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I just ordered this beauty last night. Papercut Medallion Curtain (Urban Outfitters, $39.00)
Cute side table + gold border mirror purchased from Home Goods.
The answer is, one bite at a time. It’s worth mentioning because it’s a reminder to myself to just breathe sometimes. I got myself so worked up yesterday because I got a to-do + want-to-do list miles long, and sometimes you just need to remember that you just do what you can and get over it. I won’t bore you with the to-dos, but a want-to-do is definitely getting this living space in order. Believe it or not, focusing on making this gigantic throw pillow is helping! It’s giving me inspiration and a definite place to start.
Other want-tos include learning another language. Man I want to learn Spanish like YESTERDAY. For one, living in Texas I feel like I should already know it by now, and for another I get tired of pantomiming “wheelchair” or “put your carry-on luggage underneath the seat” to non-English speakers on the plane. I forked over big money for Rosetta Stone Spanish last year and disappointingly dropped off after completing only the first unit in the level 1 series. This year I’m at it again, but this time starting with the Duolingo app on my phone (available for Android users too) + it’s FREE forever, it says. I’ve seen its review ratings no lower that 4 out of 5 stars, you can learn Portuguese, Spanish, French, and German, AND they send you reminder emails everyday!! For me, that’s helpful. Another plus is that it’s always with me, so I can do this in the airport with some headphones without the need to yell phrases back into my phone.
Also, I decided to enroll online and take an Intro to Finance course through the University of Michigan….again for FREE through Coursera. It’s 15 weeks long, and it begins on January 28 if you were interested. If not, they have plenty of other courses to choose from with various dates, and many offer certificates upon successful completion. I just want to get a better grasp of the overall subject and my personal finances. They have the instructors upload videos to introduce themselves and the course. Also, the syllabus is available online. I love to learn, but since I don’t have the time to actually attend a class and since I just REFUSE to take out another loan for school, this is an awesome way to go about life-long learning.
I’m starting up another 4-day trip tomorrow to more awesomely cold destinations, so I’m going to see if I can get some more work done on that pillow on these layovers. I must! I made a pact with my sewing buddy Jeana that we WILL finish the projects we start this year.
Man, this elephant of mine is a monster.
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At Pier One Imports for inspiration. I just love these colorful tufted floor cushions.
Using some stashed fabric + new fabrics to pattern-mix.
Plan to use this embroidery thread to add a repeated running-stitch detail.
Bringing one side of the unfinished pillow cover to work. A big ziplock bag keeps everything together + fits nicely into an overnight bag.
Not gonna lie here – pattern mixing kind of scares me. I’m so minimalist at times. I love bright bold colors, but I work best with neutrals with that one or two choice pops of strong colors. But I am SO very drawn to the “global” styles that Pier One Imports or even Target at times offer. The utter chaos of these fabric patterns just placed next to the other can just come together to be a strong + simple statement piece to add flair to a space. I’ve been lacking “flair” for the longest in my apartment. I can’t decide on a color scheme, nor can I afford most of the pillows that I really want at Pier One.
So since a big throw pillow is such a good start for the new year (not to mention one of my many unfinished projects I need to finish) I am determined to see this through…..regardless of how un-cute this could turn out. It’s a big 26″ x 26″ square pillow, so it’s going to definitely do SOMETHING in this all-white space.
Laying over in Salt Lake City tomorrow. It’s going to be ridiculously cold + I’m staying inside my hotel room to work on the hand-sewing. I cannot wait to show you how the finished product. Regardless of how it turns out – I’m posting it AND putting it on my couch! So stay tuned, haha.
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McCalls 6173 leggings, Vogue 8688 top
This was originally supposed to be my NYE outfit. I went to the Neon Indian concert in Austin, TX that night. Glitzy black leggings, black (Target) wedges, and a simply relaxed extra-off-the-shoulder plain heather gray batwing top with a black cami underneath. You will be happy to know that I actually finished this outfit on time! But it was really rainy, and we knew it was going to be impossible to park close to the venue that night, so I ended up keeping the top, exchanging the leggings for black skinny jeans and sporting my grey + hot pink Puma sneaks. So. Much. Fun.
