Saturday, August 22, 2015

Stich Fix 2

I just received my 2nd Stitch Fix! Haven't heard of Stitch Fix? It is a personal styling service that hand selects clothing and accessories just for you and delivers them to your door.


You can choose to get your "fix" as often as you like. There is a $20 styling fee that goes towards your purchase, if you decide to buy all 5 items you receive a 25% discount. Interested??? Check out their web-site and if you decide to order please use my referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5503565

 Originally I signed up to receive my Fixes quarterly but I loved my last shipment so much I decided to go for it again this month. I really do need to replace much of my work clothes as most of them are from when I worked at Eddie Bauer 8 plus years ago.


So, I asked for easy care work clothes. This time a little more casual than last. I got a quick picture before I unfolded everything! I was loving the orchid and navy print on the top. 


First up a cute knit wrap dress. Loved the fabric, loved the print and it is very comfortable! Also, the perfect length for school.

Market & Spruce Ohara Dress
 Next, probably the dressiest item in the box. Not sure if I will wear it to work but I will wear it. Looks good with my favorite black cardigan, and a perfect back drop for some of the fun necklaces I have been collecting.

Pixley Clarice Multi Stripe Knit Dress
 Look how the stripes meet on the side to make a diamond pattern. I love the details of this dress! Notice the different patterns made by the directional stripes.


This necklace is very different than other jewelery I own. I love that about Stitch Fix, makes me try things I wouldn't normally.

Zad Delmar Pointed Fringe Necklace

I was not sure about this shirt when I first opened the package, it has a lot going on. The shirt has grown on me. It is very cute under my denim jacket or black cardigan and I love it with my new necklace (see above).

Market & Spruce Brentwood Jersey Stripe Tiered Top
 Last up is this navy top with gold buttons. My stylist noticed I had it pinned on my Pinterest board so sent it in this month's Fix.

Skies are Blue Haldis Roll-Tab Henley Blouse

There you have it, my 2nd Stitch Fix. I ended up keeping everything again. I am keeping a Pinterest board with all of the Fixes I receive here if you are interested in browsing. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, August 7, 2015

Cucumbers coming out of my ears....

HELP!!!!! My cucumbers are producing more than they ever have. The deer have even been helping themselves to the plant tops but there are still plenty to go around. Below is a recipe for my family's favorite cucumber salad. I don't really make anything else with cucumbers,  I would love for you to share some of your favorite cucumber recipes.


Cucumbers In Cream
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Miracle Whip
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons vinegar
3-4 cucumbers, sliced
About 1/2 of an onion, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix dressing ingredients together and fold in slices of cucumbers and onions.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Sewing Studio Happenings


I thought it might be fun to show you what I am working on in my sewing studio. I am trying to make some headway on a few projects as I go back to work on Friday and won't have as much time to spend in here.

First up is progress on the folded star tutorial. The more I work on this the more my mind thinks about all of the other folded stars I want to make. Oh how I wish I had more time! Wouldn't they make the cutest Christmas tree ornaments?


Because I can't quit thinking like a teacher, even though it is summer break,  I am working on beginning quilt making curriculum. Lots of fun ideas in my head on this. I have started to put it all together with fabric, next up is getting it down on paper.


One last customer quilt to finish up before I go back to school! Hopefully time to at least load one of my own.


And I can't quit looking at this stack of newly acquired fabric sitting right by my sewing machine.


OK I am off to get some of this stuff accomplished! What are you working on?

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Happy Saturday Night... Enjoy a Fabulous Mojito...You Are Welcome


 

  I have never been a fan of mojitos. Until... I went to Mexico this summer. While there I had the most delicious, minty-limey sweet beverage. When I got home I got to work on recreating it and this is what I came up with.

It started with a trip to the local nursery where I found a mint plant called mojito mint. The tag said it was Cuban. I immediately planted it in my garden where it took off in no time. I would think you could use whatever mint you have available at your local grocery store or in your garden. Note- if you plant your own mint plant it closer to your house than I did and preferably in a planter as mint has a tendency to grow out of control. I have a long trek out to the garden every time I have a craving for a mojito.

Next step it to make a mint flavored simple syrup. Make a big batch, it will keep in the fridge for awhile. Start with equal amounts sugar and water. I used 2 cups of each. Bring the sugar water mixture to a boil on the stove over a medium-high heat. Once boiling take off the heat and add a large handful of mint. Don't worry about taking the leaves off the stems. Let the mint steep in the sugar mixture about 10 minutes.


Once finished steeping skim the mint out of the sugar mixture and discard.  I store the simple syrup in a quart sized jar in my fridge. I know the picture below looks deceptively like something else but the sugar mixture takes on a yellow-green color from the mint plant. 


Now that you have your simple syrup made you are ready to make your mojito.

Start by adding 3 or 4 mint leaves to your glass and mash them with the back of your spoon. Next add 1.5 ounces of each: lime juice (bottled is fine), rum and your mint-infused simple syrup.  Give everything in your glass a big mix. Add a heaping cup of crushed ice then top your glass off with about 1 cup of Sprite. (I have also used Mountain Dew and it was good too!) Mix again and enjoy!

The simple syrup is also delicious in iced tea!