Logical Ramblings by AyanaRED

Anaya's doll

2012-01-30T11:38:00.004-05:00

Remember when I made this doll for Anaya:

Well, I changed out the cowrie shell for a bow hair clip and she is finally able to 'interact' with it. And I am SO delighted. Yay.

Do you see how she is gently yanking her hair? That is true love.

Can we just keep it real?

2012-01-25T23:33:00.001-05:00

I am not a fashion expert. Clearly. I am pretty sure you guys know that. So when I take pictures like this:

I feel ridiculous. And giddy at the same time. Because let me just keep it really real: I love this picture.

And it motivates me to believe that one day, oooooone day down the line maybe I will be the fashionista I dream to be. Maybe my daily attire won't include crocs. And maybe one day, I will actually take a picture like this (that is candid) and not the result of taking a billion pictures of myself...

Today it is not me. But that won't stop me from making this my new facebook profile pic ;).

Fresh off the (tha) hook #2

2012-01-22T22:33:00.004-05:00

In lieu of an actual post, I will just post my Vlog for today. ;)

BTW, I would post every vlog here, but for some reason I really hate when I visit a blog and all they have are YouTube videos... Do you feel the same? Or am I just weird?

Updated the Crochet Clog Slippers Pattern

2012-01-20T01:10:00.001-05:00

Hey! I FINALLY posted the instructions on how to increase/decrease the crochet clog slippers (on the original post).

Go HERE to see it...

I am constipated...

2012-01-18T21:58:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had so many ideas, you couldn't act on ANY of them?

That is where I am right now. I made a list of my goals for the new year. Even though it is definitely long ENOUGH, I keep thinking of more stuff to add to it.

Like:

I want to hand sew a felt doll.

I want to open my Etsy Shop back up (to sell crochet doll patterns).

That means I need to create/make a WHOLE bunch of crocheted dolls

I want to crochet an afghan for the couch.

I want to crochet myself a sweater.

I want to crochet myself a top.

I want to make many more crafty videos.

I want to find (and visit, of course!) all the thrift stores in the metro Atlanta area.

And THEN I saw a post that Libby wrote about making a pieced pillow! How can I NOT make that, too?

I am super pumped about my plans.

Unfortunately, I don't know where to start...

Update: I just found another pieced pillow in blogland by one of my favorite crafters! I am thinking THIS is where I should start...

Fresh off the hook...

2012-01-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of it? It's called Fresh off the (or tha) Hook. It was founded by onevirtuouswoman about a year ago.

I hadn't until I joined the YouTube community. Yes, there is a crafty community in YouTube - just like there is a crafty community in blogland (that I have never figured out how to permeate, btw). Anyway, they are a group of crocheters that show off their weekly crocheted items and they are insanely sweet. Seriously, I felt like their BFF as soon as I auditioned.

And by audition, I mean I had to upload a video showing the stuff I made. Click here to watch it. It was kinda nerve-wracking. I was totally putting myself out there by essentially saying: "Here is my stuff, please accept me." What if they said no? What if they never responded? But that is the purpose of my YouTube project is to put myself out there. And they said yes, anyway. So, Yay!

I am telling you, doing this YouTube project has so many unexpected benefits... But I will talk about that in another post. For now, I am just gonna show you the stuff I made for my First Fresh Off The Hook Sunday.


Navy, Light Blue, Gray, and Brown Tam

I got my mom to model it because she has locs. And she is holding Anaya because Anaya would not allow us to put her down. It turned out to be a cute picture!

Navy, Light Blue, Gray, and Brown Scarf

Cleveland Goodwill Haul

2012-01-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I told you about my amazing trip to the thrift. Well, let me show you what I GOT!

Banana Republic wool sweater: $1

100% Cotton shirt by Apostrophe: $1

Green Glasses: $1 each

Ceramic Cups: 50 cents each

Green Tea Cup and Saucer Set: $1

Books: 50 cents each

Vintage Apron: $1


Vintage Saucers: $1 each


Antique saucer and cup: $3!!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS???? Cleveland thrifting is AMAZING. Doesn't this make you want to move to Cleveland? No? Okay well maybe just visit (pretty often)! I know that is what I'm gonna do.

P.S. I totally have on my girdle on the above pictures. Hot, huh? Love that thing!

What I love about Cleveland...

2012-01-11T00:14:00.000-05:00

For the record, I kinda hate the city of Cleveland. It is so dreary and cold and the economy is in horrible condition so there is way too much crime for its relatively small population.

via

But, I am currently visiting my mom up here, and let me tell you I am having an amazing time. Seriously. Let me list the ways, cause you know, I love lists. ;).

Coffee with my mom. Which always includes us tasting the way the other sweetens her coffee and insisting that our own coffee tastes much better.
Being at "home" here. If you didn't know, I have a small case of agoraphobia. So, I kinda hate leaving my house. Fortunately, being here is just like being at my house -because my mom and I keep house the same way. For example, we use the exact same pots and pans. We buy the same brands of food. We both put our feet up on the *nice* coffee table. We take off our shoes AT the door (where people are liable to trip over them). We both laugh WAY too hard... and long. We have a high tolerance for junk until it gets too bad and then we are in a whirlwind cleaning everything up. I could go on...
Eating at my mom's. My mom is an EXCELLENT cook and she cooks allll the time. And on the rare occasion that she doesn't have time, she has the ingredients for me to cook a meal Exactly like I would at home. (see #2).
Not doing chores. My mom cleans the kitchen (even when I am the one cooking)
Changing very few diapers. My mom changes mostly all the diapers.

My sister and me after thrifting.

Hanging with my sister. My sister lives here (who is not my mom's daughter, but my dad's so it is a total coincidence that my mom lives in the same city as my sister - who is technically my half sister). And we went THRIFTING today!!!! Which brings me to the last thing I am loving about Cleveland that is actually about the city and not the fact that it houses the people I love.
THRIFTING IN CLEVELAND!!!! I love Cleveland thrift stores. Let me tell you. I am probably never going to enjoy thrifting in Atlanta again... because Cleveland has so much better (cheaper) stuff. Seriously. I am going to do a haul video tomorrow for my vlog. But let me just show you a picture of their dish aisle...

*swoon*

I doubt that I will ever want to move here, but I will definitely make an effort to visit more often...

Goals for the New Year

2012-01-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I kinda feel overwhelmed about this new year. Maybe it is my hormones (aren't I always complaining about them?), but I cannot seem to get myself together to figure out what goals I want to set. I am tempted to not set any at all - and continue to just coast by as I have been doing...

However, I know I will be MUCH more productive if I actually set some goals. And I will be even MORE productive if I publicly announce them. I think I am gonna put a link to this post at the top of my blog - so that I will remember to look at it. Here goes...

Crafting Goals

Make a quilt out of old raggedy clothes. That was how quilts were originally made. And I love the thought of making something wonderful and useful from something (literally) worthless. How magical is that?
Make Zekey something with that Thomas the Train fabric (that I HATE - but he picked out, so I kinda need to do something with it)
Sew a cute dress that actually fits me. My sewing skillz are slim to none. And I want to rectify that. I think sewn items are more *elegant* than crocheted... I do love me some crochet, still (of course!) - I just want to expand my craftiness.
Knit something besides a dishcloth. Knitting is another skill that is horribly under-developed.
Crochet Anaya a Sweater.
Learn some more crafts

Learn how to use my camera in Manual Mode. I am so lazy, I only use it in Automatic Mode.
Learn Tatting.
Learn Macrame. I knew it back in grade school - but I have since forgot. And I think I only knew one or two stitches. I want to be able to make a purse with it using jute.

Personal Goals

be cuter. This is a three part plan. So I am going to break it up

Get fit. Well, be able to *fit* into most of my pre-pregnancy jeans
Wear make-up. This one is iffy. E does not like make-up. Really, I think that he doesn't like the *thought* of me wearing make-up. I think that he does like the actual effect of make-up. I swear he shows me more affection when I have it on and he has that "You're so hott" look on his face. Another reason I don't wear make-up is because then I will have to do too much to remove it from my face. Do you know how hard it is to wash off make-up? Too hard.
Get at least 10 really nice outfits. I get pretty embarrassed wearing the same 3 outfits whenever I happen to leave the house. I actually want these to be mostly thrifted and handmade. I want to make more environment- and social- conscious purchases.

be more authentic. That is the purpose of my vlogs ~ to force myself to be myself in front of thousands (well, let's be more accurate ~20 lol!) people.

Financial Goals

Really, it should be"goal", because I only have one. I want to bring in *some* income, $500/month to be exact. I think this will really help out my family to have some breathing room instead of things being SO tight. Do you know that my current laptop is 5 Years old?? - I think that is like 100 in computer years. And we have NO plans to get me another one :(. Mainly this will probably be through math tutoring. I currently charge $35/hour. So that means about 15 hours/ month I need to book.

Housekeeping Goals

I want to make bread for my family enough so that I never have to buy a loaf from the store. Maybe every week...
Learn to make sourdough bread. When I do this, maybe sourdough bread will be the bread I make every week.
~~Organize~~ hire someone to organize my son's closet.
Get that same person to organize my daughter's closet
and my closet (in that order)
Develop a system for keeping my house clean and keep it (I will mark this one off when I keep the system up for at least 3 months).

Whew, I actually feel so much better getting that down. But it does seem pretty ambitious. What do you think? Think I can do it? We'll see! Have you set some goals for the new year? If so, send me a link, I want to KNOW!

I made some boy quilts!

2012-01-08T00:34:00.000-05:00

I have a problem with making boy stuff. I admit it. Trucks are just not as fun to create as dolls. Blue just doesn't appeal to me like pink does.

But... I found this beautiful blue airplane fabric at Hobby Lobby. I had no idea what I was gonna make with it. But since it was *boy* and I actually *loved* it, there was no way I wasn't buying it. I was thinking of making my son something with it. But that boy is so hard to please (How about, he opened my crochet book that had a picture of a crocheted truck in it and told me: "I don't want that", pointing to the truck!) Good thing, I hadn't made it yet!

Anyway, I was thinking that I need to make something for my best friend's twin boys that are due next month and it hit me, I should make them each a quilt - with that fabric that I love! ~ I suggest that you make a quilt from fabrics that you are in LOVE with because you will be working on it so long, by the end of it - you may be sick of it if you don't absolutely love it from the beginning.

Would you like to see the quilts? Hmm? Yes? Okay then!

Do you like it? Yes? Quilting is clearly not my strength - but I love how it is so forgiving.

I hope the boys love it.

Guest Posting over at Mama and Baby Love...

2012-01-05T11:54:00.001-05:00

Have you seen those scarves made from crochet chains? Well, they are super cute and super EASY. My favorite combo.

I am over at Mama and Baby Love today showing you some examples and teaching how to do it! Come on over.

Reupholstered Chairs

2012-01-04T00:26:00.000-05:00

There are a few crafts that intimidate me.

One of them is soap making. I am not talking about the melt and pour. I am talking about the (real) kind that you have to use lye to make. The lye is what scares me. I am kinda clumsy AND I have kids. Not really a good mix.

Another one is woodworking. I really (REALLY) want to build a shelf or an AMAZING kitchen for my kiddies or even a simple raised bed garden. But the saw, the nails and the MEASURING ... No, thanks.

The next one is kinda embarrassing. I am intimidated by reupholstering! Can you believe that? Or at least I WAS. I know people say that it is super easy. But I did not believe them. How am I gonna tear up some furniture and put it back together with no guide/instruction? Well, quite simply, apparently.

On New Years Day, I had a brunch at my house. Most people were pretty late, but Grandma Ruth - always on time - showed up about 45 minutes before everyone else. She is super crafty like me ;). As she was about to sit down on one of my stools (The horrible cushions stopped her in her tracks) - she said: "Do you want me to cover these?" Although slightly embarrassed by my stained bar stools, (I am not one to turn down help) I responded enthusiastically: "YES!". She said, "If you have the fabric, I can do it in 30 minutes". What? 30 minutes? Now that is MY kinda craft.

And she did!

Yesssss....

House Tour

2011-12-29T01:12:00.002-05:00

I am really nosey. If I could have one super power. I would seriously consider picking the ability to see inside homes as I walk past them. I love to know about how people live.

So, to indulge people like me, I decided recently to do a video tour of my house as one of my vlogs. (I am STILL doing them everyday, by the way.) Let me warn you - I am holding my baby the entire time and I am out of shape so it looks like the cameraman is drunk...

I've been tagged!

2011-12-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

My bloggy friend Libby tagged me!

Rules:
there are some rules... (but I am not really a rule follower) ;). Go to her blog to see them.

Libby's Questions for me.

1. What country do you live in? United States.

2. If you were given an all-expense paid vacation to anywhere in the world for 1 week, where would you like to go? Paris

3. Have you traveled internationally before? Not really... Unless you consider Cancun and the Bahamas. If so, where have you been?

4. If you had to choose another occupation besides the one your currently do, what would it be? I would love to be any kind of creative... Painter, Photographer, Fashion Designer

5. What is your favorite dessert? MMMmmm, ALL of them! But if I HAD to choose. I think I would love some peach cobbler (with vanilla ice cream, of course)

6. Do you speak or write in more than one language? Please tell us. I wish...

7. Do you like movies with subtitles? We watch all of our movies with the subtitles on... so we won't miss anything. But I don't like to watch movies that I HAVE to turn the subtitles on b/c that means I can't crochet/knit.

8. What is your favorite sport to play or to watch? none. I am not a sports fan.

9. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Hmm. Pretty much everything... I want to be more kind, more creative, more flexible, more spiritual, more patient... I could go on, and on, and on...

10. What was your favorite childhood game? Monopoly (I have to admit - I love it as an adult, too).

11. Are your ears pierced? Yep.

So, this is totally against the rules, but you are ALL tagged! You can just use the questions Libby gave to me ;). Yay! I can't wait to read your answers.

The thing I love most about being green is saving green...

2011-12-19T16:22:00.002-05:00

Although, some people might consider us miserly (I am talking to you, Aunt Evelyn) - we spend a pretty penny on certain items like laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, toilet tissue, and paper towels. I am not a fan of saving money if it is going to diminish my standard of living. So, I refuse to buy laudry detergent that doesn't get my clothes clean, dishwashing detergent that makes the dishes cloudy instead of clean, tissue that makes me cringe when I wipe myself, or paper towels that tear apart after wiping up 3 drops of water.

