Need a Haystack or Two?

Just a short post today -- I wanted to share this little tutorial that I came across at Wee Folk Art for making burlap haystacks (perhaps your kitty won't want to chew on these!).  They can be made any size and the tutorial is very easy and step by step.  So if you don't feel like cleaning up pieces of hay all over your house, try out one or two of these haystacks.

What Cheer Flea Market

This past Saturday I went to the What Cheer Flea Market with my daughter and grandson, Henry. I haven't been able to go with her in ages so this was special and extra-special since it was Henry's first time there! He had a ball!

I wasn't able to do too much walking because my ankle is still in "the boot" but we did visit some great vendors! Especially the gals who have a booth at the Majestic Lion Antique Center in Des Moines. I've posted some pictures of their wares below.  I loved looking at all the fall decor but went home with just another addition to my vintage glass refrigerator containers (that I actually use all the time). Molly bought an antique butter mold and Henry got a vintage, wooden abacus (can't start math too young!).

This weekend we are going to try attend a local auction that always seems to have one or two things I would just love to have. Until the next post, enjoy your day!

We Have a Winner!!!

My apologies for the delay in posting the winner of my first giveaway! My Internet link was down.  But anyway, I am back and the winner is ..... Kathy H. So Kathy, please email me at: allmycats@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I will get your little Scaredy Cat pillow mailed out to you.  If I do not hear from you by Friday, October 7th at 5 pm EST I will pick another name.

Thank you all for your entries and responding to my question about eBay vs. Etsy vs. a Selling Blog. I will post the results to this question soon.

Also, please stop back in a few days as I will be having an October giveaway!!!

Some Fall Comfort Food

We are having a wonderful fall day here in east central Iowa! Just the perfect day for some comfort food for supper.  Here is a little recipe for Macaroni and Cheese from "Yankee" and takes about 25 minutes to prepare and feeds 4-6.  Here are the ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 8-ounce package ziti, macaroni, or your favorite pasta
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch crushed red-pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) extra-sharp Vermont cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add panko and stir until coated; set aside. Cook pasta according to package, stopping 2 minutes shy of suggested cooking time. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking continuously, about 1 minute; don't let mixture brown. Add milk gradually and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until mixture is thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add salt, pepper, red-pepper flakes, mustard, and cheeses, whisking until melted. Add pasta; then spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole or four lightly greased 2-cup baking dishes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.

I enjoy with some crusty bread and a side of broccoli!

Sending some virtual hugs your way (and let your kitties roll in the fall leaves today).

Prim Plush Blanket Throw

When we went Up North a few weeks ago the cabin we stayed in had the most wonderful throw blanket -- all soft, warm, and plush.  I thought I might like to have a few to replace several in our family room that we have used really hard over the last few winters. So, when I came home I searched the Web for United Weavers plush throws.  To my delight I found a pattern that is very prim, has all the colors I wanted, and at a price that I was thrilled to get!  They also make this pattern in a rug, too.  If you are interested in this throw or any others that United Weavers offer, I would suggest going to this Web Site
to purchase one.  They are having a 20% off sale on these blankets and the price is the lowest I've found online.  Also, use this coupon code for ANOTHER!!!! 20% (summersale20)!  There are no shipping charges either! I can't wait for them to arrive because the nights are getting colder here and I want to put our old family room throws in our car trunks for "just in case" winter troubles!

Good morning all you crafty ladies! I hope you are having a wonderful, fall day.  It's been very foggy here this morning, but nice and cool and crisp.  I just wanted to remind you that my Scaredy Cat Pillow Giveaway ends 9/30 at midnite!

I also want to share with you a free pattern for a thanksgiving wool applique pillow.  Click here for instructions and the pattern.  I am thinking of stitching one up this weekend.

Kim also has compiled 101 Festive Fall Tutorials over at her blog. So, please take a minute and visit her at Everything Etsy

Some of you have asked about the wool kitties I used to make and sell and whether or not I will be making and selling them in the future and the answer is YES! So please stay tuned.  I may not get around to making my fall/Halloween kitties, but I most likely will be stitching up some of them for winter/Christmas.  Thanks for asking!

Totally Unrelated to Crafting, but ....

I know this is totally unrelated to crafting whatsoever, but I thought this You Tube video was hilarious and so am sharing it with you all - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgTyiaDmytw and also this from LOL Cats. If you view the You Tube Video you will understand the kitty.