Weekly Highlights

We have had a fun, busy month so far! Its hard to be motivated to sit down on the computer when the blue skies, white sand, and salty water are calling my name! But since its storming today......

Here is my tip of the week:

Add a teaspoon of basking soda to your water while boiling eggs; the eggshells will peel right off! No more ice, watching the timer, or any of the crazy things we try!

My project this week (which was actually about a month ago) was this:

I helped my Mama decorate her mantle. Which consisted of the framed paper quilt, painting and baking the dishes, painting the "It is Well..." and digging through the garage to find more treasures!

*I also made matching aprons for myself and ClaireBell, which you can read about below:*

Something for me...Apron Tutorial

Recipe of the week goes to:

This sausage and vodka sauce Radiatori Pasta. I served this with a simple ceasar salad and fresh, toasted, french bread. I wish I could give the recipe because it was delish! But I really have no idea what I put in it...lol. I love cooking that way!

There's no way I could pick just one pic from the last month, so here are a few:

Ha! My three favorite people :) 

Clairsy loves her babies! Love her big brown eyes

Grandpapa and Ryder playing at the baseball field! So sweet

I took the kids to the beach by myself this week! We had a blast!

Ryder being too smart ;) He turned this basket over and climbed up to get Clairsy's crayons! He was so proud

Happy Monday friends! Looking forward to another week. Praying God will teach me how to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Something for me...Apron Tutorial

In my two years of sewing, I've yet to make something for myself. So yesterday I decided to change things up a little bit and go for it! A little bit of a cop out since its just an apron, but I love it! .....and I needed one!

I took this idea from one-yard wonders, which is a fabulous book, gifted to me by my M-I-L. Highly recommend it! I did a little tweaking and will give some tips on how to make it even better.

If you're looking for an easy, quick project, or maybe this is your very FIRST project, you've come to the right place. Easy Peasy

Are you ready to get started??

Here's what you will need:

1 yard of 44/45" fabric (any weight)

1 spool of coordinating thread

2 vintage or coordinating buttons (optional)..not optional in my mind because they add so much to the piece

Step 1: Measure, Mark and Cut

place your fabric in a single layer, wrong side facing up. Measure and mark the following pattern pieces, then cut them out:

Ruffle: 36" wide x 5" tall (cut 1)...if you have extra fabric, I would suggest making this wider/longer. It will create more ruffles..and who doesn't want that, right?!

Apron ties: 4" wide x 31" tall (cut 2)

Waistband: 22" wide x 4" tall (cut 1)

Apron: 22" on the top, 27" on the bottom, 20" from top to bottom (cut 1)..this may sound a little confusing. Just measure and mark the numbers I listed, then draw a diagonal line from the top measurements(22") to the bottoms (27") and cut.

Step 2: Hem the Apron

The directions said to make a 1/4" double-fold hem along the angled and bottom edge of the apron. I opted to use double-fold coordinating bias tape. I think it looks better and honestly, it's easier than trying to create a 1/4" hem!

Step 3: Make the Apron Ties

Press one short end of apron tie 1/2" toward the wrong side of fabric. Fold in half length-wise, NOT width-wise, with right sides together, aligning raw edges. Stitch along the unfolded end and the long side, leaving the pressed edge open. Clip the corners, turn right side out, and press. Top stitch close to the edges on all four sides. Repeat with other tie.

 Step 4: Make the Ruffle

Again, the directions called for a 1/4" double-fold hem on one long and two short sides of the ruffle. I wish I had used the bias-tape again here. There are two ways to do this next step:

1...Use a basting stitch to gather the top raw edge of the ruffle piece. So, if you're unfamiliar with these terms, just set your machine to the longest stitch it has and sew a straight line. Then you will pull one piece of thread on one end to gather the fabric. like so....

