Living my life like it's golden!

I had a fantastic weekend! ALL 3 kids went out of town with grandma (my MIL) and Michael and I acted like teenagers! Even though I missed my 3 babies, it felt great to be completely spontaneous without giving any consideration to anyone but ourselves. I guess you can say it was a practice run of what it will feel like to be emptynesters. On Saturday, I was treated to a breakfast with mimosas (he's such a great guy). At the spur of the moment, we decided to go to Atlanta. We did some shopping and tried to make it back before the thunderstorm came and we still ended up running into bad weather. We got back just in time to grab something to eat from my favorite seafood restaurant here in town - The Fish Market Restaurant.

Lastnight, we hit up the Jill Scott concert. She was absolutely amazing. I do believe that Birmingham was the last leg of the tour, so if you missed her, you missed out!

Happy Monday!

Wow... one week and one day until Christmas! The kids' last day of school is Wednesday and they'll be out for their 2 week Winter Break. Everybody done with all of their shopping? HA! I'm not! I'll finish up the odds and ends the early part of this week and by Thursday, I'll grocery shop for Christmas dinner.


This weekend was all about movies. I think by now, most of you know that I love CHANEL... it's my favorite haute couture house. I spent Saturday afternoon watching this FAB-U-LOUS documentary about what went into putting together CHANEL's Fall/Winter 2004 - 2005 Haute Couture collection -- "Signé Chanel" (Thanks for the link Carolyn). Karl is a genius at what he does but he is the least interesting of the group. The amazing seamstresses steal the show! Madame Martine, Madame Cécile and Madame Laurence, who cut and sew until their hands are literally bloody for the sake of getting a dress finished on time (You'll note that there is not a single sewing machine in their work room. All of those beautiful pieces are sewn by hand); and about 75-year-old Madame Pouzieux who, in-between bringing in bales of hay, makes the unique CHANEL braids on an antique loom in her farm house. Also, the fabulous André Leon Talley (Vogue's Editor-At-Large) makes an appearance. The film is in French but has English subtitles... make sure you have time to sit and watch because it's extremely addictive.

On Sunday, we took in a double-feature:

"I Am Legend" was a *different* kind of role for Will. The jury is still out of what I think of this. I may have to watch it again before I can fully digest it. It's kind of "Castaway" meets "28 Days".

The next one was:

"The Perfect Holiday" was a cute, family-friendly movie with a typical happy ending for all. Even the slime-bag character made amends at the end. At first, I was unsure about this movie. I thought it would be the Christmas version of Tyler Perry's "Daddy's Little Girls"... the white collar woman falls for the broke down, struggling man. None of that was ever addressed and everybody lived happily every after!

How was your weekend?

So... how was your weekend?

This weekend, we celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary (Oct. 14th). This year we decided to stay home and cook together with the kids since we had a big to do last year. It's always fun to cook with the kids. We prepared roasted cornish game hens with wild rice stuffing, sauteed green beans with baby portobello mushrooms, shallots and garlic and a nice bottle of white wine for the grown ups.
Saturday night, Michael and I double dated with Adrienne and her husband Antonio at the movies to see Why Did I Get Married. This was Ty.ler Per.ry's best effort by far. I've read different reviews and varying opinions, but we all really thought this was a great movie... very relatable for us married folks.

I did very little sewing this weekend, but after some household maintenance, I'm back at the cutting table. So, what did you do?

Just Checkin' In

So, what y'all been doing this week? First, I needed to rest after the homecoming dress... that took a lot out of me. BTW, thanks for all of the wonderful compliments on the dress and the fabulous birthday greetings. This weekend, I had a lot of family time. Michael took four days off to spend with me. This is a big deal because he is the biggest work-a-holic and it was fun just having him around.

Last evening, Adrienne and I went to "Girls' Night Out" at Gus Mayer (my favorite luxury store in Birmingham).

It was a very nice spread catered by Brio and an open bar.

While in there, we did some snoop shopping until the manager asked me not to take pictures of the merchandise. LMAO Next time, I'll engage one of her sales associates and have them start me a fitting room and take pics I want in there. ROFL

So, when did Nascar start making shoes???

Capes are definitely popular and have a big presence in RTW. I'll be making my own version this winter (if it ever gets here *sigh*).

And houndstooth is everywhere! If y'all know of a large houndstooth print fabric, preferably a wool or wool blend (jacket/coat weight) -- LET ME KNOW!

The end of Summer!

Today was the first day of school (can you hear the angels singing "Hallelujah")! This was crazy to me because it's like the hottest day of the year -- a very unpleasant record high of 103 degrees! Way back in the dark ages, we started school after Labor Day. Mikaela told me they were only allowed 5 minutes of outdoor recess, the rest of the time was spent in the gym. Now, I have to buy school supplies for the high schoolers... we always have to wait until they get their course syllabi to find out exactly what they will need. I've been so busy this week that there was absolutely no time for sewing... I know -- SACRILEGE! But even though I'm not physically doing it, the mind is always working. I'm in the planning stage of my transitional pieces and Fall wardrobe. You'll be the first to know once my plans are complete.

