Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Playing with my 50mm

Y'all know my first passion is photography right!? LOL

I decided to go out today and play with my 50mm....just catching pics here and there lol.

This is what happens when you go from a nice coollllll house to 90 degree weather outside lol

You know you are supposed to have your camera wrapped in something (towel) and give it time to adjust to the temperature outside right? LOL I know that...just didn't to do it lol.

Click all the pics to make them nice and big lol

 

Love loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the bokeh on this one. *sigh*

 

See..nothing much...just a little time playing with my baby lol.

Toodles!

Hump Day Ramblings....

• I think that if you are going to have an online business, you should NOT use your cell phone to take pics of your products. GHETTO. lol (unless your cell phone takes nice pics..)

• If you do not have a camera that takes pretty good pics...invest in a GOOD ONE. (You don't have to spend a fortune either)  Especially if you are going to use those said pictures to put on a website.

• If you don't want to invest in one..FIND A DAMN PHOTOGRAPHER. (just finished looking at a top someone made to SELL and the pics look like CRAP. wouldn't buy that at all because I can't see it. PET PEEVE)

• 7 hours in a car with kids. nothing else needs to be said.

• Why won't people treat you like THEY want to be treated!? I don't understand that. Makes me not want to do it either sometimes.

• Braids on lil girls are the best thing ever. SO glad Kayla loves hers lol.

• I'm ready to start sewing for fall. Have I mentioned that yet?

• I'm so in love with my blackberry its a shame lol.

• Why don't people just ask what they want to know? Why they try to beat around the bush when you KNOW they want something? LOL

• I love that I'm a planner. Makes things flow smooth for me.

• Sometimes when people leave your life, it's best to let them stay gone. There are exceptions for that rule of course...but not many.

• My hair will stay in a bun until September lol. Ok maybe not that long but its HOT and hair on my neck makes me HOTTER LOL.

• I hate being lied to. Especially when it's someone close to you. Worse feeling ever.

• What is the point of clear strap bras?! You can still see the straps! lol

• I saw an Altima and the personalized tag said "ALTIMA" LOL Ooooooook

• Men in speedos......you better have a swimmers body. That is all.

• I'm so glad I don't have to worry about trying to "TAN". Red and peeling is not the hotness.  I put on sunblock and STILL get dark. I love my browness! LOL

• I am currently having a "Bitch fuck you" moment.

• Kids 5 and older in a stroller, drinking milk from a bottle when its 100 degrees outside = FAIL....when they throw up on you because the milk soured on their stomach and YOU get mad...EPIC FAIL!!

• Got scared for a minute!!! Couldn't find my car charger...not the business on a 9 hour car ride lol

• Real friends are so rare. If you have one or two treasure them.

• I miss Patrick something awful.

• Jaelyn has a fever....it's 103 :-(

• Got a quote we can live with for our bathroom. That should be done soon...then the kitchen lol.

• I need a LBD for a party next weekend. Just got the invite TODAY...gotta go through my stash lol.

Feels so good to ramble lol...

Have a good one!

Toodles!

I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Have you guys seen this!? 

Where in the WORLD have I been? My mom just showed it to me lol. I'm normally the one who shows her this stuff lol. Anyway, it looks REALLY promising...

Showing September 11, 2009. I swear everything is happening that weekend lol. Toodles

Chicken Enchiladas

This is another one that was made back in January lol. Serve it with black beans  (soaked overnight) and rice and you are GOOD. Everyone LOVED this.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Mexican Spice Blend
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped (I used fresh)
• 4 canned chipotle chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes (I omited this)
• 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
• Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Directions

Coat large saute pan with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken over medium heat, allow 7 minutes each side or until no longer pink. Sprinkle chicken with cumin, garlic powder and Mexican spices before turning. Remove chicken to a platter, allow to cool.

Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.

Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.

Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Coat the bottom of 2 (13 by 9-inch) pans with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro, scallion, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving. Serve with  rice and beans.

Let me know if you try it!!
Toodles!

Simplicity 4135 (again lol) and New Look 6807

New Look 6807

Pattern Description: Misses tops

Pattern Sizing:  8-18

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? I didn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this style shirt.

Fabric Used: Jersey from my stash.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: none.

Would you sew it again? I will probably make the short sleeve view of this. I really like it.

Would you recommend it to others? YES!!!!!! I highly recommend it!!!

Additional pics...

Neckline....

Back tie...

 

I made Simplicity 4135 again lol. I LOVE this pattern!!! I won't review it since I JUST did a few posts down but I'll show you a few additional pics lol.

Fly front...see why I don't have any hook and eyes? LOL

Inside pocket...LOVIN the splash of color....ummmhmmm lol

Waistband...that was such a good tip lol

And that's it folks!!! Y'all have a great day!

Toodles!

