The Blueberry Boutique

Hoisin Glazed Salmon

2012-02-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

Great dinner from last week. Hoisin Glazed Salmon from Cooking Light (maybe?) Tasty and really easy. Marinates for 8 minutes in the hoisin glaze and then bakes for about 10.

An attempt at pretzel rolls...

2012-02-09T10:40:00.000-05:00

I've said before, I'm not the best baker, but I am determined. We've been seeing this whole "Pretzel Roll" phenomenon blossoming recently. B came home from a meeting out of town this summer raving about a burger on a pretzel roll and I couldn't fathom it. Then I see a sign at the restaurant at the corner saying that they now have pretzel rolls. Hmmm. We ordered take out a month or so ago and I got a corned beef sandwich on a pretzel roll. BELIEVER! Why had I waited so long? Then came the discovery of this recipe on Pinterest.

Mine were NOT as pretty as hers, but they tasted good. We ate those bottom two right out of the oven. I will warn you, I used A LOT more flour since my dough was REALLY sticky. And they are best used right when made. I may try to half the recipe next time it's just the two of us. The was one of two trays. There were a lot of rolls. They still taste good the next day, but lose a little "something."

We made BBQ chicken and it was a great sandwich.

Most definitely worth a try.

Easy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup from Cuisine at Home

2012-02-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have been battling my second head cold of the winter, if you can call it winter, for the past few days. Soup seems to be in order again and B has been asking for this for a couple of weeks, so I let him make it for me :-)

We've had this magazine for a couple of years and have made a few things from it. Here is the Link for the magazine (sorry, I couldn't find it on Amazon...) Cuisine at Home: Our Favorite Weeknight Menus. I'm a big fan of Cuisine magazines. They have great tips, step by step directions and pics and usually a side dish recipe in the margin. We love everything we've tried from these.

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Soup - Cuisine at Home: Our Favorite Weeknight Recipes
p. 94
35 minutes
Makes 9 cups

* Do your self a favor and use the Velveeta. I've tried to go the healthy route and shredded block cheese to add or just added shredded. While it tasted good, I ended up with chunks of cheese that were just a gooey mess. USE THE VELVEETA!

1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 cup onion, minced
1/2 cup carrot, minced
1/2 cup celery, minced

2 Tbsp all purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth

1 lb. American cheese (VELVEETA, cubed) shredded, 4 cups
6 cups broccoli florets and diced stems, blanched
1/4 tsp, cayenne
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery and sweat 3 minutes.

Stir in flour to coat veggies and cook 1 minute. Slowly add broth, stirring constantly; increase heat to medium-high, then bring to a rolling boil. Cook 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium.

Add cheese, let stand 1 minute, then stir until incorporated. Simmer soup 3 minutes (do not boil, or cheese may curdle), add blanched broccoli and cook another minute. Season with cayenne and salt.

Per cup: 360 cal, 25 g fat, 18 g carbs, 960 mg sod, 5 g fiber, 18 g protein

We have already made the Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine p. 78, Browned Butter Beans, Fabulous Fish Tacos p. 68, Asian Pork Satays and Cucumber Relish p. 51, and the Mediterranean Chops and Parmesan Orzo p 44.

The next thing he is requesting from this magazine is the Shrimp Roll on p 84. The French Onion Soup, Toasted Ravioli, and Tortilla Chip Chicken from the cover look yummy too. Oh yeah, and the Lasagna Soup...

More Slipper Love...

2012-02-05T16:46:00.002-05:00

I LOVE it when patterns are on sale at Joann's. I have an app on my phone called "ListMaster" (FREE!) and it is one of the handiest things on my phone. I keep an list of patterns that I want to get when they are on sale broken down by company, Simplicity, McCalls, Buttericks, etc. and another list of patterns that I have in my collection already. So when I see one in the book that catches my eye, I just check my phone to see if I have it already. If not, in the cart it goes. This one was $.99. (SCORE) Simplicity 2278 includes a women's slipper with 3 sizes and 5 patterns for infants. Why spend the $17.95 listed price when they go on sale several times a year? No thanks!

Sorry about the messy sewing room floor...

I, of course, had to make them given my obsession with all things slippers lately. And I must say, MUCH faster then knitting a pair. (Not that I won't be doing more of that too.) I cut the pieces out last night after I finished mom's laptop cover, and they only took a couple of hours to sew together this afternoon. I actually did a really SMART thing this time... I loved the pattern so much that I bought ALL of the supplies at the same time as the pattern. I knew I had scrappy bits at home that I could use, but the jiffy grip, fusible fleece and interfacing came home with the pattern. I'm learning! Oh yeah, and that was back in October, so I'm glad that I miraculously keep everything together for that long.

And the fact that they match my pants is purely coincidental!

The instructions are incredibly easy to follow. I didn't sit here scratching my head or searching Flickr and Google for hints like I have in the past. I do however have a few things that I would do differently when I make these again:

1) I would shorten the strap about and inch (at least) as these were WAY to long for me and I had to move the velcro and re-stitch the end.

2) I also don't like how they have you sew the velcro to the strap. I think I would stitch it in place BEFORE the step that has you fold in half and stitch inside out. It would look much cleaner that way.

These stay on quite a bit better than any of the slippers I've knit, even without the strap. They will be great for travel or an evening at a friends house (or the in-laws) since I always take slippers with me, these will be perfect! I give then 4.5 out of 5!

Grandma Smith's Soft Molasses Cookies

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

My Grandma makes THE BEST molasses cookies. And there were almost always some in the container on top of the fridge while I was growing up. Recently, they moved into an assisted living facility and we have been slowly cleaning out the house. While I was working on the kitchen, I came across a couple of half full jars of molasses and pet milk (sweetened condensed, Carnation also makes this)

I made them at mom and dad's this weekend because I didn't want ALL those cookies in the house. I wanted to share the recipe with you here.

Grandma Smith's Soft Molasses Cookies

Preheat oven to 375* - cookies will bake for about 10 minutes for one tray, up the time by a minute or so if you are cooking two trays at once.

2/3 cup pet milk
2 tsp. vinegar
1/2 cup cooking molasses
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
2/3 cup soft shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs

Mix together milk & vinegar. Add molasses and mix well

Sift together dry ingredients, except sugar.

Cream together the shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat hard.

Add molasses mixture and flour mixture alternately to shortening mixture.

WIP Wednesday - Notting HIll Vest

2012-01-25T20:42:00.000-05:00

I also gave up on the original vest for my dad. It didn't fit him right and I am NOT a pro at writing/re-writing patterns. I found this instead and it seems a much better choice. It's the Notting Hill Vest from Interweave Knits by Kathy Zimmerman. If only the fiber didn't make me itch so.

Here's the back. I really like how the cables turned out. I'm not sure if the armholes are too deep for him or not, but I will measure it on him in the next couple of weekends. That, thankfully, is an easy fix.

I already did the ribbing for the front and am starting the chart tonight.... good so far!

Cable Slippers

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

Remember these...

They started a trend. I needed more. I found this little booklet at Joann's a while back and instantly fell for the adorable cable slippers. Then I forgot about them for a while. Well, I needed an easy road trip project a few weeks ago and started spending too much time on Ravelry when I found these in my que and remembered that I had the book! BINGO!!!!

About the same time, I moved my sewing area to the front (bedroom) storage room. It was in the living room and the Hubs couldn't see the TV while on the Ellyptical, so he wasn't using it. I had to move yarn, and we all know that takes a while, because it needs to be looked at and held, while the computer is sitting on the floor with Ravelry open next to you. WELL, I had just under 2 skeins of Australian Merino leftover from a Capelet I made years ago. Gauge was right on! Yippee, road trip project that fills the need for more slippers too, I love 2 for one's!

They are wonderful. That's all, no complaints, they fit perfectly and I still want more (of these) exactly like this, in more colors. Yep, happy feet!

Resolutions 2012

2012-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

As I said in a previous post, I tried to be realistic on my resolutions this year.

1) Keep up with my workout routine - I started back to the gym last summer and I have been pretty good about keeping to my routine. I generally head there directly from work Monday - Thursday and I get there at least once on the weekends when we stay home. I have not, however, been good about getting some exercise in when we are at the lake for the weekend. I am resolving to get better at this. And to loose it for good. Slow and steady.

2) De-clutter certain areas of disorganization - especially old cooking magazines. (this DOES NOT include Everyday Food, of which I am only lacking about 5 from the beginning, or Cuisine Magazines.) Cooking Light recipes are all being saved on Pinterest. Possibly work through a couple of my favorite cookbooks and give a review...

3) Get better about planning meals ahead. This includes batch cooking for the freezer and possibly doing a big cooking day every few months. My hubby has been great about cooking since I have been going to the gym, but he needs to get there too, so crock-pot, made ahead meals and easy things for him are on my agenda. Also, planning meals using pantry items instead of buying all ingredients.

4) Spend more time here. I have been negligent and that really bothers me. I like it here, that's why I started this blog. I want to get on a better blogging schedule. At least once a week to start with and increase from there.

5) Make a dent in my reading list.

6) Complete UFO's in my knitting and sewing que. Including finishing another quilt and dad's vest.

7) Make more of an effort to get things on Etsy and work on promoting my shop.

8) Find a job that i truly enjoy and that makes me feel fulfilled. Not sure right now what that is, I have an idea, but I'm just not sure how to get there.

Like I said, trying to be realistic. I think most of these are do-able, but they at least give me something to think about. I KNOW I won't make it through my reading list (more on that soon), but I've been working through it lately and will share what I've been enjoying.

