create

sunshiny day!

2011-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

i found this print and HAD to have it for my laundry room!

this frame just happened to fit the print perfectly!

i knew i wanted to paint the frame yellow, but after seeing this side table painted and glazed by the talented Alysha!

i had to have some glaze!

i LOVE how it turned out!

picture frame

2011-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

i picked up this frame for free at a garage sale!

i have BIG plans for it... hopefully it works. i have a print that i bought off of etsy (it fits perfect!) now i just have to paint, glaze and add glass.

here's hope'n it works!

t-shirt keepsake quilts

2011-05-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

i'm working on some custom t-shirt quilts at the moment!

a baby boy

teen boy &

little girl

here's just a peek at one of the blocks that will be in the baby boy quilt!

i don't want to wreck the surprise for the ladies that i am making these for so i probably won't post any more pictures until they are done...

i REALLY like creating these keepsake quilt's. i find that you have to be REALLY creative when your adding fabrics to the clothes and cutting the clothes in a way that will show the BEST! i just hope it all comes together how i have envisioned... sometimes i can be my biggest critic.

TUTORIAL: Decorative Sham

2011-04-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

my friend needed some help decorating her daughters room before her twins arrive, so i dusted off my sewing machine ; ) i've had my eye on this sham from pottery barn kids for a while now. this was my chance to make my own version. my kids have already put in their orders for one. so i decided, why not make it into a tutorial!

there are 3 different ways you can choose to finish the back.

1. use a zipper (thats what i did on my back)

2. do a envelope opening on the back

3. leave a space at the bottom of the pillow that is left unstitched. stuff and stitch up the hole.

depending on which one you choose, the instructions will vary slightly

*1. cut 2 pieces of fabric 13"x17".

1 for the front

1 for the back (you can see from the pic that i've already sewn in the zipper)

*2. print desired letter off on the computer. place on window so that the letter is backwards.

*3. trace the letter using heat n bond lite paper. (or your favourite iron on adhesive)

*4. ruffly cut out letter and iron onto desired fabric.

*5. trim around letter

*6. remove paper backing.

*7. place letter in desired location. iron into place.

*8. add a decorative stitch around the outer edge.

*9. using the same technique as you did for the letter (steps 4-8). add any decorative pieces to the sham. i decided to cut out designs from the fabric that i was using for this sham.

*10. lay the top of the sham and the bottom of the sham facing each other. to round the corners use a round edge (i used a bowl) and trace around each corner with a pencil. trim around the corners with scissors. (make sure both layers stay in place while you cut)

*11. cut ric rac to size.

*12. place the ric rac inside the 2 layers. make sure the ric rac is slightly in from the edge and evenly placed. PIN all three layers together. allow a little excess ric rac in the corners so that they don't pull when turned rightside out. i pleated mine slightly.

*13. stitch around the sham. turn inside right and stuff!

any way you do it, it'll look FABULOUS!

it was a fun project to make! if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

my little helper*

2011-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

i hope you had a FABULOUS easter!

i know we did!

there's nothing like a weekend get away...

i always feel refreshed and ready to go

when we return.

this little man is growing like a weed!

literally...

i can't keep up with his clothes size : )

he's been helping me with my next project!

i'm currently working on 3 custom keepsake

t-shirt quilts.

* one for a girl

* one for a pre-teen boy

and

* one for a baby boy!

it was a little difficult cutting up those

baby boy clothes.

they were so TINY and CUTE!

i've made a similar quilt for my niece,

the only difference is that these

are all made with t-shirts.

they are all going to have a

different pattern and fabrics!

i'm excited to see them come together!

now if i can just shake this

head cold...

*closet organizer DIY

2011-04-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

what do you do when it's spring break and you have no plans...

you tackle a DIY project of course ; )

my 2 older boys share a room. it's a decent size but it always seemed like there wasn't anywhere to put anything. they have a large closet but there was only 1 shelf. it was time to add some shelving so that HOPEFULLY their room will be less of a disaster zone!

BEFORE

(toothless annie!)

AFTER

we've never built anything like this before but found the actual building of the unit the easiest part. it was the figuring out the measurements and PAINTING the shelves that took the most time.

we used:

16" pre-cut MDF shelving

1x2" primed pine for the supports

wood glue

finishing nails (brad nailer)

dap

paint

when i do this again, i'll definitely try to at least prime the shelves before they go in. painting them after is a BIG pain!

doesn't it look FABULOUS! (hopefully it stays this way)

if you need help and would like to try this yourself go over to Ana White's blog and it'll give you plans to get you on your way. we didn't end up using the plans but it was definitely my inspiration! it also helps to have a handy brother to call when your standing in the wood isle in home depot not knowing what to buy! (thanks corey)

"dad's shirts" a keepsake quilt

2011-03-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

my husband likes himself a good plaid shirt. so over the years i have collected the ones that no longer are worn with this project in mind.

one of the shirts he wore when we were dating. the red plaid one he wore when we had our first 3 babies. they all remind me of different events in our life.i guess in a way it's a bit of a time line.
i also decided to add a shirt of his fathers and of his grandfathers. and because his grandfather has passed it was only fitting to leave his piece whole. you can see his shirt piece second in and one up from the bottom.
i really like the straight line quilting although it was a process to get finished. with minky on the back it's sure to get some good use and hopefully be a treasure for years to come!

office reno on a budget

2011-03-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

a room opened up at my husbands office but before he could work in there we needed to give it some TLC. we added bead board, ripped out the baseboard heater, added baseboard and trim and of course a lot of paint.

here's the BEFORE

and the AFTER

what an improvement!! it needs some pictures and things to jazz it up a bit but i think we did pretty good.

i think this little man approves!

she's done!

2011-02-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

or should i say he. i think if this console table was a sex, it would defiantly be

male ; ) here's the before pictures.

and here's the AFTER.

after 4 coats of red, some sanding, some staining and varnishing it's finally finished. i really love the legs and the red...

i'm not quite sure how i feel about the doors being stained... i thought it would give the piece a retro vibe but now i'm seeing a country one...

what do you think? i'm hoping in my husbands office it has more of a contemporary feel to it. fingers crossed because i REALLY don't want to paint the doors.

p.s. still working on the quilt... did you get what you wanted to get done this weekend ladies?

quilting...

