Today is My Birthday.

A surprise bouquet from my mom and dad.
Is there anything more wonderful then unexpected flowers?

It's true, and I'm 31. Geesh I still feel the same as I did when I was 18 or something. How can we age so much but not feel different? I remember pondering that on some random birthday when I was like nine. I was nine but I still felt the same as eight or seven... One of the great mysteries I suppose.

Last year I was thirty so it was a big-to-do. Dinner, surprise trip, new computer, surprise party, my first successful sewing of a dress. A dress I still wear! That was a year ago and I've sewn so much since then! That's really the most amazing mile stone for this year; that I would consider myself a true sewist.
Any way last year was a big deal so this year it's pretty low key and I was trying to decide what did I really want to do and the answer was clear "go to Lake Michigan." but since it's thursday and we all have to work that's been put off until July. Second on my list is to go shopping, I'm doing that Monday. So I finally settled on throwing a small neighborhood bbq. I love entertaining and being with people and we've usually had a neighborhood picnic by now so it seemed appropriate. I like the "Hobbit" of it all. You know? How Hobbits throw a party for every one else on their birthday. So that's what I'm doing sans the presents.

It's so gorgeous. Maybe the prettiest bouquet
I've ever received!!!!

However to make it a true hobbit party I need to give away at least one present so I am going to be giving away an "English" pin cushion to one of you dear readers. English because: I'm making it from a tea tin, Tolkein was English, and it was jut the Queens Diamond Jubilee (and I was going to throw a tea party but forgot so it's getting lumped in there too). I don't have a pic of the pin cushion b/c it's not finished but it will be english with sort of a modern twist (I think) and if you don't sew you can still stick jewelry pins in it or just look at it.

Getting the party started early with "dirt cake"

So any way, in order to enter to win just leave a comment on this blog telling us what your favorite "English" thing is. Crumpets and tea? Or is Dr. Who more your style. Frankly I've got a bad case of Anglophilia right now so I'm loving it all including "Downton Abbey" and scones. Or if this is too weird for you, just leave a random comment. I'll choose a winner Monday-ish.

No I mean it's real dirt people.

Love you all, thanks for being part of this blog another year!

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Ten.

Day ten I'm nearly there! I'm nearly to a day devoted to red and pink and glitter and chocolate!  Initially you might think todays project was a bit on the lame side, but just hold on.

First up is a chocolate cake. Today is our church's Valentine's banquet. I think a lot of churches don't have these anymore. Our church is still doing it and they do it really well. It's always decorated so nice and there's child care (which means I'll be able to eat an entire meal without being interrupted a million times. Can I get a hallelujah?!) AND I don't have to cook, so bonus! Any way I offered to make a dessert which at first glance seems pretty nice but I have a selfish motive. This way I can ensure that there is at least one dessert that I can eat (dairy free).

I used this recipe (it's my go to chocolate cake) and swap in almond milk for regular and have never noticed a difference. If you make this cake try her frosting it's soooo good. Unfortunately I haven't figured out a dairy free rue yet so I can't have it (hence the powdered sugar topping.)

 Okay now for the real treats. Da da da da!!!! I have give-a-ways of love for you sweet readers!! Let me begin by saying I waited to photograph them until today and it was a super grey snowy (blech) day. So, I had troubles with the photos (always a disappointment in the blogging world).

The gifts are: Coffee Cup Sleeve and gift card, Embroidered
Valentine, and a Nestlace.

I am giving away three gifts because I really do love you. The fact that you stop by this little piece of the internet and read what I have to say is so humbling. It warms my heart again and again and keeps me going through good times and tough. It means something to me to put down words and ideas and have them read; so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!!

The three gifts are: a coffee cup sleeve with Starbucks gift card, a felt embroidered valentine, and a nestlace. To enter simply leave a comment on my blog (if you sign in as anonymous make sure you leave your name) answering the following question: "What is the most romantic or sweet thing that you have ever received or had done for you or by you." (appropriate for the blog world of course tee hee). I will randomly draw three winners on Tuesday February 14th. And don't forget to keep tuning in, my project for tomorrow is a bit on the risqué side (wink).

How sweet are buttons?

These Necklaces still don't
want to photograph
well.

Give-A-Way!

Autumn is now upon us. Where did summer actually go? I'm sitting here drinking coffee wearing a sweater of all things. I didn't get to go back to Lake Michigan like I had planned and have barely been to the zoo.  It just seems like there is too much to do in summer and it is as hard to grasp as pool water.

Gertrude is modeling these for us. I wish the apron
were a skirt b/c that is a super cute outfit.
Sweater is a thrifted Ann Taylor.

The only thing to be done is embrace fall. I do love fall, the smell and crispness in the air, the taste of tart apples, the way the light is all golden, even the sound of leaves skittering across the drive.  And what is the best thing about colder weather? Comfort food that's what!

I love that the shirt pocket get's used on the apron.

I hate cooking in the summer but as cooler weather approaches I find myself wanting to make and eat hot soups, roast beef, cookies, home made bread, cookies and more cookies.  So, to continue to celebrate the Second Time Challenge and as a symbolic gesture that I'm accepting the changing season I made these two aprons to give to two lucky readers.  They're made from mens dress shirts (I bought one at a garage sale and one at Good Will, how thrifty is that?) and were super fun and easy to make. All you have to do to win is leave a comment (on this blog) telling me what your favorite comfort food to make and or eat is.  Let's get inspired to spend some time in the kitchen, and you may end up with a cute apron to make it even more fun! The contest will run through Monday, just leave a comment, and if you sign in as a guest (so you don't have to have account) be sure to leave your name.  Good luck!

My favorite thing to cook is soup btw, I love to chop it and drop it. To get you started cooking this is a recipe for the best bean soup ever!

Here is a picture of it on a person. Oh and that's a "new" sweater
I'm going to get a lot of wearing in.

This is the other apron it's got pin tucks.  Gertrude is getting out the tea pot, she's so thoughtful that way.