17
Apr

Angel Hair Pasta with Peas, Tomatoes and Garlic ~ Recipe

 It's been a while since I've posted a recipe here on the blog, so I thought I would share a simple dinner that we had last week.  Pasta is my go-to dinner when I want something quick, easy and satisfying.  This easy pasta dish can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes!Angel Hair with Peas, Tomatoes and GarlicServes 4Ingredients:1 lb. Angel Hair pasta1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) with garlic and olive oil1 tablespoon minced garlic2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup frozen peas1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus more, to tasteSalt and pepper, to taste Directions:Cook pasta according … continue reading

16
Apr

Muffin Tin Monday – Creating Non-Picky Eaters

So as of recently 'Muffin Tin Monday' is what we've been doing for lunch around here each Monday afternoon.  Have you heard of this?  Well, just Google 'Muffin Tin Monday' and you will find a million and one pictures of this idea.  Basically you just use a muffin tin, load it up with a variety of different foods and serve the muffin tin as your child's plate for lunch (or dinner).  Pretty easy, right?Here's what was in our muffin tin this past week:Starting from the top left, moving to the right:1. Woven Wheat Crackers2. Peas3. Sliced Banana4. Tortilla Chips5. … continue reading

13
Apr

The Handmade Business: Where to Start?

So you want to start a handmade business?  The first question to really think about is 'what are you going to make to sell?'.  Or maybe you have a handmade business already but your products don't seem to be getting the attention you had hoped.First, ask yourself this, what do you enjoy creating?  That is the MOST important question in starting a handmade business.  If you do not enjoy what you are doing, then you will not be happy creating the pieces for your shop and you will burn out very quickly.  Handmade takes time and effort, so you must make sure you are … continue reading

11
Apr

This Past Weeks Happenings….

Wow, is the week over yet?  I can't believe it's not Friday yet........it seems like this week has been so crazy busy.  I spent this past weekend and last few days sewing up a storm in preparation for a photo shoot for my upcoming sewing patterns.  Not to mention spending some much needed time with my family celebrating Easter.Garments for pattern photo shootOur photo shoot was today with Amy Tripple Photography and it went really well.  I have never used Amy before but she came highly recommended from a friend and I was so excited by the whole experience.  I … continue reading

9
Apr

Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer Review and a $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

I jump at the chance to try Olay products because they never seem to disappoint. I have tried other brands of facial moisturizers in the past but I always end up coming back to my Olay. So when I was offered the chance to try the new Olay® Total Effects Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer, I said sign me up!I was so surprised when this product arrived -- it really looks so cool. Granted, I don't generally purchase a product based on appearance, but this presentation really caught my eye. It looks like swirled moisturizer and foundation all in one. I couldn't wait to … continue reading

6
Apr

Guest Blog Post: Woodland Cottage Pincushion ~ Free Pattern for Riley Blake Designs

Today I'm guest blogging over at Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners College' sharing a free pattern and tutorial for the Woodland Cottage Pincushion.  The design was inspired by our very own cottage.  Come on over and say hello........Click HERE to view the Woodland Cottage Pincushion at Riley Blake Designs. … continue reading

3
Apr

So many things, so little time……

Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm here.  I am super-busy right now trying to get my next three patterns published by next month.  So, I will apologize in advance for my lack of blogging over the next couple weeks.  I was really excited by your response to my handmade business series, so I definitely have some posts on those topics coming soon.  But for right now, I have to make sure I focus on getting down to business, so I need to pull myself away from the computer and hit the sewing machine.We have a photoshoot scheduled for next week for all the … continue reading

1
Apr

Tulip Petal Sun Hat Pattern and Tutorial

Tulip Petal Sun Hat Size 2-5 years Free Pattern & Tutorial Click HERE to download the free pattern piece. Fabric Line: 'Sunny Happy Skies' by Bella Blvd for Riley Blake Designs Course Materials: 1/2 yard each of two different coordinating prints - 100% cotton fabric 1 large button 1 small button Basic Sewing Supplies Pinking Shears (optional) Tulip Petal Pattern Piece (found HERE) Course Instructions: 5/8" Seam Allowance, unless otherwise noted. Cut your pattern pieces.  You will need six for the exterior fabric and six for the … continue reading

29
Mar

45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest Recap

Wow, what an incredible last several days we've had!  The 45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest has come to a close and though Mom didn't walk away with the $1 million grand prize, we all walked away with memories to last a lifetime!  I feel so blessed to have been able to share this once in a lifetime experience with my mom and am so glad she invited me along for the ride! Mom at her station ~ #48The 45th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest was held this year in Orlando, FL at the Peabody Hotel.  Each finalist was allowed to bring three guests, but many people … continue reading

23
Mar

Will It Go Round In Circles? ~ Free Quilt Pattern and Tutorial ~ Part 5: Binding

Here we are on the final day of the 'Will it go round in circles?' quilt pattern and tutorial.  Today we will bind our quilt.  This binding tutorial is a great one whether you are binding a quilt or even a simple baby blanket.  Keep on going........you're almost finished!  And now here's my mom (Grandma Jane).............  Part 5: Binding34. Binding--Stitching all complete? It is time to bind your quilt. Yea! We are almost finished! I like to machine stitch the binding on to the quilt and then finish it up with hand stitching.35. Place the ends of two binding … continue reading