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rocks and frog eggs

May 14, 2014

Every chance we get we head out exploring.

The kids favorite spots lately seem to be the covered bridges, ponds and rivers.

They will spend hours climbing, collecting and throwing rocks into the water.

I emptied about 5,000 rocks out of my car the other day and each and every one of those rocks were so special and their favorites. Our rock garden is growing fast this year.

I try not to complain because I love that they are enjoying nature and the simple things in life right now. How do I keep it this way?

When we were exploring around the big boulders I found some frog eggs. My little girl begged me to bring some eggs home so we could watch them hatch…so we did. We had our first two tadpoles hatch yesterday. As you can imagine, there were screeches heard from miles away. She is the same little girl who is raising Woolly Bear Caterpillars right now.

sewing spaces {Jennifer from A Jennuine Life}

May 13, 2014

Today we have Jennifer from A Jennuine Life sharing her sewing space with us.

Jenn is one of those moms who seems to whip up a new outfit in no time flat and it always looks impeccable. She recently released her first dress pattern the Matinee Dress and Peplum which is shown below on the bottom right. Jenn also sells some handmade items in her etsy shop. Make sure you take a little peek at her Canvas Playhouse. I know my kids would go crazy over one of those! Her blog is full of beautiful handmade items as well as a great kids sewing series called Tiny Sewists in which she shares ways to teach kids how to sew. If you want to teach your little ones how to sew I highly recommend you checking the series out! Below are just a few of my favorites from her blog.

Pretty in Pink, Reversible Coat, Perfect Pattern Parcel #2, The Matinee Dress and Peplum Pattern

Now lets have a little peek at where Jenn creates. Head on over here to see more of her sewing space. Oh and make sure you check out the ladder she made out of reclaimed wood. I love it…and want one!

Thank you so much for sharing your sewing space Jenn!

gluten free rice cake treats

May 8, 2014

This past weekend I found some gluten free rice cakes that were dipped in dark chocolate at a store. They were so yummy but very pricey! So to cut down on the cost I decided to make my own chocolate dipped gluten free rice cakes…with a few extra goodies on top. I used the lightly salted rice cakes by Quaker and a bunch of gluten free ingredients that I already had on hand.

For these peanut butter cup ones I spread a few tablespoons of peanut butter on top of the rice cake and then spread some melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter. Then I topped it with some cut up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Next I made some Smore’s rice cakes. This time I spread the melted chocolate right on top of the rice cake and then topped it with some mini Marshmallow’s and some pieces bits of a Hershey’s chocolate bar. Then I drizzled a little more chocolate on top.

Then I made some healthier versions for myself. I am trying to loose a little bit of weight and wanted something sweet but still healthy and filling. This rice cake tastes similar to an Almond Joy candy bar. It is really yummy, trust me! To make this one I melted and spread 80% dark chocolate onto the rice cake and then topped it with sliced almonds and shredded coconut.

Then I made a peanut butter and dark chocolate rice cake. I spread some peanut butter onto the rice cake and then spread the melted dark chocolate on top of the peanut butter. I added a few chopped up peanuts and some Chia seeds to the top. Again, super yummy!

I stored mine in an air-tight container for a few days. Not sure how long they will keep beyond that because they went too fast.

Even the kids loved them. Although my son was not as big of fan of the rice cake. He said they tasted like Styrofoam. I’m still wondering how he knows what Styrofoam tastes like, but obviously Styrofoam tastes good because he asked me to make more.

Of course everyone’s favorite was the Resse’s Peanut Butter Cup one.

sewing spaces {maggie from smashed peas and carrots}

May 6, 2014

Today we have Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots sharing her sewing space.

The first time I visited Maggie’s blog it was to read her Mini Fabric Bolts post. And yes, I still remember it because I was in awe of her neatly organized fabric and the cabinet she stored it in. Since then I have come to realize that Maggie is one talented mom. In all aspects of life she makes beautiful things. Not only does she sew, knit, cook and decorate but she also sends the most adorable gifts in the mail. I am still wondering how I get on that mailing list of hers! But seriously, her blog is full of inspiration and tutorials. Below are just a few of my favorites.How to Make a Vintage Wood Crate, Bento Lunches Part Two, Date Night Ring Handled Clutch, Tape Dispenser

Head on over here to see the full tour of Maggie’s sewing space. Trust me, it is beautiful and inspiring…and I want it! Oh and just so you know, Maggie has an etsy store where she sells some of those beautiful fabrics pictured.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful sewing space with us today Maggie!

fat quarter friday {fabric gift wrapping}

May 2, 2014

I would have to say that this is my favorite use for all those little scraps of fabric that I hoard. I am a sucker for a pretty packaged gift and with Mother’s Day right around the corner why not use some of those scraps to wrap with.

Use long strips of fabric to tie bows around your packages instead of ribbons.

Or you can use a little piece of fabric just to fancy up a paper hang tag. Everything looks cuter with a little piece of fabric right?

Make some drawstring bags for your gift. Then they get two gifts instead of one.

You can even wrap the whole gift in fabric.

Then add a few more layers of fabric and your package is pretty as can be!

