Candy Stick Lane

My Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this pizza and I usually get it at a local pub but they only serve pizzas on wednesdays...which sux. SO I decided to rock my own tonight and it was even better than theirs so I wanted to share the love. My apologies to all my veg head friends - look away - LOOK AWAY ;)

Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza (5 WW Points per slice)
2 Large Thin and Crispy Ready Pizza Crusts (not frozen)
1/2 lb Ground Chuck (80% lean)
1/2 Yellow Onion
1/2 Tube Jimmy Dean Sausage (any flavor)
1 PkgTurkey Pepperoni
1 Pkg Thick Sliced Deli Ham
4 Slices Bacon (cooked)
1/2 lb raw shrimp
1 (2c) bag Mozzarella
1 Jar Tomato Basil Sauce

I season my shrimp with garlic powder and paprika and let it sit while I'm doing the rest of the prep. Then brown the beef, sausage and onion in a pan. Once browned top with garlic powder.Now Spread 1/2c sauce on each pizza evenlythen divide the meat/onion mixture in half and add to each pizzanext add about 15 pepperonis to each pizzaChop the ham and bacon and add half to each onethen take your RAW shrimp chop in bite size pieces and put half on each pizza (DO NOT COOK SHRIMP FIRST OR THEY WILL GET TOUGH AND RUBBERY...is that a word?)Top with half the cheese on each and bake at 350 until the shrimp are done and the cheese is meltedMakes 2 Large Pizzas (8 big slices each)Total cost for ingredients with pans was $31.And, of course, I had bacon, ham, pepperoni, sauce and onion left over. (I usually pay $20 at East Side Grill for one of these and it's much smaller than one of mine)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

Meet Karen

I realize I'm a bit late but ya know that's how I roll Yo! ;)This years resolution list is rather small and simple.1. Fresh Food - No Chemicals2. Write something in my journal every daySimple right? :D the fresh food is fantastic - I feel tons better! And I discover new foods almost everyday. I'm stepping back into my domestic self and it feels good.My friend Karen, who I've been working with for the past two years shared her before and after pic with me today and I was totally blown away. I knew she had lost weight but I had no idea how much. It took her a little over a year to reach her goal weight. She completely cut out fast food (she said that they were eating off of McDonalds dollar menu 3/4 times a week. She implemented portion control and fresher foods and she hits the gym almost every day. I was crazy inspired by this image and I hope it inspires you as well.
I saw Dr Oz's 28 days to a fresh start in this months Oprah magazine. I'll do it in February since there are 28 days in the month. So if you want to play along I'll be posting every morning to let you know the days challenge. I've read over it the first day is implementing Green Tea into your diet...so I've started now trying to ween myself off of coffee....verdict is still out :P I LOOOOOOVE coffee. Another biggie for me is Mellow Yellow - which I had already cut back to a couple a week, since starting Weight Watchers. By the way I haven't posted a picture in a while! I'm super happy with the steadily shrinking Renee. I put on about 7 pounds over the holidays but since the new year - I've been coming back down and I love wearing my smaller jeans!

if you were wondering....I LOVE tube tops!

Karen and I will be trying the 'Green Drink' tomorrow morning for breakfast. If you are unfamiliar with this - it's what Dr Oz drinks every morning for breakfast. Lots of nutrients and good for your guts splendidness. If you're interested in the recipe HERE IT IS. If you try it let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your resolutions or new leaf turnovers if you're rocking any this year :)Smooches!

Love New Projects-SO excited

2011-12-13T17:46:00.001-08:00

The editor of Model Life Magazine contacted me this week and ask that I contribute an artistic section to the magazine for the girls - something they will want rip out of the magazine and interact with. My first submission will be Jan 2012 - I'm stoked of course! One of my most favorite activities growing up was playing with paper dolls - and coming in 2nd was coloring so I thought what would be better than combining the two and allowing the girls to not only determine skin/hair color but the colors in the clothing and the accessories.

