Cheers

I recently made a quilt for my sister's birthday. She is such a joyful person, I wanted to use happy colors. 

 

The dark pink fabric with a print was repurposed from an old shirt. It became the inspiration piece for this blanket. 

Happy Birthday, Sis!

When I was a little girl, I loved going to the library with my dad. I would hunt for a stack of books to enjoy while dad looked through photography magazines and various books by their fireside. It was cozy.
 I still love trips to the local library. Yesterday I picked up a small collection of inspiring books.

 I poured through "Alabama Stitches" last night. Soon I want to add it to my own library. It's full of useful, clear information and beautiful pictures. As were all the books I found. If you have a moment, grab your beverage of choice, find a comfy chair, and enjoy!

"Alabama Stitch" by Natalie Chanin

"Alabama Stitch"

"Alabama Stitch" 

"Alabama Stitch"

"Alabama Stitch"

"Alabama Stitch"

Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas by Melanie Falick and Ericka McConnell

Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas

Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas 

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Aren't they great?! So fun.

Inspiration

I received a copy of "The Family Dinner" for Christmas.  We have always enjoyed our meals together crowded around our small wooden table nestled in the kitchen. So, while having a family dinner is nothing new for us, the book reminded me of the importance of including the kids in meal prep and presentation. They enjoy chopping veggies, stirring, or adding ingredients to a bowl. They take pride in setting a simple yet special table. Cups filled? Check. Napkins out? Check. An extra towel for spills? Candles lit? Check check.

Sometimes dinner might be prepared by hands other than your own. Go ahead. Order curried chicken and butternut squash. Pull up a chair and take a load off. You're home.

Content

 I've been planning and designing our home since we moved in a little over a year ago. Recently we started choosing designs and colors for the kitchen and bathroom. Those plans are currently on hold, and so in the meantime I make do with what I have to make our space a little more cozy. Like hanging the coat rack from our first apartment in the bedroom where my collection of scarves now resides. And splurging on a $4 bowl from Anthropologie for my small assortment of jewelry. Nothing major, just small differences that make a big impact on the feel of the place.

Settling In

 We spent a few days in Sunriver, Oregon taking in the sunny weather and enjoying Mount Bachelor. It was gorgeous. The older kids both tried skiing for the first time. I was proud of them, braving the chair lift and fearlessly coming down the mountain.

We are back home again, now, settling back into routine. Playing in the snow makes winter seem shorter. I think I need to head back to the mountain soon for some inner-tubing.