tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91165777729789708722024-03-05T23:43:19.498-08:00Emily Lane StudioThis is my blog about all the things I love: my family, my home, my garden, my sewing and my cooking.Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-78218799618877190242012-07-30T14:51:00.000-07:002012-07-30T15:00:52.875-07:00Chocolate Zucchini & Carrot Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again when everything in your garden explodes. I don't know about you but I have zucchinis coming out of my ears these days and I have been trying to use them up before it's too late. I found this old recipe for chocolate zucchini & carrot cake that my mom tore out of a newspaper back in the mid 80's. We had a garden back them too and we had lots of zucchinis.<br />
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I must confess that I never made this recipe until I found it tucked away in an old cookbook last year. I make the usual zucchini bread with cinnamon but this cake is really different. I made a few changes to the recipe like swapping out the margarine for butter, using pecans instead of walnuts and being very generous with the amount of shredded carrots and zucchini. It comes out super moist and keeps well even in warm weather in a cake dome. Hope you can get a chance to make it.<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Vera</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Chocolate Zucchini & Carrot Cake</span></i></span></span><br />
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2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon allspice<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 cup unsalted butter, melted<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
1/2 brown sugar<br />
3 eggs, separated and divided<br />
9 tablespoons hot water<br />
1/2 cup cocoa<br />
1 cup grated carrots<br />
1/2 cup grated zucchini<br />
1 cup chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts<br />
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In a mixing bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and all spice.<br />
In a large bowl blend together butter, oil, sugar, brown sugar and 3 egg yolks, one at a time.<br />
In a cup, blend together water and cocoa and add to the mixture of sugars. butter. oil and eggs. Mix well and then add the flour mixture. When mix is well blended, add carrots, zucchini and nuts.<br />
Beat egg whites to soft peaks and fold in.<br />
Spoon batter into greased and floured bundt pan. Bundt pan should not be filled more than 2/3. (Since I was very generous with my amounts of carrots and zucchini, I found that I had extra batter which I used to make some muffins in a separate muffin tin. If you use the exact amount it should fit perfectly into one bundt pan.)<br />
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in a pre-heated 350 F degree oven. Test for doneness. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove to wire rack. If you have extra batter and make the muffins, they should take no more than 20 minutes to bake.<br />
Good luck and enjoy!<br />
<br />Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-22678392414044990352012-02-15T10:00:00.000-08:002012-02-15T10:00:46.069-08:00Quilt AlongsI am contemplating on joining a quilt along. Have you ever done one? I see many bloggers talking about them. Either they are doing them or sponsoring them. I found two that I thought I would like to do. I know, here I go wanting to do two not just one and I have never even joined one before!<br />
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Over at <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/02/new-york-beauty-quilt-along.html">Sew Sweetness</a> they are doing a paper piecing quilt called New York Beauty.<br />
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I have always wanted to do this pattern. I love paper piecing. It is so easy. My favorite part when paper piecing are the perfect points you get every time. Now all I need to do is decide on the fabric. This is the hardest part for me.<br />
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Then over at <a href="http://www.cloverandviolet.com/">Clover & Violet</a> the ladies are doing Garden Steps. I like this one too. They haven't given much information yet except on size and a really cute visual. I'm going to keep my eye on this one as well.<br />
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So check out these quilt alongs and maybe you will want to join them too. I hope you do and I hope I do too.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Vera</i></span>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-76722230887681076652012-02-07T07:58:00.000-08:002012-02-07T07:58:01.353-08:00Crayon Valentines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite craft projects that I have done with children is this melted crayon heart. Last year I was in charge of the craft for my son's second grade class Valentine's Day party. I searched for a fun craft that both the boys and girls would enjoy and when I came upon this one I just loved it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand up card </td></tr>
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There are two sources for this craft on the web - <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-cards/be-my-valentine-stained-glass-hearts-664628/">Disney's Family Fun</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274841/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/@center/276967/valentines-day#/189832">Martha Stewart</a>. The Family Fun site gives you the directions to make the heart into a stand-up card, which is what we did. Martha's site makes them into pretty stained glass hearts to hang in a window. Which ever one you choose you will love the final result.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Vera</i></span>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-87395882317232648672012-02-05T08:25:00.000-08:002012-02-05T08:31:17.487-08:00Orange Pecan Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been taking the a quilting class now for the past 14 years with the same teacher and almost the same group of women. Some of us might miss a semester here or there because life is complicated but we all seem to come together at one point or another. To say we just quilt would not be accurate at all. We share our lives. When I have to miss a class or take a semester off because of "life" I am very sad. These ladies make me smile and make feel like I am part of something special.</div>
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One week our instructor Joan brought in this recipe and all of us were surprised to hear the technique used to make these delicious muffins. "You put a <u>whole</u> orange in the blender- minus the seeds" she says. We were all very curious to try our hand at making them. </div>
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My friend Janet made some and was generous enough to bring them in for the whole class. I made them too but my husband and I gobbled them very quickly. </div>
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The muffins are so good that I knew I wanted to share them with you. Now Joan says this was her best friend Norma's recipe originally so I must give credit where it is due. Thanks Norma for a really tasty treat. I hope you all can get a chance to try them. It's a really easy recipe.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Orange Pecan Muffins</span></div>
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1 1/2 cups of flour</div>
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3/4 cup of sugar plus 1 TBLS.</div>
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1 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 tsp. baking soda</div>
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3/4 tsp. salt</div>
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1 orange, scrubbed, seeded and cut into 8 parts</div>
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1/2 cup orange juice</div>
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1/ 2 cup chopped dates or raisins or craisins</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1/2 cup butter, room temperature </div>
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1/4 cup chopped pecans</div>
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18 whole pecan halves</div>