Didn't get any sewing...

done, but I did see two great movies!

Yesterday, as I was beginning to sewing the lining into my jacket... I was dragged away from my sewing machine by my family. I have to admit, I did have fun... it was a welcomed interruption. Hopefully, I'll be able to make more progress today!

It's just another manic Monday!

Not really, but I loved that song from the 80's! So... what did you guys do this weekend? Me? Very little sewing! However, I did add a new addition to my sewing family: Meet the Brother SE-270D embroidery/sewing machine. I had been thinking about getting an embroidery machine, but I really didn't want to make the financial commitment of a used car and this little baby right here is good enough to get my feet wet. I haven't really done anything with it this weekend other than play with the monogramming feature, but I'm sure it will eventually come in handy. Don't you just love new toys?!

I was browsing in Books-A-Million and picked up a copy of Australian Stitches... this is a great magazine and has a really good series on

sewing "The Perfect Wardrobe". Great advice for all of those that are participating in the SWAP/Wardrobe Contest on Pattern Review.

Yesterday, we packed a picnic and took in a free concert at Vulcan Park - Coca-Cola Sundays in the Park, sponsored by Hot 107.7 , a local R&B station. The kids wanted to see Cupid and I was more interested in seeing Tank! LOL

It was a pretty good concert, but it was FREE and you do get what you pay for! ROFL

So, what did you guys do? Any productivity?

How was your weekend?

Saturday, I ventured to my favorite supermarket in the world -- Whole Foods (the only one in the state) and loaded up on organic produce.Yesterday, we started the day off by serving Michael breakfast in bed for Father's Day (he loved that)! We took him to the movies to see Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (great movie).

Saturday, I did get some sewing done on Simplicity 3744, I should have pics by tomorrow.

So... what did y'all do?

How was your weekend?

Even though I didn't get any sewing done Saturday or Sunday, it was still pretty good. On Saturday, I got a chance to hang out with Adrienne at Barnes & Noble... seems to be our spot.

I gave Adrienne a little impromptu crochet lesson.
Don't let her fool you... she's making a ripple afghan and she'll have it made in a month! LOL

In other news, looks like our "Ebony Elite" Yahoo knitting group has really taken off which is a great thing. Oh, and we also created a blog to post projects once we really get going. I hope no one that reads here took this to be something segregated or negative... that was not the point AT ALL. The point was to "inspire" and "encourage" women of color, primarily Black women, who may not have thought that knitting was something for them and we just wanted them to partake in the revelry. It's amazing the amount of ruckus the idea of us starting a knitting group created over at Live Journal, it's no where near as deep as they were making it out to be. I respectfully suggest that she focus on her knitting and not what we over here are doing if she is that put off by it.

Hopefully today if there are no interruptions, I can start on my white linen jacket and pants... that'll be two more S.W.A.P. pieces finished and I might even be able to knit a piece for the collection.

I'm back!

I haven't blogged in like a week... some times you just get caught up in life and need a break or one is demanded of you. I did manage to get some well deserved rest and relaxation poolside. I've also been sewing, working on my S.W.A.P.... cutting out out and making muslins. I actually have finished two pieces... as soon as I get photos, I'll show you. During my brief hiatus, here are some things I wanted to share.

I've got the blues!

Cobalt blues that is! I've been seeing this electrifying color everywhere.

Camoflaging a belly

If you're like me, I have pretty decent arms and legs but I have a pooch. After three babies, I've made peace with the fact that I'll never have six-pack abs without medical intervention and I'm cool with that. But, there are ways to still be cute and trendy and conceal your flaw.

1. The first look is a belted jacket cinched at the natural waistline.
2. The second is a busy print babydoll top made in a flowy fabric.
3. The third is a boxy jacket layered over a drapey blouse.
   

- Lucky Magazine, June 2007, page 98

BTW, more learn to sewing posts to come!

Happiness...

is family time. No sewing on yesterday.... we celebrated my oldest daughter - Amber's 15th birthday. We went to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. We've been to the Tennessee Aquarium a couple of times and we decided to check out this one. Fun, fun, fun! Here are some pics from our day.

the entrance

Amber, me & Mikaela. Notice Amber's new Coach bag she got for her birthday.

Michael buying the tickets; Brian & Amber.

When we left there, it was so beautiful out - a balmy 80°, we headed to Centennial Park.

You know I had to get my pose on!

Seems somebody was getting a little tired on her day out.

I'm pretty sure I have the goofiest husband ever!

Michael, me & Mikaela

A.W.O.L.

I know I've been absent, but I have a few things to share. I think by now you guys now pretty much how I function... I sew like a maniac, pumping out projects like a sweatshop and then I fall into a slump. I'm absolutely, completely bored with all things Winter, so I've been seeking Spring inspiration.

This is where I've been getting my inspiration from. By the way, I must congratulate Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whittaker for their Oscar wins!

