The table has turned!

Dear Reader,

Let me start by saying that I'm a chronic furniture mover.  I love to test new room arrangements regularly, and I came by this habit naturally as my mother switched around the furniture quite often during my childhood.   Most of the time I don't like all of the elements of changing around a room, but perhaps a good tweak in my favorite room arrangement arises from the attempt.

We have a great room that encompasses our kitchen, dining room, and living room, and sometimes I worry that the dining room seems to get left behind!  About a year ago I purchased a rug for under the dining room table which very much improved the definition of this room.  This past weekend, I decided to turn our oval table 90 degrees.  I thought it would not be a good option, and I've included a photo of to explain why...

 

OK, our dining room is a bit of a tight space.  The kitchen (and hightop counter bar) is immediately to the right of this photo, and the slider to the outside deck is immediately to the left.  I've always thought that adding length by turning the table to the way it is shown above would only make the room feel more cramped.  Not so.  I didn't realize how much necessary space is added by pulling out a chair at the table. (This may seem obvious to others, but I just figured this out!)

Interestingly, sometimes very minor changes seem to make a space much more inviting and functional.  Next up, freshening the decor on the buffet and trying to determine a softening of the two windows above the buffet.  Any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Abi

Featured in a Treasury

We woke up to another layer of snowfall this morning, and I was so pleased to find this treasury about spring!  Many thanks to CackleBerryHouse for including the alphabet and duck patterned blocks!

Sincerely,
Abi

Trying Something New!

Dear Reader,

Today is Day 1 of my attempt to gracefully wear skinny jeans.  I have read so many posts of former bootcut converts, and I have a number of friends who think they are fantastic.  I have been skeptical but inspired to make an attempt based on the success of others.  I found a pair on the clearance rack at Target this week that fit well.  For $6.24, I'm willing to try something new.  

I am attending a baby shower tomorrow, and, based on the amazing mom-to-be (and the lovely invites from her sister-in-law/shower hostess), this is going to be a fun gathering!  I hope your weekend is a great one, friends!

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Beef Stroganoff

Dear Reader,

Last week I made this recipe and wondered why I had not yet shared it!  This is such an easy (but very yummy) meal option from one of my mom's friends.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Featured in a Treasury

Many thanks to OrangeElephantDesign for including the brightly patterned blocks in this treasury!  (I can't get enough color these days!)

Sincerely,
Abi

Tuesday's Treasury

I really enjoyed making a treasury of items centered around the theme of chairs.  The current popularity of Eames is so apparent in the listings on Etsy, and I can easily get behind the enthusiasm of the Eames' designs.

Sincerely,
Abi

Most Mondays

Dear Reader,

Happy Monday! Our town just received what the weather forecasters call a "wintery mix" with plenty of snow and ice. Needless to say, last night and this morning have provided ample opportunity to spend time shoveling! The continuing snowy weather is getting a little tiresome, so I'm trying to view a positive in my life instead of looking at the driveway.

I so appreciate how most Mondays look in my life these days. With being an at home mom, I am able to often use this day as catch up. Mondays are laundry days. Mondays are grocery shopping days. Mondays are list making, errand completing, follow up with people days.

Some may consider this too routine. I find it a great luxury (and realize that this pace will probably not stay like this forever.) I have the flexibility to carve out time each week to feel organized and ready to go again. I admire those who don't have time to do this and manage to just keep on juggling.

And Mondays are a great day to do puzzles, play trains, read books, move around the furniture in the playroom, and just talk with my favorite three year old. Today has already been a good day, and it's not even 3 p.m.

Sincerely,
Abi

Featured in a Treasury

Green must be the color of the week!  Many thanks to wavyshell for including the number and quilt patterned blocks in this treasury!

Sincerely,
Abi

Number and Quilt Patterned Blocks

Dear Reader,

Along with my obsession like of handbags, I also really appreciate a good quilt.  Every bedroom in our home has one, and I think they add such rich textures and patterns to a room (and obviously I rather enjoy patterns!)  While I do not sew, I think about it often in laying out the paper squares for assembling a set of blocks.  I would really enjoy the art of putting together the squares of a quilt, but I think the preparation of blocks with a quilt pattern is about as close as I will get to a "quilting" project! 

Please check out this new set in the shop!

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Bran Muffins

Dear Reader,

My mother-in-law makes my favorite bran muffins.  They are moist, not too sweet, and a wonderful way to start out the day.  This recipe is passed down from her mother (my husband's grandma), and I am pleased to share it today (hopefully this also means that I will never lose track of it myself!)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

The ducks are back!

Dear Reader,

I have just added a fresh set of alphabet and duck patterned blocks to the shop.  I love the colors and patterns in the set, but my favorite side of each block is the adorable ducks.  Fun and spring-like!  (Are you finding a trend?  I am.  Perhaps my choice of block patterns will somehow influence the start of spring.  Hmm.)   

Sincerely,
Abi

Tuesday's Treasury

Dear Reader,

With temperatures predicted to hit 50 by the end of the week, I'm hoping to see some green grass soon!  Is spring coming?  I would love it.  Today's treasury highlights some lovely items in a shade of green.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear Reader,

I hope you are enjoying February 14!  My son and I baked some cherry oatmeal cookies for the neighbors, and yesterday I baked some pink cupcakes and used Real Simple's marshmallow cupcake topper trick (which worked great!)

Happy Valentine's Day all!

Sincerely,
Abi

Featured in a Treasury

Many thanks to Huskii for including the Metro blocks in this treasury! My husband worked on cutting and sanding more blocks this afternoon, so more sets will be coming soon!

