Refashion: Trouser Jeans

So I decided to clean out my closet. It needed some serious organizing. The best way to clean out your closet is to take everything out (no picture taken) and then to evaluate each item individually. I am pretty good about tossing stuff but I always have a few things I hang onto even though I don't wear them. I think the reason for this is two fold.

1) I like having a full closet. Its totally psychological. I feel like if it is full then I have a lot of stuff to wear. Even when I only wear a fraction of it. I am afraid to only have wearable items in my closet. I am afraid of an empty closet.

2) I often like my clothes but there is something about the item that keeps me from wearing them. Something about the garment fits weird or is off.

So I didn't really get rid of anything but I pulled out all my sweaters and winter clothes and also everything that needed some type of fix. The winter clothes and boots were packed away into storage and I got to work on my to fix pile.Bye, bye winter clothes. See you in 8 months!Hello! Clothes to fix. You'll probably see a lot of these in the next few weeks.
These jeans are okay. They fit and I like them but I never wear them. I don't know why, I just don't. So I decided to make them into shorts. An easy change.
Lay out your jeans and use a pair of shorts you already own as a guide. Trim off to desired length. Err on the side of caution, if you trim too short there really isn't a lot you can do to lengthen, ruffled shorts aren't cool.
Double turn the hem and you're done. Already I have worn them more than I ever wore those jeans. So worth it.

P.S. I finally figure out the picture situation. Set up your camera on the top shelf of a bookcase and use the timer. Done and done.

P.P.S. Stay tuned for the shirt re-fashion from that last shot.

A little bit of Henry

This week Henry turns 18 months. When I think of it as "Hey, I have an 18 month old," it is kind of astounding but when I think about Henry in our lives it just makes sense. So here is a little bit about our crazy cute boy.He is very quick to smile and laugh but when he throws a tantrum it is hilarious. He stops walking. Throws his binkie down, scrunches up his face, squats down and wails. We usually laugh, you know when we're not tired or in public. Reasons why he would throw a tantrum: we're eating something and he is not, he can't go out on the deck or he has found a marvelous new toy that has promptly been taken away (ie: batteries). He also throws down his binkie when food makes an appearance, as if to tell us in his own language, "I am ready. Give me some!"
We cut his hair at the beginning of the summer and the curls are growing back quickly. I was worried when we cut them that they were just baby curls and they wouldn't come back. But they are.
Peace, Man.
We have started the "blankie phase". This is his blankie. It was a gift from one of my old co-workers and it really was a great choice. It is cute cotton on one side and fuzzy fleecy material on the other. It is trimmed in grosgrain ribbon. He totes it around with him all over the house and cries if he isn't put to bed with it. I think it is very cute when he drags it everywhere but we'll see how long it takes the novelty to wear off.
Ticklish neck
Only two teeth. Still.
Mini self portrait with mommy.
Another new favorite toy to Steve's delight. And we were on the way to beach, we don't just let Henry run around in his diaper.
And finally just chilling and watching a little Futurama before bed. Steve took this one while I was at a meeting. This is pretty rare, for him to sit still like this. Usually he is a whirlwind of wiggles, running everywhere. The other night we went to dinner and he would not stop running into the kitchen. At the restaurant. Oh and he really likes wheels and things that roll. Like the rolling trash cans at church, carts in the grocery store and strollers.

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!