Real Life: Live & Unscripted

My week/weekend in review lol.

I think I am FINALLY caught up on my back log of blog entries lol!!! Soooo I'm gonna keep the ball moving with this one lol. (in no particular order lol)

Jaelyn went on her first "date" to a football banquet and this is THE only pic I have of her lol.

 
Yes, the one I snapped REAL quick before we had to make a couple umm adjustments lol and before she left. Now she took my camera, but only took FOUR pictures. SMH. Have I not taught that child ANYTHING? LOL

Aj turned 8....

 

 
  

 

Painted Pottery with the kids...

 
  

 
 
I am so not a big halloween fan, but I SO want one of these!! Click the pic to make it larger!!! LOL

 
Y'all know I'm NEVER in pictures lol

Went to have lunch with Kisha, who hasn't updated her blog in SO LONG, I can't even find the link lol.

  

 
 
 
ok, now my pic is BAD, but this cake was SO GOOD!!! It's THIS ONE from The Pioneer Woman. MUST MAKE OVER THE HOLIDAYS!

 
All three of these phones had ONE owner! yep ONE lol and it wasn't me lol. I am SO good when it comes to phones lol. Yep. Can't talk about me anymore lol.

  

And a quick one of us. We had a blllllllllasssssssssstttttttttttttt lol. I laughed till my face hurt lol. Can't wait to do it again lol. Soon ;)

Alright, that's it lol.

Y'all have a great Monday!

Toodles!

Butterick 5101

 

Butterick 5101

Pattern Description:

Wrap front top and dress have all-in-one sleeve, pleated collar extending into front neckline, side tie, sleeve length and hem variations. Mock wrap front skirt and straight leg pants have casing and elastic yoke.

Pattern Sizing:
XSM-Medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, didn't use them until I got to the pleat, which confused the crap out of me lol. I had to read. each.word.out.loud. Then I got it lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Nothing. It was a great pattern.

Fabric Used:

Ponteroma Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I doubt if I make this one again, but I do recommend it if you like this style.

Toodles!

Butterick 5397

 Butterick 5397

 

Butterick 5397

Pattern Description:

Very loose-fitting, pullover top A or tunics B, C or above mid-knee dress D have neck binding and elbow-length or long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:

XSM-Medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Didnt' use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Love the simplicity of this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Knit from my stash

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I'll make this one again. It's a great wardrobe builder. I highly recommend this pattern!

Conclusion:

Great, easy pattern lol.

Strawberry Cake

I am SO late! I made this back in MAY lol. I snapped a pic before I put the icing on the sides lol.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups cake flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
•  
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
•  
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•  
• 1 1/2 cups quartered strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, beat sugar, gelatin and butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Mix flour and baking powder, and beat alternately with the milk into the sugar mixture. Fold in 1 teaspoon vanilla and pureed strawberries. Divide equally into three 9 inch round cake pans.
3. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from pans and cool completely.
4. To make the filling: Beat whipping cream, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla on high until stiff. Fill each layer with 1/3 of the whipped cream and 3/4 cup sliced strawberries.
5. To make the frosting: Beat the margarine, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Spread over the sides of the cake, and pipe an edge of frosting around the top of the cake.
6. Spread remaining whipped cream on cake top. Top with quartered strawberries.

Let me know if you try it and like it!!!

Toodles! Have a great weekend!

Happy 8th Birthday AJ!

I can't believe my baby is EIGHT! Wow!



Love you baby!!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Simplicity 2560

 

Simplicity 2560

Pattern Description:

Misses' knit cardigans sewing

Pattern Sizing:

8-16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Simple. I only glanced at them a couple times.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Loved it!

Fabric Used:

Grey knit from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will make this one again for my oldest daughter, and I'm considering another view for myself lol. I highly recommend it.

Conclusion:

Great pattern, really easy to wear when you just need a little something to throw across your arms.

Hump Day Ramblings.....

• The facing and lining of this jacket almost drove me INSANE lol. Glad I got it worked out now lol. ALMOST done!

• I need to put a new battery in my smoke alarm upstairs.

• I am SO glad God gave someone the sense to come up with Caller ID!

• I had such a good lunch today! LOL I'm still full.

• Once noon hits...the day ZOOMS by!

• I finished my jacket!! All I have to do now is add the buttons and hem it by hand. UGH. HATE hand sewing lol.

• Now, I can start on my LONG list of things to do.

• I DO have a family.

• Ohhh I have a Parent Teacher Conference tomorrow morning.

• STILL don't know what color to paint my nails. I have one more day to decide lol.

• Pinto beans, cornbread and chicken for dinner tonight. YUM.

