tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88870138457123769192024-03-04T22:02:16.704-08:00Babies, Cupcakes and QuiltsMy crazy busy life as a mother and a birth attendant.Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-12277791374422582552013-05-25T12:37:00.001-07:002013-05-25T12:37:33.323-07:00My secret (now not so secret) love affair with Rae The blog<span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Made by Rae</span></a></span> is written by a very cool lady named... you guessed it! Rae! I'm saying she's very cool, not because I actually know her or have met her, but because she makes awesome things, has adorable kids (like me), and is super duper creative. Her blog was one of the very first I started following when I began sewing a few years ago. Her <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/patterns/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">patterns</span></a> are some of my favorites. They are easy to follow, have clear instructions, and come out pretty perfectly every time. If you have been sewing for years or are just beginning, I would highly recommend using her patterns. Like I said.... I think I'm in love!<br />
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Here is my tribute to Rae and her awesomeness....<br />
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The very first dress I ever made for a grown up was the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/washi/" target="_blank">Washi Dress</a>. It was surprisingly easy to put together and since it has shirring in the back, it didn't require any zippers or buttonholes. Hurray!<br />
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I liked it so much that I made one for my sister for Christmas! This sure is one comfy dress! And, I get so many compliments on it....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOIYPQ-cNSv7I2-fZ9Jr1kWctBm0jLOm9jl8Lbr1urYpxmUl1g0hzVW4B8Y6Cdykw1yeJYbcQ07OuHmaiQfqMzIHG1fy08D98Jj6U9Ct-yHWpgHqLGy0chcB5FaC1PFd3I3BgQ6ityITR/s1600/IMG_4184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR0lffyIcszxDSUcLK0FvZzry7pKKfQxzLL7s8BDdwUBj-P5SK_AitE4pFQGFwW-wMW-0xPJ5eo5fCr50v8wBaig2_Y4hlQDgfiAzff-ODHMQY7uL1gaa39hDjsyBPC2IX_L_XJbJg9Qk/s1600/IMG_4185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR0lffyIcszxDSUcLK0FvZzry7pKKfQxzLL7s8BDdwUBj-P5SK_AitE4pFQGFwW-wMW-0xPJ5eo5fCr50v8wBaig2_Y4hlQDgfiAzff-ODHMQY7uL1gaa39hDjsyBPC2IX_L_XJbJg9Qk/s400/IMG_4185.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Then I decided to make a Washi tunic. Awesome! I got this fabric at my favorite fabric store <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/" target="_blank">SuperBuzzy</a>!<br />
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I have to admit that I didn't follow Rae's suggestion when I decided to make this a sleeveless shirt so the shoulder part is a bit too wide. Lesson learned!<br />
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You can spend hours on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/washidress/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Washi flickr pool</span></a> getting inspired by all of the amazing dresses and tops that people have made.<br />
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One thing was missing from this pattern in my mind... The kids size version.<br />
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Rae read my mind and made me....<br />
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<a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/12/geranium-dress-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">The Geranium Dress</span></a>!!!!!<br />
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Wasn't that so nice of her?<br />
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So, I made one for Bronwyn...<br />
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I used Heather Ross's new linen from her Nursery Versery Line... I absolutely love this print! I will save the story of my love affair with her for another time....<br />
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I love love love the three buttons on the back. This dress was my first attempt at making buttonholes on my Janome. My old machine did not have buttonhole making capabilities. I am not sure what I had been afraid of... it was pretty darn easy!<br />
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Then I made my favorite twins some matchy-matchy Geranium Dresses.<br />
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And then I made one for Kajsa for her first birthday! Who can resist making a strawberry Geranium Dress for such an adorable, sweet girl?!<br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/geraniumdress/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Geranium Dress flickr pool</span></a> too. So so cute!!!<br />
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Dresses are fun! One of these days I will show off some of my other projects that I have made from Rae's patterns.... Show Off Bags, Parsley Pants and more, oh my!!!!<br />
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I don't want to overwhelm you all in one day!<br />
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xo<br />
Alissa<br />
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Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-53958858114876850162012-09-14T23:08:00.000-07:002012-09-14T23:09:19.996-07:00It's been a while... Sometimes it feels like I have way too much to do. The house is never clean enough. The piles of cut quilts, tops, and bags taunt me from my cutting table. Babies just keep on being born. I often wonder what it would be like if I didn't feel the need to have my hand in everything. Would I have a clean house? Would dinner be on the table at 6 every night? Would I actually be home for bedtime? Would my life be simpler?<br />
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I'm sure it would....<br />
