We Seek After These Things

Before and Ahhh-fter

2011-01-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I love to look at before and after pictures in magazines, blogs, etc. I am so excited that I can finally post one.

It has been a year -- I officially unloaded the first load of junk out of our bonus room Martin Luther King Day last year. Now, after finally tidying things up this week I took some shots of our complete bonus/craft/fly-tying/ computer gaming/sewing/memory keeping/hoping-to-do-homework room.

The embarrassing "before" picture 2010

The completed project

David graciously accommodated me by building me this bookshelf. Would you believe we haven't owned a bookshelf the entire 15 years of our marriage?

Ample drawers to store crafting supplies

I bought these card catalogs several years ago from an old elementary school. David thought I was crazy and begged me to get rid of them. My cabinet guy drooled when he saw them. I was fearful he would steal them when he took them to refinish them. Instead, his son/worker just stole a big load of cash from my money jar -- another story (I have his fingerprints on the jar, but the police don't care). Yeah, I am still reeling.

Stools where I hope my children will sit to become smarter while doing their homework. Yeah, right.

The fly-tying side of the room. I left my skeptical husband a set of drawers for his gear.
I think he is happy now I kept them.

And cubbies to store children's momentos in hopes of making it into binders before they marry.

All in all, we replaced carpet and lighting, repainted, installed cabinets and countertops. I was hoping to splurge on furniture on which to lounge and possibly a TV, but since my cash was ripped off I will have to wait. I am project-ed out. But, I do have one in mind I might have enough energy for! :) We'll see if I can enlist my hubby's help again. He's such a great sport!

Just Apply Yourself!

2011-01-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

I have this cute friend who is always trying to encourage me to create. I can come up with a list of excuses a mile long. But her response is always..."Leisa, you just need to apply yourself!" So when I do I LOVE it!! It really does feel great when you complete something...especially if
it has been hanging over your head for awhile. I have had this skirt crumpled up in a corner in my closet for months. I decided today was the day to give her new life. It was rather blagh looking when I saw it in the thrift shop. It was very long and the elastic at the waist was shot. But it was calling my name because I had recently purchased a sweater that would look pretty cute with it. So I took it home for $2.50. I had a great time giving her new life AND I have a pair of brown boots on order that will look quite nice with this little ensemble.
Have you applied yourself lately?? It really is satisfying.
:)

I wasn't really loving the fluffy ruffle at the bottom so I pressed it flat. I was happier with that. I thought the flowers kind of gave it an Anthrpoligie type look and Anthropligie is one of my very favorite stores to browse around in!

The Elves and The Shoemaker

2010-10-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

As a child I was fascinated with this story. If I remember right, the version we had was by Paul Galdone and the little elves that helped him were naked and he and his wife surprised them with
beautiful little outfits. I just loved it! I have also fallen in love with the simple process of making these adorable little shoes out of my wool. I have made a few for baby shower gifts and for my little grand daughter Elsie. They are addicting and so adorable!

Witch Hat

2010-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

A styrofoam cone and paper-mache . . . a festive little hat was
born! I covered it with old Halloween post cards, old photos and newspaper.

The silk flowers & bow are wired on the top.

It was fun to do - the only creative project I have made
time for this season.

*link is fixed to DIY Dish - sorry I goofed before!

Inspiration for this projects and the how-to

came from this DIY Dish web site. I met these

two girls at Spark last month and they are from

our sweet little valley! Funny girls with so much

energy...and yes, I think they look do look a lot

like Marie Osmond. They really are awesome

women.

You've Been Slimed

2010-09-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Cael loves to play with this "GAK" stuff. It is a slime --- even better than play dough in his mind. We have made it for several years, and it is always a hit. It's gooey and slimy and keeps well in a ziploc bag. The recipe is:

GAK

1 cup Elmer's Glue

3/4 cup water

Mix above together in a bowl.

Separately, mix together

1/4 c. hot water

1 tsp. Borax

Slowly add the two together. The mixture will immediately coagulate together.

Knead, then drain off excess water.

This is perfect for upcoming haunted houses. You can also tint it another color with food coloring if desired.

Happy Sliming!

I'm Back....

2010-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

This summer has been beautiful in so many ways.
My days to create have been far and few in between
~but I haven't been idle!
I will be posting some of the projects I have been
working on in the not to distant future.

For now though, we must enjoy
fresh tomato sandwiches & corn on the cob

***

SPOILER ALERT
This is in a birthday package on its way to
my adorable daughter-in-law Dani.
shhhhh.

It was a simple pre-fab apron of restaurant quality
that I souped up a bit for a great cook
who loves to garden and adores the color
blue.

It just took a tiny bit of seam ripping and some hand stitching.

On Sabatical

2010-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

This week is finals week for me - just two classes, but the work is piled so high I really don't have time to think about a spare moment to myself. The exciting news is that our sweet little granddaughter is preparing to enter this world in a matter of days!! I will get to go welcome her very soon! Even Mark gets to escape for just a few minutes :)

Can hardly wait to have some time in my life again for creating...

The thoughts of holding that brand new baby and playing with my

little Liam are what pull me forward - and that fact that Jake & Lindsey

came up for the weekend with that sweet Miss Molly. True love.

The silver linings in lifes storms are sweet indeed.

Be back rejuvinated in just a few weeks!

P.S. My Basil is growing!

