Tuesday's Treasury
I decided on a beach themed treasury for today. I hope you either had the chance to go to the beach during the long weekend or that maybe you'll get there sometime soon!
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: Memorial Day Weekend
Dear Reader,
Memorial Day weekend is just about here! My husband and I starting discussing plans for the weekend which included mowing the lawn, a few small house repair things, etc. but also some fun and relaxing ideas:
One. Eat waffles (using the recipe from yesterday's post.)
Two. Plant a container garden on our front porch.
Three. Take a walk at our favorite county park.
Four. Blend up some strawberry smoothies this weekend and sip them on the deck.
Five. Play in the sandbox with our son for as long as he'd like.
And that's five. Happy Friday! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Plans for this weekend? I'd love to hear about them!
Sincerely,
Abi
Memorial Day weekend is just about here! My husband and I starting discussing plans for the weekend which included mowing the lawn, a few small house repair things, etc. but also some fun and relaxing ideas:
One. Eat waffles (using the recipe from yesterday's post.)
Two. Plant a container garden on our front porch.
Three. Take a walk at our favorite county park.
Four. Blend up some strawberry smoothies this weekend and sip them on the deck.
Five. Play in the sandbox with our son for as long as he'd like.
And that's five. Happy Friday! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Plans for this weekend? I'd love to hear about them!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Waffles
Dear Reader,
I'm gearing up for Memorial Day weekend! One of my goals for any long weekend is to have one leisurely morning where my husband, son, and I actually eat breakfast together around a table. Growing up, my dad made waffles most Saturday mornings, and I loved that he did that. This recipe comes from one of my cousins and makes 4-5 crisp waffles. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I'm gearing up for Memorial Day weekend! One of my goals for any long weekend is to have one leisurely morning where my husband, son, and I actually eat breakfast together around a table. Growing up, my dad made waffles most Saturday mornings, and I loved that he did that. This recipe comes from one of my cousins and makes 4-5 crisp waffles. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
I really enjoyed how this picnic treasury turned out! After many winter picnics in the living room, I'm looking forward to the real deal soon. Do you have a picnic planned for the long weekend ahead?
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: This Week
Dear Reader,
This week has been full of some wonderful highlights, plenty of moments for which to be grateful. Here are five to share:
One. Visiting with a dear friend of mine and holding her beautiful new baby girl.
Two. Heading to the farmer's market with my mother-in-law and son. I hope to repeat this often throughout the summer months.
Three. Catching up with another amazing friend and her daughter on a playdate to the museum yesterday.
Four. Spending some time with my mom this week. Always a highlight.
Five. Looking forward to dinner tonight with my parents, my aunt and uncle, and a cousin that I rarely have the opportunity to see. Fun!
And that's five. Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
This week has been full of some wonderful highlights, plenty of moments for which to be grateful. Here are five to share:
One. Visiting with a dear friend of mine and holding her beautiful new baby girl.
Two. Heading to the farmer's market with my mother-in-law and son. I hope to repeat this often throughout the summer months.
Three. Catching up with another amazing friend and her daughter on a playdate to the museum yesterday.
Four. Spending some time with my mom this week. Always a highlight.
Five. Looking forward to dinner tonight with my parents, my aunt and uncle, and a cousin that I rarely have the opportunity to see. Fun!
And that's five. Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
Minty Keen Update
Dear Reader,
This past week I dropped off some sets of blocks to Minty Keen. (Seaside Patterned Blocks, Bunting Patterned Blocks, Cherry Patterned Blocks - all there!) And I have wanted to give you a sneak peek at a few new sets that you will find at this lovely shop in Grand Rapids:
If you have a chance, please stop in at Minty Keen to check them out! (I do find that I never seem to drop off sets without bringing home some other treasures as well!)
Sincerely,
Abi
This past week I dropped off some sets of blocks to Minty Keen. (Seaside Patterned Blocks, Bunting Patterned Blocks, Cherry Patterned Blocks - all there!) And I have wanted to give you a sneak peek at a few new sets that you will find at this lovely shop in Grand Rapids:
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| Owl Patterned Blocks |
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| Dime Store Patterned Blocks - SOLD |
If you have a chance, please stop in at Minty Keen to check them out! (I do find that I never seem to drop off sets without bringing home some other treasures as well!)
