The Weekend

The weekend was a lovely break from the chaos of our current weeks. Lots of lounging, laughter and fun. We were lucky enough to spend yesterday afternoon in the sun, at the lake, celebrating Jamie’s mama’s birthday. Here are some pics of the homemade fun for “Grandma Ann”…and a few things I made just for us!!

For the Birthday Gal:
A Joy Jar!
We asked everyone in the family to write a little something for Ann…what they love most about her, a favorite memory, a birthday wish. Then we put them in a pretty jar for her to keep and read on her birthday, and every day after. I got the idea from The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule. It’s one of my favorite books, full of simple ideas for fostering imagination, gratitude and creativity in your family.

It started out like this.....

And grew to this! So many nice things to say...


Cakes!
A Vegan Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing.
This is Jamie’s specialty! From “How it All Vegan” by Tanya Barnard & Sarah Kramer …it’s delicious and not too hard on the blood sugar.

My Mama’s Banana Cake with Fresh Orange Butter Cream Icing
I love this cake. It’s to die for. I think that if you’re going to indulge, indulge in something homemade. Real butter, brown sugar, eggs and organic flour. Fresh and free of un-pronounceables. That’s what this is. Baking at it’s best.


For Us…
Dinner Napkins
We’ve been using the fancy napkins for dinner every night, and we’ve been running out of them. So I whipped up 8 new napkins for the dinner table. They were simple to make. I measured them off some napkins we already have, adding 1/2 inch to every side. Then I cut the fabric (17in X 17in), folded 1/4 inch on every side and ironed, repeat and pin....then sew! Done.


A Bag for our Clothes Pins…..
Made more out of necessity than want. Our little wooden clothes pins needed a home and so I made one. Again, I just eyeballed this. A simple little draw-string bag, tied up with twine. I love it!

In the works: we have some serious re-decorating projects on the go! I'm hoping Winnie's new play room will be up and running by next Monday....we'll see?? I'll be sure to post some pics of the projects as things come together!