Thursday, December 19, 2013

A Very Royal Christmas



I know these aren't really the Royals, but I can't help but adore these photos anyway, with look-alikes spoofing Prince George's first Christmas.


The corgis!!!!









I've seen them all over the place, but borrowed from people of course! 


Oh, and I'm totally sending the Royal Corgis an invitation to my wedding. Surely they'd attend, yes?   

Friday, December 13, 2013

baby pineapple!



This Sunday will mark 34 weeks, so I thought I'd share a photo...this past week, at 33 weeks, Baby C has been the size of a pineapple, they say! I don't know who makes these fruit determinations, but they amuse me greatly. Another website told me she was a durian this week, and I am not 100% sure what a durian fruit is, to be honest  :) 








The nursery is coming along, and she has loads of clothes already. She's so loved, it amazes me at how many people have been so supportive of Steve and I during this time. I've been quite lucky and not had many typical symptoms at all, and overall, have felt very good, aside from being quite tired. If that's the worst I've felt, then I really have nothing to complain about, I know. 


We've had three lovely showers (in NH, DC and IA), and will not be travelling at all for Christmas, but my parents are coming down the weekend between then and New Years, and then Baby C will be here sometime in January! She's due January 26, which is two days after my birthday. I wouldn't mind if she came a little earlier than that, but not too early, of course! We'll see what happens!  

Monday, December 9, 2013

snowy Sunday sewing



Happy Monday! 


When I woke up yesterday morning, it was snowing, and continued to do so on and off all day! I spent the day tidying the house, writing thank you notes for the baby showers I've been thrown, and then doing a bit of sewing. I am working on a quilt for Baby C, but took a break from that to make her a few pairs of leg warmers! 


I saw a few tutorials on pinterest, and Saturday evening, I was at Target for a few things, so I grabbed a few pairs of women's knee socks ($2.50 each!), and whipped these up! Once I figured it out, each pair took about ten minutes. I will admit that I did the first one wrong twice before figuring it out  :) 


This is the tutorial I used, and I very much appreciated the photos! I had read the instructions a few times, but then when I went to make them, I turned one of the pieces the wrong way, twice, and had to redo them! No big deal. 


Cute, eh? 






Now I want to make so many more, I just love them! 


Babies in white onesies and leg warmers...nothing better! 


How was your weekend? 






Tuesday, December 3, 2013

bridesmaids



How many is too many bridesmaids? 




I'm just not sure what to do about them! I have a number of close friends, and I've been in a number of weddings too. I could have seven, I could have nine. Is nine too many? Most people say yes it is too many, but also, to do what you want, as it's your wedding. True, but perhaps easier said than done? I don't want to offend people, nor hurt any feelings, and I am feeling so torn about this! 


How many bridesmaids did you have? How many is the most you've seen at a wedding that you've either been in or attended? 



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

baby shower!

I was home in NH this past weekend and my family threw me and Baby C a shower! The cake was just the cutest thing!


Sheepies!






More soon :)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Social



I thought I'd do a link up tonight...they're always fun, and I rarely do them, for some reason! Are you a fan of link-up parties?






1. What is on your wish list? I really want both a popover pan and a cast iron skillet. Santa, are you listening? I also need to get Baby C's nursery set up, since she'll be here in just a few months! 



2. Share a new iPhone / iPad app that you recently discovered that we all need:
I don't think it's that new, but my sister told me about PicStitch, which is fun. It allows you to make a little photo collage and send it to instagram, etc! 



3. What is a new fall TV show that you've added to your DVR?
Hmmm, I think most of the shows I watch aren't new this year...am I missing something amazing?!



4. Share your social media links so we can follow you.
I'm lexilooo on instagram, twitter and pinterest too!



5. What is a show, movie, or song you could watch over and over and never get tired of? 
Anything by Chicago, I adore them so, so much, and saw them last summer live with my family, and it was amazing. Yeah, they may be cheesey, but I love them anyway! I've been watching a lot of reruns of both The Cosby Show and Family Ties lately, and have been loving both. 




