Crazy Storm

A couple nights ago I had a crazy dream about this ridiculous storm. The next day, the only thing on the news were stories of this storm that was going to hit Orlando with tornados and lightening which was really weird. The storm didn't end up being too bad in my area just a lot of rain really. Some areas got hit with crazy winds but I didn't see any damage in my area. Here are some pictures I took before the storm hit:

(yes, I'm wearing the same flea market outfit. I like that one)

Flea Market

Last weekend I went to a big flea market near my apartment. It had an antique side and a farmers market side. I only went to the antique side this time but can't wait to go back when mom is in town to see the rest. Here are some pictures of the things I saw:

This is the antique out door street that was my favorite part.

Old quilt for sale for $1200!!

Old coffee grinder

Anything coke you could possibly thing of!

REALLY cool old bar!!

My flea market outfit! Dress from Express (mom for Christmas) Boots Lucky and sweat TJ Maxx.

I bought new eye stuff because I have been having problems with creasing and it seems to be working very well and even makes the eye shadow brighter! Here are the pictures of my eyes and the bottle.

Fail!

 Can you tell what that is?

An utter failure, that's what that is. Tomorrow is the first of the birthday events I've planned for my department. There are 5 birthdays in January and everyone's favorite was either cheesecake or chocolate cake or both. I made cheesecake yesterday, my grandmother-in-law's recipe. It's delicious. I'm so glad it worked because tonight I attempted home-made chocolate cake. Ugh.

I doubled the recipe and was going to make it two layers. Mistake #1. It ended up being very rich and gooey in the middle so was sinking and falling apart. I thought an easy way to cover it up would be icing. Mistake #2. The icing was too thin and just ran everywhere. I should have just made a 9x12 and put the icing on top and no one would have known.

Now I just have to hope that the cheesecake is enough for 25-30 people! And I don't have any toppings!

At least now Kellen and I have gooey melt in your mouth chocolate "crumble".

Too bad we are leaving for the beach in less than a week!!!!!

Baby its cold outside

Its so cold here! So all I did today was shovel the 9 inches of new snow and sew. These are the 9 blocks I made today! Crazy huh? These blocks are for the block of the month club at my guild that until today I was terribly behind in. Now I'm ahead! I guess all I needed was time and determination. They won't be set like this at all. The quilt is a friendship star with a special center block set on point. I have to design my own center block yet. The fabric I'm using are civil war reproduction prints that I found in Lancaster last year. The quilt will consist of 8 blocks around the center block, no 2 will be the same. I made 2 of the greenish one, I wasn't happy with the first one I made but actually it doesn't look that bad so maybe it will be a pillow or something. I was being a little picky I guess. Well this is it for today.

Spoiled Puppies

My dad is in town all month for training and the dogs love him. Daisy doesn't like the flash, don't judge.

 Big happy family packed onto the chair and a half.

Staying warm on the second snow in Memphis this year! Already an 8 car pile up on the interstate, might be icy in the morning!

update

Hello! Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I haven't really been doing to much exciting but I will update you on the little things.

I undecorated my apartment and this is a picture of all my stuff. I actually fit all of this other than the trees in the trunk in my living room which was quite an accomplishment. My apartment now looks very empty but also like a fresh start.

There is a new boy in my life recently and I got flowers the other day!! Here is a picture of them!

I got this skirt from Abby for Christmas and she took it in a little and it turned out great! I wore it just with a white top and brown boots from mom and teal tights that I found on sale at an outlet. I had no idea how I was going to wear them at the time but this skirt was perfect. (Sorry for the cat toy in the picture it was the only place I could get the boots in too)

I am starting to work on a couple projects because I strangely have a few days off this week. I am going to make something to hang above my couch and I hope it turns out looking ok. I am going to take some pictures myself even though I'm not a photographer because I like when the pictures are your own and not someone else's. Then I am going to buy an old paneled door and somehow fit the pictures into the panels to make it a piece of art. hahhaha! Here is one of the pictures I took and am thinking about using.

I am going to a flea market this weekend and will update you on what I find. Hopefully they will have some really good things!

First sewing of the year

Finally finished this skirt! Here's the front. It's a pencil skirt with a cute bow on the waist band.

 Here's the back.

And the inspiration.

 I think it looks great! And it's lined!

