Fab Fall Challenge Week 1

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back!

I'm back, it feels good to be back. I'm pretty excited about the Fall Fabulous Challenge because I just told myself that I need to get back into taking my weight loss seriously. This week I'm focusing on eating as many homemade meals as possible. I have a real bad habit of being lazy and eating out, so I've been prepping meals all weekend. 

One thing I wanted to do is experiment with more vegetables. So I found a recipe for Eggplant Parm, I used 4 Oz of ground beef and eggplant for the rest. It came out pretry good. I could definitely easy that again

So since that came out so good i decided to make a casserole for breakfast. It has potatoes, ham, broccoli, and eggs. Don't know how it taste but it looks pretty good. 

This week I am also drinking tea and water only, with the exception of one diet Dr pEpper a day if I need it. Well, Monday and Tuesday all I had was tea and water. Wednesday I had one cup the sugar cravings were getting bad around noon. For the most part week is going OK, and it's HUMP DAY!

Until next time!

Back On My Grind

I'm not one of those types of people to make resolutions. I mean I do, but my weight loss can't wait until New Year's. So, I'm back on my weight loss grind. I've been trying new recipes, tracking my food, and being more food conscious. I was able to stock up on fruits and veggies this weekend so I've been eating much better this week. So here's a look at what I've been eating. 

Fluffy Cream Cheese Dip 

I made a fluffy cream cheese dip to have as a snack on fruit or even cinnamon tortilla chips. Now, its much better to make your own chips but, I didn't.....next time I will. 

Love my slow cooker!

So, I have a love affair with my slow cooker. I L-O-V-E it!!! Its amazing to me, I spend about ten minutes in the morning prepping some foods and when I get home, its ready. Fall is perfect for it too, because I love soups and stews when its cold out! Of course you can make so much other stuff in the Crock-Pot! I have a big Crock-Pot with a timer, then I have a little one that I make my sides in. Check this out..... I cut up and peeled three sweet potatoes, I sliced two apples, added cinnamon and a little oil to my little Crock-Pot. I cooked it on low for about 5 hours and BAM!! I had Sweet Potato Apple Bake, and it came out delicious.  

I had it for breakfast with sausage and a green smoothie!

Then one morning I got up and decided to put some turkey wings in the slow cooker. I used some turkey gravy, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and the turkey wings and cooked it slow for 8 hours. Man, it was good, once I got home I added some yellow rice and cooked it for another hour. Talk about fall off the bone good. I eat it again with the sweet potato apple bake and it was divine.  

All in all I had a good week last week. I didn't eat out as much because I cooked most days and always had leftovers. So, yeah....I'm back on my grind.

Pattern Review: Butterick 5959

WELCOME TO FALL!!

Greetings Everyone,

I recently made me a cape. And I love it. I haven't been able to wear it yet, but its coming. I picked out the prettiest fabric from JoAnn's and when I tell you this cape is beautiful, man. I am so proud. Here's the review.

JoAnn's made me smile with this one!

Pattern Description: Misses Wrap and Cape

Pattern Sizing: LRG-XLG-XXL

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes for the most part

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I didn't like the collar, it was kind of confusing. Other than that this pattern rocks!

Fabric Used: A beautiful fleece. Check out the pics, you will agree. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added to the front, I like long fronts

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew this again in a heartbeat. I would recommend this cape to others. Its fast and soooooo warm!

Conclusion: I love this cape. Its my first one and I am very proud. I sat in a sewing meeting and basically completed it and finished it the next day. So, it takes about 2 hours. Its very simple and perfect for fall. 

 

 I really enjoyed this pattern, it was quick and easy. I did most of it in my ASG sewing meeting. So all in all it took me about 2 hours. I am a slow sewer though. Overall, this is great to whip up to stay warm and fashionable during the fall. I can't wait to wear it and show off. 

Betty rocking the cape!

Time to fall for FALL!!!!

WOOHOO!! Fall is quickly approaching and I cannot wait. Fall is my favorite time of the year, I just cannot wait for the cool (not cold) weather. I've already purchased some fall patterns and started on some fall projects. 

This is a cape I started. 

I attended my first ASG sewing meeting. I am now a member and I worked on my cape during the meeting. I had a wonderful time. Great fun! Great group of ladies. My fleece I got for half off at JoAnn Fabrics. It was a good sale. I also got some great patterns on sale. McCalls, Vogue, and Butterick.

Last thing I want to talk about is my friends first sewing project. Ever since I met Jabril and he found out I could sew, he has wanted me to teach him. So, after 8 months I finally started to teach him. He picked out this colorful knit from Hancock's and decided he wanted to make a shirt. We got started but there were a lot of errors so we had to get the Master involved. In case your wondering the master is my mom (i finally finished). She came over and whipped that shirt in shape. He is really proud and I am too. Its nice to have one more person that likes to sew.   

He didn't want his face showing!

Until next time!!!

Pattern Review: Simplicity 2414 (Look at me in my short skirt)

Hello Everyone.....HAPPY SEPTEMBER!!!

We are finally in the month of September and will be saying so long to summer real soon. Even though summer is ending, I am still happy because that means fall is coming. I love fall!!! I made another summer skirt though and typed up a quick review. Hope you all enjoy! 

