The German Chocolate Cake Experiment

Its my baby's birthday today!! He's turning 30 and I wanted to bake him a cake to celebrate. He loves chocolate and coconut, so I figured that German Chocolate Cake would be a great match. (He struggles with his birthday being so close to Christmas, as I am sure most December birthdays do. So I wanted to make this one special. Not to mention it's a milestone birthday!!) I started off with three 9 inch chocolate cake circles.

 

Earring frame & new side table

So I have some vacation time this week and have a rather large "to-do" wish list. A couple things on the list are: a place to hang my growing earring collection and a new side table.

I found an interesting project a while back, a way to store earrings using screening attached to a picture frame. So I made a trip to my local goodwill and found a few great frames. The one I chose for this project is a rustic wooden frame. I just removed the glass and the frame backing.  I love goodwill and the Salvation Army store, they hold so many treasures if you only get creative!  I also made a trip to my local hardware store and found some screening material on a roll, sold by the foot. I got all the supplies for less than five bucks I am so happy with the results. Check it out!

This is a close-up of the of the screening. I stapled it to the inside back of the frame. I was going to hang the frame up but then I realized that I would not be able to easily remove many of my earrings. (Lots of them have rubber stoppers to keep them on) So I may just get a picture holder so I can lift up the frame anytime I need.

Quiet Lion Creations:BFF Necklace

Found this really cute wire necklace idea. Its from the Quiet Lion blog and has a great tutorial.  Although, I'm not really into the whole BFF lingo thing. I would totally make for a nickname or regular name. Check it out below and click the link to see the tutorial.

Quiet Lion Creations: Gauge Inc BFF Necklace

Happy Holidays

I am visiting my honey's family in the Houston, TX area this weekend. His mom wanted to make a gingerbread house, and its something I wanted to make, so I said what the heck!!  We bought a couple of gingerbread house kits from the store and a ton of candy to decorate. (I really like working with sixlets which are kinda like no name brand M&M's)

Latest foodie creation - nutter butter snowmen

So I saw these cute Nutter Butter Snowmen on the browneyedbaker's blog that I read. I thought they were so cute and I wanted to give them a try. So here's my first attempt!

 I used Wilton brand white & pink candy melts. (I had left over pink melts, so I decided to give that color a go too.) The buttons are mini M&M's and the face is just ready-to-use black icing piped on with a #2 tip.  These candy melts are the ones sold in chip form that you melt in the microwave or double boiler and pour into candy molds. They are vanilla flavor so they should blend well with the salty & peanut buttery cookies. 

However, I have no idea how the browneyedbaker got her snowmen dips to be so smooth. The candy melts are considered "confectionary coating". (Which do not have the same properties and "pourability" as real chocolate.)  I was not able to get the melts to pour over the nutter buttters. I just had to dip them in, pick them up on a fork and tap off the access candy melt. That gave the smoothest appearance that I could manage. But I think they turned out pretty good otherwise, no? 

*Lesson learned: I will stick to using candy melts in candy molds. They are much easier to deal with that way because you can put the melts into a baggie or frosting bag and just pipe the melts into your mold. But I do want to try to make chocolate dipped pretzel rods. So maybe I will give the melts another try...

21 day Journal - Day 20 & 21 !

I have finally made it!! Here are the last 2 days.

Day 20 – What Limiting Beliefs Are You Holding On To?
I think the idea that my limited finances are holding me back from living the kind of life that I want is really tying my creativity and imagination down.  There are so many ways to be happy that don't cost a thing. Like going for a walk in the woods. Using the craft supplies in my closet, that are currently collecting dust. Taking pictures of my kitties! Spending time with my boyfriend and chosen family. I have been rolling around the idea of doing crafting and or baking for profit. The initial start up of this idea will cost a few bucks, but the possibilities are limitless. While I do not tap into my creative energy at work, there is no reason I can't do it at home. Another idea that limits me is that I need to wait for my boyfriend to be motivated to do something before I go ahead a do it. Why? I need to realize that he may not always want to do what I want, and just pull myself up and go do it. Because I deserve all the happiness in the world!



http://cuppapixie.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html


Day 21 – What is Your Biggest Wish for the Future?
Probably along the lines of the above post, I would like to be doing more creative things in my life. Wether that be cooking, baking or crafting. I have so much inspiration in my life, I am creative. I need to stop doubting my ability to make up my own crafty ideas, and just let go and do it! Someday, very soon, I hope to be crafting and or baking for profit. This may only be a side gig, but I am ok with that. Because, I need to find a regular outlet for my creative urges, or I may just burst!