• Jaelyn was reading a book AND washing dishes lol. She had to put the book up lol.

• Jacket is DONE! WHOO HOO! y'all will probably have seen the pics before this posts lol.

• My email isn't syncing to my phone...ugh

• Been on the phone with TMobile for TOO long. I got stuff to DO!

• It's NOT all about you.

• Scheduled a BUNCH of blog posts lol

• Some people never need to have children. Watching this lady is making me SICK.*EYEROLL*

• My phone STILL trippen.

• I have SO much running around to do today.

• I'm SLEEPY.

• Sometimes, you really need to look at yourself. You ALREADY know you ain't doin right. ugh.

• Grown folks that ACT LIKE CHILDREN!!??! FAIL! UGH. Please grow up.

• Just picked up my coat from the cleaners...I love it EVEN MORE NOW! LOL

• You can't suck cotton balls up in the vacume **whistles**

• It's 3am and I'm up. Won't tell you what time I went to bed. Must get dressed.

• I just went to the gas station to get a Pepsi. OMG..it was SO good BUT i'm all jittery now.

• I can't believe you did that. Well, yes I can.

• I've seen it for myself and wow.

• Wondering if I made the best decision. Hmmmm

• My Studio is a MESS.

• I feel my scrapping mojo coming back.

• My sewing mojo has faded to blackness.

• You deserve....

• Somebody told me to go find a toy. *whistles* lol

• I spent a very long time looking for grey tights for Jaelyn. FINALLY found some.

• I'm going to keep letting folks believe they are getting over on me. SMH

• I'm finished traveling for the year (well Atlanta doesn't count lol) Next year all new places! WOOHOO!

• It's NOT me...its YOU. lol.

• Thanksgiving menu is planned! WOOHOO. Gonna go get most of my stuff tomorrow lol.

• I cringe everytime I hear that song now. Ugh.

• I'm learning how to shut up. Folks will talk them selves in a ditch!

Ok....y'all ramble away! LOL

Weekend Wrap Up: Chicago Edition.... (VERY PICTURE HEAVY)

Had a quick little trip to the "Windy City" this past weekend to hang out with my girl Patrice and BOY did I have a great time! How about some pics...

We went fabric shopping....

  

 
Cassandra  is a MESS! Maybe now she will update since I've linked her lol

 
The prices at Vogue Fabrics were INSANE!!!! I got SO much fabric! LOL

  

 

 

Umm we were trying to pick out denim lol. That neither one of us got lol.

  

  

What is the name of the fabric store across from Vogue fabrics? The next pic is the inside of that store lol. Rainbow something I think lol.
  

 
Ian was really nice and carried all our bags lol.

 
We grabbed a little snack lol

  

  

 
  

LAWD....ok..this is Cassandra and Kim. I haven't seen Kim in a couple of years so it was GOOOOD to see her! SHE IS A NUT! LOL Maybe she will update her blog as well *ahem* lol

  

Umm SOO GOOD! LOL

We drove around looking for a park for about an hour...almost hit someone on a bike, ran a couple red lights, then went to Loopy Yarns lol

 
 
Lawd...my stomach was hurting laughing at these two...talking bout gravy and smother porkchops and volkswagons lol. SMH lol

 
How big are these needles!?!?

 
We left there and went to Pappadeaux for dinner! YUMMOOOOOOOOOOO

 
 
I've known Dana for years, and we've finally met! LOL She is so silly.

 

 
Why was I the ONLY one that got carded?? *eyeroll* lol

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And it was all soooooooooooooooooooo good lol.

 
Patrice had a case of the "itis" lol

 
These guys came to play for us and sing happy birthday to me (since I WAS still celebrating lol) I decided to join them lol. Just havin a little fun :)

 
Awww fun times!

 
We walked the Pier...

 
 
 
 
How beautiful is this!?

 
Sooo pretty...

 
The wind was NO JOKE.

  

I'm ready to scrapbook this pic of me. I really like it....YES I SAID SCRAPBOOK! LOL

 

We walked The Mile and saw a bunch of ummm neat stuff lol.

 

 
We ate at Giordano's

 
Talk about a LOT of cheese...

 
*be still my heart* I think this was the largest Apple store I've ever been in lol. I was *THIS* close to getting an ipod touch. I want one so bad lol.

 
Folks were EVERYWHERE.

 
THIS MAN....

 
Got inside the box. OOOOOOOOOOOOOK. LOL

 
 
Loved this old couple!

 
*GASP* Got some Garrett's Popcorn!!!! YUM!

 
 
Talk about crowded on the inside...but it was SO worth the wait!

 
I just held the camera in the air and snapped lol

 
We ended up going to The Cupcake Gallery and meeting another fellow blogger/twitter friend Darius.