I finished my first draft today and then I tried it out myself and I had a blast I LOVE paper dolls. December's issue was great - it really is a rock out magazine. Model Life Magazines Facebook Fan Page is a great resource and you can also browse December's issue HERE

.If you're interested in advertising the editors are offering a great deal right now

Update

2011-11-22T18:27:00.001-08:00

I'm still skating (and luvin it) I'm down to 241 which ROOOOOOOOOOOCKS (that's 35 pounds down)! I'm doing ok with the WW online but I do miss the meetings! Proceeding forwarding with my fingers crossed for a successful Thanksgiving!

My New Old Skates...that RoCk

2011-11-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

...so as you know I will be getting new skates with taxes this year - and Ive been using a friends old skates until then. His skates were 2 sizes too big though and I sustained a stress fracture wearing them :/ BUT a co worker brought me her old skates today and they fit perfectly AND they were white....not anymore! :D I love them and I can't wait for monday night! XO

Weight Watchers is ending :(

2011-10-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well. The Weight Watchers at work program has come to the end of it's 8 weeks. I got 12 weeks online for free so I still have a few more weeks. I will be renewing online but we only have a few people who are interested in continuing WW at work and we have to have 15 so that's a wrap! It makes me sad but I have no intentions of turning back now - I've lost almost 20 pounds and I feel GREAT! If anyone else is doing the online thing I would love to network - so holla at me! We are still skating on Monday nights and sometimes on the weekends - when I have the money - and we love it! We would totally go 7 days a week if we could! All of the 3 kiddos are proud owners of speed skates now - Roman and Sterlings skates have arrived and we're still waiting on Krystals. I will be waiting until I get tax money back to get mine. Here's some shots of my new waistline that keeps coming in ;)

...have I mentioned - I love my girl! She's the best!

2011-10-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

So...today on Pinterest I found I recipe that I had to try TONIGHT. This Pizza Casserole is delicious - I'm so glad we tried it! The only thing I will change next time is I will use pepperoni inside the casserole as well as on top. A few things I did different - only because we prefer it this way- we put Parmesan cheese and hot sauce on our individual servings (just like we do our pizzas) and I broiled it for a few seconds to brown the cheese and make the pepperonis crisp :) Definitely a recipe score - you will love it I'm sure! Find the Recipe HERE on FOR MAMAS BLOG. Smooches!

today's weigh in - WOOT!

2011-09-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

So I had weigh in today and I've dropped another 1.6 which puts me under 250 - for the first time in over 10 years! Im Stoked! ::)

...once upon a time there was a girl

2011-09-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up - me and my bestie Candy lived at the skating rink. The entire weekend we were rolling. I loved skating, but had somehow forgotten during my adult life how much fun it was...how had I not exposed my kids to the joys of rolling around a rink at what seems like 50 miles an hour to great music? And not only that... it seems like over the last 10 years, through all the deaths and disappointments; upheaval and heartbreak I had somehow lost myself. The only thing I kept alive was my need to be at a sewing machine or have a crochet hook in my hand. But slowly and surely over the last couple of years - the vibrant Renee is making her way back to herself, the weight loss, the getting all of my (5) ex's things that were remaining in my closet out, de- cluttering the house, having all the kids back home...I feel my inner me growing and coming back - no longer stomped down by all that black sticky anger...being on the rink last night was profound...and I realize that sounds silly - but I felt alive and free - the same feeling it was for me 20 years ago (the only time I felt free back then). So - we will be attending 80s Jamz night at the rink every Monday from here on out! We all had such a good time...it feels good to be home...if ya know what I mean!

2011-09-25T06:56:00.001-07:00

See How Yarn is made :) Very interesting - I thought!

I Finally Tried the Marble Nail Technique!

