a pretty cool life.

Happy Sunday

2010-07-25T01:00:00.007-05:00

Hopefully you're enjoying your weekend as much as we are!

And luckily, we made it through coloring with markers without Little Brother ending up like this again. :)

Flash cards & clothesline

2010-07-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

On a whim the other day, I went into the dollar store. My intention was to get supplies for Julie's project, but I also found these fun little flash cards.

I think they're perfect as a simple and fun decoration for our playroom. Who needs flash cards for learning, anyway?

And for the record, this is the name of my make-believe child. My real ones are kept under wraps because of super uncool stuff like this.

Why I love thrifting

2010-07-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

This. For 3 bucks.

I snatched it up like a crazy woman as soon as I walked in the store.

And the chippy paint? Love! You can't fake that with a palm sander.

I hope everyone's having a super day!

In the kitchen

2010-07-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we took a break from the sun and water and spent the afternoon in the kitchen. It was a lovely (and welcome) change of pace.

I was long overdue to cut back my leggy basil plant, so armed with a basketful of homegrown basil and parsley, we made my favorite pesto.

It's definitely one of my fresh from the garden, summery favorites.

For dessert, we made oatmeal raisin cookies.

I double the raisins, though. Sorry, Martha.

I rarely make oatmeal cookies since they're not really my favorite. But when I found this tin of oatmeal at the fruit market, I had to buy it. It's going to look awesome with a plant in it!

Tell me you buy things just for the containers, too. :)

Now I am just (im)patiently waiting for these to ripen a little. Apricot jam and this awesome bread up next!

Happy Sunday

2010-07-18T22:50:00.000-05:00

I still have no idea how I pulled this look off, but I'm in love with this picture. I hope everyone had a super weekend!

Wow...again.

2010-07-16T18:57:00.000-05:00

164 comments.

Whoa.

I think my gingham addiction might be spreading.

Like that's a bad thing.

The lucky winner said she wanted a rainbow bunting if she won. Awesome choice!

So who won?

Why, commenter #60, it was you!

Congratulations!

Email your info to me so I can mail that pretty bunting to you right away.

Thanks to everyone who entered and for all of the super sweet comments. I loved reading them and I loved reading all of the possible color combinations! You all are the best!

xoxo

5

2010-07-16T00:54:00.002-05:00

Five years ago today I was the bride.

Time certainly has flown.

Ups and downs.

Good times.

Two beautiful little boys.

And we're just as happy today as we were then.

ps. If you'd like to win the bunting, I'm choosing a winner today!

Embroidery hoop initial tutorial

2010-07-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

I finally have both of my boys sleeping together in their room.

And it only took me 18 months.

So I'm slowly getting rid of the green and yellow nursery things and bringing in more red and blue big boy things.

Yesterday I made applique monograms and then put them in embroidery hoops to hang on their wall. Here's how I did it.

You'll need:

9 inch embroidery hoop (any size will do, but my fabric measurements are for this size)
11 x 11 inch square of white fabric
5.5 x 5.5 inch square of applique background fabric
fabric scrap big enough for your initial
Heat 'n Bond Lite or a similar product
Contrasting thread

Iron your Heat 'n Bond to the back of your fabric scrap and 5.5 inch square fabric. Carefully cut out your inital.

Peel the paper backing and iron your appliques to the background fabrics. Using a small stitch length, sew the initial to the background fabric, and using a zig zag stitch with contrasting thread, sew the entire applique to the white fabric.

Center the entire piece in the embroidery hoop and tighten.

Trim the excess from the back and you're done!

Christmas in July

2010-07-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

July? Already? That means we're on the side of the year closer to Christmas.

Yikes.

So if you're ready to get a jumpstart on your Christmas projects, head on over to Larissa's. She's hosting a whole month of Christmas ideas.

And guess what...I'm guest posting there today. Quilted coasters. One of my very faves. Super easy to make, too.

See you there!

Wow.

2010-07-13T09:04:00.001-05:00

Sorry, contest is now closed.

My little ol' blog hit 1,000 followers yesterday.

1,000.

That's crazy to me.

Blows my mind.

I'm still shocked that people read what I have to say. People that I don't even know. People other than my own mom.

So thank you.

And to show my gratitude, I'll make a gingham bunting for a lucky someone. 20 flags, any color combo your little heart desires.

Just leave a comment with the colors you'd like, and I'll pick a winner Friday.

xoxo.

Rainbow Bunting Baby Quilt Tutorial

2010-07-12T03:02:00.001-05:00

This tutorial is my addition to luvinthemommyhood's Baby Bonanza. I was so thrilled when Shannon asked me to be a part of it!

Since I've had buntings on my mind lately, the idea for this quilt struck me and I just had to make it. Here's how I did it.