Option 2...set your machine to a long stitch, and set the tension as high as it will go. Then just sew straight...the fabric should gather right before your eyes! It's seriously the best sewing tip I've found. BUT I've also heard that it doesn't work with all machines and, from experience, know that it doesn't work with all fabrics. The lighter the fabric weight, the better it works in my experience.

With right sides facing up, place the ruffle along the top, unfinished, edge of the apron, aligning the raw edges. Adjust ruffles so they are evenly distributed along the width of the top edge. Sew pieces together.

Step 5: Attach the Waistband

Press one long raw edge of the waistband under 1/2" to the wrong side of the fabric. With right sides together, align the raw edge of the waistband to the raw edge of the apron/ruffle, and stitch.

Here are all three layers together.

Press seams toward the waistband.

The directions were very messed up in the next part so I improvised...just trying to figure out how to explain it to you...

Basically, you need to fold the waistband over, wrong sides together and fold the ends of the waistband towards each each other. Press. Then top stitch around all four sides of the waistband.

Things should look like this now...I'm sorry if that was confusing.

Step 6: Attach the Apron Ties

Pin one apron tie on the back side of the waistband, overlapping the edge 1 1/2" . Stitch in place. Repeat with other tie. For a little extra something, attach a vintage button on each side of the waistband where the tie attaches.

And you're done!! Please feel free to ask any questions or give any suggestions to make this better!

 I love how mine turned out, but there's something about sewing for your little girl that is just so much more rewarding.....that's why I whipped up a matching one for her today! I'm also planning to make some matching hot mitts and hot pads and give the whole set to her on her birthday :)

Happy sewing! 











                                                         



Ashton, Ashy, Ash

She's a girl with many names. A long-haired, brown-eyed beauty. Her name is Ashton. We call her Ashy, Ash, Liz, Liz'beth (Elizabeth being her middle name), Ashio...and the list goes on. She is my baby sister. She was due on my 19th birthday, but came 5 days sooner.

How to describe her personality...wow. She is quiet, sweet, lovely. She'll never hurt you with her words, but watch out, 'cause she can pack a punch! hah.

Ashton turned 5 last week! FIVE. unbelievable.

What a joy she is to our family. An obedient daughter, a sweet sister, a wonderful playmate to her niece and nephew, and as faithful as they come.

It is so exciting to see her grow, watch her change, and get to know her better each year.

I love you, Ashio! Happy, happy birthday, sweet girl. 







absent from the body, present with the Lord

Hello blogworld. I wish I could give some lame excuse of why I haven't written, say how I was just 'too busy,' or simply admit I have none.

Unfortunately, I do.

As I begin this post, I don't know where to start. This is something I never thought I'd write about. Something no one wants to write about.

I lost my Grandmother this week. The only one I had left. The only one I called "Grandma."

She was diagnosed with a very common kind of brain cancer, but in an extremely rare form...if that makes any sense. She stayed so strong, though she suffered much.

I watched my mother grieve.

I watched my father stand beside her as her very practical stronghold. Her emotional escape.

I watched my little sister take care of our family.

I watched. I felt anxious. I wished to help more. I prayed.

Grandma planned out her funeral. So selflessly. Not because she really cared about what happened there, but because she didn't want to burden anyone after she was gone.

She had everything in line.

And 6 weeks later, she was gone.

6 WEEKS!

That's all we had. Even though they told us 9-12 months. 

Selfishly, we want more time.

Selfishly, we need more time.

But praise God for bringing her home to His healing arms. 

I sang this song at her funeral.

She will forever be loved and remembered. 



 

Happy Birthdays!

The beginning of summer brings on another group of birthdays for our family! The first being my Daddy's.

On May 31st we celebrated my Dad's 45th! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there, and have zero pictures of the event, but he was celebrated :) Two of his babies were shipped off to Ukraine for a couple weeks, and pineapple upside-down cake was eaten, as is tradition, and I hear he had a busy day doing what he loves.

