Dear Reader,
It's Friday afternoon, and the day is scooting along mighty quickly. I decided this week to list five things that have made me smile today.
One. Sunshine. With many rainy days this week, what a wonderful way to welcome the weekend.
Two. Royal wedding. I loved waking up to this beautiful event with all the pomp and circumstance, and her dress is f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s.
Three. Laundry advice. My son wore a new pair of socks yesterday which he thought were too big. I said we may need to put them away for a little while and allow his feet to grow a bit more. His response, "Mom, just put the socks in the washer with hot water, and they'll shrink right up." How did he know this? Curious George. Seriously.
Four. New treasury. The handwriting patterned blocks made into a lovely collection of items. Please check it out.
Five. Slow cooker dinner. In the last few months, I've made it a habit to do a slow cooker recipe each Friday so that very little cooking and cleaning has to happen on Friday night - a treat for me!
And that's five. Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Pulled Pork BBQ
Dear Reader,
This recipe is on the regular rotation at our house as it prepares so much BBQ that we easily get two dinners and a few lunches out of it (and we like it enough that leftovers are very welcome!) I think this is also a great option for spring/summer get-togethers with friends (again, I love recipes where the prep is done before the guests arrive!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
This recipe is on the regular rotation at our house as it prepares so much BBQ that we easily get two dinners and a few lunches out of it (and we like it enough that leftovers are very welcome!) I think this is also a great option for spring/summer get-togethers with friends (again, I love recipes where the prep is done before the guests arrive!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
I decided on a pale blue treasury for today. So many great finds with this lovely hue!
Sincerely,
Abi
Happy Easter!
"But the proclamation of Easter Day is that all is well. And as a Christian, I say this not with the easy optimism of one who has never known a time when all was not well but as one who has faced the Cross in all its obscenity as well as in all its glory, who has known one way or another what it is like to live separated from God. In the end, his will, not ours is done. Love is the victor. Death is not the end. The end is life."
- Frederick Buechner
Good Friday
"And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood.
Died he for me, who caused his pain-
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"
-Charles Wesley
an interest in the Savior's blood.
Died he for me, who caused his pain-
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"
-Charles Wesley
On the Menu: Scalloped Pineapple
Dear Reader,
Looking for a great side dish to add to a ham dinner? This recipe is an ideal fit. My family was introduced to this tasty dish on one of the many Easters that we spent with good family friends. It's now a staple for Easter lunch. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Looking for a great side dish to add to a ham dinner? This recipe is an ideal fit. My family was introduced to this tasty dish on one of the many Easters that we spent with good family friends. It's now a staple for Easter lunch. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
I decided to prepare a treasury of lovely natural linen and grass green items. Continuing to embrace spring (in spite of a snowy day yesterday - very Michigan in April!)
Sincerely,
Abi
Tutorial: Fabric Framed Sign Art
Dear Reader,
I decided to try out a craft project this weekend with some extra linen from the wreath project and an old wall hanging frame that was sitting in our storage room. Here is the result:
There are so many possibilities of art that could be crafted together in a similar way for gift giving. A 5" letter followed by a name for a nursery (example: A, Abi), the name of a couple and their wedding date, a family name and the established date as a housewarming, etc. Below are the steps to this project:
1. Gather supplies. You'll need: one frame, one piece of foam board or cork board, fabric, chipboard letters, hot glue gun, scissors, pencil, ruler, spray paint, and any embellishments (I used ribbon.)
2. Begin by spray painting the chipboard letters. They will likely need two coats of paint. I used an ivory satin paint.
3. Take apart the wall hanging frame. You will need the actual frame and the backing, but the glass and any matting will not be used. Using the frame's back, trace the size of the frame on the foam board with a pencil and cut. Then take the foam board and cut fabric to size, leaving an additional inch on each side to fold over the fabric.
4. Hot glue the fabric to the foam board by wrapping the additional fabric around the back side of the foam board and placing a thin bead of glue around the perimeter of the fabric to attach. With my project, I added the ribbons prior to adding the chipboard letters to help define the placement of the lettering. Hot glue the ends of the ribbons to the back of the foam board, making certain to pull taut as you glue.
5. Lay out the lettering and use a ruler for even positioning of letters. Hot glue letters to the fabric.
And that's it. This was an easy project that I am likely to repeat. Please feel free to contact me if any additional details would be helpful.
The Sincerely Abi sign is now on an easel in our office. I've tucked a few business cards in the ribbons, and the sign is a nice reminder of the fun that I have with the shop and blog.
Sincerely,
Abi
<
I decided to try out a craft project this weekend with some extra linen from the wreath project and an old wall hanging frame that was sitting in our storage room. Here is the result:
There are so many possibilities of art that could be crafted together in a similar way for gift giving. A 5" letter followed by a name for a nursery (example: A, Abi), the name of a couple and their wedding date, a family name and the established date as a housewarming, etc. Below are the steps to this project:
1. Gather supplies. You'll need: one frame, one piece of foam board or cork board, fabric, chipboard letters, hot glue gun, scissors, pencil, ruler, spray paint, and any embellishments (I used ribbon.)
