Merry Blessed Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season! What ever you do whether it be crafting, shopping, decorating, baking, etc... May you be so very blessed and enjoy it!

Spend time with the people that you love. Let them know that you love them. Be a blessing in someone elses life. Let yourself be the gift. Giving of a smile a hello is sometimes enough for a stranger to be very touched.

I know this has been such an emotionally tough year for me. I haven't been blogging like I used to. Sometimes, I think that I have nothing to offer here. But what I do know, is that this has opened up a whole different world of blessings to me.

I really started my blogging journey with the thought that I hoped to be a blessing to someone. Even if it was in the smallest way. And of course, to bless my heavenly Savior.

The thing I didn't expect was all the blessed people I would come across and be a blessing in my life as well!

Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to come visit my blog. Thank you for the kind comments. Thank you to the ones that have reached out to me when I am hurting. You are all wonderful. I am thankful for you.

May you have a blessed Christmas! May your lives be filled with joy and love.

Thank you God for all you do! Thank you for your son.

Merry Christmas, 

Little Susie Home Maker

Chocolate Coconut Drops Recipe from Little Susie Home Maker

Do you like recipes for candies?

I want to share with you this wonderful candy recipe. I have loved making these for years. It is a very fun and simple recipe and the results are very yummy.

I redid the image and decorated it up with my editor. It came from The Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook. I love this vintage cookbook and it has great recipes.

Hope your Christmas includes a few sweets!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Let It Snow

Merry Christmas!

How is everyone doing? I sure hope all is good. Are you ready for Christmas? 

I am spreading some Holiday Cheer today! I want to share this cute Christmas video. It really is a very wonderful version of "Let is Snow" sung by the cast of Star Trek Next Generation!

Now I know many of you may be thinking, "No thanks!" But I really do urge you to watch this. I am almost positive it will make you happy!

So here it is:

 I really have to give this guy, James Covenent, a hand that put this together!

Hope this brightened your day!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Are You Ready for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope you are all staying warm, having fun with your crafts or sewing and cooking. I know I don't blog much anymore and I am sorry for that. The time involved has been tough for me to blog weekly recently. I have so many duties at this time to attend.

I have been keeping active in my Facebook page

 

Little Susie Home Maker on facebook

 I would love for you to visit me there!

I am having Thanksgiving at my house this year. I been going through my vintage linens and dishes. Many of these will be in use this year. I am so excited to use them. Do you ever use vintage dishes or family heirlooms?

Hall's Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf

 I will be making the turkey and doing a lot of the cooking. Thankfully my family is pitching in with the help and even bringing some of their own delicious side dishes. My favorite dishes are all the traditional foods: turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, veggie, cranberries with a few changes to flair things up a bit. 

For dessert my Favorite Pumpkin Pie recipe is sure to be served, because I don't feel like it is Thanksgiving without it! I still am thinking on what other pies to make. Maybe pecan or apple? Both? Haha!! Lets face it, Thanksgiving is also about the food! What a wonderful time to enjoy our bounty that God has blessed us with!

 I know you will all be busy this week as well, so enjoy yourselves and feel the warmth of your loved ones whether they are near or far. Know that you are in my thoughts.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.

A Sewing We Will Go

Hello! Hello! How are you? 

I am not the best blogging buddy lately, so sorry! I hope you are doing good.

My older sister made me the prettiest apron for my birthday. She stitched it all out by hand. She dipped into her vintage stash of fabrics from her dear MIL. Don't you love the pretty purple and yellow pansies! What a wonderfully sweet gift! Thanks, Sis!!

I finally got my new sewing machine... yay! So you want to know what I decided to get? I purchased a Brother Innov-is 2800D.

What does that mean? It means not only can I sew and quilt on it, but it has machine embroidery on it, too! I am sure it will be a lot of fun! 

Oh, Heather, if I could only hand stitch as beautiful as you! But this will be good way for me!!

 

Now for the learning how to use all the whistles and bells!

What will I make first? Well, I signed up for usage classes in November and that should help me learn this particular machine. I did embroider on the front of a t-shirt. I will spare you the pictures!! I am going to make some simple tea towles and stuff to start getting the feel for this machine. 

Quilt Sampler every Wednesday at Donna's Lavender Nest

I will also being doing something very fun..

I will be attempting the Quilt Block Sampler 2013 over at Donna's every Wednesday! This week is number three, but I am sure I can catch up! She is great at her tutorials.

I also have a vintage 70's dress pattern on the way from a sweet friend. I am not sure how hard that will be, but I will give it a try! I will show the picture when I get it :)

Happy blessings, and pray your week is filled with joy.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The snow has come, am I ready

Good morning my sweet friends. Well, it is looking a lot more like winter in my neck of the woods than autumn!

