One more Moore

Happy scraps

So....all the scraps are going to be made into a quilt. Initially i was just going to do a stroller sized one for the kids, but upon laying all the sewn strips out, I realized it could be much bigger. That is, until I started sewing the strips together- that 1/4" seam allowance really shrinks things down! But even so, I hadn't even dented the scrap bag, so I cut and cut and cut more pieces and now I'm sewing, sewing, sewing them together. So this 'little' weekend project it going to take a few more days. I do, after all, want this quilt to be the size of Texas. It didn't help that last night when I went to kiss Henry goodnight- I fell asleep next to him for 2 HOURS! Sheesh. Needless to say, I'm a wee bit behind but I can't wait to share the finished project (along with a funny technique on how I put this thing together.)

Happy Monday!

xo

Family Missile Appreciation Day

The children have been quarantined in the house all week battling bronchitis/ear infections, etc.,. Saturday afternoon we went for a drive up the PCH and ended up in Oxnard. We stopped for a milkshake and on the way home, stopped at the Pt. Mugu Missile Park. Nothing like a little missile observing to perk up the old spirits.   We call him Mr. Sharkteeth. And how about them apples? Miss Kate started walking, WALKING I tell you! She's unstoppable. Both she & Henry started walking at the exact same time (15 mo's) and not a moment too soon. It was getting tricky for this very pregnant mama to pick her up! Family Missile Appreciation Day: Complete.

When the scrap bag overfloweth...

I literally have a garbage sack overflowing with little fabric scraps leftover from various sewing projects over the years.  Last night, I started pulling them out, one by one, and cutting them into strips. Not sure whats going to become of them yet, but determined to complete a project this weekend.

Handmade Home

While I was in Boston, I had the pleasure of going to Maine to meet everyone's favorite blogging Mama: SouleMama. Handmade Home is Amanda's second book and is truly a gem. A 4-hr wait at Logan airport gave me the opportunity to pour over every single page (while I nursed a cup of Chowdah from Legal's, of course) The book is so incredibly well written and I love how the crafts include re-purposing old fabrics. Amanda herself, well, she's adorable. She's sweet and soft spoken, endearing, welcoming and you can just tell she has the kindest soul. I've been a reader of her blog for the last 3 years and was thrilled to be able to finally meet her. She does not disappoint. Head on over to her blog for some big time inspiration! I strongly recommend curling up next to a bowl of chowdah while reading.

Wicked Good

I had some time alone in Boston and headed straight for the Public Garden. I so wished I had the children with me, a big cozy blanket and a picnic basket. They would have loved playing on the Make Way For Ducklings statues: And I know they would have absolutely loved a ride on the swan boats: The Public Garden is the epitome of Boston charm. I feared I would not be able to get on that plane ride home. I made it through the park and walked down to Newbury Street. This mama was hungry! I made it to Stephanie's where I ordered a bleu cheese wedge (an all-time favorite.) I sat on the patio and people watched and thought about how good our life was here and how much I really needed this getaway. These last few years have been extremely trying and hard, this year especially. This little getaway helped me to forget about things, at least for a few days.

I've never left the children before (besides when I was in the hospital giving birth to Kate!) and felt so lucky that my sister flew out from Vermont to be with them. She is going to make a wonderful Mama one day. She loves the children and I know they love her. I felt so comfortable leaving them with her. Anyway- a lot of people made this trip possible, and I am so grateful for that. We ended our day driving through Beacon Hill. I love the history here. It's so lush and green. You can tell  that the city is on the cusp of Fall- the best season here. One last drive to the North End: past the connah store and straight here: (I know you swear by "Modern", Kirse!)  I was really hoping they had chocolate dipped coconut macaroons. They did not. They don't always carry them and I don't know why- they are the best. Someone get on that. We decided to go for canoli instead- which never, never disappoints (though we should have shared 1!) You've got to throw some serious elbows to get to the front at this place, but any level of violence is worth it. Told you.

At some point, Chris & I are going to have to stop talking to each other in our over-exaggerated Boston accents. It's gonnah be harhd, wicked harhd. 

p.s. Um...totally freaking out about the prospect of this!

