Yeah! It's Done!

Yup... it's finally done.  Actually, this Comfort Quilt has been completed for nearly two weeks... all except for the label, that is.  We were encouraged to put a personal message on the label and I just needed time to ponder what to say.  I finally got my inspiration from a baby card I saw in the drug store while hunting for an anniversary card for friends.  The wording is not exactly the same, but I liked the idea of tying in how baby quilts can be used to bring comfort.  I got around to sewing it on this afternoon... just in time for the Kempenfelt Quilter's Guild meeting tomorrow night!

Goal # 26 of 50 Completed!

Goal #7 Make a cookbook of family favourites

I started to make a family cookbook about 2 years ago and had all but 9 pages left.  I needed it make it one of my 50 goals or it may have never been completed.  What a shame that would have been.

 

 

 

I just got the books in the mail on Tuesday and am excited to see them in print.

As I look through the completed book, there are two distinct page layout styles... so its not hard to tell which pages I started off with and which recipes were added towards the end.   Oh well, it wouldn't be me if it were consistent from start to finish. lol

This cookbook is 61 pages in total and has 76 recipes.  I ordered the books from artscow.com and am pleased with the results.

Perhaps I will start another cookbook using the newer / healthier recipes that I have been collecting... we'll see.

Goal # 7 0f 50 Accomplished ... at last!!!

Family Photo Shoot

One thing I regret as the kids were growing up is that we did not take many family photos.  To book a portrait sitting requires planning ahead and I'm much to spontaneous of a person for that.  So as a result most of our family pics are of a spontaneous nature... hey we're all here... lets snap a quick photo.

Fortunately, our daughter, Katelyn, is very much interested in photography.  She is the one who made this goal become a reality.  On August 29, 2010, a Sunday afternoon, she suggested that we pack a picnic and go to a park to take family photos.  She picked a location which is part way between home and University residence so that we could drop her off afterwards.  Thus, we ended up at a wonderful location... Bronte Creek Provincial Park near Burlington, ON.



Favourite Family Photo


The weather was perfect and we were all in a fun cooperative mood.  Katelyn had fun setting up the tripod and running into the shots.  The park used to be a farm at one time and had some apple trees. 

My goal was to take the best of those shots and make a photo book.  I had two of them printed by Artscow.com and got them using free credits plus the cost of shipping from Hong Kong to Canada.  The whole order came to less than $20 Canadian!  Amazing deal!  Great quality books too!

Goal # 6 of 50 Accomplished !

Sewing Baby Gifts

14.  Double-sided Receiving Blankets

I know several expectant mothers and thought I should restock my stash of receiving blankets.  They seem to be really appreciated as gifts.  They are two-sided; made of soft, warm flannel; and are large ... about one square metre.

Between yesterday and today, I made these four...

I love the expressions on the frog faces.... so happy!

3.  Snow Peas
 

  Although I have had snow peas served to me in restaurants before, they are not something I've ever bought and prepared.   These particular snow peas looked so good, I couldn't resist.  We all ended up liking them very much and I would definitely do them again. 

  Stir fry them in 1 Tbsp canola oil, 1 Tbsp butter or margarine for about 8 minutes until tender crisp.
Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed in half a cup cold water, 1 pkg chicken OXO, and 1/2 tsp sugar.  Cook for approx 3 - 5 minutes until sauce thickens.


4.  Beets
    
  A friend of mine gave me some beets from her garden last week.  After battling a flu bug for the past 5 days, I finally got around to eating them today.  I have only tried them once before... last year... also from the same friend's garden.  I found a different recipe for them this time... and while they tasted OK... I think they will remain a once a year vegetable for us.

  Wash beets thoroughly.  Cut of roots and stems.  Boil covered with water for 40 minutes.  Rinse in cold water and rub off skins.  Heat 1 chopped onion  in 1 Tbsp butter, until tender.  Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp honey, grated lemon zest,  and grated ginger root.  Add sliced beets and heat for approx. 5 minutes.