Real Life: Live & Unscripted

New Post!

A Day In the Life--Video Edition

The Rainbow Dress

http://adriennesessentials.com/the-rainbow-dress-butterick-6021/

New Post!

http://adriennesessentials.com/maui-in-pictures-3/

New Post!

I'm going to continue to post over here for a while for anyone who hasn't changed their reader :)

http://adriennesessentials.com/oldie-but-goodie-in-love-with-greenbutterick-5490/

Hey!

Want to make sure you guys have found my new home. I posted today:

What I Wore in Maui.

I've Moved.....

Many of you know I've been blogging since 2005 over at www.adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com

Last week I made a decision to close down that little space and combine it with Adrienne's Essentials.

I've avoided having my personal/business blog in the same area but decided it was time for a change. I'm so much more than just Adrienne's Little World and Adrienne's Essentials. Combining the two seemed like the perfect thing to do.

The content won't change, it will just all be in the same space :)

I've gotten so many emails about the typepad blog lol. Nah I'm not leaving the blogging world. Why would I? LOL I've met some of the most amazing people. You all have seen my ups and downs, watched the kids grow up...you've seen ME grow up lol.

That's it for now. Have a look around and make yourself at home.

I'm going to post this on the typepad blog but you can update your subscriptions to this page. You can subscribe by reader or email. Everything you need is on the sidebar :)

http://adriennesessentials.com/blog/

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I am SO sleepy.
2. Let me add this stuff to my list so I won't forget.
3. I am wasting time. lol
4. I just had some microwave pork skins. They were so good lol.
5. I went to Atlanta with my mom this weekend. I have to dress in layers around her when it's cold. If she has a "flash" ALL windows come down. Even if it's 20 degrees. I don't say a WORD.
6. I have had any cake, pie, cookies, icecream, snack cakes...NONE Of that stuff all of January. It's January 19 and this weekend was the first time I craved a cupcake. Like I could SMELL it. I ate some raisins and drank some water lol. I CAN DO THIS.
7. It's NOT hard to truly be happy for those who are doing well around you. It gives me joy to see people living out their dreams and to see them reaching their goals.
8. Jaelyn is being a typical teenager. Can't BELIEVE she is almost 18 O_O
9. 483 unread emails. I've been talking about my personal email for WEEKS. I need to just go ahead and do it. Right now I"m just skimming and talking to select people lol
10. Still wasting time lol. Let me just go to bed and start BRIGHT and early O_O
11. Soooooo about this vintage pattern obsession...
12. Getting a lot done, but I'm taking frequent breaks lol
13. Paypal is giving me the BLUES right now. I keep getting an error message.
14. It's Monday night, 10:26pm. Jaelyn just made chocolate cupcakes and she is having a sleepover. How did this happen!? lol
15. PRAYING that I finish in time.
16. Uhhhhh. Coffee. STAT
17. It's 17 degrees outside.
18. I need to go by my moms house first thing this morning.
19. Loving the new Burda patterns I picked up. Don't sleep on them. They have good stuff.
20. I never walk with my phone in my hand. I dropped it once last year and cracked the screen. Never again.
21. If this school calls me ONE MO TIME ABOUT KAYLA. Jesus be a fence.
22. 507 unread email. I just had it down. Sheesh
23. Made my deadline by 15 minutes. I deserve a pinterest break lol
24. Tired.com
25. I had dinner for breakfast lol
26. Sometimes words can't explain how much I love my husband. Tony really is the greatest.
27. There is this blog I read that's starting to annoy me lol. Time to unsubscribe.
28. WOW. AMAZED! God is so good. Lord give me strength to complete the task at hand.
29. I need to go shower lol
30. I want to see this segment on the Today show. I know as soon as I move it's going to come on lol.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments.

Tuesday Inspiration

Spring Time Floral! New Look 6223

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm WAY over winter. WAY OVER IT. Good thing the first day of spring is TEN days away lol. WOOHOO. I know we are going to have another cold snap though lol.

I'm shopping for fabric so much lately I can't really remember when I got this, but I HAD to have it!

Doesn't this fabric just scream spring!? The wind will never let me be great when I take photos lol.

I am going to have to start taking detailed pictures on my dress form because you really can't see the details in this dress. I absolutely LOVE the pleats.

I kept my accessories fairly simple. A purple stud purse that I can't recall where I purchased, my shoes are Charles by Charles David and what I love most about these is they are soooo super comfy. I ended up doing a LOT of walking yesterday after church that I wasn't prepared for. I wasn't driving my truck (and I keep a pair of flats in there) and I ended up all over a hospital (more on that later) but these gave me NO grief. I now want them in every single color they have available. No. Really.

My necklace is one from Adrienne's Essentials accessories. I'm slowly falling in love with purple.

Keep your eyes open. Adrienne's Essentials is about to go through some great changes. I'm super excited about it!

Those are enough pretty pictures lol. If you sew, here is a review:

New Look 6223

Pattern Description: Misses' dress with side pockets & back zipper can be made sleeveless, with cap sleeves or with slightly ruched short sleeves. Bodice has darts or asymmetrical draping.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18 I made the size 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? These directions were really, really easy to follow.

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


Fabric Used: Cotton Sateen


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the cap sleeve longer. I did not add the pockets.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recommend this pattern. I might make another view.

Conclusion: Great pattern, very well drafted and a great addition to any wardrobe.

 

That's all for today!
Toodles

 

New items on Stitched9.com

Hey guys! the ever popular double peplum mini is now available in black and yellow on www.stitched9.com

I am wearing the Medium and Mimi is wearing the XSmall

Stitched9 by Mimi G & Adrienne's Essentials

Limited Quantities Available!

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. Have I done a phone dump yet? I may need to actually pay for storage on dropbox lol
2. Lens, tripod and wireless remote in my cart. Yay. I'm actually going to pay for one day shipping lol. Just a TAD bit excited.
3. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH lens won't be in stock until the 23rd. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
4. My personal email is insane. Man. Ugh. I'll go through it all tonight.
5. Photoshop is driving me crazy on THIS DAY.
6. SIX HOURS LATER, photoshop still doesn't work, I've done more troubleshooting today than I did ALL last week when it started acting up, my head hurts and I'm going to BED. SO glad tomorrow is Friday and I'm going out of town.
7. My phone battery is on 3%. I can't even take a picture lol
8. I have three more, then I have to do the extra stuff to all six lol.
9. I'm taking a pinterest break.
10. I have some crazy kinda faith!! God is so amazing!
11. I love bananas lol
12. I STILL haven't done a phone dump lol
13. Gizmo is my little buddy lol
14. I told Tony I would take my truck to have the tires balanced and rotated. OOPS.
15. I need to update my list.
16. There is a bomb threat at Jaelyn's school. Why do people insist on doing things like this? NOT something you should play with. Period.
17. My water bottle is empty...I'm downstairs...water is upstairs and I'm here alone. LOL
18. I'm really thinking about moving my blog over to wordpress. I use wordpress for my Adrienne's Essentials blog and I love it. Seriously.
19.  I love being inspired.
20. My personal email is STILL jacked up. SMH I need to go through it.
21. Bomb threat at Kayla's school as well. Hmmm wonder if this is just a drill?
22. Just booked my parents next trip. Hmmm. Shouldn't they be paying ME for this!? Lol
23. I made blueberry muffins for breakfast. Talk about yummy
24. I did NOT oversleep today lol. When my alarm went off I turned it off and went back to sleep...then my mom called at 5:30 lol. If she wouldn't have called I would have certainly overslept lol. I MUST do better.
25. smh
26. Took me 45 minutes to get to the school to pick up my child. I hope who ever did this bomb threat mess gets into a WHOLE HEAP OF TROUBLE. CLOWNS.
27. I want some fruit.
28. I have a headache.
29. I have about an hours worth of work left to do. Don't feel like doing ANYTHING.
30. In the next couple of weeks I need to buy FIVE plane tickets O_O

Alright y'all lets ramble in the comments lol

 

 

Encouraging Tuesdays #Selfie

 

I love instagram. Seriously. If you haven't followed Adrienne's Essentials on my Adrienne's Essentials Instagram ya need to do so lol. I show a little personal side of myself over there, but most of the time it's just pretty pictures :)

BTW, I did knit my scarf lol. The pattern is Gaptastic. I love it.

I took this picture yesterday after having a hard, hard, HARD day.  When I tell you I cried, cried, cried, prayed, cried then cried some more I did.

I've been doing a LOT of reflecting the past couple of months. Even more so the last few weeks. It has been pure insanity around these parts.