Shopped at Hancock's during their warehouse sale and picked up my first batch of spring fabric and patterns.

Vogue 2947

Vogue 2942

Vogue 2951

Vogue 8352

Also, Saturday I got the chance to hang out with on of my favorite bloggers -- Adrienne, who just happens to be local.

We had a fun afternoon of knitting at Barnes & Nobles.

I'm working on Flair by Wendy (Knit & Tonic), by the way.

Here's my progress so far. I should be coming out of my slump and have some good things to show by the end of the week.

How was your Valentine's Day?

Mine was pretty nice. This is Valentine's Day #16 for us and he's still just as thoughtful as ever. this is what he

gave me:

this is what was in it

We went to seewhich was by far the best Tyler Perry movie as of yet!

Just a couple of the many reasons that

A Quick Note...

I had such a busy, busy week. I was very disappointed that I didn't get my dress done in time for this weekend. But luckily, I just reached in the closet and pulled out one of my favorites. I accessorized it with a crocodile embossed wide leather belt, platform pumps and a Kate Spade bag and I was off. The Ebony Fashion Fair was beautiful -- lot's of fantasy wear but still inspiring. I also hit up the Stardome Comedy Club to see D.L. Hughley... my stomach still hurts from being doubled over in laughter. All in all, I had a great evening. Oh, I'm still going to finish up that dress and I will have pics as soon as I'm done.

A year in review

For 2007, more sewing, knitting and crocheting!

Warm up January!

Even though the month of January is usually cold, the 2007 Ebony Fashion Fair will heat things up by bringing the "hottest" styles to Birmingham on January 14th at the Wright Center at Samford University. The design theme this year is "Stylishly Hot"! The designers presented will be Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy, just to name a few. This is the 41st year (out of 49) that this show has been brought here and is sponsored by the lovely ladies of the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.

This is what I decided to wear.

This is Vogue 7852, and I'll be making view A, the shorter version. I know that it will be black and I will make the final fabric choices right after the new year.

Movie Review: Dreamgirls

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Christmas. To top off our great day, the family and I went to see Dreamgirls. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, not to mention the fact that the cast provides a stellar performance. Contrary to belief, this movie is not the Beyonce' Knowles (Deena Jones) show that many people felt it would be. In my opinion, Jennifer Hudson (Effie White) stills the show. Her performance as Effie was so passionate that it is difficult to even comprehend that she is a novice to the silver screen... she is an absolute natural. Even though Beyonce's acting abilities have been questionable in the past, her acting lessons paid off and she can now consider herself an "actress". Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor, Jr.) is like I've never seen him before: a slick-talking, used-car salesman willing to do anything and step on anyone to make his mark in the music industy. Eddie Murphy (James "Thunder" Early) is fantastic and does his thing in delivering comedic relief... he has the funniest scene in the movie. Anika Noni Rose (Lorrell Robinson), who won "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" at the 58th Annual Tony Awards for "Caroline, or Change", has been an underrated star. Her character is kind of the cute, bubble-head member of the group that eventually finds strength and character. The movie also starred Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris) and Keith Robinson III (C.C. White). There were also small parts and cameos by John Lithgow (Jerry Harris), Loretta Divine (a jazz singer), who played Lorrell in the original and Dawnn Lewis (Melba Early), who suprisingly didn't have a speaking part, unless it ended up on the editing room floor. I highly recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see mindblowing performances!

Just wanted to say...

Tell me something good!

I don't have anything completed right now to share. I haven't had a lot of actual sewing time... I've gotten caught up with "LIFE" again... y'all know how that goes! However, even though I haven't been sitting in front of the machine, I still bought fabric, that's sewing related right? I'll share these pieces with you because this is next up and soon to be finished.

This is for Vogue 8307, the Armani coat from the Fall '05 collection that I've spoken of before. I'm doing view A, the jacket because (1) I have enough full-length coats; (2) I'll get more wear out of a jacket; and (3) It will probably hardly ever get cold enough here for more than 2 or 3 consecutive days to really enjoy wearing it.

So, what are you guys up to? Tell me something good!

~ Gratitude ~

• I'm grateful for the health and well-being of my family and I.
• I'm grateful that I was able to wake up this morning with inclination and ability to walk into the kitchen to "put my foot" in our Thanksgiving meal!
• I'm grateful for being able to afford ALL of the food and everything else I bought this week!
• I'm grateful for Michael Richards reassuring me that racist assholes are not only still alive and kicking, but thriving.
• I'm grateful that Clay Aiken chose Kelly Ripa's mouth to be on the receiving end of his hand because Erica B. would have slapped him off the stage for that one!
• I'm grateful for Rosie O'Donnell to remind us all that when we say something that a gay person does not like, it's due to HOMOPHOBIA!
• I'm grateful that I'm here to experience all of the good stuff and the garbage.
• I'm grateful that even though my husband has to work on Thanksgiving, he has a job to go to.
• I'm grateful that I have you guys to read what ever I put on this blog!