DIY: Repairing A Zipper

There are generally two types of zippers: closed-end, and open-end.

Closed-end zippers: stay fastened on one end of this type of zipper, like on jeans, and bags.
Open-end zippers: both sides come completely apart on this type of zipper, like on sleeping bags and jackets.

If a zipper is beyond repair:

Replace it with a new one of the same length. You can buy a zipper in a matching color from your local fabric store. With a seam ripper, carefully remove the stitching holding the old zipper in place. As you work, notice how the old zipper was put in, and in what order the various lines of stitching were made. Some zippers may be put in with several lines of stitching. Remove the old zipper and pull out all loose thread ends. Following the directions on the zipper package, pin the new zipper into place, laying it face down onto the garments seam, and stitch it in the same way the old zipper was stitched. When using pins you have to be more precise and use caution. Use a a zipper foot on the sewing machine. A zipper foot is able to adjust so it is on the left or the right side of the sewing machine needle. You'll need to slide it to the side you need so there is no presser foot on the zipper teeth. Many zipper feet require you to loosen a screw to slide it from side to side. The biggest mistake you can make is not re-tightening that screw! You can make the final topstitching on the outside of the garment, by hand or by machine. For me, it's always better using the sewing machine!

Here's a couple of fabulously crafty websites:

RetroSewing
AND
Cut Out + Keep

The Iconic "Queen of Comedy"

Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989)

You didn't think I would really not blog about this icon did ya? She is very much still remembered in the present day. I've been enjoying watching the "I Love Lucy" show on the Hallmark channel in the mornings. "I Love Lucy", first aired on CBS on Oct. 15, 1951.

It's the 60th year of "I Love Lucy"!

We even share the same birthday! Except the difference is that it's Lucy's 100th birthday! 

Turner Classic Movies is celebrating her birthday too!

Lucille Ball Filmography

Awards Won

I would soo love to go to the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Center in her hometown of Jamestown, NY. I want to see the re-created Manhattan apartment set. How fun it would be to look at all of the specially made kitchen appliances and furniture in person at the Desilu Playhouse?! 

I would like to also visit her real childhood home, at what is now, 59 Lucy Lane and just take pictures out front. A small part of me even wants to see her granite headstone which has the name "Ball" scripted inside a large heart, like on the famous TV show. I only say that a "small" part of me wants to see it because while I want to pay my respect to her, how respectful is it to not let her rest in peace by trampling through her family plot???  Plus, that's so morbid. I just want to get a feel of the remnants of the "Queen of Comedy" herself. (Sigh) One day, hopefully sooner than later...

*Side note

*Plumbush Bed & Breakfast is a historic victorian property which is very nice and 30 minutes from the Lucille Ball - Desi Arnaz Museum. I wouldn't mind staying there while on voyage to see Lucille Ball artifacts!

The fact that she had an Cuban husband back then makes me love her more!
Just saying, it's always a plus when my Lady Icons aren't racists.

The Hollywood Museum - Hollywood, has an exhibit running now until Nov. 30, 2011. Appropriately titled, “Lucille Ball at 100 & ‘I Love Lucy’ at 60”



The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building.

 It features:

• “Redheads Only Room" where Max Factor worked on Lucy’s famous look, featuring their original signed contract.
• Awards, Certificates, Statuettes/Trophies, Plaques - including the special tribute to Lucy at the 33rd Annual Emmys (1981) and a congratulatory letter from President Ronald Reagan!
• The famous first national TV Guide (April 3, 1953) featuring Desi, Jr. on the cover as the $50 million baby!
• Items showcasing the genius of Desi – including original editing equipment which allowed for the technical advancement of TV production (3 cameras, live audience, on film)!
• A huge photography collection spanning Lucy’s life including her childhood, modelling career, films, radio and TV with some never-before-seen candid personal shots!
• Lucy's autographed leg cast from her 1972 ski accident at Snowmass, CO
• Personal annotated copies of Lucy’s scripts from TV shows and films!
• Desi's original recordings + sheet music!
• Montage of original photos from Lucy and Desi’s homes and apartments including Palm Springs, NYC and Beverly Hills!
• Costumes!
• Scripts from "I Love Lucy"!

WE LOVE YOU LUCY!

Three Guys Named Mike

photo via photobucket

One great movie is, "Three Guys Named Mike". If you're into the airline stewardess style, then you'll love this comedic tale of an American Airlines stewardess flirting with an adman, pilot and scientist. Actress Jane Wyman, actor Van Johnson, actor Howard Keel and actor Barry Sullivan star in this (1951) film. At the end of the movie Marcy Lewis (Jane Wyman) is forced to choose one fella after they find out about one another.  It's purely ironic that I just posted pictures of airline stewardesses the other day and tonight this movie is showing on Turner Classic Movies (TCM)!

Assistance Please

Maybe an airline stewardess could assist me while I'm still up in cloud No. 9!

1950's style

Oh  look, a stewardess on a Vespa!



