Moist Banana Bread

Okay so funny story... There are two ladies at my work that refuse to eat bananas once they have any speckle of brown on it. Brown speckles are the optimal time for eating the bananas! And more nutritional value than when they are green!!

So because of this, one of the ladies gave me an entire hand of bananas... approximately 7 bananas? (Fun fact: a hand of bananas = a bunch like you would get from the store and a finger is just one banana, silly huh?) And then the other lady gave me one that she just couldn't handle trying to eat because it as too mushy. Silly silly ladies! I also had a few ready to use bananas at home that I just hadn't gotten around to making banana bread yet. So now I had ten bananas to make bread with! (the recipe only calls for 2-3 per recipe!) Then my husband decided to eat one of the gross mushy brown bananas instead of the hand that was nice and yellow. (He comes from a family where you eat the stuff going bad first before you eat the nice fresh stuff) Anyway, I wish I would have taken a picture of all the gross brown bananas. And we were getting fruit flies so that is a prime indicator that it is time to make banana bread. (These bananas are about a week fresher than when I made the banana bread. They were pretty brown and gross by the time I got around to it...and this is only half of them...)

The banana bread recipe I use is found here. (It's towards bottom of the page)

I use the full amount of brown sugar and of course, you can't forget the walnuts! I also probably use a little more cinnamon than what is calls for (I love cinnamon btw). Also, please be wary of the cooking times for the bread because I'm pretty sure it lies! I think 1 hr 10 min is way too long. So depending on the size of the loaf, I'll stick to a start time of 30 -45 min and then check it. (overcooked banana bread just isn't as moist and delicious..) I guess if you are making a bunch of loaves you could do a test one, and then once you figure out the optimal cook time, you can implement that on the rest of the loaves. However, most people aren't going to triple the recipe like I had to do. So many bananas!! But I've made this stuff enough where I can almost tell it's done just by looking at it. (Side note: If the middle collapses quite a bit when it's cooling off, it probably should have cooked a little longer.)

As you can see down below, I almost didn't have a bowl large enough to mix the wet and dry mixture. I as actually afraid it was going to overflow...but it was a success and it all fit in one bowl! (Next time, however, I plan on doing a double batch at most. It's a lot easier for mixing purposes.)

And then all my loaves. I did a bunch of minis so I could give them to everyone at work so we wouldn't be stuck eating them. There is also a large loaf in the oven, so there was quite a bit of banana bread.

I am also sad to say that I forgot to take pictures of the finished product. I really just wanted to go to bed at this point!! But everyone at work LOVED loved loved the bread! 

And they all know to bring me old bananas so I can make more. :) #nomnomnom

The Frances Dress

Hello! So about two months ago I purchased a workshop on Craftsy for I think half off?? (pretty great right?) It's called the Frances Dress which was designed by Alexia Abegg. (I'm not sure if it's still up for purchasing because I can't find a link! It was an October workshop.) There are a lot of things that I learned from tackling this dress! (I'm actually in the process of making this dress pattern into a shirt with this super soft flannel material I got recently! I'll totally update you whenever I finish it.) 

Anyway, this so called workshop came with the pattern which had the typical XS-XL on it (though I wish there was an XXS because I guess I'm smaller than the average lady that patterns are made for...) as well as the material (I got to choose from two fabric designs) and directions. On Craftsy, for the workshop, there were more in-depth details of how to complete the project. 

I started this project on a day that I like to call "Sewing with Sue". Sue is my brother's wife's mama. (I like saying it like that way better.) She mainly supervised really but I love her company and her skills and talents are amazing!!

Some of the things that I learned from this pattern: Darts! I still would be afraid to try adding one or two to a throw together pattern. But if it has directions for darts, I'm totally game and I can do it! I also tackled button holes (even though I'm not that great at them and they suck! But not as much as the tedious task of sewing on a million buttons!) Also a collar which really wasn't very difficult. I was also able to use the serger that I'm currently borrowing from my sister. (Sergers are so nice for finishing especially when its finishing a portion that you gathered! It looks so nice and neat on the inside! <3) 

This is after I finally figured out what I was doing with the sleeves

Anywho, here are some pictures of the final project! (Sorry it's a little wrinkly from washing it but you get the gist!) I am super happy with the results! <3

Love the sleeve!

