The Magic of Christmas

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Do you remember when you first found out the 'truth' about Santa Claus?  I was probably one of the last of my friends to actually succumb to the reality.  I can remember being on the large soccer field at my elementary school in California and arguing passionately with the other kids about the existence of Santa Claus.  I tried to explain to everyone how I had seen this television program where they discussed the Santa sitings that had occurred at the north pole.  Why didn't they believe me? I mean I had concrete evidence.  I was absolutely convinced that the other kids had it ALL wrong.  Which was fine because I knew that if you didn't believe, then you certainly were not going to end up on the 'nice' list, and that was fine because perhaps Santa would just drop off all those non-believers presents at my house.

My brother and I used to wake up really early in the morning on Christmas.  He would come and lay in my bed with me while we waited until the clock said 6:00AM (which was when we could go into my parents room).  We would lay there quietly, starring at each minute go by on the clock and try to fall asleep.  We never could fall asleep because our hearts were racing with the thoughts of Santa actually coming to our house.  And I swore I heard jingle bells on the roof.

I don't remember the exact moment when I found out, but I can distinctly remember the very first Christmas where I knew the 'truth'.  I just sort of felt sad, like the magic and excitement had been taken away. It was almost like I was mourning the loss for this person I once knew.  Now, don't get me wrong, Christmas has always been an amazing holiday in my family, but things just didn't feel the same that first year, something was missing.  Of course as the years passed, the holiday took on an entirely different meaning.

So what has me thinking about the magic of Christmas?  Well, this is the first year that my kids are really, really into the idea of Santa Claus.......especially my 3.5 year old, Savannah Rose.  Yesterday we had a big discussion about the naughty and nice list and many other aspects of Santa Claus.  So far I have received all kinds of questions from her:

~Is Santa still up on our roof?
~Where does Santa live?
~What kind of clothes do the elves wear?
~How long does it take to get to the north pole?
~Is it always snowing at the north pole?
~Can I go to the north pole?
~Why can't I go to the north pole?
~Can I ride in Santa's sleigh?
~Who takes care of Santa's reindeer?
~Do you think Mrs. Finkler (her preschool teacher) will be on the naughty or nice list?

Chatting with Savannah about all these different questions has brought back a sense of magic and wonder that I can feel in our house.  I can remember the excited feeling I once had thinking about Santa Claus and I guess our own kids have a way of bringing that back out in us.  The innocence of a child is a beautiful thing and I feel so blessed to be able to experience the complete magic and wonder surrounding Christmas with my children.  Yes, someday they too will find out the 'truth', but those years and years of excitement are certainly worth it!

Do you remember when you found out the 'truth' about Santa?

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The Cottage Mama ~ Black Friday Sale

Free Shipping on US orders only for purchases through The Cottage Mama Etsy Shop: www.thecottagemama.com

Black Friday Sale through Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Midnight (CST)

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Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick post to wish you all a happy thanksgiving from our little turkey's to yours!

So very, very many things to be thankful for this year, but our little Caspian Finn has to top the list.

His big sisters just adore him.

This little man is such a blessing for all of us.  Be still my heart, how I love him so.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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'Sew Serendipity Bags' by Kay Whitt ~ Book Review

 Kay Whitt has done it again!  A few months ago I was sent a copy of Kay's second book, Sew Serendipity Bags, and it is absolutely fabulous!

I'm not sure if you remember my review on Kay's first book, Sew Serendipity, but I loved it too.  Sew Serendipity, has a larger emphasis on clothing, but what do you need to go with your lovely outfit?  A beautiful, super-hip, ultra-chic bag!  And what's even better is if you can make that bag yourself.

Sew Serendipity Bags has the same feel as Kay's first book with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations helping you sew each and every step of the way.  The book is arranged by skill level or by the amount of work you are willing to take on.  The easier bags in the book contain fewer pattern pieces, less stabilizers and hardware.  As you progress, you get more and more fancy with the amounts of pockets, zippers and overall pieces involved in constructing the bags.

Kay is my kind of girl, using beautiful, patterned fabrics for all of her bags in the book.  I feel that a bag should be a statement piece and if you are going to all the effort to create it yourself, then you should choose a gorgeous, fun fabric.  Sew Serendipity Bags has such beautiful, eye-candy photography as well.