Week #12

2010-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Two quilts off a shelf and quilted! I did the piecing and had then machine quilted.
It sure feels good to have them finished. I need to finish the binding and then
wash the chalk marks off. The larger one that is a combination of pieced
and applique was probably nearly finished well over 8 years ago. Nice that I
still love it even though that much time has passed! It was the first quilt my little sewing group Purple Cats did together. The other little scrappy square quilt is just a throw Camber & Emily helped me piece a couple of years ago. I am really happy to be checking off unfinished projects!

Week #11

2010-04-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

What a miracle a tiny seed is!

This week as I was going through a drawer, I found some seed packets that were never planted last year. I'm hoping they still have their get-up-and-go! I planted Sweet Basil and Lemon Basil. We love this savory herb at our house! The basil plant in the background was one I purchased at the grocery store about 4 months ago. It was $3.99 and was just a small little plant. It's fragile little roots were in a dirt pod type thing, wrapped in paper. I thought some fresh basil would be divine at that time and felt it was worth the $ even if for a few dishes. We snipped it, ate it and watered it when it was thirsty and it took off! I had to re-pot it about 6 weeks ago. I can't believe my luck.

Week #10

2010-04-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a nice spring break last week. Being gone most of the week I wasn't able to do much sewing or crafting, but yesterday - out of necessity, I decided Sunday dinner was coming from the pantry and whatever I could find in the freezer. I had a couple of apples that were well past their prime and few onions that were in the produce drawer. I found a few pork chops that had been in the freezer for about the allowed time - and I cooked up the most tasty little dish ever!

I browned the pork chops in a little bit of butter until they were nice and brown and then removed them from the pan. Then I sauteed the apples and onions in the same pan I used to brown the meat, adding a dab more of butter. I cooked them until they were softened and the pan was de-glazed. I placed the pork chops in a baking pan and poured the onions and apple over the them. I added one cup of chicken broth - covered and baked for about 30 min.

Just at the end I stirred a little cornstarch into some cold water - uncovered the pan and stirred it in carefully at the sides - added some Parmesan cheese and let it simmer while we set the table. I served it over rice with green beans on the side. So fast and so quick and the flavor was incredible!
Think twice before you toss out old produce or meat from the freezer that might have tiny spot of freezer burn. My grandma's words always enter my head - "Waste not, want not.

For dessert I looked through my collection of cookbooks and went to an old Hersey's Chocolate Favorites. I used to make these cupcakes for my kids when they were younger. They are similar to the hostess cream filled but SOOO much better! Recipe is below.

Enjoy!

Creme Filled Cupcakes

3/4 cup shortening (I sub butter)
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk

Cream butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Fill paper lined muffin cups 2/3's with batter. Bake about 18-20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Prepare Vanilla Creme
Combine 1/4 cup flour & 1/2 cup milk. Cook in a small sauce pan til it just mixtures starts to thicken and comes to a boil - stir constantly with a wire whisk. Cool. Cream 1/4 cup butter& 1/4 cup shortening. Add 2 tsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt & cooled milk mixture. Add 4 + cups of powdered sugar til mixture is thick and creamy. Spoon into pastry bag with a large star tip and carefully fill cupcakes. You can squeeze a little of the white cream filling on top or we made a chocolate frosting.

Makes 24 cupcakes.
(I doubled this recipe for a fireside and there was enough of the single recipe of the cream filling for 48 so you can plan on that for the topping as well)

Week # 9

2010-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

old sweater = new spring purse

and...a cute little Easter Skirt for Miss Molly.
(I did use a few little pieces of new fabric I recently acquired on a
shop hop last week - along with some scraps from days gone by.)

Week #8

2010-03-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

This week we gave new life to two jumpers that Em out grew. The fabric was so much fun we couldn't toss them ~ so here is how they will spend the next chapter in their lives...

This little ruched flower is pretty quick to work up -
it looks much more complex than it really is,
I made a smaller one for her hair.
Emily wanted to add the netting on the underskirt and
I think it is a great little touch!

She looked fantastic in her new skirt.

*****

This next one is a zinger.
I will call it the collage skirt or
"eat your heart out Anthropologie"
It looks a little more hip in real life.
It was just a kick in the pants to do.
She wore it with a red sweater today
and it was amazing!

So ... anybody else out there
using it up
wearing it out
making it do
or doing without?

or are you just buying more stuff??

:)

Week #7

2010-03-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

The beads came out (they needed some sorting and organizing) so I created. The bracelet on the bottom left is one of my favorite kind to make. Its done with silk thread and knotting. They are so flexible - both in the size adjustment and what you can do with them. I've done bigger focus beads and then others that have been mostly tiny beads. The flower necklace was a blast to do! A friend of mine named *spring* had birthday on the first day of *spring* - so the *springtime* dangle was created. I didn't have enough chain so I added silk ribbon on the ends. (Use it up - that's my motto this year!)

I also took some time for some photography - another *free* thing to do for fun. It's still so brown outside so having these daffodils in the window are such a bright spot in my kitchen! Thanks to sweet friend who drops them by every year!

Healthy eating - green smoothies - more raw foods - and exercise. We are working on these things at our house. I'm pretty sure there will be more to say on the subject of green smoothies in the near future. But I tried a recipe out of the book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World ~ the Coconut Lime Cupcakes. mmmmm they were tasty. After we munched down on them and then analyzed, we decided they were really good and if we were vegan we would be thrilled to have them - but, a little on the heavy side. We thought needed a couple of good old eggs. (Guess we wouldn't last too long without dairy in our diet.) I will include a modified version of them with substitutions that I will be making next time.

