Daytripping: Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Last weekend we took a "Sunday Drive" -- and it was a much-needed escape from our runnings-around of late. We took a little drive to a nearby town called Cedarburg. It's cute and quaint and has a nice little downtown that seemed to be the gathering place for all the neighborhood peeps. There were two (two!) coffee shops, so we stopped at one called Cedarburg Roastery for delicious pick-me-ups. The coffee was awesome and the young staffpeople were super friendly.

After the coffee, we wandered around, meandering across a river and past the fire station, where we admired the old jail and all the big trucks. We hit up Amy's Candy, where I frothed at the mouth over all the unbelievable candy apples. Although I had to physically restrain myself from buying one of these $13 beauties, I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen more beautiful-looking apples. And I LOVE caramel apples, so it took some doing to talk myself out of eating one. Next time, I will just give in to the apples and skip lunch.

I seem to have missed quite a bit, though. Next time, I can wait to check out the Textile Museum and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. I think I'll hit those on a girl's trip, though. No need to torture the hubby, right?

It's really a cute town if you ever get the chance to take a stroll through it. I think we all thoroughly enjoyed poking around on our little daytrip!

Wordless Wednesday

May-ry Christmas

Not that I have ever had a ton of friends, but since moving I am pretty much in constant contact with my "Facebook friends" and that's about the extent of my social circle. It's hard to make friends when you're at work all day, every day. So I joined a local knitting group that calls itself the Yarnivores and I'm really enjoying my weekly trip to the local Starbucks to stitch and bitch, craft and chat, and well, basically get some social interaction with live people now and again.

The other great thing about it is that these women KNOW how to knit. They've given me tips, instructions, and loads of tutorials. And getting into the regular habit of knitting has been great. Two projects down since I starting going back in February or so. That's got to be a record for me! First was the little bellbottoms, now I've finished little wee one's Christmas stocking.

What's next on my horizon? I decided that mama needs a post-partum project for myself! It's going to be a cute cap-sleeve number and I bought this great yarn for it on Knitpicks.com. I can't wait to share the results. Unless they're embarrassing. Then I'll pretend I forgot all about it. What'choo got on the needles lately?

Get Growing

Can I tell you how excited I am about starting a vegetable garden this year? SUPER EXCITED! It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time, and I had a really sub-par set up at my old house, so I am just smiling ear to ear now that I have one and it's been planted. Above you'll find the incredible design my dad put together for me. It's essentially two beds, side by side with an aisle down the center for the lawnmower and perfectly setup so you can weed from inside the fence without having to get into the garden. Genius! It's huge -- enough for all the things we wanted to plant.

If you want to, you can certainly copy this design. It was fairly easy to build. It takes about 4 yards of dirt, which is a LOT! Each yard takes about six wheelbarrows to put into place. Phew! But it also fits enough veggies to (hope hope) feed a small army. We planted:
--Cucumbers
--2 kinds of squash
--2 kinds of tomatoes
--yellow onions
--asparagus
--2 kinds of strawberries
--Basil
--Carrots
--Pumpkins
--Green beans
--Lettuce
--Spinach
--Sugar snap peas

I'm probably forgetting something...who knows what will appear!


A couple of important things I learned from my parents, who have gardened for 30 years:
--Pinch off 1/2 of the strawberry's flowers the first year
--Plant squash and pumpkins far apart, or they will cross-polinate and you will have "squmpkins" or "pumpuash"
--Water daily at first
--Get something for your sugar snap peas to climb on
--Don't let in the waskily wabbits...they will eat your green beans
--Don't harvest the asparagus for a couple of years; when you cut it, cut below the surface

So what are you waiting for...GET GROWING! It's so much fun! If you are way ahead of me, tell me, what are you growing? What's your favorite thing about having a veggie garden?

After: Backyard Goes Bird Friendly

Slowly, we've been transforming the inside of our house. With the warmer weather and greener grass the Spring has sprung on us, we're beginning to look outside. We have the luck (not sure yet if it's good or bad luck) of having a totally clean slate here. Other than a few bushes and trees, there are NO flowers, NO veggies, NO nothing planted in your big yard. And aside from one bird feeder, we have no means for sustaining all the critters that come to hang out in our yard.

Our first step was to add a bird bath (cool tiered dealie we got for Christmas with a pump that runs the water through it making a beautiful running-water sound all day) and start to fill the bird feeder with food. Then, albeit a bit early, we added a hummingbird feeder. Then, my handy dad whipped up 5 new birdhouses for our feathered friends, which we hung all over our yard. We've got one bird feeder left to hang up and we're ready for the flocks.