I had a BLAST!!!!! Thanks guys for making it a ton of fun for me!!

Ohhh before I forget...wanna see what fabric I brought back?!?! LOL

**GIGGLES**

  

Gorgeous stretch poplin...I think I want to do a jacket and a skirt with this one lol

 
This orange photographed kinda bright. I still don't know what I did wrong. I couldn't get the color exact. I'll try again another time. This will be some kinda gorgeous, drapey blouse.

 
Isn't this silk TDF!?

 
I normally shy away from this type fabric but it was too pretty to leave!!! This will be a great "going out" top!

 
LOVE this color!!! It's a sheer, crinkly type cotton.

 
Another sheer type cotton and not like knit cotton but woven cotton lol.

 
Another gorgeous sheer. This is a polyester. I don't have much navy so I was happy to get this one!
 
Some shirting that I kept touching....I had to have it lol.

 
This will be the lining for my spring trench...yeah the one I was SUPPOSED to make for fall lol.

 
HOW STUNNING IS THIS KNIT!!!?!?!? Patrice got some of this too. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO pretty. I have something kinda similar that I got from St.Louis the first time I went lol.

 
Another knit...loveeeeeeeeee the green and brown! I love this because it can either be a fall or summer fabric! LOL

 
Another one I got for a lining...I think I'll use it inside the jacket I'm going to make with that stretch poplin lol.

 
This is my FAVORITE piece!!! How gorgeous is this!?!? I will be holding on to this one until I KNOW what I will make with it. I already have something in mind, but I'm going to wait to see what the new spring patterns will hold :)

Alright, that's it for me! LOL

Guess thats enough huh!? LOL

Toodles!

Simplicity 2603 and Simplicity 2700(AGAIN) lol

While flipping through one of my magazines, I came across this wrap:

 

FELL IN LOVE!!! But did you see the price?

I am on the HUNT for some fabric that GORGEOUS green!!!

That's where MY version comes in lol.

 

  

 

There really isn't even a need to review the pants lol, I've made them SO many times...I'll just show you my pocket lol

 

Pattern Description:

Misses Knit Top and Cardi-Wrap

Pattern Sizing:

M-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, SUPER simple!!!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I LOVED this pattern!!!

Fabric Used:

Some knit fabric I got as a gift! WHOOHOO lol.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

YES! I do plan on making this again in a solid...something bright lol.

Conclusion: 

This is REALLY a great cardigan wrap! I can't wait to make it again !

 

Magic City Classic 2009 (VERY PICTURE HEAVY)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!! Y'all ready!??!

The Magic City Classic is THE NUMBER ONE BLACK COLLEGE CLASSIC IN THE COUNTRY!!!

  

Just a puff of smoke lol.

 
You KNOW you are in for a good time with the "bruhs" that wear purple and gold are next to you lol

  

Gotta start off right!!! lol. BTW, I was at THREE different tailgates lol. TALK ABOUT FUN! LOL

 
THe kids gotta "catch up" lol

 
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT! LOL

 
Those chickens are standing at attention! LOL

 
Havin a little fun lol

 
Heyyyyyyyyyyy Marvin lol. My brother didn't want me to take that pic lol

 
Food in one hand...cup in the other lol. That's how we do it lol.

 
This pic is more for my mom than anyone else lol. Jaelyn was sooo not happy lol.  Y'all locals should know who that is lol. The Smitherman's have been close with my family for yearssssssssssssssssssss.

 
  

 
 
A TV Crew from ESPN was there and came over to see us lol...did anyone see us on TV? LOL

 
She still not happy...notice the neckwarmer, she JACKED? Ummmhmm <_<

 
Let the games begin!!!! Alabama A&M

    

Alabama State

The Bands...

 
 

  

AAMU KILLED IT ON THE FIELD!!!! THE WHOLE FREAKIN BAND MOONWALKED!!!!!!!! THE. WHOLE. BAND! It was "tight" lol.
 
Ok...I'm so not an ASU fan, but the drummajors KILLED IT!!! The band sucked but the drummajors...they DID THAT!

 

Myspace type pics?? SURE....

 
 

Wanna see some kids?

 
 
He was SO knocked out lol.  But when he woke up and realized his mom didn't have him and I did!?!? My lil nephew acted a fool lol.

 
The Fellas lol

 
Lil Bulldogs lol...

AAMU WINS AGAIN!!!! LOL

 
I LIVE FOR THE 5th Quarter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (That's after the game, when the non-band heads leave...the two bands play back and forth for a while...LOVES IT!)

 
Kayla was SO beyond happy. She LOVES the Dancin' Divas! LOL

 
**teehee**

 
What has HE been drinking lol

 
FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE LOL...that's a fish fry gone wrong lol.

