Thanksgiving Challenge

Every day we should be a day of thanksgiving, where we offer up praise to the Lord for all that He has done, but Thanksgiving day is a time set apart to sit down with friends and family and really reflect on His abundant love toward us.

While Jeremy and I wrote our blessings on leaves for our thanksgiving wreath, I thought of an idea. Instead of just writing down what we are thankful for (Jesus, food, a home, the bible, etc...) we could turn right around and bless someone else with those very things we are thankful for.

Our list of blessings included: Jesus, God's mercy, role models, family, inspiration, good food, good books, hat, guns (Can you guess which ones came from Jeremy?). So while I find role models to be a huge blessing and inspiration, we can in turn be role models to other people in our lives. In fact, just the other day we were told by a family member that she looked up to us as a couple in the way we demonstrate our love towards each other. That was BIG because I didn't even know or think anyone was watching but it turns out she was. What a surprise and honor!

Or we could take Jeremy's blessing, 'good food', and bless a struggling family with the makings for a turkey dinner this week. There are so many possibilities where we can give back and shower other people with the things we are so grateful for. Any ideas how your family can give back some blessings you've received?

Oil Cloth Bibs {A Super Easy Tutorial}

Let me just start with this... if I can sew these bibs then I know anyone can! I like to pretend I am a sewing expert but most of the time my projects just don't quite look like the oh so perfect sample does. But alas, I am still learning ;)

I mentioned in my previous post about finding some beautiful and funky looking oil cloth fabric at a local home store in Edmonds. When I saw the fun patterns I had to pick up a 1/2 a yard of 2 of my favorites.

With freshly cut fabric in hand, I got to work on my latest project: easy clean oil cloth bibs. Did I mention how easy these are to make, because they are!

1.) Cut the bib pattern out of your fabric and velcro (click for pattern)

2.) Sew the velcro on the fabric as shown on pattern
3.) And finish the bib off with some single fold bias tape in coordinating color
4.) Put on your model and enjoy (in my case the stuffed bears will have to do!)

My next oilcloth project: receipt checkbook cover. :)

All things New

It's been a few weeks since Jeremy and I moved and we are loving every minute in our new place. We're getting used to our new routes to and from work and enjoying the new sights and sounds. We have a window in the kitchen now and right next door is a daycare center so it's fun to hear the screams and giggles of the little ones playing outside.

I have had some things on my mind lately so I have tried to stay crafty. I got my hands on some funky oilcloth fabric and I am excited to show you what I've been working on. And as we are fast approaching fall (although it doesn't feel like it these days; hello indian summer) I have gotten back into my knitting. Fall just seems like the perfect time to knit, don't you think? It's been fun starting all my new projects.

While checking out my new neighborhood, my mom and I stumbled upon the most delicious restaurant EVER. We stopped into Epulo for happy hour last week and ordered a side of popcorn. Popcorn, why would you buy that at a nice restaurant for happy hour? Well this wasn't just any popcorn, this was popcorn in truffle oil. YUM-E!! I liked it so much that I brought Jeremy with me the next day to try some too :) Now I am warning you, this is not going to be a cheap habit (truffle oil goes for $20+ a bottle) but it will be a delicious one! Tasty Kitchen has a good recipe to try out for yourself. You're welcome!

It is wonderful to know that through all the hard times and other stuff we go through in life, God is still at work in His creation, in the world and in my life. I see it every day!

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making all things new!" -Revelation 21:5

Fresh Baked {baby onesie cupcake tutorial}

This adorable gift idea comes straight from the oven for that special mom-to-be in your life. Simply gather your ingredients and start 'baking'.

These cupcakes look good enough to eat. In fact, my cousins lil one thought they were real cupcakes for her and not her new baby sister!

Magnalia Christi

In the early 1700's, a pastor by the name of Cotton Mather wrote a book called 'Magnalia Christi Americana' which roughly means, 'the glorious works of Christ in America' about the works of Christ in the New England area. Talk about amazing! 600+ pages and I am in the first chapter still. It's definitely one of those books where I need to read and then re-read paragraphs to understand what's going on. Good exercise for the brain for sure (and also free on google books)!

Last year my pastor suggested we write our own books, like 'Magnalia Christi Nicole; the glorious works of Christ in Nicole' to show His awesome glory and the transforming power He's had in our lives. So that's just what I did!