Next project up is our great backyard veggie garden. We've got a great design (thanks again, dad!) and have the dirt sitting in the driveway. Now we just need to get all 40 or so wheelbarrows full of it back to the garden and get everything planted. No biggie, eh? Good thing the hubby is so good natured, or I'd be sunk trying to do all this myself. He's not much of a gardener, so he's really put up with a lot!

Well, all weekend we had rain so the yard plans came to a screeching halt. Let's hope next weekend looks better. I can't wait to share our successes and...ahem...learning experiences...with the new garden!

Hand Knit Bellbottoms for the Baby

We are super excited to be welcoming a new little girl to our house in a few months. But, I have to tell you, we are also all a little unsure of what to expect. Our world currently revolves around trains and trucks and a John Deere tractor. What will happen when adding another female to our equation? Dolls driving dump trucks? Playing T-Ball in dresses? Surely we'll figure out what little girls are made of soon enough, but right now it's a little hard to imagine. All I can think is pink, and dresses.

Which is why I surprised myself when I went to Loop, a local yarn shop, and choose this teal green color for the first knitting project for the new baby. Not PINK? The audacity. But it is so soft and lovely that I can't wait to see how it looks on the babe. For you knitters, it's the Debbie Bliss eco baby. I think it might be new? But anyway, it's great. The pattern I used is called Baby Bellbottoms and I got it free on ravelry. It was pretty simple to knit, actually, even though I was pretty intimidated at first.

Can't wait until I have a little lady to try them on! Next up, I'll be knitting her Christmas stocking! That, I assure you, will be pink.

Wordless Wednesday

After: New Curtains for Baby's Room

This room in our house is undergoing a very gradual transition from craft storage dumping ground to guest room to new little girl's room. First and foremost, I had a vision for curtains. I have been known to pick things up at Ikea having no idea what to do with them (Wait, you do that, too?). So several years ago I picked up this cute kid's comforter cover and pillowcase with rhinos on it. It's been sitting in my stash just waiting for this project. It fit the window perfectly and I didn't have a bunch of leftovers hanging around, so I felt like I even got a little destashing out of it -- bonus!

If you're wondering where I got the inspiration for the curtain rod, it came from a tutorial for an Eames-inspired coatrack on Craftzine.com. I loved the idea of using those big wooden balls painted in cheerful colors, so I just picked a couple of them up at Michael's and they worked perfectly as curtain rod finials.

The next thing this room will likely get is a new Adam Turman print for the walls. Pretty sure it will be the Cycle the Twin Cities print with the cute girl riding a bike in heels, applying lipstick. I also have my eye on a cute print by Katie Daisy like this ABCs one or this one she keeps selling out of called How Does Your Garden Grow?

It's a fun work-in-progress. Hard to give up a great guest room, but easy to get excited about our new addition and how to welcome her to her space. Hopefully she's okay with the "beige" walls, cuz mama's done painting for a while! Phew!

Easter Pants

My little guy loves his mama-made pants. And for that, I'm grateful. He's so opinionated about what he wants to wear it's sometimes a bit of a crap-shoot. Some mornings he wakes up and absolutely INSISTS he must change his pajamas immediately. And he refuses to just put on clothes. He MUST have a different pair of pajamas on. And then there was the perfectly nice pair of slippers I bought him that were refused and then were outgrown. Then there was the sweater I spent 9 years knitting and wore once, the second time around claiming "I don't like it."

Just last week we sat down together in front of the computer to pick out some sandals on Endless.com (Have you tried it yet? Free shipping!) on which there are ENDLESS numbers of shoes to choose from. He saw one pair he liked and when they didn't have his size, it was a no-go on any sort of second choice. Luckily by the time we dragged him into Sears, he had changed his mind and wanted car shoes which they had! And they lit up! Bless Sears for carrying them -- even though my son has never seen the movie (It's a movie, right?) he loves cars, and therefore loves the shoes.

That's how it is with him. All clothing must have some sort of vehicle on it. Train, truck, car, etc. Now pajamas are an exception. But this fabric I scored at Crafty Planet called Wheels by RIley Blake just fit the bill for an opinionated little bugger. I used McCall's pattern 5284 as a template and it was great. This one has cargo-style pockets that I just opted not to use. And the pattern also has dresses/jumpers which would be mighty cute and easy to whip up.

He loved the pants and wanted to wear them right away. WIth his John Deere sweatshirt of course. Good thing there are lots of great transportation-themed fabrics out there. And good thing we're having a new baby soon, because infants are considerably less opinionated about what they wear, right?

Happy Bunny Day!

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We did!

