tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39983515807569911522024-03-13T21:37:19.269-07:00Lyme RickyA tasty jumble of creative thoughtAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-88305874808533485272011-11-18T13:45:00.001-08:002011-11-18T14:11:04.329-08:00Incredibly Easy (and tasty) Risotto in 15 minutes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently I was given the greatest gift! I've never even heard of it before, it's the Electric Multicooker from Amazon.com. This is a great appliance for the kitchen. The browning function actually works to saute garlic & onion for this recipe. I'm still putting the appliance through its paces, but I've used the slow cooker to make BBQ chicken. The rice cooker worked well for this tasty risotto. It's creamy, cheesy and a perfect compliment for chicken and fish dishes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm not sure how well the recipe will work in other cookers. This is the only rice cooker I have ever used, so experiment as instructed by your appliance. The instructions listed below are for the appliance shown here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fagor-670040230-Stainless-Steel-6-Quart-Multi-Cooker/dp/B001A62O1G/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1321653081&sr=8-8"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yGVfg+G+L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Creamy Gruyere and Parmesan Risotto</span></u></b></div>
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by 3-in-1 Electric Multicooker Recipe Book, but adapted by me</div>
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2 Tablespoons butter</div>
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1 Tablespoon olive oil</div>
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1 Tablespoon minced garlic</div>
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1/4 cup minced onion</div>
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1 1/2 cups Arborio Rice</div>
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3 1/2 cups chicken stock</div>
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1 cup grated Gruyere Cheese (4 oz)</div>
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese</div>
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Salt and pepper to taste</div>
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<br /></div>
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Heat the butter and oil in the cooker on the brown setting. When the butter has melted, add the garlic and onion. Saute until you can smell the garlic -- about 2 minutes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Stir in the rice to make sure it's coated thoroughly. Pour in the stock. Lock the lid in place and set to rice cook. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once rice cook cycle is complete release pressure but allow the risotto to rest on the warm cycle with the lid on for about 5 minutes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Open the lid, stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan. Let it rest for about 3 minutes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-15252676607665741532011-11-13T15:32:00.001-08:002011-11-13T15:39:28.262-08:00Taco Soup<title>Big Batch Taco Soup</title>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here is my favorite recipe for taco soup. I really prefer the Old El Paso mild taco seasoning flavor, I think it's the best tasting of the prepared packets. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I think of this soup as a dump soup -- you just dump all the ingredients into a pot and let it simmer until you are happy with the taste. This one is incredibly healthy and tasty at the same time.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="recipe_title">
Big Batch Taco Soup</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.11in;">
2</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.11in;">
lb</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-top: 0.11in;">
ground
beef, browned & drained</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
3</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
cups</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
onion</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
2</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
can (15
oz)</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
kidney beans</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
2</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
can (15
oz)</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
black beans</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
2</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
cans</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
corn </div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
6</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
can(28
oz)</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
tomato, diced</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
3</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-right: 0.13in;">
package</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients">
taco seasoning</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.13in;">
1</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.13in;">
carton</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_ingredients" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
beef
broth</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="recipe_servings" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0.11in;">
Servings: 22</div>
<div class="recipe_nutrition_heading">
Nutrition Facts</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70%"><div class="recipe_nutrition">
Serving size: 1/22 of a recipe (16.9
ounces).</div>
<div class="recipe_nutrition">
Percent daily values based on the
Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.</div>
<div class="recipe_nutrition">
Nutrition information calculated from
recipe ingredients.</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="30%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; border-top: #000000 5pt solid; font-weight: 400; padding-left: 0.02in; text-align: left;">
Amount Per Serving</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Calories</b> </div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; text-align: right;">
307.88</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 2pt solid; padding-left: 0.07in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
Calories From Fat (11%)</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 2pt solid; text-align: right;">
33.44</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 400; padding-left: 0.02in; text-align: right;">
% Daily Value</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Total Fat</b> 3.79g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
6%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.07in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
Saturated Fat 1.36g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
7%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Cholesterol</b> 27.51mg</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
9%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Sodium</b> 1153.49mg</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
48%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Potassium</b> 1263.75mg</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
36%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Total Carbohydrates</b>
50.39g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
17%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.07in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
Fiber 13.75g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
55%</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.07in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
Sugar 2.6g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" valign="top" width="100%"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; padding-left: 0.02in; padding-right: 0.1in;">
<b>Protein</b> 22.49g</div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" valign="top"><div class="recipe_nutrition_fact" style="border-bottom: #000000 1pt solid; font-weight: 700; text-align: right;">