Coconut Lime Cupcakes

1/3 cup coconut oil (applesauce or canola oil)

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup coconut milk (Light works great)

1/4 cup soy milk (regular milk with be Camber's preference)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp coconut extract

2 fresh eggs :) * NOT* in original recipe

1 T lightly packed finely grate lime zest

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Lime Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup non hydrogenated shortening (I will omit this)

1/2 cup non hydrogenated margarine (I will use butter next time)

3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 tsp freshly grated lime zest

1 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut ( I used sweetened because that's what I had)

Thinly sliced limes for garnish (if desired)

If you are using the coconut oil, melt it in a small sauce pan. Ina medium bowl mix together the melted oil and sugar. Add the coconut milk, milk, extracts and lime zest. Mix to combine. Add all dry ingredients. Mix til smooth then dd the coconut. Bake at 350 degrees for 23-25 minute minutes - til top springs back lightly.

When I made the original icing I only use have of each of the shortening and margarine - just couldn't bring myself to put a whole cup of all of that in. I am a dairy princess at heart. The frosting was very tasty - I mean we couldn't quit liking the beaters and the bowl - but the consistency was a little on the soupy side. Don't know if it was the lime juice or the fact that I hadn't followed it correctly - but we had the get them in the fridge ASAP once we dipped them in the coconut.

This is definitely a recipe to play around with and was fun for St Patty's Day !

Week # 6

2010-03-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

I was asked to teach a wool project at little retreat next month and so I have been playing with some wool scraps, fabric scraps, scrapbooking paper scraps and fun little bits and pieces.

I so love to create!

This is Molly's Quilt. I finally got it finished. A friend of mine did the machine quilting. I used a jelly roll that I had purchased a couple of years ago. It was so much fun to make. The dresden plates are machine pieced and hand appliqued. It is bigger than a crib size - so I guess it will be for the crib and beyond! Hope she knows how much love went into it and how sweet it was to think about her and who she will be while I worked on it.

Week #5

2010-03-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

This past week was jam-packed week filled with family. On Sunday our beautiful little granddaughter, Molly was given a name and a blessing by her father. I spent some time with my daughter, Lindsey, helping her make Molly's beautiful little blessing dress. She did a beautiful job with the smocking and stitching. I will count this service of time for my project this week. When Lindsey gets time to upload a photo of her dress I will link. Babies are the sweetest blessing.

Week #4

2010-02-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Week #4 brings 4 little pairs of earrings. It was a busy week but I knew
I needed to come up with something. Better than just beads in a box, right?

Days of the Week Dishtowels

2010-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

The last time I did an iron-on transfer I believe my age was still in the single digits. I redeemed enough cereal box tops to receive a fancy silver and black Schwinn iron on. I strategically wore it, of course, when riding my bike!

Needless to say, it has been a while since I have done simple iron-on transfers. When I saw this tutorial of numbered towels, I thought it would be a classy one to try. Using some flour sack towels I bought at Wal-Mart, it turned out without any glitches. The problem was they only came in packs of five. So, I have two more to do when I make it back.

With there being three images per sheet, I had a lot of white space on the last page. I didn't want to waste that transfer sheet, so I googled a baseball image and put it on a wrinkled undershirt of Cody's. Cael was more thrilled with it -- I should have used one of his.

I think I could have a lot of fun doing these. Check out this blog for more number ideas -- she claims is currently quite the rage in home decorating.

Project 2010 - Week #3

2010-02-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

Pulled a dress that was in our mending/refurbish basket out and transformed it into a skirt!
It was pretty easy. I just cut the top of it off and made a little casing.
I used the drawstring from the neck and voila! A skirt!
It even had pockets! Bonus.
(Good girl, Em for practicing the piano!!)

This next one was a BLAST!

I had a bag filled with scraps from old prom dresses. The organza makes the most adorable flowers. These little pins are everywhere these days. Cute on a jacket or on a bag or in your hair.
They work up very fast and if you don't have scraps - ask a friend or buy 6 or 8 inches of a few colors! They are only pennies to make.

You simply cut out about 5-9 circles of gradating sizes -
don't be too fussy here.
Next you hold a lighter quite close to the edge of the
fabric and slowly turn the pedal.
This melts the edges and causes it to curl. It's so fun!
You will want to make dozens of them!
To embellish look for buttons or beads or old costume jewelry.
This would be a great girls night party!
I have stitched pins to the back or clips if they are
for the hair or a headband.

I am certainly not taking credit for inventing this -
(I really wish I knew who to credit!)
I came across the directions
a few months ago on line somewhere.
I have seen where you can stitch several
to a wide ribbon for a pretty necklace.
Let me know how you like this if you try it!
(I made a few tacking stitches to hold all the layers
together then added the embellishments)

And last of all - I finished a little penny rug with scraps of wool.
I started this well over a year ago! Wahoo!!

Hope you all had a creative moment this past week!

Week #2

2010-02-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

Project 2010 continues . . .