Obsessed.....LOL

Y'all know how I am when I start something lol. I've been on flikr looking at quilts and this WILL be my next one:

The Stacked Coins Quilt
This photo belongs to A Quilt Is Nice

Is this not gorgeous!!?!?!? I am already ready to buy my fabric! LOL I know which color scheme I want to go with so wooohoooo. I think this next one will be a gift for my mommy :-) I want to make one for my grandma and my kids and 2 speciallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll friends lol. "IF" I have time. We will see :-)  AND If I really enjoy doing it lol.

We are still in Orlando and I found a quilt shop not far from our hotel...soooooooooooooo I'm going to see if I can talk Tony into taking me lol. Shouldn't be too hard ;-)  I don't think I've ever been in a "quilt" store so I'll see how this goes.....

If you guys have any info that will be useful to me about quilting....forums, websites...ANYTHING I'd love to have some good reading material :-)

Thanks!!!
Toodles

McCall's 5857 and Vogue 8536

Vogue 8536

Pattern Description: Close-fitting pullover top has neck and sleeve variations, side slits and topstitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22

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

Yes, I made view A but omitted the sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: Cotton knit from my stash

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  I omitted the side slits.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a great pattern and I highly recommend it.

 

McCall's 5857

Pattern Description: Misses shorts

Pattern Sizing: 14-20

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?

I hardly looked at them. I've made so many pants in the past few weeks it's just basic construction.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? LOVE THIS PATTERN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fabric Used: Seersucker

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? YES, YES, YES and YES

Would you recommend it to others? I HIGHLY recommend this pattern!!!!

Conclusion: GREAT Pattern! This will def be a TNT!

Here are some additional Pics:

Side slits....

Hem. It said to hand stitch...umm nerp! LOL I used my serger to finish the edges and used stitch witchery to hem it lol. Whattt?!!? I cheated lol.

Hook and eye....(I think I've run out of them now lol)

I wanted to play with the stripes but kept it simple lol.

Kim left me a good tip about stitching in the ditch to close up the waistband when they tell you to hand stitch. I never thought of that! Thanks Kim!!!!

My labels...my first ones lol. They are almost gone so YAY it's time to order some new ones!

 

That's all I have guys! Have a great day!!!

Toodles!!!!!

Woooohooooo!

We are spending an extended amount of time at the happiest place on earth!!! Just a couple pics I took lol. I had to take a pic of the pic I took on my camera so excuse the blurriness! Lol

Toodles :) Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Yield

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1  quart water (Instead of using water I used chicken broth)
• 4  skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 8  ounces  uncooked bow tie pasta
• 1  cup  chicken broth
• 1  celery rib, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1  small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1  (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1  (8-ounce) package pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed (I didn't use this, I used regular sharp cheddar cheese)
• Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Bring 1 quart salted water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add chicken, and cook 12 minutes or until done. Remove chicken from water with a slotted spoon. Add pasta to water in Dutch oven, and cook 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Keep warm.

Heat 1/4 cup broth over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven; add celery and onion, and cook 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken, soup, cheese, and remaining 3/4 cup chicken broth, stirring until cheese is melted. Toss with pasta; garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.

I also served this with steamed broccoli. It was a hit!

If you try it and like it let me know :-)

Toodles!

McCall's 5423

Another one for my vacation! LOL You know I couldn't NOT make a dress :-)
 
McCall's 5432

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES AND SASH

Pattern Sizing: 14-20

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? Very easy. I only glanced  at them once or twice.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I LOVE this pattern!!! It's SOOOOO comfy!!

Fabric Used: Cotton Knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I HIGHLY recommend this dress!! I LOVE it! It's so comfy and it was super easy to put together! Love that lol.

Y'all have a great day!!!

Toodles!

Let's play catch up.....

Okkkk a few things first:

• If I gave you a password keep it. I didn't realize that once I protected my blog it wouldn't show up in a reader. It might go back to private. Just depends on how some things work out.

• www.adriennenixon.com is no longer valid. I had to stop the domain mapping on my site for a while. Please use www.adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com to access my blog.

• Comment moderation is on, this is just temporary.

ummmmmm I think that is it lol.

Sooooooooooooooooo what have you guys been up to!?!? LOL

A LOT has been going on over here...I'm going to try to get you all up to speed lol.

My brother kept my kids for a few days in Atlanta, and Tony and I were home.....lawd...we were like kids lol. We stayed out on some kinda date just enjoying each other lol.

We even bought an icecream cake to celebrate being child free for a few days lol

Before that, I got this:

 

OMG. NO WORDS. SO GOOD.

A couple pics of me and my boo lol

 

 

We went to Outback to celebrate a good friends birthday...I haven't been to outback in YEARS. It was really good.

 

They embarassed the mess out of him lol. Too funny lol.

