Northern Cottage

Europe 2013 highlights {spain}

2013-05-20T12:10:00.001-05:00

hello y’all!! As shared a few days ago, I just returned from a wonderful trip with my sister… We’ve thought about this trip for decades but it didn’t happen til now for one reason or another. We finally took the plunge and planned this trip. Our parents loved to travel. My mom was in the airline industry for decades and so it was especially touching that we got to complete this trip in their

back from an {adventure}

2013-05-16T10:34:00.001-05:00

I’m back home….ahhhhh! as expected, while I was away I had VERY limited access to wi-fi so did not post. however, I was able to slide in one shot on facebook – could any of you guess where in the world my sister and I were based on the shot there? this was our first stop…. beautiful barcelona spain I’ll be putting together some upcoming posts on our trip locations, travel tips etc. to share

{a little trip…}

2013-05-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

I’m off on an adventure…with my dear sister – yay!! so this little blog will be quiet for a little bit I’m imagining very little access to wi-fi but, if possible, I’ll be trying to (possibly maybe) update a little via facebook. I wonder if you’ll be able to guess where in the world I am via my maybe fb posts - hmmmm (the mystery!!) hint: the sea and family connections are involved!! Of

{Pork Carnita Bowls}

2013-04-29T11:20:00.001-05:00

You ready for a SUPER yummy meal? Well… this. is. it !! It starts with some amazingShredded Pork Carnitas to round out this meal, we also include some cilantro garlic lime rice and then the toppings….oh the toppings….the salt, lime and a fork! mmmmm!! Let’s get started: 3 pounds Pork Roast (trimmed of fat and cut into large pieces) 3 garlic cloves minced (or a couple scoops of

Handmade {CASSEROLE CARRIER}

2013-04-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

hello there babycakes…. I’ve made a fun gift for an upcoming wedding and I’m in love with this new project! ♥♥♥ I was sparked to action by this pin (which used tutorials from here and here) but… it seemed a little too complicated (for me and my sewing skills, anyway!) so I decided to make up my own version (which doesn’t sound like it would be easier but for me, it was!) My version ended up

{Artichoke Dip Recipe WINS}!!

2013-04-18T09:32:00.001-05:00

Bringing Happy News to share with y’all today! featured in the Lipton Dip to Win Contest has brought home the GRAND PRIZE! Yay!! I was thrilled to make it to the top 8 in the country and then oh so happy to make it the top 4 and then super excited to make top 2 but to win overall has been such a wonderful surprise! I’m so honored! Yes, the recipe is SUPER yummy (tested, tried and

{Junk It Up Jewelry}

2013-04-10T07:11:00.001-05:00

I’ve been playing… {this one above is one of my favorites because of the 5 – standing for me, hub & 3 kiddos! = our little family} it also includes an extra key to the house my parents lived in last before they passed along with some travel related baubles reminding me of my jet-setting (back in the day!) mama! some others: I love assembling jewelry with junk, with hooks, with some

{Artichoke Dip FINALS} - GO VOTE NOW!

2013-04-04T11:42:00.001-05:00

Happy news!!! I’m excited to tell ya that my {artichoke dip} has made it to the final round in the Lipton Dip To Win Contest!!! Down to the final 2 dips! Whooooohooooo! I have to tell ya… I’m very full* full of gratitude for all of you lovelies who have already VOTED here* full of humility to be selected to move forward especially considering how awesome the competition was with some

{Ruffle Tote Bag}

2013-04-02T11:17:00.001-05:00

I’ve got a fun cute little project to share with ya today! Who doesn’t need an extra little bag to take to the market or the library or by the entry to store things ready to grab as you head out the door? I admit that I do have a lot of bags…I like them…I like to make them and buy them and use them and look at them and see them hanging so pretty! This EASY RUFFLE BAG version is super easy

{the BEST HAM DINNER menu!!}

2013-03-28T10:31:00.001-05:00

We recently had a wonderful family get-together and had a beautiful ham and turkey (does it get better??) Makes me think of all the goodies that go along with that beautiful meal so I thought I’d throw together some of my fav recent pins that go along with this ham dinner theme… {Click on any image to head to the pin/source/recipe!!} Start off with this {artichoke dip} the PERFECT start to

How to Make a {MUG RUG}!!

2013-03-27T11:35:00.001-05:00

We always enjoy a nice cup of joe (coffee!), tea, or hot chocolate around these parts (every season, every day!) So…I made some little cuties that could be used as hot pads, MUG RUGS, coasters, etc!! Remember a little while back, I shared some little hot pad mug rug coasters that I had whipped up? I thought I’d share how I made them so you can make some too! {*for personal use only}

a daughter’s dip

2013-03-25T15:04:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: this isn’t your normal everyday northern cottage recipe!! I know…the pictures aren’t clear and crisp but this recipe fills my stomach AND my heart!! It is a dip made with LOVE and joy and learning!! READ BELOW… You guys have seen that I was playing with making some dips as of late…well… daughter witnessed all that dip making in person and decided to whip up her own concoction!! The