What about you? Are you social today!?

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

red velvet cheesecake cupcakes!



I've been meaning to post these for ages now, as I made them a month ago for Steve's birthday. Red velvet cheesecake cupcakes! They were amazing!







I posted the recipe to Scarlet Threads blog yesterday, so go have a look!



Friday, October 18, 2013

apron giveaway with Scarlet Threads!




Quick announcement that I meant to mention a week ago! Scarlet Threads has new aprons and we're giving one away, and it could be yours! 


Introducing, Sofia!







Isn't she lovely?




Also, there is a new website and lots of great things to see, so have a look! Remember, if you make a purchase from the site, use the code lex25 for a discount on your purchase!




Monday, October 7, 2013

some news from these parts

a little bit of this....







and a little bit of that...







crazy indeed!


Friday, September 13, 2013

coffee date Friday



I thought I'd join Alissa's Coffee Date Friday this afternoon, just for fun! I don't often do linkups, but always enjoy them!



Tim Hortons. My favorite coffee place, and I wish the Canadian chain would open a location here in Washington, DC! I'd be such a happy girl! 


If we were having coffee together today, I'd possibly tell you how exhausted I am, and how much I need this cup of coffee! It's been a very busy week at work, with board meetings for two of the days, and I need a relaxing weekend.


This weekend though, will be very nice - Steve and I are traveling home to NH to visit my family! Today is Steve's birthday as well as my brother's birthday, and my family is also celebrating my brother's recent college graduation! So, lots of happy all around. We will celebrate Steve's birthday here in DC with friends next week, so the traditional birthday week will continue on! I'm taking him for dinner tonight. 


Labor Day weekend, we were in Iowa for a wedding, and we stopped at Steve's favorite hometown ice cream shop, which was a treat, as always! I had red velvet ice cream. Red velvet anything makes my heart happy, so I was pleased! 





I just ordered a bit of fabric from one of my favorite online shops. I found some fabric that I can use for a Christmas gift for my mother! I want to make a few more things this year than I did last, so I need to start early! I'm a slow quilter   :)    Also, I need to get going on some baby quilts I'm working on. Why can't I be a stay-at-home quilter?!?! 



Also! Scarlet Threads is introducing the new Chin Collection, and it's a beauty. We still have gorgeous aprons, including my favorite, Priscilla (those ruffles!), and they won't last long. 




Remember, if you need an apron or anything else from the Scarlet Threads collection, use the code lex25 for a discount on your pruchase! I feel so honored to be working with Carrie, Eileen, Hannah and the rest of the girls in this amazing organization. Empowering people through economic development is something that I feel so strongly about, and I love seeing the changes that these women are creating in their lives.


Also! I need to share a few new photos of my World Vision babies soon! They're getting so big, and I just love when they send progress reports and new pictures. 


In other sweet news (hehe!), I tried a cannoli cupcake from Crumbs last week and it was life-changing. I know I can;t even these as often as I wish I could, but boy-oy-boy....





Trust me, it's as amazing as it looks!
(filed under, cupcake junkie) 


What does your weekend look like? Any big plans going on? 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

a wee bit of sewing


I feel like I haven't had time for much sewing lately at all, and I'm behind, as I have a million projects to do...and then, every time I read quilty blogs and magazines, I see more ideas that I want to try! Eeeek! How do I become a stay-at-home quilter? 


I've made a few minis lately, which is nice, as they are usually finished in one day, so it's a bit of instant gratification. Also, minis are a good way for me to practice my binding (the part around the edge of the fabric that holds the pieces together), as this part is the hardest for me. I know what to do, and how to do it, but it never quite seems to work for me! 


This one is made with a fabric line called Cuzco by Kate Spain. She is one of my favorite fabric designers, and has the most lovely prints. For this, I used a tool called Lil' Twister, which allows you to cut and twist the fabric in interesting ways. 