45%</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<hr />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-7762990377286265302011-11-13T14:18:00.001-08:002011-11-13T15:39:52.065-08:00Wonderful pumpkin cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/iced-pumpkin-cookies/detail.aspx"><img border="0" src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com//site/allrecipes/area/community/userphoto/big/4035.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I don't even like pumpkin. Really. I don't. Having said that, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/iced-pumpkin-cookies/detail.aspx">these pumpkin spice cookies </a>are amazing! My family loves them! Give them a try, you won't be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-54851473021453693532011-11-04T14:20:00.000-07:002011-11-13T15:40:15.764-08:00Fall 2011 Quilt Festival Entry -- Schnibbles Plan CMy entry this fall is a quilt that is now residing in Copenhagen, Denmark. I made it as a thank you present for our host family. These wonderful people left town to let us use their home for a month. That is amazing kindness! Even more amazing if you consider I have never met them face to face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXc8TkQ0Tx8/ThiP4Myk07I/AAAAAAAACzE/22cNBqaqKwc/s400/cropped+plan+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXc8TkQ0Tx8/ThiP4Myk07I/AAAAAAAACzE/22cNBqaqKwc/s320/cropped+plan+c.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
71.5 by 71.5 inches tall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used the Schnibbles Plan C design by Carrie Nelson and an April Cornell fabric line with white muslin.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejc1NzUdg10/ThiOMygs-CI/AAAAAAAACy8/fj-clN1foF0/s400/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejc1NzUdg10/ThiOMygs-CI/AAAAAAAACy8/fj-clN1foF0/s320/IMG_5172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I tried free motion flowers all over, but learned that my quilting was too close together to really see well once it was all washed and crinkly. Shucks! Oh well, live and learn.<br />
<br />
I miss the quilt, but I'd trade it again in a heart beat for the wonderful trip and the great adventure. Thanks Anne & Jens!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiTQRLRDRAk/ThiQ1tc2DMI/AAAAAAAACzc/_tI45bPjiB4/s400/IMG_5714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiTQRLRDRAk/ThiQ1tc2DMI/AAAAAAAACzc/_tI45bPjiB4/s320/IMG_5714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the Bloggers Quilt Festival! This one of my most favorite times of the year. Click on the logo to join in the fun!<br />
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<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2011/10/28/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2011/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Long-BQF-F11.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-61568810146669628052011-10-30T13:32:00.001-07:002011-10-30T13:34:16.622-07:00Sugar Cookie FrostingYou can't have great cookies if you don't have a great frosting! Here's the one I learned from my mom:<br />
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<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 20pt;">Sugar
Cookie Frosting<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 12pt;">By
Jan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">INGREDIENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: 1.25in 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: 2.0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">2 Tablespoons Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 stick butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 Tablespoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 pound powdered
sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Dash salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">DIRECTIONS:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Combine wet ingredients until smooth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Slowly add powdered sugar until desired consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-20237905076343507462011-10-23T19:06:00.000-07:002011-10-30T13:32:52.681-07:00Sugar CookiesBack in college, I used to make these sugar cookies just to have dough in the freezer. There were times friends would even pay me money to make the dough for them to eat. It's my mom's recipe and I consider myself lucky that she's been willing to share it with me.<br />
<br />
In addition to great tasting dough, these make the best sugar cookies I've ever tasted, very similar to a pink frosting cookie sold in stores.<br />
<br />
There are two tricks to baking these cookies.<br />
<br />
First, be sure to combine the butter & sugar and beat until very light in color. Add the eggs and beat until fluffy. Don't rush this step!!!!<br />
<br />
The second important step is to take them out when they've just finished baking. If you wait until they turn brown, the cookies will be very dry and crumbly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 20pt;">Sugar
Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 12pt;">By
Jan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: 1.25in 1.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">INGREDIENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: 1.25in 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 ½ sq. Butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 cup Sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">3 Eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">1 TBSP Baking Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">3 ½ cups Flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">¼ tsp Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">2 TBSP Vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">DIRECTIONS:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Cream sugar and butter together. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Add remaining ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 14pt;">Bake cookies at 350 for 6-7 minutes - do not over bake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-63719930444220810422011-09-19T05:49:00.000-07:002011-09-19T05:49:48.112-07:00Books for Young ReadersA while back, I asked friends to give me a list of the books their children have loved to read. Here's a compilation of their recommendations. I haven't read all of them, but many of them are absolute favorites.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
A Boat
to Nowhere<br />
A Wrinkle in Time<span> </span><br />
Al
Capone Does My Shirts<br />
All-of-a-Kind
Family<br />
Amber
Brown is Feeling Blue<br />
Because
of Winn-Dixie<br />
Beezus
and Ramona<br />
Breaking Through<span> </span><br />
Call it
Courage<br />
Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory<span> </span><br />
Charlotte's Web<span> </span><br />
Chronicles
of Narnia series<br />
Dying to Meet You<br />
Ella Enchanted<span> </span><br />
Emily
Windsnap series<br />
Encyclopedia
Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch<br />
Encyclopedia
Brown Boy Detective<br />
Encyclopedia
Brown Finds the Clues
Encyclopedia Brown Gets His Man<span> </span><br />
Fairy
books by Daisy Meadows<br />
Fever
1793<br />
Freak the Mighty<span> </span><br />
From the
Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler<span> </span><br />
Harriet the Spy<span> </span><br />
Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets<br />
Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows<span> </span><br />
Harry Potter and the Goblet of
Fire<span> </span><br />
Harry Potter and the
Half-Blood Prince<span> </span><br />
Harry Potter and the Order
of the Phoenix<span> </span><br />
Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban<br />
Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer's Stone<span> </span><br />
Hattie Big Sky<span> </span><br />
How to
Eat Fried Worms<br />
Indian
in the Cupboard<br />
Inkheart<span> </span><br />
Inkspell<span> </span><br />
Island
of the Blue Dophins<br />
James and the Giant Peach<span> </span><br />
Knights
of the Round Table<br />
Little Women<span> </span><br />
Misty of
Chincoteague<br />
Mrs.
