Progress and I NEED YOUR HELP

If you are here for the giveaway, please follow this link.  If you haven't entered, you still have time, it runs until the 15th

I'm making progress on the Harlequin quilt. I laid out some of the sewn rows but stopped when trouble-maker decided it was an invitation.

I will post a quick tutorial on cutting these and sewing these if there is interest (I already know of one person so I can send it only to her or post here).  It's super easy. If it weren't so close to the holidays, I'm thinking it would have made a great quilt along.  Anyone else interested in a tute for putting this kind together?

The help: There is a blogger out there (it might be a team) who has created a couple of patterns, they are applique, on a white background with bright, cheerful colors, and one is a tree while one is flowers. They are probably pillow size or wall hanging size patterns. I thought I bookmarked them but it appears I didn't. These are modern patterns, made and posted in the last year. Think along the lines of Crazy Mom Quilts, Red Pepper Quilts, etc (but it's not those two).  Anyone? Link anything you might think is relevant or email me, please? I really wanted these patterns and searched for over 2 hours in my links last night.  Thank you in advance for any assistance (fruitful or not)!

HOLY COW, I FOUND IT!!! I was just browsing, about to leave this site when the "what's new" popped up with the link of one of the patterns.  See here:
http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_75_420&products_id=4038 I'm sure I can find the other one now, too.

Thank you so much.
Cheers, Beck

Jillian Michaels and Weigh-in Wednesday)

First, a note, if you are here for the giveaway, please follow this link.  If you haven't entered, you still have time, it runs until the 15th.

Today is weird, why? Jillian Michaels.  She's turned me into an awful, mean, foul-mouthed person. Okay, I've always ben that way, she just brings it out in me.  Do you remember this post about losing weight? I did very little but check my eating after that post. No real exercise, then eventually the good eating slid too, I'd think, "so what? I'm okay like this."  Well, I hit another "stop it and get healthy again you jerk," moment and am starting anew. I WILL keep it going this time and I've started by getting the exercise train going in with the eating healthier train.   I bought 2 DVDs, both by Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser. The first one is "30 Day Shred" and I started on Sunday the other is a Yoga one that I hope to start in a week or so.  Below is a description of how it is going.

Here's the deal, if you don't like posts full of curse words, STOP reading as soon as this paragraph ends.  Skim until you see the next portion of this post where I've written, "SAFE TO READ" and read from that portion to the end of the blog.  I thought about sugar-coating but frankly, it just won't do it justice.

Paraphrasing (and it's still long, be warned):
JM: Hi I'm Jillian Michaels and I'm going to walk you through a 4 part, 20 minute routine. 2 minutes to warm up, 3, 6-minute sessions which incorporate both strength and cardio training.
Me: Cool. Got it and ready to go.
-warm-up commences, I'm starting to feel a little winded- (Sad, isn't it?)
JM: let's start with jumping jacks.
Me: no problem
JM: If you are looking for a modified version of jumping jacks, look elsewhere you can handle it. I have 400 lb people who can do jumping jacks, so can you.
Me: -huff- clever, laying on the guilt right off but I wasn't looking for a modified version so there.

JM: pushups. keep back straight. Keep your core tight.
Me: alright, I'm okay. a little hard but not too bad.
JM: Squat and press
Me: Yeah, I've got it.  Tired but still good. This isn't so bad.  Tight abs, breath... yeah, I'm good.
JM: repeat back to push-ups
Me: shit, that hurts, dang, my arms are shaking
JM: I want every single second of this workout to count. You don't get to do a 20 minute workout with taking a break, I really want you to push
Me: okay, fine
JM: Back into squat and press
Me (thinking): Breath in, breath out.
JM: If you need to take no more than a 5 second rest.
Me: good
JM: The reason we don't want you to rest is we want your body to change as quickly as possible and in order to do that we put stress on it. That's how things change, by putting stress on your body, it will adapt.
Me: fine, fine. no rest.