PATTERN REVIEW: SIMPLICITY 2414

Pattern Description: Misses Skirt/Pants

Pattern Sizing: 16-24

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, once I figured out how to gather. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the pattern, it was easy to lay out and once I figured out how to gather it was super fast.

Fabric Used: Knit, very very beautiful material.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had a border print so I laid it out in such a way that all elements were included in the skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I would sew again, but if I did the short skirt I would add another tier. I would recommend to others. 

Conclusion: In conclusion I enjoyed this pattern. I will probably make again next year but I would add some length. It came out kind of short.

Getting ready for dinner!

This skirt came together rather quickly. It was my first time gathering and my mom was a great teacher. Now, I know how to gather material and it felt great learning a new technique. Only problem is that the skirt came out so short. I am hard headed and didn't listen to my mom but yeah she was right too short. Fortunately, I have enough material to add another tier. I'm not about that booty hanging out life. 

Love the material, it came out great!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by. OAN: I got the fabric online from Sew Blessed.

Mimi G for Simplicity

So Mimi G recently relased some patterns with Simplicity. And man, there was a race to get them from sewers all over the world. If you don't know who Mimi G is she is another sewing sister with a popular diy, fashion blog. She is really great, I actually got a chance to meet her you can check that out here. Mimi G She is such a sweet woman with a great story. Very talented. 

Werk!

Well my mom and I were no exception and wanted to get these patterns too. And we did....we traveled all the way to buckhead to get these patterns and we picked up the last in our size up. I felt so good. I also picked up some other Simplicity patterns, since they were on sale.

Project Update: Fall slow down!

Time for a Project Update!!!!!!

My leggings, are almost finished.

Working on my muslin for this dress.

I am making the dress in orange, and the shirt in leopard.

I am making the vest in black denim and black and pink lace.

So, i have a lot going on, better get sewing.

Ashley Stewart is giving me life

Ok, so who is ready for fall. Lol I am, I went into Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant the other day and I was amazed at how wonderful it was. Couldn't believe my eyes. First, excuse me but fuck Lane Bryant they have some nerve pricing knit dresses and shirts at almost $100 dollars. How dare you Lane Bryant? Pure craziness! So I basically only go in there for spanx and to take pictures to make outfits. Then we traveled to Ashley Stewart,  OMG!!!! Their fall collection is the BOMB!!!!!!! Here are some pics......  

Love Love Love this, thank the Lord for layway!

Couldn't help it, I brought the leggings!

This will be mine!

Everything looked great. I love Ashley Stewart and the prices were good too. Well, that's it for now. See ya soon!

More fall projects for me

Fall FALL FALL IS HERE!!!! I love fall and I can't stress enough how excited I am that fall is coming. I have already picked 10 patterns I want to work on and I haven't even started so my work is cut out for me. I can do it though, I want to do it.

So, this one blogger Mimi G is the BOMB.com. I love her blog so much and this week she put out a tutorial for this great shirt and I really want to make it.
In the meantime I've also learned how to loom knit, which I love. It is so cool. I can't wait to get better.

My first project, don't laugh just getting started!

I would like to get good enough to make a scarf and hat. I can do it just gotta keep practicing.

Next, I want to make some jeggings. The pattern looks really cute.  I found another great pattern at JoAnn too and found some great material to go with it. 

This is beautiful, aint it.

I cannot wait to get started on this dress. Its going to be great. Stay tuned for more!

Take a peak at my fall projects

My favorite season is right around the corner.  I love love love fall. There are so many pretty colors,  the temperature is cool, and the outfit ideas are endless.  Boots, sweaters, leggings,  vests, coats........ so much to choose from.  So yesterday my mom and I traveled to Norcross to a magical place called Fine Fabrics.  Now when we first pulled up, I was like what is this place,  NEVER JUDGE A "BOOK" BY IT'S COVER. Ever. Hands down this was the best fabric store I've ever been in.  Wall to wall fabrics,  more knits and lace than the law should allow.  Plus the prices were awesome,  very very affordable.  Take a look at the pics.

Yes, real fur

Who would not want green leopard

wall to wall

My mom was too happy.

I was happy too. So many possibilities......one store. I decided on two knits, one for a dress and the other for a pair of leggings. I have been wanting a pair of funky leggings for a minute so I will start those first. Here is the pattern and fabric i decided on. 

Pretty and so me

I cannot wait to finish those. For the other material I want to make a basic knit dress. Just something nice to wear to work. Here it is.

I am making view d, just shorter

Well, that should keep me pretty busy. See you soon. 

Check my mom's dress out!

So the countdown continues today with only 2 days left until I sail off towards the Bahamas! I can barely sleep, I'm just ready to go even though, I get sidetracked every time I start to pack. UGH!!! All I've really packed is my earrings and bracelets. Anywho, I am currently working on my fall wardrobe and taking notes of some must haves, for this season. Before I get into that I want to discuss my love for fall. I LOVE FALL! It is the prettiest season of all the seasons. The weather is nice and cool. The leaves change, and boots. So, I've started a list of some things I want to get for this wonderful season, I really want some leather looking leggings and I was thinking it might be easier if I just make them. I also plan on making a sweater dress, I have got to have one this coming fall season.

On another note, my mom's dress is looking wonderful, she has really done a great job! Below are some pics and until next time!!