Hack and Whack - Vogue 8505 and 8125

Morphed into this vest!

I used the side seam lines of Sandra Betzina's Today's Fit 8125 OOP (out-of-print) View B to trim down the big rectangle we shall call 8505 View A.

Darted the top of the yoke into a shoulder seam...

And whacked, and whacked and whacked the shoulder edge so I didn't look like a Star Wars movie escapee. Third time's the charm.

It goes nicely with the View B top from Vogue 7799 Looks like I'm all set for Rodeo 2009!

Here's the back -- The design lines were great on 8505. . .

Yet the fit of View A just left much to be desired, at least on me.

And yes, I still have enough "leatha" to do some cool things with the scraps.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Fleetwood Mac, "Second Hand News" 2:52

It's a good day to...

sew - and think about sewing. And fashion. It's raining outside right now, but not a torrential, toad-strangling downpour. Nice enough to be soothing without worrying if the roof repair will hold.

I am trying to resuscitate Vogue 8505 View A jacket. I love the fabric; it is a knit which looks like mock distressed leather without being tacky, believe it or not. It's drapey and I thought it could save itself from the design. In any case, now I know these "T" shapes don't flatter me or anything all bunchy under the arms. It's a short walk from looking cool to looking like a meatball. I'm going to try and take it in on the sides or turn it into a vest/jacket like Sandra's older Today's Fit patterns 8125, 7065, 8089. She sure seems to like this topper style - wish me luck! I'll either be able to wear it in public or end up transmogrifying the fabric into purses or book covers/portfolios, or reindeer ornaments for Christmas presents. (I'm sure my sister is reading this going, "uh, OK!")
Up next on the cutting table is Sandra Betzina's Vogue 2949. I'm going to use the soft brushed cotton plaid I had planned for 8505 two-peat. I've seen 2949 sewn in many varieties of fabrics, so the odds of success are pretty well in my favor, I hope. I found some wale-less red plum corduroy which matches one of the plaid colors to use as trim on sale for $3.49/yard at Jo-Ann's this morning. It will help calm the plaid and showcase the cool collar lines and edges of the jacket. Along with the fabric, I also grabbed Sandra's newest patterns - 1071, 1081, 1082 for $3.99 each. The drawers were waiting for me and fully stocked - at least 5 copies of each one! Sale is through October 18.

I thought the Project Runway finale was interesting -- three females as the finalists. Honestly, I liked them all. And I loved the "Oh, CRAP!" look on Kenley's face when it was announced Tim Gunn would be filling in for JLo as the guest judge. But really, a foot injury excuse? Tape it, prop it up and go on with the show. Leanne's eco-friendly turbines barely edged out Korto's greens, which I thought were stunning. I also liked some of Kenley's designs, especially the floral painted beige dress. She definitely has potential but needs some maturity.

Enough computing, time to get back to the sewing room to play with sharp objects. . .

2008 Houston Quilt Festival Favorite Booths and Vendors Update - Updated October 31!

The Sewing Workshop - No
Creations - No (They will be at Market, not at Festival)
Art Girlz - No (sob!)
C&T Publishing - No
Mekong River Textiles - No

However, this opens the opportunity to discover new booths, new vendors, new merchandise! I always like to "ring around" the show. The aisles on the perimeter and in the back are usually the new people and last-minute/wait-listed additions. They can have more innovative and cool things, and are often friendlier and happier to chat and talk about their wares. Seriously, there are more than a few booths where the booth worker barely looks up or acknowledges you. Hate that. Or have "Warning: Do Not Take Pictures" signs posted everywhere. Note to those people - "Warning: I Won't Leave My Money With You" Not that I would suddenly want to take a picture of a Santa pillow made of buttons, but they just come across as rude and hostile to me. If I like your design, I'll buy the pattern. I want to keep you in business to create more neat things. Duh.

These vendors will be there:

C&C Fabrics from Dallas - #1357 (Great knits, look in the center rack, bottom row)
Vogue Fabrics - Booth Nos. 425/324

Discovered this year (I'll be posting my prizes in a later post, too tired!) - and there's still time this weekend to check them out:

Lickety Grip - Booth #1803
Artistic Artifacts - #1257/1259
Salem Manufacturing - #1600/1602 (cutting boards and cool hinged rulers!)