I got the wool from my mom's selection, most likely from an Estate sale and the lining was a green silk taffeta I bought to make a dress for Christmas that had red dye mis-prints. The skirt took awhile to make, here's how it went:

Day 1: I cut out the skirt using my measurements only. I sewed the whole thing together including the lining then called it a night.

Day 2: Sewed the zipper in. Back was bubbled and looked ridiculous. Ripped the zipper out and tried again. Another bubble. Ripped the zipper out. Fit the skirt on the dress form. Sewed the zipper in. Another bubble. Ripped the zipper out. Tried to fit the skirt on myself. Sewed the zipper in. Another bubble. Enough for one night, time for bed.

Day 3: Decided to re-cut the back sections of the skirt. They were looking too curvy and driving me crazy. I slowly seam ripped the entire skirt apart. Slipped and cut my finger, oh what a day.

Day 4: Re-cut the back sections of the skirt from a pencil skirt pattern with a similar waistband. Sewed most of the skirt back together. 

Day 5: Finishing. Sewed the kick pleat, zipper and hemmed. And finally done! 

Cute? I love it!

Week of Jan. 10th

Took pictures of all my outfits this week and haven't had time to post on the blog! This was the first week for my group at work at the new headquarters office. It is great only living 15 minutes from work! One project I'm on they still want us at the old building a couple times a week, but that is only until the first week in February. Also, all week I was working on a new wool lined pencil skirt. I took it slow and it turned out really nice. I'll post about the process later. Onto the outfits:

Monday I wanted to wear something comfortable to move into my new cube as well as something warm. It snowed 5 inches in Memphis and people were freaking out. All the grocery stores were out of milk and bread. I probably wouldn't have gone in to work if we were at the old building but I wanted to see the new digs!

 Purple sweater - Target $8 on Black Friday sale
Skirt - Silky black, don't remember where from
Boots - DKNY Macy's

 Fun necklace from Mom

Tuesday:

 Plaid skirt - I made!
Purple turtleneck - Macys
New blue suede shoes - Macy's

 How cute are these shoes? I bought them over Christmas in PA. They are perfect for living in the land of Elvis.

Wednesday:

 I bought this cardigan at the Macy's after Christmas sale. It's INC and it was originally $98 on sale for $13!!!

 Headband from Etsy - gift from my mom last year for Christmas

Thursday:

 Another comfy day. I was trying to mix it up and add a belt. Not sure if I love this look but at least I tried something new. The black sweater is one of those thin wrap sweaters.

Friday: I finally finished the skirt! Here it is:

 Sweater - another Target sale

 I'll post about the skirt and its inspiration later. I love it though!

Sorry for the weird poses again. I tried to crop and for some reason Picasa is not working with me tonight.

Button Ware Hair Clips

Tonight I finished my latest button craft. What do you think? I wore one yesterday to work, Penny and Aunt Carolyn liked it but maybe I'm to old for button hair clips. You could pick any you like and I'll send you them or you could have one custom maid to match an outfit if you want. I finally sorted all my buttons and chose the ones I liked to work with first. I have lots more ideas for my button collection so beware! I only made 16 clips. I thought you might be able to choose better from 2 photos.

The Brown Skirt Day

Hey girls her I am in the brown skirt for my next to last work day for the accountant! I thought you might want to see me in one of my new outfits. Did you notice the hair clip? I know its hard to see but I've been creating so if you would like one let me know. I can't believe how easy this is with my new computer. Wish I had more to say, work today wasn't that bad. I left 15 minutes early because of the snow. I went to shovel a little at Gramme and Papaps and took their mail up to them. They haven't been out since last Thursday, Papap has a nasty cold. Maybe call them if you get a chance.

Resolutions

Well I haven't really thought about my resolutions a lot but here are a couple things that I would like to work on. I don't really have any set plans just general ideas which I think are sometimes better for me than specific things.

1. Get more solid. I'm not too worried about weighing less but I would like to be more toned.

2. Learn more. I want to take some random classes in cooking or crafting just to try new things.

3. Do things. I am going to try to do all the things I need or want to do instead of just thinking about doing them or making lists that I never finish.

Thats all I have for now. Maybe there will be more later. I'm starting to knit a new cardigan from a lion brand yarn pattern. Hopefully it turns out like the picture!

