All I can say is....

FUCK YEAH!

You may be wondering what brought on this sudden burst of explicative excitement. Well you see, the year is drawing to a close and work has decided that we would all get Christmas bonuses. I was expecting a small amount, just something that would help with the expenses of Christmas. What I got was far more than that. Yesterday I opened my bonus letter to find double what I was expecting was coming to me in the form of a bonus.

To say I nearly fell out of my chair is a complete and total understatement. I was so excited I nearly cried, as I have to get my car repaired (damn rear motor mounts), and the cost of the repair is no longer a concern for me. I quickly called Dr. Jones (the boyfriend) and shared my good fortune with him. He was so happy (cause he knows this means there are lots of presents in his future, and cause he's just proud of me) and he said that when we get to see each other over the Christmas break we will do something special. He offered to make me fondue (which I have never had before) and he said we would get some champagne. To be perfectly honest, he is going to spoil me plum rotten and I am not sure how to feel about that.
Even though he's currently 1100 miles away, he still finds a way to make me feel like the most lucky gal alive. Isn't that adorable?

Anyway, enough of the mushy stuff, let's get back to business. My bonus goes into effect on Thursday, and when it hits the bank I am going to get Christmas taken care of and then put most of it into savings for a rainy day. I am going to spoil myself to one dress though:

ModCloth: Soda Fountain Dress in Grape


Speaking of dresses, I finally finished the travel dress last night. Let me tell you something. I fucking hate zippers. I hate them with the fire of a thousand suns. Though the zipper is totally wonky on my travel dress, I REFUSE to do it again. It's in the back and I don't think anyone will really notice other than me anyway. I've got a few more fit issues to fix before I can wear it, but it's pretty much done.

Oh, and while I was sewing last night, I worked on a gift for a friend of mine. I made her a little cosmetic bag out of this pretty gaudy Day of the Dead fabric. I have enough fabric left over to make her a matching half apron. I can't wait to give it to her. She's going to love it.

Here is a crappy cell phone pic of the bag. It's got triangular sides and a flat bottom so it will stand up on it's own when filled with stuff.

Anyway, this is tl;dr but the following pic sums up my life right now:

Week of Giveaways!

New giveaway alert!


An adorable hat giveaway here


Check it out!

Good luck!

Battle of the Brands: Dry Shampoo

Being a *bottle* red head is hard work. I try not to wash my hair everyday because washing my hair strips it of natural oils that protect my hair and washes out my beloved hair color. Of course it takes dedication not to reach for the shampoo every day. Recently, I started using a dry shampoo to take the edge off. I loved it, so I tried several brands to find the best, most cost effective brand that works for me.

A word about dry shampooing....you will need a natural or boar bristle brush to get the best results with ANY dry shampoo. Make the investment and get a boar bristle brush, as that type of brush will help in removing excess powder in your hair, which can make your hair look white.
Also, dry shampoos will make your hair look matte. I suggest using something like Biosilk to remedy that side effect.

First up, the old fashioned dry shampoo: Cornstarch.

I tried this a total of two times, so please take that into consideration. I sprinkled a few table spoons of cornstarch into my hair at the roots and then massaged in. I let it sit for about 15 minutes and then brushed it out. It seemed to work fine, but the application was really really messy, so I went searching for something that wouldn't be so messy.

Batiste Dry Shampoo $7.49 (I paid $6.99 with my Sally's card.)
5.3 oz
Product cost breakdown: $1.32 per oz. (based on what I paid)

I was impressed with this dry shampoo. I put it in before going to bed, massaged it in and then woke up the next morning with far less greasy hair. I brushed out the excess with my bristle brush and was very pleased with the result. The product smells nice too, so that is a big plus. The biggest problem I have with this product is the amount and the price. I paid a good bit of money for a bottle that only lasted me two and a half weeks of use. I have really greasy hair, so I had to use a good bit with each application to combat the greasies. Other than that one setback, this is a great dry shampoo and I would recommend it to friends.
4 out of 5 stars.