We enjoyed a wonderful get-away to visit Mark's
brother in Vegas this past long weekend.
Wow was that warm sunshine heavenly!
I took along a pleated dress that has been sitting in a box
waiting to be smocked for several years now.
I was able to complete all the hand stitching as we
drove down. Have you tried smocking?
It really is quite simple and kind of similar to
cross stitch. It works up very quickly.
I have a pleater that puts in all the "gathers" in for me.
If you like hand work, you would love smocking.
I am very blessed to have a little grand daughter
to smock for and one more on the way!

Watch for the finished dress to be posted in the not too far future!

Another thing I did last week was pretty difficult.
I walked into the garage and took
a big bag of bird seed off the shelf that had been
sitting there since last spring ~
And I filled my bird feeders!
Wow - were those cute little birdies thrilled!
We have one hanging right outside the kitchen window.
We LOVE watching our feathered friends.
I still need to learn about them and what kind of birds they are . . .

Wanting to involve all family members with this challenge -
Mark was game to use up some of our wheat and 9 grain cereal.
The result was some of his wonderful bread!

Oh, and a yummy little tip with french toast.
(Don't throw out your old bread! Make croutons or french toast!)
I learned this at girls camp a few years ago. Melt a little butter on the hot skillet and then sprinkle lightly with sugar. Grill one side of the toast, lift up the bread & butter and sugar quickly before flipping it. The result is a very crunchy, caramelized piece of french toast!
It is especially delicious with fresh strawberries and whipped cream!

Hem Haw!

2010-02-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

I am just tickled to death that I learned something new.

I have a jean fetish. Come fall, with the slight drop in the thermometer, I am itching to jump into a pair of comfy jeans and an oversized sweater. It was no surprise that as Laken and I were shopping last week, I found yet another pair calling my name. As usual, they were way too long. However, I am so cheap I didn't want to pay for alterations. Having altered the last 3 or 4 I bought, I knew I could do it myself. Although, I knew there was a certain alteration method that preserves the original hem. So, I googled it.

It is called a European hem. Nordstrom charges $22 for it. This link shows you how to do it. I did it in just minutes and was tickled pink! I hope you appreciate it more than my hubby did when following my experiment I anxiously called him at work. He didn't share the same enthusiasm.

Here's an Attempt...

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so as I mentioned before...our family's goal is to focus on bringing the words "ORGANIZE" and "ORDER" to life in our home! Maybe after we see progress in this area we will be able to listen to our creative yearnings!!
ANYWAY...here is an attempt at taming one eyesore on my desk.

BEFORE...

and...AFTER!

I actually saw this idea on another blog...but can't remember which one. So if this is your idea THANKS for sharing it! We were having a hard time keeping up on all the papers that come home...usually keeping those that don't matter and losing those that do! I thought this looked like a great way to keep things in place...and easy for everyone to know where to put the "stuff" that they wanted to keep track of! Now...just to keep track of the binder!!

Ruffle Scarf

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

I guess I can count this as my project for the week. I assure you I won't be able to keep this up at a weekly rate. However, Laken and I were able to sneak into Joann's Friday night while the boys went to a Flash game. I had seen this tutorial that I wanted to try. They didn't have red -- my fabric of choice. Laken loved this yellow, so we went for it. It is a quick project, so I made it early Saturday morning. Anxious to get her approval, she looked at it and said, "It's too long for me." I then told her I couldn't wear it because I look horrible in yellow. So, now it is a scarf that is unloved in this house. I will probably have to wear it with my black coat matching nothing since the only thing I own that is yellow is a pair of summer pumps! Anyone looking for a yellow scarf?

Week 1

2010-02-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

I did post ... I was just on my other blog.

Just a little tired I suppose.

You can link from here.

Happy creating everyone!

Month of Meals -- take one

2010-02-03T12:28:00.001-08:00

The idea isn't foreign. You take your family's favorite 30 meals and put them in a handy book and use it in your rotation system. Right. Sounds easy, but I haven't been able to get around to it yet. So, I decided to go slowly at it. Every time we have a meal that is a home run with all the family, I am going to type it up and save it on the computer. Hopefully over a few month's time, we will have found 30 winners. Lately, I have leaned toward quick and easy being first priority, yet great-tasting recipes. So, I thought I would share my latest love.

It. Is. Easy.

Smoked Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches -- courtesy of Rib City Grill
1 small 2-4 lb. pork butt "bone in" or pork collar, or roast bone in or no bone
1 bottle Liquid Smoke
1 blend of Vegetable blend spices (Season Salt, Celery, Salt, Pepper, Montreal BBQ Spices, Garlic powder mixed together
1 bottle Sweet BBQ sauce

Spread all spices on Pork Roast or Butt forming almost a crust, or thick layer.
Tear off 2 big pieces of foil to cover roast.
Pour 1/2 bottle liquid smoke into foil with roast. Wrap the first sheet, then wrap it again with the second sheet so the juices cannot escape when cooking.
Place in a shallow pan or cooking tray. Slow cook at 375 for 4 hours, and then 275 for 4 more hours. (I just place it in my crock pot in the morning and forget about it).
Unwrap and bull bone (if any). Take a fork and make sure that the meat separates easily. Leave cooking juice and put in bowl and pull with forks or gloved hands.
Add BBQ sauce.
Serve on fresh rolls.

Now, to add as a side, I recently discovered these sweet potato fries. I just picked them up at Wal-Mart. They taste just like the ones at one of my favorite restaurants. However, I wish I had the dipping sauce to go with it. So, I made this one -- it is good, too!

