hello 2013

Happy New Year to you all!

I am back and I have missed blogging! Long story short its been a super busy year for us. We purchased our first home in April and we have been busy making it our own, inside and out. Pictures to come soon!

Yes, I am one of those people that need to have New Years Resolutions or goals for myself. Do I stick to them....not always, but I give it a shot :)

A list of my 2013 resolutions:

• live life on the frugal side
• including: homemade household products, coupons, limiting our groceries to less than $200 a month and so on - I will share with you great finds and some fails as I go
• start blogging again
• take time to quilt, knit and create more
• continue to be successful on weight watchers
• be a successful lia sophia advisor - I am so excited for this new opportunity

Matt and I also have some goals together as a couple and also others that are a little more private!

So here is a quick hello. I am so glad to be back and I hope you are too. I will be back soon : ) 

Start blogging....check!

chevron quilt.

I can't even begin to express how much I love this quilt. I love the chevron pattern, the colors and the quilting. I absolutely LOVE everything about it!! I have always loved the chevron pattern and knew how adorable it would turn out in a baby quilt. Plus once I saw the picture of the little man that was about to receive this it melted my heart even more. If you missed him please check him out here. Caution: There is a whole lot of cuteness happening :)

Welcome to the world Braxton! I hope you enjoy many snuggle times and memories with your quilt. You are totally worth it. p.s. I think I will have to make myself a Chevron Quilt because I am totally jealous of yours ;)

snow days.

Hello Monday. Heres to a new week. This weekend we had a snow storm come through that brought us lots of snow. I really can't complain since we have had such an great winter. I actually enjoyed staying at home snuggled up on the couch with the fire going, wearing my jammies, not having to get ready or put any make up on, drinking coffee and chai teas, making breakfast with my husband, and snuggling with Stella. It was perfect.

I spent many hours sewing, quilting and knitting. I worked on a few gifts and also finished quilting my quilt. I just have about half of the binding left to do. (I will post pictures soon) I love how it turned out after I quilted it. So great. This is one of the quilts I worked on while I was at quilt retreat. Soon it will have a new home where it will be loved :) Thats the beauty of quilting and being able to give it to someone. It warms my heart to see the joy that a person has when they receive it. Its the best feeling! Also I worked on knitting a cowl for myself. The pattern is great. I can't wait to see the outcome of it. My knitting skills have come a long way. I still find my self having to start over and over and over. Someday I will be able to start and not have to rip out any mistakes I did wrong. Some day :)

So here is to a great weekend. But I could do without any more snow! Have a great week :)

Welcome to the World!

Yesterday was a beautiful day. One of my closest friends had a baby boy. He is so precious and wonderful. I haven't even met him yet and he has already stole my heart. Welcome to the world Braxton.

Congrats to Des and Dave. They are going to be wonderful parents. I love you both and I couldn't be happier for you :)

 Braxton Troy

02.23.2012 @2:20 pm 7lbs 8oz 21.5 inches

Quilt Retreat :)

Hi all. I know I am sorry. I am having a really hard time getting back into the groove of things. I love to blog and read others but I just got so burnt out. I felt/feel like this is getting to be a job and I dont want that. I want to be able to enjoy and LOVE to blog!

To be honest since the beginning of the year I have had a hard time getting back into anything. Sewing, quilting, knitting, crafting and everyday life. I have totally hit a slump. But I am trying to get back on track so please have some patients and for those that rely on reading my blog I will try hard to be a little more reliable. I am also going to try some new ideas and hope to share those with you.

A few weeks ago I went to my first quilt retreat! WHAT A BLAST! It was so amazing. perfect location, great people, amazing food (way to much) and lots of ME time! It was so great to be able to hang out with such great women and do what I LOVE to do. Quilt. Sometimes staying up until after 3 a.m. and getting up the next day around 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. Very little sleep but so totally worth it. I busted out three quilts (two still need a border or two) but I consider them to be pretty much done. I cant wait to share them with you.

beautiful sunset the first night.

our beautiful view. so peaceful.

we woke up to frost. makes for a beautiful morning. 

