BOO!   EEEEEK!

Well - it's finally here!  The spooks are getting ready for their big event!  Hope everyone has their costumes ready and enough candy for all the little ghouls!  We have a witch's stew brewing in the cauldron for tonight! Have a fun evening tonight!  And be safe!!!!

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Happy Haunting!!!

Just Another Day...

Friday is here and tomorrow is Halloween.  Went to a high school play - "Little Shop of Horrors" - to see my daughter perform. They have a midnight showing tonight for all those who want to get ready for Halloween.  Make sure you have enough candy - but don't eat it all tonight - save some for tomorrow!!!  Get that costume ready... times a wastin' !!!!

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Birth Announcement Idea:

Just finished some pillows for grandparents!  What a unique way to surprise your parents if you want to inform them that they will be grandparents!

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BOO!!!

Can you believe it!!! Halloween is almost here... along with daylight savings time... and fall break... and Thanksgiving!  Time is just zipping by.  I heard yesterday that Americans will spend over $1 million on candy for this spooky holiday - YIKES!  But I believe it.  They put it out so early and you buy it - thinking ahead - but then sit around and eat it - so you have to buy more for the trick-or-treaters.  It's a vicious cycle!  Anyway...don't forget some decorations!  Happy Tuesday!

Trick-or-Treat

New from the Old!

I just finished 8 heart pillows made from the vintage chenille, lace, doilies and buttons that I found! I also made two American flag pillows from some unique patriotic fabric that I also found in my fabric stash!  What a wonderful couple of days!!!  Here is a quick peek!

Check it out!!!

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Have a fantastic weekend!!!!!

Vintage Fabric~

Still digging through my old fabrics - and found many wonderful finds.  I won't need to go to the fabric store for a LONG TIME!  I was also surprised to find unique Americana and chenille.  I am excited  - since I can now make some cute little Americana pillows and chenille hearts.  I'll post finished product later as I complete them - but here is a sample...

Have a great day!!!

Best Muffins EVER!!!

If you have never eaten rhubarb- well - it can be a treat.  It looks like red celery - but is VERY bitter.  But with enough sugar and the right ingredients - FANTASTIC!  I have mad a "Brown Betty" with it for years - which I love - but my kids were not too keen on.  I found this recipe and it is great.  Works with frozen rhubarb as well - but fresh is always better! Hope you get a chance to try this!

Have a fantastic day!!!!!

Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins Recipe

 Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + coolingYIELD:18 servings

Ingredients

• 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 3/4 cup diced fresh or frozen rhubarb
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cold butter

Directions

• 1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in strawberries and rhubarb. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
• 2. In a small bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter.
• 3. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
•  Note: If using frozen rhubarb, measure rhubarb while still frozen, then thaw completely. Drain in a colander, but do not press liquid out.

Keep Those Scraps!

This is my second go round with selling handmade products.  I had a booth in a craft mall about 10+ years ago, but had to close shop when the mall sold the business.  So sad... Anyway - I kept my fabrics and miscellaneous - stored in various places around the house and ...well forgotten.

So I was in the process of filling an order the other day - thought I had enough of a certain fabric - but alas - I was mistaken.  Yikes...Panic...     I decided to go into the attic and hope to find something!  OMGoodness - I stumbled on a treasure chest of wonderful items - better than I could have ever imagined!  I did not remember how much I had socked away!! Oh what a glorious day!  So to all you crafters out there - KEEP THOSE FABRICS!  You never know when they will come in handy!!!!!!!  Have a wonderful day!

New Blog Photos

I decided it was time to give my blog photo a new upgrade to reflect the upcoming holiday seasons.  Keeping my blog updated is challenging for me - but I want to keep you informed - so I am up for that challenge.  I have also updated my pinterest  boards too.  Lots going on this time of year!  Just finished  a new snowman!  Let me know what you think!  Have a fantastic day!!!

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Vintage Rag Dolls

I have just spent the past 2 days completing a 19" Raggedy Andy doll to go with the Raggedy Ann.  The pattern I used is circa 1950's.  The directions are VERY different.  They assume you know how to sew clothing already - so they just show a few pictures, give vague directions and off you go.  Fortunately, I have been sewing for too many years to count, so I didn't have a problem...except being careful not to tear the fragile pattern or directions.  I love how different they are from the more modern version.  Ann even comes with a cape!  Let me know what you think!!  Have a fantastic weekend!

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Crazy Weather!

It's sweater weather here in Texas in the morning - but come the afternoon - it's tie to swim in the pool!  I've been working in our yard - trying to keep the flowers blooming!  Gardening is not my forte - but I do love to see beautiful flowers!  Hopefully my efforts will be rewarded!

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Have a wonderful day!

The Goblins are Coming!!!

Halloween is rapidly approaching!  I love the creepy decorations that I have seen around our neighborhood!  My son saw the Wicked Witch of the West with the house that had fallen on her.  She was still wearing those ruby slippers! It's time for me to start thinking about those scary pumpkin faces that we will have around the house!

Here are a few ghosty things I have created to inspire you for this creepy season!!!!

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Happy Haunting!

Love This Cooler Weather!

The past several days here in Texas have been so refreshing!  This cool autumn weather is such a nice change.  I've decided to get out those wonderful recipes for the fall.  Soup always comes to mind and I have my favorite!  Here is the recipe for you to enjoy!

Best Chicken Noodle Soup to enjoy in this cooler weather!

Trist's Chicken Noodle Soup

1 1/2 cups wide egg noodles          1 1/2 cups vegetable broth        

1 TBS butter                                   1/2 cup water

1/2 cup chopped onion                   1/2 chopped celery

3/4 cup chopped carrots                 1 1/2 diced cooked chicken      

6 cups chicken broth                       1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano                                1 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp salt                                           salt and pepper to taste

 

In large pot, melt butter. Cook onion and celery in butter until tender.  Add carrots, chicken, chicken broth, vegetable broth, water, basil, oregano, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.  Add uncooled noodles, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes!  Enjoy!!!  (Hint: The poultry seasoning I use is Everson Caifornia Garlic Medley.  I get it at Kroger in the Seafood Dept - ask for it by name!)

First Day of October

Now that October is officially - it seems like fall.  Today - the weather here in Texas is actually cooler.  More leaves are falling to the ground.  And most oddly - but expectedly...stores have their Christmas decorations displayed.  I personally will wait until Thanksgiving.  I am getting things ready for HALLOWEEN!  I love the cute little ones that come to the door dressed as their favorite character... and I admire the imagination of the older kids!  Halloween is always interesting!  Well - with only 30 days until the spooks arrive - it's time to get busy!!! Have a great day!

BOO!

TRICK OR TREAT!

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