CUPCAKES and COFFEE

Pouches!

2012-01-24T01:45:00.002Z

Not the most flattering of photos, but here I am, late one night after finishing making a drawstring pouch for Tate and a zipper pouch for Soleil. The drawstring version ended up being WAY too big, but he loved it anyway.

And now I want to turn every piece of scrap fabric into a zipper pouch. They are so fun!! I googled "how to make a zipper pouch" and followed along with the directions. Good Luck!

A Bit Serious

2012-01-18T19:25:00.004Z

When I started my blog, it was for fun. It was also secretly a way of communicating with my then estranged sister. Long story short, she and I eventually reconnected, with her blog comments being a way of reaching out to me. And then she died unexpectedly.

If you read the earlier posts, they are funnier, more entertaining, even a bit offensive. However, since she was my audience (I always thought about her as I posted), I realize that those adjectives describe her! She had that influence on me and, well, I miss it.

I was recently reading my blog and thought BORING. I feel as though I was a bit of a sell-out, emulating blogs that I love, but it wasn't really me coming through.

So here you have it, folks, a confession. Here at CupcakesandCoffee, you will find random blathering. You will find ideas of things I do with the kids. You will find recipes. (I love to cook, no wait. I love to eat is more accurate.) And lastly you will find lots of crafty things, many of which I have found on the internet. Hopefully after today, you will also find more of my voice, instead of the voice I thought I had to be.

I hope to entertain, in a relaxed manner authentically, and hopefully not offend, to open doors, and have a laugh.

Love from Cat.

What I did today instead of Laundry.

2012-01-11T03:16:00.001Z

It might be a bit early for Valentines Day decor, but it makes me happy.

Cardstock hearts made with my new Cricut machine+embroidery thread+command strip hooks. And yes, there are still Christmas lights in the family room. I plan to move them to the beam with the hearts, so they look like they are fairy lights for Valentines Day:)

The mantel needs some love, but the felt heart garland is a start. I just cut the hearts with scraps of felt and sewed right through the center (from top to bottom.)

Our Holiday Continues...

2012-01-05T20:19:00.001Z

Ok. I was complaining A LOT about the fact that Tate didn't get out for Holiday Break until the 23rd. I now am happy about it because he gets this entire week off. We went to the Minneapolis Children's Museum, which I highly recommend for younger kids. Perfect Day.

And on to a not so perfect day....Yesterday was the first day we had at home after traveling to Michigan to just relax at home. Initially, I could feel myself wanting to half a bazillion things with the kiddos. (I forgot how limiting naptime is, now that Sunny Sunshine won't sleep in a stroller.) So, I thought, let's just do ONE thing today that is planned. Let's make PLAY DOH!! (I found this link and was inspired.)

SIDENOTE: If you are bored with kids at home during a break from school, or really any time, get online. There are SO many great ideas on mommy blogs, especially, that you will be WAITING to do stuff with you kids. I swear, I am so inspired every time I have a moment to surf the web.

Back to the play doh. Soooo...the day was not going as I had envisioned it. I had a ton to do, having returned from a 10 day trip. The play doh wasn't happening. Finally after dinner, I ignored the dishes (please don't look in the background of the photo), let the baby stay up a bit past her bedtime, and made some flipping Play doh.

It took about 10 minutes, was totally fun, and worth it. Yep--totally worth it.

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-28T15:02:00.000Z

My favorite, but must check and make sure it is Fair Trade. I researched a little and it said it was, but since it was on forums, etc., I must check for sure...

Another fun activity when the kids say they are bored.... (from Family Fun)

The final pillow for Soleil's nursery. She's 18 months old.

A lesson for the holiday season. He even got to ring the bell!

Is every 1st grader obsessed with Angry Birds? He wanted them before he has even ever seen the game. Good marketing, I tell you. (They are cuddly...)

Random stuff I like Dec 2011

2011-12-21T01:54:00.001Z

I am in a creative frenzy. I am randomly looking at things I like, watching Alanis Morissette videos (the newer stuff that not many people have seen, not the old angry ones...) and thinking about the future. Maybe it is the time of year, maybe it the bar of dark chocolate I ate earlier, who knows.

Firstly, Here is another photo of the chaise that I want. Tate and I have been back to look at it 3 times. No one who weighs in on it seems to like it! Too big, too impractical, too expensive for what you get, might not fit in the next house. But I love it.

I finally scrapbooked. More importantly, I finally made a flipping friend, who ASKED me to scrapbook! We had a great time, and I can't wait to crop again. (For those of you know don't know the verb "crop", it is just nerd speak for cut up pretty paper and stickers and decorate your photos.)

Here are my dad's chihuahuas in felt form for his Christmas tree. I had to make one for my babe, Soleil, after she kept stealing them.

Thank you, Kate Hewitt, for keeping me in British biscuits for awhile. (They are my fave, Jammie Dodgers.)

I didn't make this, but I want to. Found the idea in a magazine in the pediatricians' office.

Am I too old for this? Ok, I love it. And yes, it is totally excessive and ridiculous for an almost 40 year old to own. But I can admire it....

Natural Play Space

2011-12-08T01:42:00.001Z

Tate's new school is in a new building. The building used to be some sort of business, so they do not have a playground. The school is in the process of planning what they will do with the play space. After experiencing wonderful play areas at Shining Rivers School in St Louis and Batheaston Primary School in Bath, UK, I can say that kids really love a natural play space. Not just my kid. All kids!

I started to research photos of playgrounds that do not have that big clunky equipment. The photos are sooo inspiring and make me want to create some of these lovely things in my own yard.

Willow trees can be grown into little caves or forts. I love them!

Here is a little reading circle we found by accident whilst geocaching.

We also found this den, obviously made by kids (the opening in the front is about 2.5 feet high) and Tate loved it. I can stand in it in its tallest point! Funny enough, it is located in a little space NEXT to a traditional metal/plastic playground.

All you need is a big pile of hay!

And the reading circle, again, but closer to winter.

As I said, all kids seem to respond to the outdoors. I came early to pick Tate up from school and caught the end of recess/playtime. They had found these ice chunks and as a group, they stacked them to make an "ice castle". When I saw them working all together, enjoying themselves, my heart melted.

I want to play outside, too!!

(She has a 3 month sized dress on that Daddy put her in while I was away. She is 18 months old. Notice the size of the sleeves!!)

Listen to Nature

2011-12-02T04:23:00.001Z

I once had a yoga teacher tell me that this time of year, we should listen to nature. It is when things start to slow down and hibernate, and instead we humans rush around and make this a very busy time of year.

When I was a kid, I would get sick every Christmas. It was too much for me. Too much excitement, too much activity, too much of everything. This was why Halloween was my favorite holiday, I think.

When I had Tate, I started to like Christmas again. By then, I had figured out how to avoid getting caught up in the "too much" and it was fun to make things magical for him. Now with 2 kiddos, I enjoy the holidays even more.

We have had a rough few months. I can feel myself fight the pressure to be busy with what I know works best for me....quiet, calmness, staying at home.

How do you feel about the holiday season?

Inspired while Shopping

2011-11-27T19:08:00.001Z

How cute is this? And how easy to find a thrifted wooden chair and some paint?

And speaking of paint, this is what you get when you use the new Martha Stewart craft paint and an old lamp. I didn't love it at first, but after it dried and a good lampshade, it seems to fit in my craft room perfectly!

This pretty display is from a small shop called The Bee Cottage. The decorative "ribbon" is strips of cotton, dyed in light colors and stamped with parisian images. These would be great to put on the outside of a package.

And this is also at The Bee Cottage. I love how these little pouches are displayed.

At Caribou Coffee.

I think they sell this at Hallmark. I love how the magnets look like Christmas cookies!

The Craft Room is Busy

2011-11-19T03:39:00.001Z

Feeling Nesty

2011-11-08T01:38:00.003Z

I really love fall. It makes me want to make my nest all cozy like.

