Soaking Up the Summer

It has been about 4 months since we sold our house and moved in with my in-laws. Each time we visit the construction site, there is something new to look at and it is really exciting. So far, the exterior of the house is pretty much done, and the interior is starting to come together as well. There were some things that I wish we had up-graded, made different choices or paid closer (I mean a LOT closer)attention, but over all I love most of the things inside the house. My most favorite is the hardwood floor... oh, I am in love.

Boy... I don't know about you, but building a house can be an emotional rollercoaster if you let it. There are some ups and downs, but it looks like we can close on our house in middle of August. School is starting at the same time, so no matter how much I prepare for it, I know it will be chaotic for a while after we move in.

I am trying to see beyond that, and putting myself in my happy place. That would be, I am in a clean house and everything put away, my sewing room all organized and of course I am there sewing happily... I just cannot wait to get to that point.

This summer we are doing things a little differently with the kids, but we are still having fun. The last few weeks, we have been doing a lot on top of our usual summer activities.

We went to see "The Sound of Music" at an outdoor theater one night. The play started when there was still sunlight, but as the play progressed it grew darker. It created the perfect atmosphere for the end of the play, where the family was trying to escape while the Nazis were looking for them. Many flash light were moving among the audience. The kids have seen the movie, but watching the play was a whole new experience. They were so excited about it, we even bought the soundtrack a couple days later and are listening to the songs!

Also, we were asked to be in Merrill Osmond's Pioneer Pageant. In the play, they talk about the pioneers who came to Utah from different countries, Germans, Italians, Spanish, Jews, Scottish... and guess what, they needed a family to represent the Chinese. Well... technically I am Japanese, but we all look alike right? We thought it would be a really fun opportunity for us and we gladly said yes. With rehearsals and all, a total of 5 nights, we were there from 8 pm to about 12 am. It was kind of hard on the kids but at the same time we all had fun.

Here are some pictures of us:

Where is the of Mr. TRH? Oh, he was there alright, he wore a Chinese costume and everything. Gosh, he is one tough person to take a picture of. He always does goofy stuff so I won't be able to take his pic. I will tell you one thing though... he was the whitest (with red hair and beard!) Chinese person you'll ever meet.

I have been working on my projects but, I have been building memories with my family. :)

How are you all doing this summer? What have you been up to?

Review~ iPad 2 Case & Stand by Snugg

I was given the chance to review an iPad case from Snugg. They specialize in various cases for iPads, tablets, smartphones, and the Kindle. When I visited their website, I was quite impressed by their wide range of selections. I had a case for my iPad 2, and it was my favorite color, white; though, it was a bit lacking in functionality, and I was thinking that it would be fun to try a different color.

They had many colors to choose from, and after thinking it over for some time; I finally chose baby blue. The color reminds me of the blue sky or ocean; oh how fitting for the summer!

I have been using the case for about 2 weeks now, and I am very happy with the quality. Not only does it hold my iPad snuggly (like their company name), it folds into a stand that can be used two different ways which is very convenient.

It also has a stylus loop(I use it for my pen though) which I didn't have with my last case...

and a place I can keep name cards, and some papers with important memos.

I am more than pleased to say, I recommend their product to my friends. In fact, when I was looking through their site, I found the iPad case that I have been dreaming of. Now knowing their quality, I might purchase that one in the near future! (When was Mother's day? Oh, my birthday is coming in a few months!)

If you are looking for new cases for your devices, it is well worth your time to visit Snugg to explore your options. :)

PDF Harmony Pattern Giveaway Winners!

Hello, I am so excited to announce the winner today! I hope whoevers win the pattern will enjoy stitching this. :)

So, the three winners are....

Jos SewCookLaughlive
Ariel Loh
Lauren(One Bright Corner)
Congratulations!! Please let me know your email address, so I can send you the PDF pattern.

Thank you all for participating. I will talk to you at my next post!

Guest Post ~ Arcadian Home Blog

As you may all know, my family and I are between homes while waiting for our house to be built. The progress is not fast enough for us, but, it is coming along. Our new house will have a front porch, and the space was one of the areas that I was thinking about how to decorate. All the pictures are so pretty, but I have to say my most favorite is the last one.:) Enjoy the post!

