Adventures in Sewing

I've always been kind of interested in sewing, but didn't really catch the bug until after my daughter was born. It was then that I really started to long to make her cloth diapers and clothing myself. My mother was a wonderful seamstress and made everything imaginable. I knew that if she was still with us, she would have made so many things for my daughter and taught me how to make those adorable diapers and covers she made for my nieces and nephews.

It took me awhile to gather up the time and supplies, but I was determined to sew my daughters 1st birthday dress. I bought some beautiful fabric back in December and was so excited to finally put it to use. I borrowed my sisters sewing machine and accessories, went through my mothers old patterns and bought some other things I would need for my projects. I wanted to make a simple dress for her actual birthday and then something slightly more fancy for her birthday party.

The most intense part for me was figuring out the patterns. I wound up getting 2 simpler patterns off Etsy for the dresses. I really wanted to use my mothers, but I just could not figure them out. I will use them in the future I'm sure.
I was quite amazed that I remembered how to load a bobbin and thread a machine. It all just came back to me. I used to spend hours at her feet while she sewed or playing around in her sewing room asking questions and "helping". I can't remember an exact lesson, but somehow all that my mother had taught me about sewing that was locked away in my brain somewhere came flowing out.
I did a couple of practice stitches on a scrap, but felt pretty comfortable quite quickly. My mother was guiding me for sure!

I'm no pro and I know with time my stitching and technique will get better, but I truly enjoyed making these dresses and can't wait to have my own sewing room! I'll continue to post my progress. Perhaps one day my daughter will be playing at my feet and "helping" while I'm sewing things for her.

(back of party dress)


(birthday dress)

(p.s, apologies for the horrid pics. Better ones to come)

Animal Acres

Yippee! I finally got to visit Animal Acres. I have been a supporter of theirs for years, but have never gotten the chance to visit. Lorri Houston has created such a beautiful sanctuary for rescued farm animals. At Animal Acres, they are nursed back to health and can live out the rest of their lives in a peaceful environment.
My family and I walked away with such a sense of love and compassion.
As my husband said, visiting Animal Acres is good for your soul.

Go for a visit, volunteer at the sanctuary or donate!
http://animalacres.org/

Holiday Cocktail, Venetian Sunset

One of my favorite things is a delicious cocktail.

I recently received a gift of the ingredients for a Venetian Sunset.

Other than being pretty and festive looking, the drink itself was yummy!

I know what I'll be sipping on this New Years ;)

Venetian Sunset

3 ounces Martini and Rossi Asti

3 ounces pineapple juice

1/2 ounce grenadine

Pour over ice and enjoy!

Repeat as often as necessary ;)

Holiday Candy Gift Tins

These were a big hit with my family this holiday season.

I made a variety of candies and gave them away in decorative tins and takeout boxes.

It's nice to make extra and have some on hand for visitors and special people in your life during this time. You could collect the tins all year or find inexpensive ones at a used goods stores or catch a sale, like I did.

Cardamom Granola Squares

4c rolled oats

1c dried cranberries

1c coconut flakes

1/4c dried ginger

1/2c flax seeds

1/2c sunflower seeds

3tsp ground cardamom

1tsp sea salt

1/2c brown sugar

5tbs honey or maple syrup

6tbs natural balance

4tbs coconut oil

1tsp vanilla extract

Line 9x13 inch baking pan with foil and lightly oil and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix 1st 8 ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Heat next 4 ingredients on the stove until butter melts and sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour into greased pan and press down firmly. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

The smell of the granola as it's baking is heavenly!

Remove from oven and let cool. Cut into squares.

Lavender Truffles

1/4 dry lavender flowers
2/3 cup coconut milk

10 oz semisweet chocolate chips

Cocoa coating

2tbs cocoa powder

1tbs lacuma powder

1tsp mesquite powder

Heat the coconut milk and lavender together until the milk is warm.

Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.

Add chocolate to milk and melt and stir until well combined.

Refrigerate until chocolate is set and you can easily roll into balls.

Roll into tsp sized balls and roll into cocoa mixture.

Store in fridge.

Cookies and Cream Truffles

I used this recipe here and veganized it by using vegan cream cheese.

Beleive it or not, oreos are vegan. Not at all healthy, but vegan nonetheless :)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-OREO-Truffles/Detail.aspx

*notes- I used a food processor instead of crushing in a bag.

- I added 1tbs canola oil to dipping chocolate for shine and texture.

- I froze the truffles before dipping them in chocolate.

- I sprinkled with dehydrated coconut.

Chubby Hubby Cups

Years ago, I loved chubby hubby icecream...and it showed :)

Anyhoo- I was just going to make a standard peanut butter cup, when the chubby hubby sweet and salty combo popped into my head. Here's what I came up with.

8oz dark chocolate chips

8oz milk chocolate

1c plus 2tbs chunky peanut butter

about 2 cups of salted pretzels ( I use small braided ones. If you use bigger, you may have to break them up.)

about 1/2c caramel sauce

muffin liner papers

Melt chocolate chips along with 2tbs peanut butter. Do this in the microwave or a double broiler.

Pour 1/2 of your chocolate in the bottom of muffin liners. Roll chocolate around liners until choclate comes half way up liners. Put some pretzels at bottom of each(I use 2 small). Put them in the freezer until set.

Add one tsp pb into middle of cups. Pour 1tsp caramel over each. Pour remaining 1/2 of chocolate over cups, being surre to cover filling thoroughly.

Put them back into freezer until set. Store in the fridge and enjoy!

Great with a cold glass of almond milk :)