Are you into Kumihimo (braided beads and cords)? I found these three friendly vendors:
Pat Powell Designs - #1227
Accent Bead Design - #557
Fiber Goddess - towards the back, to the left before the Embellishment section

Shapes - PATTERNS, not a workout place!

Has anyone heard or tried the new line of patterns called "Shapes" from The Sewing Workshop? It's a new line from the combined talents of Linda Lee and Louise Cutting, who have proven in the past they know a thing or two about patterns. The patterns look vaguely to me like a combination of Sewing Workshop and slight Issey Miyake influenced-designs. I just stumbled upon them them when I was at their website to find out if TSW was going to have a booth at the upcoming Houston Quilt Festival. (They've been there before and I'm hoping they will return. I'll let you know what I find out.) Very creative how they incorporate a number into the pattern name. Like their other patterns, and I'm including Sandra Betzina's, I'm sure when you see the real-life garments and fun tweaking with fabric and embellishing, they would be more appealing than the line drawings. The patterns are $16 each.


High Five Jacket Sixth Sense Skirt ..... Three Fold Vest
Two's Company Tunic ..... Plus One Tunic

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

"Moonlight Madness" is back -- October 19/25
50% off thread
50% off Red Tag fabrics
50% off scissors
McCall's Patterns - 99 cents

October 30/November 1: Butterick Patterns $1.99

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Celia Cruz, "Gotta Get Down: La Negra Tiene Tumbao" (Spanglish Remix) 3:48

When Pumpkins Drink. . .

This is making its way through the emails. . .

College Night "L-I-N-G-O"

Print and take along to your school's college night! Pity your son or daughter going through this!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Ting Tings, "Great DJ" 3:23

Visited 17 states, 34%

Thanks, Pink Bunnies Slippers. This is cool!
Click here to create your own visited map of the United States

My 1,000th Post!

Who knew I'd still have so much to type?! Thanks for coming along on the ride!

Vogue 7799 - View B

A triple play from Vogue 7799! View B is also a hit! I used stash $1/Wally-World brown knit fabric with alternating width bands of "ribbing." This pattern is definitely a keeper with three different and fun wardrobing looks.

The Kitchen Crew

If you live in the Houston area, check out "The Kitchen Crew" on AM radio News Talk KNTH 1070 - 3 PM to 4 PM Sunday afternoons. (Unless there is a Houston Aeros hockey game) Susan Simon and Marsha Lambeth talk food from recipes to restaurants to groceries. They are fun to listen to and a refreshing break from your iPod. They also talk about cool sites like Recipebite. (Not in Houston? I believe you can stream the show through your computer.) And on a personal note, I must concur with The Kitchen Crew that Prince's Hamburgers onion rings are the best in the world!

Netflix Stars - Smart People

2.75/5 stars. Only Thomas Haden Church helped save this movie from being a dud. I find Ellen Page, who filmed this before Juno, irritating-both in this movie and that one. And who doesn't crumble at Dennis Quaid's smile? Good luck finding it full-on in this movie. Sigh. More of a dramedy than a comedy.

Vogue 7799 - View A Top

You merely glance at Vogue 7799 View A and it practically sews itself! Start to finish - less than 30 minutes and that counts changing the threads in my serger and sewing machine...and taking the photo. I added 1 1/2" to the length and did widen the neck/cowl 1/4" on both sides, as I didn't want to be wearing this and clawing at my neck. Nice draping, I just tucked the raw edges of the neckline under, instead of folding and tacking a 3" facing. The fabric was a remnant from Hancock's about 8 years ago. Just a little stretch, one way. I don't know why Vogue specifies 2-way stretch for the pattern fabric. You can get away without it. Now should I try it in long sleeves View B? Methinks so. I'm going 3 for 3!

Martha Stewart's New Holiday Issue!

$6.95 (found at Target -- save 10%!)

Grab it when you see it -- 151 ways to make your holidays crafty a la Martha Stewart! Handmade gifts...ornaments...decorations...gifts from the kitchen...wrappings and cards. I loved the button snowman! The beaded ornaments are in a gorgeous lettering you could easily replicate on your sewing machine. Each time I flip through I find even more crafting temptations. Martha definitely pulled out the stops for this holiday season!

