Friday, April 30, 2010

What Has Made You Happy Lately?

I guess I am a pretty easy person to please. I can see something good in pretty much all situations. Also, the simplest things (for example, the cake I baked turned out well or I grabbed the last box of cookies at the store... things like that) make me smile.

Last week the package my sister sent arrived. It had some Japanese sewing books I wanted... That made me super happy!!


I have been really busy lately, so I haven't had a chance to sit down to truly enjoy them. Although even just skimming through them, I found so many pretty clothes I want to make.

Look how cute this is!


or this:


When I used to live in Japan, one of my favorite places to go was the book store. Can you guess which section I spent most of my time in? Yes, the sewing and craft sections. There are soo many nice sewing related books in Japan, I miss going to the book stores over there.

One time, I tried to order two books off of Amazon Japan, they were about $10 each(I wanted to order 2 books), with shipping, the cost came to over $60! That is insane!

Now you know why these books made me so happy.
Is there anything that has made you happy lately?

Tulips



Last fall I planted our first tulip bulbs in the yard. The variety is called 'Triumph' and came from Van Bloem Gardens.


It was pure joy to watch her rise up from the spring ground and say hello. I think even dear Hubby said hello back.


This fall, I'm going to make a point of getting many more bulbs to plant around the yard because there's nothing quite sweeter than to see that little sleeping bulb come up in the spring and blossom into a beautiful flower.

Happy weekend dear friends. xo

quick question

imagehave those of you that subscribe to house beautiful received the latest issue?  i’m a little concerned.  i was browsing the magazine aisle at the store yesterday and saw the latest issue of house beautiful.  the problem is that i’m a subscriber and haven’t received mine for this month.  i know elle decor had a mix up last month and quite a few of their subscribers didn’t receive their issues due to a shortage.  i’m just wondering if the same thing happened this month with house beautiful.  maybe mine just got lost in the mail or something.  i really hope not because i don’t want to have to buy it at the store.  i’ve sent a note to customer service so hopefully i’ll find out where mine is soon. 

LiveJournal Tags: ,

loving…

1.  nate berkus for hsn.  this dhurrie rug in particular.

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2.  and this ikat journal set also by nate.

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3.  this beautiful quote that i saw earlier this week on pink wallpaper.

4.  this super-cute height chart.  i saw it on the real living blog.

5.  this suzani apron.  saw it on the green door and she found it at magpie lovely.

Suzani Apron

have a lovely spring weekend!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Joan of Arc



Meet Joan. I've known her since I was a little girl. This Italian bust of marble and alabaster used to sit on a table in my Grandmother's foyer in California. Before that, she came from my Great Great Grandmother's house in Chicago.


Growing up, I didn't know her as the tragic and heroic figure Joan of Arc. She was just the pretty lady that greeted us in my Grandmother's entry.


For now, she's on our bedroom dresser. Eventually, I would like to relocate her to the living room downstairs, but will need to find a table strong enough to support her.

Hubby wasn't all that crazy about Joan when she first came to live with us. She reminds him of his parochial school days.

But I think she's growing on him.

TRH Visiting a Friend...

I have been reading all the comments on my last post "What I have learned from my Mom". Your comments are all so personal and sweet! Thank you so much for participating and sharing such special stories about your mothers and what you have learned from them.

The giveaway will go until the 5th, so if you haven't entered don't forget to do so!

I am also celebrating Moms at Ruffles and Stuff today... I have been given the opportunity to be a guest blogger and to share my newest tutorial there. It could be a gift idea for your mom!



Please head over to see what I came up with, and give me some love notes!

Have a nice day everyone!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

brighten up

add a little color to your life.  here are some colorful pics to get you inspired.

Johnathan Adler House Beautiful house beautiful

william diamond and anthony baratta HB house beautiful

coastal living

coastal living

coastal living1coastal living

house beautiful kitchen house beautiful

house beautiful

house beautiful

What I Learned from My Mom/Mother's Day Giveaway!