My favorite bag might be the one on the cover, though it's really hard to choose just one.  The cover bag is fun, flirty and gives the option of pairing so many of my favorite designer quilting cotton fabrics.  There are many others in the book that caught my eye that would be perfect for different occasions such as a diaper bag, grocery bag, overnight bag, ect.

If you have a sewer on your holiday gift list this year, I would definitely recommend Sew Serendipity Bags by Kay Whitt.  Or perhaps you should add it to your holiday wish-list!  Just forward your sweetheart this blog post and say "hint, hint".  

Anyone else have one of Kay Whitt's books ~ either 'Sew Serendipity' or 'Sew Serendipity Bags'?

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Modern Fabric Studio ~ Sponsored Giveaway

Today's giveaway comes from our new blog sponsor, Modern Fabric Studio.  If you have not heard of this wonderful fabric shop, I am so excited to introduce them to you.  Like I've said before, we can never have too many fabric shops around!

A note from the owner of Modern Fabric Studio, Amanda:

I have always been into crafting but I started sewing only a few years ago.  One day I came home from work..it was snowing and I knew I wouldn’t be going to work the next day.  I went and bought a sewing machine that night and locked myself up in my apartment and taught myself how to sew!  I have been LOVING it ever since!  I fell in love with the designer fabrics I sewed with and I have always wanted to own my own company…so that is how Modern Fabric Studio started!

My favorite designer is Anna Maria Horner…she was the first designer I started sewing with so I’m in love with all her fabrics!  I’m also loving Tina Givens new line (Lilliput Fields)…the fabrics are absolutely gorgeous!  And of course I love Amy Butler’s new line, Lark!

I actually have a full time job…in addition to Modern Fabric Studio so I can definitely say life is a bit busy at times! I love to sew and I love crafting…I am a “Do-It-Yourself-er” at heart! 

So please give a warm welcome to our new sponsor and head on over and visit Modern Fabric Studio.  Amanda has incredible taste and is stocking some of the most beautiful fabrics and right now she is having a HUGE sale.  Many fabrics are only $6.00 per yard and some of the gorgeous, voile fabric is only $8.00 per yard (an amazing deal).  If you are planning on sewing gifts for the holidays, you need to go stock up.  Plus you get free shipping if you purchase over $35.00!

Here are some of my favorites from Modern Fabric Studio:

 Amy Butler 'Lark'

Joel Dewberry 'Heirloom'

 Anna Maria Horner 'Loulouthi'

In addition to their amazing sale, Modern Fabric Studio is offering an exclusive discount of 10% off your entire purchase for The Cottage Home blog readers with the coupon code: COTTAGEHOME

And now onto the giveaway.  Today Modern Fabric Studio is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to be used on anything in their shop!

Here's how to enter - do one or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each entry):
1) Visit Modern Fabric Studio and tell us what you would buy with the gift certificate (click HERE).
2) Become a fan of Modern Fabric Studio and 'Like' their page on Facebook (click HERE).
3) Sign up for the Modern Fabric Studio Newsletter in the right side-bar of their website (click HERE).

Giveaway open through November 24, 2011 at midnight (CST).

And again, remember, to get an additional 10% off your ENTIRE purchase at Modern Fabric Studio, enter the coupon code: COTTAGEHOME

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Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & Garlic ~ Recipe

Roasted butternut squash with onions and garlic is the perfect fall side-dish to accompany any meal.  Looking for a new Thanksgiving side-dish? Well this could be it.  Simple ingredients with complex flavor.  You can't beat that!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions & Garlic

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 large yellow onion

1 head garlic

1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Peel butternut squash, remove seeds/pulp and cut into 1" cubes.  Cut onion in half, remove skin and cut into large chunks.  Separate garlic cloves and peel individual cloves.  Place on a large baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Toss, using hands, to combine.

Place in oven for a total of 25 minutes or until butternut squash is fork-tender.  Halfway through cooking time, stir up mixture to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Once cooked, the garlic becomes tender and delicious.  Make sure you get some nice caramelization (color) on the onions and butternut squash, that's what gives it such great flavor!

