Tis The Season: Christmas Tree Decorating

I have owned my home for quite some time and I never decorated for the Christmas season until last year. I love this time of year and yet you couldn't tell by looking at my home.  The first thing I had to get was, of course, a tree!  I knew right away that I wanted an artificial tree.  Yes, a real tree would be nice but let's face it...I am not down for the upkeep and clean up nor the disposal.  No thank you.

I also knew that I wanted it to be as tall as I could go without it crowding my living room so this meant about 6-6.5ft.  I also wanted my tree to have pine cones! I searched and searched and searched...and could not find a plain tree with pine cones.  All the trees out there either had snow on them, or was pre-lit or was 7ft tall.

This is when I decided to bring out my crafty side...what am I saying?! I am always crafty!
I bought a plain 6ft tree and then I headed to Michael's where I found small pine cones for $0.50 (there were 3 on a branch each).

I also bought some wire cutters and pliers as mine were "misplaced" in the move to Toronto.  These can be found in the jewelry making section of the craft store.  I also bought some wire to use to attached the pine cones to my tree.

Once I had all my tools, I began to create my dream Christmas tree! Below is a brief tutorial and I apologize for the photo heavy post!

First I cut a small piece of wire

I then would cut one of the cones off my pine cone branch

This is where you would take the small piece of wire previously cut and wrap it around the small piece of stem still left on the pine cone using the pliers - Be sure to leave a piece of wire straight to be able to attach to the tree

Once you have the wire wrapped tightly onto the pine cone, give it a few tugs to ensure it is secured

Now you can cut off as much of the remaining stem on the pine cone as you can

Take the pliers and flatted out the wire at the start of the wrapping to ensure it doesn't stick out to cause injury

Take the pine cone and attach it to the tree by wrapping the wire around a branch until there is no wire sticking out anywhere

The finished result!

I hope my experience with decorating for the season has inspired you to accessorize your home! If you have any questions at all - please feel free to leave them below in the comments section.  Ideas are welcomed as well as comments!

Merry Christmas my fashionistas....

Much luv

e

Another DIY Protective styling Project: Braids!

Dear Fashionistas,
Let me start this blog off by apologizing for my absence.  Sometimes life calls but that is no reason to abandon my Style post!

Now that that's out of the way....on to my current DIY protective styling project.  As you know I have been very active these days and Atlanta is pretty humid so keeping my hair looking decent and avoiding the need to touch it everyday is key in my life right now! I have been really enjoying a round of protective styles.  This time I decided to go with braids.  I have been avoiding it for a while because of the time one has to commit to doing their own braids.  However, I know the payoff is worth it! Below are the results and different styling techniques I created with my braids.

This style is a simple bun with a front section of braids wrapped around the bun

This is just a quick, messy bun - a ponytail twisted in two strand and wrapped into a bun

This is a quick, messy bun with half the braids down in the back

Here I braided half the braids and let the back hang

This is an elegant bun, it took a little effort to get it flow this why by pinning the braids in sections

So, it took me forever to do these braids! I started on Friday night and completed about 25% of them that night.  I did not start on them again until after lunch the next day and kept at it, off and on, until about midnight or so.  My fingers were killing me! I used 3 different colors and two different brands of hair...the main brand I used was a new one that was made for dipping the ends in hot water.  The other brand was a cheap brand I bought a long time ago.  Even though the cheaper brand worked out fine...as time moved on, I can tell a different with the cheaper hair.  It started to feel a little rough at the ends, whereas the other brand held up better.  I did not burn the hair at the ends as we did back in the 90's, instead I dipped the ends in hot water and that helped to seal the ends.  I also parted my hair in funky little geometric shapes in the front.

Yes, it took a long time...but I love them and it was worth it! I would definitely do them again.

