Birthday Girl

Musings on Life and Beauty

We had a birthday at our house this week.  A beautiful little girl turned 6.


At her request, the day started with breakfast in bed.  The family gathered to her room for our morning scripture study, pledge of allegiance, and family prayer.


A party with her friends…




complete with a decorate your own cupcake finish.


Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a few gifts, dinner of your choice, and some candles to blow out.  (At her request, just a bowl of ice cream with candles in it, no cake.)


To finish off the day, we got out our measuring board to see how much she’s grown in 6 months.


It was a great day for a wonderful girl.  I can’t believe she’s six.
Happy Birthday cutie!

Jennifer

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Lavender Lemonade

Beverages

It’s August, the month of sleepy summer afternoons, good books, and lemonade.

But not just any lemonade.

Homemade lavender lemonade.  Our favorite summertime drink.  Delicious and refreshing.


My husband just looked at these pictures and said, “If only you could describe how good that stuff is!”


Here’s how to make it:
Boil 10 cups water with 4 cups sugar to make a simple syrup.  Remove from heat and add 4 Tb. dried lavender buds to the syrup.  Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours.  Pour mixture into a large container, using cheesecloth to strain lavender.  Discard lavender buds.


Squeeze up to 10 lemons until you have 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice.
In a large container, mix lemon juice with 12 cups water.

Add lemon water to syrup mixture and watch the color change.  Stir and pour a bit into a glass to taste.  Feel free to add more water if it’s too strong, or a bit more lemon juice if you want it stronger.

Add ice, and serve.

Enjoy the refreshing taste.  Serve some more.

You get the idea.

Makes just less than 1.5 gallons of lemonade.


I poured some into pint sized mason jars to share with friends.  Fabric and a tag finished the gift.  I enjoy sharing gifts from my kitchen.


Hope you try it, and happy August!

Hopeful Homemaker

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Chirp Chirp Quilt

Quilting and Sewing



At last, I’ve finished the Chirp Chirp quilt.  The quilting is done and binding is on.


I quilted it in a diamond pattern, much like the Rouenneries quilt I finished earlier in the year.   Rather than quilt over the bird, I quilted around the applique area.  This quilt is much smaller and therefore was much easier to quilt.  I’m happy with the overall outcome.


I embroidered my initials and the year beneath the tree branch, just for fun.


I changed my mind about the binding at least ten times, and then at the last minute discovered I had just enough of the Kona bone to make a binding and went with that.  I’m so glad I did.  It gives a beautiful crisp edge to the quilt, and provides the contrast I wanted.


For the backing I used a beautiful cotton-linen blend from the Rural Jardin collection by French General.  I think this fabric is especially beautiful.  I felt drawn to the rich, deep blues in this collection.  I love the subtle red, white and blue color scheme, making it a perfect summer quilt for my home.  Of course, the birds don’t hurt, either.


Measuring 52 by 40 inches, this is a great size for my younger children to snuggle with.   It was a simple and enjoyable project which I hope will be used and enjoyed for a long time!


Hopeful Homemaker

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