain off excess fat. In a 9 x 13" sprayed casserole dish, layer potatoes and then meat. Spread the mushroom soup on top of the meat mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top. I used a tad more cheese and I do not use low-fat cheese. Cook 30 minutes in a 300 degree oven or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

This is great served with a side of green beans or peas or a garden salad and some crusty bread.

30 Days of Christmas

2009-11-20T13:24:00.003-05:00

Over at How does she...there is a running daily post for quick, easy and inexpensive Christmas gifts for neighbors or casual friends. Some would definitely be a great teacher or hostess gift. Go http://www.howdoesshe.com/category/decorate-for-the-seasons/christmas/30-neighbor-christmas-gifts-ideas/to to check them all out.

A Date With Dad

2009-11-19T17:08:00.002-05:00

Our daughter, a junior at College of Charleston, was inducted in to Psi Chi. Psi Chi is the National Honor Society of Psychology. It has a pretty strict policy for induction and our daughter made it! Yes, I am proud. The night of the induction she was allowed one guest and she chose her daddy. An excellent choice I might add! We are both so proud of all Hanna's hard work.

Hanna and Stan at Hanna's room before the induction ceremony.

Hanna after the ceremony.

Recipe Monday late

2009-10-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

My friend, Tamara, has a wonderful recipe for Cheddar Olive Balls. They are quite delicious and are an easy-to-take dinner party appetizer. I have even thought, if you are not an olive fan, you could substitute a pecan half in place of the olive.

Cheddar Olive Balls

2 cups sharp shredded cheddar
1 stick butter, room temperature
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
dash cayenne pepper
40 green olives (pimento stuffed)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, mix cheddar and butter until creamy. Add flour, salt, paprika and cayenne. Blend well. Using heaping teaspoons of dough, surround each olive with a ball of dough. Bake 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. It helps if the olives are dry.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-10-20T16:58:00.002-04:00

It's Pumpkin Carving Time

Sunset has this and other great fall decorating ideas. I love the idea of your house number being carved. If you like this or would like to see other autumn decorations go to http://tinyurl.com/yztfwz7.

Recipe Monday

2009-10-19T22:30:00.003-04:00

Sausage Dip

1 package ground sausage (may use regular or spicy)
1 can Ro-Tel
1 8 ounce cream cheese

Brown sausage and break in to small pieces. Drain. Add Ro-Tel and cream cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until cheese is melted. Keep warm on low heat or use Crock pot.
Serve with tortilla or corn chips.

This is my son's all-time favorite dip. Enjoy!

2009-10-14T17:26:00.002-04:00

Stan, my hubby, Cody, my son, and I went to visit our daughter, Hanna, in Charleston, SC last weekend. It was a beautiful day. We went to dinner and then over to the Battery waterfront and park. We love this area. It is so beautiful. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Hanna, Stan, Cody

Can you tell Stan and Cody have the same profile?

Just 23 years older on Stan and less hair! :)

The love of my life.

Even at 22 and 20 years old they can't resist climbing on the rocks!

Sunset on the waterfront. Isn't this just beautiful?

Dinner at Taco Boys! Yummy.

Hanna at home studying, which she does all the time!

I guess that is how she is on the Dean's list! Yeah, proud momma!

Tuesday Tutorials

2009-10-13T11:06:00.004-04:00

I cut this fabric all the same width but random lengths and will sew it using a 1/4" seam. The finished size will be 50" length x 9" wide. I got the size from an existing scarf I own. I will line it with lightweight cotton backing. I will post pictures when I get it completed.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/ is having a month of scrap buster projects. There are so many wonderful tutorials including wallets, pin cushions, doll diapers, and my favorite a scarf. Bump over and check out this month's great projects.

Recipe Monday

2009-10-12T15:49:00.004-04:00

This is a quick and easy soup recipe that screams cool weather. I served it last night with Mexican Cornbread. Yummy.

Easy Peasy Low-Fat Potato Soup

1 bag Ore-Ida hash brown potatoes (the small cubed ones)
4 cans fat-free, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Simmer potatoes and broth for 20 minutes.

Add:

1 package Pioneer fat-free country white gravy
1/2 cup water

In a bowl, blend gravy mix and water together. Add gravy mixture to potatoes. Let simmer 20 minutes.

Variations: Loaded Potato Soup: add green onions, shredded fat-free cheese, bacon or fat-free sour cream.

Menu Planning

2009-10-06T11:43:00.001-04:00

I have decided I want to start monthly menu planning and recipe gathering. Do you have a favorite blog that does this already? Or do you do this yourself? If so, please post about it here so that we can all enjoy the information. I am off to look through my many cookbooks! :)

Recipe Tuesday

2009-10-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

Chicken Rice Salad

2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
2 large stalks celery, diced
8 oz. drained pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup halved red seedless grapes
1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 tsp. curry powder (optional)

Combine all ingredients. Stir well. Chill. Serve on a lettuce leaf with your favorite cracker or flat bread. I love it with a seeded, flavored crisp flat bread. Serves 4. Sliced tomatoes are delicious on the side.

Scrappy Scarf

2009-10-05T12:36:00.002-04:00

Jody over at Java Jem has a terrific tutorial for patchwork scarves. They are so stylish and are a great project to use up some of those small pieces of fabric scraps. I am going to be in the sewing room this week making my daughter one. The only thing I will change is the base fabric to cotton. My daughter lives in Charleston, SC and it rarely would be cool enough for a fleece scarf. Hanna bought a new fall jacket while I was visiting last week and a new colorful scarf is just the accesory she needs. What do you think? Plan on making any?

http://javajem.blogspot.com/2007/12/scrap-scarf-tutorial.html

Recipe Hunt

2009-10-01T17:06:00.003-04:00

Can you believe it is October 1st? Our weather here in beautiful South Carolina is in the mid-70's and no clouds, only bright blue skies! This early morning and late evening chilly weather makes me want to drag out the soup pot. What I want from you are your favorite soup, chili, chowder, stew recipes! Have them in a link? Post the link or post your recipe and let's share some great fall food! I look forward to getting all your yummy, delicious recipes. :) Share on!

Another Apple Recipe

2009-09-10T16:46:00.002-04:00

This is a different but delicious breakfast casserole. I made it for my husband's office one morning and they loved it.

Famous Brunch Casserole

1 lb. bacon - cut into fourths and fry until crisp. Drain off fat.
1 (20 oz.) can apple pie filling
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp)
1 1/2 cups Bisquick
1 1/2 cups milk
4 eggs

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x13" casserole dish. Spread pie filling in bottom of dish. Sprinkle this with the sugar. Spread cheese and bacon over filling. Beat Bisquick, milk and eggs until smooth. Pour over the top. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted comes out clean, between 30-40 minutes. Serves 8 people.

Another Fall Recipe

2009-09-09T15:55:00.002-04:00

I will be leaving early Monday morning for a cruise and will not be back until Saturday night. So, no blogging next week. Instead, I think I will share a few extra fall recipes. This is a delicious cookie recipe that is almost like a mini cake. They are one of my hubby's favorites.

Spiced Apple Drops

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup finely chopped apple
1 cup chopped walnuts
Apple Frosting

Lightly grease a cookie sheet. (Repeat greasing cookie sheet for each batch.) Set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or till softened.

Add about half of the flour to the butter. Add sugar, brown sugar, egg, half of the juice, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat till thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Then beat or stir in remaining flour and remaining apple juice/cider. Stir in chopped apple and walnuts.

Drop dough from a rounded teaspoon 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Remove cookies and cool on a rack. Frost with Apple Frosting. Store iced cookies in refrigerator. Makes about 40.

Apple Frosting

In a medium mixing bowl beat 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3-4 Tablespoons apple juice to make a frosting of spreading consistency. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-09-08T08:03:00.003-04:00

Moda Bake Shop has a wonderful fabric flower lantern tutorial. Isn't it just gorgeous? I can this hanging over a table, maybe multiples, at a bridal shower or even wedding, or a girl's bedroom. The fabric flowers individually are so versatile to use as a pin for a sweater, the front of a pocket book, etc.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/09/rose-lantern.html

Recipe Monday

2009-09-07T10:26:00.002-04:00

Fall weather is quickly approaching and apple season is upon us. This was one of my dad's favorite cakes. It is moist and delicious and is a great cake to take to a pot-luck.

Fresh Apple Cake

2 whole eggs

1 1/2 cup Wesson Oil

2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

3 cups fresh finely chopped apples

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)

Grease and flour tube pan. Set to the side. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine with mixer eggs, oil, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add flour, then vanilla. Add apples and nuts. Mix very well. Bake in tube pan for 1 1/2 hours.

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-04T15:56:00.002-04:00

Stan and I are off to visit in-laws for the weekend and to celebrate my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. We are looking forward to being with family. It is always fun.

