Real Life: Live & Unscripted

An addition to the family...

Well there are THREE new additions lol.

Two of them you will learn about today lol

My LONG awaited baby!!! LOL

 
Copied from the singer site lol

Singer CE-150 Futura Sewing & Embroidery Machine

A REAL life picture lol.

 

 

*swoon* I am going to be in HEAVEN!!! LOL

I seriously can not WAIT to play!!!!! I have wanted an embroidery machine for I KNOW the past 2 or 3 years. Lisa can tell you that lol. EVERYTIME she posted one of her gorgeous embroidery projects I was ready to buy a machine lol. We went back and forth FOREVER on the different ones out there and what was within my budget and what not lol. I finally decided on this one lol.

I have even found a yahoo group specific to this machine and there is a TON of information! I've been reading for DAYS lol.

Do you all know of any good embroidery websites!? ESPECIALLY ones that offer free downloads lol. WIth all the software I got AND the fact that I can use ANY image/font to create a design...I shouldn't EVER have to buy one any lol.

Sooooooo ready to play!!!!! LOL

Next addition???

Singer HD110

 
Copied from the singer website lol

And a real life picture lol

 

Don't know why I did that lol. Just fun lol

THIS will be the workhorse. To keep all the wear and tear off of my "main" machine lol. I plan on doing some home dec stuff, FINALLY, and I will use this machine to get it all done!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!!!! YAYAYAYAAYYAYAAYAYAYAYA

Ok, that's IT for me! I'm about to go PLAY!

Toodles!

Change...

 

Change defined: to become different

The first antonym of change in the dictionary : remain

The leaves are starting to turn here. From vibrant green to the colors of fall. Orange, red, yellow. It's still early November so nothing major yet...

I've been taking pictures of trees and leaves for about two weeks, waiting on JUST the right one. I was a out and about when I saw this tree and immediately said, "wow" look at how it's changing.

Change really doesn't happen over night, but when a true change occurs it can be seen during the process.

This tree hasn't changed completely but you can certainly see that the change is indeed taking place.

So often in our lives, we look at ourselves and see areas that need improvement. At that point, we do one or two things. We change, or we don't.

I don't know how many times I've said I'm going to do this or that, or I will do this or that better or stop doing this, yet I remained the same.

I've heard it said that change is hard. Is it really? Maybe it is for some, and not so much for others.

I had a LONG conversation with three people, one lady around my age, my mom and my grandma.

It was so interesting to me how each person looked at change. 

The lady that was close to my age kept saying change was hard for her. It's not that easy.

My mom and my grandma were on the same page with change, saying it's up to the person. If they want to change for the better, they will. If they want to remain the same, they will. You can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do.

My grandma used the example of the smoker. No matter how much you preach to them, they ain't gonna stop unless they want to. They have to want it. You can't want it for them.

Everyone is different in what they think, how they feel. So in this situation, there isn't a right or a wrong answer, just how each individual handles it.

I can remember a time when someone made promises to me. The promise to change.  They made it sound so good. Made me feel like it was all gonna be fine.  I held on the their promises, waiting on the change. It didn't happen.  Sure a few things here and there were done differently but only enough so that it could be said..hey I did change. This happened a few times, each time, I held on just hoping that this will really be it.

NOT SO MUCH.

There is only so much an individual can handle before they finally give up. 

One of the hardest things to do, is step outside yourself and look at you. You might not like what you see. Have you been there? **RAISES HAND** I have. Still am sometimes.

I know I have become so comfortable in who I am, and doing things the way I want to do it, that when it's brought to my attention that I'm doing something wrong, I look at them with disgust. Because I KNOW I'm on it.*pops collar*

WRONG.

Once I get over myself and really look, I see that they actually had a valid point. I try to stop whatever it is right then. It does NOT always happen like that though.

One thing that is a "big" thing at my house, is my phone in my hand ALL THE TIME. That was THE hardest thing for me to change about myself. THE HARDEST.

LOL, now umm while I'm working on it still (because I DO have a crackberry lol) it's not nearly as bad as it was lol. I now know when its ok to have it and when its not lol. So it's not constantly in my hand lol.