I'm not sure what this fabric is called- it's not something I'd normally pick! My mother's local quilt shop in NH had a mystery grab bag challenge a few weeks ago. It was $10, and you would receive a small brown bag with two pieces of fabric in it. You could add a third fabric, whatever you wanted, but just one, and then make something. This is just about 12x12 inches square. I mailed it back to the shop where they were displayed, and customers could vote for their favorites. I didn't win anything, which I wasn't expecting to at all, but it was neat to try something new, though the pattern I did isn't terribly original! 





Also, now that fall is here, Katie's 100 Quilts for Kids is ongoing! In this charity drive, she asks that people make a baby quilt to donate to a local organization of your choice. There are prizes too! Of course, this has been going on since July, and I am just now getting started. As usual, I'm way behind. 


If you're in the DC area, we have an upcoming sewing day that we'd love to have you participate in, if you can! We'll be working on charity quilts, or anything of your choice, if you'd prefer. Come join us! 


http://swimbikequilt.com/2013/07/100-quilts-for-kids-charity-quilt-drive-starts-today.html


Come sew with us! 




Wednesday, August 28, 2013

a fall must-have outfit



I came across this pin on pinterest and am just obsessed with this outfit for fall!








Doesn't it look like the perfect cozy weekend outfit? Maybe for apple picking? I'm loving it, and must find the pieces! I have tall boots that I bought last year and adore, but I don't have a loosey-goosey sweater like this, and am pretty sure that I need one for happiness.


The search starts now!


I'm not the only one anxious for cool weather, am I?!?!











Monday, August 26, 2013

three ingredient Nutella cookies!



Recently, I saw a recipe on pinterest for three-ingredient Nutella cookies, and I was intrigued. I knew I had to make them. It must have been fate, because when I was grocery shopping, Nutella was on sale! It's never on sale! 




Yes, I take photos at the grocery store...is this weird?! Probably. 


Anyway, back to the cookies.


It's a very simple recipe; flour, Nutella and an egg. I pulled out my mixer and mixed away. You'll need one cup each of the flour and the Nutella, and then an egg. Blend them together. The dough was very crumbly, and wouldn't hold together well at all, so I added a few dashes of vanilla, to juice them up a bit. 


I guess they're now four ingredient Nutella cookies? 


The recipe I followed (linked here) says to bake them for 7-8 minutes, but I found that they needed closer to 10 or even 12 minutes. That could be due to my adding the vanilla...


Also, the recipe just made about a dozen cookies...interestingly enough, one cup of Nutella is just about one jar....so, if you have many people to share with, I'd double, or even triple the recipe, to be sure you have enough! Or, make them smaller? Mine aren't that large though, I don't think! 


Here is the finished result:







They were very dense, but delicious! I'd suggest eating them with a tall glass of milk! 


Baking anything new this week? 


Also, I've posted this recipe to Scarlet Threads blog today too, Check them out for lots of great recipes for all sorts of things! 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

sweet dreams are made of....



I saw this on pinterest a few days ago and could not stop giggling!








What is your favorite kind of cheese?


Friday, August 9, 2013

Flashback Friday: My First Quilt!


I was looking through my flickr photostream, and found this photo. It's the first quilt I ever made, about three years ago! It was made for my friend Claudia's daughter Sabrina, and I just love the fabric, a line called Hushabye, by Tula Pink







Happy Friday, friends!  





Wednesday, August 7, 2013

keep calm and bake




Isn't this poster just darling? I spotted it on pinterest and just love it!






I'd love to frame it for my kitchen! 


How is your kitchen decorated? Is there a theme at all?