To all of you, Happy Labor Day! May you enjoy a day of rest!

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-08-31T20:17:00.004-04:00

This weekend, while sunning at the pool and looking at 6-7 magazines, I noticed one item being shown throughout, a ribbon necklace. They were on models and stars, in advertisements and shown in the fashion section as a must have for the fall and winter season. Saucy Sprinkles has a quick, easy and inexpensive tutorial for just such a necklace. I also noticed there were many different styles and colors of the same general idea. So go crazy and make it your personality. Wouldn't this make a fun and creative Christmas or birthday gift?

http://www.saucysprinkles.com/2009/08/fauxthropologie.html

Recipe Monday

2009-08-31T07:24:00.004-04:00

I am sorry for the lack of photos over the last week and this one. My son borrowed our camera and took it with him to Charleston to visit his sister. He left it there. I have to get her to ship it but her schedule is so crazy with classes, internship and working that she has not been able to get to the post office. Maybe this week.

This recipe is the very best Sloppy Joe recipe I have ever eaten. I think it is the soup that gives it just a bit of different flavor. I have been making this for about 8 years. Let me know if you try it.

Sloppy Joe

2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped small
2 1/2 tablespoon, Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the low-fat, low-sodium)

Fry meat with onion. Drain and add salt and pepper to taste. Add remaining ingredients and simmer. Serve on hamburger buns. Makes 8-10 sandwiches.

This can also be put in a sprayed Crock-pot to simmer for no more than three hours.

I serve with slaw and some type of potato and fruit.

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-27T16:12:00.003-04:00

IS IT HOT IN HERE OR AM I HAVING ANOTHER HOT FLASH?

I am thankful today to fine out I am not going crazy but instead am going into menopause! Yes, that is right. The difficulty with sleeping, the morose feelings, hot flashes, the tingling and numbness around my chin and mouth, yep even that, is caused from an estrogen deficiency! Bless my husband and pray for him! He has never, ever been married to a weepy, low-energy, moody woman. This should be fun. I am sure there will be more to follow... In the mean time I plan to make the very best of this new phase in my life. I just saw an advertisement for a menopause medicine and the first line said, "Are your menopausal hot flashes contributing to global warming?" Hysterical!

Fabulous Fabric!

2009-08-26T09:17:00.008-04:00

Have you seen this new fabric line? It is Lantern Bloom by Laura Gunn for Michael Miller. I love the design and colors. My daughter's bedroom is done in this exact shade of purple, blue and orange and it is very hard to find fabric that pulls all those colors together. We both fell in love with this fabric and I am ordering some to make pillows for her bed and her chair.

http://www.sewmamasew.com/ has the entire line for sale, along with some other great fabric.

What do you think about this fabric line? Is it too modern or just right? The only design I am not crazy about is the polka dot fabric. The bird cage fabric is my favorite but I like the hanging vines and the mosaic tiles alot.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-08-25T11:00:00.004-04:00

RIBBON KEY FOB

J Caroline Creative has a free and easy tutorial to make these adorable Ribbon Key Fobs. These would make great gifts for teachers, co-workers, or even a new teen driver. I always like to have a few generic gifts on hand during the holidays and this would definitely be a great one to have stocked. It would work as a nice addition to a stocking, as well.

http://tinyurl.com/2d2wvb

Recipe Monday

2009-08-24T18:43:00.002-04:00

Our family loves appetizers and we love cheese. When you can put the two of those together, it makes us very happy. The following recipe was given to me by a high school friend (yes, while I was in high school) in 1982. It is a staple at any holiday get-together and is an easy one take to a party.

Cheese and Nut Roll

1- 3 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1- 8 ounce box Velveeta cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
dash or two (or three if you like spicy) hot Tabasco sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans
paprika
chili powder

Mix both cheeses, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. Work it till soft. You may use a mixer on low or it is easiest to use your hands. Form into a ball.

On aluminum foil or wax paper, sprinkle the nuts in a line and shake the paprika and chili powder over the nuts until well covered. Roll the cheese into a log, with the dimensions about the size of a half-dollar coin. Roll the log in the nuts and spices until covered all around. Use the same paper to wrap the cheese log in and refrigerate until firm, at least a few hours but best if left overnight. Serve with an assortment of crackers.

Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag Completed

2009-08-23T17:18:00.005-04:00

I had a very relaxing weekend. Yesterday I slept in, went out to lunch with my son and husband and to run a few errands and back home to piddle about in the house. And yes, I did get some sewing done!

I finished the Birdie Sling bag for my daughter. I really like the combination of the two fabrics and think it will work great for fall. Hanna wanted a bag big enough to put a couple of college textbooks, a notebook and her purse items. This bag is large and roomy with four large pockets. Next time I make this pattern I will add a magnetic snap or a big button for closing the top. It does not call for one but I always like a bag to fasten. Other than that I think this is the easiest Amy Butler pattern I have made. I did change one thing: it called for the outer fabric to have interfacing but I was using a very heavy home dec fabric and chose not to. I used linen for the lining and used an iron-on fleece for the interfacing. It gave the bag plenty of support.

Inside of the bag. I used linen and the handle and band fabric to make the pockets.

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-20T15:31:00.005-04:00

Local Produce = Delicious!

I love summer and all the wonderful things it brings, sunshine and warmth, swimming and beach time and fresh local produce. I stopped by my local farm stand and picked a few favorite veggies on Tuesday. We have already grilled some of the corn, squash and zucchini. All of it was delicious. I had a slice of the tomato for lunch today. Wonderful! I am thankful I can go four doors down to purchase all this wonderful produce and so much more at a wonderful price.

Stan and I at a Marriage Retreat in March of this year.

Even more than this bountiful harvest, I am thankful for my marriage. Stan's and my wedding anniversary is today. Twenty-seven years and we have never had a fight! Okay, well that may be stretching it a little but I can say we rarely have a fight! :) Stan is a wonderful husband and father and the best friend I could ever wish for. Our marriage is in the best place it has ever been and I thank God daily for allowing me to be married to this man.

I am also in the sewing room finishing up an Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag for my daughter. Pictures to come!

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-08-18T09:42:00.002-04:00

Eye Spy Bags

Ashley, over at Make It and Love It, has a cute Eye Spy Bag tutorial. Parents are always looking for activities to entertain children during situations where we need them to sit quietly. Eye Spy Bags are a great answer. I have seen these all over Etsy and Artfire. One addition I have liked is an attached tag or an iron-on printed list of all the small pieces in the bag. I have seen the bags in plain squares or circles but also as creative as the above crab and fish. Head over to Make It and Take It for this cute tutorial.

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/02/eye-spy-bags.html

Recipe Monday

2009-08-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

As I have mentioned before, not only do I live in a southern state, South Carolina, but I also grew up in the deep south of Mississippi. One of the staples in our home was cornbread. If we had a meal with any vegetable, especially any type of bean or pea, we had cornbread. Naturally, I love cornbread. One of my favorite ways to eat cornbread is in Cornbread Salad. I hope you are intrigued enough to give this recipe a try. I promise, you will not be disappointed. :)

Cornbread Salad

1 package of cornbread mix, make according to package directions and let cool
1 can Pinto Beans, warmed (I like Bush's)
lettuce, I like romaine but you can use iceburg or your choice
1 large tomaoto, chopped into small pieces
1 green bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
1 medium onion, chopped into small pieces or green onions (3-4)
2 cups cheddar cheese
6-8 slices of bacon cooked crisp and crumbles or 1 small package of pre-cooked bacon
Ranch salad dressing, 1 small bottle

In a casserole dish or large bowl, layer in the following order:

Cornbread, crumble in the bottom of the bowl,
Pinto Beans, pour evenly over the cornbread,
Lettuce, tomotoes, bell pepper, onion and salad dressing,
Bacon, and sprinkle the cheese over everything last.

Serve immediately. This is hearty enough for a complete meal but also works as a side to any grilled meat or other veggies. To make this dish vegetarian, just omit the bacon. :)

I have one friend who always request this salad for any dinner we do together. Yes, it is that good and simple.

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-13T22:10:00.003-04:00

Two years ago, August 13 2007, my husband and I had a very close friend who was killed in a tragic work accident. Wade was truly part of our family. He and his wife, Connie, are 12 years older than Stan and me. They were that far ahead in the marriage and parenting part of their life. We have turned to them for wise and godly advice on more than one occasion. We still miss Wade, as does his wife, children and grandchildren. In our missing him, we are always thankful for the years of friendship and the influence he had in our families lives.

I took this photo of Wade and Connie at the wedding of one of their sons.

Ikea, OH MY!!!