You'll need:

2 pieces of white quilter's cotton (or a sheet), 25 x 37 inches

1 piece of flannel, 25 x 37 inches

21 bunting flags, 4 inches each (I show how to cut them here)

Bias tape (I show how to make your own here)

Start by laying out your flags across one of the white pieces of fabric, draping them across just like an actual bunting. When you're happy with your placement, pin them down.

Sew a tiny zig zag across the top of each row of flags.

Then, starting at one end and working your way up and down each side of the flags, sew a tiny zig zag on the remaining sides.

Assemble your quilt sandwich. Flag piece on top, flannel in the middle, other white piece on the bottom. Pin everything together.

Sew a tiny straight stitch along the top of each row of flags to quilt the layers together.

Bind your quilt with the bias tape, and you're all set!

A happy little quilt, perfect for a boy or a girl...

There are probably a million possibilities for color combinations for this quilt. Think of all the buntings you could come up with!!

And since my babies are not such babies any more, I've listed this quilt in my shop if anyone's interested. :)

Gone thriftin'

2010-07-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

I've been super busy trying to finish up some guest tutes for next week so the creative posts have been a little sparse around here...but that doesn't mean I haven't had time for a little thrifting. I'm so happy with my recent finds!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Just be glad you don't live next door to me

2010-07-06T11:44:00.001-05:00

Because if you did, you would have to deal with me incessantly telling you how much I love hydrangeas.

And how much I wish I had some in my yard.

You know, as lovely as yours.

Because yours are just gorgeous.

Gorgeous, I tell ya.

Wait. What? You brought those over for me??

Thank you, MC! ♥

Our excellent yard sale adventure

2010-07-05T00:38:00.000-05:00

My good friend and I hosted our first yard sale recently. We’re both still on a total high with how well we did. I thought I’d share what a novice yard sale host like me learned from the whole thing.

Signs. Make more than you ever thought necessary and make them stand out. We made sure our hot pink signs mentioned that it was a multi-family sale, as well as some of the ~~specific junk we were getting rid of~~ really super items we were selling, like furniture, baby/maternity clothing, designer shoes/accessories, etc. (I will say, however, don’t go crazy with the verbiage. There’s only so much someone can read while stopped at a red light. Where and when are essential.)

Unless you live at an intersection or on a major thoroughfare, hang bright (matching) arrows pointing people in the right direction. We live on a small street that’s probably obscure to even those who live in the area, but people were able to follow our hot pink arrows. You may also lure in some shoppers who are just curious about where the arrows go…several people told us that’s how they found us!

We also advertised on Craigslist, and were sure to mention our pink arrows and what ~~specific junk we were getting rid of~~ really super items we were selling.

In order to keep our earnings straight, we each labeled our items with different color price dots. We knew that with 3 children 3 and under, we would both be running in and out of the house. I was green and my neighbor was yellow, so when someone bought something, we took the money and stuck the dot in our notebook. At the end of the day we were able to divvy up who made what easily.

We priced nearly everything because, like I said, we knew we wouldn’t be able to stay outside the entire time. Some things that we didn’t bother with were clothes and books. One sign on the front of the table was just fine. We had people ask about prices on everything, so I doubt spending a ton of time labeling each individual tshirt would have made much of a difference.

Also, some basic things that came in handy were lots and lots of singles for change, banquet sized folding tables to display our items, and shopping bags for the big spenders.

And a few final words of advice:

Sit on a box, sit on the ground, stand on your head. Just don’t, for the love, sit on one of these. Every. Single. Person. (and some of them twice) will ask you if they’re for sale.

Similarly, if you have your children in the yard with you and let them splash around in their baby pool or you serve lunch to them on their plastic picnic table, you will again be asked if those things are for sale. Even if there’s water in the pool or a child eating at the table, someone will ask. If you’re lucky, someone will just stop his car in front of your house, and without getting out, shout, “How much for the pool??”

If you have your children in the yard with you, every senior citizen who stops by will ask you if they’re for sale, too. Just smile. They think it’s hilarious.

Beware that yard sale success will breed a new eye for what you’re willing to part with. Every trip into the house for a drink or a trip to the bathroom had us eyeing potential yard sale merchandise. We plan to have another sale in the fall, and I’ve already started a pile of what I want to sell.

I’m certain I’ve forgotten all kinds of important things. I’ll add them if they come to me.

I also want to thank everyone who added their tips and advice on Facebook and twitter. Did you know A Pretty Cool Life was on Facebook and twitter? Go become a fan now and go follow now.

Sewing 101 series

2010-07-05T00:01:00.025-05:00

Chris emailed me awhile back with a great idea she had for a series on her blog...sewing 101. Of course I knew I wanted to participate.

Isn't it such a great idea? She's going to have a month full of guest posters, all experienced sewers, sharing their favorite tips and tricks. What a great opportunity for the beginners out there!

