Gifts and Crafts - Holidays 2015

Here are some projects I finished for holiday gifts. The first is a pattern from Craftsy. I've found some great buys on fabric on this site. There are free patterns and online classes you can watch at your leisure.  Shannon is a sun queen. I thought she might like this "put your feet up and enjoy the sunset" set of mug rugs. I even found a great mug on Amazon.com to go with it. 

I get most of my ideas from Pinterest. Why invent the wheel, right?  Here is an easy project I gave to my sister in law as a hostess gift: a floating candle on top real cedar and cranberries submerged in water. Tied with a simple jute string it makes a quick festive decoration. 

My mother in law loves pigs. I hate to admit it, but I've had this wall hanging kit for at least 4 years. So sad that it's taken me this long to complete it. I found a very nice star hanger on etsy. 

Just a fun project I've been wanting to try. A friend of mine made many for gifts. I might attempt a few for next year. Even though they are easy and quick, I'm sure I'll put them off until just before I need them. 

The candle/mug rug mats are a breeze to make. This one is for a patriots fan who is a special part of our family.  Here is the previous post to the star mat and the jar gripper. 

A quick and easy gift of hair wraps. These are the best. I had to make myself one and I use it all the time. 

Now this scarf is something I've been wanting to make for awhile. Shannon said she liked it so I thought why not? It did take me awhile to find the lace. I can't even remember where I purchased it online. I'm sure if I spend the time, I could figure it out. Supposedly this is a designer knock off with the original that cost over $1000. Ok, yeah right. No way I'm paying that much. I think this is just as pretty. I saw a pattern for an infinity scarf that is very similar. I might try that to use up some of the leftover lace I have. 

Below is another scarf. This one is made from a charm pack of batik, cotton fabric and flannel. It is so cozy and so easy to make.  Click here for the pattern and fabric requirements. 

The last on this page is a quick camera strap I made for Shannon while she was home for the holidays. She loves to take pictures. She saved for a long time to purchase a new camera this past fall. She picked out the fabric and now has a comfy neck strap. 

I hope all of you had a great holiday season. There will be more crafts and projects to come.

Pioneer Woman Meat Sauce - The Only One I'll Make from Now On

Every once in awhile a recipe comes along that you just have to share. This is one of those. If you love italian and you love the idea of cooking enough to freeze for another time, than this recipe is for you.

During the holidays of 2015, it was a pleasure to have our daughter Shannon come home for a visit from Charleston. I miss her so much. She loves to watch the food channels and those reality flicks. Me? I rarely watch TV unless it's a Hallmark or Lifetime movie.  Needless to say, when she was here, we came across an episode of Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. Ree made it look so easy, I knew I had to try it.

A very simple recipe to make, I love it because it make a lot!  I don't have time to make meat sauce for every italian dish we have. Another reason I like it is because it's one of those semi homemade recipes: the best of both. 

You can find the recipe at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/meat-sauce.html.  

Christmas was extra special with both my kids home. Shannon gave us this really great cutting board. She is so clever with gifts. 

Here are most of the ingredients. The meat is missing and the best thing? A whole cup of white wine. Mmmmm, mmmmmm. 

Can't you just smell the peppers, onion and garlic? Oh it is so good.

If you would like to make a meatless sauce, just omit the meat. 

                                             

                                             

This spaghetti was sooooooooooooo good. All of us were hurting after dinner. 

                                            

And the best part (well, the second best part) is there are two more containers in the freezer. :) 

Hope you have a chance to try this recipe. It fits the bill for so many  reasons!

Happy New Year.