Skinny Cow WoCave: Mission 1

Several weeks back I shared with you that I have a wonderful new sponsorship from Skinny Cow brand (they seriously are the best) and I am participating in their Skinny Cow Brand Influencer for the WoCave Program.  If you missed the intro post, you can check out more information about it by clicking HERE.

So for my 1st WoCave mission, Skinny Cow sent me and three of my girlfriends to do something a little outside of our ordinary routine. My friends and I all love to craft, decorate, create, etc., but generally we get together at someones' home for our creative night once a month. So for this mission, we were taken outside of our comfort zone and sent to paint pottery at a local shop in town.

I was really excited when we received our mission. I've painted pottery once before, but it was a long time ago and I knew my girlfriends would be up for the mission as well!

We were all give a large mug and saucer upon arriving at the shop. We walked around taking in all the inspiration and planning out what we wanted to paint on our pottery. The planning part was the hardest part for me since I agonize over my creations.

My friend, Jen, had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to paint on her pieces. She had an inspiration print that she had been thinking about so that really helped her create her design.

The colors at the pottery shop were very muted when you first put them on, but they had examples of what the different colors would look like once they had been fired and were ready to go a week later.

My friend Laura ended up doing polka dots with some sponges on her big giant mug and plate and stuck to really sweet palette of colors. It was so cute!

Ellie has a really beautiful home decorated in blues, greens and earth-tones, so she stuck to those colors in creating her two pieces.

So here I am with my mug. And here's the thing......I had a little problem.......I needed about 8 more hours to actually paint the design I had planned. It was pretty funny. I had an intricate design drawn out in pencil (since the pencil marks burn off when the pottery is fired) and ended up just having to paint right over it because I only had 45 minutes left to finish. Same thing happened with my plate. Note to self for next time: 'must arrive when shop opens in the morning'.

But with that being said, I think there will definitely be a next time. We all had such a great time trying something new. Isn't that what life is all about? Getting outside of our regular routine and experiencing new things together. I think so. And what's even better is when you can experience these things with your good friends and build memories to last a lifetime.

We just completed our second mission and I can't wait to share more about it with you, if you follow me on Instagram (@thecottagemama), you may already have an idea where we went. Thank you to Skinny Cow brand for helping me experience such fun missions and activities with my girlfriends (and thanks for the Cookies 'n Dough ice cream bars.......they were delish)!

Products and mission tasks were provided to me free of charge from Skinny Cow Brand, however, as always.......all opinions, ideas and experiences are 100% mine.


Pin It

The Cottage Mama's WoCave: Introduction

Have you ever heard of the term 'Man Cave'? I'm guessing you have.......but what about us women? Don't we need our own spaces too? A few months back I was asked to be part of Skinny Cow's new WoCave campaign (pronounced wo-cah-vay). What is this you might ask? Well, basically Skinny Cow is well aware of what most of us would refer to as a 'Man Cave' (a special space for a man), so they thought that it would be fun for women to have a chance to explore what a 'Women Cave' means to them, hence their new term, WoCave.

I think more times than not people assume that a woman's WoCave is her home. Which is true to some extent, but what about a space that she can TRULY call her own. Do you have one? Would you like one? Perhaps you do not have room for a physical space in your home to call your own, but what about just a special time where you can escape from all the business of home life and connect with other women?

For me, I am luckily enough to have a space inside my home to call my WoCave and that would definitely be my sewing studio. It's a very small room off of our dining room, but it is all mine. It is my escape from the everyday chaos of being a mom to three young children and where I can go to step away from that role and be my creative self.

Another space outside of my home that I would consider my WoCave is a group of women that I get together with regularly for what we call, Creative Night. Creative Night is where we all bring something creative to work on......for some that is editing their photography, for others its knitting, for me its hand sewing. But we all bring a dish to share (and our favorite beverage.......usually wine) and just enjoy each others company. Sometimes we get things done, sometimes we don't........but either way, it's our time to step away from our daily lives and connect with each other.

So, for the next several months I will be on a mission to take my WoCave to another level. Since I value the time I spend with my girlfriends, we are going to be trying to do somethings a little more out of the ordinary to really tap into our creative sides as women. Because we all love DIY and crafting, that will be our main focus.

