Don't judge me.....

Yes, this DOES deserve an entire post dedicated to the
absurd level of adorable-ness!

Had to laugh when I saw this cartoon.  As the daughter of
a seamstress, I practically grew up in a fabric store....
practically teethed on fabric bolts....so I can relate to this
on so many levels.  *lol*   Back then it was something to
dread, but now that I am older, and one who enjoys arts
and creativity, I appreciate the occasional visit to craft/
fabric stores.  Still, it brought me a chuckle. :)

Speaking of which, I am overdue to make another stop
by Joanns.  They have coupons, and I need some floss
for a Christmas stitching project.  Must remember that.
I am also thinking about working on a knitting project,
as I need something that works up fast.  The only thing
about stitching that frustrate me is the slow pace of it.

Speaking of slow paced...(since I'm on a roll here)...I
am still waiting on my PictureThisPlus order to arrive.
I ordered it 11 weeks ago Friday.  Definitely surprised
by the delay.  Hopefully we're getting close!

Well, Hello, Winter!

Imagine my surprise when I woke up to this today....

It wasn't in the weather report...and we don't get snow often, so it's rather a treat. :) (Sorry, I know that many of you are so 'over it' already...but don't begrudge me a little fun. lol)  We usually have short spurts of snow, so it won't hang around for long.

I had plans to make an amazing pot of Split Pea and Ham Soup, but once I added the Ham Hock and it started simmering, I noticed a rather foul smell coming from the kitchen.  Turns out I bought some less than stellar ham hocks, & it ruined my whole meal.  So, I had to scrap the whole pot, & hunt for left-overs.  It didn't make me too happy, but I'll put in a batch of GF cookies, & that will make it a little better.  Tomorrow I plan to make some chicken & rice soup, which is always comforting.  These days it's all about the hot meals, hot coffee, and fleece blankets.  Hot Chocolate is thoroughly acceptable as well.  ;)

It's about time I ask a question, and get some interaction on this blog.  I'd like to find out if I'm just talking to myself.....and if this blog is even worth keeping. 

What are your favorite Winter Meals?  And what are your favorite 'in a rush' meals?

My favorite Winter meals are soups/stews, and my favorite 'rush' meals are either Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with a creamy soup, or Fried Pork Chops with Saffron Rice.  Yum, yum, yum!

Please share!!  I like to be inspired!  :)

It's time...

It's time for another update... as utterly exciting as that may
be.  :p  I have been a little under the weather this week, so I
have spent my days stitching and watching some tv.   Mainly
Netflix, but I've also been sure to not miss a new episode of
Psych, Downton Abbey or Sherlock.   I feel spoiled at the
moment with so many new shows to watch every week, but
pretty soon the seasons will either be over or on a break, &
then I'll feel slightly lost again.   *lol*

Which brings up this point......

And that sums up my feelings about DW.  Along with -->

I don't know anything about this new guy, so I'm wary of his
abilities...but we shall see.  I had a hard time when Tennant left,
but grew to really like Smith in the role of 11....or is it 12?....
or 13?  Oi....it's all so muddled!

So, I started Mirabilia 'Red' a few weeks ago, and while she's not
coming along as quickly as I had planned, she is coming along
nicely.  As some of you may recall, I recently had a bit of a melt-
down regarding this pattern on a gorgeous piece of fabric that
just did not sit well with me.  This fabric isn't quite as spectacular
as the first piece, but it just 'fits', and I am very happy with it.

 

In my spare time the other day I whipped up a batch of Gluten

Free Blueberry Muffins with streusel topping.  Perhaps it's not the
most fantastic looking picture, but it still makes my mouth water.
I want to tackle a Banana Nut Muffin Recipe next...I've got a
banana bunch on the counter that are past their prime.

My last headline, and then I promise to let you go....

I was finally able to purchase a piece of fabric I had been eyeing
for quite a while.  I happened to have a gift card to use, so I am
considering this my stitching splurge for the month.  After the gc
discount, it only cost about $5.... so I was thrilled!  In fact, I
already have plans for it.....
(Picture this Plus "Tempest" in Belfast.)

