Eau de Homemade Orange Rolls

For the past two nights I've been making Pioneer Woman's famous homemade cinnamon roll recipe, except I used the modified version and turned mine into orange rolls.  This is probably one of the most complicated culinary procedures I've attempted in my 28 years.  Scalded milk, had to google that.  Active dry yeast, turns out has to be put in the milk at just the right temperature (learned that one the hard way). Then as if all that scientific stuff weren't enough, I had to roll out the dough and slather it and roll it back up and... Sheesh, you get the picture!  I'll never lie and say these were easy to make, but they sure do smell GOOD, like REALLY REALLY GOOD!!

The recipe made 7 pans of rolls so I'm going to freeze some, and give some away.  I actually made these early in preparation for Christmas morning.  It'll be so much easier just to pop these bad boys in the oven for 15 or 20 minutes then to try and make something from scratch that morning.

Here they are fresh out of the oven, smelling divine

And after I added the orange icing (which I did taste and it was delish)

I'm hoping they taste as good as they smell.  I'll be sure to let you know the reviews once they're in.  If you'd like to make them you can find the recipe by clicking here.

I love getting in the kitchen and making yummy stuff this time of year, with Christmas music blasting from my iPod.  Two of my favorite Christmas albums this year (and every year) are Christmas by Rebecca St James, and Wintersong by Sarah Mclachlan.  Do you  have any favorite holiday music?  How about recipes to share? 

Jingling all the way,

Hello Again!

So I think I've come to terms with the fact that my blogging is sporadic, at best.  If I could just squeeze an extra 3 or 4 hours into each day!  I'm sure so many people out there feel exactly the same way.  I don't even have children yet!  I know once that happens my available time will dwindle to near non-existence.  To all of the ladies (and guys) out there who manage to hold down jobs, keep the household running, put meals on the table,  AND raise children who turn out to be contributing members of society, my hat is off to you.  To take it a step further, those same folks who also find time to create beauty in their world, whether it be quilting, baking beautiful cakes, decorating spaces, painting, building, you name it-- you guys absolutely ROCK!  I hope to be just like you when I grow up (wink,wink-- get it? lol) 

So since we last met I've had a birthday, and turned 28.  It was a tough birthday for me.  I was kind of down-trodden and slightly emotional all day and couldn't really figure out why.  I mean, it isn't as if I was turning 30 (which will probably be a hard one for me). I finally figured it out towards the end of the day that deep down I had never pictured being 28 and not yet having children.  Turns out, it really bothered me.  I hate it when I let stuff like that get me down.  So many people out there have so much bigger problems, it seems petty to dwell on such insignificant things.  But dwell I did.  I had myself a good little cry about it and now I've resolved to move on and leave that behind.  However, if I find myself in the same predicament next year on my birthday, then I reserve the right to cry and stomp my feet and whatever other unreasonable actions I feel are deserved.

I've been exploring a lot of blogs out there lately and have come across some really beautiful lines of fabric that I'd never even heard of before.  I could look at fabric all day, every day and twice on Sunday I think.  Usually I gravitate towards some of the more well-known designers/manufacturers.  I like a lot of Moda fabrics.  Some of my favorite designers are Bonnie and Camille, Fig Tree, 3 Sisters, French General, Kate Spain, among others. I also like a lot of Free Spirit fabrics.  Tula Pink, Tanya Whelan, and Anna Maria Horner ( a fellow Tennessean!) are some of my faves.  And who doesn't like Amy Butler or Kaffe Fassett?? 

This past week I stumbled across this Japanese manufacturer called Lecien.  Two lines in particular really caught my eye.  One called Sweet Broderie is designed by an Aussie named Rosalie Quinlan and it is just adorable!

Photo Credit: Fatquartershop.com

The other fabric line was from an American designer who I had actually seen before on Moda Bakeshop.  Monica Solorio-Snow, aka Happy Zombie, designed Happy Holiday for Lecien fabrics.  I had never before considered a palette like this for Christmas, but I really do like it!

