Way to Easy!

Clearly my hints were way to easy! I should have known that the backyard kitchen would have given it away. I think it's safe to declare Kathy our winner out of the whopping three that participated (thanks girls). Kathy, just email me to claim your prize! She guessed it right away with Paula Deen! Can you believe that? I was so excited, I even told the lady at the post office! Classy, I know. Can you blame me though...it's Paula Deen! She's incredible! I suppose I also haven't been very secretive about my Food Network passion...I can't cook very well, but I do love that channel.
I also wanted to address two questions that I've been receiving a lot of lately.
1.) Where do you buy your fabric?
I buy it everywhere! I've been lucky to have so many quilt shops in my area with high
quality fabrics, but I also love to shop online. Quilt Expressions is a great online store and Etsy is always a winner. If you know your designer just type in the name and the options are endless. I prefer Etsy over Ebay by a long shot! Etsy owners seem to take a little more pride in their shops and the care of their product. The black and white fabric that I made Paula Deen's bag out of is by Free Spirit and then I just found some reds that I loved to go with it.
2.) What's your best piece of advice for someone just getting started?
Never, never, never give up! Be patient and take care of your family...the rest will fall into place.

Play Along!

I've been a little excited these past few weeks and trying to keep my composure and not get too crazy. Recently I had the wonderful opportunity of making this glam bag for someone super fantastic! I just got word back that she received it and I'm as excited as can be! Yippee! I thought it would be fun if we played a little game to see if you can guess who might possible own this bag. I'll start with a couple of subtle hints and if no one guess I'll add more as time goes on. There may be a little prize for the lucky winner in the end so play along and tell your friends too...Also watch for us on the Make and Love It website this week!
Hints:

1.) This person has appeared on Oprah a few times!

2.) She also has a kitchen in her backyard! :)

Trick or Treat Bags

FTM (Forgot to Mention): I didn't know these little totes would be so popular! Oh my! I've received several questions as to whether or not you can buy the bags and the answer is YES! Of course you can! If you'd like one sewn up for you they are $14 each. Email me to get on the list! Hurry, though fabric may be limited.

I just love Halloween, don't you? I made these little bags for my kids and they just love them. Ruger calls it his "cat bag". The patterns will list in my Etsy store next week, but if you'd like to pre-order you can and you'll be the first to receive them! They're $5 individually or you can buy them together for $9. Just send me an email and I'll add you to my list!

My Favorite Pasta Salad.

I was treating myself to this pasta salad tonight because my husband won't be home for dinner (he likes it a little, but really he's more of a meat and potatoe kind of guy) and I thought I'd share. I lived on this all four years of college. My once BFF, now sister-in-law (being sisters rocks) gave me the recipe and I still can't get enough of it. It's even better the day after. It's great as a side dish, or if you're like me, just eat it for dinner with a diet coke!

Bow Tie Chicken Pasta

• 1 package of bow tie pasta
• 1-2 chicken breasts
• 1 jar of sundried tomatoes
• parmesean cheese
• garlic salt

Cook your pasta and chicken. Shred chicken and stir together the first three ingredients. Add cheese and garlic salt to taste. Makes a lot.

I don't fish...

But my mom does! Every year my parents go on a fishing trip to Alaska, and this year they started allowing the kids to come in clusters (lol). My mom was texting me this morning, when suddenly this photo popped up with the phrase, "Check out the fish I just landed"! She had caught this fish (while texting me) all on her own! That's my adorable brother Brett with her!

My Etsy Shop

Go check out my Etsy shop for more fun products like this one...bags and patterns!