Last Day of 2008

Well, 2008 is coming to a close soon. Anyone have any big and exciting plans so that I can pretend to join you?! We're not doing anything. My husband has to work during the day and the weather people are calling for the "S" word. If I say it out loud, it may happen so I say nothing. I'll have to update you tomorrow since I'm writing this a day in advance; I have some downtime. Punkie is with my MIL for a couple of hours.

So, back to big and exciting plans. I got none. I'm probably going to cook dinner and maybe watch a movie with my husband once Amelia goes to bed. Real exciting. NOT. I did have plans to take a ride to Joann's since they are having a pretty good sale that starts on the 31st. We'll see how the weather is.

Okay, here are a couple pictures of my new plant stand and wagon from Monday's auction. I would have taken a picture of our awesomly priced bunk bed but I have no idea where my husband put it. I think it's in the barn. I just love the wagon. I love it when my husband surprises me like that. I didn't even see it in the all auction stuff. Good eye!

I bought myself this book off of etsy.com a few weeks ago. The picture on the front did me in. I love the bright colors and cuteness factor of the pincushions. Today, since I had some downtime, I took a ride to my local Salvation Army Thrift store to see if I can get any wool garments to felt. I'm ready to try something new. I did get a whole bag full of sweaters for $28.00, so not bad. But nothing in the pretty bright colors like on the cover of the book. I got a few black, a light blue, a pinky purple... a cream, a gray and an assorted one, mostly on the gray side. They did have some ladies wool suit jackets there but I didn't know if they would be suitable once felted for my pincushion project. And those were in pretty bright colors. I'll think about it and maybe I'll go back this weekend. Now I have to read on how to actually felt these sweaters and see what I'm up aganist.

That's all from me. Everyone have a marvelous (and SAFE) New Year's Eve and I'll talk to you all in 2009!

Happy New Year!

Jen :)

Stars and Stripes

I finished the Patriotic table runner for my upcoming ceramics Christmas party grab bag present swap this coming Saturday. I know, it's not Christmas themed but I'm tired of Christmas stuff. I have a ton of it and I know others do too so I thought out of the box and made something for the 4th of July. I think it came out pretty good. Again, I chickened out on doing a real pieced binding and instead did the quilt back wrap around trick. Yeah, I think I'm done with that trick. I ripped out stitches 3 times with this runner. Other than that and a few mistakes that I know are there, it didn't come out half bad and I'm pretty proud of it.

Here's a picture of Amelia helping bake cookies for Santa. She insisted that the cookies needed sprinkles. Who am I to argue?

We went to the local auction house Monday night and got a few things. I'm not into antiques at all so I normally done go to the auctions. This is the 2nd time I've ever been. But a local furniture/country decorating/all kinds of stuff store closed its doors over the summer and the local auction house in my area got the leftover goods so I had to check it out. I ended up with a pretty cool metal plant stand for $40.00; it's going to live out on my front porch come Springtime. The best steal of the night for us? A solid maple bunk bed for... wanna guess how much?? TWENTY BUCKS. You heard me right. Brand new, perfect condition, solid maple bunk bed for $20.00. It's going to go to my in-laws house in New Hampshire in Punkie's room as two twin beds instead of the bunk bed so that they can be pushed together to make one big bed if needed. There was a king size mattress and box spring that went for $200.00. A king size head and foot board, cherry wood, I think... $200.00. If I had the room, I was going to get a new bed. I'm just happy with our awesome score! And my husband came got home and told me he got me a another plant stand for the porch. A little wagon. I'll take a picture of everything tomorrow and post it.

One more thought... I got a catalog in the mail yesterday; The Stitchery. I have no idea how I got on their mailing list. I glanced through it before dinner. Some of the things are a bit too much for me but one pattern caught my eye.... it's called Up, Up and Away or Balloon Glow.

I just LOVE it. I think it's all cross stitched and not stamped so that's a LOT of thread. I'm going to think about it a couple of days but I think I may order it. So I guess I'm now going to do cross-stitching again. Of course I start BIG when I start a new hobby!

Okay, my husband is bugging me for the computer...

Enjoy your day!
Jen :)

Valentine's Day Swap

I'm not organizing it... Dandelion Quilts is. Go and check it out and sign up! Should be fun!

