s.i.m.p.l.e

Sarah Jane posted about this fun print the other day and I wanted to share it over here too. Why? Because I think it is cool, retro and such a great reminder for us every day. Keep it real, keep it simple.
And because you can download it here for free from their site. Maybe a little daily reminder is helpful for all of us on these busy days of mothering and doing all we try to do.

on the table

The little one and I got to baking yesterday and had so much fun together. When I slow down and let her help, it is usually very rewarding to make her part of the process. I would love to share this recipe, it is worth trying out. My favorite for a quick, sweet bread!

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread from the Biltmore

2 c. all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3/4 c. sugar

1 1/3 c. mashed banana ( about 3)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 c. veg. oil

1/2 c. walnuts

1/2 c. choc. chips

Mix the 1st 4 ingredients. Make a well in the center and add the banana, egg and oil mixture.Stir until moistened. Then add the chips and nuts.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour in a well greased loaf pan.

Enjoy!

heading out of town

A quick trip across the border into Tennessee is just the thing for the middle of winter blahs.. We headed to Chattanooga to go to the aquarium and some other fun spots. The night in a hotel was probably the highlight for everyone. A hot tub and pool for all of us to enjoy. I started to think we could have just gone down the street for the fun that gave to all the kids!

We got to see a great aquarium with amazing displays, a kid's museum that I wish we had closer to home and even hit a tour of the Mayfield ice cream plant. Yumm... It was fun to relax, engage with the kids and be together as a family. We had the added joy of coming home in a snow storm crossing over the mountains. Oh, and a snow day today to top it off! Yeah!

::etsy love::

looking around on etsy is a past time of mine, of course! There really are so many wonderful artists on there. But it is often hard to find them. I came upon this new seller today and wanted to share because I think it is worth checking out! Her knit creations are so adorable. They are calling my name for a little easter basket surprise or two! You can see more right here.

been away

So I haven't been posting for a bit. I have actually started a few posts and then walked away from them. Reminds me of how life feels right now. I personally and not so secretly hate cold weather. And we have had 2 out of 3 kids sick for almost 8 days back to back. That is enough for me to never get anything done and feel like quick sand has taken over my energy level. I honestly could not see my bed the other day because there was so much laundry waiting to be folded and put away!

What a playroom can look like after a week of kids home from school ( or a day!)

So the cure for a disheveled house is definitely a visit from the in-laws! I gladly welcomed the visit with them yesterday as an excuse to put food in the pantry, cook a real meal and clean up. It is amazing how that can motivate me! We even made it out to the Arboretum even though it was freezing cold for some outdoor time.We celebrated our oldest's 9th birthday on Friday too. So we had some festivities amongst it all as well.
I am eagerly looking forward to Monday. Everyone has somewhere to be and life can get moving a little again! Hopefully more interesting thoughts will come my way as well. I have several sewing projects on my to do list and I had better get moving on those too! Hope your weekend was fun, warm and full of good health!

where are my keys?

Oh! Here they are, on my Olliekate keychain wristlet of course. Now in our shop with more to come soon!

the little wren

Recently I finished some new pillows for our couch. (I got them done Heather!) But one pillow, I am especially happy with and I wanted to share how easy it was to make. I found this great tutorial off of the Anna Maria Horner blog a while back. She was on Martha and teaches how to make these fabric canvas pictures below:
And here is the one that I made using her Wren template. It now sits happily on our mantle.

Fast forward to the pillow frenzy...I decided to use this template just like we do our Olliekate appliques. I was so happy to have it all complete and I think it adds a nice touch! Simple to make, just involves some tracing, interfacing and some sewing. She has a few other animal designs you can use too or make your very own. Hopefully all these new pillows can buy us some time on our worn out couch that has lost the war with 3 kids using it!