I have two special women that I call "Mom". I want to write a little bit about them and what I have learned from them.

The first person is my mother who lives in Japan. My mother married young and had me when she was 20 years old. Some of you know that because I was born with few rare conditions, I had to get my leg amputated when I was two. All my life, the hospital and I were inseparable, and we still are.

I just wanted you all to know that I don't want you to think that I write these things so people pity me or that I want to get more attention. It is just such a big part of my life that it is impossible not to write about it while telling you about me.

Anyways, going back to my mother... consider being so young, and having a child with a sickness that will last rest of her life. Now I am a mom of three, I can't imagine the worry and heartaces she felt while she was raising me. But, she never treated me any different then my sister.

There are so many things I learned from my mom, but two things come to my mind, the first one is "courage". I will tell you one incident that has stuck with me for a long time...

The prosthetic limb I had when I was little was a very simple primitive looking one. It was a pirate leg (peg-leg). The neighbor kids would always tease me and said very mean things. Sometimes they even got physical... I think I was 3, or 4 years old at the time; the kids were so mean I went home crying... guess what my mother did.

She gave me a broom and said, "I can't protect you all the time, you have to learn to stand up for yourself. Tell them that you don't like what they do and say. "Until you do something about it, I won't let you back in the house.", with that, she closed the door, and I heard it lock.

I cried and screamed for a while hoping that she would change her mind and open the door. I am pretty sure that I thought she was a devil. There were no signs of her coming to open the door, so I stood up and went to find those kids.

All I remember was I spotted them from far away, I mean real FAR AWAY, I screamed something and threw the broom at them. (it probably fell on the ground). Then I ran back home, my mom immediatly opened the door and hugged me tight and said with tears in her eyes, "Good job, good job."

I don't know if I can do the same thing to my kids, I would probably be smacking those other kids around with the broom myself.

I am not saying that, this method would work for all the children, but it definately helped me in my life. To have the knowledge that I can speak up and be courageous gave me the confidance that I needed. Later she told me that She didn't want me to grow up ashamed of myself and how I look. I am so grateful she gave me that gift.

Another thing I learned from her was "Compassion". I was probabley around 7 or 8 years old. My mother was packing our car with big bag of rice, potatoes, and other food items from our pantry and refrigerater, they were nearly empty. After that was done, she told me and my sister to get in the car and she started driving. I asked her, "where you taking these?" and she said, "to my friend."

My mom had this friend, she was divorced with three small children. Her ex-husband wasn't paying any kind of child support or alimony. Even though she was working two jobs, it was very difficult for her to support herself and her children. Sometimes, they went without electricity or phone connection and food. (My mother told me these details when I was much older).

Not knowing all these things, I was very confused and worried. My parents always had medical bills they had to pay, even though I was young, I knew, we weren't doing so well either. I asked my mom "Why are you giving those things away? What about us?"

She was quiet for a while, then said, "She is my dear friend, and she and her children are in trouble. I can't just let them starve. We are in a slightly better position then they are, so I want to help. Don't worry, we will be fine, we will get by."

I didn't ask any more questions. We were all quiet the rest of the ride there. My mom was right, we were fine, we didn't go without. I don't even remember what we ate till the next pay day, but I know we were always fed.

What I remember is the face of the youngest boy, and the words my mother said, that night. "I can't afford not to help".

What's great about her is, she doesn't even mention any of these things to anybody. She would quietly help and forget. I am so blessed to have her as my mother, and she taught me life's important things through her actions.

Another special person is my mother-in-law. I call her "mom". As I was born and raised in Japan by strict parents, It was just very awkward for me to call her by her first name. I felt like I was disrespecting her. After thinking it over sometime, I decided to call her mom.

That's exactly what she was. One thing I learned from her was "acceptance". She helped me to get used to living in America, and accepted me as her daughter-in-law.

