2
Feb

Biscuit Corn Cakes with Goat Cheese and Blackberry-Thyme Sauce ~ Pillsbury Finalist Recipe

I know I've mentioned this before, but just in case you missed it, my mom (Grandma Jane) is one of the 100 finalists in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest coming up at the end of March.  All the finalists' recipes have been made public, so I am thrilled to be able to share her recipe with you (it was a big secret until they officially published them).Click here to read my original post about her becoming a finalist. My little man (Caspian) and I will be flying to Orlando, FL next month to watch my mom compete.  We just found out this week that Martha Stewart will be … continue reading

31
Jan

5 Months Already?

How can it be that my baby boy is 5 months old today?My sweet little Boo Boo is going to be on the move before we know it.I love every square inch of this baby boy.  His chubby cheeks, his huge grins, his soft skin, his smell, his belly laughs, his rubber band wrists, his super-chub thighs....... oh, and those eyes, I love those baby blues......I could go on and on.  Caspian Finn is honestly the sweetest, happiest little guy I have ever met.  Always smiling, easy going ~ definitely a dream baby if I could have ordered him up myself.I'd like to push the pause … continue reading

30
Jan

Rick Rack Travel Tissue Holder Tutorial

These last couple weeks we have been sick with some pretty nasty colds around here ~ tis the season, I guess.  It is the worst feeling to be caught out and about without a tissue in sight.  I mean, what is a girl to do? I've been meaning to make some travel tissue holders for the last year and I finally sat down and sewed some of these little cuties. As most of you know, I've got a thing for rick rack, so I decided to incorporate one of my favorite trims into the design.  This project is a really great way to use up scraps as it only takes two small squares of … continue reading

27
Jan

The Cottage Kids Favorite Toys ~ Age 2 through 4

The question about work-life balance has come up from quite a few of you lately.  You want to know how I balance being a wife, a mother to three young children, and a small business owner?  For right now, I'm not entirely prepared to answer how I 'do what I do' because I'm still formulating my thoughts on that topic.  I'm imagining me saying, 'just run around like a crazy woman' is not exactly the answer you were looking for.......though sometimes it's the truth.   So until I can clearly articulate myself on that topic........I thought I would share some bits and … continue reading

25
Jan

Sponsored Australian Aboriginal Fabric Bundle Giveaway ~ Heartsong Quilts

I’m really excited to announce a brand new The Cottage Home blog sponsor ~ HeartSong Quilts!  Wait until you check them out, you're going to be blown away by this unique, one-of-a-kind quilt shop!!HeartSong Quilts is one of the most unique quilt shops in America. It offers visually stunning fabrics including Australian Aboriginals, primitive moderns,urban and edgy fabrics, and fabrics evoking African mudcloth and homespun. They also sell traditional fabrics, panels, quilt kits, books, patterns and notions. They have an extensive clearance fabric department with … continue reading

25
Jan

Winners, Winners……

And the winners of the Sodee Naturals and Biltmore Inspirations giveaways are........Sodee Naturals Winner:Biltmore Inspirations Winner:Congratulations to both of you!  If you could please email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your contact information, we will get your prizes out to you as soon as possible. Thank to everyone who entered.  There's another great giveaway going up today, so if you like fabric, come on over to The Cottage Home.If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of The Cottage Home blog, please email Lindsay at … continue reading

23
Jan

Stitched Whimsy by Heidi Boyd ~ Book Review

'Stitched Whimsy' by Heidi Boyd is one of the cutest sewing books I have ever been sent to review.  The projects throughout the book are just as the title states ~ whimsical!  If you are looking for a book to inspire creativity and create special, handmade toys for your little ones, look no further.  Think turtles, mushrooms, little birds, elephants, giraffes, owls, felt food and so much more!'Stitched Whimsy' is divided into four different sections and contains projects involving needle felting as well as sewing.~Needle Felt Fun~Whimsy for the Home~Lovable … continue reading

21
Jan

On my mind…..Life, Love and Joy

For some reason I feel compelled to write today.  As I sit here in my bed trying to recover from a bad sinus infection and a double ear infection, I cannot feel sorry for myself.  I cannot feel sorry for myself because I am blessed beyond words.  I am blessed with overall good health, my family, the roof over my head, food on my table, my beautiful babies, my incredible husband, my friends and just life in general.Ever since Ashley of Lil Blue Boo posted her 'Right of Passage' video on her blog, I can't seem to get her, her family or the video out of my head. … continue reading

20
Jan

Biltmore Inspirations Inspired Living Giveaway ~ $50.00 Gift Certificate

Have you heard of Biltmore Inspirations?  Well, today we have a fabulous giveaway for you from this new and growing business!  I was recently introduced to Biltmore Inspirations through my good friend, Danica.  She has signed on as an independent sales consultant with the company and is the sponsor behind today's, generous $50.00 gift certificate.  Biltmore Inspirations is an exciting, new home-based party plan business from Biltmore. That’s right, Biltmore—as in America’s largest home, located in Asheville, North Carolina.Biltmore stands for gracious … continue reading

19
Jan

Circus 1st Birthday Dress from a Repurposed Bridesmaid Dress

My friend, Danica's, daughter, Aaralyn, turned one a couple weeks ago.  And for her party, I designed and sewed a dress as a gift from our family to the little princess.  Danica is a professional photographer (Flora Danica Photography), so she had definite visions for how she wanted this dress to look.  She had shown me a bunch of different ideas that she had, but she couldn't quite pin down exactly what she wanted.  You know that feeling?  Where you know what you want, but you just can't quite find a picture of what is in your head.  So with great faith, she … continue reading