Must Have Accessories for Dog Owners

Do your family photos include Fido? Do you count Fluffy as one of your children when someone asks how many kids to you have? Do you talk to your dog in the same tone you use with your human babies?

this post contains affiliate links. please click on the disclaimer page for more information

If you answered yes to any of these questions you are most certainly a Dog Mama! Congratulations - now give yourself a nice pat on the back, maybe a scratch behind the ears!

Pets really are part of the family. I am a professed dog lover (sorry kitty) and miss my Big Sid so much. We used to have this big black bouvier des flanders named Sidney. He was about 145lbs but thought he was a lap dog. He would sit on my lap until my legs went numb and then I'd have to scootch him off of me. He lived to be 12 years old before we had to put him down. That was one of the saddest days of my life.

Currently we have one little goldfish named Orange. I miss being a dog owner but right now in our lives this wouldn't be a good time to have a dog - it wouldn't be fair to the pooch.

What I've noticed lately is the amazing accessories you get to show how much you love your little (or big) puppy or announce that you are a proud doggy mama! I don't think these kinds of goodies were available or as cute back when we had our dog, but boy do I wish they did! I would have loved wearing the dog mama hat while swinging my car keys on the cute doggy keyring.

If you are a dog mom looking for some adorable accessories I have just the thing for you! Here is a great list of cool and stylish (and somewhat practical) dog themed accessories for you.

Don't forget to pin this post to Pinterest! Just hover over the graphic with the cute puppy at the top and pin it to your favorite pet board!

How To Make A Rag Quilt - Easy Quilting Project for the Beginner

Quilting for the first time? Start with a simple rag quilt. The perfect quilt project that is very forgiving for the beginner! 

Years ago I was looking for a new hobby and so I picked up sewing. I am self taught which means I learned a lot by trial and error (more error than anything)! I still love to sew but my interests have expanded into quilting. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my disclaimer page. Thanks!

I love browsing Pinterest looking at beautiful quilts created by the professional quilters and designers. I love learning about the history of the various quilt block patterns as well as seeing the modern quilts with contemporary patterns. 

Quilts are practical artwork - they are nice to look at and can make a statement all while keeping you warm and cozy!

I started dabbling with quilt making when I first saw a baby rag quilt. As a mother of a newborn at the time I was in love with flannel fabric (it makes the best, most absorbent bibs). 

The patterns and prints on flannel fabric is endless and the softness is amazing. I made several rag quilts for my kids as well as gifts for others and I really enjoy the process of cutting the edging around the quilt so that it frays on purpose. (I recommend these scissors for cutting)

Check out this rag quilt listed in my etsy shop Sapucha:

If you have never made a quilt but have basic sewing skills this is a wonderful quilt to start with. It is so forgiving and always ends up looking good! 

This is the perfect project to do with your kids too! Measuring, cutting, coordinating fabric and then sewing are skills you can teach your kids. My girls have made many rag quilt doll blankets for their American Girl dolls. They love rummaging through my fabric scrap bin finding pieces of fabric to make a little mini rag quilt with. 

Rag Quilt Tutorial For The Beginner

Rag quilts can be made using different shapes of fabric like squares as shown in my blue one above or long rectangle strips. 

If you want to make a rag strip quilt I've put together a tutorial on how to make one here. Strip quilts are quick and easy to make even for a beginner. Check out the rag strip quilt (and tutorial) I made for my husband's boss. It is a baby size crib quilt that took me just a few hours to cut, sew and finish. 

click HERE to read more

If you are looking for another good tutorial to follow here is one I also recommend:

Click here for tutorial

Where to Find Rag Quilt Fabric

Besides Amazon there are many great places to get flannel fabric. Here are some I recommend to get you started: 

1. Jo-Ann Fabrics is a great place to start since their inventory of flannel fabric is huge! And they always have coupons! 

2. Walmart - our local Walmart has a fabric section that includes lots of flannel fabric and notions too.

3. Fabric.com - is an online fabric retailer with a variety of selection. I have used them in the past and have always like the fabric I've ordered.

4. Hobby Lobby - they always have coupons too! I think their selection is pretty good however I haven't had good luck finding sewing savvy salespeople. (that's what Google is for right!)

5. Bloomerie Fabrics - this online retailer has a great selection of beautiful fabric. I LOVE this online store.

6. Upcycle old flannel shirts or sheets! 

Rag Quilt Tools 

Having the right tools is an important part of quilting. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn something new with inadequate tools. 

Aside from fabric the next most important tool you will need is a basic sewing machine. My sweet husband bought me my first sewing machine as a Valentine's Day gift many years ago. He was wise to start with a basic Singer sewing machine with a few bells and whistles to get me started. 

