Made by Me Girl

You guys!!! I made this top! I finally checked an item off of my bucket list! 

Learn how to sew.

I took a class at our local community college and six weeks later I walked out with this cute, flowy tunic top. We met every Tuesday and worked off a pattern that the instructor gave us. She had about 4 patterns to chose from and this pattern was the most like me. She chose patterns that were beginner, easy and quick. I did chose a difficult fabric but I thought, if I'm taking the time to make a top then I want it to be the closest to what I would wear for REAL. 

I had thought that when I was finished I would maybe dye it a mint green because I have another top that is similar colors. But in the end, I decided to keep it black and white. Maybe I will dye the other one mint green! I think I just couldn't stand the thought of screwing it up after all that work!

It may not have been the pattern I would've chose if I could make anything I wanted, but, I am very happy that I have a dressy top that covers my booty when I'm wearing leggings.

I think it would look great with a pair of high heeled black boots and a blazer for winter.

Here is the pattern I used: 

You can get it here

I chose the "C" option. I also chose not to use two different fabrics. I figured I had enough on my plate without adding any more complications to it. Maybe next time! I would like to try either "A" or "D" for summer in a very airy crochet or lace.

Outfit details:

Top: Simplicity pattern 8052, Fabric from JoAnn Fabrics

Ponte Knit Leggings: H&M

Shoes: TJ Maxx

Something Tasty {Homemade Granola}

Granola. Something that has been around for years but I never made any myself. It's so easy to make and I'm wondering why I never made it until now. I like this better than the store bought kind because it is less sugary and it's not super break-your-teeth crunchy.

I used this recipe and changed just a few things. Not much.

Here is her ingredient list with the changes I made noted on the side. I underlined which one I used when she gave a choice.

2 cups raw, whole rolled oats (aka old fashion oats) 

½ cup raw nuts, chopped (I used sliced almonds)

¼ cup raw seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great) 

½ cup unsweetened dried fruit, chopped (optional) (I used cranberries and waited until it was out of the oven to mix it in. I've heard the dried fruit gets too hard if you cook it in the oven)

2-3 tablespoons grade-b maple syrup or raw honey (or a combo of both) (I used local Sourwood honey)

2 tbsp virgin coconut oil or other healthy cooking oil

½ tsp vanilla extract or almond extract

1 large pinch fine sea salt

I added a Tbsp of chia seeds

Mix!

I lined a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. I need to get some parchment paper! Spread it all out. She instructs to bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.

Add fruit after it comes out of the oven

I stored mine in a mason jar in the fridge because it's just too darn cute not to see all the goodness inside. It has endless uses! Eat it by itself, with yogurt, with almond/coconut milk, with berries and bananas, blended in your smoothies, make an apple crumble...feed some to your dog...feed the ducks...ok. not those last too...

DIY Garlic Butter Spread

I have started making my own garlic bread since we are on a tight budget and we always seem to have leftover hot dog buns (the country-girl's breadstick) or hamburger buns. To make a plain old piece of bread taste like garlic bread I needed some tasty butter to go on top. Usually I would whip up some plain garlic butter spread each and every time so to save me some steps I decided to make a bigger batch so I could have some on hand.

What you'll need:

Butter

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Parsley Flakes

a clean used butter tub, small tupperware container or any type of container with a lid

spoon or tablespoon

What I did first was scoop about 1 cup of butter (not exact - just eyeball it) and put it into my empty container. It really depends on how much you want to make at a time.

Next, I measure about 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder (you do NOT have to use this much OR you can use MORE!!)

Then I added a few shakes of onion powder and a few shakes of parsley flakes. Like I said - none of this is exact measuring. Make it a little more onion-y or a little less - more parsley or no parsley. Totally up to you.

Mix well...

and refrigerate! I scribbled "Garlic Butter Spread" on the side of the tub so no one would grab it and think it was regular butter and have a kitchen moment melt down.

 

Yum. Anxiously awaiting Baked Spaghetti night....