Resolutions

My 2011 resolutions are pretty clear.

1. Create weekly.

2. Be a better wife, daughter, mom and friend.

3. Walk 5 miles at least 3 times a week.

4. See my daughters more often.

So far I'm doing okay. Its 9 days into the year and I'm quitting the part time job that has robbed my of too much time and energy. I'm looking at my parents in a different light. I need to be with them more so I'm trying to see them everyday and really listen to them. I'm planning on coming to Orlando the first week of Feb and hoping to come to Memphis early in Mar if thats okay? I'm still walking it seem so calming anymore. And the creating is working wait till you see my next post!

Sticky Pork Tenderloin

Saturday Jan 8 we had some old friends, Patty And Dwight over for dinner. Crazy we haven't seen them for at least 3 years. One of my resolutions was to be a better friend. More of that later. Anyway I looked through some cookbooks and magazines and found this sticky pork tenderloin with balsamic grilled onions out of a cookbook Abby bought me last Christmas. It turned out great! I will definitely make it again. Well I'm sorry I can't seem to rotate my picture. I need to add improve my computer skills to my resolution list. Bare with me I'll get better. As you can see (sideways) I wore a plain black dress with an antique fur collar. I forgot I had the collar and love it with the dress. I wore my black flat boots and felt great. The dinner turned out perfect I wasn't rushing around like a nut either. The menu was goat cheese dip with veggies, martinis, winter fruit spinach salad with my dressing, sticky pork tenderloin/ balsamic onions ,cauliflower and green beans. We had sauvignon blanc with dinner. Dessert I bought some pistachio gelato and served the christmas cookies we also had coffee with baileys. And they stayed late! Long Nights and Log Fires is the cookbook and here is the recipe:

Sticky pork Tenderloin with a pecorino crust, mustard mash, and balsamic onions

2 x 14 oz pieces of whole pork tenderloin

3 T olive oil

1 1/2 c finely grated pecorino cheese

a small bunch of rosemary, chopped

salt and pepper

mustard mash

2 heads cauliflower

2 T spicy mustard

2 cloves garlic crushed

4 T buttermilk

3 T olive oil

balsamic onions

2 T olive oil

4 red onions

1/3 c balsamic

serves 4

Preheat to 400*

Rub the pork with olive oil. Mix cheese with rosemary spread over a sheet of parchment. Roll the pork in the mixture, pressing down well so they are evenly coated. Put them in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. I did just 30. I hate dry pork. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

To make the mash, steam the cauliflower. I just used the florets. Drain and mash with the garlic, mustard, buttermilk, and oil. Cover and roast with the pork.

To make the onions, heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet and add the onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until light golden and starting to soften. Add the balsamic and 3 T water. Cook slowly about 10 minutes. Season with salt.

I sliced the pork and plated the onions kinda drizzled over the meat and the mash. Enjoy!

New Year's Resolutions

This year I have sewing, home improvement and every day resolutions. Here we go:

Sewing resolutions:

• Buy a vintage dress pattern and make a vintage dress
• Cape and pencil skirt 'suit'
• Lined pencil skirt
• Lined jacket
• Start all Christmas and birthday presents early (like today)
• Men's button down shirt
• Try to focus on quality not quantity

Most of the sewing resolutions are trying to focus on the last one. I would like to become a better sewer. This year I want to make a smaller number of quality items I will want to wear everyday that fit perfectly rather than a ton of ill-fitting poorly made items. I'm going to an antique store this morning to look at vintage patterns. I'm hoping to find a couple vintage dress and suit patterns to start my collection. I probably need to buy a book on fit and altering the patterns so there is not need to 'fit' the garment each time I make it. It would be great if in December I'm not rushing to finish Christmas presents like this year. I think the garments could have been better made if I had had more time. (and I wouldn't be making repairs on fit issues on the returned garments) I would love to start making my husband shirts. It's really hard to find him shirts that are fitted enough and have long enough sleeves. It I could make them and they looked nice, he could have any pattern I could find!

Home improvement:

• Tile the bathroom
• Build an entry table
• Build the rest of the entertainment center
• Revamp the pew
• Add quarter-round to the bathroom cabinets
• Install an attic fan

The home improvement resolutions are for both my husband and I.

First tiling the bathroom. When we first moved into our house in March 2008 the bathroom was carpeted. One of the first things we did was tile the main area of the bathroom. At the time, we decided to leave the closets concrete, I have no idea why. Almost 3 years later, we still have concrete. Luckily the tile was from Lowes, so we should be able to still get the same kind. 

Last year we built an Entertainment center for our media room off a Pottery Barn inspiration and using plans from this website: http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-logan-media-base-unit-pottery.html . The same website has plans for a table I would love in our entry and the side and top units for the entertainment center. I'm not sure when but this year I would like to get our media room looking more adult, i.e. organized.

Also last year, Kellen's parents gave us an old pew from their church that closed down. One of Kellen's friends revamped the pew by removing the finish, burning the wood grain and then sealing it and it looks fabulous! This year I would like to refinish our pew and find a place to put it! Right now it's in the dining room but you can't slide it because of the hardwood floor. We might move it back to the hearthroom after it is finished for extra seating in there.

The quarter-round on the bathroom cabinets should have never been a problem we had to solve. When we were tiling, we removed all the cabinets so we could tile the entire floor and then place the cabinets back on top. Then we ran out of tile. We decided to tile around the cabinets instead of just buying more tile from Lowes. Bad idea. Now around the cabinets you can see the uneven cut areas of the tile. With a little quarter-round no one will ever know our mistake!

The attic fan is a must here in the South. It probably gets up to 150 degrees in our attic in the summer. We already purchased the fan, we just need to install it before this summer!

Every day:

• Walk the dogs once per week
• Buy golf clubs and play 2 rounds of golf before the next scramble
• Weigh less at the end of the year than I do now (153 pounds)

Kellen and I are off to a good start on walking the dogs once a week. The dogs run around in the yard everyday but I think they would be better dogs if they had a little training once a week. Last week we made the loop around our neighborhood and it was a success. Hopefully we can make ourselves walk them every weekend, even if it is cold like today!

Last year I borrowed golf clubs from a guy at work's wife and loved it! I'm going to buy golf clubs with my Christmas money and have a goal set to play 2 rounds before we have another work scramble. I loved playing in the 2 scrambles last fall and I think they will have a couple in the spring before it gets too hot. 

I saw the last goal on a blog I read and thought it was a good one to have. Instead of focusing on losing 10 pounds or a 3 inches on my hips, I would like to weigh less at the end of the year than I do now. This will make me go to the gym all year long and work towards long term weight loss.

Those are all my resolutions for the year, quite a list. What are yours?

Back to work

Going back to work after a 5 day holiday weekend was a little tough. I started with an easy outfit. (Sorry about the blurry pictures)

 I gave my hair a little fluff and that wasn't a good idea.

 Dress: Ann Taylor from Rach for Christmas
Boots: DKNY Macys
Necklace: from Rach from London

Overall cute easy Tuesday outfit. The dress has really fun ruffles around the neck and pockets!

For Wednesday, I was thinking pants. I haven't worn pants in awhile to work since I'm loving my new black tall boots!

 Pants: Banana Republic
Sweater: Kohls from my mother-in-law for Christmas
Shoes: still my slippers! oops! Luckily I remembered to change before work.

 Daisy even snuck in these pictures. Looks like I was running a little late. Normally Duke and Daisy don't get out of bed until Kellen is up around 7. I normally leave at 6:40 if I'm going straight to work and 5:15 if I'm going to work out. That's way too early for the dogs!

On Thursday I was trying to remember when I wore all my new clothes and if I could wear them again already! I couldn't remember anything, so I just threw this outfit on again.

Friday was moving day! My work headquarters is moving from downtown closer to my house! Soooo excited to have a shorter drive to work. Most people wore jeans, I didn't think about it since we are not really moving ourselves. All we had to do was put everything in boxes and I had already done that earlier this week, so not too much moving for me!

I got a ton of compliments on this outfit!
Dress: Boutique in Atlanta
Sweater: Macys
Belt: Polka dot scarf
Boots: Uggs (super comfy for 'moving')

This outfit was a nice way to round up the week. Although I think the dress is a little too short for work, no one said anything to me. I guess the sheer top layer covers the short layer pretty well.

Not a bad first week back. Next post will be my New Year's resolutions. This weekend we are taking down the Christmas decorations, kind of sad. Hopefully soon we can put up Valentines!