Loving Summer

Summer lovin' happened so fast.

For the past 12 years I have waited to have this summer. I didn't dream of a humid wet summer in Georgia. No, I dreamt of a summer where I could do what I wanted. A summer not spent staring out at the sunshine while being trapped in a cubicle. A summer not spent squeezing in pool time on my lunch breaks. This is going to be my summer. It is the first summer I have had where my only job is to keep my son alive, fed and after that happy. My job is to have fun with my family.

So for now I am going to spend time at the beach, watch as Henry becomes the tannest baby on the block (seriously, he is so tan!), take afternoon naps, go camping, BBQ up hot dogs and enjoy this time. Which means I need to try to stop complaining about the heat...

Happy Summer!

Eaten: Chocolate Chip Cookies

For years every time I have made chocolate chip cookies, Steve always comments that his mom has the best recipe. Well, after years of commenting, I made Steve make the call. And he was right. These cookies are amazing and they turn out each time. Usually we half the recipe but I have started making the whole thing and freezing half into cookie dough balls.

Carolyn Clark's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Combine in a medium bowl:
4 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Combine in a large bowl:
1 cup crisco or butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

After combined, mix in dry ingredients. Then add one bag chocolate chips. Bake at 375* for 9 minutes. Enjoy and try to stop yourself from eating them all in one day.

White T-Shirt Project: Pink Stripes on Navy

So I have to admit that the original idea for this shirt from something I copied into my inspiration journal did not turn out. I had the idea of creating a striped design using freezer paper by strategically placing them to be interesting and flattering at the same time. Well I think I either made my strips too thick or the colors were wrong. Either way, I didn't like the way it turned out.
Kinda of Lady Footlocker. Remember those? Do they still have those? Just give me a whistle. So the shirt sat in my "to do" pile for weeks waiting for something better. The only real option was to over-dye the original design. See my Navy RIT dye on the bathroom counter. So I did it and I kinda dyed my hands a faint blue too. My rubber gloves were sacrificed to the dining table redo. I like it. I don't love it. It looks a lot better now with the blue. I also shortened the sleeves a little by chopping off two inches. No need to hem as knit doesn't fray. And a tip on dyeing a shirt that is pre-made. Polyester thread doesn't pick up dyes well. So if you choose to do something like this, the visible threads will most likely still be white after dyeing.

Also I am starting to feel kind of silly with all these pictures of myself. I mean, I know that America's Next Top Model isn't going to be calling anytime soon based on my posing but I just can't seem to get great shots. Oh well.

Simple Idea: Paper Plate Lantern

So when you are asked to help put together an impromptu baby shower its a great time to turn to pinterest and find decor ideas. I made these paper plate lanterns and I think they are awesome. You can find the tutorial here. Me, trying to be a super crafty genius didn't read the tutorial at first and that is why my first one looks kind of wonky. Once you read the tutorial they come together in a snap. Also I used plates that weren't fluted but had a lip and they didn't fold as well. But they were a hit at the party, Henry loved rolling them around too and now they are hanging as decor in his room.

And try to ignore the fresh tornado look of the room. Henry plays hard.

Refashion: Floral Asymmetrical Skirt + Floppy Hat

Before we head into the last refashion for the week, I thought I would share my favorite find of the summer so far. Years ago when I used to lay out all summer not thinking of the consequences to my skin, I brought on some serious sun damage. And while I do still think a little sun looks good on everyone, I am trying to reverse some of those effects. So I found this awesome hat at Target and I LOVE IT! Steve hates it and thinks it looks very old lady gardener but whatever. I wear it to the beach and pool and it makes all the difference. Teamed with 50 sunblock I am trying to avoid being a leathery faced and necked old lady. So FYI if you want one, they are on sale today and tomorrow for $10 at Target. It also comes in black.So the last refashion for the week is another one of those thrift stores finds that needed some love. Skirts are my staple in the summer so I am always on the look out. Things this skirt had going for it:
1. $1.50
2. Nice dark navy blue with tiny white floral. A pretty pattern that could easily be matched with other patterns or solids.
3. Wrinkle free fabric
4. Busy enough pattern to hide stains which I would later figure out after a yummy burger and fries at Clocked in Athens.

