Break the Cycle

Best deals of the year are usually found right after the holidays.  This morning I've already stocked up on enough hand soap to last through next year (Bath and Body works has some of their foaming hand soaps on sale for $1.25 - usually $5.  Others are half priced at $2.50.  Plus, spend $40 and get $10 off with coupon code YELLOW10.  Even with shipping, this is a great deal.  I will continue to update great deals as I find them - yesterday I stocked up on Yankee Candles - almost all of their large candles are at least 50% off, plus free shipping if you spend $100. 

That's revvin - as in revvin your engine?  Yep - that's going to be my new motto.  I'm only focusing on a few things for 2011 - the major one is to get healthy again.  Can't believe it took me 3 years to lose 60 lbs, and less than 1 year to put it ALL back on.  Yep, it ALL came back - but it's only here for a short visit - cause it's really got to go. I did make 4 New Years Resolutions - but I know I'll be able to keep them - #1 - Eat HEALTHY everyday.  Simple right?  #2 - Get to the gym 3 times a week - NO EXCUSES HERE #3 - Sew, at least 2 times a week.  More on that later #4 - Clean, 30 minutes each day Eating healthy is pretty self explainatory.  I wear a Body Bugg, and I know I usually burn about 3,000 calories.  If I were just eating healthy foods 100% of the time, I'd be at goal weight already.  But those slices of apple pies, or chocolate cake, or slices of banana breads - they add up - so in 2011, I'll be seriously rest...

  Can't believe that in only a few more years, there will be another driver in our house. December brings with it a birthday for my oldest. This year she didn't show much interest in what type of cake she wanted, so we let little brother pick .... obviously LOL HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONA ! A week or so later, it was time to take my second oldest to a swim meet in Lancaster, PA.  I was thrilled, I'd have plenty of time to visit all those quilt shops that I never seem to get to because we usually have that younger brother pictured above with us (and combining him with a quilt shop would NOT be a good idea).  Overall I think I got maybe 15 minutes in one shop .... maybe next year. But - Leenah did have a wonderful swim meet.   This was a qualifying meet, so only 20 of her teammates were attending, and more than half of those were older and swimming in the morning session.  She didn't have to swim until noontime, so we spent the night in my childhood home, an...

Yes, I finished my first EQ quilt.  I couldn't finish it the way I wanted - didn't order enough fabric - and was too impatient to order more and wait for it to come in, so I changed the borders a bit, and it finished at a nice 110" by 92" size.  Perfect.  Now, to order some backing fabric, and ship it off to the quilters. 

  Seems like the only regular posts I make these days are thanks to Judy at Patchwork Times.   Check it out every Monday to see what everyone is working on.  This is my first ever EQ quilt - it's coming along pretty quickly.  The top already covers the top of my KIing Size Bed.  Since I took this picture (last night) I've also sewn on the first border (the rust fabric)  Next border is pieced, so today I'll figure out measurements and perhaps do a test piece.  Then it's a solid black border, then a search online for backing fabric, and all will be complete.  Actually, since today is Cyber Monday (already have placed my Staples order and will be doing Target and Buy.com later today) I'll check out some of the online quilt stores to see what they are offering. Since I didn't post a Thanksgiving Day photo - here's one from Thanksgiving Morning.  We had a wonderful breakfast of poached eggs over asparagus and english muffins.  A couple ...

Thanks to Judy over at Patchwork Times , I get inspired to sew SOMETHING each weekend, or else I won't have anything to share on my design wall (floor)  I really enjoy sewing, it calms me, it makes my mind work, and I can watch MY shows on MY tv in MY office.  Amazing really, and I wonder why I don't put more time aside for ME everyday?  Ah well, one day my little brats will be all grown up and moved away (but not too far I hope) and I'll have all the time in the world to sew - right? On the design wall this week - I finally started on the 9 patch blocks - the others are finished.  I whipped up four 9 patches, and luckily before I cut the fabric for the rest of them, I decided to put together a row .... good thing - because I didn't realize the patch in the middle of the block needed to be about 1.5 inches bigger then the outside rows.  Bit of additional math, and was able to cut out the remaining blocks.  Didn't get a chance to get them all sewed, but I ...