2009-08-12T19:18:00.004-04:00

ROAD TRIP

Today I took a road trip to Charlotte, NC. Charlotte is about an hour and a half up the interstate. It is an easy drive, especially when you share the ride with a wonderful friend and her daughter. :) We first went to Mary Jo's, the most incredible fabric store. Their store statement is, "Mary Jo's Cloth Store is a mecca where you will find mountains of fabric at thimble sized prices". It is 32,000 square feet of fabric and sewing tools and is a seamstress dream come true! There is no way to stop for a quick trip but instead I always plan for a several hours visit. You can visit this link http://maryjos.com/ for a virtual tour.

After our three hour stop at Mary Jo's we drove twenty more miles to visit the Ikea store. I have heard about Ikea from my friend, Maddie, and I have looked online but nothing compares to being there. Oh my, there is just so much and at such wonderful prices and varieties and well, it was just incredible. My friend, Tracy, and I are already planning a second trip next month! I did find some drapes I really love for my son's old room. The room is sitting empty, in need of paint and then it will become a guest room. I think the drapes will give me some wonderful colors to work with for the bed and accents. What do you think? The leaves are a medium slate blue, dark gray, chocolate brown on a creamy background. They are lined with a cream fabric as well. They come in a 97" length, which I can cut off the extra and use it to make throw pillows. I think I will go with a silvery gray or a chocolate brown for the bedding or maybe even combine the two. Any suggestions for wall color? I really want some color and not the ivory cream.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-08-11T09:15:00.004-04:00

Arm Band Pouch

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have started walking for exercise and my husband has started running. He has done several 5K runs and I did a 5K walk in June. I thought what a terrific idea when I saw this great Arm Band Pouch over at Make It and Love It. Whenever I walk I have a cell phone in hand and keys and sometimes a water bottle. It seems I should have just carried my purse with me but with this nifty Arm Band Pouch it will hold the phone, debit card, driver's license, keys, etc. and free your hands.

Follow the link to a wonderful, detailed tutorial with easy to read and see text and photos.

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/07/arm-band-pouch.html

Recipe Monday

2009-08-10T09:49:00.004-04:00

Chessy Chewy Cake

Crust:

1 package plain, yellow cake mix

8 tablespoons (1 stick) melted butter

1 large egg

Filling:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted

1 box powdered confectioners' sugar

Place oven rack in the center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Crust directions: in large mixing bowl, pour cake mix, melted butter and egg and blend with an electric mixer on low speed for two minutes. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides fo the bowl with a rubber spatula. The batter should come together in a ball. With your fingertips, pat the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan, smoothing it out with your fingers until the top is smooth. Set the pan aside.

Filling directions: place the softened cream chesse in the same bowl and use the same beaters. No need to clean either first. Blend on low speed until fluffy, about 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Stop mixer and add the sugar. Beat until the sugar is completely incorporated, about 1 minute more. Stop and scrape the sides down. Mix a bit more, if needed. Pour the filling onto the crust and spread with the spatula so that the filling covers the entire surface of the crust. Place in the oven and bake until well brown but the center still jiggles when you shake the pan, 45-47 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on wire rack to cool, at least 39 minutes. Cut in to squares and serve. Store covered with aluminum foil at room temperature up to 4 days or in fridge up to 1 week. May be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

On Friday I made a Chess Chewy Cake, aka Gooey Butter Cake. I made it to take to my daughter's in Charleston. She lives with five, yes five, men. Last year she lived with eleven women and she declared never, never, never again! Testosterone is much easier to deal with than estrogen starts monthly cycling all at the same time! The crying, the screams, the name-calling, the hurt feelings were just entirely more than she wants to ever deal with again. You see my daughter is in college. Last year she lived on campus but in one of the school's historic houses. It is in an incredible area, beautiful and handy to all her classes and across from the library. She gave all that up, moved to a much less desirable area about 9 blocks away just to NOT live with women!!! Anyone relate? She has one girlfriend who will show up in two weeks and will also be living there. She was one of Hanna's roommates last year and is definitely more like Hanna, calm, easy going and no screaming. Well, all six of these 20-somethings loved this cake and I think you will too. I have been making it since the 80's and it is always a hit. It is very rich and can be cut in small serving pieces and served at showers or luncheons. It is a great afternoon tea dessert and is wonderful with a cup of hot coffee.

I don't have a picture of the cake. I forgot to take my camera and I left the small amount that was left. Instead, I will share a picture of my beautiful daughter instead! This picture was taken while she was on vacation in San Diego. The second photo was taken on the same trip. It is Hanna and her boyfriend, Kevin. He is from San Diego.

My sweet daughter, Hanna. I love her fun spirit.

Hanna and Kevin

San Diego, CA

at the famous San Diego Zoo.

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-06T18:16:00.002-04:00

It's another Mug Cozy.

This time I made it in the retro Christmas fabric and included it in my Christmas in July swap package. I want to make one for me personally. I am hoping it does a good job keeping your beverage warm. Between the lining and outer fabric I used an inuslated interfacing called Insul Brite. It is supposed to keep your drink either warm or cold.

I love coffee in the morning, warm with some fat-free half and half, and a touch of sweetner and I love sweet, iced tea. I am trying to cut back on my sugar intake so I am not drinking anywhere near the amount I was but sometimes a southern girl has just got to have some sweet tea!

Are you a coffee or tea drinker? Hot beverage or cold?

Today was a wonderfully, relaxing day. I spent the morning working with business partner, and good friend, designing and making jewelry and we spent the late afternoon hours at her neighborhood pool. We lounged and relaxed and caught up with one another's lives. I am so thankful for our time together today.

Tomorrow evening my husband and I are going to see our daughter in Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of my favorite places. It is a beautiful city, rich in history and traditions but also has a huge art scene. It is also just minutes from mulitiple beaches. Our favorite beach is Isle of Palm and I hope to spend some time there on Saturday or Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you Monday with a new recipe!

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-08-04T13:58:00.005-04:00

Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Yarnmonster has a great tutorial for a reversible, drawstring bag. I made one using the Christmas fabric for my Christmas in July swap. The tutorial is easy to follow and a great bag. It can be used for books, toys, makeup, gift-giving, etc. I used a polka-dot, coordinating fabric for the reverse which allows it to be used year-around. I did accent with pink and green rick-rack. I sewed the rick-rack on the panel pieces before sewing the sides together. I used a coordinating ribbon for the drawstring and was very pleased at how it all came together.

*Go here for free tutorial:
http://yarnmonster.blogspot.com/2007/01/drawstring-bag-tutorial.html

Recipe Monday

2009-08-03T10:07:00.002-04:00

My friend, Maddie at http://itsthebestofallpossibleworlds.blogspot.com/, makes the best and easiest lemonade. Whenever my family wants some of it, they ask for Maddie's Lemonade and so we have dubbed it that name! It is so refreshing and goes great with any summer time meal.

Maddie's Lemonade

Country Time Pink Lemonade - measure in the cup up to the 2 quart line
Country Time Lemonade (yellow kind) - measure in the cup up to the 2 quart line
2 large naval oranges

In a gallon pitcher, add lemonade mixes. Cut one naval orange in half and squeeze juice over the mix. Add water and stir until mixed well. Slice second orange into thin slices and float on top. I know this sounds so easy and it is but it is also very delicious. The oranges give the lemonade a wonderful flavor. You can half the amounts for a 2 quart but I promise, you will need the gallon. It goes quick!

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-29T09:12:00.004-04:00

We are almost finished!

After two weeks of cleaning and painting the house my son is moving into is almost ready for occupancy. The house is a cottage style, built in the 1940's and was needing lots of TLC. The two bedrooms, dining room and living room all have hardwood floors but they were beyond cleaning. There was paint splatter and lots of stains and wear from many years of use. It would require a professional to come in and refinish completely, something the landlady felt was cost-prohibitive and as a renter, my son, is not going to incur the expense. Instead, we settled on a more cost-effective and quicker fix, paint. After painting all the walls over the last week and a half, we taped off the trim, cut in with a brush and rolled the floors with Porch and Floor Paint. They look terrific, so fresh and clean. I finished the touch-ups last night and hubby started laying floor tile in the kitchen and laundry room. That project should be completed tonight and Cody should be able to move in over the next few days.

I am so thankful we are almost done and thankful Cody found a roommate to share the expenses and thankful he is happy with how everything has turned out.

Lots of stains!

Hubby taping and then rolling my son's bedroom. Yes, that is red paint. Red is one of Cody's favorite colors.

Isn't that a huge difference?