Chicken Orzo Soup

2012-01-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

It's cold here so soup was most definitely on the agenda. Chicken Orzo Soup from a past issue of Cooking Light. One of my New Year's Resolutions, and I tried to be realistic this year, is to purge some un-needed things. One category that needs a thorough "pick-through" is my collection of cooking magazines. I had a lot of old cooking light issues. A lot. I'm so glad I found Pinterest. It's my new obsession. I do seriously mean obsession here. It's the easiest thing to use, like an online bulletin board, or in my case, filing cabinet. I have had so much fun pinning articles and recipes and seeing who likes my pins. See my sidebar ---------> to follow me on Pinterest. I would love to see what you're pinning!

Anyhow, back to dinner. This was a wonderful recipe. I cooked a chicken with herbs, veggies and water in my crock-pot all day yesterday and used the chicken and broth for the soup. I am also trying to use things out of the pantry this year. It's going OK so far. I had orzo so that was why I wanted to try this. I also got whole chickens on sale for $.78/pound, so I restocked my freezer with a few of those. Always nice to have on hand for broth and soups. Here are a few other recipes I use that technique on:

Avoglemono - Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

White Chicken Chili

Apologies....

2011-08-28T00:13:00.000-04:00

First of all, I would like to apologize, I have been incredibly negligent when it comes to my little space here. I have dozens of blogs written in my head right now so I will try to get them typed up and out here in the blogsphere.

I started a new job in April! (Woooooo Hooooo!) I also started a workout routine shortly after and have been heading directly to the gym from work every day. The hubs and I are trying to get into a new routine and I'm trying to get dinners ready or at least prepped on the weekends so we aren't eating at 9pm.

I haven't knit, I haven't been at my sewing machine. I've read, but that's about it. Oh, yeah, I read all 4 Twilight books in 10 days. I read these three books and loved them all. I'm hoping to get to see The Help next weekend with mom.

We have been staying home every other weekend or so, but even though we've been home, we've been busy! We've spent several afternoons and evenings cooling down in our friends pool - thank you Ron and Sheri! We did the original Detroit taste off between Lafayette and American Coney Island.

We are proud to say that we agree, Lafayette is the winner! We drove around Belle Isle, because sadly, I had never been there. It was a fun afternoon!

There was a wedding. We spend some fun weekends with family and friends at the lake. My niece is 12 (12!) and she is taller than me by a good inch! Crazy! And we celebrated our 3rd Anniversary! Three years have flown by! Love ya!

've cleaned out some closets and have several boxes ready to go to good will. I made enough room in the closet in my sewing room that I was able to move some things around and make more working space. I can get to my ironing board now! It's great.

We spent the day at Eastern Market today with my mom and dad and had lunch at Loco, YUM! Dessert at Cold Stone on the way home. And I decided that it's time to not only get back here, but to start my second quilt! I've had this magazine since last summer, I've had this fabric for almost 2 years, and KNEW I would make this quilt with this fabric as soon as I saw it.

So, why on earth has it taken me this long to start it? I sat down with my cutting mat, circle template and fabric and got to work. I'm altering it a little because I only had 24 squares of fabric instead of the 32 called for, BUT, my squares are bigger. So yeah, it's altered a little. I can't wait to get the quilt top together, because I found a long arm quilter and it's going to her to be finished!

I have some recipes to share and I did finish a few projects that just never got photographed toward the end of winter, so I will be sharing them soon. I hope to be back on a regular blogging schedule soon!

One Yard Wonders

2011-04-01T20:00:00.001-04:00

I love, LOVE, this book. SO MUCH!

I have a list of projects that I still want to make, but I did already check a few off my list. Like the Summer Nightie/Tank Top. (P.137) And my new sewing machine cover. (P. 83) I made one for my serger too, but I still need to hem it.

And my cute new jewelry roll( p.122)... first attempt at zippers was a complete success. Now I want to make little zipper pouches for everyone I know. Watch out!

And my fab new laptop case(P. 100)! This might be my fav. I used some left over pieces and the remaining binding from my quilt. I might make a sleeve for my Kindle now too.

There are still quite a few more things on my to make list, but I think I made a good start!

And the winner is...

2011-03-22T14:23:00.000-04:00

Threadless! I will be sending the tote in your direction! Message me your address and I will be mailing it to you shortly. Thanks for joining in the contest everyone!

Reading Pillow

2011-03-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

This one is going to live in my room at the lake house. I find it very cheerful!

I loved Meg's pattern for a reading pillow from the moment I saw it and have now had the pattern for about a year (maybe 2?) I've had the fabric and supplies for 2 pillows for a while now too. Of course I need one for home and one for the lake... I was on a roll after finishing the Charming Handbag on Saturday, so I began scouring my fabric stash and low and behold, the reading pillow popped out at me. PERFECT! I finished one on Saturday night and the second on Sunday. I was so proud of myself that I took them to book club on Sunday night to show off my craftiness and my girlfriend bought one off me on the spot and requested 2 more! Hence, the single pillow in the picture... Oh darn. I have to go to Joann's AGAIN and browse through fabric... what shall I do?

Here is the pillow in use. It's holding Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing. I may be making these napkins soon...

Oh, and our Reubens on Saturday night turned out yummy too.

Charmed, I'm sure...

2011-03-19T17:59:00.000-04:00

I am absolutely charmed by this adorable little handbag from Bend The Rules Sewing. I've had the Charming Handbag (p.64) on my to-do list for ages and it has been on my mind all week. I am in love with the dots pattern. Seriously. It's a bit on the tiny side, so I think I will make it a bit bigger next time around, but for the first time, I'm a happy camper. I did use the Bend the Rules Sewing Flickr group a bit. And got distracted looking at all the projects for a while... but this was a quick little project, love it!

I did make a couple of slight changes. I used muslin, because I did not have cotton flannel. It's on my Joann's list now, but none in the stash. I didn't top stitch around the bag because a) it would have stitched over the casing and b) I just didn't think it would look right.

Aak! The dots, such cuteness!

Changes I would make next time:

1) Make the bag bigger.

2) Make the straps longer.

3) Make the casings a bit wider and move them down a bit more than the 1/2" listed. They are quite close to the top.

Happy Belated St. Patty's Day! We got a great Corned Beef from Wigley's Market in Eastern Market. The best Corned Beef in the "D" in my opinion. I actually roasted taters this year instead of boiling them, and we were pretty happy with the results. Reubens on the menu for tonight!

Aid for Japan

2011-03-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

The devastation that has hit Japan us utterly heartbreaking. A wonderful fellow blogger over at Sweet and Savory Trinkets is doing what she can to aid those who have been affected. To donate and see what she is doing, visit the link above.

Etsy Shop Grand Opening and a GIVE-AWAY!

2011-03-14T21:18:00.006-04:00

To celebrate the Grand Opening of my Etsy shop, The Blueberry Boutique, I'm hosting a give-away! Leave a comment to get in on the drawing! Follow my Blog and get another entry! Like The Blueberry Boutique on Facebook, leave another comment here, and get another entry! That's 3 chances to win this tote! WOW!!!!

I will try to take a better pic in the morning when the sun is shining, but I want to get this out there first! :-)

The drawing will close on Sunday, March 20th at 9pm! I will announce the winner on Tuesday, March 22nd at noon! Good luck!

If sales go well, I will be adding more items soon! Thanks for visiting!

Almost Famous Rosemary Bread

2011-03-14T10:00:00.002-04:00

Who likes Macaroni Grill? Raise your hand! Ok, so you love their bread too, right? You know you do. Hubby's favorite "reading material" is cookbooks and cooking magazines. If I don't scan a mag as soon as it comes in the mail, it could be weeks before I get to. But I always know right away when he finds something he wants. Starting on Thursday (the new Food Network came Wednesday) the Almost Famous Rosemary Bread from Romano's Macaroni Grill was a hot topic around here. I was going to make it Saturday, but we went out for tacos, yum! Well Sunday rolls around, and I was barely awake when he started asking when I was going to make the bread. Dude, can I eat breakfast first?

OMG, Yep, it's that good. Make it soon, you won't regret it!

Summer Nightie/Tank Top

2011-03-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

This turned out really cute. It's the Summer Nightie/Tank from One Yard Wonders. I need to wait for hubby to be around later today to help with the strap positioning on the back, but I pinned it so that I can post pics now.

I don't have pretty doors like some other people do

This was really quite simple once I actually took the time to sit down and read through the directions. I think I could have had this done in just an hour or so if I hadn't gotten overly obsessed with flickr and google to see what other people thought about it. And if I hadn't decided to be all fancy schmancy and do a cute stitch on my bias tape. That was a learning experience. I made the medium cup size, probably should have done the large, but you live and learn, and I have this same fabric in blue too, so I might make another one. Oh, yeah, and this is definitely going to be a tank, NOT a nightie. For one, I don't do nighties, I don't like to be tangled, shorts and tanks or PJ pants and hubby old t-shirts for me. And second, my ass hangs out. A lot. So it's a tank for sure.

I think it looks really cute with the sweater from Kohl's that I have been searching for something to wear with. Great, now that winter is almost (hopefully) over, I have an outfit! Oh, and I found out that it's REALLY hard to sew with a cat on your back....

Once I reached around to pet him I realized that he was toasty warm in that spot because the space heater was blowing on him! And everyone thinks he's a dumby. Nope, not this boy. Oh, yeah, and this was one of the times I spent more time than necessary reading unrelated blog posts because I just didn't have the heart to move him.

What do you do when you need a pin cushion?

2011-02-25T21:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, what do you do when you need a pin cushion, but you can't even bear to look at, let alone touch the tomato/strawberry one's from the fabric store, or your grandma's sewing table? You make one of course!

