The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Dec

Another Fabric Hunting Adventure – Texas Style!

Whenever we travel I am always on the hunt for the next greatest fabric store. I think it is so fun to check out new places in other cities besides where we live (Chicago). So, this past week we were in Texas for my Mom's wedding and Thanksgiving. My Mom had mentioned to me that there was this giant fabric store only 5 minutes from her new house with over 5000 fabrics. What?!?!?! The thought of this place got my heart racing.So the day after the wedding, after all the relatives had said their goodbyes, Mom and I headed to "Fabrics and More" in Houston, Texas. … continue reading

Nov

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potatoes

My family did not grow up eating sweet potatoes and we definitely did not have sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving. And quite frankly, I don't really care for them. But as many of you know, when you get married and start a family of your own, you adapt to new traditions. One of which, in my case, is sweet potatoes.This past week, we spent Thanksgiving with my Mom and her new (as in just got married a week ago) hubby, Allen. Like I said before, Mom and I don't do sweet potatoes, but we wanted to make sure we kept our guys happy so we added sweet potatoes to the … continue reading

Nov

Time for Me: Part 1 – Skin Care and enter to win $100 Visa gift card

For the last almost three+ years I have either been pregnant or nursing. Yes, that’s right. I had my daughter Savannah and then when she was 7 months old I found out I was pregnant with my younger daughter Matilda. Two weeks ago I finally got my body back. After 15-months of nursing my daughter Matilda, I finally decided it was time to wean. I’d definitely say weaning was a bittersweet time for me. But all and all, I think it’s a little bit more on the sweet side.Click here to read more and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card. … continue reading

Nov

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick post to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!Gosh, I sure am thankful for those two little faces in the above pictures. I can't imagine my life with out them. It's probably cliche to say, but having children is like having your heart walk around outside your body. What a great joy they bring to our lives! And I am definitely thankful for this man........The Cottage Papa! What a truly magnificent father and partner. So thankful that he chose me to be his for life!I hope you all enjoy your turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, … continue reading

Nov

Gadanke Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Gadanke Book Giveaway is.............Jonna, if you could please email me ([email protected]) with your contact information we will get this special book in the mail for you! Congratulations!! … continue reading

Nov

IKEA Swedish Meatballs: Knock-Off Recipe

This post may make you feel differently about me, but I have to come out and say it - I l.o.v.e. IKEA Swedish meatballs. Yes, I love IKEA, but the meatballs really put the experience over the edge for me.I decided I wanted to try to recreate the IKEA meatballs experience at home and I think I came pretty darn close! The gravy is out of this world, so that is what I really tried to focus on with this recipe. If you think meatballs and gravy for dinner is totally weird you can stop reading right now (I won't be offended), but if you love these savory little … continue reading

Nov

Baked Artichoke Bread

Every year my husband and I host a big fall party. This was our sixth year hosting and we love being able to get all of our friends together and celebrate our favorite season. We call the party "The Feast" and it is definitely just that. We provide a large piece of meat for everyone - we've done barbecued turkey, pulled pork, tri-tip roast and this year we did a beef brisket. My husband did a fabulous job with the brisket - maybe I can get him to "guest post" about it (wink, wink, hubby if you're reading this). Everyone else brings a dish to share and we have … continue reading

Nov

Gadanke Review and Giveaway

Today I have a fun little giveaway for you guys. Katie, from Gadanke, is giving away one of her "The Little Things - A Journal of Thankful Thoughts" to one of The Cottage Home readers. She graciously sent me one of these journals to review and we will be sending out one to the giveaway winner.I thought this was an appropriate giveaway for this time of year since Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Personally, I use to keep a gratitude journal, where I would write down the five things at the end of the day that I was thankful for (be it big or small). Well, … continue reading

Nov

Fabric Organizers

Back in August I posted about my new sewing studio (we've since moved and I have an even newer sewing studio!) Since then I have had quite a few people emailing about the fabric organizers I use so I thought it was time to give you the scoop on my favorite sewing organization tool of all time! With Christmas around the corner, these would make a fun gift for anyone you know who is a true fabric lover or a fun gift for you from your husband or family (just forward them this post and say "hint, hint"). … continue reading

Nov

My Fabric Hunting Adventure

So, I ventured downtown towards the south side of Chicago to visit this fabric warehouse (Textile Discount Outlet) I had heard about online. I am always looking for woven trims and fun details to add to the next "The Cottage Mama" clothing line, so I had been wanting to check this place out. I wasn't quite sure what to expect based on the reviews on read online, but I can say it was definitely an adventure.There were three floors with tons and tons of fabric everywhere. It seemed like each floor went on for miles. The building was so old that I wasn't quite … continue reading