2011-02-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

there's something about sending a quilt off to the quilters that makes me nervous...

i think it's because i'm sending off my creation to be interpreted by someone else. what if they don't see the same vision???

that's what happened the last time i got a quilt back from the quilters... it's just not the way i envisioned it. the pieced blocks bulge slightly and the stitching is off. there are two horizontal lines across the bottom of the blocks and none on the top. i hate to spend the money to have it professionally quilted, just to have to fix it. i think that's why it's taken me so long to get around to finishing this one.

my goal for the weekend is to finish the console table (if it wasn't -21 out i think i would have checked that one off the list already. i'm just having a hard time bringing myself to the garage to sand off the legs...) and finish up this quilt.

if i can check these off the list, i think i'll be feeling pretty good! WHAT'S on your TO DO list for the weekend?

" i'm painting the roses red"

2011-02-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

well not exactly roses... this.

and it's coming along nicely.

i just can't seem to get that song out of my head while i paint.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERY ONE!!

she's got nice lines...

2011-02-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

but she needs a little work.

this buffet cabinet has been kicking around my house for a while now. i originally found it at a garage sale, painted it black, never did finish it but it still ended up under my TV some how??? it never really worked well as a TV cabinet so i'm going to repurpose it.

we finished the reno at my husband office but it lacks furniture, so i thought, why not freshen this lady up and give her a NEW home! and because everything is grey lets add a punch of color. my husband's first chose was RED!

so RED it is. i'm going to paint it RED and stain the doors. i hope she turns out the way i picture her in my head... if not, i guess i'll just chalk it up as a BIG learning experience.

*** yes... i'm painting it in my front entry way. it just seemed like the best space. i hope no one knocks at the door ; )

UPDATE* i thought it would be fun to add pictures after each coat to see the progress.

buffet after the first coat.

UPDATE*

after second coat.

sister = bliss

2011-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

my sister's blogging again!

she use to be owner of an on-line quilt shop that ended up being too much to handle. if you know my sister though, she can't stay still for long. and with a PILE of fabric sitting around it's hard not to be inspired by all of the beautiful fabrics!

so what do you do when life hands you lemons... you make lemonade!

and that just what she's doing! she's making the most FABULOUS American Girl doll clothes!

i don't think they get ANY cuter than this!!

the other thing you should know about my sister is that she can sew like the wind! i have never met anyone that can sew as fast and as accurate as her. i just talked to her about making American Girl doll clothes about 4 days ago and she already has a pile of skirts made. how is that even possible???

SHE'S AMAZING!!!

now go check out her blog!

how i got my baby to sleep through the night.

2011-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

this post is for all of those moms that have babies that don't sleep through the night until they are over a year. (at least that is when my other children decided it was time to sleep through the night.) if i only knew then, what i know now, i would have been a little smarter about things.

my baby is now 8 months. (i know everyone says this but where did the time go... they grow SO fast) he hasn't slept through the night without being fed since he was born and i/he was starting to feel it. i NEEDED/HE needed some sleep. SO... here's what we did.

he had a night where he randomly slept through the night on his own. this made me realize that he indeed COULD sleep through the night. he didn't need to eat, i was feeding him enough during the day that he really shouldn't of needed anything at night. that and he started leaking out his diapers in the night because he REALLY was getting TOO MUCH. that was a sure sign for me.

so after we knew he could sleep, we let him cry for the next 2 nights. it was hard to listen to him. there's such an urge as a mother to go pick them up and console them. i never let him get too out of control though and when he did i rocked him.

the 3rd night came and i was able to use his soother to comfort him. he really didn't cry very much at all. he woke up 3-4 times a night for his soother for about a week. and then the night came when he slept the whole night... HEAVENLY! and he's been sleeping through the night ever since.

although there is something i miss about waking up with my baby, i think we are both happier during the day. and that makes me a better mother and him a better baby.

i'm not saying that this is the BEST way or the ONLY way to get your baby to sleep through the night. this is just what worked for us. and if it helps another family get some needed sleep, then this post was worth it!

for my living room*

2011-01-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

i saw these chairs on kijiji and HAD to squeeze some money out of the budget...

i LOVE the style of them, the wood trim, the tufted back... even the fabric.
and it's not everyday you find an antique chair that doesn't need to be recovered.
i think the only thing i'll do is give them a good clean'n and replace the foam in the cushions.

they look FABULOUS with the curtains i just made!

** don't look to close... the bottom isn't hemmed ; ) it's on the list**

UPDATE* just turned the chairs over to put some pads on the bottom of each leg and you wouldn't believe what i found...

quite an extensive collection of

BOOGERS : P !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

i guess you never know what surprises your going to get when you buy an antique ; )

learning piano*

2011-01-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

now that my older kids are starting to take piano lessons, my 3 year old has shown an interest in playing too!

he's a little young to understand notes, the names, counting and all of the other things that come with learning piano. but he DOES understand COLOR and the placement of the notes on the staff.

how does COLOR come into playing the piano??

good question.

i came across these videos one day and decided this would be a GREAT way for him to learn piano. they use colors on the keys and notes to teach young kids. the best part is, you can print off the colors here for FREE and there is also some FREE printable songs to go with.

there is a book that you can buy. but i thought that if you wanted a cheaper way of doing it, you could buy a beginner piano book and take some pencil crayons to it ; )

it's been fun to watch him randomly go to the piano and play songs. it also has made him feel included in what the BIG kids are doing!

if my 3 year old can play, so can YOURS!!!

now what are you waiting for...

go print it off and let me know how your kids like it.

birthday invitaions

2011-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

i decided to make my daughters birthday invitations on the computer. i had forgotten how much fun creating in photoshop can be. here's what i came up with.

i printed them off on a letter size white card stock, cut them into four and voila!

birthday invitations!

SO, how about a FREE customized printable copy for YOUR child's birthday!

i would be happy to change out colors and information just send me an e-mail with what you would like. if your child doesn't have a birthday right away, no problem, when you need them and have all the information ready to go send me an e-mail- sandraannsaunders@gmail.com!

sound good?

bread

2011-01-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

theres something about making bread that i love...

i think it's because it reminds me of my mother.

-20 C and counting...

2011-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

it 's been COLD here to say the least. there hasn't been a lot of snow (i guess that is all relative. looking at the picture it looks like there is ; ) but it has been making drifts that are almost nearly impossible to shovel...

this one took 2 hours, 2 broken shovels and it made a reappearance the next morning.

a little frustrating but it comes with the territory i guess!

nothing of the sewing nature going on around here lately, but i have been renovating my husbands office with him. adding bead board, tearing out baseboard heating... all that FUN stuff!

this is what it looks like with kids under foot...

i have to say that they were excellent sports about the whole thing. no fighting and just a little complaining. we're almost done. i'll put up some before and after pics soon... it looks SO much better.

