The Last Cookbook I May Ever Buy

I have to say I enjoy cooking. Sometimes I enjoy it more compared to other times, but overall I enjoy cooking. With all the amazing recipe sites and blogs out there I haven't purchased a cookbook for myself in a long time. That may change people. My google reader has 1000+ unread blog posts so I may be a little 'behind the times' but can I just say I am thrilled that Pioneer Woman is coming out with her own cookbook?!?! It may be the last cookbook I ever buy.

You can preorder it at Amazon...but I am tempted to just ask for it for Christmas. Or I may just go ahead and add it to my cart, it will give me an excuse to throw in Jane Eyre so I can get free shipping. Scratch that...it isn't eligible for Super Saver Shipping. Drat.

Oh. Incase you have never tried one of PW's recipes, may I suggest the Banana Bread. I've made it twice and it is DELISH. Plus you use a Bundt pan. I have only ever used my Bundt pan for Caramel Rolls...so now two DELISH things to make with the Bundt pan.

Now I am craving all the delicious recipes that I want to make from PW. Plus Banana Bread....and Carmel Rolls.

Giveaway Time

So as I have mentioned, I am doing a giveaway over at thekrazycouponlady.com. The giveaway post is up! So head on over and check out how to enter on this post! You get a chance at 6 different prizes including my newest owl tote, who I have named 'Sassy'.

I hope you win!!!

Major Craving

Calling all Gilbert/Mesa, AZ, Vegas, and Utah Valley readers. If any of you are near a Cafe Rio and can do me a favor, could you please go and eat a Pork Salad for me? I am no where NEAR one and am craving a salad like crazy.

I even have a free meal card. Sigh.

And ask the guy for extra guac. Pretty please...

Yes. I have the recipes...

New Owl Totes!

The shop is stocked with a flock of new and returning owl totes! A couple more are yet to be finished up...but here they are...

Just remember all special orders must be in by October 3rd. I probably won't be accepting special orders again till after Thanksgiving.

Sewing Tips: Sewing Gadgets I Would Die Without

If you've been to Joann's lately you know it is National Sewing Month. I don't know what you do to 'celebrate' National Sewing Month, but I thought a post answering common questions and my favorite gadgets would be appropriate.

I get questions from people who want to start sewing. 'Yay!' Is my first response. Of course I love sewing and think that until the last few years it was becoming a dying art. So not only do I find it fun and enjoyable, but a very practical skill. Then they ask, "What do I need to start?"

So let's start at the very beginning a very good place to start. When you sew you begin with the sewing machine.

#1

One of my favorite sewing gadgets, of course, is my sewing machine. My mom and sister own a Viking and Bernina. (Sigh...one day!) I own a basic Singer Touch and Sew 7462. I got it for a great deal and it had all the functions I was looking for. My advice to anyone looking for their first machine is to find something you are comfortable with. Go to the store and test drive some. Ask questions and make your choice. Once you get your machine, READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL that goes with it. Many of the problems that people have with their machines can be solved by reading the manual. If you are getting a hand-me-down and don't have a manual go to the manufactuer's site. Many times you can download a PDF of the manual for free.

#2

Sewing Feet. Sewing machines usually come with three to four basic feet. You can buy all sorts of feet that can do different things. My favorite foot is the 1/4" 'quilting' foot. It is not exclusively for quilting, but 1/4" is the standard seam allowance for quilting so hence the name. Basically one side of the foot is 1/4" so you just line the foot or gauge up with the raw edges of your fabric...and what do you get?! The perfect 1/4" seam allowance. It is a must if you do any amount of quilting.

A great place to get feet for a STEAL is sewingmachinesplus.com. (On average I save $20.00 - $30.00 a foot if I buy it through them. They also have great deals on machines.) You can find what particular feet work with your machine by checking out your manfactuer's site.

#3



Sewing Machine Needles. You maybe thinking...ah the needle...thrilling! But truly. If you have a junky needle, your stitching will look junky. If your machine is skipping stitches or you can't remember the last time you changed the needle; change your needle. The general rule is to change your needle after each project. Now some of my projects are kinda quick. So for me it is once a big project or after I make a few tote bags.

Now you don't have to buy expensive needles to get a good project. I buy what my manufacturer recommends. I can find mine at Walmart for under $2.00. Another tidbit of info is that different kind of needles do exist. Did you know that? The two I commonly use are size 80/11 and 90/14. 80/11 is for light weight fabrics, like the broadcloth that you use to line a bag. 90/14 is for medium weight fabrics, like linen and cotton.

#4

Cutting Tools. Good cutting tools are a must. If you watch sales or use coupons at Joann's or Micheal's you can get your cutting tools for a decent price. However, cutting tools are something that you may have to spend some money on. But trust me they will be worth EVERY penny. I think I bought most these items with a coupon or on sale, except for my rulers. ( I bought my rulers at a quilting store.) I would recommend getting a cutting mat, rotary cutter, one long clear ruler, and good fabric scissors first. The rest you can fill in as you are able.

The cutting tools I have in my stash:

• Olfa 36" Cutting Mat

• Gingher Dressmaking Shears - Buy them, love them, never let them touch paper. Ever. Ever. Ever. (With that being said, I also keep a pair of 'paper' scissors in my sewing basket so I am never tempted.) I've had mine for close to 10 years and will be sharpening them for the first time next week. They last FOREVER.

• Creative Grids 24" x 6.5" Clear Ruler - This is their best selling size. I use this size far more than my 8.5" square. I would DIE without this ruler. Truly. I love this brand because they have clear grippies on the back that prevent slippage. And whoever said, "You only need it if you quilt." was wrong. A straight cut of fabric is worth a million bucks when you sew. ( I cringe at fabric stores when they cut fabric so APPARENTLY crooked.)
  

• Creative Grids 8.5" Square Clear Ruler

• Dritz 45mm Pressure Sensitive Rotary Cutter - I love this rotary cutter. I like it because you can lock it, so it is safer with kids around. Also, the blade only comes down when you apply pressure to use it for cutting. However, I DESPISE Dritz blades. They are horrible in my opinion. I use Olfa blades...they are the best and they fit this brand of cutter. (As long as you get the right size blade, for example 45mm for a 45mm cutter, they will fit.) To me they are worth the extra expense. I buy the 5-pack when they are 50% off. They come out to be less than $3.00 a blade...not too shabby.

• Friskars Pinking Shears - Again a tool I would DIE without. I almost bought the Gingher brand, but these are MUCH easier to open and close.

• Westcott Titanium Trimmers - I love these. This is what I use to cut out my small applique pieces. They are also great to have right next to your machine to clip threads.

#5 Joann Coupons

I have only mentioned this a few times. If you do any amount of sewing...sign up for their mailing/email list. If you use to get their mailers and are wondering why they have stopped this is why. The mailer coupons have a bar code that they scan with your info on them. If your mailer coupons are not scanned they assume you do not use them so they stop sending you a mailer. I get both the mailer and the email. You can sign up for both here...they send you a 40% off coupon right off the bat. This week is Coupon Commotion and the entire store is basically on sale. Seriously. Almost all the fabric is at least 30% off.

Also. You can use Micheal's coupons at Joann's. However, you cannot use a Micheal's coupon ON FABRIC at Joann's. This is because Micheal's does not sell fabric. Makes sense. I also saw a sign recently at Micheal's that they accept competitor's coupons...so I am guessing you can use Joann's at Micheal's.

Tomorrow I will be back with a couple of tips and common questions I get asked.

Happy Sewing Month!

Launch Party!!!

This week the Krazy Coupon Lady is relaunching to a .com. I love couponing and great couponing blogs like the Krazy Coupon Lady. Go check out the resources there and enter one of the many giveaways they are doing this week. (Mine will run Thursday - Friday.)

Announcements & Special Order Information

As you all have probably noticed, I've had an increase in baby projects that I have been sharing with you. Your suspicions are correct that we will be welcoming little girl at the end of October. :) The pregnancy has gone very well and I cannot wait till she is here!

The 'other' announcement, impossible to compete with the first, is that I will be doing a giveaway on Thursday September 24th at the Krazy Coupon Lady. They are doing a relaunch to a .com site and it is going to be fabulous! Also, click through to the blog...we've done a face lift and it looks great.

Since I will be busy with a new baby, posting and new shop items will be at a minimum beginning mid-October. For those who are interested in a special order for Halloween delivery, I need to receive your order by Saturday, October 3rd. All other items that I have in stock will be available for purchase, but I will only be shipping once a week.

Thanks for all your support over the last year! It has been fun getting to know new bloggers/customers and of course hearing from long time friends.

I still have lots of fun things planned between the baby's arrival and then so stay tuned!

'Give Thanks' Thanksgiving Countdown Calendar

The Thanksgiving Countdown Calendar was probably one of the first items I ever 'thought' of when the shop was just an idea. However, I could never design it right or find the right color combo of fabrics. Occasionally, I would find a print at the fabric store, buy it, and stick it in a pile. Last week I found the print to tie it all together and Thursday night it all came together.