Piggle Wiggle<br />
Mysterious
Benedict Society<br />
Nancy
Drew Clew Crew books<br />
Number the Stars<span> </span><br />
Old
Yeller
Oliver
Twist<br />
Percy
Jackson<br />
Peter and the Starcatchers<span> </span><br />
Rainbow
Magic fairy books by Daisy Meadows<br />
Ramona Quimby, Age 8<span> </span><br />
Ramona the Pest<span> </span><br />
Red Scarf Girl:
A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution<span> </span><br />
Saddle
Club books<br />
Seedfolks
Shiloh<span> </span><br />
Sister's
Grimm
Summer
of the monkeys<br />
Summer Reading Is Killing Me!<span> </span><br />
Superfudge<br />
Tales of
a Fourth Grade Nothing<br />
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer<span> </span><br />
The City of Ember<span> </span><br />
The Enormous Crocodile<span> </span><br />
The
Fairy Painting
The
Ghost,<br />
The White House and Me<br />
The Hunchback of Notre Dame<span> </span><br />
The Indian in the Cupboard<span> </span><br />
The Invention of Hugo Cabret<span> </span><br />
The
Penderwicks<br />
The
Princess Tales<br />
Treasure
Island<br />
Tuck Everlasting<span> </span><br />
Where the Red Fern Grows<span> </span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-15964495568209277792011-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:002011-07-09T13:40:12.602-07:00Plan C finished! Renamed Plan Copenhagen<p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 362px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627405930068235186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXc8TkQ0Tx8/ThiP4Myk07I/AAAAAAAACzE/22cNBqaqKwc/s400/cropped%2Bplan%2Bc.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Plan Copenhagen<br />71.5 x 71.5 inches </strong></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>Finished June 2011</strong> </p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627403103548945298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bArK4jw4EJk/ThiNTrL3M5I/AAAAAAAACyE/Y4Id-5CRCQc/s400/plan%2Bc%2Bstart.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p>I started this quilt in July 2010. The fabric had been a Christmas Gift from Santa in my stocking, but it took a few months until I figured out what I wanted to make with it. This quilt is made from a pattern in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schnibbles-Times-Two-Squares-Patchwork/dp/1564779866/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310233100&sr=8-1"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schnibbles</span> book by Carrie Nelson. </a>Love that book! The pattern went together fairly quickly. I loved the way the stars started to pop out, even before the white was added.<br /></p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627403106651691074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjFn2rFV2P8/ThiNT2vnWEI/AAAAAAAACyM/_bDCJwQakDQ/s400/plan%2Bc%2Bsecond.JPG" />Here you can see the quilt beginning to come together -- this is only one or two days worth of sewing.</p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627403532839954162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3eszHfV82s/ThiNsqa0JvI/AAAAAAAACyk/65AgYy6x7xk/s400/plan%2Bc%2Bmiddle.JPG" />After piecing together the top, I took a break for a few weeks. That always seems to happen to me -- borders must get me down! But, in mid-August, I finally pieced together the piano key border and the top was finished. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627404074745364706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FCMKs-Rl4I/ThiOMNLIgOI/AAAAAAAACys/fiqe1RqJSBM/s400/plan%2Bc%2Btop%2Bfinished.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p>It was so large, my living room floor wasn't quite big enough to get a clear picture. The quilt sat in my storage room for months! I couldn't figure out how I wanted to quilt it, so I just left it alone. Then, I had grand ideas that I would finish all my quilts that are just sitting waiting to be quilted while I recovered from foot surgery. That didn't happen! They're still downstairs waiting to be quilted.</p><br /><br /><p>But, in May my husband was asked to go to Denmark to take a class. A wonderful family offered up their home as a place for my husband and his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">colleagues</span> to stay for a month while they took their class. I am amazed at their generosity! This quilt came to mind -- to me it just says 'Denmark'. That's also why I changed it's name to Plan Copenhagen -- just seemed to fit. :)</p><br /><br /><p>So, I finally had a reason to push myself to finish it. I quilted it in the first two weeks of June and it was ready to fly to Copenhagen.</p><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627404079550897842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxCUmANDvgM/ThiOMfE3HrI/AAAAAAAACy0/6nMvaV_UQ90/s400/IMG_5166.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627404084767946786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ejc1NzUdg10/ThiOMygs-CI/AAAAAAAACy8/fj-clN1foF0/s400/IMG_5172.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p>I stippled it with really tiny flowers and leaves. I have to admit, the quilting was not exactly as I like it. I did it really tight together, which makes it difficult to see the design. Oh well. Live and learn.</p><br /><br /><p>The quilt flew in my suitcase to Denmark and now resides in this adorable little house outside of Copenhagen:</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHUG81S8o-A/ThiQ1NvxFII/AAAAAAAACzM/mTWC5femTIs/s1600/IMG_6132.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627406978296910978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHUG81S8o-A/ThiQ1NvxFII/AAAAAAAACzM/mTWC5femTIs/s400/IMG_6132.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgJ2dY1eZ-I/ThiQ1X7GjpI/AAAAAAAACzU/6YKRbZnrGlk/s1600/IMG_6133.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627406981028810386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgJ2dY1eZ-I/ThiQ1X7GjpI/AAAAAAAACzU/6YKRbZnrGlk/s400/IMG_6133.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="left">This is a picture of the summer guest house out back. We actually stayed in the basement of the big house, but the guest house just looks so Danish I had to include it here. :)</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Thanks Annie & Jens -- we had an absolutely lovely time! We loved every minute in your home and in your country. Thank you for being so kind to share it with us. Hopefully this quilt will help you to remember over time how much we truly loved it! Thanks!