There I go again....

Well, like it has happened so many other times, it's been a
number of months since my last endeavor to post. I find it
hard to keep my posts interesting, as I seem to have a less
than interesting life for the most part. My days are full of
'normal' stuff...so other than my stitching, there isn't much
to brag about. I guess I'll have to make the small things more
amusing. :)

As always, I like to insert pictures...plenty of pictures...
so be prepared for a few of those. First off, I thought I
would start with a glimpse of the season. My brother came
home after a walk the other day, and his hands were full of
these beauties....all of which came from one tree. Aren't
the colors fantastic? I simply had to capture it.

I am not a Halloween celebrator, but I got the munchies that
night, and since we didn't buy any candy this year, I wanted to make a quick treat. So, I went for something that I had never
made before. I had left-over evaporated milk, so I made some
fudge, and wow was it good! This is a picture of what I had left
after the family delved in. Definitely a recipe to keep and re-use.



I have tried to not over-indulge on that fudge, since I love sweets. I'm working on losing some weight, and am down
about 15 pounds so far - I don't want to mess that up. lol
My Mom and I went out shopping the other day, and I came home with a couple non-fattening treats. ;) I'm not a big
spender, but I'm always on the lookout for attractive, useable, and affordable things. This photo box is totally 'me'... I am a
very 'Paris' girl who loves pinks and purples. It will probably
be used to hold stitching supplies.



I also found this nifty little desk organizer which I have yet to fill
up, but look forward to finding a use for. It has four swivel-out
see-through drawers.  All in all.... both of my treats cost around
$6.00. Not bad, eh? :)

Here is my progress report on Silver Moon Tea. I've been working
on her for a few weeks now, albeit slowly, but I'm really pleased
with how it's coming along. (I've actually stitched a little more than is shown)

Hmm.... I guess that does it for pictures in this entry.. unless..
wait a second.. I can't sign off without sharing a helpful cooking tip.

Toodles for now!

Filling you in...

It's been kind of a slow week for the most part. Life is just plugging along. I found an irritated spot on one of my fur-babies' heads the other day, and turns out it may be ring-worm.... *eek*... so it's treatment time for both of them, which included baths yesterday! Needless to say, they did not feel the love last-night! LOL! But they do look, feel and smell a-maze-ing today! I didn't get pictures of the event, as they are quite a handful when sopping wet, but I did get
a picture of them before-hand on their new cat tower. (When they were blissfully unaware of the bath which lay ahead. lol!) This is my idea of space saving! ;)


My little vent for the week would be that I may have to give up coffee. Argh! Over the Summer I was doing great, and then as soon as the weather changed, and I started drinking coffee regularly, I started having stomach trouble. I looked online and found several websites which shared the same information - that people with Gluten sensitivities should avoid coffee, as the protein in coffee affects the body the same way gluten does. :( It explains why I've had the issues lately, so I am going off of it for now to see if I feel better. Good thing we found a really great tea company, and have bought some really good flavors. In fact, here are my two favorites - they are exceptional!

Alright... I'm trying to blog here while watching the new episode of Psych, and this is extremely difficult...*haha* I will blog more later. :)

It came!

I finally got the stitching stash I recently ordered. It's my first stash purchase since last July, so I am excited about it. I got a piece of Sugar Maple Fabric "Violets In The Shade", a couple of Caron Waterlilies, (for 'Tree of Hope' & 'Sweet Pea'), 1 pattern, and an assortment of Mill Hill beads. I got everything for about $40.00, which is a splurge for me...but a really good deal for what I got. I'm really happy with everything! :)



Now comes the fun part of deciding which picture this piece of fabric is destined for. I hate putting fabric away without first having a plan for it! A few ideas have already begun to dance around in my head, so I'll do some floss tossing, and perhaps I'll post my final decision later.
(I've gotta save something to post about next time... ;)

I'm open to suggestions!!

Off I go to get some coffee now... toodles!