Monday, October 27, 2008

Orange Orange

Whew, where to start?... In September I was able to host an engagement luncheon for my friend's daughter, who is getting married in November. Fall colors set the mood for decorations, which were minimal, but effective. I gathered orange berries off those real prickly bushes, and holly leaves, placed them in canning jars with water. I tied vintage ribbon around the neck and placed a votive candle on the surface of the water. We lite those and set them around the house. For the menu, I made a Teriayki Chicken Salad, Breadsticks and Cupcakes. For the salad just pull out a large platter and start layering all the ingredients, serve the dressing on the side. Use tongs when dishing up, it is a great way to do salad and makes a pretty presentation. It was simple, but fun. We didn't play any silly games, (mostly because I don't care for them) but had a couple of question activities that were funny and helped us get to know the future groom better. I had a fun door prize thing too!

The quilty pumpkins here are from two different quilts by quilter extrodanaire, Karen McCarter. Aren't pumpkins so fun and festive?









I won free fabric from Quilt Taffy, and of course while giving my address to Corrie on the phone, I scanned their charm square packs and purchased a few of those goodies on the spot! Thanks Corrie and Des. You two are great!























A new season means it's time to send college girls and husbands a goodie package. I was able to sew up these two placemats and napkins and ship them off to Phoenix. It was amazing, I sent them from my post office here in Idaho at 5:10 p.m. on a Thursday~~Phoenix girl received the package before noon on Saturday!!! awesome ~ good thing too because there were homemade cookies in it! I used Sandi Henderson and Dana Fishbien fabrics. Now, before Utah college girl reads this and wonders why I didn't send her a package, I must explain the sweating bullets and anxious stomach I was experiencing while browsing the quilt store for fabrics for her ~ I just couldn't settle on anything that I thought she'd like! I need to have her pick out the fabrics, 'cause what if they didn't like their placemats!? Hopefully, when we get together next, we'll have time to haunt the quilting store.
My son found this cute little bird just hanging out on our lawn! After poking and prodding it to no avail, he took it over to the neighbors, set it down and off it flew!

Lastly~Orange Chicken

mmm the guys love it~try it if you are interested....


Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup ketchup

3 cups sugar

1/8 cup orange juice concentrate (optional)

1 t. salt

Simmer this until sugar dissolves.
Use 6-8 chicken breasts. Cut up in small pieces, about 2X3 inch.
Beat 2 eggs into a shallow dish, add a little milk.
Combine 1 1/2 cups corn starch and 3-4 t. garlic powder on a large plate.
Dip chicken into egg mixture, then into corn starch mixture. Brown in oil on both sides. Place in a 9x13 pan. Pour sauce over. Bake at 350 for almost an hour covered, then bake for 25 more minutes, uncovered. Serve over hot rice.


Orange you glad you came?...

Take Care.~~

Monday, October 13, 2008

Brown and Yellow Quilt Giveaway

This designing girl is giving away a beautiful brown and yellow quilt! I must admit I have not ever seen a quilt quite like this one! The pattern is so cool. The colors seem peaceful, but 70s at the same time:). Slip on over there to enter for the giveaway, it's this Friday! would be so fun to win! Good luck, yes I'm wishing you luck but quite insincerely, because I'm the one who really needs the most luck to win this wonderful quilt.
I've been sewing~~have lots to show someday soon... :)
Take Care.