by J.English on December 30, 2009
Many people have been feeling the financial pinch this season, myself included. We had many grand ideas of how we should spend our New Years. In the end we all decided we would feel less stress by staying close to home. It will be just as magical if not more so and we will be sharing instead of spending.
Missy and I love to throw parties. Sometimes we make advanced plans that we don’t follow, most of the time we scramble up something awesome the day before. Seeing as this is the day before it’s definitely scramble time.
The Setting:
We have a 4 bed room house, 10-12 guests including hosts, 4 kiddies to tend to and lots of random items to attempt to decorate and create a theme with. We want to make it magical. I also want Missy and Chris to feel like they aren’t just having another low key dinner party.
Supplies:
1. Everyone’s bringing food or wine
2. Lots of random left over booze
3. Missy’s craft room (crafting and herb central, this will be a big help)
4. Lots of luck
We still need a theme. It will help us transform the space. We are thinking 50’s pot luck and martini party, or Mad Hatter’s style with fancy treats and hidden treasures.
I will keep you posted on our progress. If anyone has ideas please share!
by J.English on December 20, 2009
by J.English on December 18, 2009
1st Model Call
It has begun. I have thrown myself into another world-wind adventure. I will be creating new fashions for my clothing line Raw Culture, to be shown at the closing event for the Hygienic Art Gallery’s annual No Judge, No Jury show.
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by J.English on December 6, 2009
by J.English on November 9, 2009
Making my Red Riding Hood costume
I am a self taught clothing and graphics designer. I definitely would not call myself a seamstress. I just love to create things. A couple years ago a friend of mine taught me how to thread a sewing machine and encouraged me to experiment. From that moment it became an addiction. The feeling of accomplishment is nice but for me it’s more about making it work (wouldn’t Tim Gunn agree). Figuring out how a piece will come together is like a massage for my brain. Yes, sometimes you have to go inside out and upside down to put a garment together. Though I love the puzzle, there are many tried and true tricks of the trade that make life easier. These tricks are hard to stumble on but there are plenty of resources to learn from these days.
One of the sites I like is Burdastyle. Here you can find all sorts of how to’s, patterns and project ideas. So dust off your sewing machine and play.
Oh! if you find a resource you love or a project you’d like to share leave a comment so we can all benefit.
by J.English on November 9, 2009
Halloween is my favorite holiday to spend in New York City. The rain only added to the experience. The beauty of living in Connecticut is we are very close to Boston and New York. We can easily get out of our day to day and experience the Big City. Ed and I drove down to New Haven and took Metro North into Grand Central Station (round trip ticket $30). Taking the train means no stressful traffic, good quality chill time and no worries about finding parking. Believe me, you do not want to get towed in NYC. Plus having a couple drinks is way more fun when no one has to drive.
Arriving at Grand Central Station
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by M.Cokas on November 5, 2009
Soap Nuts for Laundry
You want clean laundry, but you also want to be green, who can you turn to? Mother Nature; it’s long been common knowledge that she cleans the air, but now, we’re finally realizing, she’s also made provisions to clean our clothes. Soap Nuts are one of my latest easy to employ (important when you’re a mom of 3 or just plain busy), green cleaners. How green are Soap Nuts? Well, they grow on trees; is that green enough for you? Soap Nuts are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry Tree. So, you might be wondering how they stack up to a regular detergent, here is what I have found switching from Tide to Soap Nuts:
Soap Nuts
- Much Cheaper than regular detergents, as little as .06 cents per load
- 100% Natural and Biodegradable
- You don’t need to add fabric softener (which makes them even cheaper!)
- Clothes come out just as clean
- No scents & hypoallergenic
- They are gentle enough to use on delicates
- They are low sudsing, so they’re great for HE Washers
- They are easier to use!
How do you use Soap Nuts? Grab 2 or 5 soap nuts, depending on water temp (I always use cold to save energy). Throw them into the little cotton sack and throw the sack into your washing machine. That’s it. And once that sack is in there, if you’re using cold water you can leave it in for up to 5 loads! You don’t have to worry about using any fabric softner because the soapberries have their own natural softening agents. When the shells are used up, just toss them into your compost.
If these little fruits haven’t done enough for you yet, toss a few in a cotton sack and throw them in the dishwasher to replace the chemicals or expensive green substitute you’re currently using.
Laundry Goes Green
by J.English on November 1, 2009
I always feel good in a pair of boots. I’ve found that there’s a pair for every occation. I was very excited when the thigh highs began to gain popularity again last fall. Last year the boots seemed to be reserved for the fashionably couragious. This year it’s all fair game. Thigh highs aren’t limited to late night dance parties. They can be an all day affair.
As the weather gets colder slip on a pair with leggings and a long sleeved mini dress. Don’t forget to layer a vest and long cotton scarf. Layering is the key to self expression. It’s the little touches you add to an outfit that give people a passing glimpse of your personality.
Here are 5 options under $100
1. Steve Madden – Blondee $99.90
2. Alloy – Marlane Boot $46.90
3. Sugar – Xanadoo $59.95
4. Ellie Shoes – 8868 $66.62
5. Diba – Will Oh $99.00
by J.English on October 30, 2009
The cost of everything seems to be going up these days. There was a time when it was much more cost effective to make something for yourself instead of buying it. Now all the fabric chains we used to turn to for their variety and great deals are falling short. The variety is just not there and the prices are through the roof.
Thankfully my hope has recently been restored. Affordable fabrics is a remnant fabric store. All fabric is priced at $1.99 a yard. Yes, it can be hit or miss. Remnant stores get what they get. There is no constant stock items. Yet every time I have gone there I have found what I needed without breaking the bank. The sense of achievement when you create something new is wonderful. When you step out wearing a totally unique piece you made or give your apartment a face lift with new curtains there is nothing like it. For all of those out there like me who need instant gratification there is no need to wait for your next pay check. Awesome!
Most towns have at least one of these stores tucked away somewhere.
If you know of one where you live please comment and let us know. We all need to spread the fabric love.
-Affordable fabrics is on route 32 in Montville, CT.
by J.English on October 23, 2009
Wigged-out Jessie Scrunches Nose
Some weeks are easier than others. We all need a chance to escape our daily lives. A good girls night is always the perfect prize at the end of a grueling week. This week a strong drink and dancing wasn’t quite enough. We needed a full on Wig Out. Their is nothing like putting on a great outfit, a pair of high heeled boots and yes, a wig. It’s the perfect time of year to find them. But what’s the fun in wearing one on Halloween when everyone else is. We picked a nice random, rainy Thursday. Even though we spent most of it in the bathroom getting ready, oh and laughing until I cried, we eventually made it out. Our aspirations to get to the closest big city were dashed by an unusually early snow but good old down town New London, CT welcomed us with all our favorite faces and great music. Rejuvenating and re-inventing yourself is just one wig away.
Good places to find wigs:
- Aticc (All wigs in post were purchased here. Great price!) www.aticcshop.com
- Hot topic (I was surprised to find they are good quality for the price.)
- Any Halloween pop up store in your town. (These stores are about to have close out prices)
