I'm on a roll right now...

I've got another finish for the year (my 3rd) and I'm very happy, to say the least. I love crossing these UFOs off my list. I've been working on this quilt, off and on - mostly off, for six years - and now it's finished. All I have to do is find a place in my house to hang it.

I've already begun working on the next UFO on my list. I started it in early 2012, so it's only been 4 years in the making!

I spent Friday afternoon making Lime Curd for the first time ever, using the many little limes off my tree. It took 16 limes to get 1/2 cup of juice. I used this recipe and I can truly say that it tastes heavenly! It's so good!! I did not make the tart since I wanted only the curd, but it sounds wonderful. I made a second batch on Saturday afternoon using limes given to me by one of my quilting friends. Her limes are prettier and much larger than mine, but the curd tastes just the same! :)

I also wanted to share with you this photo of the most stunning sunrise of a week or so ago. We don't have beautiful sunrises very often so it's always a special occurrence when it happens and this one was extra-special.

Take care,

Friends, bags and a recipe recommendation...

I have wonderful friends as you already know, but every now and then I'm reminded again. They are thoughtful and kind, intelligent and fun, and, they are creative and talented!! I know I'm very lucky and I love making bags for them.

Speaking of wonderful friends and making bags, this was made for one of them. She has great taste in fabric (which means, of course, that I like everything she picks) and she provided me with a stack of great choices to use for this bag. I didn't use them all, but I tried to use as many as I could.

Anyway, it's a Caravan Tote by Noodlehead! It's a very adaptable pattern and can be made in a sophisticated palette or wild and crazy like this one!

This next photo shows the back of the bag.

These next two show the top recessed zipper (which is custom) and the inside pocket...

And, this one shows the pocket within the front zipper pocket! Clever, isn't it?

Well, now that you've seen it, what do you think?  Didn't she have some great fabrics?

Oh... if you've read this far, I've got a suggestion for you. I made this Blueberry Galette over the weekend and it barely lasted a day. It is sooo good... one of the best things I've made in a while and I've made some good stuff lately. :) I recommend you try it. Use fresh blueberries and substitute sour cream for the ricotta. It's heavenly.  

Take care,

Lovin' this lazy day...

It's raining and that's such a treat for us here in So Cal. That makes it a perfect, cozy day for making chicken noodle soup. We finished off the very last container from the freezer last night. Believe me when I say that if you like chicken noodle soup, you will want to make this recipe. It's soooo good! And, it makes 12 servings. I'm also working on taxes -ugh- and the smells from the kitchen make it somewhat more bearable. :)

I made scones this morning from here, only I substituted chocolate chips for the strawberries. Mmmm... good! The extras went into the freezer for future morning treats. DH loved these and ate quite a few in one sitting.

I've been lax in getting this Sew Together Bag posted here on the blog. It's been finished for over a week, maybe two. It was fun picking out all the fabrics to use and easy to sew. I'll be making more for sure. Now, I'm in the process of cutting out a Caravan Tote to begin at quilting on Tuesday. I must say that the instructions are a little confusing, but I'm sure I'll muddle my way though it. It's worth it cuz it's a cute bag!

This will be a busy week for me as we're having company for 10 days beginning Monday next week. Not quite sure I'm ready for that...

Take care,

My sis and I have been planning...

Ever since I found out that my sis was going to visit, she and I have been making plans. We've got plans for several days at the beach, a trip to Disneyland, In-n-Out (since she doesn't have one where she lives), and lots of good food. In fact, we've been saving recipe ideas...

 

Photo courtesy of WonderfulDIY.com

 

Don't these Brownie Bowl Sundaes look soooo good? Can't wait to try these.

 

 Photo courtesy of Damn Delicious

Who does not love a Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pizookie?? mmmm... makes my mouth water just looking at the photo.

Photo courtesy of ImperialSugar.com

We're gonna make our own ice cream though. Nothing is as good as homemade, right? If this recipe should fall short, which I highly doubt, I have another one that I've made before and know it's great.

We should have a couple healthy things too, shouldn't we??

Photo courtesy of Damn Delicious

Like this Baked Parmesan Zucchini. Wow... it really looks healthy and good.

Photo courtesy of Organic Gardening

To tell you the truth, I've never been a fan of Fish Tacos, but sis says these are wonderful and she will make them so I'm willing to give them a try.

Photo courtesy of Damn Delicious

I'm thinking that we really like the way Damn Delicious cooks!! :) Crab & Artichoke dip.