Ta-Ta for now my lovelies,
e

My New Hair Obsession: Loc Extensions

I don't ever do professionally done braids or twists.  As a matter of fact, I had some braids done about a little over a year ago for the first time and I am 100% sure I would never do that again. I have nothing against braids.  I do have something against women thinking that they have to have their braids or twists done tight so that they last.  I was even more disgusted that when I had my braids done, many of my friends were saying that the pain I felt was normal and offered some home remedies....NO HAIRSTYLE IS WORTH PAIN AND ANGUISH!  You should never allow a hairdresser to style your hair in a style that could cause damage and pain. This should be common sense but....it's not. 

I also decided to never allow someone to braid my hair (with extensions) because no matter how much I told the hairdresser to loosen up, she just claimed she knew what was best.  I can't stand this quality in a hairdresser which is why I hardly ever go to one and when I do, it is only one lady. 

So, I started to do some research on Pinterest and YouTube on protective styling as I wanted to give my hair a break for a while and my exercise routine was killing my hairstyles.  I soon decided on loc extensions. I always loved dread locs but maybe not the permanence of it all...Below are pictures of my first attempt of doing my own loc extensions.

So to begin this hairstyle, I started with Marley Twists completed with Marley braid hair.  The two brands I used were Freetress and Femi.  The brand does not matter though. I pre-wash the hair to get any residue off the hair and to soften the hair. I do this by allowing the hair to sit in a sink full of warm water and mild shampoo.  I then allow it to dry overnight.  Also you may have noticed that I have some red tips in some of the pictures.  This is because I used a red hair for the marley twists and allowed some of of the red hair to peek out.  The ladies I watched on YouTube were Alex Elle of the Good Hair Blog, Tammyluvslyfe, and Cassandra Becai.  Just search for them and you should be able to find these ladies. 

I plan on doing this style again very soon with some purple highlights...yes I said purple. I can't wait to see the results.  Also, I had some pretty rad styling on my locs. I promise to write a blog on styling them. I also received sooo many compliments on this hairstyle from other women and men.  Most times, I could not believe the attention I got with this hairstyle. 

The silver beads in my hair I purchased eons ago from a beauty supply store in the 90's when braids were really popular. For the life of me, I cannot find anything like them now and I recently lost one so I am down to just 3.

By the way...please follow me on Pinterest! Linking up is a beautiful thing! 
One luv,
e

Vegan Cupcakes from Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe

Every since I realized that I am highly allergic to dairy, it has been such a battle when it comes to eating out.  At first, I would tell the waiters at restaurants that I was vegan to avoid dairy.  This did not work because most waiters I encountered could care less about what I "chose" not to eat. Finally I just tell people that I am highly allergic and they serve me with more caution.  

I have been a semi-vegetarian for years.  I eat fish and eggs every now and then when I am out but for the most part I am completely vegetarian at home.  I also avoided milk because I simply HATED the taste.  I had no idea that dairy was causing the unexplained allergic reactions I was having.  My doctors would keep me supplied with an arsenal of harsh medications to combat the reactions.  All this makes me think that perhaps I should be vegan...it's much kinder to my body.  More to come on that note as I am cutting more and more things out of my diet all the time...

Now that I know I am allergic to dairy...now comes the realization of the things I can never eat again (the non-vegan variety that is) like sour cream, macaroni and cheese and my favorite...strawberry cupcakes.

One day I decided to Google for vegan bakeries in Atlanta.  I know I can trust vegan establishments.  That's when I came across Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe.  I read the website and was excited but it was not until I liked their page on Facebook that I became highly excited.  The pictures of the food and baked goods made me take a trip to Kirkwood to see if I can once again have my beloved strawberry cupcake!

Vegan Cupcakes: Banana Fig, Strawberry and Banana Split

I decided to buy two others to try. I love figs so I tried the banana fig cupcake and I got a discount on the banana split cupcake simply because it was 1 day old...and then of course, THE STRAWBERRY CUPCAKE! It was actually a vanilla cake with strawberries baked inside and strawberry frosting. All three cupcakes were delicious! I have a new place to get cupcakes. Sorry A Piece of Cake, no shade...but Dulce is where it is at for me! I ate all three cupcakes and is still reaction free!

