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My neighbor had this chair in the yard for years. I kept looking at it and knew it had potential to be something much better. After talking with her about where she got it and if I could buy it off her she gave it to me. She was happy to have someone do something with it rather than let it sit untouched. The transformation was simple. I glued a few joints that were coming undone, wire brushed and sanded it, then primer, paint, and reupholstered the seat with an outdoor fabric.
Last week I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity through the networking group Women In Design. The Metro Denver Habitat for Humanity is currently working on the Bails Townhome Community consisting of 24 units. Our task of the day was to finish insulating the houses. Most of the insulation was finished the day before but we had to go into each unit and add insulation between the rafters and in the crawl spaces. Honestly, I would of preferred to be framing or painting but I was happy to lend a hand. On this day, there were 50 volunteers and this number ranges from 50-100 any given day. They have a great crew of young Americorp workers that are the leaders on the projects and explain how to do all the tasks and keep people working. It was a good day and something I've always wanted to do. I hope to volunteer for Habitat more in the future.
I'm so excited about my new "shoes" I purchased from Steep and Cheap for $25.00. They are so comfortable and durable, I will be wearing them constantly. Well, until my feet are too hot to handle the wool. Besides being comfortable and cute these shoes are 100% Sustainable. The Simple brand is notably a company doing well what so many companies need to be doing. They not only use sustainable materials in their products they also make them using sustainable practices. Check out the new Simple spring styles...
I actually made this pillow a few months ago but thought I'd add it to the blog for some 'natural' inspiration. This was done with a combination of a linen background fabric, memo samples from various fabric lines, and buttons. I did this all free hand and then pieced it together until I was happy with the layout. Overall, I like it because of the textural earthy element of the fabrics and the design.
If you get the daily emails from etsy, you too will have a list of projects on your mind. Lately mine have been of sewing. I've always liked to make things and some of the most gratifying have been home decor sewing projects. Since I haven't had any formal sewing training since 7th grade home economics, I've continued with the 'Sew straight line' projects. The latest comes from a combination of my last post of trying new recipes and something that's not just a home accent.
I actually winged it on this project (no pattern or measuring). Next time I'll use this as a start but will make some modifications in size. It's great for me but would be short for anyone taller than 5'2". Finding a fabric was one of the challenges. There were a few criteria I had in mind; First, the pattern had to have a fun but bold graphic. Second, I didn't want to spend a lot of money (total cost: $10.00). Third, it had to coordinate with the kitchen colors so I could 'display' my final product. 
Next adventures in sewing I'm going to try to actually use a pattern. Stay tuned...
We've been trying to find new recipes that are healthy, inexpensive, and above all, taste fabulous. After getting a few cookbooks from the library one stands out above the rest. Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite. This book has good recipes, easy directions, appetizing photos, and most recipes are made from typical ingredients we buy. 
Our favorite recipe so far is the "Stuffed Chicken Breasts Wrapped in Sage and Prosciutto". It was easy to prepare, 8 ingredients total, and an amazing combination of flavors. We pared it with baked potato wedges and a steamed artichoke. Although, Ramsay suggests serving with greens and light mashed potatoes or zesty couscous.
This dish wasn't the healthiest in the book (it is stuffed with ricotta cheese) but we also tried some other recipes like the "Smoked trout, orange and wild arugula salad" that was light and great for a summer lunch. All in all, I would definitely suggest checking this cookbook out!
These were simple burp clothes made out of quilters squares. Easy to make and great gifts for new moms!
I actually made two identical dresses out of this fabric. This was my first attempt at making clothing and I'm glad I started small.
The aprons were for my two nieces. The fabrics match their little personalities!
Last but not least my nephew Blakes' cape! Blake called me one day and asked if he sent me a sketch of an outfit if I would make it for him. Of course, there was no way I would say no to that. He sent a fabulous sketch of an entire outfit. My sewing skills aren't that advanced so I made him this cape because what little boy wouldn't want a cape?
