A yummy dessert recipe- EASY

I swear that I have posted this recipe before, but as I am unable to find it I will repost it.  This is a MUST make for any gathering.  Everyone always requests it.  They think it takes me hours, but it is quite simple.  And best of all, it is delicious. 

 Chocolate Raspberry Triffle


Gather your supplies:

1 brownie mix (9X13)

1 small box instant white chocolate pudding mix

1 small box instant cheesecake pudding mix

2 1/2 c milk

1 cool whip (8 ounces)

1 container raspberries for garnish (optional- may substitute heath crumbles instead)

Make your brownie mix according to the box.  Cool.  Cut into 1 inch cubes. 

In a mixing bowl, beat the puddings and milk for 2 minutes on low.  Fold in the cool whip.

Find yourself a pretty bowl.  My bowl probably measures 10 -12 inches across the top, if that gives you an idea of the size.

Layer a bit less then half of the brownies in the bottom of the bowl.  It really depends on the size of your bowl, you may end up using more  (I usually end up with a handful of brownies leftover, you may not).  Top with half of the pudding mixture.  Repeat. 

Garnish with berries and chill for at least 4 hours prior to serving. 

There is just something about the combination of the 2 pudding mixes and cool whip that gives this dessert a really rich flavor.

Don't forget to enter the drawing if you haven't!  :)

Hooray...a finished apron, let's celebrate

So, I did actually have enough bias tape.  I know you were wondering, weren't you?  You probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight, so that is why I got back on this thing to tell you....allow you some relief.  I actually finished the entire apron.  I am going to give it to my MIL tomorrow....just because. 

Now I am sure you thought I would model the apron, but let me tell you that I just ate a chocolate covered marshmallow Santa and frankly would rather die than have my hips on my blog.  That is right folks, that is how it is. 

So the scallops here one the bottom...hmm.  Scallops.  I sure think they are cute, but I hate making them.  I clipped these babies to death and they still want to roll.  What is the deal??  I wish I would have had more teal to do the binding.  Oh well.  It is what it is ....it is done, that it is what it is.

PS---I 'heart' fig tree....big shout out to Joanna and her crew.  Keep that beautiful fabric coming.  LOVE it.

Also, if you commented on either of my posts about this apron....you are now officially entered to win these 2 charm packs.  Seems I found I had extra of this line, so my mistake is your lucky day.  Leave a comment to enter....doesn't have to be anything fancy (maybe the best part of your holiday...or a link to a cute project you've seen in blogland...or your own confession to something yummy you've indulged in recently, or just a brief hello).

Some Late Night Christmas Sewing

Did you have a nice Christmas?  We surely did.  We attended a lovely Christmas Eve service at Church...just lovely.  Then we woke up to open presents on Christmas Day, much to Buddy's delight.  That Santa fellow sure treated him well. Then we were off for a bit of a drive, and a nice family dinner.

When we got home, the house was pretty quiet.  I wandered into my clean sewing room and actually felt like doing a bit of sewing.  So, at first...I was just going to read the pattern for the half apron.  Then I was just going to cut my pieces.  But, then I ended up getting quite a bit of sewing done.  I did end up altering the pattern a bit, I just was not up to learning a new applique pattern that late....but I still like it.  I am not sure I have enough material for bias tape.  If that is the case, it will not get done today and I will have to order some material.  But I have enough of it done, that I think you can see what I have been up to.

Saturday's Doings

I must say...I spent quite a while Saturday in my sewing room...and really felt like I was spinning my wheels.  I was trying to applique some towels with some designs from SWAK.  It didn't go so well...or at least not as well as last time.

First up was a candy cane.  That was a complete disaster.  I still don't get when to switch the fabrics on that one...it did this odd stair case design.  I will spare you the meltdown photo.

Then I made this cute little owl.  He turned out okay.  But I do get a bit frustrated when not all the of the cloth seam is hidden.  I tried to be extra careful cutting and everything.  You can see it there one right side.

I moved onto this retro snowflake.  At first I was unhappy with how the towel was showing thru the navy.  Then I was really unhappy when the final stitch moved a quarter of an inch past the original design.  UGHH.  I give up. 

Then I decided to start cleaning the room of shame...the sewing room.  It is horrible.  I admit it.  I spent a lot of time in there. 

