Instafriday #12

It's time to link up with Life Rearranged for Instafriday again!

Last Friday, I was able to attend the Blogger's Sumer Camp at Schoolhouse Craft.  It was a fabulous experience!  I've got a write up of it coming next week, so stay tuned.  I really learned a lot and got to meet some amazing bloggers!

 

The decorations at Summer Camp were adorable, especially these little camp fire centerpieces at each table.  There's an LED candle in the middle.  I think these would be so fun for a summer BBQ!

 

We hit Ben & Jerry's over the weekend and I had a scoop of Midnight snack.  Vanilla ice cream, salted caramel swirl, chocolate covered potato chip clusters...yum.

 

The weather in Seattle has been amazing, so we hit up a beach on Lake Washington and the girls had fun trying not to get wet ;-)

 

I love living here!

 

For Father's Day, the girls wanted to eat breakfast in bed with their daddy.  Love these people!

 

My husband is the breakfast chef in our house, but I did make him this yummy tomato bacon hash...he asks for it every year so he must like it!

 

This bloody mary was one of the best I've ever had.  If you live in the area, hit up The Wing Dome and order the 6 alarm.  Beware...it's spicy!

 

This little ham has a tap recital this coming weekend, and this was taken before her dress rehearsal.  She's a pretty fun kid :)

 

We made this AWESOME pizza this week.  Go make some now!

 

My husband's birthday was this week...he requested steak, of course.  I got some really good dry aged steaks for he and I, and some less fancy steaks for the girls...naturally, they liked ours better.

 

I was a bit cranky yesterday, but that all changed when my love brought me home some just because roses.  They are still opening but they smell amazing!

 

 

Remember, you can follow me on Instagram here.  And be sure to check Life Rearranged to see what other bloggers are doing this week!

Instafriday #11

It's Friday again (yay!), which means I'll be linking up again with Life Rearranged.

I had one of these for breakfast...shhhhh...it's our little secret ;-)

 



 

Even after a week, peonies are so pretty!  (I used PicFx for the bokeh)

 

We love sushi in our family, and we are lucky to have some inexpensive places nearby - here's the stack of plates about halfway through our meal.  The taller one is my oldest's, the shorter one is mine.

 

I'm always asked how I got my kids to become such adventurous eaters - the answer is that we are adventurous!  And we feed our kids the same stuff we eat.  It works, I swear.  Here's my little one eating mussels like they are going out of style.

 

This girl has become quite the expensive sushi date!  Look at that stack!

 

I'm leader to our Girl Scout troop, which is lots of fun.  We had our year end award ceremony and the girls received all of the badges they'd earned, which is always fun!

 

I used my walking foot for the first time and I'm in love!  So easy to sew lots of layers and ruffles!

 

This girl and I have enjoyed lots of lunch dates while she was in part time school.  This fall, she'll be in first grade and in school all day.  Waaaah!  Soaking up a few lunch dates while we can :)

 

Here she is on her last day of kindergarten!  I used the A Beautiful Mess app for the words and doodle.

 

And here's my big girl, already a third grader!  I blinked and she is turning into quite a young lady.

 

These girls are ready for summer!  We've got some fun things planned, so stay tuned!

 

 

Make sure you head over to Life Rearranged and check out what other bloggers are doing!  You can follow me on Instagram here :)  Have a great weekend!

10 things Tuesday

1. Holy smokes, my kids only have 2 more days of school!!!!  Yay? 

2. I had to give the first of two speeches this week...400 little kids and most of their parents looking at me brought me back to elementary school when I auditioned to be Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Scary!  I'm an OK public speaker...but I tend to make dorky jokes when I get nervous.  What are your tips?

3. I have 5 dresses, 2 pairs of shorts, and a top cut out that need to get sewn up.  Too bad I have a case of the last week of school and therefore zero motivation.  Lounging in bed watching some Real Housewives is more like it.

4. I'm glad that my husband's birthday is next week...mainly because I've been craving cake.  Specifically this cake.  YUM.

5. Are you watching the Bachelorette?  Are you bored yet?  Come on, Chris Harrison...show us the man tears!

6. My birthday is also coming up.  We have a tradition where the birthday girl gets to pick what we do/eat on her day.  I want to take a trip back to the dorms where you could have cereal for every meal AND someone else to do the dishes.  Ahhhhh...

7.  I'm seriously bored with my wardrobe.  Luckily I stumbled across this gem and now I'm inspired to get more creative and work with what I've got.  You know, until I win the lottery and can shop 'till I drop.

