Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Uncle Pat's Flowers

The flowers we planted for Uncle Pat last year came back just like they were supposed to :)

 

We miss you Patrick

Hump Day Ramblings...

• Everytime I look at the polish on my toes, I smile lol. They are purple, well the color is called "Let's Talk" by sinful colors. 1.99 @ walgreens.

• I have been SO lazy this week and it has been WONDERFUL!!!!!

• I'm hungry. Need to go handle that.

• Where is all my creative mojo?!

• Running is the way to go. I swear it is. Always makes me feel better lol.

• I'm SO ready for my girls night out. Can't wait!

• Today has been something else! WOW!!!! What a day!

• Awwwwwwwwww

• Thank you for helping me ;)

• I can NOT wait. Can't wait. CAN'T WAIT.

• I'm not superwoman, sometimes a LITTLE help is nice.

• I got some new scissors today! YAY!!!!!! NOTHING like new scissors...well a new blade in my rotary cutter lol.

• I FINALLY FOUND SOME YELLOW FABRIC! I have this dress on my inspiration board that I HAVE to make. In YELLOW! GO ME!

• I'm sleepy lol.

• That rain today was THE BOMB!

• MY GIRL IS HOME!!!!!! We about to have a ball for 11 days lol.

• My brothers ROCK! They are THE best!

• **sings** I'll always love my mama, she's my favorite girl lol. Thats my moms ringtone lol.

• We have to get some trees cut from around our house. BOOOOO.

• If you knew like "I" knew, you would do some things different. Seriously.

• DUDE, Grey's Anatomy was THE BOMB. I've watched it twice already.

• LOST IS ALMOST OVER ***SAD FACE***Sunday will be bitter sweet lol.

• I can always feel when somethings wrong. Connections are sooooo real.

• Did I say I got new scissors? LOL

• This week has been wonderful!

• I'm so thankful for my girls. I know I can call on them when I need a shoulder. They mean the world to me!

• Chico is a trip lol.

• My printer did WEIRD things today.

• Do y'all know I have four printers? LOL

• I'm lusting after a new camera.

• God has truly blessed my hands.

• Hmm can I say lust, then God? LOL I just did lol

• **LOST**

Alright ya'll ramble lol. What's goin on with y'all?

McCall's 5890

 

McCall's 5890

Pattern Description: Loose fitting, unlined jackets A, B have shawl collar with center back pleats and stitched hems; pullover, fitted top C or dresses D, E have cap sleeves and princess seams; top C is above hip length; dress D is below mid-knee; dress E is above ankle length; dresses D, E are slightly flared; fitted, straight legged, pull-on pants F, G are above ankle or full length.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14


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? SUPER EASY!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I actually loved that this dress had princess seams. I didn't know that before I started cutting it.


Fabric Used: Jersey


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!

Conclusion: This is a great basic dress. Fantastic wardrobe builder.

QOTD (Quote of the Day)

"Challenges come so we can grow and be prepared for things we are not equipped to handle now. When we face our challenges with faith, prepared to learn, willing to make changes, and if necessary, to let go, we are demanding our power be turned on."

- Iyanla Vanzant

Vogue 8241

 

Vogue 8241

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, pullover lined dress with waistline casing in seam and blousing in bodice, back neckline opening with button and loop closing. A: ribbon belt. B: belt with buckle.

Pattern Sizing: 14-16


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? Very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved this pattern.


Fabric Used: Georgette


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I love this dress. I recommend it if this style is something that you like.

Conclusion: This was really a simple dress. It took me longer than expected because of my fabric choice. Since I used a sheer fabric for the dress and the lining, I had to make sure all my seams were nice and neat. It's all finished with french seams on the inside, which took a LONG time, but it was well worth it. I read reviews about it not "blousing" out the way it does on the pattern envelope but I liked that just fine. I wore a wider belt and it gave me more of the effect I was looking for. Overall great dress.

Hump Day Ramblings...

• Soooooooo umm yeah.

• Folks are going to learn ONE day that speaking out of anger is never good lol.

• I'm sorry doesn't fix everything.

• I just found something "new" to do lol. May not be new to some folks, but it's new to me. Can't wait to get a chance to try it lol.

• I'm honestly glad that's done. You have NO idea.

• Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

• *giggles*

• Sometimes...

• I will be glad when soccer is over lol. That is all.