I bought this yesterday and I LOVE it. I particularly like the ideas to reuse packaging (clean, of course!) in the cutest ways.

I want to get settled into this new house as quickly as possible. We now have all of our stuff here, but the placement isn't where I want it yet. I am taking room by room, trying to make it home. This weekend, I reorganized Tate's "shop". We also were able to donate extra art supplies to his school.

Soleil is feeling nesty herself. She has been doing LOTS of grocery shopping. We empty out her cart, and she fills it over and over. (My pantry is now a huge mess, but I can't help how cute she is. It took me 15 minutes to find the baking powder earlier tonight. )

Found this great blog, since I have been a little obsessed with home decor lately: http://hookedonhouses.net/

It has been very inspiring and making me want to make my house a home even more!

Paul has finally been able to get out a bit, and we took a family trip to the furniture store. We realize with Paul having to lay flat on the couches, we need extra seating.
(2 comfy chairs? oversized chaise? chair and a half?) The kids voted for this piece. I kind of love it, but Paul said no way, since we move often and, while it will work in this house, it may not work in the next.

Fighting to Keep Things Simple

2011-10-29T20:10:00.004+01:00

Apple Cinnamon Tea. Ahhhhhhh.

Moving back to the US has been interesting. One thing we have noticed, is that there seems to be more pressure to schedule things here. I am fighting that urge and wanting to spend lots of time at home.

With Paul's back in the state that is in, we are trying to keep it simple.

For instance, like making dinner from bagged salad, stuff from the pantry, and a bag of frozen Honey BBQ chicken. Yum.

Playing close to home. (in our pajamas.)

Couldn't have made the past few weeks without this guy. My baby brother. We are 18 years apart, but we are very, very close.

And since we have been home, we were there to see a deer in our yard. In the suburbs!

My childhood BFF, Claudia, also came for a visit and helped out a ton! Both kids adore her, and she and my brother cleaned my kitchen until it sparkled. It was so nice to spend time with someone who knows me so well. I have to be honest, it has been lonely moving to a new place.

One day soon, I hope to have time to create. Look at this cute cup cozy!!!

I will have to be patient until that moment comes. We are in survival mode.

Why I Haven't Blogged Lately....

2011-10-24T02:17:00.002+01:00

Soooo kids....wear your helmet when you ride a bicycle.

Paul was riding his bike, in the dark, without a helmet on the way to Target. There was a drainage ditch to the side of the bike path and flipped into the hole. He broke his vertebrae in 3 places and will be in a brace for 12 weeks.

Be back as soon as possible!

Making Morning Easier

2011-10-04T17:26:00.003+01:00

Yum!! Baked Oatmeal for "Oatmeal Day"!

I got the recipe from here lottie and doof, who got it from Heidi Swanson's book, and it turned out superb. It is flavorful, not overly sweet, and can be heated up all week.

The baby loves it, as do I, but Tate is going to stick to his Quaker Maple Syrup version (which I know is total junk for him!). He tried the Trader Joe's version and also turned his nose up to it. (It has a weird after taste that even I didn't like).

Here is the recipe:
I omitted the nuts and used real maple syrup instead of sugar.

Baked Oatmeal (from Super Natural Every Day: Well-Loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swanson)*

2 cups / 7 oz / 200 g rolled oats
1/2 cup / 2 oz / 60 g walnut pieces, toasted (see page 219) and chopped
1/3 cup / 2 oz / 60 g natural cane sugar or maple syrup, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Scant 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
2 cups / 475 ml milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2-inch / 1cm pieces
11/2 cups / 6.5 oz / 185 g huckleberries, blueberries, or mixed berries

Preheat the oven to 375F / 190C with a rack in the top third of the oven. Generously butter the inside of an 8-inch / 20cm square baking dish.

In a bowl, mix together the oats, half the walnuts, the sugar, if using, the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, if using, the milk, egg, half of the butter, and the vanilla.

Arrange the bananas in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle two-thirds of the berries over the top. Cover the fruit with the oat mixture. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. Gently give the baking dish a couple thwacks on the countertop to make sure the milk moves through the oats. Scatter the remaining berries and remaining walnuts across the top.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is nicely golden and the oat mixture has set. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining melted butter on the top and serve. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter.

serves 6 generously, or 12 as part of a larger brunch spread

Travel and My Children

2011-10-03T19:01:00.000+01:00

On Sunday, we went to see my cousin who was on a stopover on the way to her first military assignment. I am soo proud of her!! She just earned her airborne wings and the girl is so strong!

Tate went with me and said "I love airports!" as well as "I want to live in a hotel." I think all the travel he has experienced has left an impression on him. I, on the other hand, do not need to go anywhere for a very long time. (Or at least until the baby can sit in her seat for longer periods of time!)

And another traveller....."I am ready to go to school!"

Still not Settled.

2011-09-28T18:59:00.002+01:00

I want the house to look more like this:

But it looks like this. My children will not let me get rid of the cardboard boxes!

And my 15 month old babe is finally getting teeth. (The front 4 all at the same time!) She thinks frozen blueberries make her mouth feel much, much better.

In order to make it feel a bit like home, I made homemade cinnamon rolls.

I used Paula Deen's recipe and the dough is so nice and soft!!

Happy Autumn, friends.

Geocaching!

2011-09-13T16:09:00.002+01:00

If you have never heard of geocaching, it is kind of a treasure hunt that results in getting your little ones out for fresh air and lots of exercise!

There are these little containers hidden all over the world (yes, the world!) by other geocachers. You are given coordinates, map, and clues to find them, and when you do find them, you sign the log and sometimes leave behind a little trinket, taking one if there is one to take. Other times, you get additional coordinates that will lead you to another cache, that will result in a log/trinkets. This is very exciting for a 6 year old little boy.

We started doing this in England as a way to get out for Sunday walks in the beautiful countryside, and now we have started here as well. There are so many nearby!! When everyone needs to just get out, it is a great way to hang out as a family.

(A magnetic cache that was found on the underside of the trash can.)

Cool Ideas from Magazines

2011-09-08T02:27:00.001+01:00

I love how they used the vertical space!

For a easy party in the fall...

Soleil would love to play with these!! Yarn+doll clothespin+paint+craftfoam (tail)=mermaid

An Appointment with Mom. A daily ritual for afterschool....

(I tried it today with unsuccessful results.

I am hoping it is due to the fact that Tate was exhausted after I picked him up!)

Random Creating

2011-09-06T00:45:00.005+01:00

This is a Nancy Drew book that I saw at the book store. I am inspired to scrapbook like this in the future! I have always loved the style, but didn't know how to start. I may copy this exact layout just to give it a try.

I want this in my living room. Notice the little hammock in the bottom? Paul isn't going for it...

My new iPhone case that I made today. All I need to add is a little snap up on top. This would be a great project for a girl scout troop (since all the kids seem to have cell phones these days!), maybe as easy Christmas present for someone.

From Family Fun Magazine:

I want to make it, not for a pet, but for the kids. They used clear tops of disposable baking containers as sky lights, had windows cut out in the sides, and even a treat shoot on top, made from a cardboard tube. (I think Soleil would go for that if we put goldfish crackers down it!)

Tate's scrapbook page. I helped, but only a little.

And tomorrow, this guy starts school. In a new country. In a new school. Entirely in Spanish.

I am nervous and a little sad. I really miss being at our old school in Bath, UK, and the school run will be very different. (I miss my friends!) Also, after having him home from early June until now, I have gotten used to the routine of both kiddos. I am not ready to let that go.

Things I Love Right Now...

2011-08-31T22:33:00.000+01:00

Cooking Amongst Chaos

2011-08-25T20:48:00.002+01:00

We finally got all of our things that have been sitting in storage for the last 3 years while we were living in the UK. See, when we moved to London, everyone said that most rented places came with furniture. Also, we anticipated a much smaller place. Both were true, but we didn't anticipate moving to Bath. (Such a wonderful surprise, really.) When we did move to Bath, we got lots of items from freecycle or IKEA and attempted to give or sell it all when we left. But we still had a lot of leftover stuff. And then the stuff from storage. And stuff we bought to make it for the last 2 months. Lots and lots and lots of stuff.

We are going to have the biggest garage sale you have ever seen!

I love many of the memories we have brought back from our time in the UK, but I also bring back a few lessons. One of them being that we can live in a smaller place AND that we don't need so much stuff. Even my packrat husband has been changed from this experience.

Right now, though, we have a ton of boxes all around that require sorting. This means that I do not have the time and/or energy to make elaborate meals. I can't wait to get back into, though!!! For tonight, out menu consists of:

Campbell's Tomato Soup (requested by Tate)
Pacific Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup (adult version of #1!)
Grilled Cheese (Kid version and baby swiss/cojack for me)
Grilled Ham Sandwich (for the major carnivore in the family)
Spinach Dip and Chips (to use up extra spinach from last night)
Random Fruits and veggies in frig/freezer as sides

Another quick meal has been to use a bag of FROZEN MEATBALLS. Meatball subs are so easy once you add a baguette, Pizza Squeeze (I know, I'm disgusting), and melted cheese. The little ones just eat the meatballs warmed up with the random fruit/veggie thing.

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER is another easy one with scrambled eggs, frozen waffles, and bacon. Bacon is easy if you prepare it by putting on a lined baking sheet and baking in the oven for 15-20 min.

Any other good suggestions that you use when you want to keep dinner simple and easy?

SMASH!

2011-08-19T21:28:00.003+01:00

I saw these at the Archiver's store and sooo cool. Since we were moving during my birthday, I think I may treat myself to some of the fun bits as my belated bday present. (Wait--I said that about getting a electronic die cutting machine...)

I am waiting for the big Archiver's event at the Mall of America for both purchases. I love all the hype at these sorts of things!! I traded my husband a weekend football game out of town for a full kid-free day to shop.

Time to Make the Gifts!!

2011-08-18T14:24:00.007+01:00

Yes, it is still about 85F/30C, but if you are going to make Christmas presents, now is the time!!

I was inspired after finding this book (and blog-http://superclea.blogspot.com/), and now I am ready to at the very least, start to make a list of ideas.

My sister or mom gave me a great book by either Good Housekeeping or BH&G one year of edible things to make. I couldn't find the link, but I did find this idea for this yummy looking bark from GH. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/homemade-food-gift-ideas

And of course, Martha Stewart, my queen, has a whole list of things you can make for other people. I actually used her recipe for bath bomb favors for my wedding and they were great.

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/gifts-for-her

What are you making for Christmas???

My poor neglected blog...

2011-08-17T20:53:00.007+01:00

I am so happy to be back! I have been reading lots of blogs during this time, trying get ideas of how to decorate the new house.

Here are a few great links I found:

http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

http://theinspiredroom.net/

and of course, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

We do not have all of our furniture yet. It is somewhere between St. Louis and here, and hopefully it will be found soon. The kids aren't complaining, as they have all of their toys, but our house is like one open romper room at the moment.

A quiet corner of the kitchen, necessary for my sanity whilst cooking dinner.Tate's shop. This is a temporary version, as the table is borrowed from my dear friend, Jen Shea Thomas.

This was on the wall when we moved in, and it is definitely staying! (I love it.)

Flowers from the garden. The green heart from a dear friend in the UK.And our garage sale pile. In our dining room. Yes, classy. (It grows daily.)

Moving Bulletpoints

2011-07-24T18:36:00.003+01:00

1. Macaroni and Cheese Yellow is NOT a good paint color. (But try convincing a 6 year old boy of that...)
2. There is wireless internet EVERYWHERE in America! For FREE!! (Gas stations, restaurants, McDs)
3. It has been 2 months since we have had any furniture. (But I have to admit, I love to sleep on an air mattress. Am I the only one?)
4. The is NO perfect house. A visit to Pottery Barn might make you think there is, but really, there isn't.
5. There is a lake with a beach and a playground and restaurants less than 5 minutes away!!! YAY!
6. In reference to #5 and #6, things will not turn out as you envision them. Some things will disappoint, but what's cool is that some things will be delightful surprises!

I know, I know...postings are boring without pictures. I will try to find one online of the lake near our new casa...

(Bayside Grille on the water)

Apologies!

2011-07-22T23:38:00.002+01:00

So sorry, readers... this has been a rough couple of weeks.

*My dad beat all odds and is recovering from heart bypass surgery.
*Still NO furniture.
*I cannot get a decent cup of tea for anything.
*The inside of the 3 American hospitals I have been in during this time is comparable with fancy hotels. no joke. They even have valet parking.
*I am wearing shorts for the first time in 3 years I think.
*I am never moving again. (Ok, I am, but I will pretend like I am not.)
*My neighbor has a huge pot belly pig. With tusks.
*I cannot wait to create as soon as my craft stuff gets here. Scrapbooking is first on the agenda. Oh no, wait, I guess decorating the scrap room is first.

Photos to come!

I plan on resuming regular blogging activities as soon as possible :) Meanwhile, I will read your entries on my phone (I can barely work the thing) to keep me inspired as the days go by.

Further Delays

2011-06-28T15:26:00.006+01:00

Good news: We found a lovely home. It is sweet, in perfect condition, and on a kid friendly culdusac.
We have also been enjoying getting to know Minneapolis.

Not so good news: My dad is in the hospital with heart and kidney troubles. We are in Michigan with my family until further notice.

I might be able to do a few posts on my parents' super cool iPad that my dad has here while I hang out with him. I have been reading other blogs during the quiet moments, and they have been a helpful distraction when I need it. :)

I hope you are all having a great summer so far.

Be back soon!!

2011-05-19T13:42:00.001+01:00

Sorry folks... this move is kicking my butt. I promise to post when I can:)

Happiness Project Inspiration

2011-05-05T15:32:00.012+01:00

I am reading this, recommended by my friend, Sophie.

It is pretty good. It is about a woman who makes a list of small things that she can do each month to make a positive change in her life. She is a bit intense about how she goes about it, but the general point is a great idea.

My 2 things for the month are:

1. Go to bed earlier/get more sleep.

2. Write more letters to friends. (One letter for

one friend per week.)

I LOVE anything mail/post related. I love sending and receiving letters and even playing mail/post man with Tate.

pretty mail calligraphy

Felt Mailbox Pattern

Found a scrapbook store in France. :) Love the postcard stamp.And totally unrelated, another friend of mine and I went to Trowbridge today. We found this excellent Italian cafe that had amazing antipasti. When I went to the toilet.... It made my day.

Rocker for Summer

2011-04-26T10:48:00.003+01:00

In the back of the great British magazine, Country Living (VERY different from the US version...) there was a little ad.

I'm in love with their rockers!!!

How pretty would this be in a secret garden? (Funny enough, I think that is the name of this model.)
And as a snuggly place for a book? Tate would LOVE it.

Easter Break 2011

2011-04-24T19:31:00.004+01:00

Ever head to Ikea, just to eat the meatballs (or 99p breakfast in our case) and to be inspired?? Seriously, we got out of there spending less than a tenner. It was the first day of Easter Break, and the weather wasn't great, so we just let the boy run around the place, took lots of pictures, ate cheap food, and thought about ideas for the next house.

Later in the week, we made marbled Easter Eggs with Shaving Cream painting. I got the idea from smilemonsters Linky Party (on my sidebar). She has a post most Fridays with lots of things to do with kids.

Since Paul was home for the 2 weeks, I was able to escape to The Makery and FINALLY learn how to sew on a zipper!! (It is much easier than it seems, now that I have had a formal lesson.)

And I got to help my friend, Kirsty, make this amazing looking Hello Kitty cake. So fun!

Nope. I don't want to leave Bath. I was able to spend some good time with friends and will be savoring every moment with them in the weeks to come. I really wish the UK and the US were closer....

And on a totally unrelated note, I am sooo making this for my chihuahua loving dad.

(He has 4 of them.)

Let Me Eat Cake

2011-04-12T18:59:00.003+01:00

Reading this, that I found at the library...

The cover isn't that cute, but the book is really good!

When I was googling the cover, I found another book with the same name. And I will be reading it, too when I can:)

And it doesn't stop there....apparently, this is the hot shirt of the moment because Beyonce wore it. (It IS cute.) However, it is $45.50. MARKED DOWN FROM $70! FOR A TSHIRT!!!

So then I looked further, and this one was much more affordable, at Dylan's Candy Bar for $15.

And lastly, found this great foodie blog, which I have bookmarked already.

http://theletmeeatcake.com/

Savoring the Simple

2011-04-04T20:31:00.003+01:00

Tea with friends.

A smiley babe.

Our dining table. (Paul sold our real table in preparation for our move to the US.)

Cute little boys who love to do photo shoots.

Stamped tags, available at The Makery.

Today I showed the house (to sell) to a Lady. As in "married-to-a-Lord". To me, being American, it sounded all fancy, which made me go into overdrive cleaning the house. I might be in bed before 9pm tonight! She was lovely, and actually a completely down to earth grandma who was super sweet to the baby.

Party Planning

2011-04-03T11:13:00.009+01:00

from one charming party.

We are moving, so the last thing I need to obsess about is party planning. There are so many great sites with beautiful tablescapes and decorations, that it makes me want to plan and have a party. I get so excited to see coordinated colors and yummy food, all organized and pretty.

Here are a few other sites that I found.

from glorioustreats.

From Craftydog.com.

from bird's party.

Now, doesn't that make you want to have a party? Which is your favorite? What is the best themed party that you have ever been to?

Finding Fabric for Free

2011-03-24T09:54:00.007Z

I stumbled upon this amazing organization:

Intro to FabMo from FabMo on Vimeo.

FabMo--Our volunteer organization diverts discontinued high quality designer materials from the waste stream. Our local FabMo effort is currently redirecting at least 25 tons or 300 cubic yards per year. These exquisite textiles are generally not available anywhere else and are well appreciated by teachers, students, artisans and craftspeople. There are many colors, patterns, weights and sizes (majority are a yard or less), plus trims, leathers & carpet samples. We also frequently have wallpapers, sample books, hardware, tassels, and more.

If you don't live in N CA, maybe you can ask local designers, fabric companies, furniture stores for scraps that they are throwing away for your next project!!

And if you live in Bath, UK....you might want to check out the Scrap Store. (Great for home projects, however, they do not allow the use of their materials for making things you might sell.)

Great Kids Music

2011-03-18T10:02:00.003Z

I have been really enjoying singing lots of kids songs while Soleil is playing about. We have been playing Tate's songs that we listened to when he was home all day, and he has been enjoying hearing them again.

This is Tate's favorite.

Everything Laurie Berkner does is cute! This is really good for dancing to, and when you want something up beat.And this is new one that we bought this week. It might be my favorite!!!! It is so good musically and soft and serene.
Another favorite. This is another calm and sweet one.

Yard Sale/Boot Sale/Table Top Sale... we love them all.

2011-03-08T13:59:00.002Z

We found this really cool marble run for 4.50. It made for a great Sunday afternoon!
And later on Tate's whiteboard....

Reverse Applique Onesie

2011-03-03T20:21:00.002Z

This was sooo easy. I found a tutorial for it here.

I got the long sleeved onesie/babygro at M&S here in England. They are thicker than other onesies so they can be worn as part of an outfit, rather than just under things.

1. Draw a design in light pencil, chalk, disappearing ink, or anything that can be washed out easily.

2. Turn your onesie inside out. Take a pretty piece of fabric and place it with the right side against the onesie front (wrong side up). Pin into place.

3. Stitch around design using embroidery thread. It doesn't have to be perfect, just follow your drawing and knot off at the end.

4. Take little, sharp scissors and cut the tshirt on the inside line of the stitching, but leave pretty fabric underneath.

You are done!!

This is a great project to make while you are watching the last episode of LOST that your husband refuses to delete off the DVR.

My Desk

2011-03-01T21:38:00.003Z

This is the pile next to my bedside. I was updating an inspiration notebook that I started Spring 2009. It has pics from magazines of:

Fashion

Home Decor

Gift Ideas

Color Combinations

I was using my japanese masking tape (which I LOVE!) to tape stuff in.

And yes, to the left is my High School Musical Notebook that I have been using to take notes about schools and houses for the move. I have to re-cover it before I head into a real estate/principal's office!!

Currently, I am obsessing about the move.

Smaller, older house with lots of character closer to the artsy, urban center and the schools (Spanish Immersion or Open schools) I want for Tate.

Big huge house in the suburbs with neighborhood schools where Tate is 1.5 yrs ahead his grade due to the UK starting school early.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CHOOSE!! What would you pick?

Easy Egg Casserole

2011-02-28T09:52:00.002Z

I found this is in a magazine and altered it to make it more kid friendly.

Easy Egg Casserole

adapted from Meredith Deeds--Cookingclub.com

2 1/2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

1 TBS unsalted butter

1/2 cup chopped onion

12 oz ham, chopped or torn into pieces

8 oz shredded cheddar

2 TBS flour

8 eggs

3 cups milk

salt and pepper

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Boil potatoes over med-high, then reduce heat to med and simmer for 15-20 min until potatoes are tender. Drain and cool.

2. Melt butter over medium heat and cook onion until soft. (you can also add red bell pepper.)

3. Heat oven to 350F/180C. Spray 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. With pairing knife, remove skin from potatoes and slice 1/4 inch thick.

4. Toss cheese in flour.

5. Layer twice in this order: potatoes, cheese, onion (optional), ham.

6. Whisk eggs and add in milk and salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

7. Bake 50-55 minutes until browned and bubbly. Center will set as casserole cools. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

V Day and Quick Baby Lunch

2011-02-28T09:42:00.004Z

Preferably the night before, take butternut squash and cut it into 1 inch cubes. Add olive oil and salt and pepper and brown sugar and put in a container like this. Shake up. Either bake on a baking dish right then, OR you have it ready to go to bake later in the week. I roasted the squash and Soleil ate the soft little chunks and I had it as a side dish with my lunch. Easy!
Satisfied customer.
The night before Valentine's day, we decorated for Tate when he woke up.
And when he returned from school, we had this waiting for him! (Paul had to try it out while watching some kind of sports on TV.)

Some Hearts from Scupley

2011-02-14T10:29:00.002Z

Can you see the flower texture? This is a little pendant I made from bakeable clay. It turned out pretty cute, though it flips around on my neck. I may have to add proper jump rings and use a necklace rather than embroidery thread.
It made me happy, though.And here is Soleil "helping" with making a quilt.

All about Tate

2011-02-10T09:45:00.003Z

This weekend, it was all about having Tate to myself. We were a team, the two of us for 5 years. And while we love our little Soleil, it has changed things in the house. Of course, I feel guilty even saying that, but Tate and I needed time to hang out and Paul and Soleil stayed at home during her naps. (Which meant some tv/computer/hang out in underwear time for daddy, which he was thrilled about.)

As I mentioned in the last post, we went to the cafe.

And practiced some spanish while drawing.After a welly walk.Tate's first lost tooth. This is his sister's pillow that she received from friends of ours, but she let him borrow it until I can make him one:)

On Sunday, we went to the Chinese New Year Events and ran into many of our friends. We had such a great time.

I do not want to leave Bath.

Springtime and Clothing

2011-02-07T09:57:00.004Z

We saw this movie for Movie Night. I LOVED IT. A warning though....I didn't see that it was PG, though, and I did have a little boy afraid in a few parts.

It is set during WWII and a mother is left with her 3 children and 2 cousins in the English Countryside, waiting for their dad and uncle to return. It is a light hearted movie, with the war just being a minor backdrop, and many a lesson to be learned from Nanny McPhee about behaving.

One of the best parts about this movie was how colorful it was. And my favorite part of that was Maggie Gyllenhaal's clothes. It made me want to go out and find pretty, girly, durable day dresses and cardigans. Then again, I feel this way every spring.

Here is my favorite outfit, and this was the only photo of it that I could find. Love the shoes, too. (Notice, she has her coat inside out, which leads me to my favorite moment in the movie...)

The favorite part of the movie is when she answers the door to meet Nanny McPhee for the first time and keeps insisting (with smile on her face) that she doesn't need a nanny. That everything is fine. When she is clearly having a meltdown moment. (I've been there!)

I looked online for similar outfits, but couldn't find a lot of dresses that fit this description.

H&M, only about $20. LOVE IT!

And if I am really desperate, I may have to try and make one.
And another sweet dress I came across. This can be found on etsy under "airmail dress".

Tate and I got away this weekend for a mama and son date. We went to Dick Willows Farm Shop and Cafe and had a great time. He found a sunflower hat that he wanted to buy for sister. Oh, and notice that he has his pajamas on UNDER his clothes. He does this most weekends, and as soon as he is home, peels off the top layer like a slothy superhero to return to his PJ state.

Behind w/ the V Day Crafts

2011-01-27T21:58:00.002Z

I think this year it will be minimal with the Valentines Day decor. I am accepting this. I did, however, carve out a few moments to make a card.Have you seen Monsters Inc? Don't you think she looks like Boo?

Sleep Deprived but still Creating.

2011-01-25T21:04:00.003Z

My little Sunny Sunshine is finally sleeping in her crib, but wakes up at least 4 times a night for some milk. Yes, yes I know...I am indulging her, but OMG have you seen her? She is the cutest thing and such a little snuggle bug, it is hard to deny her. We will be on Operation Sleep-thru-the-night this weekend, but until then, ignore the bags under my eyes and stupidity.

I managed to clean my craft room recently. It took 3 days and it is the size of a really teeny bedroom. At Christmas time I had just shoved stuff in every nook and cranny that I could find, just to get it out of the way, and it had caught up with me. So I decided that I couldn't make anything else until it was clean. Here was Stage 1 of clearing it all out.Ok so now that it is clean, I have started to make a quilt (for someone special that I can't mention or I will ruin the surprise...).

And lastly, flowers inside the house make the biggest difference, don't you think? Every time I see these, it makes me smile!

What have I been up to?

2011-01-11T10:31:00.004Z

Updating and adding to this...Wrapping this...Making this (part of what was inside the package): crayon roll from The Creative Family by Amanda Soule.Helping Tate do this... using Japanese Masking tape to decorate.Eating this....Cuddling this...

happy new year 2011

2011-01-02T12:49:00.003Z

House is somewhat clean, babe is sleeping.... ahhhh. Even the little guy is outside playing. Ok, more like performing what he calls "High School Musical 11" on the steps in the garden, but still in his little imaginative world. I love it.

Yesterday I was so tired it hurt. But I went into my craft room to make a gift for a friend (needed it by Monday!) and it was so therapeutic. My husband asks why I don't hit the pillow the moment my babe falls asleep, and I say to him, I need a little alone time to create for my own soul. I mean, if you worked any other job around the clock, and slept in the hours that you didn't work, how fun would that be? I need to create to keep going when I am up rocking in the chair from 1a-3a.

Not Yet the New Year

2010-12-27T20:02:00.002Z

I get this from my mom.

The moment Christmas is over, I want to clean away all the green and red and make the house look sparking. I want all excess clutter gone and this is the one time of the year that I like the minimalist style.

Kind of impossible with 2 semi-ill children and the husband home for 2 weeks.

I even put my Christmas Martha Stewart (that I JUST received) away until next year, because I don't want to even read about Christmas decor. CLEAN. BRIGHT. SIMPLE.

Does anyone else feel like that?

Merry Christmas to ALL!

2010-12-25T13:19:00.006Z

Yesterday, we had an Open House, Chin-style. (For those of you who don't know, Chin is my maiden name.) Lots of snacks, pop in when you can, stay for a few minutes or for hours....

My parents do this every year, and I have to carry on the tradition.

And the kids have all been cooped up for days due to the cold weather. They made their own fun. This morning.And later this morning.

No fancy Christmas dinner here. We are having leftovers from yesterday, pizza, whatever we can find in the frig and are relaxing ALL DAY.

Best new Crock Pot Party Recipe:

Chicken Skewers for Kids

1. Take chicken breasts, cut into small strips.

2. Marinate in olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Make sure to soak bamboo skewers for several hours. Skewer chicken.

4. Broil until done. (this takes minutes)

5. Put chicken broth in crock pot. (Homemade or non bullion is best)

6. Put broiled skewers in crock pot.

Chicken stays moist and warm for entire party!!

To serve on the side to make more exciting to parents:

Spicy Peanut Dip

2/3 C peanut butter

2/3 C salsa (don't use mild)

1/4 C lemon juice

salt to taste

Worcestershire sauce to taste --few splashes

Tabasco/Hot sauce to taste

Mix and heat.

Cuz Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-12-15T10:10:00.002Z

I let him make his own drum set. We used to do this when he was home all day as a toddler, and it is just as much fun when you are 5.
Wrapping, Crafting, School Concerting.... more to come when I get a moment.

Oreo Cake

2010-12-10T14:58:00.004Z

The William Sonoma Oreo Cake.

Kraft's Oreo Cake

Kevin Sharkey's Oreo Cake
Yum.

Getting into the Spirit

2010-12-09T10:01:00.002Z

Surprise New Bedding (for Tate)! A few Saturday nights ago, I locked myself in my craft room to make Christmas cards. I heard a little knock on the door, and well...I let a certain boy stay up past bedtime and we made this together instead. (foam wreath+wide ribbon+stars and glue dots+felt reindeer with adhesive on back)Feet are fun.
Got this idea from my friend, Ursula. I think she calls it Muffin Tin Mondays. This was a Thursday, and I wanted something easy for dinner. Just take muffin tins and fill with a (semi) balanced meal using the leftovers in your frig.
Cold weather calls for baking bread. While watching "From Paris With Love". Jonathan Rhys Meyers is so much better as King Henry than he is his character in this movie. J. Travolta--awesome. Cracked my butt up.

Moving Again--Minneapolis

2010-12-04T15:07:00.004Z

Tate and our Christmas Tree. Yes, it is of the Charlie Brown Variety.

We just found out that we will be relocating to Minneapolis in July. I am soooo sad to have to leave Bath, UK but I am very happy for my husband who unexpectedly got his dream job.

Anyone know anything about the city? Any school recommendations? Any neighborhood recommendations?

I am stressing about this big change. I know it is a great city, but I want to find the right place for us. For the first time, I think I want to live in the 'burbs. I want other kids and moms to play with in my neighborhood and a school as lovely as Batheaston. The only thing that helps as I obsess over this is playing Mall World. On facebook. Because it is a stress reducer!!

Holiday Season Part 1

2010-11-21T22:00:00.003Z

I just read this:
Very entertaining, AND it got me in the mood to prepare for Christmas. I highly recommend finding fun Christmas books at boot/garage sales and used book stores and putting them away to pull out in November. It gets you in the mindset before everything starts in December!

A few other tips:

1. Many websites have fun Christmas puzzles that you can print out. I plan on printing out 25, one for each morning to have on hand for Tate while I drink that precious first cup of coffee.

2. Make a few desserty things and freeze them. (Chocolate chip cookie dough, apple bars, etc.) That way, when people pop over unexpectedly, you have a treat for them.

3. Preshop. Before the craziness, Soleil and I went into town just to look around. It gave me an idea of what I need to get and will save time later. In fact, I might just order the things I found online and save me the trip later.

4. Stay at home. If you have 10 events scheduled during the holidays, do 7 of them. You will be glad when you aren't all frazzled at the end.

5. Light a candle. The delightful scents can only help you relax during this busy time.

Felt in the Autumn

2010-11-14T17:56:00.003Z

I kept my favorite Halloween pillow out until Thanksgiving.This hat used to be a sweater that Paul shrank. I added the bird with some felt and the pattern is from Amanda Soule's Handmade Home.We are listening to this. It started out slow, but Tate is really starting to enjoy the story when he gets home from school. (He is usually exhausted and loves to draw while listening.)I am no longer letting Paul dress the baby...

Returning from overseas

2010-11-10T11:41:00.003Z

I will be back to properly post soon!

We just returned from the States and we are still jetlagged.

I am really looking forward to crafty endeavors in the next few weeks. Bring on the holiday season (if it means snuggling in at home...)

What fun things do you have planned between now and the New Year???

WIshful To Do List

2010-10-05T11:58:00.003+01:00

I checked my blog posts...I didn't start this blog until Tate was almost 1. I have to remind myself of that when I am frustrated that I don't have time for ANYTHING. I guess it is ok that I just hold my babe. (She is happily playing for her 5 minute window...)

change blog design--looks too washed out
bake something apple-y
make hats and mittens from felted sweaters
make a christmas gift list
pack for upcoming US trip
clean (last on list for a reason.)

And.... my 5 minutes is up. Have a great day!

UPDATE: Made these amazing apple bars. You can freeze them and pull them out when you need them!

Made a hat from Soulemama's book using a sweater Paul shrank (is that a word??). Totally cute. I hand sewed a little felt bird to the front. Photo to come..

Chicken Pie!

2010-09-30T20:53:00.009+01:00

The weather is cooler, and I am craving warm and cozy foods. I made a chicken pie and froze it for later in the week. Here is how you make it. I apologize, I can't remember the exact amounts.

1. Chop chicken breasts into small pieces and salt and pepper the pieces.

2. Chop veggies into small pieces.

3. Melt a knob of butter, add onions and saute until clear. Add rest of veg, and cook for a few minutes. Then add chicken, and a little thyme and salt and pepper.

4. Once chicken is browned, add some flour and cook for a minute.

5. Add 2/3 C of milk and chicken broth (about 1.5 cups) and boil until thickened. Make sure chicken is cooked all the way through.

6. Add to premade pie crust. Poke a few holes in the top to vent. Cook at 400 degrees F until browned.

7. Eat and Enjoy!

** We had a good portion of extra filling after making the pie and added it to some cooked macaroni. It was really good as well.

Fun Halloween Stuff

2010-09-26T18:19:00.002+01:00

Click on the banner/button and it will take you to her site:

My Favorite time of the Year!

2010-09-22T12:12:00.006+01:00

I love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday, and the only person I can think of who loves it more is Martha Stewart.

Two Peas in a Bucket

Martha Stewart

Oriental Trading Company

Cleaning La Casa

2010-09-14T10:35:00.002+01:00

Have you read this book?? It is amazing. I am halfway through, and I can barely set it down. It tells about life as a black maid in Mississippi in 1962. 1962!! That wasn't that long ago, but as I read it, I kept thinking, "surely this is a lot longer ago" due to the way the maids were treated. It isn't a downer book, though... it is just a really good tale from 3 of the characters' perspectives.

It was actually motivating, as I read about how the chores were organized each day. It made me want to scrub my house clean! I might actually consider organizing the tasks each day as the maids did in the book.

Because I was tired of giving the boy ABCs and 123s

2010-09-13T09:29:00.003+01:00

With a 3 month old in the house, meals are sometimes not healthy around here. I hate that. Wayyyy too many times, I heard myself ask my husband to heat up some Chef Boy-ar-dee ABCs and 123s for Tate. And then Paul would heat up frozen corn to go with it. And maybe a PBJ.

To remedy this horrible eating pattern, I decided to take most of my Sunday and make some nutritious meals that I can freeze and heat up easily through out the week. I also prepped my veggies, so that they are easier to combine. Sometimes, if the carrots are cut up, I am more apt to use them...

So I made:

Mom's Beefaroni: pasta, groundbeef, italian spices, petite diced tomatoes, pureed tomatoes, shredded cheddar.

Meatballs: 1lb ground beef, 3/4 C breadcrumbs, 2 TBS parmesan, s&p, oregano, basil, 1 beaten egg. Bake them on a cookie sheet at 350 F for 15 min and they will be 3/4 cooked. Finish off in spaghetti sauce. Alternatively, cook them a little longer in the oven until fully cooked, then freeze them individually on a cookie sheet and transfer to a freezer bag. You can pull out a few and microwave for little ones. I use them for meatball sandwiches as well.

Apple Cake: will post recipe later. Got this one from a fellow blogger and have to ask permission first! (IT WAS SOOO GOOD!)

Roasted Beets: These are for my beet, avocado, feta, pepperoncini, italian dressing salad that I plan on having today.

Pot Roast Prep: defrosted meat for crock pot today. I add onion soup mix, whole mushrooms and water and leave on low for the entire day.

Any great freezable ideas that you might have?

How Tos...from other people and The Quilt

2010-09-08T13:58:00.002+01:00

I finally finished the quilt. Yep, I owe you the last step in the tutorial, which is binding off the edges. IT WAS SO HARD TO FIGURE OUT!! (But then again, it was pretty easy to execute.)

I owe a big thanks to the bloggers at DIY Dish, who simplified the process while being adorable at the same time.
After I was done, I thought I would try a tutorial that I saw on Angry Chicken. Ok, now I am obsessed with making reusable snack bags. It was soooo easy. Amy of Angry Chicken uses cotton, so that she can throw them in the washer, but I think I am going to try oil cloth later. In any case, CUTE.And here is Soleil, age 3 months. She is so snuggly!

Apple Blackberry Jelly Tutorial

2010-08-31T21:36:00.008+01:00

Ok, so I have had a hard time posting on Mondays. LIFE IS BUSY right now! Ms. Sunshine has decided to sleep only in my arms and I have been really really trying to change that.

Anyway, I have been able to make jelly from the apples from our tree and blackberries that we picked while Paul has been home.

Here is a step by step tutorial:

1. Boil equal parts of blackberries and baking apples just covered with water. (I used about 5 cups of each). Keep the cores and skins on the apples--they have lots of necessary pectin for the jelly to set.

2. Once all of the fruit has cooked down to mush, line a colander with cheesecloth over a bowl and dump mix in to drain juice. Don't smoosh down--it will make the jelly cloudy.
Here is the juice. (I let it drain overnight.)
3. Use a big pot. Add the juice and sugar. Most recipes call for the same amount of juice as sugar, but I used 5 cups of juice and 3.5 cups of sugar and it turned out great.

4. Boil until the mix resembles maple syrup, about 220 degrees F, or passes the plate test (put a little of the mix on a cold plate and see if it sets up after a few seconds.)
4. Boil jars to sterilize for 10 min. Use tongs to extract from water.

5. Fill with jelly--it will be liquid-y. Tighten lids and put in a big pot of water and boil for 10 minutes to sterilize.

ENJOY!!

Texture Craft

2010-08-25T14:27:00.002+01:00

On rainy days, we always try to find a craft that is new and different. We found this one on a website that I can't remember right now..

Cut up pieces of felt, fabric, sandpaper, textured paper, velvet, anything with texture. It is amazing what you can find in your house once you start looking.
Put the little pieces in bowls, give your child a glue stick and some paper, and let them create.
For smaller children, Make buildings, and cut out squares of the textured papers and have each building's "windows" have a different texture. Have them feel each one afterwards.

Trip to the Seaside

2010-08-04T12:22:00.002+01:00

Ok, I know it isn't Monday (and I said that would be my posting day...) but I actually had a few moments to myself :)

This weekend, we went to Weston Super-Mare. It was cold, as British beaches usually are, and Tate made the request to go to Spain. I still think he had a good time, however.