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Butterfly Kisses Fabric Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the $50.00 gift certificate to Butterfly Kisses Fabric is.........

Congratulations, Suzie!  I am so happy for you - you are going to have so much fun deciding what to buy with your gift certificate.  Please email me at thecottagemama@gmail.com and we will coordinate getting you your gift certificate.  Thanks so much to everyone who entered.  I'm so excited for Tammy and Chad and can't wait to see Butterfly Kisses Fabric grow! 

If you weren't the winner for this giveaway, don't worry because next week we will be having another fabric shop giveaway from our new sponsor, Modern Fabric Studio.  We can never have enough fabric shop giveaways, right?

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Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy ~ Recipe

Country fried steak must be a southern thing.  People around here in Chicago give me a strange look when I ask them if they have ever had it before.  My family moved from California to Texas right after I turned 13 and I have been hooked on country fried steak ever since.  I guess you could say, it was love at first bite.

Not only is country fried steak delicious, but it is also a very inexpensive cut of meat which makes it perfect for a family on a budget.  If you've never tried country fried steak, I'm sorry to say that you are missing out.  Come on, give this southern classic a try!

Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Ingredients:

For Steak ~

4 cube steaks

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup of milk

1/2 sleeve of Saltine crackers, crushed

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Lawry's seasoned salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1.5 teaspoons onion powder

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon butter

For Gravy ~

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 -3 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon Lawry's seasoned salt

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Beat eggs and milk together in a bowl.  Mix flour, saltine crackers, seasoned salt, onion powder and black pepper in a large zip-top bag.  Mix the flour/cracker mixture and crush the crackers while mixing.  Crush them until they blend in with the flour.  Then pour the mixture out onto a large plate.

To bread the cube steaks, dip the steak in the egg mixture, then coat them on both sides with the flour/cracker mixture.  Make sure to cover the entire steak by pressing down on both sides.  Shake any excess breading off before cooking.

Preheat a large, heavy-bottom skillet on medium heat.  Add oil.  Once oil is heated, add butter.  When butter is melted, add steaks.  Cook steaks for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the crust is a golden brown.  You may have to do this in batches if you are cooking more than four steaks or your pan is small.  Once steaks are cooked through, remove from pan and allow to drain on a plate covered with a paper towel.

Now for the gravy.  Leave the remaining oil and butter in the skillet.  Turn up the heat to medium-high.  Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine with oil/butter.  You want 'cook' the flour.  If you add your milk right away, the flour will retain a lot of the 'flour-y' taste - we don't want that.  Once the flour is cooked, add the milk one cup at a time with a whisk.  Whisk each cup of milk picking up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan and dissolving the flour/oil/butter into the milk.  Whisk quickly so as not have any lumps.  Add salt and LOTS of freshly ground black pepper.  Depending on how thick you like your gravy, you can use 2 or 3 cups of milk.  Continue to cook until gravy reaches your desired consistency. 

Serve your country fried steak with mashed potatoes and any vegetable of your choice.  Pour gravy over the top of the steak and potatoes.  Don't forget your garnish!  I used fresh parsley to add some color to the plate.  

Sit back and enjoy this complete comfort indulgence!

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The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Round-Up and Flickr Group

First off I would just like to say a big thank you to all the bloggers that participated in The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour.  It has been a thrill for me to see garments made from my original sewing patterns and so fun to see your individual interpretation of the patterns.

From left to right - Kojo Designs, Aesthetic Nest, A Lemon Squeezy Home

From left to right - Craftiness is not Optional, Girl. Inspired, No Big Dill

If you entered to win one of the 12 patterns being given away, please check back on each of these blogs to see if you are one of the lucky winners.

I've also started a Flickr Group for The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns.  I would absolutely love to see anything you all are making from these patterns and will be featuring photos uploaded to the Flickr Group from time to time. 

Click HERE to view and upload to The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns Flickr Group.

If you were not aware, there is also a Flickr Group for The Cottage Home Blog.  So if you ever make anything from the tutorials or ideas from this blog, please upload them to the blog group.  I would absolutely love to see your creations.  You never know when you might be featured!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support during the release of my first two sewing patterns.  The emails and kind words I have received from you all have been unbelievable and incredibly motivating.  The next two designs are in the works and I can't wait to share them with you all.