21 day journalling - Day 19

I'm almost there!!! This journalling experiment/ challenge is about to be done.

Day 19 – What Words Best Describe You?
Ok, here's a list in no particular order:

• Creative, caring, loving, foodie, artistic, photogenic, industrious, problem solver, baker, daughter, lover, friend, hard working, massage therapist, crafter, sweetie

21 Day Journal - Days 17-18

Day 17 – If The World Came To An End Today, How Would You Feel?
I would be dissapointed that I had not made more of a difference in the world. Then again, who will be around to judge me except myself. Then again, would I even have a consciousness to have thoughts about this? I've decided, this is a silly question. I want to start making my mark in this world. I'm just not sure of my greater purpose yet. That is yet to be determined.

Day 18 – What Matters Most To You?
Feeling like I have helped someone. Made a difference in someone's life. Making my honey and me happy. I realize now that when I answer these questions together in the same post, I often link my two answers. Interesting...

21 Day Journal - Days 15 & 16

Ok, I'm no longer going to beat myself up over this. I'm just going to finish this challenge...

Day 15 – What is the Most Painful Thing You Have Experienced To Date?
Emotionally - My painful & drawn out relationship with my ex-husband. Hence, the EX! And I couldn't be happier now. Thank goodness!

Physically - During this past summer, I was at work. I lifted a box of files down off of a shelf and then lifted it back up onto the shelf again. Two days later, I felt like I was going to die. I believe that I pulled multiple muscles in my neck, shoulder and arm. I had to miss work for a week and didn't fully recover until about 2 months later. And thankfully I had both good drugs for the pain and exercises as well. I am back to normal now, but have lost some muscle tone in my left arm because of lack of use. Its was the worst pain I've ever had!

Day 16 – What Makes You Happy?

Here's a list of things, in no particular order:

• Sunsets and moonrises
• Wind through the trees
• The sound of the ocean
• My baby, S
• My two kitties
• Crafting and sewing
• Playing the piano
• Dancing
• Taking photographs
• Baking and cooking
• The colors red & black
• The sound of leaves and/ or snow crunching under foot
• The smell of autumn and spring
• Reading crafty and foodie blogs
• A really good veggie burger
• The idea that my car will be paid off next year!
• Ok, I could go on and on. Needless to say, lots of stuff makes me happy!

21 Day Journalling - Day 14

Day 14 – What Is Love?
Love means so much to me. Its a feeling felt deep in my heart, it feels warm and secure. Love means that I am cared for, respected & cherished. I feel love on many levels. I feel love for my family and kitties. I feel love for my sweet boyfriend. I feel love for friends. I feel love for the earth and all she holds. I also feel love and pride for myself.

When someone loves you, truly, they will do anything for you. They will be there for you even on your darkest days. They will support you, tell you like it really is, laugh with you and dry your tears. Being loved is everything to me. Without love, I would only be a fraction of the person I am. I am so thankful for the love I receive. Yet I crave the ability to open my heart more and more each day, to reflect and share that love with others.

Update on Day of the Dead Skulls & other stuff

Sorry I didn't get around to posting my finished Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls.  The top 2 are the ones I decorated. And the couple in the pic below were decorated by my friend MJ. And then a few more that we both did. We had a lot of fun with these!! So here goes:

And my other big project that I finished just yesterday is gingerbread cookies with royal icing! I read a LOT of foodie blogs and I have a couple favs that are cookie crafters. I've been so inspired by Bake at 350 , Sweetopia and Ali Bee's Bake Shop  just to name a few!! So here are some examples of my very first decorated cookies!!



21 Day Journalling - Days 10-13

This is what happens to me when I have 4 days off in a row, I get lazy. Well, maybe its more like I don't spend 8 hours a day in front of my computer anymore. Woo Hoo!!  Needless to say, I am once again behind on the 21 Day Journalling challenge. So here goes, hurrah to getting caught up!

Day 10 – Who Do You Enjoy Spending Time With?
The answer to this one is simple, and would be my sweet baby, S. I also cherish time with my two spoiled kitties as well. And if the stars are in alignment and I happen to be near family, well, I love to spend time with them too. (I currently live about 1700 miles away from my mom, so I don't get to see her as often as I'd like too.)

