Caprese Ensalada

My Nana was an amazing woman, perhaps you guessed that since I dedicated the name of this blog to her.Today as I enjoyed making my fresh Caprese Ensalada I thought of the many ways she influenced my life and how I hope I am like her.

It was along side of Nana that I learned to appreciate handmade, fresh, home grown and honesty.

Although I do not remember her ever making Caprese Ensalada, if she would have known of it she would have enjoyed it too I'd bet. Her backyard had a tidy row of tomato plants each year. She served them up fresh with a sprinkling of sugar or salt... yes, she would have enjoyed this dish!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Do you have a favorite relative that means the world to you? If they're still with you let them know how much they mean to you. I hope I did that while my great aunt was alive...most all the skills of consequence to me I learned from her.  Every time I pass the old treadle sewing machine I think of Nana, a warm and comforting feeling washes over me and I think for just a moment of her. Happy Birthday!!

What Can I Do With a Fat Quarter

What Can I Do With a Fat Quarter? Well I am a collector of ideas and this idea of Fat Quarters and thier uses struck a chord with me since those little pieces of fabric are like candy to me, "eye candy" and I am lured to them.

• http://www.polkadotchair.com/2010/06/tuesday-tutorial-fat-quarter-baby-dress.html
• http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/2010/02/fabric-swap-100-fat-quarter-tutorials.html
• http://www.typeamom.net/fat-quarter-project-ideas.html
• http://sewchicandunique.com/2010/01/fat-quarter-sewing-tutorials/
• http://sew4home.com/projects/bed-linens/629-fresh-linens-queen-quilt-fat-quarter-cut-up
• http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=751
• http://threecreativestudios.com/freeprojects/FQplacemats.pdf
• http://www.berninausablog.com/read/fat-quarter-9-1-1
• http://whipup.net/2009/01/28/tutorial-fat-quarter-purse/
• http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/2008/12/your-christmas-gift-from-mean-apron-in-an-hour.html

Weddings are wonderful!!

 Autumn has been long and cool this year

allowing for a funfilled wedding at the Ferrier Lodge in late September, congratulations to the happy couple, we love you Sibson Family and wish the best for you Adam & Elya.

There have been days and days of preparation for this day to make it the huge success it was. Shannon Mcknight acted as wedding coordinator.

Look at those gorgeous bridesmaid dresses...the mother of the bride made all those fineries!~

Little Dresses and Events of Importance

Yesterday I had the pleasure of celebrating the big 5-0 birthday with friends, Todd and Carol. Since I hadn't been out to thier home before it seemed prudent to GPS the address. Reading the invitation (ok really reading it for the first time) I noticed a notation stating preference for no gifts and Carols favorite charity. What a really sweet idea! It was to late for actually participating in the way I  would have liked to in that moment  but it gave me an idea and I'd like to get it out there before the moment passes :)

The chairity is called "Little Dresses for Africa" and that is what they do...provide dresses for African children. As I read about it I realized what a wonderful way to encourage some talented crafty friends to enjoy a "Craft Tea", get to know one another and  do some good for the world all at the same time. It would also be a wonderful way to teach others the joy of crafting and help them get the "handmade" bug.

Currently Joannes Fabrics has a contest called Craft for a Cause going, details can be found at Joann.com www.Joann.com/craftforacause. The Crafting contest begins August 15, 2010 & ends October 30, 2010. I'd like to tie entries to the event with an event to bring our wonderful crafty women together, everyone loves a party right? Wouldn't it be fun to host a "Craft Tea" that focuses on preparing "Little Dresses For Africa"? So-ooo Little Dresses and Carol & Todd's events of importance...the big 50 may lead to another  Event of Importance, I'll keep you posted ;)

IPHONE Apps Galore!!

Sunday... Relax

Of all the days of the week, Sunday is my favorite :) When I was a child I frequently spent weekends over at my Nanas house. She a deep love for her God. I always felt loved and safe when we were with Nana & Bobo, they were my rock and guide. A favorite thing for me was hanging out in the kitchen when Nana was preparing meals, she made the yummiest simple meals. Often the meals she prepared came from thier backyard, cherries in the spring, strawberries in early summer and tomatoes all summer long. Although she never prepared Oatmeal Cookies that I recall, it was definately Nana who inspired my love of handmade. Today as we relax after church my mind goes back to those childhood moments. I am drawn to the kitchen thinking about her and today I am whipping up some Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies, the recipe is right off the Quaker Oats box and still remains a fovorite. Recipes QuakerOats.com