Christmas Quilt

2010-12-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

you know those crafting projects that just seem to take on a life of its own. and by the time you are to the finishing point you find yourself out of steam and uninterested because it has ended up taking WAY more time to finish then expected.

my CHRISTMAS quilt was one of those projects.

My sister in law and i started our quilts 2 years ago... they are finally bond! they have slightly different patterns but they are with the same fabrics. check hers out here. it's FABULOUS!

So glad to have checked this one off the list and have it put to good use!

TREE SKIRT...

2010-12-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

CHECK!

it feels SO good to check this one off the list. i wouldn't allow myself to wrap any of the presents until i had this done. which definitely gave me some incentive to finish...

well... as finished as i can get it. i wasn't able to find 2 1/2" fabric coverable buttons so i'll just have to get my sister to find those for me... (Canada some times... ; )

my inspiration came from combining this pattern and this pattern.

it was tricky sewing basically a circle quilt but it was definitely worth it! and like my husband said..."you won't have to sew one of those for a really long time." which is probably a GOOD thing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

NOW, get sewing those christmas projects ; )

the tree skirt

2010-11-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

is coming along nicely!

christmas project

2010-11-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

i may or may not have started a new christmas project...

without finishing my old christmas projects...

what can i say... i'm my mothers daughter : ) and isn't it WAY more fun to start a project then to finish an old one.

i love to CREATE!

hopefully i'll get'er all done. but who can blame me for not finishing when this little chubby man is around!

oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree

i love your NEW decorations.

but now your skirt, doesn't match

i'll try real hard to sew patch...

xo sandra

Laminated fabric

2010-11-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

just a quick note to let you all know that the LAMINATED FABRIC that i talked about in my last post is on sale now at FABRIC.com.

GO check it out! it's a GREAT deal!

there's something about...

2010-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

a chair in a GARAGE SALE that excites me. i think it's the endless possibilities, giving something a NEW life and it's a small enough project that you don't feel overwhelmed.

i was lucky enough to find THESE lovelies for $2.00 a piece...

i know they're not much to look at now but wait until i add some TLC and a little of Heather Baileys laminated prints from her NICEY JANE line!

they're going to look FABULOUS! can't wait to get the fabric so i can get started on them!

p.s. i'm on the look out for 2 - 3 more chairs if anyone knows of any.

p.p.s. i'm having a FABRIC SALE next week! more details to come : )

thanks!

thanksgiving...

2010-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

this past weekend it was CANADIAN thanks giving. it's not often that i get to cook a thanksgiving meal. but this year i had the opportunity to make one for my family. i really enjoyed myself!

here's a recipe i found for the weekend. since i LOVE these so much i thought why not make the same thing but with PUMPKIN! i changed the cinnamon into all spice. they were delicious! maybe even better the next morning for breakfast ; )

i have a lot to be thankful for!

i sewed today...

2010-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

for the first time in months.

i think i have had a little bit of post baby blues. i'm working on it though. it's a slow process, i think a little more sleep could help. any suggestions on how to get your little one to sleep through the night or at least more than 2-3 hrs?

i bound my DEER VALLEY quilt! it's SEW fun to finish off a quilt that has been patiently waiting for binding.

i love it!isn't the back fabric FABULOUS!

sorry i haven't been around much. i think it'll be a while before i start blogging more regular.

i've missed it...

oh Darla!

2010-07-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tanya Whelan came out with a fabric line called Darla a little bit ago.

i HEART the blues, pinks and reds in this line. they make for a REALLY cute baby quilt!

when my sister-in-law called and asked for my help to make her sister (my old room mate and friend) a quilt for her soon to arrive baby girl, i was happy to help!

so we drafted our own pattern and came up with a pretty original design!

what a little sweet heart! with 3 older brothers in the house, you can never have too much PINK!

curtains

2010-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

the CURTAINS that i was working on are almost complete! i just have to hem them.

it was a new process for me so i called in some back up... my friend has made many sets of curtains and she just happens to be very particular at what she does and i LOVE that about her : )

i found curtains to be alot of measuring and remeasuring but once you get to the sewing part it seems to go by fast. i am SO happy with how they turned out. they give a new look to my once colorless, living room!

THANKS!

xo sandra

ALL filled up!

2010-06-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

i LOVE the way my cabinet looks all FULL of fabric!

it's very INSPIRING.

just a little something my friends been helping me with.

more about this to come soon!

hope your having a GREAT day!

xo sandra

2010-06-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

my friend was done using her crib and change table, so of course i jumped at the idea of giving them new life. for some reason i have never had a change table. go figure... on the fifth child i get one.

i don't think i will end up using the crib but the change table got a light sanding and some antique white spray paint. i might eventually give it a light sand on the edges but for now it looks great the way it is.

BEFORE (sorry, i forgot to take a pic of the change table so you get a pic of the crib. but you get the idea ; )

AFTER
this is going to come in handy.

sandra

the perfect equation

2010-06-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

SLEEPING BABY+ HAPPY TODDLER

= A LITTLE BIT OF SEWING!

it takes time to get use to newborn routines again.

yesterday, we were all ready to go to the post office, i went to put john in the car seat and as soon as i did "SURPRISE"! so i changed his diaper, got the boys in the car, drove to the post office, looked around for the package i was going to send... NO package. i guess that's what happens when your functioning on little sleep.

i decided if you want to get anywhere on-time with a new born around, you have to plan to leave 30 minutes early.

15 minutes for baby and 15 minutes for mom ; )

a sling first.

2010-06-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

i haven't had a sling with any of my other children, i guess i didn't know they were out there. so when i got pregnant this time around i knew i had to get me one. i found a GREAT shop on etsy that carries a beautiful selection and if she doesn't have the fabrics your looking for she'll make you a custom sling!

go check out Tara's shop at:

polkadot papoose

you won't be disappointed!

xo,

sandra

p.s. i can't believe this little man is already 10 days old!

he's here!

2010-05-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

we had a few scares, but

baby and mom are both doing well at home.

John David

born May 25, 2010 at 12:50 am

8 lbs - 19.5" long

now back to snuggling this little man!

sandra

p.s. it's your turn stace!!

deer...

2010-05-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

valley,

i LOVE the way you came together in my quilt.

thanks for being so brightly colored,

and full of GREAT prints.

i can't wait until you come back from

the quilters!

xo sandra

p.s. pattern used was the Funky Windows Quilt by Carlene Westberg Designs.

the babys quilt

2010-05-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

SO,

i decided that it is impossible for me to name a baby before it has arrived. i know some people can do it and it works out well, i can't.

i CAN, however make a quilt before i meet him : ) it was really fun to design but the quilting that i ended up doing was not so much. it took me WAY to long because of all the starting and stopping. i really like the way it turned out though and the minky on the back just adds to the soft and warm feel of it.

hope he likes it!

xo sandra

p.s. i'm going in (to the Dr.) tomorrow to see if everything is a go. we'll see...

p.p.s. not this week... maybe next week!

my tuesday

2010-05-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

sun.
chalk.

enjoying it all.

a few more weeks!

happy MOTHER'S DAY to me!