NO we didn't take our kids lol. Eerryybody was mad lol. They got to spend a little time with their Uncle Andre lol.

Oh..me and my girlsssssssssssssssssssss

In crafty news....

Of COURSE I have been sewing lol. I have scheduled a few reviews to post over the next few days. I am SO ready to sew for the fall!?!? OMG. I've already started planning lol.

I did some scrapping...I've done more but can't show those JUST yet...I'm submitting again :-)

But I can show you this:

 

aint it purrrrrrrrrrty lol

AND lookie, lookie, lookie...

 

I FINALLY started on my quilt. This is my first one ever so of course it will be simple. When batting goes on sale at Hancock again I'm going to get some and finish it up. I'm going to do MACHINE QUILTING on it myself lol. NOTHING by hand. NO MAAM!!

Ok..that's it for me! I hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend!!!

Toodles!

Imma die....a really slow and painful death.... LOST my CS3 disk....

Email me for the password to access my blog: adnixon1036@gmail.com

LOST my CS3 disk. Had to wipe my computer clean. About to die a very slow death. No longer have CS3. Gonna go die now.

That is all.

New things a coming.....lol

I am getting ready to do some branching out...

I LOVE sewing. Especially for myself lol but this year I've done something that I wasn't doing before....sewing for others lol. Namely the people in my house and I really enjoy it! LOL

I'm no expert....I don't claim to be. I just really love sewing and making things. Sometimes I think I do a great job, sometimes I FAIL lol. I talk about all of it lol....i'm SO not perfect lol.

I've been talking about sewing home decor for a while now. Well it's time to get that started lol.

My mom knows how to reupholster furniture and now I'm going to give it a go. I am also going to make some window treatments for a few rooms in my house, and FINALLY make my duvet cover...yeah the one I've been talking about for a GOOD while now lol.

I'm really excited about it. I'm not going to rush myself (rushing isn't conducive to sewing lol) but I am going to take my time, make good choices and do a fab job!

I also want to quilt....NOT all those little triangles and squares quilting. I don't want to do that. I just want to do a few simple quilts. Things that my family and a few close friends can treasure.

I've been doing my research and I already know where I want to start. I also have some good books to help me along the way:

Y'all are gonna have to excuse the crappy pic. My PC died today and I just took that one with my cell phone lol. I will finally get my MAC for downstairs lol.

Alright that's all I have! I'm looking forward to my new little journey :-)

Toodles!

McCall's 5632 and New Look 6470

Still sewing for my vacation lol. I have a couple more things to sew and I will be DONE. I don't have a choice
since we leave next week lol.

New Look 6470

Pattern Description: Misses' Skirt and Knit Tops

 Pattern Sizing: 8-18

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? I didn't even need them. This top is TWO pieces lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this top and can seriously see myself making a few more lol

Fabric Used:  Jersey

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will def make this one again. I love this top. I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

 

McCall's 5632

Pattern Description: MISSES' PANTS AND BELT

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? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I didn't realize how high the waist was on this pattern. It really didn't look like it did on the pattern envelope. I should have checked the reviews first.  

Fabric Used: Cotton Linen blend

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  I shortened the length on them so that they were more flattering on me.

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

I doubt if I make these again, but they are very well drafted, so I do recommend them.

Here are some additional pics:

 

I am loving adding that little splash of color to the pockets lol.

 

 

That's all I have LOL. Y'all have a great day!

Toodles!

TGIF and some SOAP!

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Boy you should know that........ I've got you on my minddddddddddddd lol What y'all know bout dat!?? I was on Sasha blog yesterday and this came up in her playlist...I started singing in her comment box and forgot my comment!!! LOL

Alrighty now...when Patrice came last month, she showed me how to make soap....BAAAAAAAABYYYYYYY LOVE IT!!! Here are two that I've gotten the kinks out of lol

 

This one I made for Tony. He loved it! When he ran out he was like you gotta make me some more soap! LOL

It's a goat's milk base and I added this "soapy" lol smelling fragrance and powder pumice. I used a massage bar mold and he said it was great. I didn't get a chance to try this one.

 

This one was pure LOVE.  It's a "butter bar" made from Shea butter, cocoa butter and it has a drop of vitamin e oil in it.... It smells like buttercream icing.  Mom loved it. She said she put it down so Ozzie (her mini yorkie) could smell it and he licked it lol. It's NOT food!

The first time I made the butter bar it would NOT set! It was soft and squishy..ewwww. I didn't need to use the citric acid! LOL Lesson learned!!

I'm about to place another order for some more stuff because I have a LOT I want to try out before the holidays!! I love that Tony and my mom are my "testers" lol.

Alright that is it! OHHH look for some scrappies in the next few days ANDDDDDDDDDDDDD some beading! WOOHOOO! I'm sure you can see my knitting under the soap ;-)

Lemme leave you with a parting shot of my latest addiction lol

 

YUM

Y'all have a great one!
Toodles!