I talked to a friend the other morning (like when my phone rang at 7:25 am in MY time zone I was like whoaaa lol) and we talked for a couple of hours and it was just what I needed.

What I love about Singlema is that she keeps it totally 100% real. FOR REAL. Between her,Oldgirlladylee 

and blogless Lisa (Hey Boo! LOL) These ladies keep me on my toes.

Even though I talked to Singlema last week, something I went through yesterday made me think about ONE thing she said that really made me take pause," You can't fix everything Adrienne." Say WHATTTTTTTTTTTTT?!?!

I'm a perfectionist at heart. When I make a mistake, I'm angry and upset but mostly disappointed in myself. I really can't fix everything. Not at all. I do try but I'm trying harder to just do my best. Give it my all and be happy knowing that I did the best I could do.

I want to be the best wife, mom, friend that I can be. If I mess up along the way that's fine. No one is perfect. I did my BEST. That is all that counts.

I'm trusting God to give me the strength I need to walk though all these different situations that arise. He might not fix it right now, but He will give me the strength I  need to get through it :)

I've noticed over the past few weeks people will try to use what they think you want to see or hear to pacify a situation. I want to encourage ya'll, don't pacify the situation. Be honest and straight up about whatever is going on and tell the truth. Don't say what you think the other person wants to hear. Be honest. Because when the truth really does come out, it's just bad.

Alright, that's all I have for today.

Y'all be encouraged! I know I am :)

 

 

I'm so over winter...feeling like spring in my green skirt. Vogue 8882

I don't know about you guys but I'm so over winter. Down here in the south, we normally have very mild winters but here lately we've had so much snow and ice.

I'm OVER IT.

With the temps being in the 70's today I knew it was time to pull out this gorgeous green skirt I made a while back:
The color is so absolutely gorgeous. I'm so in love with green right now. I went fabric shopping a few weeks back and I promise, almost everything I purchased had green or blue in it lol

I had a couple Marilyn Monroe moments while taking pictures and I loved it lol.

My hand is still bandaged, but hopefully it can come off next week. If you look closely I still have my arm candy on lol. I don't wear bracelets on my left arm for some reason. Feels weird lol

I felt like spring lol. I even pulled out my favorite yellow bag.

My shoes I love. I've had them for a while and forgot I had them. I found them Saturday and was happy all over again.

They are BCBG Maxazria Leela Zipper Sandals

I kept my accessories fairly simple. I pulled out my current favorite statement necklace and stud earrings. I have a few statement necklaces available in the accessories section of Adrienne's Essentials.

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

 Vogue 8882

Pattern Description: MISSES' SKIRT: Flared skirt (cut on crosswise grain) has waistband, pleats and back zipper. A,B and D: interfaced hemline. D: attached tie ends. E: shaped hemline, wrong side shows. C, E and F: narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22 I made the 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? Very easy. I didn't use them but I glanced over them just for the sake of the review.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I still love the high-low hem and this was just perfect.


Fabric Used: Challis from http://www.lowpricefabric.com/ I picked it up while I was in LA


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. Probably view D.

Conclusion: 
Great pattern, very easy and it went together without any problems.

 

That's all for me today!
Toodles!

 

Hump Day Ramblings...

 

1. I have 55 voicemails. Who are these people!? I don't feel like checking these lol. Don't EVER leave me a voice mail. I'm horrible with them.
2. I'm slow with my personal email sometimes. It's better to text me lol
3. Business email?! Oh baby I'm ON it.
4. God is so amazing. Y'all just don't know my story. I need to write a book lol. Change a few names here and there though lol.
5. I need to change my nail polish. Mine hardly ever chips but this is chipping BAD lol.
6. I did something to my back. That or I have gas lol. #honest
7. I asked for some help with something. If you don't have time just say so. Glad I asked two people. I have NO problem asking for help. With anything. Some areas I'm just weak in.
8. My moms christmas gift FINALLY came. I ordered it december 1. TODAY IS JANUARY 15.  It was worth the wait though, she LOVED it.
9. I need a new tripod and a wireless remote. Wait I have one!!! I need a battery for it though.
10. **WEEPS** Man my love for vintage patterns. I may need another job to pay for them lol. WHO KNEW they were so expensive!?!?
11. Let me stop wasting time lol. My list is a MILE long and I don't feel like doing crap lol
12. I was so tired last night I told Kayla and Aj not to make a sound but to wake me up at 6. She cooked dinner. That was the best 3 hour nap EVER.
13. I've been oversleeping like crazy. Man. We woke up at 7am. NOT acceptable. I've got to do better.
14. Waiting on a reply. Whew. lol
15. Got it, not what I wanted but that's ok lol
16. Dinner is READY it's 3:19pm lol Talk about a productive day.
17. Tony just had coffee. It's 3:20pm. He is going to be up ALL evening lol
18. I'm SO ready for Bible study tonight! YAYAYAY
19. The little things make me excited.
20. **giggles**
21. I read a text message and saw a name and my heart dropped because I thought something happened to someone I know. I hate that this happened but I'm SO glad it wasn't who I thought it was. Jesus.
22. I think it's time for a pinterest break.
23. I need to make a hair appointment.
24. Eyebrows and nails too...
25. TWO cups of coffee this morning.
26. For the first time in a couple of weeks I DID NOT OVERSLEEP!!!!!!! lol. Hopefully I'm back on track.
27. I hate when people take THEIR views and TRY to make others feel bad about THEIR views. Everything isn't for everyone. Do you and let others do them without passing judgement because they don't do things YOUR way. That is it and that is all.
28. The kids barely made it out of the house alive. SMH. Some mornings I want to karate chop all three of them. Today was one of those days.
29. Today I packed away all my scrapbooking supplies. Well most of them. Jaelyn now truly enjoys it so she kept what she will need. When we move I'll set it up so I can use it again. I want to do some books of Aiden. My little punkin.
30. I don't like yellow highlighters. I don't know why. I hate them. Give me ANY color except yellow lol.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments.

Tuesday Inspiration

Happy 18th Birthday Jaelyn!

Happy 18th Birthday Jaelyn!

Can y'all believe she is 18!! When I started blogging she was only NINE!!! I started blogging in 2005. WOW Y'all have watched her grow up just like I did lol.

I can't believe how quickly this time has passed.

We have watched you grow up...

Develop your own little personality...

You like what you like lol and if you don't like it you let EVERYONE know lol

You have always had your own mind. You've always been a leader.

And you've always had an attitude lol.

You are growing up to be such an amazing person. Beautiful inside and out. It's our prayer that you will continue to allow God to use you. Keep Him first in all you do and praying nothing but blessings and success over your life!

We love you! Now let's have a BLAST this weekend!!

 

Happy 18th Birthday!!!

Adrienne's Little World...Video Edition. Fire & Friendship...

 

The video explains the pics!
More later!
Toodles!

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I haven't gotten enough rest this week. It's Friday and I am EXHAUSTED.
2. I just finished a really good book. The title will make you think it's about one thing but it really isn't. I'll probably blog about that before this goes up lol.
3. I'm COLD.
4. Reservations MADE woohoo.
5. I'm still learning. The past few days have been just whew.
6. I think I'm having headaches because I'm not eating sweets. That's normal...right?
7. Im so glad I don't believe the hype lol
8. O_O I have no clue. Need to ask someone who knows lol.
9. Every get frustrated!? MANNNNNNNNNNNNN q0987r983049809382poijdsf;kjs*)(a*#$#*(&@$(#*@(*#$)(*N Ok, I feel better now lol
10. Jaelyn is counting down how many days she has until graduation. I'm so excited for her.
11. Soooo the girls decided it would be a good idea to cover AJ's room in confetti, hang his shoes from the ceiling and use saran wrap in front of his door. While it was HILARIOUS, they didn't like cleaning it up lol
12. Jaelyn just told Aj he is to be seen and not heard lol
13. I wonder if I can have a day of SLEEP lol
14. WOOHOO The Blacklist is back on! BEST show on TV...since Scandal isn't on lol
15. I can't believe how much JUNK I have. I've been purging for the past three months seems like. When we move we won't take any non-essential items with us. By the time I finish everything in this house we will either be using or will use. If we haven't touched it in the past 6 months it's GONE.
16. Y'all know what I find hilarious!? When I get on pinterest and Jaelyn is pinning...WHEN SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE IN CLASS DOING WORK OR SOMETHING lol.
17. If you really allow God to work on you, past relationships that went wrong can be mended. I have a friend who I've known wow, for about 12 years or more. I did her wrong. Like FORREAL wrong. We didn't talk for a few years. She said she forgave me and I forgave myself (hardest thing to do sometimes) but years later I found out she didn't really extend forgiveness. When you forgive, it's mainly for YOU, so YOU can be free because unforgiveness can make you bitter if you allow it. ANYWAY today we are really, really good friends. It amazes me sometimes but I can see God all in the situation. If you knew the DETAILS of the situation y'all would see Him too lol. That was a LONG thought huh? LOL
18. I need to buy some black ribbon. I need to buy it in BULK.
19. Woohoo, going out of town with my mommy this weekend. Man, I'll be out of town the next three weekends. Good stuff though good stuff.
20. I have YET to do a phone dump. It will be the longest of 2014 lol
21. I need to schedule dentist appointments for the family.
22. I always trip out when my house phone rings. We really don't need it. I have it mainly for the kids.
23. Thinking about trying hulu plus...
24. I want to go on a cruise but its not working with Tony's schedule. At all. :(
25. I need to reschedule jaelyns fitting for her pageant dress. I'll call them tomorrow. I think they are closed today.
26. I am about to be B U S Y.
27. You ever look back at your life, see where you are now and just sit back in awe!? I NEVER would have picked this path for my life years ago but God had a plan all along. Even with all the set backs and trials I had. Man. *wipes tear*
28. I love that Jaelyn works at Hancock. She can bring home thread and stuff and I don't have to make a trip lol. I also love that Joanns is in the same parking lot lol. She takes a pattern list with her and brings me back my goodies lol. I always let her keep my change lol
29. I need a new ironing board cover lol. Mine is HORRIBLE. Maybe I'll mlake one!? Hmmmm
30. New lens fever. Again. Atleast its not new camera fever lol

