Pattern Review

I have been itching to start sewing again. I have 2 patterns picked out to start with. Easy shirts for myself. I haven't sewn a shirt for myself in years! I'm hoping its like riding a bike and I pick it up easily. I still need to decide on fabric and am looking for something in my stash.

So on the suggestion of a blogger/sewer I admire, I joined pattern review. What a wealth of information. I looked up both patterns I'm planning on using and found reviews that were positive. I'm so relieved. So any mistakes I make will be my own!

Til next time ....

Anyone Out There???

If anyone out in bloggy land is reading my blog, you might have noticed that I have been adding alot of sewing blogs to my blogroll. I have found a whole host of wonderful seamstresses that have amazing talent, skills and creativity. And I am jealous! I read their blogs and drool over their finished seams, flawless zippers and ingeneous ideas and shortcuts.

Check out any of the ones on my blogroll that catch your eye. You won't be disappointed. And because I have nothing of my own, I'm leaving you with this tutorial for a messenger bag. I need another bag and this one looks fun. Want to try it with me?




Happy Crafting!

ooops!

ooops! the summer post was suppose to be published on my other blog. oh well ... since i mention my card making i'll leave it. and you get a peak into my life. enjoy!

Summer???

Today and yesterday we have been in the mid 80's. Spring lasted 2 days I think. Actually, tomorrow will be in the mid 50's so I think spring is coming back. I hear of other places in the country having snow, and California breaking record temps. I'm not sure about global warming/cooling or whatnot, but something strange seems to be happening.

But the longer I live, the more convinced I am that the Lord God Almighty is in control. I wanted to post another WFW, but my computer is still not quite right and I haven't reloaded my pictures onto the machine. And I kinda need pics in order to do WFW, ya know?

My cardio workouts have been going well. I walked 5x last week and am shooting for 5x again this week. Hubby has promised me a professional pedicure if I complete 4 weeks of cardio 5x each week, so I am extra motivated to make it happen.

I have also been making cards. Lots of Mothers Day cards that I'm sending to my sister for her to sell at her school. A few thank you cards and some b-day cards as well. The last few times I've worked on the cards, they have really fallen together. Love that!

Last night, we went to a nearby park. It was so pleasant, and crowded! Who knew all these people would have the same idea. Thankfully, it is a large park. Lots of places for the kiddos to play, lots of picnic tables with people having bar-b-q's and b-day parties. A "beach" volleyball game was in play when we got there, teens playing frisbee on the grass, the nearby tennis courts in full use. Bikers, walkers, and skateboarders were all around. Mike and I had time to chat and relax on the grass and Joe had fun going down the slides. I defintely recommend going to parks in the spring and summer. Esp when one lives in a crackerjack box of an apt.

Til next time ....

Checking in Again

I took a break from blogging this past week and a half. Tho I know I've been gone longer from this blog than that short time. Still it was a good break. Being on the computer less time equaled more time in my craft room. I'm working on some cards for upcoming Mother's Day, weddings, new babies, graduations and house warmings. Seems like May is going to be a crazy month.

My computer is giving me fits as well. I'm writing this on the hubster's computer and don't have access to my pics. I'm hoping to get my computer back to tip top shape soon. I'm doing it myself, out of lack of finances, so I'm having to learn as I go along. Thankfully, hubster is pretty good when I get in over my head.

I was able to continue some knitting as well. I'm working on a delicious pink scarf for myself, just in time for next winter! and a skinny purple, textured scarf to give away. I've got my eye on a couple other projects but need someone to instruct me in a couple new-to-me stitches.

For those of you who paper craft: when you work with chipboard, do you paint it? or cover it with paper? and if you paper it, what do you use to adhere it? do you adhere the sides as well, or just the top part? I'm new to chipboard. I love it! And want to do more with it.

Have a wonderful crafting, sewing, knitting weekend!

Some Valentine Cards I Made

I know, I know! It's already 10 days past Valentine's Day, but getting my act together has been difficult of late. But anyway, I wanted to show off 3 cards I made for special people in my life. I'm pretty proud of each of these. I'm still finding my style design as a card maker, but I think I'm getting better.







I'd still love to see what you are working on, so if you have a blog or website, leave me a comment and I'll come visit you! Promise!!!

French Toast Souffle

i decided (awhile ago, this post is long overdue!) i wanted to make an overnite casserole for my family. looking at what supplies i had on hand, i decided to go with a recipe in my "try these recipes" notebook that i keep. it was called french toast souffle, but don't let the simple name fool you. it was heavenly goodness.

my son devoured his portion and asked for more. if i had not halved the recipe i think he still would have eaten the whole pan. here's the recipe and a shot of the goodness before it was devoured by the 3 of us.


French Toast Souffle

10 cups white bread cubes
1 (8oz) pkg lowfat cream cheese, softened
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2/3 cup half n half
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp confectioners sugar

Directions:
place bread cubes in a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.
in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. stir in milk, half n half, maple syrup and vanilla until mixture is smooth. pour cream cheese mixture over bread, cover and refridgerate overnight.

the next morning, remove souffle from refridgerator and let stand at room temp for 30 minutes. meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees. bake uncovered for 30 min or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. sprinkle with confectioners sugar and serve warm.

we poured more syrup over it, but #1 son and i like things sweet. hubby liked it without the extra syrup. so use your own judgement.

Enjoy!