the bday cake

We had the best time making Mia's birthday cake this year! I was so inspired by this post that I had to give it a try. I thought it turned out so sweet. I mean, aren't polka dots always happy? So much for sugar-free Friday! :)

kids applique placemats

Well I have a thing for eating on soft placemats. There is just something so comforting about having a cushy place to park your plate. I wanted my kiddos to have this comfort too... so I decided to make them their own. Being a Montessori mom, I love the idea of self-sufficiency and having the kiddos help set the table. I wanted to make it fun and easy for them to do, so I appliqued a spoon, fork, plate and cup onto a soft cotton, used a sweet polka dot fabric on the back so we could use both sides, and sandwiched a super soft, natural cotton batting in between them. Of course I had to make a napkin to match! I like that they are reusable, and it really does look cute to have the table set with the mix and match fabrics. The best part is you can just throw them in the wash, and they get even softer over time. Meals can be such a special sharing time and I love that we have a handmade touch to go with them.

p.s. Thanks so much Ohdeedoh for featuring our placemats on your always-inspiring site!

the sweetest project

I've been working on this little project for quite some time now, mostly in my mind for the past year, until recently, and I can't really explain how, that one thing started to gently lead to another in such a natural way that it is now becoming much more of a reality.

I attended Squam Art Workshops in June 2009 and it seriously was one the best experiences I have ever had. I went by myself ~ didn't know a soul ~ and had the time of my life. Not only did I take the most amazing creative classes designed for anyone, but came home with the most genuine friends, a huge amount of inspiration and a renewed spirit. This was the first thing I had truly done for myself since having my two little ones. At first I felt guilty and selfish for taking a few days out of our busy lives to go, but then I realized how terribly important it was to have a little time and space to just be me again ~ something I had lost along the way with the intensity and beauty of being a full-time mom. I learned so many things that weekend ~ so many things:

* how important it is to honor who you are and what you love to do

* the power of being in a like-minded community

* that you can have your own thing and still be a great mom (in fact, I found I was a better mom because of that!)

* how honoring and exploring your creative side brings out the best in everyone

* to listen to your heart and those little voices that speak to you ever so softly

When I came home from Squam, I shared this magical experience with all my friends and family, and they all wanted to go. So I told them I would find a place in Colorado a little closer to home and we would all go. I searched and searched for something similar and couldn't believe that there was nothing like this in our majestic Rocky Mountains. How could that be? There must be a place like this here! And maybe I should start one? In my heart, I knew that I wanted to create a place to give people the opportunity to experience what I did, but in my own backyard that I love so much. I wanted to provide a place where people could step out of their fast-paced, everyday lives, leave technology behind for a few days and reconnect with themselves ~ a space to simply play and feel like a kid again. It does wonders, let me tell you! I still carry the magic I felt at Squam around with me, and am eternally grateful to Elizabeth and the courage she had to create Squam Art Workshops. It truly changed my life.

As I approach this endeavor, I am doing so with an open mind and heart, and trust that it will evolve as it should. I have cherished the input and support from so many amazing people already and feel the greatest power in creating this is how it already feels like the most warm and wonderful community. My greatest hope for the Makerie is that it provides a beautiful energy to all it touches, and that it might inspire someone to go after their dreams too. Creating the Makerie is most certainly a dream come true for me. So here we go! Hold on... it's going to be one wonderful, wild ride!

meaning

Oh my goodness... I can't wait to take a peak at this book. The title alone describes everything I believe in ~ crafting, meaning and home. These three things, in addition to nurturing food and those that you love who are in it, would create the happiest home on the planet. Such simple, loving things really...

happily ever after...

Well we're back from the most wonderful weekend! My brother is a happily married man and I simply adore my new sister-in-law. What a fabulous few days we all spent together ~ celebrating this beautiful new couple, hanging out at the beach with family and friends, sipping pina coladas, eating fresh salsa and guacamole for lunch every day, sneaking in a massage, sleeping through the night (for four nights in a row!), and yes... my husband and I even got to finish a conversation. A most heartfelt congratulations to my brother and his new wife on the start of their new life together. I can't wait for many more adventures with the two of you and I love you.

kids applique placemats

Well I have a thing for eating on soft placemats. There is just something so comforting about having a cushy place to park your plate. I wanted my kiddos to have this comfort too... so I decided to make them their own. Being a Montessori mom, I love the idea of self-sufficiency and having the kiddos help set the table. I wanted to make it fun and easy for them to do, so I appliqued a spoon, fork, plate and cup onto a soft cotton, used a sweet polka dot fabric on the back so we could use both sides, and sandwiched a super soft, natural cotton batting in between them. Of course I had to make a napkin to match! I like that they are reusable, and it really does look cute to have the table set with the mix and match fabrics. The best part is you can just throw them in the wash, and they get even softer over time. Meals can be such a special sharing time and I love that we have a handmade touch to go with them.

adios!

Off to the beach... My brother is getting married in Mexico this weekend! Weddings are just such happy occasions and it will be a wonderful celebration. My brother is marrying a gem. I have never seen him so happy and content and it makes my heart smile. I'm also very excited to have a little escape with my husband, as the kiddos are going to be home with Nanna and Poppa. I'm looking forward to sleeping through the night (a rarity with my little ones), having lazy mornings and maybe even finishing a conversation. I can't wait! See you next week!

sweet spoonflowering

I'm adoring this project. Is this the cutest ever? I'm always on the lookout for creative gift ideas for teachers. I heart spoonflower.

image credit to freshly pieced

such a treat for sugar-free friday

Have you ever tried 'grilled' zucchini bread? Well let me tell you it's quite a fabulous way to start the morning! I used this recipe (sans refined sugar which I love) and it has become a personal favorite. All you do is put a small pat of your favorite butter in a pan (cast iron gives it a wonderful flavor if you have one) and grill it on both sides. Oh my goodness... it's the best. What is it about any warm bread? I do think it's one of my all time favorite things to eat, anytime, anywhere. This little technique works great with banana bread, muffins, and really any and all breads for that matter. Give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out! I guarantee you'll love it.

photo courtesy of the lemonbasil blog

4 years old

How can it be that my littlest one is 4 years old already? Today was her birthday and we celebrated in just her style. Mac & cheese twice, loving her celebration of life ceremony at school, getting to lead the class in her favorite games, going out to lunch with mom & dad (I was SO excited when she chose my favorite place!), painting, and loading her cupcake with sprinkles. We put the candles in her cupcake, and in her thoughtful, brother-loving way, wanted to make sure Owen had candles in his cupcake too so they could blow them out together. Mia, your huge heart constantly inspires me to be a better person, and your giving spirit shines so brightly. You simply light up this world and you absolutely light up my life. I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday sweetheart.

this quote

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman (1900-1981), Educator, Minister, Civil Rights Activist

I found these amazing words on this blog. They speak to me so loudly. I love Nicola's thoughts on Squam. I was so lucky to attend Squam Art Workshops last summer and truly, it changed my life too. I will forever be grateful to Elizabeth creating such a magical place.