It was a nice surprise this morning. Earlier than normal. Not all the leaves have even changed colors yet! 

So am I ready for this? I am not usually too thrilled about winter weather. You know, the aches and pains that settle into my bones, etc. .

I feel a bit exhilarated today. I welcome the change. Of course in Colorado, I can expect it to warm up my next week, so that makes it nice to enjoy for now.

So today I will switch out my sandals for boots, shorts for jeans. (I hang on to summer as long as I can,  some call it denial, lol) I will put on a comfy soft sweater and bake lasagna for dinner!

Celebrating a special birthday tonight for Mr Fix-it ♡♥ Lasagna is his favorite. My the years go by fast!

Stay warm and have a blessed day♡♥

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker

Depressing Lesson and it is So Cold

Have you ever just had one of those times where you weren't sure if it was meant to be? That is how I felt with my whole sewing machine experience, lately.

My sewing machine was more expensive to repair than it was worth. Perfect time to think about buying a new one, right? Well, I did think I had found a really nice machine and even at a good price. I ordered it and finally got it all set up. Boy was I ever excited!!
I tried to use it, and it would mess up. Then I would retry, check, and try again. I had to use a phone assistance since I bought it online. (Bad plan)

Finally, they agreed that the machine indeed, not functioning correctly. The weeks of going through this, really put a damper on the fun of getting a new sewing machine.

You may have remembered that I was excited to start my first quilt? Still, no quilt, and I decided to return the machine, while I could still get my money back. 

I learned through this process that buying something online or on tv or over the phone, is probably not a very good idea for me. The closest warranty service center was an entire state away. Any support on learning how to use this new machine, which happened to be a sewing, quilting, embroidery combo was, at best, difficult to say the least.

So now I have no sewing machine again and was left feeling a bit depressed over the entire situation. But we have decided to add a little more money in and go shopping locally to find not only a machine that is more reliable and user friendly, but one with a nice helpful support team.

I think I have narrowed down my choice on the machine I want to get. I am waiting for this next week or two for the local dealer to get a new product line in, then I will decide between the older and the newer.

So patience is something I am really having to deal with, but it will be worth it this time!

Then maybe I can start using my creative skills again! I can't wait. Hoping everything goes a lot smoother this time!

Have you had any bad experiences like this? I sure hope not.

But you know, even with all this that has happened, I know my end experience will be much better. So for that I am so truly thankful!

I pray you are all having a great week! We are freezing here in Colorado! High today is 35*F, bhrrrrr!!!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Multi Tasking Today & How Do I Start My Quilt

Hi all!

How are you today? Today I am going to be pretty busy! I have to be able to multi task. And look my best this evening :)

Let's see if I can do it. Going to spend the day with some of my favorite girls.. My baby girl, Momma, and Sissy #2. (My other favorite girls cannot come) Probably lunch and maybe we can fit in either some thrifting or antiquing!!

Have lots of Mommy duties I need to get finished, too. So a busy morning :)

Each roll has 24 strips 2 1/2"x42" I bought these at Big Lots, 100% cotton.

This is the fabric I bought. I like the red strips up front the best. Do you like the fabric choice? The colors are great for fall and I couldn't beat the price for my first quilt at $7.50 each. After I get some practice I will probably try some from Donna's Lavender Nest fabric store. She has so many pretty fabrics to choose from :)

Thank you all so much for your advise on my first quilt. I have some questions before I begin.

• What kind of thread should I choose? Is their a special weight, does it have to be cotton, and how do I choose color?
• I bought three small jelly rolls. I was going to start out big. Should I start out small?
• I was recommended the Jelly Roll Jam and the Jelly Roll Race. Do you prefer one over the other for a larger quilt?
• What else can you tell me? I know basically nothing, lol!

I better get in gear with this, but finding myself a little chicken to start.

 Yup, that is me , haha! Hope I figure it out?

Have a super blessed day!!

Little Susie Home Maker

Hello! Are you there?

Hello!

It's been awhile since I talked to you! How are you? I been pretty good. Summer has been busy and lots of crazy weather. The kids are back in school and it is time for me to start thinking about Fall projects.

What are you doing? Have you had a good summer? Went anywhere fun?

I am thinking about some fun new sewing and embroidery projects. I am so blessed to get an new combo sewing embroidery machine! Yay!! I am even thinking about starting my very own first time quilt!!

I been thrifting. That has brought me a few great finds. I will be back to share some of those with you all real soon.

Have a blessed day. Tell me what you are getting ready to do.

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker

Cream Cheese Danish Squares Recipe

Hello everyone! I have a really good recipe to share with you today.

It is one of those pretty easy to put together treats that most everyone will like to eat.