Apricot Dipping Sauce
1 cup apricot jam
1/4 cup orange juice
1 T prepared mustard

Melt jam in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in orange juice and mustard. Purée sauce in food processor or with immersible mixer.

There it is! A tantalizing meal everyone enjoys (well, only some of us like the sweet potato fries - that's when Pringles come in as a substitute).

One down. Twenty-nine to go. I would love to have some suggestions on your favorite meals to add to my rotation system.

A Goal Worthy of a Post

2010-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking this past cold month of January. Today is the last day of the first month of a new year and decade. I need to have a worthy goal that I can put out there in cyberland ~ committing to something that I have wanted to do for a very long time.

I love to create thus I love to collect.

I am a busy girl with lots going on ~ all the time it seems.

~That is a good thing for the most part.

A friend teases me that I am always saying,

"If I can just get this behind me..."

I have a hard time scheduling in time to do things I want to do

because of all the things I need to do.

I love balance, order and peace in my life.

I have a lot of very useful stuff accumulating around the

house and filling up closets and drawers.

I am making a commitment to create something on a weekly basis from stuff I have in my possession and then watch and see what happens. I don't know where this may lead, but hopefully to something positive like more space, better organization, gifts to give, satisfaction, items to sell...who knows. I know there may be a few minor things needed to finish projects, but for the most part I want to see just how far I can get with what I have. This goes for food storage as well. Our family needs to be better about using up what we have. I haven't decided if I will blog about my weekly progress or keep a personal journal. I'll think about that for a bit. Week one begins tomorrow and with the exception of extended travel this will go through the last week of November 2010 ~ let's make it through December 5th. That's an even 44 weeks. Wow 44 weeks to look forward to creating! Sounds pretty exciting to me. Project Twenty-Ten here I come! Anyone else out there want to play? You can make up your own rules if you want ... it's just good to get it in writing. Let me know :)

Giving a Desk New Life

2010-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

I love before and after shots. Even more, I love a good deal. We picked this up at a surplus auction for $20.53 -- I still get shaky hands when the bid closing approaches hoping no one will outbid me. With it being all wood, we knew it had good "bones" to refinish.
So, with a little elbow grease, Kilz primer, Benjamin Moore Dill Pickle Paint and knobs from Lowe's, we spruced up this desk for Laken's big Christmas present. Another big task for the princess of the house (as you remember last year Santa "made" her a soccer goal).
It was all worth it. She loves it.
As I worked on this desk, I wondered what this desk could tell us. It was a teacher's desk from Alpine School District. How many hours were spent grading, reading, etc. on this? I like pieces with history. Now Laken can make her own history on this dill pickle desk.

Santa Pillows

2009-12-11T09:58:00.001-08:00

A peek at some Santa Pillows I made for some sweet friends. They worked up pretty quick - the embroidery seems to take a little longer than you think it will, but I so love to do handwork. Hope you get a chance to make something homemade this season.

Pinwheel Christmas Table Runner

2009-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I embark on projects during the already frantic Christmas season. However, when I saw this table runner I had to duplicate it. My excitement multiplied as Laken and I found some darling vintage Christmas fabric to use. I walked into the store with the intent of making a red and white one similar to the original idea. However, the store didn't carry a lot of that color so out we came with a trendy blue, aqua and pink scheme.
Kudos to the Pleasant Home site for sharing her tutorial so we can enjoy a new decoration in our home! She and I must think a like because I told Laken a while back that we now need to make a red and white peppermint-themed one. Then, Pleasant Home posted this one.

Take a look at these fabrics!

Don't those stripes just remind you of ribbon candy?

And who didn't have those sparkly, odd-shaped, shaped vintage ornaments on their tree?

Crochet Bug

2009-11-23T10:16:00.001-08:00

We found this book full of wonderful little crochet projects with simple directions and great photos of all the finished projects. I am including a few of the things I think are adorable. Crocheting is really a blast and pretty quick. I am slowly working on loving knitting, but it takes so much concentration. Some day, when I am all grown up I might be able to catch on. Anyway - give it a try! I think you will love it. I did make the green the skinny scarf and I LOVE it. The flower one is adorable. Can you see that in miniature on a little girl?

this book

Fall Festive Food

2009-11-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

I love acorns!!! So, when I saw this cupcake recipe I knew I had to use it for my dinner I hosted recently. Not a hostess by nature, I am so grateful I have such a helpful and skilled daughter who saved my bacon to pull it off.

Dessert first!

These tasted as good as they looked.

Acorn Pumpkin Cupcakes

Mix the following 4 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl:
2 1/4 c. flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl:
4 eggs beaten
1 small can of canned pureed pumpkin (or half of a large can)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 c. oil
3/4 c milk

Add half of the dry ingredients in your medium bowl to the large bowl and mix, then add the rest and mix to only combine. Don't over mix.

Spoon into 24 paper lined cupcake pans 3/4 full.
Preheat oven to 375 and bake for 25 min.
Frost when completely cool.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
4 cups confectioners sugar (add more if needed)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

With Electric beater mix cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, add vanilla and cinnamon, and one cup of sugar at a time until desired consistency is reached. Place frosting into a freezer quart size bag, twist air out of top of bag, snip off a small amount off of a corner and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Caramel Acorns:
24 Brachs caramels
handful of chocolate chips, melted in microwave
chocolate jimmies

Microwave 2 unwrapped caramels at a time for about 8 seconds. Roll into a ball and shape into an acorn shape. Set aside. When all are shaped, dip caramel top into melted chocolate chips and then immediately into a pile of chocolate jimmies. Place on frosted cupcake.