I like the diversity in these photos, as far as the people
 and different styles of the time (1960's).





On Cloud No. 9

My head is so in the clouds. I've been on cloud number nine since last night and ALL day today. Just one of those days that no one can get to me and break my chi. Have you ever had just complete peace? Oh, the thrills of being care-free and reconciled. Feels like a breath of fresh air. So since I'm in a good mood, I thought I'd post some beautiful photograghy.

 



DIY: Homemade Laundry Soap

There is something better than spending money on Tide? Yes! Making your own laundry detergent! Never thought I'd say that. Tide cleaning power is pretty excellent. Who wants to keep paying out of pocket for it at this moment? Not me.  I certainly do not want to go to the laundromat either.

So here are some ways to DIY:

Liquid Detergent

Recipe 1

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (not washing soda)

• Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
• In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
• Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
• Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Powdered Detergent
Recipe 2
12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda
8 cups Bar soap (grated)

• Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
• Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

*Washing soda can be found at most grocery stores, Wal-Mart, etc. It’s in the powdered laundry detergent area. A common name brand is Arm and Hammer. It will say washing soda.
My kid has really bad eczema so I doubt that I'll be using Ivory soap or any of those other heavily scented brands. Dove bar soap has a great unscented bar, which is pediatrician approved.

Liquid Detergent
Recipe 3
Hot water
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 Soap bar

• Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
• Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
• Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).



I'm sure you could take all the hard work out and find plenty of shops that sell laundry kits on Etsy, but then you wouldn't have your own experience of making detergent!

Etsy shop wyldcat

Local St. Louis, MO Etsy shop aBreathofFrenchair

 

Saving $$$



by createfirst on graphicleftovers.com

Ways to save before it even gets to that point of possibly losing your home.

1. Pay bills on time.
2. Prioritize your bills and debts. Decide what you really need and what you need to cut. Try suspending the cable bill, get rid of the house phone and just use the cell phone or vice versa.
3. Don't be afraid of using coupons. People have this stigma of the things that are meant to help them. If you were the only one that needed to use them, then it probably wouldn't have been invented.
4. Get some generic brands into your life.
5. Learn to say, "No thank you" to yourself. Don't let temptation to overly spend with friends rule you.
6. Negotiate the interest rate with you lender.
7. Make your own household products. DIY time!
8. Make a shopping list and use it. It will help you not get carried away in the store. Little things add up. Don't buy little things in the checkout line.If you're anything like me, it's also handy to have something help you remember items. 


9. Have a yard sale. Come on, it's taking up space and collecting dust anyway. Just think about the new things you could have in the long run!
10. Sell things online. Try Ebay, or Craigslist. You could even use your talents and love of creating things to open up an Esty shop!
11. Utilize the library. I get things from there all the time. They now have service for holding items you want from online then you pick it up at the library when it's ready!
12. Have a budget of course! Stick to it.
13. Start bringing your own lunch to work. Even if it's a few times a week, you gotta start from somewhere.
14. Shop thrift stores. If you're an indie Lady then you've already been on to this.
15. Get a second job if you can, or even a third.

I Absolutely Love This Look

I love when Rihanna diggs into her retroflirt nature.



Red hair, of course! Ray-Bans, mid-drift sweater,
linen shorts, dressed up w/nude stilettos



This look is from a while back (when she was just getting into this style) and I'm still in love with it. The location: Paris, outside of hotel. I just love the well put together but effortlessly chic look that almost everyone can achieve. For the fall season I would pair some thick wool leggings or stockings with a nice design and a nice blazer with this outfit. Top it off with a fedora hat or even one of those straw fedora hats.

Your best bet is to try shop: http://www.asos.com/

And for men try: http://www.bonobos.com/

For hats try: zappos

Top Ways To Get Over An Ex

*All of these are in no particular order and more things will most likely be added.

1. Change your hair (got two wigs).
2. Go out with just the girls (Happy Hour).
3. Get a new flattering outfit.
4. Get the mani/pedi.
5. Find something to work on to distract yourself (DIY project you've been procrastinating on).
6. Take up some things you've always wanted to do (writing blog).
7. Mingle with other people (even if you don't feel like it). 
8. DON'T write off a guy that approaches you too soon (try not to be bitter) EXCEPT if you just know off top he isn't your type. 
9. DON'T UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LISTEN TO SAD BREAKUP SONGS OR LOOK AT WEDDING MARATHONS (instead listen to empowerment songs or songs you love on any regular day anyway.
10. DON'T keep in contact with your ex if the breakup was over him being a douche-bag, disrespectful towards you, or non-supportive of you.
11. Write about your feelings.

Am I Right Or Am I Right?

It's funny how after a whole week of knowing my situation my ex was no where to be found, but now all of the sudden he has been making sure to call me everyday this week. He didn't call not even once during a whole week, that's the thing that bothers me. Meanwhile, everyone else that knows called at least more than a handful of times on multiple days just to listen and help problem solve (not pity me). Now that I think of it, it was a struggle to get in contact with him the week before that as well and in the last weeks of July he had minor cosmetic surgery. The night before he even went in I called him and then through out his recovery I checked in. 