Day 11 – Out of Your 5 Senses, Which is the Most Important to You, and Why?
Oh man, you mean I have to choose?? Ugg Ok, forgoing the deliciousness of food and the beauty of the oceans and forests, my choice would be my hearing. I think that being brought up in a musical household is the key to my choice. That and being moved to tears by music, I could not live the same life without my ability to hear sounds. Growing up, my grandmother was always singing or whistling some sort of tune. Nearly all my family sings, my uncle was a DJ. I've played a total of 7 instruments while growing up and I still play the piano. (Albeit rusty, but I can still pound out a tune!) Music was and is a foundation in my life. I don't go one day without listening to music. And with the ability to hear, I can still enjoy the wonderful sound of the ocean waves and the wind rustling through the trees. I can hear the sizzle of food being cooked.

Growing up, playing the piano was an outlet for me. I think it helped me through my terrible teen years without too much upset. And you know what? This just dawned on me, I had more personal pain during the time when I didn't play the piano than growing up! I don't know why I didn't use the piano as an outlet during my 20's, because man those years were so painful! 

I have a nearly full size keyboard now, that sits and collects dust. I've played it a few times over the last year. My life is filled with a lot of joy and laughter these days. But I suppose I could still celebrate that with some music! And one day, I will have a real piano again. (There is just nothing that can replace it!)

Day 12 – What Are Your Biggest Goals for the Next Few Years?
Several years ago I set a goal for myself, to own a house by the age of 35. Well, here I am, 35 and still renting. However, I still want to reach the goal of home ownership. Hopefully by the time I'm 40! Although, I struggle with this a lot because I feel like such a gypsy. I have been rootless for so long, moving across the country. But the need for a "home base" is so great, maybe that idea will eventually win out and I will find a permanent home.

Next, I would like to work towards my life purpose. Currenly, I am not working in a job that I love, and that makes me sad. I thought I had found something with Massage Therapy, but even that leaves me listless these days. Part of me wants to serve, be some sort of healer. And there is part of me that craves the power of creation. I want to make things, either crafty things or foodie things. So, perhaps I need to find a ways to combine all these goals? Something to think about.

Day 13 – What Do You Fear Most?
On the top of the list is death, for sure. Its the ultimate release of control, complete letting go and surrendering. The biggest issue I have with this is that I don't know what's out there. I don't know for sure what happens after death. I don't know when my time is up and it scares the hell out of me. I'd like to believe that we, as a spiritual consciousness, decide to come back for another go on this earth. I like the Idea of reincarnation. I'd also like to believe that what is "out there" is more magnificent that this banal existance. Its a tough thing to face as a control freak, because, well, I truly don't have any control of my death. Yes, I can choose to eat healthy and exercise in order to stay alive as long as possible. But, you just never know, and that's the scary part!

21 Day Journal - Day 9

Day 9: What Drives You?
Lots of things inspire and drive me. Here's a list in no particular order:

• Doing Crafts
• Baking sweets
• My honey, S
• My 2 spoiled kitties
• Inner motivation
• All the crafty and foodie blogs that I read!
• My mom
• My friends, especially D & C

21 Day Journal - Day 8

Day 8: On a Scale of 1-10, How Much Do You Love Yourself?

I would say probably a 9.5. I have grown to love my body over the past several years, even after many years of teasing and put-downs as a kid. I have grown to love my heart and kindness. I am proud of my talents as a creative crafter, a photographer, a dancer, a poet, musician and cook. The .5 percent that I don't like is due to letting myself get out of shape. I worry about my health as I get closer to 40 and I don't want to get diabetes like several of my family members. I want to remain active for as long as possible. I eat a fairly good diet, although I have been eating more than my share of sweets lately. Now I just need to find a way to exercise and stay motivated again. And then I'd be a perfect 10!

21 Day Journal - Day 5,6 & 7

Well I'm trying here, at least... Here is day 5, 6 & 7 of the 21 Day Journalling Challenge.

Day 5: Who Is the Most Important Person to You in the World?
I think that this answer would change depending on what year is/was and the period of my life. So, if we talk about today, this very moment? My caring boyfriend S (the cute albino, hehe). He fills my heart with love and hope. We are able to talk through our issues and frustrations with minimal upset. We encourage each other to be ourselves, unique. I can be totally me with him, and I don't have to worry about what he's going to think of me. No second guessing necessary. We are different in a lot of ways, but we accept and love those differences about each other. He encourages me in my creative and foodie adventures. I encourage him to fulfill his geeky needs with video games and car stuff. I feel like we were destined to meet, because our love is so deep and continues to grow each day. I went through several years of relationship hell before meeting S and I made it through to the other side. And, well, I think he must be my prize!

