Suzannah Hamlin Stanley's Blog, page 82
July 7, 2015
Oregon raspberry and Marionberry salad
Summer is my favorite! In part because of berry-picking, and the bounty of local veggies and fruits around us. I go berry-picking every summer, and nowadays those berries are some of the only fruits I eat all year. Which makes them even more special! I'm so grateful to live in a place like Oregon, with so many foods that grow here and all the people that appreciate fresh, local, quality food. I 
July 2, 2015
DIY Lilly Pulitzer-ey bright shift dress
I've had a thing for Lilly Pulitzer for a long time now. I haven't owned many pieces, just a few vintage things I found at thrift stores way back, and I don't wear the bright, retro, Palm Springs-ey style much, but I really like it! So when Target came out for their Lilly Pulitzer for Target line this spring (view the officiallookbook hereand collection here), I was totally into the dresses! 
June 30, 2015
Summer weekend bliss: Beach and berry-picking
We did last weekend right. I'm still on a bit of a high after two days of balanced fun and relaxing! With days like that, every weekend would feel like a holiday weekend. The forecast was for the 100's in the Portland area for Saturday, so we did what a lot of other folks did and went to the coast. We left around 8:00 AM (we were already sweating in the house) and didn't get back till bedtime. 
June 25, 2015
Little white dress - a new favorite! With eyelet lace ribbon inset
I love a good little white dress (LWD). Always have! If you scroll through my DIY dress archives you'll see several versions in previous years, usually involving lace and sometimes piecing for interest. A couple years ago I made this pieced eyelet bodice LWDand loved the versatility and simplicity of the pure white cotton. This year it was time for another one, although a very different style! 
June 23, 2015
5 things to do on an active staycation
We were on a staycation for the first part of last week. Celebrating husband's week between school terms, and our 11-year dating anniversary (we usually take a trip to the coast). We had originally planned a great road trip to a few of the Seven Wonders of Oregon--we were planning on taking the whole week and going to Crater Lake, Smith Rock, and the Painted Hills. But, things have been a little
June 18, 2015
Finally, the lavender print halter maxi dress
Not until after I had designed this dress did I realize I was still trying to make the pretty lavender floral Anthropologie maxi halterfrom last year. I used Simplicity 1355, which I've used several times, twice in making halter maxi dresses inspired by the original floral one. Last year, after multiple trips to the fabric store, I was never able to find a nice lavender floral fabric or 
June 12, 2015
DIY essential oil bath salts for sore muscles
Bath salts! Sounds relaxing, right? I know epsom/magnesium salt baths can be very soothing for sore muscles, and transdermally is a great way to absorb magnesium. I also know there are some powerful essential oils and blends out there that can really help with tight and painful muscles! I looked around, but I didn't see a lot of recipes for a combination of the two. DIY bath salts can be calming
June 10, 2015
10 simple romper patterns--in 6+ styles
Rompers are everywhere, you guys. I thought they really came on strong in 2014, but I'm seeing even more this summer, so maybe 2015 is the Year of the Romper! I don't mind. They're comfortable in hot weather, flattering for lots of figures because you can find or make them in so many silhouettes, and as easy to make as dresses! I made this grey knit romper last year and it's totally comfy and 
June 4, 2015
New favorite summer dress: super simple organic knit
It's been off and on super hot and super rainy here! Early June in Oregon, what did we expect? But, I've been ready for summer dresses again with last weekend in the 80's and this weekend maybe up to 90 degrees. I wanted a really simple, comfy, easy dress for this weather, so I pulled out the leftover fabric from this maxi dress--really nice, medium-heavy weight interlock knit from Organic 
June 2, 2015
DIY Wardrobe Makeovers GIVEAWAY! 3 copies!
What an honor it is to be able to give away copies of MY book!!! I seriously wish that I could give one away to each and every one of you - thank you for reading this blog and following along in my exciting publishing journey!! But, I can't. I can, however... go this giveaway of 3copies of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers! And, if you're in the Portland area, please come to by book signing this Sunday, 