Finally, I got out my Go Cutter.  How fun is that?  Lots.  I used some Figgy Pudding I bought last year to cut up some charms.  I made a set for myself and a set for a gift.  I downloaded an MBS pattern for the second set, cut out the backing and binding, and whhaaaa-la, a nice kitted gift.  I did figure out though that now that I might do that in the future, I should always save the cardboard that comes with my Moda charm packs. 

Sewing on a Snowy Day- Part 2

So, when I was digging in the closet, I discovered I still had a Crazy 8's Charm Pack from last year.  So, I made it into a table topper.  The original pattern from Anka's Treasures calls for this to be a 3 star table runner.  So I just made an additional star block and sewed them into a square.

I really do like it.  Wish I had enough red to bind in but I will have to use blue or green dots. Originally I was not going to use any pink or bright blue in it.  Then it seemed a bit dull. So I tossed a couple in.  

I also stumbled over the scraps for the tops for 2 of Vickie's hot pads.  Love that idea of using 1 hot pad for casserole dishes, which I use a lot of.  I think it will be really cute quilted with binding.

Now the quilting is lining up isn't it?  I have to quilt the hanky quilt, the topper from yesterday, this star topper, and 2 hot pads.  But, I think I will whip out 1 more project before I do that.

You should have seen Buddy dance last night when we received the call for the snow day.  It was a happy dance indeed!

Sewing on a Snowy Day- Part 1

Did you catch that part 1?  Yes, I think I might actually have multiple posts today.  I started staring at these 2.5 scraps left over from my hanky quilt.  I thought I must be able to do something cute with these, since I had quite a few.  So I made this cute little table topper or mini quilt for the wall.  I just have the top done, but I really like it so far. It is about 20 inch square.

It is really snowing and blowing here.  We are in a major storm watch and are supposed to get up to 9 inches today.  What are you working on today?

Pardon the Interruption

The giveaway is closed.  Thank you  for participating.  I received each of your nice responses.  We have been sick all weekend.  I have a terrible sinus infection/cough, so does husband, and Buddy had the flu.  Not fun.  I will draw later in the week, when I am in the spirit.  Thanks for playing!

A Fun Day of Quilting with Mom

We had such a good day today at Trevathan's open sew.  Mom finished this quilt top for a baby quilt and we even basted it for quilting. 

I worked on a bag for buddy's first grade teacher.  I just loved how it came out.  It is Marcus fabrics for those of you fabric-holics out there.  And the pattern is Whimsy Bag by Lazy Girl Designs for all of you pattern junkies!!!

I also finished a set of 3 pouches, again another pattern by Lazy Girl Designs, for another Christmas present.  The fabric is Amy Butler. 

I felt like I had a really productive day.  Aren't those the best kind?  What has been keeping you busy?

I am having a bit of a giveaway for my loyal readers.  Leave a comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway for these 6 fat quarters of Bliss. 

Even if you normally do not comment, please enter yourself in the giveaway.  As a bonus, anyone who already left a comment on my 3 most recent posts (entitled:  Saturday sewing report, coupon clutch cuties, finished table topper) will receive an extra entry (for each comment) just for your kindness.  Please do not blog about the giveaway; I am just thanking my readers who stick with me, even when I do not post as much as I'd like to. 

I will close the giveaway in 1 week.

Finished Table Topper

Sorry!  I have been meaning to post this for a few days now.  I put on the scrappy border that everyone voted on, I am so glad I did!  It is is all quilted and I finished the binding.

Coupon Clutch Cuties

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas....or at least I am getting a few smaller projects done that are meant to gift.  Some great ladies that I work with really liked my coupon clutch I made myself a while back, so they are getting their very own.....

Cute, right?

In even brighter news, Cath Kidston now has a US catalog and she is offering a special offer right now for free shipping on orders $100 over until December 10th;  Offer code USFP.  Everything still ships from England so free shipping is a huge offer!

Saturday Sewing Report

So, I did manage a bit of sewing on Saturday.  I have a couple of finished items to show and then a couple of things that just need finishing.

First, I personalized and sewed a very cute snowman pillowcase for a friend of ours who has a December birthday.  Of course, I wasn't pleased with that puckering around the embroidery...any tips?  I had a tear away stabilizer on the backside.  This photo makes it look red, but it is a very cheery, bright pink.

Then, I finished the binding on this table runner.  I am quite pleased with this.