I also plan to try the food and lattes served at Dulce as well. I think it would be a great place to venture out with a girlfriend or date...

Vegan baked goods are totally in!

Until next time my fashion lovelies,
e

DIY "Take Me Home" Baby Set

I can't wait to have my own child(ren) someday so that I can make clothes and accessories such as this one for my own.  I would have my own mini model!  Years ago, I developed a few patterns and put them all together to create a "Take Me Home" baby set.  This set was created to be a baby shower gift.  The intent is for the mother to have something precious in which to bring the baby home.  I was elated when finally a mother shared photos of her new baby girl in the clothes I created!

I usually use Bernat Baby yarn for this set.  Yes, the buttons are a pain to add but are so worth the extra mile. The booties have a chain stitch created drawstring which ties into a bow.  The set includes a baby beanie, onesie and booties.

Please let me know your thoughts on this "Take Me Home" baby set.  Who says mommy is the only one styling?! Baby has to come home in style too!

Forgive the watermarks on the photos...I just had to share my work! Photos provided by Our365.

Until next time my fashion lovelies....
e

McCalls Jumper Pattern Review

Today I am reviewing another out of print pattern.  It seems that jumpers and rompers have made their way back in style now! 

Pattern: McCalls 8584 (Out of Print)

Description: Slim fitting dress or jumpsuit - I made view D pictured above

Fabric Used: Light weight cotton I think...

Sizing: The pattern I bought was for sizes 4,6 and 8. I think I cut a size 4 on top and then a size 6 on the bottom.

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

Again, I love jumpers or rompers.  I love the fact that they are back in style even more! Another thing about this pattern that I love is the empire waist.  Empire waist and high waist is very flattering on me and many other women as well.

Until next time....

e

Vintage Out Of Print Simplicity 7705 Pattern Review

Dear DIY Stylists,
OK, first let me start off by apologizing for not having a full length photo of this dress.  Yes, I know it is a sin to post this without proper photography and I don't even have the dress anymore to re-take the photo.  I made this dress a long time ago but I think I want to re-make this one out of a different type of fabric.  I really wanted to post this one because I want everyone to know that you can look great for very little money and sometimes little time!

I bought this pattern at...you guessed it...A THRIFT STORE!!! It was 10 cents! The thrift store is my favorite place to go to shop for vintage sewing patterns.  You take a risk in that the pattern may not have all the pieces included but I can risk a dime! I also saved on the fabric which I purchased at Walmart for about $4!

Pattern: Simplicity 7705 (Out of Print/Vintage)

Description: Wrap dress in 2 lengths - I made this one in the knew length version

Fabric Used: Light weight print - I honestly can't remember what type of fiber...sorry but this is best for light weight cottons, wool and knits.  I think I will try this in a light weight knit next time.

Sizing: The pattern I bought was a size 10; however, this is a wrap dress so you can wrap to fit if you are smaller than the size you find!

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

I received lots of compliments when I first made it.  I love wrap dresses! Thank goodness for DVF for coming up with such a beautiful creation.  I often wore this dress to work with some pumps and I even wore this dress in a family portrait!

I am still amazed that I made this dress for $4.10 a hour of time or so!

Ta Ta for now my lovelies!  I will be back with another DIY style creation...
Much luv
e

THE SUNSHINE AND SHINE ON AWARD...I've been nominated and so I pay it forward

Hello My Lovelies!


I am totally honored that fellow blogger Missy May of Missy May's World nominated me for the Sunshine and Shine On Awards. Many thanks, Missy!  Glad to have you in my corner!Hopefully this sort of thing will encourage other bloggers to uplift each other and appreciate our fellow bloggers.  We are all unique and offer a different perspectives on blogging!First some administrative work....

Rules for the Shine Award:

• Use the logo below in the post
• Link to whoever nominated you.
• Write ten pieces of information about yourself.
• Nominate ten fellow bloggers "who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere."