I have had Posey in my que on Ravelry for AGES! It took me a while to decide what 3 colors I wanted to use, but I slowly collected them (on sale at Michaels! 2 for 1 deal!) and I found the cutest button, too. So, I needed a small, easy road trip project a few weeks ago. The Hubs and I finally headed north to my uncles for the weekend. It's a 4 hour drive. I got all of the balls done while in the car. I stuffed them when we got home and sewed the button on. Adorable! And I have enough yarn left for washcloths too! Another 2 for 1. What a deal! And big dashboards come in handy for holding lots of yarn!

Pizza Dough

2010-12-30T17:12:00.001-05:00

For the last few years, I have been on the hunt for a good pizza dough recipe. I came across a good one Sunday night. Maybe not the best one, but it was pretty darn good. It is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network. It made a big batch. I made a thin crust for me and a deep dish for Brian. I had a bit left over and just made a plain one with some garlic, sauce and cheese.

I was hungry and forgot to take a picture before I cut into it!

I used Quick Rise instant yeast and it worked. I have terrible luck with yeast, but it worked! Oh, and I think the recipe is incorrect for the amount of salt. I will decrease it to about 1/2 Tbsp. next time and see how that works.

Finishing the Acadian

2010-12-29T17:03:00.002-05:00

I finally got up the nerve to block my Acadian Shawl. It turned out really well. I can't wait to wear it!

Holiday Handmades

2010-12-28T16:59:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday! I can finally share what I've been working on for holiday gifts this year! I have been busy knitting and sewing away, therefore, all of the creative juices have been flowing in that direction. I have barely thought about interesting meals at all. Ask Brian. The dinners have been very uninspired around here. Back to the menu planning next week!

I digress.... Here is the crafty goodness...

Jamie is a U of M fanatic! I have reports that he sleeps with the blanket every night and it is hauled to the couch first thing in the morning. I'm so glad he likes it!

I love the one I made for Sophie. I told her I would keep it if she didn't like it, but she smiled and shook her head. Apparently that means I did well choosing the colors! I'm still the cool aunt!

I had to keep up with tradition and make Mimi another shawl. She got a shawl pin from my parents and pinned it right on and wore it the rest of the day!

Terttu Shawl

Raveled Here

Springtime Bandit Shawl for Mom
Raveled Here

Mom loved her Christmas shawl. I think she will get a lot of use from it! I also made her coasters, but I can't find the picture!

I think I will start next years gifts in a few weeks. I always say that, but maybe this year I will actually do it!

Lists

2010-11-19T19:03:00.001-05:00

I am a sucker for lists. A sucker. I make lists for everything. I carry a notebook in my purse. All the time! When I have to downsize for fancy occasions, I kind of go into panic mode... It's a little frightening!

This weekend, I have a list. The hubs is heading to the lake to keep hunting, so I plan on some VERY serious sewing. I have a big list.

See, it's big, and this is only part of it, because somethings can't be added to that list because people might see.

My list also includes Apple Cookies and Pumpkin Cookies, when I'm not sewing, oh, or knitting, cause I have some of that to do, too. I also get to puppy sit for the next week. Our friends are going on a family vacation so Atlas is staying at our house. This was taken tonight, about an hour after I brought Atlas home. I think they might be friends by tomorrow :-) Just maybe... (uh, yeah, that's some of the fleece for the blankets. There is another bag the same size next to it.)

I will miss these two furry faces this weekend though. I took this a couple of weekends ago at the lake. They were watching me eat breakfast. Cute, right?

Have a happy and productive weekend!

An adventure with wool

2010-11-10T15:50:00.001-05:00

So, here's the story... My dad went to Ireland in September of 2009. Before he left I asked him to bring me back Bono, or The Edge, or yarn.

Fast forward 2 weeks... He's home and so excited to show me the yarn he picked out. Then he says to me in an Irish accent, "I thought you would make me a waistcoat!" He looks like a kid on Christmas morning, rubbing his hands together and everything. Oh, so you actually bought yourself some lovely wool in Ireland in the hopes that your wonderful daughter would be gracious enough to take the time and make you a vest. I see how it works. (plus I still have 3 different kinds of yarn waiting for the perfect projects from the last time mom was in Ireland)...oops.

We finally found a pattern. It's from Knit Simple Holiday 2009, P. 75.

I punished him by making him hold all 4 hanks while I wound them in to balls. He blissfully sat there smelling the sheepy wool and telling me how wonderful the lanolin felt on his fingers. Punishment backfired, he enjoyed every second of it. Then I went to work getting his measurements. Oh boy. The back of the sweater is smaller then the smallest size listed and the front is a medium to accommodate his belly. Completely custom. He doesn't make things easy, that man, but I love him.

I promptly discovered that I didn't mind at all that the yarn wasn't going to reside permanently with me, because my eyes, nose and skin itched like mad within about 5 minutes of starting his "waistcoat", making it difficult to work on for an extended period of time. Then summer came and his project took a backseat to other, smaller, more warm weather appropriate projects.

I got it out again a few weeks ago when the cooler weather arrived (and he had asked me about 5 times when I would have it finished) I finished the back and went in search for buttons. Thank the powers that be for Etsy. I emailed him a list of links and he picked the buttons that I would have picked myself, so predictible. A special thanks to Lulu's Emporium for having exactly what I needed!

I blocked it last night. The buttons were in the mail box today. Nice right? It should be dry by tomorrow. Finished this weekend with a picture to share next week. A happy man with his new, custom, daughter made waistcoat. P.S. I have 2 balls left. What should I do with them?

Pumpkin Pound Cake with Buttermilk Glaze

2010-11-09T19:21:00.000-05:00

Cooking Light came through for me with this recipe. Mine didn't look this pretty, but it was moist and tasty. I think I would like to try it with a gooey, nutty layer in the center, or on top, or both. Enjoy!

Cheeseburger Soup

2010-11-09T18:40:00.000-05:00

I can only describe this as comfort food. Pure and simple comfort food. I kept dipping my spoon in the pot while it was simmering away. I got caught a couple of times and had to share my spoon. But I like him, so I didn't mind :-) As much as I would like to make a batch of this every week, my waistline has gone down a couple of inches lately and I don't think it would be to happy with me if I did indulge that often. But every once in a while, I will be digging out this recipe from my friend Nancy when in need of some cheesy comfort. Check out the recipe here for your own evening of cheesy indulgence.

Lentil Soup on a chilly night

2010-11-05T16:32:00.000-04:00

I have been looking for a good lentil soup recipe for a couple of years now, and for some reason have been afraid to make it. Well, I got the urge again this week and bit the bullet this time! Here is the recipe I used. I did follow the advice of one reviewer and added the crushed tomatoes and wine after it had simmered for a couple of hours. I then used my immersion blender to puree it a bit and it has thickened up nicely. The corn muffins made a great side for the soup. And yes, I ate all three, with honey!

Thankfully, this made a nice big pot, so I don't have to worry about what to feed my dad for lunch on Saturday. Mom is having a girls weekend, and since it's hunting season, we will be heading "up north" and I promised her I wouldn't let him starve. I might even make him some cookies too... if he makes me apple cinnamon pancakes for breakfast! I think I can persuade him.

Apparently I wasn't the only one with Lentil Soup on my mind this week... Jennifer at JCasa, a blog that I read often made a different recipe this week that looks equally delish. I'm keeping it in mind for my next attempt! Thanks Jennifer for letting me link your post here!

I am welcoming the chillier weather because I LOVE soups. I have a few others lined up for the chilly nights coming up, so check back soon!

Fiesta Lime Fish Tacos

2010-10-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

We made fish tacos again tonight and I remembered to get a photo, a little dark, but a photo nontheless. I love Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning. It's just great! I served these alongside Alexia Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries. Yep, slightly addicted right now. We had them last week with turkey burgers and they were so good.

Here is the recipe for you to enjoy! Hope you like it!

Sunday stops...

2010-09-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

After attending my great uncle's 80th Birthday party, B and I took the route home that we only travel a couple of times a year. We love coming this way, especially in the fall, because even though our favorite stops aren't far from home, we are rarely up in that area. Our first stop was at the Country Smokehouse in Almont. They have a great meat counter, jerky and snack sticks, BBQ sauces and packaged goods. But their packaged goods are GOOD packaged goods. On our stop there this past Sunday, I was checking out the newest selection of soups they stock. I wish I would have bought more of this because it was fantastic, but we were a little pressed for time and I just couldn't make up my mind on another flavor. This company is incredible. All natural, gluten free, no preservatives and $5.99. I don't mind spending that on something to healthy. The company is called Frontier Soups, but don't let the name fool you. Oh, no. They also carry Pasta Salads, Cornbread, and Appetizers & Dips. We brought home the Mississippi Delta Tomato Basil. It made like 10 cups. Lots for left over lunches. All you add is a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and 2 T. Brown sugar. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes and your are eating. It was so simple. I made garlic bread and a salad and we were in business! What a great find. I highly recommend it! I also bought 2 different kinds of a crock pot soup brand, so I will be reviewing those soon too!

On the weekends (through the end of October this year!! Yippee!!!!) they have their smoker trailer out front with picnic tables and all.

You can order brisket or pulled pork sandwiches, smoked sausages and I can't remember what else, because I never get past the brisket and pork. As you already know, my dad loves to smoke for a hobby, so we always stop and get some to give him ideas (we really just need him to meet us there some night) They serve the sandwiches on these great sour dough rolls. It's so worth it people. If you are in the area in the summer on a weekend, stop, you will not regret it! For more info, you can click on the link I gave you above and search the left column for Weekend BBQ! Dad, if you are reading this, their smoke doesn't hold a candle to yours! It's good, but yours is way better, you could give them lessons!