Always be sure to take on projects (step out of your comfort zone!) especially when they will help increase your knowledge and skills! Even though this project took me almost a week (mostly from the buttons..) I have gained a lot and I can apply it to my other sewing projects!

Also, always remember this philosophy... "If at first you don't succeed try, try again!"

(Don't forget to check out my instagram for instant updates on my current projects! @iamtrissab)

Day Tripper Top (2)

So I told y'all about this top before and if you haven't seen it, go look here. I've been sewing it up a lot lately and the Day Tripper Top is still one of my favorites! I've made so many!! And it's so easy! You can order it here if you'd like! It's a great pattern for beginners and has some good tips for working with knits!

Here are some of my latest ones! And I'm sure there will be many more because I love this top! And the pockets are so fun! It also looks great in a long or short sleeve.

I also get my knit fabrics over at Girl Charlee. Seriously the cutest knits ever and at a great price. Win/Win!

I also just recently found this one in a box of fabric from months ago! (not completely finished) I think I stopped because I didn't like the material. It's made out of woven fabric so it has zero stretch. (it also frays as SOON as you cut it. So annoying! Pinking should help with that) I decided to go ahead and complete the shirt by adding a stretchy ribbed knit on the bottom since it just won't work with that woven fabric on the waist cuff. Not to shabby! Glad I found this little gem to add to my collection! 

It's a wee bit longer that my other ones. Still cute!

I may have more in my closet... and I recently purchased more fabric! Yay! So more more more! Or maybe some more raglan tops! Stay tuned for that post!

I think one of my next go's at the Day Tripper is going to be adding some contrasting colors! Breaking up the top from the bottom, a little similar to this. Easier though because that is in another language and the pages just didn't print out right... but I'm pumped! :) 

Stay tuned for more sewing projects! 

Commemorative Air Force Museum

Hello! So this last weekend, my parents were in town. My mama was working up here like she does every so often but this time my dad came up too!

So our plan for Saturday was supposed to be as follows...

-- Wake up early and run 5 miles. Dad should be at the apt when we get home
-- Shower and get ready to go help out at a service project for an Eagle Project.
-- Come home and clean up our apt and finish moving in some more (moving in fully is an ever going process..)
-- Hang out with mama when she gets off work

Boom! Easy enough right?

So Scott and I woke up, but not as early as I would have preferred and our run was TERRIBLE. I really need to figure out a breakfast plan for before a long run... I was starving not even half way through. So we ended up just having a nice little stroll and chit chatting the entire time. :)

On the way to the service project, I decided to wear my little headband thingy since we were going to be doing some cleaning and both Scott and my dad were saying that I reminded them of the Rivet Girl. So how convenient it was that we drove by the Air Force Commemorative Museum! On the way back home from the service project, we just had to stop here so we could try and get a picture of me next to the B17 that was outside with some other planes...

Just gotta say, I sure felt silly taking some of these pictures.. haha but it was fun! And we got to go inside of the B17!! How cool was that!! I really wanted to be able to go inside the other planes and explore the little crawl spaces to the machine gun spots in the plane...but we weren't allowed..but it was still pretty cool.

But anywho, it was awesome! Definitely a nice little detour that we took and well worth it! Enjoy some photos!

I also got my sewing room more in order. Boom! Productivity!

So it was a good day. Got some things done and a little extra. :)

Perfect Pot Roast Every Time!

Hello! Since I am made a Pot Roast today, I thought I would share with you this SUPER easy recipe. And honestly, I think it comes out perfect every time! And it's delicious! Just as good left over as well!

