A few of my favorite things...

I just thought I would share a few of my favorite (random) things today...

I threw this little hair baby together this afternoon. Loving it!

And I am seriously loving these (not just lately, but always and forever)

No, this is not my photo. But I did make this last night for supper. It was by far one of the most difficult things I have ever made, but totally worth it! Here is the recipe, give it a try and let me know what you think. (side note, I substituted Apple Cider for the chardonnay since I don't drink it and it worked great!)

 

Bought this Monday night for the little man, and can't wait to put it on him for some photos Sunday! 

 And last, but certainly far from the least, my favorite photo of the week:

aren't those the most beautiful eyes??!

Grace's Skirt

I don't have a girl, but girl clothes are WAY more fun to play around with. My solution: make clothes for other girl's I know. We have family pictures in a couple of weeks with my family, and Grace, my niece needed something khaki for her bottoms. I had seen this awesome tutorial for a "Circle Skirt" on here and thought, "I can make that." And so I did. I experimented first with a different fabric to work out the kinks before doing the real thing. Here was my process:

 First I cut out my pattern. See the link I posted for the formula and size measurements. I used a cereal box so that it would be nice and sturdy.

 Next I cut out my fabric. I used a lightweight corduroy. It should come out as a full "donut." The picture on the right is folded in half.

I forgot a picture of the next step, but you need to finish off the inside edge, either with a serger or a zig-zag stitch.

Then you put the elastic on around the inside. The elastic will be smaller than the inside of the skirt so you will need to stretch the elastic as you go.

 Finally, hem the bottom. I just folded mine about a quarter inch as I went along.

 

The finished product!

I am going to do the khaki corduroy skirt one of these days, but it should be super easy now that I have all of the kinks figured out. See this link for more in-depth directions and measurements. There are also directions on how to make this for yourself, in an adult size! Have fun, and thanks for reading :)

Do I dare try...

I am going to attempt to follow a meal plan for this week in an effort to have a few good meals. I have made out my grocery list so I don't forget anything, and I am going to try a few new recipes and a tasty treat. Pictures will be taken of each meal to showcase my mad culinary skills (hahaha)
Here is the menu:
Monday: Hamburgers (nothing too exciting but something the hubby has been requesting for weeks)
Tuesday: Belgian Beef and Beer Stew. MMMMM. I have made this one other time, and it is the best stew recipe I have ever had. I will post the recipe with the photos.
Wednesday: Roasted Breast of Chicken with Pinot Noir Sauce with Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Sugared Walnuts. I am very excited about this day! I have not made either one these recipes, but found them this month in my Cooking Light magazine. I may have taken on a bit too much trying to do them both at the same time, but we're going to try it. If I am super motivated this may get switched with Tuesday's menu.
Thursday: probably PB&J for the little man and I as hubby will be at class. The special treat will probably make it's debut this evening though. I will for the first time attempt homemade caramel apples. I will not use pre-wrapped caramels, instead I will follow a recipe for my own. Pray for me ;) This will happen after little man is sound asleep and out of my hair.
Friday: I imagine this will be an evening of relaxing and left-overs. An evening spent with my wonderful boys.

Here's to a week of trying new things...