I have some pictures to upload of another completed project. I will get to that tonight, I hope. Amelia just threw her baby carriage down the stairs so that she can play with it in the living room. I thought she fell down the stairs! So I think I better get off the computer for right now until my husband gets home!

Enjoy the rest of your day!
Jen :)

New Year's Resolutions?

Now that Christmas is done; I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday and the new year is right around the corner, has anyone put any thought into a New Year resolution? I have. I'm going to try very hard to quit smoking. It's a thorn in my side.

I had my first cigarette at the prime young age of 13 (peer pressure, gotta love it) and have been a "commited" smoker since I was 15.... I'm now 35. So I have been smoking for 20 years. It's has to stop. Not because it's getting expensive, not for health reasons (that's a good part of it). But because I want to be a better example to my daughter. I don't smoke near her or around her, I don't smoke in the house but she sees me doing it and it's pretty bad when your 3 year old tells you that when she gets bigger, she's going to smoke too. Not if I can help it! My husband is a non-smoker and doesn't give me any grief about my addiction (God bless him!) but I know he wants me to quit; even if he doesn't say it out loud.

So, that is my resolution. I have try to quit before and I quit when I was pregnant so I know I can do it. I have a prescription for Chantix; I just haven't filled it yet but I think I'm going to.

Wish me luck!

So? What are your new year resolutions?

Enjoy your day!
Jen :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and festive holiday!From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!
Jen

I'm Not Done Yet but...

I'm not done with my Pennie Pockets but I thought I would show what I did have finished. I have 5 more to complete. I filled them with some Lindor truffles. I hope the women in my family like them. I like the fabrics I chose but for next year's pockets, I will use better fabric. I was pressed for time and I really don't have a holiday fabric stash yet so I went to Joann's and bought some yardage. I can definitely see the difference in these with better quality fabric. Also, the one hanging on my tree (no picture), I used a lightweight interfacing to give the fabric more body. I was going to do the same to the rest but I didn't for two reasons: I didn't know how they would pack and hold up after a year; I didn't want them all crushed and wrinkled looking. The main reason? I was too lazy to add the additional step! Hey, I'm being honest! Just too lazy. And if you haven't made these yet.... you need to! They are so cute and happy! Thank you to Monica (the Happy Zombie) for providing wonderful instructions on how to create these! Click the "Pennie Pocket" link above and it should take you right to Monica's post where the instructions are.

Here's my unfinished pile. The yo-yos are all made up, I just have to attach them and the buttons. I hope to have them done tonight. I love the Santa Elf and "Merry Christmas" buttons! I like them so much, I did a close-up for you. A bit blurry.... sorry!

I totally messed one up at the last minute so I do have to make an odd ball one for a gift for my family. I really like this fabric group. I making more to give to a friend of mine after the holidays. She knit Amelia a beautiful winter poncho - I'll get a picture of Punkie in it and show you. I'm making her up three of them as a Thank You. This fabric grouping is more her style. The black holly fabric is really sharp. I should have bought a whole yard of it. Oh well. Maybe there will be more after Christmas and maybe it will be on sale.

One more! I love this one. I'm going to hang it on my tree but this one I'm going to leave out all year. It's fun and happy. I'm planning on making more with this fabric grouping.

I also got Amelia's baby doll quilt binded. I chickened out on doing a real binding strip and all that so I just used the backing material and folded it over. It's not bad looking. My next quilt, I plan on doing a "real" binding. I was just not ready for it at the moment. I hope she likes it for her new baby that "Santa" is leaving for her.

And I finally got her crayon bag completed. I started it back in October and put it aside. Finally finished it. It is now filled with coloring goodness, wrapped and ready to go under the tree tomorrow night!

So, that's it. I have more sewing to get done before this time tomorrow. Need to get my house clean and some baking done. I hope each and every one of you has a happy, healthy and festive holiday!

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy your night!

Jen :)

It's Going to be a White Christmas After All...

I admit, it's pretty but I really don't care for snow. I hate driving in it. I hate how my car looks and feels AFTER driving in it. Like most of the country, we got hit with some pretty good snowstorms over the weekend. My husband was home all weekend so he and Amelia played in the snow. Building a snowman and sledding down the driveway. They had a great time! I was the official picture taker. You won't get me to play in the snow! I don't own the right "gear". I don't even own a pair of snow boots. I think I have a pair of gloves and a scarf around here somewhere (it ended up on our snowman!).

