Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Hump Day Ramblings.....

•  I had something to say lol. Opened up typepad and as soon as my fingers hit the keys, I forgot lol.

• WHY do I subscribe to magazines!? I'm still waiting on an OCtober issue and it's already in the store. *humph*

• another time, another place? 

• Kayla is going to have a fit if I don't make her a peach cobbler. She has been craving it for weeks now.

• Made the peach cobbler and now she wants meatloaf lol.

• I cried myself to sleep. *overwhelmed*

• I don't think I'll ever get  bored with cooking. I'm constantly trying new stuff. The family loves it. No cooking ruts over here.

• I got it bad.

• Who asked for a pic of my inspiration board? Here it is lol...i've taken down a couple things and added a few lol.I'll post some new pics of my studio once it's cleaned lol.

• You aren't alone.

• I need to shampoo my hair.

• Homecoming is this weekend and I'm not really excited about it.

• Missing Patrick something awful.

• I think I want to go shoe shopping. Yeah, I just went. AND? LOL

• I still have NO sewing mojo.

• My first jacket of the season is still on my dressform. NOT FINISHED lol.

• The color makes me happy, still don't want to sew though.

• Aj just started coughing.

• I wish I had magic powers. I'd so make some stuff happen.

• I want a hair cut, long layers but I might wait until spring lol. Here it is almost fall lol.

• I've already started buying Christmas gifts for people without the last name Nixon. I start early. Y'all already know that.

• **deep sigh**

• This is my "basket"  lol. I cut out my patterns and fabric and put them in the basket for safe keeping lol. Also helps me keep up with what I'm doing lol.

• I've been cooking from Cooking Light magazines and books. If you follow me on twitter or facebook I post the pics as soon as I'm done lol. I have to schedule them over here lol. Facebook/twitter gets the cell phone pic lol. Y'all get the "good" pic and the recipe lol. 

• You weren't looking at the camera. I see it.

• I have a LOT of hair. 

• I can't be bought.

• Wishing for right here and right now.

• I'm ready for my birthday.

• I really want the rest of this year to fly by. Seriously. lol.

• I.CAN.NOT.WAIT.

• This was a perfect juicy steak. SO good lol.

• My heart does things my mind doesn't understand.

• My phone has been trippen.

• *confession* no longer needs to be said lol.

• Asia ate some dry cheerios. Hilarious.

• WHY do people tell you to follow your heart!? LOL WHY? LOL.

• One of the kids left water running in the UPSTAIRS BATHROOM at my parents house. ALL DAY SUNDAY.  You should see the pics of THAT mess lol.

• NEED is a very strong word, but that's the one I choose to use.

Alright, that's it for me! Y'all let's get over this hump? Feel like rambling? Go right ahead.

Toodles!

Knitting progress....

Hopefully next time you see this it will be finished lol. I'm about 3 inches from binding off...then I have to pick up the sleeves and the collar. Maybe since I have NO sewing mojo, I can finish this lol. I LOVE the fit!!!

Toodles!

Kwik Sew 3678 A Review....

Kwik Sew 3678

Back View

Pattern Description:
Close fitting jackets have front zipper closure and kangaroo pockets. Close fitting pants have elastic at waist and drawstring, and patch pockets on back.View A jacket has hood, and pants have self fabric waistband. View B jacket has stand-up collar, cuffs and bottom band made from ribbing, and pants have ribbing waistband.


Pattern Sizing:
XS-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?
Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like that you had to stretch the facing to fit. Next time I make it, I will make the facing longer and not stretch it like the directions say. It made it ripple in the front and I don't like that.

Fabric Used:
Ponte Roma Knit from Hancock

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I WILL make this again!!! I highly recommend the pattern.

Conclusion:
This is a great pattern! I needed some new loungewear for a trip (great for airports) and it will be great when the weather cools off here and I need more coverage for my morning walks.

OOPS! LOL didn't realize my necklace was over my collar like that lol. I'll have to update this with a different picture later on lol.

That's it for today lol. I have four more reviews to type up and one WIP lol. I have had no mojo to blog about my sewing projects lol

Toodles!!!

Hump Day Ramblings....

• I dreamed I missed my flight!!! NOT a good thing when you are getting ready to hop on a plane lol.

• The girls just told me they need me to make them some more Church dresses. I will have to get on that next week.

• When you have a real friendship, and there is a falling out...if it was REALLY real, I do believe you can make amends. IF both parties are willing. Yep.

• Disappointed.

• Some people don't know how to interact with people. You come across as a Bitch. Probably because you REALLY are.

• My kids have been talking non stop since I came home. They missed me. I missed them a little bit too lol.

• I hate the new typepad reply stuff.

• I found this great new hair oil in target. gonna go get some today.