More updates to come over the next few posts.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-07-28T08:48:00.004-04:00

Bow/Hair Clip Holder

Today's tutorial is a no-sew project. Do you have a little or even a big girl who has lots of bows and hair clips and you can never seem to keep them organized or find matching ones when you need them? Ashley over at Make It and Love It has an easy and stylish solution. The Bow/Hair Clip Holder can be coordinated with your decorating theme and be a handy fix for all those wandering hair bows/clips. Head over to Make It and Take It for the detailed instructions and leave Ashley a comment letting her know you found her through The Best Laid Plans blog. :)

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/04/bowhair-clip-holder.html

Recipe Monday

2009-07-27T08:50:00.007-04:00

Peach Cobbler

One of my husband's favorite desserts is an old-fashioned Peach Cobbler Ala Mode. Our local peaches are just so sweet and juicy this year and are perfect for making a Peach Cobbler.

To make the peach filling, peel and slice 10-12 peaches. Add 1 cup of sugar and stir with a spoon until well mixed, (see picture below). Pour in to a sprayed, 2-quart casserole dish.

For crust, mix 1 cup of self-rising flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup of milk, 1 stick of butter melted and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix with a whisk (see picture below) until all the lumps are smooth. Pour over the peach filling. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. My stove takes about 50 minutes. The top will be golden brown and the filling will be very bubbly. Serve warm with a couple of scoops of all-natural, vanilla ice cream. It is so delicious. By last night, the last of the cobbler was eaten. :) And yes, I know. This is not a low-fat dish but sometimes you have to splurge! I made this instead of a birthday cake for my husband.

Comfort Food

2009-07-24T10:03:00.003-04:00

There are some foods that we think of as comfort food. Chicken and Dumplings is certainly a dish that I think of as comfort food. Growing up in the deep south, Mississippi, we ate mostly southern cuisine and Chicken and Dumplings were definitely on the list. My friend Rita, who still lives in Mississippi and hosts the blog, Blessed Be Me, has a recipe for this tasty dish. Click on over for a true southern dish recipe and it will set your mouth to watering. In fact, I am making some this weekend. Yummy. :)
http://blessedbeme-rita.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicken-and-dumplingsummm-good.html

Take a look around while you are there. Rita is a new quilter and does some incredible machine embroidery also. She is new to the blog world but has some wonderful insights to share. I hope you get a minute to visit her and tell her Pam says hi.

Christmas in July Swap Received

2009-07-22T23:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday the postmaster left me a wonderful package. I received my Christmas in July package. It was a secret swap and I was so fortunate to have Simone at http://simonedeklerk.blogspot.com/ from the Netherlands as my gifter. (Is gifter a real word?)

The premise of the swap was to make a bag or stocking with at least one other handmade gift and then include a few other goodies. Simone outdid her self! I love all my goodies. She made me a hand stitched bag, a little hand stitched snowman pillow, a pack of tree ornaments, a fat-quarter of Christmas fabric and a beautiful table runner. Can you believe all that? I am so excited and can't wait to be able use all my goodies in my decorating this Christmas.

Thanks Simone. All my goodies are just wonderful! :)

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-07-21T08:16:00.003-04:00

Tea Bag Wallet

Christy's Creations has an easy-to-follow tutorial for a Tea Wallet. I put one together last week. I followed all her instructions except for the loop. She made one with the contrast fabric or said use a ribbon. Instead, I used an elastic hair pony tail holder but followed the tutorial on how to attach the loop. The wallet has three slots on each side for tea bags and/or sweetener or could even be used for credit cards, etc. Enjoy the tutorial and let me know if you make one. I would love to see your pictures.

For those interested, I used Mary Engelbreit fabric.

http://blog.christyscreations.com/?cat=11

Recipe Monday

2009-07-21T07:59:00.002-04:00

Not Your Typical

Baked Beans

A great pot-luck recipe that I am always asked to bring to a dinner is my Baked Beans. They aren't your typical beans. They have 2 meats and a sweet and savory flavor. I made these for a dinner we went to on Saturday evening and are shown in my casserole with insulated carrier.

Baked Beans

1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cans pork and beans
1/2 brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 cup ketchup
3-4 strips of bacon

Brown ground beef with onion. I boil it and pour off fat with water to help with the fat content. In large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, onion, sugar and garlic powder. Add ketchup; this should loosen the consistency. Add more ketchup, if needed. Pour in to a sprayed casserole dish. Place bacon strips on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-45 minutes, until bacon is done and beans are bubbly.

Baked Beans are great with grilled meat, burgers and hotdogs or pulled pork.

Needle Turn Applique Tutorial

2009-07-19T16:05:00.004-04:00

Cathy over at Cabbage Quilts blog is doing a three part tutorial for needle turn applique. I am so excited about this. I have been wanting to learn and it is on my to do list for the year but my only friend who does it has been busily getting her home ready to put on the market. Alas, she is too busy to teach me. If interested, just click over to Cathy's site. Today she shares all the supplies you need to get you started with your own needle turn applique. Also, take time to look around her site. She has some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. They will definitely inspire you. :)http://cabbagequilts.blogspot.com/

Favorite Friday

2009-07-17T15:47:00.003-04:00

All Things Heart and Home is one of my favorite blogs. Robin has wonderful posts, sometimes sharing about leaving a legacy, terrific recipes and her decorating skills are just incredible. If you get an opportunity, click over and visit. I think you will enjoy your stay. :) http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-16T19:55:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy week. My son is moving next weekend into a rental house. We have been busy painting and cleaning and getting it ready. We have had family, my mom, and friend, Adonia, come help Cody and me paint. We are not done but we are a lot closer than we were. I am thankful for all the help and encouragement Cody is getting. My husband does not paint, AT ALL, but he is helping with yard work, which it sorely needs.

I am thankful that my daughter's flight from Charleston, SC to San Diego, CA arrived safely this morning. I am thankful she is getting to have this wonderful vacation.

I am thankful I was able to spend yesterday with my friend, LouCinda. We celebrated her birthday with lunch and an afternoon at the pool. Ahhhhhh, it was so relaxing and wonderful to float around the pool chatting the entire 4 hours without once having even a moment of silence. Okay, a few moments when one of us had to visit the bathroom. :) Aren't friends wonderful?

Tomorrow Cody and I will try and finish up a lot of the painting. We are to the place of doing trim and touching up. I have been chosen to use the angled shader artist brush to do the touch ups. My son informed me he did not have near the patience to try and accomplish that!

I am thankful that we made our last payment to Carnival Cruise line this week. We are cruising in September!!! Woohoo! It will be my first cruise and I am thrilled to go with two of our couple friends to the Bahamas and the Keys. We will be gone 5 days and I can't wait. It could be dangerous with the six of us! ;)

What are you thankful for today? Has someone or something been a blessing in your life this week? Please share so we can be excited together.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-07-14T12:48:00.004-04:00

MUG COZY

Anna over at Thimbleanna made a mug cozy a little while back. I have been wanting to try my hand at one. She didn't have a specific tutorial but did give enough info for me to make my own.

http://thimbleanna.com/index.php?s=mug+cozy

I measured around the mug, stopping at the handle. The base fabric, lining fabric and the thermal lite all were cut at 11" x 3". I cut the border fabric at 1" wide strips.

Place lining fabric wrong side up. On top of the lining fabric, lay the thermal lite or other batting on top of lining. Last, place the outer fabric facing up, pin in place and machine quilt. I used the checker board pattern as my guide. You can also do this by hand. Next sew on the binding like you would any quilt. Sew two buttons on each side of the quilt. Attach small hair elastics to put around each button to hold in place. you will be able to see that in the mug picture. Now you have a mug cozy to keep your coffee, tea or hot chocolate warm.

Mug Cozy laying flat.

Mug Cozy back. Don't you just love those little cups?

Recipe Monday

2009-07-13T18:09:00.005-04:00

Green and White Salad

16 oz. frozen baby sweet green peas

16 oz. frozen shoe peg corn (white corn)

6 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded

Mayonnaise

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Thaw peas and corn. You may do this by running cool water over peas and corn while using a colander or allow to thaw in refrigerator in bags. Important: Do not cook the peas and corn! Mix thawed peas and corn, cheese, salt, pepper and enough mayonnaise to bind mixture together. Serve chilled.

This is great for summer grilling. I serve Green and White Salad with grilled, chicken, pork or beef.

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-09T16:57:00.002-04:00

I am thankful today for the time I have had with friends this week. I have been able to go swimming, have a friend over for dinner and then breakfast with another this morning. What a wonderful week! :)

What are you thankful for?

Lazy Wednesday

2009-07-08T21:20:00.002-04:00

I have not accomplished much in the way of creativity in a couple of weeks. I have instead been spending time with friends at the pool and tonight we had one of my best friends and her daughter and two grands, that are visiting for dinner. It was so wonderful to sit and relax and enjoy one another. We had a leisurely dinner of Low Country Boil, crusty French bread, homemade cole slaw and finished it off with a Lemon Cheese Pie. Easy and yummy.

