10
Jan

Seams to Me – Mary Engelbreit Purse!

For my birthday this past summer I received the sewing book, Seams to Me by Anna Maria Horner.  I love this book - it is full of fresh, unique projects for the home sewer!  The book starts with some really nice basic instruction for everything from home decor, personal style and fashion, sewing for children and much, much more!Anna's instructions are very easy to follow, so if you are a new sewer you could easily sew from this book with no trouble at all.  The book also contains actual pattern pieces too (not just pictures) which is SO helpful.  Some sewing books … continue reading

8
Jan

Crock Pot Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops

Yesterday afternoon I was digging through my freezer and pantry trying to figure out what to make for dinner.  My family is trying to be very budget conscious lately so I have been trying to make the most out of whatever ingredients we have on-hand rather than making another trip to the grocery store.So, this is what I came up with - Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops.  The Cottage Mama's Mama had made a version of this for me when she was here after I had my second daughter, Matilda.  She always makes the most delicious food when she stays here after I have a baby - reason … continue reading

7
Jan

Pantry Cooking: Asian Peanut Noodles

I'm a huge fan of pantry cooking.  I keep many things in my cabinets that can be used with or without fresh ingredients.  I think having a well-stocked pantry is essential for any home.  If you happen to have a night where you haven't really thought about dinner or it's the end of the week and you've run out of fresh ingredients, you can head to your pantry and get creative if you have the right things on hand.One of my favorite pantry dishes is Asian Peanut Noodles.  This dish is created from ingredients you would normally have on hand and can be "dolled-up" if … continue reading

6
Jan

Homemade Organic Baby Food

Matilda Jane - 6 MonthsI can't believe my little baby has started eating solids!  Where has the time gone?  I feel like I just blinked my eyes and there she is taking her spot in the "big girl chair" aka the high-chair.  I'm sure those of you with older children, can attest that time flies.  I'm trying my best to enjoy these precious early moments with my girls, but my goodness, before you know it they are going to be all grown up (sob, sob).Since my sweet Matilda Jane is starting to eat solid food (well cereal, so far), I thought I would share one of my favorite … continue reading

5
Jan

Bacon, Onion, and Sweet Pea Risotto

I love making risotto.  I'm not sure why I don't make it more often, I guess I just forget about how delicious it is.  People seem to think that risotto is a fancy, complicated dish, but it is quite the opposite.  Risotto is a wonderful dish because you can combine it with many different things such as; mushrooms, butternut squash, shrimp, and in this case, bacon, onion or peas.  If you've never made risotto at home, give this recipe a try - here I'll take you through step-by-step!Bacon, Onion, and Sweet Pea RisottoServes 3-4 Ingredients:1 cup Arborio Rice 4 cups … continue reading

4
Jan

Homemade Soft Pretzels with Honey Mustard Sauce

My husband, Brett, is a homebrewer - I don't know if I have mentioned that on the blog yet.  Brett makes his own beer and wine in the cottage basement, which is not much of a basement, more like the cottage dungeon.  And though I know I am probably bias, his beer is some of the best I have ever tasted.  Since yeast is a major component in the brewing process my hubby is very familiar with its workings.  So recently he has taken an interest in other things involving yeast such as baking bread.Do you know what goes really well with beer?  Soft pretzels!!  This is my … continue reading

3
Jan

The Best Soap & Cleaning Product EVER!

Have you heard of Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap?  Well I had heard of it and seen it in our local Trader Joe's, but I hadn't really paid much attention to it.  Lately, I have been trying to get my family "back to basics" by trying to eat more organic food as well as incorporating more earth friendly products into our daily lives.So yesterday I was at Trader Joe's and thought "I'm going to give this Castile Soap at try."  And boy am I glad I did - it is AWESOME!!  This one bottle of soap can tackle 18 different tasks and has the most amazing peppermint scent ever.  … continue reading

31
Dec

New Year’s Resolutions

It's resolution time again and this year (in no particular order) I will.........1.  Be more present in the moment instead of always looking to the future (I guess that's the planner in me).2.  Sew most of my children's clothing (aside from some of the basics like socks and onesies, ect) and try to stay away from Gymboree as much as possible.3.  Attempt to buy more organic/locally grown produce.4.  Open my etsy shop (The Cottage Mama) to sell my handmade girls clothing.5.  Organize my office and turn it into my crafting room - might need the hubby's help for this … continue reading

29
Dec

Christmas Tags from Old Christmas Cards

Over the last month I have certainly enjoyed all of the wonderful Christmas cards we have received in the mail from our friends and family.  It's so nice to see what everyone has been up to and how the little ones have grown.  But now that Christmas is over, what do we do with ALL of those holiday cards? Well, you could recycle them, that would be one option.  Lately I have really been into repurposing items, so rather than get rid of your cards, why not turn them into something useful?  Why not turn them into gift tags for next year?!  That's what I did!My … continue reading

28
Dec

Community Supported Agriculture – CSA Programs

One of my top New Year's resolutions this year is to incorporate more organic food into my family's diet.  I feel like I have fallen off the wagon lately when it comes to what we are putting into our bodies.  The more I hear about what the effects of pesticides and growth hormones are having on us, I feel it is my responsibility as a mother, and as the main cook in our household, to take charge of what my family is putting into their bodies.Are you familiar with the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in your area?  Or have you heard of CSA?  I have … continue reading