happy weekend

(image via The Material Review)

It's late in the day but I have lots to do - mainly preparations for dinner with friends tonight while trying to calm what I think is a teething baby.  (Clarification: I know Ezra is a baby, not sure if he is cranky due to teething, but maybe.)  The highlight of my weekend just might be the grilled pizza that's on the menu tonight!  I'm still trying to figure out dessert.  The ice cream I had planned on making requires more than eight hours of chilling time and as it's now twelve noon, I don't think I have enough time to get it going.  Hmm...  while I try to come up with something quick and tasty, here's my list of links - 
- I love this story of God's hand in this family's adoption process
- maybe Ezra would like to nibble on these crochet veggies
- check out this week's healthy change
- isn't this chalkboard banner great?
- I'm starting to collect ideas for Ezra's first birthday party (my baby is almost one!  eek!)
- these lavendar scones would be the perfect addition to a weekend picnic
Here in Rhode Island we have a three day weekend due to a holiday not many other states celebrate (actually, I think RI is the only one!).  I'm sure Ezra would be looking forward to three days with daddy if he had the ability to look forward to things.  Have a great weekend! 

stacked coins baby quilt, part deux

This quilt is one of the approximately thirty-seven reasons I'm excited my friends Jaclyn and Nate are having a baby girl.  I made it last winter with their unborn (and unconceived!) little one in mind.   

At that time she was a baby we were waiting for, and as I sewed I prayed that she would come soon.  Now we only have to wait a few more weeks for her grand debut!  

For those of you who might be wondering, I used this tutorial from Moda Bake Shop and added a patchwork strip to the back for interest.

P.S. Check out the the boy version I made for Ezra's big cousin Matthew last year.

happy weekend

(image via Geronimo Balloons)

It feels like a long weekend to me because Matt took the day off to spend some time with me and Ezra.  We're looking forward to a drive to Rhodemont Farm in Coventry and then visiting a farmers market right down the street from us at the Pastore Complex in Cranston.  Dinner is going to be grilled pizza (I'm thinking one pesto with grilled vegetables and one Hawaiian style) followed by homemade chocolate crackle ice cream.  Then on Saturday Ezra and I are going to my friend Jaclyn's shower and I absolutely cannot wait - for presents (both given and to be received) and lunch (catered by Pranzi), but most importantly to celebrate the wonderful gift that Mykenzie will be and is already.  She is such a blessing.  
Now brace yourselves... I think I went overboard this week.
- just found out about the Amy Butler collection for Bed, Bath & Beyond... is this news to anyone but me?
- if you're in RI this weekend check out the Newport Folk Festival
- here's this week's healthy change
- can you imagine celebrating your 102nd birthday? (and doing it with amazing style, I might add...)
- the most perfect (and free!) picnic invitations for hosting your own outdoor soiree
- I'm loving this color explosion of a nursery
- these two Rhode Island prints (here and here) are sweet
- we bought a breadmaker!  any recipe suggestions?
Is it me or is this longer than most?  Sorry for clogging up your feed, but I couldn't help but share!  Next week I'll be posting about the meals I've made for our vegetarian week which we're wrapping up tonight.  Same bat time.  Same bat channel.  Have a great weekend! 

happy weekend

(image via etsy seller bomobob)

Today Ezra and I are holing up in his room, the only air-conditioned spot in our house.  We had plans to meet some adult and baby friends for a picnic lunch at Goddard Park, but with temperatures expected to rise to over 100 we decided to reschedule.  Tomorrow we're going to Buttonwood Farm for a church fellowship where we'll see four acres of sunflowers (planted as part of a fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation), bring Ezra on his first hayride, and indulge in a cone of the farm's homemade ice cream.  As usual, we'll be at church on Sunday morning, and after services Matt is doing a couple of shoots.  Finally, we'll end the afternoon at our friend's birthday celebration.  What are your plans this weekend?
I'm going to brew up a big pitcher of my favorite iced tea.  While it's steeping, here are my favorite finds from the week...
- just found out about Denyse Schmidt discounted baby bedding
- the most awesome free printable party invitations ever
- an unexpected way to use balloons
- here's healthy change no. 29
- hanging balloons overhead is a spectacular way to celebrate a birthday
- not sure what I would do with these fruit labels, but they sure are cute
- this quirky ostrich fabric is on my wish list
- check out this RI wedding held at Whispering Pines - loads of fun details!
Stay cool!  I'll see you back here on Monday...

under the sea and dreaming

Finally, my mendocino quilt can be laid to rest.  I started it over a year ago and made some mistakes while piecing the back so I put the whole project on hold indefinitely.  It's much more fun to make progress moving forward rather than backwards, which is another type of progress in quilting, I suppose.

This quilt was made with no one in mind and I don't think I'll be able to part with it because I love Heather Ross's funny mermaids and octopuses too much.  

I'll save it in case we ever add a baby girl to our family, and if not then I'm sure I'll be able to find a good home for this bright blanket some day.

Part of me wishes I saved the squares that I used on the back for another project so I could spread the mermaid love around, but it's too late so I guess I'll just have to enjoy them where they are.  They definitely add some interest to what would otherwise be a rather plain pink backing.

The binding is my least favorite part of this quilt because I decided to use my least favorite fabric for it - orange seahorses floating among tan seaweed in a brown sea.  

Regardless of my feelings for the binding, I love the way this quilt came out and am glad that I get to keep it!