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But, my life is full and I am blessed. I have the most fulfilling of jobs between being a mother and helping growing families, I always feel useful, needed and loved.<br />
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So, I've been busy and happy! Here are some things I've been doing and making this summer...<br />
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A sweet elephant-themed baby shower cake</div>
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A new Show Off Bag for my sister... get the pattern <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2011/09/showoff-bag-pdf-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">here</a>...</div>
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A baby kimono for sweet miss Rowdy</div>
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July 20th Miss Bronwyn (aka Rowdy) arrived and I had the pleasure of witnessing her amazing birth at the <a href="http://www.sbbirthcenter.org/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara Birth Center</a> where I work as a birth assistant.</div>
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A baptism cake for Serena and Olivia</div>
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A Mexican-themed bridal shower cake made with Margarita cake :)</div>
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Madelyne needed a new ballet bag to go with her new yellow leotard color for this year.</div>
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Yeah, I've been busy. And there is so much more that I can't wait to share. I hope that I will have more time to write down what I have been up too.... </div>
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xoxo<br />
AlissaAlissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-71274410280857368472012-06-12T21:23:00.000-07:002012-06-12T21:24:10.252-07:00A Carousel CakeI love to make fondant cakes!<br />
Some people say, "Alissa, you need to do this for a living!" I say, "Hell no!"<br />
Decorating cakes is so rewarding and so fun and soooo stressful! I think I would be a nervous wreck if I did this more than a few times a year. You all get to see the cute pictures at the end but, what you don't see is the crazed, powdered sugar-covered maniac cursing at a ripped piece of fondant at 2 in the morning. It's not pretty... ask my husband. That being said, I am getting better and better and more and more efficient. I am not sure if more episodes of <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/cake-boss" target="_blank">Cake Boss</a> would help me or hurt me at this point. Up until now, it would just make me frustrated that I was incapable of making such perfect, magnificent cakes. I think I have finally come to realize that people aren't paying me thousands of dollars to make these cakes. A couple of cracks in my fondant will be ok. I'll keep telling myself that.... and you, you enjoy these pictures of my newest cake. I made it for a sweet girl who is turning 3 tomorrow :)<br />
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xo Alissa<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor's 3rd birthday carousel cake</td></tr>
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I used a kit from Michael's which contained the plastic pieces (the top, the horses and the supports). I made a two layer 12-in. round cake with a fantastic <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/09/the-best-chocolate-cake.html" target="_blank">chocolate cake recipe</a> (it took two batches) and covered them with <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/718" target="_blank">marshmallow fondant</a>. I would never cover a cake with anything else! It is not what you eat at a wedding, you know, the kind that you peel off your cake before you eat it? This stuff is delicious and pretty easy to make. You should try it! Let me know if you need help :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD_pEsmP0FrP9DTl3vnSMAC75Down8CZRgsNBm190ATPDhMtPgyVK7UNO4EN5s9RaSKQePrsEDhL9jcKbEJehx2f00czzxhdcFEYqSb9vuisxtPhH3-1iRFXjsFvMFBxh6ItwKtpdSqKB/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD_pEsmP0FrP9DTl3vnSMAC75Down8CZRgsNBm190ATPDhMtPgyVK7UNO4EN5s9RaSKQePrsEDhL9jcKbEJehx2f00czzxhdcFEYqSb9vuisxtPhH3-1iRFXjsFvMFBxh6ItwKtpdSqKB/s320/Image+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Taylor!<br />
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</tbody></table>Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-89682332525093615232012-06-07T23:13:00.000-07:002012-06-07T23:17:06.985-07:00My perfect dessert: Mini Blackberry Syrah CupcakesThose who know me know that I love wine! And, I obviously love cupcakes! I had been hearing about a place in Los Olivos called <a href="http://enjoycupcakes.com/" target="_blank">Enjoy Cupcakes</a> that sells wine cupcakes and I was intrigued! It is such an obvious collaboration. I had heard that the blackberry syrah was their signature flavor so I tried one of those first... hooked! I don't need to ever have any other cupcake again... ever. It was a delicious chocolate cake infused with syrah with a blackberry frosting, on top of which is a wine-soaked, sugar coated blackberry. It was HEAVEN! I am fairly certain that these cupcakes were the inspiration for my <a href="http://babiescupcakesquilts.blogspot.com/2012/06/wine-and-cupcake-fundraiser.html" target="_blank">wine and cupcake party</a>.<br />
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So, without further ado, here it is! Make some of these for yourself! You deserve it!</div>
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<u>Mini Blackberry Syrah Cupcakes</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVbfU76qGenSucxNKE0MxblWbksnIBWBTbe2rCukHjLVoRymwd2nyvE42Mcm33Lk04HLr3yUxQY6haBfWdQ20c25r4q2fxsGqFORG9qrCJv9EhQgR1C-lLmRtgKIJsUcFcC3oBatGZW7K/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVbfU76qGenSucxNKE0MxblWbksnIBWBTbe2rCukHjLVoRymwd2nyvE42Mcm33Lk04HLr3yUxQY6haBfWdQ20c25r4q2fxsGqFORG9qrCJv9EhQgR1C-lLmRtgKIJsUcFcC3oBatGZW7K/s320/Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Chocolate Syrah Cupcakes:</div>
