Victorian Sampler update

Victorian Sampler Update

Pictures as promised!

#1

#1 Close-up

#2

#2 Close-up

 The only thing I really dislike is that I can't use my spring hoop, which I've used since I was 15!  It's just too rough on all the specialty stitches.  So, I've been using an old school wooden scroll frame, and it's just terrible.  I bought a plastic one that I can wind back and forth, which I like pretty well, but it's too large.  I'm used to having a smaller area with which to work on.  I'll keep looking for something else.  If anyone has any suggestions.....

Thursday Thoughts: The Host movie review, Pinterest post of the week, new/current projects

Thursday Thoughts

• For Good Friday last week, since I was off work and R was at his grandparents', I went to see the Host.  Now, I loved the book, by Stephenie Meyer, so I had to give the movie a try.  As usual, the book was loads better, but the movie wasn't half bad.  I thought they did ok with casting, unlike with the Twilight movies, and it stayed pretty true to form in regards to the book.  Overall though, I was left wanting more from the film.
• Since we're on the topic of movies, I've been watching the Hobbit whilst doing whatever it is I find myself doing after R goes to bed and before I head there myself.  Anyhoo, although I did see this movie in the theater (during which I'm pretty sure I fell asleep), I find it lacking the same quality that The Lord of the Rings trilogy did, and I think they're taking advantage of the LOTR fans, by stretching this one book into a trilogy as well.  That being said, I still plan to watch the other 2 when they come out.  I just think the could have condensed things a bit, because honestly, even though I can have been watching for 15 min or so, I couldn't tell you one important thing that has happened.  Oh well.
• Ok, my favorite Pinterest post of the week is this Six-Layer Chocolate Cake with Toasted Marshmallow Filling and Malt Chocolate Frosting!!! OMG...I can't even begin to think about it.  I'd love to make it this weekend, but it's a plain jane apple pie I'll be making for my dad's birthday on Saturday.  He does love the simple things...
• I've been busy at work on my Heirloom Nativity Samplers...yes, s and in plural.  I'm doing 2 of them at the same time!  And, as predicted, it is very time consuming, but I love it!  I'll post up pictures soon of my work(s) in progress.  Some of the stitching looks so intricate, it has a lace look to it.  But, of course, it's just the specialty stitching.  I can't wait to see what it looks like finished.
• Have you heard about Mr. Selfridge?  Another of the British shows that's invading the US....and I think it's fabulous!  It's not as good as Downton, but it's hard to compare to that, in my opinion.  I can't wait for the 2nd season.  I'm eagerly awaiting the return of Warehouse 13 also, later this month.  It's such a good show! 

Thanks for checking in with me!  Any comments or questions, just leave 'em and I'll get back to you.

Apples I Love Them Cross stitch project and other things

So, I haven't been blogging about food, even though this is supposed to be a food blog, because I've been on this low carb program and haven't really been all that excited about food in general lately.

Instead, I think I'll update everyone on the projects I've been working on, and upcoming ones as well.  And, if I stumble upon a really good low carb recipe, I'll be sure to pass it along. 

I've been working on this design by Jeremiah Junction called, Apples I Love Them.  This is a birthday project for my mom, for their new kitchen that they're in the process of re-doing.  While I think the design is cute and folksy, and right up my mom's alley, the pattern itself had so many errors and flaws, it was unbelievable.  I was constantly checking the picture on the front to make sure I had the colors correct!  Unreal!

I used a 28 ct. ecru linen, and had planned to hand dye it a bit to add some depth and age, but completely forgot and started stitching it the same day I got the fabric!  Oh well.  Perhaps next time.

Without wording and outlining...and obviously without ironing =)

It only took me about 2 weeks to get this done, which is really quick for me.  Also, I've never been able to find my iron since I moved last March (ok, yes, that means I've been without an iron for over a year.  Say what you will!).  And, I was taking the picture on  R's train table, because it's right in front of the window.

With words and outlining

Anyway, I'm happy with the outcome of it, even it I had a few troubles.  I have several projects on my list for this year, which is why I probably hurried through this one so quickly.  Next up on my agenda is probably the hardest pattern I've ever done.  It's called Heirloom Nativity Sampler, from Victoria Sampler, and I'm doing 2 of them at the same time. 

Some of the stitches in the pattern I've never even heard of, but I've done woven bars with dove's eyes before, so I don't think I'll have too much trouble with some of the other complicated stitches.  I just hope I don't snip the wrong thread in the cut outs.  That's the worst!

I'll update with pictures as I go along....if I remember.  =)

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy stitching and low-carb eating!