 

Alright y'all, let's ramble in the comments lol

Wrap dresses are my favorite, Kwik Sew 3408

There is something so flattering and girly about a wrap dress. I could honestly live in them, although I try not to.

They are easy to wear and flattering on almost every body type.

I made this dress wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in September/October 2013 and forgot I had it. I was looking for a tshirt and ran across it in my drawer lol. Not sure why I never wore it but I sure was happy to see it and was even happier to wear it to church yesterday lol

I love all things black and white. I knew I wanted to wear my favorite red bag but wanted a little something different for the shoes. These are Carlos Santana and VERY, VERY OLD but they are still among my favorites.

I decided to go with a chunky red necklace, red button type earrings and a simple blingy bracelet. A girl must simply sparkle everyday :)

My hair-cut is really growing out very quickly.

There you have it. If you don't believe how much I actually love wrap dresses, you see the other ones I've fallen in love with here:

Adrienne's Essentials Classic Wrap Dress

Adrienne's Essentials Sweater Wrap Dress

I won't review this one becuase this is the THIRD time I've made this dress. Just want y'all to know that I LOVE this pattern lol.

More later!
Toodles!

Soul Food...My Walk with God

I recorded this video a few weeks ago (around mid-January) and I was really on the fence about uploading it but hopefully it will encourage someone :)

 

Say hello to Chief and a little update.

Soooo yesterday Tony left home early, not even sure what time it was because I was still sleep when he told me he would be right back. Ok, becareful BYE. I rolled back over and went to sleep.

When I finally woke up he called and asked me to open the front door. Ok cool. I'm thinking he has food or something.

NOT lol

He came home with a PUPPY.

Isn't he ADORABLE!!?!? I wasn't quite ready to train another dog but come on lol. Gizmo is NOT happy right now. He will warm up to him soon enough lol

Now the training begins. NOT READY lol

Anyway, I'm SO glad it's Friday. This has been THE longest, most emotional week I've had in a very, very long time. Between the kids being out of school and Tony being off work because of the snow/ice, my work and all the other things I have going on daily!? I'm READY for the weekend.

I questioned God, questioned myself and just had a flat out pity party.

Thankfully, Tony being the stronger of us this week, gave me a stern pep talk lol.

I'm still all in my feelings as I type this but I'm human. I will allow myself to feel what I feel and look for a better day tomorrow.

I think it's healthy to allow yourself to feel what is going on. It's not always good to just brush it off and it's certainly not good to internalize it. This is just MY opinion though. I've been blogging here since 2005 so y'all know how I am when it comes to MY opinion lol.

Like I said, tomorrow will be a better day. My main goal is to just focus on God, allow Him to do what He needs to do in me (because He has been showing me some stuff that I had NO clue was in me but I'll blog about that later) and keep it moving.

Alright, that's it for me today. I STILL need to do a phone dump. It will probably be epic because I haven't done one in 2014 *faints* lol

Have a great day!!

 

My Jazzy Sweatshirt...New Look 6230

Things have been crazy busy around these parts, but I'm loving it!

I saw some sweatshirt fabric in hancock a couple of months ago and quickly grabbed it up. I've wanted some for a good while, but I could never seem to find any. I was SHOCKED to actually see that hancock had several colors.

I thought I was going to make this cute little shift dress that I saw on Net-A Porter but decided against it...for now lol.

I picked up this gorgeous sequin fabric while I was in LA last year and knew this would make the perfect sweatshirt!

I am clearly loving my hat these days lol.

My sweatshirt fabric has ZERO stretch so I made it a little bit bigger. Gives me that slouchy feel.

I also made the neckline a little bit wider so that it would give me a slightly off the shoulder look. Instead of hemming the bottom I added a 2.5 inch band.

I decided to wear it with my favorite jeans and some silver flats. I wore this to lunch with Tony the other day and he loved it. So did I. Nothing like being cute, casual and comfy!

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

New Look 6230

Pattern Description: Knit baseball shirt has feminine fit, can be made with banded round or V-neck & 3/4 or long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: 4-16 I cut the 16 and added a little more shaping.


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

Yes, pretty much.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even look at them. I made this pattern before. You can see it HERE

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


Fabric Used: Sweatshirt fabric from hancock and sequin knit from Michael Levine


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the neckline wider, left the band off at the neckline, added shaping, and added a 2.5 inch band at the bottom.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recommend this pattern. Its a wardrobe staple if you like this style shirt. I probably will make it again if I want another shirt like this.

Conclusion: Great pattern, quick sew and super cute. Grab one for your stash today.

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I'm SO sleepy O_O
2. I hate when somone text saying someone wants your number, you tell them it's ok to give it out and you never hear from the person who wanted it lol
3. Im having to SERIOUSLY cut back on my sweets. I gave up snack cakes, icecream, cake, cookies, pie for the month of January. So far so good. When I want something sweet I eat raisins or applesauce. KILLS the craving. In February I'll eat those things again but I'm hoping NOT as often as I had been. I was all kinds of out of order lol.
4. Im expecting God to do some AMAZING things in 2014. Like I have CRAZY faith!!!! Y'all just watch, in six months I'll be making an announcement. June. Yep. Just watch. No babies though -_-
5. I have a schedule for myself as far as my housework and stuff goes. I made a new schedule for 2014 and it's already SO much better. I need to schedule time for a daily nap lol
6. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. YAY. So excited. WOOHOO lol
7. It is now 2:35.So much for that nap I wanted to take at 11am lol. Aj gets out of school in FIFTEEN minutes lol
8. I am out of coffee O_O
9. 7 more and it's a record. AMAZING!
10. I have YET to clean my work table next to my computer lol AKA my office lol
11. I have THREE projects, wait FOUR that I need to sew. NOW lol.
12. I need to physically go to the PO. BUMMERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
13. I miss my boo :( he will be home shortly though YAY!
14. My inbox is cray-cray. SMH
15. I want to take a shower but I need to leave shortly. STILL haven't done what I was supposed to do before I leave though lol. Maybe I get to it all later.
16. EVERYONE knows the date and time of Jaelyns graduation because she has been saying it since THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL lol
17. We plan EVERYTHING around school lol
18. It's time for me to buy a plane ticket. WOOHOO.
19. More than ANYTHING I'm so glad I've remained true to who I am. I'm so thankful for that.
20. I don't want to grow up and be a bitter old woman. SMH
21. I just went CRAZY on pinterest lol. I STILL love that site. Best thing since the bluetooth lol
22. This two hour school delay has my mornings ALL messed up lol.
23. I have a YET WILL I type of praise. Humph. Even this...going to TRUST and praise God.
24. Nervous lol. But that's natural.
25. I felt overwhelmed and like crying but after prayer, talking to Tony & my mom I'm GOOD. Now I wait.
26. I finally used my little K-cup like item lol. THE BOMB. Y'all know how money that will save me on KCUPS!?!? lol
27. Tony just bust all my lil bubble lol. Shoot. lol
28. The kids have been on a two hour delay...now they are back on a regular schedule and I feel SUPER lazy :/
29. I've been working on this spreadsheet...FOREVER.
30. I need to go get dressed. Need to be somewhere at 1pm. It's 11:30. Don't feel like moving OR going OR getting dressed though lol

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments.

