Out with the Old...

It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost over it has been one heck of a year. I am ready to start 2009 and see what it has in store for me. I used scraps from several other quilts to make this doll quilt. Even got a chance to put the binding on it.

Sneak peek of red, black and white quilt. Funny thing this little project has now turned into three seperate quilts. Oh what was I thinking.

Aftermath

Christmas was a huge success at our house. My feet up in the recliner playing with my new camera and Kim trying to figure out what to do with her trash.

Buttercup on a trip to get her nails trimmed and a new collar.

I sure am enjoying these long weekends. I am feeling refreshed to head into the new year.

Merry Christmas

Kim and Mason before opening presents.

Mason and Kim opening presents

I got a package from The Fat Quarter Shop from Mason.

Even Buttercup got in the action. You can tell she was excited.

My Name is Rochelle and...

My name is Rochelle and I am an addict. For some reason I am addicted to black and white fabrics right now. I ran in to Hobby Lobby last night to pick up some beads to finish a project and came out with three new black and white prints (but I did buy the beads too).
I started cutting out the fabric for the High Light quilt last night (after the trip to Hobby Lobby) and realized I need more white with black prints. So off to the fabric store at lunchtime today. I must stock up before the long Christmas weekend. The good news is black goes with most colors. And I have a few more ideas rolling around in my head.

Merry Christmas

I found that one last elusive gift I was looking for today at lunchtime. Now it is just a matter of the last few things I need to make. Santa is on his way in just a few days.

High Light Quilt

After the morning payroll crunch you can sure tell it is a slow week at the office. Don't you think this would be a great idea to use my red, white and black fabric to make this quilt. The pattern is called High Light and it is free at AllPeopleQuilt.

Where did my weekend go?

My Christmas shopping is basically done. Anything left to buy is a nice to have not a necessity that it get purchased. I did finish a quilt over the weekend for my mother-in-law. Boxed up before I took a photo.
Now I have this doll size quilt to finish with the scraps of several other quilts

I think I have enough red, black and white fabrics to get started on this quilt.

And I made lunch bags for the three ladies in Payroll that work for me.

Mom if you are reading this yours did not get done in time for Christmas but I do have a long holiday weekend coming up. So your Christmas will be on its way soon.

Goodie Day at the Office

Today was goodie day at my office. It is a day long grazing event. Food as far as the eye can see. Robby, one of the guys on our help desk is also a good friend, neighbor and our daughter babysits his little boy. Even though he has been sick all week he wouldn't miss goodie day.

I found an old tray last night and used some rub on letters to create him a customized tray. He was the envy of the office.

Caramel-Peanut Butter Bars

It must be that time of year that I don't get much done. I did make a couple pans of these last night. One for the family and the other for goodie day at the office on Friday. They are very good.

Cookie Base
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
15 miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, coarsely chopped

Filling
36 caramels (from 14-oz bag), unwrapped
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup peanuts

Topping
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy milk chocolate frosting
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped

1.Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in candies. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.

2.Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat caramels and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Stir in peanut butter. Heat to boiling. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup peanuts. Spread over warm cookie base. Cool completely, about 2 hours.

3.Spread frosting evenly over filling. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Add 2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour to dry cookie mix. Decrease butter to 1/3 cup.

Compliments of General Mills and Betty Crocker

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

I haven't tried the recipe but it looks pretty simple and what a great way to get a single serving of cake instead of having the whole cake tempting you.


5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil [someone else suggested applesauce instead]
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to the mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil (or applesauce) and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.