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(adapted from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/" target="_blank">Epicurious</a>)</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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3/4 cup dutch process cocoa</div>
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1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature</div>
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1 3/4 cup sugar</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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1 1/4 cups of your favorite syrah (don't skimp... the good stuff)</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350. Place mini cupcake liners into mini muffin pans. </div>
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Place the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and mix with a whisk (trust me, it is better than sifting!)</div>
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Cream the butter in an electric mixer until well beaten. Add the sugar and continue beating for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time. Add a third of the flour mixture and mix until combined scraping the sides when necessary. Add half of the wine and alternate adding flour mixture and wine, adding flour last. Fill liners 2/3 full with batter. </div>
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Bake for 15-25 minutes until set. Let cool for 10 minutes and remove to a wire cooling rack until completely cool. </div>
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Makes 48 mini cupcakes.</div>
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The Blackberry Frosting:</div>
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(adapted from <a href="http://www.singerskitchen.com/2011/09/fresh-blackberry-cake-with-blackberry.html" target="_blank">An Opera Singer in the Kitchen</a>)</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature</div>
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1/2 cup fresh blackberry puree*</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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1 Tablespoon orange zest (I used tangerine)</div>
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1/8 teaspoon salt</div>
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5 cups of powdered sugar</div>
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Beat butter in stand mixer until smooth. Add blackberry puree, vanilla, zest and salt. Mix until blended. It will look curdled. That's ok! Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. </div>
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Place frosting into a pastry bag with whichever tip you would like to use to decorate. I used a 1M tip. I do have to say that I skimped on the powdered sugar and paid for it! Can you see how the frosting isn't really holding up to the decorating? Classic mistake! Don't make it! Add more sugar if you have to. </div>
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*Blackberry Puree</div>
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1 cup blackberries</div>
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1/4 cup whole milk</div>
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Blend berries and milk in a high powered blender (I use my Vitamix! Love it!) until smooth. </div>
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To Decorate (Syrah soaked blackberries):</div>
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Take enough blackberries to place one on each cupcake. I cut mine in half because the berries were huge! Place the berries in a bowl and pour enough syrah in just to cover the berries (the same stuff you used for the cake). Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Drain and roll in granulated sugar. Place one on top of each cupcake. </div>
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xoxo Alissa</div>Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-69193829937256813942012-06-03T22:45:00.000-07:002012-06-03T22:54:24.722-07:00A Wine and Cupcake FundraiserI adore our preschool! It is a co-op so I work there one day a week and take a class there every Wednesday night. It is a lot of work, but I like to get my teaching fix, see what the kids are doing, and make connections with other parents who are in the same boat. Every year we have an auction to raise money for our school and this year we decided to do an adult party book. I quickly offered up our patio and my culinary (uh hum) skills and added a "Sunset Wine and Cupcakes Party." Right up my alley, right?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tOPlg7q2oQFlopmTwVEBiNvNfECs5so-KYJIxwX_ECN3EjSXasbqq4lNA_J5ulwEexu_mLPlsiKEDWQ8ItV5EScrQZZb-RBYHx79468Y0s1hsxk1GWZ2fWllBj3QK3yYSZxdkCTrHE0S/s1600/IMG_9204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tOPlg7q2oQFlopmTwVEBiNvNfECs5so-KYJIxwX_ECN3EjSXasbqq4lNA_J5ulwEexu_mLPlsiKEDWQ8ItV5EScrQZZb-RBYHx79468Y0s1hsxk1GWZ2fWllBj3QK3yYSZxdkCTrHE0S/s200/IMG_9204.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our patio, unfortunately it wasn't this spectacular for the party...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, for the menu... I knew that I wanted to make mini cupcakes, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at least three kinds.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I aim to please :) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mocha cupcakes with espresso frosting and margarita cupcakes are two of my favorites so I knew I would be making those. Then I thought about this great cupcake place up in Los Olivos called </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://enjoycupcakes.com/" target="_blank">Enjoy Cupcakes</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. They have wine infused cupcakes in all flavors that pair perfectly with our mediterranean climate varietals that you find in our wine country. My very favorite is their blackberry syrah cupcakes. YUM-O! But I couldn't find a recipe anywhere! What's a girl to do? Research... I guess... </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I found a blackberry frosting recipe on one blog, a chocolate merlot cake on another site and made a few changes. Voila! </span></span><br />
