13
Feb

Challenge Dress #1 – "The Gracyn"

A week ago, I mentioned the Lil Blue Boo / Dharma Trading Design Challenge (remember this post?).  My goal was to get 10 dresses made last week because for every 10 dresses entered in the challenge, Ashley (Lil Blue Boo) would donate one of her dresses to a girl in need.  Well unfortunately it didn't happen - I only got 7 completed, but 7 out of 10's not bad, right?  With my two little girls (both under 2 years old), I'm lucky if I can get anything done these days, so I'm quite pleased with my accomplishment this last week.I am going to break down my blog posts … continue reading

12
Feb

Fat Quarter Baby Quilt & Burp Cloths

So, I think something must be in the air because all of a sudden there are babies everywhere!  Some of my friends are having their first child and some their second, but I have four friends that have all given birth within the last month (and more to come).  I'm SO excited for each and every one of them.  The birth of a child is a very magical time in a couples life!Tomorrow, I am heading to a baby shower for our friends, Mike & Amy.  Amy was due to give birth to her little angel mid-March, but due to some medical complications, Amy delivered Mary Heather a few … continue reading

11
Feb

I think she might be addicted……..

to spoons!  So today I decided that I really need to tackle some housework around The Cottage Home.  I have been sewing like crazy (can't wait to show you my "challenge" dressses!), but haven't been the best about keeping organized.So, I was going through my daughters toys this morning, sorting everything, and this is what I found all over the place:Spoons (and the occasional fork) everywhere!  I found them in the couch, under tables, in boxes, in toys, ect.  Savannah is constantly going into the silverware drawer and pulling out her spoons to pretend she is … continue reading

10
Feb

Living Locurto – Creative Ideas & Free Downloads

Have you heard of this website - Living Locurto?  I only recently discovered this fabulous site!  Amy Locurto started this website and it has free printables, menu plans, recipes, fun party ideas and crafts.  I can't believe I am only now just discovering this wonderful resource - Amy, where have you been all my life?As far as free printables, she has everything from cute valentines, invitations, different fonts, printable cards, and the list goes on.  And these aren't just any printables - they are incredibly stylish and modern. Here are a few of the free … continue reading

10
Feb

Capes, Capes, and More Capes

Back in October, I made my good friend Marlene's son, Ben, a superhero cape and crown for his 2nd birthday (here's the post).  I just loved this gift and it was a huge hit with some of my other "Mommy" friends as well.So, my friend Dancia (www.floradanicaphotography.com) asked if I would help her make a cape for her little guy, Roaran.  Roaran LOVES Curious George and they were planning on attending "Curious George Live" at a local area arena.  She thought it would be SO fun for him to have a special "George" cape to wear to the show and asked if I would help her … continue reading

8
Feb

Valentine – "We Dig You!"

My daughters and I are in a playgroup that gets together every other week.  There are 13 Moms, 13 two-year olds and a handful of siblings - a big group, I know!  I have known most of these women since my daughter Savannah was 5 weeks old.  We met at a breastfeeding support group through the hospital where I delivered and have been friends ever since. … continue reading

5
Feb

Lil Blue Boo and Dharma Trading Design Challenge

 Have you heard about the Lil Blue Boo and Dharma Trading Design Challenge?  I have been searching the thrift stores high and low for some different t-shirts and knits to use in the challenge and am finally getting around to sewing my dresses - which is a good thing because the deadline to enter is in 10 days!! So I know many of you are sewers, so I wanted to share the details of the challenge from Ashley at Lil Blue Boo in case you wanted to enter as well.  Here is some of the info from her blog:  1. Create a unique outfit for a girl or boy using a Lil Blue Boo … continue reading

3
Feb

Time to get Motivated!!

With every new year, brings new motivation for me to get things accomplished!  So, we have just finished the first month of the new year - how have you done with your new year's goals or resolutions so far?  Well, I have been doing pretty good, but not excellent.I have been putting a lot of my focus into getting "The Cottage Mama", my etsy shop, up and running.  And yes folks, it is coming soon - I promise!  With so much of my time dedicated to sewing and designing, I have put some of my household responsibilities on the back-burner.  Well, no more!I FINALLY … continue reading

2
Feb

Easy Asian Stir-Fry

Sometimes I get the biggest cravings for Chinese food - I just love it!  Tonight I had to have some Chinese so I decided to whip up an easy stir-fry that would be ready for my husband and I when he got home from work. Maybe you get those Chinese food cravings too, so I thought I would share my super easy stir-fry recipe with you so that you can create your own chinese take-out at home.Easy Asian Stir-FryIngredients:2-3 Chicken breasts, thawed and sliced2 green onions, sliced1 yellow or red bell pepper, seeded and sliced1 carrot, cut lengthwise and then sliced1 … continue reading

30
Jan

Embellished Sweater Headband Tutorial

Have you noticed that headbands seem to be coming back in-style?  I have always loved headbands and I think they are super cute way to enhance an outfit! As you have read in my previous posts, I love repurposing items.  Several weeks ago I repurposed a woman's sweater and turned it into a little girl's cardigan (remember this post?)  Well, when I was transforming the sweater into one that would fit my daughter, I cut off the bottom 2-3 inches of the sweater to make it the right length for her. I kept seeing that strip of felted sweater laying around my craft … continue reading