Where we stayed had this amazing sitting area, quilts everywhere and many fireplaces. Very cozy and relaxing. I would have been happy to just sit around and take it all in. The lady that owned the lodge was a fabulous quilter. It was unbelievable to look at all the quilts she had hanging or laying around. The best part was everyone was different in their own way. Colors, patterns, themes.

one of the sitting areas. so lovely. love the quilts. 

AMAZING farmhouse kitchen. love.

where the magic happened :)

quilt on the beds in our room.

beautiful star quilt. looks scandinavian. 

love the effect this quilt gives. 

fun and funky. 

The last night we had show and tell. This was lots of fun because you can see what kind of quilts people make and all the talent there is. I really hope to be at the level of these ladies someday. But until then I will just be in awe and envy :)

unbelievable. paper piecing quilt. 

block of the month quilt.

funky and colorful.

fabulous. this quilt makes me speechless. someday.

I am so thankful for all the amazing women I met and became friends with and also for all the great ideas and tips that I learned while I was at retreat. Thanks to Mardi for putting on an amazing retreat. My first retreat was way more than I expected. The countdown is on until next year :)

much needed relaxation.

Hello all. Sorry I have been missing in action for awhile, but to be honest its felt GREAT! Good news I am back!

What you have missed while I have been away....well I have been pinning, knitting, and sitting around ALOT! I am loving the relaxation and ideas flowing through my mind with things I find out on the world of Pinterest. Seriously. I. Am. Addicted. Now I just need to work on putting those ideas to use instead of just on my board :)

A few weeks back we celebrated my aunt and uncles 50th Anniversary and spent time with my aunts, uncles and cousins and we crafted and talked and enjoyed each others company. My cousins/godparents came from Virginia...which I don't get to see nearly enough. I also came to realize that I now have a new found love for making cards. I am pretty excited about it. My mom, aunt, cousin and I have scheduled a card/craft day towards the end of February. Can't wait :) Also earlier this week we went out to eat with some more family and had a great time with them as well.

I am getting myself back into quilting again. I have started cutting out my fabric now I just have to get a few quilt tops made. Oh! have I mentioned next weekend I am going to my VERY first quilt retreat. I am pretty pumped about it. Not gonna lie, feeling super excited.

This weekend my family will be coming up. We are celebrating my cousins birthday, enjoying each others company and who knows probably some more knitting and Pinterest..haha. I have been working on some Valentine's projects and will be posting those very soon as well.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and I promise I am back and will be posting more!

Day 25: Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Merry Christmas to you all! The anticipation and excitement is finally here. The 25 days of Christmas has been so much fun and its so great getting feedback from you all about different projects you are making or ones that you just really like. I am so thankful for all of your love and support. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!

I just love our tree this year and Christmas time is so kozy in our house. I love to just grab a good cup of tea or cocoa and snuggle up under a quilt and knit. 

Joy to the world!

This is Elfy. He was a gift from the Howe girls for Stella. We only let Stella look at Elfy and not play with him otherwise he would be destroyed.

I am spending Christmas at home with my family. They are the greatest!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you have a joyous holiday and spend time with the ones you love. You will be hearing from me shortly. I am taking this week off to enjoy time with my husband and relax :)

Day 24: Ornament Wreath

Wow!!! I love how this turned out. Its so shiny and blingy I love it so much :) This is definitely an eye stopper. 

Let me tell you this wreath takes alot of time and ornaments, like a couple hundred!!

Supplies:

• Ornaments (ALOT) - all sizes
• Styrofoam wreath - any size
• glue gun/glue (ALOT)
• ribbon

Check out the tutorial I found HERE on how to make this stunning wreath.