Making edits to the original pattern to achieve that extra off-the-shoulder goodness!
Dolman sleeves + super relaxed jersey fabric are just incredible.
The neckline is actually a bit more exaggerated than I had planned, because the pattern called for a bias-taped neckline. I chose a metallic gold bias tape which laid HORRIBLY. So at the last minute I just took my shears and cut off my hard work. It definitely made for an even wider neck line, but luckily it was okay since this jersey fabric was so forgiving it didn’t need a finished edge on it. Loved it!
Sadly, you don’t get the glitz effect as much in this pic :/
Whoomp. There it is.
Both of these are easy-level patterns, so they were pretty quick projects to complete for the most part. I did have to whittle down the leggings though so they could be a bit more form-fitting. At first they were hanging on me like loose skin. I chose pattern option C so they gathered beautifully at the ankles. I didn’t want to risk them being too short at the bottom.
It’s a late post for sure, but I had a couple Canada overnights the day after New Years so I didn’t get time to post as early as I wanted. But Hey! This is an awesome start for me! Happy Belated New Year friends 
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Swatch of my first fabric design! I turned my old blog/youtube channel wallpaper into a fabric. Hopefully more designs to follow. Interested? Check out Spoonflower if you haven’t already!
My couch needs throw pillows. I started this weeks ago + here’s how it looks as of today. My couch STILL needs throw pillows :/
36 pack of crayolas (because I can’t afford a set of Prismas) + 2 select Prisma markers. Fabric designs here I come!
……But when?
My beloved Burda Parka (practice muslin) in pieces. Oh why oh why won’t you just assemble yourself *cries*
Trying my hand at the beauty that is beaded embroidery. A small throw pillow (see second photo) in the making. Started strong and then I just stopped. It’s so. much. BEADING.
Speaking of beading. A possible DIY beaded scarf tutorial? Or not? We’ll see!
First off, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!! Is it just me though, or does it not really feel like Christmas? Is is almost Scrooge-ish of me to be kind of sad that I’m not being called to work today? Yeah….I think so. For me it’s the kids that really make this holiday come to life. As an adult without kids of my own I just see bad traffic, crowded stores, over-played commercials, and moody travelers. BUT since I’m not on call for work anymore in about 2 hours, it will be nice to have a nice dinner at home with the family.
Actually my favorite holiday is New Year’s. Just because to me it represents so much. A reflection and winding down of the old + looking forward to fresh new beginnings. AND I like sequins, wing out eyeliner, fireworks, and glitter. Champagne is always nice too.
Saying all that to say that I feel it’s the right time to face the ol’ blog + fess up to my failed attempts and current project shortcomings. My lack of updates are never because I forget to, but it’s always because I haven’t completed my goal to finish something I start. So here, World, is my dirty laundry. And here’s to the hope that I’ll knock some of these projects in the coming new year.
OH and by the way, here are a few way overdue pictures of the Lady Bug costume. I didn’t get any great shots that night since it was so dark, but these before shots will have to do.
Happy Holidays everyone!!! <3
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1. Skirt for my lady bug costume. (Simplicity costume pattern #3618)
2. Materials for my “antennas”, accessories + Forever 21 black racerback tank.
I was going to be a cave woman, but I didn’t find any fur fabrics I liked nor was I up to making a one-shoulder dress. I just wanted a simple top + a flirty skirt with a petticoat. Then I was thinking a bumble-bee, but I couldn’t find any striped black/yellow fabric. I was madly disappointed until I saw the black felted spots on red taffeta. SOLD.
I underestimated the length of lace I needed, so you may be able to tell in the first pic that the skirt is lacking lace on the left side! It’s all corrected now, but I’m headed to a haunted house/pub crawl tonight with my friends that I haven’t seen in F O R E V E R.
Very excited…..but need to get ready in about an hour! But I’ll have pics up soon! Bye!
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1. A cool + rainy day in downtown Milwaukee, WI. Riverwalk District, I believe.
2. Being welcomed by pretty towel art in a hotel room makes me smile. I love the animal ones the best though.
I’m currently here on a 32 hour layover, which really means that whilst writing this post I am somehow “working”. I am okay with this. And the not-so-pleasant-weather – I’m okay with that too. A little rain and cold weather never hurt anyone that packed a solid jacket and scarf at least. This actually makes for my second time ever visiting in Wisconsin. Most people think of cheese and the Green Bay Packers, but the two things that always come to mind are my childhood best friend + the act of paying-it-forward.
My childhood bestie moved away when she was 9 and I was 10 years old. We’re exactly one year apart – both born on the same day of different years. That fact alone has always bonded us heavily I think. When she moved from Houston to Madison, we wrote letters for years. You know, that was before email was the big thing and you had to sit down and write on lined paper by hand. To this day though, we’ll exchange the occasional call or email, but she is not a believer of any type of social media or even the idea of cell phones. She is, however, a huge advocate of human rights and the care for women. She is actually the FIRST woman of color to become a Midwife in the ENTIRE state of Wisconsin!!
That. Is. Amazing.
I saved up some money in college and visited her for a few days back in 2005 to celebrate our 21st + 22nd birthdays together. A close friend of hers bought her and I both a ticket to the Neko Case concert. He was a huge fan of her music, and the ticket was waiting for me even before I had arrived. I had never heard of her before, and this guy didn’t even know me at all. The concert was absolutely amazing, and when I later thanked him for getting the ticket he told me not to worry about it. He said, “Sometimes it’s nice to get something special from someone you don’t even know.”
Call me crazy, but that has always stayed with me. Whenever I have the opportunity to volunteer, like for my local Habitat for Humanity, I think about that very message. And I keep waiting for my moment to buy a ticket for someone else that doesn’t know me like that.
So needless to say, Wisconsin will always have a small place in my heart.
P.S.– And Yes. In case you were wondering, the post title was definitely a steal from That 70′s Show. Although you probably weren’t wondering that at all.
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Moxie’s grill/bar in Toronto, Canada. I’ve been here a couple times on layovers and this is probably one of my favorite burgers thus far in my 29 years! It’s the ‘Mediterranean’ with basil pesto, feta + goat cheese. The burger patty is well seasoned and the consistency of a nice meat loaf. SO good.
Watching a free showing of Pretty in Pink at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston, TX. I was too ashamed to tell my friends that I had never this awesome 80′s classic before!! Blankets on the lawn, sangria in thermoses, and bags of already popped popcorn. Perfect weather, perfect company.
Le. Sigh. This is about as far as I am in the decorating process for the main living area. Plus some Ikea shelving on the opposite wall that you can’t see. I ordered this off-white couch/futon from Walmart of all places, but the reviews were great, it was affordable for me, and thankfully it’s only available online. The bottom line is I’ve got big plans + a small wallet so the update on this room makeover will be coming ever so slowly, haha. All in all, living on my own is fantastic!
I’ve been making more meals at home and hence eating healthier meals. I struck gold on one of my flights and picked up the October issue of Real Simple magazine with a feature for 10 ideas for kale. (If you don’t know about how good kale is for you, I highly recommend you read up!) I made the kale, broccoli, and feta sauté. It’s very quick, nutritious and delicious especially if you are a fan of Greek food like myself.
Toronto, again. Taking pics of the style I’ve been wearing lately. It keeps well + looks professional when I work….I met Spike Lee on the flight I worked from Houston to Austin my first day or two sporting this look. He was the first to walk on the plane; he smiled big, extended his hand to shake mine and then says, “You look like you’re from Brooklyn.”
I have no idea what that means exactly.
But at the end of the flight he asked me what school I went to + said I looked like Maya Angelou when she was young (!!!!)
WUT!? SO taking that as a compliment!
And THEN about a week later in the same month (September) I spot Robert Horry in O’hare airport (!!!!!)
Back in the day when the Houston Rockets were exceptional, he was my fave player on the team! I barely make it to that man’s shoulders.
Last but not least THIS FREAKING PARKA!!!!! (I know, I know, I realize I overdo it with the caps + exclamations – I don’t yell this much in real life….truth.) I pinned this goodness a few days ago. It’s a daunting looking pattern to me, especially seeing as I don’t have much experience with Burda patterns. But this one is worth making a practice one first out of muslin…..UGH I hate doing that because I’m lazy + I want results yesterday. Can’t afford to mess up a good 4.5 yards of good fabric though!
Right now, I’m thinking this parka in a Canary or Mustard yellow. Ya know. Something a bit brighter for the Fall/Winter season. I’d like to think of it as a much louder khaki.
So in closing, I know this probably should’ve been a few posts, but I obviously haven’t updated in a month so. there.
Also, the title of this post doesn’t make much sense I suppose. It’s actually the title of a Two Door Cinema Club song + the remix of that song has just been added to my ever-growing workout mix.
WHY do I feel the need to over-explain myself? Annnnd I’m yelling again. Gah!
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Top photo: shot of main living area.
Next photo: My chosen color palette/scheme for the room.
I’ve been so scattered lately, but so pumped! After shacking up in a 2-bed/2-bath place for 6 months in California and later coming home to live with my parents for another almost 6 months, I’m so ready to be roommate-free!! Even though I will be eating top-ramen with canned veggies + plastic champagne glasses of tap-water, I’m overjoyed to have a space to decorate as my own! In between my trips I’ve tried to shop around for budget-friendly *cough* CHEAP *cough, cough* furniture. Saving has definitely been quite the challenge!
I’ve been doing some major upholstery shopping since I really want to style the place in a kind of modern bohemian chic type feel with a dash of moroccan inspiration I think. My Pinterest has actually been a huge player in pinpointing my style – clothing and otherwise. I have NO idea why I didn’t join up earlier! I have become a pinning fool.
Oddly interesting household items I found during my upholstery fabric hunt:
1. Graffiti-can looking alcohol shaker
2. Brass knuckles meat-tenderizer
3. A piggy bank perfect for a hurt economy
4. I don’t quite get the “mustache” trend, but this wine bottle opener is kinda cute.
And I just started a knitting class in the Houston area 2 days ago! I’ve been wanting to learn for the longest and I have continuously inspired by Dana of the blog I am DWJ and her beautiful knitting!! It’s the perfect craft to take with me on layovers and looks like I’ll be starting my practice tonight in Toronto. Speaking of I need to start getting packed to leave . Updates soon!
P.S. — Cute site for how-to videos for knitting on Wool And The Gang.
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Left: My rolled hem job – slick!
Right: New Look pattern 6051, tunic/dress (neckline from version A, waist-tie from version B)
I just so happened to get a Saturday or two off this month. This rarely happens to me since I consider them usually my Mondays. The Wednesday before my unusual day off, one of my oldest pals (I’ve known her since kindergarten) invited me out to her husband’s 30th birthday. Required attire was more dressy than casual. Hundreds of clothes, but nothing to wear.
I’m at the point now that if I have the option (i.e., the TIME) to make a nice new outfit over purchasing one, I’d rather make it myself. It’s not a hard pattern per se, but I was a little nervous to sew on a material so slippery. Apparently I worry too much. Wasn’t so bad! Especially since I opted to do a rolled hem with my overlock machine than painstakingly double-turn hemming the edges as the pattern suggested doing.
Forgive my laziness. You will have to use your imagination here since I didn’t take any pictures that night. The tunic/dress hit me about 6 inches above my knees, so I decided to wear thin cut-off black leggings + jet black suede-like wedges from Target. Was very chic, relaxed and sophisticated. I got a few compliments which made me feel good, but I didn’t bother to tell anyone I made it myself.
Oh, and one more thing here. If you decide to make this, just be sure to pick a fabric that is nearly impossible to tell the right-side from the wrong-side. I’m so very glad I did (on accident), because the wrong-side of the fabric is revealed a lot underneath the arm holes. I guarantee you it will look a HOT mess otherwise. Just sayin’ friends.
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sam is home
