Inspired by a beautiful spring day in Portland and after reading the rookie mom’s blog, we decided to share a mango lassi. It was quite fun.

Mango Lassi
1.5 cups of frozen mango
1 cup of full fat yogurt (good for building baby brains)
4-5 ice cubes

Blend, pour into cup and use two straws.

Here’s a fun soft block I made for Florence. It was super easy and put my scrap fabric to good use.

This tray designed by Wendy Boudewijns is way too cute. If the dollar weren’t so weak I’d think about buying this, but it’s a little spendy for my wallet.

I love these fabric scallions by sian keegan. I think fabric vegetables might have to be one of my next projects for Florence.

I made some baby shoes inspired by our favorite zutano pair. They were much harder than I expected…lots of ripping seams out, trimming and re-sewing. I’m going to try to make another pair and maybe even do up a little tutorial so others can give it a try and learn from my mistakes.

And look…she likes them.

I’ve been having trouble being creative in the evenings after Florence falls asleep, but I need some me time before I hit the hay. Watching 45 minutes of tv or a movie has been my outlet. So I don’t feel guilty about this, I’ve been embroidering on these linen napkins I sewed. My husband loves using a napkin when he eats and I was feeling like we’ve been using too many paper products. It makes eating dinner feel so fancy to have a cloth napkin.

I have been interested in folk art lately and found a wonderful quilting book at the Multomah Library. Quilting is an amazing art, but something I don’t think I’ll ever have the patience for.

This quilt was made at the turn of the century…ohhhh it’s so good.

Here is another amazing nineteenth century quilt made of silk, wool, cotton and velvet.

Some of my fondest memories with my mom are baking cookies and cakes. When my parents came to visit last fall they bought me a mixer so it would be easier for me to bake with my little girl. I’ve been trying a few things here and there, and found a yummy healthy banana bread recipe that I really like using teff flour.

1 cup teff flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup dates (flour covered - optional)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking power
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2 banana

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and flour.

Cream together butter and sugar. Mix eggs and banana. Add dry ingredients, including nuts and fruits, and mix well.

Spoon into greased 9 inch loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

We wanted to share some baby love with our friends and family. On February 23rd, we’ll be celebrating six months of early morning smiles and late night lullabies. Thank you for all your love and support.

Florence ate a half of banana and LOVED it. It’s very exciting for her and dad, but makes me a little sad. I love breastfeeding her…it’s so easy, simple and is a great weight loss program for me. I’m a little worried about depending on the outside world for all her nutrients, where as now I know that everything she eats is pesticide free, healthy and exactly what her baby body needs. As my mother would say, I’ve got to start loosening up those apron strings.