Homemade gift

I don't know why I don't think to take pics of the making of process of these things I do. LOL
But here's a bottle that I made for part of my Pirate's christmas gift.
I bought a diamond tip glass bit and drilled a hole into the back of the bottle, and then used a string of mini lights. (had to cut the female end of the lights off as it was a double ended strand) and capped that end off. When I fed the lights through, I pulled that capped end out of the neck of the bottle and then re-pushed the lights down into the bottle. They sat much nicer, and I was able to use the  x-crossed cap inside the neck to wrap the capped end of the lights into, so you won't see the cap. Replaced the screw on cap.

I then wrapped the bottom of the cord and used that to plug the hole. This way the cut glass doesn't chaff the cord, and the lights don't pull back outside the bottle.

I think its rather cute and a fun way to use up the bottles.
I have more ideas for the next one already!

Sailante! Pin It Now!

DONE!

All done!!!!!! Just need to block it out!

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hoping to finish the cowl today

so, Ive fianlly finished the chart portion of the cowl.
The pattern now calls for 2 rounds of reverse stockinette stitch, but I am going to increase that to 10 rows, and am adding increases in row 4 and 8 before doing the 1x1 rib.
Other changes in pattern notes:

on the chart it says that " -"  is a P on RS and a K on WS- this is incorrect. It should be K on RS and P on WS. This way it keeps your cables on the correct side of the fabric.

On row 110: center cable where it comes to a point, marked as "/" This stitch is not marked on the legend key. It should just be a K.

Also added increases every 4 rows from row 106 through the extra rows of reverse stockinette. After reading other ravelers needing to increase to make it fit their shoulders as well as making it a little longer.

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Long time no update

well, since this thing is supposed to be used for random thoughts- I guess I had better use it.

I *think* Im done with Christmas Shopping. I want to get one CD for my brother-in-law. (I remember mentioning it to him awhile ago, and he said he didn't have it, and I figure CDs are always a good gift!)
And Im waiting for shipping info on the parents gift.

Otherwise, everything else is wrapped and put away :)
We even have a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree on our table :)

In quick sad news- My Grandpa passed yesterday. Not too sure of all the info, other than the fact that I found out through my cousin's facebook status update.


And Im also going to be logging any side effrects- as I started a new BC pill yesterday.  Im switching from a triphasic to a monophasic, and it seems that people either have wicked side effects from it, or no side effects.
So we'll see. As of right now, I do have a headache coming on, but that could also be from the fact that I ate some processed food last night.

My knitting project is coming along nicely, although as of right now, it looks a bit short. If that ends up being the case, then once the cable pattern is complete- I'll just keep adding length/rounds to it, until I feel its long enough. That's an easy fix. Pin It Now!

FINISHED!

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what the heck is going on!?

why are my cables showing upon the wrong side of the fabric now!?

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start of new knitting project

Here's the start of the MidWinter Wanderer-

More details to follow...just need to get the photo up

......

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Baby Blanket Im working on

OK, Ive been working on this blasted thing for far too long now. LOL
Its been TWO YEARS.
The child that this was intended for, just turned two on Monday.
Needless to say, its not going to her now. BUT I am trying to force myself to finish it so that I can start a new project.

Im just about out of yarn again and need to stop and get two more skeins at the store. Maybe I'll do that tonight.
Ive been working on it at lunch at work, but should start taking it home too. Im just over half way done with the 2nd repeat.
Onward to finish!!!!!