Over the next few days I am going to be working on the following:
1. Most important, I have to finish my Christmas in July swap gifts and get them in the mail next week.
2. I have several birthday gifts this month and I am sewing some of those gifts.
3. My son has two pair of jeans he wants cut off and hemmed in to long shorts. I keep putting him off but he is getting a bit impatient with his mom so I better finish those up this week.
4. I have an Amy Butler Birdie Sling bag to make.
5. Over the next month I could sew and still have projects I want to finish but it will all get done in it's own time. Thankfully I am not one who frets.

What does your schedule look like? Do you have any crafty days planned?

Tuesday Tutorial

2009-07-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

Button Bracelet Tutorial

Hope Studios has a terrific and fun tutorial today. It is a button bracelet. It looks easy and you choose the colors and style. This would make a fun activity for a girlfriend night or even with a teen group or just make one for yourself. The tutorial can be found by following the link below. Be sure and check her blog for other fun crafty ideas.

*photo is from Hope Studio blog.

http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2009/07/tutorial-tuesday-button-bracelets.html

Recipe Monday

2009-07-06T12:59:00.003-04:00

One of my all-time favorite summer sides is potato salad. It goes with any meat entree, especially grilled, and it is delicious with a sandwich. My daughter recently asked for my Potato Salad recipe and she said it was a big hit with all her roommates. Maybe your family would also enjoy it.

Potato Salad

5 large potatoes
3 boiled eggs, peeled and cut up
1 medium onion, chopped fine
1/2-3/4 cup sweet pickles cubed or sweet pickle relish
1/4 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoon sweet pickle juice
salt and pepper to taste

Cut up potatoes in small pieces. You may peel the potatoes prior to cutting up or leave peel on, your choice. Cover with cold water and 2 teaspoons salt. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain. Let potatoes cool. I run cool water over them to stop any further softening and drain in the colander. Add onion, pickles, eggs, mayonnaise, pickle juice, salt and pepper. Mix gently with the potatoes. Cool in refrigerator 1-2 hours before serving. Before serving I sprinkle Paprika on top to just "pretty it up". :)

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-02T10:51:00.003-04:00

Do you have anyone in your family or a friend, that is serving in the military? I have several, a wonderful friend, two first cousins, one of my best friend's daughters, and on it goes. Or how about the ones who served before us, a father, grandfather, uncle or aunt?

Whether you agree with the war or not, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the ones in uniform keeping us safe. That is my thankful Thursday. I am thankful we have young men and women who love our country and are willing to fight a battle to keep our nation safe. May God bless each of them and their families and may God bless America.

Lee Greenwood's video link for God Bless The USA,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw

*graphic available from http://www.manateeworld.net/veterans/docpics.htm

I DID IT!

2009-07-01T07:42:00.002-04:00

Very early (6:30! AM) Saturday morning I awoke, threw on some comfy shorts and tee, my walking shoes and was out the door by 7:30! My husband and I participated in a 5K Run/walk. He ran, I walked. This was his third race and he placed 5th in his age group, 40-49 year olds. This was my first and I finished. That was my goal, to walk across that finish line and not be one of the people that gets picked up by the golf cart and I did it! I didn't do it quickly or gracefully but I finished! I can't believe it but we forgot our camera so I do not even have proof in a photo. However, I did have the tight muscles. It was a great feeling of accomplishment.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-06-30T16:48:00.003-04:00

Over at Stop Staring and Start Sewing, there is this great tutorial for a little drawstring pouch. It can be used for multiple uses but don't you love it as a sunglasses case? Follow the link at the bottom to the tutorial.

Sunglasses Pouch

http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/2009/01/breathe-in-breathe-out.html

Recipe Monday

2009-06-29T10:29:00.004-04:00

My recipe this week is a delicious and very easy salsa. It is great served with Tortilla Chips, especially the lime ones, or corn chips. My friend, Brenda, served this to me a few years ago and it is now a go-to recipe for our family.

Black Eye Pea Salsa

1 can Bush's Best Black Eye Peas, drained (black beans can be used instead)

1 can white shoepeg corn, drained

1 can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano flavor

1 can Rotel tomatoes and chili's

8 ounces Zesty Italian Salad Dressing (can use fat-free)

Chopped onion to taste (I use a half of medium size onion)

Chopped jalapeno to taste

Mix all ingredients together and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 1/2 hours. I think it is best if it marinates for longer, even overnight. This is great as an appetizer or as a side dish to any grilling menu.

Thankful Thursday

2009-06-25T16:51:00.002-04:00

Being a resident of the beautiful state of South Carolina, I am saddened by the personal choices of our governor, a man I have admired and voted for twice. My prayers are for his marriage to be reconciled, if possible, and for comfort and peace for his wife Jenny and their boys, and for Governor Sanford to have wisdom and integrity in his choices that affect the future of his family, political life and our state. It is in times like this, a marriage in turmoil, that makes me so very thankful for my marriage. It is not one that is perfect, no marriage is, but it is a marriage redeemed in Christ. When Stan and I began to live our marriage as committed (key word) believers together, our marriage became a 1 Corinthians 13 marriage. This did not happen over night nor are we finished growing. Each day brings new challenges, sometimes trials but if our foundation remains in the Lord so does our marriage.

This week has been a busy one around our house. We have VBS at our church in the evenings and I have also helped with my little niece during the day. I am thankful for the time I have had with her. Jordan is such a joy to our family and when she throws her tiny arms around my neck and proclaims, "Auntie Pam, I miss you and I love you sooooo much!", well my heart just completely melts.

I am looking forward to this weekend and am thankful my daughter and her friend, Kevin, is coming home for a very quick trip.

I am thankful for the sunshine! We have had a glorious and hot week. That is a special treat for me because I love Summer. :)

During the difficult economic times, I am so thankful for my husband's job. I know many are hurting and we have no guarantees for the future. I choose to be thankful today and not to worry about tomorrow.

What are you thankful for today?

Tuesday Tutorial

2009-06-23T08:12:00.005-04:00

Party Popper Tutorial - 4th of July fun!

a no-sew tutorial

Little Birdie Secrets has a fun tutorial today for these party poppers. Instead of confetti-filled purchased ones, avoid the mess and make your own with candy, toys, money, etc. These poppers would be fun for birthday parties, wedding receptions, or any holiday. Just change the tissue and paper colors to coordinate with your theme. Follow the link to the party popper tutorial, leave a comment and let them know you saw it on The Best Laid Plans.

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/06/party-poppers-tutorial-4th-of-july-fun.html

Recipe Monday - Calling All Chocoholics!

2009-06-22T21:04:00.003-04:00

I grew up in Mississippi and was raised having Chocolate Gravy for a special treat. We usually had it once a month or on a holiday or birthday. I now live in South Carolina and it is not a dish that is known here. I have met people from the Memphis, TN area and the state of Arkansas that also have had Chocolate Gravy but no where further north or east/west. I am assuming most of you do not know what Chocolate Gravy is and therefore, do not know how to eat it. It is a sweet chocolate mix that cooks to the consistency of regular gravy. You serve it with hot biscuits, butter and we love it with bacon. My son and husband eat it over the opened buttered biscuits. My daughter, sister and I eat it with a spoon in a bowl like soup with a side of hot biscuits. No matter how you eat it, it is always delicious. Try it out and then come back and tell me how you like it!

Chocolate Gravy

2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup flour
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
3 scant Tablespoons of cocoa

Combine all the dry ingredients and mix until well blended and lumps are minimal. Add milk slowly. Use a wisk for better mixing and to prevent lumping. Heat over medium-high heat and stir constantly to avoid sticking. Heat until gravy is smooth and bubbling slowly. Remove from heat and let it set until it is the consistency of gravy. Serve over warm biscuits with butter. Serves 4-6. May be doubled.

The Smallest Pirate

2009-06-22T10:12:00.003-04:00

Aarrgh, Matey!

It is the smallest pirate!

This is my niece Jordan wearing her pirate costume I ordered for her third birthday. Isn't she the cutest thing? The hat has the yarn hair attached and the eye patch has a see-through quality.

Thankful Thursday

2009-06-18T16:02:00.007-04:00

This week I am thankful for:

1. My mom's generosity...she had a perfectly good, only a few years old, living room set and gave it to my daughter and her friends to use in their rental house in Charleston.

Isn't it great? She gave them a sofa, loveseat, recliner and two end tables.

2. One of our son's oldest friends, Tyler. He is 22 and will be working with Campus Outreach, a faith-based organization on college campuses. Tyler met with us this week to talk about his work and his commitment to grow relationships and share the gospel with college students. We are honored to lend our support in prayer and finances.

Our son, Cody, is on the left and Tyler is on the right.