We use Bounty for paper towels. (I would prefer Viva for paper towels, but let's not get ridiculous. I am NOT paying $3 for a roll of paper towels.) I came to HATE going shopping paper towels because of the expense - and having kids you have to use them way too much.

Well, Zekey's pre-school is pretty green. They actually ~~mandate~~ strongly suggest that we bring their lunch in non-disposable containers. So, no ziplock baggies for Zekey. And I actually love the concept of being green AND saving money (um, I only have to buy those non-disposable containers ONCE). So, of course I try to get tips on how they are doing other stuff.

At the beginning of the school year, they had a tea party at which I peeped their napkins - and guess what they were? PIECES OF CLOTH! I know, duh! What the heck is a napkin but a piece of cloth! And isn't that what I LOVE about Bounty and Viva is their likeness to cloth? And, and, and the cloth they used wasn't even surged! No, it is like they just cut up some fabric and called it a napkin. Genius.

I have been wanting to do that, but I could not figure out where to find cloth that is 100% cotton, really soft and absorbent, and (duh) cheap... This weekend, I had an epiphany!

Receiving Blankets!

They are super absorbent (I know this because I often have to use it to catch the milk from one boob while I am nursing on the other one.) They are soft and 100% cotton as stuff for babies often are. And they are pretty cheap. Well, actually free for me because I bought a whole bunch of them when I was in my diaper-cake-making phase.

(I have since left that phase as buying diapers for diaper cakes was crazy expensive - and not that unique. A bunch of people were doing it and I found myself nervous to make them because chances were someone (much more professional) was going to have done one and show me up. I would rather spend less than $5 on a couple of cotton skeins of yarn and make some crocheted stuffed animals and/or bibs.)

Back to the napkins. I was saving the receiving blankets to maybe make a quilt or something (someday). But realized this weekend that they are the PERFECT material for napkins. So, that is what I did. I cut them up, and called them napkins

Unfortunately, this will add to my never-ending growing heap of laundry, but I guess I will worry about that later ;).

My secret to creativity

2011-12-15T16:06:00.001-05:00

I vlogged (a little) about this here:

But, sometimes it is easier to read something than to watch it... and I wanted to expand on it, anyway. Basically, my secret to creativity is to do a couple of things.

1.) Make stuff!
2.) Journal

I get a lot of compliments on my "creativity". I LOVE it when people compliment me - especially on my creativity, but I want to let you in on a secret..... everybody is creative.

Yes! EVERYBODY. It is not some rare trait that only a few people have. It may seem that way because so few people express their creativity. And, I admit it, a lot of people do not know how to surface their creativity. That is why I call it a secret.

Make stuff

Make something you have never made before. When you make stuff, you are training your brain to work a certain way. It will be hard to do something new at first. Especially if it doesn't come naturally to you. You may get frustrated. You may feel like you are wasting your time. But keep at it! It will pay big. Believe me.
Make something that that someone else has made. Seriously. This one is really counter intuitive - and one that I have just learned. When I am making stuff that someone else has made, I feel kinda guilty. And like a loser. I am thinking: "Why couldn't I have thought to make something as cool as this?". But don't feel bad! whatever life experiences that inspired that person to make that thing did not happen to you. You have an entirely new set of life experiences (and lucky for you, that one just happened!) So, make that thing. Make it exactly as you see it. Study it. See what it is that you love about it. Now, practice making it. Once you have cemented that thing in your mind, you can combine it with other life experiences to make something entirely new*!
Make different things. When you make different things, you are creating new life experiences. More stuff to pull from when you are being creative. So, if you do lots of different crafts, you will know lots of different approaches - and be able to use them when you are making stuff.

Journal

Journal authentically. While journaling is important, if you can't be "real" with your journal, it won't be very effective in helping your creativity. Write exactly what you are thinking. Not what you should be thinking. Not what you want to be thinking. What you ARE thinking. No matter how shameful you think it is. No matter how much you don't want to be thinking it. Throw the papers away immediately if you can't trust your housemates not to read it. But write it down. Seriously. Journaling changed my life. And more than just my creativity. It changed my world view. When I started jouranling, all of a sudden, everything came into focus. Journaling has a way of clearing my mind, allowing me to center myself. Let me use an analogy. Imagine your mind carrying a key. A key to happiness, a key to creativity, a key to wisdom. But that key is buried in the center of your mind. So there is a WHOLE bunch of stuff blocking the path to your key. Well, journaling is the shovel that removes all that stuff. I am sure there are other ~~methods~~ shovels- like meditation, exercise, ect. But journaling is what I use.
Journal consistently . This one is SUPER hard for me to do. I am not very consistent, by nature. I love inconsistency. It feels *exciting*. But you know that path to the key? It gets crowded veeeery easily. Anything can get in the way. Thoughts, words that people say, things people do, things YOU do, anything. So, in order to make sure the key stays unburied, you have to keep digging.

I hope this helps you to be more creative.

*There is nothing new under the sun, so even when you think of something really different than you have ever seen before - you probably aren't the only one to have thought of it.

What is vintage, anyway?

2011-12-11T22:57:00.001-05:00

It is so funny how thrifting is considered cool now, because every time I talk about it, I can hear my cousin saying, back in the day: "That look like you got that from the thrift sto (hard "o" we are from the south)" And it wasn't a compliment!

Along my thrifting obsession has also come a curiosity about vintage. Now, I am not the type to like something just because it is old. And I am not cool enough to be able to make something old and cruddy look stylish. But sometimes, when I find something I do like that is old, I am tempted say it is vintage.

But apparently, there is some disagreement about the meaning of vintage. And anyone who knows me knows that I am pretty serious about accuracy.

Etsy says "The Vintage Category is for items that are at least 20 years old." That would make something made in 1991 or earlier vintage. Which is pretty new, according to Wikipedia which states that "clothing from the 1920s to 1960s is considered vintage." Then I saw a youtube video stating that vintage is from 1920's - 1970's. And EHow says that vintage is 25 years old or older...

Who the heck knows?

I sure don't. And honestly, I don't really care. As long as I like it and I get it for cheap!

Our Saturday...

2011-12-10T23:33:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning was not so great. I started to not vlog because of my attitude. But then I just decided to vlog about my attitude.

Here I go venting:

But then, I had an epiphany! We should all go thrifting together! So, we did.

I wasn't that satisfied with my trip. I guess we should just go to another one tomorrow! ;).

More Thrifting...

2011-12-07T22:59:00.001-05:00

So, in case you didn't know, I am vlogging everyday now. Here is my channel. Yes. This is obviously my new obsession. That and THRIFTING of course!!!

Speaking of thrifting (and really, when am I NOT speaking of thrifting these days?), I went today. I said I was only going to go once or twice a month. But honestly, I really don't think that is reasonable. Doing that, I am seriously going to miss out on some good stuff.

Like.this.yarn.

This yarn is Klaus Koch Kollektion. Don't let the triple K's throw you off. This is 100% EGYPTIAN COTTON!!!! And I got it for (drum roll, please).... $3.50! for 7 skeins! That is, yes 50 cents per skein!

This is some luxury yarn, I tell ya. I am usually a Hobby Lobby "I love this yarn" type of girl. (I DO hate Red Heart, though). I am not into spending more than $5 for a skein. And even that is too much for these small pockets. So, when I saw a bag of this stuff for $3.50 - well, you can imagine the ruckus I made in the store. I am sure they are used to me by now, though.

Anyway, I actually didn't know what I was getting (even though I knew it was good stuff) because the packaging is in another language. So, when I got home, I googled the name and realized that each skein goes for $12.50!!! That is 96% off!!!!

And here I am talking about it...

My mom asked me a great question: "What are you going to make with that yarn?". And I really can't promise anything. But I think I may make this sweater for Anaya:

I just rediscovered this book. My aunt gave it to me a couple of years ago. It is a knitting and crochet book, published in 1981, which makes it...vintage. LOL. And she got it THRIFTING!!! I try not to think of all of the stuff I have missed out on not thrifting until now. I could just kick myself.

Anyway, this book has some AMAZING patterns I can't wait to try out. Yay!

What are you making these days?

Maybe I am a Horder

2011-12-05T16:15:00.001-05:00

Last year around this time, I was on a painting kick. I was not into crocheting at all. Also, I had gathered all types of random craft supplies. My craft space was shrinking while my supplies grew. In a rush of "inspiration", I gave all of my yarn away to my mom and most of my crafting supplies to Charity.

And I regret it.

Really. I used to never have to go to the craft store. I would just go because they were having a sale or I had a coupon. If I wanted to make something, I knew there was something in my stash I could make it with. And sometimes I would have something, that I never thought I would use - but in a burst of inspiration, I would think of the PERFECT thing. Like when I made the Fall Tote. That is one of my favorite projects, ever and I never thought I would use that fabric. I am so glad I kept it.

But now that I have gotten rid of the "useless" fabric, I can't use it anymore. :(

I mourned for my stuff. ESPECIALLY my yarn.

So imagine my joy, when my mom GAVE ME BACK the yarn!!!!! She hadn't ever used it, but didn't want to see it get thrown out - so she just kept it for me! And I just got it back!

So, the moral of the story is DON'T get rid of your stuff (that you love)! Instead put it in the attic or something...

Thrifting for Vintage

2011-12-03T01:22:00.001-05:00

So remember when I said I am always at least 3 years behind a trend?

Well, here I go again. I went thrifting AGAIN today. Let me show you my finds: This time I found some vintage items.

Vintage frame: $2.50!

Globe: $6!!

Canister: $5

Vintage Pot: $2.50!!!!

Banana Republic shirt: $7!

How can I stop? How.Can.I.Stop????

And here is me vlogging about it (and other random stuff):

Coffee makes me a better person

2011-12-02T09:30:00.001-05:00

Me and Zekey enjoying a cup. He has hot chocolate (of course - even though he calls it his coffee). lol.

Really it does.

I love the smell. I love the taste. I love the thought. Yes, when I THINK of drinking coffee, it gives me a little rush. I love, love, love it. I even love people who drink coffee. I think we are kindred spirits. Ha!

However, I do not like the taste of black coffee. It is way too bitter for my sugar-loving taste buds. And I have found that people who think they don't like coffee, DO like my coffee. AND people who do like coffee the regular way - don't really mind my coffee.

And because I like sharing, let me share the recipe. ;)

Cup of black coffee (I use: 2 tablespoons of Dunkin Donuts - hazelnut flavored coffee to 12 oz of water)
2 tablespoons hot chocolate
3 tablespoons of non dairy creamer. (I usually buy the hazelnut flavored creamer, but the plain flavor is SO much cheaper - especially when you buy it in bulk at BJ's - so I bought that last time and it is good - so use that!)

(I included links so that you can see the brands that I use - I do not make money off of it. As a matter of fact, I do not recommend you buy these things from Amazon - they are cheaper at your local grocery store)

And that is it!

I know most people like dairy creamer, but I don't use that for a few of reasons.

Um, price! If you can't tell by now, I try to save my pennies whenever I can.
It makes my coffee cold.
Taste! I truly like the taste of the non-dairy creamer better. (This may be due to me dumb-ing down my taste buds by only using non-dairy creamer - not unlike my mom's preference for the taste of artificial sweeteners over real sugar. Yuck!)

Mmm, I just had a cup while I was writing this. And now everything is right with the world. ;)

And if you have not had enough of my Vlogs yet, here is one I did last night (coffee-less. Ugh!):

On Vlogging...

2011-12-01T17:32:00.001-05:00

You have probably noticed that I have been doing a lot of videos lately. Okay, 2. In a row. That is pretty impressive. lol

I think I like doing them so much because I feel more 'exposed'. Which is kinda scary - but therapeutic, right now.

Anyway, I want to know what you guys think of it. Do you hate watching videos? Would you rather read a blog post?

Vlog on Thrifting

2011-12-01T09:03:00.001-05:00

I made another video. I will do a *real* post later on today :).

A Vlog of a to-do list

2011-11-30T00:38:00.001-05:00

I think this is my first vlog - that I am making public, at least. I am sure that I rambled in front of a video camera before.

Mrs. Whitfield Muffins

2011-11-28T20:59:00.001-05:00

Not to toot my own horn but this muffin picture is pretty great, right? (toot-toot). lol.

I don't know if I told you guys about my mentor, Ms.Whitfield. She is THE lady who taught me to craft... in college - my senior year, actually.

Can you believe I started crafting that late in life? What the heck was I doing before that?

Anyway, besides teaching me to craft, she also taught me a few recipes that I use pretty regularly. One of them is a muffin recipe. Let me tell you, these muffins are crazy good. I have not met anyone who tasted them and didn't demand the recipe (or demand that I make them their own batch - ahem brother). So, instead of typing up the recipe a thousand times, it will be much easier to direct them here. Besides, I love sharing information with you guys! You are welcome ;)

2 cups flour
1 heaping cup of sugar
2 teas baking powder
1/2 teas salt
3-4 shakes of nutmeg

1 cup (+ a little more) milk (I use half and half and a bit of buttermilk- but any milk will do)
1/3 cup vegtable oil
1 egg
1 teas vanilla

Some fruit and nuts of your choice (I used apples and walnuts here. And when I use apples, I shred it on a cheese grater so that it won't have big apple chunks)

Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients. Mix in your wet with your dry until just mixed (don't over mix). Then stir in fruit. Pour into large muffin pan. Pour a little cinnamon-sugar on the tops.

Bake on 350 for 30 minutes (less or more depending on your oven - mine takes about 32 minutes).

This makes 6 big muffins - and they barely last a day in my house (especially if we have visitors) which is perfect because they are delicious when eaten right out of the oven. YUM!

P.S. I think they have about a bazillion calories/fat grams - especially with that half and half. So maybe you should make sure you make them when you have a company. ;)

Denim Apron Tutorial

2011-11-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

As you guys know, I don't dress up very often - especially when I am just going to be around the house cooking. Therefore, I do not need an apron to *protect* my cute clothes. On the contrary, I use my aprons to *dress* up my fit. How easy is it to throw on an apron? Easy Peezy.