Monday, August 5, 2013

a quick trip to Detroit




Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was busy and whirlwind. Steve's sister had a baby boy last week, so we drove to Detroit Friday afternoon to see her and her husband, and meet the new baby! We left mid-afternoon on Friday, and got there around midnight, after making a few stops, of course. The hotel we stayed in was awful - they lost our reservation and were not apologetic about it in the least. They finally sorted it out, but by the time we got into the room, it was after 1am, and of course, we were exhausted, and a bit hungry. 


Luckily, Steve's favorite, White Castle, has several (24 hour!) Detroit locations, 
so off he went. 


Sheepette decided to try a few fries too.





I happen to be obsessed with Tim Hortons, a Canadian coffee chain, and they also have several Detroit locations, so I was quite pleased about that. We might have gone twice in the weekend, and I'd have been fine with going more than that  ;)


I love the iced cappuccinos, and the Timbits are just really fun. I wish they had a DC location. Maybe someday. Until then, I will dream about it! 



I promise I didn't eat all 40 on the way home...some are to bring to work with me! My co-worker's wife went to college in Canada, so some are for her too!



We also brought two dozen Georgetown Cupcakes to Heather! She loves them! 





You may know that Detroit is located just over the Canadian border from Windsor, Ontario, and I love seeing the Bridge to Canada sign! There really wasn't time for a trip over this time, but next trip for sure! 





On the way home on Sunday, we stopped by the Flight 93 9/11 Memorial in PA. I didn't take any photos there, as it felt a bit disrespectful to me (most everyone else there was, but it was just a personal decision for me). I saw this massive elephant right by where you get back on the highway, and I was wildly amused by it. 





You may notice that there are no photos here of Heather and the baby...I don't feel right about posting photos of children without their parents permission, so I always ask first. I don't think that Heather knows about my blog, so I think it's best not to post them for now. Maybe in the future! For now, you'll have to trust me when I say that he's adorable!


I think I got a bit carsick on the way home (not actually sick), as I didn't feel well for most of the ride. I woke up this morning still not feeling too well, so I am home from work today. I'm hoping I didn't pick up a bug or something there, and it was just too many timbits  ;)


How was your weekend? 




Friday, August 2, 2013

travelling stash update!



Remember when I posted about the travelling stash


I finally remembered to pick a winner, and it's SUE!





Sue, please email me with your mailing address so that I can get this out to you soon! 



Any fun weekend plans, friends? More soon! 

Monday, July 22, 2013

a baby quilt model?



My dear friend Christine had a baby in February, and of course, I knew that she needed a quilt. I think that Miss Ada will never be short on quilts though, as Christine's mother is also a quilter, and has done some really beautiful things! I fell in love with this fabric line, called Cape Ann, by Oliver and S, a part of Liesl and Co. It's perfect for a little girl, I think! 


I did a simple pattern, as I really wanted to show off the prints. I especially love the blocks with the little dresses on them! As usual, my binding (the grey around the edge, that holds the pieces together), is not perfect, but one of these days, I will master binding! 






I met Ada a few weeks ago, and was able to give her the quilt! Christine sent me a few photos later. Isn't she a doll? This girl could be a quilt model! (is that a thing? if not, it should be).








Of course, it's a bit sad that Ada and her mum and dad live in New York, so I don't see them as often as I'd like, but soon enough again, I hope!


Next up on the baby quilt agenda? A quilt for my godson Ethan! I have the fabric and pattern decided on, just need to get going on it! 


Are you working on anything fun right now?  




Thursday, July 18, 2013

travelling fabric stash!



A few days ago, I was the recipient of the travelling stash box from Katie! This box, and several others, have been travelling around the country for some time now, passing from home to home, losing and gaining items at each stop! What fun!


The box was filled to the brim when I received it, as you can see! 






I then went through it and added a few items; mostly some mini charm packs, some FQs and a few panel pieces that I don't plan to use. 



I took a few things too - a few fats, some white thread, and a small cutting board that will be great for guild meetings! I definitely added more than I took, which is fine! 