Did finally get some time to sit and stitch this weekend.  I know it's early on Sunday - but chances are I won't get anymore time today - it's beautiful outside - and with all 4 kids home, it's a great time for some outdoor fun, as well as raking up the leaves and getting the yard "winterized".    I finished 11 of these blocks.  I need 15.  I probably could finish these tonight ... maybe I will take them back out.  Next weekend is another swim meet weekend - so no time to sew then.  Really amazing how quickly a self-designed quilt can come together - especially when you love all the fabrics you're working with. If you want to see what others are working on - check out Patchwork Times by Judy - I've gotten lots of inspiration from her readers - I always look forward to seeing what everyone is working on! 

My washer went out last Friday.  I did some online research - just for the Sears dude to come out - $169 - and that didn't include the cost of the part.  Further research showed that I could buy the part online - but shipping charges were outrageous.  Luckily - dh knows a guy, who knows a guy, who owns an appliance store, and was able to pick me up one the very next day.  Took me all of about 1 hour to change it out, and run a test load.  Figured I'd share some photos - in case some other DIY'er wanted to save some $$$.  Oh, and how did I know the pump wasn't running - it started leaving my laundry wet a few weeks ago, not soaking wet, but wet enough I'd run the spin cycle again.  Then on Friday my laundry was dripping wet, and there was still water left in the tub.  Simple fix - make sure to unplug the washer first ! Step 1 - assemble your tools.  My toolbox is hidden in a shoebox.  If you are married, and you own your own tools - ...

My baby girl fiinally hit the double digits.  She wanted to make her own cake for her birthday - an interesting, 3 layer checkerboard cake with both vanilla and chocolate mousse filling.  She also wanted mashi (stuffed grape leaves) for dinner - which took me about 3 hours to make, and took them about 15 minutes to polish off (and there were over 100 stuffed rolls ....)   But all that work was worth it - she loved every minute of her birthday !   Happy Birthday Little Girl.

Didn't get much time to sew this weekend, but knowing that Design Wall Monday was right around the corner, and I didn't contribute anything to Patchwork Times last week - I found enough time to work through the first block of my EQ quilt.  Made the first one up in scraps, to make sure I had measurements right.  Then had to change a few pieces so I wouldn't have set in seams to work with.   Seams didn't line up 100% right, but I knew what needed to be changed, so I went right to the real fabric - And I am very happy with the results.  It went together quicker than I thought, and since the other blocks are 9 patches, this entire quilt should go together pretty quickly - at least until I get to the borders !  And in case you forgot what the finished quilt WILL look like .... (God willing)

The girls turned in some awesome times over the weekend. My oldest had an exceptional meet - dropping times in every event, and dropping 5 or more seconds in over half her events. Really proud of all 3 girls - they handled themselves well, they took getting up at 5 a.m. in stride, and still were a pleasure to be around in the evenings. Looking forward to the next swim meet which is much, much closer to home !

Nearly Finished !   Didn't get much time to sew this weekend, but did get all 5 rows together - the borders are cut, 5" on the top/bottom and 3" on each side.   I might just try and get those on today as well.  Finished size of the quilt will be 84" by 100 ", a nice size, I think.    Backing has been ordered, so as soon as that shows up - it'll be off to the quilters.  I'll have the binding already made, so by the time it returns to me, it'll be a quick finish, and ready to gift.  I can't wait to get my hands on the fabrics that I ordered for my first ever EQ6 design !  I've posted a photo of that as well.  Of course, the kiddo's have a swim meet this weekend, so no sewing going on ..... very BIG SIGH.  To see what others are working on, check out Judy's Patchwork Times.

It's that time again, to show what we've accomplished during the week, to check out what others are working at, check out Judy's site at Patchwork Times .  For me, this week was more about exploring EQ6, and designing my first quilt.  But then I realized that before I could begin actually sewing on this project, I would need to finish SIL's quilt.  So I got 3 rows set, I do like how the rows will join, so 2 more rows to go, 1 plain border, then off to the quilters it goes.  Here are the 3 rows I finished this weekend. The picture actually posted sideways, and the colors are way off, but that's because I forgot to take a picture yesterday when the sun was out, and at 6 a.m. on the Jerzy shore - the sky is still very dark, and so is my office !  Anyway,  you get the basic idea of what the rows will look like - hopefully next week I'll have a finish pic to post !  And since you're here, I'd love any/all critical feedback on my first ever self-designed q...