Just like the good old days

Today we drove into Brookline and parked the car in front of our old place. That's it on the right. We lived in this house, on the second floor (right above the architect), for 5+ years. We brought Henry home from the hospital to this house. When we lived there I think the paint was creme colored with burgundy trim. We have such wonderful memories here. We bought our stroller next door at Bambini. I remember rolling it out of the store and right up the stairs into our apartment. We walked the 1/2 block down the street to our old T stop: Brookline Village. We were on the "D" Line, the green line. Did you know they don't take tokens anymore? It's all about "charlie tickets" now... what the??? But it came- our lovely T (is that T driver waving at e...or telling me to scootch my pooch?) We rode the T from Brookline Village down 2 stops to Fenway where we promptly exited the T and walked here: Oh I miss this place. I mean really miss this place. It's the best of Boston. I'm so glad the Sox were in town and we were able to catch a game. We were crossing our fingers that one of our favorite ice cream joints was still open after the game and alas it was. Enter: J P Licks.  I used to order the "Cherry Garciaparra" but Nomar left the Sox years ago and I was worried they may have discontinued the flavor. I was happy to see it has now been renamed "Cherry Ortiz" (not quite as catchy but I'll take it!!)

Our bellies are full, our hearts are happy. Can someone send me the children STAT??? They are all that are missing (and I miss them so!)

Newburyport, MA

I have been staying with my friend Beth in Newburyport while Chris is down filming in Newport, RI. Today, we went to a party for an old friend. Here is their home- the home (Solomon Kimball House) was built in 1690 and additions were added throughout the 1700's. We spent almost the entire afternoon out on the porch: talking, eating. laughing at the hilarious "Dirty French" book Beth bought for Rick for their upcoming trip to Southern France. We snacked on delicious food, watched the chickens run around, and had an overall great Saturday afternoon. In the early evening, the girls & I headed to the beach to walk the boardwalk and listen to live music. We ended the evening with some tasty fish 'n chips.

Delish. Chris will be done with work tomorrow and we'll be spending the rest of our trip down in Beantown. Huzzah!

Busy busy

4 custom name banners, 3 cozy cones and one pair of pajamas for Henry. Lot's of sewing this week to get ready for a little vaca for this Mama. And now I am here. All.by.myself. Lot's of pictures to come this weekend!

Jamming

My brother sent me this book last month and I have to tell you, I've read through it several times. I love everything about it and it's perfect for someone like me who has only ever made freezer jam. I didn't really have any canning supplies (besides the actual jars) so I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make anything from this book. There is a small introduction in the beginning about the basics of canning, supplies, acidity in fruit, etc.,. In the end, I was feeling pretty confident that my trusty stockpot pan would work after all.  And it totally did. Thanks to all those years of working at Williams Sonoma that allowed me to invest in a set of All-Clad pans which worked brilliantly. So what did I start with?  Fig jam of course. Because well, I had 5 lbs on hand from Grammies tree. I think the figs are black mission- I believe that's what's native to this area. So I chopped, and I weighed (2 lbs exactly...a kitchen scale is a must- I use mine all the time), and I simmered, and then boiled and then put into their 1/2 pint jars and processed for 10 minutes. I was a little scared on what I might find when I lifted the lid: busted jars, fig goo everywhere, lids that didn't seal, etc.,. Every. Single. Jar. Worked! It's was a jam miracle! One of my favorite parts of this book is the way it's laid out. Each chapter is alphabetized by fruit (chapter 1- Apples, etc.,.) All the Fig recipes are together, apple in another. It's easy to navigate and the recipes seem really doable. I made 2 batches (she suggests not doubling) and added cinnamon. I wasn't sure about the cinnamon since I love the pure taste of figs- but it smelled like heaven in a jar. I mean to.die.for. There are so many recipes I can't wait to try: Pear Butter, Rhubarb Orange Preserves, Pumpkin Butter, Rose Petal Syrup and Coconut Caramel Jam, just to name a few. So to you, Linda Ziedrich- I just want to say I adore your new book, "The Joy of Jams, Jellies and other sweet preserves" and recommend it to all!

p.s- you like my new tablecloth? I made it last week- it's all ball-fringey and fabulous, no? I'm all gaga and wierd about the print. It's perfect out on the patio. I have a funny story about this fabric that I'll share another time. Happy Monday!

Figs

Today we went to grammies to pick figs from her tree. Has it been a year already?  I love figs.

I have big plans for these babies. Big plans!!
I'll share soon!