The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Apr

Quick and Easy – Bubble Skirt Tutorial

Right now I am in the process of updating my girls spring wardrobe. Savannah seems to have grown overnight and everything is about 1" - 2" too short. I am repurposing a lot of her clothes, adding a few totally handmade items, and buying a few new things. I will share the full wardrobe with you once I have it all completed, but for now I thought I would share this quick and easy Bubble Skirt Tutorial. I'm not kidding when I say that this skirt only took me 20 minutes to make (including cutting time). It's SO quick and easy and if you have a serger it's even … continue reading

Apr

Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Walnut Chicken Salad is another easy recipe with a few ingredients that is "oh so good." I remember this recipe from late junior high and high school. My mom and I used to be in National Charity League (NCL), which is a mother-daughter charity group, and every year we would have an annual tea. Everyone would bring something to the tea, but there were specific recipes that were used each year and this Walnut Chicken Salad was a staple every single time. I'm on kind of a bagel kick right now, but traditionally this is served as a tea sandwich. Serve the … continue reading

Apr

Shabby Apple Dress Winner

And the winner of the Shabby Apple Dress is............Congratulations Kristy!! I'm so excited for you - you're right, with four littles I'm sure you and your hubby could use a night out on the town. Enjoy! Email me with your contact information at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com so we can get your sizing and have this dress mailed out to you ASAP. Thanks to everyone who entered! … continue reading

Apr

The Modest Mom – Maternity Skirt Giveaway

We're on a roll here with giveaways here on The Cottage Home and I've got another great one for all you expectant mama's out there! Today's giveaway comes from a wonderful new blog sponsor, The Modest Mom. Owner, Caroline, is giving away one of her handmade single-ruffle denim skirts to one very lucky reader.Here's a little bit about The Modest Mom in Caroline's words: "During each pregnancy I have tried to find modest, modern, feminine maternity skirts only to turn up empty handed. I knew of many pregnant women who had the same problem as I did, and they … continue reading

Apr

Empire Waist Dress – Comfy Sews Vs. Cozy Knits

Shannon from Luvinthemommyhood invited me to participate in her latest "Versus" series - Comfy Sews vs. Cozy Knits. Guess which side of the ring I'm on?.........ding, ding, ding......you guessed it, Comfy Sews. I love Shannon and her blog so I'm thrilled she has chosen to include me again! You might remember my Shawl Collar Sweater tutorial that was included in the last round. For this challenge I decided to create an easy Empire Waist Dress. As most of you know, I am pregnant with baby #3 and I wanted to create something super-comfy to wear throughout the … continue reading

Apr

Spring Issue Delish Magazine – DIY Fabric Covered Photo Mats

The new spring issue of Delish Magazine was just released this afternoon! In case you aren't familiar, Delish is a free online women's magazine filled with tons of great information, tips, articles, recipes, ect. In this quarters issue I am sharing an easy tutorial for Fabric Covered Photo Mats.There are lots of fun, interesting articles in the spring issue, including some fabulous recipes and a great interview with fabric designer, Kate Spain. Head over to Delish and check it out! … continue reading

Apr

Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops – Pattern Giveaway Winner(s)

And the winners of the Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops pattern giveway are the following two lucky ladies.........Congratulations to Honour and Cheri! You will each be receiving a pattern of your choice from our fabulous blog sponsor, Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops! Please email thecottagemama [at] gmail [dot] com with your contact information. Thanks so much to all who entered! There are more pattern giveaways coming up in the next several weeks from some wonderful new pattern designers and sponsors. Stay tuned! … continue reading

Apr

Homekeeping: Storing Lettuce

Recently I did some major cleaning in my kitchen. The girls (Savannah and Matilda) and I scrubbed the front on all of our kitchen cabinets. I'm sure no one would really notice the difference if you came to my kitchen, but boy did it feel good. Not to mention the fact that Savannah said it was "the best day ever"........the girl loves to clean and had a blast playing with sponges and soapy water.That same day I decided to get my refrigerator in order. I removed all of the shelves and drawers and washed them with hot, soapy water in the sink. Then I scrubbed … continue reading

Mar

Tortellini with Lemon Cream Sauce

Sometimes the most delicious dishes only contain a few ingredients. My tortellini with lemon cream sauce is one of those. So simple, yet indulgently delicious. Tortellini with Lemon Cream Sauce Ingredients:1 package fresh cheese tortellini (8 oz.)3 tablespoons butter1.5 cups heavy cream1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 lemonSalt and pepper, to tasteDirections:Begin cooking fresh tortellini according to package directions.In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in heavy cream and bring to a boil. Once you've reached a boil, reduce the heat to medium. … continue reading

Mar

New Sponsor and Pattern Giveaway – Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops

I am so excited about the newest sponsor of The Cottage Home blog -Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops! This online shop is full of amazing sewing patterns, fabrics and notions. Today, owner Terri, is giving away one sewing pattern of your choice from her amazing shop for TWO readers. Click HERE to read more about this exclusive giveaway for The Cottage Home readers and enter to win. Also, find out why I love Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops and why you will too! … continue reading