twin's pins

We had no idea how alike (or not) the twins would look when they were born, so I contacted BurgundynBrown on Etsy (also known as my friend Alexa) to have pins made. It didn't take long for us to tell them apart, but the nurses at the hospital were so grateful for the identifying pins that I thought I should pass on the tip.

big soup

Cristina was home sick today, so I made a pot of Minestrone ("big soup" in Italian) for dinner. Since she can't stay home all week, I also made a pot of Lemon Ginger Honey tea and packed up leftovers for her lunch tomorrow. She's completely spoiled, I know.
Making the tea for yourself or someone sick is simple. You'll need 1 lemon, (I used a Meyer since they are available right now) a chunk of ginger the size of your thumb, and a hearty spoonful of honey. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze into a small saucepan. I usually throw in the empty shells as well. Slice the ginger into very thin coins, or grate for even more flavor. Place in the pan. Add 4 c cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 15 min. Take off the heat and add honey. You may need a sieve to pour tea into mugs.

before and after

I know it's not exactly a re-do, but we've been trying to figure how to cover up these ugly (and high quality) speakers for weeks. A fabric cover was the easiest solution since I sew, and they can be removed quickly. If you want to make something similar, keep in mind your seam allowance, and make sure your seams are straight.

the birthday girl

Today is a rather special day for Allison-she turned 4. We celebrated yesterday with a big pajama themed party. Happy Birthday Alli!

etsy finds

I didn't intend on making this list of etsy finds all birds, but I'm searching for a little bird to put in our turquoise bird cage and this little guy by cotton bird designs got me all excited.


Most of the great cards made by pepperina press are 50s style ladies in great shades of papaya and strawberry. This sweet card would be wonderful for a valentine, an anniversary or along with a wedding gift.


Simple, modern earrings is how the intuitive garden describes these, and I agree. I could see wearing them with about half my wardrobe.


The little creatures made by chetanddot are adorable. Pale colors, soft material, they are the essence of spring.


If I had the wedding to do over again, I honestly think I would have ordered a pair of these custom cake toppers by rainsend. They are brilliant.

weekend of sewing

I completely ignored housework all weekend and sewed for hours and hours. I made a new table runner (shown above) and some covers for Cristina's ugly speakers which I will show you soon. I also started and finished two loveys and made two new little throw pillows, all of which are available on my etsy page. I love feeling so accomplished despite the pile of dirty laundry still to deal with.

a day for love, or not

It was a successful trip to the park for Grace this morning. She met a boy named Antonio and they really hit it off. Happy Valentine's Day everyone.



Emilie's focusing more on her career right now, and she seems perfectly happy staying single.

place mats for two

Since inheriting this amazing solid wood table I've been obsessed with table settings. I created these very simple place mats in under an hour, and I love the way they look. To make 2, you'll need two yards of fabric with a width at least as wide as your table (mine is just under 45" so standard fabric works). I chose two different fabrics so that I can reverse them for another look. Wash/dry and press the fabric. Cut each piece in half so you have 4 pieces that are about 18" by 45". Place the right sides of two pieces together. Press then stitch together all the way around, leaving a 5" section open. Flip right side out and blind stitch the open section. Press. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

etsy picks

This ring from lesthing caught my eye. It's not subtle, but man is it pretty. Glorious colors, perfect accessory.


I have a bit of an odd sense of humor, and I love many of the prints at seasprayblue. This one seems perfect for a few too many people that I know.


I am on the hunt for a great birthday present for Alli and this dress from PrettyMe is on the short list. I just love the colors and how girlie it is without being princess or pink (for once).


I just found this photograph today, but it's a favorite already. Sean at pdxsean also has some interesting close-ups of screws and other hardware that I like.




I bought a pair of earrings from sulu for the wedding, and I wear them several times a week. In particular I like the wire they are all hung on.

farmer's market

It's a gorgeous weekend here, and the market yesterday was paradise. Most of the produce still reflects winter harvesting, but we're starting to see little bits of spring. Almond blossoms, anemones and spring onions are hints of what's to come.

portobello lasagne

This is a bit indulgent, but really wonderful when it's cold out. As you can see, I served it alongside some spring onion and kale and a salad with blood orange.
3 large portobello mushrooms
olive oil for cooking
4 Tbs butter
2 c whole milk
1/4 flour
1/4 tsp fresh nutmeg
3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 c or more grated parmigiano
1/2 lb lasagne pasta
Heat a skillet on medium/high heat. Slice the mushroom into thin slices and saute with the thyme in two batches. You will need a few Tbs olive oil for each batch. Salt and pepper each batch liberally. Set aside. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter into a sauce pan. Add the flour and stir for 1-2 min. Add the milk and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper.
Pour a small amount of the bechemel into a 8"x8" pan. Layer the pasta and mushrooms and more sauce so that you end up with two layers of mushrooms. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.