Day 6: What Frustrates You?

Gosh, this is so difficult, because so much frustrates me.  Like the ever raising cost of gas. My income level, which is not enough. The fact that I used to dance 3 days a week, (at my peak) and now I can barely touch my toes. But probably the most frustration I've had in recent years is folks that lie to me. And also folks that complain about their lives or health but do nothing to make changes for the better. If you want to live more fully, you've got to work for it. It doesn't come easy, its a daily process!

Day 7: What is the Most Important Thing You’ve Learned in Life So Far?

This question ties into my last thought about people not working towards the change they want to see in their lives. About a year back, I read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book has changed my thought process and overall, my life! The four agreements are: Be impeccable with your word, Don't take things personally, Don't make assumptions and Always do your best. Sounds simple right?? You would not believe how hard it is to NOT take things personally, especially with those that you love. But this is probably the most useful and important lesson that I've learned, and thankfully its make a world of difference in my life! I would highly recommend this book!

21 day journal - Day 2, 3 & 4

So far I'm not doing so hot on this daily journal thing. I started late, and I skipped 2 days. Oh well, better late than never.

Day 2: If You Are To Do Something For Free For the Rest of Your Life, What Would It Be?

Well, here is another difficult decision. Do I pick something to better myself, like go to school for free? Do I choose something practical, like grocery shopping or gas tank fill up? Do I dream big and pick world travel? How about home ownership? How does one make such a decision and not want to change their mind later?

Ok, I will pick grocery shopping, free for the rest of my life. I will always need to eat, and I can feed more than myself if I pick this one!!

Day 3: What is Your Ideal Diet Like?

Ok a fairly easy one... I am pretty happy with my current diet. Let me give a little history here. At the age of 12 I decided to become a vegetarian. (Due to not caring for the taste of meat, and influence from my Uncle G who was also vegetarian at the time.) Now I was not the most healthy veghead, probably because I was lazy. My grandmother did most of the cooking at that time, because she lived with us. She would usually cook two versions of the meal, one with meat and one without. (Thank you grandma!! That really meant a lot to me, even if I didn't say so.) But when I was trying to find veggie friendly meals at school, well forget that idea. Cardboard cheese pizza and milk were about it. So for a while I would eat a cookie, a yogurt and a milk. That was lunch!  How I was able to function in the afternoon still boggles my mind. So at that time I was an ovo-lacto vegetarian.

Later in college, things got easier because the cafeteria's offered salad bars and healthy choices. Of course I picked things like fried mushrooms with cheese sauce. (Needless to say, I did gain the freshman 20+, hehe)

At some point I started eating fish too, so I was an ovo-lacto-pesco veghead. I don't remember when, but I started feeling weird after drinking milk or ice cream, so I gradually worked my way from 2% down to skim milk, then tried rice milk for quite a while. Sometime in my late 20's I switched to soymilk.



Then about 4-5 years ago, I started having cravings for chicken. I couldn't believe it, what was going on?  But by that time I had not eaten meat besides fish in over 18 years. So I just started slowly with a bite here and there. (My husband at the time was a meat eater, so he shared.)

Fast forward a few years and here I am. My current boyfriend eats meat and I've been doing a lot of exploration with cooking chicken. Most of the time I don't want to eat it, but occasionally I get a craving. I have not eaten red meat, pork or other game meat since the age of 12. And honestly I don't miss it, because I never really like it anyway. Although, I'm not sure I can be called a vegetarian anymore. I eat fish, chicken and turkey. I still eat eggs, cheese and drink soy milk. I try to eat lots of fruit and veggies. I prefer whole grains to white grains. But, damn, I have one heck of a sweet tooth still. So I try to eat sweets in moderation. Now if I could just get an exercise program going...

So, long story short, I'm pretty happy about where my diet is. I would love to be able to afford locally grown, organic produce. Fresh breads, eggs, milk & cheeses. That's about the only change I'd make. Not the type of food I consume, but the quality.  

Day 4:  If You Are To Travel Back in Time to 3 Years Ago, What Advice Would You Give Yourself?

Hehe, this one is really easy...

Dear Emily,

The tall, cute albino that you are going to meet soon, he is a real keeper!! Don't be scared, its ok to open up your heart again. He will fill you with such joy and love, and you will wonder how your heart is able to keep expanding. But guess what, it does!!  You'll eventually move in together. No need to rush things it will happen naturally. There may even be wedding bells in your future, again!