• I'm FINALLY going to check out my Joanns. Can't wait  lol.

• Once you loose respect for a person, there really isn't anything left.

• WHEN does True Blood come back on!? Last nights episode was REALLY good.

• THE NEW MOON TRAILER!??!?!? ROCKS!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

• I have a STACK of patterns on my table I NEED to put away. Maybe later.

• I NEED to start on my Christmas quilts. Yep. THIS WEEK.

• Kayla said she wants to be a Girl Scout. Ok.

• I need a  dress for a funeral this week. I guess I'll start on that today.

• Sometimes...sorry isn't enough.

• I want some FroYo :(

• I'll never think of my ponytails the same. Ever.

• I had THE best shoe/boot shopping day. I can't wait to rock my boots. COME ON FALL! lol.

• WHY am I obsessed with making outerwear and it doesn't really get THAT cold here? I have like 5 coat patterns I want to make lol. Guess I will be picking my fabric wisely lol.

• *sings* kissing youuuuu  that's alll I want to dooo...who made that song?

• I'm already thinking about Christmas gifts. I have a short list of folks outside of my house. VERY SHORT.

• I should have already started preparing dinner. I haven't a clue what we are eating tonight.

• I don't remember lol.

• Why doesn't ground sirloin come in a family pack? I always have to buy two packages.

• 3'oclock came FAST.

• um um good.

• Making chicken salad for dinner....

• I love y'all SO much.

• **sings** anytimeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, and anyplaceeeeee I don't care who's around...y'all remember that Janet Jackson song? I don't wanna stop just because...people walking by are watching us...ummhmm lol. I remember that song lol.

• I have a meeting today from 430-6, and two other meetings AT 6. I need a clone.

• OH IF I HAD A CLONE I would________________ and ______________;) lol

• I like the new Joann's.  I kinda like the pull a number to have your fabric cut. Jut pull it as SOON as you walk in the store lol.

• I finally picked out the pattern for the dress. Gonna work on that ASAP.

That's all the randomness I've got for this week lol. What are y'all randomly doing? LOL

Linky love....

Here are a few interesting things I've found on the world wide web lol

www.briansews.com  I fell in love with Brian over on Pattern Review. I read EVERYTHING he wrote on jeans before I made mine. If you look at his.... you will know why. He is AWESOME. Look at his stuff HERE I seriously need to link up the jean sew along thread that was a ga-gillion pages long. I read the entire thing AND took notes lol.

Who say's you can't wear white after labor day? It's all in fabric choice. I have some winter white wool ready for some pants lol. Check out this article

Time.com top 50 websites   there is some really neat stuff here lol.

Tutor.com  Have kids in school and they are doing something you don't understand?!!? This site is THE BOMB lol. I do NOT like math...like SERIOUSLY, and I'm learning with my kids so when I don't get it...I use this site (or Jaelyn will and then she explains it to me) or call Patrice lol. That way I can help the kids aka  Jaelyn with her homework lol. 

www.runpee.com  Seriously hilarious. I saw this on Hardknocks lol.

The Simple Dollar   Great financial website.  They have some great information for everyday folks.

Sewing Calendar  I love calendars, but normally not this kind. I've had the scrapbooking ones, and just the random fact ones, but I kinda like this one lol.  I might have to grab one lol.

Peter Greenberg His travel tips are REALLY good!!!

Have you guys seen anything interesting online? If so please share! LOL

Toodles!

Disney World 2009 (VERY PICTURE HEAVY)

WOW.....this was such a great trip. Seriously, that's about all I can say lol. This post is WAY late lol but better late than never right? LOL

Tony and I had this trip planned for a while. I'm SUCH a good planner y'all... the kids had NO clue we were going until we were about 20 minutes from there lol. The look on their face:

 

PRICELESS!!! They thought we were going to the beach. Aj had JUST woke up from a little nap so he wasn't processing it, but the girls sure were lol. I had the camera in my hand and ready to press the button when I said it lol.

Y'all ready for a long post!? LOL.

We made a stop at M&M World...

 

I swear I loved the place more than the kids lol

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lookie lookie....we are finally here:

 

Cloudy sky and all...

We are all BEAMING in the van lol

I don't remember when Tony took the camera lol

 

We went to Epcot the first day....

 

 

 

 

Yep..it rained lol but we were READY! LOL

 

It stopped just as quickly as it started lol.

 

LOL Minnie Mouse Sewing Machine lol

This was the coolest thing EVER:

Seriously. Growing plants without dirt?!?! Yep...it rocks.

Y'all know I took a TON of pics right? lol

How about a few more pics to highlight the trip...and not many words...lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those turkey legs were soooooooooooooooo good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The castle was BEAUTIFUL. Seriously.