The funny thing is, they gloss over and look even better the second day. These cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Just frost them when you're ready to serve them.

Next time I make them I am going to try the bean puree in place of the oil (like the pumpkin bread).

The Main Course

I make this chili on a rotation system in our house. The original recipe calls for 2 cans of White Northern Beans, however after scaring my entire family, including the dad, when they noticed a bean, of all things, in their chili, I have since pureed one can and added it to the mix. I often also add steamed and pureed cauliflower for some added vegetables -- another food that causes our family to shriek.

White Chicken Chili

1 lb. chicken, cubed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 T vegetable oil

Saute above ingredients and then add:

1 can pureed Great Northern Beans

1 can corn, drained

1 1/2 can chicken broth

1 can diced green chiles

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 c. pureed cauliflower (optional)

Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

Don't forget the Salad

I don't have a picture of the salad. Sorry. It was the most colorful of the bunch. It was very tasty. I highly recommend it, too. Thanks to my friend Brittany for suggesting it to me. I was sold on it before she finished saying the word "Pomegranate." We love this time of year -- pomegranates are at their height!

Pomegranate Pear Spinach Salad

1 bag Spinach

1 head Red Leaf Lettuce

Mushroom slices (about 4)

Slivered almonds

Grated Swiss Cheese

Bacon slices

3 to 4 Pears, sliced

Pomegranate

Assemble above together and top with dressing below:

Dressing:

2/3 c. cider vinegar

1 c. oil

2 tsp. mustard (prepared)

1 1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. poppy seeds

1 bunch green onions

Place all of the dressing ingredients in your blender and blend.

Dresser Up

2009-11-13T15:40:00.001-08:00

Here's the before picture of a dresser David picked up this summer at a benefit garage sale. Twenty bucks and it was ours. I didn't know where I was going to put it, so I let it sit in the garage for a while. I took off the knobs before I thought to take the picture, so for history sake, I put one of each back on.

Because I just had so much time on my hands -- really not true (should have been preparing more for my Stake Primary Appreciation Dinner at my house last night -- pictures of some darling cupcakes coming soon) I hurried to try to get this done prior to my get-together, but we didn't have time to put on the hardware and drill holes. Anyway, it's done. Who knows if it will stay in the living room or not. I am always rearranging.

Next project. My card catalog that has been a garage resident for many years longer than this piece. That ought to take some time. I'll keep you posted.

Here's the Skinny

2009-11-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

We love pumpkin bread. However, after hearing Melanie Douglass on Studio 5 inform everyone that pumpkin bread is essentially pumpkin cake, I had to think twice about that second or third slice I enjoy. She recommended replacing the oil in the bread with white bean puree. (White Northern beans pureed with some water). So, I decided to give it a try! And WOW! It was good.
She claims this bread only has 2g fat per slice and 140 calories per slice as opposed to 8 to 15 grams of fat and 200 to 300 calories per slice. Armed with that information now, you won't feel nearly as bad lathering up this Kneader's spread on top of it.

Pumpkin Bread with Bean Puree

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup white bean puree
2 eggs
8 oz. canned pumpkin
1/3 cup water
1 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. cloves
chocolate chips, nuts or raisins: optional
Rinse a can of Great Northern white beans and puree in a blender with about ½ cup water. Bean puree should be the consistency of applesauce.

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray (1) bread pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix sugar, beans, eggs, canned pumpkin, and water. Then stir in dry ingredients and mix well until blended. Pour into bread pan and bake for 50 - 60 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from pan and let cool completely before slicing.

Salmon with Herb-Almond Crust

2009-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

photo from Country Home

This was delicious! I had cut this out of Country Home's February 2008's issue but just now got around to making it last night. I loved it.

2 6-oz. wild salmon fillets, skinned
3 Tbsp. chopped almonds
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
2 Tbsp. fine dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. snipped fresh basil and/or Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp. bottled minced garlic)
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Rinse fish; pat dry. Measure thickness of fish; set aside. In a small bowl combine almonds, butter, bread crumbs, Parmesan, basil, lemon peel, garlic, and black pepper. Place fish on the greased rack of a broiler pan. Spoon nut mixture on top of fillets; spread slightly. Bake fish in a 450° oven for 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Makes 2 servings.

I bought a salmon from Costco. I prepared half of it this way for David, Logan and me. The rest I just fixed pretty plainly as if not to scare off the children. You would need to at least double the topping to cover both salmons.

Our Favorite Grilled Cheese

2009-06-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Shauna shared this divine recipe with me.

It is simple and an amazing summer treat when some of these

ingredients can be found right in your own garden!

Ciabatta Bread from our favorite bakery - Crumb Brothers

(Two slices per person)

2-3 assorted cheeses ( a few of our favorites are havarti + grueyer + gouda)

garden tomatoes

fresh basil

honey

Slice bread to desired thickness. Butter one side of each and place on a hot griddle. Cover tops of bread with slices of cheese. Heat just until bottom of bread is getting golden brown. (It's ok if the cheese isn't melted well yet) Transfer bread to a cookie sheet. Add a few slices of tomato to one side of each sandwich - salt & pepper tomato - sprinkle tomatoes with snipped basil -drizzle a touch of honey over the tomatoes & basil and broil for a few minutes under the broiler. Watch carefully. Close sandwiches up and slice. Let us know how you liked these. We think they are heavenly!