First and foremost, you are going to need a crockpot. Scott and I got this super sweet one for our wedding that turns automatically to warm after the allotted time. Cool right?! No more constant cooking food! Hooray! It's way convenient since from the time I plug it in, to the time we eat, WAY longer than 8 hours. (I also don't recommend cooking on high heat for shorter the time. It tastes way better and the meat is more tender when cooked longer on warm)

Let's get to it!

So really you can customize this the way you choose. I like to use....

- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Green Beans (save the juice if you are using from a can!)
- And of course, some type of beef roast. (I think chuck roasts are the best. They have more fat in them but they are juicier and literally fall apart when done cooking)
- And we can't forget McCormick Slow Cooker: Savory Pot Roast flavor packet! 

You can also add:

- Corn
- Celery
- Fresh Garlic
- Bell Pepper
- etc. (almost any veggie really)

I like to wash and peel my potatoes. You don't have to peal them though if you don't want to. I like to cut mine into approximately 1 in cubes. (though they really are more triangular like) I usually cut up enough so they cover the entire bottom of the crockpot and then a little more.

I also have a big beef on baby carrots so I refuse to use them. (I'm pretty sure they are left over big carrots that they shave down and soak in bleach and then re dye them. You can go ahead and look it up if you'd like) I don't like to peel the carrots because they are just fine the way they are! However, I do cut off the ends. For the bigger end of the carrot, I sometimes cut it in half. Really they can be as big or small as you prefer. I sprinkle the carrots on top of the potatoes. Not enough to completely coat the top but just enough.

Next comes the onion! I sometimes cut the onion up in squares, sometimes in strips. It just depends on my mood really. I tend to eat the onions more when they are squares though. I usually like to do half of a yellow onion, but it really depends how big your crockpot is.

For the green beans, I sometimes use a can (usually just one) and sometimes the fresh ones. This time around, I did a can. (the nice thing about using can GB is that you can use the juice for the flavor packet!) My mama likes to add the green beans at the end so they don't turn into mush, but I like to put them in in the beginning. If you are using fresh GB, I like to cut off the ends. You may also want to cut them in half or even in thirds. (sometimes those things are way long!) So you can either put them in now and sprinkle it over the top, or wait towards the end.

The roast! Like I mentioned earlier, I really think its better to get a chuck roast. Usually they are more flat and have more fat on them.

Next, either use a cup of water, or the juice from the green beans. Poor it into a bowl and then mix in the savory roast flavor packet. (it tends to get little bubbles where little pieces don't mix all the way, but that's okay really. Pour slowly so if you see a bubble, you can mix it) I like to pour it all over the roast. The juice will run off but I like to try to get most of the spices on the roast. Try and get out as much of the spices that are stuck on the bowl as you can.

You are all set! If you are preparing the night before, just put on the lid and stick it in the fridge. If you are ready now, put a lid on it, set it on low and set your timer for 8 hours!

I always love coming home when a roast is cooking. It smells so good! 

When 8 hours rolls around, it should look pretty scrumptious! Get a big fork or spoon and mix it all together! The meat should just fall apart. Mmmm! (that's how you know it should be done. if it doesn't fall apart, it should probably cook a while longer.)

Season with salt and pepper and you are all good to go! My hubby and I like this with crescent rolls. Yum!

Enjoy!! 

Social Media - A False Sense of Reality

I can't quite pinpoint what exactly triggered this buttttt oh well. I hope you find my thoughts at least slightly insightful.

Social Media. Creating a false sense of reality.

Let's think about that for a moment. Do you agree with that statement? Do you disagree? First initial thoughts?

I personally think this is a completely accurate statement. Just think about it. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc, what do you see? We see your best self. Your "perfected" image of yourself in a sense. I mean, come on. Are you really going to post that picture of yourself with no make up on, or the disastrous burnt, failed recipe you tried to attempt, or that craft project that really was a complete and utter failure? How many selfies did you take before you got the one you were satisfied with? How many pictures do you have online that are raw or unedited? I'm going to assume that there are way more edited/ filtered photos rather than yourself just as you are. I know, cause I've been there. I mean, that x pro filter really does give just the right about of contrast, right?