2010-05-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

i found this cabinet for a steal!

i am in LOVE...

it's my solution to my fabric dilemma.

NOW to fill it up!

p.s. thanks delivery guys ; )

xo sandra

left overs...

2010-05-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

no... not the kind you eat. i'm talking about the kind that you sew.

** FABRIC **

when your buying fabric and making quilts do you find that you ALWAYS have fabric left over. i'm not talking scrap pieces, i'm talking pieces that are large enough to make another project or 2 out of.

i thinks it's inevitable.

i've only had one exception to this rule, and that was with my Deer Valley Quilt i'm currently working on. i ran out of fabric and i only needed a couple more 2 1/2" strips to complete it. (thank goodness my sister is a fabric hoarder and i was able to get some scrap pieces from her! thanks Jill)

WHAT do you do with your left overs??? do you make another quilt? a pillow? do you add them to your scraps???

here's what i made with some of my left overs.

i am in LOVE with these fabrics! they are so cute together.

and check out how the quilting turned out!

it's in the shop !

PROJECT laundry room PART 2

2010-05-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

the wood wall is up!

this was our FIRST wood project so i thought we should make it an easy one.

AND it was. we LOVE it!

we used pine tung and groove wood for this project.

it was the least expensive with the look that we wanted. the total cost was $70.00.

NOW we just have to put a finish on it... you'll have to wait for those pic's ; )

hope everyone had a good weekend!

xo sandra

Scottie Dog

2010-04-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

SNOW DAY PROJECT... COMPLETE

my oldest was really interested in doing a sewing

project, so i thought the SCOTTIE DOG pattern by

Denyse Schmidt would be a perfect

pattern to start out with.

he sewed all the squares together a few weeks ago and

today, thanks to the snow, we were able to finish the rest.

i quilted the top and bottom with a thin batting because

it is made out of his dad's old shirts and i wanted it to last.

i really like the way the quilting turned out. the minky

is soft and pretty but i think if i were to do it again i would try to

use a different fabric for the strip. i used fusible interfacing

to take some of the stretch out of the fabric, but i

still found it difficult to match up the front and back.

but he turned out SO cute!

it was a FUN way to spend the day!

i already have takers for a robot from my younger son.

one at a time... that way it doesn't feel to overwhelming

to teach them how and your able to spend

quality time with just them!

p.s. the snow is starting to melt!! yahoo!

PROJECT LAUNDRY ROOM part 1

2010-04-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

i'm going to be adding consecutive shots of our laundry room

project over the next little while. so i thought it would be good

to see

the

BEFORE

there was a blizzard here last night...

yep! they were on their way to school but

are now stuck in the driveway...

SNOW DAY!

or should i say SEW DAY ; )

xo sandra

internal struggle

2010-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

in every home there is always dishes to be done.

wether you are a person who doe's them after every meal,

or one that lets them accumulate until the point

that they have to be done.

guess which one i am ; )

DISHES : P ...

WELL, it was that time again... (they were coming dangerously close

to touching my fabric. lol)

SO to get motivated i cranked the music, got myself a large glass of root beer and got to it.

now that they are done, time to reward myself...

i think i'll finish cutting out my deer valley quilt!

that sounds like a good way to justify it, right???

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOURSELF???

xo sandra

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

2010-04-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

to my better half !!

we LOVE you!!

xoxo me

(dinner is covered, now what to make for dessert... )

in transition...

2010-04-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

With the new baby on the way, (6 weeks!) we are moving

my daughter back into her room.

which means i am moving my sewing room out of it...

needless to say, theres not much sewing going on around here.

i just haven't figured out where to move it yet ; )

wish me LUCK!

xo sas

vintage SINGER.

2010-04-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

we were doing some running around today...

you know your typical saturday morning stuff.

it's SO beautiful out today!

it's nice to feel the heat from the sun. (thank-you spring)

anyway... we're driving i see a sign for a garage sale

and ask to make a quick detour.

so glad we did!

there were 8-10 old singers there. i didn't think that

i would be one for old sewing machines. i don't

really know much about them, but they are so pretty.

and it's fun to think about all of the projects that have been sewn.

it's missing the power cord so if anyone knows where to

find one, that would be helpful. i would really like to see

if i could get it working.

for $20.00 i just couldn't pass it up!

hope your having a GREAT saturday!

xo sas

blog giveaway!

2010-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

just wanted everyone to know that over at

the decor 8 blog, Holly is

giving away 5...

yes 5,

$100 gift cards to Pottery Barn!!

what are you waiting for??? go over there and enter!

ohhh... and if you win, how 'bout sharing ; )

GOOD LUCK!!

xo sas

can i be on your blog?

2010-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

while taking pictures of a quilt that i have been

working on for the baby, my son asked,

"can i bend over the quilt so that i can be on your blog?" lol...

what a sweety... i think he was feeling a little left out after

i took all of those pictures of his sister in her new dress.

LOVE that BOY!!

it just has to be quilted and bound.

i hope to finish it this weekend!

wish me luck! i might have to call in some backup

to help me pin ; )

xo sandra

belly thread...

2010-04-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

my daughter asked me the other

day why i always have thread on my belly.

it's just something that happens

on a regular basis around here.

you can see how it happens "sew" easily!

hope everyone had a FUN easter

weekend!

i know we did!

xo sandra

P.S. 8 more weeks to go... crazy how fast it goes.

excited and scared at the same time. is that possible???

still no names...

all hemmed up!

2010-04-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

here is the promised pictures of the project my mom and i were working on, on the weekend. we used the Sandi Henderson Claire pattern. it was such a fun beginner project. i would recommend it to anyone wanting to take the plunge into clothing.

i had a few questioning comments on my choice of fabric, but it turned out exactly how i envisioned it. my inspiration for the fabric choices came from Simone Howell, she makes the cutest bags and purses. i love all of the fun combinations she puts together. why go matchy, matchy, when you can SPICE it up a little ; )

i LOVED making this cutey an Easter Dress!

she looks so beautiful in it and i can tell she feels special.

which is all a mom hopes for when making something for her child...

xo sandra

nothing like sewing in your pj's!

