Ann Klein Azalea dress

I fell in love with this dress in store, however, in my usual size it was loose in the chest; they didn't have the next smallest size in store, therefore, I had to purchase it on-line, and hope it fit better in the bust while not being too tight in the waist. I received it in the mail today, and it fits beautifully. I don't wear dresses that often, but I love how this one flatters, and can be dressed up or down; since it isn't so fancy that heels need to be worn with it, I think I will get much more use out of it.

The dress' regular price at Younkers/Carson's is listed as $128 (and $129 at Amazon), however they currently have it on sale for $59.99; I used a few coupon codes and got it for $44.99 with free shipping.

"Skirting the Issue" for foster care

I just wanted to share an awesome project I just read about by the lovely blog Simple Simon & Co. They created a project they will be running the month of July called "Skirting the Issue". The project is for bloggers, and even non-bloggers, to sew custom skirts for girls in the foster care system. You can read more about the project and how you can participate here.

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

DIY Embroidered Patch Sandals

Today I came across the adorable "Tweet of Foot" sandals at ModCloth. While they are so cute, I don't think I could ever bring myself to spend $89.99 on a pair of sandals/flip-flops. You can make a similar pair on your own for cheap. Below are some of my ideas. If, like me, you aren't a big bird fan, you could use any kind of embroidered patch.




Pink DIY sandals ($24.98 total)
$19.99 Renn Cork Wedge Sandal at Payless
$4.99 Pink sparrow patch set at Amazon

Blue DIY sandals ($9.99 total)
$6.00 Sparkle flip flop at Payless
$3.99 Blue bird patch set at JoAnn'

Black DIY sandals ($21.98 total)
$16.99 Lilliana Flat Sandal at Target
$4.99 Black sparrow patch set at Amazon



How-To Steps

1) Determine where you want your patch to line up. If using a sparrow patch, I recommend lining up the wings with each of the toe straps so they somewhat hide the straps.

2) Place glue on strap where you want your patch to sit, press patch on, and let it dry completely (clamps/clips would be helpful). While I'm sure various types of glue would work, I recommend using Shoe Goo since it is made to withstand the conditions a shoe encounters.

3) (Optional) Since there is not much of a surface for the patch to adhere to, I would strongly encourage hand sewing a few stitches through the patch and strap so the patch does not fall off. If you use matching thread, your stitches will not be visible.

Brownie and cookie cheesecakes

A (now former) coworker recently graduated from college. Always one to love a reason to make a yummy dessert, I searched Pinterest for some inspiration. Narrowing down what I was going to make became much easier upon learning of my coworker's love of cheesecake.

With the mixing help of Timmy (there was four bowls going, after all) we made two cheesecakes: brownie cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie brownie cheesecake. I was inspired by this and this journal entry that I found through Pinterest. Originally I was going to make mine as bars too, however, I realized I no longer had a rectangle cake pan. I was glad that I didn't because it seemed much more decadent in a typical cheesecake form.


The chocolate chip cookie brownie cheesecake (bottom layer of brownie, middle layer of cheesecake, and then top layer of chocolate chip cookie)




Brownie cheesecake (Bottom layer of brownie, middle layer of cheesecake, and then another layer of brownie)





After making the two kinds of cheesecake, I put half of each kind in one pan for an even more awesome cheesecake gift.



To make things easier on myself I used box mix for the brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough. For the cheesecake mixture, you can use any recipe you want; I used this one which calls for sour cream (personally, I loved it). If you are making only one cheesecake instead of two, you can just third the cheesecake recipe (it is easier than halfing the recipe). Here is what I used for ONE cheesecake:

8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/3 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup sour cream

Mix the cream cheese and sugar first, then add the egg. Lastly add the vanilla and sour cream.

Yummy desserts from Pinterest

Timmy and I are going to be making a dessert soon for a coworker for his graduation so I have been debating what kind of yummies I want to make. Here are a few of my favorite ideas (do you notice I'm on a chocolate peanut butter kick?).

Source: bakerella.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: bakerella.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: noshandtell.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: yourcupofcake.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: mybakingaddiction.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: smells-like-home.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: pipandebby.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Simple Simon and Co

Head over to Simple Simon and Co to enter to win a $150 Target giftcard.

I just discovered Simple Simon and Co over the weekend and I am already hooked. Most of the clothing tutorials are for children but easily adaptable for adults (which is exactly what I'm going to do). Their blog has helped push me into finally buying a sewing machine like I have been wanting to. Below are a few of my favorite projects by them:

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest

Source: simplesimonandco.com via Flying Purple Hippos on Pinterest