Would you like to receive the box next? These are the rules of playing:


Rules and Guidelines 
Be an active blogger -- post about receiving the box and the giveaway in a timely manner 
Update the travel log in the box to let others know where the box has been.
There is a list of rules and guidelines in the box -- be sure to follow these to keep the box full of quality items and the experience positive for everyone. 
You may take any items from the box just be sure that you are replacing them with quality and comparable items. (Guidelines for fabric below) 
Ship box to the next person timely -- and communicate tracking information with recipient.
Shipping is within the US only  (sorry international friends!)

Fabric and other item Guidelines 
Fabric should be quilt shop quality and in new condition. 
Do not include items smaller than a fat quarter unless it falls into one of the other categories and these should be packaged together. 
Jelly Roll -- 2.5 inch strips (typically 40 strips per set)
Honey Buns -- 1.5 inch strips (typically 40 strips per set) 
Desert Roll -- 10 strips 5 inches wide cut the length of the fabric 
Turnovers -- 80 (6 inch) triangles
Candy Squares  -- 2.5 inch squares (typically 45 squares per set) 
Charms -- 5 inch squares (typically 40 squares per set)
Layer Cake -- 10 inch squares (typically 40 squares per set)
Patterns / Books should be in new or nearly new condition and should be kept to a minimum as this adds bulk and weight. 
Other items should be new or gently used condition and should be packaged as necessary to ensure that all parts remain together. 

Important Things to Remember
Please ensure that items in the box are quality. If items in the box are poor quality they should be removed. Items that are being removed can be offered for optional inclusion to the next recipient. Poor quality items can be discarded but this should be done with digression. 
Only include items that you would be proud to own -- this is not a dumping ground for outdated or worn items
Items should be free of smoke, odors  and pet hair 
You must replace all items that you take with items of equal value and replacing with more than you take is welcome. 

How to Save Money when Shipping 
You can purchase postage online from USPS at a discounted rate
When you purchase online delivery confirmation is included
You can schedule pickup from your home or office -- so no waiting in line at the post office. 



*****************************


If you'd like to perhaps receive the box next, leave me a comment here and tell me what your current project is. For a second chance, tell me what you're dying to try next! I'll randomly pick a winner next Friday (July 26), and mail the box the following Monday. How does that sound to you? Let your friends know too, so they can try to win! 





Monday, July 15, 2013

I'm a godmother again!


Last weekend (4th of July weekend), Steve and I went up to Connecticut for a baptism - Heidi and her husband Adam asked me to be godmother to their baby Ethan! The baptism was in Adam's hometown at his family church, and one of his best friends from childhood (who lives in nearby New Haven, CT) is the godfather. 


Here we are!




Afterwards, Adam's parents hosted a wonderful dinner at a nearby restaurant - the oldest inn in CT, and rumored to be haunted! 




Here's a selfie, by Steve, Ethan, and Sophie  :)







I was so thrilled that our friend Christine was able to be there! She is a good friend from DC (Heidi introduced us, actually!), who moved to New York when she was married a few years ago, as her husband is a college professor. They had a baby a few months ago, and I was so happy to meet baby Ada! Ada is just a month older than Ethan, and I've decided that they are getting married one day. Here they are meeting for the first time-

They totally dig each other  :)





I was so honored that Heidi and Adam asked me to be godmother, and I am beyond blessed to now have THREE handsome godsons! Since my three godchildren are all boys, I think that would be a hat trick, if I played hockey (am I the only one who finds this joke I came up with completely hilarious? yes? okay). I've also decided that my having three godsons is God's way of telling me that I will only have daughters one day! I'm also lucky that Heidi and Adam live in nearby Annapolis, so I will see Ethan often. My oldest godson Jackson (turned six on the 4th!) lives in my hometown in NH, and my second godson Andrew lives in New Jersey, so I don't see them as often as I'd like. 



Do you have any godchildren? How do you keep yourself involved in their lives, if you don't see them often? Do you have any special traditions with them?  What kind of godparents do you have, if you have them?