A Baby Blanket

I admit, I'm the type of girl who likes fast, easy, get it done in a nap-time-length type of projects.  My patience when it comes to sewing is limited (a weakness I'd like change). That being said, I was pretty proud of myself for actually putting together a blanket with more than two pieces. (Besides the T-Shirt Quilt I made for Brian for Christmas, which just about killed me). I got the fabric when we were in Phoenix a few months ago. SAS is one of my favorite fabric stores. It is a bit chaotic shopping there, because you literally have to dig in cardboard boxes to find anything good. And when you do find something worthy, there is no guarantee there will be more when you go back. This past time I went, I had Eden in tow and I was sweating trying to juggle her and find things! But I did score. This blanket probably cost me $5 to make. The flannel was $2/yard and the minky-type fabric was $2.50 for a giant piece (and I only used half of it). Can't wait to wrap up our new baby in it!

Boppy Cover

Aren't boppies wonderful? I was given a well used one, which was in great need of a new cover. I wasn't about to spend the outrageous amount they go for at the store, so I decided to make my own. Such a simple project. Click here for a good tutorial. I substituted velcro for the zipper (because I hate doing zippers!) You can slip it off and wash it if needed (and by "if" I mean "when" you need to).

Diaper Changing Pad

A friend of mine made me one of these for my first baby and I used it all the time. So, I thought I'd make one for my sister's new baby. I just made a copy of the one I already had using some scrap fabric and vinyl, but here's a good tutorial if you'd like more specifics (mine isn't exactly the same, but it gives you a good idea. 

A few more nursing covers

One for me, one for my sister...

A few book reviews...

Wow, it's amazing how fast time can slip away in the blogging world. I've got a bunch of projects to post, but not enough time to do it post them. So, for now I'll just update you on my latest reads...

This book was so fun! It follows the travel adventures and explorations of Martin and Osa Johnson, who from 1917 to 1937 traveled some of the most indigenous and hardly trekked areas of the world including Borneo, Kenya, The Congo, and small Islands throughout the pacific...and all on a shoe-string budget (the way Brian and I would too). I was simply amazed at how determined [and brave] this couple was and loved reading about their many adventures. 

This was a touching story about Kim, a Chinese girl and her mother who immigrate to Brooklyn to create a better life; however, what they encounter is injustice, poverty and culture shock. Despite their harsh living conditions, meager pay, and horrible working conditions inside a Chinatown clothing factory, Kim is able to excel in school and help turn their life around. I thought the book was compelling, although there were a few aspects of the story I didn't like, overall it was a pretty good read.

Getting into the Valentine's spirit...

So I got a little inspiration from here and am loving how these babies turned out! And they were surprisingly easy. Some are going to cousins as Valentine's Day gifts, but we're going to keep a few too. 

This one is my favorite

Too bad my model had crazy hair and wasn't being too cooperative

Onesie Makeover

Have I mentioned how much I love Heat and Bond? It is so great for sprucing things up quick, especially cute little baby clothes! Since our newest one is due in June, I figure she'll wear lots of onesies. 

This one is my favorite

A new place to write my to do's...

Before

 After

Much better

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

This was a truly inspirational true story about a boy from Malawi, Africa. After suffering through famine and hunger and having to drop out of school because his family couldn't afford his school fees, William studies [on his own] and determines a way to bring electricity to his village by building a windmill to generate power. I was amazed at this boy's patience, determination, and smarts [he really is a genius]. I highly recommend this book, I think it's a must read!

Some yumminess...

I bought these wraps with the intention of making egg rolls, but when I got home from the store I realized I'd missed some of the necessary ingredients (I hate it when that happens!). So, I hopped online and looked for some other things to make with them and TA-DA, I found the coolest recipes. 

The other night I made homemade spinach ravioli. I threw cooked spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, cottage cheese, and some seasoning in a blender to make the filling, then followed the instructions here to put them together and bake them. They were so good! 

I also made mini quiches using the instructions found here, although I used a different filling. 

OH and did I mention we also had mini crepes with them too? I love these wraps...I should be their spokeswoman!

Another recipe I'd like to share...Quick Cinnamon Buns with Buttermilk Icing. Cinnamon rolls are Brian's favorite, but they take so long I hardly ever make them! With this recipe, there is no yeast involved, so they take a fraction of the time. And they are seriously good. Find the recipe on America's Test Kitchen's website. 

Enjoy! 

My Latest Reads...

Hooray! I joined by sister's book club and although I wasn't able to make it to January's meeting, I managed to read 2/3 of the books assigned. Lois Lowry is the author of Number the Stars, which was one of my favorite books growing up. With that in mind, I was pretty excited to see what else she had written.

I really liked The Giver (I think my High School English class was the only one that didn't read it!). It is a light and easy read, yet it really makes you think about life and how fortunate we are to live in our current society, even amid its imperfections. I wasn't as big of a fan of Gathering Blue. The plot was a little slow and I was very disappointed with the ending. So much so that I decided not to read the third book/companion. 

Ethan Frome is a classic and came recommended (first by my father in law, then my husband), so I gave it a shot! I really liked it too. Although it's a bit heart wrenching, the character connection is inevitable (at least it was for me). I found myself torn between Ethan's loyalty and his happiness. I like books that make me think and this was one of them. 

I can't remember how many times I've read it before and how long it's taken me to read it this time. And I can't promise you I've had a great personal study every day, but I can say that The Book of Mormon has been a source of solitude and strength over the past year. I've found that when I read sincerely, my days seem to go much better and I'm able to maintain an eternal perspective on life. I started reading it from the beginning again today...

Quiet Book

This book was definitely a learning experience! Lot's of hours went into creating this little baby! And I think I might have sat at the computer looking at ideas longer than I actually worked on the book! There are SO many creative people out there in the blogging world, it makes my head hurt! (Here's where I got some inspiration...check out this ONE and this ONE)

Although I am pleased with how it turned out, it is full of imperfections (which really drive me nuts). If I had more time I could pour dozens of hours into sprucing it up...but we're leaving for Utah tomorrow and I must hand deliver it to my sister's cute little kiddies (it's supposed to be their Christmas present, I'm horrible). I'm counting on them not noticing things like how the pages are different sizes! Anyways, here it is...

Front cover with velcro strap

Pick the apples and play with the animal finger puppets

Close the doors

 Puzzles

Count the animals and make a flower arrangement

Build the burger (the pieces velcro off) and style the girl's hair

Find essential's in the purse and play tic tac toe

And a little pocket in the back for the extra stuff

I hope they like it. If I can gather the time and energy I might make one for Eden too!