small + friendly

DIY Pin Cushion

I collect espresso cups.  I just can't get enough of those adorable little demitasses, or the espresso that goes in them.  I also have a horrible habit of pulling pins and leaving them in a pile next to my sewing machine.  In a stroke of caffeine fueled inspiration, I came up with a way to get more use out of my collection and turn my sewing area into a much safer (and cuter) environment.

This clever set-up uses magnets so the cups are not harmed, the cushion can be moved to other cups, and pins stick to the saucer (no more loose piles).  This would work with any size cup and saucer.  Can you think of a better gift for a tea loving sewist?  Okay, I think I've thoroughly sold it, how about a tutorial?

Cup and Saucer Pin Cushion

Supplies

• Cup and Saucer (I used an espresso cup by Bodum)
• Sturdy fabric (6" circle for a small cup) (mine is from IKEA)
• 2 Strong Magnets (I used ones similar to these)
• Filler (I used sand for it's needle sharpening qualities, but fiberfill would work)
• Needle and thread
• Optional: Felt to help stop sand from coming out

How to:

1. Cut a circle of fabric about twice the diameter of the opening of your cup. If using sand, cut another slightly smaller circle of felt.
2. Sew a running stitch around the outside of your circle.
3. Set the felt inside (if using).  Then cinch the stitches and fill with sand or fiberfill.
4. Pull your stitches all the way tight (cover the hole with a bit of tape if you used sand) and check inside your cup; you might need to adjust your filling.  If it fits well, tie off your stitches.
5. For a cleaner finish, cover your cinched opening with a small circle of felt or fabric, hand stitch into place. 
6. Assemble your pin cushion:  lay down one magnet, set the cup and saucer on top, place the other magnet in the cup, tuck the cushion in the cup, and get pinning! 

Happy Sewing!

Sponsored Post: Odwalla Fruit Smoothies for Kids

I was delighted to be asked by BlogHer to share this episode of Weelicious Lunch Crunch sponsored by Odwalla Fruit Smoothies For Kids with my readers. Enjoy!

The Big 3-0

Well, as you might be able to tell by the picture above, I had a pretty fabulous 30th birthday.  Jason threw a party for me at the posh, glamorous, super fun Coppola Winery Pool.  It was like a luxury vacation.  We had so much fun that I felt like I blinked and it was over.  

Sometimes, that's how this whole adventure we call life seems.  Am I really 30?  Wasn't it yesterday that I was a kid planning all the things I would do and be when I "grew up"?  In some ways, I am everything (and more than) I thought I would be as a thirty year old woman.  And in other ways, not at all.  I think the biggest fairytale that grown-ups tell children is that they've got it all figured out.  

And thank goodness that isn't true, because if there was nothing new to learn, no more ways to grow, then being a grown-up would be a real drag.  Sure, there are times I wish I had that high paying creative advertising career, the villa in Tuscany, and the self-assurance that comes with always knowing just what to do.  But I'd never trade those pipe dreams for the real life adventure I find myself on.  

Here's to never really being fully grown.     

P.S. - I did okay on my 30 before Thirty.  In fact, I'm actually inspired to do a 40 before Forty.  Maybe with ten years I could bang them all out.  Or, more likely wait until 39 and make a mad dash.

this moment

{this moment} -  A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  Words (and inspiration) by Amanda Soule.

The only thing more fun than running in sprinklers is watching your son do it in the same place you did as a child.  This patch of earth has brought more joy to my heart than any other.  From childhood fun to my wedding day, I've never been more grateful for grass.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend,  I'm off to celebrate my 30th birthday!!! 

Zucchini Fest: 12 Simple and Delicious Recipes

It's that time of year, when the zucchini grows faster than I can pick it.  In case you're in a similar pinch, I thought I'd do a little round up of zucchini recipes.  A few of my own, a few I've tried and loved.  And a few on my list to try in the very near future.

1. Zucchini Bread is a family favorite.  Moist, full of fiber, and heady with cinnamon and brown sugar.  You really can't go wrong.  It is an especially great way to use one of those sneaky giant squash that manage to evade harvest until they have reached monumental proportions.

2. Baby Zucchini make the perfect pizza topping.  

3. And babies love zucchini too, especially when sauteed with fresh spinach in a little olive oil.  Got a toddler?  Consider adding an egg or two to the pan.

4. Living with someone who isn't a zucchini fan?  This simple pasta dish by Smitten Kitchen might just change their mind.

5. Warning:  these fried disks of delight, courtesy of Remedial Eating, are dangerously addictive.

6. And these simple yet rich zucchini ricotta fritters make a great meatless main.

7. Looking for a great way to preserve the bounty?  You must try these Zucchini Pickles by Rowan & Oak.

8. Nothing is simpler than grilled zucchini.  Brushed with olive oil and generously seasoned, topped with fresh herbs or pesto, it is my go-to summer side.

9.  Although, I think next time I grill, I'll try these stuffed numbers by the little red house.

10.  Pinterest generously provided this recipe for Oven Fried Zucchini that I can't wait to try.

11.  And casa imagine gnats offered me a recipe for Sweet Potato Zucchini Pancakes that sounds delicious:  Combine shredded sweet potato, zucchini, onion and cheese, bind with egg, season with curry powder, and fry.    