This is Halloween, 5th grade. Aren't they adorable? They made their own alien costumes. Now they are grown up and have graduated college.

3. My husband's forgiveness. I became irritated with Stan over something very silly and responded inappropriately. Not only did he forgive me but it became a joking issue.

This was taken in Savannah, GA on the waterfront in February of this year.

4. My daughter's guy friends in Charleston. She works very late at a restaurant and one of three guys always meet her at work to get her home safely. There isn't any available parking so she rides her bike or walks. Doing either of those alone at 1:00 AM is just not a wise thing and thankfully she has such good friends to realize that and are willing to "take care" of her. Thanks Kevin, Cory and Dan! :) (from the left, Scottie, Kevin, Hanna (my daughter) Cory and Dan. The guys are also three of my daughter's housemates and best friends.)

5. My sweet little niece. Her 3rd birthday was Saturday and we were out of town. My sister had clued me in on a birthday wish of a pirate's costume! Jordan is a huge Backyardigan fan and especially loves the pirate show and wanted her own dress-up clothes. I found the cutest set online, with a one piece jumpsuit that looked like a vest, pirates shirt, pants and boots. It can with a pirate hat with pirate hair attached. I ordered a pirates sword and see-through eye patch and had it all delivered to her house. She called Monday afternoon and this is how the conversation went, "Auntie Pam?! Auntie Pam?! Arghhhhhhhhh Matey!" I cracked up. Of course, we had to dash over and check out the littlest pirate. She blesses my heart and makes me laugh every time we are together. :) I will try and get a picture to post of her in costume. Precious!!!

What are you thankful for this week?

You No Longer Need To Imagine!

2009-06-17T21:07:00.006-04:00

Isn't this Michael Miller Christmas fabric terrific? I know it isn't traditional. I know it is uber modern and I know it does not appeal to everyone. The quilt store clerk made sure I knew all those things but I still love it. The clerk told me it definitely did not float her boat! I guess I could sail a ship, I like it so much. LOL. Tell me what you think? Will my Christmas in July swap partner think I am crazy?

These are the two Java Jackets I put together. I love the fabric print and colors. All four of the fabrics were in a fat quarter packet with two other choices. I am sure you will see those soon. I used a Velcro strip to fasten. I will tell you a secret. I did have a pocket on the outside of both. It was the contrasting lining fabric. It looked so cute until I realized I had sewn it upside down! Oh my...I had a brain freeze and was thinking the small side was the top but of course, I was wrong. I didn't realize until it was completely finished. I used my trusting sharp scissors and picked them right off. The next set I make will have the pocket in the correct placement. For me, it is always the mistakes I make that help me learn the best. Anyone else learn that way?

Imagine This

2009-06-17T15:23:00.003-04:00

Okay, my camera chip is not working properly. In the camera I can view the photos I have taken. When I try to download on to my computer, they aren't there. I will have to wait until my hubby, a computer guru, is home to help me out.

Instead, imagine this...three pieces of Christmas fabric. All three fabrics are modern with a lime green, hot pink, red Christmas trees, snowflakes and dots. It is my fabric for the Christmas in July swap. I wanted to show you this fabric. It is definitely not your ordinary Christmas fabric but yet, when I saw it, it screamed, "Take a half yard each!". So, I did. :)

Imagine this...two Java Jackets or AKA cup cozy. I have made two, both lined with a contrasting fabric and in between the two fabrics is a thermal lining to keep your java hot.

I am hopeful that the camera chip issue will be corrected tonight and your imagination can experience reality.

On to other sewing:
I am cutting off two pair of jeans, one stained and the other shrunk, to make shorts for my son.

I am also cutting out more Java Jackets and hope to get those sewn and posted to my Artfire store.

I have a 5 luggage tags to make and a monogram applique for a laundry bag.

I need to complete my Christmas in July sewing.

I have multiple handbags and one messenger bag to cut out and sew.

In the process of all of this sewing, I need to glue the support leg on my old sewing desk and it needs a good coat of paint. I will hopefully do this tomorrow. We have been short on sunshine but tomorrow looks promising. Until then I will be sewing on the kitchen table.

What are you working on today? Do you have your own to-do list? Are you making progress or feel you are swimming upstream?

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-06-16T07:39:00.002-04:00

Adorable Little Coasters ~ DIY

Robin at All Things Heart and Home has graciously given her permission to share her coaster tutorial. Follow the link to make your own tile stamped coasters. With the coaster project, you can be as creative as you desire. You choose the colors, the design, etc. Robin gives you an easy tutorial to follow. Wouldn't it be fun to have holiday coasters? It would be an inexpensive decorating or gift-giving option. Head on over to All Things Heart and Home for this tutorial and browse around her blog. You will not be disappointed. It is one of my favorite blogs.

http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/2009/06/03/adorable-little-coasters-diy/

Recipe Monday

2009-06-15T08:55:00.003-04:00

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

3-4 chicken breast, cooked and cut into bite size pieces
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the 98% fat-free)
1 can cream of chicken soup (low-fat again)
1 cup sour cream (I use low-fat but not fat free as it has a weird flavor)
1 can tomatoes and chili peppers (I use Ro-Tel brand)
Corn tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican mix cheese

In a sprayed 9" x 13", crush chips in to the bottom of the dish until covered. This is the crust of the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine first five ingredients. Pour evenly over the crust. Sprinkle cheese over the entire casserole mixture.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. I serve with salsa or Pico de Gallo, Spanish Rice, chips and Mexican dip, fruit, etc. It is an easy dish and happens to be my son's favorite.

I don't have a completed picture of the casserole. I walked my son through making this last week and tried to take some pictures. He was not thrilled to be the pictorial subject of my blog so all the pictures were a bit blurry. Just envision a cheesy goodness!

Friday Favorite

2009-06-12T13:11:00.004-04:00

Every crafter I have ever known has particular tools that they just have to have with them to work in their craft. These little scissors are that tool for me. They are specifically made for machine embroidery. Notice the hump just below the handle and the flatness of the scissor blades. It is made so the blades lay flat and can slide under the needle area to clip stitches as you change thread colors. I have used it for that but I don't do much machine embroidery. But I love them for the very same reason. When sewing, this little pair of scissors is invaluable. I clip threads on a finished project, at the end of a seam or (gasp!) when I make a mistake. My scissors are much better than any seam ripper I have ever used. The points are extremely sharp and slide right under the offending threads. They were not cheap, close to 20.00 dollars for this little pair of clippers but well worth every cent. I have had them for years, never had to sharpen them and I keep them with me for any hand or machine sewing.

What is your craft and do you have a particular tool? Is it one of your Friday Favorites?

Thankful Thursday

2009-06-11T13:35:00.002-04:00

Do you ever get caught up in the day-to-day life and forget to stop and offer thanks for the good and, sometimes what we learn, in the bad? I do and that has prompted me to use Thursday's to record some of the things for which I am most thankful. Please leave a comment with what you are thankful for this week or maybe even just today. My goal each week is to share five different things. This week is my "typical" tributes but I will be trying each evening to think of something unique, large or tiny, that has happened and share on Thursdays.

1. I am thankful for my husband. Even when he is tired and has a too-full plate of commitments, he is still willing to work, volunteer, parent, be a friend and still always love me. I hope he always knows how appreciative I am of him.

2. I am thankful for my children. Both are busy with their lives but almost without fail, each day I get a call from my daughter who lives three hours away. Sometimes it is just to see what the day is bringing and sometimes to tell me a funny story and other times like today where she calls me from the grocery store to ask what type of potatoes go in a potato salad. (which she got the recipe from me yesterday. :) Since graduating college and moving back home, I have come to depend on my son so much. He has given me loads of help around the house and has now even started helping me in the kitchen in order to learn how to cook. He is working and has started his own business and yet still always seems glad to spend time with his momma.

3. I am thankful for all these days of rain we are getting in South Carolina. I find myself wishing for more sunshine but having been in a drought for several years, the rain is a blessed event. I hope to be appreciative.

4. I am thankful for friends and family. Ones I see often and others I see or talk with occasionally. Each bring a different gift to our family.

5. I am thankful for the gift of creativity. My mind is always in overdrive thinking of projects of sewing and crafts and it gives me a wonderful outlet and fills my days with a sense of accomplishment.

What are you thankful for today?

My personal daily reminder:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess. 5:16-18

Recipe Monday on Wednesday

2009-06-10T11:21:00.003-04:00

Since I missed Recipe Monday, I thought I would make it up today. Enjoy.

Pico de Gallo

I love Mexican food and especially love the fresh flavor of cilantro. Pico de Gallo goes great with my Chicken Enchilada Casserole, which is what I made last night.

