My New Friend Juki

I haven't blogged in a while partially because I haven't sewn forever because I've been in need of a new sewing machine. Now I'm so excited, I finally have my first brand new sewing machine, my previous machines were all used and didn't usually have an owner's manual with it, so I would have to figure things out on my own. This machine is computerized so I don't have to fuss with a lot of different things, it's the Juki HZL-E80. So far this machine is so nice. I researched different machines and for what I needed and what I was willing to pay, this was the best buy for me. I found an awesome deal on it too.

I had bought some fat quarters, with Amy Butler fabric, waiting to be used. I had just the project in mind for my first try at this wonderful sewing machine and here is what I made. It's just the size I wanted.

If you want to know where to find the pattern go here. It is a very cute and easy pattern. It only requires two fat quarters for fabric.

My second son Tanner had his ninth birthday and had a friend party too. I dread throwing friend birthday parties, but they always turn out great. We have a rule that guests DO NOT bring gifts. It sounds odd to most, but I think we get a better turn out because of it, we don't want someone not coming because they didn't buy a gift. Plus it takes a load off parents, I think.

Tanner has a book that gives him something to do when he's bored, The Encyclopedia of Immaturity, you know the child that always says he's bored, that's him. So here are a couple of things that keep him busy. His Little Man, and shrunken apple heads, Bob and Sally. Aren't they so cute? (ha ha ha)

Pink Eye Candy

I was searching for a certain picture I remember from a Better Homes and Garden Magazine, and found an amazing blog that caught my eye and I couldn't stop looking at all the inspiring pictures, then I actually found what I was looking for on this eye candy blog: Daisy Pink Cupcake. From delicious foods, gardens and decor, I almost want to eat up every picture .

This is what I was looking for (above). I love the hutch look with the cabinets, I'd love to do this in my kitchen. Below is also the same house with a pink wall. I don't think it would work for my house full of boys, but I love it, maybe for my craft room.

I love clawfoot tubs, especially this one.

Lots of white kitchens, gotta love that!!!


How fun are these chairs. I love all the different fabrics.

I can't wait to go back and check out everything at Daisy Pink Cupcake, these are only a few pictures I saw, just icing on the cake, still more to see.

Handmade by Jessica

Today I'm blogging about a sweet friend Jessica that I've known since my oldest was just a couple months old and she was expecting their first son. We did playgroup together for a few years, then they had to go and move away. But we still keep in touch, in fact we stopped by their place in Idaho this past summer. Jessica has been making the cutest things that you can buy right on her blog, check out what she has. Here are a few of my favorites:

Valentine cards just in time for Valentine's Day. Don't wait, get them Now!!!

A Charm necklace. You can show off your kiddos with a necklace with their birthstones, or pink for girls and blue for boys.

And finally the dinner planner. One Christmas years and years ago I made one for Jessica and my sisters because someone had made one for me. When we went to visit them this last summer Jessica still had it and uses it, amazing. She really keeps on track with knowing what's for dinner. That can be frustrating as the Mom, trying to figure out what to make. Anyways, she has made a new and improved version every Mom needs. Check out this on ABCnews, how you can save money by planing your dinners.

Now go check out Handmade by Jessica!

Drizzled Chocolate Carmel Popcorn

Baked Carmel Popcorn

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

2 cubes butter

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp baking soda

6 quarts popped popcorn

1 cup peanuts or cashews (optional)

Boil sugar, butter, salt and syrup for 5 minutes. Add soda and remove from heat. Mix in nuts and stir into popcorn and bake on cookie sheet for 1 hour at 200 degrees stirring every 15 minutes. Continue to stir while cooling.

Chocolate Drizzle

Slowly heat about 1 cup chocolate chips in microwave on low heat and stir each time you check it until melted enough to drizzle all over popcorn. Be careful not to over heat, it burns easily. Drizzle and let cool. Mmmmm so good!!!

Happy New Year!!!

The Best Christmas Ever

If the snow won't come to us, then we'll just have to go to It. Christmas Eve we found snow to play in.

Before: Heave, Ho!!!

After: Oops!!!

Even though, I didn't get anything off MY Christmas List, (below)...it was a wonderful Christmas. It's all about the kids, and they kept saying all day "this is the best Christmas EVER", that was the only gift I needed.

My Christmas List

A new house...

a white kitchen (instead of a white Christmas)...

new Living Room furniture...

and new dining room furniture.

Is that too much to ask for? Okay maybe it is, but it's still fun to dream.

Santa Hat Tutorial

I've been wanting to do my first tutorial and since I've had a great response to my Santa hats I thought this would be a good one to do. They are easy to make, so you still have time to make one before Christmas. I hope I made the directions clear, if not let me know and I will correct them. Have fun!!!

These directions are for the large Santa hat, to make a smaller one adjust the size of your pattern. First make your pattern. The pattern is a triangle shape with the bottom rounded. My pattern measures 18 1/2" across the bottom from corner to corner. The sides measure 14 1/2" from tip to bottom corner. The top tip to the middle of bottom measures 14". Your pattern doesn't have to be perfect at the bottom, you can always trim later.

After cutting out your fabric, sprinkle cinnamon onto the fabric and rub in all around. This will make the white polka-dots off-white to match the off-white fur.

Now fold the fabric in half lengthwise, sew the edges together using 1/4" seam.

Snip the tip off, don't cut the stitches.

Turn right side out. Stuff the tip first with a small amount so it will bend for extra cuteness when the bell is attached. Stuff the rest of hat, not firmly, but enough to hold it's shape.

Modge podge over the entire hat, except about 1 inch from the bottom (this will be covered with the brim).

While the modge podge is drying cut out your off-white fur for the brim of the hat. The dimensions for the brim 19"x 5 1/2". Fold lengthwise and sew edges together using 1/4" seam.

Turn right side out. The easiest way to do this is using the end of a pencil. Catch the eraser on the end of the fabric and push through with the pencil.

Now put the seam in the middle and fold in half with the seams on the outside and the ends together. Sew ends together using 1/4" seam. Turn right side out to hide seam. Place fur brim around bottom of hat. Make sure the brim fits just right, if you need a snugger fit sew with wider seam, but you don't want the brim to smash the hat. If you need to add more stuffing, do now. You will need to cut out a circle of felt to cover the bottom. It should be a little smaller than the brim so you won't see it when the hat is standing. Glue the felt to the bottom of brim, also add extra dabs of glue to secure the brim to hat.

Last add the bell using a large needle and black floss and tie floss in knot to secure. I spray painted my bell black. Embellish with berries or greenery if you wish.

Another idea: Glitter your bell and use velvet fabric. Don't modge podge!!! Now make one of your own.