</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiTQRLRDRAk/ThiQ1tc2DMI/AAAAAAAACzc/_tI45bPjiB4/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627406986807479490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiTQRLRDRAk/ThiQ1tc2DMI/AAAAAAAACzc/_tI45bPjiB4/s400/IMG_5714.JPG" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-34290196022666817222010-12-28T09:35:00.000-08:002010-12-28T09:35:00.836-08:00Twin Quilts<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRjPhYhqopI/AAAAAAAACj4/eWpuC6erPGM/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555418312787796626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRjPhYhqopI/AAAAAAAACj4/eWpuC6erPGM/s400/IMG_3540.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRjPhGiE1lI/AAAAAAAACjw/lHlwG_eqjwo/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555418307957675602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRjPhGiE1lI/AAAAAAAACjw/lHlwG_eqjwo/s400/IMG_3544.JPG" /></a>I made these two quilts for family this Christmas. I tried out some new quilting, but forgot to take pictures of the quilting itself -- we had to hurry and snap these pictures before they got shipped off for the holidays. <div></div><br /><div>Each quilt was about 68" square. I made it using the fabric line Snippets by American Jane. </div><div> </div><div>I started the centers well over a year ago. I loved them, but didn't know what to do for the borders. It took months until I found the right combination of movement without too much distraction from the center. When I started the border I had no idea how much work it would take -- there are a lot of squares in that thing! I really think it works though.</div><div> </div><div>I doubled up the batting for the first time as well. It made the blankets much heavier, each one weighed about 5 pounds when finished. I really like using 100% cotton batting because it breathes so well. And, I can't deny that the crinkles from the cotton just make me smile! </div><div> </div><div>But, over time the blankets get pretty thin. I'm hoping that by doubling it up, they will stay much thicker.</div><div> </div><div>Overall, I was very pleased with the final result. Hopefully they will be loved by their new owners. </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-22757115358310270332010-12-27T08:20:00.001-08:002010-12-27T09:35:35.486-08:00Thank you!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRi9AYm4YsI/AAAAAAAACjo/F1oV2eGbHvk/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555397954664686274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TRi9AYm4YsI/AAAAAAAACjo/F1oV2eGbHvk/s400/IMG_3549.JPG" /></a>During the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2010/10/29/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2010/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blogger's</span> Quilt Festival</a>, I was fortunate enough to win a fat quarter pack of Thistledown from <a href="http://www.jillilystudio.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jillily</span> Studios</a>. What luck! This is the first prize I have won in years!<br /><br />Thank you Jill! I really appreciate your generous gift -- I'll always remember your kindness and the extra effort you put into my gift! Thanks!<br /><br />I've been in love with this fabric ever since Jill showed it <a href="http://jillilystudio.blogspot.com/">on her blog</a> in September. The colors are just beautiful! I can't wait to put something together with it. Right now I'm leaning toward the design Twin Stars featured in the original <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jelly-Roll-Quilts-Pam-Lintott/dp/0715328638/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293467516&sr=8-1#_">Jelly Roll Quilts</a> book. I haven't cut any fabric yet, I'm still making sure it's what I want to do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-525017166333675952010-11-08T16:59:00.001-08:002010-11-08T17:04:38.671-08:00100 blocks blog tour -- come see!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TNidagnmpLI/AAAAAAAACcc/N_GSaPO2GNc/s1600/imcruisingblogtour-1251.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537348820610229426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TNidagnmpLI/AAAAAAAACcc/N_GSaPO2GNc/s400/imcruisingblogtour-1251.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I'm always searching for new ideas and inspiration. This month, <em>Quiltmakers 100 blocks volume 2 </em>comes out -- what a great way to spice up my quilting life. As part of the celebration, there is a great giveaway series and fun blogs to visit. <a href="http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/">Come join the Quilty Pleasures blog tour and get some great ideas. </a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-63575423717999890212010-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-29T04:58:28.248-07:00Mama Bear Quilt<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533081705737832930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TMl0fu-3SeI/AAAAAAAACXE/x0RiOmtqk0s/s400/Kris+Quilt+2.jpg" /> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Mama Bear Quilt</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">about 78" square</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">made with Hoffman and batik fabrics</span></div><p><br />Thanks to <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/">Amy for hosting the Blogger's Quilt Festival</a> -- what a great event! Here's my entry this fall -- my Mama Bear Quilt. </p><p><br />Several years ago, my sister's life was suddenly changed forever by a brain aneurysm and a previously undetected AVM. It was devastating to our whole family to have her struggle on the brink of death. We powerless to do anything. I was thousands of miles away -- with nothing I could do to help. Some days she was so sick, she couldn't even talk on the phone.<br /><br /><br />So, I did the only thing I could think to do -- I made her a quilt. As she faced months of surgery and struggles, I packaged all my love into this quilt for her. Every cut, stitch, and seam was made with her in mind. I made it long enough to cover her from head to toe -- at that point it was the largest quilt I'd made. It took some time, but I was finally able to send it to her.