The Cottage Mama Blog - Sewing. Cooking. Crafting.

Dec

Three Things

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." -Maya Angelou This is one of my favorite quotes. So simple, yet so true. There are so many people in this world that get upset over such little things in life. And I often wonder, are those that sweat the small stuff truly happy? If one is able to let themselves get so frustrated, angry and upset over little things, perhaps there are bigger issues at hand that are manifesting themselves in small day … continue reading

Dec

Cloth Baby Doll Diaper Tutorial

I have had several requests for a cloth baby doll diaper tutorial. These were the diapers that I recently made for my daughter's friend Ava's 2nd birthday. So ask, and ye shall receive!!The diapers were incredibly simple to make, so if you are just a beginner sewer, go ahead and give these a whirl - you will definitely be able to handle this project. If you have a little girl (or boy) in your life, these would make a perfect Christmas gift!! I used the cloth diaper template from Skip to my Lou (www.skiptomylou.org ), but then just did things a little … continue reading

Dec

Baby Doll Kit

Today was my daughter Savannah's friend Ava's 2nd birthday party and we had such a great time! It just so happens that the playgroup we attend is pretty much dominated by boys, so it's really nice for Savannah to have a girlfriend here and there. Savannah has known Ava since she was 4 weeks old and Ava was about 4 months old, so pretty much 95% of her life :-). Ava is such a sweet girl. She is tiny, petite, a little on the shy side, beautiful and very smart. I'm so happy that Savannah has Ava as one of her first "girlfriends".I was trying to decided what to … continue reading

Dec

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

I LOVE shrimp - I mean love, love, love shrimp. It is my most favorite food in the world. If there is a shrimp item on a dinner menu, 9 times out of 10 that is what I will order when we are out. However, ordering shrimp in a restaurant can be a bit pricey at times so when I find shrimp on sale at my grocery store, I always try to snatch it up.About a week ago I made this delicious shrimp scampi for my husband and I for dinner. Now I know it was good because my husband said it about 3 times and coming from him that means my recipe was a hit!! The shrimp were … continue reading

Dec

Sew Mama Sew Giveaways

I love the Sew Mama Sew blog! Right now they are doing their big annual giveaway days. There are tons of crafters and craft suppliers that are giving away items. You can enter to win either supplies or handcrafted items or both. All you have to do is click on the crafter's link and leave a comment on their blog - it's that easy!! Head over to Sew Mama Sew and check it out - you'll also be amazed how many talented artists are out there!I actually just won a giveaway myself on Sandi Henderson's Portabellopixie blog. I am so excited - I never win anything!! I … continue reading

Nov

Holiday Chex Mix Recipe

Today my family decorated our lovely Christmas tree that we cut down yesterday. We turned on our holiday music, got out the family ornaments, and I made up a homemade batch of chex mix! I love chex mix. If you've never had it and you are thinking that it is just liked the stuff you get in the bag, you are sorely mistaken. It is SO much better! I look forward to chex mix every holiday season. I know I could probably make it other times of the year, but it has become a tradition that I make our chex mix while we decorate our tree. Please, please, please give … continue reading

Nov

Knifty Knitter

I have been crocheting for about 9 years now, but I have never learned how to knit. I REALLY want to, but I just haven't ever had the opportunity for someone to teach me. I don't really do well with instructional books - I just can't visualize what they want you to do. So I am hoping someday to pick up knitting, but in the meantime I have my knifty knitter.Have you ever used the knifty knitter? I think it is one of the best creations! You don't need to know how to crochet or knit and you don't need to really be into crafting at all. It's VERY basic. It's a … continue reading

Nov

Life Lessons

My favorite magazine subscription that I receive is "Real Simple" magazine. I love this magazine for many reasons; it has beautiful pictures, the page layouts are really user friendly, I am generally interested in about 90% of the topics they cover, and I even love the paper they use.Lately, I have been relating to their "Life Lessons" section in the magazine and this month in particular, I thought they had some really great advice. I would like to quote a few sections from the "10 Truths I Wish I'd Known Sooner" article by Amy Bloom.1. Events reveal people's … continue reading

Nov

Fun with Fleece – Hat & Mittens!

Tomorrow, Saturday, my family and I plan to cut down our Christmas tree at our favorite Christmas tree farm! Bringing home a fresh tree into our home, just smells like Christmas to me. As convenient as fake trees might be, it just wouldn't be the same (or nearly as fun).Cutting down our Christmas tree is becoming one of our family traditions and I love it! My husband and I have cut down our tree together since our first year of marriage and now we get to experience this wonderful outing with our two daughters. We get all bundled up, ride the tractor out to all … continue reading

Nov

Thankful

I love Thanksgiving. It is the holiday that gives me the most reflection over the past year. You would think New Year's might be that day for me, but really I use New Year's to look at the year ahead. So, thinking towards tomorrow (Thanksgiving), my heart just wants to explode for all the things I am thankful for - I have been truly blessed. I know I cannot list them all, but here are just a handful:I am thankful for........1) The birth of my daughter Matilda Jane. She is a true blessing from God. She lights up my life and is such a sweet, happy baby. I … continue reading