 
LOL Fire Department anyone? LOL

 
I can't BELIEVE my nephew is almost 16 **faints**

 
WHAT!???????????? LOVE HOT SAUSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ummm Eileen?? LOL ;)

 
Umm after being up and out since 7-ish am...yeah..he was POOPED lol.

  

He got a ride to the car lol.

GTFOOH CLASSIC 2009 EDITION

Ok I know y'all ready lol

 
Why he got on his Easter suit..IN THE RAIN!?!?!?

 
Chick in the middle.....umm WHY does she have on a belt???

  

Ummm. Yeah ok. OH BTW...it was really cool that morning...in the rain...ummhmm

 
**sigh**

 
SMH

And this was all BEFORE we even got INTO the game!

  

Chick with the belt on.....I WISH I could have gotten a better pic...

 
******CAPTION THIS****** lol Look how she looking at him lol...he loves blue... in his hair AND it matches his jacket lol.

 
Girl in the green pants was SO COLORFUL!!! I wish y'all could have seen her shoes!! SMH.

 
Bobby B.ro.w.n is that you!?!?! Bobbbaaaaayyyyyyyyyy his had a gooooddddddd whop lol. Isn't that what that haircut is called? What year is this? LOL I'm not going back to the 80's lol

But the lady that took the cake?!?!?!

 
TALK ABOUT SCHOOL SPIRIT!!!!

Ok...how is that for a Friday Post?! LOL

Y'all have a SUPERB weekend!! Stay safe!

Toodles!

Butterick 5145: A Review

This is my first REAL coat and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Proud!!!

One of the many fall trends that I want to incorporate into my wardrobe this year is bright coats:

  

My next one will be a gorgeous colbalt blue I got from Gorgeous Fabrics last year...

 
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY LINING!!!! Its like a party going on in my coat! LOL Just makes me HAPPY! LOL

 

Pattern Description:
Lined, fitted coat in various lengths, has raised waistline with back princess seams and pleat, front button closing. A, C, D, E: side seam pockets. A, D, E: back tab. C, D, E: optional snaps at lower front opening. E: sleeve tabs.

I made view A

Pattern Sizing:
8-14 I made the 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were fine until I got to the lining. It confused the crap out of me but that may have been more ME than the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like how they wanted you to slip stitch the lining of the sleeves in. Umm NO, they are crazy lol. I ended up putting the right sides of the lining together and sewing the sleeves that way so when I flipped the lining I just pushed the lining down into the sleeve. If that makes sense lol.

Fabric Used:
Flannel Coating from Gorgeous Fabrics

Lining: 100% Poly from Joanns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None. I didn't add the button tab in the back.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
YES! I highly recommend this pattern!!! It's a great basic coat pattern. Im not sure if I will make it again though.

Conclusion:
SUPERB Pattern!!! Love it!

Here are some additional pics....

 
I fell in LOVE with these buttons. I didn't really want black, so I thought these were perfect!

 
A LOT OF HAND SEWING!!!! LOL I took it to the cleaners this morning for a good steaming/pressing.

  

  

 

Alright that's IT for me! Y'all have a good one!

Toodles!

Hump Day Ramblings.....

• Why do people ask for the truth, then you tell them and they get an attitude!?

• BEST BLOG POST I'VE READ IN A VERY LONG TIME

• Lawd some folks!!!

• I hate being lied to more than anything on earth. ESPECIALLY when I KNOW you are lying and just not saying what's REALLY going on. TRUST. I already know.

• Kayla is currently holding a very long and interesting conversation with herself.

• I have to introduce y'all to Oreo :)

• I love cowl necks.

• Playing charades with the girls is HILARIOUS!

• It's 9:30 and the girls are making french toast.

• It's 9:48 and I'm still alive lol. It was really good.

• I can NOT wait.

• That saying, "What one woman/man won't do another one will" isn't always s-e.x.ual.

• Classic was SO FUN.

• Some people make a big deal out of the dumbest stuff.

• I hate laundry!

• If you go to my folks house...you better make some noise if they don't know you are coming lol. My dad has the RIGHT to "bear arms" LOL. That is all.

• My mom got the PRETTIEST fabric from Hancock Saturday and didn't get me not NAN PIECE!!!  I will be there as SOON as the doors swing open tomorrow lol. If there isn't anymore, we gone have PROBLEMS lol.

• 4 days.

• Y'all know Hancock didn't have that fabric right?? **makes plans to steal moms lol**

• I'm SO ready to put my Christmas tree up! LOL

• I feel like myself again.

• *sings* you are my sunshine, my only sunshine.....