Sincerely,
Abi

Happy Friday!

Dear Reader,

I decided to put together one more treasury for the week, gearing up for Valentine's Day on Monday!  While February 14 has never been a big holiday for me and my husband, I'm actually finding it very fun to plan some  surprises for my three year old.  Holidays just seem more festive with kids!  Have a great weekend friends!

Sincerely,
Abi

On the Menu: Chicken Tetrazzini

Dear Reader,

I prepared this recipe a few days ago and thought it worth adding to the tried and true recipes that I post.  My mom's friend Jane gave her this recipe when I was quite young, and my mom served this dish many times in my childhood.  I now make it often in our house as my son now loves it too (full circle, huh?!)  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

100th Post

Dear Reader,

Yes, this is my 100th post on Sincerely Abi... Inspired.  I'm thrilled to reach this milestone, and apparently this blog is sticking around!  Here are a few reflections on the last half year of blogging:

Making Connections.  I am amazed at how many wonderful people I've met through blog comments and through Etsy conversations.   There is an incredible wealth of inspiration in watching the work of others unfold and reading their thoughts on everyday life.

One Solid Design.  I have so much more to learn about creating a shop, managing a blog, and finding my voice in social media.  I've found a product that I'm so excited to design and promote, and the new ideas keep coming.  The sales on Etsy have been such an encouragement.  (And my dear husband is so kind to keep asking when I need more blocks cut!)

Inspiration and Creativity.  For a while now I have attempted so many crafts both out of curiosity and hopes of designing something fun (and hopefully pretty too!)  Blogging has kept me at it with creating, both by crafting new designs but also by writing about my efforts.  These endeavors provide a wonderful outlet for me.

Thank you to you, dear reader, for following along with me.  I look forward to continued blogging in the weeks, months (dare I say, years?) to come.

Sincerely,
Abi

Tuesday's Treasury

Dear Reader,

It seems as though I wear some shade of grey (gray?) each day during the winter months.  I think grey is a very appropriate color for the cold times in the Midwest.  However, we've experienced a number of days of sunshine lately, which is such a treat.  Gotta love the vitamin D!

Sincerely,
Abi

Bargain Shopping

 

Dear Reader,

My son and I spent a bit of time at Old Navy this morning combing through their clearance items.  I came across these metal lunchboxes (for $2 each) and decided I needed to purchase them, of course!  Getting ready for back to school in February?  Nope, I'm actually thinking that these boxes would be excellent for gifts.  I haven't decided if I will use them for baby gifts (maybe filling the box with some fun patterned burp clothes, onesies, or even a set of blocks perhaps!) or for a child's birthday (adding a great crayon roll or wooden toy.)  Lots of possibilities. 

I love coming up with gift ideas that are a bit unique and unexpected.  My morning finds certainly fit the bill.

Sincerely,
Abi

Two Treasuries

Dear Reader,

I hope you've had a great weekend.  We continued the celebration of my husband's birthday with his side of the family this weekend, and we had the chance to catch up (over pizza) with great friends last night.  Fun!

Two sets of blocks have been featured in treasuries in the past few days.  Many thanks to chomorin and tangopig for including them!

Sincerely,
Abi 

On the Menu: Oven Beef Stew

Dear Reader,

I took this photo from our deck yesterday morning after much snow descended on our town.   If there were a perfect week for a comfort food recipe, this is it.  So, my mom's recipe for oven beef stew is included below.  Stay warm, and enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

Blue Bird Patterned Blocks

Dear Reader,

A snow day at home has given me the opportunity to prepare another new set of blocks.  The hopes of spring continue with adding a blue bird pattern to the collection.  You may find the set in the shop!

And, good news, groundhogs seem to suggest that warmer weather may actually come!

Sincerely,
Abi

An HGTV Favorite

Dear Reader,

We spent this past weekend in my hometown celebrating my husband's thirtieth birthday.   We had a wonderful time eating at some delicious restaurants, hanging out with my family, and fitting in a bit of shopping.  Another highlight for my husband, son, and me is a bit of cable television watching.  We don't have cable at our house, and so it's a fun treat when we visit my parents.  My son loves the early morning programming on the Disney channel, and my mom has me hooked on Sarah Richardson featured on HGTV.

I love the series Sarah's House and am excited to check out Sarah 101 (and her holiday special this year was phenomenal in my opinion!)  She manages to find a wonderful balance of transformational design and decor while being aware of budget and functionality.  Her choice of patterns is exceptional, and I'm often surprised by her selection of fabrics and yet so taken with the end result.  I'm always impressed by the inclusion of both new furniture and revamped antique pieces.  And the dynamics of Sarah and her designer sidekick Tommy are an added bonus, where witty humor and great ideas reign. 

This blog is about sharing what inspires me, and Sarah Richardson's designs certainly prompt me to be more conscious of my own decorating and hopefully a bit more innovative in making small tweaks to my home!  Thanks Sarah!

Sincerely,
Abi

Cherry Patterned Blocks

Dear Reader,

With blizzard warnings in effect, I'm choosing to embrace cheerful patterns that give me hope that spring will come! This latest set is a favorite of mine, given many childhood memories in a place in Wisconsin that specializes in cherries! Now, I also call home the state which includes the Cherry Capital. The blocks are listed in the shop!  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Abi

P.S. Any hope that the groundhog will even make an appearance tomorrow in the midst of a snowstorm?

Tuesday's Treasury