Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Ahhh a post full of pictures... (very pic heavy)

  We spent Thanksgiving with my folks. The best folks EVER! LOL

Jaelyn has some serious side eye going on lol.

Going...

going...

goinnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg lol

gone lol

So now it's time to eat. No fancy settings lol, just enough chairs for everybody lol

Every man for himself!!! lol

Soooo my mom cooked greens from her garden. Yeah. Don't nobody care lol. They picked them Thanksgiving morning. WHO CARESSSS lol. I'll grow my own greens one day lol.

Everybody has the ITIS lol

OMG!!! I kept hearing about this cheesecake. LAWD HAVE MERCY! ITS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!! I've found a recipe and I'm going to try it out. I'll let y'all know! LOL

Emilee is a sweetieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee lol

Movie time!

My dad is straight chillen lol

I don't know why I love this pic so much. Hmm where was Andre? LOL

Love this pic of Aj and Dad

I think my momma was trying to hit my daddy? LOL

My favorite one of them lol. They are SO SILLY.

LOL, y'all see how her hair changed!? LOL She LOVES wigs lol

Traveled down a long road lol

 ...to one of our favorite fabric stores...This place really has some gems. My fabric is all put away lol. I need to take pics of it lol

LOVE this pizza place! YUM.

This pic is SO hilarious to me because Kayla had a mouth FULL of food but you can not tell lol.

So we had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I'll leave you with my absolute favorite-est-est-est pic in the whole wide world:

My Family. THAT'S what it's all about!

Toodles!

 

 

Seems like I've been blogging FIVE years!

I seem to have "missed" my blogaversary! LOL It was in October (better late than never right)?

So I've been blogging for five whole years. I NEVER would have thought I'd enjoy it this much.

I wonder how much longer I'll do it? I guess until I get tired of it lol.

Lurkers, y'all come out and play today okay? LOL

How long have you been reading this here ole blog?

How did you find me?

What do you like most about my blog?

And anything else you want to share lol

Thanks guys!!

Toodles!

*GASP* A knitting post lol

GUESS who knit...come on...guess lol

YEP ME! LOL and I did it all while becoming addicted to Dexter this show is OFF THE CHAINS!!! Can't wait to see what I'll make during Season 3 lol. Well I've started a new project and I hope to finish it in the next couple of days lol.

Ok, on to the pics and stuff lol

Ravelry link for the hat Felicity

Ravelry link for the cowl Gloria

Just a simple hat and cowl but I KNIT! LOL WOOHOO

*Giggles* playing with my camera man lol

Alright, that's all I have for now lol.

Toodles!

Call all my Atlanta blogger friends lol...

Do y'all want to try to do an Atlanta meetup again? I'll be there for a few days next weekend.

Shoot me an email and let me know adnixon1036@gmail.com

Marriage/ Relationships

Yesterday I was talking to a friend and we ended up talking about marriage issues and issues when in committed relationships. I carried the conversation over to twitter and it got really interesting.

I want to ask y'all what would y'all do.

 

When going through hard times in a marriage/committed relationship do you talk about those things or do you keep them to yourself?

Especially when you are a blogger or into social networking? Do you find one friend to talk to about the situation or do you keep it to yourself?

I have a friend I've known since childhood and she was going through some hard stuff. LIKE HARD STUFF. She came and stayed with me and we laughed and talked it up all night. Had a fantastic time and I NEVER knew what was going on.

MONTHS later she told me about her situation. I was devistated. I was hurt mainly because she was hurting. Someone on twitter asked me if that made me question our friendship. I told them no. Not at all.

I did ask her why she didn't say anything about it and she told me it was because she didn't want to speak life into the situation. She felt like if she didn't say anything and just pray about it, it would get better.

I totally respect that.

The general answer on twitter was that they wouldn't say anything. Especially if going through marital problems.  One person said when she is reading blogs and she reads of marital problems it makes her uneasy. She said if she were married she would keep it between her and her spouse.

