The Raindrop Tee Blog Hop + Giveaway!

As a pattern tester, I was provided this pattern free of charge, but all opinions are my own.

Today, we have the honor of being part of Gracious Threads' Raindrop Tee blog hop and giveaway! Jess is the creative mind behind The Raindrop Tee, and plenty of other fabulous patterns you can check out here on her Etsy site, including the Lazy Days Lounge Pants that I really wish came in my size. Get on that, Jess! ;)

I got to test her latest pattern, which so happens to be a fabulous addition to my daughter's fall wardrobe in preparation for kindergarten which starts in 2 weeks - gah! 

DIY Chalkboard Breakfast Tray #Create2Educate

Is it just me, or is summer just flying by for anyone else? I was the first to sprint outside in shorts and a tank top on the first day the temperature crept over 55, but now school is looming right around the corner and it seems like summer is quickly slipping away.  I will definitely miss all of the fun trips to the zoo, park and pool that we've done this summer, but with my daughter's very first day of kindergarten coming up soon, I know it's about time I get off the couch/computer and help Haley prepare, not that she needs much help really. She was ready to kick me out the door the day we visited the school!

When I took Haley into school to take her kindergarten assessment test, they had her do several different activities to determine her readiness (and she passed with flying colors I'm proud to say!) Two of the things they said she needed a little more work on was writing her name, and recognizing/writing her letters. Today, Michael's kicked off a campaign, #Create2Educate, encouraging parents and teachers to incorporate more DIY projects into their plans for the new school year, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to make something to encourage my daughter to practice her reading and writing skills in a fun way!

With just a handful of supplies, I came up with a fun and useful chalkboard breakfast tray that can be used to practice writing and word recognition during breakfast time - and it's ridiculously easy to make, which happens to be my favorite kind of crafting :)

Women's Magazine Street Maxi + A Giveaway!

I was provided this pattern free of charge, but all opinions are my own.

Hey guys! Shannon and I are so excited to be a part of the Seamingly Smitten pattern tour today and share a really great pattern (and a giveaway!!) with you all.  I already own a couple of Seamingly Smitten patterns, so when Jenny contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in trying another pattern, it was an easy yes!

My initial inclination was to sew up the Magazine Street Maxi Dress for Girls because I've been eyeing it for-ev-er, but my daughter, Haley, has enough dresses to last her until she's 42 and I have a pile of gorgeous knit from Girl Charlee just waiting to be cut into, so I thought it was about time I did some selfish sewing!

Ambrosia

Tis the season of grilling, picnics and potlucks. And with all of those parties to attend, I'm always looking for a refreshing summer salad that can be made quickly. I've never met a fruit salad I don't like, especially if it involves whipped cream and mini marshmallows. And this one has fruit, so you know, it's healthy-ish...right? Right.

When I was younger, I was that kid loading my plate up with pistachio salad - you know what I'm talking about. The fluffy green mystery salad that most people are probably scared of? Love it. And  not much has changed! There's just something comforting and homey about sweet salads with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, don't you think? And don't even get me started on snickers apple salad. Be still my clogging arteries.

The Hummingbird Pantsuit by Rabbit Rabbit Creations

I'm so excited to tell you about one of my new favorite summer/fall wardrobe staples - the Hummingbird Pantsuit by Rabbit Rabbit Creations. I'm sure many of you are already familiar with the Hummingbird Dress. I'd seen so many cute versions floating around the internet that I HAD to buy it myself. That bodice? Adorable. After making a few dresses, I saw there was a call on the Rabbit Rabbit Facebook page for testers for it's big sister, the pantsuit, and couldn't apply quick enough! I'm so honored to have been picked to test such an adorable pattern, and it doesn't disappoint. I wasn't required to blog about it, I just love this pattern and wanted to share.

Be prepared for an overload of cuteness.

Michaels Makers: DIY Spool Necklace and Hanging Planter

Friends! Today we're sharing our second project with #MichaelsMakers!  Yay!  We were fortunate enough to get a sneak peak into a new line of products called Raw Bar, debuting in all Michaels stores on August 8! It is made of or accessorized by materials inspired by nature.  Surfaces and textures include: burlap, cork, chalk board, wood, metal and canvas.  We love everything that was in our sneak peak and cannot wait to see what else this new line has to offer.  Let's dive right in!

The Sienna Top Tutorial + Free Pattern

This top was first shared at The Sewing Rabbit as part of our monthly contribution last year, and I've decided to bring it home! I hope you enjoy the tutorial and free pattern in 4T for this cute top!

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The kiddos are going back to school soon, and that means they need some cute clothes to add to their wardrobe (and I need another excuse to buy more fabric!) My 4-year-old is very tall for her age, so she's always outgrowing everything. I guess I can't complain, I love to sew for her! She's at the age where she genuinely loves the things I make for her, so of course that fuels my sewing itch even more.

The Sienna Top was created with my daughter's preferences in mind. It needed to be comfortable enough for everyday wear, but still have a girly flair to it. This comfy knit top has a small pocket in front and slight curved hems, but the bows along the back neckline are what make it really special. My daughter loves it; and best of all, I'm sharing a free pattern in 4T with you today! Since my daughter is so tall, it's on the larger edge of a 4T, so children in a 5 may be able to wear it as well (you may want to extend the bottom hemline down a bit though.)