Vogue 7799 - View C Top

Shock! I sewed a Vogue (7799) and...it is not a Sandra Betzina!

After checking Patternreview with over 22 mostly positive reviews, I realize I'm a little late to the dance on this pattern, too. But better late than never, what a cute top! I made View C with the long sleeves and cross-over collar.

Surprisingly Burda-like frugal with the yardage requirements. I used a stash fabric with not quite enough to cut Collar #6 the correct way, on a lengthwise fold. But if the fabric is a 2-way stretch, why should that matter? So I cut it on the crosswise fold and the world didn't end. In fact, I couldn't even tell the difference. Even if your knit fabric is not quite two-way giving (tug! tug!), I still think it would work and probably even give the detail even more definition. Save fabric, save $$.

I did use some of Sandra's tips. Basting the side and sleeve seams to adjust for fit. Hemming or just trimming a little shorter the underlap separately like in 2945.

I discovered that there was just "too much real estate" between the collar insert and the top bottom, so I lowered the crossover matching point 2 inches. I think it actually fit better. A little more bias-y and more draping, following the collar lines. As long as it is a thin or drapey knit, you can get away with doing this after you 've already cut out the fabric. I'll adjust and true-up the pattern when I make it again.

Other adjustments -- Added 1/4" to the sleeve side seams. One reviewer had noted the sleeves were a little tight. With a thicker knit, that's a definite do. Added 1" to the sleeve length. Surprise, they run long. I'm keeping and enjoying the extra length. Back - added 1 1/2" to the length. Front - 2" which came in handy to even up trim after moving the crossover lower. And to keep the front from hiking up higher than the back.

I thought this pattern was easy and fast to sew. It's a pretty style. It looks cute belted, too. I'm even willing to try the other versions with the cowl neckline.

Egg-Free Chocolate Caramel Cake

Egg-Free Chocolate Caramel Cake from the August/September 2008 issue of Healthy Cooking, page 57.

Look Ma, no eggs! Yet is it dense and chocolately and yummy! I think storing it in the refrigerator helped achieve that. This week HEB has a coupon when you buy a 3 pound bag of apples, you get a free bag of Kraft Caramels worth $1.99. I decided to go with free instead of spending for the caramel ice cream topping. I melted 6 caramels with a little bit of water in the microwave in 20 second timings. AND...I cut the recipe ingredients in half to fit into a 9"x9" pan. Having a 13"x9" cake around is too tempting! Easy enough to do until you got to the 1/3 cup measures. No 1/6 measuring cups, but easy enough to eye-ball (a little less than 1/4 cup). It baked in about 25 minutes. The frosting was an interesting twist and taste - I can see using it on an apple cake, too.

Smart Bars

This recipe is from the August 2008 Fitness Magazine, page 69.

SMART BARS

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons applesauce

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup raisins (I used golden raisins - pretty!)

...and I added a handful of chocolate chips - yummy!

Preheat oven to 325. Spray a 9"x9" baking dish with cooking spray. In one larger bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, oil and applesauce. In a smaller bowl, beat egg whites until frothy; add to oat mixture. Stir in salt, almond extract and raisins. Bake 30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 24 (uh, right!)

Per Bar: 103 cals, 2g protein, 17g carbs, 3g fat (1g saturated), 1g fiber.

I thought they were pretty good. They aren't a dense or packed bar, a little crumbly. But then I hacked into them before they completely cooled. I liked the almond extract taste instead of vanilla. Maybe a pinch of cinnamon next time? Or some chopped or dried apples?

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Belinda Carlisle, "Live Your Life Be Free" 5:12

Purchase Your Bernina Fashion Show Rendezvous Tickets Early!

Instead of having to wait in two long lines on October 30, purchase your Bernina Fashion Show "Rendezvous" ticket in advance. Ticket price is $13. Mail your check payable to Quilts Inc. with a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to:

Kim DeCoste
Bernina Fashion Show Ticket
Quilts Inc.
7660 Woodway, Suite 550
Houston, Texas 77063

Deadline is October 16. Those requests received afterwards will be returned.