Rules for the Shine On Award:

• Display the award logo on your blog
• Show appreciation by acknowledging the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
• Share 7 random facts about yourself.
• Nominate 15 bloggers you admire and happily pass on this award, making sure to link their blog into your post.
• Contact your chosen bloggers and let them know. 

SUNSHINE AWARD: 10 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I'm an Aquarius and I most certainly behave as such!
2. I am also a writer. Check out my other blog: Lyric, Literature and Prose.
3. As a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer. Nothing changed there!
4. I have only been horseback riding once and I am fine with that.
5. I LUV rice...any way you cook it, I will eat it.
6. I studied Spanish and International Business in college.
7. I speak Spanish.
8. I am also an artist.  Check out my 3rd blog: SMH Studios.
9. I luv to travel.
10. I think the word weirdo is a compliment.

SHINE ON AWARD: 7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I laugh...ALL THE TIME
2. I come across as shy or quiet in person but really I am deep in my own head. In my mind I am trying to save the world.
3. I speak a little German at times...LOL I listen to German soul music (favorite artists: Xavier Naidoo and Joy Denalane)
4. I lived in Toronto, Canada.
5. I lived in Cordoba, Argentina.
6. I am currently obsessed with Portland even though I never been there! I think I would "belong" there.
7. I love science fiction.

The Bloggers I would love to nominate for inspiring me are:

1. Makeup Guru Beauty by Lee
2. The first blog I followed that inspires me to be good to my body RawFitMama
3. My all day inspiration Mimi G Style
4. Fellow naturalista Natural Belle
5. Another naturalista that I check out, Alex of The Good Hair Blog
6. A southern vegan whose recipes are to die for, Bianca of Vegan Crunk
7. A fellow hooker (as in crochet hook!)  Wool Crochet
8. I just love the style featured on Style Pantry
9. A fellow blogger that is inspiring and encouraging, Kendra at FashionOnTheTrend
10. This blogger shares recipes for tasty treats here MissPlacedLadyBug
11. Another HOOKer like me CrochetCrazy
12. Another Fashionista blog I check out, AFashionCrowd
13. And yet more fashion via DinaBella
14. I don't have a pooch but this is a cute blog! PoshPoochDesigns
15. And yet more crochet greatness at MoonHouse

There you have it my people...may you be just as inspired as I am by these awesome bloggers!

Wishing you all the love and sunshine in the world,
Erica

What to do with Your Hair When You Lead an Active Life

For the last 2 months or so, I have really kicked up my workout routine.  I promise to post about my workout routines in a future blog, but for now we can say that I pretty much work out 6 days a week and for the most part twice a day.

Before I increased my activities, I pretty much wore my usual wash and go.  I love changing my hair style all time but let's face it...the wash and go is so easy to maintain. I get up, shake my hair out and go! Who would not love that?!

Not only do I workout twice a day now but I also increased the intensity of my workouts.  This means that my wash and go no longer last a week! Yikes!  Guess I better decrease my workout....Just kidding! Seriously, this problem is very frustrating and has caused me to go out and buy a lot of new products, none of which works!

So, I been really thinking about protective styling.  To be honest, I would prefer to take breaks in between with protective styling but...this is the only way to keep my hair in check and to avoid styling my hair multiple times during the week.  Below are some of the styles I recommend:

2 Strand Twists on wet hair

After wearing the 2 strand twists, I would take the twists out and wear my hair like this!

I used to braid my hair like this all summer...

Individual Box Braids styled into a high bun

My new favorite...Loc Extensions!

These are some of the protective styling I will be focusing on...besides, these styles are easy to maintain and some can last at least a month or so.  I actually had the individual braids in for about 3 months but I would never leave them in that long again.  I have very curly hair that gets tangled and it's just not good for me to leave them in that long.

I am not slowing down any time soon with my workouts...my hair may be jacked at times but at least my body looks great!  I have lost about 14 lbssince I kicked things up a notch but about I am about 20 lbs lighter overall!  If any of you have any suggestions for maintaining natural hair while working out, please let me know!