Beyond the Zone Rock On Dry Shampoo $6.99 ($6.49 with Sally's card.)
6 oz.
Product cost breakdown: $1.08 per oz (Based on what I paid)

I used this dry shampoo in the same manner I used the Batiste Dry Shampoo. I really like the smell of this dry shampoo, its hard to describe...it just smells really good to me. I also noticed that this dry shampoo added volume to my hair, where as the Batiste did not. It also comes in a bigger bottle and I was able to get three and a half weeks of use out of one bottle. It seemed like it took less of this product to make my hair feel clean. It is also cheaper than the Batiste as well. The only downside to this product is that there has been mention of the nozzle clogging, though I did not have that problem.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo $4.49 (Target)
5.7 oz.
Product cost breakdown: $0.78 per oz.

I had really high hopes for this dry shampoo. I thought I had found a dry shampoo that would work for less than $1 an oz! I was so excited when I got this. (I also got the Fresh Start Refreshing Mist, cause I was so excited, and it is just as worthless.) I used it as I normally do with dry shampoos, applying at night and then brushing out in the morning....but that proved to be a massive mistake. I had to spend ALL night smelling the dry shampoo, which only smells like chemicals and alcohol. Not to be defeated, I switched to using it in the morning, which was just as bad. I think this product could have been good if it had not been for the awful smell. As far as the dry shampoo it self was concerned, it was only mediocre at getting the oil out of my hair....but honestly, I could not get past the smell. I didn't even finish the bottle. It's sitting half full in my bathroom, taking up space. I am going to see if I can pawn it off on one of my friends who has been naughty this year. Tresemme usually has great affordable products, but this one just fell really flat. So disappointed.
2 out of 5 stars.


The Final Victor:

Beyond the Zone Rock On Dry Shampoo
It's affordable, smells good, and gets my hair looking clean.
What more can I ask for?


Do you use dry shampoos? If so, have you tried these? What did you think? Do you have any recommendations for me to try?

Eventually, I'll get there...

Today's entry is more an update of sorts. Things have been a little crazy at home as of late, with the swiftly approaching holidays and all.

I finally got the hard drive replaced in my lap top, so I should be up and running in full swing after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

I recently got a sewing cabinet for Big Doris, so I've been sewing like no body's business. I am working really hard to get my "Travel Dress" completed. I was inspired by Mode Merr's The Jet Setter Dress so I am working on Vogue Pattern V8280 in a grey suiting that I bought from Joann's. Hopefully, I'll have it finished by this weekend, as I really want to use the left over leopard velboa I have floating around in my fabric stash to work on a brush roll for my growing collection of make up brushes...I'd also like to make a removable collar for my black jacket.

Here is a tut from the lovely Casey (plus a bonus giveaway) for a Peter Pan style collar

However, since my coat has a pointed collar, I'll probably use Colette Pattern's collar tut just because it matches the collar of my jacket already. It will take some of the guess work out of it.

Of course, I will be doing it with leopard print, as it will match my leopard print pill box that I made for my last travel adventure.

In addition to all that sewing, I will most likely spend lots of time this weekend cleaning, and running around my apartment in a tizzy trying to get my life in order.

Oh, yesterday I got my hair cut, which was an adventure. I got swing/swoopy bangs cut in, so we will see how that works out. I accidentally forgot to tell the girl to leave my layers long, so now I have short layers....ugh. I always forget something. it's not a big deal. Hair grows.
I've yet to set it so I have no idea how it will work out. Today I wore it in a modern style just to see how it looks when I am feeling lazy. I'm not totally in love with it, but I think I can deal with it for now.

The upside to yesterday was that I got a really awesome planner from my friend Kat. She saw it in B&N and decided that I had to have it. I am in love with it. It has all these great vintage pictures with catty little sayings like "There's no household chore that a little Merlot doesn't make easier" and 'A stitch in time deserves wine." Kat is such a doll and I am super lucky to have the awesome friends that I have.

Back in Humidity City

Today I had intended to post my method and recipe for delicious crock pot chicken, along with an accompanying video.....but sadly last night my computer decided to just give up.

I awoke this morning to check my email and the weather before slapping on clothes to head into the office, only to find my computer falling into a swirling vortex of utter failure.

So there I am clad in my bathrobe and sipping my morning coffee staring at the black computer screen that has some really foreign looking words displayed on it. I groan loudly and try to decipher the information on the screen, hoping that will give me something to work with. As I scan the screen I notice one phrase I do understand: "The operating system cannot be found."

Feeling a bit defeated, I turn off the computer and trudge my way into the bedroom to dress. It's about that time to get my morning phone call from "the fellow I fancy", so I prepare to answer the phone and give him the bad news.