Spot on, Target!

In anticipation of my fence getting repaired sooner than later (the adjuster came out today - yay!), and acknowledgement of my home dec skills, I found and ordered another Waverly sheer panel from Target.com. Even though the stores themselves may clearance out items, you can sometimes luck out and find more online. So if I average $3.74 and $14.99 (plus reasonable shipping, I was shocked it was that low), I'm still coming out well and keeping sanity intact instead of trying to "couture" my windows.

Netflix Stars - Baby Mama

3/5 stars - It was cute and fun to see who was going to appear next in the movie. Sigourney Weaver was a hoot! Good to put in your queue for a Sunday afternoon. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are very talented actors, but sometimes the movie felt like an over-long SNL skit.

New Vogue Today's Fit Sandra Betzina Patterns

1071 Dress and top 1082 Skirt 1081 - Blouse and Vest

Theyare not in the current Vogue store catalog. Hopefully Jo-Ann's will get the new one and these patterns soon. Preferably in time for the $3.99 sale. I WANT them!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

Columbus Day Sale -- October 10/13:

Simplicity Patterns - 99 cents
Red Tag Fabrics - 50% off
All buttons - 50% off

Vogue $3.99 - Three Day Pattern Sale -- October 16/18

Grab those new Sandra Betzina patterns (1071, 1081, 1082)...or the ones you've been eyeing before they get pulled to make space for the new ones!

Fabric chat at Wal-Mart

There ARE still some Wal-Marts with fabric departments, especially the "regular" not Super Wal-Marts. While grabbing three bolts of $1/yard knit fabric and trying to keep from becoming overly giddy, the clerk and I started talking... She said that Wal-Mart buys over 400,000 bolts of fabric for their $1 and $2/yard fabric sections and it is up to the fabric department manager's aggressiveness and luck how much or even if the store gets any, none or a lot of the bounty. She also confirmed that the knits which appear on the table are the overruns from RTW and Wal-Mart cannot order nor regularly carry these knits. Which are what I want. Jo-Ann's knits are not ready-to-wearish for the most part and buying online can be iffy -- hard to judge the thickness -- and expensive. With a couple yards of $1 or $2 yard fabric, no tears are shed if the pattern doesn't work and and if it does jumps of joy occur instead when you've made a cute top for less than $5. I did tell her that the Wal-Mart I used to find my treasures at is now a dry hole and she said again, it really depends upon the manager and she probably transferred or left. The take -- keep checking the stores every once in awhile. I hadn't found anything in years at the store where I found these (reversible microstripe in gray and brown, puckered embroidered beige knits).

Sandra Betzina Today's Fit - Vogue 1058

Sandra's patterns are back in my good favor - Here's proof with Vogue 1058, View B cardigan. On the hanger, in this fabric...the photo does not do it justice.

I do need to point out that my version has been seriously lengthened -- 1 1/2 inches in the sleeve length, 2 inches for the upper front, 1" for the lower front, 3" in the back. The sleeves really run short (I'm adding another inch next time) and you want to make sure the ribbon/fabric insert hits flatteringly below the bustline. If you are petite, this pattern is ready to sew.

Because I used a stretchy rayon knit from Jo-Ann's Red Tag section, I cut the front tie band on the lengthwise grain so the stretch was going vertical instead of horizontal. I can only imagine the rippley mess I would have had otherwise. Plus it gave it more visibility and design interest. I'll also add maybe 3" in the length so I could have the option to tie it in a bow.

Sandra's directions and pattern designing skills are impeccable again. Good illustrations, especially involving the tie band. Watch your notches and do not attempt if you are tired. Your brain and your sanity will thank you.

I can definitely forecast sewing more versions of this with different fabrics -- especially something glitzy or lacy for the holidays. It sews together easily and quickly. I can't wait to try the tank top - more fabric fun!

(J.Jill moss green skirt and boysenberry tank-both on sale!)

Life after Ike

Many of the Bradford Pears got the *%#$ kicked out of them by the wind, but those still standing started blooming like spring again!

New leaves and hopefully new blooms for the rest of the hummingbird migration

Heliotrope-what a fighter!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

L.E.S. Artistes, "Santogold" 3:43
(This was a recent free download song on iTunes)

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Billy Squier, "In The Dark" 4:09

Those days...