Retro Kid's Kitchen a la Craigslist

As I mentioned before, I am a newbie to Craigslist. Mostly because of my husband's skepticism. So after two successful purchases without being ripped off or murdered, I think we're on a roll. This second one was this beautiful retro 70s play kitchen. We already have a play kitchen cupboard we found in the garbage last year, but now that we're going to have two kids, well one play kitchen simply isn't enough, right?

Now to fill it up with empty egg cartons, cereal boxes and other fun things!! It's already been inhabited by our Melissa and Doug sandwich set, on loan from my sister's girls. What more could a kid need?

Wordless Wednesday

After: New Barstools in the Kitchen

Beige Beauties



Check out our new awesome retro barstools, compliments of Craigslist! These were a total score if I do say so myself. It's not easy finding retro barstools that have backs, and these are in perfect condition besides. And the colors! Mmmm, they brighten up our beige-aholic house quite nicely. I have no idea what these are -- are they fiberglass? Is this a certain design era? Where did they come from originally?

Oddly enough, despite my usual thrift store, garage sale and antique store shopping obsession, this is my very first Craigslist purchase. But I couldn't help myself, I actually bought something else off Craigslist this weekend. But that's a topic for another post!

Wordless Wednesday

One Yard Wonders Wants YOU!

I don't think I have to repeat that it was a super-mega thrill to have one of my projects included in the first edition of One Yard Wonders. But to be offered a shot at possibly being in TWO books? Well, it might just be too much for me. But you should submit your project! You've only got a couple of weeks left to get your submission in, so what are you waiting for? DO IT! It's loads of fun, even if you don't get picked.

This follow-up book is going to be organized around fabric types. Flannel, wool, silk, oilcloth, all manner of interesting fabrics to consider. I imagine this book will be FULL of unique and interesting things to make. Check out the pitch and see if you've got something to contribute. Then I can buy the book and try out your pattern! Everyone wins.

Maybe somehow I'll scrap together 30 seconds to submit something. Then again, maybe I'll just bask in the glow of having been published once!

New Product: Kid's Breakfast Shirt

My poor little sweetie has been sick for two weeks. After about 9 days we went to the doctor and she gave us some meds to pick up if we felt we needed them. Well today was about day 14 and we broke down and got the meds. He's been off and on a complete a-hole for at least a week. Like, two hour screaming/crying jags. Hauling out of the restaurant fits. You name it. And of course that could all be chalked up to having a two-going-on-three-year-old, but it also probably doesn't help that he has a constant runny nose and a hacking cough.

Hopefully the meds will help. Otherwise, mommy and daddy will need meds. At least daddy can drink. Mommy is busy baking the next holy terror! UGH! Despite his tyrannical behavior and the fact that I have contemplated locking myself in the bathroom several times this week on his account, I did find it in my heart to make him a new tee shirt this weekend. Even though he loves pancakes, I thought it would be a little easier to depict the classic breakfast. So that's what he's got. His brand new breakfast shirt, complete with bacon, eggs, and toast.

My mind was actually totally blown by the fact that he wanted to put it on immediately. And he put it back on this morning. He's so obsessed with trucks and diggers and John Deere, and so OPINIONATED, I figured that shirt would go the way of many things I make him -- the back of the closet. It was a good surprise. I decided to throw this in my Etsy shop and see if any other breakfast-lovers find a need for a shirt like this. It's seeming to become a favorite in our house...!

Wordless Wednesday

New Product: Recycled Clothesline Organic Tees

Finally, I started making something for girls! It started with the Big Sis Tee, and now I'm on to these cute clothesline tees made on my new, colorful, organic cotton baby onesies. I use repurposed fabrics to make the little clothes that hang on the line, too, so these are do-gooder shirts, for reals.

I was inspired to make these by my own shoes. Yes, my shoes. You see, years ago I bought a pair of Camper Twins shoes that have a clothesline. They were on super-duper sale and I've worn them to death ever since. In fact, I dread the day I have to replace them because I'm sure they will either not be on sale, or I won't be able to track them down. So maybe my new onesies are my way of immortalizing these shoes.

I also love the clothesline image because I love to hang our clothes out to dry. Did you know that some states are moving to BAN them? Check out Laundry List and this article in Time Magazine for information if you're pro-line drying like I am, or just want to know what all the fuss is about. I don't have a clothesline at my new house, so I guess I'll have to find out if they've been banned or if I can put one in. If I do, I just know these little onesies will look so darn cute hung on it!