2010-03-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

there's nothing like rolling out of bed and heading

straight to the sewing machine with your mom.

my mom is an amazing seamstress. she bought her first Bernina

when she was 16 and has been sewing clothes and quilts

ever since. it was nice to have her there on my first

attempt at clothing. she showed me some great tips and

we had some good laughs!

thanks for coming up mom and dad!

you guys are the best!

xo sandra

p.s. pictures of what we created next time... as soon as i get some shots of it!

ta does and ta dones

2010-03-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

all i can say is NESTING is in full force around here.

my husband probably thinks i am going a little crazy.

there are things on the project list that i just can't do myself so

i am having to ask for his help a lot. GOOD thing he is SO good at it!

pictures hung, quilt finished, rooms organized...

there's lots more to do, but things are slowly getting checked

off the list.

10 more weeks to go!

happy...

2010-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

we pulled out the GREEN today... me being the exception.

i don't have anything green that will fit around

my protruding belly.

i must be in my nesting phase because i couldn't finish cleaning

my bedroom and bathroom until EVERY nook and cranny

had been wiped. when i say EVERY, i mean even to the point of having

to move furniture to get under everything. don't worry i didn't move it.

i waited till the muscles came home so he could move it for me ; )

it took me ALL day and i'm almost done. i just have to tackle the huge

pile of clothes in my closet...

i hope you had a GREENtabulous day! we had some green waffles to celebrate!

how was your St. Pattick's Day?

what are some of the fun things you do to celebrate?

xo sandra

$FREE.99

2010-03-16T08:08:00.001-07:00

nothing is better then getting something you need for

FREE!

we found a pair of beds out at a garbage dump...

sounds FANCY doesn't it ; )

they were just being unloaded into a shed that is used for items that aren't quite dump worthy. it was definitely a find and these will work perfectly in the two little boys room. i'm not quite sure on the color but the finish on them is so nice that i don't want to ruin them.

Now i just have to wait until this amazing fabric comes out, (coming soon) to make the boys

some matching quilts and i'll be set!

xo,

sandra

Butterscotch Confetti Squares

2010-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

They are one of the easiest squares you'll ever make!

My family LOVES them...

I hope yours does to!

Ingredients:

½ Cup Margarine

¾ Cup Peanut Butter

1 Bag Butterscotch Chips

1 Package Colored Marshmallows (250gm)

Directions:

Melt butter & peanut butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in butterscotch chips until melted. Cool until you can hold your hand to the bottom of the pot. To speed process, stir while holding pan in cold water. Add marshmallows & stir until all are coated. Pack in 9*9 inch pan that has been lined with foil. Refrigerate. Freezes well.

sick...

2010-03-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

we've been sick around here the past week, week and a half. SO, nothing much has been going on. just resting and trying to get back to our regular routines. i did spend some time in my sewing room organizing fabric and cutting out some cute baby boy quilt kits. it's ALL boy around here but i might have a few girl quilt kits to put up, if these ones sell well.

i went to the doctor yesterday and he said that everything is looking GREAT! this little mans head is already in position to come out... hopefully not to soon. there's still 12 weeks to go.

12 weeks... where has the time gone? i still have a receiving blanket, swaddle, burp cloths and a quilt to make for this little guy. i better get crack'n! we still haven't settled on a name. i find it so hard to choose a name before i know what they look like. i've had 1 dark haired, 2 red heads and then a dirty blonde. i wonder what this one will be? any guess's?

P.S. these ones SOLD... i will be putting up some more in the shop soon!

children's art...

2010-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

i ordered 2 robot prints for my two younger boys.

i LOVED them so much i thought

i would share some of my favourite places to buy

ART work on etsy.

John W. Golden's Shop

Sarah Jane Shop

Dutton Art Shop

what are some of your favourite places to find children's art?

sandra

thanks...

2010-02-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

i just wanted to say thank-you to everyone for all

of the birthday wishes!

we had a great weekend eating good food

and relaxing!

this fancy iron was a birthday gift from my

sister. apparently she didn't think that the hand-me-down

iron i was using from my mom was sufficient! thanks JILL!

i LOVE it!!!

i'll have to show you what my mom got me

in another post. if you print out recipes from online,

it's a must have!

sandra

13 going on 30.

2010-02-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

today is the day that i was born... 30 years ago.

i've always thought that i had an "old soul" so i guess you could say that my body is just catching up! i'm excited to be 30, i've been reflecting this morning on what has happened in my 20's. when your living it, you don't feel like much is going on. but when you reflect back on your life you realize just how far you have come and how much you have accomplished. here is my list of all the things that have gone on in my 20's:

* i met my husband. actually to tell you the truth he brought me 10 yellow roses and 10 red roses on my 20th birthday.

(should i expect 30 this year??? ; )

* we were married in July that same year.

* i use to make bbq'd chicken and rice for every meal. (thank goodness i'm a better cook!)

* i had my first baby when i was 21. (it's a little scary having your first. your not quite sure what to expect. he was a beautiful, happy baby)

* my second child came almost a year to the day after the first. (i felt more relaxed when he came. he cried for the first 8 months, but he has definitely made up for that in the past 7 years)

* we moved to St. George

* moved back

* moved to Lethbridge

* my third child came when i was 23.

(i know it happened fast but i look back and i wouldn't have wanted it any other way. i had a beautiful red headed baby girl. she was a dream baby. the kind you need when you have a 1 and 2 year old running around the house ; )

* we made a move so that my husband could start up his own Insurance Brokerage.

* my children started school. (not all at once but it happened so fast sometimes it feels like it)

* my 4th came when i was 27. (what a sweet baby he was. i think we realized that kids grow up so fast that we just tried to soak up every moment with him)

* we made a move into a house that we built. (it feels much more like home)

* worked on my sisters online fabric store with her. (i learned a lot, but it got overwhelming for us at the end)

* i bought my first sewing machine not even a year ago. (before then i was borrowing my moms. thanks mom ; )

* i started this blog almost a year ago.

* i am pregnant with my 5th child due to arrive in May. (i always wanted to be finished having children before i was 30, i missed it by a few months but i came pretty dang close! i'm SO excited for this little bundle to arrive!)

TODAY i get to go out to BANFF (national park) and spend a night out there with my husband. he asked me what i wanted for my birthday but i think having a night of relaxation and fun with him is the best present ever! (thanks jess and grandpa tom for watching the kiddo's!)

i look forward to being 30. i feel like it is going to be years full of raising children, working on personal goals and just enjoying life in the moment because what i think you don't really realize in your twenty's (or at least i didn't) is that life can pass you by if your not fully living it.

30 flirty and thriving...

