Just in case I get busy :)

Hello all of my sweet friends.. For those of you who Celebrate Thanksgiving I wish you a wonderful fun filled day with family and friends.
I thought I would share my Roasted Turkey Bird Recipe with you :)

How to Roast your Bird

Ingredients
1 whole Chicken/Small Turkey
1 Large Lemon, cut into halves
Sprig of Rosemary
Salt and Pepper to taste
Butter or Olive Oil which ever one you prefer

Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Prepare your bird
Rub butter or the olive oil all over the skin of the chicken or small turkey, until its completely coated. Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat.
Slide the lemon halves under the skin with the peels side up. This way the juice of the lemon will coat the breast meat. Season the skin of the Bird to your preference. Place the sprig of Rosemary inside the bird.Cover and place in the oven for 30-40 mins. Remove the cover and continue to roast the bird until juices run clear.
Baste every 15-20 mins depending on the size of your bird. If you follow these steps your bird should look like the one in the picture.

Bon Appetite!!!!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your Thighs

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone :)

Received as an email :)

A great Honor has been bestowed upon me!!

A lot of my swappers have been sent e-mails from me to join a new and fun Sewing Group its called Pins and Needles. If you would like to join the group please send and email to the address in this post. I will get an invite sent to you as quickly as I can. In the Pins in Needles group you will find other ladies that like to sew and crochet and knit just like yourself :) So if you have not accepted my invitation please do so ... I would love to have you come join in on the fun :)

This post has been also posted on Pins and Needles

Hello ladies.... I have been given the most wonderful fun opportunity...... The Site Creator Brenda G. of Pins and Needles has invited me to be her assistant.. I am very honored and thrilled I have accepted the challenge. I will be helping her with all of your emails and other admin duties. In addition I will try to come up with fun and creative ideas too keep all of you interested and involved it this fun and wonderful site. So here is the deal if you have awesome suggestions, ideas or other just fun stuff that you would like to have posted. Please send to the following e-mail address: pinsandneedlesforum@yahoo.com Brenda and I have some wonderful fun ideas to post in the near future. We are going to be holding challenges, give a-ways, discount pattern offers and just plain fun. Be here or be a Quilt Square :) It was also discussed that 7 pm Central time would be a nice time to come into the chat each night if you have the time. That way everyone will have sort of an idea when to drop by to chat, and the chances are greater you will find someone around to chat with! Thank you for letting me share this fun and wonderful news with all of you :) Brenda and I look forward to making Pins and Needles one of the best sites on the Net!!

I just love Sewing Books from other Countries

I am home today passing time ... waiting on more news about my mom after her surgery late last nite. I understand she was alert and still had her usual sense of humor, when she came out of the operating room. That's a good thing considering the type of surgery she had. Several of you know that she has been ill. The results of the biopsy will not be know for a couple of weeks. Keep your fingers crossed its not the Big C.
So while being on pins and needles.. I have been passing the time chatting and looking at my favorite web sites on the net. I know I should be sewing.. but sometimes I just can't get with it when I have so much on my mind. ( I did come up with my penguin pattern for my second set of Christmas blocks) I have tried sewing when I am anxious then nothing goes right or at least as planned. To much ripping and restitching!!! I did sew some and completed some of the final stuff on most of the dolls... 5 dolls are totally completed.. two need buttons on their shirts then they are finished... then there is the final doll of the 8 to finish. It has hair and clothing to do and he is done...
(I even remade two of them. I didn't like how something or the other looked on them. So it was start over on those two.) ( I think in the last three months I've made 14 Annie's and Andy's)
Yeah everyone will be so happy they will have their dolls by Thanksgiving weekend ;)
I hate to say it.. but I will also be glad to have these dolls done. I will never start so many dolls at once.. I get too distracted... then I feel like I am not getting anywhere on the job at hand. Any future sewing of dolls.. its one at a time. Assembly line sewing was not ideal for me as a way to sew more at one time.
I also did some on line shopping ;)

This book is called: My Favorite Fabric Patch Work Japanese Craft Book
(this is the one that I purchased today )
While killing time today waiting on up dates about mom .. I went to Etsy and started checking out one of my favorite resources for purchasing Japanese sewing books... Pomadour24.etsy.com in case your interested in any of these wonderful fun books. I will have to stress all of the books are written in Japanese.. but if you know anything about sewing you can muddle through them.. most of the patterns have measurements in centimeters. That's easy peasy because most of our tape measures and rulers have millimeters on them now. If you can draw you can remake the patterns ;) Sometimes you can find a translation site that will help you figure out the wording of the pattens too ;)

I love this little book its called Happiness Flower Color Quilt ..
Several of the ladies refer to it as the Pink Book.. I purchased this one a while back. I love it.. it has all of the block patterns inside it for this little quilt that is featured on the front cover. This book has a lot of fun and sweet patterns to drool over. I especially like one of the patterns for a sweet little fabric patch worked purse and it comes in two sizes.

