February wrap-up

February is (pretty much) over and it's been a pretty great month! It's hard to believe that this year is already a few months in -- it's really flown by so far! This month has treated me well, and I got a lot of things done (with this blog as my main example). I hope every month is like this one!

5 of my favorite posts here on the blog:
Friday Favorites: fourth
Blogging 101: Don't Compare
One little word.
Snow Trip Snapshots
Currently...

One thing I loved this month:
Reading! I haven't read a good book in a while, so when I did find one, I was hooked! I forgot how nice reading a book could be...

A new blog I found and loved:
Always Rooney
I found Courtney's blog after she left a sweet comment on one of my posts, and I'm so glad I came across it! This girl's blog is a joy to read and the photography is so pretty! If you need a new blog read, this is it!

Looking back on February's goals:
1. Find a nice thrift shop
2. Discovered some new blog reads
3. Find a new crochet project
4. Buy Ella a new collar
5. Try a new DIY I find on Pinterest
6. Make a cake!
7. Take some new angle shots for my 365 photo-a-day challenge

That's about it for this month's wrap-up! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as much as I liked writing it! If you'd like to see me add something to it, feel free to let me know :)

xoxo, Nat

Granny squares

Do you remember my first granny square? Now there are six squares! Right now, I'm working on the seventh one and I'm really liking the color combo on that one -- coral, white, and some green. Crocheting the actual granny square itself is a pretty easy process, but the hardest part for me is tucking in the loose ends. I'm not sure if you do that while you're crocheting or when you're putting the quilt together. Any tips or suggestions would be very appreciated!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that if you're interested in starting your own granny square quilt, I'd like to recommend this tutorial. It really helped me when I first was starting out!

xoxo, Nat

Currently...

I've seen a few "Currently" posts sprinkled throughout the blogosphere, I couldn't resist writing one myself!

watching:
Once Upon a Time. I just love love love love love this show! Why? Because it's so original and has a lot of plot twists, which keep things interesting. (This is not your typical fairytale show about princesses singing and cheesy plots -- at all)

reading:
no books at the moment! I just finished reading my latest book read, so now I'm still looking for a new one. I'm still deciding between The Night Circus and The Age of Miracles. What do you think?

baking:
chocolate chip cookies! I just love these classic cookies - too yummy to resist.

collecting:
yarn. For my granny square quilt in-progress. I had to buy this jumbo bag just to hold them all! Overkill maybe?

thinking about:
how I seem to have a huge thinking block when I'm writing this post! Typing my thoughts out on "digital paper" shouldn't be this hard! I think I need a hot cup of tea... or is it coffee? Wait, no. I don't even like coffee! (not without lots of creamer anyway).

excited about:
using my fisheye camera! I won it in Jules' giveaway and I can't wait to take more snapshots! I ordered film not that long ago, and snapped some snapshots on the trip. Yay for film cameras!

xoxo, Nat

Want to sponsor Modern Buttercup in March?

Interested in sponsoring Modern Buttercup in March? Promote your blog, shop, or business to lovely like-minded readers who enjoy creativity, fashion, indie businesses, DIY and all things pretty! March is going to be a big month on the blog with fresh new content, and a few big changes! The featured ad is also available in March -- perfect for some extra traffic.

See my sponsor page for more info on sponsoring or email me to book your spot!
Passionfruit ads are also available, so you could join in anytime, at the click of a button.

xoxo, Nat

Snow Trip Snapshots

It's so nice to be back here at the blog again! I'd like to thank my four awesome guest posters: Maria, Chelsea, Lou, and Ciera! You guys rock!

I had a lovely time up in the mountains and I must say, 4 days without internet and wifi really forces you to relax. Since this was a family trip, I guess you could say that was a good thing!

Checking out my boots before taking a small trek in the snow.

 Enjoying some warm (but just a wee bit toasted) waffles for breakfast.

A peek into one of the quaint little bedrooms in the cabin...

A little warm raspberry-honey tea takes you a long way after a cold day in the snow! Enjoying a nice cup of it near a fireplace while it's snowing is picture-perfect.

 I took this pretty scenic snapshot as we headed home, and I must say, I think I'll really miss being in the midst of a heavy snowfall in a nice warm cabin. It was nice to unplug for a bit, and I finally finished my current book read, The Secret Life of Bees (which was really good by the way). This little vacation was a great way to "pause" things for a bit and really brainstorm what's up next here at Modern Buttercup. I'm thrilled for the changes ahead!

xoxo, Nat

Guest Post: Homemade French Fries

Hey y'all, I'm Ciera from Ciera Design here today thanks to the lovely Nat! While the focus of my blog is art, design and photography, I also love to post about my everyday life, including cooking. My boyfriend is really the cook in our house, but I love to help out! Today, I'm sharing a recipe for one of my favorite things, French Fries! This recipe was SO much easier than I thought it would be! And SO much more delicious than I expected too, I couldn't stop eating them! Check out the simple instructions and photos from my first fry cooking experience!

All you need to make homemade fries is one or two potatoes per serving (depending on the size of your potatoes), vegetable oil (two to four cups of oil depending on how many servings you are making) and salt.

First, wash and peel your potatoes.


Cut each potato in half length wise.

Slice potatoes into even strips.

Heat oil to 375 degrees and carefully drop potato strips in, being careful not to crowd them (overcrowding your fries will cause breakage and uneven cooking. To use less oil, prepare in several batches). Fry until golden brown (about 5 to 10 minutes).

Remove from pot and drain on paper towels or paper bag (as you can see, a lot of ours broke into little pieces... but they still tasted amazing)!

Sprinkle with salt then put fries in the oven to keep warm while the next batch is frying. Serve once all of your fries are done!

Please stop by and say hi on my blog, Facebook or Twitter and let me know if you make these fries! And thanks again for having me Nat!

Guest Post: DIY Teepee Stamp

Hallo lovely Modern Buttercup readers!

It's Lou here from Stars in Jars and it's my pleasure to be filling in for Nat today while she is on vacation!

I thought I would share an easy-as-pie DIY stamp tutorial with you.

 I have a love for all things Native American that I inherited from my Pop so my stamp is in the shape of a teepee~ but you can absolutely use any shape, sketch or design that you want to make your own stamps.

First, the materials:

stamp carving tools// eraser// 

pen & pencil// plain paper

Next, the how to:

1. Trace around the outside of your eraser on to the plain paper and within those lines use a pen to draw your stamp design. Then use the pencil to trace all over your pen sketch.

2. Place your sketch, pencil side down, on top of your eraser and rub the pencil over the plain side of the paper to transfer the sketch on to your eraser.

3. Remove the paper and you will have transferred the pattern of your stamp on to your eraser ready for carving.

4. Using your stamp carving tools to carve around your design and create your stamp!

Now you have a lovely little homemade stamp!

I like to use my stamps to personalize my stationary, snail mail and envelopes.

I hope you guys found my tutorial useful.

Thanks for having me Nat!!

^o^

Guest Post: DIY Wine Corkboard

 A very basic and creative way to display your notes and lists. Perfect for a kitchen, which is exactly where mine is, or a bathroom or office space. I raided my mother's wine cork collection when I was visiting Texas last summer. She collects wine corks from special bottles, and then I guess it became a habit to save the corks from wine bottles. Of course, I was only allowed to take the Beringer, Cavit, Foxglove and a few others. But regardless of the brand, year or style, every real cork has a purpose in this project [yes, you must use REAL corks, not the plastic kind]. The number of corks will depend on the size frame you choose. Here are my hints and tips:

(1) Use a frame with a shadow box style - deep set, where the glass is removeable because you won't need it anyways. I got mine for $10 at Marshalls. 

(2) Boil your corks in a pot over the stove for a few minutes, this helps remove all the wine residue and preserves their texture and appearance. 

(3) Line a baking sheet with foil and immediately bake the corks on low heat (200F) for a few minutes [or until dry].

(4) Lay out your corks in the frame first, prior to using any glue, to get an idea of if you'll need to cut any to fit the frame. I kept an exacto knife handy, as you'll notice I needed to trim a few when I reached the end.
(5) Cut small pieces of cork to glue to the back of the frame to position it flush against the wall after its hung. Hang yours first and then decide if this step is necessary for you.

 Now follow this easy pictorial and get to crafting! Let me know how yours turns out! Have fun!

Until later,

Guest Post: 5 things to do this month

Today we have lovely miss Maria from I Believe in Story guest-posting here on the blog today with a pretty inspiring post that's sure to keep ya inspired!

5 Things to Do This Month

01. Visit a museum.

This is something that most of us ignore, since we're so complacent with the city or town that we live in. I live in the capital city of Canada and there is no shortage of national museums that I could be visiting on a regular basis. Check out the websites of local museums; even if you've been before, new and special exhibits are always being introduced.

02. Read a children's book.

There is something calming about reading a book that's written for children. Not only does it bring you back to your childhood, but it can also expand your imagination, lending a helping hand to your creative endeavours. Pick up a book that you loved when you were young and re-read it or go to a local bookstore and select a book that has a beautiful illustration on the cover.