Other than our physical image, we also put out the personification that our lives are perfect too. Perfect family, perfect husband, perfect relationship, perfect, well behaved children that are sweet little angels. 

We tend to focus on all of our strengths, good qualities, things that make us feel good because others give us positive feedback. 

This is totally find and dandy to a certain extent, except when it effects the thoughts of others in a negative sense. Your so called "perfect" seeming life makes some of us feel inadequate. Your constant crafting and awesome ideas makes us feel like we aren't making any progress in our craftings or that we just aren't good crafters. We don't see your mistakes or that it took you five times to get that pie just right or you had a cour failed attempts at a sewing project, having to constantly grab your seem ripper...

But we don't see that. We don't see the hard work or the multiple attempts or the little mistakes or spills on our clothes.  

This lack of transparency sometimes gives some of us the feeling that you are better than we are. 

This is so not true. We are all individuals with different talents. Some people are great at blogging, connecting and promoting. Others are great at sewing, painting or scrapbooking. Some don't have a hand or keen eye for crafts but sre great at math or computers and problem solving. Or maybe even baking or patern making or design.

I think we should add a little more transparency into our lives. Help to let other people know that they are doing find with whatever it is they are attempting. Don't worry, I've wasted great fabric too because I cut it out wrong. 

You really don't have to put a sweet filter on every picture. You look exactly how you were intended, and I think that's wonderful. Embrace it. 

Don't get discouraged with all these people doing awesome things. Remember, they had to start somewhere.  Failures included. 

In closing, let me be briefly transparent with you...:

The other day, I left the oven on all day long! (Thank goodness nothing burnt down!)

I love my husband with all my heart, but we fight sometimes. (Or argue?) Completely normal. 

I tried making a dress form and FAILED miserably. See? I swear the foam just keeps growing. 

It can't even stand up straight because the foam is coming out the butt!

Ugh. It also coated my hands. Gross. Took FOREVER to get that stuff off.

(Sometimes they mean it when they say to wear a glove...)

When I first was getting into sewing, my seam ripper was my best friend. But I hated it haha. Ripping seams SUCKS.

Looking at other people's blogs totally discourages me. I mean come on, WHO TAKES YOUR PICTURES?! I swear a lot of these awesome bloggers have somebody take all their photos OR they awkwardly do it themselves with tripods and such. At least I think that would be awkward in public.  Seriously something that blows my mind and I have yet to know the answer! 

I hate doing the dishes after cooking and like to leave messes. Maybe not like but I occasionally leave messes. 

Sometimes I throw my cat off the bed/couch/etc when she is being ANNOYING. or shove her kindly...

Empty water bottles laying around in my living quarters drives me CRAZY. The only thing that really does. Weird. 

There you have some of my slight transparencies of Trissa. Let's help strengthen those around us that need some extra encouragement by being transparent. Not just by saying "practice makes perfect!" Let's share the shame and our silly imperfections. Let's draw closer together by what makes us human! 

Be a little transparent with me. I'd love to get to know you a little bit better. The real you.

:) 

100 Things That Make Me Happy

Alrighty... so I saw this little challenge from my girl miss Tasmin Skye and I decided to take a shot at it. I'm going to go ahead and time myself, however, don't let it fool you! I'm at work (shhh!) so there is a very good chance that I will get interrupted!