All I had to do was stand in the other person's shoes and see what they saw. It wasn't pretty lol.

How do you handle change? When a loved one or close friend tells you they see something in you that isn't a good trait...how do you handle it?

Feel free to discuss :)

Silent Sunday

 

Ooooooooooo Christmas treeeeeeeeeeeeee lol

I put my tree up maybe two weeks ago? LOL yeah I was worse than the kids. I could NOT wait.

Y'all know every year the colors on my tree change every year lol. I LOVE a good after Christmas sale lol.

ANYWAY, last year Kayla picked our colors...blue, silver and SPLASHES of pink...here is the outcome lol

  

Want even lights/!?!? USE NETS! LOL. The kids put the ornaments on...It's my job to "pass" them, and put the high ones up lol.

 
Oops! I forgot to turn a section of lights on lol.

 
This is the most special ornament ever. It's for Uncle Pat :) I was bawling in the store when I saw it lol. The kids wanted it REALLYYY close to the top. Because he is looking down over us :)

 
**BE STILL MY HEART** Y'all know I'm obsessed with snowflakes right??? RIGHT!!?!? LOL

 I only got 5 of these...for each of the Nixon's :)

 
These are Kayla's FAVORITES!

 
Gotta have one like this lol. If you look closely, you can see Kayla lol

  

This year instead of our traditional angel (that I couldn't find) We got a star, yep..for Uncle Pat, because he is looking down over us :)

He will SO never be forgotten!

Alright y'all that's it for me!

Have a great weekend!!

Toodles!

Smoked Paprika Pork Chops with Bell Pepper/ Corn Relish and Tomato Bruschetta

 

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• 1/2  cup  prechopped red onion
• 2  teaspoons  bottled minced fresh ginger
• 1/3  cup  chopped red bell pepper
• 1  teaspoon  ground coriander
• 1/4  teaspoon  dried thyme
• 1  (15.5-ounce) can no salt-added whole kernel corn, drained
• 1  teaspoon  cider vinegar
• 3/4  teaspoon  salt, divided
• 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper, divided
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  smoked sweet paprika
• 4  (4-ounce) center-cut boneless pork loin chops, trimmed
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add red onion and ginger; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add chopped red bell pepper, ground coriander, dried thyme, and corn; cook 3 minutes or until the bell pepper is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Spoon relish into a bowl.

Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika; sprinkle evenly over pork. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pork to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with relish.

 

 

 

 

  

Tomato Bruschetta

 

8 (2-ounce) slice Italian or sourdough bread

4 garlic cloves, halved

4 small tomatoes, each cut in half crosswise

4 teaspoon evoo

1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Prepare grill.

Place bread slices on grill rack, grill 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Rub 1 side of each bread slice with garlic clove half and 1 tomato half (tomato pulp will rub off onto bread). Discard tomato peels. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon  olive oil over each bread slice, sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

 
 
 
 

 

I served this with a small spinach salad. It was YUMMO....

The first thing that comes to mind....

This post was inspired by Lu

saying no to:

selfish people

liars

things i have no control over

playing the blame game

people who mean me no good

one sided friendships

people who take me for granted

buying more fabric...RIGHT NOW lol

saying yes to:

anything he asks of me.

always being there

trying something new

 happiness

giddy about:

being a blessing to others when they have no idea its coming

not looking for anything in return

upcoming stuff

the new year

time

taking care of loose ends

scared of:

It not happening

not being a good mother

cancer coming back

deeply inspired by:

trust

unconditional love

supportive parents

laughter that makes your face hurt

obsessed with:

my new blackberry

little black dresses

fish net pantyhose

in love with:

him

haunted by:

the thing i wish i could take back

saved by:

grace

unconditional love

the love of my children

And you?

McCall's 5975

 

McCall's 5975

Pattern Description:

MISSES'/MISS PETITE DRESSES AND BELT: Close-fitting dresses A, B, C, D, E with waistline seam, neckline variations, back zipper closing and mid-knee lengths; dress A is sleeveless; dress B has cap sleeves with pleats; dresses C, D have three-quarter length sleeves; dress E has long sleeves; dresses C, D, E have tie belt.