Rag quilts require a lot of cutting (more like "snipping") so along with a basic sewing machine you will want a good pair of scissors. I've learned that you need to be diligent in hiding your good sewing scissors so that they are never used to cut things other than fabric. Even paper can dull them! Also, good sewing scissors are sharp - so please keep them away from young children. Here is the pair of scissors I use and LOVE! They even come with a little blade cover so I don't accidentally stab myself as I scrounge around inside my sewing basket looking for them. 

purchase here on Amazon

Other basic tools you will benefit from but don't necessarily have to buy right away are a good self healing cutting mat and a quilters ruler. Don't worry, if you don't have these things you can still make a great rag quilt. These are just great tools to have handy when you start getting serious about quilting. 

I hope this inspires you to stretch your sewing skills a little and try something new. Don't you just love making something that is beautiful and practical? I certainly do! 

Don't forget to pin this post so you can refer back to it when you start your own rag quilt. Follow my blog so you don't miss any future quilting posts - especially for beginners!

Mason Jar Obsession - Cool Uses, Tips and Ideas

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure here.

I am in love with Mason Jars! Actually obsessed would be a better description. Mason jars are so simple, useful and beautiful. I just can't help myself - I collect them any chance I get. Glass jars are just irresistible to me.

They are practical for storing food, both dry and wet. I love mixing homemade salad dressing in them - just pour in the ingredients, screw on the lid and shake it up. The jars are dishwasher safe and reusable, yeah!

A few years ago at our family's annual "Girls Weekend" we did a craft project using Mason jars. We painted them, distressed them and then filled them with beautiful flowers. It was simple and so much fun. Looking for a tutorial? This one from It All Started With Paint is a good one to follow.

via:It All Started With Paint

In addition to using Mason jars for craft projects or storing food I have found some more great ideas that I wanted to share with you. Get ready for some amazing Mason jar goodness!

I'd love to hear how you use Mason jars, either as a food storage use or home decor? Creative ideas are always enjoyed around here!

Amazing Outdoor Patio Sets for Small Spaces

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more information.

I am totally over winter but winter isn't over with us just yet. We just got 2 inches of snow this morning - I may have shed a tear or two because of this or maybe it was a snowflake melting on my cheek. My mantra these days is "Spring is coming, Spring is coming". I keep saying this to my kids but after this morning the eye rolling is getting a little more noticeable. 

With spring around the corner and cabin fever at its height shopping for new patio furniture is just what I need to see the light at the end of the dark winter tunnel. Finding the right patio set for your small space can be really tough! 

We have a long and narrow deck off the back of our house. It is a great space for entertaining however those big patio sets just won't work in our space. I think a couple of bistro sets would look cool and allow for the best use of the space. 

I'm thinking two or three sets (matching or not) with some planters between them - sort of like an outdoor restaurant seating for patrons. My husband and I could have one set and the kids could sit at the other. I might have to consider this a date! (except I'm the one cooking and cleaning up) 

Below I've compiled a bunch of ideas I came up with that would look amazing on a small patio or deck. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do. In the meantime just remember - "Spring is coming, Spring is coming". 

The Best Cookbook Collection for Cooking at Home

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

When we got married (many years ago!) one of the most useful gifts I received was a Betty Crocker cookbook. I knew the basics of cooking but this book helped me hone my skills and venture into new recipes I might not have tried. 

I remember pouring over the pages of my Betty Crocker cookbook looking at the pictures and planning out what I wanted to make and try next. It was a lot of fun - it still is! 

Collecting cookbooks has become one of my passions. I love reading them, learning new tips and tricks as well as expanding our family's menu. We all get stuck in a "rut" sometimes - especially when it comes do the dinner menu. The seasonal recipes we all look forward to making tend to lack their flare after several months of use. 

Now that we are at the end of the winter season, and my "winter recipes" have run their course I am totally ready to switch gears and start implementing some spring/summer dishes into our weeknight meals. New cookbooks are a great way to expand your menu and discover new dishes to serve your family. 

I put together a great list of cookbooks that I hope will help you, like it did me, get out of the seasonal menu rut and breathe new life into your kitchen! 

Do you use cast iron to cook with? No? Well what are you waiting for? I don't know what I'd do without my cast iron skillet and grill pan! These wonderful kitchen tools take food to the next level. I use my iron skills for everything - even dessert!

Cast Iron Skillet

Ever had a cast iron chocolate chip cookie pie? Simple and so yummy - all I do is make a batch of cookie dough (find the recipe here), spread it into the cast iron skillet and bake it. If it starts to get a little too done around the edges just put a piece of aluminum foil over it while it is baking and this will help it keep from burning around the edges.

Click here to find the recipe

I don't even take it out of the pan when we bring this dessert to a party. Yep, I bring the whole skillet with the cookie pie inside still. I love how it looks a little rustic but the skillet keeps the cookie warm for a long time so when you are ready to serve the pie it is still warm! Scoop a little vanilla ice cream on top and you are all set! 