Also, sometimes my pajamas don't have pockets.

With the holidays amongst us, I thought it may be a good idea to share my apron tutorial with you guys. You are welcome ;). Please ignore the fact that I didn't make in time for you to use while cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Duh.

What you will need:
1 pair of jeans (who doesn't love a great jean refashion?)
BTW, I bleached these jeans out because the original color was gross. To see how to do that (in written form) click here. For a video tutorial click here.

Step 1: Cut the jeans up into 4 parts. Cut the legs off, then cut the top part in half. (One of my legs is smaller than the other because I used part of it in another project). I named the pieces A, B, C, D so that we won't get confused later. You can go ahead and put piece D to the side because we won't need it.

Step 2: Cut piece C in to 4 sections. (cut the seams off, we will use them later). We will call these pieces C1, C2, C3, and C4

Step 3: Take C1 and C2 and sew them together to create a longer piece. Lets call this piece C12.

Step 4: Sew a gathering stitch across the top of C12, pull the gathers so that the top is the same width as the bottom of piece A.

Step 5: Sew C12 to the bottom of piece A.

Step 6: Sew piece B to piece A. I put two pleats in piece B so that it will fit - and to create some boobage area. (my browser is telling me that boobage is not a word, but I disagree).

Step 7: Take the remaining pieces from piece C (C3, and C4) and create two straps. You really only need one strap - you can use the other one in another project.

Step 8: Trim the seams from when you cut up piece C.

Step 9: Sew on the seams to the waist of piece A and a strap to the top of piece B.

Done!

You didn't even notice my PJ's under there, did you?

I am linking up again to the Pleated Poppy. Go check out what they are wearing ;).

AND to Frugally Sustainable. I love that blog!

I have finally joined the BOW revolution

2011-11-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

Please don't ask me why I am always 3 years behind trends. And also ignore my dorky-ness. This is precisely why I don't post pictures of myself very often, much less do self-portraits! Ugh. But I will suffer for in the name of craftyness. lol. ;). Meet my bow hat.

My manikin makes a much better model with her graceful neck and perfect posture. Unfortunately, her abnormally small head doesn't really show how the hat fits on a normal head...or maybe my head is abnormally big... Whatever.

Wanna know how to make it? You basically make a hat like the pattern here - but use two strands instead of one. And make a bow like the tutorial here but use two strands and make it much bigger by doing a treble stitch and starting with about 17 or 18 chains. Let me know if you need more instruction and I will do a whole tutorial for ya.

The ABC's of me!

2011-11-22T23:35:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, I am in a craft funk. I haven't made anything in like 3 days! So, in an effort to not allow this space to grow stale, I will tell you more about me! Yay! lol. I know most of you probably know as much as you want/need. But here is more, anyway ;)

A. Age: 29.
B. Bed size: King - better to hold the kiddies! ;)
C. Chore that you hate: All of them!
D. Dogs: Nope.
E. Essential start to your day: Journaling (although I haven't done it in a while as my kiddies keep waking up earlier and earlier)
F. Favourite color: It changes often. Right now, I am in love with olive green.
G. Gold or Silver: Gold.
H. Height: 5'9 1/2
I. Instruments you play: none :(
J. Job title: Mommy.
K. Kids: We have two - but I am aiming for 2 more!
L. Live: Atlanta
M. Mother's name: Valencia
N. Nicknames: Yana, Yani, Pooh Pooh (by my dad, only!)
O. Overnight hospital stays: When I had my babies. ;)
P. Pet peeve: SMACKING!!!! #smackpeoplewhosmack is currently my favorite hashtag to use.
Q. Quote from a movie: ...can't think of one right now.
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Yep ;). 3 younger brothers I grew up with and 2 older half sisters who live in Cleveland
T. Time you wake up: around 7am (sometimes earlier, unfortunately)
U. Underwear: Yep.
V. Vegetable you hate: Okra.
W. What makes you run late: I will blame it on my kids - but honestly, it is usually because of my mommy brain and I can't find something I just had - like my phone. A few times I found myself looking for it and I was ACTUALLY ON IT. The person on the other line had to remind me. lol.
X. X-Rays you've had: my teeth at the dentist.
Y. Yummy food that you make: not to brag - but I am a pretty awesome cook. Okay, I am bragging. But it's true! I am more of a cook than a baker - although I make some mean muffins. I will share the recipe soon!
Z. Zoo animal: I am not really an 'animal' person.

That's it! I have seen this questionnaire on a few blogs that I follow and I love reading them. If you do one, please share the link so that I can read yours! Or feel free to do some or all of it in the comments.

BTW I was totally being sarcastic yesterday

2011-11-21T23:27:00.001-05:00

In case you didn't know.

When I put my 'outfit' together, I looked in the mirror and cracked up laughing. It reminded me of how I can never do those outfit posts.

Being a Mom (a stay at home one at that!) means that I can barely schedule in a shower and a coffee break - much less a cute outfit complete with a headband and lip gloss... and on a Wednesday!?! - AND (and, and, and) take a picture of myself wearing it!

Either these women who can do this are Super Women or they don't have toddlers and newborns. I, on the other hand, usually look a hot mess on any given day - especially during the middle of the week.

This Saturday, E was home and I got an epiphany! I should do an outfit post, anyway! I thought it would be funny. Especially to link it up with actual stylish posts!

Unfortunately, people didn't know I was kidding. They must have thought I was some kind of loser.

Which is kinda funny too, actually. lol!

What I wore Saturday and other nonsense

2011-11-20T22:07:00.001-05:00

I like to look super fresh on Saturday mornings when all I have to do is clean up and take care of my 2 1/2 month old and 2 1/2 year old. Check out my threads. Please don't hate.

That dress is vintage. So, that means it is automatically cool.

I also rocked my crocs with it - because why not go all out and get G'd up to the fullest? *shrug*

That jacket and the leggings complete the look. dopeness.

Apparently, people didn't know I was kidding! I am TOTALLY kidding!!!! I know I look a hot mess.

But I am STILL linking up my outfit here because I think it is hilarious. lol. If you want to see *real* outfit posts, you may want to head on over there...

Here is a look at my Saturday morning.

And because our son is a genius, E taught him how to play Monopoly...

And Scrabble

Ha!

Oh, and when I was cleaning and doing laundry...

(What? You don't use your crib as a laundry basket to hold clothes that need to be folded up?)

I found this!!!!

Why yes those are my Peg People laying at the bottom of Zekey's trash can! My poor, pitiful, peg people.

How was your weekend?

Not to Work

2011-11-17T19:27:00.000-05:00

A few of you asked me what E thought about me working on this post. (Ok, fine. Just one of you asked me, but just in case anyone else wants to know his take on it, I got him to write a post on what he thinks.)

Don't do it. All the cons will apply at this new site and will prevent you from being the best employee you can be. I sat in on a presentation by 20-year veteran community college instructor; he said for-profit institutions are on the hot seat and may not even exist in another 5 years; your ethical oppositions are valid.

Those students have other places to go; they could enroll in community college. The students are there because they don't want to put in the work and really learn, but still get (fake,worthless) degrees.

Your talents as a good teacher don't fit in well with the culture of that institution. They want good entertainers; whether or not you can really teach, or really know the material, is of no consequence...whatsoever.

All this and that institution pushes the students to get federal student loans and GRANTS to pay exorbitant tuition. Do you want to be a part of a system that wastes tax payer money so blatantly?

There are other options. Doesn't your "hubster" has an interview this month to teach part-time at a "real" college? More pay, less work, no brainer.

More Peg People and their House.

2011-11-17T12:22:00.001-05:00

Thank you guys SO much for your thoughtful comments on me working! You guys have given me more to think about. I should probably be giving it MORE thought - till I come to a decision.

Unfortunately, all I can think of are Peg People! I know, I know. I am so responsible. lol.

Do you want to know what I have come up with? Yes?

Okay. Whenever I see a creative idea, I think: "Wow, how did they ever come up with that?". Because as much as artists want to believe their ideas are 100% original, no idea comes from thin air. Even when I think I have thought of something from *nothing* - deep consideration leads me to the original trigger. And sometimes the idea is so obvious, I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner!

This is one of those times. Here are the thoughts that led to my "duh" moment.

1.) As you know, I need some unpainted, natural toys for my son. I made some peg people.
2.) Having the obsessive nature that I have, I have been making accessories for the peg people.
3.) Despite the current (and what the heck - let's be honest, normal) cluttered state of my house - I absolutely hate clutter.
4.) I need somewhere to PUT the peg people and their accessories.
5.) The Peg People need a house.

Duh!

Did you just have that thought too? I know, I shouldn't even consider this an 'idea'.

I love this so much, I want to make a thousand of them! I want to make a tutorial - so YOU can make a thousand of them. Ha! But it is so easy, I doubt a tutorial is needed. (of course you should let me know if you need one, as I would be happy to oblige).

Also, in more crafty news I have figured out a way to make the peg people taller. I was commissioned to make a set for a boy named Lucas. I was to make the boy and his parents. But of course his parents can't be the same height as the boy. So I glued (with wood glue) some spool pegs on the bottom of the parent peg people.

Umm, and can you tell, my burning skillz are getting better? ...not so much my drawing skills, but let's look at the positive here. k?

I think they turned out rather nicely. What do you think? Do you want a tutorial? Or does this look easy enough?

To work or not to work...

2011-11-15T10:01:00.001-05:00

I have had several people ask me what I am going to do about working for *that company* after having this interview... including me.

I find myself asking, "So are you going to work for *that company* several times a day."

And I still haven't answered.

I would like to say that I feel like an idiot by mentioning *that company* with asterisks. I won't mention the real name because it may come up in a google search and they may want to sue my pants off - and they have the means to do so (I doubt it. They have so many ads out there, my meager little blog is not going to attract many searchers). The real reason is I know that google parses my email traffic and whenever I email to my old supervisor I would see all these stupid ads for *that company* on my sidebar and on my favorite sites that have google ads like Craftster.org. It is not a giant leap that google would parse my blog posts to do the same. But if you REALLLY want to know - send me an email and I will tell you. ;)

I think I have done it before, but let me lay out the pros and cons again.

Pros

I really vibed with my students and my boss.
I liked making up lesson plans.
I liked making up tests and quizes.
I ~~liked~~ loved the compliments from my boss and students.
It did not feel like work.
Um, I got money! Not like I was balling AT ALL. I got paid ~ $33/hour. Where else can you work part time (as little as 4 hours/week) and get that much? I don't know of a place! And we could really (REALLY!) use the money.

Cons

I am ethically opposed to the company. I know for a fact that students are lied to by the 'recruiters'. and 'recruiters' are in single quotes because they are really more into selling than they are into recruiting. Every time I walked by a recruiter with a student a trying to coax them into signing up to go there - I heard at least one lie. Seriously, EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I found myself having a strong desire to yell: "It's a trap! Don't listen! Run!" Unfortunately, that would be inappropriate.
My performance evaluation is based on my ability to keep the students coming. If a student has a sick child and can't come to class, or if a student's car breaks down and can't come to class, or if a student sees through the bull-crap and decides NOT to come to class and enroll in a *real* school, instead - MY performance evaluation is affected. My job is to make sure they come to class.
Because it is profit based, the student is treated like a valued customer. For example, last quarter, I had a student who turned in his work late. He did not want to get docked for it. He complained to the big wigs about me. They forced me to change his grade.
I am not a rule follower. There are an insane amount of ridiculously retarded rules that I am required to follow. These are the types of rules that I, having the rebellious nature I have, am compelled NOT to follow. Like: the break schedule. We HAVE to take a break at a certain time. If it is not break time I HAVE to be in the class. So, if the student needs something from the instructor's area (like a calculator), I can't go get it. If I have to use the bathroom - I can't go.
All of the above pros were the case for the other location. I am not sure how much freedom to create my own tests, quizzes, and labs I will be given by my new boss.
I do not want to leave my baby. Because the new location is about twice as far as the other location, teaching just one 4 hour class will require me to be gone for 6 hours. I know mothers do it all the time (as I did when Zekey was a lot older). But, if they had a choice, would they really leave their 2 month old baby to go to work?

As you can see, it is a tough decision. What would you guys decide?

Mark and Stacy

2011-11-13T14:16:00.001-05:00

As laundry and dishes continue to pile up, all I can think about are little peg people.

Lilay's sister and brother came for an extended visit, much to Prass's chagrin.

I told Zekey to name them, to which he responded: "YOU name them." Such a bossy little boy.

E named them, instead.

Mark and Stacy.

I also made a little table. Here is the whole set of them.

I am going to need to make them a new house.

Maybe I AM having too much fun, as Libby suggested!

Will party here.

Lilay and Prass

2011-11-13T00:52:00.001-05:00

It is so late. I should be in the bed. But I couldn't WAIT to share this with you!

So, if you follow me on Pinterest then you may have seen me ~~going a little nuts with~~ pinning dollhouses. For some reason, I have gotten a little obsessed.

First, it started with the suitcase dollhouse. I love this idea because it contains all the clutter that would normally end up on the floor at the end of playtime. How perfect is that???

Then I saw this on Etsy.

Then, I saw THIS on this blog.

So, burned some little people!

I would have painted the pegs, but for some reason Zekey has started putting non-food items in his mouth. So, I did not want to use paint.

I know my burning skillz make the lady look like the Grim Reaper - but Zekey doesn't know who the Grim Reaper is, so it's cool... lol.

I bought a lot of little wooden pieces from Hobby Lobby (I really need to stay out of that place - it is using up all of my little meager budget!)

I used my cheap $20 burner and some wood glue.

Zekey actually likes to play with it! That boy is so picky - he usually doesn't like anything I make for him.

He named them Lilay and Prass. And he wanted to paint their house.

He wants to paint the refrigerator, too - but I am not letting him.

What do you think?

Clog Slippers Pattern

2011-11-11T14:27:00.001-05:00

Yay! Another *boy* project. Well, actually it is unisex... I know these would be really cute on girls, too!

A friend commissioned me to make some slippers for her son to wear around the house. So, I came up with these. They measure 7 inches in length and about 3 1/2 inches in width. Obviously, these are much too big for my son, a 2 1/2 year old, with um, big feet. ;)

And they are really fast to make! I finished a whole pair during an hour and a half movie.