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New Month-New Fat loss

OK-starting the measurements again:
9/5 and (10/12)
over bust 37 (34)
apex 41 (37)
underbust 33.5 (29.5)
waist @ belly button 31 (27)
high hip 40.5 (32)
low hip 44 (41)
thigh 26 (23.5)
__________

11/1
over bust 33 3/4
apex 36.5
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 28
high hip 33
low hip 41
thigh 23.5

__________
11/2
over bust 33 3/4
apex 36.5
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27.5
high hip 32.5
low hip 41
thigh 23
__________
11/3
over bust 33 1/2
apex 36.5
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27
high hip 32.5
low hip 41
thigh 22.75
__________
11/4
over bust 33 1/2
apex 36.5
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 26.75
high hip 32
low hip 40.75
thigh 22.5
 __________________
11/7
over bust 33 1/2
apex 36.5
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 26.75
high hip 31.5
low hip 40
thigh 22 Pin It Now!

New Projects to make and new round of fat loss

So, today I am starting round two of hardcore fat loss.  I want to get the last of this fat off me before the holidays hit.  So I did my two load days over the weekend, and ate plenty of fatty stuff. I felt pretty sick last night when I went to bed. So this morning, started with a grand ole' coffee flush of the system, and now Im moving on, and looking forward again to my two fruits/day, my lean meat and veggies for two meals.
I've already kicked the soda habit, so that's not a problem, and sugar/sweets taste WAY too sweet for me nowadays, so that shouldn't be an issue either.

So I'll probably start in again with the measurements tomorrow, since it'll be Nove 1st. and keep track from there.

On the project front- I am trying to force myself to finish this baby blanket before I allow myself to start a new knitting project for me. I have two patterns picked out, and can't decide which one to work on. Either way, the yarns will be expensive, so I dont want to start either project, until I am completed with the one Im working on. It doesn't seem fair to my wallet. LOL

Im trying to decide if I want to take on another dance class. I love my Tues/thurs night class with Mariza, but have two classes in my area I could go to. The one with Basema on Thursday nights, or the one with Lotus on Wednesday nights. Ive tried them both, and while they are different, there's good things about both. I know Im not up to class three nights a week yet, but two would be ok.

LOL Pin It Now!

Breads

Tis the season! The last couple of years, I made two loaves of bread almost every week.
No, its really not hard and not all that time consuming.

I have one recipe that I call my "Stupid Easy Bread" recipe that I'll post at some point. Not only does it make great bread, but it makes a great base for homemade pizza dough as well!

In a search for recipes to use up Granola (since I seem to have an obnoxious amount of  both Coconut Almond, and Cherry Vanilla granola at home) I came across THIS bread recipe, and I trully intend to make some (probably tomorrow night, or early saturday morning for breakfast for everyone)


So now I am going to keep my bread recipes up to date and where I can easily enjoy them. Pin It Now!

And just because he's too cute to not post

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The week of Certifications!

What a great week this has been!

Monday- I was able to get my CPR/AED certification through my "regular" job. It was fun, and a renewal course for me. I love how they changed the course to make more sense, and c'mon, who doesn't giggle at the fact that there are a particular set of songs to do compressions to- and they probably shouldn't be sung out loud while working on someone! LOL

Then, last night, not only did I finally finish module #4 for my first funeral certification, I went and started, and compelted #5- the last one!

I am now a certificate weilding Funeral Service Professional! I completed the course with "High Honors" and a GPA of 98%. (Granted, you'd have to really really really not be with it, to not get a good grade in this class).
So in 4-6 I will have the physical certificate in my hands, but the course is completed, and I can print a copy of my transcript.

Im not sure where this is going from here as my plans changed a little bit, but this part is at least complete.

And according to the tracking number, my Letter of Marque will be here tomorrow! So I am an official Pirate- excuse me, a Royal Privateer and a registered/licensed wench!

It is the week of certifications! Pin It Now!

Cirque Du UA

Well, I had my performance last night! It was my first solo performance since college.
There were plenty of moments, I felt totally uncoordinated and like I had no clue what I was doing, but the audience and folks putting on the party loved every second of it.
I had one zagarheet! And later the woman came up to me and we were chatting, and lo and behold she used to dance too! She's from the West Coast and danced out there for 7 years. She was also able to pick out that I study the Cabaret style and said that its nice to see people who still study the traditional style!
The rain managed to hold off, and in between sets we got to see the Museum which was really pretty awesome too!
Today its back to work ith very sore muscles, and still being very sleepy. I knew I should have taken today off from work..... I feel a massage and pedicure coming my way this weekend......