8. I got one of these as a present almost 2 years ago...and I've never used it!  Last summer was yucky and cold and rainy.  But this summer, it's ON!  Any recipes to share?

9. I've done a summer bucket list for the past 4 or 5 years with my kids.  It's mostly easy stuff (park play dates, sidewalk chalk, etc.), but this year I'm over it.  Instead, I like the idea of doing a loose schedule.  Monday: Craft day.  Tuesday: Library Day.  Wednesday: Play Date.  Thursday: Go Somewhere Fun.  Friday: Bake something Yummy. 

10. I remember my mom making bars similar to these (she used raspberries), so I can't wait to make some of these Blackberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars...yum!

Tried and Tested: Daphne Wrap Dress by The Cottage Mama

Happy Monday!  I'm sharing some pictures of The Cottage Mama's newest pattern, The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top.  I tested the dress, View A, and I just have to say, Lindsay did it again!  This pattern was quick and easy to sew, but the finished piece looks expensive and professional. 

My favorite detail on this dress is the piping that you can add to the entire garment.  I chose to add it the top of the bodice, but I think that when I make another one, I'll add it to the hem as well. 

 



The back buttons, and I chose to use a covered button kit to make mine.  They are such an easy to add detail to clothing!  If you've never used a covered button kit, you can find them on the notions wall at your local fabric store.  These are my favorite.

The Daphne Wrap Dress is super comfy and my 10 year old model fit into it perfectly.  I love how it works on an older girl, but it would also be absolutely darling on a baby or toddler!

The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top are reversible too!  So you can get two outfits in one!  Plus, there is an optional kangaroo pocket - I think the pocket or the bodice would look so cute with a monogram or applique.

 

 

A huge thank you to Lindsay for having me test another pattern for her!  She really made it a fun experience for our testing group!  Check out her blog and Facebook page to check out the adorable dresses and tops that the other testers made.

 

This dress will be listed in the shop soon!

 

Here are some thoughts and details about this dress:

Pattern: The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top by The Cottage Mama

Size: 10, View A

Fabric: Quilter's Basic from Joann Fabric.  This fabric is nice and lightweight - perfect for a summer dress!  I used plain pink piping and made my own covered buttons.

Thoughts: This pattern is great for an experienced beginner who isn't yet comfortable with piping and button hole placement - Lindsay offers some great tips for both, so if you are afraid to try either, this is a great pattern to get started!

 

Instafriday # 10

Happy Friday!  I'm linking up again with Life Rearranged for Instafriday.  Head on over there to see what your favorite bloggers are up to this week!

Nothing says "Summer's here!" like a bowl full of cherries :)

 

I finally got some business cards!  I feel so official :)  My friend Brian designed the logo and my husband helped make my cards.  I think they're so pretty!

 

We took the girls to Girl Scout Camp over Memorial Day weekend and this is how stuffed my car was!  Two days, 4 people, too much stuff!

 

The girls got to chop firewood at camp - they loved it!

 

Not as much as they loved the s'mores, though ;-)  I think it's my youngest's favorite part of camp!

 

I'm working on a hat for a friend, and I really love the color she picked out!

 

This past weekend, I went to Bellevue for a girls' weekend.  We ate dinner at fancy restaurants, had massages, and saw a grown up movie!  Plus, I ate cashews, which are forbidden in my house due to allergies.  YUM!

 

 I took my out of town friend to Pike Place Market, which is famous for the guys who throw fish, but I think it should be famous for the flower vendors...they were amazing this weekend!  I brought home a huge bouquet of poppies and one of peonies.  My favorites!

 

 

I met up with the hubs and girls at the beach for some ice cream and play time.  Love these two!

 

Another shot of the Georgia Vintage Dress that I tested for The Cottage Mama.  Can't wait to get these into the shop!

 

Pattern testing late at night...

 

My girls are super obsessed with Uno lately, and we've been playing it after dinner.  Sadly, I only win every once in a while.

Happy Mail from The Ribbon Retreat.  See that cross stitch fabric back there?  I might be in love.

 



Our car came with Sirius and I am loving the 90s station.  I admit, I know every word to this song.



 

I have been really bad about not eating breakfast lately :(  But I've been making up for it with a smoothie for lunch.  This one had spinach, carrots, berries, hemp protein powder, banana, and some OJ.  It was delish!

 

Last night I went to bed at 8:30. It was soooo nice :)

 

 

Whew!  I guess that was actually 2 weeks, hence a lot of pictures!  You can always follow along on Instagram.  Check back next week - I've got a few surprises for you :o)



Guest Post - Emily from Taylor & Landon

I'm luck enough to have some talented friends - and Emily, the brains and talent behind Taylor & Landon, is one of them!  Emily blogs here, where she shares her love of fashion and Southern cooking.  She is here to share a delcious recipe with us.  Take it away, Emily!