Our next stop was at Blake's Farm Market! I can't believe we made it before the last week of October this year. I had just bought apples, so sadly, we did not bring any home, but I will be sure to stop again before the season is out. We got a caramel apple, 2 gallons of cider, and some cider donuts for a treat. Yum!

Chicken Breasts with Turkish White Bean Salad

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yum. I really like this Weight Watchers Cookbook. (See the bottom of this post for the Amazon link) It has so many recipes in it that I want to try. Last night I made the Chicken Breasts with Turkish White Bean Salad. It was really good. I just made some brown rice because I wasn't that hungry and Brian just wanted some hummus and naan with it. It was super easy, I made the salad and got some dishes done while the chicken was cooking.

The recipe is here...

September is National Sewing Month!

2010-09-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

I didn't even know that until I went to Jo Ann's for a quick peek last week. It makes sense though, because all I want to do right now is sew like a maniac.

I was making a list of all the sewing projects that I want to get to and realized that before I even thought about looking through patterns I really needed to get a BIG monkey off my back so I could enjoy working on new things without feeling guilty. (I actually typed quilty instead of guilty and couldn't figure out why it looked funny, DUH!) Remember this post? Now think about if you have heard me mention any progress on my first ever quilt since then. Yep, can't remember right? Well, I've spent a few afternoons and evenings working on it lately, and am pleased to report that I have completed the quilting, sewn the binding to the front of the quilt and thoroughly enjoyed sitting under it while I hand stitch the binding to the back! The hand stitching actually went so much faster than I expected. But my next quilt is for sure going to a long arm quilter! I told Brian that I have no idea what possessed me to do it myself and that I would NEVER take on something of that scale myself again. All in all, I am happy that I did it, I learned a lot. It's not perfect by any means, but I love it and it was a great learning experience. Jiggy enjoyed napping on it WHILE I was quilting it and Brian has already told me that it's his. Um, ok, not sure if pink and flower prints are exactly your colors, but I'm glad that it will be used and enjoyed and broken in. I think that it will make a great beach blanket someday.

I took it up north to show it off and the family enjoyed snuggling under it too!

Sophie found Stormy as soon as they got to Gabby & Gups house

I love how it turned out.

I have already picked out my next quilting project too, big surprise, right? I saw it on the cover of a quilting magazine and decided that the fabric bundle I got last Christmas would make a good combination. It's not going to be as big as the one on the magazine because I will only have 24 squares instead of 36, but that's ok, I might improvise a bit.

My Uncle Paul and his dog Stella having a snuggle

In the midst of hand stitching the binding to my quilt, I took a 3 hour quilting class last week and I learned a lot. I need to learn some of the technical stuff before I get much further in my newest obsession. I have added an Accu Quilt GO! to my Christmas list and really hope I get one! There is an intro class at Jo Ann's in a couple of weeks, so I am going to check it out some more then, but I'm sure it's only going to make me want one more! Geez, Christmas is SO far away still! How will I survive?

Easy Lace Shrug

2010-09-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

I love this project so very much. I love it. I love the lace, and the way it looks, and the way it fits, and I would really like to have one for myself. Actually, that's not quite true, I do have one for myself. It is a deep green and it's beautiful (photos when the weather gets a bit cooler), but what I really want is one in this fab Champagne color..

Great, right? Goes with everything, huh!

Yep, that's why I want one for me.... But, being the generous, wonderful, giving person that I am, I don't have one for me yet... Until now... I made one for my mom for Mother's Day, and that's when I really fell in love with the color, so I went out and bought the yarn and made another one. Well, the fam was all together to celebrate my Grandpa's 90th Birthday, (yes, 90th and he is great!) and Bri and I were heading out to the back yard at the lake house to get some pics finally when my Grandma saw me and went nuts.

About 4 years ago, my Mom, Aunt, Grandma and myself flew to Washington to see our family there because my Grandma's brother wasn't well, and she wanted to see him and her sister and our cousins and the old family home on Whidby Island. So, we made a trip of it and we stayed in Bothell with my Great Aunt Phyllis and Great Uncle Francis. I, of course, took my knitting with me everywhere, because we were in the car a lot. My Aunt was amazed that I could knit and carry on a conversation at the same time and always asks my Grandma what I have been working on. Well, Grandma asked if I would knit another shrug for her to send to Washington and I gave her this one after the photo shoot! She was thrilled and mailed it out that Monday. I am so glad that I could do this for her! My Aunt was thrilled when she got it in the mail and wore it several times that first week and has already received countless complements on it! She loves it and raves about the fact that she has a hand knit from me, so that makes it all worth while! Oh, and I just found out that my cousin Allison, who I was sitting and talking to on my visit has now started knitting and is currently working on her first shawl! Yippee! A convert!

So with this post, I have cast on the shawl that will be mine (God willing) and I will have a completed one within the month! What are you working on right now?

Acadian Shawl

2010-09-10T08:00:00.006-04:00

I'm not going into details. You can read them on my Ravelry project page if you are interested, but I am really glad that I finally finished this! I can't honestly remember having such a difficult time with a relatively simple project! Obviously, this still needs to be blocked, but here it is. I used 3 skeins of naturallycaron.com Country in Deep Taupe and I used every inch of those three skeins. I had just enough to weave in the last end! Wheew!

I know these aren't the best pics, but it's dark and I still need to block it, so I will get some more to post later.

Saying goodbye and a new beginning!

2010-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's no secret that I have been having some computer issues lately... So it finally happened that I had to say goodbye. After coming home from my week at the lake, I had a few days with no hassle. That was short lived. I headed to Best Buy for a cheap Netbook to hold me over until I can (hopefully) afford my Mac. It's a dream, I know, but I REALLY want one. Not and I Pad, I already have a my beloved Kindle, but I want a MacBook. Most of my pics and material were backed up on my external hard drive, but not everything, so I lost a few pics in the process, but nothing entirely devastating. I am, however having a very complicated time of getting my iTunes on to the new computer. It's quite frustrating... quite!

Just a day after we got the computer, we had a couple of tornadoes go through and lost power for almost 24 hours! Thank goodness the power came back on before the weekend, because our dear friends Marie and John were married that Saturday! We are so very happy for them and had a great time! The food at the reception was incredible. Traditional Italian Antipasta, Soup, Salad, 2 Pastas, beef and the most amazing chicken dish with veggies and potatoes. And not only did they have wedding cake, but a HUGE, and I truly mean HUGE dessert table with fruit, pies, cakes, candy, chocolate covered everything and an espresso bar! Wow, the food. Seriously! Amazing!

Marie and her dad. She looks like a princess!

Marie and Kelly

Brian with the newlyweds

Me with John and Marie

The Not-so-Newlyweds!

Spending time...

2010-09-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Spending time at the park by Gabby and Gup's house

I got to spend a week at the lake with my favorite kiddos in early August. That is when the weather is the best. The lake was perfect. We spent hours swimming, jumping off the neighbors raft, floating on anything floatable, searching for the perfect rocks and shells, picnicing, eating and making new friends! I loved spending so much time with them and really hope that Melissa and Dave let me steal them away for a week every summer! Jamie kept saying that he wanted to come back for a few more days! I love that!

I can't believe she is 5'1"!!!

Sophie and Jamie on the St. Clair River on the Lightship Huron.

We fed Pringles to the friendly squirrel in the park

We visited the Lightship Huron and saw the Bluewater Bridge.

Sophie and Jamie on Lake St. Clair

They even got to perch fish with Gup and their dad before they went home!

A whole lot of nothing...

2010-09-07T17:25:00.000-04:00

So I had a bunch of posts lined up, and I am still going to try to post them all this week, so watch for them... really, I am still going to put them out here in the blogosphere, even though they begin almost a month ago!

1) First off, I got to spend a whole week with my favorite 2 kiddos at the lake! Look for this post on Wednesday!

2) I got home and the computer worked fine, 2 days later, nothing. No amount of beating, swearing, moaning, etc. would make it turn back on, so I have a new computer.... Look for this one on Thursday!

3) I finished a project and it was a doosey! Look for this one on Friday!

For now, here is a little sneak peak of our week at the lake!

It's Hurricane Season....

2010-07-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

I love knitting small projects in the summer time. It's so nice to whip up mittens and hats in the summer and not have the weight and the heat hanging on you. Thus, the inspiration for Hurricane. Since I STILL have left over skeins of Snowbird that I can't seem to use up... here it is...

I love the subtle lines in this hat! It fits perfectly and I can't wait to get a picture when the weather gets cooler!

And how bout these beauties! My Peekaboo Mittens. I'm loving the flap! My falanges will be toasty warm this winter!

Laughing Cow Chicken

2010-07-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

I finally remembered to take pictures of the Laughing Cow Chicken last night. Here is the link to the recipe, I hope you give it a try. It's a simple and delicious, not to mention healthy twist on Chicken Cordon Bleu. 4 ingredients is all you need!

I would also like to NOT recommend the Ore Ida Steam and Mash Potatoes that can be found in the freezer section. They are handy, yes, but incredibly salty! I drank about 4 glasses of water after dinner last night! The texture is great though, just like mine, but way to much salt!

My poor neglected blog.... getting back on track post #2

2010-07-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

There is another reason that I haven't been updating as much as I should, but some things can't be shared yet, because they aren't completed! Things like sewing projects for the shop that I am trying to stock before opening, and knitting things that are gifts! Not to mention the fact that I neglected my camera for the whole holiday weekend too. What is wrong with me?

Well, I guess I can show you this... Finished this weekend: Toasty Mitts from Leslie @ A Friend to Knit With. I seriously love her blog. All her knitting projects and the recipes she shares!

And this was such a quick and easy knit.