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<li>Preheat oven to 350</li>
<li>Line 18 muffin cups with cupcake liners.</li>
<li>In a large bowl mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar,baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.</li>
<li>Place cut up orange in a blender along with the dates if you are adding them and orange juice- pulse.</li>
<li>Add butter and egg to blender and blend. (I used a food processor instead because I like the quicker and smoother result)</li>
<li>Add orange mixture to flour mixture and stir to combine. Add raisins and/or craisins at this point if you are using them.</li>
<li>Pour into muffin tins.</li>
<li>Mix chopped pecans with the 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle on top of batter.</li>
<li>Place one pecan half in center of each muffin.</li>
<li>Bake for 20 minutes.</li>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br /></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-19193442008241951302012-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:002012-02-03T07:16:35.345-08:00Brownie BannerIt's been a while since I have posted something. I have been busy doing lots of stuff ! I finally have the time to share one of them with you. My daughter is a Brownie and this year her troop needed to make a banner. Since I am one of the few moms who knows how to sew more than a button I was chosen to execute this project.<br />
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The first thing I did was search the web for ideas. I didn't find many but I did find one that I thought the girls would enjoy. I chose to have the girls trace their hands onto a piece of cotton fabric backed with Heat and Bond ( to then fuse onto the felt banner). They then attached a felt heart to the hand with their name on it. A simple running stitch around the heart was perfect for these girls who are mostly 7 and 8 years old.<br />
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I fused all the hands on to a piece of pink felt along with the troop number. And then the "bedazzling" began. </div>
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Ribbons, gems and flowers. The girls had a great time. We used self stick gems as well as ones that required glueing. </div>
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I hot glued the ribbons and the decorative flowers on the letters and numbers. I then took the pink felt and sewed it to another piece of brown felt. To hide my stitching, I glued ribbon all around the pink felt.</div>
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Now the girls can march in style at our next parade!</div>
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Hope this gives you some ideas on your banner.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i style="background-color: white;">Vera</i></span>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-7412634305220146452011-09-15T10:29:00.000-07:002011-09-15T10:46:24.130-07:00My Favorite Almond Cake<br />
I love this <a href="http://solofoods.com/Almond%20Cake.aspx">almond bundt cake</a> from Solo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2LOHY7RXbiyeuuCJE2qBq0_tBfpX3TbsS_eEFN8XFXQzHj4DbzZp9KH06VktSFXy-yfjWu7Af-_fBAh0KGetJi4f3utXsdh5NmnZAe_gKChP6gtWG7UY8KJMBaxxgppmKr9tdiDWUmk/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2LOHY7RXbiyeuuCJE2qBq0_tBfpX3TbsS_eEFN8XFXQzHj4DbzZp9KH06VktSFXy-yfjWu7Af-_fBAh0KGetJi4f3utXsdh5NmnZAe_gKChP6gtWG7UY8KJMBaxxgppmKr9tdiDWUmk/s640/DSC_0033.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPG9E1RixMKxtV5fNgdHPW56ZbD-Ircxk5w8UNhZd0rHiiXG_U1Wbv4LzhgHCOhm8GQTiVXcM-tDyUPoekEv2oZFCumk6AKXgpquE281pzf_k4evaSq-biTxyWxn1ZYaMDYObd-mkLcs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPG9E1RixMKxtV5fNgdHPW56ZbD-Ircxk5w8UNhZd0rHiiXG_U1Wbv4LzhgHCOhm8GQTiVXcM-tDyUPoekEv2oZFCumk6AKXgpquE281pzf_k4evaSq-biTxyWxn1ZYaMDYObd-mkLcs/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
Solo makes all sorts of fillings and one of them is almond and it makes the most delicious cakes. You can find it in the baking aisle with the other canned fillings like apple and cherry. Once you make it you are hooked. It's my son's favorite and I bet if you try it it will be yours as well. I brought it to my PTA meeting this week and not a single piece was left! Nicest complement a baker can get.<br />
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The best part is that it's super easy and it always comes out perfect. I have friends who like to make it as 2 loaves and then they freeze one for a later occasion. Your friends will asking you for the recipe. I guarantee it. We can keep this secret between you and me but I prefer to share. So click <a href="http://solofoods.com/Almond%20Cake.aspx">here</a> for the recipe. Now it's up to you.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Vera</i></span><br />
<br />Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-86620269388168205082011-09-10T17:37:00.000-07:002011-09-10T17:41:45.148-07:00Princess WristletsWell, we finally got to take vacation and right when we got home the kids finally went back to school! Before we left on vacation I made a few of these wristlets that I'm calling "Princess Wristlets" for our friends in Virginia.<br />
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I simply took this handbag pattern I had and skipped making the regular shoulder strap, added a zipper and a wrist strap. I played with the design a bit by making the opening straight across. One of these wristlets (far left) has it with a scoop top. I decided I liked the straight across version better. Easier to sew the zipper in that way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHazf2o17qrZ2dp65ZcknBVKWwp-wTZ5e-uoiWAHaN6JgNBk4Lz78GpVgjKUkmGcttcTVoOuN-F50fKnRd0IaAODC_clhO5ideCVVTeJrqyRCT6bCt6c8F3hetaJ7yiwZF8pHcLclTrJo/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHazf2o17qrZ2dp65ZcknBVKWwp-wTZ5e-uoiWAHaN6JgNBk4Lz78GpVgjKUkmGcttcTVoOuN-F50fKnRd0IaAODC_clhO5ideCVVTeJrqyRCT6bCt6c8F3hetaJ7yiwZF8pHcLclTrJo/s640/DSC_0004.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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These were lots of fun to make. Really quick. Almost instant gratification. It's a lot quicker than making a quilt. Maybe you have a pattern somewhere that can be converted into something new. Give it a try.You never know what you'll come up with.<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Vera</i></span>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-82017487126884354342011-08-21T09:49:00.000-07:002011-08-21T10:11:18.752-07:00Summer.....<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1O1A4i5jZiDLZSrxHKoMs7B9vBiqvNx-rkscHwihTfvxhPC3h0Tppbjd5B19C12_XfnHVL2kcYHHmgAgRbp-iyb92a84iNWqrdWZqEaOuF5blGTOVm51qOEhvIVlXJRDsYjna9HO-9c/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div>Well it's getting to the end of August and school is not that far away. I was looking at the pictures I've taken this summer and thought I might share some with you. Photography is one of my great loves next to my family, so I take a ton of pictures. Ever since I got my new camera last year I have had so much fun. Here are a few of my favorites so far this summer.....</div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrte05EJSiPjI6u5DZRzjkOJ3TWGftdYMnHZdz8EdAWdKOmj52egloJUewy7ISOGnuE3nDXvWSkiarlEo3Waw1ZeFfRdKqvqikukNypctlRqLdrK4ZbKWQQCazw-WuYVYYH3ak7xqFCfo/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrte05EJSiPjI6u5DZRzjkOJ3TWGftdYMnHZdz8EdAWdKOmj52egloJUewy7ISOGnuE3nDXvWSkiarlEo3Waw1ZeFfRdKqvqikukNypctlRqLdrK4ZbKWQQCazw-WuYVYYH3ak7xqFCfo/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354632370900546" /></a>I don't know about your yard, but the black eyed susans are exploding in mine!<div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvDPFsyMn8xUAJR3foP-eBfE3glBkxt_Z16bgz82bWWmcrTXib7C_otnKtwTkOI-tN16bXHRm5hlCAuLZyaLnZyhlo_8GN_qIv2Whx6IEBpbgah0aZjrUoG_pQiq2UBOK-c8W5Q3cxvY/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvDPFsyMn8xUAJR3foP-eBfE3glBkxt_Z16bgz82bWWmcrTXib7C_otnKtwTkOI-tN16bXHRm5hlCAuLZyaLnZyhlo_8GN_qIv2Whx6IEBpbgah0aZjrUoG_pQiq2UBOK-c8W5Q3cxvY/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354627751782946" /></a>No, this isn't my backyard. These are barns at Caumset Park in Huntington, NY. I thought they were very interesting.<div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCpnh7H7xzigCBQQfgorq2tQkJEMBl2KKh42kDWQPrZ85rELIdbaBNwYc4vD2ELSTOUOmc00kphY5QjHfxkz3MQ2y2J2Hhn9oTdGpuwm34TraMaCbpW26-f38FJ3TzQQ0oe3mKIcLw5o/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCpnh7H7xzigCBQQfgorq2tQkJEMBl2KKh42kDWQPrZ85rELIdbaBNwYc4vD2ELSTOUOmc00kphY5QjHfxkz3MQ2y2J2Hhn9oTdGpuwm34TraMaCbpW26-f38FJ3TzQQ0oe3mKIcLw5o/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354622771170706" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">My children acting silly.