• Your encouragement means the world to me.

• Somebody told me they cook so they can eat well and not eat out, because waiting on their significant other to do it, they wouldn't eat a "home cooked meal". All I could say was wow.

• I keep adding stuff to my inspiration board lol.

• I change the station everytime I hear that song. I hate it  now.

• I don't buy or eat all organic, I eat junk food, I eat candy bars, I eat fruit, I eat veggies, I cook foods that are good for you, I fry chicken, I'll drink soda, I love water, I bake, I workout...I just do it all in moderation lol.

• I saw some fabric at Hancock a couple weeks ago...I WISH I would have gotten it. Imma go back and see if they have it lol. They probably won't lol.

• Amazing. I simply can't wait.

• I HATE it when a pattern does NOT have the finished measurements on the pattern. LIke I can't STAND that. ugh.

• If you haven't seen Hachi, see it. It's SOOOOOOOOOOOO good.

• Today was SUCH a good day!!!!

• Hancock had the fabric! YAY!

• I bought some cherries today! YAY!

• I am SO in love with my Zumba and Belly Dancing Classes!!!! LOVE IT!

• I turned one of my friends on to Pioneer Woman lol. She is HOOKED lol.

• I have the best set of close girlfriends. I wouldn't trade them for anything!

• My table was clean, now it's junky lol.

• I NEED to go to the post office tomorrow lol. Like seriously lol.

• I STILL havne't made my girls dresses. They are going to disown me lol.

Alright, y'all ramble lol.

I want to knit Coachella!

I saw Robin's and it seriously looks like a quick easy knit....I need something portable to do with my hands :)

 

And the pattern link .

Might try and pick out some yarn today lol.

Butterick 5224 & Kwik Sew 3064

 

Butterick 5224

Kwik Sew 3064

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, unlined Jackets A, B have gathered lower section, band and collar in one, extended sleeve variations. B: gathered sleeve ruffle. Unlined jackets C, D, E: elastic waistline with stitched ties and extended sleeve length variations.

Pattern Sizing: XSM- Med


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.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Great pattern.


Fabric Used: Cotton


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

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

Conclusion:  I thought this would be a great top for a swimsuit coverup. I was right lol. I loved this and how simple it went together. Perfect for what I needed it for!

The Swimsuit lol

Pattern Description: The Misses' swimsuits have a low cut back and all outside edges are finished with elastic. View A & B have a wrap style front with gathers at the side seams. Bra cups are optional. View C has a contrast tank style front bodice, shelf bra lining and a decorative belt with a buckle.

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? SUPER! I LOVE KWIK SEW INSTRUCTIONS!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I LOVED IT!


Fabric Used: Spandex Lyrca


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? YES! If I need another one piece swimsuit, I will make this one. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Conclusion: This is such a great pattern! I thought making a swimsuit would be hard, it really wasn't. I added bra cups and it was my first time doing it. I didn't have ANY trouble at all. I will NEVER buy another swimsuit!!!

Monday Night Stir Fry (PW)

 

I got really lazy, so y'all get a bunch of pics and the directions at the end lol

 

 

  

  

  

 

  

 

  

 

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 whole Chicken Breasts (or Other Meat), Cut Into Pieces
• ½ cups Soy Sauce (plus Extra To Drizzle Over Meat)
• ½ teaspoons Sesame Oil (plus Extra To Drizzle Over Meat)
• 1 whole Medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons (to 3 Tablespoons) Fresh Ginger, Minced
• 1 whole Red (or Other Color) Bell Pepper, Cut Into Chunks
• 10 whole White Mushrooms, Sliced (can Use Any Mushroom You Like)
• 1 jar (small Jar) Baby Corn, Cut Into Pieces
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• ½ cups Chicken Broth
• 1 teaspoon Rice Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons (rounded) Arrowroot
• 3 Tablespoons Peanut Oil
• ¼ cups (to 1/2 Cup) Roughly Chopped Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

After cutting meat into chunks, drizzle with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.

Prepare all vegetables and have them ready.

Mix ½ cup soy sauce with sugar. Stir together and set aside. Mix ¼ cup chicken broth with arrowroot. Stir together and set aside. Measure an additional ¼ cup chicken broth. Set aside.