I had grand plans for little projects for the weekend, Cupcake Mittlets, Toasty, Bella Mittens, a re-usable swiffer cloth, and I only got these done. (Oh, and the left Cupcake Mitt too, but that was in the car on the way up, so I'm not sure if that counts...) I spent most of the afternoon and evening on Sunday dragging little Texans around on inflatable boats in the lake! We had a crowd of people at mom and dad's all day, including our friends 3 grandchildren from Texas who spend 5 weeks here every summer! It was so much fun! Not to mention the food. My dad grilled a whole turkey. YUM! That's all, just YUM! More soon, promise, just not sure when. And possibly a recipe or two...

Oh, I do have a picture to show you... The Cupcake Mittlets went to Jodi for her birthday!

Nice view I get to knit with on the weekends, right?

Oh, and BTW, RuRu has recently decided that he's got some junk in the trunk goin' on, so he's been getting on the ellyptical daily.

See you soon!

My poor neglected blog... getting back on track post #1

2010-07-19T15:24:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, I truly am.

Between having the wireless card in my computer die an untimely death, working with AT&T to determine why exactly I had internet one minute and none the next, and heading to Best Buy to purchase a wireless adapter, and a million other things, my blog has been very neglected, and all of the intended posts are a little behind the times now, so I guess I will just give a brief overview of what's been going on...

FYI - this is going to be a very picture heavy post....

Memorial Day Weekend (wow, that was a long time ago) was lots of fun, we smoked ribs at my parents house with the Milo's and Messings...

Bri, Dad and Ivan and the cigar holder....

Dad and I .. I don't really smoke cigars, but I like how they smell... and I had to hold Brian's so he could take pics...

(Notice the handknit that I now have to wash because I wore it around cigar smoke, Doh!)

Lori makes THE BEST homemade rolls and I wanted a lesson, so I asked her to bring them for the party. Ha, sneaky sneaky!

Along with 4 different kinds of ribs, we had a HUGE pan of mom's mac and cheese, salad, Lori's rolls, bourbon apples with ice cream, & strawberry rhubarb crisp. Fun times!

Come back tomorrow for the next update on my neglected blog! Fourth of July weekend, better late than never! See you tomorrow!

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-19T14:45:00.000-04:00

I love this man. I think he knows. I tell him everyday (repeatedly) but just in case, I'm gonna put it out there again. Happy 2nd Annivesary Honey! I want 50 more, OKAY? I LOVE YOU!

Lunch for the week...

2010-05-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

My new fav... Orzo Salad! I was at Vince & Joe's a few weeks ago and this salad looked divine... Well, once I got it home and took a couple of bites I found that there are green peppers in it. Thankfully I found out before I ate one and my afternoon was spared. I have a slight allergy/aversion to bell peppers and a few other kinds. It's not fatal or anything, but it makes for an uncomfortable few hours. Brian ended up eating the rest of it, but I did figure out what was in it and was able to replicate it perfectly! Here's what to do...

I have been making a big batch up early in the week and we have had it for our lunches, my dad was even able to have some for his lunch a few times last week and gave it the seal of approval... Perfect to take to a BBQ (friends and family, you know what I will be bringing this summer) picnics and potlucks. We are totally diggin' this salad right now! I am quite proud of myself that I managed this on the first try! Not really, it's lemon vinaigrette for heaven sake!

Weekend Views...

2010-05-24T11:30:00.039-04:00

A few quick pics of the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge for you on this bright sunny Friday morning...

Mac and Jamie checking out the beach.... I don't know what Jamie was looking for, but Mac was most definately looking for cows!

Jamie's Birthday was on Monday, so GABby (Great Aunt Barb) made him a giant b-day cookie...

Uncle Brian and I could not leave the Bon Jovi concert without getting this guy a t-shirt for his 8th Birthday! He sang Bon Jovi and played air guitar all the time with he was little... "I'm a cowboy... on a TEAL horse I ride....." He couldn't say his s's! It was priceless and he still loves Bon Jovi!

Hope you had a happy weekend too!

Salt-Free Taco Seasoning

2010-04-28T18:10:00.001-04:00

Here is the recipe I use for everything involving taco seasoning... hope you like it as much as we do....

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-27T10:42:00.001-04:00

Monday: Smoked Pork Chops, Tin Foil Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tuesday: Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Buffalo Sauce, Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

(*due to some issues w/ peppers, I am using franks wing sauce instead of following the buffalo sauce recipe)

Wednesday: Walleye or Turkey Burgers - not sure yet!

Thursday - Yippee!!! We are having dinner with Marie and John! Can't wait!

Breakfast!

2010-04-23T11:00:00.005-04:00

I made these Lemon-Raspberry Muffins this weekend and they were great! I'm definately making these again (this week!)

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

So I pre-posted last week, and things got a little squirrely. Here is this week:

Monday - WW Taco Soup (with out the meat) & Black Bean and Corn Tostadas - Meatless Monday Issue #2 - WWP for Soup = 1, 1 Tostada = 5

Tuesday - Lobster with Dill Sauce - WWP = 2, green salad, veggie and possibly pasta or rice?

Wednesday - Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauced Noodles - WWP = 8

Thursday - Turkey Burgers or Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

Dinner update

2010-04-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some pics and links for you!

Thai Style Steak Salad

Parmesan Crusted Walleye

Ginger-Teriyake Strip Steaks with Cucumber Salad, p. 75

Everything was wonderful!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-12T08:00:00.035-04:00

I have recently started planning menu's a week in advance...

1) to cut back on the grocery bill and mindless fridge searching 10 minutes before dinner...

2) to use staples from the pantry before buying more items that will sit there...

3) because I like to plan and I like to make lists.... (ok, so maybe that should be #1)

While perusing the blogsphere this past week I came across a post for Menu Plan Mondays with a link and the cool pic you see up there and website and of course I was intrigued.... AHHHHH, blog heaven! (I just heaved a HUGE sigh of contentment) There are downloads and ideas and articles.... it's fun (if you know me, you understand... it's the little things in life...)

SOOO, here is my first submission for Menu Plan Monday... and due to our weekend routine, I will usually be posting only Monday-Thursday meals

Monday - WW Taco Soup & Black Bean and Corn Tostadas - Meatless Monday Issue #2 - WWP for Soup = 1, 1 Tostada = 5

Tuesday - Ginger Teriyaki Strip Steak - WWP = 4 probably with brown rice and broccoli

Wednesday - Lobster with Dill Sauce - WWP = 2, green salad, veggie and possible pasta or rice?

Thursday - Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauced Noodles - WWP = 8

If things go according to plan, I will be posting pics and comments for these later in the week!

Comments, anyone...

2010-04-07T21:04:00.000-04:00

I was alerted to the fact that commenting here is a pain in the a*^... Fixed it here and on the recipe blog.... Sorry all, thought it was already done!

Meatless Monday, Issue #1...

2010-04-06T11:30:00.001-04:00

I feel that having a meat-free meal on occasion has great benefit... Brian looked at me funny when I told him to expect this once a week, but oh well, he's not doing the cooking... So here is Issue #1 of Meatless Mondays...

Farro, Avocado, Cucumber & Cherry Tomato Salad from Cooking Light

I could have eaten the WHOLE bowl - delish! I had never had Farro before, but it has a nice nutty, sweet, chewy texture. Oh, I don't love Cilantro, so I substituted Parsley which I was chopping for the soup anyhow.

Bean and Pasta Soup from Issue #7, November 2003 Everyday Food Magazine

Yummy!

On a different note, my parents dog, Mac, has been sick for the past week and just came home from a stay at the Vet's office right before Easter. I was sitting on the couch working on a vest for my dad with yarn from Ireland that smells like a sheep, and these are a few pics of the poor pooch having a snooze with me...

Have a great week!

Some sewing... for a good cause!

2010-04-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

4 totes completed and ready to be stuffed with goodies for the Flamingo Fling... If you are in Sanilac County, get some tickets! These will be on the donation tables and the proceeds benefit the SAVE Council! (Sanilac Violence Elimination Council for battered women)

Baby Gift - complete!

2010-03-31T12:36:00.000-04:00

My cousin Angie is expecting her first child in a couple of weeks, so I decided to get knitting! This is the Baby Top with Seed Stitch Trim from Debbie Bliss... SOOO freaking cute! I made the 6-12 month size, but it may fit well into toddlerhood! And the booties, I can't take the cuteness! Raveled here for the sweater and here for the booties... I used Paton's Grace in Ginger for the main color and Spearmint for the contrast. US 2 and 3 needles. They have some great colors and I loved working with this yarn! Congratulations Angie and Paul!

Dear Jon, (Bon Jovi that is!!!)

2010-03-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

Your concert at The Palace last night was INCREDIBLE!!! One of the best I have EVER seen!

And thanks honey for getting us tickets!

Here are some pics for you, but I can't figure out how to add video... if you know, leave me a comment please! Click HERE to see the rest of the photos!

Oh yeah, and Kid Rock coming out at the end was great!~

Great Concert!

The Wedge

2010-03-17T14:41:00.001-04:00

The Wedge, originally uploaded by brikelmilo.

Our new favorite salad! It's a wedge, but MUCH healthier! This Bolthouse Farms Blue Cheese Dressing is made from Yogurt, it's all natural and no preservatives. Throw some tomatoes and bacon on and there you go...

Winter Skies

2010-03-10T18:57:00.004-05:00

Winter Skies, originally uploaded by brikelmilo.

Ah… this yarn.
Queensland Collection Leche is lovely…. Go get some! NOW! And while you are out, get Knitted Gifts by Ann Budd. Yep, that’s the pattern on the front. Winter Sky Hat and Mittens. Now, sit down and knit it for heaven’s sake! RIGHT NOW! Why are you still reading this? GO!