JM: 2 min. of cardio, jumping jacks
Me: groan
JM: I designed it this way to get as lean as possible in shortest amount of time.
Me: whatever
JM: jump rope. Keep core tight, arms at 90 degrees
Me: shut up.
JM: jumping jacks
Me: bitch
JM: It might be hard now but you will find if you are diligent with thisyour body will change, jump rope.
Me: I hate you.
JM: babbles about body change
Me: (contemplating if I passed out, could I get back up in 5 seconds.)

JM: to the floor, basic crunch
Me: few, cardio sucks
JM: good, breath in and out
Me: I got this.
JM: reverse cardio for transverse abs (baby pouch)
Me: cool, alright... shit! Fuck, that's hard
JM: get up, dumbell roll
Me: thank god, yes, this I can do...squeeze shoulders. What? back flat? form?
JM: lunge and bicep curl, have to do both b/c not enough stress just to work biceps.  Not an efficient workout.
Me: yeah, I get that, still hate you.
JM: keep at it.
Me: my leg hurts, fuck off
JM: no resting right back into dumbell rows 2 things I want to show you...
Me: really, stop fussing about my form, it's easier when my form sucks.
JM: almost there, finish with more lunge and curls.
Me: ARGH, who are you? Okay, breath
JM: I know it's hard, I get it, it's not easy but if we are going to make big promises to you, we have to deliver and if you want those results, you have to fight for it.
Me: okay, fight... can do, not done yet.
JM: Good. when it hurst the most, push through. that's when change is going to happen. now, 2 minute cardio, butt kicks.

Me: hmm, nope, can't kick my own ass but is that a goal I want to work toward?
JM: sink low and punches
Me: fuck, my legs
JM: butt kicks we aren't done yet. 
Me: you are a bitch, look at you, you aren't that toned, who are you to tell me. Why did I buy this DVD?
JM: This is going to replace hours in the gym.
Me: stop answering my questions and thoughts, fucker. I don't care how many you've trained back into shape.
JM: 20 min. If you think you are going to die, stay with Anita (who's showing the modified moves but she's still butt kicking)
Me: yeah, don't think I didn't notice you acknowledged I thought I was going to die and basically just told me to keep going, I'm on to you. I hate you.
JM: 30 second, punches. Let's go. Don't stand up,
ME: I want to
JM: The deeper you can get with those legs, the better off.
Me: Fine, I'll quit bitching
JM: Hang in there, are you feeling it? I know I am.
Me: Great, just crush my belief that once I'm in shape this won't hurt so much.  Fuck
JM: back to the mat
Me: yes, sit-ups were relaxing all things considered.

JM: cross crunches.
Me: breath, breath, correct form...
Me: this hurts more than last time.  I'm really tired. Ow, ow, ow, breath,ow.
JM: Over to Anita, look at these abs. Aren't these amazing abs?
Me: yes
JM: Don't you want these Abs?
Me: Yes
JM: I know I want them and I'd do just about anything to get them
Me: ugh
JM: This doesn't come for free and you have to fight for this, I don't want you to stop. Push through this.
Me: Bitch... (said as I'm breathing out with each curl) I'm... pushing... through... I... hate... you.
JM: Chest flies with the weights.
Me: Oh thank God. the one exercise I've always been good at thanks to my swim days. Push yourself, squeeze, Beck.
JM: Stand up. Arm raises with side lunge.
Me: interesting, okay...
Me: DAMN, what the hell?  How do I make my leg bend when it's refusing to?
JM: to the floor and chest flies. This is your recovery, the weight is going down but still controlling those muscles.
Me: got it. clever.
JM: Back up, side lunges. 
Me: Got it, I know what to expect, I can do this.  Good form, HOLY HELL.
JM: Almost done for strength and then this is going to be it for work out one
Me: Phew, I can do that
JM: Hang in there
Me: shut up, I said I can do that. and now 2 min. of cardio?