 

 

 

I'm a chump. The teacups made me SICK lol.

 

My most favorite picture EVER.

 

 

 

They were KNOCKED OUT! LOL. I don't think they have EVER slept THAT hard lol.

 

The fireworks each night were AMAZING.

 

 

 

LOL remind me to tell y'all a story about City Walk lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nemo was really cool.

 

Tree of Life was SIMPLY AMAZING...

 

 

 

 

That Aleve was so on time lol

 

 

Aj's FAVORITE ride lol

 

He wanted NO Parts of these pics lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yall know I LOVE snowflakes right??!!?!?

 

The End lol.

We had such a great vacation. Can't wait until we go again. Someone is talking about going for Christmas lol. We will see :)

Y'all have a great weekend!

Hump Day Ramblings....

• I scanned Patrick pictures to start on his memory album. That was hard.

• WHY now.

• I am starting to feel somewhat normal. I WANT to attempt to start back working out Monday. I might just walk for a mile. Build back up.

• I made chicken and dumplings last night and it's gone. They never eat it that fast.

• I'm NOT cooking tonight.

• I wanted to go knit at the LYS but Jaelyn was at a football game and Tony was at work. I'll go Tuesday morning.

• I bought some cheapo yarn for a hat. Y'all know I'm a yarn snob but this stuff is SO SOFT!

• I just went through the rest of my pictures of Patrick. I swear I could bawl at any second.

• I couldn't print them at home. I sent them to walmart.

• There is a snake outside. The cat killed it. It will remain where it is until Tony gets off work. That is all.

• There are about 8 kids that don't belong to me downstairs playing with my kids. Can you say headache?

• Awwww she said my house is fun and so clean. Her mom is junky. *DEAD*

• Finally sitting at my sewing machine. Let's see how long I can sit here.

• When you machine baste something, make sure you change the stitch back before you start sewing. that is all.

• **DEEP SIGH**

• I ran out of bias tape.

• Mom is supposed to pick me up some from Hancock this morning.

• I'm BACK at my sewing machine! WOOHOO!

• Kayla said when she starts talking fast, she starts speaking spanish lol

• Today was oh so good. ummmm

• I ruined some fabric. Dress didn't work out. I threw it away and kept it moving lol.

• I've noticed I only go on facebook when I'm on my phone..socialscope is the total hotness.

• I want another lens for my camera.

• I swear, my text messages are off.the.chain. y'all dont have a clue lol.

• Today is Sunday. THREE DAYS.

• I was supposed to sew today but the mojo just LEFT me.

• I have sewn some stuff but haven't reviewed it yet.

• I see an industrial sewing machine in my very near future.

• I see an embroidery machine in my very near future.

• I think I'm going to need a new table in my sewing room lol.

• I'm going to Hancock with my mom this morning. I just need a few zippers.

• I'm getting to where I can't sleep with a tv on. AT ALL. I just want peace and quiet lol.

• Somedays I feel the weight of the world is on my shoulders. Once I pray, I'm all better.

• Andre, Zanete and Emilee came over. THAT DOG IS SO FREAKING CUTE!

• I love to read.

• I love the little old ladies at my local library! They are so funny.

• I think I'm all sewed out lol. I have a lot of reviews to post.

• I can't wait until we move. My kitchen must be bigger than the one I have now. MUST.

• It's a VERY small world!

• IMMA HAVE FUN TOMORROWWWWWWWWWW WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ok, that's all I have!!!

Y'all have a great one!

Toodles!

Beignets

OMGGGGGGGGGGG

 

 

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying (I used canola oil)
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
2. Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
3. Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.

Words can NOT describe how good these were. The kids had never had them and they REALLY liked them. YUM. I want some more just thinking about it lol.

Toodles!!

Feelin the itch...I want a new lens for my camera.

Ok. I have that "I want a new lens itch".

Here is all of my equipment...without my wireless remote, backdrop, lights, and trip-pod (guess I need to add that stuff too huh? LOL)

The last lens I purchased I LOVE I have the  17-40 L

 

I LOVE this lens!!! It has been SO good to me lol. Seriously. AND I now only want prime lenses. Once you shoot with a prime lens...WOW. It's just awesome-ly insane. I don't want anything else lol.

Sooooo what's on my list?

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L

Canon 50mm 1.2

 

Canon Fisheye 15mm 2.8

 

The only thing about the fisheye other than how freaking neat it is, is how much will I actually use it?!?! I've wanted this thing forever!

I'm also considering a tilt shift.... hmmm

 

Decisions, decisions.

What I will do in a couple of weeks is go to Wolf and play with the ones I like and then narrow it down and make a decison.

What are y'all shooting with that you LOVE!? Let's see if I can add yet another lens to my list lol.