Pattern Sizing:

8-14

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. I only looked to make sure I was doing the cowl correctly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

LOVED how simple this pattern was.

Fabric Used:

Knit from Sew It Seams in St. Louis

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

My fabric had enough stretch in it that I did NOT need a zipper. I still don't understand zippers in some knits lol.

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

I highly recommend this dress. I made it on a whim to wear to a dinner party and it went together SO easy! I can see myself making this same view again, but sleeveless for the summer.

Conclusion:

GREAT Pattern!

Weekend wrap up...

Did you guys have a great Thanksgiving?!

We did. Family and food is always a good time.

 
Y'all see those shitterlings in that first pot!?!? EWWWWWWWWWW I do NOT eat those. *gag*

 
Folks everywhere lol

 
The dogs were waiting on SOMEBODY to drop SOMETHING lol.

 
My dad was the FIRST one sitting down and eating lol.

Mom had like 5 different table cloths and placemats down lol. She does not do fancy. We eat off paper plates and cups lol.

 
The kiddos...

 
Marvin had the "itis" lol

 
Andre and Corey were playing Tekken 6 and it was so good to them they didn't sit down lol. Well they WERE sitting down, then they got up and KEPT getting closer and closer to the tv lol. HILARIOUS lol.

 
Marvin thought it was a good idea to bring the kids MORE silly bandz lol. They have ALL the new ones now lol.

 
Mom and the dogs were getting ready to take a nap lol.

Zanete had a bday dinner and it was funnnnn and the food was GOOOOOOOOOOOOD lol

 
Love this one of them even though its blurry lol.

 
LOL at him giving folks the side eye lol

  

I took this one JUST because he didn't want me to lol

 
One with Zanete the bday girlllllllllllllll lol

 
One with Andre because he SHAVED! LOL

That's it for me!
Toodles!

You & I

"You And I"

Here we are on earth together,
It's you and I,
God has made us fall in love, it's true,
I've really found someone like you

Will it say the love you feel for me, will it say,
That you will be by my side
To see me through,
Until my life is through

Well, in my mind, we can conquer the world,
In love you and I, you and I, you and I

I am glad at least in my life I found someone
That may not be here forever to see me through,
But I found strength in you,
I only pray that I have shown you a brighter day,
Because that's all that I am living for, you see,
Don't worry what happens to me

Cause' in my mind, you will stay here always,
In love, you and I, you and I, you and I, you and I
In my mind we can conquer the world
In love, you and I, you and I, you and I

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Hump Day Ramblings.....

• MY, MY, MY.

• Didn't think that was possible.

• I really am innocent *puts on Halo*

• It's my FAVORITE day of the week :)

• ***THIS*** is what joy is.

• NEW MOON WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Sometimes, I wonder if I need to reconsider. ugh.

• GUCCI lol

• Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones you HAVE to make.

• Clarity comes VERY early in the morning.

• I love the red  light on my phone :)

• It takes 21 days to form/break a habit. My 21 days starts today.

• ***JAW DROPS*** Can't BELIEVE it. Ok, maybe I can but DANG!

• I just spent the last 3 hours looking for a new theme and some to do list type apps for my phone. Gonna do a battery pull and play lol.

• My house is CLEAN. I have NO plans for today! WHOOOHOO!!

• The kids slept until almost 10! Wonder if they will do that all week.

• I'm so thankful I have you in my life. SOOOO thankful.

• I love you. Unconditionally.

• Watcha goin at? LOL

• My email is INSANE. I WILL tackle it today.

• I might have to mark all as read in my google reader though lol.

• WOW, was that all I had to do? Should have done it sooner.

• www.crackberry.com is a TIME SUCK!!!!

• Why is it that I do my best cleaning up/planning/etc AT NIGHT?! LOL

• You are SO much more than just that. SO MUCH MORE.

• So THAT'S why I smile a lot!?? LOL Thank you for the info lol.

• Magical eh? ;-)

• LOVIN my new Blackberry 9700!!!!!

• UGH, BAD TIMING LOL

• You know you are talking too loud if I can hear your convo IN MY CAR.

• Women, if you can't wear/walk in heels, just wear flats.