Our party was on Saturday so I spent the past few months shopping around for wine to find a good deal on some nicer bottles. It was a big group so I knew I would need at least 2 cases. Being as I cannot stand running out of anything at a party, I bought 3 :) Thank goodness for Costco and BevMo's 5 cent wine sale! We ended up getting some pretty nice bottles for around $5 each. I baked all of the cupcakes on Thursday, made the frosting on Friday and frosted and decorated the cupcakes on Saturday afternoon. It worked out perfectly and was pretty stress-free (which is not normal when it comes to party prep for me)! It pays to do advanced preparation. I should do it more often!<br />
The party was a huge success! Lots of laughter, lots of compliments and lots of wine...<br />
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More to come... including recipes!!!!!!!</div>
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<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-26956945743420458772012-05-14T22:56:00.000-07:002012-05-14T22:56:51.688-07:00Thoughts on a VBAC This last week I attended my first VBAC. It stands for Vaginal Birth after Cesarean. Unfortunately, many people don't know what they are because many hospitals won't let them happen, including the hospital here. About a month ago I received an email from a past client of mine. I will never forget her birth. It ended in a c-section which she was so determined to avoid. It happens though... c-sections, for many reasons. But, things look differently when you have a 2 year old at home. She was even more determined to have a vaginal birth this time around so that she could spend a day or two at the hospital versus three to five days. She emailed to tell me that she was going to attempt a VBAC at a hospital about an hour away and she would like my help. I was honored, and afraid. I had never been at a VBAC before. I believe in them. I think that women should be able to choose how to give birth and that they should be educated about their choices.<br />
The call came. Labor had begun and mama was working hard. When we arrived at the hospital she was dilated to 2 cm. She had been in labor for over 24 hours and she was exhausted. She opted for an epidural. Within 3 hours she was at 7 cm. In the next hour she was at 8 and by the time the doctor arrived shortly thereafter, she was ready to push! She had never made it to this point with her daughter. She had never made it past 8. We were all so excited! Exhausted but excited!<br />
Having never been at a birth like this, I had fears that I couldn't shake. What if she doesn't get the chance to have the birth that she wants? Will I be able to support her? Will I have what it takes to help her through it? Was the doctor going to start calling for interventions that weren't necessary? Would I have to fight for her?<br />
After about 2 hours of pushing I started to get nervous. I held on to my hope and faith as much as I could. I needed to be positive. I needed to be strong. It is a difficult place to be. My job requires me to be the rock, a pillar. I took a break and took some deep breaths. On my walk down the hall I saw this wall-hanging quilt. I just looked at it for a minute. It is true that a quilt would catch my attention more so than a painting. I am a quilter. It was colorful and beautiful. It rejuvenated me and it filled me with hope.<br />
I walked back in and after another one and a half hours of pushing, she delivered a healthy baby boy. It was amazing as it always is, but it seemed even sweeter this time... a triumph.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN1RGdKOa9az6AMIdUho9wVhRU14QuY4nBiWGvz3WU4HCv2qIRYv42E-DTzPH3K2mskj1UGH3_BHoqJgHbYYtdej3QslXbYnybdsL-Pb__EiNOO5NeXvRh1YJx_ZCercz6Hvb57ymjbuq/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN1RGdKOa9az6AMIdUho9wVhRU14QuY4nBiWGvz3WU4HCv2qIRYv42E-DTzPH3K2mskj1UGH3_BHoqJgHbYYtdej3QslXbYnybdsL-Pb__EiNOO5NeXvRh1YJx_ZCercz6Hvb57ymjbuq/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, CA</td></tr>
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<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-64084009613233093802012-04-28T06:59:00.000-07:002012-04-28T06:59:01.726-07:00Birth BreakIt has been over a month since my last birth... too long.<br />
Right when I was starting to feel overwhelmed with my appointments and hours away from my own children, the doldrums hit. I have two friends who are going to be giving birth any day now and I have been finding myself staring at their baby bellies with anticipation.<br />
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Was I just drooling?<br />
Ok, I admit it... I am addicted to birth. I'm a birth junkie! Can't get enough! Seeing a baby and a new family being born is such a special gift that I am given at every birth I attend. I really love to give of myself to people, especially new parents. Selfishly though, there is a high that you get from being there. No matter how exhausted you are after hours or days of labor, you feel peaceful, joyous and energized when that baby arrives. It's almost like giving birth yourself, you forget the pain, agony, exhaustion and challenges and only see that sweet baby and those happy parents. It's pretty awesome.<br />
So, let's have some babies people!<br />