To begin stir fry, heat skillet or wok over high heat. When it’s hot, drizzle in 2 teaspoons peanut oil. Add meat to skillet and fry quickly, stirring around for 2 to 3 minutes. When brown and just cooked through, remove to a separate bowl. Add additional 1 tablespoon peanut oil to same skillet. Throw in onions and cook for 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Add garlic and ginger. Stir. Add mushrooms and stir. Cook for 45 seconds. Add baby corn. Stir.

Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth and soy sauce/sugar mixture. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Dump in cooked chicken. Stir together. Pour in chicken broth/arrowroot mixture. Stir together, then turn off heat. Sauce should be much thicker. At the very end, seconds before serving, stir in ½ cup (or up to 1 cup) roughly chopped cilantro. Serve over cooked rice.

Variations:
• You can use any following vegetables: broccoli, snow peas, zucchini, any color of bell pepper, any mushroom, water chestnuts, green onions, etc.
• Add ½ cup cashew halves to make it even more yummy.
• Eat with chopsticks if you want to feel really cool.

Vogue 8645

 

Vogue 8645

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, pullover, fully lined dresses A, B have front and back v-neck, removable shoulder ties, side seam pockets and sash. A: slightly flared, mid-knee length. B: flared, lower calf length. A, B: topstitch trim.

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 this pattern.


Fabric Used: Brushed silk


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I sew this one again, but I do highly recommend it.

Conclusion: I really loved this pattern from the very first time I saw it. It can be dressed up or down by just changing shoes and accessories!

On my nightstand...

 

Didn't I Feed You Yesterday? By Laura Bennett

Ok, normally when I put a book up here, I've already read it and have moved on. Ok. I JUST finished this book and it is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!!! Like I was literally laughing loud. OMG, if you have children, you HAVE to read this book.  Ok, that's all.

Simplicity 2497

 

Simplicity 2497

Pattern Description: Cynthia Rowley - sewing patterns dresses. Misses' dress in three lengths with neckline variations.

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? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love everything about this pattern!


Fabric Used: Silk Dupoini


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. I do recommend it.

Conclusion: This was such a great pattern. It is very well drafted and went together very well. Because I used silk dupoini, I knew it would ravel so I did a hong kong finish on all the seams. I simply LOVE this dress!

Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belieze & Cozumel 2010 Part 3

Dang, I had a lot of pics huh? LOL

   

Cozumel was so fun.
   

What's wrong with this picture? LOL. Imma wait on y'all lol.
   

Tony loved this shirt....lol
 

I loved this one and need to wear it EVERYDAY, well maybe when I'm around certain people lol.

   

Hilarious lol.
   

Tony took it seriously though lol.  This beer was welcome by everybody because it was only ONE DOLLAR lol. A steal compared to the $5 per bottle on the ship lol.
   

Had to get a close up lol.
   

SOOOOOOOOOOO GOODDDDDDDDD!!!!
 

OMG, if you like coffee, you will LOVE THIS! It was SO GOOD!!!

 
   

Just some pretty flowers :)

   

 
   

I loved how colorful this church was, but those open windows just did something for me lol.
   

Do I wanna hold it? What kinda "ish" you smoking!?
   

Loved this old camera!!!
   

These guys were good. It was really good to see how the locals lived.
  
   

They were good lol.
   

Had to do a self pic lol. Boy if y'all could read minds lol
 

McDonald's is EVERYWHERE.

   

The water was sooooooooooooo beautiful!
   

Tony went snorkling for the first time lol. Y'all know he can't swim right? LOL He did good though, I wouldn't let him go far, if he wandered off too much, I would yank him back. I, however, went ALL THE WAY OUT lol.
   

I LOVED this pic. I was walking somewhere while we were on the beach and just so happened to look up. I'm glad I did.
   

I think this is the only sunset pic I got. Beautiful!

Hump Day Ramblings...

• I wish I could help.

• Just because they make it in your size....ummhmm

• I saw some STUFF on my cruise lol. Yeah like umm WOW.

• I got up at 4am. Gotta get back on my game.

• I have SO much mail to go through.

• Was invited to an exercise class. I MIGHT go.

• My sewing mojo is STILL flowing. I want to sew. Maybe later.

• I HAVE to make my girls dresses first. Been "making" them for almost a month now lol.

• School is almost out. Plans for the summer are ALMOST done.

• Still can't believe Jaelyn will be in Highschool this year. WOW.

• Mango Rum is OFF THE CHAINS.

