I made a dress!

So, I sew.  I'm experienced, but self taught.  And trust me when I say...I'm only self taught so far as I need to be.  I can make what I can make, and I don't travel out of my comfort zone often.  And can I just say, I HATE MATH and numbers and rulers, etc.  When you sew, it's important to be able to measure and cut precisely.  Ya, I don't do that.  So it becomes rather daunting to make an actual garment that someone would have to wear.

But as my sister's birthday was approaching this year, I knew I wanted to give her something personal and not store bought.  I took to Pinterest and quickly found what I wanted to do for her.  A beautiful maxi dress!

This wonderful tutorial by A Small Snippet made it seem so simple.  So I excitedly took off for the fabric store in search of the perfect fabric.  I found it and bought a couple of yards, plus some elastic thread.  So here's the thing: the perfect fabric was silk (eek) and I've never even heard of elastic thread.  I did some reading online and found out that the particular silk I had bought was actually called 'shantung' and while it looks and feels like real silk, it's 100% polyester, which is great because it can be washed relatively easily.  But, it's still a very fragile, not to mention slippery, material and I had to work with it very carefully.

The elastic thread was a pain.  I was so frustrated trying to get it to work.  Finally gave up for the evening, fell asleep watching YouTube videos about it, and awoke with renewed determination.  And it worked!  This stuff is so cool!  Here's what I learned to get it to work: 1) hand wind your bobbin, not too tight, not too loose.  Do it. I tried the machine, and it will not work right. I have a drop in, which in the blog post it says you can use the machine winder, but don't. 2) set your stitch length to a 3.5 or 4. 3) Gently pull the fabric with both hands, one behind the needle, one in front, as it goes through the machine...stretch it out! 4) Keep at it, you'll get it, I promise! 

All of my girls excitedly begged for their own after it was finished.  I may have to make some more :)  It also has a sash that you can use around the waist, although I forgot to take pictures of it.  

There was enough scrap leftover from my sisters dress that I was able to make my four year old her own.  So cute!

So bright and fun!

It ain't pretty, but it works!  Elastic thread in action!

Using my daughter to be sure the length was right

Hemming!

I couldn't get her to hold still so I could get a pic!

She liked it!

Oregon Coast Road Trip Planning

I am so excited to be planning my summer trip with the kids!  We love the Oregon Coast, and really Oregon in general.  This summer we'll be visiting several attractions and hopefully the kids will love it!  Here's what I've planned:

Day One

Today we will travel down the US 101 and take in all the beautiful sites.  Making lot's of potty breaks I'm sure.  Our first stop, Seaside.  This town has so much to offer for the kids, but I'm most excited for their 2014 Treasure Hunt!  The big kids will have a blast with this I'm sure.

When we've finished our quest, we're going to head down the coast to Rockaway Beach, where I've reserved a hotel room for the night.  I'm thinking we'll play at the beach until the sun goes down.  Then dinner and some rest.

Day Two

Today will be F-U-N!  First Stop...the Tillamook Cheese Factory

2013 Visit to TCF - Tanah, Clara, Tatumn, Henry and Alena

We can't go down the coast and not stop at our favorite cheese place for some ice cream and squeeky cheese!

Then it's down south to Newport where we'll visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  

Thinking we'll be pretty worn out after all of this excitement, it's time to head to bed at the Newport City Hotel!

Day Three

Today, we hit the road and say goodbye to the coast.  But there are some strange things ahead of us.

The House of Mysteries looks interesting...

Photo from: http://thehappyfamilymovement.com/

Then we will head to Grandma Mateson's for some swimming fun and good home cooked meal like only Grandma can make!

Day Four
Today we are off to visit Salem's Enchanted Forest for some fun for the littlest ones!

Day Five

On our final day, heading home we'll stop at the end of the Oregon Trail.  I've always wanted to visit this museum and per special request from my fourth grader, we're doing it!

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.basecampbaker.com/

Almond Energy Bars

Need a quick and easy snack for your family?  This is it!  My husband came home with this recipe from a co-worker who had brought them in to work.  He was right, they are delicious!

(Photo credit: superhealthykids.com)

Almond Energy Bars

2 cups Almonds (raw, unsalted)

1/2 cup Shredded, Unsweetened, Coconut

2 cups Dates

Process above ingredients until almonds start to form a soft ball in the processor. 

Add: 

1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)

1/4 cup Raw Honey

Mix until well blended and then press into a 9x9 pan.  Refrigerate until set, then cut and enjoy!  Keep refrigerated.

Chocolate Protein Muffins

I love these muffins!  They are so quick and easy...and perfect for when you're in a hurry in the morning!  This recipe was created by my girlfriend, Lisa Sharp.  She gave it to me when I was doing my Advocare 24 day challenge and it was my favorite thing during those 24 days!  I will share with you the recipe as she created it, and then let you know how I change it to my liking.

Chocolate Protein Muffins
Yields: 16 muffins

3 cups Spinach
1 Zucchini, chopped
2/3 cup Water
1 1/3 cup Egg Whites (or 5 whole eggs)

Puree above ingredients in blender until smooth. 

In a separate bowl, combine:

2 cups oat flour (whole oats, not quick oats, blended into a flour)
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/2 unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder
1/2 cup Stevia

Pour wet ingredients into dry.  Mix well and pour/spoon into greased (very lightly with coconut oil) muffin pan, almost full.

Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Seriously the easiest muffins ever.  And so good! 

NOW!  Here's what I do different:

Sometimes I add 1 cup kale, in place of 1 cup spinach

I always omit the stevia and add 1tsp cinnamon instead

I also add 1 Tbsp flax seeds and 1 tsp chia seeds

When I'm feeling wild and crazy, I add a half cup of unsweetened coconut too!