Photo Credit: Fatquartershop.com

Head over to the Happy Zombie blog to see some of the cute stuff made with this fabric.  Both lines can be purchased at Fatquartershop.com, as well as other online retailers.  LOL, I swear I'm not trying to sell this stuff!!  I just hate it when I see something I like with no mention of where to buy it. Both of these are going on my Christmas wishlist. What did you ask Santa for??

I could keep rambling now, but I think I'll leave well enough alone and save some off whats in my head for another post.  And next post I promise to include some of my own photos!

Until next time, Be Good For Goodness Sake!

Something Old, Something Blue

A few months ago I mentioned that I was looking for a  cabinet to keep sewing supplies in so that my dining room didn’t look like a disaster area when I want to sew.  My parents were at an antique store around that time and found a great antique dresser with one long drawer on top, and a large cabinet with two doors on bottom.  The color of the wood was ugly, and the hardware was hideous but the piece was just the right size and had great lines.  I decided to paint it blue to go in my blue and brown living room and then picked out some really beautiful antiqued mercury glass knobs at Anthropologie.  I couldn't be happier with the finished product.  It is just what I needed and gives me much needed storage, and what household couldn't use a little more storage space?

Unfortunately we didn't get any before pictures.

I LOVE these mercury glass knobs.  I really love mercury glass in general.  I wish it was easier to find.  All I come across seem to be candleholders and you can only have so many of those.  I did find some stuff at Pottery Barn, but really don't want to pay their prices.  I'm hoping to have the chance to go to a few antique stores before the holidays and maybe I'll find some there.  Oh, and milk glass too, love that milk glass!

Steven is getting annoyed with me because my birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I can't think of anything I want him to get me.  For some odd reason I just can't think of anything that I can't live without right now, and if I can live without it, then I don't want to waste a birthday present on it!  I told him I'd rather just wait until I come across something that I REALLY want but I'm not sure he's going to let that one fly.  If I could have anything I'd probably wish there was some way I could stay 27 instead of turning 28.  28 is practically 30... too close for comfort!

I had my last (and most painful!) diagnostic test today and we finally were able to meet with the doctor and develop a treatment plan.  The doctor was very optimistic which really helped.  Looks like its Clomid and IUI for us.  Hopefully this works!

Later Gators!

Long Time No See ...

It’s been so long since I last posted here that I don’t even know where to begin. Truth be told I’ve started to post several times, but I’d let it go for so long that I couldn’t find a good starting point. Do you ever get so behind on something that getting back into the swing seems a little overwhelming? That’s what happens to me.


So, where to begin… last time I was here it was August. After my work load increased we undertook a moving/combining of two offices which was really a big mess but seems to finally be settling back down to normal. At the same time, my Mom turned one room in her house into probably one of the cutest sewing rooms I’ve ever seen and I helped her with that also. I’ll try to get a picture sometime this week.

I can’t believe that it’s fall already! The leaves here are changing and some trees have gone faster than others. There’s one huge beautiful old tree that I pass on my way to and from work every day that looked like it was on fire when the sun hit it. Tens of thousands of golden orange leaves, sometimes I had to stop my car and stare. I took a picture with my cell phone and the quality isn’t very good (not to mention my windshield is in the way) but you get the point.

I only wish it would get a little cooler. Even today we got up to 80 degrees. It’s staying very mild and even slightly warm most days. I’m ready for cool crisp weather that warrants sweaters and boots and the smell of people burning wood in their fireplaces. Fall really is my favorite time of year. I’d love to be able to have fall/harvest touches in my house but that will probably take years of slowly buying up little odds and ends and crafting. In the mean time, I did score a few things at Wal-mart the other day that I like.

These yellowish orange glass pumpkin jars were on clearance for $3 each. They would be great to put cookies or candy in. I got one and snagged three for Mom, but she may find herself missing one pretty soon because I think I’ve decided that I need another.

I also found these pumpkin and leave vase fillers for $6. The pumpkins have kind of a candied texture to them that I really like. Right now I have them in this little black wire bowl that I found and loved, but I also think they may look good in one of my clear glass hurricane vases.