Too Much Chocolate Cake

2009-06-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Kaycee has mastered this delicious Chocolate Cake! It is so easy and SOOO delicious!She found the recipe at allrecipes.com which is one of our family's favorite websites! This recipe has received a whopping 1,382 "5 Star" reviews!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Too-Much-Chocolate-Cake/Detail.aspx
We drizzle the ganache topping by simply heating 1/2 cup of cream and pouring over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and mixing until melted. I especially love this cake chilled! Enjoy!

Keep It Original

2009-06-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yippee! The work is finally finished and I am off to the printer. These little projects will be featured in the Wasatch Front Shop Hop this week at the Red Rooster & Treasures Quilt Shop. It has been a lot of fun putting them together. Lindsey worked all day with me putting the little wool packets together. Trying to decide if we like this business.... and wishing I knew a lot more about photoshop!!

Mini Eye Spy Quilt

2009-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Emily helped me with this little mini eye spy quilt for Liam's Birthday. It's only 24" x 24". there are two of every square and you can toss a bean bag onto one and look for its mate. Hope he will have fun with it.

Paper Cutting

2009-03-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

A few friends were asking about this link so I am posting it here - it's a great site for Scherenschnitte. If you haven't tried paper cutting, you'd love it. It's very relaxing.

Making Use of Scraps

2009-02-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

Using the scraps of Laken's quilt and from some Anna Maria Horner fabric I had, I was able to make another quilt for a friend who is expecting a baby next month. I wouldn't have thought to pair it with white borders, but I was inspired by this piece I saw. I enjoy looking at beautiful quilts on the web. I would love to have more time to sew. I bought the backing for this quilt at Broadbent's; it is from a line by Mary Engelbriet. I didn't know she designed fabric. Anyway, Broadbent's had some yellow, black and white fabric bolts paired together that looked very fun and would make a beautiful quilt. I also saw some nautical fabric that would look great in Cael's room. But, too many ideas, too little time.

A Time to Create

2009-02-17T10:47:00.001-08:00

Cold winter days are the best for getting in the creative mood! When I find I have some time to finally do something, it seems I can't decide what it is I should or want to do!! I was asked to teach a class on pincushions for a quilting retreat coming up. Here are few I have come up with. I get inspiration from old magazines & surfing around the net. They were fun to figure out. Let me know what you think, I am leaning towards the little birdie on the spoon for the project and then maybe walk them through the steps of a few of the others. We have a sweet antique store here in town that will let me "borrow" some of their old pin cushions. Cool, huh?!

The cup cake is made out of old sweaters. There are soooo many cupcake pincushion ideas out there. This one was picked because our guild is emphasizing re-using and re-purposing items to give them new life. I am totally into this!
This spoon could be a sweet little family heirloom, it's not, because I am not that lucky to have an old family spoon - but I was fortunate to find a few out thrifting one day!! Buttons from grandma and an old doily from the antique shop.

I just think the little bird is so sweet!

Now this one is almost my favorite! So quick and easy and the base is a 2-liter soda bottle lid!! I am in love with it. You can do all kinds of crazy little, itty, bitty designs - such as lady bugs or flowers...it was quick and very fun. (and I LoVe itty bitty!)

I fianlly got around to making that crazy collage necklace I posted a photo of many weeks back! I am "so-so" happy with it. I want to try again. I do love beading. And below are two bracelets incorporating the YW value colors. We are giving each of our girls one at New Beginnings. I was assigned the lovely taske of dreaming one up. I don't want them to look like "little girl" bracelets - what do you think?? The bigger one is just for fun for ME! 8-) lucky me!!! I was inspired to use some of my real stones that are left overs from other projects and I was actually able to come up with each of the value collors! I love it the most, but it would never be cost-effective for our budget. I'll take any suggestions for the little one. Have you seen any others done??
It was hard to find all the colors in beads that were the same so I just went random with the bigger ones. They are all a little different even though it doesn't really show in the photo.

Hope you all find a little time in your day to create something FUN!!

It's so good for your heart & soul.

Laken's New Quilt

2009-01-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

This is the quilt I made for Laken's room. It is comprised mostly of Heather Bailey fabrics, with some Amy Butler and Michael Miller fabrics. David calls it her Happy Quilt. Is brightens up her room. In fact, when Cody saw it he shielded his eyes and said, "How are you going to sleep in that?"

Things Sure Have Changed!

2009-01-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Have any of you ever read the magazine, "Mary Janes Farm"? It's a lot of fun and I think you would enjoy the fresh, positive outlook it shares. Its something even city chicks like me appreciate! (And makes me yearn for the comforts of a little farm! You are all so lucky you have horses and that some of you even get to have chickens!!) So... I came across this little blurb that I thought you would get a giggle out of from Rhonda - in Indiana

We got a chuckle from this "advice" one of our farm girls came across in her 1949 Singer Sewing Manual:

"Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.

Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on....[if] you are fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should."

isn't that just terrific? i loved it!!!

Check out MaryJanesFarm. I think it is published quarterly.

West Mountain 2nd Ward Recipes

2009-01-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

These 2 recipes were used at a RS Dinner our ward had. I didn't get to try the salad but heard it was awesome and the soup was delicious!

