Sunday Links No. 23 - Veggie Cream Cheese, Lemonade 3 Ways & A Summer List

We went on our first picnic dinner of the summer last week. It is a favourite activity in the warmer months around here We arrive at the lake just as everyone is packing up to go home, eat our dinner and then swim until the sun goes down.

I made this veggie cream cheese to go on our baguette. Definitely a recipe that will be repeated.

I'm horrible at buying vegetables with the best of intentions to use them up and then they die in my fridge. Maybe these tips will help.

I'm going to fill in this free printable summer list today and get all of my boys to fill in their own too.

I used this tutorial to sew a lining into a crocheted purse I made for myself.

And speaking of sewing, I don't think any dress or skirt should be without pockets.

Another braid tutorial I am loving (meaning it is easy enough for me to do).

My boys are past the alphabet magnet stage. I am going to upgrade to these pretty ones.

3 lemonade recipes.

And make sure you have these 8 things.

More Sunday Inspiration can be found here

A Shop Update (sort of)

I was gearing up to post a shop update this week, but then my dear friend Gabi went ahead and wrote this post.

I think it sums it up rather nicely, don't you?

Sunday Links No. 22 - Say YES, Pretzel Buns & Summer To-Do's

We celebrated the first day of summer by being outside as much as possible and doing very little of anything. The perfect combination. My favourite season is here and I intend to soak it all up.

This summer check-list will start me on my way.

I'm going to make some of these for the many picnics we have at the lake.

And while I'm at it, I might as well make a big pitcher of this to bring with us.

Want pickled carrots in a hurry? Try this recipe. (I tried them for the first time and love them).

Soft. Pretzel. Buns.

I absolutely adore these and will be making a bouquet of them for myself.

Don't forget to Say Yes!

I'm not looking for work right now but it is always a good idea to keep your resume up to date. These ones are eye-catching and fun while still remaining professional.

Browse the Sunday Links archives here.

Where do you Find the Time?

When everyone says "I don't know how you find the time to do everything you do", I don't always have a great response. But the other day while driving home I was thinking about that statement and I recorded my answer.  So here it is.

Well I make time for it, but most times it is at the expense of other things, whether it be spending time with my husband or with my kids or doing the laundry. But let's be honest, most time the laundry loses the attention battle when I'm really into one of my projects.

So that's just it, you can't do it all. But you have to pick what you want to do and that is where a lot of people come from when they're saying, "I don't know how you do it all". They're putting the items on their to do list that really aren't that fun and that they don't want to do first and then they don't have time for the things that fill up their cup.

But for me, I'm okay with leaving the things like the laundry and the dishes. Sometimes I do feel guilty if my boys want to play and I'm in the middle of something that is inspiring me and I say no to them. What I do to balance this out is that I make time for them a bit later. This helps them learn as well that I have passions and goals and it encourages them to entertain themselves (an important skill for kids as they get older - my boys are 12, 8 & 6). I love myself enough to make sure I'm happy and when I do that, my time with the boys is even more fulfilling  because they get a better me.

What do you think? Do you get this statement a lot, or perhaps do you say it to others? What can you do to balance your life and fill up your cup?

Sunday Links No. 21 - PSE Tutorial, Cornbread Muffins & Summer Challenges

A very Happy Father's Day to all of you dad's out there! I hope you are spoiled with lots of love and attention.

I am starting off our Father's Day celebration with these muffins. Jeremy mentioned cornbread muffins about a month ago and I filed it away for today.

I am absolutely horrible at styling my hair. It is either down or in a pony tail. I saw this tutorial and gave it a shot. My hair has been sporting a side French braid all week!

This idea! My shop is going to be full of hats this winter and I am going to jazz them up with embroidery!

When I did my photo booth for the boys' school it was so hard to get the background sheet wrinkle-free. Now I won't sweat it with this Photoshop Elements tutorial.

I am going to print these out today and get everyone to fill-in their Summer Challenges! Stay tuned for mine later this week.

Horrible Adorables. Enough said.

Looking for more links? Check these out!

Oh, Hi There!

I've been up to:

• lots of family time
• lots of knitting
• lots of work
• and feeling totally exhausted

Taking it easy and recouping (from I'm not sure what) is just what I need.

Make

I've been on a making spree lately. If I can't find a way to multitask while crocheting or knitting, it isn't getting done. Buying excess supplies is hazard of all this creating. The only improvement I've made is that I am buying with purpose. I needed each colour of this thread to coordinate with some new yarns I have been working with.

This picture is my response to the prompt "make" on the Focus on Everyday blog. Please visit the blog here to see Gabi's response.

Sunday Links No. 20 - Simple Living

I'm working on this beautiful weekend but am still making time for myself and the family. My oldest has his ACR (Annual Ceremonial Review) with Cadets today that I'll get to go to. I'm grateful I have a job that let's me balance all the important things in my life.

I haven't done a themed link round-up in a while. This one is dedicated to simple living.

Bleubird talks about how great it feels to simplify and cull your belongings (how hard it can be too).

This family check-in station would eliminate a lot of morning stress and hassles in my house (where is my planner, where are my keys, ahhhhhhhhh - we're late!).

The difference between organizing and decluttering.

This print from Bookishly UK on Etsy.

Go to the listing here.

Living with only what you need.

Enjoy your Sunday!