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Friday, December 31, 2010

Resolutions and 2010 Favorites

In late January 2010, I set some New Year's resolutions.  I'm not much of a stickler for resolutions, as is evidenced by the fact that I made mine a month late.

 A few of the goals that I made were:

1. Make Clark a quiet book
2. Finish knitting an afghan
3. Start running again

There were a few additional personal goals, but are a few that I thought that I'd share. Now I have to tell you that I did see success in some areas.  I not only made Clark a quiet book, but I finished three others.  I finished a few panels of my afghan, but have about 5 more to go (don't think that I'm going to achieve that goal).  As far as running goes, well I think that I went running once.  Maybe I should be disappointed in myself, but I'm not.  I feel that 2010 has brought me a lot of joy, and I feel like I have grown as a person in many ways.

In addition to finishing quiet books I also opened my etsy shop, started my blog, and have devoted a lot of time to running the youth program at church.  I'm quite a shy person, and opening a shop, and starting my blog have really caused me to step outside of my comfort zone and put myself out there.  I feel like a more complete individual, and feel like I am coming to know and understand myself on a new level. Thanks for joining me in the process.

I started this blog as a way to be accountable. I set goals to post at least a few times per week, and have really enjoyed how productive my blog has helped me become.  I never would have finished half of the projects that I have without this blog. I am also continuing to improve my sewing skills.  If you would have told me two years ago that I'd be sewing clothing for myself and my family, I would not have believed you.

I wish that I could say that I have all of my 2011 New Year's resolutions worked out, but I don't.  I still have a few more hours to work on that.

I thought that I'd do a quick round up of some of my favorite projects from this year.


 I love Clark's argyle Pull Over.  He looks so handsome in it, and it was a bit of an exciting challenge to design.


Clark's fleece dress coat was another fun one to make.  It was one of the few projects form a purchased pattern, that turned out as I'd hoped.


Em's Flutter sleeve top was another of my favorites.  I loved the way that the shirring transformed the dress shirt.




The pintuck top is probably my favorite of my cap sleeve tops.  I love the simplicity of the pintucks.


 This Swim Trunk bucket hat is by far my favorite repurposed project of the year.  It feels so rewarding to reuse things that you have on hand.



This bias skirt is something that I love to wear.  Katy did a great job with the tutorial, and I'm really loving the fabric combination.


The Fishing Hole Roll was another favorite.  I really like the way that it came together, and it is so much fun to play with.

How do you feel about New Year's Resolutions?  Do you make them?  Do you keep them?

Thanks for reading and joining me on this adventure.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Your Thoughts Please

I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season.  I have enjoyed spending time with family, eating good food, and doing a bit of relaxing.

I'm eager to show you some of the Christmas projects that I took on this year, but I think that I'll wait for a few days.  I have plans of cleaning out closets, refrigerators, and cupboard space.  I figure that if I take care of some of the housework now, I'll have more time to craft in the future.

I've also been doing a bit of thinking about this little blog that I try to keep up.  I started this blog as an outlet for myself.  I love sharing my creations with you, hearing feedback, and finding inspiration in all that you create.

  I want this blog to show my point of view when it comes to sewing and crafting, but at the same time I want to give my readers what they want. I've posted a couple of polls on my side bar, and would love it if you'd take the time to share your feelings with me.  I'd love to know what type of projects and crafts you are most interested in, and what I can do to make this blog more reader friendly. I can't promise tutorials and patterns for every post, but I'd like to know what I can do to  improve.

I am considering making a more rigid schedule for my postings.  Some ideas that I have running through my head are: a day dedicated to sewing tips, tricks, and techniques; free pattern Friday (round up of free patterns or projects from blogland); recipe day, or spotlighting favorite online shops or blogs.  I'm open to suggestions.

While I have your attentions I'd love to know your feelings on guest bloggers and giveaways.  I know that sometimes I feel overwhelmed with advertisements and product placement, and I stop reading a blog all together.  So do you like guest blogger posts?  Do giveaways draw you in or push you away?