{Warm Cheesy Artichoke Dip}

2013-03-21T10:16:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite go-to recipe for get-togethers (large or small!) This dip includes some of my favorite things: * Cheese: check* more Cheese: check* oh and a little more Cheese: check* Artichokes: check* some zing from a tiny bit of Cayenne Pepper: check* Onion soup mix: check* can’t forget the Garlic: oh yeah baby – check* since almost everything is better with it…top with a little

a cute {SCRAPPY FLOWER ZIPPER POUCH}

2013-03-15T14:34:00.001-05:00

I’ve been having FUN making some zippered pouches Why was I so scared of zippers – really they’re not THAT bad!! like…not bad at all! I adore the look of a scrappy flower don’t you?? ** Remember my affinity for scrappy sewing items like scrappy flower pins or a scrappy scarf apparently, I’ve been on a sewing kick as of late…working on hoop art, new ruffle rag quilts, etc I’ll show you new

How to make pretty {Hoop Art}

2013-03-12T11:11:00.001-05:00

awhile back – I showed you how we spiffed up & organized our garage entryway. Part of that spiffing was a vintage linen covered magnet board (hiding the garage door openers) which included this lacy hoop art (you can read about the rest of the entry makeover here & other organizational posts here) I thought I’d show you how I made that pretty lacy layered hoop art so you can make some

{BLT + Avocado Sandwich}

2013-03-04T12:13:00.001-06:00

We had an amazing sandwich here recently….. Make a regular ol’ BLT (Bacon Lettuce & Tomato with mayo and salt & pepper on toast) But with the addition of a couple slices of avocado, it was brought to a whole new level. soooo delish! Go ahead – treat yourself today!! Chat soon - NORTHERN COTTAGE{Home * Subscribe * Facebook * Pinterest * Twitter}

{Cup O’ Joe MUG RUGS}

2013-02-26T12:48:00.001-06:00

The other day I shared a project using a new-to-me photo transfer process and today I’m sharing a project using the same process only on fabric I created this graphic/image with the circle, arrows and wording and transferred them to fabric (you can view the transfer how-to here and here) I trimmed the fabric and pieced it with other cute fabric to make the top of my mug rug then I chose my

DIY {Canvas Jewelry Holder}

2013-02-21T12:41:00.001-06:00

Hi y’all!!! C’mon over and check out this fun craft tutorial {click on the link above or on the photos} using Mod Podge and a simple little canvas You can get step-by-step instructions on how to create this pretty lil’ DIY Jewelry Canvas for yourself over here Chat soon - NORTHERN COTTAGEclick here to visit >>main blog home page BE INSPIRED by visiting one of these lovely

{Cute Scrappy Pins}

2013-02-19T12:38:00.001-06:00

Fun fabrics layered and sewn together were FUN to make!! I added a pin and a barrette to the back so it can easily be added to a hairband, a bag, a sweater, whatever!! They’re packaged up and ready for purchase and gifting at a local shoppe and I’m making more for use around here too! I’ve tucked in some new cards/price tags that I’ve received in the mail from here on items I give or

{Perfect Popovers}

2013-02-12T09:16:00.001-06:00

I really don’t know if there is anything better! These babies are EASY, easy, EaSy!! But… they look like they’re not and they don’t taste easy! They partner with pats of butter beautifully! Some people like a smear of jam or honey but me…I’m a butter purist oh my! The first time I made them I only made a batch of 6 popovers for our family of 4. Now I KNOW that will not suffice. A

{Who’s watching YOUR Pins?}

2013-02-07T11:38:00.001-06:00

You never know who might be following your activity in social media!! Here’s an example… Have you heard of Brookside Chocolates (a part of Hershey)? They make these amazing little bits of fruit wrapped in rich chocolate – serious YUMMO! Unbeknownst to me, they were following me on pinterest & were inspired by me – say what? They sent a fabulous package here at the cottage – you can read

Inspiration Boards

2013-02-06T13:20:00.001-06:00

Some cool stuff being introduced to blogland! Our friend Jamielyn at I Heart Naptime has created a fun new web tool called the inspiration board. You can check out the launch party details here. I’ve been playing at creating some boards & here’s what I’ve created thus far: pack your bags – get your boarding pass ready…shall we depart? all the elements involved with prettifiying a ho hum

How to make a pretty {Doily Banner}

2013-01-31T09:34:00.001-06:00

Many people are decorating and crafting with LOTS of pinks and reds this time of year. Not me…apparently, I’m quite the rebel!! I’m MUCH more drawn to cool soothing colors as we begin to wrap up winter and look forward to the arrival of spring We added a little bit of that soothing color here at the cottage with this little quick craft this pretty lil {DIY DOILY BANNER} Here’s how you

{Taco Soup}

2013-01-29T16:36:00.001-06:00

Here is a super easy throw together TACO SOUP recipe that we just LOVE!!! We adore mexican food around here (except for one poor child who really doesn’t like it but we’re trying to get him on the bandwagon!) TACO SOUP DIRECTIONS: 1 # browned ground beef or turkey* 1 large can of diced tomatoes 1 can light kidney beans, drained 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade if ya like) 1/2

YUM DIP!!

2013-01-24T10:21:00.001-06:00

Are ya ready to add an easy, yummy cheese-y dip to your recipe box? Directions: Brown sausage of your choice & drain* (you could use mild or spicy italian or jimmy dean original, etc) – whatever YOU like Next, combine a package of cream cheese, a can of ro-tel (again, your choice, mild or hot!) and a can of chopped green chilies (we like old el paso as it’s a bit milder – even though we love