So 2011 didn’t turn out quite as I would have expected but all things happen for a reason.

A lot of big things happened, like…

• Finished nursing school
• Got my own place ( a cute condo in Tempe)
• Got a major big promotion at work
• Met some super nice new people and had some very fun adventures

But I of course want 2012 to be even better.

I think my key for the new year will be learning. Exploring new ideas, hobbies, and experiences!

Here’s the first project of the new year.

What are your goals for the brand new year?

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you are all snuggled in cozy scarves and sweaters, eating tasty cookies, and laughing with your friends and families.

I am headed off to church and to spend the day with the fam but I wanted to share a simple little gift I made for all the girls in the office this year for the holidays but is great for all year around!

When it comes to the holiday season I try to take advantage of all of the pumpkin pie and gingerbread scented and flavored items while they are available – pumpkin coffee, gingerbread muffins, pumpkin soup, the list goes on and on. So when I saw this recipe on Pinterest I knew it was the perfect thoughtful yet easy gift to make. It’s a Pumpkin Pie sugar scrub!

The recipe -

2 Cups of Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 Cup + 1 Tablespoon of Sunflower, Safflower, or Vegetable Oil (I used Safflower myself)

I found that pumpkin pie spice its kind of ridiculously expensive so I found you can just mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to make your own!

1. Measure 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
3. Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice or ground cloves.
4. Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
5. Stir to blend.
6. Makes 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

I bought a bunch of little canisters at Ikea and here’s how they turned out…

Now don’t you wish you lived here and were my friend?!

I’ve been using it in the shower and it makes the whole place smell so tasty for the whole morning! You must try it out!

Lot of love to you and yours on this holiday from me and mine!!

So remember when I said there would be a relaunch?

Well here she is!

And to kick things off I finally finished the dress I’ve posted about multiple times. A pretty navy striped dress for my lovely seester.

The dress is Butterick’s reprint 6582. I hated the shoulders and found my own much simpler way to do things. I love when it works out like that.

Here are a few more shots of her clearly enjoying her new creation.

And here she is with the Stig, my mom’s new kitten. Yes, we are big Top Gear fans.

Isn’t he the cutest little sewing helper? He’s holding down my next project pattern for me.

I am so grateful for anyone who is left reading this thing and I hope you stick around while I clear the cobwebs. Thank you for all of your patience!

OH yes…. It’s all coming back to me now!

More details and sewing projects to come very soon!!

Okay well maybe not here in the desert but if a very mild flood comes me and my ankles are going to be ready in these pants.

Ignore how lumpy they look on the side. I thinks its cus my leg is slightly bent.

I know not everyone was a fan of the lace top with the skirt I made a while ago. Is this combo any better?

So yes I am a terrible blogger. I swear its either I have a social life or I sew. I can’t seem to find myself a happy medium.

Anywho here are a couple projects I have to finish up here asap!

The first is Butterick 6582 that I am making for my sis. If I don’t finish it in the next week or so she may disown me. I’m making the full skirted version and adding the shoulder bows.

It looks black but its actually a pretty navy with a stripe. I just need to finish up some hand sewing, add the bows, and the hem.

Maybe she’ll be nice and send a pic of her in the dress once she gets it. Don’t you think that’s a good idea?

The second is a pair of ankle pants from Butterick 2198. They are just a simple black cotton blend and they are mostly put together. I’m just finding some fit issues with trying to get a skinnier ankle pant. They are really high waisted and right now are making me looking like I have a few spare tires in the hip area. Just what I needed right?

You may recall I made a pair of jammies from this same pattern. I still wear them all the time!

So what project are you working on? and do you give yourself a deadline to avoid my situation?

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