Things not going for it:
1. Too long.
2. Nothing special.

So I originally bought it thinking I would just chop off the bottom 3 inches and call it a day. But better things were in store for this skirt. An asymmetrical hemline. Perfect. And easy but something a little unexpected and special.
Start by putting on your skirt. Mark with a pin the shortest part, probably the middle front. You could also lay the skirt out on the ground and use another skirt whose hem you like as a guide. Trim the hem as desired. This took me awhile as I kept cutting a little bit away each time and retrying it on. Eventually you will be just sitting around the house in your underwear as who wants to re-put their jeans on each time. So maybe this isn't a project for craft night?Once you have the desired length and shape, hem. You're done. My fabric is a kind of rayon so it is flowing and the hemline gives great movement. I kept twirling around in it to Steve's amusement.So this was the hardest thing to capture decently in a photograph. I hope you enjoyed refashion week as much as I did. I am going to start doing a refashion each week to keep me motivated on revamping my closet. I think Tuesdays? We'll see. Well have a great weekend!

Refashion: Zip and Dash Dress

Thank you everyone for your fabulously nice comments over the past few days. Refashion week has been a lot of fun and I'm glad you're not sick of my mug yet. And if you are, thanks for not sharing your thoughts in the comments. Plus, I would totally sensor it if you did. And I am so glad there were lots of fellow Tremors fans in the house. Anyone also grow up watching Big Trouble in Little China? Another favorite to craft to! Anyway, on to today's refashioning.This is one of those items that I bought weeks ago put in a pile of fabric somewhere and never touched until my refashion week. Its so funny how these little projects take minutes but I am just lazy and put them off. And then when I finally get to it, I think, "Man, I could have been wearing this for weeks!" Anyone else do that?

Things this dress had going for it:
1. The fabric is awesome, although sheer, I definitely need a slip with this one
2. It was $3
3. I love the pockets
4. It is a Sears Zip and Dash dress, yes, that is a zipper in the front. So you can throw it on, zip it up and DASH
5. It is modest enough to not need layering which is super important here since it is already in the high 90's.

Things not going for this dress:
1. Its HUGE and shapeless
2. When I came out for the before shot, Steve said, "That is an ugly dress."

So I applied my trifecta of refashioning techniques: take it in, shorten the sleeve, bring up the hem.
I LOVE IT! Plus, on the same shopping trip I found that belt which matches perfectly. Thrift stores are the best place to find belts besides Forever 21. This belt was only 60 cents. And please excuse the fact that my slip is hanging out. Tacky, I know. It won't happen again! But look how nice my legs look.

Refashion: Braided Tee

So I started the week by saying that I don't have a lot of green in my closet and have since given you two refashions with green in them, well here is another one.

Back in December, in Arizona, we went to a wonderful store that sells returns from department stores. There I found a huge display of basic tees for $1 each. How can anyone pass that up? I bought two of this lovely green color and knew I would end up with something fabulous one day. I came home and put them in a fabric box and totally forgot about them. Sounds like me, right?

Well I dug them out the other day and browsed the internet for a plan. I don't remember where I saw a braided neckline first but it wasn't my idea. I think on Banana Republic?
Anyway, I cut six strips from the bottom of my extra shirt and braided them into two braids. Then I pinned them in an appealing way on my neckline and sewed them on by hand while watching Tremors. (Don't make fun of us, it was a family classic growing up in the Gallegos house. "No Nester, that's no good.")

Not bad for $2, right? Now I think I am going to take the extra half shirt, dye it and maybe attach a skirt to the bottom to make a dress. Maybe. Can't just waste it. I'll keep you posted.

P.S. Its JUNE.