25
May

Get Rid of the Funk and Recharge Your Day!

Do you ever have those days where you are just feeling in a funk?  It's like from the minute you get up, you just kind of feel blah?  I think we all have those days for sure!  The question is, do you let yourself get caught up in the blah or do you take charge and do something about it?  I say - do something about it!!9 Ways to Recharge Your Day1. Have a dance party.  Yes, this may sound silly, but turn on your favorite tunes and "shake your tail-feather".  After about 2-3 songs, you will be feeling good, energized and ready to tackle the day.2.  Smile.  I know, … continue reading

21
May

The Power of Touch

 Me and My GirlsI don't know if you have ever noticed the tag-line for my blog here, "Cooking. Sewing. Crafting. And All Things Domestic."  Well, I've been noticing lately that I have done A LOT of cooking, sewing, and crafting, but the "domestic" part of this blog has gone to the way-side.So in thinking about the focus of The Cottage Home, I have decided to incorporate some more posts addressing family, home and relationships, since that is the core of my life.  I hope you don't mind.  This blog is an ever evolving creative outlet for me and I'm so happy that you … continue reading

17
May

Foil Baked Tilapia

I finally have a healthy recipe for you!  I love fish.  I'm not sure why we don't eat it more, well yes I am........we live in the Midwest and fish is pricey here and not always the best quality.  My hubs and I grew up on the West coast in CA, so we were super-spoiled during our childhood when it comes to seafood. I had some frozen tilapia in my freezer as well as several bell peppers we picked up at the farmer's market, so I decided to try my hand at creating a new recipe. This recipe was SO easy and a great one for a beginning cook.  My husband commented on … continue reading

16
May

Sleepover Ruffle Pillowcase Tutorial

Sleepovers are one of my fondest memories as a little girl.  I loved staying overnight with my girlfriends, watching movies, giggling and trying to see if we were able to stay up the whole night (which never actually happened).  I had a really neat sleeping bag that I took to sleepovers and I always felt really special when I brought it over to my friends houses. So, here's a tutorial to make your darling little lady her very own "special" sleepover pillowcase.  This pillowcase would also be great as a special "travel" pillowcase or would be super-cute for a … continue reading

14
May

Sleepover Pillowcase Tutorial – Guest Post at My Four Monkeys

Just wanted to let you know that I'm blogging over at the Craft Bonanza at My Four Monkeys with my Sleepover Pillowcase Tutorial.Head over to My Four Monkeys and learn how to sew one of these super-girly ruffle pillowcases!  Don't sew?  Well, I just listed these pillowcases as part of the Toddler Naptime Set in my etsy shop - come pick one up for your darling little lady! … continue reading

11
May

Jambalaya Egg Casserole

This morning I was scheduled to host our bi-weekly playgroup.  The group is pretty large, with 12 Mama's, 12 two-year olds, and several younger siblings.  Typically the playgroup host provides some type of breakfast/brunch for everyone.  I wanted to try something new and saw a recipe on the back of the Zatarain's Jambalaya mix that looked very interesting and right up my alley. I modified the recipe ever so slightly, but I must say, I thought it turned out pretty darn tasty and so did the other Mama's. Jambalaya Egg Casserole (Serves 8-12) Ingredients: 1 … continue reading

8
May

Mother’s Love Tree

I could not ask for a better mother - she is everything I hope to be.  As I have gotten older and am now a mother myself, I've grown to appreciate her more and more.  As her "adult" child I truly consider my Mom my best girlfriend.  She is always a voice of reason for me, always encouraging me to take the high road and do my best, full of kindness, amazingly supportive and a wonderful listener.  My Mom is such a joy to be around and when we get together we always laugh so hard and have the best time!This mother's day I wanted to make my Mom something really … continue reading

5
May

Craft Room Organization: Fabric Lid Jar Tutorial

This past weekend my hubby decided to help me turn our office in to my official sewing/craft space - yippee!   It's a very small space, but I think we've got it functioning pretty well.  And I can't complain, I feel pretty lucky to have a sewing room that I can call my own. I can't wait to show you all the pictures, but we aren't quite finished yet.So in the meantime, I thought I would share a few tutorials with you on some of the ways I've decided to organize my space.  I have A LOT of metal shank buttons that I cover with fabric and use on the children's … continue reading

27
Apr

Avocado Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Avocado + cheesy enchiladas = HEAVEN If you are an avocado lover, as I am, then you must try my new Avocado Enchilada Casserole recipe. I love casseroles because they can be made ahead of time and put in the oven when ready to bake.  This recipe is perfect to have the kids help you make dinner.  Even my 2-year old daughter Savannah helped me with this one.  She sprinkled the cheese between each layer and finished it off with the green onions - she felt so proud being Mommy's big helper in the kitchen! Now I am a HUGE fan of Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, … continue reading

26
Apr

Waterproof Picnic Blanket Tutorial

In case you weren't able to make it over to my guest post at "Someday Crafts" last week, I thought I would go ahead and share my tutorial for a Waterproof Picnic Blanket!  I thought this would be a really fun spring/summer tutorial to share with you that is super simple and VERY useful! Have you ever been outside for a picnic only to lay your blanket down are realize the ground is damp?  Well, that is no fun and kind of ruins the picnic experience.  So, make yourself one of these waterproof picnic blankets and you will never have to worry about wet ground … continue reading