{ Happy Halloween }

photo: Good Housekeeping

{ It's Not Too Early to Listen Christmas Music }

I can listen to Chrismas music all year. I've been listening to some lately. I've talked about my friend Victoria here before. She has a great sense of humor & it comes out in her blog. She was also blessed with many talents. She's a wonderful writer, photographer, fabulous cook, a great teacher & on top of all of that she is a gifted pianist & composer. Sheesh! Share the wealth, Vic! Anyway, I have had the opportunity to hear her play many times & have heard many of the songs that she has composed. I have asked her for years to make a cd so I could buy it. Now, I'm not saying I should get the credit for it. I know I am only one of the many who have asked her to do it, but she is finally making a cd! And, even better, it's a Christmas album!

She has set up a new blog where you can get more information. Go here to hear samples of the beautiful music & learn more about the album. And, if you could, leave her comment to let her know that I sent you & tell her what you think of her cd. Oh! And you better hurry because there's a limited number of cds. I already pre-ordered mine!

{ Christmas Quilt }

I finished another one! But, I have to say, this quilt was much easier than the last one since the top was already finished. Sheri & I both wanted to make quilts so, we came up with a plan to do a quilt top exchange. So, when I was making my other quilt, I made two tops...one for her & one for our exchange.

She made this using 4 Moda Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey charm packs plus a bit of extra fabric for the borders. I kept it simple by Xing through the squares & stippling just the border.

Sure makes for a quick quilt when someone else does all the piecing! I love it!

{ My Favorite Halloween Things }

I'm sure you've seen most of my Halloween decorations...they are pretty much the same from last year. Tight budget=no new Halloween decorations.

I do like how adding a pumpkin to a new decoration in the bathroom can look so cute! My witchy woman The newest addition to my Lori Mitchell Halloween collection...argh!

I can't believe Halloween is only one week away!!! It came so fast! Makes me nervous about Christmas.

{ I'm a Friday Favorite! }

I'm sure you've heard of the blog My Favorite Things. I have their button over there on the right. Go over & check out who is their Friday Favorite...okay, I can't keep a secret...it's me!!!

{click here to see}

So fun!

{ Counting on my Sistas }

I just packed up my laptop & sent it off to who knows where to get fixed. Because it is under warranty we had to mail it in so they could fix it & they said they will send it back. I can't tell you how hard it was for me to pack her up & ship her out. My palms are a little sweaty right now thinking about it. :)

Anyway, this means it is going to be a little difficult for me to blog so, I'm counting on you, my sistas, to write some great posts. Yep, I''m talking to you, my beloved contributors of this blog. No more timidness...get on here & post! Love you girls!

{ Last Ones to Have a Button }

Hey! I just figured out how to make a blog button! I know we're a little behind. I got inspired this morning from here & she got the instructions from here. Go over there to the left column & if you want to add it to your blog then go ahead & grab it!

Sorry, I get so excited when I learn to do something new on the computer & it actually works! :)

{ A Bit of Halloween }

Ahh, Halloween. One of my favorite holidays has come around once again. Thank you, Halloween, for letting my darker side come out once a year...




My family room is the "scary" side of Halloween. I said scary, not gruesome! No blood or anything...although I'm sure the two oldest would like that. :) I decorate with mostly black & white in there. I haven't done anything new from my decorating last year. I like what I have & I just keep telling myself..."You don't need any more Halloween decorations...there's no place to store any more." So far, it's working...oh, yeah, and it helps to avoid Home Goods. :)
But, I don't want you to think it's all just scary Halloween around here. I like the fun, cute side too, so I do that in my living room. I will show you those pictures another day.

{ Teacher Gift Idea from Just a Girl }

When I saw Just a Girl's hand sanitizer teacher gift idea that she made for Valentine's Day, I just knew I had to try it...but, I didn't. Then she went & made more...this time they were for Halloween. Soooo cute! You must go see. Anyway, I couldn't wait any longer, I had to make some right away. Here is my Christmas version.

They are super, super easy! If you want to give it a try, go on over to Just a Girl for instructions. Happy Weekend!

{ Master Bathroom Update }

I hate showing projects that aren't finished but, I'm going to do it anyway because, who knows when I'll get it totally done.
If you remember from way back, our master bath was in desperate need of an update. Here is the before...
Yucky, huh? We don't have the money to do a total remodel so, we decided to see what we could do with some paint.
We painted the cabinets white & the walls a lovely shade of tan. We also trimmed out the windows, took down the big mirror & got rid of the nasty lights. Wow! I can't believe what a difference those simple things made!
There are still a few more things I would like to do.
Here's my to do list:
1. Hang a shelf on the wall above the tub with cute stuff on it.
2. Make curtains for the windows.
3. Come up with a creative solution for the ugly medicine cabinet mirror.
4. Put knobs/pulls onto cabinets that will help tie in the black mirrors. Not sure what finish.
5. Accessorize the counter top.
So, what do you think?

{ Apple Pie }

Ms. Sassypants came home from school yesterday bummed out because of some friend problems so we decided to make a pie. She likes to bake, just like me & she's a messy cook, just like me.

I love me some apple pie. I've tried several different recipes & just happened to find another one at Your Homebased Mom & had to give it a try. It was the pie crust that got me interested. It sounded so easy...& it was! Tasty too!


Apple Pie

2 C flour

1 C sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp baking powder

Mix and add.

2 cubes butter, melted

Press 1/2 of dough into a glass pie plate. Being sure you have an even layer on bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. (no holes!)

7-8 apples – sliced, cored and peeled. I prefer a crisp, tart apple.

After pressing 1/2 of pie dough into pie plate, pile apples onto crust. Sprinkle with cinnamon (sorry, no exact measurement – I just sprinkle until it looks like enough, probably a Tablespoon or two) and 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar (or more if you like it sweeter!)

Crumble remaining dough on top by breaking it into small pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes – 1 hour (Time will vary depending on how thick you slice the apples, you want them tender but not mush! I just stick a fork in to see how tender they are.)

{ I sprinkled sugar over the top of the crust to give it some sparkle. Fancy! :) }
So, did it fix the friend problems? No, of course not. But, Sassy felt much better & she felt loved. That's what a bit of baking will do for ya'! Happy Weekend!