Wordless Wednesday

Kyle's Quilt

I've finally had the chance to take some sort of pictures of the quilt I made for my baby-sitter's little boy, Kyle.   I used 3 different shirts that I purchased at Salvation Army.  I enjoyed doing this lap quilt for the fact that I took old shirts and made something new with them.  Plus the fact that Kyle absolutely loves it, he sleeps with it every night.

I have quite a few finished now, since that is what everyone is getting for Christmas this year from me.  I have a two lap quilts to finish-just need batting, 2 twin quilts-one needs batting the other is a rather simple to put together, and 2 queen quilts-one needs to be quilted and the other I'm almost finished with the top.  I'm sure I will have more pics within the next couple of weeks.

Turkey Pot Pie Casserole

With lots of left over turkey, I have decided to try this new recipe I've come across.  I purchased this mini cookbook from the local grocery store awhile ago, and have been lingering on making quite a few.  Casseroles & one-dish meals, here's a link to the website.  I didn't find the book I have, but they have some good ones.

Anyways, here's the recipe:

2 pounds turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground sage
1/2 tsp ground thyme
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 bag (16 ounces) frozen soup vegetables
1 tsp salf
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 container (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough

1) Preheat oven to 375F.  Coat 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.  Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat.  Working in batches, brown turkey on all sides.  Transfer to platter.
2) Melt butter in skillet.  Whisk in flour, sage and thyme.  Cook and stir 5 minutes.  Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk.  Cook, whisking constantly, about 5 minutes or until thickened.
3) Stir in turkey, vegetables, salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring frequently, 5-7 minutes or until thick and creamy.  Spoon mixture into prepared dish.  Unroll crescent roll dough.  Place over top of casserole.  Bake 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.


***I used left over turkey for this recipe, so I didn't cook any.  I also used Tastefully Simple's Spinach and Herb mix instead of thyme and sage.  Of course by my picture you can see, I was so not creative on the crescent rolls, but maybe next time.  I also used just a regular bag of mixed frozen veggies.  When I had gone shopping I couldn't find any frozen soup vegetables.  Perfectly fine by me.

Giveaway

Head on over to Make It and Love It for a giveaway.  She has a new sponsor and is showing off some of their work.  Very awesome bags.  I'm crossing my fingers that I win.

Wordless Wednesday

To be a kid again.  What fun.

Rainy Day

It's been raining for a few days now.  Well, we kind of need the rain.  

You know I've found it hard to really sit down and keep a blog.  No, I didn't think it would be easy, but I didn't think I would go months with no posts either.  I am now vowing to keep up with it.  I am vowing to at least post once a month.  I would like to post more often, but I'm not sure if that is possible for me.  

I guess I'm going to start off with, I've got soooo much to do before Christmas.  Did you know there are only 86 days until?  I've said to my husband that I wanted to make quilts for everyone this year.  I seem to be getting most started.  Just have to really work on finishing them.  Yes when I'm finished I will post pics.  That's mainly why I started the blog, to keep an online journal of the work I've done.  

I'm also hoping to do a few tutorials before the end of the year.  I have a few in mind, just have to get the supplies and write them out.  After reading and looking at a bunch of different blogs, I finally realized I need to get my butt in gear.  

Check this out

Fabulous Fun Finds is having lots of giveaways right now. But the one that caught my eye is this one. Mohop Shoes. Go check out their website.



If you look at the site, it's exactly as it says "a new pair of shoes .... every day" They come in 3 different heel sizes, low, mid and high. And when you order, they come with 5 (yes 5) different colored ribbons. They even have a template to show you the different ways to wear the ribbons.

Really check the site out. I know if I don't win the giveaway over at Fabulous Fun Finds, I will be purchasing these. How could you not?

CrabApple Tree

I took these pictures the other day of our crabapple tree. Greg's aunt and uncle planted it the day the got married. Don't ask me when that was, I don't remember when they said. But I've been experimenting with my camera lately and love these pictures. I'm even thinking about putting some up on our walls.

Pay it forward

I just joined Pay It Forward. I've seen this button on a few and never really paid much attention to it. I inquired over at quiltedpomegranate. I'm very thankful for Nann's help in this.

Now, here is how it works. Sometime in the next year, I will be the lucky recipient of a handmade surprise from Nann. Then I must "pay it forward" to three others by sending a handmade item to them in the next year. Who? will I send to. Well, this is up to you the readers!!!

The first 3 folks to sign up in the comments section will be my PIF (pay it forward) group. Each of you who signs up must then post to send to 3 others.

Be sure to leave me an email address for you if you do not have a link on your blog. Leave your email on the comment section or email me.

OMGosh it's May!?