"Caution Sinking Mud"
Little Soleil bundled inside her buggy.Making Sandcastles.And you can't go to the seaside without stopping for some Fish and Chips!

Monday Monday

2010-08-02T18:49:00.005+01:00

I love Mondays.

And for this reason, I plan on making Monday my blogging day. You see, with a newborn, blogging is not easy. If I plan on one day a week I get to post a few pics, say a few words, and read a few blogs, it will make me happy and I will actually get a few postings up.

So until further notice, I will try to post on MONDAYS :)

A few things in my world that currently make me happy:

The first apple of the year off of our tree.

A drawer full of new papercrafting supplies. (Courtesy of MOM)Trying to make my bathroom like a spa. I love fresh white towels stacked neatly. These were wedding presents from our friends, Jean and Rick. I think of them almost every time I reach for one.
Beautiful blackberries picked from the bushes near our house.Foot Scrub from LUSH.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES RIGHT NOW??

Lions in Bath

2010-07-24T09:12:00.002+01:00

All over town, there are these Lions, decorated in all sorts of ways. It is VERY exciting for a 5 year old boy to find them and then insist that we take a picture of the ones we find.

This is the Monopoly Lion:

Scrabble Tile Lion
Football Lion:
Flowery Union Jack Lion: (my favorite.)

Fun in Bath, UK

2010-07-14T10:52:00.002+01:00

Right near our house, you can pick up a boat and take that into town instead of the bus, driving, or walking. It was awesome. It is almost the same price as the bus and you don't have to worry about the 4 hour time limit at most car parks. The boat is called The Pulteney Princess and is a very relaxing way to get into town.

Ruby Slippers

2010-07-02T20:07:00.002+01:00

From my friend, Suzzy... SO CUTE!! And the card said " Your very own pair of sparkly red shoes, to keep you safe on life's yellow brick road."

And inspired by another friend, a scrapbook page!!It takes a little longer these days to scrapbook, but it feels good to be creative.

Slowly Blogging

2010-06-29T13:08:00.002+01:00

Wow! It is hard to blog with 2 kids. How does Soulemama do it with 4??

A few highlights from the past weeks:

Tate at Sports Day, wearing a shirt made by his cousin, Daniel.
I swear, she is smiling!
The most adorable hat, made in about 20 min flat by Kate from The Makery.
One of my favorite dishes. Shrimp+Garlic+Pasta+Veggies+Olive Oil. I won't be eating it for awhile, since Princess S was very gassy after I ate this concoction. (But it was very yummy...)
My favorite find from the boot sale. A Tea Trolley!! (It was only 3 pounds, and I couldn't pass it up.)

Day 13 with New Baby

2010-06-16T21:13:00.002+01:00

On my bedside table to keep things easy for now...

A pretty (non maternity!) dress that makes me feel happy and summery:
Soleil's Baby Journal. I started one for Tate and it is way better than a baby book. I can just write a few things in it when I want, and I store pictures in a separate scrapbook.
My sleeping babe.

Early Days with Babe#2

2010-06-05T18:41:00.003+01:00

Hanging out with Dad.Borrowing Mama's Quilt until she gets one for herself.Breakfast. (I am sooo hungry!)
And a simple dinner from earlier in the week:

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Add diced zucchini and carrot, salt and pepper. Add white beans and a little bit of chicken or veg broth. Serve over couscous.

She's Here!

2010-06-03T08:52:00.003+01:00

Soleil Chloe Schwartz.

June 2, 2010

My water broke at 1:50a, and she was born at 2:18a. We barely made it to the hospital. In fact, I think Paul said she was born within 2 minutes of me laying down on the hospital bed.

Tate has been an angel and asked about her all day yesterday. Time to rest!

Half Term Rainy Day

2010-06-01T21:25:00.003+01:00

After Welly WalkPlaying "Puddle Jump"

(Raindrop shaped papers with 1, 2, 3 on them in a box, choose one and it determines how many puddles--the felt squares-- you jump until the end and then how many baskets you make at the basketball hoop at the end.)

MAC vs Chanel

2010-05-27T09:52:00.003+01:00

MAC SLIMSHINE
COCO ROUGE I really, really wanted Chanel to be the winner on this one. I bought the Coco Rouge in Paris (a pretty red) as a little treat to myself, since I feel big and pregnant and icky.

I already own 3 MAC slimshines and actually, I like them better! They are nice and moist, and do not require lipgloss on top and you can put it on without a mirror. The Chanel color stays on your lips a long time, and is lovely, it is just not as lovely as the MAC slimshine.

I love makeup :)

Paint with your Mouth and Feet

2010-05-25T09:47:00.002+01:00

My son's school is amazing. I say this regularly, and feel so fortunate for being able to do so. They are teaching the kids about disabilities right now. They watched a short film about an artist, Tom Yendall, who doesn't have any arms who uses his mouth and feet to create the most amazing paintings. Afterwards, the kids were able to try it themselves. (I even had a try--it is much harder than you think!)

Wee Hee~~!

2010-05-21T20:50:00.003+01:00

Look what I won!!

I recently discovered the blog D'blogala, which has totally inspired me to work on my art journal that I started awhile ago.

Yep, papercrafts are my favorite.

Artwork for Soleil

2010-05-21T14:30:00.002+01:00

Her room is almost ready....

And another new dress!

Why there Will Always be Shops...

2010-05-19T07:38:00.002+01:00

So today I was emailed a coupon for 20% and free shipping over $40 from Jo-Anns, a craft, fabric, and scrapbook store. As I browsed, I realized what I really wanted, was to wander through the store, looking at things, throwing them into my cart (because I would require a cart, not a basket) and how easily I could get to that $40 mark.

Online, it just isn't the same. I checked out lots of things, and I didn't want them badly enough to throw in my virtual cart.

Boogie Tate

2010-05-17T08:55:00.003+01:00

This weekend, we went to Batheaston Park's Celebration. The Park is right outside Tate's school, and we have to walk past the park daily in order to get to the car. This is great because the park is always active with lots of nice kids (and parents!), but some days, when pregnant mama needs to put her feet up, it can be a chore to get Tate to the car.

The park recently added some play equipment, so they had a party for all of us.
They had a DJ, so Tate danced most of the time he was there!

And he loved the smoke machine...

Corners of Our Home May 2010

2010-05-15T21:01:00.006+01:00

When you crave junk food

2010-05-11T10:32:00.003+01:00

My little brother works here....At night, when lots of drunk people come in. He sent me a link to their menu, and now all I can think of is eating a dub. (A "dub" is a tortilla filled will all kinds of unhealthy yumminess....)I might have to make homemade versions for dinner sometime this week.

Good that I live far away

2010-05-10T07:21:00.002+01:00

It is a good thing that the Atlantic Ocean is in between my house and my parents' house. Otherwise, I would HAVE to bring my dad's latest puppy home with me. Isn't he cute?

Rainy Friday

2010-05-07T11:34:00.002+01:00

Ate almost an entire Brunch Braid
Working on a painting for Soleil's room
Bummed that it is raining
In love with my new boots!
Quilt still not finished
Enjoying a day at home...