Sorry no pictures, but I did manage to get that scrappy border on that square table topper, quilted it, and sewed the binding on the top.  I hope to get the hand-work done this week to show you.  I was very pleased with it.  Also, I cute out the pieces for 2 coupon clutches that I want to make.  I hope to do a bit of sewing on those today perhaps.

Have I mentioned that I am done Christmas shopping?  Yessirree!

It's HERE!

My GO! fabric cutter arrived today with 4 dies and mat sizes.  I hope to be able to play with a bit this weekend.  :)

Wheel Baby Quilt...actually quilted

So, I finished quilting this over the weekend at mom's house.  She is going to hand tack the binding down.  I think I will like that brown plaid binding when it is done.  I love the back material.

Vintage Hankies and Kate Spain...could the world be any better?

On Saturday, my mom, our friend Judy, and I went to a Hanky quilt class.  It was just the 3 of us, and we had a very helpful teacher.  It was a great class and there were a lot of choices to choose from when making a quilt.  I had some vintage Christmas hankies from my grandma's house that I wanted to use.  They were pretty special to me and they really coordinated well with Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas. 

We were there from 10 - 4:30.  I almost had my quilt top done by the end of that because I made it smaller than the pattern called for.  I just wanted a wall hanging.  Now I just need to quilt it.  LOL.  Throw it on the pile, right? 

The shoppe had just expanded and added the most beautiful sewing space for classes with an attached kitchen, just perfect.  I wish I would have remembered my camera, of course. 

November and December Projects

Is it really time to post new goals?  Hmm.  Seems I am running out of time...I must get some Christmas projects done.

1.  a bag for buddy's teacher
2.  I must quilt/bind a table topper
3.  2 coupon clutches
4.  I'd love to get my ME Santa quilt quilted
5.  quilt that Wheels baby quilt and bind!!!

Charming Girls Holiday Traditions

OOPSIE-  I had to correct the recipe...sorry I forgot the eggs!

Kelly asked us to share on the theme:  Holiday Traditions. 

Food seems to be a pretty big holiday tradition in my family.  I love to bake.  Often when I am stressed, I head to the kitchen.  :)  Obviously, my husband doesn't mind to see me frazzled.  LOL. 

This is a recipe passed to me by a friend, that is always a hit in the fall: 

PUMPKIN CAKE

Cake Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 c Crisco
2 c sugar
2 c flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 c canned pumpkin

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Mix your eggs, crisco, sugar, and flour.  Add cinnamon, soda, and salt, and then fold in your pumpkin.  Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake for 55 minutes and allow to cool.

Frosting Ingredients: 
1 lb confectioners sugar
2 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla

Beat cream cheese, margarine, and vanilla together until creamy.  Add sugar.  If frosting is too stiff, add small amount of milk until desired consistency.  Frost cooled cake.  Refrigerate.
********

Now my dad and husband really like this pumpkin cake roll that my mom makes. 

PUMPKIN  CAKE ROLL

Beat 3 eggs on high speed of mixer for 5 minutes; gradually beat in 1 c of granulated sugar.  Stir in 2/3 c of pumpkin and 1 tsp of lemon juice.  Separately, stir together 3/4 c of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and a 1/2 tsp of salt.  Gently fold into the pumpkin.  Spread in a greased and floured 15 X 10 X 1 pan.  Top with 1 c finely chopped walnuts.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.  Turn out on a kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Starting at one end, roll towel and cake together into a log to cool.  When cool, unroll.  For filling, combine 1 c powdered sugar, two 3-ounce packages cream cheese, 4 TBSP butter or margarine, and 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Beat until smooth.  Spread over cake, and re-roll.  Refrigerate.


Enjoy....

Wheels Baby Quilt

Mom and I worked this weekend on this baby quilt.  It was a kit from The Fat Quartershop using Riley Blake fabric, Wheels.  The pattern is called Square Dance by Bits n' Pieces.  We both pieced it and took turns ironing.  I am going to quilt it up, hopefully soon. Buddy is holding it, that gives you a better sense of the size.  I really like this one, but husband doesn't care for the colors or the business. 

Halloween Treat Bags- Finished!

So, my cold subsided a bit last night, and I actually set foot into my sewing room.  I made this treat bags a bit fallish since I am a bit late in getting them out.  I think they are adorable...and better yet, they are all from scraps!  Scrap fabric and scrap batting.  :)

A Big Thanks!