This little book is called Baby Quilt..
This is on my wish list.. it has some really fun themed blocks. Isn't this little boys quilt adorable... Aren't these vehicles fun??? I especially like how the little train runs around the edge of this quilt. Sew much fun!!!

This book is called: Patchwork Patterns

This little patchwork book is another little book on my wish list.. it has over 318 fabric patch work patterns. Aren't these cute??? I just love the little helicopter! These blocks would make some fantastic fun quilts, bags, totes, and apron panels.. I have provide more of the patchworks for your to see... aren't they creative and fun???

Monday and a Road Trip

The day started out bright and early in the morning.. the alarm went off and both of us hopped out bed. Eager to start the day... We were going to go somewhere special....It was road trip time!!! We had to make a stop on the way out of town... Mommie was getting gas and snacks together at the stop and rob .. before we headed south on our trip to Oklahoma :) Mommie got Iced Tea for her and snacks for the two of us. It had started raining in the night.. it continued to rain as we headed out on our road trip. As you can see by the photo its raining outside ;) There was concern that we would have to cancel our trip due to the bad weather that was coming into our area. It did start sleeting on us before we got out of town. Although we drove out of the sleet... It continued raining the entire trip to
Guthrie Ok.

OH Boy Mommie is taking me on a road trip.. I am so excited!!! She promised me ... we were going to meet someone wonderful and new!!! Looky here at me!!! Mommie brought along several of my warm and toasty blankets. (Thank goodness she did because at one point in the day Mommie was not paying attention to me!! Ok I could not help my self.. my eyes were watering and my legs were crossed.. I just could not hold it any longer.. I tinkled on my blanket. Then I thought Mommie was going to scold me so I jumped over to her seat... darn it!! I was such an embarrassed nervous mess.. I wet on her seat too. Thank goodness Mommy shut up and took me so I could finish up my business in the only dirt/ grassy spot I think they had in town!!!) I really needed this extra dry blanket when I got back to the truck. I was shivering like a pup-cycle. I was shaking from being out in the blowing wind and cold.. Mommie turned the heater on full blast until I got all toasty warm :)

Here I am all cozy in my booster chair. I like this chair...I can look out the window, while Mommie drives. I knew this was going to be a long drive, because Mommie only puts me in my chair when we are driving a long distance. I am much safer here than in her lap. There is even a seat belt that clips on to my harness. That way I can't jump out and get myself hurt, just in case I get excited at something that I see.

Ok ok we have been on the road for an hour and now I am bored.. are we there yet???
I can't wait to meet our new friend!! So drive faster Mommie..
Are We There Yet????

See I told you I was bored.. I have settled in and now its time to take a nap.. Mommie can drive without me. But let me tell you... I still have the keen ears of a deer.. I can hear that waxy wrapper from the cinnamon bun that Mommie got for herself for breakfast.. she only gave me those old nondescript beggin strips, she is such a piggy wiggy not sharing that tasty tid bit with me.

LOoK at mE ..... here I am all cozy warm and sound asleep. Who wouldn't take advantage of being chauffeured. Mommie is playing with the radio, driving and not paying any attention to me.. so Hurrrumpf!!!

Here is a photo of all the commute traffic it was bumper to bumper as you can see.... we had to put up with way too much traffic as we drove south to Oklahoma!! LOL this is normal for the roads around here.. cars a mile ahead of you.

Here we are .. we finally made it... See that's my friends SUV next to our old faded out Toyota 4X4 farm truck.

Hey kids this is my new friend CJ.... she is one of Mommies dear blogging buddies. They became friends well over a year ago. Mommie first had contact with CJ in her Etsy Shop. CJ had a fantastic re-usable grocery tote bag.. that Mommie bartered for ;) Mommie believes in bartering and up-cycling clothing items were ever possible.. That's how she can afford to keep me in scooby snacks. Besides Mommie trades talents all the time with you lovely ladies ;)
The following photos are of Mommie and CJ at the Antique Shop.. boy did they have a good time!
I want to point out the hat that CJ is holding ....Mommie almost purchased that hat.. it was so much fun.. you should see the girls.. Oh yeah right you will..
here they are ;)

Here's CJ in this lovely Red hat ;) Isn't she pretty.. this fun Red hat looks lovely on her.. all she needs now is a purple shirt ;) We did look at some lovely prairie skirts that were for sale..

Ok ladies you never get to see face photos of Mommie.. That's because she says she is fat and dumpy!!! Mommie... said to me.. whats up??? You never get my good side.. What the heck does that mean??? She looks the same on both sides to me :) Oh my!!! You can see her expensive silver toofie in this photo.. Tisk Tisk Tisk.....Mommie has already said I would be in trouble if I posted this photo of her. .but I thought it was so cute.. her and CJ were having such a fun time laughing and trying on vintage hats. If you look really close Mommie has on a Purple Shirt.. does she fit the part??? According to the kids out in CA .. she is now a senior ;)

I had to show this hat.. Mommie says that some guy by the name of Elton John would love to wear this hat.. I don't know about him.. but I laughed out loud when Mommie showed it to me. Now that is one Ugly Hat!!!