To start me off on the right foot, Skinny Cow brand sent over this really fun box filled with goodies. A craft book, necklace, stationary, inspiration board and gift certificate to Michael's. Oh and let's not forget the ice cream to share with my friends........

Let me tell you......these Cookies 'n Dough Bars are To. Die. For.

Mission 1: Our first mission is to take our creative group and go to a local pottery shop and spend the evening painting pottery. None of us consider ourselves painters, but it is going to be so much fun trying something new and creative with one another. And again, another great chance to connect without the distraction of little ones and home life.

So what about you.......do you have a WoCave of your very own? Or do you have a place where you can escape with your girlfriends where you kick up your heels, relax and connect?

Perhaps you'd like to join me on this journey and round up some of your girlfriends and set up a time to escape for a little girl time. I encourage you to join me in creating your own WoCave.
I'm really looking forward to it!

I'll be back next week to give you a recap of Mission #1!

Pin It

Fabric Friday: Southern Fabric Giveaway

It's another Fabric Friday here at The Cottage Mama and we've got a great giveaway today from one of our lovely blog sponsors, Southern Fabric.

Southern Fabric carries a wonderful variety of designer quilting cotton fabric from some of my very favorite designers. If you've never visited their shop, you need to head over there and check it out.......but be careful, you'll want to buy one of everything!

They are having a great Memorial Day sale going on right now. Today is the last day to take advantage, so if you are in the market for some gorgeous new fabric, I suggest you head on over and check out some of the fantastic deals. You can visit Souther Fabric by clicking HERE.

I have had my eye on this line 'Happy-Go-Lucky' by Bonnie and Camille for Moda Fabrics ever since I saw a preview of it. I am really drawn to navy blue right now and I love the mix of brighter colors with some of the deeper blue tones in this line.

Speaking of navy blue.......this print from 'Cuzco' by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics also has my name on it. SO pretty!

On the more juvenile front, I love this print from the 'Apple Jacks' line. My little guy is really into all kinds of vehicles right now and this would be just perfect for him.

There are so many gorgeous fabrics to be found over at Southern Fabric. And today one lucky winner is going to win a $50.00 gift certificate to Southern Fabric to spend on anything you would like.

To stay up to date with new patterns, tutorials, giveaways and more, please sign up for the NEW The Cottage Mama newsletter starting in June.

Subscribe to the NEW The Cottage Mama Newsletter

Giveaway will be open until Monday, June 3, 2013 at Midnight (CST).

You can enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

Coffee.......My Favorite Part of the Morning

The best part of wakin' up is...

Picture me singing that first line and I bet you can finish the tune...

"The best part of wakin' up is Folgers in your cup"

I was born in 1981 and that little jingle was definitely a part of my childhood growing up. Even now, hearing it makes me feel all nostalgic, warm and cozy. I was recently asked by the folks at Folgers to write a blog post talking a little bit about coffee and my morning routine. Well, that's an easy one for me since coffee is kind of my life line throughout the day. For those of you who can go the day without drinking a cup of joe, you amaze me. With having three kids age five and under and running a small business, I need to stay on top of my game and coffee really keeps me going all day long.

Each night my husband sets our coffee pot to go off at 6:00am. Our little man, Caspian Finn, is like our little rooster and we hear him start talking around 5:45am. I know, it's a little early, but we've gotten used to it and the girls are usually up shortly thereafter. Typically my hubby will get the little guy out of his crib and we head downstairs to start the day.

There are some mornings that I am just so darn tired that the thought of coffee is the only thing that gets me out of bed. And the smell... oh, that wonderful smell. We bought these beautiful pottery coffee mugs from a local artisan earlier this year and they just make my morning coffee seem even more warm and cozy. I take my coffee with just a little bit of milk, no sugar (just in case you were wondering).

Once we've gotten downstairs, the kids get a morning snack and a drink (milk or water). Then we get comfy on the couch, turn on the news and have our morning cup of coffee. I check my email on the iPad and check in on a few of my favorite blogs. My husband then heads upstairs to get ready for work. While he is getting ready for work, I make breakfast. Once he heads out the door, it's all me for the next 12 hours (he has a long commute to the city). Our morning routine works really well for us and it's something the kids have come to expect each and every morning.

