23
Jun

Individual Pecan Bread Pudding

We spent this past Sunday celebrating Father's Day at my in-laws.  We had a fabulous dinner (shrimp, chicken and steak) and my mother-in-law made my father-in-law his favorite dessert (fruit soaked in Grand Marnier) and I made my husband a new recipe for Pecan Bread Pudding.I'm usually not a huge fan of bread pudding, but this turned out great!  This is my version of a Paula Deen bread pudding (let's just say mine has a whole lot less sugar.....if you can believe that).  The pecans and brown sugar on top added a lot of extra crunch - serve it with vanilla ice … continue reading

21
Jun

Summer Garden Birthday Party – Fabric Invitations

So I'm in the planning phase of my daughter, Matilda Jane's, 1st birthday party.  Rather than doing one gigantic blog post after the party, I thought I would just share things with you as I go.  Luckily I got her invitations in the mail last week, so I can check that "to do" off of my list!  The theme for Matilda's birthday is a Summer Garden Party and is inspired by the fabric I used to make her birthday outfit.  So I've already shared her birthday dress with you.......remember this.........I really feel like the invitations set the tone for the party before it … continue reading

18
Jun

Dress Shirt Sleep Sack Tutorial

I don't know about you, but for the first year or so of my girls life they spend most of their time sleeping in a sleep sack.  I never have enough sleep sacks - they always seem to be in short supply, but they are pretty expensive at $20 a pop.  So that's where today's tutorial comes in........Dress Shirt Sleep Sack Tutorial. … continue reading

13
Jun

Vintage Hanky Tote Tutorial

I love vintage - whether it be linens, kitchen tools, fabric, graphic prints, clothing, ect.  There is something so comforting to me about things that have been around for awhile and things that have a history.Several weeks back my family and I went to a local farmer's market and stopped at a favorite antique store in the area on our way back.  I picked up quite a few vintage hankies as well as some vintage pillowcases.  I knew I wanted to turn the pillowcases into dresses, but wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with the hankies.My good friend, college … continue reading

10
Jun

Ruffle Bonnet Tutorial

Yesterday I just had to show off the little birthday outfit that I made for my sweet Matilda Jane.  I just loved the way it came together.  But what I think really completes the look is the ruffle bonnet. This project is actually more simple than it looks.  And the great thing about this bonnet is that it is one-size and adjustable.  Cinch the ribbon in the back really tight for a 6 month old and let it out as they grow.  The bonnet Matilda is wearing fit my daughter Savannah (2 years) as well once I let out the back a little and still has room to grow. This … continue reading

9
Jun

Summer Garden Party Birthday Outfit

So I have been busy, busy lately with custom orders.  And while I love the fact that I have had so much business lately, I needed to take a little break and work on something for one of my own little ladies.My sweet Matilda Jane's 1st birthday is in a month - she was born 7/8/09 (cool birthday, right?).  As it goes with the second child, Matilda doesn't get very many things that are just for her, so I had to make sure I really turned it up a notch for her special birthday outfit.  And I really think this might be one of my most favorite little creations ever!So … continue reading

7
Jun

Babyhood Bonanza – Guest Blogging at Luvinthemommyhood

Guess where I am today?  I'm over at Luvinthemommyhood guest blogging!  Shannon, just had her second baby girl, Harper (who is the cutest little thing EVER).  So while she's on maternity leave she has lined up some crafty ladies to come over and blog about projects for Mama and baby.  You've got to check out what some of these ladies have come up with - there are some really great ideas!Today I am sharing my tutorial for a Dress Shirt Baby Sleep Sack.  Come on over to luvinthemommyhood and check it out - it's a super fun, inexpensive and easy beginning sewing … continue reading

6
Jun

Asian Slaw

Several weeks ago, I shared my recipe for Jambalaya Egg Casserole that I served at my most recent playgroup.  With the casserole I served an Asian slaw and a pineapple salad - I shared the pictures, but not the recipes (I know, how rude of me!).  A couple people emailed asking for the recipe for the Asian slaw, so I thought I would share it with you all.I love almost all Asian food (unless I can see the eyeballs) and I especially love things with peanuts.  This is a great dish to take to a potluck or for entertaining because you can make it ahead of time and it … continue reading

3
Jun

Busy, Busy

It has been busy, busy around The Cottage Home lately.   My etsy shop, The Cottage Mama, seems to really be taking off and I am just tickled pink with the new opportunities that are coming my way.I wanted to share some of the things I have been working on with all of you............A new design for the shop - Floral Blue & Orange Bubble RomperThis is one of my favorite designs that I have come up with.  I love using rick-rack, piping and fabric covered buttons and this cute little outfit has all three!I've also been busy with some custom order requests.  Most of … continue reading

30
May

A Day at the Market

I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful holiday weekend - we sure are!  I just wanted to share some pictures from our trip to our local farmer's market.Check out these hanging baskets - aren't they GORGEOUS!  I would love to have one, but we don't have anywhere to hang something like that.  So if you can't take one home, you might as well stop and smell the pretty flowers.During this time of year there is very little produce available at our market.  It's mostly plants, herbs, cheese, honey, bread and wine.  Asparagus is in season right now, but that's about … continue reading