Jaelyn's Senior Pageant (Super picture heavy)

Here is a look at Jaelyn's Pageant 2013

Pageant 2012

Pageant 2011

Time just zooms by!

I didn't make her dress. I never make these dresses because it's a TON of work and she only has it on for a couple hours. I WOULD however make it for a client lol

I was going to upload the video but it just gave WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too much information for the seniors lol

The two pics above have to be my favorite ones.

And there ya have it! LOL

She looked absolutely stunning. She was in the top 10 this year.

Can't BELIEVE she is graduating in a few months lol

More later! Toodles!

 

 

Atlanta Weekend with Mimi G Style

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo this past weekend Mimi G Style & I met up in Atlanta. She flew in from LA and I made the little two hour drive over. We had a meeting for some Stitched9 stuff. Since we were in the Area there was a meet and greet set up for her.

Mannnnnn it was SO many women there lol

This is just a snippet of women. It was PACKED. Here is a video from the event:

The video guy was awesome. Take a look at it if you have some time. It was really neat. Mimi answered questions and such and we talked a little about Stitched9. It was overall very awesome lol

After we finished all the business stuff...we had some fun lol

Day time and night time view from our hotel. It was beautiful.

Hotel room #selfie lol

So much eating lol. We love food.

Then there was the 2am room service..Best burgers ever. Or maybe we were really hungry lol

We may or may not have had a cake tasting party during the super bowl...

Let me say, I almost didn't post this picture because it makes me look massive lol, but I did anyway lol.


It was so fun seeing people that's I've followed for years and who have followed me for years. I have more pictures on instagram, I just happened to have these on my phone lol

I'll leave you with these last two lol. We had such a good time. Meetings were excellent, fun was had and there were a few great suprises. So yeah, this trip will be one for the books lol

That's all I have for today lol.

Toodles!

 

 

 

 

 

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. Sometimes you should just LISTEN.
2. I moved my 5:30 fitting up to 4. THIS IS AWESOME!!!
3. I had a lil breakdown about Kayla's surgery. I LOVE my twitter peeps. Man. I'm closer to them than I am the people I know IRL lol
4. I be about my BUSINESS. YA HEARD ME!?
5. I have overslept two days in a row.
6. I need to change my ringtone lol
7. Best coffee ever.
8. So my mom won some CD's from the radio station...I picked them up since I was on that side of town. Currently trying to import them to my itunes and it's taking FOREVER. She will be here in about 15 minutes to pick me up and I'm still on the first CD lol. I have five more to go. Might don't make it.
9. Sooo Im in the car with my mom. SHe is having a hot flash. It's 45 degrees. She is driving with the window down. I'm freezing. But I'm smart enough not to say a single word.
10. Someone said I smelled like super fruit punch. It made me laugh so hard. lol
11. God confirmed just what I asked Him to. Now I have to wait. That can be so hard sometimes.
12. Read to get an understanding. That is all.
13. I don't know how to approach this. I need to pray about it because "I" am frustrated.
14. When you say you are going to do something, do it. I will not remind you. You grown. That is all.
15. I have a couple weeks before an epic fabric shopping trip. SO ready lol. I need more fabric storage lol
16. I'm SO glad I stopped saying I wasn't going to buy anymore fabric until I used what I had. That was a LIE lol
17. All of my new Adrienne's Essentials spa products are out of the testing phase. This lasts about 6 or 7 months. So excited to launch them in 2014.
18. I look forward to certain blog posts. They are really informative. I take what I see there and make it "real life" lol. If that makes any sense lol
19. Making lasagna soup. It smells amazing.
20. Christmas tree is down and put up. Looks like Christmas wasn't even here.
21. I need to pick up a book from the library.
22. I've been purging. Seems like I shouldn't have anything left to purge lol.
23. 2014 will be GREAT!!! Blessings shall overtake me :)
24. In love with stripes and polka dots. IN LOVE.
25. Just went through my fashion magazines. Inspired by some great things. Ready to SEW. YES
26. I WISH there was a way to organize my books on my Ipad. Man lol. My kindle app is OUT OF ORDER lol
27. I need/want a new blog banner. Hmmm. Maybe I'll work on that today.
28. I am so sleepy O_O
29. Not a word. Not a peep. Ummmhmm
30. I need to do a phone dump lol.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments lol

Happy 17th Anniversary to us!

Happy 17th Anniversary to us!

Words can't even begin to express how much I love this man. We've been through the storms of life. The trials of marriage and through it all we've come out closer than we've ever been.

There were times (and I've said this before) when I didn't want to be a mom or a wife, and even times when I wanted to walk away but I truly thank God for holding us together. I thank God for teaching us how to love each other. I thank God for showing us how to respect each other. I thank God for showing us how to disagree and keep loving each other. I just thank God.

When we married in 1997 we were both just kids. Not much older than my daughter Jaelyn. We had NO CLUE what we were doing, we just knew that we loved each other. We've grown up together. We've made it through some rough stuff. We know first hand what God can do.

God has been the glue that held us together, when we both wanted to rip our marriage apart. God showed us how to hang on, He showed us how to forgive and love.

I never thought I could love this man as much as I do today.

We often ask each other, "do you love me like you did wayyyyy back in 1993?" Our answer is always no, we love each other more.

It's a different kind of love. A love that has been built. A love that has been tried. A love that has been though some mess lol.

I thank God for Tony. He has taught me so much. He's often right, and I'm often right-er lol

I've learned to listen when I don't really want to and he's learned to listen to me.

We've learned how to balance each other out.

I pray for him. I respect him. I love him.

Ready to see what this next chapter brings.

God + You + Me = Formula for success!

Love you boo :)

Adrienne's Little World...Video Edition. UPDATE!

My Tuesday & Wednesday post are scheduled to post each week lol, so here is a REAL update lol

 

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I need to delete some of these catagories that I no longer use.
2. 100 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I want a new blog banner. Hmmmm
4. I was trying to fix a problem myself instead of waiting on God. I'm not going to do it MY way. I'll mess up. I'm going to do it God's way. I just need to wait on Him.
5. I am SO cold. Like seriously.
6. Seems like I'm catching a cold every couple of weeks. I need to up my vitamin intake.
7. I'll keep reading for informational purposes.
8. I have NO problem saying you have a good eye, I wish I could see it applied though.
9. Trying to make my chili like the chili in publix. It's SO good but no recipe lol. Wait, let me google it lol
10. my computer is moving soooo slow
11. FINALLY all my stuff has shipped. Two orders placed DECEMBER 1 and it's DECEMBER 11. That's TOO long lol.
12. I still smile when I see "Boss Lady".
13. I had THE best nap.
14. Just watched Jaelyn chase Gizmo. FUNNIEST THING ON EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15. I can't believe it's only 10pm. Feels SO late.
16. Sometimes I just jump in feet first. That has often gotten me in trouble lol.
17. I'm wearing a black and gold dress this weekend and I want black nails. Right now they are oxblood lol
18. I have a slight headache. I think I'm tired.
19. Ohhhh yummy reeses pieces
20. This cold weather has me wanting to stay in bed. ALL DAY LONG.
21. I need to go shower lol
22. Coconut oil does WONDERS for my hair and scalp. I don't eat coconut but I love the way this smells lol.
23. I have two errands I need to run today and I don't want to do either.
24. Kayla has had a series of medical tests over the past few weeks. They are saying surgery may be necessary. Either way, I know God is in control.
25. I need to *signal fades*
26. My friend is about to get her dream job. I'm so happy for her "I" feel like I'm about to move cross country with her.
27. Funny how people want your support but don't EVER offer it.
28. God's favor is so real. He did what I needed. I'm THANKFUL.
29. Craving IHOP...Going to make a green smoothie lol.
30. I have TWO things I NEED to do TODAY, well make that THREE. Let me get started.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments lol