If you wear a size XL or above - check out Junonia.com - click on the button on the far right that has "Juno's Closet CLEARANCE" - and have fun.  Shipping is $7 up to $25 order, and then $9 up to $50.  Oh, and the best part - use this code - on the Billing Information page‚ go to the section labeled “Offer or Catalog Key Code” (right side below Shipping Options) and manually enter the Promotion Code 78SBE in the space provided, and you'll get an ADDITIONAL 75% off  everything in clearance !  I got tons of tops and cover ups for $1.24.  I got even more tops for $2.49.  I even splurged and got myself 2 batik tops for $10 each.  In total I got 10 tops, 2 pants, and 3 hoodie coverups for less than $50 (with shipping it was $58.09) - that's less than $4 each item ! Have fun !

Fabrics are ordered - now to finish what I'm working on so I can jump right in.  I guess I should figure out the measurements of the borders so I can cut them before I start cutting out pieces for the quilt itself.  This should be fun .... right?

Stuck with brands I knew - Moda Marbles (love them) as well as a couple Michael Miller's.  Ordered some black thread as well.  Used the 15% off mentioned below - 18 yards of fabric added to my stash ..... VBS

and I'm pretty happy with it.  Printed out the yardage necessary from EQ6 to finish this 128 X 112 inch quilt - which is also the largest I've ever attempted.  Online fabric store is having a sale - so I'll pick up some good, but cheaper fabrics, so that when I finish SIL's quilt - I can jump right in.  Now to find a line of fabrics that I know is good quality, at a cheaper price - if you ever want to check it out - Take 15% off any purchase of $40 or more sitewide at Fabric.com with code "DOD910"! Valid through 9/26/10

Oh, I really love this new EQ6.  When I first started quilting - I started with some books, and some JoAnn's BOM's which were precut.  They were safe - fabrics were chosen for me.  Then I branched out and started buying patterns and getting my own fabrics (but always closely matching what the pattern looked like).  Then I joined an online group and went a little outside the box, using patterns from the net, and sticking to color schemes.  Most of my work now is done from patterns and my own fabrics, but always someone else's designs.  Years ago, I took a picture of a bank in Alexandria, Egypt.  They had the most beautiful stained glass ceilings - don't ask me how they kept them clean.  I vowed that one day I would make them into a quilt.  With this EQ6 - I can see that happening (but no time soon)  Yesterday I started working on my first design, today I added some borders - what do you think - all constructive criticism is appreciated ! ...

 FINALLY - I cracked open the EQ6 manual and downloaded the CD, and actually worked through the first lesson.  My promise to myself is that in 2011, I will design and piece my very own quilt.  My design, my choice of colors, simply mine, with nothing like it anywhere else.  This is what I have so far -

Thanks to Judy at Patchwork Times for inspiring me to keep quilting - even if I only get 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there - at least I have SOMETHING to show for it by the next Monday !  Check out her site to see what others are working on, and find inspiration for your next project ! This is my SIL's quilt.  I love the block, I don't like the colors.  But, she will like them, and that's all that matters.  I have dark red fabric for setting the blocks - so they won't be butted up against eachother - just not sure how to work it yet.  Here they are just all laid out so I could get a picture and show that I finished all 23 blocks !

Finally have something to contribute to Design Wall Monday hosted by Judy at Patchwork Times .  I started this quilt last year - its for my brother and sister-in-law ....  their decor is very country - and these fabrics will go nicely .... but I like working with brights .... so I keep putting this away.  Finally decided to get it done - I need 23 of these 16 inch blocks - I started the weekend with 8, now I have 12, so I'm halfway there.  Still not sure of the setting .... will work on that after I get the blocks done .....