Of course, he shrugs it off and tells me that we'll work on it when I get home, and that it's not a big deal, we'll get it fixed in no time.

After hearing that, I smile and head into work. According to him, I should be up and running within a few days.

I really hope all goes well.

Frugal Living: Freeganism

Recently, I've been hearing about all these new ways people are using to save money, yet enjoy a high quality of life. One of the more extreme things I have heard of is: Freeganism, also known as dumpster diving.

These, "Freegans" go around to high-end grocery stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, etc) and dumpster dive for food.

That's right people, they get all of their food from the garbage.

Advocates of the practice say they use "common sense" about the food they retrieve from the trash, making sure that packaging is still intact, or that the food is free from mold or decay.

Personally, I don't think I would have much problem with eating the food if I had properly inspected it (Have you ever shopped the "Manager's Special" foods at the market that have been reduced to pennies on the dollar for swift sale? I see it as the same amount of risk.) however, I would be mortified if someone caught me. And I'm not entirely sure that it is legal.

Here is a really interesting news piece on the Freeganism movement: Dumpster Diving

I don't think I could commit to going to this extreme to save money, but the issue does get me thinking about all the food that people waste. While I don't think I could become a "Freegan", I do think they are making a small difference in reducing waste, and I think that's pretty great. We are a wasteful nation, indeed. I wish more people would attempt to reduce their waste, and adhere to "Make Do and Mend."

Your thoughts?

Update of Sorts

So, I've negelected this blog....terrible I know. Currently, I am working on some serious blogging changes, so we'll see how that turns out. Who knows.

In the mean time, here are some pictures of some finished projects that I've been working on.


My friend Vicki, in her lovely Cherry Chaos dress, made by me.


Me in my Strawberry Fields Blouse, also made by me.


Me in the Polka Dot Nightmare (I call it this because the pattern was a total nightmare to work with Butterick 5209)....


I have a few more currently sitting on my sewing table. At some point I'll get them finished and posted up. Wish me luck.

<3, Amanda Awesome

Cheery Cherries!

So, I bet you are wondering....gosh, there hasn't been any mention of any recent sewing projects after getting the machine fixed. Has she just given up?

NEGATIVE GHOSTRIDER!

I am currently working on a project that I am just in love with.

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend Vicki and her hubby came down to visit me. We had a lovely visit and we traveled to the fabric store for some project stuff. Vicki picked out some really great fabric for a dress and a blouse.

Here is what she conned me into making for her:


This is the pattern. It's a McCall's, but I don't recall the number right now.


Specifically, this the design/cut of the dress I am making for her:


This cut really reminds me of the tea dresses that Vivien of Holloway offers. I'm pretty happy about that. I forsee a repeat on this pattern for myself. Probably in a different print though.


Here is the fabric. I am in love with this fabric. I have half a mind to get some for myself and make a skirt or something out of it.
Vicki selected large white shank buttons to match the polka dots, which I think was in excellent choice, though I hate sewing on shank buttons.

So far, things are going well with the project. The pattern is pretty easy to follow, and I am pleased so far with the look of things.

I really hope it fits well and looks good on Vicki. This is the ultimate test of skill for me. I mean, a lot is riding on this....I want Vicki to be pleased with it, and I want her to feel like she got her money's worth for the cost of the fabric...which if I recall correctly wasn't cheap. I know we'll both be disappointed if it turns out wonky.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy to be making this dress because Vicki gave me the pattern to keep ! And, there was a little bit of fabric that was left over, that I am keeping for myself (Sorry Vicki!) because I want a small bag to match my new purse I just bought. Woo Hoo!

I should be done with the dress by the end of the week, and I will post pictures when I present it to Vicki. I want her to see the finished product first.

Update on the dream dress....not I haven't forgotten about it...This project for Vicki has sidelined me though.
I picked up the pattern and I expect to start on the construction in May. I'm still holding out that I'll loose a little weight by then.

Epic Hair Fail

I'd like to think that I'm the best at styling vintage hair...well maybe in my own mind I am.

However, I am not always spot on with my hair styles. Sometimes I come out looking like a hot mess. I am brave enough to share some of those disasters with you.
Note: I am not wearing make up, and I might look completely busted in these pics. Just deal with it.


Here is the first style I attempted to recreate, because I have a snood (hair net) that is super cute and I wish I could wear it more. I am showing you the picture so you can sort of understand how it happened.