30 feels pretty good : )

grandma's hands

2010-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

more pictures of the quilt can be found here.

my mother-in-laws 60th birthday was coming up and as a family we all wanted to give her something special. what's more special than a handmade gift????

we decided that a quilt would be best...

luckily i know a couple quilters ; )

the handprints were a family effort. everyone traced their handprints. those that lived farther away faxed in their prints. on a saturday we all got together to make the hands (my little sewing room was packed! ). everyone picked their own fabrics. all the ladies traced, i sewed and my husband cut the prints out. all together there are 23 hands.

after the hands were finished my sister-in-law Jess and i got to work on the rest of the quilt. every family has their own branch starting from the oldest (the lower left branch) to the youngest child (the top branch). T + W (as seen on the trunk) stands for Tom and Wendy. the two red love birds are also to symbolize Tom and Wendy. there are 3 apples on the bottom of the tree symbolizing the 3 soon to be born babies in the family. there is a paw print on the bottom of the tree to symbolize Kano, the family dog. the back has a strip similar to a coin quilt to add some fun to the back. and a memory quilt just wouldn't be the same without a hand written tag to commemorate her birthday. the quilt was quilted by our cousin Sylvie. she did an amazing job and we had it back SO quick! you can see more of Sylvie's work here.

it was fun to be able to design this quilt and work on it with my sister-in-law Jess. it definitely was a labour of love. i hope that Wendy knows how much she is loved by her children, her in-laws and her grandchildren. it couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.

sandra

TUTORIAL: reverse applique hand print

2010-02-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

my sister-in-law and i just finished a family tree keepsake quilt for my mother-in-law.

here's a tutorial on the reverse applique hand prints that are on the quilt. we made 23, for all of her kids, their spouses and of course the grand kids!

1. trace hand onto paper and then go around the handprint with a black marker to insure traceability.
2. tape print right side down or towards the window. tape hand fabric right side down.
3. trace around the hand with a pencil on the wrong side of the fabric.
4. find a bowl or something round that fits nicely around the hand print. trace around the bowl onto light weight fusible web.
5. ruffly cut out hand and circle.
6. iron circle onto the fabric you have chosen for the circle portion of your hand print. cut out the circle and remove paper from the back.
7. place the hand print right side down on the back of your circle piece. with your free-hand motion foot, sew around the hand print 2-3 times.

8. carefully cut the circle fabric from the inside of the handprint. trim the hand fabric on the back of the circle to insure as much fusible web is showing as possible.

voila! your completed hand print!

we added names on ours to make sure we could tell who's was who's. we then ironed them onto the quilt and blanket stitched around them.

i think with this extra one i made for the tutorial i might frame it for in my little boys room or make a throw pillow out of it!

oh the possibilities!

UPDATE * here's the post about the quilt and the inspiration behind it!

MORE pic's can be found HERE!

will you be my valentine?

2010-02-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

it's getting close to that time of year when your children come home

with their class lists from school.

"Valentine's Day Cards...????"

no need to worry. i found these fun valentines

over at the Bunny Cakes Blog. they are a FREE downloadable PDF

which means you can print off as many as you would like!

she also has an etsy shop where you can personalize your PDF valentines for only $3.75.

the only dilemma you might have is trying to decide which one you like the best.

they are ALL so cute and i think they would be GREAT for any age!

hope this helps you in your valentines search!

sandra

i LOVE...

2010-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Belgian Waffles.

here are my 2 favourite recipe's for belgian waffles and a 3rd

recipe that i just found and would LOVE to try!

Waffles

2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cups oil
mix dry ingredients together. in a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients together. add wet ingredients to to dry and mix. if a little more moisture is needed add a little extra milk. the batter should be quite thick.

Sour Cream Waffles

1 3/4 cup flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 3/4 cups milk

1/2 cup melted butter

mix dry ingredients together. in a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients together. add wet ingredients to to dry and mix. don't over mix

Authentic Belgian Waffles

here's a link to an authentic Belgium Waffle recipe that i am really excited to try! it sounds a little more difficult to make, but an entirely different taste than an Americanized Belgium waffle. i always find it exciting to try food in it's original form. YUMMM!!

PINK waffles were the order of the morning for my daughters birthday breakfast. they love it when you put some food coloring in there. i've even made green ones for Saint Patty's Day! the colors and toppings are endless!

bon appetit!

xo sandra

i found out...

2010-01-28T10:58:00.001-08:00

it is difficult to take a self portrait of your prego belly.

lots of them are fuzzy, the lightings bad, not to mention

trying to take it one handed with the eventual

loss of feeling in your arm. lol

i look a lot smaller than i feel though... that makes me happy!

this one's funny!

it totally looks like i'm checking out my behind...

i don't think i was... i guess i was...

my sister in law's told me the other day that i have

"beaky buns"

apparently it means-

when your "cheeks" ( hahaha) are nice and round...

i guess there is a little more down there then normal. lol : )

i'm trying to think of a really GREAT boy's name...

have you heard any good ones lately?

17 weeks to GO!

hope you had a good laugh ; )

xo sandra

quilt pics coming next week, i think your going to LIKE it!

stamp of approval

2010-01-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

thinking...rolling...

kicking...

APPROVED!

it's always good to know after you've spent hours making a quilt

that it has a stamp of approval... even though the recipient

isn't my little boy (seen in the pics) i know this blanket will be loved in it's new home,

where ever that might be : )

the inspiration for this quilt comes from one of my favourite bloggers christina, over at the sometimes crafter. LOVE her blog!

HOW TO MAKE IT: the original squares measured

5" x 5", you will need 108 of these. 9 of those squares are then sewn together. those squares are then cut in the middle vertically and then horizontally to get your disappearing 9 patch blocks. 4 of those disappearing 9 patch blocks are then sewn together to make up your 12 larger nine-patch squares. i used 2 1/2" sashing strips. the finished quilt size ends up being 45" / 60".

to see more pics check here!

oh boy...