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Rome Spaghetti Sauce
Dear Reader,
Spaghetti sauce may not be at the top of the list of spring/summer homemade, but I find at this point in the year that I'd like to do as much stovetop cooking as possible (to avoid turning on the oven!) My aunt introduced our whole family to this recipe, and she's made it many a time as the first meal of our family reunion. The sauce is delicious! Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Spaghetti sauce may not be at the top of the list of spring/summer homemade, but I find at this point in the year that I'd like to do as much stovetop cooking as possible (to avoid turning on the oven!) My aunt introduced our whole family to this recipe, and she's made it many a time as the first meal of our family reunion. The sauce is delicious! Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury
Today's treasury centers around the theme of sailing. Looking forward to summer and spending some time by water!
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: Sliders Toppings
Dear Reader,
So, we left off with yesterday's recipe with grilled burgers on a bun with some cheese (colby jack, provolone, or Swiss would all be good options.) Today I am going to suggest five versions of three ingredient toppings to add a little extra flavor to the burgers (having condiment stations works great for parties and is a fun twist on grilling out burgers!) And the beauty of sliders is that people can try more than one combination! Here are five ideas:
One. The All-American = ketchup + mustard + pickles
Two. Southwestern Style = salsa + sour cream + shredded lettuce
Three. Italian Inspired = marinara sauce + Parmesan cheese + oregano
Four. BBQ Brilliance = BBQ sauce + ranch dressing + shoestring potato shreds
Five. Reuben Recipe = thousand island dressing + sauerkraut + dill
And that's five. The possibilities are endless, and you may have a guest that really goes the extra mile to try something new!
Happy Friday!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Sliders
Dear Reader,
My husband and I first experimented with making our own sliders for our son's first birthday party (and we called them one bite burgers.) We liked how they turned out enough that we repeated the theme for his second birthday (and, of course, renamed them two bite burgers.) I think they are a fun addition to grilling out with friends or hosting a summer BBQ. Below, I will provide a few ideas of how we put them together. (And tomorrow, we'll talk topping!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
My husband and I first experimented with making our own sliders for our son's first birthday party (and we called them one bite burgers.) We liked how they turned out enough that we repeated the theme for his second birthday (and, of course, renamed them two bite burgers.) I think they are a fun addition to grilling out with friends or hosting a summer BBQ. Below, I will provide a few ideas of how we put them together. (And tomorrow, we'll talk topping!) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury: Celebrating Teachers
With writing out some graduation cards this week, I'm realizing that very soon the school year will come to a close. Today's treasury celebrates teachers!
Sincerely,
Abi
Five for Friday: Mother's Day
Dear Reader,
This weekend I have the pleasure of celebrating and remembering women in my family whom I love dearly. I have listed five of the women that I will be thinking about on Mother's Day.
One. My mom. She is one of the most caring and insightful people I have ever met. I have enjoyed more wonderful moments with her than I can count, and I am grateful for all that she teaches me - in word and example.
Two. My mother-in-law. She makes every time together as a family a celebration and places such a priority on family. She makes a difference in many lives and does it so kindly and quietly.
Three. My sister-in-law. She balances being a great mom to two very young kids with working part-time and still manages to bake regularly - impressive, right?! I really admire her flexibility and ability to handle things in a relaxed way (and from what she describes about her own mom, they seem to share that trait!)
Four. Remembering Grandma S. Selfless is one of the first words that comes to mind in describing my Grandma S. She constantly provided for the needs of others, especially her family, and trusted her Lord to be with her throughout her life. She gave me such a wonderful example of faith informing the whole of life.
Five. Remembering Grandma B. Her cooking and baking often reflected her love for the people in her life. She always had homemade cinnamon rolls prepared when we would come to visit (knowing that they were a favorite of mine) - how thoughtful.
This blog is ultimately about inspiration. Each of these women has brought some inspiration into my life, and I am grateful for each of them. Happy Friday! Happy Weekend! Happy Mother's Day!
Sincerely,
Abi
This weekend I have the pleasure of celebrating and remembering women in my family whom I love dearly. I have listed five of the women that I will be thinking about on Mother's Day.
One. My mom. She is one of the most caring and insightful people I have ever met. I have enjoyed more wonderful moments with her than I can count, and I am grateful for all that she teaches me - in word and example.
Two. My mother-in-law. She makes every time together as a family a celebration and places such a priority on family. She makes a difference in many lives and does it so kindly and quietly.
Three. My sister-in-law. She balances being a great mom to two very young kids with working part-time and still manages to bake regularly - impressive, right?! I really admire her flexibility and ability to handle things in a relaxed way (and from what she describes about her own mom, they seem to share that trait!)
Four. Remembering Grandma S. Selfless is one of the first words that comes to mind in describing my Grandma S. She constantly provided for the needs of others, especially her family, and trusted her Lord to be with her throughout her life. She gave me such a wonderful example of faith informing the whole of life.
