DIY Laminated Alphabet Flashcards

My 2.5 year old daughter, Savannah, is really into her alphabet lately.  She loves to sing the ABC song and can identify most of her letters (I'll take credit for the song, but I really think Sesame Street has helped her along her way with the letters).  I thought I would take advantage of this little ABC phase she is going through and make her some fun little flashcards.Jill from Homemade by Jill posted these adorable Alphabet cards on her blog as a free printable.  When I saw this post pop up in my reader, I knew I must do something for Savannah with these cutie … continue reading

The Cottage Mama’s Favorites: Sewing Books

Sewing books and cook books - two of my most favorite things!  It might sound totally dorky, but give me a glass of red wine and a good sewing book to dive into and you've got my idea of a great evening!  I will never have too many nor ever get tired of looking at either of these genres of books.  They are so incredibly inspiring and constantly compel me to create.Luckily for me, my local library does a great job of keeping up with the newest book releases in sewing and crafting.  Sometimes it might take me a few weeks to get my hands on a new release (or a few … continue reading

The Cottage Mama Studio

I find seeing others creative spaces to be so inspiring, don't you?  It's neat to take a peak into someone else's world.  Not everyone is able to have a craft room or studio, but it doesn't have to be much, even an armoire or closet that is all your own can do the trick.Lately, I have been very busy with my handmade children's clothing business, The Cottage Mama.  I am preparing to launch my fall line as well as a few new items that I think will round-out The Cottage Mama.  I feel so blessed to have my own little corner of the cottage and I thought you might like … continue reading

White Pizza from the Cottage Garden

The tomatoes in our garden have finally started to ripen (yipee!) - it seems like they have taken forever this year!  Last night we had three medium-large fresh tomatoes and a bunch of basil ready to use up, so what did I make?  White pizza! Basically white pizza is defined as pizza without tomato sauce.  Sometimes you will find the tomato sauce substituted with an alfredo sauce or pesto sauce or just with no sauce at all.  So here is my easy, white pizza recipe and I have to admit, this was so good.  Best to make this recipe when tomatoes are truly in season - it … continue reading

Gathered Camera Strap Cover Tutorial

First off, I just have to say thank you!  Your emails and comments in regards to my camera strap cover "show and tell" post were amazing.  I absolutely love hearing from you guys.  And because so many of you asked for it, here is a tutorial on how to make your very own, Gathered Camera Strap Cover.  Make one for yourself, for a friend, or make multiple to coordinate with every outfit, or how about one for each season or holiday......shoot, the options are endless! Gathered Camera Strap Cover Tutorial Supplies: Two coordinating fabrics (1 for main body and … continue reading

Maple Pecan Coleslaw

So the title of this recipe may not sound 100% appealing to all of you; however this is one of my favorite coleslaw recipes of all time.  Even if you don't like coleslaw, I think you will find this one to be a winner.  The following recipe is my adaptation of a Nigella Lawson coleslaw recipe.  It's the perfect mix of sweet and savory.  A superb accompaniment along-side some smokey barbecue ribs or try it on top of a pulled pork sandwich - deeeeelish!!Maple Pecan ColeslawServes 8-12Ingredients:1 medium-size head of cabbage4 carrots3 stalks celery 6 green onions1.5 … continue reading

Grilled Corn Salad

It's corn season - yipppee!!  I love a fresh, sweet ear of corn on the cob in the summer.  Here's another recipe from Matilda's Summer Garden Party.  This grilled corn salad can be changed up with the addition of different herbs and vegetables, but the base always stays the same - amazingly delicious grilled corn!Grilled Corn SaladServes 8Ingredients:6 ears of corn1 jar of roasted red peppers4 green onions, sliced1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 lemon, juiced4 tablespoons olive oil, plus a little more for brushing corn1 teaspoon sugarSalt and pepper, to taste … continue reading

Show and Tell: Gathered Ruffle Camera Strap Cover

Remember a month or so ago when I told you about my new baby (my new DSLR camera - Canon Rebel T1i)?  Well, I have seen a gazillion cute camera straps around the internet lately and I thought "I want one!".  So today I decided to make myself one for my new camera.I've seen a lot of great tutorials, but nothing was exactly what I was looking for, so I just decided to go for it and make my up my own little design with a little inspiration from here and there.I used fabric from designer Anna Maria Horner.  When I was first introduced to this designer I was not … continue reading

Easiest 10-Minute Throw Pillow from Placemat

Today I'm sharing an Easy Throw Pillow Tutorial with you all......and believe me, it doesn't get easier than this! Would you believe me if I told you that the pillow pictured above was originally a placemat?  Well, it's true!  I got this placemat today at Pier 1 on sale for $3.10 (including tax).  I turned this beauty into a pillow in less than 10 minutes, yes, LESS than 10 minutes.  Even if you don't own a sewing machine, you can do this Easy Throw Pillow - just get out your seam ripper and hand-sewing needle. Like I said in my previous post, I have really … continue reading

Loaded Potato Salad Recipe from Matilda’s Summer Garden Party

So, I'm finally getting around to posting some of the recipes from my daughter, Matilda's Summer Garden Party that we had earlier this month.  The first recipe I would like to share with you is my Loaded Potato Salad.I get weak in the knees for a good loaded baked potato.  I mean I love the works - butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives, salt and pepper - YUM.  A good, loaded baked potato was my inspiration for this wonderful potato salad.  Even if you don't traditionally like potato salad, give this a try - you might be a potato salad fan after all!Matilda's … continue reading