12.  The award for healthiest, most creative use of zucchini goes to Eat This Poem for Superfood Salad with Zucchini Walnut Dressing.  If it tastes as good as it looks we are all in for a treat.       

Do you have squash growing out of your ears?  What is your favorite way to prepare zucchini?

Mommy & Me Shorts

Okay, I'm sure everyone is a little shorted out, but I couldn't resist a little more shorts sewing after all that shorts on the line inspiration.  And when I realized I had enough fabric left over from this to make not one but two pairs, well I couldn't resist a little mommy and me matchy-matchy action.

 

In case anyone is counting, that's one tank top and two pairs of shorts from one Old Navy clearance dress.  Man, do I love a good refashion!  I didn't use patterns, the shorts were made based on shorts that already fit us and I used as many of the existing seams as I could.  

I made the waistbands with some navy rib knit I had on hand and finished them with a t-shirt drawstring.  (If you want to make really cute striped shorts for your toddler I recommend this tutorial.)  

Now, I know matching you toddler is more than a little silly, but these are just for hanging around the house, so I think it's okay.  Plus, I'm not easily embarrassed and Jude's young enough to think it's cool.       

Here's to palling around in style!

Small & Functional Kitchen

My kitchen is freshly painted and uncharacteristically clean, want a tour?  Hurry, before pizza night starts and everything is covered in flour.  Don't worry, it won't take long.  In fact, if you stand right here at the entrance, you can see the whole thing.

 I love my small kitchen.  What it lacks in size and newness, it makes up for in vintage charm and functionality.  

Oh, before I forget ... Can I get you anything to drink?  Coffee, tea?

There are lots of reasons to love a small kitchen.  I thought I'd use this tour to highlight a few of them.

Everything is within reach. No giant island to walk around.  No space to store unnecessary equipment.  Enough room for me and a small helper, not enough for the entire party.  

I spend more than my fair share of time in this space, and while there are things I'd love to change (better flooring, banquet seating, a fancy range, a skylight), the changes we have made (shelving, butcher block, paint, dishwasher, hardware) make it a functional, cheery space. 

See that little door up there?  That's where my ironing board lives.  It is so fabulously fifties, it actually makes me want to iron.  The cabinets, tile countertop, and sink are all fifties original as well.  

Looking for a few details?  The door and above the cabinets are covered in chalkboard paint.  The door serves as menu board, message central, and art station.  Above the cabinets I wrote an Italian saying that I love: "La cucina piccola fa la casa grande." (A small kitchen makes a large home.)  Walls and ceiling are Sharky Gray (Martha Stewart) and the cabinets are Decorator's White (Behr).  A big thank you to good old IKEA for: cabinet pulls, metal shelves, butcher block, light fixtures, and dining table.

The embroidered potholders are a family heirloom.  The fantastic painting is by my bestie.  My fabulous husband built the shelf above the painting to house my ever growing collection of cookbooks.

 Well, that pretty much sums it up.  Small, yes.  Functional, it works for me three times a day, seven days a week.  Loved, undoubtedly.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Hopefully next time you can stay for pizza!

How to Volunteer with your Toddler

One of my 30 Before Thirty goals was to volunteer.  Volunteering is one of those things that sounds great and important, but can be easily forgotten with a few quick excuses.  Here's a list of excuses that I used for a while:

1. I'm too busy.  I simply don't have the time.
2. I can't make a big commitment with a job and a family and a home to keep.
3. I can't get childcare.

Turns out those were all pretty lame excuses.  I found a place to volunteer that was extremely flexible, zero long term commitment, and I can bring my toddler!  Even better, it is a cause I feel deeply connected to.  

For the past few months, Jude and I have been dropping in (I've been aiming for one Friday a month) to help at the Harvest for the Hungry.  It is a beautiful organic garden run by wonderful volunteers that provides a bounty of organic produce to food banks and shelters in our area.  I believe so strongly that everyone deserves fresh healthy food, and now I'm doing something to make that happen.  It is a wonderful feeling.  What's even better: I am teaching my son that he can use his own two hands to make the world a better place.  We weed and water and harvest, it takes us a little longer than the other volunteers, but we are helping.  And having fun.   

Tips for Volunteering with Small Children

1.  Find a cause you are passionate about.  Your time is valuable, don't volunteer for volunteering's sake.  You will get so much joy from giving your time if the cause is something you care about.  VolunteerMatch and a good old google search are good places to start.

2.  Look for something flexible.  Places with drop-in hours or single day events (like beach/creek/trail clean ups or neighborhood improvement/tree planting days) are low commitment.  Another cool idea is visiting an assisted living facility, toddlers have a knack for bringing smiles to the elderly.  

3.  Just go for it.  Most of the time, the hardest part of trying something new is starting.  Go into it with an open mind and realistic expectations.  Toddlers can be difficult to wrangle.  You might have to take lots of breaks, or leave early.  But then again, they might just surprise you and happily pick tomatoes and stack zucchini for hours.    

Happy Helping! 

Do you volunteer with your little one?  Please share your tips and experiences in the comments.