Same here. I tell y'all a lot but if Tony and I were on the rocks, I'd never open my mouth. Not ever lol.

I'd keep it going. Keep posting, keep living life lol.

I have told y'all (or maybe my twitter fam) that I've wanted to choke him but ummm lol I'm sure he has wanted to do the same to me lol.

I've mentioned before that after being together since 1993 and married for almost 14 years, if we could have gone through it WE HAVE lol.

So umm yeah lol.  That was good convo yesterday. So what would y'all do?

Inquiring minds want to know... Shoot "I" want to know lol.

Magic City Classic 2010 Weekend Wrapup...(VERY PICTURE HEAVY)

Finally have some time to post these pics lol.

As always we had a ball! I love this time of year!

Had a great time out with my girls Friday Night at the K.id Ca.p.r.i Party...

If you like that kinda thing, next time he comes anywhere near you. GO. Best party I've been to in FOREVER.

It was PACKED but babbbyyyyyyyyyy I danced until I just couldn't lol. I refuse to tell y'all what time I came home AND had to be UP and OUT of the house Saturday at 7am!

Love this pic lol. Her feet were on FIYAH lol

Saturday the weather was PERFECT for the game! It was great...

Heyyyyy lol

I love this pic of Aj and Tony

Even though Uncle Pat is no longer with us, Aj asked Tony to sign his name on his cast. He tells me almost everyday that he misses him.

Hey mini me lol

The kids always have a good time!

Aj will take a nap ANYWHERE lol

Kayla know she loves the camera lol

see...knocked out lol

Gotta do the wobble wobble lol. LOVE that dance lol

There must be fire to keep you warm lol

Mommy and Aj time lol

Not right if I don't put up a pic of Marvin lol.

Then there was the bday dinner on Sunday lol

I have THE best brothers in the world.

And the best twin brother a sister could EVER want lol

lol, yep. They were good lol

That's Randolph lol

That burger is as big as she is lol

Yes, Andre is dumb lol. Wonder if Zanete is gonna kill me for posting this pic? LOL Love you! :)

We had a great time!

That's it for now !LOL

More later!
Toodles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jerk Chicken Chili

I made this the other day and it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good.

Jerk Chicken Chili
source: Pam Anderson, Perfect One-Dish Dinners
Printer-Friendly Version

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
3 tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 large rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 6 cups)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, undrained or partially drained
1 can (15 oz) small white beans, undrained or partially drained
2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapenos
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 oz semisweet chocolate
2 tbsp cornmeal or 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add chili powder, thyme, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Add chicken and stir to coat with spices. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, and jalapenos, bring to a boil, cover partially, reduce heat, and simmer to blend flavors, about 20 minutes.

5. Stir in garlic, cilantro, chocolate, and either cornmeal or cornstarch/water slurry if desired.  If you add the cornstarch slurry, bring the heat up to medium-high and allow the chili to thicken.  Turn off the heat and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

The recipe came from this blog. Thanks Toya for sending it to me lol

Toodles!

Happy Birthday Aj!!!

My little guy .......man. He is REALLY growing up!! Happy 9th Birthday!
We love you!

NL 6912 & McCall's 6168

McCall's 6168

 

Pattern Description:
Cardigans A, B, C have long sleeves, stitched hems and shaped lower edges; cardigan A has front pockets that do not lay flat; cardigans A, B have front button closures; cardigan C has optional button closure, wrong side of fabric will show; purchased tops, bottoms and optional belts.
I made view C

Pattern Sizing:
8-16. I made the 14

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

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved how simple it was lol. It was 3 pieces lol.

Fabric Used:
Rayon Jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I already have this cut out in another color. I HIGHLY recommend it. I think I like it better than the Simplicity one I made last year.

Conclusion:
Great pattern! I saw this one in a magazine (either Lucky or InStyle) and fell in love with it.