1. Scott
2. music
3. my nephew
4. family
5. sewing
6. wearing cloths I made
7. yoga
8. lemon lime koolaid
9. snuggling with my hubby
10. pictures of kittens
11. kittens
12. peanut (my kitty)
13. pumpkin (my other kitty that lives with my parents)
14. Shooting stars
15. meteor showers
16. the lake
17. the smell of rain
18. thunderstorms
19. a good book
20. temples
21. Napping
22. flowers
23. a clean apt
24. the smell of fresh baked banana bread
25. clean cloths
26. the warmth of towels when they are fresh out of the drier
27. a clean kitchen
28. getting paid
29. meeting new friends
30. family vacations
31. rollar coasters 
32. river rafting rides
33. country swing dancing
34. a walk in the park
35. picknicks
36. working out with my hubby
37. candles
38. lotion
39. sleeping in
40. a warm shower
41. bubble baths
42. General Conference 
43. Getting the job done
44. finishing a project
45. finishing a painting
46. ceramics
47. getting my nails done
48. girl dates
49. Christmas lights
50. christmas music
51. the smell of christmas trees
52. Cloudy and 75
53. The beach
54. Hawaii
55. Traveling
56. the woods
57. new shoes
58. Birthday cake
59. Getting a letter in the mail
60. When my fabric comes in the mail
61. Surprises
62. Date night
63. Nesquick
64. Christmas time
65. Paid holidays
66. bikram yoga
67. ballet fitness classes
68. Surprise visits
69. making things for others
70. pandora
71. froyo (frozen yogurt)
72. clean sheets
73. vacations
74. getting a good grade
75. projects with my daddy
76. Ice cold water
77. Cooking with my hubby
78. New books
79. Decorating my living quarters
80. My hubby's kisses
81. A good foot rub
82. and back rub
83. getting my hair washed at a salon
84. my telly
85. popsicles
86. Witnessing random acts of kindness
87. sailing
88. being out on the ocean
89. clean car
90. Fridays!
91. Disneyland
92. silly movies
93. sleeping in
94. Learning something new
95. New episodes of my shows
96. Miss grasses soup when I'm sick..mmmm
97. Relaxed weekends
98. Coming home to a happy kitty
99. good sushi!
100. bbq's at my brother's house

haha ah man. Took me about 28 minutes. BUT I was right. I did get interrupted at least twice. 11 minutes tasie? Seriously? I also took my time. I don't think it was supposed to be a speed test...?

If you take the challenge also, post your links! I wanna see! :)

Blog Hoppin

It's time for another Humpday Blog Hop! :)

Be a leader

Don't mind me. I'm just going to ramble a wee bit!

First, let's start by looking at the definition of a leader.

According to Google: the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country

Dictionary.com: 1. a person or thing that leads (that's super descriptive..) 2. a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.

British dictionary: a person who rules, guides, or inspires others; head

That all seems pretty normal and accurate, right?
       Did you know that there are two kinds of leaders? At least that is my thoughts and I have also learned this through my studies in the Pathway program, preparing to attend BYU I online. There is an upper "L" leader and there is a lower "L" leader. Which one do you want to become?

I'm sure we all know what an upper "L" leader is. That would be more of what we would consider a king or a ruler. Someone who directs and takes control. High and mighty, gets to boss people around. Most likely this type of leader will have servants and will rarely serve others.

I hope nobody strives to be this kind of a leader!

A small "L" leader is a little bit different. It includes serving and ministering, loving and supporting and blessing other people.  The Savior is the great exemplar of this kind of leader. And I think it would do the world good if the people within strived to be like this. Like the Savior.

A small "L" leader doesn't do things for praise or recognition. They do things because it is the right thing to do. I think the easiest way to be this kind of a leader is simply to lead by example. Doing the right thing, being kind and loving towards others, uplift and strengthen those around you, help those less fortunate that you, be compassionate, be a guiding light that helps illuminate the way for others.

Don't condemn, speak ill or gossip, don't make someone else's struggle seem less than it is just because you personally don't think that is much of a trial. We are all different. We have different hardships and trials, along with different strengths and talents. Different things affect us in different ways. The best thing that we can do is lift up those around us. Teach each other and love one another. Most of all, be humble. Put others before yourself. I guarantee that this will bring more joy into your life. Serving others without expecting to get something in return will increase your outlook in life. So if you are feeling down, go serve someone. It will make all the difference.