Five. Remembering Grandma B. Her cooking and baking often reflected her love for the people in her life. She always had homemade cinnamon rolls prepared when we would come to visit (knowing that they were a favorite of mine) - how thoughtful.
This blog is ultimately about inspiration. Each of these women has brought some inspiration into my life, and I am grateful for each of them. Happy Friday! Happy Weekend! Happy Mother's Day!
Sincerely,
Abi
On the Menu: Chicken Fried Rice
Dear Reader,
Chicken fried rice is a family favorite when we get Chinese takeout. A few weeks ago, I experimented with making a homemade version for dinner, and my husband, son, and I enjoyed the results. I looked at a number of recipes online, and then worked out proportions and ingredients based on what I had on hand (that version below.) This is a great last minute meal (especially during summertime if you have leftover grilled chicken to add, which would also probably reduce the amount of oil needed.) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Chicken fried rice is a family favorite when we get Chinese takeout. A few weeks ago, I experimented with making a homemade version for dinner, and my husband, son, and I enjoyed the results. I looked at a number of recipes online, and then worked out proportions and ingredients based on what I had on hand (that version below.) This is a great last minute meal (especially during summertime if you have leftover grilled chicken to add, which would also probably reduce the amount of oil needed.) Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Tuesday's Treasury: To Market
Can't wait to head to the farmers market in the next weeks and begin that wonderful spring/summer/early fall treat of fresh finds! And speaking of finds, here is the treasury for this Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Abi
Tutorial: Embellished Tote Bag
Dear Reader,
I wanted to put together a gift for one of my son's teachers last week. Maybe this is too typical a gift, but I thought a nice tote bag is always useful. Here is the end result, and I have provided the simple steps to this project below. (Note: I do not sew, which means this is a version that is probably not as polished as something put together by a seamstress.)
1. Gather supplies. Canvas tote, fabric (I used white cotton fabric), felt, button, needle and thread, hot glue gun.
2. Cut fabric to about double the width of the bag. Add a top and bottom stitch on the fabric, and continue to gather the fabric together (creating the ruffle.)
3. I then hot glued the white ruffled fabric to the canvas tote by first adding a line of glue along the top and bottom stitch and attached the top and bottom. Then I worked with the sides, folding over a 1/4" fabric and then hot gluing the fold. I attached each side with another line of hot glue. (Stitch witchery would have been a good alternative to using hot glue for this step in the process.)
4. I added an extra bit of interest. I chose to make a lavender felt flower (my sweet son remembered that his teacher's favorite color is purple.) There is a fabulous tutorial on felt flowers here. I wanted to give all the steps to the project, so here is my work on a felt flower. I took a piece of felt and cut it into a wavy oval.
5. I began cutting around the circle inward until I had a small oval. Then I took the end where I began cutting and rolled the felt until I was left with the small oval, which I hot glued to the base. Turn the flower over, and voile! I added a button (again, with hot glue) for a finishing touch.
6. I added the flower to the white fabric with hot glue, and the project was done.
This tote was well-received as a teacher's gift, and I think there are so many applications for a tote that it would make a good gift for many people!
Sincerely,
Abi
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I wanted to put together a gift for one of my son's teachers last week. Maybe this is too typical a gift, but I thought a nice tote bag is always useful. Here is the end result, and I have provided the simple steps to this project below. (Note: I do not sew, which means this is a version that is probably not as polished as something put together by a seamstress.)
1. Gather supplies. Canvas tote, fabric (I used white cotton fabric), felt, button, needle and thread, hot glue gun.
2. Cut fabric to about double the width of the bag. Add a top and bottom stitch on the fabric, and continue to gather the fabric together (creating the ruffle.)
3. I then hot glued the white ruffled fabric to the canvas tote by first adding a line of glue along the top and bottom stitch and attached the top and bottom. Then I worked with the sides, folding over a 1/4" fabric and then hot gluing the fold. I attached each side with another line of hot glue. (Stitch witchery would have been a good alternative to using hot glue for this step in the process.)
4. I added an extra bit of interest. I chose to make a lavender felt flower (my sweet son remembered that his teacher's favorite color is purple.) There is a fabulous tutorial on felt flowers here. I wanted to give all the steps to the project, so here is my work on a felt flower. I took a piece of felt and cut it into a wavy oval.
5. I began cutting around the circle inward until I had a small oval. Then I took the end where I began cutting and rolled the felt until I was left with the small oval, which I hot glued to the base. Turn the flower over, and voile! I added a button (again, with hot glue) for a finishing touch.
6. I added the flower to the white fabric with hot glue, and the project was done.
This tote was well-received as a teacher's gift, and I think there are so many applications for a tote that it would make a good gift for many people!
Sincerely,
Abi
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