Toodles!

How about a video? LOL

I know it's been a while lol

LOL.

I got kinda choked up talking about Patrick so I had to stop it lol.

Y'all have a great weekend and stay safe!

Toodles!

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

I forgot to take a pic of this once we cut into it but it was good lol

Yield

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 12  ounces  uncooked spaghetti
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1  (1-lb.) package mild ground pork sausage ( I used ground turkey)
• 2  ounces  turkey pepperoni slices (about 30), cut in half
• 1  (26-oz.) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
• 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan cheese
• 1  (8-oz.) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend

Preparation

1. Cook spaghetti with 1/2 tsp. salt according to package directions. Drain well, and place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. (I didn't add salt)

2. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and set aside. Wipe skillet clean. Add pepperoni, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until slightly crisp.

3. Top spaghetti in baking dish with sausage; pour pasta sauce over sausage. Arrange half of pepperoni slices evenly over pasta sauce. Sprinkle evenly with cheeses. Arrange remaining half of pepperoni slices evenly over cheese. Cover with nonstick or lightly greased aluminum foil.

4. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes; remove foil, and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and just begins to brown.

This was something quick that the kids saw somewhere and wanted to try. We are all for trying things over there. THANKFULLY it was pretty good lol. Nothing fancy, just simple :). If you try it let me know :)

Toodles!

Hump Day Ramblings....

***OH NEW WINTER MCCALL PATTERNS ARE OUT**

NEw Winter McCall Patterns

What do y'all think about that?! lol Ijust love new patterns lol. I'll pick out what I like later lol.

Wednesday

• Y'all like to ramble as MUCH as I do lol. Feel free to ramble on ...anytime lol

• Thinking about making beef and broccoli soon. Gotta add that to my menu.

• My back hurts.

• My studio is STILL a mess, but I'm organizing and de-cluttering.

• If my brother doesn't come over in THE MORNING like HE SAID HE WOULD...we gone have problems lol.

• Getting ready to plan another girls night out. It's been TOO long since we did a "group" thing lol.

• Just finished making up a few batches of soap. YAY.  That was fun. Have a couple gifts to give lol.

• Please don't ask me what's for dinner. The answer will ALWAYS be FOOD.

• Had to go to the ER. Have a kidney infection...ugh

• There is a THIN line between love and hate.

• I only have THREE reasons.

Thursday

• I feel like CRAP this morning.

• Been in bed ALL day long.

• I like water.

• Tony went to the kids open house alone because I didn't feel good.

• PR and RHOA were both good tonight.

Friday

• I had MORE books to pick up at the library today.

• We RUN through toilet tissue. Seriously. I think the kids are eating it.

• I always cross the days off my calendar. Even if I'm not counting down to something lol.

• I still have a lot of books on request.

• I have a LOT of library books on my piano. I LOVE my library.

• I haven't finished my first knitting project but I already know what I want the next one to be lol.

• I have NO sewing MOJO!!!!!

• Going through some old patterns...TRYING to find my mojo.

• Kayla painted her barbie lips with nail polish because her old lipstick had faded off lol.

Saturday

• Follow the mojo. My mojo has me beading.

• Why is August almost over. Seriously.

• I just had a superb turkey burger.

• Drugs ARE good, but only when your doctor gives them to you.

• Trying to figure out how Jaelyn just talked me out of my silver bag. Must be the drugs. Maybe they aren't so good.

Sunday

:)

Monday

• Gotta go BACK to the dr tomorrow to have an ultrasound done to make sure all is well with my kidneys. *sigh*

• TEN DAYS. TEN.

• The kids are outside playing with some other kids from the neighborhood lol. They are LOUD.

• I think I'm going to take an early shower.

• I was going to sew but the mojo is GONE.

• UMMM it is NOT okay for the above kids to just WALK in my house. Ummm NO. ESPECIALLY if my kids are still outside O_o.

Tuesday

• Scheduling blog posts is the best thing ever lol. Schedule it and forget about it lol.

• I have a photoshoot Sunday that I am not able to reschedule. Praying my back is better so I can do what I do. As of RIGHT THIS SECOND? There is no way I can do it.

• I was able to knit a little at my LYS this morning before my dr appt! YAY! I WANT to go back Thursday night. MAYBE.

• Home from dr and just blah. had some more tests done and now I wait lol. I should be the most patient person EVER. but i'm NOT lol and it's not something I want to pray for either lol. SOON as I say those words..here come the tests and y'all KNOW I'm telling the truth lol.

• I NEED to be sewing. NOT gonna happen.

• It's 5:30pm and I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed.

Time for a little beading....

 

 

 

Just playing around with a little jade mix. I love "floating" type necklaces. So glad I can make my own lol.

Toodles!