I can't believe it's May already. Were did this year go? I know it's been a long time since I've blogged, but I do have an excuse - it's been so nice here. We have had some really great days, so I've been busy outside painting, weeding, mowing, just playing with the kids outside. I even went out and purchased a bike and trailer for the girls. We went on our first bike ride the other day. It really kicked my butt.

I've done a few sewing projects, forgot to take pictures though. I finally finished the girls dress's. I only had to put buttons on them. It took so long to really find buttons I liked. I went to put them on and I couldn't find them. So I got stuck putting some other buttons on it. I can always change them once I find the ones I really purchased for them. Now looking at the pictures and even with the dress on Elizabeth - I should have made her's longer. I will know for next time.

I love getting pictures done professionally of my girls. The last time we went to even try Elizabeth wanted nothing to do with it. Today, she was excellent. I choose to go to Walmart's Pictureme studio. Not bad in price. I was even able to purchase the whole sitting on a disc so I now have copyrights to all the pictures. I did order 1 set of 30 prints that they offered. Unfortunately I was only able to use 1 picture for all 30. So now that I have the cd and the rights, I can go anywhere and get my pictures printed a whole lot cheaper then through Pictureme. Which I really think all picture places are overly priced for prints.

Quilt Festival

Park City Girl is having a Quilt Festival and I thought what a good idea to put my very first quilt (that I've finished) in it.

I've just recently started getting into making quilts and this is/was my very first one that I actually completed. I made this for my baby sitter's oldest daughter, Katlyn's birthday. I loved making this quilt, which is just a lap quilt. I love the bright colors, I just love how this turned out. I used the Disappearing 9 patch that I found here. Katlyn always gets it out whenever I'm there. It makes me feel so proud that I was able to make something like this and really makes me want to do more. Which I plan on it for everyone for Christmas. Right now it's just a plan, hopefully I'll be able to do it.

Feista Apron Swap

My secret swapper was Nadine, and she received her package already! Let me tell you, sometimes USPS surprise me on how fast they are. She emailed me and told me how much she liked it all. I'm absolutely glad she did. I always get nervous about whether or not my partners are going to like what they receive from me.

I haven't been really busy with crafting this week, it's been gorgeous outside, so I got a lot of yard work done. I have made a few magnets for my Swap-Bot swap (will post pics soon). I'm hoping to get my butt moving and make a few more and open an etsy shop. Wishful thinking right now though. I've been so busy with my swaps, yard work and getting everything in order for school - that I haven't had time to just make things for fun. Hopefully soon everything will slow down.

Easter Dinner

We had Easter Dinner with my family yesterday, here at my house. 16 people, adults and kids all in my house that seems to be too small for my family of 4. We had a lot of fun though. I made the ham and stuffed potatoes. My sister made up the green bean casserole and my sister in law brought cupcakes for desert. My mom brought a pasta salad, while my aunt brought the pickles and olives. We are the family that loves our pickles.
Here are some pictures of the bags I made up for the kids to go outside and find Easter Eggs with. Our baskets never seem to be big enough.


We also purchased a trampoline on Friday. Everyone has their own opinions on this, so please do not preach to me. To me, they have way more pros than cons. Plus it has a safety net, so I totally am in love with it. I don't like it when people purchase items, and don't purchase the proper safety. If you buy a boat, don't you buy life vests? If you bought your kids a bike, wouldn't you buy a helmet? At least I would hope you would. So why wouldn't you buy the safety net that goes around a trampoline? To me it only makes sense.

Recipe

Found this great sounding recipe. I can't wait for my garden to be planted, and to be able to have fresh home grown veggies. OOhh la la. I can't wait.

Zucchini Sticks

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 3 (small) zucchini


• 2 egg, whites


• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Wash zucchini and slice into 2 inch long and 1/4 inch wide strips. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Place bread crumbs on plate. Roll zucchini in egg white and then in bread crumbs. Place on baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes.

Look what I just got!

Have you ever wanted it to be your birthday? Christmas? When it wasn't really that day? Well walking to my mailbox today, I didn't think there would be anything great, mainly bills. Well let me tell you my mailbox was packed full of all sorts of packages. It was like my birthday and Christmas rolled all into one. From fabric to magnets to pens. All thanks to my swap partners on Swap-Bot.

April Showers........

Bring Snow Showers! Yuck. Just when you think we are all done with snow, mother nature brings a blast from winter. Yuck. I can't seem to say it enough. I'm really hoping this doesn't effect my tulips and daffodils.