2011-09-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

Points Plus

2011-08-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been so preoccupied lately I haven't mentioned anything about my weight loss. I've been doing Weight Watchers Points Plus for 3 weeks. I've lost a little over 10 pounds. I like it because of the online/mobile tools -I'm used to tracking but I hate having to keep up with pieces of paper - since I can track on my phone - I'm not having to keep up with extra crap :)

The weight is coming down slowly but surely. I'm excited to meet my first goal of 10% less. I will weigh 236 when I do and I can already tell a BIG difference in the way I feel and how my clothes fit.

The only reason I was able to commit to the program is b/c they brought the meetings to work during lunch time - that way I'm still able to keep my CSL Studio schedule! YAY ME!

Changes I've made that are making a difference: Keeping fresh food in the house in stead of crap food. I keep fresh fruits and cheese at work to snack on instead of killing the M&M canister all day at work - that seems to be where the bulk of troublesome mindless eating comes into play. When I want a cupcake or one of my other favs - I eat one...period. But I have found that since I have fresh snacks to munch on when I'm stressed that I only really want a cupcake once a week or even less. The only other thing I've done is I take the stairs instead of the elevator at work. I haven't figured out how to fit meaningful exercise in to my schedule yet but I'm working on it.

I hope everyone is having a great day! The weather is so great here today - I know the far east coast is suffering - you're in my thoughts!

Smooches!

Make a Tube Top/Dress from a Tshirt

2011-08-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Make a ButterCream Halter

2011-08-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

I know I've caught the tute bug lately but I can't help it!

I finished up the ButterCream halter tute last night (well this morning at 3am)

You can get it HERE on Candy Stick Lane. com

I got a new hat today from Mindy Rolle of Rolle Photography! She makes the most awesome prop hats!

WORD TO YA MUTHA!!!!

Make Leg Warmers from Tshirts

2011-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

My First Video Tutorial

2011-08-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do these for a really long time - and since Krystal is home she can hold the cam while I blab ;) This is how to make a basic halter from a tshirt that fits you already or is a bit big. Enjoy!

CSL Ad Vid Clip

2011-08-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

One of my customers made this and I LOVE it!!!! :D

New Customer Pics!

2011-07-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

Awesomeness

2011-07-30T21:06:00.001-07:00

I was thrilled to get these pics! I made this dress from an old tshirt and some scraps of tulle and sequined fabrics...specifically for this beauty's shoot. Head Piece by Couture Candy, Make up by Illusions Face and Body art and photography by Illusions.

Why do they make the cutest things in kids sizes?

2011-07-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

...so Krystal needed to find some shorts....and off to the mall we went. Stopped by Old Navy and found that they had THE CUTEST Hello Kitty tees (((IN KIDS SIZES ONLY)))) ...seriously? So you know - I couldn't leave without the Kitty Cuppy Tee. And I grabbed a pink tee in my size for a mere 3.99. So I cut the graphic off of the kiddy tee and appliqued it on the tee that fit me and then I turned it into a buttercream halter and guess what? Im In love! WHEEEEEEEEE!

Pink Tee $3.99

Hello Kitty Childs Tee 10.49

= AwEsOmE HK Halter $14.50

...and yes YES Krystal got a new tee too! But her monster kept trying to eat my kitter ;)

Been Working....

2011-07-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

and I must say - luvin what I'm doing ;)

they're not up on the site yet - but you can see more pics on CSLs Facebook.

2011-06-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Awesome New Pics from Child Light Photography :) Hat to share!

You know I only share AwEsOmE Tutes...

2011-06-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

...and this one IS! Head over to HOMEMADE GINGER and learn to make Roman Shades from your mini blinds! Incred! Im totally doing every window in the house! YAY!

CrAzY BuSy

2011-05-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not even gonna blab about how busy Ive been - but everyone has passed the End of Grade Testing. Krystal is graduating. Sterling was accepted to Art Space Charter School YAY! and Roman will be going to the new intermediate school. Lots of changes. LOTS of orders (my wait list is a month and a half for a custom order). I'm a happy gal! I wanted to share some of my fav's from the studio recently since I haven't been doing weekly updates (Ive been having TONS of fun)

Oh! And my crocheted shawl was featured in sprinkle magazine :) It is available in this color and in Merlot and Eggplant. If you're interested CLICK HERE to be whisked away to the listing!