Don't you think we're going to have a great time? She gets here today and I'm pretty darn excited about it! How many pounds do you think I'm going to gain?

Take care,

We had a nice day and plans for my week...

We had a pretty quiet Father's Day since both of our fathers are gone and we don't have children. It was nice, actually, to have a relaxing day to kick back and do what we wanted to do. I made a new-to-me crock pot recipe which filled the house with great smells all day long (so my DH says since I can't smell) and tasted absolutely wonderful!!! I also got to spend some time in my sewing room making a gift bag (Zip & Go) for one of my special blog friends. I suspect she'll know who she is and why I'm sending it when she reads this post. The clue is the fabric! :) Thank you!!!!

My hydrangea's are really starting to fill out with blooms. I love this time of year since they lose all their leaves in the winter... they look so pretty. And, since I can't get peonies to grow/bloom here these are the next best thing.

Tomorrow some of the gals from our quilting group (since we're not having our regular meeting), me included, are taking a field/road trip to Buellton to visit Creation Station and then we'll stop by Roxanne's on our way back home. Doesn't that sound like fun? Then, it's back to Jane's house on Thursday.

Take care,

This is sooo good!

No kidding. I made it this morning. It's easy, fast, and tastes wonderful!!

Just thought I would share with you. Here's the link if you want it.

eta: My husband would eat this every morning if he could! It's that good!

Take care,

I made this for lunch today...

I've made this repeatedly in the past and it's always very good so decided it would be the perfect thing for lunch today.

Here's the recipe from Real Simple Magazine, if you're interested in trying it. I've made a few alterations to the recipe to suit me, but you might find it perfect the way it is.

Here are my changes... I use 15-18 shells, 1 15 oz container of Ricotta, 1 cup chopped spinach and 1/4 cup Parmesan instead of the quantities called for. I also use Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic sauce (instead of marinara) to which I add ground oregano, basil, thyme, sliced black olives and sliced artichoke hearts. I also save some of the sauce to ladle over the top of the shells after the mozzarella cheese.

Anyway, it tastes great, it's easy and there's no meat in it (which pleases me since I'm not an avid meat eater).

Take care,

I guess it's Fall here?

Amidst all the late-morning and early-afternoon fog, it was such a pleasure to take a short walk yesterday and see this...

Today I'm going to take advantage of the cold temps and foggy atmosphere to make White Bean and Chicken Chili. I've made it before and I can honestly say it's great! Hubby loves it too.

Valentine baking ideas...

My favorite online shop for baking supplies, Fancy Flours, is at it again. They always have the cutest and most clever decorating ideas for every holiday. Look at these adorable "Bee Mine" cupcakes.


This "I Love You" postcard reminds me of all the quilted postcards that we, as quilters, make. I love how this looks.


And, these take me back to my childhood. Do you remember exchanging these kind of "retro" valentines (cards, not cookies) with your schoolmates? It was just simple fun!


Hope this has given you some new and creative ideas to try for Valentine's Day!

Christmas desserts...

I'm looking for a special dessert for Christmas Eve dinner since that's what I'm responsible for bringing. I want to do something a little different, but still seasonal. I found the following recipes...

Buche de Noel (Yule Log)


Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake


Shortbread Tarts with Cream Filling


Red Velvet Cake



which one(s) should I try?

When I'm thinking about Christmas gifts, I always like the idea of gifts from the kitchen. For many years I made Kahlua and that was always appreciated. Then, I went through my homemade bread phase and got really good at making braided Challah (a great egg-bread)! One year I made really fancy sugar cookies with the recipe attached as a tag. It's always been a lot of fun for me, so when I was looking for inspiration for this year, I came across these ideas at the Country Living site.

This spice mix not only looks beautiful, but I imagine it would taste wonderful. Think of all of the lovely ways this could be packaged too! There are three different recipes here.


Here's a cookie package very similar to what I did.


Everyone loves to receive homemade Jam. These are simple, but elegant jars for presentation, don't you think?


This is a clever idea. I like the mini size of these turnovers and the cute way they are packaged. Recipe here.


Last, but certainly not least are these Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sticks. They look so festive!


Hope you're having fun in the kitchen this season!

If you are ready to start your christmas baking, then there are some clever ideas at the Fancy Flours website. This reindeer sleigh and cookies are adorable and the instructions can be found at here. They have many other terrific ideas too, so be sure and take a look.



They also have a stunning cookie idea along with the directions, on their blog. Of course, you'll need to purchase a few supplies from them first before you can head into the kitchen!

Hope you have some baking fun! I think I want to make some of these.