A Comfy Jacket 4 The Holidays

A Comfy Jacket 4 The Holidays
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

A new sewing project is all done and ready to show off. Just in time for winter. Jacket was loosely based on Burda pattern 7580. I changed up the collar and made the sides a little bigger. This allows the jacket to hug around you for warmth and it lays nice and flat with a belt. It was a very simple jacket to sew and due to the nature of the material, there is no need to hem and "finish" things. I love it!!

I found the material at a local thrift store. The fabric was brand new and I am not one to pass up a bargain. The fabric is a knit on top with a light fleece/sweatshirt feel underneath. This is perfect with skinny's and boots, skirts, and even thrown on over those lounge pants on a snowy day. So, let is snow this Thanksgiving!

New Yoga Kicks

New Yoga Kicks
Originally uploaded by doodlesprouts

Broke down and got a pair of those goofy shoes. We sell them where I work and for the longest time I just could not get on board with this crazy shoe. However, I was challenged to use a pair. Since I don't run, (knee injury) I could not figure out how I could incorporate a pair into my life. Of course Vibram thought of everything and entered the yoga market.

So, there became my challenge. I acquired a pair and put them to the test. I have to say that they perform really well. No more slipping on the mat. For hot yoga that is a nice plus. They are comfy and actually this particular style (Perfoma Jane) is kind of cute. I did not find them to hard to get into and they stay in place great.

Goes to show that maybe I need to work at keeping a more open mind about things. It was a pleasant surprise and I plan on continuing to use these crazy cuties.

Learning New Ways To Eat

 Right now I am in the thralls of cheese and dairy goodness.  Before we know it, the new year will be here and that means going vegan for 30 days.  I am doing so much research and loving it. There are so many options and ideas.  All thanks to the world of blogging and home cooks! Food has found a new appreciation. I feel like if these wonderful people can it, why not me? So inspiring.

Another favorite find is the beautiful magazine Vegetarian Living.  It is from the UK and full of lovely pics and recipes. I am thinking this is going to be a very inspiring resource.

Speaking of inspiring, it is that time of year to get going on some Turkey day craft ideas with the boys. I think this week is going to be very fun. 

I Heart Fall

I love fall AND I love new knits! Huzzah for a fun and finished knitting project.  Fall is the perfect time for fingerless mittens.  I love them.  You can access anything you need without having to sacrifice some cold hands. The pattern used was by Nutty Irishman Knits, titled Juniper Mitts. Found the pattern on Ravelry. The yarn I used was something left over from the stash. It was a heavy worsted weight yarn.  I cannot remember what I used! 

  I finished off the mittens with a fake buttonhole.  My buttons were found at the thrift store (of course!). I love that they are a great neutral color.  Most important, I use them all the time for running out, playing in the yard, and walking the kiddo to school with a hot cup o' coffee in hand. 

The Challenge - 30 Days

  You know that movie Super Size Me?  Yeah, that one with with the guy who eats McD's for 30 horrendous days.  I think trying something new really DOES take 30 days to make an informed decision.  It gives you time to evaluate and experience the good and bad.  I have decided that after the holiday crazy food fest and more research on my part, I am going to go vegan for 30 days.  I NEVER thought this would even be a possibility, but there really are some amazing recipes out there, and 30 days seems like a great way to cleanse out the holiday binge. Now, I have a pretty limited meat diet anyway (only turkey, chicken, and fish).  However, giving up my precious cheese is going to be very very hard.  I LOVE cheese of all kinds Gruyere, Goat, Feta, Mozzarella, and soooooo much more. 

  I do expect that after 30 days I will be full back at full cheese strength.  I don't expect this to change me to the point of running around purging my closet of leather shoes and purses.  I do expect to have a more open mind, a better way to incorporate tasty vegan meals into my life, and I love a challenge of the food kind.

  I am also excited that I am not going to go at it alone.  No, the mister is staying in his comfort zone of meat and man food.  (although he does do vegetarian on occasion). A friend is going to take this on with me.  I am so happy.  Someone to talk to, share recipes with, and fight the urge to sneak just a little nibble of that delicious grilled cheese the kids are having. 

In the meantime I am looking forward to dinner tomorrow.  Homemade french onion and fennel soup! Oh yeah baby, all that melted cheese goodness!!