* Because I appreciate when a tried and true recipe is passed on, I made THIS last night and it was a hit. Direct quote from Russ, "This is everything I've ever dreamed about in a pasta." Haha. Dramatic much? Also, I must mention that it was quick and easy! I used polish sausage instead of beef for a little extra "zing," and I added some salt to taste. Try it out! 

* We've been busy, busy with house projects! As I mentioned a while ago, we redid our floors (pictures to come!), we built a shed outside, we are working on getting a fence along the river, and lots of organizing and yard work. Yay for home ownership!

* The babies have been swimming a few times, in real pools and in the kiddie pool outside. They like it!

* Max wakes up at 5 or 5:30 every day. I know. I have tried changing bed time earlier AND later, I feed him, we've made it super dark in the room, turned on fans, noise-cancelling machines... everything! I am desperate for him to sleep a little longer. Does anyone have any amazing tips? 

* We are gearing up for a few vacations in the next month. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit anxious about them. We are finally into a good routine and I hate the idea of messing that up. But I know they will be fun. They will be fun, right? ;)

* And because babies in sunglasses are always adorable, I'll leave you with this.

The Geranium Dress(es)!

Those who follow me on Instagram probably saw that I've been busy with the sewing machine lately. I have caught the sewing bug and I can't stop! Growing up, my mom was always making dresses and clothes for my sister and me. She made Easter, Christmas, everyday dresses, as well as all of my formal dresses for dances in High School. She truly is an amazing seamstress, and I have always had a goal to be better with the sewing machine. I needed some motivation... Enter Clara!

I found an amazing pattern from Made By Rae for a dress that I could modify a million ways and that would last until size 5T! The Geranium Dress pattern was totally worth $10. It comes with the pattern pieces and step-by-step tutorial (with pictures!). As long as you can work a sewing machine and generally understand how things are put together, this is the pattern for you. The pink and mint dress was my first attempt (definitely a first trial-run dress - don't look too close :)), the denim tunic was next, and then I finally felt like I had it "down" and made the perfect little gold polka dot dress. I'm in love with it.

As I mentioned about the Geranium Dress pattern, you can have a lot of variations. I tried out the sleeveless dress, flutter sleeves, cap sleeves, scoop neckline, knotched neckline, gathered skirt and pleated skirt. And like I said, I made 3 dresses and 1 top. All from one pattern! I think I also concluded that I like pleats more than gathers - gathers are tricky to get perfectly even and looking nice!

Flutter sleeves!

Gold buttons galore! For some reason I love gold buttons. Although button holes and I are still not friends. I will get better.

 

I finished this dress this morning. That pom-pom trim took a little longer than I was expecting, but I just love the result! Clara is wearing it today and it is just way too cute. 

If you are still reading (ha ha), hopefully this post has encouraged you to try creating something with the sewing machine! For some reason it seems so intimidating, but I quickly learned that nothing is permanent (except perhaps scissors... :)). I have had to tear out a lot of seams and stitches, but eventually I get it right. And also, it doesn't need to be perfect! There is so much satisfaction in putting something I created from just fabric onto my little girl.

I think she likes the gold polka-dot dress! :) 

Now... to find a pattern for little boys. I can't wait to make some thing for Mr. Max!