Monday, November 2, 2009

No-Sew Ruffle Flutter Cape with Armholes


Right now I am addicted to my sewing machine - I just can't get all the projects in my head done fast enough these days.  But I do know that for those of you who do not sew, the idea of sewing something can be somewhat intimidating.  So I recently came across this "No Sew Ruffle Flutter Cape with Armholes" tutorial on a blog I follow (Ruffles and Stuff) and had to make a couple for my daughter, Savannah.


In case you weren't paying attention - yes, I said NO SEW!  All you need is some fleece, a pair of scissors and a pretty ribbon and you are in business.  The beauty of fleece is it doesn't fray so there is no need to sew any hems at all.  So I've attached a link to the tutorial here .


Go check it out and get your craftiness on!!

Michael Jackson - behind the scenes

Have you seen "This is It" yet? After seeing the movie yesterday, I cannot stop thinking about it! We rarely get footage of Michael, as a real person. His dialogue, and his involvement with every aspect of his show was truly amazing to watch. What a perfectionist he was! The selection of musicians, dancers, and costumes for his show was unmatched. I was mesmerized by all of the incredible
"fancy footwork" that is so Michael Jackson!
His dreams did inspire the world. "It's all for LOVE"
Zaldy designed these for Jackson's This is It concerts. via latimes.com

Kids bedroom Interior Decorating Ideas

Need ideas for decorating your bedroom? An interior decorator would say that your bedroom should be a sanctuary. While this is true, in order to be really comfortable, your bedroom needs more than just a bed and nightstand. You can get bedroom decorating ideas by incorporating decorating themes from other rooms in your home.

For example think of decorating elements that encompass your favorite things that relax you. Have you ever considered an indoor water feature for your bedroom? A relaxing water fountain would be a great bedroom decorating idea, and would also be functional in that the sound would lull you to sleep.

Some would probably say that an indoor water feature doesn’t belong in a bedroom but perhaps in the family room or entry way. However, when you think about it, a water feature seems more suited for the bedroom than any other room in the house simply because it is so relaxing and calming.

Of course it is attractive to look at, and you might like to show it off to visitors, so that might be a draw back to placing it in your secluded retreat. However, if it is placed in your entryway, your visitors will only view it in passing and will not have the opportunity to fully appreciate its sounds and mesmerizing beauty. It seems a waste of the water feature’s potential.

If you place it in your family room then it has to compete with the television, computers, and video games. While your family may appreciate the visual aspect, the relaxing sound of trickling water will be overpowered by the hustle and bustle of a busy family.

By placing the water feature in your bedroom, you maximize its potential. You can be relaxed by the hypnotic flow of the water and lulled off to sleep by the sound of trickling water. It makes for the perfect sanctuary.

Your bedroom is your sanctuary so the bedroom decorating ideas you come up with that reflect your personality and create a relaxing atmosphere is what makes your room special.















Flower Press

I am so excited to introduce you to Susie of FlowerPress.
She is a graphic designer.
She studied horticulture and is a mad gardener;
hence the name: Flower Press.
I love her slipper prints as well as her delightful linen tea towels.
"Ruby Slippers" is my favorite and is available here!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Beer Soap Company

Finally, a perfect gift that won't break the bank!
Pour beer in any product for men, and you have a winner! I am stocking up on these great Christmas gifts for those "hard to buy for" friends. Purchase at The Beer Soap Co.
They ship worldwide and have Flat Rate Shipping.

Chicken "Divine"


Ok, so it's been rather chilly out lately and cold weather makes me think of casseroles.  My brother Ben, the chef, is anti-casserole due to their homey nature (not fancy enough for him), but I can't resist a warm, comforting cheesy casserole.  Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!  It's the perfect food for the cottage home and the perfect food for your home too!

I would imagine many of you have heard of the classic dish, Chicken Divan.  Perhaps your Mom made it or your Grandmother - it's been around since the 1950's, I'd say.  If you're not familiar, it's made with cream of mushroom soup, broccoli, chicken, cheddar cheese, ect.  It is quite a tasty dish; however, I have an updated version of this classic that is just diviiiiiiine - it's called Chicken "Divine" and its from the Bride and Groom First and Forever Cookbook.


There are several reasons why I love this casserole;
1 - It can be made a day ahead of time - definite plus for the busy Cottage Mama.
2 - You can freeze it and just pop it in the oven during the week on a busy day when you have no time to cook (adjust cooking time accordingly).
3 - It is a wonderful dish to take to someone who is ill or has just had a new baby.
4 - It's comfort food at it's best and will warm you from the inside out!

My Mom's friend, Judi gave Brett and I this cookbook for our wedding and it has been a "go to" book for me ever since.  I haven't tried a single recipe that didn't turn out excellent.  The first year we were married I hosted my in-laws for Thanksgiving (nerve-racking, right?) and I used many recipes from this book and they all turned out to be a success.  If you have an upcoming wedding or shower to attend, I highly recommend this book as a gift - your friends will definitely thank you for it!

Chicken "Divine"
Ingredients:
2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
1 jar (16 oz) alfredo sauce, such as Classico
2 cups (4 oz) grated smoked gouda
1/2 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 cups cooked penne, macaroni, or orecchiette pasta
2 cups shredded roast chicken
1/4 cup italian style bread crumbs
Paprika for sprinkling

Directions:
Serves 4.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion, thyme, kosher salt, and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 5 mins.  Add the wine, increase the heat to high and cook until all the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 mins. Remove from heat.  Stir in the alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the milk and nutmeg.  Then stir in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken and mix thoroughly.
Transfer to an 8-in square baking dish.  Top with the remaining 1.5 cups of cheese and the bread crumbs. Sprinkle with paprika, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 mins.  Uncover and bake until golden brown, 10-15 mins. more.

Do-Ahead:  This casserole can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated.  It can also be assembled and then frozen.

Cottage Mama's Note:  About 3 cups dried penne pasta yields 4 cups cooked.

Beautiful Pillow

I love this gathered pillow! Get the pdf file from uptownjane's shop!
So feminine and lovely!