This Week in My Haven: No. 20
This week in my haven was snowy! We have over a foot of snow on the ground right now. It’s been very fun for Joanna to play in. We actually had enough snow piled up in our yard from shoveling our walkway that she was able to sled down it. She also built four miniature snowmen and a small snow fort. Our puppy, Minnie, also enjoyed frolicking in the snow even though it went all the way up to her neck! It’s moments like these that make me feel so grateful for our home and that it’s the place where we get to make so many joyful memories together.
Shop announcements: More new items are being added every week!
Check out the “Morning Sun” and “Color Your Haven” collections to find some items that would make great Valentine’s Day gifts for kids or adults.
Freebie alert! I’ve been experimenting with free hand applique (also called “thread sketching” or “free motion embroidery”), and have a couple items in the shop using that technique, including free bookmarks.
I don’t usually care much about celebrating Valentine’s Day with all the stereotypical hearts and flowers and such, but I just couldn’t help myself this week when Joanna gave me the idea to make a red and gold polka dotted apron with heart shaped gold pockets. If Valentine’s Day is your thing, this apron would be perfect for you!
Get a free bookmark! (Click the photo or the link in the shop announcements.)
What I’m thinking about: Spring! Even though it’s fun to play in the snow, I am hoping for an early spring this year. There is so much I am looking forward to being able to do again come springtime, including hosting family and friends at our house. Hopefully, we’ll be able to safely have guests in our home in the coming months because I really miss being able to share our hospitality with our loved ones. I’m hoping that I can share some easy hosting ideas here once it’s safe to plan get-togethers.
What I’m making: Last weekend before the giant snowfall, I made a trip up to the Vogue Fabrics Store in Evanston, Illinois to pick a few fabrics. I haven’t made myself any new clothes since December, I think, and I was ready for a garment sewing project. I picked out a red bamboo jersey knit and a gray herringbone sweatshirt knit that is super plush and cozy. I’m planning to use patterns from Sew Beautiful for both garments.
What I’m cooking: I mentioned last week that we were doing a virtual cooking class to make paella. Well, it turned out so delicious! This isn’t the exact paella recipe we followed, but it’s very similar, if you’re interested in trying out this flavorful dish. I also adapted this cookie recipe to make us some breakfast bars. I swapped dried cranberries, raisins, and sliced almonds for the chocolate chips. I also used honey instead of granulated sugar. With the lowest sweetener amounts, we felt they had the right sweetness for a breakfast treat, but they were also tastiest enough to enjoy for a dessert.
What I’m reading: I fell out of my reading routine and have been struggling to get back into it. I am still reading and enjoying the same books, but I am already looking forward to picking my next read. I think my next book needs to have a quick-paced plot. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Joanna has no classes today because it’s the end of the semester, so she’s in charge today. I wonder what we’ll do next! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
(Disclosure: I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations or reviews I post here. All opinions are my own.)