What you will need:
~ one skein of pumpkin colored yarn, rolled into two balls (or you could just buy two skeins of the same color)
~ a small amount of brown yarn
~ crochet hook - size I/9 5.50MM
~ crochet hook - size G/6 4.25MM
~ 2 buttons

Shoe:
With pumpkin colored yarn, I/9 hook and holding two strands together
Chain 4 (fig 1)
Connect with a slip stitch to form ring (fig 2)
Round 1: Chain 3 - this counts as first dc (fig 3), dc 11 times in ring. slip stitch to the top of the chain three to connect the round (fig 4) - 12 sts
Round 2: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each dc around, slip stitch to the top of the chain three to connect the round (fig 5) - 24 sts
Round 3-7:, Chain 3, dc in each dc around, slip stitch to the top of the chain three to connect the round(fig 8)- 24 sts

UPDATE: Someone asked me a question about this part, so I did a video to explain this section.

Row 8: turn, chain 3, dc in next 17 dc, leaving the remaining 7 stitches unworked (fig 7) - 17 stitches
Row 9 - 11: turn, chain 3, dc in next 17 dc (fig 8)
Finish off, leaving a 12 inch tail. (fig 9)
Using the long tail, close up the back with a whip stitch. Weave in tails (fig 10)

Strap
With pumpkin colored yarn, I/9 hook and holding two strands together

Chain 18

Row 1: sc in second chain from the hook and each chain across -17 stitches

Row 2-3: chain 1, turn, sc in each sc across - 17 stitches (fig 11)

Sew Strap to shoe, leaving the bottom inch or so un-sewed (see fig 12)

Button Circle
with size G/6 hook, and brown yarn
chain 2 (fig 13)
Row 1: 6 sc in first chain (fig 14)
working in continuous rounds

Row 2: 2 sc in each sc around (fig 15)
slip stitch in next sc, finish off
Sew button circle and button to shoe (fig 17)

Make another one ;)! (fig 18)
UPDATE: If you are trying to make these slippers smaller, this video explains how:

If you are trying to make these slippers larger, this video explains how:

Will party here.

Baby Blues Part 2

2011-11-11T11:35:00.001-05:00

I am living my dream life, really... Taking care of my kids who are so funny and beautiful, making stuff I love and patterns, too. Cooking whatever I feel like whenever I feel like it - making my own schedule. I should happy - really, really happy.

But no. Everything is overwhelmed by a dark shadow. I am so angry all the time. So annoyed. Especially at E. When I think (logically) about his infractions that PISS. ME. OFF. I realize, that maybe - just maybe I shouldn't be quite so angry - and that maybe I should get over it. But I can't.

So, I just ignore him and let my anger simmer - and craft to get away from it all. I think, if I can finish up this pattern and make a few more things- maybe I will be happy again. And I am - but only a little and for a short period of time.

Then I try to increase my production - to increase my happiness. But with two small ones, there is only so much time I have. And when I can't do it all, I get short with my son. And I feel guilty - like I am a horrible mother. Which makes me feel even worse.

Ugh. I will be so glad when these baby blues go away!

Zekey's New Jeans

2011-11-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

I bet you thought I forgot about Zekey!

Well, I didn't ;). I bleached some of his pants. I know, it is a pretty unimpressive project. But I like how they turned out!

It seems like ALL of his jeans are the same dark colored denim. So I took a pair -the pair with the thickest material (bleach is pretty harsh on fabric) and soaked them in some bleach water. I also pulled out the bottom seam to make them longer.

Easy new pair of pants. What do you think?

The Worst Interview EVER.

2011-11-08T14:04:00.001-05:00

I had an interview a few weeks ago to work at *the company*. I did HORRIBLY during the interview. Let me tell you why.

I was not sure that I even wanted to work there - so it was pretty impossible for me to get pumped up enough to sell myself (and do things that would make it possible to sell myself - like um, preparation). Also, remembering my interviews from before - ample preparation was not even necessary. All I did on the initial interview (which was ironically almost exactly a year ago) was complete a lab. My boss told me that he has hired people that seemed competent - but couldn't even put a circuit together. I know how to put a circuit together.

Another reason I didn't prepare is because that would SERIOUSLY cut into my crafting time. Having a newborn and a wild boy toddler is enough to keep me busy in itself. I have to carve out ME-time. And I just couldn't bring myself to use that ME time - for preparing for *the company*.

So, I go in the interview extremely unprepared for a test teach. Which is exactly what he wants me to do. I know what you are thinking: "You just spent the better part of a year teaching this material, what is so hard about teaching it now?". Well, I'll tell you.

I am more of a teacher than a performer. I am good at finding out what people don't know - then showing them. I am not good at teaching material to a group of people who already know the material - which actually wouldn't be teaching. That would be performing.

Furthermore, the students in the class did NOT appreciate my teaching Or my performance. My *lesson* was on something they already knew. They were, understandably, totally ignoring me, making *annoyed faces* and doing other stuff. If this were a *real* class, there are things I could do to encourage them to pay attention. For one, I could call on them by name (which clearly was impossible as I didn't know their names). I could go up to them specifically to see what the distraction was and maybe redirect my lesson. Or if all else failed - their grade would suffer. Obviously, this was out of the question - as their grade was not affected at all by me. And most importantly, I didn't even feel comfortable trying to force them to pay attention to me. If I were them, I would totally feel like I was a waste of their time as well.

When I actually started teaching (I tried to stall - but the Chair was onto me and kind rushed me along), my mind went blank. Seriously. I didn't even remember the voltage drop of a geranium diode. Actually, I couldn't even remember which diode was in their tool boxes - silicon or geranium. And I guess this wouldn't be a big deal to you - if you haven't worked on electronic circuits before. So, just take my word for it - it is BASIC information in this field.

So, as I am teaching, fumbling over the most basic of material, I am making comments like, "I am Jacking this up." or "I can't believe I am doing this horribly." REALLY. I am ACTUALLY saying these things. As I am saying them, I regret saying them - which pushes me into MORE nervousness. So, when the Chair asks me a question, like "Why do silicon and geranium have the voltage drops they have?" I actually do not understand the question. I pause for a much too long moment then respond with: "I don't know." - instead of something smooth like: "Let me get back to you on that." What.The.Heck.Is.Wrong.With.Me.

I am so horrible, a student is actually making the motion of cutting his neck like telling me to "Cut it out". I look at him dumbfounded (cause I know he is not saying what I think he is saying) and ask him what he means. He tells me that I can just go ahead and stop now. OMG. I can't turn red, but I know I am sweating like a grown man. I tell him that I can't stop until the Chair tells me to stop. And the Chair says: "No, go ahead. I am enjoying this." Then I say, "Well, I'm not." Can you BELIEVE that??? I need to just put a sock in my mouth.

Finally, finally, finally (miraculously) the interview is over as I have gotten to the end of the lesson.

Then, you know what the Chair says? He says: "I like you, when can you start?".

What?

I have been featured!

2011-11-07T12:20:00.001-05:00

My bloggy friend, Libby is doing a series on her blog showcasing 'artists'. I am not sure if I could be considered an artist - but I will take that as a compliment!

So, go - check me out ;).

If you clicked over here from her blog and you want to know a little about ol' me and this blog (yay!).

Start here.

And if you want to know even MORE. Go here.

Crochet Rose with Leaves Tutorial

2011-11-06T15:47:00.001-05:00

This is the last day of Hair Clip week. It is pretty bittersweet for me. Although, I love making hair clips and I love making tutorials, this is taking out a good chunk of my time! I hope you like this tutorial. It is a bit of a rerun if you've seen the Vintage Cloche Pattern.

What you will need:

Crochet Hook size: H/8 - 5.00
Pink Yarn
Green Yarn
Hair Clip
Needle and thread
Scissors
Glue Gun

Step 1: chain 20
Step 2: Double Crochet 2 times in the 3rd chain from the hook
Step 3: Double Crochet 3 times in the next chain
Step 4: Repeat step 3 for the rest of the chains
Step 5: Finish off, leaving a 10 inch tail. Coil the rose and sew the rose together with the long tail.
Step 6: Weave in tails.

Step 7: Chain 10
Step 8: slip stitch in the second chain from the hook and in next chain, single crochet in next, treble crochet in the next 3.
Step 9: single crochet in the next, slip stitch in the next 2
Step 10: working around the chain, slip stitch in the same chain and in the next chain, single crochet in the next, treble crochet in the next 3, single crochet in the next, slip stitch in the last 2 stitches. Finish off leaving a 10 inch tail.
Step 11: Make another leaf. Arrange the flower and leaves.
Step 12: Sew the leaves and flower together, weave in tails.
Step 13: (not shown) Sew on hair clip. Glue to secure threads.

Pssst. This would be excellent as a broach on a vintage coat! Just swap the hair clip for a broach pin. Or keep the hair clip and clip it to a crocheted bag or hat. The possibilities are endless!

linking up at Beneath the Rowan Tree

Layered Flower Tutorial

2011-11-05T13:55:00.000-04:00

This is *my* flower. This is the flower I made all the time when I used to sell my stuff. I got lots of requests for a tutorial. I hope you like it :).

This is what you will need:

Yarn ~ (100 feet should be plenty)
Scissors
Hair clip
Needle and Thread
Glue Gun
crochet hook - I used size H/6 - 5.00MM (duh! I forgot to take a picture of it)

1. Chain 4
2. Slip stitch in the first chain to create a ring.
3. Chain 4
4. sc in ring to forn the first loop.
5. Chain 4
6. sc in ring to form the second loop

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until there are 6 loops and 6 sc in ring.
8. In the next loop, dc 10, slip stitch in the next sc
9. Repeat around. Finish off, leaving a 10 inch tail
10. Make 2 more. Weave in tails. (only one flower needs to have a 10 inch tail) . Pssst. They don't have to all be the same color. This is an excellent scrap buster!
11. Stack the flower together. Sew together with the tail.

12. Weave in tail. Sew on hair clip. Secure with glue gun.

What do you think?

P.S. See how I changed the background to plain? Is it easier to see? I know I should be taking these photos outside during the day, but with two little ones, I kinda have to work around their schedule!

Fabric Fan Tutorial

2011-11-04T02:30:00.000-04:00

I actually had another different idea for a hair clip today. However, my friend came over last night with some beautiful Kenyan fabrics and I swiftly changed plans. She is doing a fundraiser to raise money for a mission trip to Kenya and wanted me to think of a simple project to sell. Of course since this week is Hair Clip week, I had hair clips on my mind!

Let me show you how to make it.

Materials:
1 button (on that preferably does not have holes on the top)
Piece of fabric that is about 1.5 inches wide and 24 inches long
Needle and thread
Hair Clip

1. Run your thread through your fabric about an inch from an edge (accordion style).
2. Pull thread to form fan.
3. Sew the fan to the hair clip then sew a button to cover the bottom raw edge.
4. (step not shown) Glue between the fan and the hair clip and around the button to secure.

All done!

Flower Bouquet Hair Clip Tutorial

2011-11-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

This tutorial is easy peazy because it uses the techniques you used for the other Hair Clips. The crochet circle and the crochet flower.

Materials Needed:
3 crochet flowers with long tails ~10 inches (see how to make the flowers here)
1 crochet circle (see how to make the circle here)
yarn needle
hair clip
needle and thread
glue gun
Step 1: Sew the first flower onto the edge of the circle
Step 2: Sew the second flower onto the edge of the circle
Step 3: Sew the last flower onto the edge of the circle.
Step 4: Sew the flowers together to make sure they are arranged properly. Weave in tails.
Step 5: Sew on hair clip. Secure with glue.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T18:08:00.001-04:00

Flower Button Hair Clip Tutorial

2011-11-02T14:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Day 3 of Hair Clip week!

Today, I am going to show you how to make this:

It is slightly more difficult than the other hair clips - but follow my instructions and you will be making flowers in no time!

Materials needed:
Small amount of yarn,
Crochet Hook: size J
Needle and thread
Hair Clip
Button
Crochet Circle (see how to make the crochet circle here)
Scissors
Glue Gun

Step 1: chain 2
Step 2: 6 sc in second chain from hook
Step 3: chain 3
Step 4: sl st in next sc, (chain 3, sl st in next sc) around
Step 5: you should have 6 loops of 3 chains each. 5 dc in next loop.
Step 6: slip in the space between the loops. There is a white x marking the spot in box 6.
Step 7: repeat steps 5 and 6 around. you should have 6 petals
Step 8: weave in yarn
Step 9: arrange the flower.
Step 10: sew the layers together, then sew on clip
Step 11: Place a small amount of glue in the small space under the clip and then on the threads to secure them.

Cute as a Button Crochet Hair Clip Tutorial

2011-11-01T14:46:00.002-04:00

Welcome to day 2 of the Hair Clip Series. Today's project is super easy (like yesterday's) but just as cute! Well, I think so :).

Materials:
Crochet Hook size: J
Some yarn scraps.
Yarn needle
Needle and thread
Hair Clip
Scissors
Glue Gun

Step 1: chain 2
Step 2: sc 6 in ring
Step 3: 2 sc in each sc around
Step 4: weave in tails
Step 5: make another one with another color yarn
Step 6: place the two circles together with coordinating button.
Step 7: sew the three layers together, then sew on hair clip
Step 8: secure the thread with a drop of glue.

All Done!

P.S. They look cute with only one crochet circle!

As you can see, my hair clip kite is getting full!

I hope she turns out to be a girly-girl. :)

Crochet Bow Hair Clip Tutorial

2011-10-31T13:58:00.001-04:00

Here is the first tutorial of the Hair Clip Series. I can't tell you how much time I spent trying to create a video tutorial. Well, I *created it* but I was not able to edit it. My camera saves files as MP4s and I could not find (free) software that edits this file type. I even downloaded a few converters, but when I tried to open the file - Microsoft Movie Maker thinks the file is corrupted. Oh, well. If you have any questions (or recommendations), let me know :).