I did get some sewing done. I got Punkie's baby doll quilt done and some Pennie Pockets done for gifts. I'm still working on everything and I want to take pictures once so the pictures will be posted tomorrow. I'm really loving how the Pennie Pockets turned out!

Today is the official start to my holiday break. I'm busy in the kitchen making more goodies to hand out and once I'm done with that, I'm off to wrap presents and finish sewing. I want to get done sewing soon because my sewing room is a mess and I want to clean it!

Speaking of gifts, my gifts (from my husband) are under the tree already. My stocking is full too. I'm dying to know what he got me. On the top of my list was a "fancy new sewing machine" but nothing under the tree fits the bill, box size wise. But he tells me he's not done shopping so there's still hope!

If you get a chance, go on and visit Marsha's blog and give your condolences. Her father passed away last week. Very sad and very difficult, especially during the holidays.

Enjoy your day!

Jen :)

Everybody Busy?

Getting ready for the upcoming holiday? Me too. I had to make a list for myself of everything I need to get done for Santa's visit. I need to get the binding done on the doll quilt that I made for Punkie. I need to finish her crayon bag that I started back in October. I started a last minute project of Happy Zombie's Pennie Pockets. I decided to make some for my aunts and cousins as ornaments. I need to figure out what I'm going to cook for Christmas dinner along side our prime rib. I need to go grocery shopping. I need to clean my house. I need to bake something for dessert for Christmas. I need to make more treats to hand out. I need to wrap gifts. I need to buy stocking stuffer stuff. I need... I need.. I need a VACATION!

Once I get my sewing/quilty stuff done, I will post pictures.

Does anyone else have a loooong list of things to do before next Thursday and need more time?? Or is it just me? :)

Enjoy your day!
Jen :)

(UPDATED with More) Cookie/Candy Swap Recipes

Some of you have requested recipes so I'm posting a couple that I have here with me at work and I will post the recipes for the cranberry bark and peanut clusters either later tonight or tomorrow. I will update this post with the other recipes.

Rice Krispy Peanut Butter Balls

1 18 oz jar of crunchy peanut butter

4 to 4.5 cups of Rice Krispies

1 cup powdered sugar

1 stick of butter, melted

1 bag of chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combin the PB, Rice Krispies, powdered sugar and butter together. Once combined, making your PB balls. You may find the mixture a bit too sticky, you can add a bit more powdered sugar or PB. When I made them, it was a damp day so I added a little bit of both. Put in fridge to firm up (about 15 minutes).

While waiting for the PB goodness to set, melt your chips. Slightly cool your chocolate and dip!

Place the PB balls on a pan lined with wax paper and cool in fridge until firm.

Hot Cocoa Cones

For each cone you will need:

Two 12" plastic disposable pastry bags

About 3/4 cup of hot cocoa mix

(I buy a big Swiss Miss canister from the warehouse store)

1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Extra goodies: mini chips, christmas sprinkles, gumdrops, candy cane bits... whatever you want (optional)

1. Pour the cocoa mix into one of the bags. Trim top (if you need to) and fold the bag top down and seal with tape

2. Place the cocoa-filled bag into the second bag and place the mini marshmallows on top

3. Sprinkle your extra goodies on top (optional)

4. Tie the top with curling ribbon and attach tag with instructions

Peanut Clusters

Nonstick cooking spray

60 caramel candies, unwrapped

3 TBSP water

2 12-oz pkg chocolate chips

3 cups salted peanuts

4 TBSP butter flavor Crisco shortening (optional)

Cover cookie sheets with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray

In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, melt caramels with water, stirring often. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in peanuts. Drop by rounded tablespoonful onto prepared cookie sheets (for easier handling, spray spoon with cooking spray too). Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

Melt chocolate chips with shortening (adding the shortening is optional. Makes the chocolate a little "looser")

Dip caramel peanut cluster into chocolate (or drizzle on top). Place on foil-lined sheets and chill clusters for 30 minutes. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Cranberry Chocolate Bark

1 (6 oz) pkg (1 cup) of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or bittersweet taste the best)

2 oz sweet baking chocolate, cut into pieces

1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries

1. Line cookie sheet with foil. In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and chocolate pieces over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth

2. Stir in almonds and cranberries. Pour onto foil-lined cookies sheet; spread to 1/4 inch thickness. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.