Must-Have Gender Neutral Baby Supplies Every New Parent Needs

This spring has been a wild and crazy time for our family! My sister, my sister in law, and my cousin's wife all had newborn babies. What a blessing these little ones are! 

Since my kids are no longer babies, I miss the baby gear - cute outfits, sweet little toys, and the super-soft blankets. Fortunately, with the arrival of these new bundles of joy, I get to do a little shopping for some cute baby gifts. None of the moms found out what they were having, so when I was looking for a gift, I had to keep it gender neutral. 

This post and the photos within it contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. See my full disclosure policy under the disclaimer tab.

Advice for New Parents

As a new parent, sometimes you can become overwhelmed by all the options available for a new baby. So you might be asking "What do I really need for a newborn baby?" I remember asking myself this during moments of feeling overwhelmed. After having my first baby and then, preparing for my second (and third and fourth), my list of "Must Haves" became much more simplified and practical. I approached the newborn stage with a mindset focused on survival and the "less as more" mantra. 

Here are my recommendations for what a newborn (and rookie parents) will need as they welcome their bundle of joy home.

"Must-Haves" for Newborn Baby

1. Diapers (lots and lots of diapers) 

In the early days, you are supposed to track wet and dirty diapers to make sure baby is getting enough nourishment. Newborn babies go through a LOT of diapers. Also, some brands of diapers worked better for my girls and not my boys and vice versa. The best diapers for my girls were Pampers and I used Huggies for my boys.

2. Onesies / Bodysuit 

My babies wore onesies all the time! They wore a onesie under everything from jammies to jumpers. My pediatrician always recommended dressing newborns in one more layer than what you are comfortable wearing. 

My daughter was born in the summer and wore a onesie by itself on hot days and seemed quite comfortable. A new mom needs a collection of these since babies tend to go through them quickly! I didn't go through their onesies quite as fast as diapers, but still be prepared to change your baby's onesie 3-8 times per day. 

Here are some cute gender neutral bodysuit (onesies) I recommend from Burt's Bees:

3. Infant Car Seat 

Obviously, safety is your number one concern when bringing baby home from the hospital. The right car seat that is installed correctly is so important. If you have never installed a car seat I recommend checking with your local fire or police department to see if they have a certified car seat education program. Many times you can just stop into the police or fire department, and they will check to make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly at no charge to you. 

We used Graco brand car seats with all four of our kids because they had good safety ratings, were easy to lug around, and worked with our stroller. We also bought additional car seat bases so we could use the same car seat in multiple cars or give one to grandparents to install in their car. 

4. Sleep sack or layette 

Newborn babies don't need a lot of clothing at first since they spend a lot of time tucked into mom's arms, eating or sleeping. I found that having a good supply of sleep sacks or layettes handy was what my babies wore for the first few months outside the womb. 

The advantage of the sleep sack is that you can change the baby's diaper without disturbing them too much.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help reduce your anxiety and help prepare you for a new baby! Remember that becoming a new parent is a process that you will learn to grow and adjust to. Enjoy your new baby and all the cuddles, snuggles, and time you get to spend with him or her! 

Big Collection of Adorable Easter Baskets

Tradition was a big deal in my family growing up, especially holiday traditions. Easter was no exception!

Being the oldest child in my family, my mom gave me her wooden Easter basket she used as a child. I'm not a very sentimental person but this basket is just precious to me! It even has her name written on the bottom of the basket in crayon - something I'm sure she did to make sure her other 5 siblings knew whose basket this belonged to!

The basket has a solid wood bottom with rows of weaved basket fibers in tan and dark purple around it. The handles are wooden and attached with bent nails to the basket frame (I'm sure this is a "fix" my grandpa made to the basket years ago!)

I used this basket every year and my parents had a tradition of hiding our baskets somewhere in the house for us kids to find on Easter morning. They kept up this tradition well into my college years!

Now that I have my own kids we have tweaked our Easter tradition but we still love including the baskets in our celebration. Instead of hiding their baskets I hide plastic eggs throughout our house - in Michigan you can never be to sure if the weather will allow for an outside Easter egg hunt.

Each hidden egg has a Bible verse reference inside. Once all the eggs are found we gather together as a family and the kids begin looking up each verse in their Bible and reading it out loud.

Once we are done reading I fill their baskets with candy and small gifts to remind them of the gift Jesus gave to us by dying on the cross to pay for our sin and His resurrection. I love this tradition and so do my kids!

I found a wonderful collection of beautiful and unique Easter baskets I just had to share with you. There is a variety of baskets appropriate a variety of ages as well as some great table scape baskets!

I'd love to hear what your Easter traditions are and if you have a special Easter basket - share below in the comments!!!

*this post contains affiliate links. see my disclosure page for more information!