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<br /></span></div></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1O1A4i5jZiDLZSrxHKoMs7B9vBiqvNx-rkscHwihTfvxhPC3h0Tppbjd5B19C12_XfnHVL2kcYHHmgAgRbp-iyb92a84iNWqrdWZqEaOuF5blGTOVm51qOEhvIVlXJRDsYjna9HO-9c/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643356066040106258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We have a local Fireman's fair every year in July. I had a lot of fun taking pictures there. Here's the ferris wheel.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;">
<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYFPv2TTcETK01e0YoSwj0GQvSI3UfzlwkmLuqvbqiEWK0R-UIZkdtGDVTeqzUcFof5uze1hMlbp0GZ6PsKn2bRFnseNrfX2YFt8YGu51Qdox_6Dy_nl_9T6m2Ofj1l_hZEFRIezIcjE/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYFPv2TTcETK01e0YoSwj0GQvSI3UfzlwkmLuqvbqiEWK0R-UIZkdtGDVTeqzUcFof5uze1hMlbp0GZ6PsKn2bRFnseNrfX2YFt8YGu51Qdox_6Dy_nl_9T6m2Ofj1l_hZEFRIezIcjE/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354304298161714" /></a>If you can believe it that's my daughter on the left in this motion shot.</div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l-Mk_sFvYAJFDEwtEe9jLJiezhc6XM5VcveocVZgbrmZ7_RtTB_RDWRGcbQYwLoAJKITlLGa_pVmj0w240dQhBo_ApmkmDI5QC-8GwQ0BwrKwoTsvNdM8ItmT-WB87ywfdv9n0WYybI/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l-Mk_sFvYAJFDEwtEe9jLJiezhc6XM5VcveocVZgbrmZ7_RtTB_RDWRGcbQYwLoAJKITlLGa_pVmj0w240dQhBo_ApmkmDI5QC-8GwQ0BwrKwoTsvNdM8ItmT-WB87ywfdv9n0WYybI/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354303635267346" /></a>The kids at the beach.</div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizz9KaX6jCY4Bh5zGSdbJvM-8vLMtz4zjEIRiQrvUKWMMNPZfP2cWb8vdUmrYnYimhKJLQaDziCDPeKjDJk7HL2GO_0CIsuxe9qeN7R5SEJvsz1bcRWkoH75SYMxPwLklq2YBYCnNb2c/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizz9KaX6jCY4Bh5zGSdbJvM-8vLMtz4zjEIRiQrvUKWMMNPZfP2cWb8vdUmrYnYimhKJLQaDziCDPeKjDJk7HL2GO_0CIsuxe9qeN7R5SEJvsz1bcRWkoH75SYMxPwLklq2YBYCnNb2c/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643354295641560418" /></a>A beautiful sunset I caught on the way home from the beach that night.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Hope your summer has been wonderful. Enjoy the last few bits of it. I know I will.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><i>Vera</i></span>
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<br /></div></div></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-7123896356985183442011-08-20T10:51:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:58:39.428-07:00I made it to an Etsy Treasury<div>My Metro Backsack made it to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTUyNDYxNnw2MDIyNTg5MDQ/soon-my-sanity-returns?ref.."><span class="Apple-style-span" >EmmiGrace Kids Treasury</span></a> on Etsy.com. Check it out.</div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Vera</i></span></div><div>
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<br /></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-74480641777486741112011-08-08T08:45:00.000-07:002011-08-08T08:58:09.148-07:00Inspiration ResultsWell, I got cracking and actually made some things from that batch of fabric I received last month. Made this pretty backpack and it sold on Etsy in a flash. Love the peacock/sea glass fabric from Amy butler.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOnz0II7KjK97UD_1pT8J9IsLjVZbSbR6Jha_jufNpjd70zfAB5epCmPdS2MHGEvqcbJK_b391BaOXVouqMpUZy_xQiv7RRhs7Q66TMHQbgkmqyIP3QDLJjbUI3xKqloSBmmQgQbYAQ/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOnz0II7KjK97UD_1pT8J9IsLjVZbSbR6Jha_jufNpjd70zfAB5epCmPdS2MHGEvqcbJK_b391BaOXVouqMpUZy_xQiv7RRhs7Q66TMHQbgkmqyIP3QDLJjbUI3xKqloSBmmQgQbYAQ/s400/DSC_0071.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638512490785082962" /></a>The I created this cute little wallet as a gift for one of my best customers. She picked the fabric - another Amy Butler fan- Soul Blossoms Disco Tangerine- and I made her a backpack and the wallet. I'm going to do a tutorial for this wallet soon. I've made a few and this one is my favorite. It has three pockets inside for your cards and bills and a key ring. I've wanted to do a tutorial for some time now but I always think of it after I have created the item.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0gIUEKmuWYlw7csS1ToVkx3ROX_IekRCD2GAKl_YQPQboq8STtZmN4NqNmKLNvEZBpcnGvqaDx9uK_Xmj5YrcxTgrWYLyhxVAuDAdcZlHb7BhOOeBrtm6f4uhnBEnoiEt_w6IfuKQ58/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0gIUEKmuWYlw7csS1ToVkx3ROX_IekRCD2GAKl_YQPQboq8STtZmN4NqNmKLNvEZBpcnGvqaDx9uK_Xmj5YrcxTgrWYLyhxVAuDAdcZlHb7BhOOeBrtm6f4uhnBEnoiEt_w6IfuKQ58/s400/DSC_0041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638512487613396082" /></a>Love this backpack. My customer has the best taste in fabric. She got me inspired to get sewing again. Thanks, Liza.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vNCUZxM67nT7eb8a2gt3zwF1PI5YEFxLOLXNDo7Dl4xVEHMOga0dWs0i6tmQyfR6g68eh7zrMpml8i_BjBIUkxtfrWWbdVlIGmtwwtyoCSDLgl-Ot0wZd6Gwmw8D09eJImf1I1PHudE/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vNCUZxM67nT7eb8a2gt3zwF1PI5YEFxLOLXNDo7Dl4xVEHMOga0dWs0i6tmQyfR6g68eh7zrMpml8i_BjBIUkxtfrWWbdVlIGmtwwtyoCSDLgl-Ot0wZd6Gwmw8D09eJImf1I1PHudE/s400/DSC_0038.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638512482245094194" /></a>Look for that tutorial soon. I'm a little slow with my posts these days. <div>
<br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><i>Vera</i></span></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-46524117650024213672011-07-15T09:36:00.000-07:002011-07-15T09:44:51.181-07:00InspirationI just received a shipment of fabric and I can't wait to dive into it. I received a custom order on my Etsy shop which meant that I had to order fabric! These are from Amy Butler's Love and Soul Blossoms line. Amy always inspires me. Her fabric is gorgeous and makes you want to create something beautiful. The far right two are for my custom order. The other three are for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXI_Dih0nbVoRSzAElfjlsKZQPxAWQtnwNiFATIrTG_gJlAhU5GplD5PhkpK20v2r_DT2QWKD7Gn3EM1_lHeVqOlS0ouL1S-3HC4heWZ8Qohm2j2kNmgwxnNKbFAUn5kn4aQCJzl2i6M/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXI_Dih0nbVoRSzAElfjlsKZQPxAWQtnwNiFATIrTG_gJlAhU5GplD5PhkpK20v2r_DT2QWKD7Gn3EM1_lHeVqOlS0ouL1S-3HC4heWZ8Qohm2j2kNmgwxnNKbFAUn5kn4aQCJzl2i6M/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629620086832850274" /></a>Hope you're having a good summer. I'm going to spend mine doing some sewing!!!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Vera</span></span></i></span><br /><br /></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-42513206179577396802011-04-20T09:14:00.001-07:002011-04-20T15:34:33.899-07:00Bunny Cookiepops<div style="text-align: left;">As you have probably guessed I love to bake and cook. I usually have more ideas for my blog from this than sewing. Sewing is a hobby I don't get much time for anymore, but cooking I do everyday. I once read another quilters blog who also liked to cook and she mentioned that once she does a whole day of sewing, the last thing she wants to do is cook because she has used up all her creative energy on the sewing. I feel the same way. On those days that I miraculously have time to sew all I do for food is leftovers or dare I say "take out"(which is usually not in the budget). But most of the time it is the cooking that takes away that creative energy. So here I go with another cooking/baking experience that I want to share with you. I hope to do some sewing soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>My children love to bake with me and cut out sugar cookies are their favorite. I have tried various recipes and I have finally found one that I think tastes great and easy to make. I found it on the <a href="http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/2217/best-ever-butter-cookies"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Land O Lakes</span></a> butter box a few years ago. It's called the "Best Ever Butter Cookies".