Often (umm, too often), I come upon a sewing pattern that just fits my aesthetic so much that I must buy it. That's how it was with The Gathering Apron by Sew Liberated. Continue reading

Hi there!.. I enjoy all things creative: photography, cooking & baking, sewing, knitting, crochet, drawing, and all things in between. I'm always up to something. My blog pages are strewn with my interests and through the years they have come and gone... Currently, my day job allows me to work... Continue reading

I've never studied Feng Shui or taken to becoming very adept at decorating. However, I do know that I like my little corners of interest, inspiration, and memories. I'll focus my attention on those spots rather than the spaces that accumulate the clutter of a mom and two teens. Continue reading

I recently read this past post about my daughter----who turned 15 over a week ago: In a State of Grace. To this day, my daughter bemoans her name--- the common association of her name, Grace (being graceful---- which, she is not!). But the name, and my daughter, are so much more than the typical definition of Grace. In fact, when I read through that previous post, I nodded in agreement. And I felt so much appreciation for the grace that she brings to our family's life. Continue reading

This was my view for much of a recent hike with my son: his lanky frame in front of me between the curves of our trail. It was a rare just-you-and-me moment for us---- few and far between these days.... Continue reading

This time of year, our grill gets a lot of use and since corn on the cob is plentiful, cheap, and GOOD, we often serve it alongside our other favorites.Sometimes, though, the usual butter & salt treatment gets a little boring. Continue reading

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." ~Marcus Tillius Cicero Continue reading

Kimchi fried rice is all over the internet and fried rice in general doesn't really require a recipe. It's more of a technique. It's also a perfect last-minute dinner! If you have cold rice in your frig, veggies, eggs, and a protein, dinner is ready in minutes. In fact, I feel silly providing a recipe because it's so adaptable to what you have on hand---- but nonetheless, this is the technique I use for fried rice. Continue reading

He is growing up too quickly. This post was just yesterday, right? And yet, in many ways, he is still that same kid. Continue reading

This marinade is my current favorite for flavoring up whatever we’re in the mood for. I’ve used it on chicken, shrimp, and beef. It’s a little akin to one of my favorite sauces, Argentine Chimichurri sauce. Continue reading

My kids are so patient with me. They put up with my chores, frenzied demands, deadlines, healthy foods, and yes, my worrying. Sure, they make messes, put off mowing, sleep until 12:30 when no one's home, bicker, and maintain a level of mess in their rooms that would make the cast of Hoarders cringe. Continue reading

I am experiencing a lot of illumination in my life. Interesting how one conversation and another person's similar experiences and perspective can change everything. It's as if I was looking north all this time--- looking for the path through a... Continue reading

Each week, I have sewing plans. I can’t list all of the patterns I want to make (well, there’s the Darling Ranges Dress, the Banksia Top, the Esme Top, Cake Pattern's Tiramisu, Colette Chantilly, and Sewaholic's Cambrie). Someday, I'll finish them all! Continue reading

P and I split up during the holidays of 2011. We spent the last year and a half not accepting the fact that we split up during the holidays of 2011. Lately, my focus has been redirected to my own growth through this process and noticing the things in my life that bring me joy, fulfillment, and grounding. I now have a house of my own, a full-time (and fulfilling) job at a library, and two teenage children. I’m making a go of it, but I'm busy. Continue reading

But it seems that for me, it takes a certain level of permission to sit down, forget everything else, pick up my needles, and settle into the relaxation of knitting. I haven’t had the time for that these past ten months, I tell myself. But in reality, I haven’t chosen to take the time. Recently, I did, though. And it was just what my distracted mind needed---- the repetitive motion, the feel of wool, the clicking of the needles, wool's earthy smell, the tangible reward of my progress. My old friend. Continue reading

Once I find something I like, I revisit it often. Okay... yes, obsess over it might be a more accurate description. Take this Grilled Romaine Salad. I know, you foodies out there are rolling your eyes and calling me out-of-date. For you, the newness of grilled lettuce has lost its 'a-ha' edge. But for late comers like me, I'm still in the obsession phase. Continue reading

My level of mid-week stress hinges upon my level of completed chores over the weekend. There are the usual chores, such as laundry, vacuuming, and such, but the chores that really affect my stress level are my kitchen chores. That is, food prep. Preparing food for the week ahead... Continue reading

I'm quite smitten with Peter Pan collars these days---- I'm not sure that it was fashionable in the 70s, but I do remember wearing clothes with this style of collar. The project above is based on Colette's free downloadable Sorbetto... Continue reading