My Dad is the pastor of a new, exciting church plant in Ocala, FL. He is so gifted in teaching, preaching, and shepherding God's people. He loves the Lord with his whole heart and all you have to do is have one conversation with him to find that out. He is a wonderful husband and father! He is a man's man, no doubt, but he is also tender-hearted..and with 7 daughters, it's a good thing!

I miss you, Dad! It's weird how you spend the first 18 years+ with your parents, and before you know it, the time has come and gone, you leave the house, and its no longer easy and convenient to spend time together. It's harder, it takes more effort. I hope this year brings more visits, more time together, getting to know each other better again! I love you, Dad! Thank you for your unconditional love for me, and for your unwavering faith. Thank you for your patience with me! Thank you for supporting me in all my interests and hobbies...from the Nike outlet to the Music store! Thank you for believing in me and the woman you knew I could become. Thank you for praying, unceasingly. I love you.

Four days later, my Mom also celebrated her 45th! I love that their birthdays are so close together...we've had some fun celebrations over the years! Mom enjoyed some shopping with her girls and Cherry cheesecake, also a tradition, was thoroughly enjoyed. Wish I could've been there for both the shopping and the cheesecake ;)

I love our daily phone conversations! I love how I can talk to you about anything. I hope my girl will do the same. You are such an example and inspiration to me of a hard working woman. You serve your husband and your family with joyfulness. You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, you work hard with your hands, you stay up late making sure the dishes are done and things are ready for the next day. You teach your children at home....what a sacrifice that is. You are an awesome Grammy! My kids love you almost as much as I do :) Can't wait to see you this weekend! Happy Birthday, Mama. I love you.

Just one day after, was Haven's 13th! So glad we were able to spend it with her! Coconut shrimp, crab pasta, and many other tasties were ordered, we sang happy birthday, funny stories were shared and presents were opened. Thanks for inviting us!

Haven, who is my sister in law, is such a sweet girl. Really, people, not just saying that because I don't know what else to say about her! She is tender and kind. She is a loving sister, and a thoughtful aunt. She is an obedient and honoring daughter. She is quiet, but don't let her fool you! She's a nut as well ;) I love laughing with you! You are so talented...I can't wait to see where God takes you over the next few years! I love you, sweet sister. Happy Birthday.

Weekly Highlights

As I was going through my pictures from this week, I realized how much of my life revolves around food! I went to pick my favorite recipe of the week, and not only did I have to think about what I ate this week, but I literally have pictures of 5 different meals! As a wife and mother of two, it's really hard to NOT have your days revolve around food. What everyone will eat, when they will eat it, when and where you will go buy it, how you will make it, and now we even blog about it! lol.

Speaking of food....my tip of the week is about cake!

Anyone who knows me well knows that I can't stand a dry piece of cake, or chicken, or anything for that matter. So I've always taken my cake out of the oven at least 5-10 min. before it's really done. It always turns out soooo moist and delicious. Unfortunately, the frosting always looks like a mess! Frosting a super moist cake, cooled completely or not, is not an easy feat. So....

I've heard of freezing cakes before you frost them. I had no doubt it would work, I mean, it makes sense. You freeze it, there aren't any crumbs or moistness to be pushed around by your frosting knife. BUT, will it still be moist after freezing it?? That was my hesitation. Well, turns out, it works like a charm! Just bake your cake, cool, then cover and freeze. I left mine in overnight. Take it out, frost it, then let it warm to room temperature (didn't take long...maybe 45 min.) and Voila! Moist cake that even looks pretty :)

Clairsy also enjoyed the fruit of my "labor"....notice her in the back round of the last pic. haha.



My project this week was this:

I found this table last summer in the ACC campus laundry room with a sign on it saying, "please take." It was just a plain table, natural wood color all over. I had originally painted the legs with a sort of limabean green, but have since changed my mind on that color. I decided to paint this in the same color as the shelf I posted about before. Seeing as how they are living in the same room, I thought they should probably match. I also stained the table top and drawer to a darker oak. Bad picture (I realized I had no picture as I was writing this, so I went and took one), but I love how it turned out!