• Just marked all my blogs as read. lol. Link me to something wonderful you guys have seen lol.

• Why can't people see themselves? I mean is it REALLy that hard? Help me out here.

• Jaelyn came home sick from school today. Booo

• I've done well with my to-do list today.

• I'm tired.

• Praying. Just praying.

• The flowers we planted for Patrick last memorial day are starting to bloom again. That made me smile.

• If y'all could see my studio, you might not associate yourself with me. It's a MESS. Stuff is EVERYWHERE. MUST make it spotless TODAY.

• Does anyone still use flylady? She helped me declutter when I first became a SAHM.

• I do NOT like you.

• Certain things just really make me smile. Seriously.

• Finally gone through the rest of my trip pics lol. They should post soon :)

• I can now walk across my studio floor and I can actually see the table tops. lol.

• I've been typing this up and just realized TODAY is Wednesday lol. Guess this will be REAL long by next week lol.

• **speechless**

• This detox tea ain't NO JOKE.

• plan, plan, plan. Yep. I love to make plans ;)

• People don't see until it is TOOOOOOOOOOOO late. I'm still praying folks will wise up.

• I don't know WHY I let stuff surprise me. SMH

• I did Zumba and belly dancing tonight. It was OFF THE CHAINS!!!

• Prayer does things that people can not. God is SO good y'all!!!!!!

Y'all ramble...it's been a while lol

Bacon Wrapped Scallops & Chocolate Covered Strawberries

 

Yummo

 

Cook your bacon, NOT until it is fully done, but almost done. You want it to be pliable so you can wrap it around the scallop.

 

Start to sear your scallops....

 

Once they are ALMOST done, take the bacon, wrap it around, stick a toothpick in it and pop it in the oven for a few minutes on high broil.

 

Get your asparagus ready....

 

Get that fancy little tub of meltable chocolate lol, DON'T overheat it or it WILL burn and you will have to go and get some more lol. Dip your strawberries in it, and let it cool in the fridge lol.

  

Eat, drink and be merry lol. Yeah I did overcook my pasta lol. AND lol.

Toodles!

Vogue 1179

 

Vogue 1179

Pattern Description: Very loose-fitting, pullover dress, above mid-knee length, has pleated front, cowl collar and wide stitched hem.

Pattern Sizing: 6-12


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? SUPER easy. I only looked at them when I was attaching the cowl.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved this pattern. Nothing to dislike.


Fabric Used: Cotton


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I absolutely LOVE this dress!  I highly recommend it. I doubt if I make it again, but it's a winner in my book.

Conclusion: Great pattern!

Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belieze & Cozumel 2010 Part 2

Isla Roatan in Honduras is so beautiful.

I would have loved to do a city tour here but we had excursions to do lol. Maybe next time :)

Ok...on to the pictures...

 
 
 
 

It's such a beautiful place.

I 
   

If you have never done this...TRY IT!
 

I really just liked this picture lol

   

This sign was so funny to me, but man. These folks are just ROBBED. Seriously. They work ALL DAY LONG, only make 20 bucks, then have to pay 10 for a cab ride back home. They don't live, they just survive. It was really interesting talking to them. Makes you just super thankful. Like really.

   

Self pic! LOL

   

Ummhmmm lol

 

Relaxing lol.

   

Had to grab a drink!
   

Being silly!
   

**note to self** NEVER KAYAK with someone who can not swim, you end up being a lifeguard.  coughcoughtonycoughcough that is all.
   

Heyyyyy lol
 

Yeah, Look at my posture lol. That was the first thing I saw lol. NEVER leave home without my BB. It was fun talking to my friends while they were at work LMAO!!! LOL Love you! LOL

   

Woke up the next morning to RAIN lol but not just any rain, thunderstorms lol.
 

The view going over to the island...

   

 
LOL, this is the "pharmacy" lol. Ummm yep lol.

 

Trying to stay dry lol.

   

We did a city tour here and man. I'm not even going to post all the pics. I didn't realize that Marion Jones mom or grandma was from Belize. They are building a stadium named after her. Our driver said that most of the people on the island still support her 100%.
   

This lady is of the mayan descent. She mean muggin lol.
   

This was the most hilarious thing!!! LOL Internet on the go! LOL Swipe and type lol
   

The music he played was beautiful.
 
Tony found a "Predator" skull. He was in hog heaven lol.