• If you drive a SUV and you KNOW you can't back up...don't try.

• If you are heading up an organization, PLEASE be organized and ON TIME.

• I love the mean face lol. No disrespect lol.

• When HE feels that way. It's bad. SMH.

• WOOOOHOOOO!! IT's NOT IN RED!!!! LMAO! LOL  :D

• **doubt creeps in **

Y'all ramble away.....

Dulce De Leche Cupcakes

 

 

OMG FREAKING INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

This is what being on twitter will do for you lol. Mo, posted a picture of a cupcake she was eating and the FIRST thing I did was google a recipe lol.

ETA Ki was at my house when I made these and she went home with the recipe and made them the same night lol. Check out her entry lol.
Cupcakes

• 1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup toffee pieces

Frosting

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

To prepare cupcakes: preheat oven to 350°F Line 9 muffin cups with paper liners. Beat butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and creamy. Add eggs and milk, then beat on medium-high speed for two minutes. Add flour, baking soda and salt; beat for an additional minute. Stir in toffee bits. Spoon into prepared tins and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from tins while still slightly warm.

Frosting: While cupcakes are baking, combine brown sugar, cream and butter in a heavy saucepan to prepare frosting. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling without stirring for one minute. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for about 20 minutes. Beat in powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth; spread onto cooled cupcakes.

**I must say that I had to double the icing recipe. If you follow it as is, it will NOT be enough**

Toodles!

Weekend wrap up...

Helloooo eeryyybody!! LOL

Did y'all have a good weekend?!?! Mine was SUPERB...let's get started lol

I went to paint pottery with Kisha and some other ladies who shall remain NAMELESS lol and we had a great time. A few pics....

 
I'm going to paint what she painted next time lol.

 
I worked on a Christmas gift ;)

  

**waves** lol. I HATE the way the zipper on my jacket doesn't lay flat! LOL. HOW can I fix that next time? I think I know...I'm ready to make it again lol.

Went to see NEW FREAKING MOON!!! IT WAS INSANE!!!!!!! LOL

The line to get in....

 
oh and this....

  

IT WAS SO INSANE LOL.

It wasn't like this for Twilight lol. AT ALL lol.

The girls and I walked over to B&N to get some starbucks to keep us warm lol

 
FORGETTING it was NOT Friday night, we quickly had to walk BACK to the movies lol. They close at 10 on Thursdays....BOOOO lol

 
LOVE this pic of them!!!

 
Kayla didn't want to take a pic lol.

And don't worry...they only had cocoa lol.

 
FINALLY inside lol

 
Kayla decided to take a little nap before the movie started. She kinda dozed on and off during the first  half but was awake for the second half lol. She did good. lol

 
This one, on the other hand was WIDE awake. AND she lost her voice lol. She was sending me text messages during the movie lol. So sad lol.

We had a great time. I love spending time with the kids. The girls are really growing up. *sigh*

I spent some much needed time with my Grandparents. Granddad would NOT let me take a pic of him lol. I got one but it wasn't good lol.

 
My Grandma is a MESS!!! LOL.  I had the heaviest heart and she sure did make it better. That's my Grandgrand! LOL

We went to a local"lighting ceremony"

We did some window shopping...

 
She was IN LOVE with the MAC lol,....once you go MAC lol..

 
Aj wasn't happy lol.

Jaelyn was somewhere drooling over the ipods lol.

We got cookies from Mrs. Fields....

  

Had to get one for myself.,...the snowflake ya know? LOL

The kids made friends and watched the parade...

 
Aj wondered why the men had on skirts lol

 
LOL

Jaelyn took pics through her glasses lol

 
There were fireworks....

 

And a final pic lol

  

I had a "crop" at my house lol. NOT much got done lol. We did eat and laugh lol. THis is why I don't GO to crops lol. Imma do better though.

I DID scrap. I'll take pics of what I started when I finish it lol. Sorry Kisha...didn't finish  lol.

  

She lurves my camera. I told her I put the neck strap on EVERYBODY lol.

 
They were telling secrets lol...ummmhmm lol

 
Aj LOVES the camera lol. He has gotten a hair cut lol

 
Yes, there was some scrapping going on lol

 
I was on the table lol. I know my limits lol.