This is the first snood style from Lauren's book "Vintage Hairstyling"

What I got was this:

Caption: Vintage Mullet? No Thanks.

I thought adding a flower would be a good idea. Adding bows, ribbons, or flowers can cover a mutitude of sins, but this disasterpiece was busted beyond repair.

And no, I haven't retried this style since. It's just not meant to be.

Next, I went for the old faithful, the Victory Roll:

I'm like a landshark, just look at that fucking fin.
*cue Jaws music*

The good news here is that I've almost mastered Victory rolls and they are pretty cute on me.

I was feeling a little 50's, so I tried to do a beehive. Good idea, right?


WRONG. I might as well just call my vato's and lean like a chola. To bad I lent my sharpie to my cousin for her quinceanera........


I guess the moral of this story is that being glamorous isn't always glamorous.

Dress Woes

I'm still in the planning phase of my dream dress construction. I'm a little upset because the pattern I had originally planned to use now doesn't seem like the best for what I am trying to accomplish.

I want a dress with a full skirt, something that is light and airy. I also want a fitted bodice with a defined waist, and sleeves.

Today, I decided to shop Vogue Patterns to get the dress pattern confirmed and sort of browse. When I came across the pattern I originally picked, I noticed that Vogue was now offering pictures of the garments made with the patterns they were selling. This is something they had not done before. I decided to take a gander and wow, it has totally changed my perceptions about a lot of patterns on their site. Some patterns I hated, some I loved. The drawings don't really show how the item can turn out.

Anyway, here are the patterns and such.

This is the original pattern I was considering. Please note the white dress. I wanted more of a sleeve, but it seemed to be enough, and the length looks good. The bodice has some gathering, but I didn't pay much mind to it.

Then I saw this:

This is a mess. Look at that RAPE YOUR EYES print. I wouldn't have picked that fabric for this dress in 5050557239855897 years.
Also, what happened to the sleeves?
Look at those terrible pleat like gathers in the skirt. GARBAGE

So, as much as I want to believe this dress would be cute, I have a hard time believing it.

So then I saw this pattern:

Please note the floral dress.

I looked at it and thought, I guess that could work. Then I scrolled over to the rl picture:


I think the print is a bit much, but I really like the way this dress looks. The skirt isn't as long as I want (that's not really a problem). The bodice looks fitted, and is pretty straight forward....it also has sleeves.
The more I look at it, the more it makes sense to use as my pattern.


I am really leaning toward the 2nd pattern. Probably going to pick it up soon and get started on things!

Dreams meet Reality

Remember my entry about my dream dress?

Well, I was wondering about the cost to start working on such an endeavor, and would I be able to afford such an expense, especially after shelling out $220.00 to get my sewing machine fixed. (And yes, my machine is still in the shop, I'm borrowing a coworker's sewing machine.)

Currently, I have some 50% off coupons for Joann's, so I plan on getting most of my supplies there, since I can pick the fabric in person, take it home and work on it, plus I won't have to pay for shipping. When I bought my fabric for my current project (strawberry fields top) I looked at what Joann's had, and I was pretty happy with the selection.

I've chosen an emerald green taffeta


and a cream colored lace


The lace doesn't look cream here, but it does in person.

I've also decided a few things for this project as well. I've decided to try my hand at invisible zippers, which are pretty difficult, however they blend in with the fabric and tend to look a lot more polished. I want this dress to look 100% awesome and I feel like adding small things like an invisble zipper will enhance it's appearance.
However, I will have to get an invisible zipper foot for my machine in order to do that. It adds to the cost, but I feel that it is worth the investment.

So, without further ado, here is the cost break down:

$15.98* Lace Fabric
$11.96 Emerald Green Taffeta
$10.00 Vogue Pattern 8446
$3.19 22 inch Invisible zipper
$2.59 Thread ( I don't have any in the right color in my current stock!)
$2.29 Invisible Zipper for For Singer Machines/Coats and Clark Zippers
$5.99 Lining Fabric
$4.42 Taxes
TOTAL $56.42

* 4 yards, this is after the 50% off coupon discount is taken.

Hmm Let's see.....Custom made, custom fitted one of a kind dress to wear to Marine Boy's homecoming for $56.00.....Can I afford it?
YES I CAN

I could buy something off the rack for much cheaper in this instance, but it wouldn't be THIS dress.