I miss those days when I was going to friends' weddings and baby showers. Now I'm attending their funerals.

My good sewing friend, Karen Peebles passed away unexpectedly yesterday. I was lucky enough to meet Karen through the Houston Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. She was a founding member of our Chapter and my Neighborhood Sewing Group. We had great back-in-the-day sewing memories of buying fabric at Foley's, Frost Brothers and Sakowitz department stores! All the speakers and special events attended - Designing with Dusan, Bobbi Carr, Donna Salyers, Clotilde, Sandra Betzina... Karen was multi-talented - a machine knitter and savvy with the computer, too. In fact, she was the one who got me started on eBay and introduced me to Burda World of Fashion and Neue Mode pattern magazines.

Though I take comfort she will finally be able to achieve a perfectly-fitting pants pattern, she will be missed by all of us here.

Today's Costco Find

Rader Farms "Nature's Three Berries." Four pounds for only $9.99. Finally, a berry mix -raspberries, blueberries and marionberries-that doesn't have strawberries! (Strawberries give me hives). I'll try it in my smoothie tomorrow. The American Heart Association is all over this.

Our Costco now has two self-checkout lanes with two registers each. I didn't try it today, as the line for it was longer than the clerked lanes. But I'm glad they are there for the times when I only have a couple of items and get stuck behind someone doing a month's worth of Costco-ing.

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Graham BLVD, "When the Heart Rules the Mind" 4:34

Cinnamon-Ginger Cookies - Cooking Light September 2008

Found on page 160 of September 2008 Cooking Light issue... The directions begin with "Preheat the oven" -- but you need to refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes after mixing. Save energy and money and start your oven when needed. I rolled the dough into 1" balls, guestimating it was 2 teaspoonfuls. I ended up with 35 cookies (so less calories per!). Also, you may not need that entire 1/2 cup of sugar for rolling. Try 1/4 to 1/3 cup. I ended up Baggie-ing the extra and tossing in the freezer to save for another future batch. Also noteworthy - the recipe does not use any eggs.

The verdict: They turned out sort of rounded, I thought they would flatten more. Some cracked, some didn't. They tasted so-so OK while still cooling. (Maybe they will taste better when cold. I know the Snickerdoodles taste awful when warm). My Penzey spices are pretty fresh, and I thought the cookies weren't quite as spicy as I expected. Perhaps doubling the spices other than the cinnamon might give it more of a boost. They are soft, not hard; and doughy-chewy. I think you are in no danger of overeating these. One or two should do you.

Cinnamon-Ginger Cookies (Biscotti dello Canella-Zenzero)
Cooking Light September 2008
"For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh; if they smell strong, they are good to use."

6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (I used Penzeys Ceylon)
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
Dash of salt
6 tablespoons butter, softened
¾ cup sugar, divided
3 tablespoons fat-free milk
3 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (through salt), stirring with a whisk
3. Combine butter and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in 3 tablespoons milk, molasses, and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, and beat on low speed until blended. Shape dough into a 6-inch disk. Cover and chill for 30 minutes
4. Lightly coat hands with cooking spray. Shape dough into 30 balls (about 2 teaspoons each). Place remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll dough balls in sugar; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Flatten balls slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on pans 4 minutes. Remove cookies from pans; cool completely on wire racks.Yield: 30 cookies (serving size: 1 cookie)

CALORIES 69 (31% from fat); FAT 2.4g (sat 1.5g,mono 0.6g,poly 0.1g); IRON 0.4mg; CHOLESTEROL 6mg; CALCIUM 9mg; CARBOHYDRATE 11.5g; SODIUM 54mg; PROTEIN 0.7g; FIBER 0.2g

Soon to be appearing on HGTV!