The Big Three OH!!!!

2010-02-21T19:00:00.005-05:00

I don't like that number! But I did have a great birthday, regardless. My hubs, love him, got me a much craved after Kindle! Lucky girl! Mom and Dad got me my Serger! (pics soon, I promise) Very lucky girl!

Mom and Dad came down for our annual girls birthday dinner out and we got to go to The Melting Pot! It was wonderful!

All the fab desserts to dip in Amaretto Dark Chocolate Fondue and Bananas Foster Fondue, I think the cheesecake and the strawberries were the best!

On the weekend my aunt and grandparents were all over for our birthdays and mom had Mary, our phenomenal cake lady, make me a cake (Cherry Chunk of course, because when you are making cakes from scratch, Cherry Chips just don't cut it!) it had a button box on top and a ball of yarn with knitting needles. Mary loves it when we order cakes because she always gets to make something she has never done before... shells for our wedding cake, a button box, buttons, yarn and needles for my birthday cake! Thanks MARY!!! You make the BESTEST cakes EVER!

A 90* Turn....Overnight

2010-01-20T18:47:00.036-05:00

Gotta love having parents in the travel industry! We were lucky enough to be able to join my parents on the Annual WTCM Cruise this year - 10 years running! We had a wonderful time too! Once we left Florida - 35* on the 9th and 10th of January - and got into the Caribbean, we had beautiful weather. We were aboard the Costa Fortuna and visited St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk.

In St. Thomas, we took a ferry ride about 45 minutes over to St. John and saw Madonna's and Michael Jordan's island homes on the way. We visited the Virgin Islands National Park and saw Cinnimon Bay (Kenny Chesney lovers should know that place well) and donkey's wondering along on the side of the road. FYI - if you ever take the ferry over to St. John's, avoid Margarita Phil's by the Visitor Center. He was less than happy to serve thirsty paying customers some cold beer. We apparently interupted his internet time on eHarmony.com/virginislands! But we got a great pic of dad with the sign. I think we need one like it on the beach!

Michael Jordan's Island Home...

Madonna's Island Home - apparently she comes down to the little patio and lays on her hammock occasionally!

St. John Harbor

Cinnimon Bay - Since this is in a National Park, you can camp in a tent here for $89/day or cabin for $150/day - mom is already planning our next vacation!

Yep, he needs this sign!

It was completely pouring in San Juan, and we had signed up for a tour in El Yunque National Rainforest, so what should we have expected! We got drenched! Brian and I decided to stay wet and had lunch in town at a little place across from the cruise terminal called Kokonuts. We decided to try a traditional Puerto Rican dish called Mofungo. They take green plantains, peel and slice them and then deep fry them (just wait Jodi, it gets better) then they mash the fried plantains with fried pork rinds and mold it into a bowl. They fill this mashed plaintain bowl with any kind of meat that you can imagine... chicken, pork, shrimp, shark. This meat is marinated in garlic and herbs before cooking it with onions and peppers (or no peppers in my case). It's delicious! We then went in search of more t-shirts, hence, getting even more drenched since it started raining even harder.

One of the only good shots I got in the rain!

Grand Turk (or the island of the Turks and Caicos that we were on) was beautiful! White sand beaches, beautiful blue water and sun! You could literally see the entire island from our balcony. Brian went deep sea fishing for Baracudas and mom, dad, and I visited Conch World, where they have launced a rehabilitaion effort to return more queen conch to the waters of the Caribbean where it has been overfished and is quickly becoming extinct! They have THE BEST conch fritters there too. Did you know: Conch is the most popular source of protein in the Caribbean because it is inexpensive and you can use almost the whole thing!!! And... if the male conch gets his thingy bitten off, it regenerates, bigger than before! I learned a lot more at Conch World, but I will keep it to myself! It took about 15 minutes to get there from the cruise terminal. We zigged and zagged all over the place, through the tiny town, past the tiny airport, and down countless dirt paths in a rickety little bus, and you could see the pink and turquoise buildings from our balcony. If you were to take a more "as the crow flies" route, through the salt flats, it would only have been about 5 minutes! We learned that no fruit, not even coconuts will grow on the island because the water and air is too salty. They have lots of palm trees, but the coconuts are really small and they fall off before they are fully grown.

There is a HUGE Margaritaville in the cruise terminal area. I really do mean huge and I would have taken some pics, but Brian had the camera on his fishing trip. Literally this bar is two stories tall and has connected building after building. The gift shop is on one side and you can walk right through the gift shop and right into the pool (no charge) and up to the pool bar and order drinks. And if it's too hot in the sun, you can lay on your hammock at your cabana. No joke! It's a money pit! Crazy! And the drinks were more expensive there than on the ship, if that's possible!

Just a few more random photos for you! Check out all our photos @ www.flickr.com/brikelmilo
Cruise 2010 set on the right hand side!

Me - messy hair pin up job, Bri - sun in his eyes! I think there is a better one on mom's camera!

We had a great time! It was hard to come home to the cold, but the boys were very happy to see us. Jaguar sleeps on top of me in case I try to leave again, and Ruger won't leave my side, AT ALL!

Slip on some comfort...

2010-01-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Aran Isle Slippers, originally uploaded by brikelmilo.

Aran Isle Slippers from Interweave Knits Holiday 2008... I used naturallycaron.com Spa...

These are wonderful for travel or visiting. They are so soft and cozy and you can toss them in the laundry when you get home!

Love them!

Flavors of Fall

2009-11-02T19:12:00.002-05:00

Dinner last night was pretty basic, burgers, but when Brian found the recipe for Nutty Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad in the October Cooking Light magazine, we had to try it, and it was delicious, with the toasty breadcrumbs, the chopped walnuts and the Brussels Sprouts that were a little browned... Yummmm! I love that color green. This recipe would be great for a fall get-together, even Thanksgiving.

So I mentioned a while ago that Jodi had some great fall cookies that needed a little healthful revamping... I have posted both the Before and After versions on Recipes From The Blueberry Boutique. Try the re-vamped version if you are looking for some healthy alternatives for baking. I used half white flour and half wheat flour in the recipes, also Agave Nectar instead of sugar (you use a lot less sugar and it's much lower on the glycemic index too!) Thanks for the recipes Jodi, I had a lot of fun testing them!

Bri did as directed and got me a bucky this year! It's all cleaned, vacuum sealed and waiting in my freezer for winter!

I am making a venison stew in the crockpot for dinner tonight, I will let you know how it turns out! Also, if you have any receipes that need re-vamping, send them on! Here is a little cuteness for you too, they were being nice to each other yesterday, unlike today where Ruger keeps walking on Jag and claiming the warm pillow...he's living up to his nickname today...shit head!

Have a great day!

It's been a while....

2009-09-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

So, I know it's been a while and you all are probably tired of waiting for me to blog. I'm not going to apologize, but I will say that I have missed it here, and I "hope" to be back in blogging mode soon... I won't say that I haven't been busy, because I have, I just don't have a lot to say/show for it...

So on that happy note - the new issue of Everyday Food was in my mailbox today and luckily, I already had plans to make fresh tomato soup, but no idea exactly how and I discovered this recipe...

Now the page is complete with tomato spatterings. The recipe on the opposite page doesn't look too bad either! Maybe that in a couple of weeks??? It was good, but when i went looking for a link to it, I found some other ones that looked better, so maybe next time. We made BLT's too. I have a lot more pics to post, but I need to sort through some things and try to get a better blogging schedule started. I will try to blog at least once a week from here on out!

Have a great night, and I WILL see you again soon! If anyone is still here, and you want to see any recipes in particular, just send me a comment and I will get to it. And Jodi - I am working on the cookies, I need to try the pumpkin cookies one more time, but I think I have them right! I will be emailing you shortly!

1 Year...

2009-07-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary Honey! Here's to many more, I love you!

Wow, Have I Been Busy

2009-07-07T12:32:00.002-04:00

It's been busy around here over the past week! Are you ready for some pictures?

My motto must be "Go big or go home" because I have NEVER made a quilt before. But, last week, I found myself cutting up scraps. Laying a sheet out on the floor and piecing it together. I picked up the rows and am ready to start sewing strips. Yeah, it's about 80" x 80". Tiny! :-)

This is what it looked like layed out. Kind of a summery theme. I love the bright colors.

Here it is in rows. I can't wait to start sewing it!

Mom and I went to the Farmers Market in Port Sanilac on Friday afternoon. The hours are 3-7. Isn't that the oddest timing? We got SOOO much good stuff though!

From left to right: Cinnamon Rolls, Bread from the Van Camp House (a really yummy restaurant in Sanilac) Rosemary Garlic Seasoning (we put it on steaks that night and they were incredible) Fresh Peas, Leaf Lettuce, Red Raspberry Leaf and Lemon Balm for tea, a green pepper and some cucumbers, and sausage seasoning that we haven't tried yet. And not pictured are cookies because we ate them!

We saw this really cute car at the grocery store too, it a Smart Woodie, or something like that... check out the mine surf board! Hilarious!

This freighter was cruising past when we got home and the sunlight shining on it looked so cool! I think I did a pretty good job getting this shot.

My in-laws had a chicken BBQ on saturday and it was delicious. It was such a nice, sunny day, it finally felt like summer and I even got a sunburn! This is the chicken still on the spit. you can see the whole rig. My father in law and his friend Nikola made it a few years ago.

My father in-law and our friend Ivan take the chicken out.

Yeah, check out the reddness! Just think, one year ago we were only a couple of weeks away from our wedding!

After the chicken at the Milos, we put my parents boat in for the first time in YEARS (like 3-4!!!) We took a quick ride up the lake since my mom had never seen the house from the lake since it was built.

