Happy Halloween!

Hope it's frightful!

Allow me to explain

Reason number 1 for my unintentional hiatus was discussed in my last post: my lack of desire to write or do anything for that matter.

Reason number 2 is: my new toys :)

Meet my brand new Janome Sewist 500:

Isn't it beautiful? I'm so proud.

And finally, the little thing I'm so excited to try out:

My automatic buttonhole foot! I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon!

I was also distracted by the purchase of my new duvet cover/sham set. It made me want to never get out of bed.

Isn't it purdy? I can't say it was worth what I paid for it, though. But whatever. It looks nice, I think.

So there you have it! My latest purchase/endeavor. Once I have a little photo shoot I'll show you some of the wonderful things she's made. And so quiet! And smooth. It's a dream.

Sweet Baby Jesus

I’m making a relevant post. Right now. After 4 weeks.

Yeah, sorry about that. I think I have been/still am a little depressed. Dunno why, all I know is that I don’t have much desire to do anything and feel lonely a lot. Lately,with a few exceptions, the only reason I actually do anything is because I'm either doing it for someone else, or because I know I have to. Therefore, I haven’t had much desire to write or make anything. But I’m making myself post because you deserve it and because I do things for other people.

Several weeks ago I made these donut muffins from Sugarcrafter.

I was really excited about them, but I have to say, they didn’t quite live up to my expectations. They tasted fine, mostly like cinnamon, but I didn’t find them very donut-like. Like, at all.

Buster (the cat) liked them. Seriously. he licked one. Don't worry, I ate that one.

I cannot say that they were bad. They weren’t. They just weren’t what I was hoping for, either. See, I’m a big lover of cake donuts so I thought “A muffin version?! Hells yes!” But that’s really not what they’re like.

 

I would say give them a try and see what you think. Don’t take my word for it.  

Sorry

I realize that I haven't posted in over 2 weeks.

To be honest, it's not because I have nothing to post. It's just because I don't really feel like writing. I've hardly been on the internet.

Hopefully this weekend I'll have the time and motivation to post about the soup, bread, cupcakes, muffins, cake, and dress I've made.

Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about you.

I GOT A NEW SEWING MACHINE

I'm so excited. Until now I've been using my mom's old Viking machine. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid machine but it's never been serviced and it kept jamming on me. And it was time I got my own anyway.

SO I got a Janome Sewist 500 (see here: http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Sewist-500-Machine-Stitches/dp/B003AXXWAE). It's got a 1-step automatic buttonhole feature(!!!). It's manual, not electronic, which I did on purpose because electronic things tend to be finicky and if one thing goes wrong the whole thing is messed up. I just don't trust it.

My understanding is that Janome is a pretty solid brand, so I hope I chose well. Now, I just need to find a table to sew on...

Chicken Chilaquiles

Simple, tasty, and great for lunch. I'm always looking for something I can easily pack away to take with me for lunch at work. It's especially great if one batch will make several meals so that I can freeze them and eat them when I'm in a rush. Enter: chicken chilaquiles.

Before anyone says anything, I realize this is not even close to authentic. I don't care. It's tasty and that's all that matters to me.

Here it is, all ready to go in a container for my lunch.

Chicken Chilaquiles
1 2 lb rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large can whole tomatoes in puree, pureed in food processor
1/2 small can green chiles
4 gloves (about 2 tsp) minced garlic
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup chicken stock
1 tsp cumin
dash of chipotle chile powder
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add the processed tomatoes and green chiles. Bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken stock, cumin, chile powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add chicken and cook until the chicken is hot, about 1 minute. Add cilantro and stir.

Now, traditionally you serve this over a bowl with tortilla chips. I don't like soggy tortilla chips so I just scoop it out with a tortilla chip, using the chip as my utensil. It's delicious. You can also top it with sour cream and/or cheese.

Also, like most soups and stews, this is better the next day because the flavors get a better chance to meld. So if you can, make it in advance and eat it later.

I need some advice

I want to get my own sewing machine, but I don't really know what a good sewing machine is. I know Vikings are really good, but super expensive.

I'm looking for 3 things in my sewing machine:
1. It will last for many many years
2. It has an automatic 1-step buttonholer (I hate button holes)
3. It doesn't cost more than, say, $350.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've found some that match this, but I'm nervous just plunging in without knowing more.