2010-01-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

this quilt is turning out even better than i had pictured.

i started it during my quilt class as a demonstration on

how to sew a nine-patch quilt block together.

this week i had decided to sew the top together. i must have been inspired

because the next day i got a call from a friend, saying that her mom

was interested in purchasing a little boy quilt.

sold before it was even finished!

i'm going to be sad to see this one go now that it has all come together so nicely!

finished pics to coming soon!

xo sandra

Dear Blog,

2010-01-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

well blog, it's been a while... i've been enjoying the holidays!

sledding, skating, food, pj days and good company...

it was a fun time spent with the people i LOVE.

the NEW YEAR came with a bang! the home done fire work show at the cabin was a sight to remember and of course the day needed to be celebrated with a delicious brunch...

everything was on the MENU!

the past year has been a GREAT one, with thoughts of my son being baptised, husbands mini-tri, a girls trip to hawaii, the starting of my business and my first quilt class under my belt... to name a few.

what's on the agenda for this year, you ask?

well, i just found out that i am carrying a beautiful baby BOY!

due to arrive at the end of May! we're all EXCITED!

my 30th birthday is just around the corner...

how did that creep up so fast? i'm not dreading it though, in some ways i already feel 30. i will embrace it when it comes!

we are going to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in the summer! a lot has happened in those 10 years, i'm excited to see what NEW adventures we have in-store!

my second is turning 8 this summer, which means another baptism!

and of course there will be some quilting (i have a few i can't wait to get started on) some finishing of projects, and hopefully some pattern writing, maybe even another quilt class!

thank you 2009 for the GREAT year!

WELCOME 2010! i know you'll even be better then the last!

xo sandra

in the month of DECEMBER...

2009-12-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

it was FUN to watch the kids perform their songs, they did a GREAT job!

of course my oldest was the last one at the table when we painted salt dough ornaments. he's an artist in the making!

i had all the cousins that live around us over for a CHRISTMAS party! the kids had a blast playing games, decorating ornaments and watching a christmas movie!

one of the fun things about having all the christmas goodies around is that you can eat them for breakfast. probably not the healthiest but it sure does taste GOOD!

the stockings aren't ready to be hung.... oh well, we'll just have to go back to the dads sock trick for 1 more year. i don't think the kids will mind as long as santa fills it ; )

wishing you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

xoxo

sandra

CHILDRENS gift ideas!

2009-12-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

how CUTE is this purse! Home Baked Threads has a GREAT shop on etsy where you can find purses, crayon wallets and balls!

these aprons made by Key 2 Life are FABULOUS! if you have a "little chef" in your house these would make the perfect gift! check out her shop for more choices!

these adorable pillows are made by Bella Marie Designs. children LOVE seeing their names... what a GREAT way to make them feel special!

if you have a little artist in your home this is the perfect gift! it holds a sketch book and coloured crayons all in a convenient case. this one is not ready made, it comes as a pattern by The Sometimes Crafter and you can find it here.

here's a fun and inexpensive idea from the OUR HAPPY LITTLE NEST BLOG. what a great way to make a puppet show FUN, EASY to set up and EASY to store. All you need is a yard or two of fabric, and 2 pressure rods. i've also seen this same idea but using only 1 curtain, which works really well as well. either way you make it, i think any child would have fun making up plays or even playing house!

have fun shopping handmade!

create!

xo sandra

HAPPY DECEMBER

2009-12-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

it's been slooow goooing around here. being pregnant with my fifth and having to hold down the fort has been a challenge. i've been SO tired. i don't want to sound like a complainer, i feel SO blessed, i just have to get use to slowing down and taking it easy. which is difficult when i have a closet FULL of fabric just waiting ; )

we pulled out the christmas decorations the other day and made some salt dough decorations. i noticed our stockings were lacking in the style department and were getting pretty old and dated. actually... come to think of it, i think the kids used my husbands socks for stockings last year. that just won't do, not when i have some leftover christmas fabric lying around. so i decided it is time they got a handmade stocking, just the way they want it. i drew up some possible designs, they added some things to personalize them and here is a sneak peak of what we dreamed up!

WISH ME LUCK! it's going to be a challenge to get them done but i'll "getter done"!

xo

sandra

Rice WRAP's Wednesday

2009-11-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

almost missed wednesday but i figure i still have a few hours left ; )

Shrimp & Avocado Rice Wraps

1 pkg rice paper wrappers
1 pkg rice noodles
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1-2 carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly shredded lettuce
12-15 pre-cooked shrimp sliced width wise in half
mint leaves or cilantro if desired

sauce: peanut satay sauce (this was chucks favourite)
and or
tangy thai sauce (this was my favourite, the one i used was made by Renee's)

cook rice noodles as directed, set aside. in a warm bowl of water add 1 rice paper, let soak until softened. remove and place on a clean dish towel. place shrimp, avocado, cucumber, carrots, lettuce, and then noodles in the rice paper. wrap up starting at one end, fold in both sides and then finish wrapping. repeat steps until all ingredients are used. serve with sauce

ENJOY!

sandra

final QUILT Class

2009-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

the final quilt class was last night. i'm going to miss it. i'm so proud of all of the woman for what they have accomplished. they came a long way from the beginning. from trying to figure out their feet and bobbin to quilting their quilts. everyone came away from the class knowing there machine's a little better, they were able to sew a little better, and i feel confident that they have the skills to be able to quilt on their own. which is exactly what i was hoping to accomplish with this class.

it was really GREAT to get to know these ladies a little better. every wednesday felt like a girls night out which i will miss. Each quilt was unique and beautiful... it was a GREAT experience.

xo

sandra

MONSTER TACO's for "Wrap WEDNESDAY"

2009-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

This recipe was inspired in Kauai. The restaurant was made up of 3 tables a tent topper and a mesh surround. My mother-in-law assured us they were good so we tried them out.
My sister-in-law enjoying her's with the restaurant (tent) behind.

Isn't that the way it goes, the little whole in the wall usually always has the BEST food. Here's my recipe so you can try them for yourself!

MONSTER TACO's

8-10 tortilla shells
2 cups red cabbage sliced thin
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Make all toppings. Cook chicken in a hot skillet with 1 tsp of oil for 5-7 minutes or until done. Set aside. Rub tortilla shells with a light coating of butter and then place on a hot pan for 30-50 seconds per side or until golden brown. Place chicken and cabbage in the warmed shell and add your toppings. Wrap and serve with black beans, tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Chicken Marinade

juice from 2 limes with zest
3 TBsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBsp Rice Vinegar
salt and pepper

Combined ingredients. Set 1 TBsp of marinade aside for the Lime sour cream mixture. Add chicken and marinate for 10 minutes.

TOPPINGS

Fresh Tomato Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno seeded
2 TBsp chopped red onion
2 TBsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
1-2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt

Put everything but the diced tomatoes in a food processor. Combined ingredients and enjoy!

Lime SourCream

1 TBsp pre-made marinade
1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
3 TBsp finely chopped cucumber
salt and pepper

Guacamole

2 avocados, mashed
juice from 1 lime
2 TBsp fresh salsa
salt and pepper to taste

Combined ingredients.

ENJOY!

xo

sandra

RED it is...