Tuesday Inspiration

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I did what I was supposed to do and I'm done. Sometimes it has to be that way yo!
2. I think I'm going to purge my pattern drawer. I need to start with McCall's lol.
3. I want lemon pepper wings. UGH
4. My cravings are stupid crazy right now. I'm going to eat some applesauce and go to bed lol
5. Jaelyn is at her senior banquet. She has really grown up lol. Shoot.
6. I love my nail color.
7. Now craving Popeyes O-O
8. Like what is up with my body and this food stuff?
9. I LOVE Diners, Drive-In's and Dives.
10. Jaelyn is making the most thoughtful Christmas Gifts.
11. Sooo I saw these cheese fries on Food Network. They had this pulled pork in it and the cheese sauce looked amazing. Y'all know I'm going to try it right? Like in the next couple of days but I'm going to use chicken lol
12. 7 is the number of completion.]
13. This is BY FAR the best cup of coffee I've had. This morning lol
14. Praying for peace.
15. I got my morning errands done.
16. I need to deep condition my hair.
17. I think I want to wear it curly next week.
18. What God has for me it is for me. I love that song. Click here to listen.
19. I'm trying to make 5 loads of clothes 3 loads lol. NOT going to work lol
20. I need to stay off ebay lol
21. I am FREEZING.
22. Funny I had my AC on one day and my heat the next lol. Alabama weather.
23. I REALLY need to go and get started.
24. I'm STILL craving lemon pepper wings. I need to just go get some.
25. Tonight I'm going to sit and read blogs until I get sleepy. I am officially OFF WORK UNTIL 2014!!! WOOHOOO!!!
26. I love water. Seems like I can't get enough lol
27. I have NO idea what's for dinner. I had a good lunch though lol
28. I want to take a nap.
29. I need to clean up this paperwork next to me. I will have it done by 4pm.
30. I have to take Kayla to a basketball game. I miss Jaelyn already and she's only at work lol.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments!

Tuesday Inspiration

The Happy Jacket...Vogue 1263

One thing I love about sewing, other than seeing something you like and making it, is when other people who sew make a pattern that you have never ever seen before lol

When Mimi G made this Vogue jacket, I was floored because I had N E V E R seen it lol. I'm always ALL over new pattern releases and for the MOST part, I look at all of them,even if I don't like them or buy them I ALWAYS see them. Or so I thought.

I went and picked up this pattern and some fabric with the quickness lol

EVERYTIME I look at my jacket it makes me happy.

Before we continue, someone tell me why I don't have ANY silver/grey flats!? I did NOT want to wear pumps but the flats I had didn't look right. I do NOT walk in heels everyday. Normally I'm just in and out of the car so yes, most of the time I do wear them. If I'm going to be doing a LOT of walking? Like the mall or grocery shopping or ANYTHING like that? Ya girl is in FLATS lol.

I'll probably say this EVERYTIME I make something this color so just get ready lol.

The patone color of the year is radiant orchid. I love ANY shade of this color lol.

There honestly isn't too much I can say about this jacket. I adore it. I will probably wear it to death. Its my sweatshirt jacket. Literally lol.

I used sweatshirt fabric that I actually found at Hancock. I was SHOCKED to even see it in there, especially in this color. I grabbed some real quick. Can't tell you the last time I purchased fabric from there lol.

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

Vogue 1263

Pattern Description: Very loose-fitting jacket has side front pockets and flat felled seams.

Pattern Sizing: XS-M I made 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? See what had happened was...I've gotten to where I really don't read instructions. I will glance over them for the review but unless it's something super hard I dont' follow them. Soooo that backfired this time lol. MAKE SURE YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUCTIONS SO YOU DON"T SEW UP THE DART WHERE THE POCKET SHOULD GO. I don't have pockets on my jacket and I was too lazy to go back and take it apart lol.

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


Fabric Used: Sweatshirt fabric


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Sewed up the pockets by mistake lol.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I won't make this one again, but I do recommend it if you like this style jacket.

Conclusion: Great jacket went together without any problems other than the mistake I made.

 

And a couple more pictures...just because lol

Kayla totally photobombed me. It was so funny after the picture was taken I was moving to go look at it and just so happened to look back and saw she was behind me lol. She said real G's move in silence lol. So silly.

This is my new profile picture eerrryywhere because I love it so much lol

 

If you like my necklace check out Adrienne's Essentials Accessories!

 

Toodles!

Soul Food...My Walk with God

My mom called me and told me to check her email and read the email that Tyler Perry sent out. These are NOT my words but boy oh boy am I glad she told me to read it. I wanted to share it with you all. Hopefully you can pluck something out that you need and be encouraged.

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Hey guys,

I haven't written in a while so this is a little long, but it's so worth your time to read.

I was in Wyoming recently and I was taking in the beauty of the place. I mean, I love it. As I was looking up at the mountains I saw an eagle flying above me. I had to stop and take in its majestic beauty. I had never seen a real life eagle.  All I had heard about an eagle was in church when the pastor said that the eagle pushes its young out of the nest to teach it to fly. It really did move me watching this bird that had no doubt been pushed out of the nest and had learned to do what I was watching it do. 

I got back to the cabin that evening and I started doing some research on eagles. I was so excited to read the story of how it learned to fly. Well, to my surprise, eagles pushing their young out of the nest is a myth. I was shocked. I know that I heard a preacher say that in church… now I ain't gonna say that that pastor lied but I will say he didn’t do the research… LOL. So I did it on my own. I did find some interesting facts that got me thinking about life… mine and yours. It's funny how God can speak through everything. Here’s what I found.

Eagles build the biggest nest of all birds. It’s huge, comfortable and deep. One of the most interesting things that I found was the way that the eagle gets its young chicks to fly out of the nest.  For many weeks it brings food to the nest. The little eagles have no worries, they have all they need to survive. But when the adult eagle deems that it's time for the young eagles to fly, things get uncomfortable.

Now the young eagle doesn’t know that it's time to fly, but the wisdom and the bird’s eye view of the mother knows that it's time for the chicks to leave the nest. So you know what she does? She doesn’t bring food to the babies anymore, and this is what I found fascinating. Many times she will fly around the nest with the food in her beak so that the young eagles will be tempted or so hungry that they are forced to fly out of the nest and take it out of her beak. Stay with me I’m going somewhere here.

As I thought about this, I thought about my life and how many times I was in a very comfortable space. I had all I needed. There was no need for me to go any further because I was comortable. I wanted to stay there forever. You have to be careful when you get comfortable and stay too long. It’s easy to stop dreaming when your belly is full. You won’t feel the need to fly at all. 

The truth is, as long as I was there in that really comfortable space, I wasn’t fulfilling my own destiny or my purpose. I wasn’t flying, I was content. Remember this, your greatest prayers are not usually answered in comfort. Think about it. I can really get deep into this with stories from my past but you’re probably tired of reading already… LOL… so I'll try and wrap it up.

It took an uncomfortable situation or being hungry to make me get out and fly. Many times in life things are going well, but then everything that was so great changes and we wonder why. We wonder what happened. We are caught off guard. I am of the opinion that in those times God, who knows when it’s time for us to leave the nest, is allowing it to become uncomfortable so that we can move on to our next mission in life. Our next hope, our next dream, our next level.

After not realizing this for many years and resisting changes and going through hell, I’m glad to say that I have become so sensitive to when it's time to move that I will move without having to have the turmoil.  I’m telling you I was so stubborn that the house had to burn down for me to move. Now I know better. I’m aware of when it starts to happen, like things happen that don’t make any sense. People you have been friends with or in business with or otherwise for years just seem to go crazy and you don’t know why. What I’ve learned in those moments is that it is a time to fly. Business changes, jobs go away, friends break your heart, marriages end, relationships end, and most times all these things are signs that it’s time to take flight to your next level.

Nobody likes change, I get it, but don’t be angry or bitter when things change. Don’t be mad with people, especially when you know you did right by them and you did all you could do for the friendship or relationship.  I’m sorry to tell you this my friend, but this moment was not about them it was all about you. I’m telling you if God has allowed you to become so uncomfortable in your situation, whatever it is, then its time for you to move! Don’t be afraid, just fly!

Last thing and then I’m done ;-). there is one part of the eagle story that I haven’t told you yet, and this is my favorite part.  If those baby eagles get out of the nest and they are trying to fly and it’s not going well, then that same mother bird that provided for them while they were in the nest, that same eagle will fly under the baby eagle to keep it from falling, to keep it on course, and give it a sense of security. God’s got you, don’t be afraid! He won't let you fall!

Now here's the question: what situation in your life has become so uncomfortable that you feel like you're being starved for what you need? Maybe its God’s way of telling you it’s time to fly! It's time to fly for your own dreams and your own hopes and goals. Fly for true love and real hope. This is your moment to fly, in 2014. Make this the year that you leave the nest without fear.