Another thing that’s been occupying my time and thoughts lately is something that I was hesitant to mention here. While I want this blog to be an open and honest little window into our lives, I also don’t feel comfortable putting everything about our lives onto the internet. I’m sure many people out there probably feel the same way. The question is where do you draw the line?? Since this looks like it’s going to be a BIG chapter of our lives in the coming months, I’ve decided that I’ll be talking about it some here because this was intended to be something we can look back at over time.

I’m talking about infertility. I never ever EVER thought this would be something I’d have to deal with. Steven and I married in 2007 and decided to take some time for ourselves before we started a family. It never occurred to me that once we were ready to start a family, we wouldn’t be able to. We decided we were ready in early 2009. Fast-forward to summer of this year and still nothing, nada, zero. We knew something must be wrong so I saw my GP in July and was referred to a fertility specialist. Since then we have been doing extensive testing and have discovered that we both have fertility problems and the possibility of us ever becoming pregnant on our own was about as low as it gets… it would take a miracle. Now we’re finally nearing the end of the diagnostic testing phase and soon will find out what our treatment plan and costs are. So beginning next year we will be going full speed ahead and by the grace of God, hopefully become parents.

While all this is going on, it seems like everyone we know is getting pregnant and having babies. While we are happy for our friends and family who have or are expecting babies, it is really hard for us to be around them. I’m actively boycotting baby showers at this moment. Even though I am currently about to start 1 baby quilt and have another to pick out fabric for as soon as the gender is known. One thing you never realize until you experience infertility yourself is how inadequate it makes you feel. Since we both have fertility issues, neither of us could really be objective and just be an active participant and cheerleader for the other. If anyone out there believes in the power of prayer, as we do, please pray for us during this time.

 Ok, enough about that!

Last month my aunt and uncle came to Nashville and stayed with us for a few days. Even though they weren’t here for long we had a blast. We introduced them to my favorite store, HomeGoods. I think my aunt really liked it and she ended up leaving with several things, including the cutest little white cabinet with sliding doors for her sewing room. We also hit a nearby outlet mall where everyone found something they liked and we drove home that day with my car so full of people and purchases that I’m surprised (and relieved) that a door or two didn’t pop open. I’m still not sure how they fit it all in their car to drive home to Oklahoma, but somehow they managed.

I haven’t been sewing much but I have managed to finish the zig-zag quilt top for my nephew’s Christmas present. If you remember, I was making identical quilts in different colors for my niece and nephew. Now that they are both done, I’m going to get them to the long-arm quilter hopefully in the next week and then pray that I get them back and get the binding on in time for Christmas. One of these days, I’m going to tackle machine quilting. I just don’t want my first time (which I’m sure will be wrought with mistakes) to be on a gift that I’m giving to someone.

Wow, how many directions did this post go in? Hope I didn’t lose anyone back there. I’d say that I’ve finally lost it, but to tell you the truth I’m not quite sure that I ever had it in the first place! lol

Que Sera, Sera!

Birthday Surprises

Monday was my beautiful, kind, thoughtful, caring, and generally all-around wonderful Mom's birthday.  We celebrated on Sunday night with the family by going out for Mexican food and Margaritas, both of which were muy bueno.  Mom doesn't care much for cake.  In fact, if there's a cake left around her for any length of time it will become a poor, bald version of its former self because she'll eat all of the icing off and leave the cake part behind.  That being said, she requested cookies for her birthday. Not just any cookies though.  She found a recipe for red velvet cookies (which happens to be one of only two flavors of cake that she likes) and dropped about a million hints that she wanted these cookies for her birthday, and would make them herself if she had to. So I obliged and made her Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies (click on the cookie name for the recipe).  They are by no means a pretty cookie to look at, but Mom said they tasted delicious, and even our waiter at the restaurant kept hinting around for more cookies after Mom gave him one.

After dinner we came back to my house so I could give Mom her birthday present.  She had been wanting rocking chairs for her front porch and I found 2 jumbo rockers at a local Thrift store.  We decided to paint them black to match the shutters.  Mom loves them and I'm so glad she does.  They're still sitting in my dining room now after receiving the last coat of paint on Sunday.  We're letting the paint cure for a week before we attempt to move them.  I can't wait to get my dining room back to normal!