Sorry about the crooked picture, it was a little choppy.

Brian is happiest when he is on the water. It would have been even better if he had a fishing pole in his hand!

After checking out the house, we headed back to Port Sanilac to see the fireworks. Dad and I had seen them from the water when I was in High School, but there wasn't enough room for everyone, so most of the mom's stayed behind and all the kids went. Brian had never seen them from the water either, so we had to go! I got some great pictures!

The Grand Finale! How great is that picture with the fireworks reflecting over the water?

Hope you had a great Independence Day!

Time Flies

2009-06-25T13:45:00.037-04:00

In the past 3 weeks, I have...
Made stuffed burgers, twice! I stuffed the Italian burgers with fresh mozz. Oh, and some food porn for you too, check out the Caprese in the background! But really, doesn't that oozy cheese look sooo good?

Here's another!

And the White Wine Pesto Burgers with white cheddar for Brian and Lauging Cow light Garlic and Herb for me! Yummy, ooey and gooey! I had such inspiration about stuffed burgers last night that I sat down and wrote out ideas, names and ingredients for about 15 more stuffed burgers. So, check back because I will be posting more!

We also GRILLED Brussels Sprouts on a veggie griller thingy. THEY WERE SO GOOD! Totally different flavor. It's way to hot here to even glance at the oven, let alone turn it on, so they got tossed in some oil with pepper and a little salt, same as we do for roasting, and got tossed on the grill with the burgers! Works for me! And it really did work!

Remember the raspberries... Well, they have become frozen yogurt! And people, if you don't have one of these, you really, truely, don't have an utter clue what you are missing! Seriously, I'm not kidding. I can't wait to make frozen yogurt with strawberries and peaches, or pistachio, mint chip, and cookie dough ice cream. I may burn the motor out this year! The recipe I used is from here...

Our friend Pam's sister is suffering from Melanoma and with a fundraiser coming up this weekend, I really wanted to donate something. I had some really pretty, varigated Rainbow Boucle in a pretty plummy color (they call it Berry Print) that was waiting to become a shawl, and I was so glad to drop it off for them this morning. I really hope it goes to a good home!

EDITED TO ADD: It went to a great home! Hope you enjoy Jodi!

And people, learn from my mistakes, buy two skeins... I didn't feel like carting 2 huge skeins up north this weekend and my poor (wonderful) mother helped me with more knots and tangles than you can imagine! This really is my favorite shawl to knit. The pattern is so easy you don't even need to haul the pattern around with you.

I finished the Cropped Raglan Sweater in record time too! I think it only took me about 5 or 6 days. Definatly not a full week though. I only used 3 skeins of Sensatons Kashmira for the project and I made it a few inches longer too!

What a great, cheap knit! It's so easy. Knit from the top down. I can already see some variations to this pattern too, the wheels were churning the entire time the needles were clicking! You have to check it out! Also on Ravelry.. sorry it's not blocked, I will hopefully get that done tonight or tomorrow! I see many more of these in my future! Actually I promptly went out and bought the same yarn in aqua (clearance for under $3/skein) and a really lovely soft and snuggly green yarn that might be by Paton's but I don't remember right now that was clearance for under $3/skein too! I see many of these in my future!

Congrats to Erin and Ryan! It was a beautiful wedding for two wonderful people! We had a great time! Sorry I don't have a pic, they didn't turn out that great for us!

Here's a cute kitty picture for you too! Ruger really likes his new lovie!!! I knit a few of these up last night for the boys! I just love his sweet face!

Dinner, Delights and The Biggest Loser...

2009-06-03T10:00:00.029-04:00

Dinner: Lasagna Primavera from Everyday Food # 51 ( I love this issue!)

Yeah, so, here goes... Brian loved it. Me, I thought it was bland. Don't get me wrong, the sauce smelled great! But the outcome, bland. I would add some nutmeg AND some Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb to the ricotta mixture. It would also be good with leftover shredded chicken. And now that I am typing this, I would add the Garlic & Herb to the sauce as well. But whole milk people? Brian didn't read me that part of the recipe when we were deciding what to have for dinner this week. He just said "milk" well, I ALWAYS have milk in the fridge, but surely not WHOLE MILK! Does anyone have any ideas on how to lighten this up? Please send them my way!

Delight: There are two delights I would like to share with you today.

1) Kroger had a sale on Raspberries last week for $1/container!! $1

Raspberries are my FAVORITE! So, I promptly went out and bought 12 since that was the limit. I lined them up on a cookie sheet and stuck them in the freezer for a couple hours and then threw them in baggies. Then we proceeded to go out and get 2 dozen more! Yeah, fresh raspberries on my yogurt in the morning. Raspberry Sorbet (possibly tonight or tomorrow... the base is already waiting patiently in my freezer) Raspberry Muffins, Raspberry Scones... Oh, the possibilities, that is, if there are any left... Brian thinks they are great straight from the freezer. I'm not complaining, he is actually eating a healthy snack at night. Go for it! Look how lovely they are!

2) Have you read this book yet? Well, you need too! But you can't have mine, I'm too busy using it!

Melissa, thank you, thank you, thank you for this book! I loved it (finished it in 4 nights!) I laughed out loud so many times, Brian kept shush-ing me! I think the reason I was laughing was because something she was saying was totally me or when relating to her husband, us. I felt like I could have been in my kitchen having the same conversations and thoughts. Ruger even enjoyed it!

There are sooo many recipes I want to try in it, like, the Blueberry-Raspberry Pound Cake, and 1 point for me, I have raspberries.. and the Banana Bread with Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger, 2 points for me, I have more than ready to use bananas on my counter right now... and those are only the 2nd and 3rd recipes in the book. I made a recipe from her Blog with the lasagna the other night and I was surprised at how good it was, and easy...Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Parmesan, yum. I know it doesn't look like much, but it is quite refreshing.

The Biggest Loser: Brian and I (more I) watched the Biggest Loser all the way through this season. We, or I in most cases, usually catch bits and pieces of it, but we watched it all this time. Brian's partner Diana came into the office a while back telling everyone that her cousin Ron and his son Mike were going to be on The Biggest Loser. So for curiosity sake we tuned in and were hooked. Well, to sum it up, Diana's daughter was married on Saturday night, and we attended the wedding and reception. And got to meet Ron! I was a little bummed, because Mike is a CUTIE!!!! But Ron was such an inspiration! What a great guy, and he looks incredible!

I loved his Tie! Congrats Ron, you did a great job!

Coming up: A lightened up version of Chicken Divan from Clean Eating Magazine and Banana Nut Muffins from Lickity Split Meals!

To make me happy...

2009-05-28T13:30:00.025-04:00

It doesn't take a lot... to make me happy. While wondering around Lowe's on Monday afternoon, we came across the key counter. Of course, since I am obsessed with green right now, I had to have this...

A new house key!!! Isn't it so great??? I smile everytime I pick up my keys now. Brian shakes his head. (Underneath it all, he really is amused that it takes so little to make me happy.) And yes, it is bejeweled too! HA!
Also, Jodi's Venison Recipe that I promised you is here!

Our good friends Marie and John were recently engaged and we celebrated last night with a champage (flute rimmed with a strawberry, of course) toast! We made grilled pizza's again, this time introducing a new one. The Margharita. I used some whole wheat flour this time too, instead of just all-purpose.

From Left to Right - Top Row. - Shredded chicken, low-fat feta cheese, sliced fresh baby mozzarella, diced Campari tomatoes.
Bottom Row - Fresh spinach, carmelized onions, Italian blend

From Left to Right - Cooking spray, pesto, tomato sauce, basil, empty beer bottle and one of the crusts.

The finished Margarita, sprinkled with fresh basil.

And for dessert...

Fresh Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisps with French Vanilla Ice Cream. One of my goals this summer is to make homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt! Dad and I pick fresh rhubarb this weekend and I knew that I wanted to make this! I made 4 individual crisps in the French Onion Soup Crocks Melissa got me for Christmas a few years ago. They worked perfectly!

Congratulations Marie and John! We are so excited for you!

In the last 24 hours...

2009-05-22T07:01:00.013-04:00

In the last 24 hours, I have...

- Sewn 4 skirts, the one on the left is for my cousin Melissa, and the other 3 are for ME!!

- Figured out how to do a blind hem after MUCHO cursing, head scratching and seam ripping

- Figured out that if the fabric is cut, I can whip a 5 Minute Skirt up in 30 minutes flat. Keep in mind, that was the LAST skirt!! The first one took several hours due to the directions in my sewing machine manual, and the fact that I don't have the next item.....

- Wished I had a serger, because then it really would be a 5 Minute Skirt, the pattern even says so.... hint, hint anyone????

- Planted my Tomatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Basil and a couple of Hungarian Wax and Chili Peppers for Brian

- Washed, Dried, Folded and put away/packed for the weekend - 3 loads of laundry

- Watched my nephews for a few hours

I'm exhausted! Have a great weekend! I will have a venison recipe to share next week, compliments of our good friend Jodi!

There's A Snake on my Deck!

2009-05-20T08:35:00.020-04:00

AHHH, there's a SNAKE on my deck!

Good thing it's for Jamie's B-day gift, or I would have run shreaking back into the house and locked the door! (Snakes are sneaky...)

He's pretty darn cute, isn't he? I am totally proud of myself! I developed the pattern all by myself! I'll tell you though, stuffing this sucker was NOT easy. And since I have 2 more snakes on request for back to back July birthdays, (well, actually one snake on request, Brian's nephew's birthday are about a week apart and Zach really thinks he needs one, he will be 6. Travis will be 2, and to keep things simple, 2 snakes it is) I am heading to the hardware store for some pipe! I believe it is going to be a green summer too around here folks!