I'm kicking things off today with my daily sewing essentials, so go check it out!

To the red, white, and blue

2010-07-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday, America!

I like to celebrate the 4th without blowing anything up...super lame, I know. :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sweet.

2010-07-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

What's not to love about holiday weekends?

Simple flag shirts for the 4th

2010-06-29T23:04:00.001-05:00

I've kinda got a thing for gingham.

I know that comes as a shock.

So this is what I came up with for the boys to wear this weekend for 4th of July festivities.

I whipped them up in almost no time...just a 3.5 x 5 inch (use an index card as a template) patch of red gingham and a 1.5 x 2 inch piece of bias cut navy gingham zig zagged onto a white tee. So simple!

Joy

2010-06-27T09:48:00.002-05:00

I love being the mama of little boys.

Over the past few years, I've learned that they need little more than a little sun and a garden hose for hours of delight.

And that simple joy is just wonderful.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Vintage summer gingham bunting

2010-06-26T00:01:00.015-05:00

Did you see this project that I shared at Corey's the other day? Here it is in case you missed it...

My boys and I certainly are in full-blown summer mode and are spending every moment we can outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm summer breezes.

I thought a fun addition to our yard would be a sweet little bunting, vintage inspired, and made from bright and cheerful gingham.

I think buntings are whimsical and sweet, but best of all they're so easy to make! Here's how I made mine.

Start by cutting 4 inch wide strips of fabric. I cut my gingham on the bias, but cut it however you'd like your pattern to show on the flags.

Mark the bottom edge of your fabric strips with a disappearing ink pen or chalk pencil every 4 inches. Do the same at the top, but make your first dot 2 inches in from the edge.

Line up those dots with a quilter's rule, and start cutting with your rotary cutter. Save time and cut multiple layers at once!

ps. If you don't like raw, frayed edges, you could do this with a pinking blade.

Sew two triangles, wrong sides together, closely along the edge of the two longer sides of each flag.

I pulled at threads along the raw edges for more of a worn, vintage-y feel.

My bunting is 30 flags long, but of course you can customize your own length. After you've finished sewing your flags, you'll need a piece of string or twine long enough to accomodate your flags, plus a few feet extra at both ends for hanging.

Then, using a zig zag stitch, sew your flags to the piece of twine.

Adding on each flag as you go...

Hang it up and enjoy the summer breezes!

Happy summer and happy weekend everyone!

Edit: I've also listed several in the shop if you don't want to make one yourself :)

Help a girl out

2010-06-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

I brought this cute little guy home the other day. Like I needed something else for cupcakes...

The thing is, it's just a little too...

Shiny?

Industrial?

Modern?

It's just not quite me. Yet.

Since food won't ever directly touch it, I'm going to spray paint it. But what color?

Robin's egg blue?

Red?

White?

Help!

Lovely party ideas from Corey

2010-06-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

My name is Corey Villicana from Life With Little Ones.

I 'm thrilled to be a guest here today... Thank you so much for having me!

When thinking of what I might share with you,

the thought of party planning quickly crossed my mind.

Planning a party for me is a great deal of fun.

I thoroughly enjoy the creative process and the opportunity to

honor the person who is receiving the celebration.

Being the mother of two little boys has really pushed me

to challenge myself when it comes to new and exciting ways to surprise and delight!

So how about a few suggestions to ensure an amazing party?

Here are my top four must have items to make any type of party memorable.

Number One

A beautiful invitation.

Number Two

Sweet treats and gorgeous goodie bags.

Number Three

A special something for the honoree.

Number Four

(And possibly the most important)

An awesome cake...

(Or cupcakes!)

To view more of my party tips and a plethora of other ideas, please visit me here.

Thank you so very much.

Up next

2010-06-22T23:20:00.001-05:00

Find me (and all of my gingham) over at Corey's tomorrow!

Psst! She's got fun stuff for you over here, too!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's to the daddy our boys so adore. We love you!

We're jammin'

2010-06-15T23:06:00.001-05:00

Like that crooked birdhouse hanging in the background? Those sparrows know how to party.

The easiest, most delicious summer recipe that I make is jam. It's so simple...nothing more than fruit fresh from the market, a little sugar and fruit pectin .

Now I realize that every blogger and her mom has been posting their jam making adventures over the past few weeks. What's one more? :) Once you've made it yourself, I promise you'll never go back.

My "recipe" isn't anything special. I just follow the directions right off the pectin packet, which costs about 2 bucks at WalMart. I cut down the sugar to less than a cup, though, since the berries this time of year are super sweet on their own. I also use the 16 oz Ball jars because they look cuter tied with a ribbon! And we may or may not have any problem polishing off the large jars...

Our nearby fruit market had strawberries for $0.59/pound, so I went a little berry buying crazy. I hope every family member we see this weekend enjoys getting a jar for themselves!