JM: jumping jacks
Me: argh
JM: I know you are tired and just want to stop right now and shut off this DVD, don't even think about it.
Me: I didn't, I swear, I didn't want you to know I felt that way so I didn't think it but now, I really hate you.
JM: Keep pushing we don't quit at the end, this is when we finish strong. Isn't that right?
Me: Yes, drill sergeant!
Me: (the hubs would love that)
JM: butt kicks, work a little harder.
Me: SHUT UP
JM: you can do it. bet you see a huge change in your endurance from day one a week into it.
Me: fuck off, I can barely do this now
JM: boxing, breathing. tight abs. give it everyhting you got.
Me: fucker
JM: 3, 2, 1, no resting jumprope
Me: Bitch
JM: stay strong, this is easy for you, nothing you cant' do. We are doing it with you, in the same boat together, almost done. Hang in there.
Me: pant, pant, pant  - don't stop
JM: beautiful, 1 minute bicycle crunches
Me: got it.  okay
JM: look at pace, slow, controlled
Me: fuck slow, just need to be done
JM: this works all part of abs, don't get them for free, keep with it...
Me: count down faster you!
JM: time to stretch
Me: Oh praise God.
JM: deep breath into the stretch
Me: What? I'm huffing too hard to take a deep breath.
JM: good job everyone.
Me: whatever, it's over. Time to die... but only for 5 seconds.

SAFE TO READ
For the last 2 days (and I suspect today) I don't know what it means NOT to be sore. I'm convinced that's why I've got such hard words for Ms. Jillian Michaels. The thing is, I need to be yelling back, so I stay home, let everyone not see what a mean person I can be. I can't hire a personal trainer because frankly, I need to be able to express myself if I'm working that hard.

Okay, so I've combined the workout from h e double hockey stick with my points watching through Weight Watchers.  That means, fresh ingredients so I have to cook, so I know what I'm eating, etc.

Last night: Parsely crusted cod  and wild and long grain brown rice w/broccoli (adapted a recipe I found, let me know if you want me to post it here)

lunch today:

A grilled roast beef sandwich and the same rice mixture. Only 4 points total! woo-hoo
The sandwich had 2 superthin roast beef slices, a little pineapple mustard, sauteed onions, and, cucumber.  Different but it worked. I think dill pickles will be best next time.

Personally, I think it's weird I'm having conversations with the Jillian Michaels on the DVD but it makes me wonder, if I ever met her one day, would I let her know I ever wrote this post?

So, my weigh in today is 5'2", 157lbs., and barely making it through Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred Workout.  Anyone want to join me?

Cheers! Beck

Spinach, Basil and Tomato Pizza

All I can say is, YUM.  I often make a quick appetizer where I slice roma tomatoes, add chopped basil, salt, pepper and then mozzerella chees. I bake it at 350/375 until the cheese melts and just starts to brown.  It's a hit in our house and good.  The other day, I decided to add it to a pizza.  

Ingredients:
2-3 Medium Roma tomatoes, sliced about 1/4" thick
1/2 cup chopped, fresh, baby spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh, basil (get fresh, trust me)
1/4 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 TBSP herb cream cheese
4 oz shredded mozzerella
salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Since I am too afraid (wait, I mean I don't want to dirty the eating table and the counter doesn't have enough room!) to make my own pizza crust, I buy from the store and pre-bake according to instructions.
2. While the pizza crust is pre-baking, sautee the onions and garlic in a little extra virgin olive oil until tender crisp (or the onion is starting to become translucent.)  I also use the opportunity to chop the tomatoes, basil and spinach if it hasn't been done yet.
3. When crust is pre-baked, remove from oven. Put cream cheese in center of the crust and spread all over.  It will melt as you spread, no worries about that. 
4. Spread onions and garlic evenely over crust, then lay tomatoe slices in one layer.