*Edited to add: The Sneaky Snake Pattern is available, leave me a comment if you are interested! I will email it to you! If there is enough interest, I will work on making it into a pdf file...

We made the Asian Pork Satays from Cuisine Grilling again last night, and we remembered to get a picture.

I only made half of the marinate, and it was still plenty, so I will edit the recipe shortly! It's super high in sodium!
A lot of bloggers out there have a project ticker in their sidebar, however, I am completely dense when it comes to super cool things like that and have no earthly idea how to add one! Aren't these GREAT!!! They only take one skein of the homespun with 2 strands held together. AND they fit ME great until Brian shoved his huge paws in them and told me how much longer he wanted his in the wrist, thumb, and palm! Thanks HONEY!!!!

I may spend the weekend, or at least a few hours of the weekend re-writing this pattern in the round, the seam is kind of bulky and annoying when you have them on, but other than that, they are great mittens. Does it sound like I already made up my mind? Yep, I do believe I will be frogging the bolero this weekend. NOW I just have to find the right scarf and hat patterns, yeah!

Oh, and have you seen these yet? Can I tell you how much I adore them? I truely do adore them and I want a pair that are cabled, and a pair that are cabled with a different cable than the first. People, you will be seeing a lot of these in my future. I love making wristlets! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE making these! 1 Skein of yarn! Yes, only one! With left over!!! I don't know, do you think they need little crochet flowers clustered at the back of the hand? PLEASE!!! ADD YOUR COMMENT and tell me your opinion... I really can't decide!

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

You and me goin' grillin' in the dark...

2009-04-30T10:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I know it's really fishing in the dark, but we got a late start on dinner last night and our yard light needs a new light bulb, so we were grilling by flashlight.

It didn't seem to hamper the outcome though... our first attempt at grilled pizza was a home run!

I made the dough in my food processor and used the recipe in the manual/recipe book. It has basil and parmesan in it and made 2 thin crust pizza's. Perfect for us since Brian likes a lot more onions than I do.

We had some leftover chicken that we just chunked up, we carmelized some red onions, assembled our work tray, and headed out with the flash light.

First, we brushed the grill with oil, then put the crust on until one side was nice and toasty, then we flipped and added pesto, spinach, chicken, onions, feta cheese, and an italian blend and let the other side cook.

They were delish! We served the grilled pizza alongside Jodi's salad that we are eating everyday this week!

I have to finish some sewing! Happy Weekend!

Yes, I'm Still Here...

2009-04-28T10:34:00.038-04:00

So very sorry for the delay in posting! My mother-in-law came down with a pretty bad viral infection so I have been taking a few shifts watching our nephews. They are really fun. Anyhow, her follow up appointment was yesterday, and it was not MERSA, just a bad viral infection, so we are very grateful for that.

Also, congrats to my brother in-law Ben, father in-law Denny, and our friends Nick and Willie for winning the Blue Water YMCA Salmon Stakes Tournament this year! Bring on fishing season!

On that note, I really have been busy... Here is my progress report...
The Speedy Cable Cowl and Beret are finished...

Please forgive my lack of creativity while I find places in and around my house to photograph things.

The Fisherman's Shrug is finished too, it has not had a great photo opp yet, but here it is. Yeah, I need a better pic of this...

I finished this Breadcloth for Erin's Shower - isn't it cute?

For Easter I made Cherry Turnovers from Everyday Food # 41 - April 2007

They were a HUGE hit! I had no idea my father-in law's favorite was cherries! I have now made them 4 times. I made a double batch for his birthday last week and he was elated! Trust me on this... the Pepperidge Farms Frozen Puff Pastry is the BEST. And add at least 1 Tablespoon almond extract to the cherries! If someone is allergic to eggs, using a milk wash can substitute, but the egg wash is first choice. These are delish!

I also made a Welch Kringle. The recipe is posted under Sweet Stuff, click the link to get it! My mom's cousin Mary Lou made this when we visited in Seattle a few years ago and was generous enough to send me the local cookbook it was from. This would be the perfect base for a fruit tart. But it is PERFECTLY Yummy on it's own. There was NONE left!

Thanks Mary Lou! Um, maybe I should make it again soon?

This is a great recipe for Asian Chicken Soup, also from the April 2007 Everyday Food. You will soon see that I am getting A LOT of use from this issue. I am not a bell pepper person, so I of course omitted the peppers, and I think I used lemon juice instead of lime. But this soup had really good flavor. The only problem was the noodles. When I made it, everything was perfect. By the time Brian got home, the broth was brown and the noodles were mushy. So this is definately a serve immediately dish. The leftovers tasted good, but again, were mushy.
** Edited to say: (I also used the water/granulated chicken boullion (sodium free) instead of chicken broth for this soup)

And then there was this dinner...

Top: Greek Chicken Cutlets - yep, Everyday Food #41, April 2007 (I didn't have any mint, opps)
Left: Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli (sodium free here people! not from a box!!!) Everyday Food #45 (another of my fav issues) September 2007 oh, and you are welcome mom... told you I would find one! My Substitutions to make it Sodium Free - omit the chicken broth and use 14.5 oz. water and 2 tsp. Sodium Free Granulated Chicken Boullion( Wylers and Herbox both make one) I also added about 1 tsp. granulated garlic. (BTW - there were no leftovers of the rice)

Right: Just roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, but we eat these little green leafy things weekly!

I think I have perfected the recipe for Chicken Chili, so I will be bringing that to you very soon.

The Barcelona Bolero is on the needles, Jamie's snake is almost done, I just need the stuffing and to sew it together and there are socks on the needles too. Oh, and I snuck in a really easy pair of mittens this weekend too! ( they were purple though) I think April and May will be Green Month's, because there is no way I will have the Bolero finished by Thursday. The snake, maybe. The Bolero, not a chance!

Upcoming posts: Fresh Salmon recipes and Grilled Pizza which I will try to post this week still!

Apparently, April is Green Month...

2009-04-01T18:47:00.032-04:00

I was finishing the black jacket (pics coming soon) last night and pondering my next project(s). Apparently, April is going to be Green Month. Well, bring on spring!

And yes, Ruger likes to be in photos too!

The chunky yarn on the right is Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. I couldn't wait, so the cowl is already finished and just needs the seam sewn. I will more than likely have the matching beret done tonight.

The small skein of light green yarn is going to be a snake for Jamie's Birthday in May and I can't wait to start on it. Problem... what I want it to look like is in my head, and not on paper anywhere that I can find. Oh, well, I have until May. I haven't figured out what to make with the Homespun yet, but it could be a hat and mittens someday.

I also have some socks and fingerless gloves to work on too when time allows... HA!

The other night for dinner Brian & I made this...

The Simple Risotto is from Everyday Food #51 and is our fav risotto recipe. It has several variations and is just heavenly! And the scallops... ah, the scallops. Seared Scallops with Lemon-Butter Sauce is from Weight Watchers Annual Recipes for Success 2009. Delish! Don't worry Dad, we will make them for you soon!

My family loves the Wet Burritos at Liberty Lanes (we don't bowl, we just go for the Burritos!) and I think we have almost perfected them!

Let us know what you did different or any suggestions you have!
Mom and I made these for dinner on Saturday night. They were almost perfect, and huge. We need to find the same plates that they use at the bowling alley. We had to bake them on pie plates. Yep, I was drinking wine & milk with dinner that night, the sauce was pretty spicy!

I am heading to the lake this weekend to get some scrapbooking done. Our wedding album is almost finished and I am spending the day on Friday in the basement with Lean Mean Thirteen, the space heater and Stormy.

Have a wonderful weekend! And bring on the Green of Spring!

2 bags done...

2009-03-28T14:58:00.000-04:00

I had a busy weekend... a baby shower, the gym and 2 birthday bags to sew. I finished Sophie and Jamie's totes this weekend. Sophie's bag is sparkly with butterflies and Jamie's has pirates. They are both lined and have straps and I am very proud of myself! I am loving sewing! I also finished 3 skirts, but I haven't been able to get pictures yet, so hopefully I can show them to you next week. I have also been working on a coupleof purses, so maybe I will have them to show you too!

Sophie's Birthday Bag

Jamie's Birthday Bag

2 cute bags at my house and I can't wait to make more!

I was really busy in the kitchen after I posted my blog last week. I had taken a cooking class with my mom to make pierogies. The instructor sent the remaining potato filling home with me, so I ended up making another 4 dozen pierogies on Wednesday afternoon. I have 2 more bags in my freezer now that are twice as full!

Have a great weekend. Mom and I will be in the basement working on scrapbooks

Here Goes..... Nothing??

2009-03-18T13:29:00.002-04:00

Well, here goes. I think I will give this blog thing a shot. I have been inspired by so many blogs out "there". A few friends, a few with similar interests that I really enjoy reading. So I hope to inspire someone, or at least give them an idea for dinner. Please bear with me while I figure out this site and how blogging works, linking information, and getting everything in order. It might take me a while to get everything set up how I want it!

I of course will be including recipes and links to several on the web. Also, I will be doing some crafting since I have time on my hands right now. I have really started to love sewing, and my wonderful husband surprised me with a new sewing machine last week. Would you like to meet her?

Quite a nice upgrade from this, don't you think? Yep, I sure do!

Along with sewing, I have been cross-stitching and of course knitting as always. I made my mom 2 breadcloths for her birthday and lined them with a pretty yellow basketweave fabric. She was pretty excited! Oh, and I am selling them for housewarming gifts, shower and wedding gifts and holiday/birthday presents if anyone is interested... I have a good selection of patterns.

I will be adding more soon. My goal is to post at least 1 blog a week to start, more if I get a lot done and have pics to share. See you soon!