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? 

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! 

Come sew with us! 

a fall must-have outfit

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

via

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?!?!

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! 

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?

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!  

keep calm and bake

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

via

I'd love to frame it for my kitchen! 

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

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? 

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! 

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?  

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. 

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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! 

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? 

happy happy happy!

Happy 4th of July, fellow Americans!

Also! A most very happy 6th birthday to my godson Jackson!

This photo is from my most recent trip home, in May! 

Love this boy!


Also! It's my NINE year anniversary of living in DC! Crazy. I can't believe it! 

How are you celebrating today?

Let's Get Acquainted linkup!

Happy July, friends! Happy Canada Day, my friends to the north! 

I'm doing a link-up! I love these, but don't participate often. Why? I don't know!

Just a few days ago, I posted a photo of the baby quilt that I recently finished and made for Steve's sister Heather, but here's the photo again, if you missed it. 

"Let's Get Acquainted" is being hosted this week by Heather of Quilts in the Queue. Heather is in the DC Modern Quilt Guild with me, and makes some really lovely things! 

For those of you who are finding me through this linkup, I'm Lexi and I live in Washington, DC, though I'm originally from New Hampshire. I've been quilting for just a few years now, and consider myself an advanced beginner at this point! I make mostly baby quilts, doll/mini quilts, and pillows, but have done a few other things here and there. Here are a few photos of some projects over the last two years:  

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may have seen one or two of these before, but I don't think that I have posted many of them, now that I am looking at some of these again!  Most of these were for gifts or swaps, though a few I've kept. Also, some of the doll quilts, I've sent to Majlinda and Boikokobetso, the little girls that I sponsor in Albania and South Africa with World Vision! 

Aside from quilting, I am a big reader (my mother's a librarian, and I should be one too!), and I love to cook. I'm a total magazine junkie, and have piles of mags and recipes torn from them all over my house! My boyfriend Steve and I love to travel, I am obsessed with corgis and hoping to get one soon, and I collect tea cups/pots, babushkas, and a few other little things that strike my fancy. My mother has been quilting for about 20 years now, which I think is what prompted me to try it! 

Here are the rules for the linkup, if you wish to participate!

1. Link up and recent sewing/quilting post.
2. In your post, or somewhere on your blog, include a link or button letting people know about the link-up and how they can join in the fun!
3. Visit at least two blogs that link up before yours, and everyone who visits you.
4. When the linky tool asks for your name list your favorite summer treat.

Oh, and my favorite summer treat....likely strawberry shortcake! That was also Heather's choice, but great minds think alike  :)

So, please share and link up on Heather's blog!  

another baby quilt!

A few weeks ago, Steve and I went to Iowa for his sister's Heather's baby shower! She's expecting a little boy in early August, and I made a quilt for her! I was so pleased with myself, as it was the first time I've ever finished a quilt before the baby arrives! As I explained in the last baby quilt post, I am always a few quilts behind. I still have to finish Christine's baby Ada's quilt, Heidi's baby Ethan's quilt, and, Stephanie's baby Grace's quilt! Also, I spoke to Stephanie this week, and she told me the exciting news that Grace will be a big sister in November! So, looks like I have another baby quilt to add to the list  :) 

For Heather, I selected a fabric line called One For the Boys by Zoe Pearn for Riley Blake Designs. As I often do, I ordered it from Fat Quarter Shop, which is one of my favorite online fabric shops! They are located in TX and the customer service is second to none. For the pattern, I kind of made up my own, not following anything in particular, and I am pleased with the way it turned out! 

I also made a few cloth covered burp cloths using cloth diapers and some fun fabric! 

Along with these, I gave Heather a little onesie and a copy of Peter Rabbit, one of my all-time favorites. I think she liked everything, and I hope that Baby N likes them too, when he arrives. He'll be here in a few weeks and I am looking forward to meeting him! 

The baby shower itself was very nice, and Heather received many lovely gifts. Baby N is so loved already - what a blessing! It was a short weekend in Iowa, as that was the main focus of the trip, but we did have time to see some friends of Steve's and a few other things in the area. We toured a historic home, just for fun, and I met an aunt and uncle of Steve's that were in town for the shower. I hadn't met them before, as they live in St. Louis, so that was a good thing! We'll be back in Iowa in September for a Labor Day weekend wedding!