 Cream Cheese Danish Squares

2 cans refrigerated butter crescent rolls
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

---

1/4 cup butter (melted)

---
1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350* F

• Open one can of crescent rolls and spread out evenly into a rectangle pinching seams together with fingers on the bottom of an un-greased baking sheet. 
• Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until creamy with a hand mixer. (Or you can use a spoon)
• Spread mixture over crescent rolls with a spatula. 
• Unroll and place remaining crescent rolls over mixture. (They don't have to be pinched together)
• Brush melted butter over the top of pastry.
• Mix cinnamon and brown sugar and sprinkle over top.
• Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until done.
• Let cool in pan, then cut into squares.

Yield: 24 squares 

These are a great snack with coffee or tea.

I know I should only eat these on occasions, and then follow my next meal up with a salad only!!

LOL! I wish baking wasn't so much fun to make and to eat!

But this is a good one, so I hope you try it out!

************

I have been pretty happy about our almost daily rain showers, but have also been a little displeased with the lack of outdoor time I can spend with my kids before school starts. My Son will be starting classes next week.

Seems too early to me, but that is how they do it here. At least we still have weekends to try and have a little fun, in between home work. I always wish summer break lasted longer with my children.

Hoping you are doing very good!

I am joining this fun All Summer Dessert Linky Party
with The Checkered Apple
Come visit and maybe join in as well!

 

The Checkered Apple Summer Dessert Link Party

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

Vintage Apron Sewing in Orange

If you are a vintage loving Little Susie Home Maker like me, I would bet that one of the things that you adore is a pretty apron!
 An apron can come in so many styles for different purposes. One of my favorites is a half apron. When I am sewing, an apron is one of my favorite projects. Because I can really get creative and make it with either new fabric styles, or with vintage materials, even linens.The decorating can be pretty minimal to elaborate! It really can be very practical or a work of art!

The apron I am going to show you today is a combination of both new and vintage fabrics.
It is from a vintage style half apron called Bow Tie. I made this cheerful orange with white polka dot half apron for one of my sister's. The waste band has that point in the center of it.
Now all you long waisted gals would look great with the point going in an upward direction, but my short waist feels happier folding it downwards. Either way, I think it is very attractive.

The fabric used for the pocket and the waistband and tie came out of my mom's fabric stash.My guess is from one of the 70's sewing projects she was working on back then. I really like the delicate little orange flower patterns and rows. Now the orange and white polka dots material is a newer fabric, from my stash. Trying to use up what I already have makes me feel good, too!

Ric rac and yellow biased tape was a simple and effective trim. This apron is meant to be pretty and functional both. I mean, I want my sister to use it! It has a good sized front that will cover you up and a large pocket for what ever you may need to stash in there! I love pockets.
This was another fun apron to make and I think I have an idea for my next apron sewing project. Hee hee, I can't wait!!

Do you like aprons? Do you collect them, or use them?
Do you have a family heirloom? Do you make them or buy them?

I hope that you are all doing super great. I know that being thankful in all things is such a good thing to remember every day. So what ever is going on in your life, just remember that God is on your side. Just give Him your problems and know that He is victorious.

Blessings,
Little Susie Home Maker

Matthew 11:28 - 30 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  

Misty Morning Makes Chickens Dance!

 How is your summer going?
I woke up to the most beautiful wet day yesterday!
So I grabbed my camera and walked outside for some pictures.

 It always has made me feel so calm and happy when the fog rolls in.

I just had to admire the beautiful way my yard looks and the outline of all the trees.
Doesn't it look pretty?

Then I walked around back to visit my chickens and they were so happy that 

they did the Chicken Dance!!

Que the music.. Da da da da da da da.

Da da da da da da

do do do do

I tell you I think happiness is contagious!!

Have a very happy and blessed day today!!

Little Susie Home Maker

*added 7/23/2013
P.S. I wish I could tell you how I made this little loop of the chickens dancing, but honestly it was one of those Happy Accidents! I accidentally did this thinking it was a still shot! I have no idea how I did this, but it was on my cell phone which is a Samsung Galaxy S3. Sorry, that I can not how to tell anyone how to do this? :)

Yummy Nachos

Hi everyone! How are you doing? 

I thought it would be fun to show you one of my favorite lunches I like to make.

It is a plate of warm yummy Nachos!

I start by placing chips on the plate, then add refried beans, cooked ground beef, and add cheese. 

Then pop it in the microwave to melt cheese.

Then I add shredded lettuce, salsa, diced tomatoes.

This is ready to eat! I can't wait!

 So I put it on the table and then go in the kitchen for some cold drinks!

Oh, boy I can't wait to dig in....

What is this?  This looks like it has been devoured!!

