** HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY **

I'm having an October 1st ** HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY ** and your invited ; ) Here's what we're giving away!

A NEW PDF Halloween Quilt Pattern! Triangula... My talented sister made this for me last year, i loved it so much i thought that i would make it into a pattern. It's a FUN and simple Halloween project that will look great as a decoration and also keep you warm on those chilly fall days! It's available in my shop.

These cute little Ghostie Halloween Gift Cards are made by the very talented Lindy, over at Crafted by Lindy. You will receive a pdf file with 6 ghosts per page and cutting instructions on how to make them. How FUN would these be attached to a caramel apple or a popcorn ball for teachers or neighbour gifts!

I have been waiting all year to post about this recipe! We have been making caramel apples as a family tradition ever since my kids started trick or treating. Some times they turned out other times not so much... Well you know what they say "practice makes perfect", i think we've done just that with this apple and i would LOVE to share my caramel apple secrets with you.

SO here's how it's going to work (all winners will be picked by a random number generator):

1st prize: Triangula Quilt Pattern and the Ghosty Gift Tags

2nd prize: Triangula Quilt Pattern

3rd prize: Ghostly Gift Tags

How do you WIN!!! It's easy, just leave a comment about Halloween.

If you would like an EXTRA entry or entry's blog about it, tweet about it, or facebook it!! And just to keep things easy and fair, please leave a seperate comment for each entry that you have done.

Please check back next THURSDAY to see if you are the lucky WINNER!!

Your wondering WHO wins the Caramel Apple recipe aren't you??? Well you ALL do!!! HERE's the pdf file for your printing convenience! ( if your wondering what lily white is, it's clear corn syrup!)

Don't you just love HALLOWEEN!!!

xo sandra

mexican anyone?

**Mexican Chicken Soup**

4 chicken breasts

olive oil

kosher salt and black pepper

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)

2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)

4 large garlic cloves, chopped

2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) chicken stock

1 can diced tomatoes (add half to pot and then puree half)

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

6-10 slices of canned jalapeno peppers chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander seed

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

toppings

1 bag tortilla strips (found in the salad section of your grocery store)

sliced avocado

sour cream

cheddar cheese

Boil chicken until cooked through. Remove and shred. Set aside chicken and 2-3 cups of the chicken broth. Heat 3 TBsp of olive oil in large pot. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium heat for 10 mins, or until onions starts to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20min on low. Add chicken and simmer for another 10min. Serve with toppings.

I came across this recipe on the Barefoot Contessa's website and modified it a little to make it more "MOM" friendly ; ) Nothing is better than a nice warm boil of soup on a fall day!

Oh, how do you like my NEW look? It's compliments of April over at Sassy Fruit Studio's. I would recommend her to anyone. She did an AMAZING job and was so easy to work with!

thanks April!

COME back and visit on October 1st for some pre-HALLOWEEN fun! You won't want to miss it!

thanks for stopping buy!

xo

sandra

pillow covers

i made some pillow covers to match the quilt...

it was my first time making throw pillows, so it took me a bit longer than i had expected, but now that i've got it down, i think i might have to make myself some!

xo

sas

style... i could use a little

if your looking for the quilting classes look HERE.

i was blog surfing and came across a blog called Sensibly Styled. it's a fashion blog that gives you tips on what to wear and where to find the best deals. this picture came from a post that i really liked. a woman had e-mailed in and asked what her family should wear in their upcoming family photos. she wanted them all to coordinate without being to "matchy matchy". i love what they put together.

what are you waiting for? go over and check it out!

xo

sandra

beginner quilting classes

NEWS: i have decided not to sell my things in the new store in the mall... it was really exciting to feel like the things that i make are store worthy, i just really didn't want the pressure of it all and i wanted sewing to remain FUN!!

speaking of FUN!!! i have been asked by a few ladies if i would teach some beginner quilting classes, FALL just seems like the perfect time to have classes, doesn't it? it's after school has started, and before the Christmas rush. the details of the classes are provided below, if you are in the area and are interested in a class and or classes please E-MAIL me at: sandraannsaunders@gmail.com

there will be 4 classes available. if you take all 4 classes you will be making a baby quilt. if you would just like to pick and choose the class or classes you would like to take you can do that as well.

the easiest way to learn how to quilt is to start on a small project. what better way to learn then on a baby quilt. make it for yourself or give it away as a gift. either way you end up with a beautiful quilt that won't be too overwhelming to finish.

ALL classes are $12.00 per class

ROTARY CUTTING: October 7, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

rotary cutting is a skill all quilters need in order to save time and make precision cuts. learn how to use your tools correctly and efficiently to make cutting a breeze. this class is a pre-requisit to the quilting class. at the end of this class you will have your quilt pieces cut out and ready to go for the next class.

QUILTING: October 14, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

join me for a modern take on quilting. this is a beginners class. there will be 3 different patterns to choose from depending on your skill level. each will be unique and modern. with the fabric that we previously cut out from the rotary cutting class we will be piecing the quilt together using basic techniques every quilter should know before they begin quilting on their own.

MACHINE QUILTING: October 28, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

this class will guide you through the basic skills of machine quilting. there are many different techniques and designs in machine quilting. you will learn how to use a walking foot, stitch-in the-ditch and free motion quilting including stippling. learn what a "quilt sandwich" is and how to quilt with minky. no previous quilting experience necessary.

BINDING: November 4, 2009 8:00pm-10:00pm

you are almost to the finish line, just one more step to go. learn the french fold binding technique and how to miter a corner. learn how to machine sew the binding and also the hand sewn method and the advantages of each.

basic supplies needed:

* sewing machine

* rotary cutter, mat and ruler

* free motion foot (picture to follow)

all classes will be offered out of my home. class sizes are limited so to ensure a spot please contact me as soon as possible. supplies will NOT be provided. if you are interested in taking a class and would like to know what supplies are required please e-mail me. for those wanting to make a baby quilt, i will have quilt kits available to be purchased please e-mail me for more information on patterns and available fabrics.

i am really excited to be offering quilt classes! i wanted them to be affordable and FUN in a relaxed atmosphere. it will give you a fun night out with "the girls" while learning skills and techniques that will be used for years to come!

thanks ladies!

xo

sandra

sandraannsaunders@gmail.com

"millions of peaches..."

i went to bed last night with an overwhelming feeling of GRATITUDE.

*GRATEFUL for a mother and grandmother who took the time to teach me.

i remember my grandma's kitchen on canning day, the smell, the boxes of fruit, and my family. i even remember my grandpa and dad doing there part in the kitchen; it was packed in there. my job was to peel the peaches after they had been blanched, you had to peel as fast as you could because they kept on a comin'... it was fun.

*GRATEFUL for a friend that called and said "hey, do you want to can peaches with me."

sometimes you just need that extra push to get motivated. i hadn't canned since i was young and thought that it was more difficult then it really ended up being. thanks...

and last but not least...

*GRATEFUL for the farmer's and the delivery people for bringing these beautiful peaches. my family is sure to enjoy them through the winter months : )

i hope everyone had a GREAT long weekend! i know we did...

xo sandra