I'm jones-ing!<br />
<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-58439631907051098372012-02-14T15:10:00.001-08:002012-02-14T15:10:20.945-08:00An Ode to the Things I LoveI am pretty lucky to have an amazing husband that loves and supports me, children that I absolutely adore and a pretty amazing job. I'm definitely feeling the love today! I also feel blessed to have family and friends that always make me feel special. I'm one lucky lady! I hope you are feeling loved today too! <br />Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a birth at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbbirthcenter.org/">Santa Barbara Birth Center</a>. I think the most rewarding part of being a birth attendant is the joy of seeing a new family cuddled in bed together, sharing a moment that will always, always be remembered in their hearts. It is such a special moment that will never happen again, not in the same way, and I am there. Witnessing. Filled with joy and hope. Blessed. Honored. They smile up at me with gratitude for my love, energy, and knowledge that have helped them to make their experience a better one. As they say "Thank you," I want to say, "No, thank you. I am a better person for having been able to share my love with you." What a job to have, that I get to experience new life and new love so often. I am always reminded of my own first day as a family with Bill and with each of the kids as they joined us. So blessed. <br /><br />I am so lucky. <br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/14/2970.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/14/s_2970.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Photo courtesy of Darcy Roberts Photographer<br /><br />~Alissa<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-83867847272451177852012-01-20T20:18:00.001-08:002012-01-20T20:18:52.887-08:00Birthday BreakfastMy little guy turned 4 this month. I both can't believe he is four and can't believe he is only just now turning four, all at the same time. How does this happen so quickly?! I swear I can still feel the contractions like it was yesterday! But, on the other hand, he is old and familiar, like he's always been here with me. <br />There aren't any real birthday traditions in my or my husband's family so I decided to start a birthday breakfast tradition prompted by a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/188588303115674538/">pin</a> that I found on Pinterest... Cake Batter Pancakes! Yes! Now these pancakes aren't a regular part of our otherwise very healthy breakfast options, but you only get one birthday a year! <br />My little guy decided to use his Spider-Man sprinkles that he got from his Grammy for Christmas to make these pancakes extra special. Now my daughter can't wait to personalize her own birthday pancakes when the time comes! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/20/2889.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/20/s_2889.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cake Batter Pancakes<br />Adapted from <a target="_blank" href="http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/2011/06/cake-batter-pancakes.html">Chef-in-Training</a> <br /><br />1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />2/3 cup yellow cake mix<br />1 tablespoon sugar<br />3/4 teaspoon baking powder<br />pinch of salt<br />2 eggs<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1-2 cups milk<br />2-3 Tbsp assorted sprinkles<br /> <br />Combine flour, cake mix, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Add 1 cup of milk, egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. You want the batter to look like regular pancake batter; not too thin, not too thick. This will vary greatly on the brand of cake mix you use. Start with 1 cup of milk and add more if needed. (I needed more milk to get it to the right consistency.)<br /><br />Preheat a skillet on medium heat (or an electric grilled and turn it to 250 degrees). Fold desired amount of sprinkles into batter. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute. <br />Serve with vanilla glaze or whipped cream with extra sprinkles on top :)<br /><br />Vanilla Glaze<br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />1/2 tablespoon milk<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. You may need to add a little more sugar or milk to reach desired consistency. (Again, I needed to add more milk.) Mix into glaze and drizzle on pancakes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/20/2890.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/20/s_2890.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />~Alissa<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-50486023493245833322012-01-13T19:58:00.001-08:002012-01-13T19:58:11.616-08:00So, here it is, mid-January and I am finally getting around to my first blog post of the year. In my defense, I generally use my iPhone or my iPad to post on my blog and the app I was using kept crashing. As a matter of fact, I had written up and saved a very awesome kids' snack post that got deleted, pictures and all. I promise I will rewrite the recipes and repost it soon... Lesson learned!<br />Anyhow, to the matter at hand. Goals for 2012! I have a few, which I will list here, and I will hope that you will continue to be my friend and follow my blog after you read them. Not that they are bad, just kinda crazy. So, here goes...<br /><br />#1: Get in shape. <br />Cliche, I know, but hear me out. I just want to be able to exercise for more than 10 minutes without being winded. Not so much to ask, right?<br /><br />#2: Do less stuff. <br />I'm tired of being too busy for the random, last minute play date or coffee date with a friend. I am tired of going to meetings 2-3 nights a week when I should be home putting my kids to bed while they still let me. <br /><br />#3: Be in the moment.