Merry Christmas Eve to you all! Hoping you all have a chance to spend time with family and friends. I am at home with my family and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love coming home :)

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 23: Rolo Cookies

These are my all time favorite cookie. I love this time of year because my mom always makes these for me. Oh the best part is when the middle is still gooey and they just melt in your mouth. Yum :)

Rolo Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter/margarine

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs

1 cup chopped pecans

28 rolo candies

1 tablespoon sugar

4 ounces almond bark/white chocolate

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level off. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda. Blend well. In a large bowl beat 1 cup sugar, brown sugar and margarine until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, beat well. Add flour mixture. Stir in half the pecans. Shape 1 tablespoon dough around 1 rolo, covering completely. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 pecans and 1 tablespoon sugar. Press one side of cookie in sugar mixture. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Melt candy coating and drizzle over cookies.

Anyone traveling for the holidays travel safe and enjoy time with your family and friends.

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 22: Flat Iron Cover

I already have a flat iron cover but definitely not as cute as this one :) I stumbled upon this one through a blog that I follow. Its so fast and easy and a great way to use up scrap fabric. Don't mind my Chi flat iron it gets ALOT of use. Best thing ever! And no I am not getting any perks for expressing my love for my Chi ;)

You can find out how to make your very own flat iron cover HERE!

Supplies:

• fabric (I used all scraps)
• Insul-Bright
• Cutting Mat/Ruler
• Rotary cutter
• Sewing machine/thread

So pretty!

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 21: Pecan Rum Bars

These are melt in your mouth ooey gooey Delicious! I love making these for Christmas because they always turn out great and are so easy to make. Having people over for the holidays or going somewhere, whip up these treats and I promise everyone will enjoy!

Pecan Rum Bars

Ingredients

Crust
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling
2 eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract (bring out the booze)
2 cups pecan halves

Icing (optional-I never put the icing on and they turn out so gooey anyways)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 teaspoons rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract plus 2 teaspoons water

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of 9x13'' pan with shortening or cooking spray (do not use dark pan)
In medium bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar with electric mixer on low speed  until creamy. Stir in flour. Press evenly in pan.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center springs back when touched lightly.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix all filling ingredients except pecans. Stir in pecans. Pour over crust, spreading pecans evenly.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In small bowl, mixing icing ingredients (add additional rum or water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, if icing is too thick to drizzle). Drizzle icing over bars. Cut and Enjoy!

See you tomorrow :)

Day 20: Hair Accessories...bobby pins and headbands

Aren't these just adorable! These would be great gifts for your girlfriends, daughters, nieces, granddaughters, ect. Also great stocking stuffers or for any occasion. I just love all the DIY ideas out there. I have really been pushing on being very thrifty and trying to save a buck.

BRAIDED FLOWER HEADBANDS

Supplies:

• elastic headbands
• fabric (use up those scraps)
• felt
• glue gun/glue
• sewing machine/thread (optional)

I found this great step by step tutorial HERE

The only thing I did differently is I just used hot glue to hold my braids together instead of sewing it with a needle.


LACE FLORAL BOBBY PINS

These are so easy and simple to put together and can really dress up your look.

Supplies:

• lace
• bobby pins (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
• buttons 
• glue gun/glue
• felt
• scissors

Start out by cutting a circle with your felt. I cut mine slightly larger than quarter size. Add glue to the outer end of your felt and continue in a circle until you end up in the middle. At this point you could leave your flower with just the lace or you can add a button for some embellishment. Once you have completed the top done, glue your bobby pin to the back of your flower. 

VINTAGE BOBBY PINS

I love love these! Check out the tutorial to make these VINTAGE BOBBY PINS and to make your own Yo-Yos check it out HERE.

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 19: Stockings

The stockings are hung and ready for Christmas!

I found this Christmas Stocking TUTORIAL on Pinterest and I love how it turned out. This one I made for Matt. The fabric is so much fun, I actually made an apron out of it as well for myself :)

Supplies:

• printable stocking pattern (found here)
• fabric
• batting (optional)
• sewing machine/thread
• scissors/rotary cutter/cutting mat

I did change a few things from the tutorial. I added fabric for inside and also added some batting to give it some extra thickness, plus it makes it a little more durable to hold presents. (If you decided to add the extra layers just remember to layer the outside fabrics right sides together, then your batting and your inside fabric should be facing right side up). The stocking was fairly easy to put together. The cuff was a little more difficult than I thought. But that may just be me.