What you will need:

small amount of yarn
crochet hook
yarn needle
hair clip
needle and thread
scissors
glue gun

Step 1: leaving a 3 inch tail, chain 10
Step 2: dc in 3rd chain from hook and in each chain across
Step 3: chain 3, turn, dc in each st across. finish off, leaving a 20 inch tail
Step 4: taking care to not distort the shape, wrap the center of the rectangle to create a bow shape
Step 5: weave the tail under the wrapped yarn
Step 6: weave in the other tail
Step 7: tie the two tails together.
Step 8: clip tails, sew on the clip.
Step 9 (not shown) place a small amount of glue on the thread that is holding the clip to the bow. (make sure you open the clip, first so that you won't glue the clip closed)

Attach to a Hair Bow Kite!

I want make them in every color so I can put one in her hair everyday!

Hair Clip Week and TTT #11

2011-10-30T15:02:00.001-04:00

Two things.

First of all, I want to show you guys my submission for Triplicate Trials Tuesday. If you don't know what it is (like I didn't - I'm telling you, papercrafting is an underground world.), let me tell you.

It is a challenge hosted by a group of crafty people on a blog. The entire blog is dedicated to this bi-weekly challenge. And when I say 'bi-weekly' - I mean once every two weeks (and not twice a week - don't you hate words with double meanings?).

Anyway, someone on the design team (dt - I had NO idea what dt meant for the longest...) picks out a theme and some colors. The colors are the most important part - as they are not really subjective like a theme is. And the contestants make some paper craft - like a card, a scrapbook page, an art journal page, a hang tag, whatever. They post it on their blog with the blog title being the name of the contest (in this case TTT for Triplicate Trials Tuesday) and the iteration of that contest (in this case, this is the 11th contest for TTT). Hence my blog title : TTT #11.

For this contest, the theme is Art Deco and the colors are hot pink, gold, and black. Obviously, your skill level does not matter. They have people that are SUPER newbies like me And they have people who are extra-advanced. I like participating because it forces me to think creatively in another medium - which helps me to be more creative in my usual medium. Not to mention it gives me motivation to finally scrapbook those pictures I have been setting aside for years!

The pictures above are of my Aunt Judy and me. When I was younger, I wanted to be JUST like her - Sexy, Sophisticated and BEAUTIFUL. That picture captures her perfectly.
.....

UPDATE! I won!!! I won, I won, I won!

...

Secondly, next week, I am going to provide tutorials for hair clips each day. Are you excited! ;) If you just can't wait to get started, take a look at the cowrie shell hair clip tutorial I made a little while ago.

See you tomorrow!

Hobby Lobby trip

2011-10-28T22:29:00.000-04:00

Remember when I was going to do the sewalong. Yeah... Yesterday.

Well, I couldn't find the book. None of the bookstores around here has it. I could, of course, order it on Amazon - but then it wouldn't be here by yesterday.

I even went to Hobby Lobby today and bought the fabric. This super pretty white fabric that has teeeeny super white designs

Oh, well. Maybe I will use it to make Anaya a dress or something *wink*. Of course I had to buy some yarn!

I went with my crafty buddy Rochelle and she showed me the ends and outs of papercrafting. Wooo. Talk about overwhelming. I felt like I was being introduced to an underground world. I could barely keep up.

That may have been due to the fact that I had my kids in tow. While I am trying to get my learn on, Anaya is mostly sleeping.
Meanwhile, Zekey is:

putting stuff back where it doesn't belong. "I got to put it back, mommy."
showing the other customers his random finds (his favorite, of course being Dora stickers)
dragging bulky items around the store (and telling me - not asking me - to carry it for him when he gets tired of it), and finally
demanding that I "pick [him] up, right" when I try to put him on my hip.

That boy is so entertaining - and tiresome. When we got home, I took a nap right along with them - it was way past naptime.

Hat for the boy - and sewalong...

2011-10-27T16:36:00.001-04:00

I made Zeke a hat last night... let me know if you want the pattern (it was super simple).

AND I found a boy sewalong to join...

Bilingual Baby and Thar She Sews are hosting sew-along! I am excited because this will be the motivation I need to make something (complex) from a pattern and for my son. The only thing I've made from a pattern is a super cute (and SUPER simple) dress.

The sewalong starts tomorrow. So, I gotta go get the book (Sewing for Boys) today! Are you participating in the sewalong?

Update: I could not find the book (on time), so I won't be doing this round. :(. I wish I had known about it earlier. Oh, well. I will keep my eyes opened for more sewalongs. And if you hear of anything - please tell me!

I love all things girly... {GIVEAWAY}

2011-10-25T13:50:00.000-04:00

As you guys know, I have recently acquired a girl child and have been quite obsessive in making her things, while my boy child has received nothing hand-made by me except a crocheted blanket, and two hats. - Both of which are too small.

And while I try to think of stuff to make him, my mind is constantly being filled with things to make her (Hello, Hair Clip week, anyone?) The only things I have come up with to make him are a Thomas the Train quilt and a crocheted truck...

Not to mention my best friend is pregnant with...wait for it... TWIN BOYS!!! Can you believe that? How can I continue to be on this handmade boy hiatus?

So, I need your help. What handmade thing do you think a 2 1/2 year old boy needs?

I need lots of ideas. SOOOO. I am going to do a GIVEAWAY.

I will give away either a Cloche hat

or a $10 Hobby Lobby gift card (for you crafty people who would rather make your own hat!)

Rules

1. Leave a comment (with your email address) giving me an idea of what to make for the boy

2. Um, follow my blog (how ELSE are you going to know if you've won!)
3.) Giveaway ends November 1st

And the winner is..... HeadPatternista!

Pssst. I am not kidding about that Hair Clip week thing. I am totally going to do it next week! SUPER excited! But first - the boy. *stay focused*

Cloche Pattern

2011-10-23T16:46:00.000-04:00

I finished the cloche pattern! Whoo. I should probably slow down with my pattern making. My eyes are starting to cross. And my laundry is piling up.... But I promised.

Here ya go. ;) Pssst. For a printable copy click here.

What you will need:

1 skein worsted weight yarn (~ 250 yards) rolled into two balls in Hat color
a small amount of yarn in flower color (~ 2 yards)
size K/101/2 - 6.5MM crochet hook
size H/8 - 5.00MM crochet hook
yarn needle
needle and thread
Hair Clip (optional)
Glue Gun (optional)

Hat
Working the hat in rows and with 2 strands:
With K hook, Chain 27 *Adjust Pattern Note 1*
Row 1: tr in 5th chain from the hook and in next chain, dc in next 17 chains, hdc in next 2, sc in last 2 (23 sts)

Row 2: chain 1, turn, working in back loops, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 hdc, dc in next 17 dc, tr in next tr, tr in ch 3 space (23 sts)

Row 3: chain 4, turn, working in front loops, tr in next 2 tr, dc in next 17 dc, hdc in next 2 hdc, sc in next 2 sc (23 sts)
Rows 4-26: repeat rows 2-3 **(Adjust Pattern Note 2)**

Close the side of the hat
Place the two ends of the hat together, inside out (the ridges should be on the inside). Sc up the hat to sew the two edges together.

Close the top of the hat
Treating the sides of the sc (along the top of the hat) like sc stitches, sc2tog around until the hat closes.

Flower
base:
with H hook, chain 2
Rnd 1: 6sc in second chain from the hook (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc
Rnd 3: (2 sc in next, 1 sc in next) around (18sts)

rosette (make 3)
With H hook, Chain 20
Row 1: 2 dc in third chain from the hook, 3 dc in next 17 chains from the hook (60 stitches). Finish off leaving 12 inch tail.

Roll the flower around so that the chain is in one spiral. Sew the flower together.

Sew the flowers onto the edge of the base, evenly around.

Attach a clip (or a pin). Secure with glue.

Clip or pin to hat.

Now post to Facebook and get ready for requests from friends and family! Enjoy!

Notes on how to make the hat larger/smaller.
1. Chain a greater or lessor amount to make the height of the hat more or less. After you complete the first row, you can measure against your head by putting the thinner end at the center of the crown of your head.
2. Increase or decrease number of rows to make the diameter of the hat more or less (preferable ending with an even row - to make sc UP the hat simpler - without having unnecessary tails)

I think my neighbor's nanny is a crackhead.

2011-10-23T11:47:00.002-04:00

Well, I haven't SEEN her smoking crack - but she displays some of the more subtle signs - Her braids are just a BIT too old. Her neck looks like it is permanently in an awkward position. She was REALLLY skinny. And something about the way she walks and talks....

Even if she isn't on crack now - she has at least been on it in the not so distant past.

It looks pretty obvious to me, but then - I am not really a stranger to crackheads.

So, what do you think? Should I tell her. I am afraid if I do, I am going to offend her. And I have no proof - I could totally be wrong. I am not - but I could be... theoretically.

Gray Hat with Flowers

2011-10-21T17:07:00.002-04:00

I wanted a winter hat that will fit me. Last winter, I had locs -so all my hats are too big for me. I made this hat last night and the flower this morning. I like it :). So does my mom. She has already claimed it! Good thing it works up quickly. I will have to make myself another one.

I am going to write up a pattern (full of pictures) for it eventually - but if you just can't wait: Use the Owl Hat pattern - but double the yarn and make the bottom two stitches treble. Make three flowers and sew them together and attach to clip.

Day of the Dead Skull (UPDATED) + Pattern

2011-10-19T17:47:00.000-04:00

Although I don't celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos, I LOVE to craft for it. Something about trying to make something both spooky and pretty presents a challenge I can't resist. So when I saw this on Etsy. I had to try it.

I made one yesterday - that didn't turn out as well as I wanted - so I remade another one today. I think this one is much better? Here is the pattern:

What you will need:

Ivory yarn (a few yards)

Pink, purple, turquoise, and green yarn (about 6 inches each)

Black silvery yarn (about a yard)

Size G/6 4.25mm crochet hook

Needle and black thread

Flower for adornment

Head:
With ivory, Chain 2

Round 1: in 2nd chain from hook, sc 6 (6 sts). Place marker in last sc and move marker as you complete each round.

Round 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sts)
Round 3 make mouth : 2 sc, sc in next 2 sc

change to pink

sc in same sc

change to purple

sc in next sc

change to turquoise:

sc in next sc

change to yellow

sc in same sc

change to green

sc in next sc

change to purple

sc in next sc

change to pink

sc in same sc

change to ivory

(sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) twice, sc in next sc (18)

Round 4: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) around (24 sts)
Round 5: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) around (30 sts)
Round 6 shape chin: (2 sc, sc in next 4 sc) twice, sc2tog 5 times, (sc in next 4 sc, 2sc) twice (29 sts)
Round 7 continue to shape chin : sc in next 13 sc, sc3tog, sc in next 13 sc (27 sts)
Round 8 - 10: sc around (27 sts)
Round 11: (sc2tog, sc) around (18 sts)
Round 12-13: sc around (18 sts)
STUFF

Remaining Rounds: sc2tog until the head closes

Eyes make 2:
With Black Silvery yarn, Chain 2
Round 1: sc 6 in second chain from hook. sl in first sc to close round.

Weave in strings. Sew Eyes onto head.

Attach a flower.

Note: Any flower will do - but if you want the pattern for the flower I used, let me know, and I can make a pattern for that one.

Oh, and a printable pattern is here:
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1WMNbkPQ5_gZkd_hZXFHhsRNquxvBCLFaRA_LN438wm4

Day of the Dead Skull

2011-10-18T20:13:00.003-04:00

So I made it! It took a good part of the day, but I made the pattern... I was so proud of it until I showed E. He was like, "So, that is the mouth?" Pointing ABOVE the mouth. Then I noticed that the mouth IS too far down.

Ugh. Back to the drawing board.

Stash Building...

2011-10-17T23:38:00.000-04:00

I think I mentioned this before - but Hobby Lobby is my FAVORITE store. I took a trip there today and got some supplies for some hats that are due AND some scrap-booking paper. I am super excited about Triplicate Trials Tuesday's challenge tomorrow.

Also, I have an amazing pattern idea for El Dia De Los Muertos. Hopefully, I will be able to execute it before November 1st!

KCWC Day 7 Keroppi Bib

2011-10-16T22:04:00.005-04:00

I did it, I did it, I did it, Horray! (Sorry - too much Dora)

Anyway, I made the bib for my neighbor!

Here are the gifts together.

All I need to do is wrap them up along with a gift card. I hope she likes everything!

AND I am done with the Kid's Clothing Week Challenge. I enjoyed it because it gave me some goals I would not have otherwise made for myself - even if they were mostly unreached . Oh, well. That will teach me not to make such lofty goals. I look forward to the next one!

KCWC Day 6

2011-10-16T02:00:00.006-04:00

Okay, Okay, Okay.

I didn't make the skirt today. I DID make some banana muffins

and I finished a Keroppi for my neighbor who is due in November. Earlier this month, I finished the giraffe. Hey! It's for the KIDS.

I got
the [FREE] Keroppi pattern from here (Free is awesome, no?) . They don't know what they are having - so I had to keep it gender neutral. I also made the baby a giraffe. I think the giraffe is so cute. I bought the pattern here (not free - but the pattern is super clear and pretty easy - so I didn't mind paying the $5, too much).

Ummm, I PLAN to make a bib, also. But you can see that my 'plans' often do not play out in real life as they do in my head...

Stay tuned!

KCWC Day 5

2011-10-15T00:39:00.005-04:00

Although I did not COMPLETE a project today, I did start one. I want to make Anaya a denim skirt -or a dress. I am leaning toward making a skirt - but my crafts tend to kinda take shape on their own. I do what I am 'led' to do. I know that probably sounds spooky for you non-crafters... but start crafting and you will see what I mean. ;)

Here are some jeans that I bleached. They have the heavy weight that I love (good for lots and lots of washings) but they were originally a horrible color navy blue.

I used the same method as the bleach out (also known as reverse tie-dye) but I didn't use rubber bands - thinking that I would get one consistent color. Clearly, I didn't. It still has the marbled effect and I actually kinda like it. Now I know that I don't have to use rubber bands!

More tomorrow!

KCWC Day 4

2011-10-13T23:38:00.004-04:00

So, I spent a lot of time on making that Newsboy hat and pattern. It was a colossal FAIL.

So, I said "Eff it" (really - I only use profanity in the car) and painted a picture instead. It IS for my daughter's room - Does that count?

It is not finished, but I think I will hang it up on her bare walls for now.

Maybe that hat will come together tomorrow ;).