• Have I said how much I do NOT like laundry!?

• I need to go through my email. NOT tonight.

• My birthday was THE BOMB.

• 3 days!!!!!

• I'm supposed to be making quilts for Christmas. Ummmm haven't EVEN started lol

• FINALLY starting on my first real coat!

• I'm really into funky color nail polish...purples, teals, blues, blacks, dark browns...I remember a time when I NEVER wore color on my hands.

• Sometimes, admitting things out-loud helps you evaluate the situation.

• DEATH TO TMOBILE FOR HAVING A NATIONWIDE OUTAGE!!! UGH

• I'm ready to put my Christmas Tree up!!!

• DEATH TO TMOBILE

• KAYLA SINGING CHRISTMAS SONGS

• DEATH TO TMOBILE!!!

• I can call Ian, but not Patrice. Guess who phone she on! LOL

• DEATH TO TMOBILE!!!!

• My kitchen is a mess right now lol.

• I'm frustrated lol.

• I GOTTA finish my coat/jacket TOMORROW. All I have to do is add the sleeves and the lining.

• Can't decide what color to paint my nails. Hmmmm lol

• Tmobile BETTA be working when I wake up lol.

• Y'all know I'm addicted to lipgloss right? lol

• Got my free lipgloss from sephora lol. LOVE it.

• **giggles**

• Still mad at Tmobile lol

Alright y'all......Ramble lol.

Pageant time of year again!

Last week Jaelyn was in a pageant again. She really enjoys doing them and so do I lol. She was in the top ten this year. Here are a few pics:

Before:

 

  

  

  

 

During:

  

  

  

After:

  

  

  

 

  

 

 
LOVE this blurry one of Aj helping her out lol. He did the same thing last year!

Alright, that's it for me!
Toodles!!!

Happy 32nd Birthday to me & Andre lol !!!

 

There is so much I could say today but I honestly don't know where to start.

I'm SO happy that my brother and I lived to see our 32nd birthday.

I'm blessed to have wonderful family, and friends.

I'm just thankful!!

One thing I REALLY learned this year, never take anyone for granted. Live, love and enjoy life. It's short!

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

 

Yield

4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 oz long-grain rice
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil, divided
• 2  pounds  peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 1  tablespoon  Cajun seasoning, salt-free
• 1  tablespoon  minced garlic
• 1  cup  bell pepper stir-fry
• 1/4  cup  chopped green onions
• 1/4  teaspoon  dried thyme
• 1/2  cup  canned Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/8  teaspoon  black pepper

Preparation

Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.

While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the shrimp with Cajun seasoning; toss to coat. Add shrimp to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; keep warm.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add the pepper stir-fry, green onions, and thyme; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in cooked rice, shrimp, tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

 

 

 

Star Crossed Slouchy Beret & Mustard Scarf FO

I have been knitting up a storm! Loving the knitting mojo!!! I have another project on the needles...more on that later lol.

 

Star Crossed Slouchy Beret

This was my first time working with cables and I really enjoyed it. I used Paton Classic Wool and I was really surprised at how great it knit up!!!

Y'all know I LOVE this pic, because it is now my profile pic on every site I'm on lol.

 
Mustard Scarf

This was another quick one. I used more of the Patons Wool. I didn't have a button big enough that I liked so I spray painted one black lol. Heyyyy it worked for me lol. Mine isn't as "lofty" as the one in the link but me likey! LOL

Ok, that is it for me! OH...here is a pic of the back of my hair. I'm loving my hair cut.  My hair now has some "shape" lol

 

The front is just kinda off my face right now, but I'm loving it!

Y'all have a great one!

Toodles!!!!!!

More fun lol.

I'm playing catch up (STILL) with the blog! LOL

A couple weekends ago, we had a fish fry at the house lol

 

Two big boxes of fish and 5 lbs of fries later.....

  

That was the only pic I managed to get lol...of the food anyway lol

  

 
LOL he KILLED that Pepsi lol. Tyler is my little buddy lol

 
 

I don't play monopoly. AT ALL. Patrick and Big Marc stopped me from liking that game YEARS ago...like Jaelyn was a toddler lol. Yep. I do NOT play.

 

  

  

Ain't they cuteeeeeeeeee lol.

 
 
 
LOVE that last pic! They were KNOCKED out lol.

OHHH We played Table Topics...TOO MUCH FUN lol. We did the "regular' one while the kids were up, then when they went up stairs, we pulled out the couples edition lol. LEMME tell you, if you aren't in a STRONG solid relationship lol, you might not want to ask these questions lol. They were too much fun lol.  I learned a LOT about my friends lol....from Timberlands, to ties, and shiny shirts, candle wax, spaghetti strings, see thru, baby oil....yeah buddy lol. HILARIOUS. I already know what I will be giving folks for Christmas lol.