The way I made our magnalia christi faith books: 1.) take a 3-ring binder, 2.) cover with pretty linen quality paper and 3.) hot glue the two together. It's that easy! I think they turned out real nice. And inside the books I made some forms to get us started telling our story of faith and how He "always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

Faith Book Title Page
Magnalia Christi Introduction
Faith Timeline
Constructing Faith Timeline

The beauty of this type of faith scrapbook is that you can add empty 3-ring sleeves and add to this as you move along in life. It is truly amazing when you think about just what He has done in your life.

"We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done." -Psalm 78:4

Fall into Knitting

Here in Seattle we are quickly moving into our fall and with it comes the rain and cloudy days. And as much as I enjoyed this past summer, I have to say that I am actually enjoying the start of the new season. The cold rainy days always make me feel like bundling up on the couch and working on a knitting project.

While surfing through some crafting blogs I stumbled upon this awesome project. Not only is it cute but it is EASY. I am a very beginner knitter and can only knit squares or rectangles. That gets kind of old pretty fast. You can only have so many scarves and pot holders. Knitting a hat was totally out of the question, until this project came across my path. I am excited to get to knitting again while snuggled on my comfy couch in my home away from the rain. It's much prettier when I'm not out in it. I love fall in Seattle!

Banner Day: A Tutorial

My first tutorial to be exact! *Disclaimer alert* I am no Martha Stewart, but I enjoy crafting and creating pretty things, even if they don't turn out exactly 'as pictured'. They are made with a whole lotta love.


A banner day, indeed!

Crafting for a Cause

My heart has been stirred by some much needed ministries within the church: stopping human trafficking, encouraging adoption of the 147 million orphans in the world and ending all forms of abortion. For now my efforts are focused on a very saddening reality; abortion.

Our church supports a local pregnancy resource center that provides medical, educational and support services to those in need to help make a choice for life and to insure a successful pregnancy and parenting experience. Their ministry focuses on: prevention, intervention and education & support. I am a part of their newest campaign "Change for Life" and would love any support, financial support or prayer support.

Every client is given resources that match her specific situation, showing her the love of Christ at every opportunity. To accomplish this the PRC provides in-center meetings with case managers to obtain medical coupons, a pregnancy support group, free maternity clothing, birth and baby preparation classes, baby clothing/supplies and new mom support groups. In addition to the fundraiser I am apart of, I am going to be using my love of crafting to make some baby toys, clothes and maternity clothes for the center. What a better way to use my hobby? A smart lady once said "Talent is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God."


Again, I ask that you pray for these efforts and take a look at the fundraiser page. Thank you for taking a stand for

Sewing Kit in a Mason Jar

How come mason jars are so cute? I think it is the old fashioned charm they give off. Whatever it is, I love them. I am so tempted to buy the mason jar mugs from Pottery Barn. Our wedding had a 'country chic' theme and we filled some jars with white sand and candles to light the way into the reception hall. Too cute!

When I saw this on Martha's page, I had to make one! But I recently found a full tutorial with pictures to walk you through each step. With just a small list of supplies: fabric scrap, jar with lid and band, cotton balls or fiberfill, card stock and glue gun, it's so easy and definitely a nice addition to your crafting room (or in my case, just a desk but someday :P). I think this would also make a great gift for friends, Mom or beginner sewers. Who wouldn't love to get one of these charming little jars?!

Coming Soon

My good friend, Iris, is expecting her first baby and I am thrilled to make all sorts of goodies for her and the little one on the way! One in the works is an adorable ruffle tutu onesie.


With the three day weekend coming up, I will be able to tackle a few projects on my list, including this lovely and a re-fashion re-do (but I'll save that story for next week!)

Sewing 101

I have mentioned before that I am no Martha Stewart. I can't whip up fancy meals with the ease that she does, I can't plant container gardens with as much success as she does, I can't dye beads for craft projects as good or mess free as she does, and I certainly can't sew baby booties as well or cute as she does.

Well, I have an even more embarrassing confession to make. When I first got my sewing machine I was instructed by a friend on the basics. My friend, who is self taught and been sewing (gorgeous things of course) for years, taught me so surely I would end up being as good as her, right?! When I put my machine to use after that, I couldn't understand why all my projects were turning out like this.