I'm sold, this dress just got bumped up to next project on the list.

Strawberry Fields

I pretty much spent all weekend in my apartment working on a few things. I wasn't in the mood for people in general, so I decided to stay in and take care of things around my house. I did venture out on Saturday for a few things I needed, but other than that, I had minimal contact with the outside world.
Some days I just would rather stay away from everyone else.

I'm feeling a little better today, and since there isn't much to do here at work, I figured I'd give you a preview of the newest sewing project that I've been working on.


This a new blouse I am working on. This is how it looked on Saturday.



This is what I have so far. I properly attached the sleeves last night, and it is coming together just wonderful.

I'm pretty happy about that.

I also grabbed some strawberry buttons this weekend, that I will be turning into strawberry earrings.

I am also working on a few more projects that will remain a secret until I am finished and they are on the way to their new owners.

I got a letter from Marine Boy this weekend, and I think I've read it 351652156465464 times. He basically just let me know he is okay, and that he was sad he couldn't be home for Love n' Lasagna/Valentine's Day. He let me know he misses home and can't wait for this to be over with.

Only in Dreams

I had the best dream last night.

I made the most perfect dress for Marine Boy's homecoming.

Don't laugh at me. I've been really worried about what I am going to wear to see him for the 1st time in 7 months. I wanted to wear something that would be beautiful, deilcate, and not overly ostentatious.

Last night, the dress came to me, and I am determined to make it.

I was standing outside looking at a parade deck of some sort, waiting for my Marine to march out in front of me. My hair was perfectly colored and worn with a side part in gentle cascading curls. I wore my favorite pair of earrings and my mother's pearl necklace.

The dress was perfect, it was a dream in lace and emerald taffeta. The bodice of the dress was fitted with a gentle sweetheart neckline, and sort of almost cap sleeves. The sleeves were just enough to cover up the tops of my arms, but small enough to not be constricting. The bodice was fitted, so I wore a big green ribbon around my waist, like a belt, and I had tied it into a giant bow, which was pushed off to the side.
The skirt of the dress was really full, it flared out, which when I turned it made this swishing noise, it went down a little past my knees, the perfect length.
The color of the dress might have been the best part. I was the most beautiful shade of green, and over the green color was cream colored lace. So it looked cream colored, but you could see the green under it. It was amazing.
I wore a pair of peep toe green wedges with it. Just awesome.

All morning I've been looking for the right dress pattern, and I think I found one that will work.
Possible Dream Dress

Now, I am just on the hunt for the right kind of fabric. I am going to have to do some research on a few things before I start though.

I am really excited.

Purple Passion

I finally finished the wiggle dress. It really took me ages. I am hoping that I can crank out some more dresses and such soon. Currently my sewing machine is in the shop for the next two weeks, which is going to cost me about $220.00.

Anyway, here are pictures of the dress, complete with matching hair piece that I also made.

Sew Excited

Due to my sewing machine being down and out for the count, and having to use a borrowed machine, I have been really not wanting to sew at all. Last night I decided to get on the ball and work on the wiggle dress I've been trying to finish for the last couple of months. I'd been having issues with getting the bodice completed, so much so that Monday night I just got so irritated with it that I swore off sewing for the next several months.

Last night, I decided to give it another go. I am so glad that I did.



TAKE THAT BODICE, I WIN.

I'm not sure what I won, I just know that I did.

I also decided that my victory was not complete without giving the serger another try, and I hit two for two last night.

I figured out how to get the serger threaded so that I can finish my seams! So excited!

Hopefully, this dress will be a done deal come Friday.

Also, Marine Boy called. I was super glad to hear from him. I miss him a lot.

Half-Hearted

I haven't posted in a while. I really meant for this blog to be more than it is, but I find that work, school, and my personal life have really been getting in the way of things that I want to do.

Marine Boy is off in Afghanistan fighting a war and I am home, heartbroken that he isn't here. I miss him.

My sewing machine is currently down and out for the count and I don't have the $200.00 at the moment to get it fixed.

I'm still trying to learn how to use my serger, but that is turning into a fiasco in itself. I'm hoping I can make some headway on the dress that I've been working on for months now, and learn to use my serger in one swoop.

Anyway, I plan to have some really great things coming up, just bear with me while I pull myself out of this funk.