I don't know how she felt, when her son told them that he wants to marry someone rather average looking who is from a different country, who doesn't speak their language well AND, who has many medical problems. She was always nice and kind towards me. She was the one who took me around to find my wedding dress, taught me some American cooking and we watched many chick flicks together.

I hope I can be as nice and as graceful as she is, when my children bring someone to introduce to us as their future spouce.

Another thing I learned from her is "Love for her family". She is a devoted mother, who has raised five children. Her love for God and her family is always inspiring to me. She is also a wonderful grandmother to our children. Last summer, she took my children and their cousins to museums, movies, and many fishing trips. They loved it! It is great to see that they are building a special relationship. I am so grateful that she is taking the time to do that.

More importantly, I am grateful she raised such a wonderful man like my husband who is fun, loving and loyal. I know he is who he is, because of her. I am eternally grateful for that.

I am nowhere near being the perfect mom, but it is my deepest desire that my children will learn something from me that will enrich their lives. I think it is so important to teach and take care of our children spiritually, as well as physically. I take that very seriously as a mom.

I know there are MANY, MANY wonderful mothers out there, I just wanted to do some "Tea Rose Home" style celebration of Mother's day! That's where the giveaway comes in!

I am giving away up to $20 worth of items to two people from my etsy shop!

This will run from now til the end of day, May 5th.

Now ladies, it is your turn. Here are the rules and how to enter to the giveaway:

1. Let me know what you have learned from your mom. (you will get one entry)

2. Become a follower of my blog and show me your beautiful face on my side bar (second entry)

3. Blog about this post and giveaway on your blog and link back (third entry)

I will be looking forward to reading what you have learned from your moms.
Moms, mothers, and mommies...You all are wonderful! Everyone Happy Mother's Day!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

fun in east nashville

last week i was working on a job in nashville with some fellow designers and during some of our free time we explored the city.  we wound up in east nashville which is somewhat of a cross between inman park and little 5 in atlanta.  it’s very artsy and very cool.  this was where i found the most adorable hot dog stand that i think i’ve ever seen.  i’m not sure if adorable and hot dog stand should be in the same sentence but this hot dog stand was pretty stinkin’ cute.  and, it had the best name…check out the weenie sign.  i had already eaten by the time i found this little gem so i wasn’t able to try one.  maybe next time.

IMG00167-20100422-1516

the hot dog stand caught my eye and made me stop, but i was lucky to find an antique shop right beside it. 

this antique shop had some of the best prices i’ve seen for mid-century pieces.  the furniture they had was also in mint condition.  no scratches or dings anywhere.  unfortunately i didn’t have my camera with me.  i did have my blackberry so i snapped a few shots.  sorry about the quality of the photos.

i fell in love with this john stewart china cabinet.  the 4” knobs were real turquoise. 

IMG00168-20100422-1521 here’s another mid-century china cabinet that they had.  it was massive.

IMG00170-20100422-1525 the best find was this sofa.  we all fell in love with it.  i was so close to buying it but my hubby turned it down…said he wanted a new sofa instead of an antique.  in all actuality i would have had to completely change the whole design of my family room to get this sofa, but it would have been so worth it.  it was on sale for only $1250.  there are similar ones in atlanta for more than $3000.  it might not look it but it was one of the most comfortable sofas that i’ve ever sat on.

IMG00172-20100422-1536

i wish i would have taken more photos of the lamps, the jewelry and everything else they had but i was in such awe of the store i completely forgot.  if you are in the nashville area you should definitely make a point to stop at wonders on woodland.

Ginger Salad Dressing


I just tasted this salad dressing two minutes ago and I am so excited that I had to sit down immediately at my computer to share!  

Do you ever go to those Japanese restaurants where they cook at your table?  You know......i.e. Benihana's or Kobe.  If not, they usually give you this delicious salad to start your meal with this amazingly delicious ginger dressing. 