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Just an afternoon tease

These are the Brownie Cups I made last night for work today.

Brownie Cup with a Cherry Center
Amaretto Butter Cream Frosting
A Layer of Fondant
A Fondant Cherry on top with a metallic green wire stem (stemo not edible)

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Adventures in Cupcakes

So since my girl friend helped me get prepped for my Thursday night performance already, I will be baking cupcakes for my office party tomorrow.

(Yeah my teammates know who to hit up for baked goods)

As much as I am sick of people cramming breast cancer awareness down our throats (DO NOT EAT MY HEAD OVER THIS. I just think that there are other more viciousl cancers out there that need more recognition than breast cancer. Its one of the more easily diagnosed and treated cancers out there. After having a cancer scare myself this summer, I am much more aware of other ones that need more attenion. Getting off soap box now)
I agreed to make cupcakes.

I will be making Cherry Cupcakes and decorating them to look like classic Cherry Cupcakes.

Decorate them as you wish. Since these are for a decorating party/contest at work, I'll try and make them as "pretty" as possible I guess.
Photos to come later when Im making them Pin It Now!

New Pics of Fire Fans and Belt

Well, since Im still waiting for my Pirate to upload his copies of the pics he took on my virgin burn with the hip belt, I'll post a couple pics that one of my girl friends took with her phone.

Tomorrow night is the Cirque Du UA performance for work, and she's going to bring her good camera and get some good pics of the performance and while in cossie

so, without further ado:

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Sunday afternoon lazy thoughts

well, some of them are lazy anyway... :)

Its been a rather enjoyable weekend.
Friday night, I got out of work, and came home. Michael and I went out in the backyard for a little bit to shoot bow, granted I only got one round in before it got dark. And then he cooked me a fabulous Thai chicken dinner! And we snuggled and watched How I Met Your Mother. Intermittently, he took a couple of fire calls.

Saturday, we got up and ran some errands. I had to go back to the fabric store because I broke two carpet needles sewing the wicks onto my fan frames. I was smart enough to pick up two packs this time, and still managed to break a third needle.

After that was done, and he was sleeping before work, I made a batch of s'mores stuffed chocolate chip cookies for him to take in to work. They came out HUGE! One full batch of cookies, only yeilded 12 cookies! It was crazy! For next time, I already know how Im planning to modify the construction of them.

Saturday night was uneventful, just planned groceries and picked them up and dealt with allergies.

Today has been quite too. I made breakfast for when he got home from work. It was fresh polenta, two fried eggs, and TVP Sausage gravy. I even used fresh peppers out of his garden in it! Im considering running back out to the store to pick up some cabbage and nayonaise to turn some of the left over into "Tu-no Fish" salad.
But, one thing to consider is that Im going back hardcore on my eating regime tomorrow so I can loose the last 10-15 pounds I want to get rid of.
So we'll see. I have to read the ingredient list and see if its something im willing to eat right now. Pin It Now!

Wicks are done!

Well, after breaking THREE carpet needles, and using a fourth, I finally got all ten wicks sewn onto my fans!
Now all I need is to find a safety for tonight, and spin away!
And for the next pair I get (because I think that these will be used for belly dance and performance, not so much for technical spinning. I'll get a smaller pair for tech work) I'll pay the extra to get them already wicked.
My fingers are raw from sewing.

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busy busy busy

Been so crazy haven't updated in a couple of days- so just one quickie!
I was finally able to pick up my custom fire fans! On my way home from the office tonight I need to pick up a carpet needle so I can sew the wicks on.
The kevlar is already cut to length and ready to roll. Just need a needle to sew them on with!

So, here's a quickie pic of the frames without wicks

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New Month-New Tally

I figured with the other post getting so long, that I'd start a new tally for the month of October.
So: here's where I started on 9/5 and then below that will be any changes/progress/regress

9/5
over bust 37
apex 41
underbust 33.5
waist @ belly button 31
high hip 40.5
low hip 44
thigh 26
__________________________
9/30
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27 1/2
high hip 35 1/2
low hip 42
thigh 24     _________________________

10/2
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 27
high hip 32
low hip 41
thigh 23.5
_________________________

10/4
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 27
high hip 32
low hip 41
thigh 23.5
_________________________

10/12
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 29.5
waist @ belly button 27
high hip 32
low hip 41
thigh 23.5
_________________________ Pin It Now!

Rouched Headband

So here's the rouched headband that i just finished. Its soooo cute! I can't wait to make more of these.
This one in particular will become part of a whole headress for a party Im spinning fire at coming soon.

But I have lots of scrap fabric and now that I did this one, I know where to trouble shoot.

Squee! Puffy Pirate Headband!

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more recipes to save for later use

This Time- Im saving


Vegan Chocolate Coconut Cups 

Vegan Peanut Butter Cups

How to make coconut milk Pin It Now!

note for combo

so I want to save this combination for future choreos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJQAJmT1tH4 Pin It Now!

Fabulous weekend!

Had a fabulous weekend!

Friday night, I tried to surprise the Pirate and take him on a date. It ended up being "interesting" to say the least.
We started out going swing dancing. Granted, he had fun, but I dont think he had great fun. We did laugh a lot and dance a little bit. He even kinda guessed where we were going. At least he had never been there to do that before. And he also admitted that he figued I was taking him to play laser tag. (Ok, note to self- its a bit cliche, dont take him to play laser tag next time. Take him straight to the gun range)

So we left the dance early to go to the restaurant. And I was totally psyched about it, since neither of us had been there before. It was 7West Bistro in Towson. Now, my boss had given me a head's up that it does get a little wild in there on the weekends. Well, we didnt' realize how wild.

We got there about 10:30, and no sooner had we gotten our drinks, and placed the appetizer order, that they turned the lights waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay low. And a DJ started spinning American Pop music. We giggled and I texted my boss, and she laughed and said "Just wait till they start playing the Greek music videos behind it..." oh boy. She wasnt kidding.
So that was funny. Then they turned the lights off completely. We were sitting in the dark trying to eat our appetizers. And to be honest I was a little upset. My PIrate and I were sitting next to each other, and couldn't hear each other talking, and couldn't see our plates. The waiter finally brought us two little tiny tea lights to try and eat by. We ended up staying there only about 35 minutes and taking most of our food home.

We'd both like to go back and try eating there again when we can see what we're eating.

Then we came back home and had some great cuddle time.

Saturday night, the Pirate had to work, and I went out with some friends for a birthday dinner. We went to the Still which is one of the great places my Pirate has taken me to eat.
We had great drinks, and laughed a lot. I even saw one of our housemates, and another friend there, so I felt like a celebrity knowing people at the bar.

I think the highlight of the night for me, was that everyone noticed my weightloss. Rachel said I looked great (and she has a really great and neat figure.) and Larry and Cat both commented on it.
So, when Larry made comment I stood up and proudly claimed that I have lost 18 pounds. And Cat said i look amazing and was asking how much more I want to loose. I said I'd like to loose another 15, and (here it comes!) her friend heather proclaims "Jesus! You're kidding right?!" she was flabberghasted that I wanted to loose more. It felt great and Im taking it as a compliment.  I really do want to loose 15 more to get back to where I was last year at this time.

And Im excited because today- My Fire belt should be arriving in the mail. So provided its not pouring rain tonight, I think we might be spinning some fire in the backyard!!
SQUEEEEEEEEE! Pin It Now!

Just for the Record-

IVE LOST 17 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


NUFF SAID. Back to your regularly scheduled programme
  Pin It Now!

Taking care of those who take care of us!

Sunday night, I got one of our housemates to take me up to the ER where my Pirate and our othr housemate work in the ER.

We took one "Box-o-Joe" from Dunkin Donuts, and I made two tins of pizza dip , and two tins of Jalapeno Popper dip.

It sounds like both dips were a hit, and even though there were two boxes/packs of water crackers, and a large size bag of scoopable chips, they ran out of chips and crackers before the dips were gone, but it didn't stop them from being consumed!

Since I will probably be making these again, I wanted to post them here, so I can get to the recipes easy.

Pizza Dip

A layered, hot cheesy dip with all of the great pizza flavours including pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, olives and green peppers.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
• 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
• 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
• 2 tablespoons green pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced

Directions

1. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream mayonnaise, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano and spread it across the bottom of a pie plate.
2. Spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, green pepper and olives.
3. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until the cheese has melted, bubbling and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

(makes 4 snacks sized servings)


Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (room temperature)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano
1 (4 ounce) can sliced jalapenos (pickled)
2 jalapeno peppers (chopped, optional)
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano

Directions:
1. Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, parmigiano reggiano and jalapenos in a bowl and pour into a baking dish.
2. Mix the panko bread crumbs and parmigiano reggiano and sprinkle over the dip.
3. Bake in a 375F oven until bubbling on the sides and golden brown on top, about 10-20 minutes.

 

I simply doubled the recipes and it made 4 regular tins (the ones that are slightly deeper than a pie tin, and have straighter sides) or would be good in two of the deeper straight side tins.

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Just an update

Things have been crazy and busy but good.
I have been cleared by the Doctor to go back to normal life. So I started going back to dance class this week.
I also had the pleasure of working the merchandise table for Gaelic Storm Sunday night when they played here. I was was very surprised that the crowd was so small! But it made for a really great intimate show.

On other news-I have lost 12 pounds, and several inches. Being a psycho about what Im putting into my mouth has done wonders. I haven't had any soda in over a month. No dairy or refined food in 14 days. And Im eating VERY small portions (about 1 1/2C of veggies, and 3-4oz of meat.) plus two fruits per day. Its really doing wonders for me.

Im also excited because I have some new fire toys coming to me! My custom made fire fans should be completed any moment. And I have a fire belt for belly dancing on its way! SQUEEEEEEEE! So exciting! Im hoping to get to Lowe's tonight so I can pick up some fuel and cans since I have a coupon (that expires today). Plus the Pirate and I want to repaint our bathroom downstairs, so we can use the coupon towards paint as well.

I guess that's it for now :) YAY
 9/5
over bust 37
apex 41
underbust 33.5
waist @ belly button 31
high hip 40.5
low hip 44
thigh 26
_________________________
9/16
over bust 35 1/2
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 29
high hip 38
low hip 42.5
thigh 25
__________________________
9/17
over bust 35
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/2
high hip 38
low hip 42
thigh 25
__________________________
9/18
over bust 34 3/4
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/2
high hip 37
low hip 42
thigh 25

__________________________
9/19
over bust 34 3/4
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/2
high hip 37
low hip 42
thigh 25
__________________________
9/20
over bust 34 1/2
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/2
high hip 36 3/4
low hip 42
thigh 25
__________________________
9/21
over bust 34 1/4
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/4
high hip 36 3/4
low hip 42
thigh 25
__________________________
9/22
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 32.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/4
high hip 36 3/4
low hip 41 3/4
thigh 24 5/8
__________________________
9/23
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 32.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/4
high hip 36 1/2
low hip 41 3/4
thigh 24 5/8
__________________________
9/24
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 28 1/4
high hip 36
low hip 41 3/4
thigh 24 1/2
__________________________
9/25
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 28
high hip 35 1/5
low hip 41 1/2
thigh 24 1/2  
__________________________
9/26
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27 3/4
high hip 35 1/5
low hip 41 1/2
thigh 24 1/4
__________________________
9/27
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27 1/2
high hip 35 1/5
low hip 41 1/2
thigh 24 

__________________________
9/28
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27 1/2
high hip 35 1/5
low hip 41 1/2
thigh 24   
__________________________
9/30
over bust 34
apex 37
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 27 1/2
high hip 35 1/2
low hip 42
thigh 24     Pin It Now!

random note for self

just need to get these pics loaded up

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measurements

just some measurements for a future project I need to get listed

over bust 37
apex 41
underbust 33.5
waist @ belly button 31
high hip 40.5
low hip 44
thigh 26
___________________________
9/7
over bust 36 1/2
apex 39 34
underbust 32
waist @ belly button 30 14
high hip40 1/2
low hip 43 1/2
thigh 25 1/2
______________
9/8

over bust 36
apex 38 34
underbust 31
waist @ belly button 29 3/4
high hip 39
low hip 43 1/2
thigh 25 1/4

_______________

9/9

over bust 36
apex 38 1/4
underbust 31
waist @ belly button 29 
high hip 39
low hip 43
thigh 25
_________

9/10
over bust 35 1/2
apex 38 1/4
underbust 31
waist @ belly button 29 
high hip 38
low hip 42 1/2
thigh 25

__________________

9/11
over bust 35
apex 38 1/4
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 28 1/2 
high hip 37 1/2
low hip 43
thigh 25 1/2
___________________
9/12
over bust 35
apex 38 1/4
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 28 1/2 
high hip 37 1/2
low hip 42 1/2
thigh 25
_____________________
9/13
over bust 34 1/2
apex 38 1/4
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 29 1/2 
high hip 37 1/2
low hip 42 1/2
thigh 25

_____________

9/14
over bust 34 1/2
apex 38 1/4
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 29 1/2 
high hip 37 1/2
low hip 42 1/2
thigh 24 3/4
______________
9/15
over bust 34 1/2
apex 38
underbust 30
waist @ belly button 29 
high hip 37 1/2
low hip 42
thigh 24 3/4
______________________________
9/16
over bust 34 1/2
apex 37
underbust 30.5
waist @ belly button 29
high hip 38
low hip 42.5
thigh 25

just needed these for some pattern drafting, and rather than write them down and loose them, or delete the email, I figured this was the safest place for them! Pin It Now!

Turkish Vest!

Here's the Turkish Vest that I made! I got the pattern thursday in the mail, and I started it last night. I would have finished it, had my roommates not coerced me out of my bunker with burgers and beer.

It fits like a glove when its on! The armholes are finished with 1/4" double fold bias tape, and the neck tabs and bottom are trimmed with a looped fringe. I decided to close it with a snap because velcro snags this fabric easily, and I didn't want a button to show.

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Placemat purse

this is more of a reminder for myself- but Ive had someone ask me to show them how to make a placemat purse.
I know that there is a TON of ways to do this, but this is how my Brazillian friend (and sewing idol) showed me how to do it.

So as I am out and about tonight and tomorrow, I will pick up a placemat (and heck halloween is out!!! SQUEEEEE) and try and get a tutorial up for that.


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Pics of the coat finally!

still have to add clasps and neckline trim, but here you go!

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Casket, Cremation, Liquefaction, or Freeze Drying?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14114555 So I just learned about this. Its pretty amazing to me! WOW! Is this what Im looking at learning in the future!?
 I think back to Fred, the man who inspired my dad to get into the business, and was a major influence in my overall life growing up. I wonder what Fred would have to say to all of this?
(Give his gardening techniques and comments, probably something along the lines of making it happen with "Panther Piss")
but I digress. Im not sure how the public will take to this. Its such a sensitive industry to begin with. I'll be following to see what happens with it in the US. Pin It Now!

because this is just too cute to not share!

besides being super cute and having some really cheeky moments, these ladies are great dancers. <3

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Ghawazee coat

Well the coat is finished, other than needing to find the perfect clasps/lacers for the front, and the perfet braided trim for the neck line. I modified the sleeves-I decided I did not want to use the flounce as it would detract from the neck line. And next time, I will use a heavier interfacing so the points pop out more.

On its way to me are two new patterns. Patterns in Time- Macedonian Turkish vest (which I plan to use up the excess fabric from the Ghawazee coat since Simplicity cannot properly calculate usage) and Randwolf's Doublet Pattern. My Dear Boyfriend needs a doublet for the faire, and Im in a sewing mood. Lucky Him!

But, until we regain power from Hurricane Irene, there will be no sewing, only prep work.

Le sigh Pin It Now!

Refocus time

Well, with the potential cancer scare, (yes... there I said it.) and another week to go to keep my mind occupied while waiting for my pathology report to come back, I have decided its high time to refocus on my eating habits.
It seems that in the year (almost a year) Ive lived in Baltimore, Ive managed to put about 20 lbs back on. YUCK!   So, While I was sitting in the dark last night (as we still don't have power from the hurricane) I really thought about how and what I was eating at the beginning of last year/spring time that caused me to drop the weight I had.
The answer was really quite simple. I was eating a lot less, and eating pretty clean. At the time, I wasn't eating anything that I couldn't pronounce, and just eating very small amounts and only eating when I was truly hungry.
As I said to a girl friend this morning, if there was a temptation- Im simply pictured it duct taped to me arse, and that visual helped a LOT.

So, since I can't go back to belly dance class yet, I need to keep busy. So I have sewed a Ghawazee coat, but still need to get trim and closures for it, and I just ordered two new patterns. One is the Macedonian-Turkish vest (that I should have enough left over fabric to make one from) and Randwolf's doublet pattern, as my BF needs a doublet for the faire. (He fits into all my other pieces, but I don't have a doublet for him. So I'll just sew him up one) This will keep me busy for sure!


And, I have test #2 in module #4 to enter into the system, but since we don't have power at home, its hard to enter in my mortuary tests. (I try to NOT do that at my main job. Even though my boss is fully aware that I am getting my funeral license)


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Progression

Well, last night before going to Lotus' belly dance class, I got all the paper pieces cut out for the coat. It wasn't bad to cut. the pieces were so large. I only ended up cutting out one piece that I didn't need. The pattern uses 1,2,3,4,5,6 and somehow I ended up cutting out piece #7 instead of #2. So I went back and cut out 2.

That ended up being a happy accident though because if  this coat goes well, I'll need #7 so I can make a second coat with no sleeves and an underbust neckline.

Tonight I gotta pick up interfacing, and thread. Then work on cutting out all the fabrics.
Main body fabric
Sleeve flounce contrast fabric
Lining fabric.
Interfacing

Im going to just take my time with it. Im not going to start sewing it up until Monday...hopefully I can make myself wait that long! Pin It Now!

Module 4 and pending surgery

well, I started module 4 (out of 5) for my FSP certification. Not to sound egotistical- but I only got a 95% on it. I missed one question. I had been priding myself on having a 99% GPA. I know that this one test will not drop it that bad, but I was striving for perfection with it.  Ce-la-vie!

On Monday- I will be having some surgery, and hopefully will only be out of dance for a week. So to occupy my mind and body during that time, I picked up THIS pattern. Last night I picked up the silk charmuse I plan to use for the lining as I had a coupon for it, and already had my main body fabric and the sleeve flounce contrast fabric. The only remaining bits to get are the interfacing (because I thought I had some and don't), thread, and the trim for the front.(which I may just wait and add when I find the "perfect" trim.

Im planning on getting it all cut out between tonight and monday when I leave for the hospital so that's done, and I won't have to be crawling around cutting (I need a cutting table for sure!)


I also got my yarn, thread and shells to make some tassels while Im out.

I guess that's it... back to my normal job! Lunch is over!


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Hafla makeup

Well, here's how the make up turned out from the hafla! Ended up being rushed in the morning to get in and out of the shower and get make up and hair done before leaving. Had extra people in the house getting ready for a wedding, and trying to share a bathroom with 5 other people it was rough to try and get a tutorial done.
Maybe I'll explain in details later.


Currently, Im looking for a great belly dance craft swap...anyone know of a good one? if not, maybe I'll start one.

In other news- I'll be crafting up some tassles soon. I plan to use wool roving, embroidery floss, t-shirt strips, and shells. Im going to be laid up for a day or so from having a surgery done on the 15th. I figured this would be a good thing to do to bide my time and keep my fingers and mind occupied.

I was able to score 100 pcs of purple ring top cowrie shells with one hole drilled for $5.50 with free shipping! Squee! These are not cut in half. Im not sure why, but I don't care for the look of the split cowries.

I also bought a bag of pistachio nuts so I can save the shells. I figure I can dye some of them, or draw on some of them to add to decorations. Its just a matter of figuring out how to drill a hole in them to string them when needed. (I don't have a dremmel tool)

so for now- just the one pic! Pin It Now!

tomorrow is the day!

Tomorrow is out Hafla! yay! We had a great dress rehearsal last night! So fun! Finally getting to meet some other people in the thursday night class.

Im still thinking about the green smokey eye I posted below, but I can't help but be interested in possibly using some more colors besides green. Our teacher said "GO FOR IT! Be fierce" last night.... hmmmmm thinking about all the pretty colors in my make up box at home.

I might go into it and add some blue and purple to that green smokey eye! Look out world!
 I was inspired by this video this morning but want a darker smokey look rather than just the vibrant. So Im contemplating combining the two techniques!

happy friday! And happy make up! Pretty colors make the world go round! Pin It Now!

Still no tut

Sorry guys- I still haven't had a chance to do that smokey eye tutorial yet.

I tried to got Michael's Craft store in the hopes that I would be able to get my hands on some cowrie shells to do some tassles this weekend, but alas I was told by the woman in the store that I was about a week late in getting them. They apparently sold out of them.

So I continue my search for cowrie shells on line! bah!

I did do some photoshop work for a friend for her anniversary, and her husband loved the gift!

As for me, Im chilling out a bit today. Baking zucchini bread from some of the zuch's that a friend grew in her garden.

Hope you're weekend is great! Pin It Now!

Smokey green eye tutorial teaser!

Well, after I helped a good friend out with an anniversary project for her husband, Im a bit exhausted. I also haven't practiced my yoga or choreography yet tonight.
I was a naughty girl, and started to do the pics for the smokey green eye tutorial. However, you are only going to get a couple teaser pics.

Why!?


Because without thinking about how hot it is outside, I tried to do an eye tutorial without putting at least powder on the rest of my face. The shine is so icky, I will not post those pics! LOL

so in the interim of me actually doing my full stage make up you get these:
The products I use:

The Final Look

So now, please excuse the fact that my face is melting off as is apparent in this photo. But for having done that in about 5 minutes, and taking the pics myself, and in poor lighting, all in all not bad!
Next time I'll be doing it in the bathroom upstairs where there's a heck of a lot more light! Pin It Now!

Getting Set up

Im working on getting this blog set up and all nice and attractive. I realized that I have far too many ideas and thoughts in my head and needed a place to put them down.

Im hoping that for my first real post, that tonight, I will be posting a tutorial on doing a green smokey eye. I have to do a run through to make sure my makeup works for our Hafla next weekend, and figure, while Im at it, I may as well snap pics of the process (provided I can find my camera) and post them up here.

so onward to making this blog functional! *charges off with bayonet in hand* Pin It Now!