<br />I spend way too much time worrying about what might happen or what has happened to enjoy what is happening in the present. That's where it counts. Right now. Right here. I often find myself at a birth, worrying about what the kids are being fed for dinner or if they were picked up on time from a friend's house. I should be soaking in that moment, my experience, and just BE with that momma and that baby. Learn and grow from the lesson that moment gives. I need to work on letting go of the things I cannot change (which may be a whole other goal in itself).<br /><br />#4: Learn how to take a better picture. <br />I have a nice camera and I have no idea how to use it. Besides, you guys don't want to keep seeing Hipstamatic pictures on my blog do you?<br /><br />#5: Blog more.<br />This one may seem silly but I really do enjoy sharing my life with others. My life is kind of like a boring reality TV show. Working at the preschool or baking big ol' cakes by day and helping laboring mothers by night, all while raising my own two kids and trying to stay sane in the process. (Maybe I should re-evaluate #1. I don't have time to exercise! Silly me!)<br /><br />#6: Date nights. <br />More please! Of course, this includes broadening our babysitter base which is ridiculously lacking. <br /><br />#7: Sew more. <br />Me time? Wishful thinking...<br /><br />I'm sure there are more and the list will grow as the year moves on. So, I will post this bad boy on the fridge next to the cute pictures and drawings where it will be sure to be forgotten and hope that, when I do come across it later, some of my goals will have been achieved. <br /><br />What are your goals this year? Or do you prefer to use the word resolutions? I'm not a fan. Resolutions seem to be quickly made and quickly forgotten. Goals are something to strive for all year long. I'm trying goals this year. I'll let you know if that works out...<br /><br />Let's do this!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/13/2833.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/13/s_2833.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />~Alissa<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Not%20so%20New%20Year's%20Goals%20%7Bnot%20resolutions%7D&z=10'>Not so New Year's Goals {not resolutions}</a></p>Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-52022059735362204852011-10-26T22:23:00.001-07:002011-10-26T22:23:20.126-07:00A Ballet Bag for my Sweet GirlI have been wanting to make a ballet bag for Madelyne for over a year now. I mean, seriously... this adorable girl deserves a cute, hand-made ballet bag! <br /><br /> Bend-the-Rules Sewing by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amykarol.com/">Amy Karol</a> was the second sewing book I ever bought. It's a pretty fun book with a lot of ideas and great information for beginning sewers like myself. The "Pleated Beauty Handbag" has always been one of my favorites in the book. I would dream up what it would look like in different fabrics. THIS was the perfect bag! It seemed a little advanced for me (pleats, really?) but I just had to make it!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/26/4034.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/26/s_4034.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A fuzzy view of my cut pile... It looked like this for a long time :)<br /><br />Amy Karol does some embroidery on the front of her bag, but my little girl needed an "M." The "M" was finished months ago. Once I started the project in earnest, it actually came together much faster than I thought it would. <br /><br />All in all, I'm pleased with the bag. There aren't any puckers and even my hand sewing isn't too shabby. It was a challenge for me, though. There are a lot of steps and I had to read the instructions a hundred times. Apparently I have a lot to learn about sewing jargon!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/26/4035.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/26/s_4035.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(I promise to work on my photography. I know it's BAD!) <br /><br />There are a lot of steps to this bag. I hope that the next one is easier. I'm sure it will be. Practice definitely pays off when it comes to sewing. If only there were one more hour in every day that I could dedicate to sewing... Or maybe two. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/26/4037.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/26/s_4037.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The finished product!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/26/4038.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/26/s_4038.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Headed to ballet! <br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-18981139577061006352011-10-06T19:01:00.001-07:002011-10-06T19:01:58.924-07:00What's for dinner? A Chicken, Chard and Lemon Lasagna!Ever since my knee surgery six weeks ago my desire to stand in the kitchen and cook has greatly diminished. Honestly, it's easy to get used to having someone else make dinner! This week the weather turned semi-Fallish and I have had a sudden inspiration to cook again. Thank goodness!!! Last night was a delicious potato leek soup (at least I heard it was delicious... I was at a birth). Tonight I pulled up my sleeves to try something new: Martha Stewart's Sausage, Chard and Lemon Lasagna. We received some beautiful Rainbow chard in our CSA box this week and we have an amazing Meyer lemon tree potted on our patio. I happened to have some chicken so I decided to use that instead of the sausage. I am certain the sausage would be amazing in this though. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/06/3854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/06/s_3854.