Transitioning to fall....

We "Florida gals" don't pack away our summer clothes as the seasons change; we just update or add a few things to our existing wardrobe.

~
Instead of Polly's ol' plain boring vest from last year, I went for something new this fall.

I jazzed it up a bit for the fall season with a little embroidery.

I even found a way to personalize it!

How do you update your wardrobe from season to season?



Linking today to:
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/

In honor of Halloween...

I thought I would wear a little black cat.

These pins are very easy and inexpensive to make.

All you need are a few of these little wooden figures.

(purchased at Michaels)

 Pin backs and a little hot glue.

Add a drop of glue to the back and in minutes...

...you have a cute little pin for any occasion!

Substitute the hot glue for Elmers and it makes a great project for the little ones too.

Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Linking today to:
http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/

~ A package for Oakleigh ~

Shirt, matching hair clip, placemat, flatware, stickers and braclet.

I purchase both the pumpkin and matching snap clip cover design here.

These "in the hoop" hair clip designs are so quick and easy to make.

All you need are snap clips like these...

and a few scraps of fabric or felt.

Have a great day!

Calling all "Waist Watchers"

How about a slice of coconut cream pie!

Seriously, this is a Weight Watcher recipe and it is so delicious.

I found it here...

...in my mother's recipe binder.

Here's all it takes.

(The recipe actually calls for fat-free whipped topping; I had light in the fridge, so I substituted.)

~ Coconut Cream Pie ~

Ingredients

1 reduced fat graham cracker pie crust

2 small boxes of fat-free sugar-free instant white chocolate pudding mix 

1 1/2 cups fat-free milk

1 1/2 cups packaged shredded coconut

8 oz fat-free tub whipped topping

~

In large bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk until the pudding mixture thickens. Fold 1 cup of the coconut and half the whipped topping into the pudding. Pour into the pie crust. Spread the remainder of the whipped topping on the top of the pie. Sprinkle with the remainder of the coconut.

Refrigerate and serve chilled.

8 servings - 5pts per serving

This pie is so rich and delicious; no one will ever guess it's a Weight Watcher dessert!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Linking today to:

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/
http://www.lilluna.com/

Just a peek...

I am busy working on a few (not so scary) things for Halloween.

 

Stay tuned...

 

~ Seeing spots ~

The Gracie Handbag by Lazy Girl Designs.

My version

This bag is lined and has 6 inside pockets.

15"w x 10" h

I can't say enough about Lazy Girl Designs; not only are the written instructions easy to follow, but they also include great instructional photos.

Sew Behind....

Usually by now (for the most part) all my Christmas gifts are
 completed, wrapped and ready to go.
Not this year.

Yikes! Only 65 days till Christmas and I haven't a clue what I am making for anyone.

Are you having the same problem? No ideas?

If so, I thought I would share an easy idea from one of my past projects.

I made these little purses for my nieces out of a few scraps I had on hand.
Because these purses literally cost me nothing to make, I included a money card in each.
It was like giving two qifts for the price of one!

Linking to:
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/
http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/

~ Finding little treasures ~

I know I have been away for some time when Mr. Fisherman keeps asking...

"When are you going to update your blog?"

 I apologize to my readers for such a long absence, but I am still busy trying to wrap up my father's estate and clean out 88 years of treasures from his and my mother's home.

Which brings me to this post.

 I am finding many treasures my parents have kept over the years.
These baby shoes belong to my brother who passed away in 2005.
My brother was one of the kindest souls I have ever known and such an inspiration to me.
I am honored to have them and will now display them in MY home. 

Happy Wednesday!


Linking today to:
http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Getting ready for the big day !

Guess who has a birthday this month?







Miss Polly !

Yep, soon to be - another year older...







Happy Birthday, my sweet pea !



Getting ready for fall...

with a creepy, crawly table runner.

This is just too easy using the prequilted fabric.
First, I cut a rectangle the length I chose for my table runner and rounded the corners off.
(Rounding the corners will make it easier to apply the bias tape.)
I then embroidered my candy corn and spiders.
Using this top piece as a pattern, cut out the fabric for the back.

I made my own bias tape from the candy corn fabric, but you can use
purchased if you like.
With wrong sides together baste the two layers together to prevent shifting when you stitch your bias tape on.
I usually sew my bias on the "old fashion way" but I wanted to experiment with my
Adjustable Bias Binder foot.

It feeds through like this...

This is an adjustable bias tape binder.
Depending on the size of your bias tape, it adjusts from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch.
I will admit, it takes a little practice getting used to, but I found it much easier than this contraption....

which feeds through like this...

If you have any good tips or tricks for using this one, please let me know.

Did you notice my table runner is reversible?
Remember that when choosing your fabrics.
You could make one side for Halloween and the other for Christmas.

Have a great Monday!

Linking today to:
http://www.crafttestdummies.com/
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/
http://sewcando.blogspot.com/

Labor Day Picnic

 My

~ Toffee Brownie Trifle ~

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix - enough to make in a 13 X 9 pan

2 1/2 cups cold milk

1package (3.4 ounces) instant cheesecake pudding mix

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant white chocolate pudding mix

1  (8 ounce) container of  whipped topping, thawed

6 (1.4 ounce each) Heath candy bars, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare and bake brownies according to package directions, using a 13 X 9 inch baking pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

2. In large bowl, beat milk and pudding mixes on low speed for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in whipped topping.

3. Cut the brownies into 1-inch cubes; place half in a 3 qt. glass trifle bowl or serving dish. Cover with half of the pudding. Sprinkle with half of the chopped Heath bars. Repeat layers. Refrigerate.

Yields 16 servings.

Looks yummy, doesn't it?