The biggest thing I've achieved...

Another #projectpositive prompt I'd like to expand a little bit on! (I kind of like these prompts! Get's my brain churning!)

The biggest thing I've achieved...

This is yet another one that just seem so difficult to put one moment on. I feel like I have achieved a lot! And over came a lot. But you might not think some of them are all that impressive. But when you are the subject, when you achieve something, it's a great feeling! Whether big or small!

One of the biggest thing's I've achieved is a temple marriage. The steps that I took to get there also were an achievement on their own.

Just like everyone else living in this world, we all make mistakes. Big one's as well as small. I have had my share of bad decisions (along with good ones!) But for a portion of my life I wasn't happy. Nothing I did could give me complete gratification. There was a lot of instant gratification but eventually it faded and left me, again, with that void. When spiraling down, you don't really notice the journey getting there, you just realize that you are there once you've reached the bottom.

I found complete happiness for myself again through the gospel of Jesus Christ. My spirit began to grow and strengthen and I began to have a positive outlook on life. I would wake up in the morning full of life and energy and I just wanted to love! I found purpose and true meaning to life. Yes, it was a journey to get to where I needed to be, and I'm still progressing and growing, but I got out of my downward spiral and now I'm looking up! And up is the best way to be headed. There is one book that will bring you the most happiness and bring you closest to Christ. And you can learn about it here.

I've also have had other achievements like every time I complete a new sewing project! Especially when I make a mistake and try it again. It is great that we are able to make mistakes because we learn SO MUCH from them! Just think. You will appreciate something that you've done way more if you have to work for it and learn from it. It isn't always as satisfying when we do it right the first time. Where is the challenge? Where is the growth? When that happens to me, I just think... "Well, that was easy..." Putting your blood, sweat and tears into something will make you cherish it more.

I have also had achievements while in Track & Field in HS and college. Getting a new personal best is such a great feeling and accomplishment! I worked hard and I got better!

You cannot achieve anything without working for it first. We cannot expect to sit around and wait for things to come to us. If you want to achieve or accomplish something, go out and get it! Don't give up until you have completed it! All those annoying, tedious or hard steps along the way are shaping you and getting you ready to reach the end goal. You just can't give up. And don't let the success of others discourage you. We are all different! No one should expect more from the best that you can do, whatever that may be. And your best and my best are not the same.

We can all achieve anything we put are minds do. We just have to take the first step!

<3 Until next time

The biggest thing I've overcome...

So this month in the twitter world I decided to join #projectpositive. Each day there is a prompt and you finish off the sentence, followed by the hashtag. I feel like going into depth a little bit more on a specific prompt. There aren't enough characters allowed in a tweet!

The prompt for September 15 is as follows: The biggest thing I've overcome is... #projectpositive

(If you don't know, the hashtag is a way to join everyone involved so we can see what other people are saying and connect and so forth)

I don't think I can really pinpoint the biggest thing I've overcame because at the time, each individual trail is hard. But they are supposed to be. Each trial that we go through is essential to our growth; physical, spiritual and mental. If we didn't have to over come anything, how would we be able to become better? How will we progress?

Some of the things each of us goes through might not make sense at the time and I'm sure we often wonder, "Why is this happening to me?" And there are probably times when things just seem to never go our way. One thing to remember is that you don't have to be able to see the entire staircase! Just the first step. And sooner than you think, you will have made it to the top!

I think sometimes we go through certain trails simply for being able to have empathy for others going through a similar trial and be able to help others through their struggles. This also allows us to love, support and comfort. One of the worst feelings ever is feeling alone and feeling like you are the only person going through a specific trial. Being able to see that the people around you have overcome something similar is such a strength and a blessing. It's a confirmation that you can also get through it and things will get better.

If you ever feel alone, remember Christ knows exactly how you feel. He is the one person that can have full empathy on how you are feeling because he has felt every pain, sorrow, heartache. Don't forgot that he has also felt all the joys and happy moments! So don't cut Him out of the good times. 