Well, this is it - it's that amazing salad dressing!!

I almost lost my mind when I tasted this and even better yet - it's a "lite" dressing.  Wooohooooo!  I'm not much of a salad girl, unless it has buttermilk ranch dressing, lots of cheese, bacon and croutons and then what's the point, right?  But this stuff is great and would be so, so, so tasty as a marinade for grilled shrimp, chicken or veggies.  If you are at the store and you feel the same way about the Japanese salad dressing as I do, you must give this a try!

YUM!

Cottage Mama's Note:  If you don't live in an area that carries the "Annie's" products, click here to visit their website.

Avocado Enchilada Casserole


Avocado + cheesy enchiladas = HEAVEN

If you are an avocado lover, as I am, then you must try my new Avocado Enchilada Casserole recipe.  Honestly, I had never thought to make these before until I saw an avocado enchilada recipe title on Living Locurto's weekly menu planner.  Though I couldn't really be bothered to go back and look up the recipe, so I just made up my own!

I love casseroles because they can be made ahead of time and put in the oven when ready to bake.  This recipe is perfect to have the kids help you make dinner.  Even my 2-year old daughter Savannah helped me with this one.  She sprinkled the cheese between each layer and finished it off with the green onions - she felt so proud being Mommy's big helper in the kitchen!

Now I am a HUGE fan of Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, which apparently I haven't given you my recipe for as I just noticed searching my own blog for it (oops - sorry)........you must have that recipe too.....future blog post I guess.  Anyway these were so good that I think they might rival my fav.  Give them a try and let me know what you think!


Avocado Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
3 large ripe avocados (4 if they are smaller)
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can "Rotel" tomatoes with green chiles
1 package corn tortillas (10-12), sliced into strips
1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: Sour cream and fresh salsa

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Drain, Rotel tomatoes with green chiles.  In a mixing bowl, combine drained rotel, red enchilada sauce and green enchilada sauce.  Cut avocados in half and then into strips.

Now begin layering your casserole in a 9 x13 glass baking dish.  First layer 1/3 tortillas, then 1/2 of the avocado (spread out the avocado - it doesn't need to cover all the tortilla), then 1/3 of the sauce and tomato mixture, 1/3 of the cheese.  Then layer all of these things again.  Finally, finish the casserole with a final layer of tortillas, the rest of the cheese and the rest of the sauce.  Sprinkle green onions on top and some salt and pepper, to taste. 


Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.


Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa and good tortilla chips - YUM!!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Link Party Love and Little Announcement

Let me just say this...You guys are amazing! I feel so lucky to see what all of you are doing, and being a part of craft/sewing blogosphere. Thank you all so much for participating!

I want to spotlight some of you today, that not only caught my eye but I also wanted them for myself!

House of Smith's shared her thrift find table transformation with us. Isn't it amazing how much paint can do to an old piece of furniture? I love how she decorated the table afterwards too!


Another funiture transformation I loved was linked by Along for the Ride. she took an old desk and did her magic to turn the desk in to this: Wow!


Mom's got a glue gun also had a great idea for a sewing table, but what cought my eye was the beautiful sewing machine cozy. I love the fabric she used and the ruffles! You can't go wrong with ruffles.


Have you seen these pretty cup cakes? Bird Craft has an eye when it comes to colors, those cup cakes are soo pretty I would want to look at them all day; I think I would have a hard time eating them!


Aren't they gorgeous? There are so many talented people out there, I want to keep meeting you all! So, help me to spread the word about my link party by posting my grab button on your side bar! If you have been featured, please grab my I've been featured button.

By the way, Wednesday the 28th I am taking a break from the link party. Instead, I am doing a special post for Mother's day... with a Giveaway! Don't worry, I still need you to participate in a different way. I will let you know what it is, in the post.

Happy creating!