Thanks for reading.  Hearing from readers really keeps me going.  I love creating, and love sharing my creations with you.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

It Smells Like Christmas


 In my mind there is a definite smell associated with Christmas. It is probably a mix of fresh pine, wrapping paper, and baked goods (three of my favorite things). Growing Up we always had a fresh tree, and the scent of fresh pine is sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit.  Unfortunately, we don't have a fresh tree, and our home was lacking that scent of Christmas.


I recently made a batch of gingersnaps.  I love the aroma that fills the house when a batch is baking in the oven.  I happen to love the taste as well.  


I hope that your holidays are filled with good food, memories made, and delicious aromas.  You can find the recipe for these gingersnaps here.

Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Have you run out of time and money?  I feel like we have, and yet I keep thinking of a few more people that I'd love to give gifts to.  If you are feeling the same way, here are a few gift ideas that don't require much time or material.  You may even have the materials on hand.  Let's take a trip through the blog archives and rediscover some quick crafts.



The tortilla cozy will take you about an hour to whip up.  It is great for anyone on your list that loves mexican food, or baked potatoes.  Just throw a stack of warmed tortillas in the cozy and it will keep them warm all through dinner.  You can also put it directly into the microwave to heat your baked potatoes.  
You can find the tutorial here.


This is a gift that can work for just about anyone.  It would be a great teacher or school bus driver gift (probably a bit late for that though).  Simply gather all of those free reusable shopping bags that you've collected, the ones with the store's logo plastered on the front.  Find some scrap pieces of fabric that are large enough to cover the front panel, press under the raw edges, and stitch it to the front and back of the bag.  Easy, practical, and inexpensive. You could even stitch some Christmas print fabric on the front and use it as a gift bag.  See the original post here.



 These magnetic shapes and numbers would make a great gift for any toddler or school age child.  They are made using craft felt (inexpensive), and some small magnets.  The magnets are encased in the fabric, so there's little risk of the magnets coming loose and being ingested.

If you wanted to take a short cut in making these, you could use hot glue in attaching the felt, but I prefer sticking to the sewing machine.  See the tutorial here.






These chunky braided bracelets are made using strips of old t-shirts.  They are easy to make, and comfortable to wear.  You can find the full tutorial here.



Since we've already started cutting apart our old t-shirts, why don't we make a trendy and warm scarf/necklush.  All you need is a soft old t-shirt.  This is a super quick and fun project. Find more information here.



These paper and vinyl wallets can be made using an available paper on hand, maps, phone books, photos, scrapbooking paper, ect.  The vinyl can be purchased for less than $3 a yard.  Don't want to set in snaps? Use some adhesive velcro to make this project go really quickly. Find the tutorial here.



These elastic hairbands and headbands, are fun and easy to make.  All you need is some oval elastic cord, embroidery or friendship bracelet floss, and some felt and a button.  This would be a great project for any bored tweens in your home.  Find more information here.






Monday, December 20, 2010

Ruffled Ribbon Christmas Tree Applique Tutorial


For those of you who followed the Hip for the Holidays series, you may remember this teaser photo.  I had originally intended on creating a ruffled ribbon Christmas tree applique, but became distracted with sequined snowflakes.  I figured that rather than shelving the project for next year, I'd show you the finished product.

Logo Art: Miami Heat Watch From CSN Stores


I was recently asked to review a product from CSN Stores.  CSN Stores carries a large selection of different products.  You really can find something for everyone on your shopping list.  You can purchase serger sewing machines, cookware, outdoor gear, toys, bedding, and even shoes and accessories.




 Christmas is less than a week away, and I always have a difficult time selecting gifts for my husband.  He loves to read, but I don't dare pick out a book for him.  He loves music, but we don't always share the same taste.  He also loves basketball.  I would have loved to buy him a season pass to watch the Miami Heat play, but we live in Idaho, and he wouldn't get any use of it (and it isn't really within our price range).  I was thrilled when I came upon this Logo Art  NBA Miami Heat Men's watch. It is a practical gift (which I love), but it is also personal.  My husband will now be able to show his team pride, but without having to wear a foam finger and  Dwyane Wade Jersey.  It is available at CSN Stores, and I couldn't be happier with the purchase.