2. Begin by spray painting the chipboard letters. They will likely need two coats of paint. I used an ivory satin paint.
3. Take apart the wall hanging frame. You will need the actual frame and the backing, but the glass and any matting will not be used. Using the frame's back, trace the size of the frame on the foam board with a pencil and cut. Then take the foam board and cut fabric to size, leaving an additional inch on each side to fold over the fabric.
5. Lay out the lettering and use a ruler for even positioning of letters. Hot glue letters to the fabric.
And that's it. This was an easy project that I am likely to repeat. Please feel free to contact me if any additional details would be helpful.
The Sincerely Abi sign is now on an easel in our office. I've tucked a few business cards in the ribbons, and the sign is a nice reminder of the fun that I have with the shop and blog.
Sincerely,
Abi
<
Five for Friday: Savoring Spring
Dear Reader,
This past week has brought such a welcome change in the air with warmer temperatures and a number of wonderfully sunny days. I decided to name off five of my favorite aspects of moving into springtime:
One. My son's bike rides around the block. He couldn't be happier about time spent outside on his bike, and I enjoy walking (sometimes running) along with him.
Two. Daffodils. I love how clumped together they often are, which creates this lovely burst of yellow.
Three. Birds chirping outside my window. So nice.
Four. More daylight. It seems like there is more time in the day when it's still bright and sunny at 8 p.m.
Five. Trading snow brushes for umbrellas. At this time of year, somehow rainy days seem more appealing than snowy ones. Seriously.
And that's five. What has been a highlight for you as spring has sprung?
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
This past week has brought such a welcome change in the air with warmer temperatures and a number of wonderfully sunny days. I decided to name off five of my favorite aspects of moving into springtime:
One. My son's bike rides around the block. He couldn't be happier about time spent outside on his bike, and I enjoy walking (sometimes running) along with him.
Two. Daffodils. I love how clumped together they often are, which creates this lovely burst of yellow.
Three. Birds chirping outside my window. So nice.
Four. More daylight. It seems like there is more time in the day when it's still bright and sunny at 8 p.m.
Five. Trading snow brushes for umbrellas. At this time of year, somehow rainy days seem more appealing than snowy ones. Seriously.
And that's five. What has been a highlight for you as spring has sprung?
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Layered Nacho Dip
Dear Reader,
This past weekend I had my first margarita in a long time (as winter just doesn't seem like the time to have a to have a frozen drink!) This recipe is a great option for having friends over and sitting on the patio with some drinks and snacks. This dip would also work great for a party. (I had it for the first time at a graduation open house for a good family friend who then gave me the recipe!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
This past weekend I had my first margarita in a long time (as winter just doesn't seem like the time to have a to have a frozen drink!) This recipe is a great option for having friends over and sitting on the patio with some drinks and snacks. This dip would also work great for a party. (I had it for the first time at a graduation open house for a good family friend who then gave me the recipe!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
We have a cabinet full of coffee mugs in our house, but I manage to choose the same one every morning. It's golden yellow - one of my favorite colors and a wonderful way to welcome the day. I hope you enjoy this treasury centering around that color.
Sincerely,
Abi
Weekend Wrap Up
"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month."
Dear Reader,
Indeed, I think spring showed up this weekend. I was able to take my son out for a number of bike rides around the neighborhood, and we relished the great feeling of wearing short sleeves and no coats after a long wait for that occasion!
This weekend held a nice balance of work and play for our family. We soaked in the nice weather, and yet also accomplished a few key items.
My husband tiled above the shower in a bathroom this weekend. A nice improvement to the space. (My husband does a great job of tackling just about any project, which is amazing to me.)
I delivered a set of 4" photo blocks which I had prepared for a wonderful friend of mine. Here is a photo of the start of the process (tutorial sometime soon to follow.) You can see the end result on her blog, and I'm so glad they turned out nicely!
And the bike blocks for my not-so-little boy reached completion. My son is very happy with them, but his first comment to me in receiving them was, "Now you can start a set of owls." I may not be getting many blocks to the shop as my boy may keep his mom busy with sets for a while!
Hope the week is starting well for you!
Sincerely,
Abi
-Henry Van Dyke
Dear Reader,
Indeed, I think spring showed up this weekend. I was able to take my son out for a number of bike rides around the neighborhood, and we relished the great feeling of wearing short sleeves and no coats after a long wait for that occasion!
This weekend held a nice balance of work and play for our family. We soaked in the nice weather, and yet also accomplished a few key items.
My husband tiled above the shower in a bathroom this weekend. A nice improvement to the space. (My husband does a great job of tackling just about any project, which is amazing to me.)