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtn7Eikz9x30PHyPXgKisl_WJMBJMMxgU-BOCPyJGjg3t-NbfogdkXvuLMFqC2oXs-FBE8Oan1DTu-WakynWrebxlLh-jn4Fr9jAlzJG6kO2NWKFw2m8PYdp233_p4hMFVz1iIpniCFA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtn7Eikz9x30PHyPXgKisl_WJMBJMMxgU-BOCPyJGjg3t-NbfogdkXvuLMFqC2oXs-FBE8Oan1DTu-WakynWrebxlLh-jn4Fr9jAlzJG6kO2NWKFw2m8PYdp233_p4hMFVz1iIpniCFA/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597700952857944738" /></a>We do lots of sugar sprinkles and I like to make a little icing to decorate them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng0cqBl_wLzRCZFxMrWunk2WTio7XSVNx3bcP2r2c65qtUPiTRxgAqfKqFJVSfkN5vy64sioX70rmFe9Pjoy0fs2PaBrCNqi3fKLdlRcICErGaGK7ZYv2DoqMfRtBwMJAcOnZ0FTq77M/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng0cqBl_wLzRCZFxMrWunk2WTio7XSVNx3bcP2r2c65qtUPiTRxgAqfKqFJVSfkN5vy64sioX70rmFe9Pjoy0fs2PaBrCNqi3fKLdlRcICErGaGK7ZYv2DoqMfRtBwMJAcOnZ0FTq77M/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597700949231302962" /></a>I made some as "cookiepops" for my daughter's 1st grade class. I was the mystery reader and I wanted to bring in something on a spring/Easter theme. I saw the sticks at Walmart along with some cookie molds that showed where to place the sticks. The molds were $9.00 and at first I was going to get them. Then I realized I had a bunny cookie cutter and that I should be able to just place the stick behind the cookie and bake it in. It worked. And the sticks were only $1.99. I love it when I save some money.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhna73L174ucCX1f_eV_SWs845REd2MQpXyEzaD2N9_MCvhBPwrlrarlLfiIJkaQBERqtLH-89EMormvEHVzK3ZmV8AxZl2P9-NdIKN7Fzg0oYKblGLoiW8OLCbG-GGjcHecCsnRRyY/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhna73L174ucCX1f_eV_SWs845REd2MQpXyEzaD2N9_MCvhBPwrlrarlLfiIJkaQBERqtLH-89EMormvEHVzK3ZmV8AxZl2P9-NdIKN7Fzg0oYKblGLoiW8OLCbG-GGjcHecCsnRRyY/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597791507299949570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></span></u></span></div><div>One tip I can give you is when you place your cookies on your baking sheet, slip the stick underneath the cookie and press down slightly. Bake it and presto you have a cookiepop.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg6S5oQpW9ed4peMeyQcmZLPH9Db3rtZpDtxi7cqwn3ZFSCXFhtgEPHDPYwcjg5LjTtaW-Zmzwj_lNKZVtoHlVLAyIKfZYIK7-fUhOCDoIcVCpk0SKrDJTnzKfiFGCLf3DNPa_IZePyo/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg6S5oQpW9ed4peMeyQcmZLPH9Db3rtZpDtxi7cqwn3ZFSCXFhtgEPHDPYwcjg5LjTtaW-Zmzwj_lNKZVtoHlVLAyIKfZYIK7-fUhOCDoIcVCpk0SKrDJTnzKfiFGCLf3DNPa_IZePyo/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597700937298712658" /></a>I wrapped mine up in little clear treat bags from Wilton. I wanted to tie them with a pretty ribbon but time was not on my side so I just used the silver ties that came with the bags. In the end it was easier for the kids to open and/or save the cookies for the bus ride home.</div><div><br /></div><div>So bake some for Easter. The kids will love them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Vera</span></span></span></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-15236604605545815552011-04-01T09:46:00.000-07:002011-04-01T11:09:29.994-07:00SnickerdoodlesI thought it was time for another recipe. This is my children's very favorite cookie - Snickerdoodles. I learned to make these when I was in junior high- aka middle school. We had "home economics" back then and I must confess it was a lot more interesting than algebra! I even have my original recipe card I typed up on my Smith Corona portable typewriter. Now I'm really showing my age.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFdghpOjEluqZIYs8PPSgLvlDeDjdkYlzTJuaoZ3ruq-Vb80jU-zkIMToj4FAb-vhRtDHNfVgjoyhO9pGYnyVwJV2IIPAH54NlDzz0TBUahYDFIwJrAuWCRWDma9plokDZTOiLJTwZos/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590658071260488946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">I've made a few changes over the years. Butter instead of shortening, adding some milk and vanilla extract along with more flour. I really like the consistency of the dough. I chill it for an hour. That really helps when you roll it out into balls and dredge it in cinnamon sugar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, this week my son was "Star of the Week" and begged me to make the cookies for his 2nd grade class. I don't need to be asked twice. I baked a batch and wrapped them up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqu1OToqf8v96vbSK2s0pls-Mk25ABSyJsIUhK55_WYBGNBY7EvudAG7qGbM_NBetOx9NbZ0LbNzvyo5Fvv4YEpGDJeGcdiWT142FuS-cbfPHAsxhxqSXKFRH6gSr9RsUVmCpoGf0pM0/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqu1OToqf8v96vbSK2s0pls-Mk25ABSyJsIUhK55_WYBGNBY7EvudAG7qGbM_NBetOx9NbZ0LbNzvyo5Fvv4YEpGDJeGcdiWT142FuS-cbfPHAsxhxqSXKFRH6gSr9RsUVmCpoGf0pM0/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590658074190921602" /></a>This is an easy and fun cookie to make. You can get the kids involved (if you have some). Mine love to roll the dough in the cinnamon sugar. So here's the recipe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFdghpOjEluqZIYs8PPSgLvlDeDjdkYlzTJuaoZ3ruq-Vb80jU-zkIMToj4FAb-vhRtDHNfVgjoyhO9pGYnyVwJV2IIPAH54NlDzz0TBUahYDFIwJrAuWCRWDma9plokDZTOiLJTwZos/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Vera</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">Snickerdoodles</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 1/2 cup sugar</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 eggs</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 tablespoon milk</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3 1/3rd cup sifted flour</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 tsp. cream of tartar (found in the baking aisle with the spices)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1/4 tsp. salt</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cinnamon Sugar- 1/3rd cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Preheat oven to 400</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Add eggs one at a time. Mix well</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Add milk and vanilla extract. Mix well</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Sift flour along with cream of tartar, baking soda and salt and add to butter mixture. Mix until flour is incorporated into mixture.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Chill for one hour in the refrigerator.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Shape dough with hands into teaspoon size balls.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Roll in cinnamon sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet 2" apart. (Cookies spread during baking process.) I line my with "silpat" liners just in case but you don't have too.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; ">Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.</span></li></ul></div></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-10467806451349130552011-03-24T07:38:00.000-07:002011-03-24T08:00:26.158-07:00Wedding Memories<div>My wedding anniversary is coming up next month. It will be 13 years. I made my dress and veil for the event. I had a great time buying the fabric in the city (NYC). I made covered fabric buttons that were so tiny I had to use tweezers to get the fabric over them. I also made a braided headband veil. Unlike most woman, I simply store these things in back of my daughter's closet in a dry cleaning bag. (Our house is over a hundred years old and space is limited- I gave up half of my clsoset to my husband) Well, the other day my daughter insisted on trying on the veil. She is 6 going on 26 these days and all into weddings.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDdB5EGjYKKUUjUO6VRwAKTBc1VaniQ4ixBeGZVqxyDvOFvof4tps2vl7FEa06FKX9A_FvhXldt5EJDsg1EFurF_Z-G78mivx3g4eqcrr-AdmpnIGZNoJUWrvHPFGWHvPQvD4vJMQFMk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDdB5EGjYKKUUjUO6VRwAKTBc1VaniQ4ixBeGZVqxyDvOFvof4tps2vl7FEa06FKX9A_FvhXldt5EJDsg1EFurF_Z-G78mivx3g4eqcrr-AdmpnIGZNoJUWrvHPFGWHvPQvD4vJMQFMk/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587656739167652322" /></a>So I took out the camera and took a few pictures. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy84oNfmFAHr44C8qidWi0QNDCBacPJHnxF5Huk5HN6qjDyWDe-qtnL5FmF2UJCsouJ2kvPsabZTv2uGUgZX4eHTvb5KXR905ye5fShxOyvH9bpXSj-SrarnX-uCFs1o7L9X9woyuQUE/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy84oNfmFAHr44C8qidWi0QNDCBacPJHnxF5Huk5HN6qjDyWDe-qtnL5FmF2UJCsouJ2kvPsabZTv2uGUgZX4eHTvb5KXR905ye5fShxOyvH9bpXSj-SrarnX-uCFs1o7L9X9woyuQUE/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587656757884578098" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a>And a few more......