Monday on Mom's actual birthday I showed up with Birthday Cookies Part II.  I had found a recipe for cookies similar to Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies and I couldn't resist.  These were so good!  I can't seem to get the site with the recipe to open right now so I'll post that later.  Again, these weren't the prettiest cookies, but very tasty.

To finish up the birthday festivities, my sister and I took Mom out to lunch and then we went shopping for a few hours.  We ended up at an accessories store taking silly pictures of ourselves in hats. We even got a great picture of Mom with a "Birthday Girl" sash and tiara on her head, but she's too chicken to let me put it on here (lol Mom).

 My mom's birthday is the start of the birthday season in my little family. Things are just going to get crazier and busier from now until the end of the year.  I seem to remember a time when it took FOREVER for my birthday or Christmas to roll around.  Now they seem to show up pretty quickly and always leave me wanting to scream, "Wait, I need more time!!!"  I guess it doesn't help that my birthday, wedding anniversary, and Thanksgiving are within two weeks of eachother.  What was I thinking?!

Tomorrow is my Aunt Ranette's birthday.  She too is a beautiful, kind, thoughtful, caring, and generally all-around wonderful lady.  Aunt Ranette I hope you have a great birthday and wish we could be there to help you celebrate.



And Many More ...

Cupcakes and Coffee Rolls?

Hola Blogland!  Some changes at work have left me much busier there than usual this week.  These changes are most likely permanent so it looks like I'll be staying super busy, but that is great news to me.  Over these past two and a half years we've had more downs than ups it seems.  I'm hoping this is the start of better things for us.  One thing I think I've learned from this "Great Recession"  is to really be thankful for what we have and to appreciate the small stuff more.  But, enough about that.

Steven, like most men, doesn't really get into quilting.  He'll take a look at a finished top or have a fabric budget discussion every now and then, but thats about it.  Today we were talking about fabric and he starts talking about "cupcakes" and "coffee rolls", it took me a minute to figure out he was talking about pre-cuts such as layer cakes, honeybuns, and jelly rolls.  He just got the names wrong, but I thought it was kinda cute and made me laugh. A few months ago I got a quilting book by Carrie Nelson called Schnibbles Times Two.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

 I was looking at it one night and left it on the coffee table and the next day I couldn't find it any where.  After turning the house upside down I finally asked Steven if he had put it somewhere.  He told me to look in the cabinet where we keep the cookbooks and sure enough, there it was!  I asked  Steven why he put it with the cookbooks and he said Schnibbles sounds like something you eat. LOL

Today and tomorrow are being spent working on a few surprises for my Mom's birthday on Monday.  Hopefully everything comes out good and I'll have some pictures to share next week.

Until we meet again,

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Fuzzy Wuzzy lives at my house.  And he sheds constantly, as in all the time, as in on EVERYTHING.  The poor guy can't help that he's so furry.  Just look at these paws.  They kind of remind me of the the Grinch.

After not feeling so well on Saturday, on Sunday I had to spend the day cleaning and de-furring our lives. I'm always telling Steven we should buy stock in those little lint roller sheets. We use them all the time.  Another total lifesaver in the battle of the fur has been our Dyson vacuum.  We got it as a bridal shower gift from my parents and its one of my top 10 favorite things that I own.  I'm always amazed at the amount it picks up.  It keeps me sane.  This whole de-furring ritual we have going is a weekly thing, sometimes twice weekly, and always before company comes over.  It's a big job.  After I've been at it for hours and right around the time I'm ready to start locking all 3 cats in a closet and never let them out again, I see this face and I can't stay mad.

At least I got to start my week out with a nice clean house.  Today I got the chance to sew for a few hours with my Mom.  I've been needing to get a start on a quilt I'm making for my nephew for Christmas and today I finally got the ball rolling.  I started out with 111 five inch squares ...

And by the time we finished for the day I had 111 half-square triangle blocks.  Now I just have to square them up and then they'll be ready to start sewing into rows for a boy's version of the Zig-Zag quilt.

I wish I could sew all day every day.  But then I guess it wouldn't be as much fun as it is now.  Hope everyone enjoyed your weekends. 

That's all folks!