The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Jul

Decorating ~ Girls Shared Toddler Bedroom

About a month ago we moved the girls into the same bedroom. I'm not going to lie, I was extremely nervous to make this move, but we knew it needed to happen well in advance of the other big adjustment in our future (baby brother). It was a big transition for them and for us into their Girls Shared Toddler Bedroom. It was Matilda's first time in a "big girl bed" and the first time either girl has ever had a roommate. We had a rough first couple days, but since then it's been working out pretty well. The girls bedroom is not a huge room, I think it's 11' x … continue reading

Jul

Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway: Meadow Friends Jelly Roll Fabric Giveaway

Have you heard of Fat Quarter Shop? Of course you have! They are only one of the most awesome fabric shops online with the most amazing collection of precut fabrics around. Did you know that they are a sponsor of The Cottage Home blog? Well, they most certainly are and I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things from their shop before we move on to their generous giveaway.Delilah Fat Quarter Set Fat Quarter shop sells an amazing array of designer quilting cotton yardage, but they also specialize in "precut" fabrics. If you aren't familiar with … continue reading

Jul

Governor’s Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch

Several months prior to Matilda's "Tea for 2" party, I received an issue of Southern Living magazine that was totally dedicated to different types of sweet teas. I thought, "Perfect!", it was just what I needed for my little lady's party. I decided on "Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch" and I was not disappointed!This tea punch is a combination of peach nectar, iced tea, simple syrup, ginger ale, club soda and more! It's a great way to add some festiveness to your basic iced tea and really take things to another level!Makes 1 gallonRecipe from Southern … continue reading

Jul

Mamarazzi Book Giveaway Winner

The winner of the book, "Mamarazzi - Every Mom's Guide to Photographing Kids" by Stacy Wasmuth, is.............Congratulations, Clover!! You are going to love this book! Please email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your contact information and we will get you your book as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and if you weren't the winner, I highly recommend checking this one out. It's a really easy read and a great reference book. Another great giveaway coming tomorrow (Monday)!! … continue reading

Jul

Lemon Lavender Tea Cookies

My mom and her husband, Allen (aka Pepo), recently attended the Lavender Festival in Blanco, Texas and they sent me this wonderful lavender cookbook and culinary grade lavender. I had no idea there were so many ways to cook with lavender. I thought these Lemon Lavender Tea Cookies would be just perfect for Matilda's "Tea for 2" party and they definitely were just right!These cookies are light and contain absolutely no eggs, so they are definitely more of a shortbread. Be careful though, because the dough tasted so yummy that I'm surprised I even got some … continue reading

Jul

The Little Man Gown Tutorial Upcycled Fashion

I've been meaning to make a little something for this new bundle of joy that is due to arrive in a month in half, but just haven't had the time to sit down and actually get it done. I'm sure you can imagine that with two girls, we have a lot of pink in this house. I love baby gowns, but we really didn't have any that would be appropriate for this little guy. … continue reading

Jul

Goat Cheese and Ham Wrapped Asparagus

These Goat Cheese and Ham Wrapped Asparagus were a huge hit at Matilda's "Tea for 2" party. And surprisingly it was the men who really gobbled these up! They are a great finger food because they don't require a fork and are easy to pick up and eat while you socialize. Serves 15-20 Ingredients: 2 lbs. fresh asparagus 1/2 lb. honey ham 8 oz. herb goat cheese 1/3 brick cream cheese, softened 30+ fresh chives Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus (approximately 1"- 2"). Cook asparagus. Only cook for a few minutes in boiling water and then shock them … continue reading

Jul

Summer Pasta Salad

I love a good pasta salad, don't you? I've tried tons of different recipes and I don't know if I've ever met a pasta salad that I didn't really like. For Matilda's "Tea for 2" party I wanted to do an updated version of a traditional classic. This is my version of Summer Pasta Salad with fresh herbs, sun dried tomatoes, peas, black olives and asparagus. Serves 15-20 Ingredients: 2 lbs. tri-color rotini pasta 1 cup zesty Italian dressing 1 cup Caesar dressing 1/2 jar of sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil 10 fresh chives Handful of fresh parsley 1/2 … continue reading

Jul

{ Tea for 2 Birthday Party }

About a week ago we celebrated Miss Matilda's 2nd birthday with a "Tea for 2" party. I got the idea for this party about six months ago. Matilda loves playing with her tea set and I thought this would make for a lovely party theme outdoors. We really lucked out with the most gorgeous day! It was sunny, low 80's, very little humidity - perfect for an outdoor tea! Matilda's Squinty Little Smile Matilda had a great time at her party! She ate lots, played with her balloons and bouncy balls, and had a lot of fun opening presents and eating cake. She kept … continue reading

Jul

The BIG 3-0

So today I enter a new world - I'm 30 years old! To be honest, I don't feel any different about being in my 30's. I've kind of always felt like an "old soul", so age has always just be a number to me. I never "felt" 21 or 24 or 29 years old, I've just always felt like me. I kind of wonder if I will feel the same way when I turn 40, 50, 60, or 70? I guess only time will tell. But I have to say, 30 definitely sounds a bit more grown up, don't you think?When I look back at what I've done and where I've been for the last 30 years, I can honestly say that I am … continue reading