18
Nov

Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & Garlic ~ Recipe

Roasted butternut squash with onions and garlic is the perfect fall side-dish to accompany any meal.  Looking for a new Thanksgiving side-dish? Well this could be it.  Simple ingredients with complex flavor.  You can't beat that!Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & GarlicIngredients:1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed1 large yellow onion1 head garlic1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon ground black pepperDirections:Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Peel butternut squash, remove seeds/pulp and cut into 1" cubes.  Cut onion in … continue reading

17
Nov

Butterfly Kisses Fabric Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the $50.00 gift certificate to Butterfly Kisses Fabric is.........Congratulations, Suzie!  I am so happy for you - you are going to have so much fun deciding what to buy with your gift certificate.  Please email me at thecottagemama@gmail.com and we will coordinate getting you your gift certificate.  Thanks so much to everyone who entered.  I'm so excited for Tammy and Chad and can't wait to see Butterfly Kisses Fabric grow!  If you weren't the winner for this giveaway, don't worry because next week we will be having another fabric shop giveaway … continue reading

16
Nov

Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy ~ Recipe

Country fried steak must be a southern thing.  People around here in Chicago give me a strange look when I ask them if they have ever had it before.  My family moved from California to Texas right after I turned 13 and I have been hooked on country fried steak ever since.  I guess you could say, it was love at first bite.Not only is country fried steak delicious, but it is also a very inexpensive cut of meat which makes it perfect for a family on a budget.  If you've never tried country fried steak, I'm sorry to say that you are missing out.  Come on, give this … continue reading

16
Nov

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Round-Up and Flickr Group

First off I would just like to say a big thank you to all the bloggers that participated in The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour.  It has been a thrill for me to see garments made from my original sewing patterns and so fun to see your individual interpretation of the patterns.From left to right - Kojo Designs, Aesthetic Nest, A Lemon Squeezy HomeFrom left to right - Craftiness is not Optional, Girl. Inspired, No Big DillIf you entered to win one of the 12 patterns being given away, please check back on each of these blogs to see if you are one of the lucky … continue reading

15
Nov

Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Stef from Girl. Inspired.

Today is actually going to be our final stop on The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour.  Our original final stop, Anna from Noodlehead, had to cancel due a family matter.  But I have to say, I think this final stop is going to Knock. Your. Socks. Off.  I love Stef from Girl. Inspired.  I don't know how long she and I have been emailing back and forth, but I think if we knew each other in real life we would definitely be friends.  She has three beautiful daughters and has a love for all things girly.  Her parties are amazing and not only is she a fabulous sewer … continue reading

14
Nov

Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Anneliese from Aesthetic Nest

We're back on, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and we are heading over to the gorgeous blog, Aesthetic Nest to see Anneliese's fall version of the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.Anneliese is a girl after my own heart!  I pretty much love everything she does.  She has incredibly classy style and most all of her designs emit an updated version of classic, vintage style.  Aesthetic Nest is one of the first blogs I check in my reader and I am always thrilled when she posts.  Hopefully one of these days, Anneliese and I will get together to … continue reading

12
Nov

Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Kristin from Kojo Designs

Today is the fourth stop on, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and we are heading over to Kristin and Jordan's incredibly inspiring blog, Kojo Designs for Kristin's take on the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.Kristin and Jordan's blog, Kojo Designs, is full of amazing DIY projects and ideas.  Trust me, if you've never been over there to visit, you will spend hours searching around getting totally inspired to create.  They have some serious style and eye-candy photography.  These sisters share their love of all things handmade and throw … continue reading

11
Nov

Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Katy from No Big Dill

Wow, we are already on day three of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and today we are heading over to Katy's blog, No Big Dill to check out her version of the 'Janey Jumper' pattern. Katy Dill is the mother of six children.....yes, you read that correctly.....SIX children!  After having five little girls, she recently gave birth to their very first baby boy.  She had him several weeks after I had Caspian Finn so the fact that she is participating in this blog tour is just awesome because she is definitely in the throws of 'newborn-land', just as I am.  … continue reading

10
Nov

Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Christie from A Lemon Squeezy Home

Today is the second stop on, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and we are heading over to Christie's darling blog, A Lemon Squeezy Home, for her take on the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.Christie has two boys and one little lady.  She has great project ideas for little boys and girls and writes with such a positive, uplifting spirit.  Christie is doing a wonderful photography series right now, so if you've ever wanted to improve your skills, you must check it out!  Here is Christie's darling little lady modeling her version of the … continue reading

9
Nov

Sewing Patterns Blog Tour ~ Jess from Craftiness is not Optional

As I mentioned yesterday, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns are going on tour.  The first stop is over on the lovely Jess's blog, Craftiness is not Optional.  Today Jess is showing off her version of the Janey Jumper sewing pattern and giving away two copies of the pattern!Jess has two sweet little girls and comes up with some of the best little girls outfits.  She is so sweet and has a really fun writing style.  We 'met' (though we've never met in person) through the first edition of the children's sewing contest, Project Run and Play. I've loved her blog ever … continue reading