<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-zgPFEmbn9k5kO33v78cD_Id8EmBJAWtKWKidkeBoIVCxGtLF7WLO3Dwwp8-IChW20DjbTzipwtHm52Ldewy7E7JP1MlRQjiEbMkdwyEimwLweaolqaqHlp-TFDqV_b67mVJSNGhc4c/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-zgPFEmbn9k5kO33v78cD_Id8EmBJAWtKWKidkeBoIVCxGtLF7WLO3Dwwp8-IChW20DjbTzipwtHm52Ldewy7E7JP1MlRQjiEbMkdwyEimwLweaolqaqHlp-TFDqV_b67mVJSNGhc4c/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587656754250716562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a>We had a great time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587656749945918802" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDdB5EGjYKKUUjUO6VRwAKTBc1VaniQ4ixBeGZVqxyDvOFvof4tps2vl7FEa06FKX9A_FvhXldt5EJDsg1EFurF_Z-G78mivx3g4eqcrr-AdmpnIGZNoJUWrvHPFGWHvPQvD4vJMQFMk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDdB5EGjYKKUUjUO6VRwAKTBc1VaniQ4ixBeGZVqxyDvOFvof4tps2vl7FEa06FKX9A_FvhXldt5EJDsg1EFurF_Z-G78mivx3g4eqcrr-AdmpnIGZNoJUWrvHPFGWHvPQvD4vJMQFMk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDdB5EGjYKKUUjUO6VRwAKTBc1VaniQ4ixBeGZVqxyDvOFvof4tps2vl7FEa06FKX9A_FvhXldt5EJDsg1EFurF_Z-G78mivx3g4eqcrr-AdmpnIGZNoJUWrvHPFGWHvPQvD4vJMQFMk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aZrCibt7Ku3HV3CTcgwALRKPnk9kUQ2jyUhzc1XmxRdtZXYW__AXvLmQkwblhd4LyKLzvfBi6PFVmEF2A2WZt92EiShHKCcSRnsZoinFkV9NUv6N7lMjCq0tN4aZuPIizjDmvivi-xM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a><div>She is growing up so fast. One day she'll be trying on a veil for her own wedding. I hope to be there for that day. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Vera</span></span></b></i></span></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-5180115932761047552011-03-11T13:34:00.000-08:002011-03-11T14:08:03.443-08:00Belated Valentine Banner<div style="text-align: left;">I know St. Patrick's Day is next week but I finally finished my Valentine project. I found the pattern one day way back in January and I had to make it. I finally finished it three days after Valentine's Day. And now I am finally posting it. (If you haven't figured it out yet, I am a procrastinator.)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoAQPUGksKOelKC2K2cNKnnYMEg9S-4wKZ6a_NZJtxwePNWrS9c9hrCI1r8Gl_FyTATBCBlJvs24m_Scw3y-IXQ6JWWu4uqSJsUdtFb0hv7XqqHBm5ZrKZ8Y6UYjuQ504m_puJ7PJO3w/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoAQPUGksKOelKC2K2cNKnnYMEg9S-4wKZ6a_NZJtxwePNWrS9c9hrCI1r8Gl_FyTATBCBlJvs24m_Scw3y-IXQ6JWWu4uqSJsUdtFb0hv7XqqHBm5ZrKZ8Y6UYjuQ504m_puJ7PJO3w/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582939572560267602" /></a>I had fun making this banner. I found the pattern <a href="http://littleladypatchwork.blogspot.com/2011/01/be-my-valentine-garland.html">here</a> at <i>Little Lady Patchwork</i>. I used fabric from my ancient stash which was mostly from MODA. Their fabrics have always been my favorites. I changed the pattern slightly by fusing the hearts on the background fabric and stitching them with an applique stitch. The original instructions just called for the stitching.<div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLWbzh37YhD3tv9YsotWJJm427pyVw11-043yEVDx-4wJsMCo1YoxeHNMTmbbooez7cdKxBgOoxhLwS1VtdR0hVZIRGBVlXUaUEF3fwb_g-218MWEyzM_S1LCYMBflf6yKPdaNAv4J60/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLWbzh37YhD3tv9YsotWJJm427pyVw11-043yEVDx-4wJsMCo1YoxeHNMTmbbooez7cdKxBgOoxhLwS1VtdR0hVZIRGBVlXUaUEF3fwb_g-218MWEyzM_S1LCYMBflf6yKPdaNAv4J60/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582943113359558194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a>I don't have a very large mantel so I hung my banner across a doorway between my dining room and living room. My house is over a hundred years old with beautiful moldings so I figured the banner would look great against the white molding.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82HFKwntFZXLqRDNhbtbB8siBwUiyYmIVERuz1bmsNE8Q2gRMGJmqZmdEjwoMxegKaoi0hA2QNFnzP1FrIEVTDFi0MeJcQz8M1Vzj0uZedWCFSO7BXvm8aE0F-Oh7PiwRlzO8ONg0u9A/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82HFKwntFZXLqRDNhbtbB8siBwUiyYmIVERuz1bmsNE8Q2gRMGJmqZmdEjwoMxegKaoi0hA2QNFnzP1FrIEVTDFi0MeJcQz8M1Vzj0uZedWCFSO7BXvm8aE0F-Oh7PiwRlzO8ONg0u9A/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582943107239982770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div>Well, this procrastinator needs to start working on more projects. It felt really good to finish something besides the items for my Etsy shop. I have let my quiliting/personal projects suffer in the past few years. I wish I had the time and energy I see many of you have out there. Your blogs and Flickr postings are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i>Vera</i></span></span></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-90538290301646509362011-02-21T09:31:00.000-08:002011-02-21T14:01:42.974-08:00BC Quilt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs4iNXR2m5ZLkh1CZ3Iy2xBX0g3eM695dm9_GpesPjNTeQaLvKDQ0wKiG0En0U9OAiXLgJ_IqmCOfYpJMhPRyOrJ4rjZ6GYxCQNEViln6a8o3Ta5S0YuF44g1r1I-o_rBu9zmXeaf4PY/s400/DSC_0226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576256411048025634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span> I started this quilt before my son Christopher was born - thus the name BC. He turned 8 this past January! I don't know why but this project never seems to end. I don't think I even like the fabric anymore. But I must finish it!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMExHm9M9j3RFCVxcYcjREgawBgF11UrCLCdPGX1srcQly-AXQcSvOwXt7qcbpn45Gtdw2N7-tskIoksgHMlUcSz9fdI0-rvELGk_48kV7gnImHdqTHlJZNgdlW6L8m2g4IKfdmnVYG68/s400/DSC_0227.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576256414504061058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>Four pointed stars are hard for me and I redid at least two of these blocks before I put it together. (The sad thing is it only has four blocks to begin with.) I have finally quilted everything except the borders.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbCcqgD5LojN9vND9qtIzPoVi6WXvETFdr9RIWXFMb_O84peNSluHf0U_nckwxgYQFvmTCRxg6WKx1uZmLh19F6KtDNHp3s6YIAeVG8osNw4nL31wBBBOznkTLRXqU22LdYRwnPHGvuk/s400/DSC_0228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576256420052976418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div>It's been like this for a year. My quilting friends, who I haven't had a chance to meet with for a year as well saw me working on this quilt every week. <div><br /></div><div>So, I am giving myself a finish date- spring. I will report back on my progress. By putting this in writing I hope to guilt myself into doing it. Will it work? We shall see.......<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbCcqgD5LojN9vND9qtIzPoVi6WXvETFdr9RIWXFMb_O84peNSluHf0U_nckwxgYQFvmTCRxg6WKx1uZmLh19F6KtDNHp3s6YIAeVG8osNw4nL31wBBBOznkTLRXqU22LdYRwnPHGvuk/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMExHm9M9j3RFCVxcYcjREgawBgF11UrCLCdPGX1srcQly-AXQcSvOwXt7qcbpn45Gtdw2N7-tskIoksgHMlUcSz9fdI0-rvELGk_48kV7gnImHdqTHlJZNgdlW6L8m2g4IKfdmnVYG68/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs4iNXR2m5ZLkh1CZ3Iy2xBX0g3eM695dm9_GpesPjNTeQaLvKDQ0wKiG0En0U9OAiXLgJ_IqmCOfYpJMhPRyOrJ4rjZ6GYxCQNEViln6a8o3Ta5S0YuF44g1r1I-o_rBu9zmXeaf4PY/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG"></a><br /></div></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-35400571549247219922011-02-09T10:42:00.001-08:002011-02-09T15:07:34.700-08:00The Winter Blues<div style="text-align: left;">Well, I did it. I broke my New Year's resolution in one week. My resolution was to blog more often and not let my children and all the other crazy things I do stop me from sharing with you on my blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the kids got sick and then it snowed. Then the kids got sick again and then it snowed again! Then what happened- the kids got sick again and it sleeted, it rained and everything became an ice rink.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am after three weeks of mayhem catching up. All I have to share today are some pictures I took during all that snow. It was pretty, now it's "snirt" - new word I learned this year that means dirty snow. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">My children and their snowperson? Let's just say they are very creative!