I have to say it is my favorite Countdown Calendar yet. I also wrote an activity file that has over 30 activities for families to do together during the month of November. All the activities focus on gratitude and require little to no prep. There are two types of activities. 'These Take Some Time' activities that take at least 5 - 10 minutes to complete. 'These Will Only Take a Minute' are activities can be done truly in a minute or as dinnertime conversation. The hope of these activities is to help increase families understanding and appreciation of their many blessings.

A sample of the included activities:

* Print off the sign that reads, “We just had to “pop” over and say we‘re thankful for you!” Attach the sign to a neighbors’ door with a bag of microwave popcorn or 2 liters of soda. Make it anonymous by ding-dong-ditching!

* Write letters or emails to relatives that live far away.

* As a family, list why you are thankful for your country.

* For your evening or dinner prayer, only offer a prayer of thanks.

* Have everyone name three things they are thankful for.

* Put everyone’s name in a hat and have everyone draw one. By tomorrow night, everyone has to find a way to secretly serve that person.

The activity file can be used with or without the countdown calendar. I truly love it and will be making another for us to keep to use during the month of November.

So there it is a year later it finally came together! I love it. Thanksgiving truly is one of my favorite holidays, I love what it represents. So for our family, this will be something we enjoy for years to come.

More Halloween Goodness & Halloween Countdown Calendars

Remember this from last year? This year's are a little different in the size. Both the calendar body and pockets are smaller, but still big enough for a candy treat or good sized counter.

Well here are this year's versions...think I already shared this one.



This one is one of a kind, no more material available...I love the little bat!

Then here is the 2009 version...

.

I love it! I am going crazy with ric rac lately...can't get enough of it! I also went kinda crazy with the counters for this one.



The spider and witch may look familiar...they are from the 'boo' Quiet Book. I've had a couple of emails about where people can get the pattern. The pattern and kit are available here.



Halloween has been everywhere in my house lately...I am ready to make the switch to Christmas items. My favorite!

Tutorial: Lady Bug Taggie

Materials:

• print pattern (right click, save as, should save in the correct size, print!)
  
• felt for back of wings
• felt for body
• fabric for front of wings
• various ribbons and trims
• embroidery floss - I used black and red
• thread to match wings
• fiberfill
• two small bells (will be sewn inside wings)

1.


2. Fold ribbon and trims in half. Pin raw edges of trims to the curves of both FABRIC wings, on the right side, making sure the looped ends face the inside of the wing. (See picture)



3. Place a FELT wing on top of the of the FABRIC wing, pin . The felt wing should be facing the side with the ribbons/trims. Your trims will be in the middle.



4. Sew around the wing using 1/2" seam allowance. Back stitch at beginning and end. Leave a spot for turning on the straight edge. Trim curves and points with pinking shears. Do not trim the opening, you will need to turn that to opening to sew shut.



5. Turn wing right side out. Press if needed to get shape right. Slip a bell inside the opening. Turn the raw edges from the opening in and pin and place. Top stitch around the entire wing, making sure to catch the opening. Repeat steps 3 - 5 for other wing.



6. Place both wings on top of ONE felt body. Pin in desired positions. Hand sew in place with embroidery floss using two x's near the top of both wings. You want the x's to be about 1/2" from the edge of the body. (See second picture below to illustrate.) This will leave you enough room to blanket stitch the two bodies together.







7. Connect the two wings together at the top where both wings meet by sewing a series of quick stitches. Use your embroidery floss. (See photo below.)



8. Place the second body on top of the first body. Pin the two bodies together, being careful not to catch the wings.



9. Blanket stitch the two bodies together using six strands of embroidery floss. Before you close up both pieces, lightly stuff the lady bug with polyester fiberfill. I am not an embroidery stitch pro at all. However, here is a great video of how to do the blanket stitch if you need help.




Have fun! Make a couple in different colors!

Great Everyday Tip

This morning I found this great blog with lots of printable FREE downloads. I am a long way off from needing these but thought I would share. They are called 'morning routine' cards.

I used similar cards when I taught for students who needed help keeping on task/remembering things. I would put the cards out on their desk in the morning and as they came in they would be reminded of the things they needed to do. Doing this saved my life! Then I could be sure to tend to all 28 kids coming into the classroom at once in the morning.

Here are some other back to school cards that you may find helpful! What great ideas! I love that the cards have simple and clear illustrations so both readers and non-readers can easily be prompted of what to do.