Pico de Gallo

4 ripe plum tomatoes (the store didn't have plum yesterday so I used Campari - delicious)- seeded and chopped

1 small white onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup cilantro leaf, chopped

2-3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped or 1 - 2 Serrano peppers (I like Serrano) seeded and finely chopped

1 Tablespoon lime juice

garlic salt- a pinch or good shake, to taste

Combine all ingredients, cover and store in refrigerator for at least an hour or so. Serve as an accompaniment to Mexican casserole or even tacos, etc. I love it with tortillas.

Chicken Enchilado Casserole recipe coming Monday.

A Short Vacation

2009-06-09T09:34:00.002-04:00

On Thursday, my husband and I went to Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC to camp and of course, go to the beach. It is a beautiful pristine beach that is very uncrowded. The weather on Sunday was the perfect beach day. it was warm without being too hot, a little wind without sand blowing, and the water was a great temperature with waves enough to play but not be afraid.

Huntington Beach is famous for it's wildlife. We had close and personal sightings of raccoons, squirrels, many kinds of birds, and alligators.

Here is a picture of the dunes and beach. Isn't it beautiful?

The Atlantic Ocean.

On Monday, after leaving Huntington Beach, we dropped by our daughter's house in Charleston to take her to lunch and let Stan see her new rental. Here they are getting caught up in the hammock on her second floor balcony.
Can you tell she is a Daddy's girl? :)

I am home now for a few day and will be getting back to sewing/crafting. Well, that is after all the laundry is caught up and the house is cleaned!

Real life intrudes.

SEWN Giveaway Winner

2009-06-09T09:12:00.001-04:00

Sue from Suebees World blog is my winner of the SEWN giveaway! Thanks everyone for participating!

SewMamaSew Giveaway Winners

2009-06-03T09:57:00.003-04:00

Thank you so much for your patience. As my hubby mentioned in my 100th blog, yes, that is right, he wrote my 100th blog, I had to go out of town unexpectedly. That held my giveaway up by a few days. I used Random.org for getting my numbers and the winners are: A Joyful Chaos won the Flip Flop Button giveaway and Michelle of Michelle Chappell Photography won the jewelry. Congratulations to both!

The giveaway was so much fun for me. I have been able to find some new blogs and bloggers have found me. :) I was so excited to have new followers!

My craft and recipe posting will resume next week, once I am home. I was able to do some sewing last week before heading out of town. I finished my daughter's bag before my self-made deadline and she loves it! I used the Downtown Bag pattern by Amy Butler and the fabric is Farmer's Market by Sandi Henderson. I love how it turned out and more importantly, my daughter loves it! Hanna filled it and began carrying it the day I gave it to her. We had several people comment on it while out and about in Charleston and even one of her guy friends asked about it! How funny is that?

Don't you just love that big button? The pattern called for a fabric flower or a plain front. Hanna is not a flower person and I think the button gives it just the right punch! I added two pockets on the inside and instead of Velcro, which it called for, I used a magnet snap.

The pictures were taken at my daughter's house in Charleston. I wish you could see outside the windows. There are two huge palm trees just out the door. I just love the coast and especially this city.

SewMamaSew Givaway Closed

2009-05-31T15:26:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone for participating in the SewMamaSew give away. I'm writing for my wife Pam, who had to make an unexpected trip out of town. As soon as she can get back online, she will be announcing the winner.

Please continue to register for the SEWN give away. The scissor fob and scissors are Pam's contribution.

SEWN Giveaway

2009-05-28T13:08:00.005-04:00

DON'T MISS ANY OF MY GIVEAWAYS! THERE ARE 3!

There's a new kid in town, or I should say a new blog! :) SEWN is hosting a blog giveaway to launch it's new site and I am participating. Yes, that is three giveaways at once! But how could I not participate in this exciting new community? Following are the comments from SEWN and to the right is a button link. Click over and find all the blogs participating. There are some great giveaways out there.

"SEWN is new and innovative online quilting and sewing community for all lovers of fabric crafts. We have Tips and Innovative Tools to help with your projects, an Advice Centre for all your sewing questions, online forums and chats, and information on your local shops, sewing groups, quilt groups and classes.
SEWN will feature designers and shops from Australia and New Zealand, as well as the latest from the USA, Canada, Europe and Japan. "

I am giving away a Scissor Fob and a pair of Embroidery Scissors!

I have used a 1 1/2" button covered in Moda's Wonderland Fabric.

There is an alligator clip on the back of the button. This is great to clip to your clothing or craft bag, furniture, etc. I even use one while traveling and clip it to the seat belt. You will never have to look for your scissors again while using this handy dandy scissor fob.

The ribbon was heat finished and I used a heat and bond Velcro for the closure.

A pair of blue stork titanium scissors are included.

To register for this giveaway, leave me a comment and tell me what type of sewing or craft activity you love. I will randomly choose a winner on June 8. Make sure you are linked to your blog or leave me your email or web address for contact info. Enjoy!

SewMamaSew Giveaway #2

2009-05-26T20:42:00.018-04:00

Update: Thanks for participating. This giveaway is closed.

Yes, that's right! SewMamaSew Giveaway 2! Be sure and enter both of my giveaways. See the next post for my other giveaway!

I have a second Artfire business with my friend, Connie. From our SeWhatInc store on Artfire, we are giving away a pair of our

Flip Flop Buttons and a coordinating Pony Tail Holder.

These buttons are made with Moda's Sandy Gervais fabric line, Objects of Desire. Don't you just love this fabric line?

1 1/2" coordinating Pony Tail Holder

Plus we are including a set of Moda's Berry Delicious Fabric Button Magnets!

Our link is http://www.artfire.com/users/SeWhatInc. We would love for you to stop by and visit our shop.

Now leave a comment to enter this giveaway. Be sure and sign in with your blog/web info or include your email. I will keep this giveaway open until May 31st and will contact the winner that day!.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!

Head over to SewMamaSew's blog and check out all the participating blogs and their great giveaways.

http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/

SewMamaSew Giveaway #1

2009-05-26T20:16:00.012-04:00

Update: Thanks for participating. This giveaway is now closed.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am happy to be participating in the SewMamaSew giveaway. I am so happy that I decided to do 2 giveaways! Be sure and enter both!

Please leave me a comment telling me your birth month. This is important because I am giving away a Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Bracelet and Earrings. My friend, Diane, and I have an ArtFire jewelry business. If you get a chance, please head over and look around.

Our link is http://www.artfire.com/users/TogglesandBeads.

Since our giveaway ships in June, I am showing an example of the June Birthstone Bracelet.

I will leave the giveaway open until May 31st. I will choose randomly and will contact the winner. Please make sure you sign in with your blog/web site info or include your email. I don't want anyone left out because you forgot to do this part! :)

This is the style the Birthstone Earrings will be. I will replace the crystal with the correct color for your birth month.

Our earrings and bracelets are designed using sterling silver, Turkish beads, sterling lever back earring fasteners, bracelet toggles and Swarovski crystals.

HAVE FUN!

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-05-26T07:19:00.005-04:00

Dish Scrubbie

Jennifer at Craft Sanity has a quick and fun tutorial that is also practical. Visit Craft Sanity at http://craftsanity.com/?p=2392 for the free tutorial. There is even a video for you visual learners. I know these are designed and made for cleaning house but couldn't you also see these hung from the ceiling with clear line in staggering lengths for a party decoration?

Recipe Monday

2009-05-25T15:45:00.004-04:00

Squash Delight

When my husband and I married 26 years ago, he asked me to get two recipes from his mom. My Lemon Cheese Pie that I have already shared is one of them and this is the second one. It is one of our family favorites. Both my son and daughter love this and often request it. It is such a wonderful side dish and goes with any meat. We had it yesterday with a beef roast. Yummy!

Ingredients:

1 pound yellow squash, washed, sliced and boiled lightly

1/2 cup chopped onion, boiled with the squash

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup grated cheese (we use Velveeta but cheddar is fine)

1/2 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Drain squash and onion, add all the ingredients together. Pour in to a 2 quart sprayed casserole dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes or until bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

Friday Favorites

2009-05-22T12:41:00.004-04:00

My Library Card!

Today my favorite thing to share is my library card. I know that probably seems like a weird choice but for me it isn't. I am an avid reader and have bouts of insomnia. My husband is a light sleeper so watching television disturbs him at night, as does any type of cleaning or sewing, etc. Instead I read. I read a lot. This little card saves me so much money. I usually go to the library twice a month. Each visit I get between 12-20 books. Do you know how much that would cost me? I also love my library because we have a very user friendly web site. I go on the web, search out authors, topics or titles and reserve the book on my card. All I have to do is a quick in and out to get my books. They have them waiting for me all bundled together.