2009-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

i chose RED... i fell in love with the look of the peppermint stripe binding, so it had to be the red ric rac. thanks for all your help! now it's off to the quilter's : ) i wouldn't dare quilt this one myself. it's to big and the bigger reason is that there is going to be red with white minky on the back, which is so hard to work with in large pieces. i'll leave that one up to the professional's : )

has anyone tried the Chinatown Lettuce Wraps yet? just asking because i have plans for a wrap wednesday #2 and i really think your going to LOVE it!

xo

sandra

time to choose

2009-11-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

i have had this baby in a bag since last thanksgiving when my sister-in-law and i worked on it. it was all cut out, and ready to go i just needed to order a little more fabric. well, the fabric came and i decided it was time to get it finished. i haven't put the ric rac and borders on yet because i was trying to decide which combo i wanted to go with. i think i have decided... but thought it would be fun to see which one you liked best.

the PINK ric rac with the polka dot binding OR

the RED ric rac with the peppermint stripe binding

which ONE would YOU choose???

xo sandra

wrap wednesday

2009-11-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

here's the recipe i was talking about in the last post. it's a combination of two recipe's, one that i have eaten at Joey's Tomatoe's (a tasty restourant) and a recipe that i found on Martha's Stewart's site. in any case they are very tasty and easy to make!

CHINATOWN LETTUCE WRAPS

3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion halved and thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
6-8 mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sprouts
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water
chopped peanuts
chopped fresh cilantro
12-16 Boston lettuce leaves (Iceburg lettuce works if you can't find Boston lettuce)

1. In a large skillet heat 1 Tbsp of oil, over high heat. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. When the chicken is finished transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Add remaining oil to the pan along with onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes, add red pepper and mushrooms. Cook until red peppers are still slightly crispy. About 4 minutes.

3. Reduce heat, add garlic, ginger, sprouts and red pepper flakes. Cook stirring for 30 to 60 seconds.

4. Stir in soya sauce vinegar and cornstarch mixture; remove from heat. Add chicken, toss and coat. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro. Serve in lettuce cups.

ENJOY!!

sandra

missing in action

2009-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

i know... it's been a while. my sister is a regular to my blog, she asked me if i was going to update it anytime soon because she wanted to stop looking at it if i wasn't... i guess that means everyone is probably getting a little bored at looking at the same old post as well. SORRY ABOUT THAT...

when i was in kauai i realized that i spend WAY to much time on the computer. checking for comments, looking for new ideas, surfing blogs, twittering... this list goes on. i needed some perspective and i feel like i got a little when i was there. i LOVE my computer but my house "duties" and motherly "duties" usually end up doubling by the time i get off. and then i feel overwhelmed and don't want to do anything but sit at the computer again... it's a vicious cycle. i'm just trying to brake myself from that habit.

i think being 2 and 1/2 months pregnant could have something to do with my energy levels lately : ) we are excited to have a little one around again! it just means that i need to slow down a little...

my quilt classes have been going so well. it's been fun to teach ladies how to quilt. i had to cancel the class tonight though, we have the flu around here. the last two classes should be in the next couple of weeks. i'll take pic's so you can check out the FUN!

i have a recipe i NEED to share... chuck and i LOVED it, the kids even thought they were fun to eat. i'll post it soon.

thanks for listening,

sandra

girls trip

2009-10-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

i've never been on a girls trip before today. i'm heading to one of my favourite places with some of my favourite ladies!

KAUAI here i come!! this was a pic from the last trip we took.

oh we had FUN!

it'll be nice to have no real agenda, just doing what ever we want when we want...

i have a feeling that i'm going to miss my 5 favourite people back home as soon as i get there. they're in very good hands though. my mom is coming up to take care of them and there's no one better!

i'll see you next week ; )

sas

tired...

2009-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

sometimes a snowy day is just what the doctor ordered. i have been stressed and tired lately trying to keep up with everyday things and the one's that i have added to it...

we had a yummy thanksgiving day ham on sunday, it was SO good! i had also bought a turkey for monday but i was distracted trying to make tags and finish some quilts. i accidentally left it in the sink for to long and when i checked it, it was warm... what a waste of a GOOD turkey. we decided just to go get some turkey breasts and cook those instead. (that'l work : )

i sent some quilts into Madisisiloot (the store in the mall), hopefully they sell well. i am making a children's apron for a ladies niece, it turned out so well that i made 1 for my niece and 1 for the shop. isn't that girl adorable? and she's looking SO old...

i need to prepare for my second round of quilt class's tomorrow, the first one was SO fun! it should be interesting with 7 sewing machines going at the same time, how FUN is that!!!

one thing at a time right? slowly but surely they will all get done.

i hope you don't feel to sorry for me though... on saturday i'm going with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws to KAUAI! i'm excited and i think it comes at the perfect time.

i could really use a break...

sas

WINNERS

2009-10-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

drumroll please.... ; )

1st prize goes to comment #6:

Alysha who said-

thanks for the recipe!!!!

2nd prize goes to comment # 9:

Hailey who said-

ooo I'm in!!! everything looks awesome - and seriously, cheesecake carmel apples??? TO DIE FOR!!! can't wait to try them!

well my birthday is on halloween - which was always kind of fun. I never had trick or treating parties - but definitely had some fun costume parties. My mom always went all out for my parties - so fun! I'm sure my brother appreciated halloween - I don't like chocolate so he always got mine too. Funny, he never traded anything back for it *hmm*

3rd prize goes to comment # 18:

Twirlie Whirlies who said-

I never really liked Halloween as a child. I liked the idea of candy, and I certainly liked eating it at the end of the night, but I never enjoyed "begging" for the treats.

I never put much thought into my costumes. Where we live in Ontario, we often had to wear a winter coat out anyway so what was the point of putting in so much effort if no one was going to see it? So, I often just wore a cheapo Woolco plastic mask. The problem with that was that half the time, I couldn't see through the eye holes to know where I was going. So what usually happened was that I would wear it on top of my head with the intention to pull it down in time to yell "Trick or Treat" to some poor soul. Most of the time I forgot. So there was my brother, who really went all out for Halloween trying to make sure NO ONE knew who he was, standing beside his little sister with a big, unconcealed toothless grin! Boy did he ever get mad at me!

THANKS everyone! This was Fun... maybe next time it will have to be a quilt...

Prizes will be e-mailed!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

sandra

HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

2009-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

**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!

sandra

pillow covers

2009-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

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!

sas

style... i could use a little

2009-09-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

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!

sandra

beginner quilting classes

2009-09-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

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!

sandra

sandraannsaunders@gmail.com

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WINNERS

HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY