Pinterest Projects Pending

I'm in the midst of planning a baby shower for a couple friends who are both having girls, so we opted for a bundle of joy (get it? like when you put multiple things together?? hah!) and combining. Don't tell anyone, but I've seriously depleted my project budget. Maybe even over spent a little. Luckily the Captain has softened up a little and isn't giving me too much grief about spending my fun money for May. I am having so much fun paper crafting with pink, but I am also yearning for a full month's fun money for other projects too. Last Saturday (after tripping down the stairs on the subway) I allowed myself to puruse one of my favorite local fabric stores Fullton Street Fabrics and, let me tell you, the wheels were turning... (so sorry for the poor quality photos.)

1. You're eyes are not playing tricks, that does in fact say 2yds/$1.00 for various lace trims. Thinking about this project.

2. Some sort of Suiting blend, may not be the best quality, but for $4/yd I think I can justify a pencil skirt that may or may not last until the end of time. Thinking about this project.

3. When I was working on our ward Harvest Party, I looked everywhere for burlap. The only affordable kind I could find was at Home Depot and it was SO dirty and moldy and smelly. I was embarrased to even use it, but I did (sorry friends!). Think of this and this project.

4. $5 stretch denim. Oh the possibilities. I'm not even going to get started, but maybe I'll just think about making a friend for the whale.

 5. Oil cloth. I didn't get the price on these, but based on the trends, you know it's gonna be cheap. Thinking of these, these, and making a few of these.

6. The priciest price point in the joint. They've got some fun decorator fabrics. I mean, they probably aren't designer, but there are still some great options for pennies on the dollar compared to other places.

So much fun to be had I can't stand it!

Not your conventional St. Patty's day celebration

If you ever find yourself in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn, you must head over to 86 Chinese Restaurant. It's on 86th Street East of 20th Ave. By far the best Chinese food I have ever had, and with a dad who loves all things Chinese who served as a missionary for two years in Taiwan, along with two of my brothers, I've eaten a lot of Chinese food.

It's helpful to go with a few Chinese friends to help you order if you can't read or speak Chinese, because you would probably never know that the Pork Chops with Peking sauce would be the most amazing thing you've ever tasted (somewhat akin to sweet and sour pork). You may not know that the green beans are surprisingly good or that egg drop soup is a dish that only Americans order. And you probably wouldn't be able to figure out the receipt, other than the grand total, but you wouldn't be disappointed because where else can you get a table full of food, feed 10 adults beyond satisfaction  and have leftovers for under $130.00?

***** $

Bump Grab launches it's first deal

My good friends over at Bump Grab have launched their first Deal of the Day. Head on over and check it out! And while you're at it, check out their new blog too.

Greetings from paradise!

After a long night of island food poisoning, I'm enjoying a day with the hubs on the aptly named Serenity Beach. More on this vacay later.

goop inspiration

I have been a long-time fan of Gwyneth. Maybe it started with Emma, maybe with Sliding Doors, maybe it was rekindled when I saw her get teary while cooking with Ellen. Regardless, I pretty much love the woman. Then I found goop, Gwyneth's website. It's like I get to stalk her without a restraining order. I love her style. But sometimes the price tag is, how do you say, a little too hollywood.

Here she is in what she calls, a seasonal alternative to the black cocktail dress. Love it. And I love the orange/coral. If you click the "get the look" link,  she also highlights this Vanessa Bruno Athe crepe dress in the same color. So for almost $500, you can get the look too! Or...

 You can head over to Simplicity.com and grab this $1.99 + shipping Sew Simple pattern, find some orange crepe at one of the bazillion fabric stores in Midtown and get the look for under $20.  Of course, the pattern will take some re-working (i.e., change the sleeve and lower the hemline), but that's my kind of fashion.

I was going to save this post for after I actually finish the dress, but in all honesty, I don't even know when that will happen. Would that I could have it finished for our little island getaway. Can't you just picture that little coral number trapsing down a white sand beach?