Welcome to the weekend at the cottage! Here are a few things that have been happening around here lately, including some of what’s caught my eye out there on the internet. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, or maybe treat yourself to a hot chocolate or glass of wine, and settle in for some reading and browsing.

Out and About

It’s officially spring! While winter and spring have been doing a two-step around Southwestern Ontario lately, spring is definitely leading in the dance. While I’ve been taking photos of emerging plants and early spring flowers, what I’d really like to share with you is this shot that I call “Afternoon Moon Over the Thames.” I enjoy the contrast of the afternoon moon while the sun is still shining, and I also like how this photo captures the feeling of my crisp late-afternoon walk around 5:30 today.

Urban Cottage Crafting

With Easter just around the corner, it’s time for another sewing project. This time I’m making dresses for my two oldest granddaughters. It’s a good thing I chose a simple pattern because, in characteristic fashion, I’ll be working down to the wire on them. Once I have the dresses assembled, I’ll add a few embellishments to make them even more special.

As I was sewing this afternoon, the machine was straining to sew over a thick seam and the four-year-old, who was helping me, told me that the sewing machine was “grumpy.” An apt description!

Around the Web

I enjoyed this video investigating the theory that dropping a freshly baked cake keeps it from collapsing as it cools. It was created by Janice of the lovely blog Kitchen Heals Soul, where she presents all sorts of interesting kitchen geekery along with great recipes and beautiful photography.

Looking for ideas for Easter treats? Check out this roundup, which includes a contribution by yours truly!

Keeping with the season, here’s how to make naturally dyed Easter eggs.

Recap

I’ve published a mix of recipes since the last issue of Urban Cottage Weekend, including a date loaf, yellow split pea soup with smoked pork, one of my favourite cookies recipes yet — dark chocolate sour cherry cookies, a lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie with a celeriac mash, and a kicky peach ginger smoothie. If you missed any, now would be a great time to check them out!