My two teen age kids are standing there grinning ear to ear with cheese on their lips!

"Boy, that sure was good, Mom!!, Thanks!!"

Back to the drawing board.

Hope you are having a blessed week end.

Little Susie Home Maker

Rainbow

 

 

In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. “This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:8-10

Baby bird, Pyrex, Vintage Pepsi Machine

Do you ever get an over whelming urge to go thrifting? We were driving to town to my momma's house when I had this really bad urge to just stop at Goodwill and see what was thrift worthy!!

I found this really cute Vintage Pyrex 1.5 Qt divided Cinderella Oval Casserole in the Barbed Wire pattern. It was a 1958 Pyrex Fall Promotional pattern. This is such a great  dish! I have been using it a lot!

Then I bought this set of Pyrex green clear bottom mixing bowls that are in really good shape and I love green!! They are just the same style, but different color as another set I received as a wedding gift 20 years ago. 

So the thrifting was definitely worth the urge!! Haha!!  

 

So how many of you have an old Pepsi vending machine in the driveway? This is the one at my parents house. It looked so pretty with all the flowers by it, I just had to take a picture to share with you all. Yes, it does work and my dad kept it stocked for a long time. Kids and grown ups alike always get a big bang out of getting pop out of it!!!

And here is a picture of me enjoying my Pepsi!

Yes, that is me.. uhh.. I mean Cindy Crawford enjoying a Pepsi!!! Haha!!!

This is my little buddy I have been enjoying all week. He is a little Black Bird. His mom and dad kicked him out of the nest as he was getting big. He needs to learn to fly and still grow in some more feathers! His parents guard and bring him food. He hops over to this water dish I have out for my chickens and the wild birds in the yard. He likes to sit in the rock in the middle. Isn't he cute?? The chickens just treat him like a little baby and don't bother him.

I am so busy, busy, busy!! But I want you to know that we are personally safe from the Colorado wild fires, but so many people have been going through disaster. Thank you for all your prayers and kind thoughts. We need rain in Colorado. So many fires burning it is so sad. Too much loss. Stand strong in your faith in God and be thankful for all His blessings!

Smile and be happy today!!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

 

Colorado is on Fire Again

Hello Dear Friends,

I hope you are all safe and well. I am doing good, but it is not a good time for Colorado. You may remember that last year about this time, I blogged about the Waldo Canyon Fire. That was a terrible ordeal. But we have had wonderful support in our community and the rebuilding and planting had begun.

My daughter and her classmates helped with planting new trees in the Waldo Canyon burn zone. May 2013.

But terrible news is that our dry state is in terrible need for rain. We have several wild fires burning out of control. The three major ones started yesterday and from most serious to least of these three in that order are the Black Forest Fire, The Royal Gorge Fire, and the La Veta Fire.

You can see the Royal Gorge fire to the left and the Black Forest Fire to the right of us. We took this panoramic picture last night view toward Pikes Peak. June 11, 2013.

Unfortunately, I am right in between the two largest fires, and by in between I mean that the Black Forest Fire is only a few miles away. It has grown a lot closer since this picture yesterday. It is affecting approximately 8,000 to 12,000 acres. This is a very populated and heavily forested area. Homes are about every 2 to 5 acres apart. The latest I heard Update on Black Forest fire: Preliminary reports show 92 homes a total loss, 315 homes still standing, 5 homes partially affected. This is the fire that I am most impacted with and I have the most news on.

Home burning in Black Forest Colorado, June 11, 2013. Picture courtesy of denver.cbslocal.com

As of today at at 5:30 pm there are around 9000 people directly affected by this fire. This means about 3400 residents or thousand of evacuees. 

School June 12, 2013 approx 4:30 pm

 Even my sons school was being fought to save over night by this furious fire. The fire is at present 0% contained.

Picture of huge fire plumes from my yard of Black Forest fire.

The air quality is not good for anyone. With record high teperatures in the 90's and 100's across the state and windy dry weather. No chance of rain until atleast Monday.

A pronghorn runs across a field Wednesday, June 12, 2013, while a helicopter from Fort Carson helps fight the Black Forest Fire. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

So if you could, please include the state of Colorado, the Firefighters and all the people and animals affected by these fires. Yes, there are a lot of horses and other farm animals as well as pets affected by this as well.

As far as the Royal Gorge Bridge, it has not been burned down but 3400 acres have been destroyed.

I don't mean to sound like a news cast, but this is impacting me and my State, and some of you I am sure. My prayers go out to all of us. I am so grateful that the Fire Fighters are working so hard, and that almost everyone is evacuating when asked. Yes there were some that didn't we will learn more about that later. I pray all are safe.

Bless you all, and I hope to have a much happier post nest time.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker