Scalloped Party Banner

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.)

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 fabricCut out garland template for tracing, and trace (pin underneath template before you trace)

Pin over your traced line

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

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Yum.

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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Recent Obsession with Fabrics

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

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Cranberry Apple Salad

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

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

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More Nursing Covers

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.

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

Here are some in-progress shots:

I think ironing is the key to good sewing

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

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Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins

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.

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Fish Tacos

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. 

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.

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Sour Cream Coffee Cake w/Maple Glaze

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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