The rest of the day was spent looking in antique shops, getting lunch, and of course we went into the fabric shop and Mommie had to purchase some Christmas fabrics... It was late afternoon and CJ had to go and Mommie wanted to head back home before it got too late. Since we knew the weather could be bad up our way.

Here is a photo of the three of us together.
Don't we look happy ;)
There was a really nice lady in the Drug Store that took this photo of us.
Thank you nice lady ;)
Mommie and I stopped by the family and land on the way home.. but it was too cold to stay outside long.. we did decided that we must come down to the land this spring and take care of some needed chores around the family plots, and get the head stones re-set. I have to laugh.. Mommie was driving along and missed our exit... so we had to go a few miles out of the way... What was she thinking??? Was it about the wonderful day that we had.. I hope so .. I had a fun day too!! We hope to see you in the spring CJ...

What are you doing for Christmas???

Here is a fun and awesome idea for you and your family .....If you're looking for more Christmas inspiration you might want to check out this fun Christmas advent calendar.

Start to count down the days with interactive games and activities that are great for kids and the entire family!

Here are just some of the board games and activities that are on the advent:

• ·         Chutes and Ladders
• ·         Trivia Games
• ·         Coloring Pages
• ·         Word searches
• ·         Cut Out Ornaments

See the advent at: http://www.optimalprint.co.uk/christmas-advent-calendar

All games are printable and easy to be laminated and reused!

The advent calendar is running now!

Erin J... thank you so much for this wonderful suggestion to share with my readers :) 

Still fun to be had for those Christmas lovers ;)

Wow ladies it looks like we only 5 five slots left to fill in our Block Swap. I need your help in finding those last few swappers to complete the lists. If you have friends that might be interested... Invite them to look at the rules and see if they would like to join in on the fun of this exciting swap. I know there isn't a lot of themes left to choose from.. but I know.... you wonderful creative women always come up with wonderful fun ideas.. so lets get these last few slots filled and maybe a couple of people on stand by just in case someone doesn't complete their swap. Because I know life's events do get in the way of our good intentions. Thanks girls for spreading the word... 
Yes APP is begging for your help to fill these slots.
I am trying to get them filled just in case I have to fly back out to CA.
So its up to the sewing-room for me today :)

Santas little elves are always busy this time of the year ;) 

Sew Sew Sew .. off to work I go :)

I was not going to blog about this but several of you know about my elderly family members, and have asked how everyone is doing. Grandma Peachy is doing better each day since she was in the hospital in Oct. Aunt Laughter is kicking along as usual..walking a lot better after physical therapy.  But its Mom.. :O( she has to go into surgery on the 19th of Nov. They are going to be removing 1/5th of her remaining lung. I am very worried about her.. she did not say...  but having to remove some of her lung makes me think the dreaded CANCER is back.
That is the reason I might have to fly out to Ca in the near future.

Calorie-free Cupcake

Isn't this little cupcake adorable.
What a clever way to use those pesky little shirt sleeve cuffs!!
I could see this little fun item used as a nifty pin cushion.
You ladies always surprise me at all the innovative ideas that you come up.
Just wonderful !!!
This little item was copied from Nifty Thrifty.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

(Adapted from Bake or Break)

Makes 1 dozen brownies

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tablespoon water

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

1 large egg*

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips, plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter*

*Healthy Swaps: I used egg whites instead of an egg (2 egg whites per egg called for) and reduced fat creamy peanut butter.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.

In a medium sized microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, softened butter, and water. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract, mix well. Add flour and baking soda, stir until combined. Allow the batter to cool to room temperature (doesn’t take very long). Then, stir in 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not (they did not for me) then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still war spoon about a tablespoon full of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with remaining 1/3 cup of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cool completely in pan.

Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To reheat the brownies just pop ‘em in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Liz, the official taste tester, and I found that we liked the brownies when they were warm and when they were cooled in the fridge for a little bit. So try both, it’s an excuse to eat two, enjoy!

Bon Eating,

Whitney from: Nosh and Tell

Bon Bon Garland

Isn't this an awesome idea from DIY craft projects ??? Yes its another way to use up some of those scraps that are just laying around the sewing room :) I have several Christmas trees that could use wonderful fun garlands like these. Just think you could have different colored garlands each year. These garlands look like they are so fast, fun and easy to make... the possibilities are endless with this idea ;) So get those fingers in gear and get out there and create create create :)

Awesome Idea Candle Cozy!!

~~~~Sweet~~~~
I don't know about you??? But I love candles.. Putting Candles out at Christmas makes the house smell so yummy with all those wonderful fragrances.. Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread, Apple cider, Carmel, Cinnamon spice.. and so on... But I don't like the ugly boring wrappers on the outside of the jars.. well here is a fantastic tutorial on how to dress them up for Christmas. You could even use your favorite materials to make these candle cozies for year round use ;) I love this idea.. so very smart and pretty.. This tutorial is from Not-So-Plain-Jane. Click on photo to go to her tutorial :)