Happy Sewing!

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Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Stef from Girl. Inspired.

Today is actually going to be our final stop on The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour.  Our original final stop, Anna from Noodlehead, had to cancel due a family matter.  But I have to say, I think this final stop is going to Knock. Your. Socks. Off.  

I love Stef from Girl. Inspired.  I don't know how long she and I have been emailing back and forth, but I think if we knew each other in real life we would definitely be friends.  She has three beautiful daughters and has a love for all things girly.  Her parties are amazing and not only is she a fabulous sewer and designer, but she can decorate a cake like nobody's business.

In case you didn't know, the 'Janey Jumper' pattern comes with a total of three variations (two in addition to the cover picture).  Here are Stef's THREE variations on the 'Janey Jumper':

Let's head over to Girl. Inspired to check out Stef's THREE Christmas variations of the 'Janey Jumper' sewing pattern.  Come enter to win one of two 'Janey Jumper' patterns that Stef is giving away and check out more gorgeous pictures from her Christmas photo shoot.

Click HERE to visit Girl. Inspired.

Tomorrow I will be back with a round-up of our six different looks from The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour.  To check out more stops on the sewing pattern tour, see the schedule below.......

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns ~ Blog Tour Schedule:

November 8^th – The Cottage Home

November 9 ^th – Craftiness is not Optional

November 10^th – A Lemon Squeezy Home

November 11^th – No Big Dill

November 12^th – Kojo Designs

November 14^th – Aesthetic Nest

November 15^th – Girl.Inspired

November 16^th – Noodlehead

November 17^th – The Cottage Home

Patterns can be purchased here on the blog (in the right side-bar) or through my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  Patterns are also available for wholesale purchase.  Please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com for wholesale order minimums and additional pricing information. 

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Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Anneliese from Aesthetic Nest

We're back on, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and we are heading over to the gorgeous blog, Aesthetic Nest to see Anneliese's fall version of the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.

Anneliese is a girl after my own heart!  I pretty much love everything she does.  She has incredibly classy style and most all of her designs emit an updated version of classic, vintage style.  Aesthetic Nest is one of the first blogs I check in my reader and I am always thrilled when she posts.  Hopefully one of these days, Anneliese and I will get together to do a blog series we've been talking about for a little while.  Only time will tell.........if you've never been to Aesthetic Nest, you are seriously missing out!

Here is Anneliese's fall, courderoy version of the the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern:

You'll have to head over to Aesthetic Nest to see Anneliese's little girl, Tess, modeling this adorable romper!  Don't you just love that beautiful corduroy?  SO perfect!

Today Anneliese is giving away two copies of the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.  Head over to Aesthetic Nest to view more pictures of the Shortcake Romper and enter to win your very own copy of this pattern.

Click HERE to visit Aesthetic Nest.

To check out more stops on the sewing pattern tour, see the schedule below.......

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns ~ Blog Tour Schedule:

November 8^th – The Cottage Home

November 9 ^th – Craftiness is not Optional

November 10^th – A Lemon Squeezy Home

November 11^th – No Big Dill

November 12^th – Kojo Designs

November 14^th – Aesthetic Nest

November 15^th – Girl.Inspired

November 16^th – Noodlehead

November 17^th – The Cottage Home

Patterns can be purchased here on the blog (in the right side-bar) or through my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  Patterns are also available for wholesale purchase.  Please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com for wholesale order minimums and additional pricing information. 

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Christmas Week at Ellie Inspired

 We interupt The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour, to let you know about a great event from our fabulous sponsor, Ellie Inspired Sewing Patterns.

November 13-19th is "Christmas Week" at Ellie Inspired!  Fantastic giveaways every day along with a different craft, tutorial, or free pattern.  Christmas recipes, memories and traditions are shared each day as well as a linky party for you to share your favorite Christmas project or recipe.  

This year is extra special because Laura is going to be releasing FIVE new clothing patterns exclusively for knits!  Here is a sneak peek at the first pattern..."Playtime Girl" a dress for girls sizes 4-12 with layered sleeves and optional pockets.  

