August round-up of ideas for the home, including must try recipes, DIY projects, fabric, lookbooks and a new Facebook Group for creatives just like you!
I thought I'd try something a little different today. You know how I love sharing handmade gift ideas, DIY tutorials, family friendly recipes and free printables here on The Birch Cottage blog. But, I thought it might also be nice just to share some of the great things I've discovered through my time spent online. Some are from blogs I follow on Instagram or Facebook, some are from my searches on Pinterest and some are delivered right to my Inbox.
As I was perusing my latest discovery that totally fascinated me - mostly because I had no idea such a thing existed - it got me to thinking about you and whether you knew about these beautiful fabric lookbooks. So, I decided to take a chance and share some of my favorite tidbits and noteworthy DIY ideas I've encountered recently.
Summer Break
Don't worry, I still have a whole slew of ideas that I'm planning to share with you in the coming months! I'm just getting back into the swing of work and my regular life now that my summer break has come to an end. Which reminds me, did you know I work as an accounting clerk at one of our local high schools? I had a nice little summer break, went on vacation to the French River and even managed a little trip to Maryland to visit our sailor girl.
Ketogenic Diet
I've been eating a ketogenic diet for about three weeks now and experimenting with intermittent fasting. It's my desire to be a healthier version of myself and these are a couple of the tools I'm using to accomplish that. So, I thought I'd share a few great recipes that I've tried and thought they were beyond amazing - Keto or not!
Of course, I've also discovered some things about the keto diet that just aren't all that amazing and I'm sharing those things too.
August Ideas for the Home
Because food is always on our minds, I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite new recipes and blogs that I've discovered over the summer. Most of these recipes are healthy recipes. (I promise I'll have plenty of non-healthy recipes to share in future posts.)
Ideas for the Home: Recipes
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
All Day I Dream About Food - I want to make and eat everything Carolyn shares. In fact, I've got a bunch of zucchini and I'm going to try making this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole this week. 
Authentic Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
I literally visited this blog for the first time just this week. I made Karina's Authentic Chimichurri and Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad. Talk about amazing! I never knew parsley could have or add so much flavor. Even my husband loved the Chimichurri!
Low Carb Pumpkin Bread
It's almost pumpkin spice season! This low carb, sugar-free Pumpkin Bread recipe from Wholesome Yum is one that I'm dying to try.
Keto or Low-Carb Bread - My Opinion
By the way, have you tried homemade low-carb or keto bread? I've tried making it with almond flour, coconut flour and a combination. My verdict? None of them taste like "real bread". They are quite simply, bread alternatives. What I mean by that is that if you want something to spread peanut butter on or pile turkey on for a sandwich, you can use these "breads" but they absolutely will not taste anything like yeast bread made from white, wheat or whole wheat flour. Not even close. In fact, I'd rather give up bread completely, than to eat these. Just my opinion.
Ideas for the Home: Crafts
Fabric Look Books
I have to confess, that until last week, I had no idea these things even existed. The lookbooks not only show you the beautiful new fabrics, but they offer suggested uses for the various designs and even free patterns. Art Gallery Fabrics is home to some of my favorites! In fact, I'm absolutely in love with the Gathered collection from fabric designer Bonnie Christine.
Daily Like Canada
Another fabric source for my Canadian friends. But, you don't have to live in Canada to order beautiful fabrics from Daily Like Canada as they ship to the US, too! And they also have an amazing collection of lookbooks available on their blog!
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts - Creators Studio
JOANN's opened a renovated concept store here in Columbus, Ohio on Polaris Parkway. It is quite the transformation from your typical JOANN store! I recently attended a Sign Workshop with our daughter Morgan and took the opportunity to browse around. I shared quite a few pictures in my Instagram Stories. The workshop we attended was "free" and the instructor was Jen Woodhouse. It was kinda fun to see a fellow blogger in person, too! If you get an opportunity to visit one of these new JOANN's with the Creators Studio, you'll be just amazed!
Crochet Moss Stitch
I have been crocheting up a storm this summer. Mostly experimenting with the Moss Stitch and making dishcloths, washcloths, dish towels, hand towels, a baby afghan and a full size afghan that I'm currently still working on.
Ideas for the Home: Decor
Grace Filled Farmhouse
I'm loving the new fall sign collection from Nikole. She's a real sweetheart and quite talented. For the latest news, you'll want to follow her on Instagram.
A Handmade Home - Facebook Group
As you know, I love sharing handmade gift ideas with you on The Birch Cottage blog. But, you know what? There are so many of you that are so talented, I thought it'd be nice to have a place where we can all hangout, share ideas and be inspired. You can join A Handmade Home on Facebook. I hope to see you there!
I hope you've enjoyed this round-up of ideas for the home. Do you have a favorite? Right now, I'm loving the Chimichurri!
If you give any of these ideas or recipes a try, I'd love to hear about it! Just leave me a comment below
!Til next time..
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