<br /><br /><br />My sister made it through. Today, you'd never know she ever faced such a physical challenge. Every day I'm grateful she's here and healthy. Words cannot convey how important she is to me.<br /><br /><br />Years later, long after my sister had recovered, she had it on her daughter's bed. It reminds me now that even when we think life is at it's worst, it can always get better and brighter.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533087283488027730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TMl5kZuI9FI/AAAAAAAACXM/uKi9kFbltJo/s400/anna%27s+quilt.bmp" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-38862282053998964262010-08-26T18:12:00.000-07:002010-08-26T18:18:51.186-07:00Schnibbles progress<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/THcRyOCovwI/AAAAAAAACVo/1jHB-mDjcSQ/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509892223571377922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/THcRyOCovwI/AAAAAAAACVo/1jHB-mDjcSQ/s400/IMG_0855.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I've been out and about on vacation with my family for the last month. In the midst of all the fun, the Plan C quilt from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schnibbles</span> is progressing nicely. As I've been putting it together, I'm perplexed at how I'm going to quilt it. </div><div> </div><div>I want to improve my free motion skills, so I think I'll try something difficult. I just haven't decided how to do that yet. The quilt has such large spacing, but I want to highlight the stars at the same time. It's such a pretty quilt, I'd like to emphasize the design with quilting that will enhance the overall picture. I'm toying with the idea of trying feathered loops, inside each square with outline quilting and repeats inside the stars, but it doesn't seem exciting enough.</div><div> </div><div>More thinking to come....</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-78269192081500688922010-07-18T19:06:00.000-07:002010-07-18T19:06:00.919-07:00Schnibbles Plan C<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schnibbles-Times-Two-Squares-Patchwork/dp/1564779866/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279332598&sr=8-1#_"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494692272370466594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEERgnS5vyI/AAAAAAAACRg/YlO6pgdhcPc/s400/61CI88JZSuL__SS400_.jpg" /></a> I recently purchased the book <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schnibbles</span> Times Two and I'm in love! <div> </div><div>The first pattern I decided to complete was called "Plan C". I've wanted a blue and yellow quilt to snuggle with on my bed, so this was a perfect pattern for April Cornell's Nature's Notebook by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moda</span>. It incorporated stars as well as bright spots of blue and yellow to catch the eye.</div><div> </div><div>I'm starting to see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">potential</span> for the quilt, but it's still got a way to go.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEEQTVPF0_I/AAAAAAAACRY/sBfQPIppycQ/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494690944672715762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEEQTVPF0_I/AAAAAAAACRY/sBfQPIppycQ/s400/IMG_0852.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-860285364405359732010-07-18T17:37:00.000-07:002010-07-18T17:54:56.609-07:00BruschettaOur tomatoes are finally turning red! I picked some decent sized Early Girls today -- I love it when you're cutting up a tomato warm from the summer sun. It just makes them taste better somehow. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495414032305122994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEOh8kk-brI/AAAAAAAACVQ/Se74qpZM1nk/s400/IMG_0943.JPG" />We've had a bug eating our basil this year, but I was able to get a few leaves to use for homemade Bruschetta. Usually meant as an appetizer, our family eats Bruschetta as a meal on Sunday afternoons in the summer. When the tomatoes are ripe, I just can't get enough! The recipe says 16 servings, but my family of four usually eats about two-thirds of a batch when we serve it up as the meal.<br /><br /><div><div align="center"><a href="http://cooks-catering.com/images/bruschetta.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 520px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://cooks-catering.com/images/bruschetta.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of cooks-catering.com</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bruschetta</span></strong><br /><br />2 tomatoes, diced<br />2 cloves fresh garlic, minced<br />1 tablespoon minced fresh basil<br />1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar<br />1/8 teaspoon kosher salt<br />two 16-inch-long French-style baguettes<br />3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br /><br />1. Stir everything but the baguettes and oil in a small glass or ceramic bowl, and let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.<br /><br />2. Slice the baguettes about 3/4-inch thick, on the diagonal. Brush one side of each slice with additional olive oil.<br /><br />3. Place slices oil-side-up on a baking sheet, and broil (carefully!) just until the slices are lightly browned. Remove them from the broiler and place in a serving dish so that the bottoms don't get soggy.<br /><br />4. When ready to serve, place about 2 to 3 teaspoons of the tomato mixture on top of each slice of bread.<br /><br />Servings: 16<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Nutrition Facts<br />Serving size: 1/16 of a recipe (1.8 ounces).<br />Amount Per Serving:<br />Calories: 108.86<br />Total Fat: 3.63g<br />Saturated Fat: 0.61g<br />Cholesterol: 0mg<br />Sodium: 191.17mg<br />Potassium: 85.34mg<br />Total Carbohydrates: 16.13g</span> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-58517487798422121262010-07-16T18:51:00.000-07:002010-07-16T19:06:14.517-07:00Square Foot Garden ProgressOur garden is doing remarkably well since it gets little or no attention from us. OK, that's not entirely true -- Maddie's new job is to water every day and she's been very responsible.