14
Mar

The Art of Thrifting

I had a wonderful "day-off" on Saturday.  My husband was judging a beer brewing competition and my in-laws took the girls for the entire day and offered to keep them overnight.  So, I was left with a WHOLE day to myself (aside from the brief meeting with our accountant to finish up our taxes).  What to do?  What to do?I chose to spend my day leisurely thrift store shopping around my area.  This is something I rarely get to do and there were some shops in the area that I had never even checked out before.  My number one priority was to find a comfy wing-back chair … continue reading

8
Mar

I’m Finally Letting the Cat Out of the Bag

So, I've finally decided to let the cat out of the bag.  Remember last week when I told you that I had something else in the works?  Well, it's not blog related and it's not Cottage Mama related, it's much bigger than that - about the biggest thing I've been working on in the last year and a half........I'm Pregnant!!Wow, this has been one heck of a secret to keep from you all - I've been wanting to tell you guys for SO long.  But I like to wait until I'm through the first trimester to tell most people - I had an early loss in between Savannah and Matilda, so it … continue reading

7
Mar

The Years Go by So Fast

My good friend, Lara, quoted someone by saying, "When you are the mom of young children, the days can feel VERY long, but the years go by SO fast."  And isn't that the truth?  It feels like only yesterday that I was in the hospital giving birth to my oldest daughter, Savannah Rose, but somehow she is already three years old!This past Saturday was Savannah's 3rd birthday and this was truly the best one yet!  We had a small family party this year (as opposed to our obscene 60 person 2nd birthday last year).  Savannah was very particular about what she wanted for her … continue reading

1
Mar

So, I’ve been busy……..

So, I've been busy with lots of things over the last month.  All fun stuff, but it has left me with less time to devote to tutorials for the blog and time to sew for myself.  Since I'm feeling a bit more caught up, I'm hoping to get back on the band-wagon with some creative inspiration.In case you were wondering what I've been up to (aside from Project Run and Play).  I've been busy creating new looks for spring such as........Retro Mod JumperThis design is not particularly new to my shop, but the color scheme is for sure.  I love the pretty aqua green and … continue reading

17
Feb

Fabric on Facebook

 Sometimes I realize that I just have WAY to much fabric!  I always like to over-buy because I would much rather have too much than too little.  But sometimes, enough is enough and it's time to clear out the shelves for new fabric shipments.  I just finished doing my second fabric destash over on facebook at near wholesale pricing for The Cottage Mama fans.  I love The Cottage Mama fans!!!  Have you joined The Cottage Mama facebook page?  If not, you should come join us - we have lots of fun.   Click HERE to visit the facebook fan page - all you have to do is … continue reading

15
Feb

Winter Wonderland Dress Tutorial

Well, unfortunately this was my last week on Project Run and Play.  I had a great time and am so thrilled how far I ended up going amongst these amazingly talented women.  This week is the last week and I cannot wait to see the final three designers "wild card" looks.  But for now, I thought it was finally time to start sharing some tutorials on my previous looks.  You didn't think I was going to leave you hanging, did you? … continue reading

14
Feb

Valentine’s Mail

Even though I am all grown up now, a wife, and mother with two little girls, my mom still sends me the most special care packages for the different holidays.  She always sends us beautifully packaged boxes with thoughtful things for the whole family.  I SO look forward to these packages!  We received a Valentine's Day box from her last week with lots of fun Valentine's treats, decorations and gifts and I just wanted to share a couple handmade gifts with you.For Christmas I gave Mom, Amy Butler's new book, Style Stitches, in hopes of getting her back into sewing.  … continue reading

13
Feb

Baked Breaded Zucchini

I have had a taste for fried zucchini over the last several days, so today I tried my hand a making a baked version of this popular appetizer and I must say it was mighty good!  To be honest, I could not tell the difference between this baked version and the fried version that you would purchase in a restaurant.  I breaded these zucchini chips with panko bread crumbs which I think really added to the crunchy texture. If you have a taste for fried zucchini, give this healthier version a try.  This is great as an appetizer or a side-dish.  Your kiddos will love … continue reading

12
Feb

Week 5 Project Run and Play – Valentine’s Day Challenge

"Little Love Bug"So this is the second to last week of Project Run and Play and I'm still in the competition!  Can you believe it?  I feel so honored and privileged to have made it this far.  Thank you guys so, so much for all your support - I couldn't have done it without you.For this week, we were told to come up with a Valentine's inspired look.  The idea for this dress popped into my head several weeks ago.  I wanted to make something that could be worn for Valentine's Day, but could also be carried through into spring/summer.  As I'm sure a lot of you know, … continue reading

9
Feb

Sew Basics: Make Your Own Custom Piping

I think piping is one of the sweetest, most professional details you can add to children's clothing.  It makes a some-what ordinary piece of clothing into something extraordinary.  There are many different colors and sizes of piping that you can purchase pre-made in the notions section of your local sewing store, but did you know that you can make your own? Making your own piping is really fun, very easy, and super affordable.  I love tying a garment together with piping in a coordinated, printed fabric.  Last week in my vintage/retro "Project Run and Play" … continue reading