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Hello, all! I'm so excited to be here with you at Tea Rose Home today with a guest post from Arcadian Home blog. It's a fabulous place to find interior design inspiration including great decorating ideas for everything from beautiful buffet lamps to colorful accessories and rugs for the floor.

Nothing says summer in the South better than images of having iced tea on the quintessential southern porch, but today we're seeing lots of new homes from Maine to California that also have these wonderful outdoor spaces. Today, to fuel your daydreams of summer on the porch I've brought along photos of eight beautiful and inviting porches. Please enjoy!

~ Mari

Via Cushman Design on Design Shuffle

Though this wooden porch is definitely not in the South, it could rival any of those iconic wrap-around beauties with its simplicity and stunning view.

Via Decorating Den Interiors on Design Shuffle

Speaking of wrap-around beauties, this screened in space is porch perfection with black wicker furniture and lots of room for dining, relaxing and entertaining. It's at once very traditional yet updated with contemporary lamps and rugs.

Via Interiors Studio Martha Vineyard on Design Shuffle

Another screened in porch has also grabbed our attention. A stylish yet comfortable space, this outdoor room is a wonderful mix of blues and grays.

Via Interiors Studio Martha Vineyard on Design Shuffle

This rustic sun porch is a captivating combination of natural materials, soft textiles and contemporary outdoor lighting fixtures. Did you notice the ceiling fan with its sailcloth blades?

Via Details a Design Firm on Design Shuffle

This front porch with its updated look, contemporary rattan chairs and slate flooring, has a street view of one California's iconic beach towns.

Via Carson Poetz Inc. on Design Shuffle

Paradise in the desert. Paradise Valley, Arizona, is where you'll find this cool shaded retreat. What a wonderful place to spend summer on the porch.

Via John Loecke Inc. on Design Shuffle

A screened in porch goes whimsical with pink and orange cushions on bright yellow wrought iron furniture. My favorite element is the lime green floor lamp—just what every summery porch needs.

Via Blue Sky Building Company on Design Shuffle

We leave you here on this idyllic porch with a stunning coastal view and white rockers at the ready for those who will be spending their summer on the porch.

What do you think of these porch inspirations! Comment below and stop by our blog for more home accessories, lighting and interior inspirations!

Zakka Handmades Giveaway Winner

Hi all! I am so excited to announce the winner for the Zakka Handmades winner! The one lucky winner who gets to enjoy the book is... drum roll...

Christine(beanniequilts)
Congratulations!! Please send me your email and shipping info.

The giveaway for my new pattern is still open, don't forget to enter!

Ahhh! Finally, a New Pattern!

Oh, I am so excited to tell you what I have been up to. I think I told you before that I have been itching to create some new patterns and get back in to the pattern business. Yes... I used to do that a lot for a few years, before Rachel was born. Having two VERY active boys and new born baby exhausted all my energy, so I kind of stopped making new patterns. Also, I was making sample pillows and such for all the quilt shops I had my patterns in (at one point, it was 13 local shops! Can you imagine making 13 of the same pillow?) I simply burned out.

Now, many years later I decided to start again. I guess I really miss it, and I enjoyed the process.

Even though the learning curve is very steep, I acquired some computer skills which I didn’t have back then... I can sell the patterns online too! I am still taking it slow, but it's a start.

So, I am going to cut the intro short and share my newest pattern: "Harmony".

I have been thinking about this for a while even just watching my own family. We are all so different and unique and that can cause some problems sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice if we could respect each other and bring the best out in all of us?

So, in case you are wondering where you can purchase this pattern... My shop on Etsy, I posted the physical pattern and PDF pattern.

Since I am SUPER excited about this pattern, I decided to do a spontaneous GIVEAWAY!! I will give away three PDF patterns to my readers.

Just leave a comment on this post for an entry, yep, that is it. I will announce the winner on the 10th.

I hope you will all have a happy 4th of July!