 
LOL a farewell shot lol.

Whew...NOW I'mma go to sleep! LOL

Y'all have a good one!
Toodles!

 

GTFOOH Episode 8

 

You still wearing "waterfalls" and spraying hair color in your hair in 2009!? GTFOOH!!!

 
Wearing hair-rollers in your hair ANYWHERE other than the salon?? GTFOOH!

 
Wearing "house shoes" outside the house?!!? GTFOOH!!!

 
Keeping the tag on your purse so people will think its real!?!? GTFOOH!!

 
A JHERI CURL IN 2009!!!?!?!?!? GTFOOH!!!!

 
Your pants being THIS short?!?!!? GTFOOH!!!

 
Sitting down and I can see ALL yo crack?!!?!? GTFOOH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hump Day Ramblings.....

• Nothing makes my day more happier than :).....

• I'm sick :(

• You still gonna bring me some tea?! LOL

• I do NOT smoke weed lol. You make me sick lol.

• My studio is clean.

• The kids are out of school today. I slept till after 8 and NO ONE bothered me! LOL

• I want to organize my fabric today. I think I'm going to pull ALL of it out and put it on the floor. THIS should be interesting. Let me grab my camera and get started lol.

• I bought some Oreo cookies with a SNOWFLAKE ON IT!!!!!! lol

• We will have Publix Bday cake in the house tomorrow lol. LAWD HELP ME! LOL

• It's always great to get someone else's point of view. Its great to look @ things a new way. Thank you :)

• Took the kids to paint pottery today lol. That was interesting lol.

• My BRAND NEW computer is acting up. I SWEAR I should have just gotten an IMAC.

• WHY TODAY OF ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL DAYS?!?!?! UGH.

• Aj is SOOOOOOOOOOO excited about his birthday! LOL he is sooooo funny.

• OMG, NEXT WEEK I WILL BE WATCHING A MIDNIGHT SHOWING OF NEW MOON WITH MY GIRLS!!!! Yep, I'm a cool parent lol.

• Get over it.

• I need to start back on my knitting. I'm about halfway finished lol.

• I feel like crap.

• Fingers & Toes Crossed!!!!

• I think I'm going to put my Christmas Tree up this weekend!!!!! lol Shoot. It's close enough lol.

• Y'all know I don't like laundry...right?

• Your attitude SUCKS.

• I pulled out ALL my fabric. It's all over my studio floor. Ummm yeah. WHAT WAS I THINKING!?!? LOL

• I've been up since the wee hours of the morning lol. I really enjoy early mornings.

• I've been doing great about going to bed at a decent hour.

• I seriously need to deep condition and shampoo my hair!

• I still dont have ANY sewing mojo, but I know what dress(es) I want to make for my holiday parties this year.

• I NEED to start on my gift quilts. Hmmmm. I need a plan. A list. SOMETHING.

• Why are my ramblings THIS long already and it's early Saturday morning?!? LOL

• Going to paint pottery with a group of girlfriends Thursday night! I have a surprise for them!!!

• I LOVE Annie Leibovitz.

• Liar, Liar, Pants on fire!

• T-Mobile has a new blackberry with 3G on it that comes out MONDAY the 16th. I WANT IT  lol. It's the 9700 lol. *gasp* GOTTA HAVE IT! LOL

• Just spent the last 45 minutes on the phone with Tmobile. That blackberry will be mine before this posts! LOL.

• *sits down, places face in hands, BAWLS*

I love........

Someone tagged me a while back about six things I love, then someone else tagged me but it's been forever ago and I can't remember lol so here is my response to both tags lol...just more than 6 things lol.

My favorite mug

  

Tea from friends

 

Vintage Camera's (This starts a collection lol)

 
 

My blue pot :)

  

The prettiest purple jersey that has been cut out for THE longest. Gonna make a dress soon lol.

 

More pretty fabric that has been cut out for THE LONGEST lol

 
A cutting mat that covers my table lol

 

My Bluetooth

  

Getting mail from Hong Kong

 
Love Jones

 
Watching a candle burn

 

What are you loving these days?

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 !