DIY Home Soda Fountain

I'm the kind of girl that loves a sweet treat like soda. While being pregnant, it seemed there was nothing better than a cold glass of root beer! I've seen at my local health food grocery store the Soda Stream gizmos, but I wasn't thrilled with the $150 price nor the idea that I'd have to figure out where to store it. Okay, I could find storage for it, but I didn't want to have to buy all of their refills. Lo and behold, on my hunt this morning for info on sewing that I stumbled across this brilliant post at Blue Dirt and The Etsy Blog. The posts are totally mind blowing! 

How to Handle the Lemons in Life

Lovingly, optimistically, I thought I'd start on my misadventure of sewing my pencil skirt dress this weekend, but I literally did a yoga tripod headstand {something I've done for years} and woke up the next day in total spasm pain. I knew that having a baby would change things for me, but I wasn't expecting the physical changes. In my effort to heal, I took to all things yellow to bring me cheer! Things like a cozy yellow breakfast nook, umbrellas, shoes, and pencils! If you want to add anything to the list post a comment! I'm looking for all the smiles I can get until my neck heals {a massage tomorrow is going to help-I know it!}!

Resources to Draft a Sewing Pattern

Gathered Hemlock Dress by Anthropologie

Can I ever stop posting images of beautiful dresses? I was extremely smitten by the pencil dress created by D&G (the floral dress below) & DKNY. It is truly a wardrobe staple.

As you know, I'm not an atelier sewing pro! When I need to know how to learn something, I utilize the Web. Since I'm a loving blogger, I want to share my research with you! Here is an easy resource list to help any girl learn how to draft patterns:

I Heart You!

 

 

 

 

Need some help making your Valentine? Salt & Paper offers up the most adorable print.

  

This print is available as a download for only $4! You can customize the colors, too. Tres fantastic! No matter how you say it, tell someone today-even your favorite house plant, that you love them!

(images via Pinterest-or just click the pic & off you go!}

 

Drafting a Shift Dress: Step #1-Draft the Concept

{I'm not the only girl thinking about shift dress-read more at Oh Joy} 

NYC Fashion Week is in full swing and I personally love reading the updates from blogs like Habitually Chic to Olivia Palermo's Personal Blog (Did you know that Rachel Zoe launched a line of clothes? Read about it at Olivia's blog).  

{Moschino Bracelet Sleeve Shift Dress.}

The classic shift dress history began as the inner most layer of 18th century women's costume. The wealthier the 18th century girl, the finer and whiter the fabric. Most women wore the shift dress in coarse and half-bleached linens. Today's lady wears it in endless fabrics, colors, and design. Although, I've randomly decided to learn how to sew in 2012. I've been inspired by the Built by Wendy Sewing Books to draft my own patterns. 

Tips to Conquer Clutter

I crave order in my life. I can't deny it. Clutter doesn't work for my creative process. So why does it continue to show up?  I could easily mention being a new mother, but I hate excuses. Things get cluttered as I focus on a project. I focus on accomplishing my project, be it writing or sewing a dress, like a hunter chasing prey. And the end result is just as gory! Here are three tips to help people like me conquer clutter!

Sweet Dreams

My daughter has taught me so much about sleep. Sometimes the lesson is that I can function without it, but mostly I respect sleep more than ever. Sleep is the time that our bodies nurture growth, fight off potential colds, and rejuvenate for a new day. If you're already back into the new year grind, can I make a suggestion? Go to bed early tonight. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you!

Homemade Rustic Italian Pizza

It was one of those Friday nights spent with really awesome company. For the first time in my baking life, I used my food processor to make the pizza dough from scratch. And wow! The crest was flawless. My recipe is from Bernard Clayton's Complete Book of Breads, Soups, and Stews. This is one book I've used since my University days and the awesomeness of it has never waned! Grab a copy, flip to page 630, and whip this up yourself this weekend. It couldn't be easier!

Gwyneth Paltrow, I love your style!

{Gwyneth in Harper's Bazaar March 2012. All images source.}

The idea is that one day I'll be able to sew a dress that is as smoking hot as the one Gwyneth is wearing! But kicking daydreams aside, does Gwyneth just rock in these photos! Can I say how much I totally love her huge smile and happy spirit! We need more models and actors that just love life! Get inspired to wear red lipstick with a quick preview of these beautiful images.

Want to know what lipstick comes close to this shade of red?