However, there is no need to try to rekindle your friendship with G. Living with her again is a bad idea, and may result in some similar upset as back in the day. Just let that idea go with resolve. Stay at M's house until you and the cutie are ready to move in together.

Try to find some more balance in your life between fun, crafting, spirituality, exercise and love. You will have lots of opportunities and your life will be filled with abundance! You and DG are not a good match, end that now. Trust me... Also, you will end up meeting a 19 yr old girl, just say no thanks, she will wrap you around her finger and it will really hurt to let go. Just let go of any possibilities with her. Have some patience with D, as she will teach you a few things. Encourage her to grow and open up. But, don't put up with any nonsense from her. And tell her your thoughts and feeling right away. Don't beat around the bush. This will help open up dialog much sooner. And maybe you will find out sooner she's not a perfect match either.

Ok, finally, just breathe. Finances may get tight, but you know what? You are happy, healthy, have food on your table and in your belly. Its going to be ok! The friendships and abundance in your life keeps you quite full. Enjoy it!

Your inner pilot light...

See 21 day journaling Challenge for info 



My Personal Excellence - 21 day journal challenge

OK, so I just found this website called Personal Excellence. Its really about helping us live our lives to the greatest possible potential.  And since I've been trying to live my life more consciously and thoughtfully, this site really resonates with me. So, they have a 21 day journal challenge and I thought I would participate.  I am a few days late in starting it, but all the questions are posted online, so I figured I'd give it a go. So day 1:
What Would You Do If You Have 1 Million Dollars?

I find this question really difficult to answer, because there are so many possibilities!! Pick and choose... My first goal would be to pay off my credit cards, my car and my educational debts. I would like to pay off my boyfriend's debts as well as my parent's debts. I would take some time off work, maybe even quit my job, and do some extensive travelling. I would like to go to Europe, especially Italy, France, Ireland & Scotland. I would try to go cheaply, but take lots of picture. Speaking of pictures, I would be getting myself a fancy new Digital SLR camera to take along on the trip.

After I got back from the trip, I would purchase a house for myself & my honey somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. I would move my parents out there with me too. Most likely buy some land and some small farm animals like chickens & goats. I would invest in composting equipment for my land. I would probably go back to school, either grad school for some sort of public service type career. Or maybe go to pastry school. And I would use some money to start my own business.

I would donate some money to diabetes research because I've lost too many relatives to this terrible disease. I would also invest in wind & solar power.

I am not sure how much that would use up. But, that's what would make me happy right now.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's question: If You Are To Do Something For Free For the Rest of Your Life, What Would It Be?

Dia de lost Muertos - getting crafty

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is a mexican celebration honoring those that have passed on. Its celebrated around Oct 31st to November 2nd and is related to the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. But these days are for celebration and playfulness, not of darkness or sadness. Here's a little blurb from Wikipedia:

Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.
Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl. In Brazil, Dia de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain, there are festivals and parades, and, at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.

I have been fascinated by the artwork of Dia de los Muertos for many years. And I've finally gotten around to making some of the essential decorations, Sugar Skulls!

These skulls are used to decorate for the holiday and are used on altars that are dedicated to ancestors. In the homes, family members honor their deceased with ofrendas or offerings which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.

                                    

Below are some pictures of the 1st stage of my sugar skulls. If you want to make some for yourself, check out this website, Mexican Sugar Skulls. I have prepared the sugar and molded it into skull shapes. Now it must dry for 12 hours. I will then prepare a "glue" to attach the back of the skull to the front.

The next step is to make several different colors of royal icing and decorate each skull. I hope to have a few friends over to complete this task!!  I am really excited to finally be making these skulls for my Dia de los Muertos altar.






For more info about Day of the Dead celebrations, check out these links:

• Day of the Dead sayings
• Musings from Ladi Loera, day of the dead artist (My fav!!)
• Folk art gallery
• Article by Judy King
• Masquefaire - etsy page with some amazing day of the dead masks
• Just do a google search, and you'll come up with some really awesome pages.

Want to win a Raspberry Ice Kitchen Aid??

One of my favorite blogs, Sweetopia, is giving away two of these babies!! Click here to read the post and to enter!!

Man do I want to win one, not only is it dreamy, its for a great cause, fighting cancer!!