 

He's soo self absorbed that in his own mind, he thinks he did nothing wrong. Maybe he's just a little right if he thinks that way about my home situation. I didn't actually ask him for anything but naturally if you really cared for someone you would offer help and check on them, right? Am I right or am I right? I'm just saying that was not a natural reaction towards a "loved" one. All I wanted was for this one person to listen to me, all I got was a, "You'll be alright", in a not endearing way but in a not being taken seriously and rush me off the phone and avoid me type of way. Which is really lame seeing as though I listen to him complain about things all the time. I just sit through it while the same thing is brought up on multiple conversations (pie in the face for me).

I think he's trying to scope me out now that is calling. Test the waters to see how mad I really am at him. Well, HELLO! I am pissed! Of course I don't choose to unleash this yet, I'm a classy Lady. I'm choosing to wait to collect myself so that I can have an adult conversation without losing my head instead of not having my thoughts together and making hasty decisions. All of that still doesn't get him off the hook about that other female though. I don't even think he knows that she did a friend request to me or if he does know that's why he's testing the waters. I'm still wondering what's her deal because I've added her on facebook but she has yet to send me a message or anything. BUT everytime I change my profile picture she changes hers to something similar to mine. Like she's in her own competition with herself because I sure hadn't been paying any mind to her until it then became a pattern. What she has on her wall concerning him is soo two years ago. On his facebook though, he added her recently as a friend again right before I decided to add him (weeks before this lastest disaster). Ugh! Never thought I'd be that girl whose boyfriend is getting caught up into facebook, of all things.

Stuff just isn't right. I never checked through his profile or even was friends with him on there until recently after knowing him for years. Just me trying to give some privacy and not become attached to facebook. There are other people out there that are interested in me and here I was stuck on stupid with this person. Silly me, I thought I was doing the right thing when you're in love. That is how it felt at least so far for this week.

*Yeah it feels good to get some ranting thoughts out.

My Infatuation For...

Ms. Solange Knowles

She is soo talented as I've said before.

Eccletic and eccentric is always a plus for me.

Being beautiful no matter what hairstyle.

  

I've always loved her album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. It is a classic for me with that retro soulful sound. Everyone can relate to every song with it's deep thoughtful lyrics. Every lyric to every song sure hits home for me. To pick just one favorite song is impossible!

Solange's video for song T.O.N.Y.

   



I can relate to her having a child while still being young herself.


I even enjoyed seeing her in an episode of my kid favorite show Yo GABBA GABBA!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCiywlKzzSM

Definition of Fun, Fearless, Female



I'm Back!

When life gives you lemons...

Yes, I was on a little hiatus since 08/14. Right when I got into a flow in this blog life my life took a turn for MAJOR changes. I was or still am taking a hit on my personal life and home situation. The good thing that came from this situation is that I now know who is 100% real in my life and I got the chance to get rid of the 100% fake in my life. Yeah that guy I was sooo smitten for? Out of my life, for good. The funny thing is when I went on facebook to delete him as a friend his other girlfriend (whom I had no clue of) did a friend request to me. So I added her and deleted him! This all happened while I'm dealing with the shock of my life, having to wonder am I going to lose my house or not. He knew what I was going through with the home situation and just turned his cheek to me AND my kid.

I cried over the house situation. How many tears have I shed over that more than a douche-bag? Absolutely 0. I have not shed not even one single tear for any of my past exes. I think I need some kind of counseling for that. It's like a wall when it comes to that, but I will cry over an abused animal commercial or sappy show. Hey, what can I say? I have better things to worry about and people to look after. I'm still very much feminine. I'm not like stone cold manly-man type with my emotions. I just never been the type to cry over guys. If anyone has ever seen me or heard me upset it wasn't over the guy it was more in disappointment of myself for allowing foolishness.

I'm a nice, smart, sassy female that anyone would be lucky to have. It's just ashame I have to be gone before anyone realizes that. When dudes get their priorities straight and finally realize that it will be too little, too late. So with dealing with all of these things one can understand why I wouldn't be in the mood for blogging at that particular moment. I especially did not want to be a downer on here. For now I'm back with some of the things I was thinking about before when I was still in my flow.

Etsy shop NewMoonStudio

"Bettieoncé"

I loved Beyoncé's look of last year, but hey, who didn't?!


The hair trend for African Americans
is more of blonde bombshell,
 I give her Bettie Page bangs a 10.



I especially love the "Why Don't You Love Me"
video, which was quietly released.

No surprise that this song was written by her sister Solange Knowles. She is very talented and more indie retro. I think I'm even more so a fan of Solange than Beyonce!

Refinery29.com does an AWESOME job of breaking down the looks in the video:

www.refinery29.com/were-inspired-by-beyoncs-new-video

The video: