It Feels Like Fall, So Break Out the Knitting!

Every year I say I'm going to knit during the spring and summer, so that by the time I can actually wear my knitted creations, they'll be knit {instead of just a wishful pile of beautiful yarn}.  But so far, in my few years of knitting, it hasn't happened yet.  Last year was better than most, I at least got all my knitted gifts done in time for Christmas {the blue hat in the photo was for my mom}, but by the time I finished the scarflette I was knitting for myself, it was already spring.  I guess I'll get to wear it this year.

However, I'm getting somewhat of a head start this time around.  I've got quite the yarn stash right now, and if I don't start knitting through it I'm not going to be able to buy any more {I don't know how long I can stick to my self-imposed ban}.  As I work through my project pile, I'll be sharing some of my favorite patterns, books and yarns, as well as some of my dream projects.  But for now, it's back to the needles and hope that the first project of the season turns out!

Update:  I accidentally let the knitting get carried away...I don't think I accomplished a single other thing today.

Dew Drop Spider's Web

A Perfect View

This is one of my favorite photos from the summer.  Maybe because it was accompanied by a warm breeze and a day on the lake.  I'm wishing this was the view out my window right now.  Summers in our part of the country can be so short, I'm already wearing a sweater and slippers, looking at the wind rustling the leaves of the maple tree.  Of the four summers I've spent here, this one is by far the coolest, and shortest.  And, while I love fall, I'm not quite ready for the trees to shed their leaves or the days to get shorter, can't I have a couple more weeks of sunshine?

I guess I'll have to settle for some soft music, hot coffee, and the cranberry orange loaves I'm starting to smell from the oven {wish I could say they were from scratch!}.  Hope your Saturday is full of sunshine, relaxation, or both.

Blueberry Mornings and a Project

I'm not a morning person...at least not a motivated morning person.  I wake up {almost} every morning with Josiah, just because I would really become a night owl if I didn't, but I never seem to get much accomplished in those early hours {by early I mean anything before 11am}.  Wishful thinking would have me busy sewing or cleaning my house, but reality finds me drinking lemonade, eating blueberries {my new favorite food this summer}, checking e-mail, browsing Etsy, reading blogs, and blogging.

Yet, I've come to accept this routine and have grown fond of my morning hours.  I like the relaxed feel, and slow start to the day, it somehow makes it last longer.  I wish it meant I spent less time being unproductive during the rest of the day, but maybe in time it will

One benefit to spending my mornings in this manner {at my computer} is I've gotten to learn a little more about computers.  I took an HTML class in high school {eight years ago?!} and have completely fallen out of practice.  However, the internet is a wonderful resource, it's allowed me to relearn some of the old things and learn some new {I adjusted this blog's layout myself - now if only I can learn how to design my own graphics}. 

This morning I created a new page for this blog: a blogroll.  I like to have the titles of the blogs displayed so I know if I've read one before or not, but that made my blogroll stretch too far down the page.  Instead, you can now click on the link below the header and be directed to a page of blogs, which include snippets of new items too.  I hope this is a good change!

Coat and Jacket Season

The September J. Crew catalog arrived in my mailbox yesterday, full of fall's beautiful coats and jackets.  Fall is a close second favorite season for me {behind spring}, and I think the luxurious outerwear helps it maintain that ranking.  Oh, and I have a little weakness for coats and jackets from J. Crew.  I don't know what it is, I can somehow skim through their catalogs all year long, but when the fall/winter one arrives, I'm just dying to buy a new coat or jacket {or two?}.  How can you resist these:

I've become spoiled over the last couple of years, since I'm living in a cold climate, I've had excuses to buy such pretty coats, but now that we're looking at a move right after winter {and I already have a few coats}, I'm doubting I'll get away with it again.  Instead, I think I may need a few of these sweaters:

They'd be great in any climate right?  And that sandy/camel color would look great with my tweed blazer {have I mentioned I ♥ tweed?}.

I wonder if this is an abnormal obsession, I don't usually obsess over clothes.  But I can spot a J. Crew coat a mile away.  Oh, and they always go on such great sales, keep on the lookout {and let me know, I don't want to miss it!}.

Is there something that always catches your eye, a little indulgence that you have a hard time passing up {or maybe not so little, as Josiah reminds me}?

Friendship Bag Swap {a giveaway}

A while ago I signed up for a Friendship Bag Swap and just got my partner information over the weekend. Since I know a wide variety of people sign up for these sorts of things, I decided to wait to make my bag until I knew who my partner was going to be. Fortunately, I got a fun, young lady, and I thought some of the scraps of Wonderland by Momo for Moda would make a great bag for her. But, just in case, I did a trial run first. There are a few little things I'd like to change, but otherwise I think it turned out cute.

So, I'm giving this one away to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post between today and September 2nd at midnight, and you'll be entered. Follow/subscribe to this blog for another entry, just make sure you leave another comment letting us know. Good luck and I'll draw the winner Thursday, September 3rd. Oh, and make sure you leave a way to reach you in case you win.

Congratulations...   Mandy!

Our little bag will soon be traveling across the ocean to lovely Australia, where they're starting to get a little bit of spring!  Want a little bag of your own?  We're planning to offer both the bags and patterns in our Etsy shop, we'd be happy to whip up a custom order for you, just send us an e-mail {and if you entered the giveaway we'll give you 15% off!}.

{Winner for the last giveaway posted on the original post.}

Blog of the Week: Happy Loves Rosie

Here's a bright spot for any day, Happy Loves Rosie. Happy's bright, whimsical photos and an ever cheerful attitude put a smile on my face while just scrolling down the page. Oh, and I think I saw some photos of a Westie hanging around too, I want one! Stop by and say hi, and enjoy this happy corner of the blog world.

The Blogging Community

While reading through Blogging for Bliss {again} last evening, I realize I am not a good member of the blogging community {at all}.  I rarely leave comments on blogs.  I enjoy reading them, and even check some of my favorites daily {and can get lost for hours sometimes}.  But that's all I do, read, I don't participate.  Yet, I enjoy getting comments from readers {thanks so much!}, and enjoy hearing your thoughts and ideas, that I really need to get past the idea that if I'm comment number 247 the blogger isn't interested in what I have to say.  So, this morning, I've commented on three blogs already, and to leave comments on 2-3 blogs a day {if I'm reading them, might as well speak up!}.  So there you have it, my new blissful blogging goals!

P.S. Sorry for the blinking image - I tried to find something cute to spice up this post!

Long Awaited Arrival

A couple months ago we ordered a dining room table and two chairs that we'd been dreaming about for almost a year.  Sometime last year we discovered a little Amish furniture shop.  The owners aren't Amish, but instead work with several Amish communities in Ohio to create unique bedroom and dining sets, as well as other pieces.  As they explained to us on our first visit, the communities generally specialize in one or two pieces of furniture, for example: one family makes chairs, another tables, a third headboards, a fourth chests of drawers. That is where this little shop comes in, they will help you order the set you want, out of the wood you choose, and with the stain of your choice, to create a style all your own.

We are slowly working on furnishing our house, and decided a dining room set from this Amish shop was a necessity.  However, when given so many options, how does one narrow it down to one set?  The limitless choices are almost overwhelming, but after much thought and discussion, we finally decided.  We chose a set of chairs that were available in the shop, and then customized a table to go with them.

We decided this will probably be the only dining room set we'll ever buy, so we made sure the table shrunk nice and small and expanded to seat eight, so it will always work.  There was only one tiny problem, the top is the wrong shape.  Somehow, the builder got mixed up and we got a perfectly rectangular top, where it was supposed to have the short ends rounded a little bit.  However, we're getting another one, and get to keep this one in the meantime {yay!}.  Once again, we're waiting on pins and needles to receive the new one.

Lobster Roll from Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine

Americana Quilt

My newest goal, to post {nearly} every day.  So, on those days I don't have much to write about, you'll find a photo.  Here's a little quilt I finally finished and sent to my newest nephew.

International

I went to the post office today to mail my first international order {our shop's second, but my mom did the first} - shipped to Australia!  I realized Etsy was an international marketplace, but for some reason, I thought that was for people like me to buy from other countries, not that anyone there would be interested in our work.  Maybe I romanticize other places too much, because I'd love to travel, but haven't had much of a chance yet.  But, regardless of the reason, the thought of someone so far away carrying a bag I made is exciting!

Country Girl at the Market

I went to the local farmer's market yesterday.  I live in a small-town area, so it was a small market, but I enjoyed it nontheless.  I grew up in the busy suburbs of Seattle, full of rainy days and parking lots, so the bustling farmer's market is still a new experience for me.  I feel like I should trade my purse and sunglasses for a basket and straw hat, just to feel like a country girl at the market.  I try to base my purchases on my nose: peaches, blueberries and Italian bread; eyes: summer squash and zuchini; and loves: fudge, sushi coin purse, and pomegranate soap.  It was fun to shuffle through my wallet for bills and coins {instead of those plastic cards I seem to use everywhere else}, pay the vendors, and stuff my bag-less purchases into my purse without getting receipts, entering pin numbers, or signing anything.  Days like this {in spite of my usual feelings} I do want to be a country girl after all.

From my home to yours {a giveaway}

I love my little home. When we decided to buy a house in 2006 {little did we know, right as the market was about to head downhill} I thought it would be just that: a house. You know, one of those places to live where you have a yard {and therefore have to mow}, a driveway {to shovel snow off of}, a washer and dryer {to keep in good repair}, and your very own place {to paint, clean, and fix up}. Yep, one of those non-apartment places that really just equal more work.

But when I found our cozy cottage house, in the little village we hoped to live in, it just fit. Almost three years later, I cannot imagine living anywhere else {which makes things difficult since we have a move in our future}. It has been such a joy {and occasionally a chore} to have our own place. We get to do all sorts of fun things, camp in the yard, play darts in the basement, paint our bedroom yellow, and install new ceiling fans, just to name a few.

One of the other things I really enjoyed was making new pillow covers for the throw pillows on the couch and recovering the cushions on the wicker chairs {that every visitor seems to want to sit in, rather than on the couch}. I found my leftover fabric the other day and though I'd make up some cute coasters to go with them.

And, for the giveaway, I'm going to send one reader a set. They're reversible, each has one stripe side and one paisley side, and are made of decorator weight fabric, so they're sturdy and will help protect any surface you use them on{and even if these don't match your decor, you could always give them away too}. To enter simply comment on this post with one thing that makes your house/apartment/condo/etc. feel like home by midnight of Tuesday, August 25th. Oh, and if you send a friend to leave a comment, I'll give you an extra entry. Make sure I can get in touch with you if you win {if your blog or profile have your e-mail, that's great, otherwise leave it in the comment, or leave your Etsy name, or you can send me an e-mail to keep it private!}. Check back next Wednesday for the winner.

Update:

Congratulations to Heather at The Penny-Pinching Mama!

Under Construction :: Adding Bliss

A package of books arrived from Amazon.com yesterday, including one I ordered to help me make this blog a better place.  I saw it on the Bunny Tales blog last month, and have been thinking of adding it to my ever expanding library of books.  Well, I finally ordered it last week and have anxiously been waiting for it to arrive, which it did yesterday.  Since Josiah spent the evening helping a friend move, I spent much of it paging through my lovely new book, which, I might add, is beautiful just to look at, even if you're not trying to learn something.  So here it is, Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey.

I hope to learn a lot about blogging, and make this blog a more friendly, readable, and exciting place.  So, I've decided for now to scrap all of my other blogging ideas {unless there is something you'd like me to keep, in that case, please let me know}.  So, it's time for some more honest, and hopefully blissful, blogging.  Also, I thought I'd share some of the lovely blogs I found in this book {and others I love too}, so make sure that you stop by the Blissful Blog of the Week {in the upper right column}.  This week is Tara Frey's blog, so be sure to check it out!

So, I hope you're interested in joining me on this blogging journey, and stop by tomorrow for a little giveaway too.

P.S. The fabric in the background is a project I'm working on for me, I'll have some photos {and news to go with it} soon!

Little Comforts: Ginger Peach Tea

photo credit

 
I'm definitely a coffee drinker (we both are), but every once in a while, I just want a cup of tea.  My favorite has to be The Republic of Tea's Ginger Peach.  It is the perfect start to the day, especially on the weekends.  The combination of the caffeine in black tea and the peachy flavor are just lovely.  Fresh enough to drink in the summer and warm enough for the winter.  I think I just might have to make a cup now.