Ham and Eggs Brunch Braid from Pampered Chef

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 green onions with tops, sliced

4 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup milk

8 eggs, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

Dash ground black pepper

1 teaspoon butter or margarine

2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls

1/4 pound thinly sliced deli ham

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F 180 C. Chop bell pepper. Slice green onions. Place cream cheese and milk in Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; whisk until smooth. Separate 1 egg using Egg Separator; reserve egg white for later use. Whisk egg yolk, remaining seven eggs, salt and black pepper into cream cheese mixture until well blended. Add bell pepper and onion to egg mixture; mix well.
Melt butter in (10-in.) Sauté Pan over medium-low heat. Add egg mixture; cook, stirring occasionally, until eggs are set but still moist. Remove pan from heat.
Unroll crescent dough; do not separate. Arrange dough on Rectangle Stone with longest sides of rectangles across width of baking stone. Using Baker's Roller®, roll dough to seal seams. Starting on longest sides of baking stone, cut sides of dough into eight strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long, using Paring Knife. Arrange ham evenly over center of dough. Using Large Scoop, scoop egg mixture over ham. Grate cheddar cheese over egg mixture using Deluxe Cheese Grater.
Starting at one end, lift one strip of dough; twist one turn and lay across top of filling. Repeat, alternating strips of dough to form a braid. Fold bottom edges up at ends of braid. Lightly beat reserved egg white; brush over dough using Pastry Brush. Bake 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Newspaper Birthday Bunting

2010-05-01T08:14:00.003+01:00

A few months back, Tate and I planned a surprise bday party for Paul. We made this bunting for the party out of NEWSPAPER!!! it was really fun. We got the idea from Maya Made.

I CANNOT believe I made this!

2010-04-29T18:42:00.003+01:00

Today I went to The Makery for my first ever "Make Your Own Children's Clothing" Class. In just a few hours, I made this:

The dress is reversible and I can't wait to make an entire wardrobe! (Don't look too closely--I did say it was my FIRST attempt :)

UK McGriddle at home

2010-04-28T09:49:00.002+01:00

McD's Mcgriddles are my secret favorite breakfast food. ...and they don't have them here in the UK.

When I am starving:

Eggo+Maple Syrup+American Cheese Slice+Scrambled Egg.

It takes about 5 minutes to make.

Spring Cards

2010-04-27T20:33:00.003+01:00

Craft Scissor Clean Up

2010-04-21T11:43:00.002+01:00

I have been sewing all day, and wanted to give my scissors some love.

1. Take rubbing alcohol and clean off surface of scissors. You'd be surprised how dirty they are!!

2. Fold a piece of foil 3-4 times, and cut with scissors several times. This action actually sharpens the scissors.

These simple steps will make sewing/crafting just a tad easier. :)

Crock Pot Meal and other Weekend Stuff

2010-04-18T19:40:00.005+01:00

On his way to a knights and princesses party.Fish and Chips in the sunshine on Saturday.
Sunday Crock Pot Meal.

Pot Roast: chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, french onion soup mix and water. SOOO EASY.

Brownie Bottoms. This dessert is AMAZING!!(recipe below)
1. Butter Crock Pot.

2. In saucepan, combine 1/2 C brown sugar, 2 TBS cocoa powder, 3/4 C water and bring to boil.

3. Mix 2 1/2 C brownie mix, 1/2 C chocolate chips, 1 package (2 3/4 oz) instant chocolate pudding, 2 beaten eggs, 3 TBS melted butter. Add boiling mixture and combine.

4. Spread into crock pot. Cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off heat and let stand for 30 min.

5. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Easter Break Week 2

2010-04-16T08:52:00.002+01:00

Yes, we get 2 weeks off for our Easter Break here in Bath, UK. We have been busy, maybe even too busy, since the baby in my belly is protesting a bit, the longer I stay on my feet. Today we will snuggle in and play at home, which I love.

Instead of continuing the laundry list of places we have been, here is a list of a few new great blogs that have been inspiring to me:

Crafty Crow

Cozy Homemaking

d'blogala

The camera arrived yesterday, so more to come!

Fun Tie Dye Craft

2010-04-12T20:47:00.002+01:00

We found this craft at Crafty Crow, which found it on Wendelonia.

1. Take cheap watercolors and put water in each one. Stir a little with a paintbrush

2. Fold paper toweling into a small square or triangle. (like you were going to make snowflakes.)

3. Dip corners of paper toweling into the colors.

4. Unfold and lay out to dry.

5. Use for gift wrap or tape to a window. We also made a little butterfly out of ours.

**I apologize for the horrible photo...still awaiting a new camera, and we are using photobooth in the meantime...

Easter Break Week 1

2010-04-08T09:04:00.005+01:00

It is much easier to pack a picnic daily, instead of try to plan where we will be at noon.
One of today's activities.

Yesterday we went to Farleigh Hungerford castle. Within 15 min. of our house. Magical for a 4 yr old boy.
Fabric Store Run!
A new SPRING shade. And the only thing I want for my birthday, since Tate has been asking me for days... Not sure on exact shade, so we might have to go into town this week so that I can try a few colors out.

Boot Obsession

2010-03-30T11:09:00.003+01:00

What is worse than NOT finding comfy cute boots that you love? DIscovering them, but not being able to find them in your size!!

I love boots. And yet, another great thing about where I live, it is the most favored footwear among women around here. They are cute with a skirt, yet can deal with the loads of mud and beautiful hills that one must walk up daily in the area.

These are Born Thicket Boots. I continue with my search...

**Quilt Update to come.... just waiting for the new camera to be shipped to us.

**Boot Update: Somehow, they magically had (close to) my size when I checked back a few days later!!! (I ordered immediately AND got free shipping :)

Rough Week

2010-03-25T13:39:00.002Z

Three years ago, this week, my sister passed away.

DMB London Visit

2010-03-22T09:34:00.006Z

A few weekends ago, I had a wonderful weekend in London with my dear friend, Ladonna.

The seats were amazing. This was the best Dave Matthews Band Concert I have been to, and I have been, I think, NINE times. A friend of mine hooked me up with VIP tix that included a box seat AS WELL AS seats in Section 1.Ladonna and I love to find really good food around London. We went to Baker and Spice, which is pretty well known in London. The food is amazing. The service...not so nice.The most amazing beet salad. The dressing brought all the flavor together.
And we went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. Great film, but not for little kids. (Though we saw many a 4-6 yr olds there...)FABULOUS desserts from a local chocolate shop.

The menu from cafe "Cap'ccino" in Shepherds Bush/Westfield. Ladonna had an amazng pear hot chocolate. It looked so yummy.

A gorgeous, but simple dress that we saw in Sloane Square.

And a few less desireable things we saw in London:

On the way to the lunch, we got on the bus and laughed at the chicken wing on the floor. The funnier thing is when we went home and coincidentally got on the same bus hours later, and the chicken wing was still there.

These totally drunk dudes that wouldn't stop yelling "Bartender" to Dave, whilst drinking and spilling loads of beer.

Quilt Tutorial Part 2

2010-03-22T09:29:00.006Z

QUILT TUTORIAL PART 2

You have a your quilt sandwich : bottom fabric, batting, quilt top--whatever you sewed together to make pretty.

Now you have to "quilt" it.

Basically, you are sewing patterns with a straight stitch, through all 3 layers, from the center out. This is what makes your blankie all nice and cozy.

You can: 1. machine quilt 2. hand quilt

I have never machine quilted, but looks fairly easy. My mom hand quilts, so that is what I learned. Also, it is nice to be able to do something with your hands while watching TV (in my case, really dumb reality shows...)

You secure a section with an embroidery hoop or a cool quilting "hoop" (mine is actually square) that you can find at a quilt/craft shop.

Then, you sew.

With this quilt, I am just following the pattern of the fabric, but on the last quilt I made, I made spirals. Hand drawn, nothing special spirals on each square....

Use a quilting needle and quilting thread, both available at local shops.

Part 3 to come....

Part 3 and the final tutorial is sewing the binding, which is a fancy name for the fabric that covers the edges once your quilt is all "quilted".

Easy Quilt Tutorial-Tips 1

2010-03-16T10:27:00.003Z

Measure as evenly as possible. It will make this ALL easier.

Use the edge of your sewing machine foot as your 1/4" sewing edge.

Iron, Iron, Iron.

Use pins to secure one piece to another. Don't leave pins all over the floor, unless you want the daily lecture from your husband.

Make it easy for your first attempt. Here is a link of a great SIMPLE SIMPLE quilt. http://www.craftsofchaddsford.com/makeeasypiecedquilt.htm