The watch itself comes with a stainless steel adjustable bracelet.  It has multiple removable links on either side of the watch clasp.  This is very appreciated in our home.  My husband has medium sized wrists, and would drown in the watch if it weren't adjustable.  I am confident that most men would be able to wear this watch.  We removed two links on each side, and adjusted the clasp closure.  It now fits very comfortably on his wrist.  There are an additional two links on either side that could be removed to fit this to a youth size wrist.

I really like the style of the watch bracelet.  I think that it is nice enough to wear with most anything.  The full color dial is sharp, but discreet.  I appreciate that the watch face has the date, and also numerical marking for easy reading of the time.

The watch looks sharp and well constructed.  My husband loves the watch, and can't wait to wear it....after Christmas.

The watch also comes in a nice sturdy storage case.  It will be nice for the watch to have a home when it is not in use.


I'd highly recommend the watch, and shopping with CSN Stores.  I've had a great experience working with them. By the way, it is much cheaper to buy Logo Art products from CSN Stores, than to purchase them through NBA Stores.

Do you have any great guy gift ideas?  It is always hard for me to shop for brothers, fathers, and husband.  Little guys are a bit easier...trucks, trains, and dinosaurs.  Any great crafting gifts for guys?

Holiday Recipe Round Up


I have really enjoyed drooling over the links that were submitted to the Holiday Recipe Link Party.  There are so many fun and festive ideas for holiday treats, and I just had to feature (quite) a few of them.  I decided to break down some of my favorites into a few categories:  Holiday Candies, Dressed To Impress Desserts, and Justifiable Treats.


Holiday Candies

And I can't leave out a holiday staple in our house, toffee.  Jo, from Smile Monsters made up this delicious batch.


Meghan, from the Domestic Sugar Bake Shop, will show you how to make these festive peppermint patties.  


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Me and My Pink Mixer, shares their recipe for these festive Gingerbread Truffles.  I love the smell of Gingerbread around the Holidays.

Dressed to Impress


These desserts are sure to impress all of your guests at your next holiday party.


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These Oreo Truffle Surprise Cookies are all dressed up.  Visit Inside Bru Crew Life for the recipe.


Ela, from Life in My PJ's, will show you how to make this candy coated red velvet cake.  I love how festive and fun this cake is.



Our Journey To A Simpler Life, shares this recipe for a pumpkin roll.  A pumpkin roll is a fun and impressive variation of more traditional pumpkin desserts.

Justifiable Treats

No one wants to bulk up during the holidays, but I hate when people deprive themselves of great holiday food.  Small portion sizes, and a justifiable treat is the way to go.  I have a personal belief that if a dessert has fruit, nuts, or dark chocolate, that I can justify having a small portion (or two).  These recipes look so fantastic, and have some health benefits as well.


These protein packed sweet and spicy almonds are sure to curb any cravings that you might be having.  
You can find the recipe at  The Pretty Bee



This Pomegranate and Cranberry Cream Tart is full of antioxidants, and it's gluten, dairy, and sugar free to boot.  Ashlie and Alfred of the Delshad Duo will teach you how to make this great holiday recipe.


Lisa's Cranberry Upside Down Cake has been making me salivate all week.  You can find the recipe at her blog, The Pursuit of Happiness.


Be sure to check out the other recipe submissions for some great holiday ideas.  The other links look just as delicious. I'd loved to have featured them all.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Holiday Recipe Week: Peanut Brittle


I think that Christmas candies are enjoyed for several reasons.  There are certain Christmas candies that I love because of their flavor, their are other that I love because of their appearance, and there are some that make their way to our holiday plates merely out of tradition.

Fudge is a bit rich in texture and flavor for my preference, but in our home you must make at least one batch.  Divinity is the Christmas treat that I always yearned for as a little girl, but never received, due to burnt out mixer motors. And Toffee is one treat that I leave up to my mother, because mine never seems to turn out just right.

While peanut brittle hasn't been a candy that is traditionally found on my own personal candy plate, it seems to be a Christmas staple.  My sister in law was kind enough to share her family recipe with us. 