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaO3pjgsv5QKZihxEykQl3vQ9E4LLEsoKPkoNtrIOBbGXaD5fzY_xFAW88O7-A3a8upe9YzNJoUQkOr5scYJtbj5HRaWNXcQiJQ4CHmTHc_R1XAzfFs_g-RY1CEJaIJ12nPPjcf53yQw/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571823870707837298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">My little backyard.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXduPuHT59VKVkTeEbaRB0W_7hy2myxLX6pMjhg1_ch61KIcFLfYCLrOov7vtwwKjikpLw-NHApRIbSke_WbdO9ZWWuNxUF4yPzerz8nsjg5LMjOT-qHugumoNykX_8D3KDmTGjP0GPpA/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571823879049233026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">The remnants of my snowball hydrangeas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql3dowfqLygDZFRV491rhhyphenhyphen7bdy-2s5WjPe2RgDDnxUjA5vpw6DZ-d6iW5p4tdKK2RZVWbr9ysef9-bN4fwliU_6cnuNXVU-_Xqldmk8_dXBZkWrUjbBMKixbtwrMjUXnP_B90nD_jZM/s400/DSC_0215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571823874555129762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">That's all now folks. Hope to be writing more this week. Keep your fingers crossed that the kids stay healthy and the weather gets better. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Vera</span></i></span></div><br /></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-67466721455781109302011-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:08:08.299-08:00Something Warm for your Tummy:Chowder!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqB2drFXo0TyvOw8ObgguSlZmf6I4v0PhPtX1EaY5o9Yr1h9B-V5Kk4DrtGDo8NJ9o6y68Kh25BltRaV6DXNtPlnxKRbzfiZQPNHVmfk-ZtMI4T5lQWnrz_4wF0KvJ_Zh9LhyphenhyphenP13-YAs/s1600/P2080001.JPG"></a>Well, here it is the 6th of January and I am posting for the second time this week! It's going to snow here tomorrow and I love a good soup on those blistery days and one of my favorites is my Manhattan Clam Chowder. I make it spicy! There's nothing like a little spice to warm you on a cold day.<div><br /></div><div>Now when I make a soup I like to use my pressure cooker. You can make your soup with or without one. In a tradition pot such as a dutch oven, you will just have to cook it longer until the veges are softened. I just like to do things fast because I'm always running late and I've got to make up the time somewhere! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a simple recipe. I use canned clams and bottled clam juice. You can go out and get your fresh seafood and do it the hard way, but I like this simple and quick method. I hope you get a chance to try this recipe. Enjoy and have a great day.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqB2drFXo0TyvOw8ObgguSlZmf6I4v0PhPtX1EaY5o9Yr1h9B-V5Kk4DrtGDo8NJ9o6y68Kh25BltRaV6DXNtPlnxKRbzfiZQPNHVmfk-ZtMI4T5lQWnrz_4wF0KvJ_Zh9LhyphenhyphenP13-YAs/s400/P2080001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559102897551695970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Manhattan Clam Chowder</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4 slices bacon, chopped</div><div>1 medium onion, chopped</div><div>2 cloves garlic, minced</div><div>1/2 large green pepper, diced</div><div>2 celery stalks, diced</div><div>1 tablespoon flour</div><div>1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes</div><div>1 teaspoon hot sauce- my favorite is a habanero pepper sauce from the Tropical Pepper Co.</div><div>28 oz. whole tomatoes, chopped</div><div>2 medium potatoes, diced</div><div>1/2 to 1 cup red wine</div><div>1 8 oz. bottle clam juice</div><div>1 cup water</div><div>2 6.5 oz cans of minced clams with reserved juice</div><div>1 bay leaf</div><div>salt & pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>Saute the bacon in a large soup pot such as a dutch oven or pressure cooker until it has rendered its fat. Add the onion, celery and green pepper and cook until softened. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, then add potatoes, tomatoes with juice, clam juice (bottled and reserved juice from canned clams), wine, water, hot sauce and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Traditional soup pot</b>: bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Discard bay leaf. Stir in chopped clams and serve.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Pressure Cooker</span></b>: close lid and bring to pressure. I cook mine for 5 minutes once it gets to pressure in position 2. Check you brand of cooker for average cooking time for soups and settings. Let out pressure and add the chopped clams and serve.</div><div><br /></div><div>I like a nice crusty bread to serve with the chowder. </div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-38493880232282109162011-01-04T10:42:00.002-08:002011-01-04T11:02:40.908-08:00New Year's Resolution: Blog!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U0eM_WgBHyHMW3ygKbgelXF8F_HdKuH0CbtUlt8_5OTZtdl-HQBzjsnfoVD-F9TWGi_L1EUicVi9DlnJYR_17xn-K7lKwQfG_zAWdJyKgG-U9vfIgBu7J0jCynkTmpSze77nMXZtQ9Y/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe I haven't posted a blog since late September! Some how the kids, school, the house and everything else seemed to get in the way of me posting. Actually I think it was plain laziness on my part but it makes me feel better to share the blame.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, what have I been up to you ask? Well, I did so some sewing, some picture taking and tons of cooking. Here are some of the items I sewed and will soon post to Etsy to sell. I have got to pay off all that Christmas shopping! </div><div><br /></div><div>I purchased some Amy Butler laminates a year ago and I finally got to make some totes. I had made a backpack last spring for someone on Etsy, but I really wanted to make these totes. They're fun and bright.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOuEEhLrRVgDcneNSj-M8Z9tiF1BA7RgMkKXLqCOtAcRLVzpATFbcJMqBOLWTC4cGL_dDqOt-N1GNpbChgWRraPi0xzmQRvlDTrQsCdqXuS9WV-ICQ_fuGxb2ryNJD4b0fxPRMB2cAgE/s400/full-front.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558405540623882946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDZ9kldJENVy9OHKmcQd-gsu-LoBf6oCRRiLyi7KBLq5O0sh9q2lUpJy2A6aV6uhK3F1555tzEzxoKQ02ocdOjwGhBDwo-c6vNomhR59_rKAH4QnlkFLFgDOXq9DMER4okmTswvKQAnA/s400/Navy-Blue-full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558408071231252466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did a ton of bodysuits with burp cloths. The fabrics are son cute you can't stop yourself from making things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U0eM_WgBHyHMW3ygKbgelXF8F_HdKuH0CbtUlt8_5OTZtdl-HQBzjsnfoVD-F9TWGi_L1EUicVi9DlnJYR_17xn-K7lKwQfG_zAWdJyKgG-U9vfIgBu7J0jCynkTmpSze77nMXZtQ9Y/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U0eM_WgBHyHMW3ygKbgelXF8F_HdKuH0CbtUlt8_5OTZtdl-HQBzjsnfoVD-F9TWGi_L1EUicVi9DlnJYR_17xn-K7lKwQfG_zAWdJyKgG-U9vfIgBu7J0jCynkTmpSze77nMXZtQ9Y/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558407299047942850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc6PuSgJX_yfVAiqyh6qogEqiYhmWY-7wInbTxkSkseiDxxxD5R8Z5LTRSgf20LVx5l9kpqOuuOPlwlL6o8phWISOKSkr_TcEJQeGDECGiQN3Q-LgnaJcKeAouAqy0NwkndzbOpI006s/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc6PuSgJX_yfVAiqyh6qogEqiYhmWY-7wInbTxkSkseiDxxxD5R8Z5LTRSgf20LVx5l9kpqOuuOPlwlL6o8phWISOKSkr_TcEJQeGDECGiQN3Q-LgnaJcKeAouAqy0NwkndzbOpI006s/s400/DSC_0173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558407290977285810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt96oHCvYi-3b1u7ZFD27qQ7Jdf4sEEIPOqQIF2zxLIo39sVquZOg2osU7LgpMKQjqvHLCcz9rHpN3R91cr9badRVbWy_Xj-U2GRG64t4ggq5lwnRS9em7UXV_ifAw0mRvRrzGYIg-n8I/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt96oHCvYi-3b1u7ZFD27qQ7Jdf4sEEIPOqQIF2zxLIo39sVquZOg2osU7LgpMKQjqvHLCcz9rHpN3R91cr9badRVbWy_Xj-U2GRG64t4ggq5lwnRS9em7UXV_ifAw0mRvRrzGYIg-n8I/s400/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558407287580284562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll be posting more to come, I hope. I can't break my New Year's resolution yet.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /><br /></span></div></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-11703379533870452452010-09-20T09:14:00.001-07:002010-09-20T09:35:47.955-07:00Finally Done!