We also need to remember that each and every one of us is different. This means we all have different trials, struggles and different reactions to things. We all make different mistakes. We need to be mindful to those around us and simply love and support instead of judge and condemn. In times of struggle is when we need love and kindness the most. 

Trials and struggles are an essential part of God's plan. There is a talk by Elder David A. Bednar that has such a great explanation on this. I love it and couldn't agree more.

I love this quote from his talk:

"Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: "Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load i am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?

Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful not to haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most." 

Also, remember what the Savior has said:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)

 Have faith! And know that things will get better. Serving others will also uplift your spirits.

<3 Until next time!

Music Monday

Here we have us a little list of some of the tunes that have popped up on Pandora. I'm still waiting to be able to make a station based off of Taylor Swifts new hit 'Shake It Off'! Hopefully they will get that fixed sooner than later!! But I love that song. And it came on the radio when I was driving to lunch. <3

1. The Virgins - Private Affair
2. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
3. Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
4. Iyez - Replay
5. Flo Rida - Good Feelinh
6. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts
7. Boys Like Girls - Dance Hall Drug
8. B.o.B. - Magic
9. We The Kings - Heaven Can Wait
10. All American Rejects - Gives You Hell

Well there you have it! Some nice toons for the day. :) 

And anyone in Arizona, hopefully you didn't get too wet this morning or get your car stuck in a wash!! 

Lots and Lots of Legging!

So if any of you haven't noticed lately, I am obsessed and addicted to leggings right now. I just can't make myself enough! And what's even better? They are SO EASY! It's ridiculous. I love it. I can't stop thinking about it. <3

If you look at my IG at all, you will have an idea. I just got some fabric in the mail yesterday? Sheesh! That's all?! And this is what I got!

And now..... I have two new pairs of leggings!! (Keep scrolling..)


I also have way more fabric in the awesome lightning material that I'm going to make a matching shirt!! This one except it's going to look so much cooler. :) I'm also going to opt out of the pockets. But anyway....

Where I go for material is GirlCharlee. But you can also find something at your local fabric store, however I don't really think they ever have very good options. (And they cost more. Just saying.) The only downfall about buying them online is you have to wait. for. them. I hate that part the most, honestly. I just get super excited. And I'm a little addicted to fabric, especially when they are cute and on sale. You can never go wrong with those!

Anywho...so when I was visiting my family, I went to a local fabric store down there and found a pattern for leggings for only a couple bucks! Great, right?!

The only downfall is, inserting elastic sucks if there is another way, and one of the fabrics I got and make a pair with only had a two way stretch. VERY BAD for leggings for an FYI. You need to make sure your fabric has at least a slight 4 way stretch! Or else they might fall off your bum when you bend down!! The Craftsy leggings explains the best type of fabric for them down below.

These are great and all, and I've made 2 pairs like this BUT I found a better one! And it's free! 

So little back story here. I occasionally like to find craft websites and search for whatever patterns they have for free. So when I was on Craftsy, that's exactly what I did. And voila! Found me another legging pattern! More of the yoga style.

Okay... so it looks like the pattern is no longer available... *annoying!* So if you REALLY want it you can contact me and we can maybe work something out? Or you may be able to find something similar on pinterest or something.. sorry!

I don't need to really make a tutorial out of that because it basically comes with its own tutorial. However, I have really small ankles according to that pattern and I took them in a bit more on the bottom and made them a little bit longer so they would be tight on my ankles and also have a little extra gathered looking fabric.

You also may want to check out these Custom Fit Leggings. You can check out more of her tutorials (I think they all are free!) here!

Just make sure you pin well! Especially when doing the waist band! Oh! And also, a twin needle may come in handy to make the bottom hems look beautiful! (I finally just bought one. Yay!!)

There you have it! I hope you enjoy and of course...

Happy sewing! 