Or not! This is what happens when your original plans for cafe style curtain "window treatment" gets waylaid by Hurricane Ike and a fence falling down. I found two Waverly red-tagged orphans at Target last year ($3.74 and $9.58) after the living room was painted. And due to procrastination and my lack of a home dec sewing gene, I never got around to covering that second living room window. It was protected from public view by the former fence and I liked the sun and light. Not so when people can see right into your house now. I like the second more asymmetrical look. Once the fence is repaired -- the adjuster comes out next week! -- I'll shorten and redesign the treatment. But in the meantime don't you think it kind of makes a statement beyond WTH?! Boldly combining color and texture! Or she really needs two of each not one of each, but good try!? Beyond all compare, I'd rather sew clothes instead.

More Free Spices from Penzeys - Nutmeg!

Penzeys has the best nutmeg, it's not bitter like the other brands I've used before. There is a free coupon for a 1/4 cup jar of Nutmeg - East Indies Ground (be sure to check out their online recipes using nutmeg when you click on the nutmeg link) in the latest issue of Penzeys One magazine - Volume 3, Issue 3. Or you can redeem online or over the telephone with the code 45636C. Amongst other goodies in this issue are a pinwheel peach cobbler on page 19 and Frosted Apple Squares on page 49 - very cool and yummy looking! (Note to self, don't flip through recipe magazines before lunchtime) Grab this issue as soon as you can!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Billy Squier, "Everybody Wants You" 3:47

Sandra Betzina Today's Fit - Vogue 2945

"Lume...Volume...Mass...Quantity... Global...Bone...Final Notice...45-30". . . My second "scientific" version (click to see the first one) out of a $1/yard Wal-Mart surprisingly soft and expensive feeling cotton knit. So far 2945 is proving its sewing chops for me in a variety of knit fabrics. I really like the drapey center front -- it avoids that "trampoline effect" between the apex's. (apexi?)

Netflix Stars - Made of Honor

3.25/5 Obviously you'll know how it will end. But the fun twists -- location (Scotland!), supporting cast -- made it a fun watch. Michelle Monaghan is a treasure and well-suited for her role. Loved her wardrobe, too. I'm glad casting went with her instead of the more overexposed/overused famous actresses in her age group.

Friday's Favorite Workout Song

John Cougar Mellencamp, "Authority Song" 3:49
Uh-Huh!

Help...Here

http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/

Music to sew by - Mozart

I've always loved to listen to Mozart for Morning Coffee CD, especially the Violin Sonata in G, #301. One of L's teachers would play it in the morning as the students were arriving when she was in elementary school. I was the room mother and filling in for the teacher one morning arrival when I discovered this CD gem. If you ever need to "bump up" your Amazon purchase for the free shipping, the CD is only $6.99. Then I read in the September Planet Bioscan newsletter (click to subscribe by email) about how Largo movement music helps get the alpha brainwaves going, increasing your creativity and mental capacity. I found "New World Symphony" Largo on the Mental Mozart - Classical Music to make you Smarter on iTunes this morning. I like that one, too. Hopefully listening to these on my iPod and in my sewing room will energize both my creative skills and brain functioning!

Let's Get Crocking! Seasoned Whole Chicken

So easy! Just sprinkle lots of Penzeys Northwoods Seasoning all over a whole chicken (don't forget to remove the giblets/livers from the cavity) and place in the crockpot. Do not add any water or broth. (Click here for more Penzey spice seasonings from an earlier post. This is one of my favorite go-to crock pot recipes and I'm constantly trying new variations.) Cook on Low 5-6 hours or High 4 hours, depending upon how "fast" your slow cooker is. The newer ones seem to get hot and cook faster than the old crockpots. Now you are set with enough chicken for at least 2-3 meals! I've also made versions with poultry seasoning...and salt and pepper with garlic and a cut up onion or a lemon cut in half inside the bird. All smell great while crocking, too!

Netflix Stars - Lipstick Jungle and Undeclared

5 stars for both! Netflix is back again with winning recommendations. L and I watched these while her school was (and is still) closed. Homeschooling with Netflix! (Kidding, she is enjoying this sponsored by Hurricane Ike break from the stress of Junior year and all those AP courses.) Now we are ready for when Lipstick Jungle returns tomorrow. And if you loved Freaks and Geeks, you'll also enjoy Undeclared. Watch for special appearances by Amy Poehler and Ben Stiller.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Little Feat, "Dixie Chicken" 3:57
Southern Rock Essentials

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

"All Night Long" 5:34
Eagles Live