Waterproof Picnic Blanket Tutorial


In case you weren't able to make it over to my guest post at "Someday Crafts" last week, I thought I would go ahead and share my tutorial for a Waterproof Picnic Blanket!  I thought this would be a really fun spring/summer tutorial to share with you that is super simple and VERY useful!

Have you ever been outside for a picnic only to lay your blanket down are realize the ground is damp?  Well, that is no fun and kind of ruins the picnic experience.  So, make yourself one of these waterproof picnic blankets and you will never have to worry about wet ground again!

Supplies:
1 Vinyl Tablecloth (52 x 90) or smaller if you prefer
1 Cloth Tablecloth (similar size to vinyl) or 2 yards of your favorite fabric
Scissors
Thread
Iron
Sewing Machine
Optional:
Ribbon or Rick Rack for trim

Directions:
You will need two tablecloths - 1 vinyl and 1 cloth.  If you don't have a cloth tablecloth, feel free to use a couple yards of fabric.  I got both of these coordinating tablecloths at my local Joann's.

You want to choose a top and bottom that will coordinate nicely with each other - I just thought these two prints shouted "Spring!!".

Here is what the packaging for the vinyl tablecloth looked like.  It was $6.99 and I got it 50% off - wooohoo!

Lay out your vinyl tablecloth on a large surface.

Lay your other tablecloth or fabric on top of the vinyl cloth.  You need to do this so you can trim off any extra length or width you may have to make sure they are the same size.

Fold over your excess length or you can draw a line marking the excess length.

Cut off the excess length from the vinyl tablecloth.

Before stitching the two cloths together you want to prep the fabric.  ALWAYS iron your fabric before sewing - it is the only way to achieve professional looking results.  For the vinyl cloth turn it so the flannel side is up, set your iron on the lowest setting and press, smoothing out any creases.  Your vinyl will not melt as long as you move the iron quickly and make sure you set it to low.

Then stitch your two cloths together on three sides - 1/2" seam allowance, leaving one of the shorter sides open.  I used my serger just because it makes it faster, but you can just as easily use your sewing machine - just make sure you use a needle designed for thicker fabrics, such as a denim needle.

You want to leave one side of the blanket open in order to insert the ties.  The ties should each be 20 inches long and 3 inches wide (I actually made mine too long in my original design....oops!).  You will need to cut four pieces (2 for each tie).

I used left over fabric I had from the cloth tablecloth - the stuff I had to cut off to make sure the top and bottom were the same size.  You could also use ribbon if you prefer.

Place right sides together and stitch the ties along both long sides and one short side (leave one of the shorter sides open).  Again, I used my serger, just for time-sake, but using the sewing machine will yield the exact same results.

Once you have stitched three sides, turn your ties right-side out and press.

Place your ties, pointing inward, in the middle of the fourth side (that you have yet to stitch).  Place the raw edge of the tie against the raw edges of the tablecloths.  Then stitch this side of the tablecloths 3/4 of the way closed.  You need to leave an opening to turn the blanket right-side out.

Turn the blanket right-side out and press lightly.

To close the little opening, I recommend top-stitching around the entire blanket - 1/4" seam allowance.  Or you can just close the opening by hand-sewing - your choice.

And there you have it - your waterproof picnic blanket ready for a day out in the park!!

My tablecloth came with a border and some ribbon trim already on it, but if you are using fabric and would like to add some trim, make sure you do that before you sew the two tablecloths together.

To fold the picnic blanket, fold over one third of the blanket towards the middle.

Then fold over the other one-third towards the middle.

Then just roll it all the way up, starting from the end without the ties.  Once rolled, wrap your your ties around and tie a pretty bow.

Here is your blanket all wrapped up and ready for a fun day with family and friends!

Cottage Mama's Note:  You can also use oilcloth for this project, but the vinyl tablecloth was the more inexpensive option.  This vinyl backed tablecloth would also be great as an actual tablecloth.  Just eliminate the ties and presto, you have a waterproof tablecloth that still looks classy, but will protect your table as well!!