Just a litle seersucker dress for Nug. My first creation without a pattern. Oh yeah!

New house, playroom makeover

The thing about having a blog (worth reading) is that you must actually write something about something on a somewhat regularish basis. Huh. Fail.

Any who, here I am. Over four months later. A lot has happened in 4 months. Nug turned 1. We bought a house. I graduated with my Masters degree (thank you very much). And now I resume my post as a full-time stay-at-home-mama.

Back to the house. I'm in LOVE with our new pad. And I use the word new loosely. It's new to us. The house was built in 1948, though. It is brick, and charming, with a killer yard. And were thrilled. So thrilled, in fact, that I've mentally (and beautifully, I might add) decorated every room in the place. Now if only I could afford to make those lovely mental images a reality.

Up first is the playroom/ guest room. Notice how playroom comes first in the title because, let's be honest, it will be used as a playroom every day and as a guest room maybe 10 days all year. It's the 4th bedroom, and it's quite small, but I'm determined to make it suit our needs. After all, we did buy the house, we kind of HAVE to make it suit our needs.

Here's what the room looks like now. (side note: my camera is still broken and I took these pictures with my iPad).

And here's what I've got planned:
-paint walls with blue stripes
-fabric covered cornice boards
-chalkboard and magnet walls
-paint futon white
-dye futon cover to match decor (and if that doesnt work, buy a new one)
-make throw pillows
-new rug, light fixture, and storage pieces
-add shelving to closet for big toy storage
-commission the hubby to paint some pictures and nag hubby until said pictures are finished
-shop ikea for fun things to add to the space (love ikea and any excuse to shop there)

I'm giving myself three weeks and three hundred dollars for this project. Here we go.

Warhol Dress: My First Refashion

First, for months now I've been thinking that I really need to learn the basics of refashioning. I see all these adorable shirts and dresses in blogland that have been refashioned from thrifted items. So, last weekend, I attended the Move It On Garage Sale which is for a great cause in my hometown. Anyways, I saw a cute striped shirt that was in great condition and I thought I could certainly turn it into something for Nug. I'm into strips right now, and grey, so it was perfect. 

Second, I've been in l.o.v.e with the Warhol Dress from MADE since I saw it. So, today the two worlds met and I used this shirt....

to make this dress...

I'm pretty thrilled with out it turned out. Dana's pattern is for 3-4 year old or 6-12 month, and since I wanted this to fit my little love this summer (when she'll be 13+ months), I just made the 6-12 month pattern a little larger. It was super easy to work with (even for me who is kind of scared of knits) and the directions were clear as a bell (clear as a bell? is that it?).  

And as a bonus, I can now make another dress because I bought two t-shirts thinking that I would surely mess the first one up! 

 

From the Archives

I made this bow board a few month ago, but never put it up on the blog. So, here it is. I got the inspiration from Samster Mommy, which just so happens to be the first craft blog I ever stumbled across and I've been hooked ever since. (I blame you, Samster Mommy, for hours I've spent scouring craft blogs when I should be doing other things like cleaning my house or reading to my kid!) :)


Anywho, the bow board was a quick 'n easy solution to this problem.

The top of the dresser was not the permanent residence of all the bow goodness, but that particular day I got frustrated that they were getting smooshed in the drawer, so I pulled them all out. Then, I made this...

And now Nug's bow are neatly (and I use the word neatly very loosely here) organized like so...

And the funny part is that I never put a headband or bow on her head anymore. We're all about the little clippies these days. Now the beautiful bow board is simply decoration. And I'm OK with that.

Carmen Tunic

Remember way back when I posted that I won my first giveaway? I was so excited. I won a Carmen Tunic pattern from Lille Skapet. It was emailed to be quickly, and then there it sat, in my inbox. Until tonight, that is. It was time to finally make the Carmen Tunic for Nug. Nevermind that I've had the fabric for three months. I haven't really been sewing much lately due to the crazy demands of finishing up my Master's degree. It sure felt good to sew something tonight. It is doens't hurt that it turned out super cute and my little love is going to look darling in it (nothing humble about that statement!). 

The pattern was a little tricky, but I muscled my way through it and I'm happy with the overall results.

I think my favorite part is the cuff around the sleeve. I like it so much more than having a flared out sleeve, especially for a babe. 

Hopefully I'm back on the sewing/crafting/blogging bandwagon because it's such a great outlet for me. But, in all honesty, it will probably be sparse until I finish up with school. Oh well.

UPDATE: Turns out, she does look totally adorable wearing this tunic :)

Inspiration

There is no lack of inspiration in blog land. A little too much and at times it's overwhelming. I want to make it ALL. So much to do, so little time. 

Here are two of my favorite project finds this week that I'm dying to make. 

I'm in love with this Valentine Hand Print Canvas from Clean & Scentsible.

I can't wait to make these Sweater Bracelets from Organize Your Stuff Now.

 

Baked Jambalaya

Camera's still broken. Drats! But, I do want to share with you one of our fave recipes. So yummy, so easy.

Baked Jambalaya

3 tbsp. bacon bits
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
1/2 lb. kielbasa, sliced
1/2 lb. cooked ham, diced
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. cajun seasoning
1 - 28 oz. can crushed tomato
1 - 14.5 oz. can beef broth
1 1/2 c. uncooked white rice


O.k. are you ready for how easy this is?


Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. Pour into greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and back at 375 for 1 hour. Uncover and stir before serving. 


I mean, c'mon! That's easy. Enjoy :)