The weekend before (I think) we went out and had a good time lol

 
My little cousins walked up in there and I was like whoaaaaaaaaaaaaa lol. They made me feel SO old lol. Even though they are 23 and 27...just still lol.

  

Alrighty...that's it lol.

Toodles!

Hump Day Ramblings.....

• SO glad Kayla finally got her meatloaf. The leftovers will be eaten today lol.

• Gotta take my camera to Wolf...might have to send it off to Canon. MIGHT be time for an upgrade lol.

• Birthday cake from Publix is the DEBIL lol

• I am so beyond hurt.

• I need to go make a list RIGHT now. I have a deadline.

• Just made my list. Gonna start on it tomorrow

• Headed to Wolf....hope this goes well lol.

• I'll be glad when this bday cake is gone lol. My will power is like ZERO lol.

• Thursdays are fun for me. It's my chill out/relax day. AND its a great TV night.

• Do you have a favorite new fall show??

• Women who walk in high heel pumps and they flop = EPIC FAIL!

• I LOVE the Ace & Tj Show lol.

• Disappointed is an understatement.

• I was supposed to mail some boxes for my dad and they are STILL on the floor. OOPS.

• All I want to do is knit right now lol.

• Change is good...repeat.

• I'm sleepy. LIKE VERY SLEEPY.

• Your loss.

• Just realized I've been typing on this since before Kayla bday lol.

• Guards are UP, nobody gets in.

• I'm so ready to get my hair cut.

• Sewing has been wonderful.

• I have a new love for knitting.

• I NEED TO SCRAP! LOL

• My birthday is in 6 days.

• You are going to miss out. 

• I gotta learn to keep folks at a distance. Like WAYYY ova dere lol.

Alright, y'all ramble away...let's get over this hump.

Simplicity 3887 and Simplicity 2700

Simplicity 3887 and Simplicity 2700

Since I was working with a sheer fabric, I knew I didn't want to use interfacing on this, I interfaced it with the fabric and just serged it all together lol. SIMPLE. DONE.  BTW, I am REALLY in love with all things sheer now lol. I've picked up some beautiful pieces for spring lol. YES SPRING lol.

 

I won't even post these on PR I've made them sooooooooooooooo much. I love thees pants and have plans to make another pair this week lol.

Toodles!

 

Beads, beads and MORE beads!!!

I went to Atlanta this weekend for a bead show... **SWOONS, FAINTS**

LAWD. Can not WAIT to go again! LOL

  

Just a few of the pics I managed to snap before I proceeded to loose my eva-lastin-mind.

 

Ignore that man's booty lol.

  

 

This wasn't even all of it. Just wow ok.

  

 

I took this pic just for Zanete. I wouldn't even know what to do with this. And that pink and black is SO hot. OMG...You can click the pics to make them larger.

 

Some of the prices were REALLY great. Some not so much. Seems like everything I touched was like $50+ per strand lol. I had to leave that stuff ALONE lol.

  

Soooo what did I get? LOL

 
 
This purple is sooooooooooo vibrant.

 
I don't know what it is with me and black beads lol.

 
These reminded me of jelly beans lol.

 
Soooo pretty lol

 
I LOVE these! The color is sooooooo pretty IRL...

 
Gonna make myself a simple little pearl necklace.

 
I am kicking myself for not getting any of these beauties for myself lol. This will become a necklace for a friend lol. Gotta have some pearls this color now lol.

  

I walked past these three times lol. Glad I got them lol.

 
SEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDD BEADSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I VOWED to never touch these things lol. They just called my name lol.

 
These are my favorites!!! I LOVE them lol.

 
OH yeah, we also visited my brother lol. Kayla was SO NOT HAPPY lol.

Alright, that is it for me guys! LOL

Have a great one!
Toodles!

I miss him so much....

 

The other day I was sitting down and all of a sudden my mind went to Patrick. The day he died.  I don't know where the thoughts came from but they were there. It's been almost 6 months. It will be 6 months on my birthday.  Not really even looking forward to my birthday this year, I mean I know it's a blessing but just not excited like I was. Maybe that's what started it? I don't know.

I remember being home. Up early on Saturday because I wanted to finish my zebra dress to wear to church the next day.  I was about to season some fish so that it could just marinate all day and night. We were gonna have a fish fry for Patrick's birthday that Sunday after church.

I started sewing, hoping and praying that the machine wouldn't wake up the kids lol. Y'all know I love my quiet time.  I called Tony at work around 545 6ish to say good morning and to let him know I was awake. He didn't answer so I figured he was busy. 5 or 10 minutes he called me back, he was at work but like I said, he was busy so he couldn't pick up. 

