Happy Friday friends!!

It’s been a while since I shared a 5 Things Friday post so I thought I’d give it a shot today.   For anyone who is new around here on Fridays I share 5 things I’m loving lately.  It’s been a little less frequent lately but I’m here today so that counts right 🙂  Sometimes the 5 things I share are all quilting or sewing related.  Sometimes they are not.  Today I’m mixing it up a bit and doing a little of both.

#1-Modern Aztec a modern quilt pattern by Shannon Fraser Designs.  Modern Aztec quilt pattern

This adorable little lumbar pillow is part of Shannon Fraser’s Modern Aztec quilt pattern.  My daughter’s best friend had a birthday coming up so when I tested the pattern for Shannon I chose colors to match my daughter #2’s bedroom.

I pulled fabrics from my stash and I love the way it turned out.

I did some walking foot style quilting and now I can’t wait to give this pillow as a gift.

This floral print on the back was my favorite.  When my daughter said her bestie’s room was coral and light turquoise I immediately thought of this print and then pulled fabric for the front to match it.  Doesn’t it look super cute modeling on my daughter’s bed?  If only it was made like this everyday 😉

I added my label to the back and viola I had an adorable pillow ready to gift.  Definitely check out Shannon’s Modern Aztec pattern.  She has a 5 color option and a 10 color option in sizes from mini to queen including this fun lumbar pillow.  I had such a blast testing out this pattern before it’s release and I’m loving seeing new versions of the quilt and pillow pop up online.  Check out the pattern and tell Shannon I said hi Modern Aztec quilt pattern

#2-CreativeLive

Have you guys checked out CreativeLive before?  They offer TONS of great online classes in every field you can imagine.  If you RSVP and watch the live class it’s free but you can also buy classes to save and watch on your own time.  They have so many options to choose from in areas like photography, surface pattern design, blogging, copywriting, podcasting, songwriting, cake decorating and even self improvement and business classes.  There are way too many options for me to list here so definitely head over and check them out.  Right now they are doing a promotion where they have 15 different classes on sale for $15 each

That’s a fabulous price you guys!  I promise once you start watching you’ll be hooked.

#3-Connecting Threads

I have to share a little story with this one.  I’m sure many of you who know me in real life know that I try to be very intentional about where I spend my money.  It’s one of the reasons I don’t really “promote” products here.  I just share what I love and what I use.  Anyway, I often feel like I am just one tiny little fish in a giant ocean and that it’s impossible for me to make a difference.  My way of combating that helpless feeling is to choose where I will and won’t spend my hard earned money.  I choose to support companies who’s values and principles align with my own.  When it comes to fabric shopping I try to buy locally when I can to support the economy of those in my local community.  When that isn’t possible and I need to shop online I often head to Connecting Threads.  I like that they feel like a small local shop and that many of their fabrics are made and manufactured here in the US.  I also like that they carry a smaller selection so I’m not so overwhelmed and they try to keep their prices manageable.  When it was time to place my most recent order for fabric for client memory quilts I got so excited about some great things I was finding on sale that I forgot to add the coupon code for a free pair of scissors they were offering.  I emailed their customer service desk right away and honestly wasn’t expecting anything at all.  I had a bad experience with another online fabric retailer recently so my hopes weren’t very high.  I was shocked and thrilled to get a prompt response and found out that my order had already been sent to the warehouse for preparation but the customer service agent would be more than happy to send me my free pair of scissors in a separate package.  They literally sent me a free pair of scissors and didn’t even charge me for shipping when they sent it in a second box!  Can you believe that?!  Moral of the story was that I got the most beautiful stack of high quality quilting fabric, a great pair of new scissors and the best customer service a girl could hope for.

Forgive the quick iPhone photo but I wanted to share a quick snap with you.  If you’ve never shopped with Connecting Threads before…DO IT!!

#4-Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake by Sally’s Baking Addiction

My husband had a milestone birthday this last Wednesday and every year to celebrate I make him his favorite dinner and cake.  This year I wanted to try a new recipe for his beloved Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake so I hit up Pinterest, my favorite little search engine.  I found this recipe and decided to give it a go.  I won’t share a photo since my cake doesn’t look nearly as pretty as hers but I will say that it was delicious!   Check it out if you are a lemon fan!  Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake recipe

#5-OrangeTheory Fitness

After you’ve over indulged in that delicious cake you will definitely want to burn it off.  If you’re look for a kick a** way to burn some major calories and  get those feel good endorphins check out an OrangeTheory Fitness class near you.  You already know that I am a major gym rat and spend several hours a week working out.  My hubby and I added in OrangeTheory classes twice a week last year and we’re both totally hooked.  We go super early in the morning and it’s THE best way to start your today.  They have locations all over the US and once you’re a member you can take classes at any of those places.  The principal behind their workout is a “science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. The hardest part of our workouts is showing up – we make it simple for you to push yourself, be your personal best and give you more. MORE results. MORE confidence. MORE Life. More than a gym. Because you shouldn’t live to exercise. You should exercise to live.”  If you’re local to Northern Utah a friend of mine owns 3 locations in Davis and Weber Counties and I’d be happy to share her info with you  OrangeTheory Kaysville   If not head to their website to learn more OrangeTheory Fitness

And with that I’m going to head off and get to work.  Happy Friday friends!!

See you again soon.

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