Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Scalloped Party Banner

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Was recently in need of a tutorial for a party banner and came across this cute scalloped version from Sew Mama Sew. I’d had to say this was actually a really fun sewing project. (The original tutorial can be found here.)

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Here’s what you need:

- garland template (free PDF download)
- 13 pieces of coordinating fabric measuring 6.5x 8 inches
- one package (3 yards) of extra wide double fold bias tape
- pins, needles, thread, fabric pen, iron

And here’s how it’s made:

Cut out squares of your fabricP1050956Cut out garland template for tracing, and trace (pin underneath template before you trace) P1050977 P1050971

Pin over your traced lineP1050983

Cut around stitching, leaving 1/4 inch borderP1050979Turn fabric right-side out and place in order you’d like on bannerP1050988 IronP1050986 Pin to bias tapeP1050994 And sew together. That’s it. Super simple and cute.P1050995

Monday, July 26, 2010

Yum.

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The best part about summer food: fresh fruit. Probably the only time of year I don’t need chocolate to survive.

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Recent Obsession with Fabrics

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Some fabrics I picked up today for a little project. More to come soon when finished.

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Cranberry Apple Salad

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Ingredients: lettuce, spinach, dried cranberries, apples, roasted chicken (salt, pepper, olive oil), maple glazed almonds (maple syrup, butter, almonds), and poppyseed dressing.P1050423

With a good drink and book, it is a nice lunch when the husband is out for meetings. P1050427

Friday, July 16, 2010

More Nursing Covers

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Not only are these quick to make, but as a mother I’d say it was one of the best gifts I received——for a nursing mom on the go, you use these a lot.P1050720P1050645

Paired with some burp rags, it’s a nice set.P1050695P1050694

Here are some in-progress shots:

I think ironing is the key to good sewingP1050619

Double stitches help things from ripping, right?P1050623 Pinning is always good also. I really don’t like the tedious parts of sewing, but I’ve found they really are necessary.P1050687

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins

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I used Ina Garten’s Blueberry Muffin Recipe (here) and added the streusel topping from her Sour Cream Coffee Cake (below). The result? YUM. Cinnamon and blueberry turns out to be a great combination. Fresh blueberries make all the difference.P1050731P1050732P1050723

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Fish Tacos

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My husband loves fish tacos and had been asking (for a while) for me to come up with something. I tried to incorporate many things I’ve liked on different fish tacos I’ve had. The result? Flour tortilla, breaded tilapia, homemade green chile baja sauce, corn/tomato relish, smashed black beans with yogurt and Mexican spices. I like recipes I can truly call my own; no cook books or recipes consulted (so maybe there is another one out there like this?). They are yummy. This has become a staple in our home. Recipe below.P1050049 P1050048

Ingredients:

  • White or wheat flour tortillas
  • Tilapia (I buy the panko-breaded kind at Costco; if you prefer no breading, go without)
  • Black beans, one can
  • Fresh corn, one cup
  • 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Chile powder
  • Cumin
  • Green chile sauce, to taste
  • Yogurt (low fat—much better than sour cream), half cup divided
  • Mayonnaise, quarter cup
  • Taco seasoning
  • Sugar

Directions:

  1. Pan roast tilapia according to instructions; I roast mine for about 20 minutes at 415 degrees
  2. Meanwhile, warm one can of black beans and mash with 1/4 cup of yogurt. Add pinch of sugar and chile powder to taste. Set aside.
  3. Gently combine tomatoes and corn with cilantro, salt, chile powder and cumin. Set aside.
  4. To make baja sauce, combine remaining yogurt (1/4 cup) with 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Whisk well to remove clumps. Add green chile sauce by small spoonfuls (depending on your taste, add 2-3). Add taco seasoning to taste and whisk. Set aside.
  5. When fish is done, assemble tacos. We like to warm our tortillas before assembling.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Sour Cream Coffee Cake w/Maple Glaze

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Credit to Barefoot Contessa for this one (click here for the recipe). I double the streusel, add cinnamon to the batter and to the maple glaze, and use low fat yogurt instead of sour cream.

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