Owl Hat Pattern

2011-10-12T15:40:00.006-04:00

So, I finished the Owl hat pattern - it was a LOT of work.

Here ya go: Click Here
BTW, if you see any errors please let me know and I will be sure to correct them.
And if you make it, please share the link to it so that we can see it!

Although, writing this pattern was a whole lot more work than I thought it was gonna be, I enjoyed it. Next up, Newsboy cap pattern:

KCWC Day 2

2011-10-11T23:44:00.001-04:00

Guess what I did today?

...

Jack. I know. I suck. I will do much better tomorrow.

KCWC Day 1

2011-10-10T23:55:00.003-04:00

So, I finished the pattern - well it is in scribbles in my notebook. And I almost finished the hat. I just need to stitch it together.

Obviously, I spent a lot more than an hour today - which I planned to do. But I spent way more than I planned, also. I think (hope!) this was the most ambitious project on my list. Hopefully, I will be able to finish the all the projects on my list.

I should go to bed now. I am watching the boys tomorrow - so I need my rest.

Kids Clothes Week Challenge

2011-10-09T20:56:00.004-04:00

I am participating in this challenge. (Yay!).

If you can't tell by the name, the participants are challenged to work on kid's clothes for a whole week. We are supposed to work on it for at least an hour a day.

To jump start my week, I finished an owl hat for Anaya.

My goals for the week are:

Make a pattern for the owl hat
Make a hat + pattern for a News Boy Hat
Make a hat + pattern for a Rasta Hat
Make something with sleeves
Make a video tutorial for a hair clip

I know these are lofty goals. Let's see if I can reach them!

Oh, and the patterns are going to be available to you for free. ;)

High School Hair cut with Triplicate Trials Tuesday.

2011-10-08T15:11:00.005-04:00

So, I am branching out and trying out a new craft. I know you are surprised. Ha!

My crafty friend has a paper craft challenge every other Tuesday called Triplicate Trials Tuesday. I have actually known her since 6th grade! We recently got back in touch and I am so glad we did. It is rare for me to first of all find a *local* crafty friend. - And one that I actually have other stuff in common with.

Okay, here is my submission for the challenge:

It says: I was a high school senior in this picture. You couldn't tell me I wasn't FLY when I cut off my hair!

And, you really couldn't. Notice how I am propped on the couch - thinking "I'm too sexy for this couch". Ha! You couldn't catch me dead in that pose now. *hangs head in embarrassment*.

Anyway, I love this challenge. I love how it encourages me to actually scrapbook - something I have been wanting to do - but not making time for for years. And how it makes me use colors I wouldn't have chosen. It stretches my creativity.

Now, if I could just get her to have the challenges more often...

What naptime is like at our house...

2011-10-07T14:41:00.007-04:00

Zekey has not taken a nap for the past two days.

Day one: I lay him down at 2pm - after he gets home from preschool - like I usually do. I try to get him to sleep for 4 hours! He ends up pulling the bookshelf on top of himself. Luckily it is the type that does not have a back and he lands right in the middle of the shelves. It scares me so bad, I say: "Forget the nap". And I let him stay up. E removes the bookshelf from his room.

Day two: I decide not to make him take a nap (maybe he has outgrown them) and I bring his cousin over to entertain him. Zekey has obviously not outgrown naps. Zekey's lack of sleep is horrendous for his attitude. He is constantly fighting and screaming whenever the slightest thing goes wrong. I say: "Forget forgetting the nap." And I resolve to making him take a nap the next day. - Which is today.

Today: He doesn't go to preschool on Fridays. I decide to take him to the park around 11:30 so that he will be tired enough to take a nap.

11:30 - Zekey looks REALLY tired. He has those swollen *super sleepy* eyes. I decide not to take him to the park.

12:00 - I tell Zekey to get in the bed.

12:01 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'.

12: 11 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

12:11 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'

12: 21 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

12:22 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'

12: 32 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

12:35 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'

12: 45 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

12:50 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'

1:00 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

1:00 - He gets up. I put him in 'the pen'

1:15 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the pen.

1:15 - He gets up. (This is getting ridiculous). I put him in 'the chair'. Isn't it ironic that he escalates from 'the pen' to 'the chair' ?

1:25 - I take him out and tell him to lay down or else he will have to go back in the chair.

1:25 - He gets up! I put him back in the chair. Anaya starts crying so I nurse her. I decide to let him stay in there longer.

1:45 - When she is done nursing, I go to take him out, and he has fallen asleep in the chair! I get him out and tell him to get in the bed. He sleeps until 3:00.

2:40 - My sister-in-law brings her son over for me to watch while she is at work. I notice he has that same 'look' in his eyes Zekey had at 11:30. She tells me that he has been acting up all day....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T15:53:00.003-04:00

(linking up with: http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/)

My son is B-A-D.

2011-10-05T00:59:00.004-04:00

We spell it so that he won't associate himself with being bad.

But he is. I didn't want to admit it - however, honestly is my middle name.

He throws fits. He hits. And he DOES NOT respect his elders (I think he gets that one from me).

We are considering spanking him. Honestly, that is not the route I want to take. I am against corporal punishment. But I am also against bad kids.

What do you think? Do you spank?

Itty Bitty Baby Dress.

2011-10-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

I cannot tell you how many times I have attempted and failed to finish a sewing pattern! I have always wanted to learn to sew from a pattern so that I can make my own clothes or refashion something I do not like. But something about pattern following I have not been able to do. It may be my fundamental aversion to rules.

Well, that all changed yesterday! I used this pattern from Made by Rae And I made this dress!

(you are supposed to tie the tops together to make the sleeves). Don't you just LOVE free patterns?

I am so happy I was able to complete it! Maybe it is because the pattern is SUPER simple. Maybe it is because I am motivated to dress up my ~~little doll~~ daughter. Or maybe I am getting over my rule-phobia (probably not).

Whatever it is, I hope it continues! There are so many things I want to make for her.

6 years ago today...

2011-09-30T20:03:00.004-04:00

E and I had our first kiss....

On our first date...

Which lasted 14 hours long (the date - not the kiss!)

How lucky we were to get our first kiss on camera!

Our courtship was the happiest time of my life (except for having my kids - minus the pain, sleepless nights, and weight gain).

I always remember that time when the beginning of October rolls around...which may be why I love this time of year.

Daycare?

2011-09-26T09:17:00.007-04:00

When I had Zekey, I stayed at home with him full-time. I knew that boy through and through. If he was in a bad-mood - I knew exactly why. If he broke out into a rash - I knew what he was exposed to to break him out. If he got sick - I know where he got it from. If he started saying something new - I knew where he learned it.

About a year ago, I started back working (part-time) and I put Zekey in daycare (part-time). As my hours increased, he started going full-time. At first, I loved it.

He got to play with kids all day and he was learning so much. That boy can count to twenty in SPANISH! (well, sometimes he skips 9 and 12). And he knows all his numbers, letters, days of the week, and months of the year. He doesn't *understand* what day it is - he IS only 2. But it is fun to hear him rattling off the months of the year (and it impresses friends and family). ;)

Also, I KNEW his daycare provider loved him. One time I was over there and while the other kids were sitting at the table eating lunch, she had Zekey in her lap and was FEEDING him (he was the youngest). Also, she told me one time that Zekey would only take a nap if she laid down with him. Now, what daycare provider is going to lay down with your child?

Unfortunately, when he started going there, I lost the intimate knowledge of him. He would say something - and I didn't know where he got it from. I didn't know what he was eating. She posted a menu - but I don't think it included snacks. And it wasn't like the menu was negotiable. Once I saw that she fed them DOUGHNUTS for breakfast. One time he threw up something bright red (maybe koolaid or Popsicle or something). Which I did NOT feed him.

Also, his daycare provider would go on random field trips. One time she told me she had to take her daughter to get her nails done so she was taking the kids with her. (Meanwhile I am walking around here looking like a monster because I can't get my eyebrows done because I do not want to expose my kids to nail salon fumes.)

She even sent a newsletter that said :

I felt like I was co-parenting! Also, even though I like to impress friends and family with Zekey's "knowledge", I know that rote memorization does not mean much. And that is what he was doing when he was 'learning' - just memorizing facts that he really didn't understand.

So, I took him out.

He now goes to an in-town Waldorf preschool part-time (if you are in Atlanta and want more info - send me a message). Their educational philosophy matches mine AND I pack his lunch. So, now I have more control over his life. And because he only goes 3 mornings a week, we are spending a lot more time together.

Unfortunately, when we are spending all this time together - he is not playing with his friends. He constantly asks for his friends at his previous daycare. He is so bored at home. And when he is bored, he starts acting up (throwing tantrums and his toys about).

Instead of fussing at him/putting him in timeout all day, I have to give him another playmate or allow him to Dora the Explorer. So unless I can find someone else for him to play with, he has to watch hours and HOURS of Dora. This sucks for two reasons. One, I feel like a horrible mother for letting him watch that much tv. And two, Dora makes me want to kill myself.

What should I do?

How to NOT make applesauce.

2011-09-25T02:39:00.006-04:00

I was feeling adventurous and thought I should raise my homemaking skillz by making some fresh applesauce with some locally grown apples. I learned a few things during the process.

1.) If you want fresh, locally grown apples - Do NOT go to the Georgia State Farmer's market in Forrest Park, GA - thinking you are about to support some local farmers. Not only are there NO farmers there - all the food is imported!

2.) Do NOT buy a huge box of apples from there. Imported apples are not NEARLY as good as local ones.

3.) Do NOT try a new canning recipe 3 weeks after you have a baby. Your body is probably not ready - and neither is your baby.

4.) If you do decide to try a new canning recipe - do NOT try to make a huge batch.

5.) Please, please, please do NOT do all this hungry - you will only decide to fry some chicken and make some cornbread in the midst of your applesauce-making - and it will just compound your clean up time.

6.) And for God's sake DO NOT burn the apples! You will ruin a WHOLE lot of apples and feel really bad about yourself for wasting all of your time, money, and energy!

He loves her.

2011-09-25T02:24:00.004-04:00

The other day, I was bathing Anaya in the bathroom and Zekey wanted to "help". I pulled up a stool so that he could be eye level with her. He "helped" by directing her movements "Put your foot down.", "Stop moving your hands."

When I was done, I left him standing on the stool at the bathroom counter - near the tub of now dirty water. A fleeting thought crossed my mind: "That boy loves her so much, he would probably drink her bath water." Doing a quick check - there was no cup - nor anything that could act as a cup around - I just let the thought pass.

Well, as I was putting on Anaya's diaper and clothes, I hear Zekey in the bathroom laughing and playing. When she is all dressed, I go into the bathroom to see what is so funny and this boy is taking MY toothbrush, dipping it in her DIRTY WATER, and is brushing HIS teeth! And he thinks it is so funny he is cracking up laughing.

Gross.

ReFabulous!

2011-09-18T17:12:00.001-04:00

Have you ever heard of ReFabulous?

Well, if you haven't you are about to!

ReFabulous is a blog and etsy shop run by this amazing crafty woman (Connie) who has 8 kids! (and is pregnant with her 9th!).

I first learned of Connie through Craftster. I LOVED her swap packages and started reading her blog.

Well, she recently had a giveaway on her blog and I entered and WON! Well, let me tell you - receiving her package was the highlight of my day... my week!

I felt like I went shopping in an expensive boutique. I got some lavender sachets, two reusable grocery bags, and a tote. Connie uses new and vintage material in her products. I forgot to take a picture, but the inside of the tote is this pretty pink floral material. Here are my goodies:

My mom saw the tote and has already claimed it for herself. :(. Oh, well, maybe I will just buy myself one from her shop.

Much Better

2011-09-12T19:35:00.009-04:00

So, today I decided to get off my hiney (is that a word?) and get over myself. Well, I got some help from a cup of coffee. I swear coffee makes me a better person.

We gave the little Miss a bath.

With Zekey's help of course.

And then we had a photoshoot to show off her little dress, made by me ;).

ummm, don't say anything - but I think the bonnet is a little small for her head.

I know, Zekey. I will make her hats bigger next time.

How is your week going, so far?

Baby Blues

2011-09-10T16:01:00.007-04:00

So, my baby is almost a week old and we are smitten. But no one more than Zekey. That boy gives her at least a thousand kisses a day. He runs around the house saying: "Where's my baby? I have to check on my sisther." Then he finds her and kisses her on the back of the head.

"Are you okay?" He asks her - even though she is she is sound asleep and perfectly fine.

And she is ALWAYS perfectly fine. She is a perfect baby. Seriously. She is everything Zekey was not. She only cries when she is hungry, needs her diaper changed, or just wants to be held. And sometimes she doesn't even need to be held. I can just put her in her bouncer and she is just as content. She is clearly E's child. SUPER mellow.

While Zekey is mine. He was only NOT crying during his 10 min sleep spells (because that is how long he would sleep) or when he was nursing. He wanted to nurse every single second of every single day. And I didn't know how to nurse so I let that boy suck on my nipples (instead of the areola) which left them raw and ragged. It felt like lighters were held to my nipples. Pain.Ful.

But not this girl. She is very patient. And I am somewhat of a pro. *pat's self on the back* I make sure she latches on correctly and if she is not - I take it out of her mouth and do it again. One night I had to do that 10-15 times. And she was cool with it.

And of course E loves her lots.

It probably doesn't hurt that she looks just like his family.

So, we have a wonderful, cozy little family. I should be ecstatic. I should be making her all kinds of stuff, taking a thousand pictures.

But I am not.

I have this lingering 'down-ness'. That turns into full fledged tears every so often. I know it is just the hormones. And I actually was expecting it. I was having prepartum blues before she was born. You would think that would have prepared me for postpartum depression.

But it doesn't.

Birth Story

2011-09-05T22:18:00.003-04:00

I had my baby natural - as in NO meds. Not even an IV. It's nuts I know. And I was totally kicking myself by the time I got to 7 cm. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Background:
When I had Zekey, the doctor immediately put me on bedrest and I was induced with Pitocin. (She puts all of her patients on bedrest as soon as they get to the doctor. A little fact I did not know until it was too late. I totally found a new doctor for this pregnancy.) Having Pitocin means that your contractions are a lot harder and more frequent than "natural" contractions. My intention was to have him without an epidural. But by the time I got to 5 cm, I couldn't take it. So I asked for an epidural. I got one. But as soon as I got it, I (realized I) had to get a catheter. Which TOTALLY sucks. Especially when they do it wrong. Which they did. It had some kind of kink in it. So, I had this horrible feeling that I had to pee really, really, bad. Also when I got the epidural, Zekey's blood pressure went way down. For just a second - but it scared the nurses and the doctor.
So that is one reason I wanted to go natural.