I have mine and Stella's yet to make. Have fun making yours!

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 18: Paperback Christmas Trees

Can you believe it there is only 1WEEK left until Christmas. I am excited and not so much at the same time. It always goes way too fast to enjoy. But I can't wait to share time with the people I love :)

I stumbled upon this great Paperback Christmas Tree project on Pinterest. These are so quick and easy to make.

Here is the TUTORIAL for step by step instructions. And it seriously will only take you maybe a half hour at the most and that's stretching it out there.

Supplies:

• paperback book
• exacto knife (optional: I carefully just tore mine off)
• Scissors (optional)
• glue gun/glue
• mod podge
• glitter (optional)

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 17: Camera Strap Cover

I can't help but be excited for Christmas and spending time with family. Last night my husband and I went to the Holiday Train that came through town and it was so much fun. Really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. (The Holiday Train is pretty special to us because 3 years ago we got engaged that night)

I am also relieved I finally got the last of my packages sent out. So everyone will get their presents on time :) And today we are having our annual gingerbread decorating contest with the Howe cousins. It gets a little intense and usually the "big" kids end up being a little too competitive. Stay tuned for pictures and to see who won!

I have been wanting to make one of these babies for a long time but unfortunately this is not for me. Hoping after Christmas I will make one for myself. Maybe even this exact one. Love, love the colors and how this turned out. So fun. Purple is my favorite :)

Supplies:

• fabric
• cutting mat/rotary cutter
• sewing machine and thread
• batting (optional)

Cut 6'' x 30'' piece of your body fabric. Two strips for ruffle fabric 1.5'' x width of fabric and 2.5'' x width of fabric. 

Fold a 1/4'' seam on both sides for your ruffles. Do this for both strips of fabric. Stitch along the fold. This is to hide the raw end and prevent it from fraying. (see picture below)

Once you get your seams sewed. Then you will want to sew down the middle of each strip to create the ruffle. When sewing down the middle make your stitch length as high as your sewing machine will allow you. I had my stitch length set to 5.0 (see picture below)

 

When you get both of your strips sewn down the middle. Take your top stitch and pull gently. This will start creating your ruffles. (see picture below)

Pin larger ruffle about a 1/2'' from edge of body fabric. You may have to adjust your ruffles. Once you get the larger ruffle sewn pin and sew your second ruffle on top. I sewed right next to my thread that made the ruffle. When I got done I gently pulled the loose thread with a ripper. This was my personal choice feel free to do what you want. I just thought it gave a much better finishing look. 

This is optional: I cut a piece of fabric to fit the body of the fabric. The batting allows for a little cushion on your neck. Pin fabric and batting together. Fold under 1/4'' seam on both ends of fabric. Sew to make a finished edge. 

Once you get your batting sewn and in place. Fold body of fabric right sides together. Pin along the long edge. Sew down the long edge using 1/4'' seam allowance. Remember to back stitch at start and finish. You should now have a long tube. Flip your strap right side out and iron edges. Sorry I didn't take pictures of this. Please let me know if you have questions. 

You can choose to be done at this point. I decided to add a few rosette flowers. 

Enjoy! See you tomorrow :)

Day 16: Ear Warmers

Who says you can't look fabulous and be warm! I just love these fleece ear warmers. I know I say I love everything I post on here but I do so much!

Check out this great TUTORIAL on how to make the ear warmer and for other ideas.
Also the tutorial to make the flower is found HERE.

Supplies:

• fleece/felt
• scissors
• glue gun/glue
• sewing machine
• needle/thread
• printable template which you can find HERE

Adjust the band to fit your head.

The Bow Ear Warmer tutorial is found at the same place as the printable templates HERE!

Enjoy! Stay warm and See you tomorrow :)