Whole Wheat Rye Rolls

I think I have found roll heaven.
The first time I whipped these up I was drifting in and out of cold-induced naps. I had made a hot and spicy vegetable soup for dinner to try to cure my cold and couldn't imagine eating it without some sort of delicious bread like substance.
These rolls were fairly quick to throw together, made me feel like I was make a slightly healthier choice than my usual rolls, and were darn tasty too.
I made these rolls for the second time yesterday and they were even more delicious than I remembered. I think it'll be hard to find a reason to make a white flour roll again after discovering these little gems.

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are so classic. Much like fluffy pancakes, a simple chicken soup, or chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins are one of those homemade foods you can always rely on to make you feel good.

After a good week or more of pure sunshine (and unseasonably high temperatures) this mornings grey skies were all it took for me to whip these up for breakfast in an effort to brighten up my day.

Diaper Changing Quilt

I found this project in Lotta Jansdotter's book "Simple Sewing for Baby" and thought it seemed like quite a practical item to add to my growing stash of handmade baby goods. I would like to think that my husband and I will be out of the house lots and toting the little one with us wherever we go, and so a diaper changing mat seemed pretty essential. 

I took Jansdotters suggestion at using a polyester batting to cushion the mat so that  I can easily throw it the washing machine as needed.

Bias Tape Baby Bib

Another sewing project inspired by the Purl Bee, this bib was so easy to make that I have no excuse to not make more. I don't think I've ever seen a bib with that funny little "crumb catcher" on the front (not that I've paid much attention to bibs before becoming pregnant) but it seemed like a pretty swell idea. Less food on the floor? Sounds great!

I found that kitschy 70's-esque fabric at a thrift store a year or two ago and just couldn't pass it up. So far I haven't found a use for it (it's been a lot harder to fit a bright 70's print into my home decor than I thought) but I think it'll work great in many baby/kid projects. I'm really ready to embrace bright colors in my child's room and wardrobe. It just feels so fun and appropriate. We already have a bright red painted rocking chair in the baby's room so we're off to a good start!

Swaddling Blanket

This is the first baby related project I've made so far for my own baby. Yup that's right! I'm having a baby!! In about 5 months a special little person is about to enter my life and change it forever. WOW. No matter how much I think about it, it still just doesn't feel real enough. I'm so glad nature plans it this way, with 9 months to prepare for such a life altering arrival because I need every minute of it. 

The Purl Bee is one of my favourite craft blogs and is a constant source of inspiration. Lucky for me their baby projects are fantastic and they have a couple swaddling blanket projects that have inspired me to create my own. A friend gave me lots of baby fleece (I am already blown away by the generosity of friends and fellow moms, thank you all!) and I knew right away how to put it to good use. I'm pretty sure a baby can't have too many swaddling blankets (especially when I imagine the immense laundry/lack of sleep factor that will clearly take over my life) so I will definitely be making a more of these in various colors and patterns.

Green Potato Salad

Well my least favourite time of year is upon us: the end of winter. You're probably thinking "The end of winter? That sounds like a great time of year! Spring is around the corner, change is in the air..." but those few weeks make me restless and irritable. I'm sick of winter foods and all I crave are fresh tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce, berries, peaches, peas, zucchini...ugh it's torture just thinking about all that scrumptious produce that is just out of my reach.

And to add to that annoying nagging feeling of wanting time to fast forward, this is also the time of year when I begin to become OBSESSED with gardening again. I have literally been having dreams about transplants, I kid you not. And just like the produce I long for, waiting for the rare sunny days to help my seedlings grow feels rather agonizing. 

So what's a housewife to do? Well the other day I decided to try to brighten up my day with this summery potato salad. With bright lemon, spicy arugula and creamy avocado, it totally hit the spot and helped make the long grey day feel a little more tolerable.