Another reason is because I always think it is impressive when I hear of other women going natural or even having a homebirth! And I want to be able to say: "Yeah, I endured the pain of childbirth without meds." (I am known in my family as having a really low tolerance for pain and being a bit of an exaggerator).

So here is what happened:

Thursday AM: Went for my 40 week check up. Saw that I was dilated 1cm. THE SAME as from my 39 week check up!!

Friday AM: started having feeling stronger contractions pretty regularly - about one every 5-10 min. I talked to my mom about it - she was on the way to Atlanta from Cleveland and decided to wear all pink in case this is the day Anaya was to arrive.

Friday 6PM: Since contractions were getting steadily stronger and somewhat closer together, we sent Zekey over to his GG's (Great Grandmother's) house while E and I went to the hospital. My mom met us there when she got into town. Got checked by the nurse. STILL ONLY one centimeter!

Friday 11PM: E went to pick up Zekey from GG's house. We all went to bed. I woke up about once every hour to a particularly strong contraction.

Saturday AM: I sat around while my mom made my house spotless (Yay!) and took care of Zekey. Whenever I had a contraction, Zekey held my hand and said, "It's okay, mommy". E taught him that. It was so cute!

Saturday PM: E and I decided to watch the 7th Harry Potter. We had to pause it every 5 - 7 min because that is when I felt a contraction. And at this point they were too strong to watch a movie through. Also, E's brother J came over to spend the night with Zekey in case we had to leave in the middle of the night.

Saturday (late PM): E went to bed. My mom wanted to stay up with me because I was clearly not going to be able to sleep well. She watched a couple of episodes of Law and Order while I slept every 5 - 7 min and timed my contractions with an app on my phone.

Sunday AM (wee hours of the morning): We went upstairs. My mom finished up the last of my laundry. She kept urging me to go back into the hospital. She was afraid I would have to have the baby at home. But I was terrified that I would be only 1 cm dilated. It would totally piss me off to get sent home again. But I was contracting much harder and much more consistently. So, we decided that she should wash her pink outfit again and then wake up E.

Sunday 5AM: Mom's pink outfit was cleaned. We woke up E.

Sunday 5:30 AM: I come struggling into the hospital.

Sunday 6AM: The nurse checks me. I am 4 cm! Not the 7cm my mom and I were crossing our fingers for - but certainly not the 1cm I was terrified of! The nurse tries twice to give me an IV (which I REALLY don't want). I have an illogical fear of needles. Especially since my veins are pretty big - so they usually don't have a problem finding a vein. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this nurse cannot find a good vein. So, I get to go without the permanent needle in my hand. (Yay).

Sunday AM: Mom and I walk around the hospital to get my contractions going. We realize if I walk around, the contractions come a lot closer together. So we walk and walk.

Sunday noon: E leaves to take Zekey to his GG's house and my father comes. I am STARVING and I mention it to my midwife. Amazingly she tells me to go and get lunch - but not to overdo it.

Sunday 1pm: I eat with my mom and dad in the cafeteria. I am so happy to be eating. When I was having Zekey, they wouldn't even let me drink water. Only ice!

Sunday 2PM: Midwife checks me and I am only 5cm! We discuss breaking my water. The problem with breaking my water is when they do it - I only have 24 hours to have the baby. If labor doesn't progress, they will have to induce me. She breaks my water. It is not clear - which means the baby was in there too long and she may have swallowed meconium. We are glad she broke my water. My contractions get a LOT harder.

Sunday 2:30pm: E comes back from taking Zekey. Just in time. My contractions get EVEN harder. All I can remember about this part is that I am in constant debilitating pain. I am tugging on E, pushing him away, pulling him toward me. Telling him to give me water. My bones feel like they are being crushed. I think that this is the top of my pain. There is no way the pain can get worse. And it gets worse. There is literally no break between my contractions. I try to change positions - because at this point it *can't* get any worse. But it does. And it lasts, and lasts, and lasts.

Sunday 6:45pm: I have the WORST pain. Literally. I am finally at the top of my pain. And they tell me to push. I push about 3 times and they pull her out and place her on my belly - cord still attached.

Sunday 6:53: She is on top of me. Super bloody. I know at this moment I am supposed to be ooohing and ahhing over my brand new daughter. But I am not. Sad to say, I am actually a bit grossed out - and worried about her not crying. Don't babies come out crying? I hold her and the blood is all over my hands. E cuts the cord and they woosh her away, clean her up. Then the crying starts.

I am so relieved. I cannot believe the pain finally stopped.

And I have my little girl! 8lbs 10oz. 21.5" long.

And I am seriously having second thoughts about having 4 kids.

Green Journal

2011-08-30T00:19:00.003-04:00

So, as we were watching the 6th Harry Potter (E and I are late - but we decided to watch the entire movie series via Netflix - which is actually taking a lot longer than you would think because we only have the one DVD at a time subscription. Oh, well - it gives us something to look forward to each week.) - I made another journal.

To be completely honest - I kinda hate the first journal. I think I am going to take it apart and try it again.

So, here is my second journal!

Nothing fancy - but I think it looks much better.

I used cardstock (that was on sale at Hobby Lobby. Yay!) and some crazy yarn/thread that was given to me by one of my aunts when I was in the hospital having Zekey. Also, I used plain copy paper that was cut into 4's.

Next time, I want the cover to be hard... I don't know what to use yet (without spending a lot of money). I am thinking of using old book covers.

Also - I want the papers to have some kind of texture to them. Maybe I could stain them with coffee or tea. Maybe I could use some pages in some of the old books I am going to rip up...

Hmm. Suggestions?

Journaling...

2011-08-29T14:59:00.008-04:00

Did I tell you guys how much I LOVE journaling? Well, if you know me in real life - I know you know. That is my go-to advice for everybody.

Oh? You are depressed? Journal!

You are angry with your spouse? Journal!

You are stressed about your kids? Journal!

You don't know what to cook for dinner? Journal!

Yes. I think that journaling is so great and it holds the answers to all of life's problems...

Of course it was only a matter of time before I made my own journal. I found a couple of nice book-binding tutorials on youtube. BTW, youtube also has the answers to life's problems.

I used this one:

part 1

part 2

part 3

I didn't follow the instructions fully - because I have a hard time with that. Also, I didn't have all the materials she had. Here is my finished book:

I have to say I am not completely satisfied with the way it looks. Well, the style of it. It looks like a book of witch's potions and spells... But whatever - it is my first book - NOT my last!

I hope you make one of your own (and USE it!). Let me know if you do. :)

Baby Dress and Bonnet!

2011-08-26T13:55:00.005-04:00

I always wanted to crochet a garment - but I never had the time/motivation to sit and make a whole garment for myself. For one, entire garments made of crochet just isn't really my style - and for another - it is super hard for me to follow a pattern exactly. I blame it on my ADD.

Well, having a baby girl has given me the perfect motivation I need to make her a little baby dress. And what is a frilly dress without a bonnet?

I used this pattern for the bonnet. I warn you - the pattern is full of mistakes. I kinda had to do my own thing to make it work.

And I used this tutorial for the dress. This tutorial, I loved. I learned two new stitches (and here I thought I was an expert at crochet. Ha!). I learned Solomon's Knot and the chainless half-double crochet stitch.

The Girl's Room Revel!

2011-08-23T21:56:00.009-04:00

My aunt came over today and stitched up some sheers for Anaya's room!

See the pink and green wall? Well, another aunt painted this room for me. I have the best aunties!

My cousin made these letters. I LOVE them! She made some for her own daughter and I was drooling over them. When she said she was going to make me something, I was crossing my fingers that this would be it! Yessss!

My parents bought me this rocking chair with a rocking ottoman. I really needed one.

And I put the blanket I crocheted on it. I know it looks like an old lady's chair - but I kinda am like an old lady... making jam, crocheting, and knitting. lol.

Oh, and I painted a dresser...

I actually painted it long time ago - I think it was before Zekey was born. I didn't like it so I kept it in the garage for years - waiting to throw it out. Well, I guess seeing it down there - it grew on me. So, I found some knobs on Amazon and brought it up! It will also serve as our changing table.

I still have a lot more to do in here. She needs some wall art, a rug, and a floor lamp. I am probably going to paint a couple of pictures and get some posters from Etsy or something...

As you can see, I LOVED doing her room.

Poor Zekey. I did absolutely no decorating in his room.

You can't tell from this picture, but his walls are still white!

Blankets for Babies!

2011-08-23T13:03:00.006-04:00

One of my friends had twins! A boy and a girl. How perfect is THAT for a first pregnancy? I made them some blankets.

Here is the boy blanket. I made some crocheted leaves to stitch on.

I made the girl blanket a couple of flowers and leaves.

They are pretty small - 2 feet x 2 feet. But the pattern I used - just one big granny square - can always be added to.

Um, can you tell I am slightly obsessed with the Fall?

The Good Hair Shop

2011-08-21T19:05:00.005-04:00

So after I got fired on Friday, I was SUPER upset.

In the car, I called a girlfriend and she demanded that I come to The Good Hair shop - where she was getting her locs retwisted. Now, even though that is the same place I go to get my hair washed/twisted/ braided/whatever does not mean it is a place that I go to hang out. Why? Because it is literally on the other side of town. Like 35 miles from my house.

But in my state, being surrounded by a bunch of amazing women was just what I needed.

I am SO glad I went. I stayed for a few hours and moped while the women around me filled the rooms with laughter and love. Before I knew it, I was caught up in the energy and feeling so much better.

I even met an inspiring woman who has two HUGE gardens. She told me that she started her garden to help with food costs. She gave me some tomatoes and gardening tips.

I love that place. I should go there more often...

I got FIRED!

2011-08-19T09:51:00.007-04:00

So remember when I was paranoid about my job before, well - it turns out I WASN'T so paranoid.

Let me tell you how it works here. We meet once a week for 10 weeks for about 4.5 hours. On the 11th week - finals are given. There is not a specific time period that the students have to be in the class during finals. They just come in, take their finals and leave.

Well, to *help* my boss - I allowed my students to take their final exams during week 10 - I still held them in there for the 4.5 hours - but for about 45 min of that, they were taking finals. That way, I would be able to grade the finals and finish up my paper work before I am out. As a Chair, he has a bunch on his shoulders already. I didn't want to add my paper work to him as well. Well, this is in violation of "compliance".

And I am getting fired for it.

Not by him of course. By HIS boss. The female who is friends with the other female - who I KNOW (well, I am pretty sure) has a problem with me.

And to be completely honest, I wasn't in love with this job... I mean I really liked working with my students, but I felt a moral conflict working for a place that I personally think is ripping people off. Creating an illusion for profit. Also, I hate office politics. But I was thinking that maybe it is my pregnancy that is making me create office politics in my head. I do that, you know.

But now I am thinking that I was not making it up in my head. I mean really, does that sound like a firing offense to you?

It doesn't sound like one to me...

Now, I am *officialy* fired. As in - if I get asked on a job application "Have you ever been terminated?" I have to say yes.

That sucks.

UPDATE: Okay, Okay - I was being a little dramatic. I didn't technically get *fired* - so I don't have to put that on my applications... I (am getting) a separation notice - which is the same thing I would have gotten if I had quit - which I was planning to do because duh I am not working with a 2 week old! BUT I was planning on maybe going back after my baby is older - which now, I am not able to do.

Quilt #2.

2011-08-11T13:30:00.006-04:00

So, I took a quilting class at Whipstitch a couple of weeks ago and I learned all the quilting secrets that alluded me during this disaster.

And I made this!I put on the binding by HAND!!! It took soooo long. That is the way the teacher taught us to do it and I decided I would do this quilt the *right* way. But I am seriously considering doing the rest of my quilts the *wrong* way...
Here is the back. I know usually the back is plain - but I didn't have enough fabric and I didn't want to waste the fabric I did have - so I used up some left over squares.

:). Also, I called myself designing a pattern before I made the quilt - but when I was putting it together it just didn't *feel* right... Too much white space... not enough white space. So I rearranged it until I got the feeling I wanted. It was kind of like putting together a puzzle.

I still have a few more things I need to do to her room before she gets here. So, I am off to Target and Lowes. More pictures of her room are coming soon!

I am Judgemental.

2011-08-04T17:24:00.007-04:00

I am in a sour mood. Just annoyed. And I made a list of things that annoy me. This list will sound pretty judgmental. Probably because it is. I should be more compassionate. I know, I know, don't judge me.

1.) BET Awards, MTV Awards, Essence Awards, really any award show where famous people get up and reward each other and the "commoners" watch with awe and discuss what they wore. Booooooriiiiiing.

2.) (Generally) Women who call themselves divas. And BTW, a diva is NOT a female version of a hustler. Thanks Beyonce for confusing the ignorant masses.

3.) Housewives of (Atlanta, Orange County, whatever)

4.) Shopping (for anything non-craft related) and people who list shopping as a hobby. Maybe if I was super rich and had nothing else to do with my money than impress you, I wouldn't be so judgmental.

5.) Malls because they are filled with overpriced, cheap, mass-produced items and the aforementioned people.

6.) Hair weaves/wigs/perms. EVERYBODY knows you are wearing a weave/wig no matter how much you think it looks real. It looks gross.

7.) Acrylic nails.

8.) Microwaved food.

9.) FWDed emails.

10.) Chit-Chat

11.) SMACKING!

12.) Walmart

13.) People who talk about stuff without knowing what they are talking about then getting mad with I challenge them. Um, excuse me - I am NOT your yes man. If you want me to agree with you - then do some research.

14.) Gospel Music. <- I know, you think I am going to hell for that one. But whenever I hear gospel music - it reminds me of all my horrible experiences I've had at church.

15.) Brainless people - women, especially. Can you think of anything on your own?!

16.) And last but not least, judgmental people. So, yeah - I am pretty much hating myself for this post...