I delivered a set of 4" photo blocks which I had prepared for a wonderful friend of mine. Here is a photo of the start of the process (tutorial sometime soon to follow.) You can see the end result on her blog, and I'm so glad they turned out nicely!
And the bike blocks for my not-so-little boy reached completion. My son is very happy with them, but his first comment to me in receiving them was, "Now you can start a set of owls." I may not be getting many blocks to the shop as my boy may keep his mom busy with sets for a while!
Hope the week is starting well for you!
Sincerely,
Abi
Two Treasuries
I decided to put together this treasury yesterday. And today Minty Keen has featured my red flower patterned blocks in this treasury. Fun!
I hope your weekend is going well. My husband took care of tiling part of our bathroom this morning, and my son and I played in his playroom. Great way to spend a Saturday a.m.
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: Kitchen Essentials
Dear Reader,
I recently purchased a wedding gift, which made me think about the wedding presents that my husband and I received - specifically the kitchen tools. I decided to list off my top five items for the kitchen*:
One. Pyrex 4-cup measuring cup. I use this for cooking and baking constantly.
Two. Oxo mixing bowls. In baking with my three and a half year old, these bowls manage to stay in place. Amazing!
Three. Rubbermaid Premier food storage containers. These containers have stood up to years of my husband taking his lunch to work, and they clean up very nicely.
Four. Pampered chef tongs. I think these are a very clever design, and they are a great serving piece as well.
Five. Cutco potato peeler. I have found this peeler to be a great staple with my kitchen tools.
And that's five. What are some of your favorite kitchen essentials? Please let me know!
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
* I included brand names above only as my personal preference.
I recently purchased a wedding gift, which made me think about the wedding presents that my husband and I received - specifically the kitchen tools. I decided to list off my top five items for the kitchen*:
Two. Oxo mixing bowls. In baking with my three and a half year old, these bowls manage to stay in place. Amazing!
Three. Rubbermaid Premier food storage containers. These containers have stood up to years of my husband taking his lunch to work, and they clean up very nicely.
Four. Pampered chef tongs. I think these are a very clever design, and they are a great serving piece as well.
And that's five. What are some of your favorite kitchen essentials? Please let me know!
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
* I included brand names above only as my personal preference.
Featured in a Treasury
Many thanks to Storybook Artifact for featuring the red flower patterned blocks in this treasury!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Roasted Asparagus
Dear Reader,
I really like asparagus. Since it's a spring vegetable, I thought that I would share this great recipe given to me by a wonderful family friend. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I really like asparagus. Since it's a spring vegetable, I thought that I would share this great recipe given to me by a wonderful family friend. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
It's spring break around here, which always reminds me of trips to D.C. and the cherry blossoms in bloom. This treasury is a collection of lovely cherry blossom items available on Etsy.
Sincerely,
Abi
Weekend Craft Project
Dear Reader,
I hope you're having a good start to your Monday! This weekend seemed to pass by in a flash with a lot of fun moments along the way. I began work on a new concept with block-making, and I made a spring wreath. I am always excited about the latest posts by Emily at jones design company, and I attempted to follow her tutorial on a spring wreath design. Here is the result:
I enjoyed this project and trying a new craft, but I must admit that I think blocks are the right ongoing craft endeavor for me.
Sincerely,
Abi
I hope you're having a good start to your Monday! This weekend seemed to pass by in a flash with a lot of fun moments along the way. I began work on a new concept with block-making, and I made a spring wreath. I am always excited about the latest posts by Emily at jones design company, and I attempted to follow her tutorial on a spring wreath design. Here is the result:
I enjoyed this project and trying a new craft, but I must admit that I think blocks are the right ongoing craft endeavor for me.
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: Spring Salads
Dear Reader,
It's April! Springtime makes me start longing for grilling outside and eating lots of cut up fruit and fresh vegetables. Here are five of my favorite ingredients in a spring salad:
One. Mixed greens. Love a bit of variety instead of exclusively iceberg lettuce (though iceberg wedges are so yummy!)
Two. Sliced strawberries. (If you're not a strawberry person, pears are a treat too!)
Three. Chopped pecans.
Four. Parmesan cheese shreds. (I'm all about the goat cheese, but Parmesan is more popular with my family.)
Five. Poppyseed dressing or a berry vinegrette.
And that's five. Do you have a favorite salad you'd like to share? I'm always up for new ideas! Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
It's April! Springtime makes me start longing for grilling outside and eating lots of cut up fruit and fresh vegetables. Here are five of my favorite ingredients in a spring salad:
One. Mixed greens. Love a bit of variety instead of exclusively iceberg lettuce (though iceberg wedges are so yummy!)
Two. Sliced strawberries. (If you're not a strawberry person, pears are a treat too!)
Three. Chopped pecans.
Four. Parmesan cheese shreds. (I'm all about the goat cheese, but Parmesan is more popular with my family.)
Five. Poppyseed dressing or a berry vinegrette.
And that's five. Do you have a favorite salad you'd like to share? I'm always up for new ideas! Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
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