 

New Look 6912

Pattern Description:
Design your look dresses

Pattern Sizing:
4-16
I cut the 12 on top and graded to a 14 at the hips

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?

Fabric Used:
Twill Lyrca

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I have been a fan of the asymmetrical look for a while and this pattern fit the bill!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am def going to make this one again! It was super easy. When I picked this fabric out earlier this year I already knew what I wanted to make with it. I LOVE this dress!!!

Conclusion:
Great dress! I love it!
Here is a back view

Hump Day Ramblings...

• Why am I craving oatmeal at 3pm?

• Today has been a great day.

• I'm missing Tony right about now :(

• Aj is on my nerves. That is all.

• Jaelyn got a ride home today lol. WOOHOOO lol.

• OMG, Oprah going camping is HILARIOUS! LMAO!

• Netflix for the wii and all this instantly playing movies has NOT been good for my to-do list lol.

• The family used to run through toilet tissue. Now it's toothpaste. What gives?

• Ummm I NEED to finish this dress.

• I LOVE my dress. Can't wait to wear it.

• Private Practice was just like WOW.

• A friend of mine was supposed to get me a single cupcake for my bday lol. They showed up with 6 lol.

• Going to the movies with my girls Saturday night. Can't wait.

• My sewing mojo is OFF THE CHAINS. I want to make some skinny jeans while it's flowing lol.

• I LOVE My G2!

• Kayla has been singing Christmas songs lol.

• OMG have y'all seen Date Night? That movie is HILARIOUS! How did I miss that one when it came out!?

• Girls Night Saturday night, ended up being couples night lol. For Colored Girls was good.

• I'm obsessed with finding a diamond-ish type necklace like the one Janet Jackson wore when she was at the restaurant alone lol.

• Ya'll know I love bling lol.

• My sewing mojo is on FIRE!

• A friend of mine just encouraged me more than she knows. I really appreciate it.

• Only children are often selfish (the ones I know are) because they NEVER had to share.

• I'm loving tunics and tights. What took me so long to get some?

• I'm supposed to cast on for my hat today. Let's see how that goes.

• It's been cold! LOL LOVE IT!

• I have a little over a month to finish up some stuff. I need to get BUSY.

• My heart is breaking for one of my friends.

• I need a couple of days off lol. No, seriously.

• I watched Getting him to the Greek today. SO FUNNY! LOL

• I love ordering fabric online lol. I just put a bunch of it in my cart and checked out without looking at the total lol.

• I have ONE letter left on Word Feud but I REFUSE to let him win lol.

• And I lost because I passed! BOOO lol

Alright, y'all ramble away lol.

Butterick 5527

Pattern Description: Very loose-fitting, A-line or slightly flared, hip length, below hip or above mid-knee length top A, tunic B and dress C have neckline elastic casing, waistline elastic casings and three-quarter length dolman sleeves with gathers and self-binding forming ties.

Pattern Sizing: XSM-Med. I cut the 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? SUPER easy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this style top so it was right up my alley.


Fabric Used: Rayon Jersey


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I don't like ties on the wrists of my shirts so I left those off.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? You will see this one again. I know as a dress. I MIGHT make view A, but I'm not sure. So many other patterns out there.

Conclusion: This is a great pattern! Didn't take much time at all to complete.

 

McCall's 6078 & Simplicity 4236

 

(this is the best pic of the back that I had lol, the one my girlfriend took while we were out is hot garbage lol)

Pattern Description: MISSES' TOPS: Top A has front and back stitched pleats, front drape, lapped back and extended shoulder seams; top B has stitched front pleats and drape; top C has front drape and contrast loops.

Pattern Sizing:
XSM-M. I cut the 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? I didn't even need them.

