Sewing 101: The Plan

After 2 test run's, I've decided I really like sewing!  I've dabbled in so many hobbies that eventually fall by the wayside, but I think this one is going to stick.  Once my machine and I learn to be best friends.  Right now, we're still getting to know each other.

This is her:

Adorable, right?  It's MINI!  I just love small things.

Valerie, the dear friend who made my wedding dress and I are starting a project together.  Obviously, we're at very different levels (she sews real clothes, I've managed a dog scarf and a coffee coozie), but this project seems to be pretty basic with only a few hard techniques that I can't wait to learn.

While waiting on our fabric to arrive in the mail, we first decided to cut the pattern.

Step 1

Can you guess what it is yet?!  Until next time...

A Roadtrip to Dallas

Last weekend Zia, Ryan and I made our way to Dallas, TX.  It was an extra long ride since Zia was so very excited to see her friend Audrey.  Excited dog in a car = hell for the drivers.  She was bonkers.

After the puppies were united and playing, we set out for food and shopping.

First stop: Rusty Taco

This taco place really reminded me of Big Truck Tacos from home.  Cheap & delicious!  With a fun atmosphere.. and coke in a bottle! 

After lunch we made our way to IKEA(!).  As mentioned earlier, I bought a few things.  It was like a museum, in a way... you just wind your way around the store looking at different bedroom/bathroom/kitchen setups.  The thought that "I could buy all of this" didn't really cross my mind until we got downstairs where I found huge bins of cheap house-like things.  Then I sort of went nuts. 

Afterward, we were off to the outlet mall where we proceed to find that the parking lot was at it's max and security was outside forcing everyone to park on the street.  How is the parking lot full at an OUTLET mall?!  Well, it was tax free weekend.  Holy, insane.

This frightened me...

However, we all had a bit of luck and found at least one great deal - mine of course was at Gap, surprised?  Sadly, JCrew was a complete bust for all of us. 

Next Up: The Blue Fish
Where we got dressed all fancy.  And ate so. much. sushi.  We each ordered a roll and shared family style.  Of course sake bombs were involved.  Which I snicked a sip before the bomb process - it doesn't taste that great on it's own (in my opinion). 

"Sake, sake, sake, BOMB"

I ended the weekend with my friend, Jo.  We had bottomless mimosas and brunch at the Lemon Bar in West Village.  It was a cute little restaurant complete with a mimosa server.  No lie, her only job was to fill the glasses as full and frequent as possible.  Afterward we went on our movie date with Valerie (new york city) and Rachel (tulsa)! 

I like to laugh but sometimes I need a little help

I have a favorite web comic that I read every other day called XKCD. If you like to laugh and enjoy math, science, and technology then you most likey will enjoy it too.

Here are a few favorites:
Angular Momentum
Spinal Tap Amps

And sometimes I don't get them so I go to these guys for help.

On the bookshelf: Fly Away Home

I must start by saying I've read every book by Jennifer Weiner.  If you are more of a movie fan and saw In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz you experienced Weiner too!  At least, in a way.  I really enjoyed her newest book - it wasn't my favorite (that would be Little Earthquakes - hilarious!), but I love the way she writes with all the detail in the world to make you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing the things they experience too.  So in the end, it wasn't the story line that was captivating to me this time, but the characters that were created and the relationship I feel like I have with them now.  Clearly, I invest a lot in the books I read!

This was one of my first experiences with a down-loadable book as well.  I guess Kindle makes a program for your computer?  I had no idea.  But it was pretty handy to have right on my computer whenever I wanted to read. 

Next up?!
MOCKINGJAY which comes out on Monday night.  Yes, I will be in line to receive my copy.

In the Kitchen: Spinach Salad

I was inspired after eating the BEST spinach salad at The Wedge last week.  I mean, forget the pizza, what the restaurant is known for, and give me an extra large salad please.  I couldn't stop stuffing my face.  So, I decide to make it myself for dinner tonight.  It's not difficult at all, it's just leafy spinach and some fixin's, but you'll want seconds, I gurantee.

Ingredients:
Spinach
Apple Slices (or pear)
Candied Walnuts
Goat Cheese (or asiago/parmesan)
Balsmic Vinegar Dressing

The walnuts made the salad and they were so easy.  1/2 cup of walnuts mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil & 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey - stir really well and bake at 325 for 8 minutes.  Done!

Necklace Organizer

I used the rest of the fabric from Zia's scarf to make a new necklace organizer.  It was much needed since my jewelry has been in a tangled mess underneath the bathroom sink.  Time to get crafty!

Wine Cork Board

...like the before and after game on the Wheel of Fortune!  (wine cork & cork board)  Any other 20 something's watching that show?  No?  Awesome.

Well, I made one!
A cork board made from wine corks, that is.  And not just any wine corks, but corks from bottles of wine at the Mikles' wedding and many dinners and game nights there after.  I had this idea once I knew the amount of guests (a lot) that planned to attend their wedding and knew I could gather plenty of corks.  I finished right before Adam & Kirstie started their Cali adventure.  Perfect timing!  They were able to take a little bit of Oklahoma with them.

I started with a deep frame.  This was the hardest part -- I searched forever.  Thankfully, Target pulled through.  I put a piece of black paper behind the glass (for those pesky cracks between the corks) and started cement gluing all the corks in rows.  Add a little wire, beads, and raffia at the top.  And pin a few pictures.  and you're DONE!  It turned out great. 

Farewell Taco Tuesday

Indeed, taco tuesies is no more but Iguana will still be serving tasty $1 tacos every Tuesday night. Here are the details. I don't take part in Facebook, etc. type of advertising but if I did, I would submit "Taco Tuesies" as my entry for the new name.