Peanut Brittle

1 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 C Corn Syrup
1/2 C Water
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 Cus Raw Peanuts

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.  Cook to a full boil.  Add peanuts.  Cook until syrup is browned, but not burnt. Add baking soda.  Leave on heat until foamy, and syrup is a  golden brown.

Quickly turn out onto a buttered pan. Allow to cool.  Crack into pieces.

Note:  This makes a relatively small batch.  If you are making this recipe for a crowd, you will want to double or triple the recipe.

I think that the key aspect of this recipe is ensuring that the mixture doesn't burn.  It seems that sugar syrups can quickly go from a nice golden brown, to a sticky and stinky clump.


Peanut brittle, homemade caramels, and coconut bon bons. Oh how I love Christmas.



Check out all of the wonderful holiday recipes at the Holiday Recipe Link Party.  Be sure to link up your favorite recipes as well.

I'll be linking here.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Holiday Recipe Week: Peanut Butter Popcorn with Guest Blogger Lu

Can I just tell you that I am thrilled to introduce you to Lorene, of I Am Just Lu.  She is simply sweet.  I always look forward seeing what she comes up with. She has proven to be skilled in the kitchen, in the craft room, and on the computer (I need the most help in this area).

I must admit that I often think of Lu when writing up my posts. If I'm unsure whether or not I'm using proper punctuation, then I always think....Lu is going to cringe when she reads this.  I appreciate that she always leaves sweet comments, and never brings up the fact that there are probably serious grammatical errors in my posts.  Her posts are always well written, and a joy to read.  Be sure to stop by her blog to see all that she's been up to.

Here she is.


Hello, Leafy Treetop Spot-ters! I am so happy to be here with you today -- isn't Tricia amazing? I don't think she's even capable of making anything that I don't love. :)



So who I am?



I am Lu, or Lorene. That's me with the dumb look on my face, and that's my handsome hubby with me. We have a one-year-old son who is every bit as handsome as his daddy and who smiles for the camera like his mommy. :)



I am just Lu


I blog over at just Lu -- my place to be just who I am: a wife and mom who is a technical writer and crafter, among other myriad occupations. I love sharing what I'm interested in and making friends through my interests and endeavors, so I hope you'll stop by!



When Tricia asked if I would like to participate in Holiday Treat Week, I responded with a hearty YES ... and then I started thinking. (It's a bad habit I have, thinking after the fact :)



I thought about sharing these scrumptious mint thins (made with Ritz crackers, of all things!) from Kraft Recipes:

image via KraftRecipes.com


And then I saw this liquid heaven Almond Joy hot chocolate over at Delia Creates:

image via deliacreates.blogspot.com
And then I thought about sharing these divine Oreo creations, recipe here from the adorable Nichelle of Vintage Wannabee:

image via vintagewannabee.blogspot.com


But... firstly, none of those recipes are mine. Claiming them as such would be just plain not nice.



And secondly, as divinely delicious as all three are, they aren't particularly holiday-ish to me (although that doesn't stop me from eating an extra portion around the holidays :).



So then I thought (don't change that channel -- I'm almost done thinking!): what are the holidays?



And my answer?



FAMILY.
Me and 6 of my 7 older siblings, plus my dad and his new car
I'm the cute chubby one in pink :)


So I decided to share with you a recipe that, while not inherently holiday-ish, reminds me of everything that is most important, and isn't that what the holidays are really all about?



Let me introduce you to Peanut Butter Popcorn:



It might not look like much, but it's delicious, sinfully sweet, and cheap!



I grew up the youngest in a family of 8 children (as you can see from the picture above). Cheap is important. Cheap and makes enough for everyone is the difference between living in harmony and... not-so-harmonious living. A harmonious day is a holy day and therefore a holiday, right? :)



So, at our weekly family-together nights and any other family gathering, my mom would make Peanut Butter Popcorn. It's perfect for making with a large brood because there's a job for everyone. It's actually more difficult to make by yourself than with a helper, so grab a helper or two (or six) and let's get started: