Raindrops on roses...

Hi everyone! Did you miss me? I'm glad to return to the world of blogging. Apparently, I took a bit of a sabbatical, but I'm back. For today at least. And really, today is an excellent day. Why you ask?

Because this book just came out. Woo hoo! It's the sequel to Hunger Games, which I just read last week after Brittany highly recommended it. I am now totally obsessed. This is such a great series. So, if you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today. (End public service announcement.)

Other things I'm loving lately? This paper.
Darn you Martha Stewart for having so much lovely stuff I'd like to purchase. Honestly, bandana paper? That just makes me giddy.

I'm newly obsessed with this blog, the Old Red Barn Co. She's delightful, and she has this wonderful Quilt-A-Long that is so great and helpful I am now fully inspired and plan to make a quilt. It's wonderful and completly user friendly. The quilt I'm going to make? This one. From the ever excellent Posie Gets Cozy blog. What is it with all these wonderful crafty women inspiring the world at large? Someone buy them a Starbucks, honestly, they're too great.

And last buy certainly not least, an ever present favorite: Fall. Autumn. Not Summer. September 1st it is, and although there's no Fall Equinox, let's just face it...it's here. There are Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks and they're selling Christmas stuff in stores. Ahhh, I love it. Now for some cooler weather, and we'll be right as rain.

And in other wonderful-ness, the Doodle is now rolling and sitting up and happens to be a super fun and happy baby. I feel so lucky that I'm her mama and get to hang out with her everyday. She's seriously the best.

I love those two.

So, what are you loving these days?

Addiction

It's true, we all have our weaknesses. Luckily, I'm pretty good at avoiding the temptation of shopping for mine. I can stay away long enough, at least until my mom gets to town. Then, to the fabric shop we go. Oh fabric, why are you so stinkin' phenomenal, and generally, soooo not cheap. (I'm talking to you Amy Butler).

But I've recently required some good stuff that happened to be on sale, so all is well in the world of fabric, Here's my loot.



I love them both to pieces, and adore the vintage feel of them. I have plans to transform them into wonderful skirts for myself, since my summer wardrobe has basically consisted solely of t-shirts, flip flops, and skirts. Addictions are bad...but man is this a fun one.

Chamakin?

I recently stumbled across this old post on Soule Mama and it made me smile. I love the creative spirit and I hope that it's something I inspire in the babe once she's old enough. It also made me think about what I've been making. I would say nothing, but looking back, I've actually been quite productive!

For Michael's birthday, Farah had everyone bring t-shirts. But Jon and I decided to get creative and make one instead. And what's a better theme than Heroes? Exactely. Nothing.

Michael's scarred of Mrs. Petrelli. Aren't we all?

And Carrie guessed correctly I was having a girl and so won the prize there. I made one of the cute Artsy Clutch's from Bend-the-Rules Sewing. I love this pattern, it's so simple and allows for personality to shine. Granted, the babe is stealing my brain cells and it took me forever to remember how to piece it together properly. I was really frusterated and almost broke down crying. I can't wait until I have my brain back. :)

I FINALLY started something for the babe! I have so many ideas of things I want to make her. It almost overwhelmes me, but I decided to start small and work on something that could transfer over to tv watching time and allows me to lounge on the couch.

As for that blanket...well, it's still sitting on my floor, waiting to be assembled. I need some serious motivation on this because it's just sewing up seams which is SUPER BORING. Can someone please send me an elf? Thanks.

I suppose the most important making I've done lately is the babe herself. And let me tell you, she's quite the mover and kicker. Jon FINALLY felt her kick for the 1st time on Sunday and it was so fun! He was so excited, it was adorable. Ever since then she's decided to have a dance party on a daily basis. Maybe it's all the HSM3 soundtrack listening I've been doing? Hmmmm...

Thanks for making the babe so happy, Zac.

And finally, a food making. But this was all Brittany, not me. This was her favorite food from her Japan trip, Okonomiyaki, and she was nice enough to make us all some on Monday for Heroes. Ummm, yum. Now, I love different kinds of Japanese food, but this is probably my favorite. It's sooooo good. Thanks again, Britt, you're the best!

You know you want some.

So, what are you guys making?

P.S. Yes, I know that I haven't posted about the trip yet, but seriously? I haven't even downloaded all the photos yet. Once THAT happens, expect a post. :)

A few things...

Fall is the season of many things, but one is certainly knitting. And while I've been trying to keep up with it during the summer, it's just so much more fun now. So here's some of the projects I've been working on.

First of all, there's this.
My Aunt Jane made all of these, and I decided they needed to be put together into a wonderful blanket I can cuddle up under this winter. Well, "winter" here, but you know. :) I'll post more when I finish it, but for now you just get this little tease.

And to go along with the warm theme, a lovely scarf. Don't be fooled by the coloring, it's not orangish at all, but this really nice pink. I hate all the names of pink that go along with this color...'Desert Rose', 'Blushing Bride', 'Dusty Pink'...they all suck. I think we should call it 'Babies Bottom'. I mean, that's cheesy too, but it kinda makes me laugh, so that's good.
Also, I've been making soup because I love it, and it's fall. Those things seem to go together in my mind. So, here's this soup, quite yum-o Mrs. Ray. I added some carrots, changed the chicken broth for vegetable, and nixed the dill. Because really, who likes dill? (Okay, plenty of people, but certainly not me.) Enjoy. And enjoy your week!
P.S. Okay, I'm sorry for all my Heroes obsession, but I'm watching it right now and future Sylar, married to who?!?!? Why the heck is Mrs. Muggles in the house? BAH!!!!