Sunday.

I haven't had the blogging zest lately so my posts have been sparse. I'm thinking the coming fall will inspire me once more. I've been sick for about a week and a half with a pesky cold and try as I might - it will not leave. 

So this is my current view right now. Beautiful soft folded towels and tea. I'm not sure how much longer my tush will occupy the couch but I'm certain it will be another hour or so before I stir for some grapes and maybe a banana.


 

Speaking of fall - where is it? Our weather here has been so warm lately. Combined with my cold it has made me extroadanarily cranky. I haven't felt like knitting or sewing or even cooking for ages. I'm praying this zombie like phase I'm in is only a phase.

I hope your weekend has been delightful so far and if you are experiencing this late summer heat I hope it is welcome. I think of sunny swims at a lake or forest summer strolls and how this weather would be better spent.

So much love!



P.S. I have read so many poignant and heart warming blog posts and articles about the 9/11 attacks which happened 10 years ago today and have found it so moving. I remember that day and the feeling in my heart when I saw those towers fall. We will not forget. My heart goes out to everyone that has been affected 9/11.

Days like today put small colds into perspective and make me really think of the bigger picture of life.

Have a Wonderful Week

I'll be away most of this week on lovely Vancouver Island visiting some relatives and doing a bit of sight seeing. I cannot believe summer is almost over, my heart has been heavy lately at the thought of September. Fall is such a beautiful season with lots of lovely festitivites and food - I'm certain I will perk up soon awaiting the coming months.

P.S. Do you see the quilt folded on the bed? Yes! It is finally finished, I'll have some new pics up soon!

I hope you have a lovely week!

Loves!

Little Bit Of Laundry Love

I snapped this picture on my phone earlier today. I had just hung up this load of laundry and the air was filled with the scent of freshness. I make my own laundry soap and it is unscented, but somehow it always produces the sweetest simple scent. My heart sinks at the thought of fall coming as I will be once again forced to use my dryer. This whole summer I've used my dryer twice, and instead dried dozens of loads of laundry outside. I find during the fall months laundry is much more of a chore.

There is something so lovely about gently hanging laundry on the line. Usually the pug and kitty suntan watching me hang it up.

I started with a recipe making my own laundry soap a long time ago, so long I can't remember the source. I've adapted the recipe over the years and the result is this,

1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/4 c oxy clean (totally optional, but I do love the addition)
1 cup grated bar soap

I use the oxy clean scoop to measure it out. Just one scoop per load is all you need. I think it works out to roughly 1/8 c or 2 rounded tablespoons.

Mix everything together well. I store this in a container by my washing machine. The borax and washing soda is in the laundry soap isle and you can buy specialty soap bars used for laundry soap. I use my own handmade cold process soap. Buying a box of borax, washing soda and tub of oxy clean will last you months and months. I think I buy a box of each twice a year. It works out to be a very inexpensive way to do laundry, and works out wonderful for sensitive skin.

Happy Thursday!

The Summer Quilt

I mentioned my summer quilt project here and here and even here. I spent a few days cutting out about 200 of the white squares that I needed for the project. I already had my lovely contrast fabric details that were pre cut for me that I bought together.


Work has finally begun on the quilt blocks. I've made 20 or so and have only about 6 more to go.




I've made the quilt so far with frugality in mind. I spent 12$ on the pack of beautiful fabric that I'm using for the middle of the block. The white fabric I was going to buy by the yard, but instead I opted to buy 2 Ikea white sheets and just cut them up. The two sheets totaled 8$. I also spent 6$ on the lovely vintage sheet which is behind the quilt blocks in the photograph. I'll be using that sheet for the backing of the quilt. So far my total is about 26$, and all I have left to buy is some batting for the middle. I'm hoping this will be relatively inexpensive.


I cant wait to share some photographs when the quilt is finished.

Are you working on something fun and creative?

Loves!

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry season is upon us. For the last few years I have celebrated by making strawberry jam. I made a large batch a few nights ago for some end of year gifts for my co workers. I didn't use a fancy recipe, just the one provided on the pectin box.





Now I have about 2 dozen of these beauties. Not bad for a nights work.



Happy Tuesday friends, summer is finally here.

What have you been up to in the kitchen?