<br /><br />Here's our first few harvests:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494687674234822418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEENU9573xI/AAAAAAAACQw/RncjWLqVnyg/s400/first+harvest+copy.jpg" /><br />The plants are growing tall and taller. Last year our zucchini and cucumbers just withered and died by mid-July. This year they've gone nuts! I'm worried that they're going to choke the tomatoes to the point that we don't get the bounty of red tomatoes I'd hoped for this year.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494687690681272466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEENV7LEyJI/AAAAAAAACRA/TrZxB9mzyzQ/s400/IMG_0900.JPG" /><br />So, I decided to smoosh the zucchini down a bit in the hopes that the tomatoes could have a chance. Hopefully I haven't killed the plants:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494687693877785122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEENWHFLsiI/AAAAAAAACRI/TFmhe-xJ4Wg/s400/IMG_0908.JPG" /><br />I'm still stuck on what to do with the cucumbers. They're blocking all the sunlight on the right half of the garden.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494687700823065282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEENWg9EQsI/AAAAAAAACRQ/bpBn4PK8BZI/s400/IMG_0899.JPG" /><br />We planted a few zucchini in normal dirt to see what would happen. So far, they are about 12 inches high and just have a few flowers. I think something has been nibbling on them, but I'm not sure.<br /><br />Here's some of the hundreds of tomatoes that are just hanging out green and tiny on the vine. I'm hoping they turn red soon...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494687682628450226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/TEENVdLId7I/AAAAAAAACQ4/1V4mavCMXvY/s400/IMG_0905.JPG" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-64923300362881078822010-05-21T18:22:00.000-07:002010-05-21T18:24:13.348-07:00Bloggers Quilt Festival Entry Spring 2010I love the bloggers quilt festival! It's so much fun to look at every quilt and get ideas for the coming six months.<br /><br />Here's my entry:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 352px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473890976907012290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cq13HCKMI/AAAAAAAACEE/6Nnly93tXI4/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" /><br />I made this quilt for a friend having a baby boy. It was a really good project to try out new stuff. This was the first time I've quilted shapes using my machine. I was astonished at how easy it was to do--<br /><ul><li>First I found clip art online. </li><li>I printed it out and then cut out the shape. </li><li>Using a water-soluble marker, I traced the pattern onto the fabric. </li><li>Then I quilted the pattern using free motion quilting</li><li>The stippling helps to give each design added depth</li><li>Then I sprayed the markings with water to make them disappear</li></ul>The quilt was pretty easy to put together, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473889646149585202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cpoZpvSTI/AAAAAAAACD8/gxkeVHKGIKo/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473889640640739522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cpoFIU-MI/AAAAAAAACD0/gQJdQzIab6M/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" /><br /><div><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473889625924925602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cpnOTzeKI/AAAAAAAACDs/ydlOGm5JvIc/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473889616856393010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cpmshspTI/AAAAAAAACDk/5XX8zW19CDc/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" /><a href="http://www.amyscreativeside.com/2010/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2010.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 183px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473889605573829122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S_cpmCfuYgI/AAAAAAAACDc/Oa4fy1V69sQ/s400/Spring+2010+Bqf.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-55965282371070282042010-04-30T13:44:00.000-07:002010-04-30T14:49:38.964-07:00In to win!So, I heard about this blog contest today, and I just can't resist -- I'm desperate for help!<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000066;"><strong>Help me Wilsonart -- you're my only hope!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /></div>My family used to spend about 30% of our life in our basement. We love this room, I sew, the kids play, we watch movies. Most of our family time together is spent in our wonderful basement. At least until March 30, 2010.<br /><p>I went down that morning to turn on a video for my son and my foot stepped in 3 inches of water. I suddenly realized that all of our treasures were floating. It didn't stop -- about six hours later we had about 10 inches of water. </p><p>Pictured here is only about 3-4 inches. It was flooding so fast we tried to get all the valuable things out before they were ruined. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466036409563301090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S9tDJ3lfROI/AAAAAAAACCM/VB3aulP9n1o/s400/IMG_9572.JPG" /></p><p>Because we were so distraught, we forgot to take a picture at full water depth. Just imagine the couch resting on large food cans to try to keep it above water.</p><p>After the waters finally receded four days later, we had to move everything from the basement so that it could dry outside.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466036417689854818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S9tDKV3Ao2I/AAAAAAAACCU/K2UNS6qEWdw/s400/IMG_9605.JPG" /></p><p>All of the family treasures(toys, fabric, sewing machine, tv, stereo, etc) are now waiting in the garage for our all-purpose basement to get fixed.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466043603791695154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S9tJsoLMzTI/AAAAAAAACCc/9IoNqY5EIZM/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" /></p><p>We've cleaned, replaced the ruined drywall, painted and are preparing to finish the walls with wainscoting. In the next two weeks I hope to have the carpet back in too. Here's to hoping!