03. Write a letter.

Many say that letter writing is a lost art, but I like to think of it as having increased in value. Nothing compares to receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. Reach out to a friend who doesn't live anywhere near you and send them a "hello" the old fashioned way.

04. Play a board game.

Board games are probably my favourite at-home activity. Choose one to play with your best friend or significant other or go all out and throw a board game party with a selection of games for groups. Some of my personal favourites: Scattergories, Clue, Monopoly (not for the faint of heart - the Monopoly Deal card game is a good alternative), and Life.

05. Try something new.
If it's cold where you are, knit yourself a pair of mittens. Pick up an abandoned cookbook in your kitchen and make something delicious. Go to a karaoke night at the pub down the street. Listen to a new genre of music. The possibilities are endless.

Going on a snow trip...

Hello lovelies, I thought I'd drop by and let you know that I'm heading up to the mountains and going on a snow trip! I am so excited and looking forward to glorious days inside a warm cabin, movies, board games, and hot chocolate. I'll be back here posting Friday, but in the meantime, I'll have some lovely ladies guest posting here at Modern Buttercup! They have some delightful posts planned, and you don't want to miss them!

xoxo, Nat

Friday Favorites: sixth

Friday is here already, can you believe it? I really can't. A slow, but mellow week is nice, but I'm looking forward to the next one! They don't call it snow week for nothing (hint...hint...)

DIY tote bag
How pretty is this bag? And the best part? It's super-simple and easy to make! See the DIY here.

Ombre Embroidered Hearts

These stitched hearts are so pretty to start with, but with ombre thread, I'm sold! I found my next project...

Custom Home Portraits

I love this idea! Get your house hand-sketched as a cute memento. I love this idea to bits and pieces -- perhaps as a page in your journal or scrapbook?

Caravan Cottages

Seeing this photo makes me want to buy a little caravan, get a map, and start driving! A life on the road with a little house like this makes me wish summer was here now.

Quotes
This week's good advice -- how does it apply to your life?

xoxo, Nat

Things I heart

Happy Valentine's day lovelies! Today is the day to enjoy time with loved ones -- or with a box of chocolates, take-out, and reruns. To celebrate, I've put together a few of my favorite Valentine DIYs for you to enjoy:

cupcake conversation hearts.

conversation hearts nail art.

heart pound cake.

Hope your week is going great! I would have added more links in, but I didn't want to tire you out with just pretty photos, as tomorrow is Friday Favorites!

xoxo, Nat

*image source

Birthday.

Today is my birthday!

So much has happened between last year and now -- 3 new blog designs, 2 new cameras, lots of smiles, a graphic design business, and a new kitty. I'm thankful for every year I'm alive and look forward to filling my days up with sunshine and laughter. Today I'll be spending my birthday with friends and family with a nice little dinner and some cake (hopefully vanilla & chocolate!)

I'm thrilled for another year and ready for another year of adventures,
another year of baking,
another year of blogging,
another year of discovering,
another year of snapping pictures,
another year of living life to the fullest.

xoxo, Nat

inspiration // pink

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and it's clearly inspired this inspiration board! I just adore the color pink, and looking forward to infusing it into more of my baking (I'm getting back into making cakes you know). What a better way to brighten up a dreary Monday than with pastel pink? Well, I'm sure a nice coffee would help, but this is second best, ok?

Have an awesome (non-dreary) Monday! Are you looking forward to the day of hearts? (Also known as Valentine's Day)

xoxo, Nat

One little word

In 2013, I've decided to take on a year-long challenge. Deciding was really hard, and after lots of searching on Google, I came across one little word offered by Ali Edwards, and decided it was for me. It's a year long workshop with a project each month for a year expanding on that one word you choose.  The class barely cost anything, so I thought "why not?"

Actually picking one word was the hardest part, I think. I mean, choosing just ONE word for a whole year to focus on is quite a commitment! At first the word "Brave" popped into my mind, but everyone else seemed to be using it, and I wanted my word to be unique. After a few days of pondering and no luck in sight, I went onto Pinterest and searched for inspirational quotes, hoping something would catch my eye. That's when I saw this beautiful typography. "Just breathe" seemed like a perfect fit. (I know, technically it's not "one" word, but it'll have to do)

Why "Just Breathe"?
I'm a bit (okay -- a lot) of a worrier. I worry over everything. Maybe too much. I was hoping that choosing that word would help me appreciate more, worry less, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here's what I have in mind for 2013:

Breathe (worry less, do more)

Breathe (enjoy life)

Breathe (learn to appreciate the little things and what matters most)

I'm really looking forward to my one little word project and can't wait to see how it effects my life this year. Have you joined in on the fun?

xoxo, Nat

Friday Favorites: fifth

It's Friday! There is truly nothing better than the end of the week with tons of plans in mind for two glorious days. Here's this week's round up:

DIY Washi Tape Pencils
These pencils are so pretty and quick to make! I can't believe I didn't think of this before... I think I'm going to wrap a few pencils soon!