Talk to me, I’m listening,

Balance. Mom, Wife & Business Owner

As promised, a video. Hope it helps, makes sense and doesn't sound like a bunch of rambling lol. Any questions just ask :)

How I balance my life, Adrienne's Essentials and Stitched9

 

 

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I've gone through the process of deleting phone numbers. If the ONLY time I hear from you is when I'M contacting you, nah playa. I'm done with that. Makes me feel like I'm running up behind folks.
2. I'm obsessing over frozen hot chocolate. My next trip to NY, I need to go to Serendipity. For real.
3. Communication is KEY.
4. **sings, enlarge my territorrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Any of y'all know what song/scripture that is from? It's actually scripture that is also a song lol.
5. I need to embroider something before Sunday. I don't feel like it though.
6. Uhhh I need to finish my dads bow-tie. I don't feel like it though lol
7. I'm making this corn & cheese chowder AGAIN. I will double the recipe this time lol
8. My dad asked me to make him a bow-tie for an event...TOMORROW. Of course I made it. He is going to be FLY lol
9. Wondering if I should send an email. Part of me wants to but the other part of me is STUBBORN lol.
10. I need to be somewhere RIGHT NOW and I'm updating my ipad lol. SHOOT.  I can't leave it though.
11. The girls are gone shopping. Tony is gone to support a friend and I'm about to drop Aj off with my brother. #winning.
12. I need to put on some chapstick.
13. I also need to put on lotion lol.
14. I'm in LOVE with gold any and everything. I remember when I hated it lol.
15. I still need some silver and gold closed toe pumps. I seem to LOVE open toe everything.
16. I need to run to walmart. UGH.
17. I broke a brand new bracelet. I'm going to restring it tonight.
18. I love printing my own postage at home and scheduling pickups. Makes like so easy.
19. I'm wearing a gold sweater today lol.
20. Did I mention I've been decluttering/purging? Feels GOOD. Team no junk.
21. I have my LAST event for the year today. SO excited about that. It's been a great year for my business. God is indeed blessing.
22. Since I posted about Jaelyn's 3 scholarships, she got a 4th one. PROUD parent.
23. I ordered the cutest phone case. I'm sure I'll post a picture of it before this even posts lol.
24. Jaelyn is ready to apply for student housing lol. She has her eye on a particular dorm lol.
25. CHRISTMAS IS NEARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR lol
26. I need to go pack up my truck lol.
27. I dreamed about some of my twitter peeps lol. It was hilarious lol
28. I love my vision board for 2014. Greater is coming! So excited.
29. A LOT of my friends are excited about 2014!! I love it.
30. I had my air on in the house yesterday. Today its like 40 degrees lol. Gotta love Alabama weather.

Alright y'all let's ramble in the comments.

Tuesday Inspiration

The Perfect Twirl Dress... Vogue 8765

Do you ever purchase fabric and hold on to it FOREVER, just waiting on the perfect pattern?

I allowed this fabric to speak to me. It told me to grab the best twirly dress pattern I could find, because it would surely be perfect lol

I can't express how much I love this dress. It's amazing how I find myself falling in love with sewing even more. I thought I would have a hard time finding balance between family, church, fun, traveling, Adrienne's Essentials, Stitched9 and just ME time but it's so easy. I think I'll do a video on this later this week lol. 

Back to the dress lol.

I love the retro vibe of this dress. I'm finding myself loving vintage items more and more. You will see so much more vintage inspired dresses on me soon.

I'm still incorporating bits of the Patone Color of the year in my wardrobe. I'm TRYING not to allow this color to totally take over but uhh, just wait until you see the next couple things lol

I decided on pink or a shade of radiant orchid accessories. I love these earrings and necklace. I wore my favorite tennis bracelet and I took a classic black handbag.

My shoes I adore. They are Anne Michelle Rapture from DSW 

Only $40 bucks! They are super comfy. These will get a LOT of wear.

Let me leave you with a couple twirly pictures lol

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee lol.

Man can y'all see that? My face. That's peace. Man. My heart. Whew. Ok. Yeah I need to do that video lol

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

Vogue 8765

Pattern Description: Lined dress has close-fitting bodice and back zipper. A: semi-fitted skirt and back hemline slit. B: narrow hem. Custom fit for A,B,C,D cup sizes.

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? These instructions are great until you get to the neckline and sleeves.  I only read over them for the review. IMO it was confusing. I don't do mine the way they suggest so maybe that's why it was confusing. I have my own method lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the modern/vintage look of this dress.


Fabric Used: Stretch cotton sateen


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the dress about 8 inches. This dress has an extension piece. Once I added it on I shortened it 8 inches. I didn't like the original length of this dress. It hit me in a weird place.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I WILL make this again. I have a dress on my pinterest board that I want to make and this pattern is an exact dupe lol.  I HIGHLY recommend this if you can find it. It's OOP.

Conclusion: Great pattern, love that is has cup sizes. Goes together great and I had a BALL wearing it!

 

And I'll leave you with my favorite!

 

 

Soul Food...My Walk with God

I sit here this morning with tears in my eyes. Just thinking about how good and faithful God is.

What I realized about my trials this past week, especially after talking to Ladylee (let me tell you just like I told her...EVERYTIME I talk to her I'm blessed. EVERYTIME. She has helped me so much spiritually it's crazy. God placed her in my life and me in hers and of this I am CERTAIN. She is nothing but a blessing) is that every trial is an opportunity to GROW. We just have to realize it.

Back around October/November (def before the holidays) I was having some issues. BIG issues lol.

The biggest thing I was dealing with and didn't realize it until God had to MAKE me sit down and realize it was idolatry.

I love dictionary.com definition : .

excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc.

 

What does the Bible say about idolatry? 

 

Exodus Chapter 20

¹ And God spake all these words, saying,

² I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

³ Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Deuteronomy 27:15 - Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

I could go on and on and on but you get the point.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I believe EVERY word in the Bible. Not just those feel good scriptures. I believe the ones that step on my toes.

God is a jealous God, put someone before Him? Man, He ain't happy.

He got my attention. Big time.

What I had to realize about god's, it can be SO MANY THINGS OR PEOPLE.

ANYTHING that you give ALL your attention to when you should be giving that attention/time to God. That's how "I" define it.

If you give ALL your time and attention to tv, your spouse, work, clothes, shoes, money...that COULD be your god.

Y'all know I love shoes, clothes, phones, gadgets, etc but you can take all that away and I'm good. Those things I've NEVER put before God.

What I had in God's place was NOT good. ANYTHING in His place isn't good but this? Yeah.Nerp.

He literally had to show me that HE was in charge.

Sometimes we go through things because WE don't have God in the correct place. Please know when I say WE I mean "I". I was going through this same trial over, and over AND OVER again because I didn't have God in the right place. I THOUGHT I did, but I was oh so wrong, not to mention this was a weak area for me.

It didn't occur to me that I was trusting in other things/people and NOT Him until around mid-december. It was then that I decided that I would trust in HIM totally and even when my trials came up and I would cry, I STILL trusted Him.

He has proven himself to me.

I'm writing this entry more for myself. I want to be able to look back at this entry and remember that I am going to trust God no matter what. I want to always keep HIM in His place and not put anything where He should be.

If I've encouraged you in anyway, that is icing on the cake :)

I'm not perfect, just striving to be the woman God wants me to be. Keeping my life lined up with the WORD and Trusting Him every step of the way.

Crop Top The Adrienne's Essentials Way...Butterick 5922

I was informed that you guys may not know about my business blog. ALL things business go on over there. Projects, what's in the works, what's for sale, new items and the like lol. You can follow along here Adrienne's Essentials Blog

I'll be adding new spa products soon. You can see those Adrienne's Essentials Spa Products by clicking that link.

I also sell womens accessories Adrienne's Essentials Womens Accessories

And boys clip on bow ties Adrienne's Essentials Boys Clip on Bow Ties

I don't talk about that much here but now you guys know. Everyone thank Singlema lol LOVE YOU!!!

Now on to today's post lol

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Crop tops are sooooooooo hot for the fall/winter and will still be hot for this spring.

I have seen some really, really gorgeous ones but I refuse to show my tummy lol. It's not a look for me.

I've had this one pinned to my inspiration board on my wall for a few weeks and decided why not lol

I have no idea what designer pieces she is wearing. I normally try to write it down but clearly I forgot lol

I absolutely love this printed sweater knit that I picked up while I was in New York from Metro Textiles. I can't remember if it was the first trip or the second. I actually think it was the second trip lol. I purchased a TON of it becasue I loved the weight.