</p><p>But, I still have all of this stuff to organize and put back downstairs for my family to use. Oh, how I would love to have a wonderful organization system to store all the toys, games, crafts, and electronics! Please help us!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466043609470210946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S9tJs9VEE4I/AAAAAAAACCk/zdmntrL8LMk/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466043618742828370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S9tJtf30_VI/AAAAAAAACCs/D4AtwXA6Xaw/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" /> <p align="center"><strong>Can't you just imagine a beautiful storage system for </strong></p><p align="center"><strong>toys, sewing/crafting and games?</strong></p><p>Even though I really want to win I'll be good and share all the contest information so that you can try too: </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The contest runs through April 30th (so hurry over!), and one winner will receive expert design advice, as well as a customized cabinet/counter top organization utopia for your room valued up to $5,000!<br /><br />Take a photo of your family room, craft room, or basement. Whatever you think needs some organization love.<br /><br />Post the photo on a blog post and tell us more about the room. Who uses it, what takes place in that room, etc. Also include what you’d like the design team at Wilsonart to help you accomplish with the Spring Clean.<br /><br /><a href="http://web.me.com/axiomproductions1/Home-wire.net/Spring_Cleaning_Contest.html">Learn more about the contest here</a>. Submit the link to your blog post </span><a href="http://web.me.com/axiomproductions1/Home-wire.net/Spring_Cleaning_Contest.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> and you’ll be entered to win the $5,000 Spring Cleaning Room Makeover!</span> </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-39609808590404774682010-03-22T12:08:00.000-07:002010-03-22T12:14:36.796-07:00Party in Pink<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S6fAoUOVNAI/AAAAAAAAB_0/XHDrJbUXyDE/s1600-h/pink+drink.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451537672811394050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S6fAoUOVNAI/AAAAAAAAB_0/XHDrJbUXyDE/s400/pink+drink.jpg" /></a>I just saw this recipe in the April issue of Traditional Home Magazine and I didn't want to forget it. I think it would be great served at a baby shower or backyard party.<br /><br />You could freeze half and mix the two in a blender with fresh raspberries for a pink margarita too.<br /><br />I'm a teetotaler, so this mine is the alcohol free version:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Pink Drink</span></strong><br /><br />7 cups Raspberry Lemonade<br />1 cup Pomegranate juice<br />mint to garnishAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-12329135522445647752010-03-20T13:05:00.000-07:002010-03-20T13:19:18.936-07:00Chili Cook-off<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450811979311584642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S6UsnZRPlYI/AAAAAAAAB_U/_sWdd9bne7s/s400/IMG_9562.JPG" /> I'm off to our church's annual Chili Cook-off contest with two of my favorite stand-by recipes -- <a href="http://lymericky.blogspot.com/2009/04/black-bean-sausage-soup.html">Black Bean Soup</a> and <a href="http://lymericky.blogspot.com/2009/05/easy-breezy-cheese-bread_16.html">Cheese Bread</a>. Technically, neither one is chili. I learned last year that I'm not really a big fan of chili. Also, I'm such a picky eater, for pot-luck stuff I usually bring food that will make me happy. I really have a hard time eating food when I don't know the standards by which it was prepared. I guess I'm admitting several neurosis here. But, don't judge. I bring enough to share. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450811987452614370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S6Usn3mN1uI/AAAAAAAAB_c/qdt60t56YeA/s400/IMG_9563.JPG" />Generally I don't boil the soup this high, but I needed to cook the celery quickly. I realized I started the soup with only one hour until it was time to go -- by boiling the heck out of it, I'm hoping the celery will be soft by the time we make it to the church. UGH! I just realized my jeans are in the washer -- I'm off to throw them in the dryer in the hopes that they'll make it in time! Wish me luck on all counts!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-34906216819127936042010-03-17T19:32:00.001-07:002010-03-17T19:40:14.110-07:00Take NoteRuth -- Thanks! You're the only reader who even tried to guess my ambiguous movie quote! You will be getting something lovely in the mail. Let me know if you have a color preference or two. Ummm. I'm not sure of your address. I'll go through back channels to get it though :)<br /><br />For the rest of you, I have a <a href="http://www.mfiles.co.uk/classical-mp3.htm">wonderful website to offer to you </a>-- there are many classical piano pieces with free MP3 files. Definitely worth the few moments to download some of these beautiful pieces!<br /><br />Some of my favorites that I have played in the past are(hopefully these links will let you download them directly):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mfiles.co.uk/mp3-downloads/Waltz-op64-no2.mp3">Chopin's Waltz</a><br /><a href="http://www.mfiles.co.uk/mp3-downloads/fur-elise.mp3">Fur Elise</a><br /><a href="http://www.mfiles.co.uk/mp3-downloads/beethoven-minuet-in-G.mp3">Minuet in G</a><br /><a href="http://www.mfiles.co.uk/mp3-downloads/Notebook2-22-Musette.mp3">Musette</a><br /><br />I often ask my piano students to learn these songs, and now I have free MP3's to send them! I love free!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-64304083552346080032010-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:002010-03-14T20:47:35.102-07:00Delusions of grandeurDo you ever have "delusions of grandeur"?<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">(OK, just to make it interesting, I'll give a purse out of my pre-made stash to anyone who can name the movie I just quoted.)</span></strong><br /><br />I've been home, sick, lying on my couch for three days. In those three days, I've decided that I can do amazing things. Now, keep in mind, I haven't moved a muscle. I've not picked up a hammer and nail or any such thing. I've just been reading the best blog I've ever read -- <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/">Knock Off Wood</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;"><strong>I BELIEVE!