We had another spectacular trip to The Smokies last fall. Crisp air & cold nights were so refreshing after a brutally hot Florida summer. We were so thankful that our favorite place, Townsend, was unscathed by the raging wildfires. Our heart go out to those who lost their homes & businesses & the displaced animal of the mountains. 

We went on awesome horseback ride at Next to Heaven in Townsend. The horses are so well cared for and gentle. It was incredible to be alone with hubby, in the foothills, on my gorgeous Paint horse, Gypsy. The scenery was spectacular.  

We hiked the Middle Prong Trail. It was a gentle sloping hike along the Indian Flats Prong. There are several small waterfalls along the trail and beautiful rhododendrons. It is an easy hike and the  trail is shared with equestrians. Watch where you step! LOL

For dinner one night went to the Trailhead Steakhouse. The restaurant was friendly, quaint and delicious. 

We also drove Newfound Gap Road and went to Clingman's Dome with its majestic vistas. 

We are going back to TN in the winter this time......  Brrrrr

Cades Cove

Middle Prong Trail

Next To Heaven

Newfound Gap Road

http://nexttoheavenmountainadventures.com/

https://smokymountains.com/hikes/middle-prong-trail/

Awww... Fall is here

The temps have dropped just a bit here is sunny Florida. My heart longs for the cool, crisp fall morning of the Northeast. The smell of the vibrant leaves, apple picking,apple cider donut and cold fresh pressed apple cider. 

I was inspired to create my own version of one of my favorite soups - Panera's Broccoli Cheese. There are a lot of versions out there.. I think this one hits right on target... Enjoy a warm bowl by a cozy fire!!

My Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Prep time 15 mins

Cook time 30 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 TBS butter, melted 

1/2 Med onion, chopped

1/4 C butter, melted

1/4 C Flour

2 C Half & Half

2 C Chicken Stock

1-2C fresh Broccoli florets

1 C Carrots, julienned

1/2 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Seasoned salt

1/4 tsp dry mustard

Dash of hot sauce 8

Oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Pepper to taste 

Directions

1. Sauté onion in I TBS butter & set aside.

2. In a large pot whisk together 1/4 C melted butter & flour over medium heat for 3-4 mins.

3. Slowly whisk in the half & half and chicken stock. Let simmer for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally.

4. Add broccoli, carrots, onions, seasoned salt, paprika and dry mustard. Let simmer for 25 mins until the broccoli & carrots are tender.

5. Add pepper & dash of hot sauce. Add the cheese and season to taste. Serve with sprinkle of cheese on top. Delish....

Christmas Ideas & Finds

I love the look of rustic decor, 
especially at Christmas. 

Here are some great finds!!

I found this design on Pintrest & loved it. The three trees, and the moose family, quilted tree skirt with the bells and the material under that has tiny round spots of glitter that sparkle with an iridescence that mimics snow falling. Sprayed plain green garlands to go up the staircase and left them plain except for the snow. A very simple, Canadian look. The mirror looks great with the vignette. From the bottom of the table to the top of the tallest tree it is over 7' tall. Under the trees is cotton and covered in snow.  It has such a natural look to it.

Fresh greens & sleigh bells Wreath

Pine cones & wood crate

Pottery Barn's Fair Isle Stocking

Pottery Barn's RED METAL SLEIGH

Handmade hearts added to pre-lit garland look great on the stairs. Fill the hearts with potpourri or spices.

Sites that have rustic Holiday decor: 

http://www.grandinroad.com/  

http://www.rockymountaindecor.com/Rustic-Christmas-Decor

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/rustic-woodland-christmas-
decor#slide-1

http://www.thecabinshop.com/cabin-christmas.html

http://www.blueroofcabin.com/search?updated-max=2011-12-11T18:36:00-08:00&max-results=3&start=18&by-date=false

Turquoise water lap the shore, warm breeze blow gently threw my hair, the sweet ocean scent in the air. My favorite place is on the warm sandy beaches of SE Florida. I made this beautiful beach quilt with that in mind. I used polyester batting for a quick dry instead of cotton. It's really a nice size to lay or picnic on. It measures 64 x 64.

Well after making quilts for two boys, I was ready for a pink & lavender girly quilt for my granddaughter, Jemma. I had a hard time finding fabric. She is 3 years old & loves girly stuff: makeup, nail polish, dressing up.

I searched on etsy & ebay & found "House Mouse"designs.  Official House Mouse Site These adorable critters are designed by a Vermont artist, who is also a licensed small animal rehabilitator. I loved the bright colors, sweet designs, & the expressive animals she uses in her patterns. The rest of the fabric can be found at Joann's.

I used this large block pattern from etsy. It was really fast & easy to put together. Jemma loved her new quilt!

Jemma snuggles with Gabriella, her new quilt & Grandma

I just love finding free stuff on the web. I found this cute & easy peasy quilt pattern on allpeoplequilt.com.    Easy Squares Quilt

It wasn't quite big enough for a snuggle quilt for my 9 year old grandson Jacob, so I added an extra border row around the whole quilt. I love the simplicity of the color scheme. Again I got the label from Anne on etsy. The Quilt Label Lady  and all the fabrics are from Joann's Fabrics.

I've been sewing forever. I love to sew. Recently I've started to quilt. Seemed monumental at first but with the guidance of my new found quilting club, I am slowing doing it!!

This is my first quilt, made for my sweet grandson Jonah. He has some disabilities and is on the autism spectrum. He loves cowboys & dogs. I though how am I ever going to get these two designs to go together. So with my quilting SIL & Joann flyer in hand, the odyssey began. It was overwhelming, towering aisles & aisles of  fabrics. So it began. I found, you guessed it, cowboy dogs. Who would have thought it. So I was off & running with my theme.
After a couple of hours, yes about 2, I had my cache of fabrics for my first quilt! I was so exhausted & proud of myself. I need a Frappachino!

Then came time to cut out the pieces. YIKES!! First of all, I has SO many different fabrics for this quilt, it became VERY confusing what went where. Note to self: always make notes & number your fabrics on a piece of paper, where they go on your quilt when you buy the fabric!!!! I never used a rolling cutter before, that thing is sharp enough to sever a finger. (I had a stash of bandaids)

Success! Everything cut out, ready to sew. It is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Laid out the pieces and began to sew.I have an older White quilting machine, which was just serviced. All is going really well. I am hooked. 

This one is made with fabrics all from Joann's. Premium, Nursery, Novelty & Keepsake Calico. I used packaged Warm & Natural Batting. Learned the stitch in the ditch quilting method.

I found this wonderful lady, Anne, on etsy who hand embroiders gorgeous quilt labels. It made the quilt an heirloom gift for Jonah. The Quilt Label Lady

This is the quilting book I bought. Step-by-step, easy peasy  guidance for beginners. It also has directing to make 4 different quilts.   First Time Quiltmaking:Learning to Quilt in Six easy lessons

I am so pleased with how it came out!!