Tuscan Tomato Soup
3T Olive or Canola Oil
2 Large Onions, chopped fine (you know we wouldn't add this much!)
5 Cups Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced (Or canned tomatoes)
3 Cups Chicken Stock
1 1/2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup Basil Pesto
Salt and Pepper
Toasted Croutons and Parmesan Cheese for topping

Saute onions in oil. In a large heavy saucepan add onions, tomatoes, pesto, and chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat. Stir in cream and simmer another 10 minutes on low heat. Blend soup with hand held blender until pureed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with croutons and shredded parmesan. Makes 2 1/2 Quarts.

Pear Salad
1 large head of iceberg or romaine cut up
2 bags spring mix
1 bag spinach
Feta or Blue Cheese crumbled
1 cup craisins
2-3 ripe winter pears cubed (add at last so they don't brown)
1 cup carmelized pecans or almonds

Mix together and toss with the following dressing:
1/2 medium red onion cut in chunks
1 cup sugar
2 cups canola oil
2 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup cider vinegar (or raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar)
3 Tbls poppy seed

Blend all in blender and process until smooth. She said this amount of dressing is really enough for a double batch of salad.

2008-12-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

Magleby's Syrup

1 cube butter (don't use margarine)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. corn syrup

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix first four ingredients. Bring to boil while stirring. Remove from heat and add soda & vanilla. Refrigerate leftovers. Great on French Toast, but Tyler uses it on waffles and pancakes, too!

Quick Chicken Primavera Risotto

2008-12-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is a quick recipe that tastes great. It's good for a busy evening. We serve it all in a bowl since it really doesn't need any side dishes except for maybe some fruit.

Draper Temple Open House

2008-12-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Tours are now being scheduled for the Draper Temple Open House. See this site for details.

Symphony Fudge

2008-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a fail-proof, easy, and most importantly, tasty fudge recipe

Symphony Fudge

2 large (6 oz.) Symphony chocolate bars (blue label with toffee)

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

7 oz. jar marshmallow cream

12 oz. can of evaporated milk

4 1/2 c. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

2 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, combine candy bar, marshmallow cream and chips. In a saucepan, mix evaporated milk, sugar and salt and heat to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes while constantly stirring. Dump hot mixture over the chip mixture in the bowl. Stir until creamy. Add vanilla. Put into a buttered 9x13 pan and let set.

Customize your Chocolate

2008-11-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

This looked like a fun page to utilize when making candy bar wrappers for teachers, friends, visiting teach-ees, etc.

Date Night

2008-11-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

I had nothing to post on our blog so I thought I would add this photo to this one!

It's not in focus, but kind of fun to see.

We miss out on a lot being so far north - we loved being with everyone!

Fall Dinner Date

2008-10-29T09:37:00.003-07:00

Here's evidence of the good time had by all!! Sorry it was kind of dark at the end...it must be a loser flash!! Thanks for setting everything up Tracy and Alyssa! Just as a reminder...we did set FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26th as the date for the Winter Family Reunion. Be watching for your "Save the Date" card. And we will have more information coming! Thanks everyone! We love you all!!

Collage Necklace

2008-10-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

I think this is the coolest necklace ever!

Just wanted to share. :)

Someday I might attempt making it.

Kneader's Fall Bread Dips

2008-10-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Kneader's was on Good Things Utah today with some yummy bread dips or toppings. Maybe it was that the treadmill just wasn't keeping my interest or the fact that I was starving... probably both; but, they looked really good. Check out the sweet topping one. Now, if pumpkin bread wasn't fattening enough. To add that Skor mixture stuff. That ought to put some meat on my boys' bones.

I love Kneader's. I can't wait until Laken is 16. David has already convinced her that is where she is going to work. And knowing her ambition, perhaps own it someday. :)

Holiday Party Date

2008-10-23T11:20:00.001-07:00

Hey...this is great...Thanks Lisa for getting it going! I would like to throw out there some thoughts on the Winter Holiday Party/Reunion! I hope this qualifies as a valid post! First off, we need to get a date scheduled. I was thinking about Friday, December 26th or Wednesday, December 31st. We are having a hard time coming up with a unique location, so we will probably go with the great standby...."church"! But, I was thinking we could make up for it by having delicious food and fun activities/crafts!! :) Which would bring us to Lisa and Leisa's ideas on jewelry?? We will plan other games and things for the kids etc. But if there was a fun "creating" project for some of us "older" girls...I think that would be great!! Well..anyway...let's start by getting the date secured! Let me know what would work best for all of you!

Happy Haunting

2008-10-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we love to spook. We got spooked last night with the cutest and easiest way ever. You don't have to photocopy any ghost or cut it out. You can print off the information and graphic on the site beenbooed.com. Too bad you can't place an order for orange and black buttercream frosted cupcakes to come with them to spook others with.

In a Rush Chicken Dinner

2008-10-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

This recipe is one that will save you not one day but several days to come... plus the most important thing is that it is tasty.

1/2 jar of Mango Salsa from Costco

Chicken breast or two

Place both items in a crock pot on low for 8 hours (don't be afraid to use frozen; it works). Shred up the chicken. Serve up on tortillas (I like the uncooked ones made fresh on the griddle). Add cheese and sour cream if desired. Roll up and eat.

They make great filling for Chicken Enchiladas or other inventions you can think up. They warm up well for lunches at home, too!