What I noticed when trying on crop tops in the store, when layering them, I had to make sure the porportions were right or it would totally chop me up. The model in the inspiration picture looks tall. Her crop sweater is longer than mine AND her button down is longer as well. When I tried this on with a longer white button down it looked a HOT MESS lol. I decided my good ole trusty regular button down would look best lol.

I wore this to meet with a client and instead of wearing black pants, I decided on this vibrant green-ish color. They are soooooooooooo pretty in person. This picture really doesn't do them ANY justice at all. I love the length and the fit is perfect. I purchased these a while back. LOVE EM!

I kept my accessories pretty neutral. I pulled out my favorite purse that Tony got sick of seeing lol, my favorite nude pumps and my current favorite statement necklace.

I MAY still have one available or one similar in my online shop http://adriennesessentials.com/products-page/accessories/ scroll down for the accessories. Im waiting on a back order of handbags/clutches to come in also.

And my favorite lol

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

 Butterick 5922

Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover top has back neck slit, narrow hem and hook & eye closing.

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? I didn't even use the instructions or look at them. If you have made a basic top, you can make this with your eyes closed. I took me longer to cut it than to actually sew it up.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I just needed a basic shirt pattern and this one fit the bill and I had it in my stash lol.


Fabric Used: Sweater Knit from Metro Textiles.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened it about an inch and a half above the waist line. I didn't add the back neck slit, or the hook and eye. Since my fabric was stretchy I used FOE (fold over elastic) on the neckline, and sewed it under.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a great basic shirt pattern to have. I highly recommend it and if I need another basic shirt pattern I will sew it again and again.

Conclusion: Great pattern!

Hump Day Ramblings...

1. I haven't had a soda since November 1 and I don't want one.
2. I've been writing in my journal daily. It's something I've truly needed.
3. I love pretty journals :)
4. I need to get some video stuff for my camera. That HD feature is the bomb.
5. I love pretty ink pens. They don't have to be expensive, just pretty lol
6. I LOVE SPARKLY!!!
7. New things in store for Adrienne's Essentials!!! YAYAYAY So excited lol
8. I'm always excited huh lol
9. I finally made my omelet. Yummy in my tummy lol
10. I can't seem to keep tissue, apple juice and salsa in my house lol. Like where does it go.
11. I've been purging something CRAZY.
12. I need to mark all my blogs as "read" and start over.
13. I STILL miss google reader. Humph.
14. I want to SEW. OMG. I just have so much going on right now I can't. Next week its ON though.
15. I often wonder if people do what they do because they are really hurting inside. Hmmm
16. It's been a FULL day but I won't say a word. Nope. Silence is golden :)
17. I want subway. My cravings have been all over the place. Sheesh.
18. My business plan for 2014 is awesome if I do say so myself. So thankful for the ideas He has given me!
19. 115 Days!!!! WOOHOOOO
20. I'm SO glad I said what I said when I said it. YESSSSSSSSSS.
21. Ok, all better now :)
22. Jaelyn has me ROLLING watching these vine videos lol
23. I got my subway
24. Man it's 11:50pm. My sleeping habits are on some other stuff right now lol
25. Sounds like Gizmo is smacking.
26. Somthing I've been wanting to do and preparing to do for an entire year I'll have an opportunity and the platform to do next year. Excited that God is opening this door for me.
27. After this week Adrienne's Essentials is DONE for the year. See you in January.
28. My den is a MESS lol.
29. UPS has been to my house SO much this week. *giggles*
30. I finally finished my "virtural" vision board. Well it's ALMOST finished. I love it. I'm going to send it to be printed and hang it up. YAY!

Alright y'all ramble. See ya in the comments!

Tuesday Inspiration

Little Red Corvette...Well, just a little red dress. Vogue 8939

I've been seriously wanting a red dress for the past month or so. I think this obsession started right after Thanksgiving. I had to put it all on hold while we were doing so much stuff concering Kayla but as SOON as I was able to sit down and sew it was on.

I already knew what I wanted to make, until I saw this dress on pinterest:

Source

It's so simple, yet so beautiful. I was in love.

Mine is a little different from my inspiration dress. I wanted the neck of my dress more fitted, a tad bit longer and 3/4 sleeves. I don't know what it is, but I don't really care for long sleeves on certain knit dresses.

I just want y'all to know that I ONLY took my coat off so y'all could see my dress. I love you guys THAT much lol

My dress isn't tight, it hits all my lil curves though ;)

I kept my accessories simple. Shoes, belt and purse are all old.

My super cute phone case however is an accessory  that is new, well I got it after Thanksgiving but before Christmas lol. If you like it you can pick one up from http://www.shopjunkboxx.com/ I LOVE that they had a stylish lady on a cell phone case that is the same color I am. That is SO hard to find.

Expect to see a black version of this dress real soon. I made both of them the same night. LOVE it!

For those of you who sew, here is a review:

Vogue 8939

 

Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover top or dress has collar and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20


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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved how simple this pattern was. It gave me exactly what I was looking for. A simple turtleneck dress.


Fabric Used: Ponte knit


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 4 inches to the length and shortened the sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've made it in black already. Not sure if I want another color. I highly recommend this pattern. Its a great basic to have.

Conclusion:Great pattern, very easy and great for beginners. I orginally purchased this pattern just for the dress, but I feel the skirt pattern would be great as well.

 

Soul Food...My Walk with God

It's the first Sunday in 2014 and I have so much to be thankful for.

This year got off to a rocky start even though we are only FIVE days into it. I'm DETERMINDED to be thankful, have a heart of gratitude and trust God no matter what.

The tears my fall, I may get a little overwhelmed but I am going to continue to trust God.

I was thinking about what I'm MOST thankful for. Looking back over 2013 I have a LOT I can be thankful for but I'm MOST thankful that we found out what was going on with Kayla. She had surgery to correct the issue and is now doing SO much better.

I had emergency surgery last year and yes I'm thankful that all went well, but my childs life and health are so much more important to me than my own. I'd give anything to make sure that all of my children are healthy and safe. It's the momma in me.

I was introduced to Heather not long ago and her story is one that is truly remarkable. She was given 15 months to live. Y'all have GOT to read about it. I was amazed. You can click HERE to read it.

Stories like these kinda change your outlook. Well, let me say her story changed MY outlook.

It falls in line with where I am right now. Trusting God no matter what, being thankful and having a heart of gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalms 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 4:2 - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

 

Do you have ONE thing you are thankful for that you can look on now that we are in a new year? Talk to y'all in the comments!

I'm not perfect, just striving to be the woman God wants me to be. Keeping my life lined up with the WORD and Trusting Him every step of the way.

Adrienne's Little World...Video Edition Trusting God

I need to file these under Soul Food, My Walk with God because that's exactly what this is. I kinda like doing these. Let's see how long I can keep it up lol.

 

 

Please excuse the muffle sound in the beginning. I think my hand was over the microphone. Oops.

 

Adrienne's Little World...Video Edition My word for 2014

Excuse my rambling lol

Here is a link to the blog I was talking about ...

http://differentkindsofhappy.squarespace.com/different-kinds-of-happy/2013/12/30/fulfill#commenting

Hump Day Ramblings...

If this posts like it is supposed to lol... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WELCOME TO 2014!!! Praying that this is OUR best year yet!

1. For some reason EVERY single light in my house is on. It's after midnight O_O
2. Do y'all watch The Blacklist!? MAN THAT SHOW IS SO GOOD!!!!!
3. STILL trying not to get in my feelings lol. Do y'all do that?! lol
4. My house is a mess.
5. I have so much to do.
6. This weekend will be insane.
7. Funny how God will bless me in ways I do NOT expect.
8. Why is Jaelyn in my bed asleep!? She has a room lol
9. My nail polish is messed up. BOOOOOOO
10. Speaking of nail polish I NEVER use the polish at the nail shop. I ALWAYS take my own for this very reason lol.
11. I need a girls weekend getaway. Hmmm. Maybe somewhere warm at the first of the year. *checks calendar*
12. 2014 is going to be a GREAT YEAR!!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!
13. BAHHAHAHAHAHAH SAY WHAT NOW!?!?!?!? WOW. Didn't even sound real.SMH
14. I love blogging. I STILL love it like I did when I started in 2006. Even with changes in my interests, I've still remained true to myself.
15. I don't LIVE blog anything. It's VERY rare that you will get a post the day something happens. Normally it's the next day or a couple days later.
16. My hump day ramblings aren't even in real time lol. I can do ONE post in ONE day lol. I have these things stored up for weeks sometimes lol.
17. I love Gizmo.
18. I still haven't done a phone dump lol.
19. I can't belive the year is moving so quickly.
20. I'm horrible with checking the text messages on my business phone. I need to add that to my calendar lol. Seriously. Like a reminder to check them three times a day or something lol.
21. I have an event this weekend and it's the last one for this year. Next year though...
22. Jaelyn is making some pretty Christmas gifts.
23. The ice maker just dropped ice and it scared the crap out of me.
24. I LOVE HAVING SHORTER HAIR!!! Can't decide if I'm going to let it grow back out. I can rock it either way.
25. I need a new camera lens. Well I WANT a new camera lens.
26. I've been craving omelets like crazy. SMH
27. Sometimes its hard to tell who is real and who isn't. It has me real standoff-ish lately.
28. HOW many times have yall heard me say or read me say I'll ask once MAYBE twice, but anything other than that is begging? I don't beg. ANYONE. For ANYTHING.
29. I think my mom forgot I was grown.
30. I'll always be a daddys girl :)
31. Countdown to 2014

Alright ya'll, let's ramble in the comments.