Taco Salad: Update

Oops, I forgot the cheese!  Add a little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the ground beef, it will make it even better (now I'm going to have to try it that way).

Jennie

So Good: Nana's Taco Salad

We've all had it, that taco salad with mean, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, beans, salad dressing, and chips. However, we've got a different version for you today. This one is easier {and better, we think} and made like the {authentic} tacos we grew up with. So, enjoy a little bit of our Mexican heritage, and give this a try.

Ingredients {serves 5-6}:

1 lb. Ground Beef
2 - 14.5 oz cans Whole Tomatoes
Garlic Salt
Oregano
Shredded Lettuce
Tortilla Chips

Brown ground beef with about 2 tbs. oregano and 1 tsp. garlic salt,

Crush the whole tomatoes,

stir in about 2 tbs. oregano and 1 tsp. garlic salt, heat thoroughly,

crush up chips to cover bottom of bowl,

add some ground beef,

shredded lettuce,

and finally some of our fresh tomato sauce.

If you give this a try, we doubt you'll go back to {that other} taco salad the way you made it before. Enjoy!

Shopaholic: Paloma's Nest

CUSTOM dove tiny text bowl

 If you're looking for a little treasure that is elegantly simple, Paloma's Nest just might be the shop for you.  The tiny text bowls are perfect for celebrations and come in a variety of sayings {or customize your own!} for weddings, babies, and even fishing, there is a little something special for everyone.  Not only are these pieces lovely, but the packaging, shipping, and care Caroline puts into each order is fabulous.  Our custom dove tiny text bowl says "family" and is a family treasure.

 

HOME tiny text bowl with milagro house

CELEBRATE set of 6 tiny text tiles

Baby Shower: Shoes

PARIS - LUXE Couture Baby Booties -Hollywood and Vine $23.50

Baby Leather Pawprint Moks - Scandeez $30

Black houndstooth baby loafers - Ivy and Moss $24

The Plaid Gentleman - Soft Soled Baby Shoes - Little Jumping Beans $14

Maine in Bloom

We took a weekend trip to Maine this past weekend, what a beautiful place!  Most of our time was spent on the coast somewhere between Portland and Augusta {we stopped in several little towns}, and in addition to the beauty of the countryside and the shore, the flowers are still in bloom.  Many of our Virginia flowers have bloomed out, and the New York ones are nearly finished, but Maine, with it's slightly cooler climate, was full of amazing blooms.  We tried to capture a few to share with all of you.  {And, if you get the chance to visit Maine, take it!}

Shopaholic: Oktak

Eyeglass Case

Tired of lugging around the heavy hard case that came with my sunglasses, and tired of cramming them into my purse and risking scratching, I finally splurged on a soft {stylish} case.  I chose a lovely one from Oktak made with Joel Dewberry's new Deer Valley line of fabric in a lovely aqua.  It is well made and has a little cushion to protect my glasses.  Not in the market for an eyeglass case?  Fortunately, Oktak has everything from little pouches to purses and totes, all in a variety of beautiful fabrics.  Right now, Oktak is on vacation, but offering a discount too, making it even more worth the wait!

eyeglass case - sea green tiles $30

2 compartment pouch - gold dots $35

frame purse - green bubbles on white $70

Baby Shower: Bib Sets

 

Amy Butler Boutique Burp Cloths and Bib - Mom N Mia Quilts $21.99
Baby Bib and Burp Cloth Set in Modern Zoo Teal - quiltish from alissa jacobs $22
The Phoebe Bib and Burpcloth in Mod Bright Polka Dots - krispy banana kids! $19
bib/burp set, polka dots and stripes - babydarling $14

Little Comforts: Best Press

I recently discovered Best Press - The Clear Starch Alternative (thanks mom!) and I don't think I can quilt or sew without it again.  It leaves a nice clean, crisp finish with no residue, and washes out completely as well.  It makes top stitching a breeze, and I don't have to worry aobut my seams trying to flip themselves over while I sew.  Although it may seem a little pricy ($8-ish for a 16oz bottle), it is worth it for the amount of effort it saves and the amazing finish it gives fabric.  And the best part, it would work wonders on clothes as well!  I highly suggest everyone to give it a try.