My Recipe of the week is this:

I tried it this way first. Roasted chicken, red onions, mushrooms, fresh cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and light mayo. It was absolutely mouth watering! I served it over Ruffles Low Fat potato chips....I'm a sucker for crunchy, salty things.



After realizing how much flavor was in this dish, I decided to try it a healthier way. Cut out the mayo and used more lime. Added tomatoes. And served it as a lettuce wrap, instead of the chips. I mean, of course, the first is better tasting, but the lettuce wraps are surprisingly tasty and super low cal and fat.

Photo of the week goes to:

Ryder and his Grandmomma :) There's nothing like laying in your Grandmomma's arms while she rocks you to sleep.  We spent some time in Amelia this weekend, a little golf, a lot of food, and sweet company.

Happy Monday, friends. 









Weekly Highlights

Wow, the weekend just flew by! Can't believe it's Monday. We enjoyed some time at the pool, the beach, and lots of family time at home this week.

Here's your tip of the week:

coming from a girl who has trouble baking, I am proud to say I made some killer peanut butter cookies this week that my hubby and children devoured! I didn't have any shortening required in the recipe and I heard once that you can replace it with unsweetened apple sauce (which I have lots of) for a healthier option. Hesitantly, I tried it. And they turned out great!! So next time you find yourself in the kitchen baking, give it a try. I mean, who doesn't want less fat with the same taste?!

Recipe of the week was this:

I guess it's a little bit of a cop-out because its not really a recipe...more like something I just put together! BUT, it is awesome, healthy, and super easy.

-Low carb tortillas

-Fat free, Garden vegetable cream cheese

-Fresh spinach

-Sliced tomato

-Low sodium, sliced turkey breast lunchmeat

Layer in that order and roll up. That's it!

Projects of the week were these:

I made two of these throw pillows for our couch! I saw this ribbon piping on a Pinterest pillow. I love the way it looks, but I'm really wishing I had burnt the ends before sewing them between the layers :( Only one has started to tatter, but I'm afraid they will all eventually pull out. Sad. But lesson learned.

And Photo's of the week go to my sweet babies:

I had so much fun taking these pictures this week! I've had both ideas in mind for a few weeks. Glad they both cooperated long enough to get some beautiful shots!

Well, its off to start Monday chores! There always seems to be so much to catch up on after the weekend.

Happy Monday, friends!

the perfect studio

I just love taking pictures at the beach! Its the perfect backdrop, the perfect studio. The light, the colors, the mood...love it all!!

Here are a few shots I captured this past weekend!

Ryder fighting the inevitable baby beach nap with Grandpapa

believe it or not, she wasn't posing for this! sweet girl with her crazy hair! love it, love her.

Haven being such a good little Aunt.

My smokin' hubby discovering he still has some sweet skim board skills even after years of no practice!



Sweet Daddy-daughter pic. I love how even though she's scared of the water, she trusts her daddy.



Ryder being his wiggly self! Trying to steal his Grandmomma's earrings.

Like father like son, right?! haha

This was an hour after the first one was taken..still playing with her niece! so sweet. Piling the sand in the bucket for Clairsy, only to have her dump it all out...over and over and over and over...thanks Haven :)

Love this :) Ryder giving kisses!

My crazy brave man taking on the tropical storm waves of Beryl. It was sooo rough out there!

Shark tooth I found within the first few minutes of being there!

These two can play for hours!! Thanks to ElizaJane for being a sweet Aunt and playmate to ClaireBell.

Jumping over the waves with Grandmomma and Grandpapa. So fun!

We had a fun, relaxing day and enjoyed the last day of sunshine before the storm hit! Thankfully it is back today and we are already itching to feel that salt on our skin and sand in our toes. Still so thankful to be living here.