2013 My Year in Review

This has been some kinda year. All kinds of good, not so good and not so pretty but that's life.

Here are some major moments from this year:

I celebrated 16 years of marriage.

Jaelyn turned 17

I had emergency surgery

I went to New York

I got a new sewing machine

Tony turned 36

We went to Destin

I took draping / pattern making classes

Mimi G & I started Stitched9

I went BACK to New York lol

Aj signed up for football lol

I got a haircut

Kayla turned 14

I turned 36

I went to Los Angeles

Aj turned 12

Jaelyn has been offered FOUR FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to FOUR DIFFERENT COLLEGES When I first posted this it was three. I think she got a 4th one the next day lol.

Kayla had Surgery.

 

This year I learned:

• Always remember who YOU are. Don't change unless you are changing for the better FOR YOURSELF.
• Keep God first in EVERYTHING you do.
• Remember when people show you who they are...THE FIRST TIME.
• Never doubt yourself.
• Ask once, maybe twice. DON'T BEG.
• Always keep your word.
• Life is too short to deal with negative people who THINK they are being positive.
• Sometimes people have to see who they are for themselves...there really isn't anything you can do.
• If it's your fault, admit it and move on.
• Keep your inner circle small. Not EVERYONE wants to see you be successful.
• When it's time to let people go, LET GO. It's easier that way.
• Always keep a song in your heart.
• Planning is KEY. Never do things last minute.
• You (me) are your best motivation. No one will believe in you if YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
• Work HARD. Plan HARD and play even harder. 

This was a great year. There was a lot of travel, food, fun, ups and scary moments. Im soooooooo looking forward to 2014!! God has so many great things in store for me and my family!

What are some of YOUR favorite memories of 2013?

 

 

Sewing 2013. A year in review

Here is a link to everything I've sewn in 2013

Here is my sewing year in review 2012.

Do you ever make something and then don't like it!? No, just me? Oh ok.

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/02/butterick-5850a-review.html I hate this dress lol. I got rid of it when I put away my spring/summer items. I think I loved the concept and the colors but the fabric choice was ALL wrong. Maybe it doens't happen to you but it indeed happened to me lol

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/03/vogue-8870a-review.html

This was too big when I made it. Even though I made adjustments it just doesn't fit the way I want. I MAY revisit this one in 2014, there are soooo many other dresses though so I might not lol. It also went away in the giveaway pile lol.

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/05/mccalls-6742a-review.html

This one also went into the giveaway pile. I like the color more than anything. It's not as flattering on me as I convinced myself it was. Does that happen to y'all? LOL I was seeing myself one way but looked a WHOLE different way. Glad I have that under control now lol

When I was working on this post, I noticed how everything I didn't like happend BEFORE my trip to NY in August when my fashion eyes were opened lol. I'm excited about next year lol. I hope not to have ANYTHING that I don't like.

Sooo on to the stuff I really love. Now I technically love EVERYTHING I make, with the exception of the above items so these were just some of my favorite looks:

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/05/mccalls-5330-vogue-8422a-review.html I love this look on me. Im having a love affair with red all over again and working on a red dress now soooo yeah lol

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/05/mccalls-6654-vogue-8815a-review.html

This double peplum was one of my favorite items. So easy to mix and match with other items in my wardrobe.

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/06/butterick-5761a-review.html This has to be the most unexpected pattern ever. This is a great example of why you should ALWAYS look at design lines and NOT the pattern on the envelope. This dress got a LOT of wear.

 

Best Save of 2013:

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/08/vogue-5851a-review.html This skirt turned into a favorite after the dress was a FAIL for me. Best save ever because I LOVE this fabric.

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/09/colorful-peplum-dress-butterick-5916.html This dress was an instant hit. Great, great use of a gorgeous fabric! Can't wait to pull it back out to wear again.

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/10/i-saw-a-dress-a-while-back-like-july-in-a-bridal-shop-i-absolutely-fell-in-love-with-it-i-attend-atleast-2-formal-even.html The dress that caused the uproar, showed me a whole lot about myself and a few other folks lol. I still LOVE this dress and my haircut lol.

Favorite Inspired Dress:

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/10/micheal-kors-inspired-gorgeous-in-pink-new-look-6145.html I adore this dress.

My most worn garment:

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/06/mccalls-6026a-review.html I wore this dress OUT lol. Easy to dress up or down lol

The dress I want more of:

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/12/the-wiggle-dressbutterick-5947.html I can seriously see this dress/pattern becoming my sloper for 2014 to create some super awesome dresses. I love this!

The trend I didn't get to show y'all lol: 
This is as much plaid matching as I can handle lol. I hate matching plaid.

Favorite items of all time lol

 http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/10/im-in-love-with-my-wrap-dresskwik-sew-3408.html This fabric I fell in love with the instant I saw it. This dress. I fell in love with the instant I put it on. I felt like new money lol. I got SO many compliments on it the first time I wore it. 

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/11/olivia-pope-salvatore-ferragamo-inspired-wrap-coat-burda-7275.html I've worn this so much already I'm shocked it isn't falling apart lol. I LOVE it!

 http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/12/winter-white-capevogue-8959.html YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. No words necessary. 

http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2013/12/holiday-dress-2013new-look-6723.html I felt like a million bucks! I looked like it too :)

That's it!

Do I have any sewing goals for 2014? Nothing other than I want to continue to learn and make excellent garments that I'll love.

Oh, maybe one goal, not to sew ANYTHING that will go into the giveaway bag because I don't like it lol.

Toodles! Looking forward to a great 2014!

The Wiggle Dress...Butterick 5947

I have a few posts to get up before the end of the year so let's get to it lol

I had a picture of this skirt on my inspiration board in my studio:

I LOVED how they used what looked like both sides of the fabric. Makes this skirt twice as awesome.

I wanted to do the same thing. When I found this fabric I knew how I would use it.

Even though the print is the same, I wanted to be very careful with the placement. If you don't really look, you will miss what I did.

 

I decided the best placement would be on the princess seams and the sleeves. I absolutely LOVE it. I love this silhouette on me. I want more dresses like this.

The dress is a show stopper. Simple design with amazing fabric. Always the way to go. I kept my accessories super simple just wearing pops of green. I adore my shoes. I've been on the hunt for a great green show for over a year. These are PERFECT.

Nine West Goulding 

They don't have the green anymore but I LOVE this pink. Hmmmm

 For those of you who sew, here is a review:

 Butterick 5947

Pattern Description: Dress has fitted, lined bodice variations with back princess seams, semi-fitted skirt, back zipper and self belt. A: front tucks. B: side front button bodice. C: back slit. B and C: front princess seams.

Pattern Sizing: 8-16 I made the 12 and graded to the 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? I hardly followed the instructions. I did glance over them and they were very straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the simple style of this dress.


Fabric Used: Cotton Brocade. Since this was a cotton, you really couldn't tell which side was the right side. I used both sides of the fabric to create a little contrast. If you don't look really close you will miss it. I used the opposite side of the fabric on the sleeves and the princess seams. I was inspired by this skirt.

It's Printed cady, Emnuel Ungary by Fausto Puglisi. Retails for $895. For a SKIRT lol.

I loved the mix of prints. I didn't want to be as bold as this one but I loved the mix of prints. I'll be doing this a LOT more lol.

I did find this picture online. I love seeing something designer and truly being inspired by it and making it my own. 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This dress will become a TNT for me when I need a simple dress to showcase some amazing fabric.  I will make view B during the spring (unless something better comes along)

Conclusion:
Great pattern, very simple to put together a great basic dress for your wardrobe.