The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

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

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

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

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

Jan

Smoked Chipotle Pulled Pork Quesadillas ~ Recipe

As you might have noticed, I'm on a slow cooker kick lately and this recipe is no exception. You make the Smokey Chipotle Pulled Pork in your slow cooker during the day and then make the quesadillas right before you're ready to eat. You can also serve this pork just as it is on a hamburger bun or use it as a filling for tacos.....it's very versatile.Smoked Chipotle Pulled Pork QuesadillasIngredients:3-4 pound pork loin roast1 onion, chopped1 tablespoon cumin1 tablespoon oregano1 teaspoon chile powder2 cloves garlic, chopped1/4 cup chipotle salsa or 1 tablespoon … continue reading

Jan

From Grandma with Love………A Christmas Quilt

So is it too late to share something from Christmas? Well, maybe so, but better late than never!My mom and Allen (aka Pepo) flew in from Texas to celebrate an early Christmas with us the weekend prior to the actual date. We had such a lovely visit, though it's always shorter than I would like, but it certainly makes me appreciate the time I get with my mom and Pepo all the more!Mom made this gorgeous, twin-sized Christmas quilt as a gift for us this year. I can't even express how much I love it. It's big and cozy and can cover up our entire family snuggling on … continue reading

Jan

A Little Announcement: Riley Blake Project Design Team

So, I have a little announcement to make..........I'm an official member of the Riley Blake Designs Project Design Team! I am beyond thrilled to have been invited to be part of this amazing team. The people behind Riley Blake Designs are incredible and I am so excited to be working with them on this new endeavor.Riley Blake Designs is a fabric, notions and trim manufacturer based in Utah and they produce some of the most adorable fabrics on the market. I have always been a huge fan of theirs, especially the amazing 'boy' fabrics that seem to be so much harder … continue reading

Jan

The Cottage Mama on Pinterest

I am a huge fan of Pinterest. 'Inspiration City' is what I like to call it. I'm not quite sure why it never dawned on me to mention that I'm on Pinterest, but I am. Now I've mentioned it ~ The Cottage Mama is on Pinterest. I usually only allow myself to login to Pinterest once a day because if I go on there any more than that, I will get carried away for hours. However, I do 'pin' things throughout my day with the little 'pin it' button in my internet browser. The amount of eye candy photographs, inspiration and ideas are mind-boggling. I know I've said this … continue reading

Jan

Slow Cooker Green Chicken and Rice Soup ~ Recipe

I have been asked by quite a few people recently about how I manage my time. And you know what, that's a really good question. One that makes me stop and think, how do I manage my time? I guess I just go about life doing what I love doing and don't really think about how I make it work. Well, I'm going to give it some more thought and I'll try create some posts on time management in the future. I'll tell you right off the bat, I don't get 'it all done'. I don't think anyone does. You can't be all things to all people all of the time. I just don't think that … continue reading

Jan

Sodee Naturals Giveaway

Today I've got a really great giveaway from Sodee Naturals. About a month ago I was contacted by this company and asked if I would be interested in trying out their products. They specialize in all natural body care products that are safe for children and adults. With having three children under the age of four, I believe that more natural the better. My daughter, Savannah, has keratosis pilaris which basically is just really bumpy skin on her arms and a little bit on her legs. I had this a bit as a child and it is inherited. It's very common and isn't too … continue reading