The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Feb

No-Sew Projects with Fabric

Now I know the majority of you that read my blog are sewers; however, I do know there are some that are not. As you can see from my previous post, I LOVE fabric! I think it is so gorgeous and just looking at it gets my creativity going. But did you know there are plenty of ways to incorporate fabric into your home that does NOT involve sewing?I thought I would show you a few no-sew fabric projects that I have around my home:These are basic square frames purchased from IKEA. I simply framed some fabric that I really loved that seemed to coordinate with our … continue reading

Feb

Now Don’t Be Jealous……

.........but look what arrived in the mail for me yesterday!Eeeeek - it's my fabric!! I had ordered about 40-50 yards of fabric awhile back and it is finally here. I will be using most of this yardage for items in my etsy shop. I do have several item for my shop ready to go, I just need to get some good sunshine to take my pictures so I can list them.I have had a lot of friends ask me where I get my fabric. Well, I usually can find the best prices for fabric online. The only thing about ordering online is you usually have to wait for it and you don't get to … continue reading

Feb

Reusable Coffee Sleeve Tutorial

I love coffee. Now, it is VERY rare these days that I allow myself to purchase a Starbucks coffee. Being a stay-at-home Mom means being on a strict budget which, of course, is SO worth it being able to spend all day with my two little ladies. However, I know many, many of my friends and family that love to have their daily coffee fix from their local coffee shop. When you purchase your coffee it comes with the cup, the lid and the cardboard coffee sleeve. My goodness - that is a lot of waste for one coffee drink! So, I thought maybe we could help eliminate … continue reading

Feb

100 Followers – Time for a Giveaway!!

Wooohoooo! I've finally reached 100 followers - I'm so excited! I feel so special that people are actually interested in what I have to say!I've had over 300 readers (including RSS subscribers) for a little while now, but I thought the three digit follower number was a good excuse for my first giveaway! I am giving away one of my Lil Blue Boo challenge dresses. There are three for you to choose from - one is 6-12 months, one is 18-24 (fits a smaller 2T) months, and the other is 3T. So the winner will be able to pick one - which ever will fit the little lady … continue reading

Feb

Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta

I'm going to tell you a little secret.......well, I guess it's not a total secret........ I have a serious addiction to Fettuccine Alfredo. I think it is one of the most delicious, indulgent things on earth! Personally I would choose to eat this over a piece of chocolate cake any day! I know I have not been posting the most "figure flattering" recipes lately, but we had this for dinner last night and it was just so good that I had to share it with you!Creamy Pesto Alfredo PastaServes 4Ingredients:1lb. pasta shells (1 box)2 cups heavy cream1/3 cup pesto … continue reading

Feb

Apple Raisin French Toast Strata

This morning was our "Valentine" playgroup. We had such a great time! My friend Julie hosted the group and she did a wonderful job. She prepared several different breakfast items, but the Apple Raisin French Toast Strata definitely took the cake - it was AWESOME!!Julie got this recipe via allrecipes.com and I wanted to go ahead and share it with all of you. If you are hosting a brunch/breakfast anytime in the near future, make this dish - it was SO yummy! Apple Raisin French Toast StrataIngredients:1 (1 pound) loaf cinnamon raisin bread, cubed1 (8 ounce) … continue reading

Feb

Two New Do’s!!

This was a BIG weekend for haircuts in our house. My daughter, Savannah, got her first little haircut in preparation for her 2nd birthday. We just did a little trim because I want to grow it out so I can do fun hair-dos someday.Here's Savannah with her cute little haircut (and her lollipop too, of course!)So last night I did it - I cut a foot off of my hair! It was just time. For the last 3 years I have been growing my hair out and while I do like having long hair, I found it was constantly in a ponytail. With two girls under two, wearing my long locks down … continue reading

Feb

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole & Monterey Jack Cheese Cornbread Muffins

When I had my second daughter, Matilda Jane, 7 months ago I could not believe the out-pouring of kindness we received from our family and friends. We were brought so many meals that I did not even have to think about cooking for several weeks! I think bringing new parents a meal that they can easily heat up is one of the best gifts you can possible give a couple.So on Friday I was telling you all about the fact that tons of my friends seem to have had babies this past month (see post here ). Today I delivered meals to two of my friends and I thought I would … continue reading

Feb

Final Challenge Dress #7 – "The Paper Doll Dress"

"The Paper Doll Dress" is entirely different from the last six dresses I entered in the challenge, but in all honesty, this one is much more my style. I just love little girls in classic dresses and consider myself to have very classic style. Granted, they aren't necessarily practical for everyday playing around on the playground, but oh, they just look SO sweet!So for my final challenge dress I used the "Paper Doll Dress Pattern" from Lil Blue Boo.I decided to make this dress using some of the fabrics I will be using in my etsy shop and I love how it turned out … continue reading

Feb

Challenge Dress #6 – "Hope, Dream, Believe"

I love these three words - hope, dream, believe. I feel like these words were such a large part of my life growing up. My parents did a wonderful job encouraging me throughout my childhood to follow my dreams. They never ever told me something wasn't possible or it wasn't practical (which I heard many of my friends parents say quite often). They were constantly supporting me and believing in me in everything I did. I grew up singing, dancing and acting and it was always my dream to be on Broadway. Never once was I told that it was not a possibility. I was … continue reading