4
Aug

Altered Couture Magazine Fall 2011

It happened again - The Cottage Mama was published in the Fall 2011 Issue of Altered Couture Magazine!  I'm so thrilled to be part of this wonderful publication for the second time and I have to admit, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing my work in print.  This issue of the magazine is full of all sorts of tutorials and inspiration for altering your fall wardrobe. Oh, how I love fall!In the fall issue I have three pieces that are featured........The first two pieces are combined into one article and they are my Shawl Collar Sweater and T-Shirt Shrug.  … continue reading

3
Aug

Crepe Paper Flowers

The crepe paper flowers that I made for Matilda's "Tea for 2" party were really simple to make and incredibly inexpensive.  I bought three rolls of different colored crepe paper and was able to make about 10 different flowers and a ton of ruffled streamers (and I still had some left over).  At $1.00 per roll, I would definitely say this was budget decorating. Here's how to make your own crepe paper flowers........ Supplies: 3 rolls crepe paper (different colors) Tape Sewing machine Directions:  Grab your three rolls of crepe paper.   I chose two … continue reading

1
Aug

{ Nesting } – Organization Overload

It's less than two months now until little man's scheduled arrival.  And when I say scheduled, I mean really scheduled since, unless I go into labor early, I have a c-section date already on the calendar (due to my previous c-section with Miss M.).  Anyway, I have since realized that there are 5000 things I want to get done before this little angels arrival and SO little time to get it all done.Recently I went slightly crazy organizing the house.  I think my good friend, Lara, thought I had lost my mind when I was showing her all the insides of my cabinets.  Do … continue reading

30
Jul

Fat Quarter Shop Fabric Giveaway Winners

I'm so excited to announce the winner(s) of the Fat Quarter Shop "Meadow Friends" jelly roll giveaway.  Did you notice how I said winner(s) plural?  Well, Fat Quarter Shop contacted me this week and said because you guys did such an awesome job at visiting their shop and ordering fabric, that instead of just giving away one jelly roll, they are giving away FOUR!!!Here are the FOUR lucky winners.........Congratulations to all four of you!  Each winner will receive a jelly roll of "Meadow Friends" by Deb Strain from Fat Quarter Shop and can choose whether they would … continue reading

27
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

26
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

25
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

24
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

22
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

21
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