As the kids and I are getting ready for our day, we often like to turn music on the iPad to get us going. Sometimes it's something upbeat or sometimes it's something a little more smooth and mellow, like one of my favorite jazz singers, Diana Krall.

Music was a huge part of my life growing up. I grew up performing in musicals, singing, acting and dancing and attended Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music for musical theatre. And because music influenced me so much as a child, it's something I hope to pass on to my children whether it be through playing a musical instrument, singing, etc. I was really excited to see that Folgers is fostering the love and appreciation of music in others by hosting their very own annual jingle contest. The contestants have come up with their own original jingles about coffee. You have to go check out the top 10 finalists......I'm not kidding when I tell you that these folks are amazingly talented.

So that's a little bit about my morning routine, coffee and music... I think it's kind of fun to take a little look into someone else's morning routine. I hope you do too!

 Vote for the best Top 10 Finalist in Folgers' Jingle Contest! Meet the Top 10! Take a look at Folgers® Jingle Contest Finalists, and listen to the tracks that earned them a spot in The Top 10. Cast your vote once every day through June 19th. You could win exciting prizes, like free Folgers Coffee, iTunes® gift cards, signed CDs from Gavin DeGraw, and even a $10,000 Grand Prize just for voting! Before you vote, follow the Road to the Jingle on Facebook to see how they traveled the U.S. to track down the Top 10 contestants! Remember, you can vote once a day through June 19th! Click here for official rules.

Pin It

Sprightly Fabrics Giveaway

It's Fabric Friday here at The Cottage Mama and I am really excited to introduce our sponsor today, Sprightly Fabrics. They aren't exactly a new around here since they've been a sponsor for about three months, but they have been in the process of launching a new website, so we held off doing their giveaway until today. Sprightly Fabrics website is up and running and ready for business!

I am pretty selective when it comes to choosing fabric sponsors for this blog. I want to make sure they are in keeping with the style around here and are shops that I know you all will love and adore. And I LOVE Sprightly Fabrics. They carry some of my absolute favorite designers plus they carry more than just fabrics.

Here's a little bit about how they got started from the owner herself, Monique:

Let's see, about us... I guess I probably got started like many others, by selling handmade goodies! I learned to crochet at 8 years old and when my hands told me they'd had enough a few years ago, I had to find other creative outlets. Our first craft supply offered was die cut felt, which then evolved into fabric and other supplies. Along the way I roped my husband into helping out too.  We're constantly inspired by what our customers, other crafters and designers create and love offering supplies that allow them to grow and encourage others!

I always thinks it's so fun to hear how other people got started in their businesses, don't you?

Before we move onto the giveaway, I wanted to share some of the things I have my eye on over at Sprightly Fabrics:

Carnaby Street Bundle from Art Gallery Fabrics

Be still my heart. These colors are absolutely gorgeous and if you've never sewn with Art Gallery Fabrics before, their fabric is absolutely perfect for garments.

Notting Hill Collection from Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit Fabrics

I have been thinking about getting some prints from Joel Dewberry's 'Notting Hill' collection for quite sometime and this red colorway is calling for me.

 Cocoon by Valori Wells for Free Spirit Fabrics

I love this print! AND it's in the clearance section over at Sprightly Fabrics for $5.99 per yard, with your 10% off coupon code that's only $5.40 per yard. What a steal. I might have to go pick this one up if you don't.

Die Cut Felt Circles (136 included)

Not only do they sell fabric, but they sell felt as well. I think these circles would be fun for so many different craft projects. I am seeing some adorable hair clips for my girls out of these circles.

Divine Twine

They also carry Divine Twine. I have so many spools of this twine. It's great for all kinds of things!

Another things about Sprightly Fabrics is they offer tiered pricing which is really nice if you tend to purchase larger amounts of fabrics. The price per yard goes down with the more you buy. They also have a 10% off code over on their website for your first purchase. Additionally they offer many other products such as colored elastics, embroidery hoops, patterns, books and more!

Today Sprightly Fabrics is giving away one $50.00 gift certificate to one very lucky blog reader! You can use this gift certificate to buy anything from their online store.

You can enter to win in the rafflecopter below......you can enter up to three times. 

Giveaway is open until Monday, April 29, 2013 at midnight (CST).

