Elephantastic!

Project Run and Play has started again...hooray!
This week it's a zoo over there...
It's the "Put Me in the Zoo!" challenge.

Our zoo animal inspiration comes from Zander's favorite literary animal...Gerald the elephant from Mo Willams Elephant & Piggie Series.

Gerald and Piggie are true friends and the dialog between them never fails make us laugh.  In our house, everyone from toddler to adult enjoys reading about their adventures!

Here's my take on an Elephantastic Gerald Outfit:

Dark grey textured linen pants with a funky fun graphic element.

I used the Treasure Pocket pants pattern from the book Sewing for Boys.  I don't usually show the inside of the pieces I sew, but these pants are an exception, I used all flat fell and french seams, so they are as beautiful on the inside as the outside!

The shirt is cool, comfy, casual seersucker in espresso and white stripes and has a bit of the graphic fabric as a contrast on the inner collar.

This is the Easy Linen Shirt pattern also from Sewing for Boys.  I think this shirt is a perfect lightweight layering piece.  I left the selvage ends on the bottom hem because they had the most beautiful green color threads running through.  I think it adds some shabby-chic casual elegance to the shirt.

This wasn't our most cooperative photo shoot...

But the outfit is Zander approved...(translation: after struggling for 15 minutes to get him into the clothes, and then begging him to do something other than stick his tongue out or hide behind the book for 20 minutes while I tried to take photos, he refused to take them off!)

Smile.........or whatever!!!

To see the PR&P contestant's fabulous creations and vote for your favorite look go here.

To see all of the amazing sew along looks go here.

linked up at...
project run and play, whipperberry, bacon time with the hungry hypo, it's so very cheri, it's overflowing, too much time on my hands, peek a boo pattern shop

Blueberry and Feta Topped Salad

I recently embarked on a weight loss journey.

But I won't bore you with the details of that today.

I only mention it because it has led me try some creative, healthy salads that have, shall we say, somewhat unexpected combinations of ingredients.

This Blueberry and Feta Topped Salad is so delicious and fresh and pretty, that I couldn't resist sharing it with you.  If you would like a few more adjectives, it is also low-fat, easy and downright yummy!

Blueberry Feta Topped Salad
baby arugula
baby spinach
small handful of blueberries (approx 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese
balsamic vinegar
lemon pepper

Toss together first 4 ingredients.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.  Sprinkle with lemon pepper to taste.
Enjoy!

p.s. I'm not endorsing any weight loss companies or websites shown in the photos.  I just thought their images were hi-larious!

Pattern Testing: Wee Muses' Prairie Rose

I had the absolute pleasure of testing the Prairie Rose pattern for Anneliese at Wee Muses Patterns. You may also know Anneliese from her blog Aesthetic Nest where she sews, crochets, cooks and entertains and shares beautiful photos of her adorable girls.  Or you may have seen one of her two Etsy shops Aesthetic Nest or Wee Muses,  in which she sells her sewing and crochet patterns and some fun printables.

The Prairie Rose Pattern includes a dress, top, skirt and pants that all feature over-sized ruffles reminiscent of southwestern, prairie style clothing.  I chose to sew the top and pants and was thrilled with how they turned out.

The pattern was easy to follow and the instructions were clear.  The construction of the pieces was cleverly simple.  I especially love how the ruffles on the blouse were created.  The pattern has tons of photos to guide you along.

This was the first Wee Muses pattern I have tried, and I am eager to sew some more!

I sewed this outfit for my sweet niece Julianna.

She jumped up and down and began dancing at the sight of the clothes...definitely a sign that she liked them!

I used a bold flower print for the top and a coordinating polka-dot for the pants.

I trimmed all of the ruffles with teeny-tiny turquoise pom-poms.  I also created a matching headband with the leftover fabric and trim.

When Julianna tried the outfit on, she wouldn't stop twirling around.

It is wonderful to sew for someone who loves and treasures the clothes!

I'm starting to think about ruffled Prairie Rose Christmas dresses.....hmmm.....are you?

This week Anneliese is offering a 20% off in either of her shops when you use the code  THANKS20 at check out!  The Prairie Rose pattern launches this week, so you can grab it with the discount!

linked up at: feather's flights, not just a houswife, aesthetic nest, the train to crazy