Thursday Things: Book & Movie Review

Thursday Things

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake from Martha Stewart Recipes

• My favorite pins this week are pretty amazing.  I don't want to pat myself on the back, but I will if no one else does.  This pin is just plain funny...and a little too close to home.  I thought these were so cute for Valentine's Day.  This would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day!  This cake looks so spring like!  And, this Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.  It's a wonder we've survived this long without it.
• I've been suffering through J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy.  I wouldn't recommend it.  Like someone on Amazon said: "(It's) Like a bad movie that you just want to end so you can see the end."  I'm so close and all I can say is that it will be a relief to get it over. 
• I watched Zero Dark Thirty this week.  It was interesting.  I wouldn't say it was Oscar worthy, although the main actress did a damn fine job, but the fact that it's out there and gives people a general idea of what went on and how long it actually took to find him is something everyone should know.
• I got another Scarlet Letter today for bad parenting, only my letters are school bus yellow and in the shape of an "L", for LOSER.  I've gotten so many, it's getting a little hard to see what I'm wearing anymore.  Is it too late to reconsider being a parent?  Can we rewind 6 years.  Well, IF we're rewinding, let's go back a little farther and change a few other things that have irreparably screwed my life over.
• Can we talk about the Downton Abbey Christmas special for a min?  OMG, (this might contain spoilers) but did they have to go and do that?!?!  Things were just getting good, then they had to go and kill the guy off!  SO unfair!!  Don't they realize we, as in the general public, live vicariously though them and need things to be perfect?  If we wanted a train wreck, we'd watch our own lives. 

Jingle the Elf on the Shelf: Week 3-4

Jingle (Our Elf on the Shelf): Week 3-4

So, this is our last week with our beloved Jingle.  We've loved every minute, although to be honest, there were some nights I didn't feel like doing much with him, and I could feel his judgement of me from across the room. 

Jingle made lots of snowflakes and hung them for all to see.

Story time with the toys.

Jingle went over to the grandparents' house and decorated their tree for them! 

Jingle doing a puzzle.

Hot air balloon ride!

Challenged Buzz to a friendly game of Hungry Hippos!

Jingle wrote a note to R on the bathroom mirror.

Decorating the windows with "snow".

Rappelling from the cabinet.  He's such a daredevil!

Making some snowmen!

Lastly, making R work for his presents, Christmas morning.

Holiday Projects (i.e. Why I've been so freakin' busy!)

So, of course, ever since I was introduced to the world of Pinterest, I've seen a multitude of projects that I wanted to do for Christmas.  Like this, and this, and of course no holiday celebration is complete without this!!  I only got a few things done though, but I love them! 

Fabric Covered Christmas Tree Cones

I used the tutorial here, but I did not pay the $12.95, or whatever it was, for the download template.  I didn't think it was necessary.  I feel like maybe I went a little overboard with the trees, but I was in the zone...and I had already purchased the materials.

Snowman Ornaments

I have a snowman tree in my dining room, and being the cheap frugal soul that I am, wanted to make several more ornaments to hang.  I have been crosstitching for years, but straight up sewing is not a skill I use much.  So, while the stitching is good, the sewing is only so-so.  The ones above are all free patterns that I got online.  You can find them on my pinterest board here.

The Let It Snow and Peace on Earth are Dimensions kits I got off Amazon.  I think they're also available at Walmart, but I had a gift card for Amazon, so I went with that!

Now, if I could just get the house clean, I think I'll be ready for Tuesday!

Hershey's Butterscotch Chocolate Fudge

Butterscotch Chocolate Fudge

Hershey's currently has a bake, share, win giveaway going on, so I thought I'd give it a go and see how I fared!

To be fair, I'm not sure if fudge actually qualifies as a baked item.  But, I did cook it on the stove, and since there are a multitude of no-bake items that resemble baked items, I'm going for it.  I won't say anything if you won't.

First, let me start by saying that I love Hershey products!  Their "perfectly chocolate cake" is my go-to chocolate cake recipe, and it's delicious!  The frosting is the same way.  I also love their chips and drops that you can buy in the baking aisle.  They taste great, for starters, but also, they're cheaper than their competitors!  It's a win, win, if you ask me. 

Butterscotch Chocolate Fudge
slightly adapted from Eagle Brand's Foolproof Chocolate Fudge

4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
6 oz. butterscotch chips
1- 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
dash of salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

LINE 8- or 9-inch square pan with foil (would strongly recommend parchment instead), extending foil over edges of pan.

MELT chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt in heavy saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into prepared pan.

CHILL 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan by lifting edges of foil. Cut into squares.

 
It does seem like a motley assortment of chocolate, but it totally works, trust me.  The bittersweet chocolate really cuts down the normal sickly sweet taste of regular fudge, that way you can eat more!  Also, with the addition of the butterscotch, it almost tastes like it has a little alcohol in it.  That, or it could be my homemade vanilla that I used.  Either way, it's a great recipe that I know my family will love when they get here for Christmas.

I made half with nuts, and half without, because I have a nephew who says he dislikes nuts.  He also says he dislikes anything with the word "pie" in it, but he'll eat chocolate pie.  Yeah, he's one of those.  Enjoy!