3. Break bark into pieces. Store in covered container in refrigerator

Enjoy your day!

Jen

Cute Stuff Inside... Cookie Swap!

I'm joining Marsha's virtual cookie swap. Okay, I'm going to "swap" candy. I didn't make cookies this year. I am all cookied out. Another thing to note: my confections did not photograph as well as I would have liked them to. I guess they were camera shy but they all taste YUMMY!

First up... my Cranberry Almond Chocolate bark.... a big hit. I need to make more. I have to make one whole batch for my brother; he really loves it. There's some white chocolate cranberry bark mixed in there.

Next in line... my chocolate covered Oreos. I have several molds for these. I just got the gingerbread house and christmas tree this year. No recipe needed. Buy some Oreos (double stuff works best), some good quality chocolate, melt, pour into molds, set and eat!

Anyone for some caramel peanut clusters drizzled with chocolate? Yummy but watch out! You can break a tooth or at least lose a filling or two!

Maybe Chocolate Pecan Buttercrunch is more your style? It's pretty darn good! Easy recipe too. Just need to watch that buttercrunch cook. Low and slow and you're in business. Want the recipe? Go to King Arthur Flour and search for "Dark Chocolate Buttercrunch". You WON'T be sorry!

You say you fancy chocolate and peanut butter? I have something for ya! Chocolate covered peanut butter krispy balls! Made with crunchy peanut butter, confectioners sugar, butter and Rice Krispies. Dipped in chocolate after they've set. YUM! YUM!

Few more treats to go. Off to the fudge! On the plate we have: chocolate peppermint fudge. Next is the chocolate walnut and lastly chocolate and peanut butter layered fudge.

Are you chilly? Maybe you're thirsty? Can I offer you some hot chocolate? Homemade hot cocoa cones... very easy to make and a good filler in my treat buckets.

If anyone would like recipes, please let me know. I would post them now but I was gone all day and I'm tired but I wanted to get my goodies posted before tomorrow since I'm gone all day then too. Oh, and I hope you can see from what I made... I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!!

Hope you enjoyed the virtual cookie (candy) swap! It was fun!

Enjoy your night!

Jen :)

Our First Official Snow...

Amelia was ready to go outside at 7:30 Sunday morning. She held off until 10:30. She had a great time outside.

She didn't want to come inside but we had to. My toes were frozen!

Enjoy your day!

Jen :)

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Amelia can't wait to decorate you! We're going to do that next weekend. We just all happen to be home on Saturday so we went to pick out our tree.

Amelia was helping Mama do a little light cleaning this morning. I think she did a great job!

Enjoy your day!

Jen

New Blog Giveaway!

Go and check it out! Sheri is doing a blog giveaway of the cutest bag! Good luck to you all but I think I'm going to win it. LOL! Just kidding!

Got more projects done

I've been busy doing some sewing the last couple of weeks. I worked on a few more pillowcases. I love pillowcases. Nice use of fabrics I like and quick gratification for a project done. The pink/white ones are for me and the blue one in the middle is for Amelia. The fabric collection is called "Amelia" and I also bought some fat quarters a while back from the same collection and I'm going to make Punkie a lap quilt out of them.

And I got Amelia's Mickey Mouse fleece blanket done. I decided NOT to topstitch it. I had problems with the backing fabric shifting on me - even with all the pin basting my husband and I did, so the blanket is a hair off square. AND I had to patch it because as I was cutting off my extra material before turning it out... I cut a hole in it. I was NOT happy. I ran out and bought an iron on patch from Joann's. Good as new! The blanket is soooo warm. I'm going to make a few more for me. One for the couch when we're just hanging out and one for the New Hampshire house. I didn't struggle with it too much so I'm still going ahead with my plans to make them as upcoming birthday gifts. Joann's has the fleece on sale again this coming weekend so I'm going to pick more up. So far I've gotten all the fleece I need for 3 birthday blankets (one birthday falling in August). But for 50% off, it's a good deal. Just have to find a place to store it.

Amelia loves it. That's all that matters to me.

I'm off Monday and Tuesday to do my Christmas treat creating. Can't wait to get started! I know by Tuesday night my back will be killing me but it's worth it!

Enjoy your day!

Jen :)