 



Hello everyone!  Ayelet has asked me to guest post on her blog (how could I say no to such a sweet, creative woman?)

Here's a little about me:  

My name is Emily Hopkins and I grew up in the south (North Carolina to be exact).  I moved to Texas in 8th grade.  There I stayed for the next 18 years.  I met my husband and started my family.  A couple years ago we made the move to Seattle.  It's been a huge adjustment, but we're making it work.

I was a full time working mom in Texas.  When I moved to Seattle I was able to stay home with my kidlets (one major reason we made the move.)  But I felt I still needed a separate identity from "mom."  So I started my company Taylor & Landon.  I love to sew and have been doing it since I can remember.  I sell accessories, handbags, and custom window treatments.  But I also make all my own costumes and vintage style clothing.

My blog pretty much consists of fashion, food, and sewing.

For you today I'm going to share my recipe for King Ranch Chicken.  I miss Tex-Mex and am always trying to recreate foods I loved to eat.  Here is another tex-mex favorite: creamy jalapeno ranch dressing.

Ingredients:

1-10.5oz Can of cream of chicken soup

1-10.5oz Can of cream of mushroom soup

1-10oz can diced tomatoes with chilis (Rotel)

12 corn tortillas

3 cups cooked/shredded chicken (about 3 breasts)

1 chopped onion

3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

1 Tbs butter

 

Directions:

To get your shredded chicken, use a crockpot and cook your chicken completely covered with water on high for about 6-8 hours.  Use 2 forks to separate the chicken (it should just fall apart).

Preheat you over to 350F.

Now saute the onion in the butter in a very large pan on medium until it sweats (looks glossy)

Add the shredded chicken and can of tomatoes/chilis to the onions and cook about 3 minutes on medium.

Combine the soups to the chicken mixture.

Tear 4 of the tortillas into bit-sized pieces and layer into a 9"x13" casserole dish.

Now layer 1/3 of the soup mixture on top.

Last portion of the layer is 1 cup of cheese.

Continue with the tortillas, soup, and cheese 2 more times.

Bake the casserole at 350F for 30-40 min. And enjoy!

 

Well, my mouth is waterning!  Be sure to check out Emily's blog and show her some love, and if you are in the market for some gorgeous handmade bags and accessories, be sure to check out her shop, Taylor & Landon.  Thanks for stopping by, Emily!

10 Things Tuesday

1. Wow, it's been almost a week since I blogged these muffins last week!  Those were the yummiest mistakes ever...I need to make more.

2.  I am spoiled enough that I got to spend the weekend relaxing with friends doing grown up things...dinner at fancy restaurants, spa treatments (local peeps, Gwen is THE BEST!), a movie, and of course, some wine.  It was HEAVEN.  Normally, I am a go-go-go type of person, so it was nice to just relax and not have any plans for 2 days.

3. The kids are in school until the end of next week.  I've got mixed feelings.  I'm super excited about not having to keep up with their schedules, but I'm sure we'll all be on each other's nerves by the 1st of July.  Still, we've been so busy with weekend trips that this summer, I'm looking forward to absolutely no plans at all. 

4.  The girls and I are planning on thing though - a lemonade stand.  Sure, we could serve the standard powdered stuff, but I can wait to try some new recipes!

5.  This is for dinner in a few hours and I. Can't. Wait.  I have a slight obsession with fancied up hot dogs right now.  Yum!  Side bar for my fello crazed sriracha fans: read this.

6. OK, remember when I said Game Of Thrones was a snoozefest this season?  Well...that all changed with the last episode, right?!  This hits the nail on the head.  What the WHAT?!?!  In other news...True Blood, you've got a lot to live up to!

7. I just bought some new bronzer and am so in love with it that I need to share...it's Dallas by Benefit and it's awesome.  Go get some now.  Run!

8. I am super excited for the new Superman movie.  Yes, part of that excitement is because Henry Cavill is quite easy on the eyes.  Also, I love Amy Adams.  But mostly, I love a good super hero movie! 

9. I've got two new dress designs to photograph and list on the shop.  And a HUGE pile of fabric to sew through so...stuff is happening, albeit slowly!

10. I'm totally digging this self serve art cart.  The time has come to get another desk for our youngest's room, so I think a cart like this would be a nice addition.  I especially love that the parts are so inexpensive.  I always love a good excuse for an IKEA trip :)