Making R2D2 Costume for mom (Part I)

So we start on the costume for mom.  My amazing friend Rachael (she's amazing and crafty check her out) posted on FB a tutu she made for her daughter for tutu Tuesday.  I then found the R2D2 tutu costume I wanted made for me and she was so kind to let me come over Saturday and helped me make it.  It is so easy to do, even I could do this one yup I'm telling you I leave the sewing and that type of thing to her so it was nice to find a project I could pull off ... lol.  I picked up the materials and we made it!  I wanted to give you good step by steps so I headed over to Skip to My Lou for a No Sew Tutorial to help out. 

I had to show it off .. lol

Now I made a LONGER version so you could get away with less tulle but here is what I picked up.

What you Need:

7 Yards - White Tulle (Regular $1.99 yrd - was 50% off)

2 Yards - Blue with Glitter Tulle (Regular $5.99 yrd - Was 60% off)

2 Yards - Blue Tulle (Regular $1.99 yrd - was 50% off)

Elastic (measure waist minus 2 and that is what you need) - ($2.99)

Ribbon (if you want) ($2.99 roll)

Cutting Tool & Mat (Helps to make straight lines)

** Alexis notes: I found that Walmart's Tulle is cheaper yes but the quality wasn't as nice, pay a little more and go to a fabric store.  JoAnne's had their's half off so I actually paid what Walmart price was and got a better product.  Usually I buy material at Walmart but this time I have to say go else where. **

How to Make:

1. Cut tulle into 4 inch wide strips (doesn't have to be perfect). Tulle is folded once lengthwise on the bolt when you buy it I keep mine this length but you could cut in half to make shorter.  
2. Rachael used her sewing machine and made my elastic a circle (by sewing two open ends together).  
3. Place the middle of the strip that is folded in half under the elastic. Reach under and through the loop grasping the strip. (see picture below for step by step)
4. Pull the tail through the loop. 
5. This makes a slip knot, pull snug. Be careful tying tulle strips around the elastic to not stretch out the band. Continue tying all of the strips evenly onto the elastic.  
6. Now we took 4 pieces of tulle together and did each not to make the tutu fuller.  We alternated all white and then one that was blue and white mix.  You can do whatever you like the look to be.  I wanted it to look like blue coming down like his body looks (R2D2).  We also added strips of ribbon doing the same knot we did for the tulle.

You can do this with any color but I think it looks perfect for the costume!  I'm finishing the t-shirt right now for the top of the costume.  I will show you the whole costume soon!  What do you think?  

Weekend Wrap … Yes it was kind of Chill!

Rick was so sweet he knew how sad I was over the B&B and the dinner we had.  He went to my favorite restaurant Old Spaghetti Factory and picked up dinner for the family.  He even plated it all up!  Yup he got happy face from me!

Saturday after work we headed over to Rachel’s house for some coffee and play time.  Her daughter Abby is a girl after my heart and loves shoes.   Why not try them on.  Oh yes why not my leopard with pink rain boots rocks and they begged to be tried on.  Caden’s fireman boots also were a hit .  She was so sweet and even feed the boys!

Sunday at 7am I meet up with one of my best friends for breakfast!  She is one of my bestie’s I was the LOUD 20 y/o that moved in next to her house that would have loud parties every weekend and she would walk over holding a baby to keep it down .  Yes she even came over a few times to hang out with us young crew too!  15 years later we’re still friends and I cherish these moments to just hang out and talk.

I was having a heck of a week with Caden and his “adventure” so the weekend was a slow one, which of course makes the boys go crazy and mom loose her MIND.  Yup that is me being a crazy poser .. hehe.

Last Sunday was Cole’s Sunday to sing in church for his school.  Here is his cute 2nd grade along with the 1st grade class.

We are also enjoying our fall teachers in swim class.  Cole had a problem sitting still (or in this case standing in water with out splashing) but thankfully got better by the 3rd class.  The boys are liking the 4pm class and I’m liking we get home earlier.  Caden is sad that his Maggie is not teaching the class but we’re adjusting .

There was our crazy weekend.  How was yours, did you do anything fun?

Weekend Wrap Wednesday ~ Halloween Mayhem!

What a fun weekend, I don't think I even had a moment to breath and still haven't had a chance to catch up. I'm trying to work on catching up :).

Friday the boys and I did our movie night. I picked up a new pizza from Papa Murphys it was so yummy!!! Of course some Hot Tamales for me :). And the Dragon pics from the cut out at Walmart :).

Next off was the costume, a while back I posted that I bought Mario & Luigi, the overalls that I got were homemade which is great but just not exactly what I was looking for. I went and picked up 3 yard of fleece and called on my amazing friend Racheal. Who made the BEST overalls ever. They were hemmed, and sew so nice and the right color buttons :). I colored the hair for the boys to be dark and they wouldn't wear mustaches so I drew some on. Talk about fun washing that all off ... lol my tub payed the price. LOT's of fun here!

Sunday after church and my bake off debacle ... oh yes I'm a sour loser hehe :). We finally did some pumpkins and hit the trunk or treat and Rick decorated the outside of the house :)

Monday Cole lost his first tooth :(, yes the "tooth fairy" remembered to come and brought a crisp dollar ... what she only would bring me a quarter ... it almost as a $20 before she took a better look at what she was putting under the pillow! Next since Cole has been having better days in school Rick is putting the train that goes around their room back together! The boys are so excited!

PHEW I think we're caught up on us, now for me to catch up on everything else. I'll be back around tomorrow fingers crossed :).

Weekend Wrap Wednesday ~ School Happenings, Quilt Making & of course Dessert

Well this weekend was full of lot's of stuff as usual! As you know we've had some ups and downs and Rick is still working part time jobs nothing full time so mama is still a little going bonky but hey that what makes life fun ... LOL :).

Cole's school had Mix Match Day

Yes the socks & shoes too!

Saturday I worked until a little after 9am when I started to hear logos hit the wall and blood curdling screams I knew it was the time to call it a day with work. We headed right to the store to pick up supplies for the quilt I'm making (Ok Racheal is I'm helping). Then off to Racheal's house to start on it! Ok I must say Quilting sounds so easy you think about it I'm about $50 into it so far but we're only got 2 weekends into it so far and still have more to do. Yup I so see why people sale Quilts for $300, it's a ton of work. I'm just so lucky to have Racheal, she sews I iron yup it's a perfect team .. LOL :)

Cole loves to help with our projects, he's ironing!!!

Yup that is me too, Cole took a pic of my tummy .. ugh

I think it's turning out beautiful, I love the colors

I told Rachael I almost want to keep it ... lol!!!

Yes these are wedding dresses I need to sale.

Brand new tag still on from $800 to $600

REALLY what was I thinking, ugh need to sale for like $100 each

Rachael could fit in them so she was my model

Then Cole had a field trip this Tuesday, I made Rick go ... lol he had to get up early. Let's just say he wasn't happy but he went. And then he didn't take a bunch of pic's like I asked. He did get pictures of Cole's behind and backside ... lol! The went on a fairy and to the other Teacher's Cabin. For you who followed from last year yes that is the same sweatshirt Cole wore on this same trip last year ... lol!

And of course I leave you with a YUMMY Desert.

Yes I'm still stress eating, things just have been a little topsy turvy!

Easy Banana Cream Pie

EASY BANANA CREAM PIE

2 bananas
1 (9 inch) baked pie crust
2 c. milk, divided
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (5 1/2 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
Whipped cream

Slice bananas into crust. Add 1/2 cup milk to cream cheese; mix well until blended. Add pudding mix and add remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk. Beat slowly. Pour into crust. Chill at least 1 hour. Serve with whip cream.

ALEXIS NOTE: Ok READ this BAKED pie crust don't get in a hurry and throw it in the shell before you cook it. You'll have to scrap it out and believe me it's not so pretty if you shovel it back in :). I used my sugar free Jello and the flavor I had on hand was Banana Cream yup it worked perfect. I also used neufchatel cheese it's 1/3 the fat and I think taste the same. I also skipped the whipped cream.

MSM ~ Fish Tacos

As you all know I'm on a mission to make a new recipe at least 5 times each week. There is only so many recipes you can do with Chicken and Beef my two go to proteins. Now don't get me wrong I love fish & chips you know the ones that have battered in beer and served with fries, yup this girl loves to have some fish but that is when someone else makes it for me. Ok don't faint but this is the FIRST time I've EVER cooked fish, stop laughing and rolling your eyes (@@) at me.