But what I love most about using fabric scraps to wrap with, is that even those awkwardly shaped gifts look pretty and neatly wrapped.

And don’t forget those little extra pieces of tulle. They are fun to wrap with as well!

So, am I the only one who loves to wrap with fabric scraps?

selfish sewing week {The big tote bag by autumn street patterns}

May 1, 2014

The last thing I managed to make myself this week was this super cute Big Tote Bag Pattern by Autumn Street Pattern Shop. I pretty much am in love with this bag! How could one not be?!

This tote bag is super roomy and can carry lots of stuff. And it just happens to be that time of the year when we are carrying lots of stuff. From baseball practices to day trips, we never know where we will end up. I like to be prepared and well packed ahead of time…it just makes my life much easier.

I did decide to add the center divider pocket and I am so glad I did. I almost didn’t because I was being too stingy with my Joel Dewberry fabric but in the end decided to add it.

The pattern was so easy to follow and came together very quickly. If you are looking for a new tote bag I highly recommend making one of these!

I used a quilting cotton for the main fabric and a canvas fabric for the lining. I did add some cotton batting just to give it a little more stability.

Pattern: The Big Tote Bag by Autumn Street Patterns Fabric: Joel Dewberry from Fabric.com

Selfish sewing week {Julia women’s cardigan by mouse house creations}

April 30, 2014

Today I am sharing my Julia Women’s Cardigan Pattern by Mouse House Creations.

Just like every other pattern that I have sewn from Mouse House Creations this pattern is perfection. The fit is exactly how I like to wear my cardigans.

I used some white sweater knit that I purchased in LA fashion district last year. I paid $1 a yard and so wish I would have purchased more of it. Shockingly, It has become one of my most favorite fabrics. I have worn this cardigan a lot and the stains just seem to wash right out. Gotta love a fabric like that, especially when your a mom…wearing white!

What I love most about this pattern is that it comes in three different sleeve lengths and collar options. If Spring ever fully arrives I will be making a few more with short sleeves. One can never have too many cardigans!

Pattern: The Julia Women’s Pattern by Mouse House Creations

So have you been sewing for Selfish Sewing Week?

sewing spaces {Jodi from Sew Fearless}

April 29, 2014

Today we have Jodi from Sew Fearless sharing her sewing space with us.

Jodi is a mom of 5 (yes, five!) and still manages to sew up some beautiful creations…as well as make patterns for sale. You can see all of Jodi’s patterns here. I am obsessed with her Sidekick Suitcase Pattern and plan on making three of them once I can decide on fabrics. Jodi’s blog is full of creations that she has made for herself, her beautiful children and even her home. Below are just a few of my favorites from her blog. Is that clock not BEAUTIFUL?!

The Mommy Poppins Bag Pattern, Pin Cushion Caddy, Hexy Clock Tutorial, Sidekick Suitcase Pattern

Now let’s have a little peek at where Jodi creates. I am already gushing over that stand up mirror and her sewing table! Head on over here to see the rest of her sewing space.

Thanks for sharing your sewing space with us today Jodi!

Selfish sewing week {uptown hat by heidi & finn}

April 28, 2014

This week is Selfish Sewing Week over at Imagine Gnats so I thought it would be the perfect time to share a few things that I have made for myself lately.

I have actually been sewing for myself a lot lately, I just never seem to blog about them. I Guess I am still not a fan of taking pictures of myself.

I made this cute Uptown Hat Pattern from Heidi and Finn. The moment I saw this hat pattern I knew I had to have it! You see, I love wearing hats but I have a pretty small head which forces me to buy kids hats. As you can imagine, kids hats are not exactly my taste.

I wanted to keep my hat simple so I used some grey corduroy fabric that I had purchased from Jo-Ann’s.

The Pattern was so easy to follow and was very detailed. It took me about 2-3 hours from cut to finish and that was mostly due to all the top stitching. But if you ask me, the top stitching is what makes this hat so cute!

The pattern ranges in sizes from 12 months to 12 years but like I mentioned before, I have a small head and the largest size fits me really well.

The kids have been begging me for one of their own. I better make them one or I might lose this one!

Hat Pattern: Uptown Hat Pattern from Heidi and Finn Fabric: Grey Corduroy from Jo-Ann’s

Will you be sewing for Selfish Sewing Week?

Willow & Co Patterns {Wanderlust: a glamping collection}

April 28, 2014

I have been waiting months for this collection of patterns to be released. If you have not seen the Willow and Co. Wanderlust Glamping Edition SS2014 yet, you are really missing out. It is amazing and I cannot wait to make each and every piece!Every time I look through their Lookbook I have to remind myself that I am looking at a collection of patterns for sale. I can get so caught up in the beautiful pictures and styling that I forget they are selling patterns…patterns that I can make nonetheless! The lookbook honestly reminds me of a Land of Nod catalog. They did such a beautiful job with every little aspect of this collection and I know that their patterns will be flawless! Just have a little peek for yourself…

Issuu reader
e.issuu.com

I love how the whole collection can give you a complete wardrobe. Plus it is perfect for girls and boys, with the exception of a few patterns. I cannot wait to get creating!

Which is your favorite piece from the collection?

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