Sisters in the Kitchen: Key Lime Cupcakes

Sisters in the Kitchen: Key Lime Cupcakes: " I fell in love with the taste of key lime when I made my Bite Size Oreo Key Lime Pies . I needed to use up some more key limes and w..."

Austin's Renegade Craft Fair

Coming up next weekend is Ausin's Renegade Craft Fair.

(I would have posted this on the sidebar, but I can't figure out how to do so... any thoughts??)

Here's what I've been working on

I am in the midst of several crafy projects. Here's a peek at what I've been working on.

This is a chair that I am re-upholstering for a friend. These are the before pics.

This is the back side with most of the layers removed. It's been interesting seeing what's underneith the outside fabric. Hence the pink fabric layer I found, see below!

And here's the bustle/ apron/ cape I've been working on. I got the pattern from "Craftovision" on youtube. I put the link to the video below.  And I have to share that because the video does not mention the length of lace that you need, you should over-guestimate. I unfortunately underestimated and had to go back to get more lace. And much to my chagrin, the store did not have anymore of the pretty lace I first picked out. Lesson learned... Of course, can you really tell which layer has the different lace?? I'm still very happy with how it turned out!

Fabric pieces cut out

Closeup of the lace

Two of the layers ready to sew together.

The finished product.

I will get motivated soon and post a pic of me wearing the bustle.

Here's the youtube, in case you want to make a fancy bustle for yourself!!

Thursday's Findings

For today's findings, I wanted to share with you a site called Pinterest.  Its basically a site where you can grab something that you love, from the web, and pin it to your Pinterest page. You share it with the other folks on Pinterest.  Here's the blurb from their website:

What is Pinterest?

Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.
People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.
We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

Check it out and request an invite.  They are still in the beginning stages, so they are still picky about who they let join.

Here's what I "pinned" today:

Its from a blog called Simplesong. Don't those chocolate cups look delish?

Finished my apron!!

Here's the finished product. I really like it a lot. However, I will not be using jean material again for this project. I like the look of the jean (its the ruffle and the neck strap). Unfortunately, its just weighs down the cotton of the apron too much. And the neck tie is too thick, bleh. Ah well, live and learn!

Thursday's Findings - ok maybe friday's findings...

Well, I didn't get a chance to post any findings yesterday. And I've got a few to share today, so here goes. Only a day late...

Spoonflower is a site that allows you to design and print your own frabric. So inspiring!! They have lots of really cool designs that you can purchase as well. (Perhaps a little pricy, but still exciting to the crafty designer out there!)

The Community Garden started by members of the University of Texas at Austin community. I love the idea of a community garden. I miss the huge garden that my grandmother planted and harvested each year when I was a kid. Wow, did I take that for granted. There is nothing like a freshly picked Tomato!

If you don't believe me, look at this!!

Its me and my childhood friend Monique in my grandmother's garden. I was about 7 or 8 I guess.

And finally...

Love this knit cardigan. I want to make one out of old t-shirts!! Blogged by Elle Apparel

The crafty bug finally bit me again

Ok, so here's a pic of the homemade chicken enchiladas with green sauce that my honey and I made last week.

I don't use a recipe, we just wing it usually. This time we used chicken, pinto beans, cheese and pico de gallo for the filling. We stuffed all of that into flour tortillas (this dish is usually made with corn tortillas, but I prefer it with flour ones.) The topping is more cheese, a dash of the pico and green enchilada sauce. We use the canned version made with tomatillos. Yum!!  It was so good with the pinto beans instead of rice. Definitely a keeper!

And my friend and I finished her apron. Here's the finished product.

She is a novice sewer, so we both worked on the apron. The apron is based on this JoAnn's pattern.  Its the one I mentioned in a previous post. We ended up tweaking the pattern a bit. She wanted to add the brown band at the waist to give it some more appeal. And we added a couple inches to the width of it, because let's face it, we are not tiny women! I think it turned out great!!  I've already cut out fabric to make myself one as well. My theme is going to be blue colors. Can't wait to get it posted when I finish!

Thursday's Findings

Ok, so I've been slacking on my own crafting, but I've been sooo inspired by the other craft blogs that I read. Here's some really cool finds for this week!

The improv quilt block in yellow by Quilt Dad

This is a guy with a family who decided to give it a go with his wife's sewing machine. So awesome!!

The Roly Poly Circus Quilt found on the Happy Zombie Blog

Jellyfish Jeans - Repurposed & bleached jeans by irishdaydreamer

on the Crafter.org Reconstructed group.