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

Giveaway Winners ~ Violette Field Threads and Crafter's Vision

Wow, you guys really love our new sponsor, Violette Field Threads and one of our long-time sponsors, Crafter's Vision! We had about 1250 entries into the Violette Field Threads giveaway and over 1000 entries into the Crafter's Vision Giveaway.

The Crafter's Vision giveaway was about a month ago and while I picked the winners, they never made it into a post here on the blog. So don't worry, you didn't miss anything recent, but I just want to make sure everyone gets their prizes.

And the winners are........

Violette Field Threads (10 Pattern Bundle):

Crafter's Vision ($50.00 Gift Certificates):

Congratulations ladies! Please email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your contact information and I will make sure you get your prizes as soon as possible.

On another note, we are very close to reaching 10,000 fans over on The Cottage Mama Facebook page and once we hit that number, I have a big giant giveaway planned. So if you aren't a fan yet, please come on over and join us on Facebook! Click HERE to visit The Cottage Mama on Facebook.


Pin It

Sponsored Giveaway: Violette Field Threads 10 Sewing Pattern Bundle

We have quite a few new sponsors here at The Cottage Mama. Some of you probably don't click over to the blog very often, if you subscribe in a reader or by email, but I'm finally getting around to introducing some of the wonderful new sponsors to you all that can be found in the right side-bar on the blog.

First up is the lovely Violette Field Threads. This duo team, Ericka and Jessica, are fellow paper and PDF pattern designers just like myself. I absolutely love being able to promote other designers to you all. Why? Well, because there are so many incredibly talented designers out there and we all create something unique and different. And maybe I don't have certain pattern or design that you are looking for, but another company might have just the right thing, so I'm happy to point you in the right direction. My goal is to inspire you to sew, whether that be with my own sewing patterns / tutorials or with someone elses.......it's all about being able to create!

Violette Field Threads offers a wide variety of gorgeous patterns in PDF and a selection of their patterns are also available in printed paper form.

Here are some of my favorite patterns from Violette Field Threads........

 Ginger Pattern

 Madelyn Shirt Pattern

Vivienne Skirt Pattern

 Josephine Dress and Blouse Pattern

 Rosalind Flower Pattern

 And last, but not least, the latest pattern from Violette Field Threads.....

Lily Belle Pinafore and Leggings Pattern

I have this pattern and definitely plan on sewing this one for my girls for summer. To me, this is the perfect spring / summer play outfit!

So guess what? Today Violette Field Threads is giving away a 10 pattern bundle (you choose either PDF or paper) valued at $129.50 (paper pattern bundle) and $109.50 (PDF pattern bundle). I think this is a fantastic prize and I hope you do too!

To enter the giveaway please use the rafflecopter below and leave a comment on the blog telling us why you love 'Violette Field Threads' and also become a fan of Violette Field Threads and The Cottage Mama over on Facebook. That will give you three entries into the giveaway (you can do just one or all three)!

Also, Violette Field Threads is offering 20% off your entire purchase with the promo code: COTTAGEMAMA. So head over to their shop to pick up some of these adorable patterns!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

Crafter's Vision Giveaway

I'm really excited about today's giveaway! Why? Because our lovely blog sponsor, Crafter's Vision is giving away two $50.00 gift certificates to two very lucky The Cottage Home blog readers. That means you get to browse their shop and pick out whatever you would like and trust me, you could get lost for hours browsing their massive inventory.

If you've never visited Crafter's Vision, you must head over there when you get a chance. They carry a great selection of fabric, trim, ribbons, craft supplies and so much more.

It has been so cold here in Chicago, that I am really longing for spring. So I put together some pinks and greens (pictured above) that I think are calling my name. I love this little bundle of fabric from 'Blend' fabrics, plus those nursery prints by Heather Ross are just adorable. I don't know, pink and green always feels kind of preppy and classic to me.

Crafter's Vision gets in new inventory daily, but I'm pretty sure if you check them out, that you will find plenty of things that you need to take home right now. I am trying to be good since I have so much fabric right now, but as I was looking through their store yesterday, I saw a lot of things that were begging to come into my home.

Also, how about free shipping in the US on orders over $30.00? Yep, they've got that too.

Now onto the giveaway......like I said, Crafter's Vision is offering two $50.00 gift certificates to their store for two different winners. All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below.

Giveaway open until Thursday, February 28, 2013 at midnight (CST).

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It