Why I don't sell on Etsy.

2011-08-03T09:12:00.003-04:00

So, I am totally obsessed with making stuff. Seriously, just the name Hobby Lobby makes my skin tingle. I walk in there and am pulled in and paralyzed, really by all the things I could make with all the things I could buy. Then I finally actually pick out something (sometimes even with a 40% off coupon!). And I am so super happy about buying it - whatever it is. The only regrets I have are what I DIDN'T buy.

Then I rush home and either put it on the shelf to add to my stash or immediately figure out something to make with it.

I spend so many happy hours working on something, taking it apart, changing it until it is something that I am happy with (sometimes it never works out). But I definately enjoy the process.

I want to spend every free moment either making something or figuring out what to make. Obviously, a career in making stuff is very appealing. I think about opening my etsy shop back up almost everyday.

Unfortunately, the drawbacks make it almost ridiculous to do so.

1.) I am NOT a hustler. I hate to sell stuff. Well, I like making stuff - and I like getting money for it. But I hate to market my stuff. I hate to price stuff. I hate to ask people for money to buy the stuff. It is just an overall un happy experience for me.

2.) Probably the most important reason: it is just not profitable. If I WERE to price something - lets say that bag that I made the other day. I used probably about 2 yards of upholstery fabric - which runs about $15-$20/yard plus the time it took to make - about 4 hours. Then I would have to figure in time to take pictures, write descriptions, and list it on Etsy. Plus the fees that Etsy charges. If I paid myself $5/hour and just ate the listing time and Etsy Fees - (and I was able to get past my hustler phobia) I would have to charge AT LEAST $50.

Now, be honest. Would You Pay $50 for that bag? I wouldn't.

Also, I wouldn't work for $5/hour. Would you?

It's Almost Fall Tote.

2011-08-01T15:54:00.004-04:00

Okay, maybe it should be called my Wishful Thinking Tote. We won't see cool weather here for another 2 months or so.

When I sat down to *make something*, this tote is NOT what I had in mind. I had actually planned on making another Afro Lady Tote. And I wanted the inner lining to be a red African Print. But, it just wasn't *feeling* right, you know?

So I revamped the whole thing and came up with this.

What do you think?

Lately...

2011-07-31T21:08:00.004-04:00

.... despite my huge attitude problem due to several reasons like, I am SO hot all the time. It is like freaking 109 degrees outside. And I practically live in a jungle so every time I walk to my car I get at least 2 mosquito bites. And because I feel like a blimp and I can fit in NONE of my clothes - except maybe 2 dresses and I know they are tired of seeing me in that at work. And because I have practically no food in the house and I do not feel like going grocery shopping. And because my house is a super hot mess and I don't have the energy to clean it up (well enough)...

I have been making stuff!

I finally finished the crocheted blanket for Anaya.

It needs to be blocked, I know. Don't judge me. I like these colors.

An oversized cloth doll.

Her eyes are hand embroidered on - which took FOREVER. But was very relaxing. Her head falls back when she isn't leaning against something. But Zekey loves her.

I guess I should have stuffed her more. This was my first cloth doll baby. The next one, hopefully, will be much better.

I also made this tote, which is my favorite bag at the moment.
I used this funky quilted shiny fabric for the outside. And a super heavy duty upholstery fabric for the inside.

I have all this weird fabric that I am trying to destash so I put this together. I wasn't sure if the colors/textures were going to work. But I like the way it turned out. I also made an inside pocket out of black eyelet.

And I stitched on this Afro lady with the big hoop earring. My aunt who passed away about 2 years ago had this purse that she always wore. Her sisters could not bring themselves to throw it away (even though it was pretty frayed). So we salvaged the wooden circles that held straps on and they challenged me to make something out of them.

Tonight, even though it is late, I am going to try to make another tote out of my weird fabric. And maybe put another silhouette on it. I think I want her to have crazy locs...

Or maybe I will just clean up the kitchen and go to bed.

That Mamma

2011-07-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

I want to be that mamma

:: the mamma that has 4 or 5 kids

:: the mamma that homeschools them all

:: the mamma that has a garden large enough the feed her entire family - plus some of the neighborhood

:: the mamma who cloth diapers

:: the mamma who bakes enough bread that she never has to buy any from the grocery store

:: the mamma who makes enough jam during the summer that it lasts all year

:: the mamma who makes beautiful quilts for all of her children

:: the mamma who sews most of their clothing

:: the mamma who has dinner ready when daddy gets off work

:: the mamma who keeps her house tidy

:: the mamma who raises her children to be well-rounded, self-assured, creative adults.

I have reached approximately 0 of my goals. But I am working on it!

What kind of mamma do you want to be?

Pink Safari

2011-07-18T21:05:00.006-04:00

So, I finally decided on the theme of Anaya's room.

Pink Safari!

Unfortunately, I haven't found many things in the baby stores that will fit into the theme. Well, they have some but, I just don't like them. For example, Target has pink giraffes - but I don't like the fat ones. I think I am gonna have to make most of her room accents myself or buy them off of Etsy.

The first thing I made besides that awful quilt (thanx so much for the compliments by the way! - now I won't feel so bad when she is wrapped in it in public ;)) is a doll.

This dolly's name is Naima. And she loves to climb trees and journal in the woods. She is a bit of a loner.

Although she is considered by most to be a tomboy, she is still super feminine -making sure twigs and such are not stuck in her beautiful locs - and going nowhere without her pink lipgloss!

Don't laugh

2011-07-13T14:19:00.002-04:00

But I think this is quite possibly the ugliest quilt I have ever seen....

When I set out to make a quilt. I was nervous that I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't want to waste time and energy on something without knowing what the heck I was doing. But, all the books and magazines made quilting look so easy. Furthermore, I have never seen an ugly quilt. That is until I was working on this one.

Yeah, I totally fell out of love almost as soon as I started working on it. First of all the colors are not really my favorite. Then, the fabric kept on slipping (even though I basted it and pinned it everywhere)... puckering here and there as I sewed crookedly along. I knew it was going to be a disaster as I was working on it. But I had already put so much time, energy, and money into - I refused to quit.

I am not getting rid of it, though. Oh, no. This little girl is going to rock this thing.

Craft Swap

2011-07-08T20:50:00.009-04:00

So, there is the website called Craftster. And it is amazing for crafters.

Craftster has many thing for many people. Craft tutorials, Craft-alongs, Craft challenges, and one of my favorites: Craft Swaps!

I recently finished up a swap and she received it yesterday. I also received my package yesterday!

Our theme was Energy Healing. I sent her:

and this:

along with more stuff inside the box and a crochet cozy for her cards. This was my first time wood burning and I LOVE it. I bought a wood burner just for this swap - it was pretty cheap though ~ $25.

Let me show you my FAVORITE thing she sent me.

It is a journal cover. And she made EVERY SINGLE stitch by hand. I absolutely love it. It is a cover that holds a regular sized journal inside - so I can replace the journal when I fill it up!

She also sent me more amazing goodies like, fabric:

and energy rocks!

and beads, and maracas for Zekey! (and more stuff, actually)

In the middle of doing a swap and putting so much time, money, and effort into a package (in the midst of chores piling up, projects accumulating, and money short) - I always vow that it will be my last - until I receive my package. It is so great to receive something you KNOW was made with the same time, money and effort. It kinda keeps calling me back.

But I am seriously going to wait a looooong while to do my next swap. Well, I will try at least ;).

Visiting Stephanie ;)

2011-06-30T20:16:00.006-04:00

Zekey's daycare was closed today (and tomorrow and Monday). And I was off today. Instead of sitting around the house and this boy begging to watch Dora all day, we went and visited Stephanie!

Before Zekey was born we hung out a few times a month. Now I barely see her every few months!

She has like a Secret Garden in her backyard! I am super jealous.

Including at least 7 HUGE blueberry bushes!

Do you see how high they are? It is crazy. I am totally planting us a blueberry bush (or 2) next year.

She also has a really nice sized vegetable plot.

See her little squash?

E called me a quitter today.

2011-06-29T22:04:00.004-04:00

And it hurt my feelings.

But, it is true.

Actually the conversation went like this:

Me: I think I am going to quit soon.
E: I know.
Me: How do you know?
E: Because, that is what you do - you stop doing things that are not that important that you don't like doing.

Which is totally true. It is not important that I keep my job. Well, it would help our finances out a lot - but honestly, my income is less than a quarter of what he brings in.

And for the past few days - I especially did not like it..

I told you that where I work - it is profit centered and not learning centered. The director of the school sent out this email the other day:

I just want to thank everyone for their team spirit in achieving our objectives and goals for the June Start. We achieved our Market Plan for the first time in 12 months, and it is because of the exceptional efforts of the entire Atlanta Team. xxxx, xxxx and the Marketing Team came together like a team with a mission. The chemistry was contagious and refreshing and it made a difference. xxxx, xxxx and the Academic Team did a great job in bringing back students, and ensuring that our faculty are the best available to help students achieve their Academic dreams. xxxx thank you for your great administrative support. xxxx, and the Financial Aid team exceeded all expectations with conducts and packaging, great job! Our new Registrar, xxxx did a great with providing students with exceptional customer service along with the record coordinators. xxxx, and the Career Services Team did an awesome job in making sure students were prepared for graduation and hosting a “Mixer” for their enjoyment. Last but not least, a special thank you to xxxx for leading the administrative support staff in coordinating our graduation ceremonies, birthday events, special treats and daily administrative support. Everyone pls know, that I appreciate all that you do every day. Thank you!

Don't you think that it is ridiculous that most of her praise is mainly for bringing in students and not creating an environment conducive to learning????

So that is just one thing that gets on my nerves. Another, is just the office politics that everybody has to deal with that works outside the home.

Let me give you a little background on my *classroom personality*. I am pretty laid back and open. Sometimes, students cross the line and try to play me - but I just snap really quick and they realize where the line is drawn. And they chill out. Because of my laid back personality, my students feel extremely comfortable with me (sometimes a little too comfortable - but I am getting ahead of myself). They tell me everything. They tell me about their other classes, their personal lives - including relationships. They tell me about the student gossip going around in the school. EVERYTHING. And it is not like they are just loose-lipped b/c they make me promise not to tell and they quickly shut it up when other people enter my classroom.

Well, today, one of my students was feeling extra comfortable. And he informed me that he learned that 93% of marriages fail because the wives don't want to give their husbands head. And the 7%? Well, that is because of financial reasons. LOL!

I told him that he should change the subject and that his findings were ridiculous. He insisted that I google the information to see for myself. That he got his data from the 'internet' and that it was definitely accurate.

Well, I thought his 'study' was so hilarious, I shared it with a couple of my co-workers. Well, one of my coworkers over heard and said: "So is that what kind of classroom discussions you allow in your classroom?"

Me: *rolling my eyes* "It was the end of the class"
Her: "That is unacceptable. Anyone can walk in"
Me: "Well, I can't control what they say."
Her: "You can set the tone for what is appropriate and what is not appropriate."
Me: "Bitch, YOU are inappropriate for being all up in my conversation."

Sike. I didn't say that. But I wanted to. I just said something like:
"Yeah I am kinda laid back in class".

Because I am paranoid like that. I see her going to her superior - which is my boss's superior and 'telling on me'. Then I see them having some kind of meeting with me and me rolling my eyes all kinds of ways during the meeting. Then them seeing me for the ornery subordinate that I am. Then them being all passive aggressive with the rest of their dealings with me. Then me being aggressive. Then me quitting (or getting fired).

So, I may as well quit now. Right?

Housekeeping Journal

2011-06-28T23:29:00.011-04:00

I have been on a roll today!

I got the idea from The Fly Lady, those extreme couponers, and this notebook on Etsy.
I made me a Housekeeping Notebook.

I got this weekly calender here.

I even organized one of my horrendous cabinets.

I need one of those spice step things to organize it better... One step at a time!

How do you stay organized?

Logical Ramblings by AyanaRED

Anaya's doll

Can we just keep it real?

Fresh off the (tha) hook #2

Updated the Crochet Clog Slippers Pattern

I am constipated...

Fresh off the hook...

Cleveland Goodwill Haul

What I love about Cleveland...

Goals for the New Year

I made some boy quilts!

Guest Posting over at Mama and Baby Love...

Reupholstered Chairs

Top 11 Posts of 2011

House Tour

I've been tagged!

The thing I love most about being green is saving green...

My secret to creativity

What is vintage, anyway?

Our Saturday...

More Thrifting...

Maybe I am a Horder

Thrifting for Vintage

Coffee makes me a better person

On Vlogging...

Vlog on Thrifting

A Vlog of a to-do list

Mrs. Whitfield Muffins

Denim Apron Tutorial

I have finally joined the BOW revolution

The ABC's of me!

BTW I was totally being sarcastic yesterday

What I wore Saturday and other nonsense

Not to Work

More Peg People and their House.

To work or not to work...

Mark and Stacy

Lilay and Prass

Clog Slippers Pattern

Baby Blues Part 2

Zekey's New Jeans

The Worst Interview EVER.

I have been featured!

Crochet Rose with Leaves Tutorial

Layered Flower Tutorial

Fabric Fan Tutorial

Flower Bouquet Hair Clip Tutorial

Wordless Wednesday

Flower Button Hair Clip Tutorial

Cute as a Button Crochet Hair Clip Tutorial

Crochet Bow Hair Clip Tutorial

Hair Clip Week and TTT #11

Hobby Lobby trip

Hat for the boy - and sewalong...

I love all things girly... {GIVEAWAY}

Cloche Pattern

I think my neighbor's nanny is a crackhead.

Gray Hat with Flowers

Day of the Dead Skull (UPDATED) + Pattern

Day of the Dead Skull

Stash Building...

KCWC Day 7 Keroppi Bib

KCWC Day 6

KCWC Day 5

KCWC Day 4

Owl Hat Pattern

KCWC Day 2

KCWC Day 1

Kids Clothes Week Challenge

High School Hair cut with Triplicate Trials Tuesday.

What naptime is like at our house...

Wordless Wednesday

My son is B-A-D.

Itty Bitty Baby Dress.

6 years ago today...

Daycare?

How to NOT make applesauce.

He loves her.

ReFabulous!

Much Better