Shrimp Durango

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add fettuccine noodles and return water to boil. Cook until noodles are al den te. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add shrimp and cook about 3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
3. Pour wine and lime juice into the skillet used to cook the shrimp. Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil until the mixture is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Return shrimp to skillet. Add cilantro, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper. Stir to heat the mixture through, about 2 minutes. Toss with pasta and serve.

This is a great summer dish. It's really, really lite but very filling. This one is also a winner...

If ya try it...let me know :-)
Toodles!

Vogue 8269 and Simplicity 4135

Ready for more vacation wardrobe?!? LOL Note to self: Don't take pics RIGHT after you get out of the pool lol. That is all. LOL

 

Vogue 8269

Pattern Description: 

MISSES' TOP, SKIRT, SHORTS AND PANTS I made the top.

Pattern Sizing: 

12-16

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? 

Yes, very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

Nothing to dislike about the pattern.

Fabric Used:

Cotton Blend

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Instead of cutting the ties so it would tie on the side I left it long so it would tie in the back.

 

I did a simple narrow hem on it:

Would you sew it again? 

YES! I plan on making this one again. Next time I will lengthen it a few inches.

Would you recommend it to others? I HIGHLY recommend this pattern if you can find it. It's OOP now.

Conclusion:

Great, classic wrap top.

Simplicity 4135

Pattern Description:

Misses & Miss Petite Pants, Shorts and Gauchos

Pattern Sizing:

14-22

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?

I LOVE Threads patterns because of their instructions. They were wonderful.

What did you particularly like  or dislike about the pattern?

I love everything about this pattern!

Fabric Used:

Cotton Twill

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I MIGHT make these again. I really like them. I do highly recommend them.

Conclusion:

Another great pattern that is OOP. If you can find it grab it!

Additional Photos:

 

Inside

 

I love that little splash of color lol

 

I used the same fabric for the pockets.

That's it guys! Have a great one!

Toodles!

Mandarin Orange Cake & TGIF!!!!!!

Lawwwwwwwwwddddd last night we had some friends over and some kinda way Tony and I started singing this and whew chile lol

On to some food lol. I figured since the holiday is here, a nice easy cake would be a good place to start. I made this one back in ummm March? April??? LOL I honestly don't remember lol

Ooookk
This is one I REALLY didn't like. I'll list the recipe as I made it and tell you what changes I will make if I make this again:

ALMOST ALWAYS, the first time I use a recipe I will follow it as written the first time...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package orange cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and mandarin oranges with juice. Beat until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
4. To make the topping: In a large bowl, beat together whipped topping, pineapple with juice and dry pudding mix until blended. Spread on cake.

Next time I make this I will use yellow cake mix and make my own whip cream. I do NOT like whip cream you get out of the store. Tastes weird to me lol.

That's it. If you try it and like it let me know!

Y'all have a safe holiday weekend!!!!

Toodles!

Vogue 8584 and Simplicity 2599...Vacation Wardrobe.

I am getting ready to go on vacation and I really needed some casual clothes lol. This is my kinda casual lol. So the next few posts will be my new vacation wardrobe :-)

 

Vogue 8584

Pattern Description: 

MISSES' PANTS AND 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? 

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

Loved the pattern once I finished the pants.

Fabric Used:

Linen

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Instead of using cording I made self fabric ties.

Would you sew it again? 

YES! This will become a TNT.

Would you recommend it to others? 

I HIGHLY recommend this pattern!

Here is a back view:

 

A picture of the waist band:

Conclusion: 

This was a great pattern! SOMEONE calls them my 12 hour pants because it literally took me ALL day, ripping THREE times to get it right lol. I was having a moment where front and back both looked the same lol. I like that when I put my wedges on they just graze the floor. Winner in my book :-)

 

Simplicity 2599

Pattern Description:  Misses Tops With Trim Variation: Separate Patterns For B,C,D Cup Sizes

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? 

I hardly looked at them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 

I loved this pattern!! The neckline is what made me want it lol

Fabric Used:

Linen

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I cut the front and back on the fold and omitted the back neck opening. When I did my tissue fitting, I realized I could get it over my  head without it. Instead of using bias tape I used a lace hem tape on the inside. Just looks a little prettier :-)

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

I doubt if will make this one again but I highly recommend it!

Conclusion:

Super cute and casual top!

That's it for me guys!!! Gotta get back on the machine! LOL

Toodles!

GTFOOH Episode 6

**Faces have been cropped to protect the foolish for walking out in public this way**

What is wrong with this pic?? I'll wait on y'all to tell me.

DISCLAIMER LOL: I did NOT take this pic, but recently found out who these people were lol. That is all.