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitKefuT0gH8vmCAJ2H_JVvpNWUy43mXiFl22mVSZV6A_M3OCPoMIPhbFPImVLW_RpP90gpJMzj1-EfOMOTfBc8rWnrlkfqZbfmSsdSfoXI6Ri1EjWq65EBOgAIs53SLpgSz7Tof3O_MA/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvqo4zAp6Hn8y992cPcBK7FMl8c7Kv1j0G_wGohMhTstnWVUUCVUcBMlHm8bWG1buHnaSFd_dyqmnwE0jr9VjA5ExLHj53fir8ez62cl8jAzsNJiVM2LQ6QF4d9v3H0FHzumTyIiINUU/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvqo4zAp6Hn8y992cPcBK7FMl8c7Kv1j0G_wGohMhTstnWVUUCVUcBMlHm8bWG1buHnaSFd_dyqmnwE0jr9VjA5ExLHj53fir8ez62cl8jAzsNJiVM2LQ6QF4d9v3H0FHzumTyIiINUU/s400/DSC_0145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519030050052880818" /></a>These three lovely bags were made for a dear friend of mine. Little did she know that it would take me the entire summer to finish them when she gave me the fabric in May!. The heat, the kids, the camp schedule, the heat again.....need I say more. <div><br /></div><div>Anyways, the bags are based on my "backsack" bag I sell in my Etsy shop. It's a drawstring closure for the most part. I added a button to the third bag because I made it wider and a little shorter in height. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz4a8soxwEyMYG25ZWh2OpMXDO-0rnEzGoSOyqfw7lioE86r4jVQic5okSYFqlj0eD_odG3Aeikqe4yp-PDlpeGq8Rk6LRb9Mlj5stCtrwn5Ll9kVRugyQLf3NWvYtvGmI5NiaHF99CE/s400/DSC_0142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519032122945036130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>The fabric was provided by my friend and it was pre-quilted with a backing. So I had to figure out how to handle the pockets and unfinished edges. I treated it like a quilt and put a binding on all those edges. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNApOxJ1FLMTOE-lVFQ5a3q99TM9eFiB4gez7FhQhZquhM_TUlr9HCEgJZfpB_i0-EPwhA0CYA5JA1aimHSyNJ7_jcwciyZYPaDVWjRdaWDEVnpfVGCDLGl41sGQJ2idncyCV2Px6_dQ/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519032115695493810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">I varied the shape and size of the pockets too. Now to make more for the shop!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitKefuT0gH8vmCAJ2H_JVvpNWUy43mXiFl22mVSZV6A_M3OCPoMIPhbFPImVLW_RpP90gpJMzj1-EfOMOTfBc8rWnrlkfqZbfmSsdSfoXI6Ri1EjWq65EBOgAIs53SLpgSz7Tof3O_MA/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519032105139109090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-41540129661374085592010-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:002010-09-09T08:17:10.825-07:00My New Model<div>Here's my new model- Miss Gracie. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2B9XEMqHSfMO3Kapp9DEOS6E3Gu3Adog0p5wSrpP5sgCyvR4-8Bzs-J2iKqMPIb41ZrjvJExxj0gy5QnpeEZBiShlXa2AT5i_yXRsQh4L2_r5n__Pdv35mpXxRl_AnCgqwCH5lIaNCeY/s400/P8230035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931022294659810" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span>I made her a "buttercup" bag and she insisted on modeling it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWUNDTFbAstQ3o-3KFVsJ83HlO0oVkui2zWfVHqN0nOq5FATzMFDpNMIMtMa8dVNEQDXqs_ReS8W_DU2M2UGczHTTp7mEcEDOXKQL1Si5AxGH_0ObRk1uvoZK_66FpbFHC1Z0QUnl2c/s1600/P8230034.JPG"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW5LjW9OeUODG2ml-VpVLq4A-IAn8eKbhxEbToZfIqGMCxbeGD9FYtB-PkLsMuW4XWSgbr91RpVzZxH0r8l3KyzKM5TR0TNiA8cBTKQOKbuwAsT7QzaptPS2Om_-MQfNoms-8DVkGlJQ/s400/P8230039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931036427287474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWUNDTFbAstQ3o-3KFVsJ83HlO0oVkui2zWfVHqN0nOq5FATzMFDpNMIMtMa8dVNEQDXqs_ReS8W_DU2M2UGczHTTp7mEcEDOXKQL1Si5AxGH_0ObRk1uvoZK_66FpbFHC1Z0QUnl2c/s1600/P8230034.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"></a>Miss Gracie says you will be seeing more of her on this blog since she has an exclusive contract with me, her mom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWUNDTFbAstQ3o-3KFVsJ83HlO0oVkui2zWfVHqN0nOq5FATzMFDpNMIMtMa8dVNEQDXqs_ReS8W_DU2M2UGczHTTp7mEcEDOXKQL1Si5AxGH_0ObRk1uvoZK_66FpbFHC1Z0QUnl2c/s1600/P8230034.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaWUNDTFbAstQ3o-3KFVsJ83HlO0oVkui2zWfVHqN0nOq5FATzMFDpNMIMtMa8dVNEQDXqs_ReS8W_DU2M2UGczHTTp7mEcEDOXKQL1Si5AxGH_0ObRk1uvoZK_66FpbFHC1Z0QUnl2c/s400/P8230034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931036836125698" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW5LjW9OeUODG2ml-VpVLq4A-IAn8eKbhxEbToZfIqGMCxbeGD9FYtB-PkLsMuW4XWSgbr91RpVzZxH0r8l3KyzKM5TR0TNiA8cBTKQOKbuwAsT7QzaptPS2Om_-MQfNoms-8DVkGlJQ/s1600/P8230039.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, if you like the bag you can get the pattern <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html">here</a>. So far I have made two of these. Maybe I'll get to make one for myself one day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2B9XEMqHSfMO3Kapp9DEOS6E3Gu3Adog0p5wSrpP5sgCyvR4-8Bzs-J2iKqMPIb41ZrjvJExxj0gy5QnpeEZBiShlXa2AT5i_yXRsQh4L2_r5n__Pdv35mpXxRl_AnCgqwCH5lIaNCeY/s1600/P8230035.JPG"></a><br /></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-80278140670878110422010-09-04T13:21:00.000-07:002010-09-04T14:11:34.794-07:00Healthy Banana Bread/Muffins<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnEmcxdaVPqKvxEmGVxccPjZB-g0hlNdl1rcwTxX0NcRjAh-tDeHfATE02Yga3E1Ov_XsvSMsjAbDzqf-da1vEFYsn1XoYtptIrhWZuVlEPnz24lQcNpj4sZxWUAJrQ6xx7pBxwYLDD8/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnEmcxdaVPqKvxEmGVxccPjZB-g0hlNdl1rcwTxX0NcRjAh-tDeHfATE02Yga3E1Ov_XsvSMsjAbDzqf-da1vEFYsn1XoYtptIrhWZuVlEPnz24lQcNpj4sZxWUAJrQ6xx7pBxwYLDD8/s400/DSC_0142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513156860000678802" /></a>I have been baking banana bread since I was around 10 years old. We always had tons of bananas around since my dad drove a delivery truck for a local banana distributor and would always bring home bags of them. It wasn't a very exciting job until he told me stories of how once in a while the bananas came in with tarantulas in the boxes! </div><div><br /></div><div>My recipe for banana bread has evolved quite a bit since those early days with mom and dad. It seems every time I make it I add something new. Lately I have been sticking to the following recipe where I have tried to make it a little more healthy by adding some whole wheat flour and flax seed. It is one of the few things my son will eat that I bake so I love to pack it with nutritious ingredients. I also use this recipe to make muffins which are great to pack for a snack for work or school.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Healthier Banana Bread/Muffins</b></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">makes 2 loaves or 1 loaf and a dozen muffins</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>1 1/2 cups sugar</div><div>1 cup oil</div><div>4 eggs,beaten</div><div>2 tsp. Vanilla extract</div><div>3 large mashed bananas</div><div>2 1/2 cups unbleached white flour</div><div>1 cup whole wheat flour</div><div>4 tsp. baking powder</div><div>1 tsp. baking soda</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div>2 TBLS. ground flax seed</div><div>1 cup oats (old fashioned or quick)</div><div>1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened</div><div>1/2 cup raisins (optional)</div><div>1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)</div><div>1 cup chopped nuts (optional)</div><div>1 cup chocolate chips (optional)</div><div><br /></div><div>Pre-heat oven to 350.</div><div><ul><li>Combine sugar and oil in a large bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and bananas, stir well.</li><li>Sift together both flours, baking powder, baking soda & salt. Add to banana mixture and stir well.</li><li>Now add flax seed, oats, coconut, raisins, cranberries, nuts & chocolate chips to the mixture</li><li>and stir until combined.</li><li>Spray loaf pans with non- stick spray such as PAM and/or line muffin pan with paper liners.</li><li>Fill baking pans and bake muffins for approximately 20 minutes and loaves for 45 to 55 minutes, until tester (toothpick) comes out clean.</li><li>Cool on rack for 5 mintues and then remove from pans and place on rack to cool completely.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you get a chance to try it. Have a great day!</div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-57035979531651814622010-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:002010-08-26T10:14:27.853-07:00BubblesI don't know about you but I love blowing bubbles and so do my kids. My daughter loves it when I do the bubble blowing and she gets to catch them. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbImxw6QqpVgsUgtX1EK7ucPWZQk_Rthz8ij9v2CfnwIjLEso8LtpamH21c4pi6lMkRNRhlGFFCtkAIxSfs4z-7o_tWrH1F6YBnwFgLDlhvID1cLAj6akVm8D8MXc-O8uj_hNQ5KsX10/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbImxw6QqpVgsUgtX1EK7ucPWZQk_Rthz8ij9v2CfnwIjLEso8LtpamH21c4pi6lMkRNRhlGFFCtkAIxSfs4z-7o_tWrH1F6YBnwFgLDlhvID1cLAj6akVm8D8MXc-O8uj_hNQ5KsX10/s400/DSC_0181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509765620049454002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kJU9BZcPpDTYzDNDbHLVPLYKJ5HW9xOAZ7uZumv9wXqOlkUl_kjEQDucj3j9DfJyOEyllqHJRSMEN5U7q3ZZ_vjN2Pl13dXmw9mAOvz6JrzKpMDEkU-gISROE02CI40bmDxC87FNXxE/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kJU9BZcPpDTYzDNDbHLVPLYKJ5HW9xOAZ7uZumv9wXqOlkUl_kjEQDucj3j9DfJyOEyllqHJRSMEN5U7q3ZZ_vjN2Pl13dXmw9mAOvz6JrzKpMDEkU-gISROE02CI40bmDxC87FNXxE/s400/DSC_0169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509765611754290322" /></a>She did become the little actress when we decided to take pictures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn29B8xE0b0yZThvGNbg_Rk3ZEZhGQLMfmmqy94Wpe6J4TL9JAOKkCUI_-9csKk2s3QBBCj1xP8PtEFt8lx3xRmzbCOoEPFXhCFYCvo4qjFd3XaAlKry8cVozFUNxPZLy8ZouE7v9lB0/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn29B8xE0b0yZThvGNbg_Rk3ZEZhGQLMfmmqy94Wpe6J4TL9JAOKkCUI_-9csKk2s3QBBCj1xP8PtEFt8lx3xRmzbCOoEPFXhCFYCvo4qjFd3XaAlKry8cVozFUNxPZLy8ZouE7v9lB0/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509765599969880626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjA9YhlJgAEWUEkiFfLCjSxYM9RXr6rnyvT8d9bvCj7dpo5P8RHYGx9Q_NxQoTYcdBopeqpZ8_fiofmY6AmhTzGHL5hzm_3R77EMcnNW5pzcTXYMDRHRqGAMn14OnPlKK2fBC0YbUzHs/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjA9YhlJgAEWUEkiFfLCjSxYM9RXr6rnyvT8d9bvCj7dpo5P8RHYGx9Q_NxQoTYcdBopeqpZ8_fiofmY6AmhTzGHL5hzm_3R77EMcnNW5pzcTXYMDRHRqGAMn14OnPlKK2fBC0YbUzHs/s400/DSC_0150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509765594243550274" /></a>We had lots of hot and humid days on Long Island this summer. Those are the best for bubbles. If it is too dry the bubbles pop quickly.<div><br /></div><div>As the last days of summer vacation go by have some fun doing something fun and free! </div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-17941841913571079552010-08-23T08:18:00.000-07:002010-08-23T09:23:16.450-07:00A Homemade Birthday Gift<div>Last month one of my daughter's friends celebrated her 6th birthday. I wanted to give her something special this year as a gift. I know they all love their toys and clothes are not high on the list. But this little friend loves "fashion" so I took the plunge and made this cute dress and handbag outfit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIBzNuFGx8M5cmPJA6r13GpTSNxcq-EkD8pJbWTSUCXl_4F_sBelk27JNRhuE1RJd4RM-b5CEN3q0dgTKrfCjSSWj5EtNK6LhPX_ZeDC1ndY5NzhtLO1eDknBp2FPZoah6kmm-iwHKXg/s400/DSC_0128:copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508629603918595234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRtjmCLArHkvkgW2NsDp7t_tP0UgJi4Y_LdvyRkzBHdLDs26hmgGKjHpCdtOjktuzW0xFSqlu2K9As7rL066tH3me8q43VQ6lJa19wARp8SJUvWNAMRPiN0HA4y_8SAX0SOHpImFjbwc/s1600/DSC_0130:copy.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRtjmCLArHkvkgW2NsDp7t_tP0UgJi4Y_LdvyRkzBHdLDs26hmgGKjHpCdtOjktuzW0xFSqlu2K9As7rL066tH3me8q43VQ6lJa19wARp8SJUvWNAMRPiN0HA4y_8SAX0SOHpImFjbwc/s1600/DSC_0130:copy.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRtjmCLArHkvkgW2NsDp7t_tP0UgJi4Y_LdvyRkzBHdLDs26hmgGKjHpCdtOjktuzW0xFSqlu2K9As7rL066tH3me8q43VQ6lJa19wARp8SJUvWNAMRPiN0HA4y_8SAX0SOHpImFjbwc/s1600/DSC_0130:copy.jpg"></a><div>The handbag pattern was from a fellow blogger madebyrae.blogspot.com. It's called the buttercup bag. Very cute and easy to make. If you like it you can download the pattern <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qXMRwx8uva7yaOdRg7mN7yYVNzhtN5BGDwdl2QVl6jU1vKDbyBh6BfNGCX2X6iHBFjs_JaxYExp-Xih25u6hcKyXsURTBE4DebK0fA26VYkxScoLKLJvb4np65b9A6uxRzn3pmQl-aY/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qXMRwx8uva7yaOdRg7mN7yYVNzhtN5BGDwdl2QVl6jU1vKDbyBh6BfNGCX2X6iHBFjs_JaxYExp-Xih25u6hcKyXsURTBE4DebK0fA26VYkxScoLKLJvb4np65b9A6uxRzn3pmQl-aY/s400/DSC_0133.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508630387887569618" /></a>The dress is my version of a "pillowcase" dress. Instead of using a pillowcase I used 44/45 width cotton fabric. Took one of my daughters dresses for a length measurement. Cut straight across the fabric (folded selvage to selvage) the length I needed. Then I cut in from selvage up the length of fabric on an angle to give the dress some shape. (I followed the angle of one of her dresses again) And lastly I cut "J" shapes on either side of the top edge for the armholes. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRtjmCLArHkvkgW2NsDp7t_tP0UgJi4Y_LdvyRkzBHdLDs26hmgGKjHpCdtOjktuzW0xFSqlu2K9As7rL066tH3me8q43VQ6lJa19wARp8SJUvWNAMRPiN0HA4y_8SAX0SOHpImFjbwc/s1600/DSC_0130:copy.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRtjmCLArHkvkgW2NsDp7t_tP0UgJi4Y_LdvyRkzBHdLDs26hmgGKjHpCdtOjktuzW0xFSqlu2K9As7rL066tH3me8q43VQ6lJa19wARp8SJUvWNAMRPiN0HA4y_8SAX0SOHpImFjbwc/s400/DSC_0130:copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508629893802077154" /></a>The armholes were fine for size but I was trying to think of an easy way to hem the edges. I decided to just turn the fabric over twice - about "1/4 each time- and stitch it in place. I did clip the curves a bit on the first turn. Then I turn under the top edge (twice- 1/4" then 3/4") for a casing for the drawstring.<div><br /></div><div>I did the side seams as french seams. Meaning I stitched the dress together wrong sides together first, turned and stitched again with right sides together. This leaves no raw edges.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I made the drawstring - 1 1/2 strips - 44/45"of a contrasting fabric cut 2" wide, ironed 1/2" edge down into center on both long and short sides, then folded together, ironed and top stitched. <div><br /></div><div>The ruffle length was cut approximately 2 1/2 times the wide of the dress which was 44/45". So that was about 110" and the height of the strip was 4 1/2". I stitched the strips together, then I turned down one long edge 1/4" twice, then top stitched. Now you can "ruffle" the strip by your preferred method - I like to run a long stitch across the edge and pull the threads. Then I attach it to the dress spreading the ruffles evenly. And lastly I overlapped the seam with a zigzag stitch. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIBzNuFGx8M5cmPJA6r13GpTSNxcq-EkD8pJbWTSUCXl_4F_sBelk27JNRhuE1RJd4RM-b5CEN3q0dgTKrfCjSSWj5EtNK6LhPX_ZeDC1ndY5NzhtLO1eDknBp2FPZoah6kmm-iwHKXg/s1600/DSC_0128:copy.jpg"></a><div>Hope this inspires you to create your own homemade gift for someone special!</div><br /><br /></div></div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116577772978970872.post-91744153268010521542010-08-17T07:12:00.000-07:002010-08-17T08:21:39.814-07:00Working with Laminates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyijhQ8iuXd2WC1Y4gCh3wuRBocxZEwGcml5R4xFoYNsT1bNax5FPVuVfviX3XL5gC6f9Pahyphenhyphenvj6bOPsM6S6t_YawewyNICD9276uGdhXPF2OaXvLGVmcv_cTgl8SP8i1x0uju-1fXNg/s1600/laminate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyijhQ8iuXd2WC1Y4gCh3wuRBocxZEwGcml5R4xFoYNsT1bNax5FPVuVfviX3XL5gC6f9Pahyphenhyphenvj6bOPsM6S6t_YawewyNICD9276uGdhXPF2OaXvLGVmcv_cTgl8SP8i1x0uju-1fXNg/s400/laminate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506392692243705250" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Has anyone tried the new laminates that are out there? The Amy Butler ones are gorgeous! I made this large Metro backpack for one of my customers on Etsy.com. I even lined it with a laminate- customer's idea. I don't know which was prettier - the lining or the outer laminate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sewing these laminates was pretty easy except for the urge to pin and iron- you cannot do either very well. Finger pressing worked pretty well and a press cloth on the wrong side with a dry iron also worked. As for the pin problem, I used paper clips. As long as you had the right sides together, the back of the laminate is cotton, the paper clips slide on easily. I also just used my regular walking foot on my sewing machine. A friend suggested a "teflon" foot- but I did not find it necessary. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can't wait to make some more things. Have you made something from the laminates? I would love to hear about it. You can also go to <a href="http://oilclothaddict.blogspot.com/2010/08/now-thats-cool.html">Oilcloth Addict</a> and find some great patterns. The laminates are similar in "touch & feel" but are vinyl coated cotton. They are great for lunch totes.</div>Vera Chwostykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02055426126572403263noreply@blogger.com0