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


Fabric Used: Faux Sequin


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? You will see this top a LOT! I love it! I was poking around online and saw this Sequin Top and it reminded me of the front drape of this pattern. You CAN wear a bra with it. I wore a tank also because the fabric is very thin. I didn't hem it and sewed it all on the serger. I think it took me literally 20 minutes lol. It did slide off my shoulders some but that just may be user error lol. I kept adjusting it then just gave into the sexy shoulder out look lol.Perfect for a night out!

Conclusion: GREAT pattern!!! Can't wait to make this one again lol.

I was going to review the skirt but it's my GO TO pencil skirt. I didn't have a black pencil skirt (THE HORROR) and made this one in about 45 minutes. It took me longer to cut it out than to sew it. I'm not sure of this fabric. I've had it in my stash a long time. It feels like a suit fabric. It has stretch to it. I wish I knew the fabric content but I don't. It feels great though. I must have liked it because I have about six yards of it lol.

ABC's The Middle

The Middle

Take a few minutes and watch a clip from the new ABC show The Middle. Too funny lol

It airs Wednesday's 8pm EST.

Check it out!

Hump Day Ramblings...

• My bday is in SEVEN days. SO EXCITED!

• If I never ever believed that there was someone for everyone, I truly believe that now lol. Some folks are MADE for each other.

• I need ONE HOUR non-interrupted cleaning.

• The kids got up on the wrong foot today. THE WRONG FOOT.

• I want to wake Tony up SO bad, but I'm gonna wait lol. I kinda miss him when he's asleep lol.

• THIS DUMB CAT!

• WHY is it 70 degrees THIS early in the morning, THIS late in October!?

• I do NOT have a black pencil skirt. That will change next week.

• I got a letter back in June/July that I NEED and I can't find. It's not where I THOUGHT I put it. I have until TODAY to find it or panic will set in.

• I made chili yesterday and it was SO good.

• I've been craving bananas. So has Kayla.

• I'm not getting a bday cake lol. I have to get one for Aj sooooo lol

• Did y'all know that they are not going to make anymore OPI Lincoln Park After Dark? That's like my favorite color. I found a color that was close in Rimmell but it's NOT OPI lol.

• I've started to wear makeup again. Having fun re-teaching myself to apply it. Youtube is wonderful. Im not very heavy handed with it, I still like a really natural look.

• I fell asleep on the 2nd airing of RHOA. I need to watch the last 30 minutes again lol. I'll catch it next week.

• I had this huge plan for what I was making for the fall. It has gone by the wayside lol. I love to plan to sew a wardrobe but can't follow though. lol I do MUCH better just picking one thing and sewing it lol.

• I just knocked SOO much off my list! YAY

• Today has been THE MOST PRODUTIVE DAY! YAY

• It's HOT and we've had tornado watches and warnings all day.

• I'm trippen because TOMORROW is Wednesday lol. I've done all this rambling TODAY lol. Y'all will get this next week lol.

• I had THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!

• It's my BURFDAYYYYY!!! lol

• I got Nextflix on the Wii. This has NOT been good for my to do list lol.

Whats going on Random with ya'll?

 

Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeee and Andre!!!

This has been SOME year y'all.

I'm so glad I've made it to see another birthday.

My birthday song this year?!?!?

 

And babbbbyyyyyy. This is my ringtone lol. I loveeeeeeee this song!

I've learned some great lessons this year. Some of which I never ever hope I have to learn again lol.

I'm so thankful for my husband, my children my family and friends. I'm thankful that my 33rd year on earth with be 100 times better than my 32nd!!!! I'm looking forward to it!

I'm 33 and FANTASTIC!

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

 

Vogue 8668

 Vogue 8668

 

Pattern Description: Misses Top and Tunic

Pattern Sizing: XS-Med. I cut the 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? Super simple

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love tunics and this one was perfect.


Fabric Used: Challis


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't like the loops on the shirt, so I sewed the shirt up the front and just added buttons. They are non-functioning.

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

Conclusion: Great addition to any wardrobe if this is your style.

And a pic of my shoes just because I love them soooooo much lol