Gift for Little Girl

Well, the little girl at the baby sitter's house, Jessica, is having a birthday this week. She will be 4. I made a hooded towel (my daughter was graciously modeling above). I put the letter J on the back of it. I also made a tote bag out of a 2 dish towels that I picked up at the Dollar Store. Yes it does need to be ironed. I wont do that while my girls are home, little miss nosies they are. I know Jessica will really like them. She told me she's a likes girly things. Her mother is going through some tough times right now, and I like making these hooded towels. Now if I can get my butt in gear I can make up the rest that I need for birthday's.

Edited 4/10/09 Just wanted to state that Jessica was so happy to have a new hooded towel. She modeled it off all day long. Up next is one for a little boy named Joseph - next week is his birthday.

Fabric

Here is the gorgeous table linen I won on ebay. It just came today. It's going to be turned into an apron. Just have to find the right orange and yellow to correspond with it.

Gifts I've Received

The first shoots are of the pin cushions I received from my Swap-Bot partner. We only had to make 1, but am very thankful for the wonderful set.
This second set is from my wonderful parter, Mary, in Bend the Rules Sewing Swap. She made this beautiful Charming Handbag for me. And even included a few extras. Even a few extras for my girls.

Quilt

I have a problem. I forget birthday's. My baby sitter's daughter Katlyn, had a birthday in March. I knew it. The kids all had cupcakes. It totally went over my head. So, to make up for it I made her a lap quilt. She likes the bright colors. Even her room is very close to the green in the quilt. I did the Disappearing Nine Patch similar to this one. Everyone loved it, so I at least know it made up for my lack of remembering. Now to only remember the everyone else's birthday's.

Aqua and Red Apron

I made this reversible apron for my Swap -Bot partner. There was no preference to whether it had to be bib style or not. I like the first picture with the pattern . I almost think I should have put in pockets, but I did send more of the red fabric so she could put in a pocket or two if she choose to.

Recipe

Found another great recipe. No picture, so you'll have to use your imagination as to how it looks. I look forward to making this one. Our family loves their broccoli. Now to find some good recipes containing Brussel sprouts.

Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes

3 large baking potatoes
3 stalks broccoli
salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 tablespoons whole milk or Daisy sour cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or Gruyere

1. Scrub the potatoes and make shallow cuts around their middles to make it easier to cut them in half after baking. Bake the potatoes at 400 degrees until soft, usually 1 hour, depending on size of potatoes.
2. Meanwhile, cut the ends from the stalks of broccoli and peel some of the outer skin off to make the stems more edible. Steam the broccoli until crunchy-tender and bright green. 3. Drain and chop fine.
4. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl. Add the salt, olive oil and just enough milk and sour cream to allow you to mash the potatoes into a smooth paste. Add the cheese and the chopped broccoli and mix well.

5. Pile the mixture back into the potato shells, arrange on a baking dish and heat them to desired temperature.

Recipes

I'm always looking for simple and easy recipes to make for guests. With Easter coming up in a few weeks, it's time for me to get my dinner thought about. My family all gets together and everyone brings something, my sister was asked to make green bean casserole. I'm thinking, "Let's make this instead." Lets hope she's good with it too.

Green Beans With Caramelized Onion Vinaigrette This recipe serves 8 Hands-On Time: 0h15m Total Time: 0h40m Ingredients 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup sherry vinegar 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds green beans, trimmed 2 teaspoons grated orange zest Directions In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Add the vinegar. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the remaining oil, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Transfer half the mixture to a blender and puree, then return to skillet. Meanwhile, cook the green beans with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt in boiling water until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a serving bowl, toss with the onion mixture, and sprinkle with the zest.

Charming Handbag

Here is the Charming Handbag I've made up for my Bend The Rules Sewing Swap Partner. I hope she will like it. I just have to get to the store and find just the right fat quarters for her.

Here is the whole package I sent to my partner. I do hope she like it all.

Weekend Fun

Here is my nephew Riley Jay. He is now 2 wks old and almost 10 lbs. He's soo cute and cuddly. It makes me wish my girls were this tiny again. He's going to be a tall one, that's for sure. His parents both stand over 6' tall. His older sister, Kayci, who is 6, is taller than all the kids in her class.


We had a blast at my brother's house on Saturday. He works and lives on a farm, so the kids are always excited to go down there. In fact one of the cows was having a baby while we were there. Sorry no pics, I've seen it so many times that I don't need pics of this.

Paper Swap Goodies

Here is what I sent out to my Paper Swap. I found this swap too late and at the beginning of last week received an email that one of the swappers was unable to send. Along comes me. I didn't have much time to really look for some good things, so I hope my swap partner likes all this.

Rufflebutts Giveaway

Go over and sign up at Fabulous Finds for a gorgeous ruffed diaper cover giveaway.

clipped from fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com Rufflebutts Giveaway