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /><br />I think I'm going to <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/11/plans-for-entry-storage-benchshelf_2314.html">make these for the entry way</a>:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448696815814932050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52o4rNzdlI/AAAAAAAAB-c/3bagMJe1Gk0/s400/entry+way.jpg" /> And <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/11/plan-collector-shelf-knock-off-of_11.html">these for the basement</a>:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448698798977877842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52qsHEsh1I/AAAAAAAAB_E/96bHGL5y-eo/s400/kids+bookshelves.jpg" /> And <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/12/plans-simple-daybed.html">this bed for my daughter's room</a>:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448696823878483234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52o5JQTfSI/AAAAAAAAB-k/YyxjxPAZJjE/s400/Knock+Off+Wood+Simple+Daybed+6.jpg" /><br />with <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/12/plans-bankable-bookcase-land-of-nod.html">this on the side</a>:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448696829295324594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52o5dbx7bI/AAAAAAAAB-s/4UZTHbSgX30/s400/maddie%27s+bookcase" /> And <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/11/plans-craft-organizer-just-like-pottery_8813.html">this for me and my sewing room:</a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448696831630186562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52o5mIdGEI/AAAAAAAAB-0/PHWPdhsnPwU/s400/craft.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>And, maybe if I have some time left I'll <a href="http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html">whip up this dining room table</a>:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448698795138948882" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S52qr4xbHxI/AAAAAAAAB-8/OujZTn2Dw9M/s400/dining+table.jpg" />Did I mention that I'm the kid <strong><em>who cut the top of her thumb off</em></strong> in shop class? Watch out world! Here I come!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-29471908517171339542010-03-14T08:32:00.000-07:002010-03-14T08:32:00.140-07:00What's in store...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kbPdQbxqI/AAAAAAAAB9o/4pB6ROW05n0/s1600-h/IMG_9517.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447415176646870690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kbPdQbxqI/AAAAAAAAB9o/4pB6ROW05n0/s400/IMG_9517.JPG" /></a>Now that I finished the Whirlygiggle quilt, I can start on new projects to use up my fabric stash! I can't wait to see how these babies turn out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-17655877585350938072010-03-13T08:11:00.000-08:002010-03-13T08:11:00.453-08:00Stocking the Freezer<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kWr-GW2SI/AAAAAAAAB9A/b_wOmkhT00I/s1600-h/IMG_9426.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447410168941173026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kWr-GW2SI/AAAAAAAAB9A/b_wOmkhT00I/s400/IMG_9426.JPG" /></a>I love a yummy breakfast each and every day. But, I HATE cooking that yummy breakfast every morning. In fact, if I have to cook the breakfast, usually I just don't eat. Not eating is not good for my disposition. I become mean when I haven't had good breakfast.<br /><br /><div>To help combat an ugly situation, I have created this wonderful plan -- freezing breakfast. About once every three weeks I bake up a batch of <a href="http://lymericky.blogspot.com/2009/07/oamealcookie-pancakes.html">Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes</a>. These are the best -- packed with nutrition and tastiness, they make the perfect freezer food. </div><div> </div><div>So, I whip up a double batch, fire up my most treasured griddle and put a good movie or TV show on the computer. It takes about an hour to griddle up 80 pancakes(I use about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake). </div><div> </div><div>I let them cool on parchment paper for at least an hour. Then -- this is the important part -- I cut up that same parchment paper and stick it between layers of pancakes in a Ziploc bag. If you don't put the parchment paper between them, they stick together and just become a messy, unmanageable situation. </div><div> </div><div>After loading two Ziploc, I stick them in the freezer. Now -- instant breakfast. I take out as many as I need and warm them up in the microwave each morning. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998351580756991152.post-22394467340220877522010-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:002010-03-12T08:05:00.087-08:00Whirlygiggle repeat is finished and it's fantastic!<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447408906331077922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kViegpvSI/AAAAAAAAB84/5Gtj1FK3FUs/s400/whirlygiggle.jpg" /> This baby is 72 inches by 66 inches and absolutely vibrant! It's so much more dramatic in person than in a picture. I love it! It'll be perfect in my basement to help lighten and brighten the room without windows. I always love my quilts when they are finished, but I'm really enamored with this one. It just makes me feel happy inside to look at it. Yum!<br /><div></div><br /><div>I had not expected to finish the quilt this week. We are so packed with things that I thought I'd have to wait until next week to sew. Wouldn't you know it -- my daughter got the stomach flu and I had to cancel everything on Monday and Tuesday. Well, stuck at home means sewing time for mom! Yeah! But, I'll always remember this as the quilt I finished when my daughter was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">devastatingly</span> ill. (She wasn't sick when I staged this photo, so there are no germs on the quilt) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447414300632142034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-EoB6iw-q0/S5kacd2P0NI/AAAAAAAAB9g/OAWCVYmPi_4/s400/IMG_9516.JPG" /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06062330171346995260noreply@blogger.com0