Paradise

Yes, that's where I was last week, in paradise! (I wasn't sure if I should tell.)

My husband surprised me with a trip to Hawaii to celebrate. Celebrate what? Well, Valentines Day, his birthday, 30 years of Marriage, and the fact that we are now empty nesters. Any excuse will do when you want to get away to somewhere warm. (We live in Idaho - need I say more?)

I spent every minute I could on the warm sunny beach, with the moist ocean breezes blowing, listening to the swaying palm trees and crashing waves, eating yummy sea food. It was so relaxing and beautiful!

Even with Quilt Market only 28 days away and sooo much sewing left to do... (there are going to be lots of late nights)... it was totally worth it.

I am so glad I didn't miss that week in paradise!

Aloha,

Bonnie

Taking a little break

With all the craziness in my schedule, last night was a welcome break. My daughter-in-law Breanna asked me several weeks ago if there was a time we could get together and spend some time sewing. It just happened to be the night of the BIG basketball game and the boys had plans, so it was the perfect night to sew.

When Breanna got engaged to our son Ryan, someone asked her if she knew how to sew. Evidently, this person thought it was a pre-requisite to joining our family. It's really not, but Breanna wanted to learn a little more about quilting. We had a lot of fun making this table topper, this was her first official quilt.

We didn't quite finish, it still needs the borders and to be quilted, but we are saving that for another fun quilting day. Great job Breanna, you are a natural. Cecily, care to join us next time?

Back to work,

Bonnie

PS There was a loud shout for joy from the boys at the end of the game!

Crazy

It's that time of year...

You know...

When there is no sleeping, either because I am up working, or laying there thinking of all there is to do...

or because there are so many ideas spinning around in my head...

new patterns to create...

a booth to design...

eeekkk... Quilt Market is just around the corner!

Not to mention I just finished the Fresh and Fancy Table Runners July through December. What do you think?

better get back to my craziness,

Bonnie

Deliciousness should be shared!

On Christmas Eve my daughter-in-law Breanna brought these yummy bars to our family party. We have now renamed them Breanna Bars and have offically nominated her to bring them to every family get together. Warning: They can be hightly addictive!

Breanna Bars

2 cups butter (yes, that is what makes them soooo good)

2 1/4 cups brown sugar

3 cups flour

3 cups old fashioned oats

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda

1 jar caramel topping (I buy the Smuckers 20 oz. squeeze bottle)

16 oz. milk chocolate chips (or more...yummy!)

1 cup chopped walnuts

Soften butter in microwave. In a large bowl mix butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, salt and soda together. Take 3/4 of mixture and press on cookie sheet (press up the sides). Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Let cool, then pour on caramel, spread evenly. Sprinkle on chocolate chips and walnuts. Sprinkle remaining cookie mixture on the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350.

They are really gooey and yummy when they are warm, but they are even better when they are cool and crunchy and even better for breakfast the next day, or lunch and/or dinner.

As Breanna would say "Deliciousness should be shared". Here's to sharing.

Thanks Breanna!

Bonnie

The perfect winter day

When we woke up Saturday morning, it was a beautiful sunny day here in Idaho. My husband suggested we take a little snowmobile ride up into Island Park, about an hour from where we live. As my family knows, I am a pretty fair weather girl, but since it was so sunny I agreed.

This is me in all my gear, trying to stay warm. It was sunny and a bit chilly at only 15 degrees, but so beautiful!

We stopped after an hour or so by a clump of pine trees to have a picnic lunch. This is my husband. He was such a good sport to take me and not to zoom 80 miles an hour down the trail.

He knows I like to take it a little slower and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

And did I mention, it was so beautiful!

It's days like this, that I don't mind the winter in Idaho!

Hope you are having a great day wherever you live!

Bonnie

Snow Day = Sew Day

This morning when I looked out my front window this is what I saw...

out my back window this is what I saw...

my pond is frozen, it's snowing, the roads are icy, the horse is even shivering. It's just not a good day to be out and about...

...so I decided if it was going to be a snowy day, I needed a sewing day. Not that I needed an excuse, but some days I don't get to sew. I pulled out my cheery Hunky Dory with its fresh pinks and aquas, great greens and yummy yellows and started cutting.

It's going to be a good day. What do you do on snowy winter days?

Bonnie

Life is Sweet...

Here's a little sneek peek of some of the new Fresh and Fancy Table Runners I have been working on. I hope to show you July through December soon!

It was fun to hear all the things that you LOVE and hands down it was Family, Faith and Fabric! Thanks for all the comments!

Congratulations to the winner ...... Life is Sweet! She loves, quiet, color and family.

Please e-mail me your address so this topper can be on your table for Valentines Day!

There is also a little something for those of you that didn't win. If you place an order on our website at http://www.cottonway.com/ from now until Valentines Day and put the word valentine in the comments section you will get 25% off your order!

Have a great weekend!

Bonnie