Pudge the Cat
I've just discovered Pudge and I have to say -- I'm in love! This cat is just too darn cute -- his little face is to die for.

Flower Tunnel 
This tunnel blooming with flowers looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. So breathtaking and lush, I can only imagine how good it smells under the giant canopy. If only I could take a trip to Japan just now...

Vintage Apothecary Jars
These jars are so pretty! Apothecary jars are one of my favorite things ever, and I love how things put inside look so charming.

Quote

To put a nice end to this week's Friday Favorites, I thought I would include this nice little quote from the darling studio. Embrace it.

xoxo, Nat

Books I'm currently reading // 1

It's no secret that I'm a big bookworm. And while lately I haven't been reading any "real" books (aka books with an actual story line, chapters, etc) but more how-to and inspirational books, which I tend to prefer. I'm really going to try to surpass my reading goal for reading this year! I even handpicked a few of my favorites that I've read so far ad thought I'd share them with you.

The Book of Doing by Allison Arden
I just adored this book! It's chock-full of ideas, recipes and activities for you to try along with cute doodles and inspirational quotes sprinkled in. I was really inspired by the section on pickling your own fruits and veggies, and I loved the fun party ideas! Need a quick gift? This is your best friend.

Organize now! by Jennifer Ford Berry
One of my new year's resolutions was to be more organized. So with that in mind, I went to the bookstore and looked through all the organizational books -- when this one caught my eye. It was simply laid out and easy to understand with quick and easy steps on how to organize your life in every aspect; home, life, paperwork. The book is set up in 52 sections, one for every week of the year.
There is the updated version of Organize now!, which I think is more expanded with more sections.

The Decorated Journal by Gwen Diehn 
I'm an avid art journaler who loves to discover new art techniques and styles, so when I came across this book, it was love at first sight! Super super super helpful with coverage on everything from supplies to setting up your journal to finding art inspiration. This is my favorite art journaling book to date and I highly recommend it (which is saying a lot as I'm quite a picky reader). You don't know how many times I've found myself coming back to this book for reference -- it's that good. It's also super affordable: only 6 dollars! It's 128 pages and the best art resource out there in my opinion. Much better than the art books selling for $25.


I can't wait to share some more of my latest reads with you soon!

xoxo
Nat

*This post and it's opinions are completely my own - I was not paid or compensated in any way to write these reviews.

Blogging 101: Don't Compare

It's time for our very first blogging 101 lesson! I've been holding off a few months to unveil this fun little post series on how to further improve your blogging and the in-and-outs of the blogging world. Today's lesson focuses on the "don't compare -- it's not fair" part of blogging, which will help you get farther and gain confidence.

Where should I start? Let's see...

When I first started blogging back in 2011, I was a new blogger and looking for ideas on what I wanted my blog to be. Should it be a lifestyle blog? Style blog? Inspiration blog? Looking at the other blogs on my blog reader at the time, it was pretty hard not to look at their already established blogs and sigh. I was just starting out and it seemed like they were blogging moguls! Comparing my little place on the web to another blog really lowered my energy level a bit, and while I didn't realize it at the time -- hindered my work. Whenever I had a new post, in the back of mind I always thought "this has already been covered, why even try?" So basically, that day went without a post.

Lesson learned:
It won't help to look at that blog and come back to yours feeling down and uninspired, defeated looking at your own. Negative thoughts only bring you down! I know it's hard not to look at the next blogger and think that she has more comments than you do, takes better pictures, or has a more "camera-ready home" than you do. But keep in mind, those bloggers you admire just didn't make it big overnight. It took work, determination, and lots of time! Take it easy on yourself and let it go. Be creative and think of something even better for your blog! Friendly competition is never a bad thing.

How can this common dilemma of comparison be fixed? Don't dwell on the what-ifs, or whys. Your blog is special and one-of-a-kind - not like any other. Trust me, it will grow and you'll find your blogging niche! So instead of comparing, focus on making your blog better.

Now don't compare - it's just not fair.

xoxo
Nat