Fire season and a Recipe....

When we moved to the high desert in Nevada, we figured we would be out of the whole fire season that plagues California every year. But the Yosemite fire is proving to be a challenge for us, all the way up in the high desert of Nevada.

This is what I wake up to every morning and what the sunset looks like. Smoke and more smoke. I miss California but I don't miss the California Fire Season. I hear as of today they only have 30% contained which means this is our life for another 3 weeks or so. 

 On a much brighter note, we are going to the Gallino Family reunion this weekend at my parent's ranch. I can't wait to see my family and catch up on life's happenings. 

I tried a new recipe that was posted on Facebook. It was sooo yummy and easy to make so I thought I would share it with you all. California apple season is right around the corner. Enjoy! 

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2/3 cup white sugar...

1/2 cup butter, softened...

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 apple, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated; add vanilla extract.

Combine flour and baking powder together in another bowl; stir into creamed butter mixture. Mix milk into batter until smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Next add half the apples and half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apple mixture into batter.

Pour the remaining batter over apple layer; top with remaining apples and add more brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apples into batter; swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a finger or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

http://www.luicucina.com/2013/08/apple-cinnamon-white-cake.html

Fall is coming...

I love fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving.... And now I have my very own house to decorate! I like fall decorations that can be used September through November. I try to stay in the country/harvest groove and use a ton of pumpkins, browns and yellow golds. But this year I am going to add some blue in the mix inspired by this display of coolness at the Reno Joann's. I love the little owls.... Now off to find a classic 1-2 block quilt pattern.

Made by Melody Lake {custom commissioned quilts}

I love doing custom commissioned work. I love how it challenges me to work on other's ideas. I get in sewing room overload where everything is stimulating inspiration and I spin in circles..... I hate that feeling. I don't know where to start or stop and nothing gets done. Custom work gives me a deadline, a purpose. It also forces me to work outside my comfort zone. And I get to shop for fabrics because I need them!

This is my sketch from the photo my client sent me. I love good old 5x5 grid paper and colored pencils when I need to get my ideas on paper. 

Still in progress on the top. I hope I will be quilting by this weekend. 

Little quilts

I have a process when I finish a quilt to the flimsy stage.

I use a post it note and write down the top measurements and the back measurements. I pin the post it note to the completed top. I then fold the top and back together. This helps keep them organized. I made these tops last summer but with the move, I am just getting around to quilting them.