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Chicken, Card and Lemon Lasagna<br />Adapted from Martha Stewart Living, March 2011<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 tablespoons butter<br />1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />3 cups milk (I used 2%)<br />1 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />Course salt and freshly ground pepper<br />Zest of one lemon<br />5 cups coarsely chopped Swiss chard (I used Rainbow chard)<br />1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil<br />1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders<br />1 lemon, very thinly sliced (a mandolin would have been nice!)<br />6 no-boil lasagna noodles<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/06/3855.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/06/s_3855.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Directions:<br /><br />1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.<br /><br />2. Melt butter in a large sauce pan over high heat. Stir in flour and cook for two minutes. Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and continue to stir. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of cheese, lemon zest, salt and pepper (to taste). Stir in chard. <br /><br />3. Heat another skillet on high heat and add EVOO. Place chicken in skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes on each side until chicken is just cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and chop into small pieces. Set aside. <br /><br />4. Place sliced lemons in a sauté pan and cover with three inches of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove lemon slices from pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate. <br /><br />5. Cover the bottom of a glass or ceramic 8x8 inch pan with 1/2 cup of sauce. Place 2 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce and top with half of the chicken and 1 cup of the sauce. Repeat. Top with a layer of lemons, 2 noodles, then remaining sauce and lemons. Bake, covered for 30 minutes. <br /><br />6. Remove from oven. Turn on broiler. Uncover lasagna and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheese. Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until bubbly. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/06/3856.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/06/s_3856.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Enjoy! It's delish!<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-62663217211741235482011-10-04T17:28:00.001-07:002011-10-04T17:28:46.213-07:00A great gift: The Infinity ScarfA very special person is celebrating her birthday tomorrow! So, I made her a present! My friend, Sora, wanted one thing for her birthday... an infinity scarf. That had to be pretty easy to make, right? Right! <br />My first lesson was in material. We live in Santa Barbara so a heavy scarf usually isn't needed here. I did a little research and it seemed that voile would be the perfect weight. It is a super-light cotton that feels silky to the touch. There are tons of prints to choose from. Thank goodness my sewing goddess, Raven, keeps quite a stash at her house! I picked out a chocolate brown and a light blue floral pattern to create a two-sided scarf. <br />My machine was giving me a hard time... Who knew that re-threading your machine could fix it? (Raven to the rescue, again!) So the project got to a slow start. This scarf really only took about a half an hour to machine sew and then another half an hour (due to my utter lack of skill) to hand sew. Once I work on my hand sewing skills I think this will be a pretty quick and easy project. Perfect for a birthday or Christmas present. <br />I followed two tutorials to complete this project. The measurements I took from <a target="_blank" href="http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2011/05/lightweight-spring-infinity-scarf.html">The Cottage Home</a> and the closing instructions from Anna Maria Horner's <a target="_blank" href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2010/12/figuring-8.html">Make page</a>. <br />Try it! It's easy and fun!!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/04/3420.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/04/s_3420.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The finished product!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/04/3421.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/04/s_3421.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My little model trying it out for me :)<br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-37025610023159245792011-08-20T08:47:00.001-07:002011-08-20T08:47:03.834-07:00The quilt, an ACL and a kitty catThe quilt is finished! And just in time too! I was planning on hitting the road down to San Diego for the baby shower at 10:00 and there I was, at 10:30, putting it in the washer. With the turn of the knob and a prayer, my latest piece was given up to the universe in hopes that it would still be in one piece! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/20/1770.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/20/s_1770.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Usually I wouldn't be worried, but the pieces I've made before had been all pre-washed. After consulting my quilt goddess, Raven, I learned that I didn't have to pre-wash my batting! What?! I don't?! Boy, that was a pain last time! I tied it up in a pillow case and washed it on delicate. Did you know that I dislike anything that needs to be washed in a special way? I do. So, I jumped for joy when I realized my quilting life had now changed forever! The catch? Well, there isn't one if you don't mind some bunching between your stitching after your quilt is washed. Personally I like that look, but it still didn't make me feel any better when I put that quilt in the washing machine. <br />I am very pleased with how the quilt came out with the exception of the binding. Binding is my nemesis! First of all, I made the binding yesterday, the day I was supposed to leave. I made a 2 inch binding (note to self: that is NOT enough for a quilt! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/20/1771.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/20/s_1771.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It also didn't help that this guy attacked my leg and the binding the whole time I was sewing.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/20/1772.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/20/s_1772.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(He looks sweet here, but he's really a rascal!)<br /><br />I have only binded one other quilt on my own and that was with help on the more challenging parts (the corners and tails on the ends). I attempted to follow the steps <a target="_blank" href="http://quilting.about.com/od/bindingaquilt/ss/mitered_binding.htm">here</a> but, in my altered state of mind, I couldn't wrap my head around the directions for finishing the ends. So, I made it up and it looks terrible! I don't recommend it. Next time I'm calling in the goddess! I learn better that way anyhow! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/20/1773.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/20/s_1773.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now, on to the altered state of mind I just mentioned... Last Saturday, I participated in an alcohol enhanced game of trampoline dodgeball and tore my ACL in my left knee. At least it's not my sewing or driving knee, right?! I'm chit toy on pain meds and scheduled for surgery on Monday. Besides, as my mother always says, "It will feel better when it stops hurting!" <br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-38713794466687872932011-08-08T22:42:00.001-07:002011-08-08T22:42:30.913-07:00Fiesta cupcakes!Here in good ol' SB we just finished a weekend of parades, parties, rodeo, confetti and margaritas. Viva la Fiesta!!! Needless to say, it was busy and super FUN! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/08/5839.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/08/s_5839.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In honor of the weekend I searched for the perfect cupcakes to make for a BBQ we had on Sunday. Nothing else would do once I found this recipe from one of my favorite baking blogs, <a target="_blank" href="www.browneyedbaker.com">Brown Eyed Baker</a>. Margarita cupcakes! Are you kidding me!? These things looked amazing! Who doesn't like a tequila and lime cupcake with the frosting to match, sprinkled with salt and topped with a wedge of lime? Sold. Not only were my taste buds rewarded greatly, so was my ego... I got so many compliments. So, may I suggest, have a party, have a BBQ, or just make these for fun! You will not be sorry! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/08/5841.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/08/s_5841.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Although I am not quite ready to adapt my own recipes and add them to my blog (don't you see how long it took me to post this one?!), I will someday. For now, here's the link to these amazing <a target="_blank" href="www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/05/05margarita-cupcakes-cinco-de-mayo/">Margarita Cupcakes</a>! <br /><br />Enjoy! <br />Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-61168307583396688322011-07-30T10:24:00.000-07:002011-07-30T10:24:01.063-07:00The strip quilt project: For a new, and very special, babyTo prove that there will not be a bunch of whiney posts here, I got straight to my quilt after logging off and decided to share what I'm up to...<br />
This is a strip quilt that I got the idea for from <a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/2011/03/quilt-as-you-go-strip-quilt-tutorial/">this great site</a>. I am making it for my friend Sasha's soon-to-arrive baby girl. I honestly can say that working on this is just as satisfying as working out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1WONkGvFFt2FN4hGl78CWH9gznju4LIxZGDpwrKEwNaOscPSu3v3rKwjpjKxj5aKHdj4Hii-rzbFAXZdsigL_bJhpNMW8AEkfgFzlq7Wmi20e0_7jRZnspSat7R2fsHaCB0MbxidP4Xu/s1600/My+HipstaPrint+0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1WONkGvFFt2FN4hGl78CWH9gznju4LIxZGDpwrKEwNaOscPSu3v3rKwjpjKxj5aKHdj4Hii-rzbFAXZdsigL_bJhpNMW8AEkfgFzlq7Wmi20e0_7jRZnspSat7R2fsHaCB0MbxidP4Xu/s320/My+HipstaPrint+0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887013845712376919.post-21374160208725248402011-07-30T09:38:00.000-07:002011-07-30T09:38:41.468-07:00It begins with a rant... sort of...I don't mean to complain... those of you who know me, know that I can whine every now and then, though. I decided to start this blog yesterday, mostly to get in some writing, but also to share about the cool, groovy things I get to do in my everyday life. I want it to be inspiring, enlightening, bold! But, I can't help but start with a complaint that I have today, right this minute.<br />
I do not have a lot of spare time, and by spare time I mean time to myself. My two kiddos, births, preschool, board positions, and general stay-at-home craziness keep my occupied for at least 16 hours a day. So, this morning when Bill, my amazing husband (no, he really is), took the kids for a walk to the beach, I quickly threw on my bathing suit and jetted down to our pool. <b>I finally get to swim</b>!!!!!!!! Working out has been a goal that seems very much out of my reach lately. When you spend all day taking care of the kids or rubbing a birthing woman's back, you get pretty tired.<br />
Ok, now I'm rambling...<br />
Anyways, I get to the pool and it is CLOSED!!!! They are having a swim meet until 12:30! I can't swim at 12:30! That's lunch time and nap time and I have to visit a client at the hospital today! So, instead I start my blog. I promise from here out to try to be less whiney and more inspirational!<br />
Pinky swear.Alissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912895787299781109noreply@blogger.com2