I know that I have been neglecting the blog when Fatty asks, "What? You don't post anymore?"

Yep. Sorry. I didn't mean to be away for so long.

I blame summer, people. It's busier than I'd like, but still oh so good. Our day to day changes, well, daily. And since I was last here, we've been to the beach and have come home. It was a great week with my family - lots of sun, sand, surf and way too much food and drink. And now, back at home, I'm getting the girls ready for a week at camp and myself ready for grown-up camp (a.k.a. a Denyse Schmidt workshop in Portland, OR). Exciting for all, right?

Before we left for South Carolina, I did sew up another version of Anna Maria's Painted Portrait Dress. This was my third go at this pattern and each time I sew it, it comes together quicker than the time before. I love making it and I love wearing it. I also love that it can be made in so many different combinations - sleeves, no sleeves, top, dress, with patchwork, without. I can safely say that there will be more than three versions of this pattern hanging in my closet. I'm just about ready to start another one for fall.

But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you about this one. I was inspired to make it when out shopping for something white to wear for a family photo on the beach. I found many options at different stores, but loved nothing. It dawned on me that instead of spending more time shopping, I should just start sewing. I bought the fabric locally - it didn't have any identifying marks on the selvedge so I can say who makes it. Because it is white, I knew that it would require a full lining. The pattern only has instructions on facing the yoke, but having sewn this pattern before, I was confident that I could figure out how to line the entire thing. There was some serious contemplating about the arm hole, but once I wrapped my brain around what I needed to do, it all came together very easily. Again, like the blouse version I made earlier this year, I took in the back seams so it would fit me better. Each time I have done this after sewing everything together. I think I'll try altering the actual pattern pieces before I sew the next one.

And because I didn't have any white cotton perle on hand, I couldn't resist adding a little surprise for the button loop. It makes me smile every time I see it.

Also, it should come as no surprise that instead of getting everyone ready for their respective adventures, I cut out another blouse last night. This time, it's a Tova and it's green. See you on the other side.

I can't believe a week has gone by since I've been here. Where does the time go?

I have some fun things to share with you all and a dress to show off, but that will all have to wait. I did want to tell you that Blair asked if I would contribute to the granny square sampler this week and of course, I said yes! I even made a little video. You can see what I chose over on her blog.

And with this week's crochet work all complete, I need to go back and do last week's assignment. With that, I'm all caught up. How about you?

This spring I discovered a new-to-me cocktail: La Paloma. I ordered one at a local restaurant and immediately knew that I wanted to try to recreate it at home. After a little googling and some discussions with multiple bartenders on our trip to New York plus some good old fashioned taste testing, I've zeroed in on a great version to make at home.

La Paloma has a tequila base and most often has lime juice plus a grapefruit soda. The first one I had was tequila, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and tonic and I loved it. I tried this mix at home and the results were refreshing, but only so-so. The next one I had at another local bar was tequila, lime juice and Ale81 (a local soda, similar to Squirt). It was great! In New York, I had one with grapefruit juice, lime juice and soda - good, too. Emily had been making hers with grapefruit Izze, lime juice and a splash of soda. Jarritos is the traditional soda used south of the border. If you can get your hands on that, it might be worth a try. I couldn't find any locally so I went with San Pellegrino's Pompelmo. It is refreshing, grapefruity without being too sweet. Perfect for my taste. And while I have seen recipes that call for a salted rim on the glass, none of the ones I ordered in bars came that way and I like it fine without the salt. Below is my recipe.

Erin's La Paloma - Makes 1

2 oz. silver agave tequila (I like Dulce Vida)

2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice (1 to 2 limes)

4 oz. San Pellegrino Pompelmo soda

Mix tequila and lime juice. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with San Pellegrino grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Happy weekending to you all. Cheers!

For Independence Day, I present you with a star made of stripes. With any luck, it'll be a quilt top in a few days. (Made using the pattern in Denyse Schmidt's book, Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration.)

Stay safe and have a great holiday!

We are home from New York.

It was a good, long, exhausting and fun week. We saw Tara and Tim twice - the perfect bookends to a week in Manhattan where we shopped, walked, shopped, ate, walked, drank, ate, drank, walked, shopped our way through Manhattan. Did I mention the eating and drinking and shopping?

All of the above came from Purl Soho with the exception of the dandelion fabric. That's from Marimekko (on sale!). The second photo is actually a scrap pack. I saw it when I walked in the store and thought about it the whole time I was there. The fabrics are not necessarily ones that I'd be drawn to on their own, but together like that? Yes. Please. And thank you, too. I scooped up the other blues and whites to go along. I know exactly what I am going to make and if I have the time, I will start it today. The green? Well, of course, I had to have that.

Now, home, I'm feeling incredibly spoiled. I have loving in-laws that take my kids so that Fatty and I can run away for a week together every summer. I have a husband who is more than a husband - he's my best friend and partner in crime. He makes me laugh and knows that if my blood sugar gets too low, it's not pretty. He holds my hand as we walk down the street and sits patiently while I spend hours looking at textiles and trying on clothes at Anthropologie. It is such a blessing to have that time alone, to be able to manage a vacation each year, to feel completely in love for the last eighteen years. I don't ever want to take that for granted. I feel incredibly blessed.

And the girls? I missed them just the right amount - not too much and not too little. We are hanging out today, running errands and doing other everyday life things like laundry and cooking. I've already referee-ed one fight and I'm sure it won't be the last. I'm slowly bringing them back to our world of limited television and healthier eating. Most of the time, I have the best job. I wouldn't change it for the world. Those girls - an equally big blessing.