Around 8 or so he called me back and told me he had to tell me something. It was kinda quiet in the background so I just assumed he outside. The alarms started flying when I heard a baby in the background. The only person I could think of was his mom and sisters. His sister has a small baby and I thought something had happened. I was NOT prepared for what he said next.

Adrienne, Patrick died this morning.

Now, I'm waiting. SERIOUSLY waiting on him to laugh and say he is kidding but it never came. 

I did NOT believe him. I had JUST talked to Patrick, he was JUST over our house. He was JUST out with Tony the night before. It seriously couldn't be real.

I'll never forget the way I felt when I realized he wasn't joking. Never.

I know people deal with death and dying a lot. But I didn't grow up and see my friends constantly dying. So this was really hard. I've had realitives to die when I was younger but I was too young to understand. The ones I've lost that I remember, I haven't been close to. This was the first time, I can remember feeling this way and I'm almost 32.

I went to the funeral home to see him, before everyone else did. I was going to support someone else, so I actually got there before she did.

Walking in that room, seeing him from far off, just killed me inside. The closer I got to him, to see it was actually him, I lost it. Even though I initally cried, these were tears from somewhere else. I can't describe it.  I'd never really gone to a wake before, but mom told me I needed to do it so I would be prepared for the funeral. I'm so glad I did.

It really took some convincing to talk Tony into going. He flat out refused.  There was nothing i could do or say. He got a call from a REALLY close friend and they were able to tell him how much he needed to come and see him before the funeral. He still refused. He got another call that changed his mind. I don't know what they said or how it happened but it worked. I left to go pick him up and bring him back.

The look in his eyes when he saw Patrick still haunt me.

The funeral was at a huge church here and it was packed. Standing room only. It was such a beautiful sight to know that Patrick had touched so many lives.  In the time that I have known Patrick (I met him in 1993 when I met Tony) I have only seen him mad/angry/upset ONCE and that was about a week before he died.  He was such a great man.

I love him so much. I miss him even more.

I thought it would seem more real, more final after the funeral but it's not. It still doesn't seem like he is gone.

Sometimes when I'm downstairs, I can still see him sitting on the sofa, I can still hear him laugh, asking me what I cooked, looking at whatever I was sewing at the time. I can hear the kids getting excited when they see his truck pull up in the driveway. I can hear him and Tony talking about how they are gonna torture the girls dates when they start dating...that scene in Bad Boys II? Yep, that's them all day long. They have it memorized.  I can remember them laughing till they couldn't breathe while watching "Life" or "The Water Boy" like they were watching it for the first time. 

I don't know. This is like my therapy I guess. The tears flow freely. I don't try to stop them anymore when I miss him, when I think about him.

We had some friends over last weekend and it was the FIRST time, since he passed that I haven't been sad when they all came over. Sad because he wasn't physically here. Not that he wasn't missed, but it was, I don't know...peaceful.

I still have some of his clothes here, some papers I helped him fill out for school. His medicine bottle is still sitting next to my printer. I still have pics up, I still have memories.

I will always have memories.

I guess I'm done now. I feel better. I don't talk to everyone about him, I don't trust everyone like that. Those that are really close to me know when I'm really hurting and missing him.  My heart isn't as heavy. I love him, I miss him and he will forever be in my heart.

AAMU Homecoming 2009

I can't BELIEVE I am JUST now taking these pics off my camera!!! This is SO late..ESPECIALLY with Classic RIGHT around the corner lol.

We had a BALL this year..but BOY DID IT RAIN!!!!

 
Let me start off by saying, I DID look halfway decent before the rain started lol....keep that in mind mmmkay? LOL

 

 

The bands...Arkansas Pine Bluff

  

  

Just a snippet of AAMU. LOVE the band...lawd.

Now the fun stuff lol. Marvin just so happened to be in the tent NEXT to ours lol. That has NEVER happened. We had too much fun. The kids used his truck as shelter during the rain. It was MUDDY by the end of the night. Had my nieces and nephews calling him Uncle Marvin before the day was over lol.

  

The kids had a ball. It rained SO much, it was SOOOOOO muddy. Many a shoes were RUINED lol

  

  

Look at Jaelyn showing her true colors lol

 
LOL look at that face! LOL

 
 
Those are Kayla shoes lol. Can you see her socks!? FILTHY. My SIL and I had to make a run to Walmart the following Sunday morning to buy ALL the kids new shoes lol. NO ONE had any extra lol. Mine were ruined lol. I wore flip flops home lol.