Rachael my godess of all the craft projects and homespun yarn has been talking about fish taco's that she does one a week or so for the family. I of course smiled and nodded nicely thinking in my head yeah right me cook with fish, one hello I only buy chicken when it's on sale for $1.89 a pound I would never buy fish that usually is $5 something a pound. Like my penguins from Madagascar say "Smile and Nod". So knowing me so well she invited me and the boys over for dinner for "Fish Taco Night". Get this Cole ate THREE of them, and even picky no eating one, so you know it we're doing "Fish Taco Night".

This was so freaking easy, not on the cheap side but still a GREAT meal for less than $15 for 4.

I picked up some cod that I found wasn't deboned so I did just cut it out, yes there probably is a better idea but go with me it was my first time making it.

Heavy Pound of Code (Racheal told me to say this so you get a nice piece of fish)

Eggs

Bread Crumbs (picked them up in the bulk section - cheap)

Corn Tortila's

Pre-made Slaw

Uncle Dan's Ranch (Rachael had a special green sauce I'll share next time)

Oil to fry in the pan

Put the oil in the pan on stove

I cut the code up into bite size pieces

put in egg and the in bread crumbs

put in HOT oil on stove, becareful it's hot and cooks FAST

Put on towel to get some oil off and then make up the ranch dressing. Heat up the tortillas in microwave oven put some ranch down (or the green sauce of your choice) add some of the pre-made slaw and add a piece of fish or two and ta da you're ready to rock and roll!

WWW ~ May Day Parade

As usual a fun and crazy weekend around here. But lots of fun as always and then Tuesday I pick up Caden to find he slipped and fell at Grandma's House and yup we have a shinner. Balance is not one of our best things around here, yes this woman who runs into walls still!

The many place Caden likes to sleep.

1) Couch

2) my floor w/ my blanket

3) His bed w/Slanket

Many faces of Caden

1) Pizza Face

2) Yup his belt on backwards thanks dad!

3) Blackeye boy - coordination we don't have

4) Jam Face

Cole got to help Rachael with a scarf she was making

He thought weaving on the loom was the coolest.

I was very proud of him and he wanted to keep going

Actually was a little sad we had to leave.

He kept asking can't I do just one more :)

Sunday my mom signed the boys up for a Parade

Braden, Cole's BFF from next door came along!

It was so much fun and I LOVED talking w/ his parents.

It was a lot of fun until it poured on us ... lol

The Old Canary brought their train that the boys rode on.

They had judging for each category.

Our super hero's tied for 1st place and got medals!

Mom took me and the boys to pizza at Aversano's for pizza

Check out the medals, isn't that cool!!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Grape Sheep Etsy shop OPEN

My friend Racheal (Rachael's Space) that helps me on so many of my craft projects aka the purse, blanket, the Super Mom cape and so many has opened her own Etsy shop. She is an amazing knitter and makes beautiful yarns that she spins herself! You'll love it and if you're in need of anything for a project please stop by and see her!

If any of you play farmville on Facebook you'll know this, they have a purple sheep you can get so that is the name of her etsy page. Check it out: Grape Sheep

Here are a few she has up right now:

Strawberry Lemonade

$23.00

Description

Faukland top. Spun Aran weight (heavy worsted about 8wpi). 112 yards. Used Navajo ply to preserve colors. Great for next to the skin wear. Soft and springy. This yarn will felt so hand wash or have fun with your felting project!

Midnight Rainbow

$25.00

Description

What do you get when you dye a natural color Romney wool with a rainbow of colors? This beautiful dark yarn that will work up into subtle stripes. I hope you have as much fun creating with it as I did spinning it.
13 wpi (Light sport)
214yds
Feltable

Purple Gem

$30.00

Description

This super soft 2-ply yarn is squishy and scrumptious. 440 yards of fingering weight (14wpi) merino. I knit a hat for my daughter with it and used less than 70yards. This is a great yarn for close to the skin wear.

Her daughter wearing a hat in the Purple Gem.

Stormy Skies

$6.00

Description

This a fun art yarn. Bulky and fluffy spun with scraps from other projects. 19.5 yards. Will felt nicely.