5. Add spinach and basil evenly over the top.

6. Sprinkle salt and pepper, then the mozzerella, over it all.

7. Put it back in the oven for 6-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and just starts to brown.
NOTE: Do not forget about it, do not let the cheese get this brown, it's overbaked at that point. 

BONUS NOTE: Even overbaked, it's still yummy! Especially with a good Pinot Grigio. This particular one is Kris 2009.

Enjoy... pizzas are becoming one of the best experimental dinners for all of us in the house.

Cheers! Beck

Do you Facebook?

I joined FB about 2 years ago after many years of my family harrassing me.  Now, I've created my own quilting FB account b/c there are some of you I'd like to follow there (as well as companies and their announcements). 

So, if you FB, please find me. My FB button is over on the right hand side of the blog. I'm Sarcastic Quilter. If you come and find me, please be sure to tell me it's quilt related so I can accept the request. :)

For all my new followers, who've joined from the giveaway, WELCOME. I hope I keep you entertained.

Finally, if you are just trolling along or missed my giveaway  post, check it out here. 

Have a good one everybody!

Fall Into Fall Giveaway

ENTRY FOR THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER IS ANNOUNCED HERE. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR STOPPING OVER AND JOINING THE FUN. I'M LOVING ALL THE NEW BLOGS I'VE SEEN AND AM GRATEFUL SOME OF YOU LIKE ME ENOUGH TO BECOME FOLLOWERS.  YOU HONOR ME.

Today’s post covers a few things. First, my Favorite Things Friday coincides once again with something else I have going on. I love seeing what others are offering and reading all the comments of new and old visitors to my sites. People’s creativity and generosity is just amazing so giveaways, especially when I'm doing them are one of my most favorite things. So rewarding. 

Today also starts the FALL INTO FALL GIVEAWAYS hosted by Quilting with Debi and I am very excited.

As mentioned in a previous, I’m also celebrating over 200 posts on this blog. I decided, because I’m combining 2 giveaways into one, well, I should give away 2 things and I decided early holiday décor was the way to go.

First Choice: A Dish Drying Mat - (measures 15.5" x 10")

I got this idea from AmyLouWho in last Friday’s Sew and Tell post. When I have people over for the holidays, I have many delicate dishes or glasses (like my wine glasses, hello!) that I don’t want to put in or don’t have room for in the dish washer. They are usually hand washed and left to dry on a kitchen towel. Instead, use this. It’s 2 holiday fabrics with a towel as batting so it will absorb the dripping moisture but be a pretty place on your counter in the interim!

Second Choice: A reversible Table Runner - (measures 37.25" x 11.75")
A little off on my binding stitching but still pretty!

The design and theme lend themselves to simpler times, more folksy or country-style décor but are still fun enough and bright enough to warm your heart.

Third Choice: A reversible Candle Mat  - (measures 20.5" x 15.5")
The candle covers it but the quilting lines do not exactly intersect in the middle of the mat. They aren't really far off but if there is nothing on the middle, the white thread will show the lack of precision there.

I received an email shortly before this giveaway inviting me to a candle mat swap. I was unable to participate but it did give me the idea to create this small square using fun Christmas fabrics.

The rules:
1) There will only be 2 winners who receive one of the above items. (International participants are welcome.) The first winner has first choice of the three items, the second winner will have a choice of the two items that remain. Random.org will draw the names for me on Oct. 15.
2) To enter, comment on this post and provide me with your 1st and 2nd choice of the items above.
3) For a bonus entry, become a follower and then COMMENT a 2nd time letting me know that. Also, remind me of your 1st and 2nd choices. (If you are already a follower, 1 comment for the initial entry and a second comment reminding me you love me and already follow me. –okay, you don’t have to say you love me but do remind me you already follow me.)
4) Please be sure you leave a way for me to contact you if you have your profile settings so private I cannot get an email.

That’s it folks, best of luck to each of you. Don’t forget to see what everyone else is offering by clicking here.

Cheers!

Beck