Finally the weather has cooled off enough to bake again.  Can't wait until it's cool enough to make pita bread (it really heats up the kitchen) but yesterday I managed to make 5 loaves of Date Nut Bread, and 5 loaves of Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Bread - the Banana Bread recipe is my own, but I found the Date Nut Bread recipe HERE on the Joy of Baking website.  I forgot to take photos - but I'm making more today - so definately will get a few photos to share.  The Banana Recipe freezes quite well - I usually always have a few loaves in the freezer in case of unexpected guests for coffee.  Only takes a few minutes to thaw and it's delicious - here's the recipe - Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Bread (this makes 2 large loaves, if you only have enough bananas for one loaf - it can be halved.  You can also make it without the chocolate chips and nuts .....  but if you use the nuts - toast them first - it makes a world of difference) 3 cups flour 3 tsp baking ...

My father's 80th birthday is tomorrow - and I finished his quilt on time !  I'l be hand delivering this one - as well as a birthday cake and dinner !  I really liked how this one came out ... now on to the next project !

This recipe was posted on Stephanie’s A Year of Slow Cooking blog earlier this week. The same day I read it, I was in the grocery store, and beef ribs were on sale - that NEVER happens.  So I scooped up all 3 packages, and made these Hawaiian Ribs.  ALL 4 of my kids liked 'em.  My husband liked 'em.  Even I thought they were excellent.  This recipe definately gets printed out and stored in the master recipe box (only the best recipes make it there)  I thought about taking photos of the finished product, but my hands were sticky, and I knew if I left the table long enough to wash and get my camera, my share of the remaining ribs would be long gone by the time I returned - so no photos, also no leftovers.  Today, Judy from Patchwork Times posted that the very same recipe caught her eye - so it's fated that of the very few blogs I do subscribe to, brought up Hawaiian Ribs (I think those 2, Pioneer Woman, and 1 or 2 Homeschooling blogs are the ...

Today is the first day of Ramadan - the kids and I will fast from 4:46 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Adam will probably have something to eat and drink before his tennis lesson at 4 this afternoon, Nadia too if she feels she needs it, but the rest will break their fast in the Mosque this evening.  Today they were allowed to sleep in, but most days when we get up to eat a small breakfast at 4:30, we will stay up, do school for the day, and probably nap in the afternoon.  Ramadan in the summer is certainly hard, but that gnawing feeling inside that will come later in the day, reminds us of those that have that feeling everyday of every month, and hopefully makes us more mindful of those that aren't as blessed as we are and share with them our worldly goods. If you are interested in locating the exact times of Fajr (when the sky first begins to lighten) and Maghrib (when the sun sets below the horizon - these are the fasting times) - you can find your exact times at IslamicFinder....

We had a wonderful time at Penn State this weekend.  Leenah just aged up 2 weeks before the meet - so I was really proud she even had the qualifying times to go.  We arrived on Wed., late afternoon, and had an early dinner at Olive Garden.  She didn't have to swim until 4ish on Thursday, so we stayed up late, checked out the hotel pool and hot tub (and it was HOT!!!), and watch movies.  There was only one other swimmer from her team that was swimming on Thursday, so they both warmed up together with a coach from another team (thanks Coach Mark!) They both had excellent times - Leenah dropped a few seconds, and Mark dropped enough to make Zone times (he would make more Zone times over the weekend, so the next stop for him is Delaware)  Leenah had made the Zone team last year, and we are looking forward to trying again next year when she is at the top of her age group.  Overall we had a wonderful time.  All the kids swam well, we had some great laug...

In our home, everyone helps out.  My kitchen has white cabinets (I hate them).  So lots of time is spent wiping them down.  My oldest has turned into an excellent helper - both in the kitchen, and other general household duties.  My second oldest thinks she's lots of help in the kitchen.....  its debatable. And Adam is a champion boxer - one of these days, I'm afraid he's going to put that little fist right through the TV ! For me right now - normal means cooking, cleaning, laundry, more laundry, a quick dip in the swimming pool while clearing/cutting/trimming/picking up the yard and taxiing kids back and forth from swim practices, tennis lessons, and swim meets.  I'm anxiously waiting for August to come - so that my days will be filled with nothing more then the waves hitting the beach.....