Hello

Long time no blog:( I took an unintended break from the computer and sewing machine. Here is a coffee cozy I did with some left over fabric. Can you tell it is Elvis? I kept it basic with a simple black button. Sadly this is the only thing I've sewn all year. My top sewing goal for 2011 is to start and finish a quilt. I'd like to take a class.

If you are ever in San Diego and would like to do something inexpensive other than the beach...I would suggest Old Town. It can get very busy on the weekends so parking stink. It is a state park so most of the museums are free. San Diego's oldest school house is here. The kids always have a good time running around. The boys also like the candy shop where you can see taffy being made.

My Mom found this apron with my Grandma's things. I love the fabric. The hem needs to be retouched and the ties in the back of the apron were never finished. My Grandma and I were about the same height so it fits me just right.

New Year part 2

Finished product

Almost everyone makes new years resolutions. I can't even remember last years resolution so that just shows you what it means to me. This year I want to sew more and on a personal level really live in the moment. I think to often I think about what's to come or where I was last year.

Happy New Year!

This picture doesn't do these cupcakes justice!

So to celebrate the last day of 2010 we made cupcakes. It was my sister in laws brilliant idea. She sent me heart shaped silicon cupcake holders for Christmas. I'm pretty old school and used to using cupcake papers. I was pleasantly surprised with the silicon holders. They clean up easy. The only flaw in making cupcakes is who will eat all of them?! (me)

So my favorite cupcakes are from the Magnolia bakery in NYC. I have the Magnolia Bakery cookbook by Allysa Torey. Last night I was living on the edge and substituted the milk for almond milk. The boys didn't like the batter as much but the cupcake, once cooled, turned out very yummy.

Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes

1 1/2 cup self rising flour

1 1/4 all purpose flour

1 cup (2 sticks) butter @ room temp

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs @ room temp

1 cup milk ( I used 1 cup original almond milk!)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven 350

In small bowl sift flours together and set aside

In a large bowl cream butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. add dry ingredients alternating with milk and vanilla. don't over beat. fill up cupcake liners and bake 20-25 minutes

You can make your own frosting but I used store bought because I didn't want to wait a minute longer to eat these yummy treats!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Even More Rain...

Here are pictures of the urban river that is running through our street. The forecasters in San Diego always talk a big game when there is even a chance of clouds. So when the news started forecasting this storm I didn't really think it would be as wet as they said. This storm seems to be living up to expectations. It is pretty exciting and a nice change. Stay Classy San Diego

More rain

I love this weather! However I wish it was sunny for my sister since today is her birthday!! She is a sunny person who likes the warm weather. She really should have been a summer baby. Tonight the whole family is going to dinner and then to the Hotel Del in Coronado to see the beautiful tree.

Happy birthday to the greatest little sister!!xoxo