Cartoons

$23.00

Description

A soft yarn in fun colors that will stripe when knit or crocheted. Great for next to the skin wear. Worsted weight. 104 yards.

Weekend Wrap Wednesday ~ The Super Mom Cape has Arrived!

OMGosh it's already the middle of the week! Well holy moly it's time to wrap up the weekend ... LOL I know I do it in the middle of the week, but come on you all know you love my recipes on Monday & Tuesday! This weekend flew by, Sunday was my first day off in about 4 weeks it was great to sleep in well that is if one sleeps in ... not this girl I couldn't sleep no matter what! UGH

The boys room coming along!

A new heater put in, the beds up and new black paint on the dresser!

Next to get the train that goes around the ceiling working and the the other stuff on the walls!

I got my hair colored then on a whim got it cut!

Yikes a little shorter then I wanted but it makes me want to loose more weight ... lol

No ONE has said a thing!

Oh wait a cute 5 y/o told me he like my hair.

Is it if no ones says anything it's not cute?

Oh & the TP gods hate me guess what I had to do when I was at the hairdressers.

Yup change the TP! Curse you!!!

And check it out a package arrived for me and made my day

My poser friend Amy @ Keeping up with the Schultz Family had a giveaway

for her 1 year anniversary of Round Robin

We have a running joke she doesn't eat pork & you know I cook with it a lot!

So yes those are pigs for the address!!!

And her daughter Alyce wrote a note to the boys!

My favorite was all the magazine details she put on the box

The best:Instead of racing against the clock,

Slow down and savor everyday moments

Oh yes I need to take that one!!

Made some Snowballs & Bon Bons for the neighbors

Thank you Betty Crocker Box kits!!

Sorry no homemade stuff this week.

My amazing friend Rachael @ Rachael's Space made capes for the party this weekend.

She was so sweet to help me on my whim!

So yes everyone who keeps asking were is my "Super Mom" Cape

HERE it is:

At Rachaels the kids played and had so much fun

So much Caden took my slanket and went to sleep

So there it is our crazy weekend!!! Not much sleep but I'm working on that. Thanks for stopping by!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Rachael's Cheesy Potatoes

My amazing friend Rachael @ Rachael's Space gave me this yummy one! Check out her post here about it .... Some Recipes.

All you need

Cut up the bacon

Put Potatoes in

Sour Cream Layer

Potato Layer

Pepper to taste

Salt to taste

Bacon Layer

Cheese Layer

Out of the oven!

Her Recipe goes like this:

Cheesy Potatoes. I like this recipe because I usually always have the ingredients on hand and it's a good 'clean out the fridge' recipe. This one freezes well too.You will need 5 potatoes, peeled and sliced into about 1/4 in thick rounds. Boil them until they are soft enough to break when poked with a fork but not quite as soft as you would make them for mashed potatoes.While they are cooking I shred or tear whatever cheese I have that needs to get eaten up in my fridge. This is usually just cheddar or colby but can often include mozzarella, provolone, swiss, etc. (again, whatever needs to be eaten).I also use black forest ham, or bacon, but you can use what ever meat you have lying around (1/2lb is usually enough). Make sure the meat is cooked (again for me this step is already done because I am using leftovers) and cut up into about 1/4 - 1/2 inch pieces or sufficiently crumbled if using a ground meat.The oven should be heating up to 350 while you assemble your ingredients:In a 9x9 pan (you can make this in a larger pan too, but of course you will need more ingredients) spread a couple of spoon fulls of sour cream over the bottom (I find that using the back of my spoon works better than a spatula for this dish). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put a layer of potatoes down then another layer of sour cream, salt, pepper. Sprinkle your cheese and meat onto the cream. Add another layer of potatoes, and repeat the process until your pan is full or your ingredients are used up. I try to reserve enough cheese to have on the top of the whole shabang so it gets a nice cheese crust on it. If your pan is really full you may want to put it onto a baking sheet in case of melt over but if it's not that full don't worry about it. Bake for 25 minutes. If you made a batch for the freezer it will take about an hour to bake from frozen.This one re-heats really really well and will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge. Don't be alarmed if you reheat in the microwave and hear lots of popping - the ham always pops when I reheat it.