Stepping Out

Depending on where you live in the world, you may be looking at the calendar right now, or surveying your yard wondering, "When the he&% is it going to be Spring?" That's what I've been thinking about. It's been a fast transition around my area from snowy to muddy, but it couldn't really come soon enough. We desperately needed outside time. And color other than gray and beige and brown. I finally am starting to see glimmers of hope.

Like the other day when we ran over to the pond behind the library to feed the ducks. The ice is coming off the water, and the snow is quickly disappearing. The snowmen we built in our yard three weeks ago (seemed to be huge at the time) are now just memories. And buds (buds!) are clearly visible on the bushes and trees in the yard. So it is coming, eventually. Now I only wish that there was a single flower in my yard. But alas, there are none. All the better for me to take under my wing and transform, right!?

And I've got big plans for the yard. A vegetable garden with squash, peas, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins (for sure!). I want all the perennials I had at my old house, like rhubarb, peonies, bee balm, and black-eyed susan. And this year, I decided to buy 1/2 pound of wildflower seeds and try my hand at creating an all-native garden in my front yard. Yes, a bit to bite off given I'll be pretty preggo when the time comes to make all this happen. But, that's what husbands are for, eh?

So what are you itching to do, now that the Spring fever has infected the population? Got any bugs?

After: Crazy Purple Dining / Living Room

When we first looked at our new house, the living and dining room had purple carpet. Need I say more? Luckily, I thought, new flooring is relatively easy to make happen. Oooooh, how wrong I was.

We asked to have the guy come over to measure the day after we moved in. This was 2 1/2 months ago. Earlier this week, the work was finally done.

We decided that since the "living room" probably will never be used, I could take it over as my craft room. Now, I didn't think I could be convinced that having all my craft junk "hanging out" right when people walk in the front door would be okay. But, I guess I was convinced. And I think it'll be okay. After all, this is an AWESOME space for crafting. TONS of light.

Lucky for me there's also lots of storage all around the house, because I have accumulated lots of stuff!! Now I just have to share the space with our dining room.

Now, we just need some artwork. I'm sure there's some around here...somewhere!

Big Bread

Maybe it's the winter weather that brought it on. Or maybe it's my awesome new kitchen. Whatever the reason, ever since moving to Wisconsin, I've been Betty Baker around here. Hardly a week goes by when some treat or other isn't in our kitchen. We made a huge batch of bread dough from Tassajara Bread Book and used one for bread, the other for the world's yummiest cinnamon rolls. I also tried the recipe for British Flapjacks from Bon Apetit, and later my hubby basterdized it into a chocolate chip version. There's been gingerbread cookies, beer bread, and an awesome Brown Sugar Apple Cheesecake from Dorie Greenspan's Baking cookbook. Good thing I'm pregnant, or the 15 pounds I've gained in the last few months would really be a problem!

I guess I'm glad the weather is changing. I'm not quite as obsessed with being in my kitchen at the moment (although there IS a pan of brownies on my counter). But I don't think my baking days are quite over, so what's the best thing you've baked lately?

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Be Out There

Here's a scary thought. According to some research from the University of Michigan, kids today spend an average 4 - 7 minutes outside per day. That's basically a walk to and from the car and maybe to and from the bus to school. Ugh! The National Wildlife Federation has reacted to the facts with a new campaign, called Be Out There, which encourages parents to get their kids outside through tips, ideas and activities for kids. Check out the Be Out There website. If you're committed to getting your kids outdoors, take the Be Out There Resolution.

I spent lots of quality time outdoors with my family, ice skating on a little pond in our backyard and eating wild onions out of the woods next to our house. We made about 1,000 snowmen and spent many weekends on the dock at our cabin. Now that I have my own kiddo, I am going to have to get out of my "city mouse" mode a little more and get him out fishing, camping and exploring the outdoors. I'm looking forward to the ideas from NWF and putting them to use!

What were your favorite outdoor memories as a kid? Any you can't wait to share with your kids?

Bottlecap Game

Our friends in Iowa got us this awesome John Deere bottle opener that we installed in our kitchen. It even has a little basket that catches your bottle caps. The other great thing about it is that with all those bottle caps in easy toddler reach, we are forced to find something to do with them.

Thus the bottlecap game. You may be more familiar with a game played at babyshowers (or at least one I was at) where you put a clothespin between your knees and try to drop it into a Mason jar. In this version, we got a little stool out and dropped the bottle caps into a little container. I didn't have a Mason jar handy, but any glass or cup will really work. We had lots of fun playing this game, and I love how there's virtually no supplies (unless you consider garbage to be a supply), preparation and almost no clean up. What's more, your kiddo can play it right in the kitchen while you're getting dinner on the table.

Got any good games going at your house lately?