a first birthday and hourglass quilt

My husband's co-worker is having a baby any day now so I decided to make her a quilt last week. I used a tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew. There was leftover fabric so I made a matching bib using a pattern from the One Yard Wonders book. I am seriously in love with this line. When I first started sewing about 2 years ago I couldn't understand what all the hype was and why you had to pay $50 for a fat quarter on Etsy.....then it was re-released and I couldn't resist. I still have a fat quarter set of the whole line that I'm saving for......wait for it......another quilt!!!!

Flea Market Fancy Hourglass Quilt

I also have been putting my camera to good use. I had my favorite shoot ever last weekend. It was a first birthday party and I am in LOVE with the finished products.

I know I saw this somewhere but couldn't find the original source. Thanks for the idea though!

 The worst thing happened while setting up for this shot. I tied the balloons to the bastket, turned around....looked back and they were flying up into the trees!!! I had 45 mins to go to the store and get another set and make it back by the time the party started. It all worked out though and they were such a great family to work with.

Beach Tote and Easy Chicken Recipe

Oh man do I love this bag! We got to use it this weekend at the pool and it fit four towels plus all the little extras. The ruffle might be my favorite part, but the pockets sure do come in handy. I lined it and used heavy interfacing. Tutorial found HERE. 

It's GIGANTIC!

Also wanted to share and excellent and easy recipe for garlic and lemon roasted chicken with green beans and red potatoes. There is nothing I would change about it either. Came out perfectly and the husband and daughter were big fans :)

Trying to get back at it

I miss blogging! I have no excuses anymore because I have a new computer and this should be easy. I like having a record of my girls early years. What we're doing, how she's growing and everything in between. That being said, I'm going to unload the past few months today, mostly via Instagram pics. Hope you don't mind :)

Working on a Fourth of July wreath.....haven't made any progress since this picture, haha

New "baby soup"  

Trying to omit as much High Fructose Corn Syrup as possible. Found a recipe that made the Hersheys syrup, but BETTER! Found HERE. 

Found this vintage high chair for $5!!!!!  Love the yellow and it's already worn in all the right places

Yard sale finds

$5 armchair in perfect condition for my sewing room

Made a beach for the pool. Pattern found HERE. http://www.danamadeit.com/beach-robe

My girl loves shades

On my way to photograph my first wedding. It went well!!! 

Our Expedit shelf that came with a defective piece. I emailed them and am crossing my fingers that they will send the piece and not make us drive 2 hours to replace it. 

Growing up.....

Making homemade marinara. I've finally found a tried and true recipe. Adapted from HERE but I reduced the sugar to 1 tbs. 

We've been really enjoying this awesome early summer we're having. I love being a SAHM and I'm grateful for the sacrifices my husband make to see that it stays that way.

Love using my new grocery totes. They mimick the shape and size of regular grocery bags so the cashiers don't mind so much. Pattern found HERE

Trying red lips...... 

Wild, night-after-pool hair

Painted my nails.....only done it a "handful" of times, haha

Saw the most ridiculous thing ever at Walmart of all places

Made ice cream using only frozen bananas and cocoa powder. It is seriously good and healthy!

Flea market finds. Most excited about the $3 scale

Finally wearing the backpack momma made her

Happy Mother's Day to me! Now to decide what kind of quilt to make. I'm stumped because I am afraid to cut into it!

Daily park visits

First painting project

We got dolled up and went to a retirement party

Yard sale finds!

The BEST ice cream around. Jeni's has such unique ice cream. I got Goat Cheese and Cherries and Lemon Curd with  Juniper. And at $12 a pop, you better believe they are amazing. They ship too ;)

We scored an old Jenny Lind twin bed for $20 that I spent weeks priming and painting. 

An unfinished picture of her big girl room. Lots left to do but she loves it. 

Lots of eating healthy.....

And running.

Her first black eye :(

Finished Projects

I finished another quilt last week. This one will hopefully be our picnic/outdoor quilt. I used inspiration found HERE. I say "hopefully" because it's already seen it's fair share of couch cuddling :)

I also made this "out to eat" placemat for Demi. Tutorial found HERE.

Wiksten Tank Dress

So I realize it's been about 4 months since I've been here, but I'm going to just jump right back in and work my way back :)

Today I finished my first ever adult size dress, from a pattern at that!!!!!!

It's the Wiksten Tank and I chose to do the dress version. I had to add about 6 inches to the bottom since I am 5'10 and modest ;) I have to say I am extremely excited about this dress because it actually fits and is extremely comfortable! I would love to make 100 of these for the summer....but it took about 3.5 yards so I'd have to catch a really awesome sale on fabric.

Love the pocket detail. I added the tie because if not it looks like a tent!