Life, Goals and Gratitude

With the start of this new month and new opportunities, I've decided that I would like to share with you some of the things I am grateful for along with some of my goals for the rest of this month, year and beyond! Ready....set....GO! (brace yourself! this is a bit of a long one..)

So recently my wonderful hubby and I had the opportunity to go to NYC for his work, and of course, I had to tag along. With that, I quit my job. I thought it was the best time for that since 1. they won't hold my position for 5 weeks (and I don't blame them) 2. when we got back from NY we were moving into a new apartment, closer to the hubby's work and much further from where I was working at the time and 3. I was ready to seek out some new and exciting opportunities that had the ability to progress within the company! So with that, I had to start searching out for a job once all settled into our new little home. And ohhhhh man! Is that exhausting! Putting your resumé out on the web... getting emails and phone calls for jobs that you don't want... bleck. I'm happy that I can end the search because I start my new job tomorrow! Yay! (though I still get emails...ugh) It's a smaller company and I love that I can grow with them and hopefully be an essential part of the team! I really can't wait.

So with that, I guess that's kind of my rest of this month and year goal all tied together. Meeting new people and building good relationships with colleagues along with doing my best to help out the company.

Another goal that is going to be kind of a forever and continuous to infinity and beyond is my blogging and social media interactions! I'm going to do my best to really start diving in and connecting! I think twitter chats are a really great way for that! I had my first one tonight and I can't believe that it really takes all of your attention! I love it though. It's a great way to join in with different communities and connect, support and inspire with fellow bloggers! I love it! Oh and with this is a goal for this month and that is to complete the #projectpositive for this month! Check out my twitter and instagram if you'd like to check up on that!

Goal number three is finally get my Bachelors degree! Whoop! I'm starting the Pathways Program through BUYI so I can get my degree online, and it's way cheaper. (LDS church schools seriously are the way to go even if you aren't a member. You get a great degree and you won't spend nearly as much!) Anway, I've been slacking so much on this whole school thing. I mean seriously. It's time to step it up! Let me tell you briefly. I applied and was admitted to ASU three different times to three different programs. Elementary Teacher, Exercise & Wellness, Social Work. I went to the first day of classed for E&W, rode my bike in AUGUST (not my brightest ideas) and that was that. I also applied for the Marine Biology program at BYU Hawaii, got admitted and then decided not to go! A lot of my friends thought I was crazy because really, Hawaii would suit me quite well with my easy going, beach loving, travel craze kind of life. But that one, I would have gone, BUT it didn't feel right... I couldn't pin point it but it just didn't feel like where I needed to be (and I am one to trust my gut with any and everything). So I didn't go. Good thing because a couple months later I met my wonderful husband!

Which brings me to some things I am grateful for!

I am especially grateful for my husband, Scott. He is seriously the best ever! He supports me, loves me, and encourages me. He also puts up with my crafting messes, my creative cooking and my kitty that he has grown to enjoy!

I'm also grateful for Temples! There is so much peace and serenity there! I love just being on the grounds and looking at the beauty! Each temple is so unique and magnificent. I wish I could go more! <3 Another goal is to attend the temple at least once a month with the hubby but I'm going to try to go every other week!

If you are a nonmember, live in the Phoenix valley and would like to see what the inside of an LDS temple is like, then lucky for you! The Phoenix temple is having an open house in October and anyone can attend! Reserve your tickets here starting September 29!

I am also grateful for my family and my ward family for all of their love and support! Along with the all the blogging community support at #fireworkpeople and #blessedisshe! Diving in the the blogging world is tough business and I give mad props to everyone who is doing really well!

And of course, I can't forget my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who make everything possible! Especially for the wonderful Atonement that makes it possible for any and everyone to be forgiven and able to enter again into Their presence! There is beauty in everything!


Sorry again that this was a bit long and I had my bits of rambling but, I hope you enjoyed this labor day weekend and I also hope you have yourself a great week and a great month!

Say positive, stay awesome and stay you!