My favorite genre to read is a good murder mystery/ PI book. I really like a woman as the main character and usually prefer a woman author. However, I am a fan of Lee Child and he is definitely a man. :) I also love that I can check out many of the popular craft/sewing books. I usually get a least two of those each time.

Are you reader? If so, leave me a comment on what type of books you like best.

Another Giveaway

2009-05-21T22:14:00.005-04:00

Sewn is a new site just for sewers based in Australia. They are hosting a giveaway launch party for their new blog. I am so excited to participate. Come back after Tuesday and I will share what my giveaway items will be! I am postponing until I have SewMamaSew giveaway finished on the 27th. So remember, May 27 come and leave a comment for a chance to win two separate giveaways and then come back anytime between May 28 and June 8 for the Sewn giveaway!

Tuesday Giveaway!

2009-05-21T11:30:00.003-04:00

GIVEAWAY!

SewMamaSew is hosting a blog giveaway and I am happy to announce I will be participating! Come to my blog on Tuesday for an opportunity to enter the two, yes two, giveaways! And be sure and check out http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/ for many blog giveaways. It is a great way to find new creative blogs and a great opportunity to win some goodies. All giveaways are handmade and there will be such a variety. So remember, May 27, visit SewMamaSew's blog and mine!

Sewing To Do List

2009-05-20T11:21:00.003-04:00

I have got to get organized. I have been in a fog the last few weeks. I have had to take some medicine that just makes me feel spacey and have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished with my sewing and I have a lot I want to do. I am hoping making my list will help me to focus. So here it goes.

Sewing to do list:

1. Amy Butler's Downtown Purse for daughter. It needs to be completed by June 1st. That is when I go help her move.

2. Niece a sundress and matching bag.

3. Daughter skirt.

4. Purse for a birthday gift with a matching tea wallet.

5. Mug cozies for gifts. Have multiples of these to do.

6. Christmas in July Swap - stocking, other items

7. Birdie for a friend.

8. Fall bag for daughter - Amy Butler's Birdie Sling.

9. Heat Therapy Rice bag.

10. Summer skirt for me.

11. Cut off and hem a pair of jeans in to shorts for me.

12. I have many hand embroidery items I want to work on. I need to copy on to the fabric, organize in to packages and that way I can grab and go with it.

Things I want to learn:

1. Needle turn applique.

2. More hand embroidery stitches.

3. Stippling.

Here is my plan. Today I will iron and cut out daughter's bag. I bought the wrong color of thread so I will need to go get the correct thread color this afternoon. Tomorrow I will try and sew the bag.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-05-19T08:06:00.004-04:00

Wet Bag Tutorial

by Little Birdie Secrets

With warm weather approaching quickly, this tutorial not only looks good but is very practical. Little Birdie Secrets has graciously allowed me to share their tutorial for a Wet Bag. It has a side zipper and will keep your wet bathing suits, clothing, etc. separated from your dry items. This bag will be great for the pool, beach or in a diaper bag for those accidents that always happen with babies or toddlers. I think it would even work as a stylish ice pack (if a zip lock bag was used inside)! Go check out this tutorial in the following link and then look around Little Birdie Secrets' blog. They have lots of great tutorials and ideas.

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/

Recipe Monday

2009-05-18T10:42:00.004-04:00

Strawberry Fluff

or AKA

Pink Party Salad

There are food items that can take you back to childhood memories. This recipe is definitely one of those for me. My mom would make this salad anytime we went on a picnic, vacation or holiday. My dad often referred to it as Pink Stuff and we all four loved it. It is a simple salad that could even be used as a dessert. It is great for pot-luck dinners.

I made it this week for a friend's family and made us some for home. My son has requested this recipe to be included in a recipe book I am doing for him. He will be so glad it is an easy one.

Ingredients:

1 large can crushed pineapple

1 large box of Strawberry Jello (you can change the flavor of the Jello to any fruit flavor you prefer)

1 carton of small curd cottage cheese

1 large carton of Cool Whip

In a medium saucepan, mix pineapple and Jello. Heat until just boiling. Let cool completely. Add cottage cheese and Cool Whip. Stir together, pour into bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Easy peasy. :)

Swimwear Shopping

2009-05-16T09:14:00.005-04:00

Anyone Up For a Swim?

I am what most people would call fat, I prefer chubby girl. ;) Yes, I am heavy and no matter what I try, and I have tried lots of things, I seem to be able to lose 10 pounds and then right back on it goes. It doesn't help that I take steroids daily for chronic asthma. However, I also just love food. So, there are multiple issues. Anyway, one of the things I hate is to shop for swimming suits.

http://www.onestopplus.com/ has many size 12 and up shops located together and that certainly makes shopping for a plus size girl easier. I have ordered several things from them and have been very happy. Yesterday I decided to shop for swim wear. I love to swim and am fortunate to have a country club pool just down the street. I bought two suits and am anxious to get them and will let you know how they work out.

The first suit is a skirtini, two pieces with a tummy panel. Sounds good and it is from my favorite store, Avenue. I am not usually a blue person but I really like this suit, color and style. It didn't hurt it was on sale either.

This second suit is as basic as it looks. I have a little black skirt cover up that I can wear with this suit but remove it for when I want to swim laps or exercise. It is my practical suit.

I should receive the suits by Wednesday or Thursday and will give you the low down.

Favorites Friday

2009-05-15T09:36:00.006-04:00

I have decided to share a favorite item on Fridays. Sometimes it may be a sewing tool, a food item, a clothing item, etc. The only prerequisite is that it is one of my favorite things. I would love for you to leave me a comment each Friday with your favorite things.

This week I want to share the Clover Chaco Liner. I own two, the blue and white. Each time I sew, I use this nifty little tool. What makes it so great? The end is not a point that has to be sharpened but instead has a little rolling wheel. It is effortless to use and I can't imagine sewing without it now. They cost approximately 7.00 each and are refillable. I have had mine a year now and have not had to refill yet. I have also used when measuring on paper for a cutting line. I believe it comes in several other colors, including yellow and green.

Clover Chaco Liner

My Son's A College Graduate!

2009-05-13T09:07:00.001-04:00

Our son, Cody, graduated with honors from college last week! Woohoo! I am so proud of him. Now, if he can find a job in his career chocie, journalism, that would be terrific. However, the field is evaporating. Cody is blogging on several sites and hopefully that will develop in to a paid position. Until then, we are praying for a job.

Tutorial Tuesday

2009-05-12T14:12:00.002-04:00

Trash Bag for Your Vehicle

Over at Make It and Love It blog, Ashley has posted a free tutorial for this easy but very useful trash bag for your vehicle. I can't tell you how badly I need this and how much better this will work in my van than the small bathroom trash can I keep in there. My trash can isn't very practical because it turns over and spills easily and it sure isn't as stylish as this bag. I can also see using this to keep a notepad and pencil, small toys for the kiddos, hand sanitizer and lotion, etc. It doesn't just have to be for trash. :) Head over to the following link for the free tutorial and check out her other projects while there.

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/04/trash-bag.html

Recipe Monday

2009-05-11T14:46:00.004-04:00

Lemon Cheese Pie

1 - 8 ounce package of cream cheese, room temperature
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup of lemon juice
1 pie crust,
(you can use a homemade, frozen baked and cooled or a graham cracker crust. I have done all three and I can tell you the frozen is as good as a homemade and the graham is the easiest. It is your choice.)

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk and mix until creamy. Slowly add the lemon juice. When mixed well, pour in to a prepared and cooled pie crust. Refrigerate. May be served with a thin, sliced lemon that is scored and twisted and a dollop of whip cream.

This is a delicious and creamy pie that is just wonderful for summer dining and one of the easiest I have ever made. It is one of the three recipes my husband asked me to get from his mom 27 years ago after our wedding. In fact, my son requested this pie instead of a cake for his graduation dinner. It is definitely a family favorite. Hope you enjoy. :)

This recipe easily doubles, triples and quadruples for easy multiple pie making. I made three last week in one bowl. Yummy.

Update

2009-05-11T09:11:00.003-04:00

I did not have much updating going on last week. I was so sick. I caught a bug while out of town and came home to a very hectic week with my sister's adoption hearing, my son's graduation and a celebration trip with my sister's family. I was sick through it all and it was all I could do to just get through the week. Unfortunately, my daughter had the same virus. We had all the symptoms of the Swine Flu that everyone is so afraid of but was tested and found negative but told there is a virus mimicking the flu. Yep, cold symptoms with sore throat and coughing and intestinal issues as well! Ugh! It has not been fun but I am finally on the road to recovery. I think it would not have lasted as long if I had been able to just stop and rest. Oh well, such is life. I will be posting a recipe later in the day. I want to take a photo to share and the lighting is still too bad due to a cloudy rainy day. Until later...