I just couldn't get it, sewing couldn't possibly be this hard, right!? I about gave up and moved on to other crafts while my sewing machine sat dormant. I read this blog and was inspired to try one more time to figure out what the problem was. Turns out, I missed a very important step. That very important step is where you slide the thread through the tension slit on the bobbin. I was just pulling the thread straight through the hole and not through the very tiny side slit, therefore giving the thread no tension.

Boy am I glad for the internet and it's limitless ways of helping me solve problems, answer questions and give me delicious recipes and craft ideas from other bloggers. After that small incident, I turn to the professionals now: How to Thread a Bobbin. Which also reminds me of the episode from one of the funniest shows in existence where Lucy attempts to make her first sewing project- a homemade dress. Oh Lucy, I can totally relate! :)

Weekend Update

This weekend was pretty much the best weekend, from start to finish, in a long time! It started off with dinner with my dear friend, Iris, who is expecting her first child. I'm so excited for her and of course now I have babies on the brain and will be making some lovely little presents in the near future for the baby shower!

Then Saturday was double fun with a chic antique flea market and then game night with the youth from our church. And in case you haven't played it yet, you've gotta check out 'Loaded Questions'. Quite possibly the greatest game ever. My husband loves yelling games (taboo, pictionary, last word, etc...) but this one requires some creativity and a whole lotta funny!

And finally, Mother's Day; it was absolutely gorgeous out so we got to enjoy the pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob and rhubarb crisp & play games with my Mom and little brother out in the sun. I love Seattle in the spring!! And I love you Moms (Mom and Mom-in-law) <3

Making my list and Checking it Twice

I know it's not Christmas time, but it's spring time and that means lots of fun and exciting events and activities coming up. As we are less than a week before Mother's Day, I am making last minute decisions on menus and gifts for my Mom and Mom-in-law.

I am very indecisive about the particulars but now that I am back home, I have all week to figure out the final details. I won't be sharing them until after Mother's Day as either of them could be reading right now :)

But for those of you not sure sure what to get for Mom, check out these beautiful and oh so tasty lavender filled baskets. They have all kinds of goodies made by my sister-in-law, and they are delicious if I do say so myself!


There are also graduations and birthdays coming up so I will be busy brainstorming and crafting this week and then enjoying a game night with the young people at our church this weekend. Very excited to be back in the crafting/party planning saddle again!

Spring Fever

The first weekend of spring was just wonderful and I am starting to get the fever. Playing outside with my husband, gardening, spring cleaning, and frankly, just not wearing my winter jacket is getting me very excited! As usual, I have lots of things I'd like to accomplish and this weekend I start that long list. One being planting my garden.


I have done very little gardening in the past and not had good experience with keeping plants alive :( but I hope to change all that. Have you ever heard of the West ladies or Homestead Blessings? I just discovered them and their down home instructional videos. My dream is to be just as skilled and knowledgeable of all things domestic and beautiful. For now I will watch their videos and make 'baby steps' towards that!


Living in an apartment it is difficult to have a real garden, but the West ladies taught me about a little thing called 'Lasagna Gardening'. In lasagna gardening, you don't need to have a big tilled ground, all you need is cardboard, leaves, straw and composted dirt. Like when preparing the dish, this gardening technique allows you to layer the various "ingredients" and then start planting. I have a perfect spot picked out for my lasagna garden and I am looking forward to starting on it this weekend!

Projects, projects, projects

In the works:

*Finishing up a scripture embroidered nursery pillow
*Finishing up a baby quilt
*Working on (and trying to figure out) my new Knit Wit
*Making a cute little tea towel apron
*Preparing for the AWANA games coming up March 13th
*Planning an awesome girls only party, because I want to see my friends and try this delish new punch recipe. Mmmm... I could try it out now but I'm afraid I would end up drinking it all myself and that would not be good; better save it for the party!

I also want to note that this was quite possibly the best Valentine's day I've ever celebrated. Not only did I have my wonderful husband to share it with (who is my favorite comedian and spoils me with sweets :) ) but knowing the great love that God showed us, shows us and will yet show us is remarkable. Even when I have a random case of spiritual amnesia, He is there to call me back, to love me and help me get back on track.



"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:26