These guys are a mess lol. We missed Patrick SO much. Classic is gonna be HARD.

 

I love Kristy's t-shirt. I want one lol.

 

Glad to see Patrick's sister there... :)

 

 

I wasn't drinking lol. Marvin was trying to make it LOOK like I was lol. Ummmhmm you should see the pic on HIS camera lol.

 

A good time was had by all. Mud and all. OH and I WILL buy me a pair of rain boots and keep them with me at all times. That is all.

  

I promise, I know about 10 people named Keisha lol.

 

This is the biggest dummy alive. SO CRAZY, but SO MUCH FUN LOL. He and his wife are a PERFECT match lol.

  

Craziest BIL on the planet. Add the above guy to the picture!?!?? PURE COMEDY.

  

PLENTY of good food. The rain stops no one lol.

 

Now for the crazies....

This year I was off my game lol. I will come with it for Classic lol...

 
Yep, her hair was PURPLE.

 

I WISH I could have gotten a front view of this lol. I try to not be so obvious but umm yeah lol. There was NO way to get it lol. TRUST me when I tell you it was a HOT mess lol.

 
So is this what's up now!? Just throw on a shirt and some shoes!? Ummm no thanks.

 
The front of this was WAY worse than the back. Keep in mind it was POURING down raining and kinda chilly...

 
ummm. yeah. that is all.

 
The thing that makes this SOOOOOOOOOOO funny is that she KEPT pulling her shirt down. Girl get somewhere and "satdown".

 
Ok, so is this the new thing now!? Keeping your tags on your clothes!? I saw sooooooooooooooooo many folks with their tags still on. ESPECIALLY on Polo stuff. Someone enlighten me.

Alright folks..that's it! LOL

Toodles!

What's next....

I already have a few projects in the works....here is what's coming up on Real Life: Live and Unscripted lol

 

I FINALLY learned how to cable!! LOL It is SO not hard! Patrice and I were doing a KAL but she already finished her hat lol. Mine should be done this week lol.

  

  

Loving how quick this is knitting up! Bonus: It requires ZERO concentration lol.

 

FINALLY gonna make a REAL coat lol. I'm doing view A. I got this fabric from www.gorgeousfabrics.com LAST YEAR. It's called lipstick red or maybe just lipstick!? LOL LOVE this color!!! I HOPE to do a colbalt blue jacket also, but not right now lol.

 

Gotta get a cardigan in there somewhere. I love the color of this sweater knit!

 

I'm going to make view A with a contrasting band in black...

 

I didn't realize how well these two worked together! I picked up the jersey from Gail K last year.

  

Gonna make the cozy. Yep lol. Instead of doing it in a solid, I wanted to go with a little something unexpected. Hope it looks good sewn up lol.

  

Making the top and pants in black lol.

 

My favorite...TNT lol. LOVE THESE PANTS!!!

And that's it! I have three more reviews to post, then I will be all caught up on the stuff I have sewn lol.

Simplicity 2558

Simplicity 2558

 

This jacket isn't lined, but finished with bias tape. I picked a yellow and it kinda made it pop. I used a simple covered button and large snaps for the closure.

 

Pattern Description:
Misses' jacket with front variation sewing pattern. Inspired by Project Runway.

Pattern Sizing:
12-20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I originally loved the dropped shoulders of this jacket. I could NOT get them to set correctly though. It was too much fabric and the seams just weren't smooth, so I left the sleeves off and went with the cap sleeve version. I've seen two other versions of this jacket made up and the sleeves looked nothing like mine did. I'm not sure if it was a bad choice of fabric or what, but I did use a tweed wool blend. I think it was just too heavy. Then again, I'm not really sure WHAT I did wrong.

Fabric Used:
Wool tweed blend

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I doubt if I will sew this again, but if you like it go ahead and give it a try

Conclusion:

Pretty cute jacket despite the trouble I had setting the sleeves.

**UGH! WHY DOES MY BLOG LOOK WEIRD!?? WHERE ARE ALL MY TITLES!?**

McCall's 5699

McCall's 5699

  

 

Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted, A-line, pullover dress, above mid-knee length has cowl collar, yoke, gathered front and back with elastic casings; dress A has short sleeves gathered into band; dress B has long sleeves, elasticized at overarm to form gathered effect.

Pattern Sizing:
4-12 I made the 4

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, very much.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I only glanced at them when putting the cowl on.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Loved how simple this dress was.

Fabric Used:
Jersey from my stash. I have NO clue where I got it from lol.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think I will sew this one again. My daughter loved it but I don't think she wants another one. I do highly recommend it if you like this style.

Conclusion:
Great pattern. My daughter is happy with it so I am too

...and one other pic...just because I like it lol