Also coming is a very easy long-sleeve dress for girls sizes 1-5 (suitable for beginners), a knit nightgown for all sizes, a hooded knit dress for sizes 4-12, and a simple, elegant knit dress suitable for the holidays.  Each day, for that day only, the new pattern of the day will be available at a special discounted price.

 Free Pattern during Christmas Week

Please come join in the fun as we kick off the holiday season with fun gift-giving and entertaining ideas, patterns you can make for Christmas gifts, and wonderful giveaways sponsored by some very talented individuals.

Blog:  www.ellieinspired.com/apps/blog
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ellie-Inspired/156440471045583

Please support our sponsor and go check out Ellie Inspired during their Christmas Week Event!

Click HERE to visit Ellie Inspired.

Tomorrow we'll be back with another stop on The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour, so stay tuned for another fabulous new look from one of my favorite bloggers!

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Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Kristin from Kojo Designs

Today is the fourth stop on, The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and we are heading over to Kristin and Jordan's incredibly inspiring blog, Kojo Designs for Kristin's take on the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.

Kristin and Jordan's blog, Kojo Designs, is full of amazing DIY projects and ideas.  Trust me, if you've never been over there to visit, you will spend hours searching around getting totally inspired to create.  They have some serious style and eye-candy photography.  These sisters share their love of all things handmade and throw some amazing parties, to boot.

Here is Kristin's little Piper Jane modeling her version of the dress from the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern:

Kristin made two different versions of this dress, but since they are reversible, she got four looks out of two dresses - can't beat that!  How cute is Piper Jane?  I remember when we did 'Project Run and Play' together and this little miss was just laying on a blanket modeling their beautiful creations.  They grow up fast, don't they?  You'll have to head over to Kojo Designs to see the rest of the pictures of this cutie patootie modeling the two dresses.

Today Kristin is giving away two copies of the 'Shortcake Reversible Romper and Dress' pattern.  Head over to Kojo Designs to view more pictures of their Shortcake creation and enter to win your very own copy of this pattern.

Click HERE to visit Kojo Designs.

To check out more stops on the sewing pattern tour, see the schedule below.......

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns ~ Blog Tour Schedule:

November 8^th – The Cottage Home

November 9 ^th – Craftiness is not Optional

November 10^th – A Lemon Squeezy Home

November 11^th – No Big Dill

November 12^th – Kojo Designs

November 14^th – Aesthetic Nest

November 15^th – Girl.Inspired

November 16^th – Noodlehead

November 17^th – The Cottage Home

Patterns can be purchased here on the blog (in the right side-bar) or through my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  Patterns are also available for wholesale purchase.  Please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com for wholesale order minimums and additional pricing information. 

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Sewing Pattern Blog Tour ~ Katy from No Big Dill

Wow, we are already on day three of The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns blog tour and today we are heading over to Katy's blog, No Big Dill to check out her version of the 'Janey Jumper' pattern.

 

Katy Dill is the mother of six children.....yes, you read that correctly.....SIX children!  After having five little girls, she recently gave birth to their very first baby boy.  She had him several weeks after I had Caspian Finn so the fact that she is participating in this blog tour is just awesome because she is definitely in the throws of 'newborn-land', just as I am.  Katy has incredible style and if they ever do a version of Project Runway for Kids, I can guarantee Katy will come out on top. 

Here is Katy's beautiful daughter, modeling her version of the 'Janey Jumper' sewing pattern:

How cute is she?  I love this modern take on the jumper pattern!  Today Katy is giving away TWO copies of the 'Janey Jumper' pattern, so head on over to No Big Dill to view more pictures of her 'Janey Jumper' and enter to win your very own copy of the pattern!

Click HERE to visit No Big Dill.

To check out more stops on the sewing pattern tour, see the schedule below.......

The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns ~ Blog Tour Schedule:

November 8^th – The Cottage Home

November 9 ^th – Craftiness is not Optional

November 10^th – A Lemon Squeezy Home

November 11^th – No Big Dill

November 12^th – Kojo Designs

November 14^th – Aesthetic Nest

November 15^th – Girl.Inspired

November 16^th – Noodlehead

November 17^th – The Cottage Home

Patterns can be purchased here on the blog (in the right side-bar) or through my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  Patterns are also available for wholesale purchase.  Please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com for wholesale order minimums and additional pricing information. 

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