What a great week!  First I won this sweet little mystery package from Carol!  Thank you, Carol you are so sweet, and I just love the embellishments on this friendship bag...and all of the great goodies inside.  What cute slipper socks, love the pouch patter, and the fabric....can you say drool?  Thank you Carol. 

Also, I just found out today that I won a Go! Cutter from Terry's giveaway....thank you, Terry and thank you, Accuquilt.  I can hardly wait for it to come.

Maybe you can decide...

I am making a table topper for a round kitchen table.  This project right now is measuring about 19 inches square.  Should I add and additional scrappy border of 2.5 inch squares? 

 Or not? Remember, it already 19 inches square and it is for a 36 inch round table.  What do you think?

And just for kicks...a picture of buddy when I wasn't at home.  How do I know I wasn't at home?  Well, because Jake the Wonderdog is not allowed on our furniture, so obviously the husband took this shot.  Hmmm...it seems the boys must play when mama is away.

I heart this one...

Finally, I finished my pinwheel sampler quilt.  This was a quilt that I did last year following Rachel from PS I Quilt's lead.  I really like how it turned out.  I love my scrappy border and the red binding.  I even love the backing.

Hooray, another goal down.  As I did finish this quilt too.

Orzo Salad Recipe

This recipe and picture were passed onto me from my friend, Lindsay.  This salad is delicious, and tastes great for several days after making it.  It would be great for any occassion, even a potluck.

Summer Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Green Onions
From Pittsburgh Magazine, May 2009

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 cup olive oil

Whisk above together to make vinaigrette, set aside.

Cook one box of orzo pasta according to directions on box.

Drain and cool by running cold water over the pasta.

Add vinaigrette; toss to coat.

Add the following:

2 cups halved grape tomatoes

1 1/2 cups crumbled Feta cheese

1 bunch chopped green onions

1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Toss all above ingredients.

(optional) Lightly toast 1/2 cup of pine nuts and toss with the orzo just before serving at room temperature.

What I have been up to....

We've been keeping really busy here.  We ended up coaching soccer.  Buddy went back to school and I returned to work.  So, I am sorry I haven't been blogging much.  I have been checking in on most of you, just not always leaving comments.  I finally found the time and energy this weekend to do a bit of sewing.  I am very pleased with the finished Tulip quilt for my MIL.  It turned out fantastic, right?  My long armer did the quilting and I worked most of the day on the binding today.  I am very pleased it is done.

I hope you are all well.  Happy sewing.

A Sweet Finish

Oh I was so excited that my friend had her baby this weekend.  Obviously, I felt joy for their newest addition to their family (baby Roman), but I was also tickled to be able to finish this quilt I started a while back.  I had a fun idea for the center, and it was great to see it finally come together. 

Here's the finish:

I love the Lake House Fabics. 

Here's  a close up of the center:

I love how it turned out.

Here is a finished picture of the set, including 2 personalized burp clothes. 

I LOVE the burp clothes....they turned out so cute.  I especially loved the frog from SWAK embroidery.  How darling???  I cannot wait to send this out in the mail, pronto.

The theme for The Charming Girls Club this month is Quilting the Quilt.  I don't have a lot of good tips for this really.  Everything I have learned has been trial and error.  In fact I had a bit of an issue near the center block on this one.  I like to use curved safety pins to baste with.  I use to religiously spray with basting spray, but it is rather expensive (and makes a sticky mess everywhere) and I have found that some of my smaller quilts really don't need the spray.  The problem I had with this one though probably could have been avoided had I sprayed. 

The one tip, and this is pretty important, I do have is to TAKE A BREAK every now and then.  The first time I quilted a quilt on my machine, obviously I was a bit tensed up and nervous...I am sure that this had something to do with the story I am about to tell you.  Anyway, I quilted for several hours straight.  In the night while I was in bed, I had a rib displace and slide under my shoulder blade.  It was very painful and the chiropractor assured me that it had to do with my quilting that day.  So, TAKE a Break, Stretch a Bit, and don't displace a rib.

Goals for September and October

Is it time for goals again?  I have had these worked out in my head for a few days, but now I guess it is time to journal them down here.

1.  Finish this baby quilt, now that the baby has arrived and has a name.

2.  Create another baby quilt with materials from the Wheels collection (which is on its way thanks to the FQS)...sorry no picture.

3.  Put the binding on the tulip quilt.

4.  Bind the pinwheel sampler quilt.

5.  Create this beautiful pumpkin table runner from the Pattern Basket.