Ok, that's it for today! LOL

Toodles!

Simplicity 3803

 

 

Simplicity 3803

I couldn't decide which picture I liked best so I posted both :)

Pattern Description: Misses Dresses

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've made this dress umm maybe 4 times, I don't even need the instructions anymore lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Obviously I LOVE this pattern lol.


Fabric Used: Cotton interlock


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is my go to maxi dress pattern. I HIGHLY recommend it if you can find it. It's OOP now.

Conclusion:GREAT pattern!!!

Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belieze & Cozumel 2010 Part 1

Talk about a great time!!

It's no secret that we LOVE cruises over here.  I know some people turn their noses up at them, but um we are NOT those people lol. It's a great way to see different places. How about some pics?

There is NO way I can just do one post. I'll have to do a couple. If you don't wanna see, just click that red X in the upper left hand corner if you are on a MAC, and the upper right hand corner if you are on a PC lol

On the boat ready to leave! LOL

   

Great pic of the ship...we were on the Valor.

   

Wind tearing up blowing in my hair lol
   

and we are off! LOL
 

   

This little machine was so addictive!!!

 
I even won some money lol

 
This is how you play laser tag on a ship lol

 
Just beautiful.

 
This is what happens when you LOOSE your deodorant SOMEWHERE on the boat...I am still convinced that the staff took it so we could be ROBBED in the store on the ship. EIGHT bucks for some Secret. Ya GOTS to be crazy. BUT it was a NEED so we bought it lol. And THAT would be why you can actually SEE white under my arms in my pics. My non-white, ready for a black dress deodorant was STOLEN LOL LOST.

 
Have a nice drink....

 
and lay down? LOL Best nap ever lol.

 
Time to eat! LOL. We ate GOOD y'all. Everyday...ALLLLLL DAY lol.

   

Drinks just all day lol. Well not really ;)

We saw Percy Crews II on the cruise...man, if y'all EVER have a chance to see this dude, SEE HIM. He was HILARIOUS. 

   

The folks we ate dinner with were soooo cool, fun and down to earth! We really had a good time lol.

 
Love this pic...momma boat..baby boat lol.

 

 
How beautiful is this water? This is my current screen on my cell phone lol

   

 
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...read the story lol

 
Click it to make it bigger...

 
That scowl is what you do when you FIRST get into the water. It's ice cold lol, then its warm lol.

 
Next time I have the opportunity, I WILL swim with the dolphins. It WILL be this year lol.

 
Coconut water is NOT my friend. That is all.

 
 
Gas is over $5.00 a gallon.  Yeah, that's what I said lol.

 
We went to hell...lol but the HILARIOUS thing? You turn left to go to hell, I think it was hell street or hell road... but on the right?

 
Yep, The Lord's Church lol.

 
They call it hell because of those rock formations Tony is standing in front of.

 

 
LMAO! LOVED this shirt!

 
They even have a post office. Now I mailed some postcards and as of RIGHT NOW, they still haven't gotten here lol. 

 
The rum tasting was THE BOMB lol. The mango rum is sooooooooooooooo good. I also found out I love rum cake lol. ESPECIALLY the pineapple! LAWD. It's SO good.

They had a reception for past guests...this was our 2nd cruise so I had no idea they did this lol

 
   

There was a band...it was actually pretty good lol
   

Plenty of drinks...of the "free" all you can drink variety lol
   

and lots of "little food" like the kids call it lol
   

and me and the carnival mascot lol.

Ok, I think that's a good place to stop for today lol. More soon lol

Toodles!

And I'm back...lol

 
 
 
 
 

 

And I made everything I wore with the exception of that wrinkly white top (that I didn't put on) and a tank and some shorts I purchased in Mexico :)

More pics and details coming later lol. I took 874 pics lol. NO I will not post them all lol.

Right now I need more sleep!

Toodles!

It's been a year..

I can't believe it's been a whole year since Patrick died.

I mean, where did that time go?

I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Sometimes it still doesn't feel like he is gone.

Sometimes it hurts so bad. The pain is so fresh.

I can't say how much we miss Patrick.

How some conversations aren't the same without him.

How NO ONE could tell a story like him.

How much we miss him coming over.

He is just missed.

And loved. So very, very loved.

On my nightstand...

 

A Reliable Wife

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It started out a little slow to me then REALLY ended up being a page turner. Loved it.