Goodbye, Google Reader. Hello, Feedly.

As many of you know, Google Reader will be gone as of July 1. If you're like me and are scrambling at the last-minute for how you will read your blogs 10 days from now, then keep reading!

There are several popular alternatives to Google Reader. Do a quick search and you'll see many an article with the title "Top Alternatives to Google Reader". I've been looking for myself and my mom, who has asked for help with this transition. For Mom, I'm looking for a reader that's as similar to Google Reader as I can find. Mom likes Google Reader, and as my dad likes to say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. For myself, I'm open to something a little different, provided it's still free and easily aggregates my blogs.

Here's what I've found:

1. Feedly: This tops most lists at the moment. However, I didn't like Feedly at first because it was a web-broswer plugin. If that's too much jargon for you, basically it would only work (best) on your own personal computer. If you use multiple computers or like to check blogs when you're away from home, this really wouldn't be a good fit. But, just yesterday Feedly announced that it was moving to a cloud-based model that fixes this complaint. Feedly has a great interface and super-easy transition from Google Reader.

2. The Old Reader: This was my initial pick, as it has a very similar interface to Google Reader. Apparently there's no mobile app for this, though. (I haven't completely verified this - leave a comment if you know of one.) It's also a little more difficult to switch to from Google Reader. However, The Old Reader is a good, solid choice and would definitely get the job done.

3. Bloglovin': I've seen this recommended on several blogs and thought I would give it a try. I lasted all of 2 or 3 blog posts before I decided this is NOT for me! Bloglovin' physically navigates to the actual blog rather than being a true reader. This is SLOW and not how I want to read my blogs. I prefer to read through my blogs pretty quickly, only slowing down when a particular post really catches my attention.

4. All the rest: There are several other choices, primarily with other strengths. As I said at first, I was searching for a reader to mimic Google Reader functionality, not for anything else. Let me know if you have another favorite that I didn't mention!

Bottom Line: Give Feedly a try! Maybe I won't even miss Google Reader. :)

oliver + s Bucket Hat

For the little guy's first birthday, I wanted to make him a bucket hat for the summer. I have heard wonderful things about oliver + s patterns, but had never tried one out. They have a free pattern for a reversible bucket hat that was exactly what I was looking for.

Let me tell you, this pattern was great! Only three simple pieces to cut out.

I've never sewn a hat or something quite that round before and had some reservations, but I was able to follow this pattern step by step & end up with a fabulous hat for my ONE year old little guy.

I'm considering adding a chin strap to make sure this hat stays on this busy little boy, but then it wouldn't be reversible after doing that. All in all, I'd highly recommend this pattern! I'd love to try some more oliver + s patterns someday.

Works for Me: Audiobooks

Photo Credit

This is such a simple idea, but it has helped me SO much with getting housework done that I have to share. I'm in a local book club, and a couple of the girls in it have always just raved over listening to audiobooks. I had tried listening to them before, but mostly on a long trip and they would tend to put me to sleep. (Not a good thing when you're driving!)

After one book club discussion of audiobooks in particular, I decided to try it again. Now, I'm hooked. When Isaac goes down for his nap, I pop on the headphones and get busy with cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, you name it! I am so much more motivated to get the chores done when I have the company of a good book. {Confession: there are many, many naps where I get sucked into something not-so-productive - but I'm way more likely to get things done when I have a book to listen to.}

Any favorite audiobooks out there? I'd love some good suggestions!

Check out Works for Me Wednesday for more great ideas.

Sweet Contrary Mosaic Contest

There's another mosaic contest going on at Stitched in Color. I had a lot of fun picking out this spring-y collection of fabrics from Lark Cottons. Tangerine & aqua mixed with some green & purple just happen to be some of my favorite combos. Plus I can't help but think about my lilac bushes when I think of spring... which happen to be blooming right now!

In case you're interested, these are the fabrics I selected:

Row 1: Shelburne Falls: Sparse Floral Willow, Nicey Jane: Hop Dot Olive, Lush: Running Stitch Turquoise
Row 2: Modern Whimsy: Circles Lime, Flea Market Fancy: Posie Turquoise, Glimma: Kulla Tangerine
Row 3: Glimma: Korkek Jade, Heirloom: Paisley Amber, Heirloom: Marquis Amethyst
Row 4: Central Park: Floral Carousel Orange, Architexture: Crosshatch Plum, Perfectly Perched: Nesting Chairs Garden

I really love these fabrics and am excited to have found some new ones I haven't seen before. Don't you think those purple chairs are just so fun?? Thanks Lark Cottons for sponsoring such a fun contest!

Yikes... it's been a while.

Well, two months have come & gone since I've last made the time to post anything here! Sorry for those of you who have been checking! Although, I'm guessing that after two months there might not be anyone still interested here. :)

Between a trip to China to visit family & a baby who has decided he doesn't like to nap, the days are flying by with little time to create. But, I have plenty of ideas on my list ever-growing project list.

I really want to make this for Isaac's room with his prints:

And we have lots of family celebrations in the next month & a half... so you can bet there are a few things I want to make. It's good to be back... stop by again soon!