Toodles my naturalistas!

Purple Camo Baby Booties

Hi again my fashion lovelies,

As promised, I am posting some kiddie fashion today! Don't worry, there will be more baby couture soon but I couldn't help myself with these baby booties.  I am known for creating baby booties for infants to wear straight from the hospital.  I am currently working on some adult booties to wear around the house so when I saw the slipper bottoms in infant sizes...I knew I had to get a pair and create some baby booties with soles for my niece, Sophia.  

I made these using Bernat Camo yarn. This is a purple camo.  I am notorious for dressing myself and my nephews and niece in camo or animal print (only for Sophia).  The adult pair that I am making are most likely going to be sewn.  Let me know what you think about these baby booties! Should I start making them to sell?

Until next time my fashionistas.... 

Style Blog Renovation

Hello, hello, hello fellow stylists!

I know I have been absent for a while and I sincerely apologize for that.  Unfortunately, I have been dealing with some heavy stuff.  I had a death in the family and I been trying to figure out what to do about my 9 to 5 career.  Yep, like I said...pretty heavy.

So it's time that I get back to doing what I love...Fashion and style!

So as many of you may have guessed, this blog started out as a platform for some of the clothes I make and sell.  I thought I would change things up a bit by focusing on my personal style and DIY fashions.  To my surprise, you all liked it! With that said, I am renovating this blog.  I am excited about this change, Not only will I feature my business ventures but I will also  focus more on style for everyone, home decor and healthy living.  I get so many questions about my hair, my lipstick, my shoes, my clothes (especially the ones I make) and so I figure why not share my style with all of you!

You can expect to see information on how I live my life and how I express myself.  I mentioned that there will be style for everyone and I mean that.  We often leave out the kids or men.  I plan to explore style for both men and children!  The name of the blog will also be changing as it no longer just reflects my business.

So stay tuned, you are in for a treat!

Much luv,
e

Winter Enchantment Hat and Scarf Set

Hello My Family of DIY Fashionistas,

Today I am reviewing another hat and scarf set that I made while I was living in Canada.  It is out of the Better Homes and Gardens Romantic Looks crochet booklet. This pattern is actually for a trio.  There are mittens included in this pattern which I am also working on and will post in a later post.  Now before you see the photos of this set, every time I wear this set in Atlanta, people laugh and ask me if I am cold.  Why else would I be wearing a winter coat with a hat and scarf?! However, I don't get to wear this set that often in Atlanta due to the lack of a severe winters (normally)....

I made this set specifically for the Canadian winters to match my purple and grey plaid long wool coat.  This set definitely works for the Canadian winters!  It only took one time for me to get stuck outside in Canada with my Atlanta winter gear on! I knew I had to make something warmer.

Pattern: Winter Enchantment (Better Homes and Gardens Romantic Looks crochet)

Description: Hat and Scarf set with bobble and post stitches.  The scarf has ruffles.

Yarn Used: Bernat Jiffy in Silver Heather. This is a bulky weight yarn (5) that is 100% soft brushed acrylic. This yarn has the look of mohair but you can actually wash this in the machine, unlike mohair!  The pattern actually calls for a worsted weight yarn.

Sizing: This pattern was only available in one size.  

Instructions: Very easy to follow 

Changes: I did substitute the yarn as I usually do in most cases.  I went with a bulky weight yarn due to the fact that I wanted this set to keep me extremely comfortable in Canada.  I also made the scarf a little longer for versatility with ways to wear it.

Level of Difficulty: Better Homes and Gardens rates this as easy.

Timing: I would say this project took me a little longer than most as I made it longer and there is quite a bit of ruffles you have to create when you make it a little longer!  Because I was in between other projects, I would say it took me about a week to complete.

I love this hat and scarf overall because of the romantic look of the ruffles and bobbles. I feel like it is somewhere between Victorian and avant-garde winter wear. I know it seems like a bit much for winters in the South but let me tell you it was what I needed for Northern white winters! On top of that it is also beautiful.  


Until next time....