....sigh

2011-04-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

YUUUUUUUM!

2011-04-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

I will have to exercise like mad to burn these off BUT OH MY GOD these cookies are divine and they are SUPER easy! The kids had a blast making them! If you like Cakesters - these are very similar! ok

Here's the Recipe ♥

Mix - 1 Box Cake Mix * 1 Egg * 1/4c Oil * 1/4c Buttermilk

until its cookie dough consistency

Roll into 1/2" balls and place on cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 8-10 mins

Let cool then Let the icing fun begin - we added sprinkles!
I think this recipe would be diving with Lemon cake mix/icing, Red Velvet cake mix with cream cheese icing and chocolate mix with german choco icing YUM!

2 lbs...3 days and It didnt hurt lol

2011-03-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

I've decided I'll be weighing on Mondays and Fridays - So I've gone from 269.5 to 267.5! YAY! AND the only thing I've done is make sure I stay under my calorie suggestion on live strong :) No exercise- but I have been drinking my 8 glasses of water, that's not hard for me because I drink like 2 gallons of liquid a day so I just make sure that 64 oz of it is water :D Now, I realize that this first 2 pounds is probably water weight but - none the less I feel accomplished! AND check out my new limited edition Warner Brothers Prince tee I won from eBay - it's undergoing surgery tomorrow at the studio to get ready for the big concert! EEEEEEEK! XO

p.s. I think maybe that itty bitty 2 pounds came from that little indention...see it there in the midst of the fat roll....yeah, that one! BWAH!

Blehk....Weight Loss!

2011-03-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

well cod fish! I hate to even speak of dieting - HATE! I hate that people obsess over it and people are unhappy with the way they look! you know how I am about that sort of thing - and before now I would NEVER even consider cutting back on what I consume - I am all pro-pleasure and all! SO - several people over the last few weeks have commented on the weight I'm loosing and I look great and bla bla so I decided to go weigh and...

HOLY COW BELLS! I've gained exactly 20 pounds in less than a month - SHAEEEESH! So I started thinking how could this happen - I haven't changed my eating habits....and then it HIT me! Those Damn Caramel Mocha's from Mickey D's that I've been getting every morning for the last 6 weeks, that I love with all my heart! :( WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! (((and I totally did that out loud))) what the crap will I do without the cafe mochas!

After some testing of green teas, black teas, and every other color tea - I have determined that there is just not enough caffeine in tea - I'm totally falling asleep before lunch - This morning I tried Starbucks double shot lite - it has 70 calories; and although it tasted like corroborator fluid - I've been going strong since this morning...so - I guess that's a cha ching for the caffeine.

The down side of this blissful ephifany is I started thinking about my weight. I've always been thick and I like it, I love my curves and I think I'm a sexy mo -fo (oh speaking of...Im going to see Prince on Monday EEEEEEEEK~) but the fact is My biological Mother is morbidly obeast, she weighed almost 500 pounds until she had her stomach stapled. And my father had diabetes and then died of a heart attack at 50 AND one of my brothers died of a heart attack at 40 :( ...not to mention the fact that I work at a genetics center and I know all to well that heredity has everything to do with it SO Renee is officially pulling her head out of her (voluminous) ass and cutting down! I'm saying it for all the world to hear I weigh 269 and I'm gonna plug away until I'm at 200 and see how I feel :D

I joined livingwell.com today and I'm too impressed with how awesome it is! I've also started keeping a journal handy so every time I start to snack at work (which is where it all goes down because I work with amazing women who bring treats to work every day) I jot down that I want to snack and anything else that's on my mind...turns out there is alot on my mind lol!

hmmmmm....

2011-03-21T19:03:00.001-07:00

Someone's got a new do! :D and LOVES it! I also am totally in love with the new hair candy by Return to Eden! YAY

2011-03-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

...just finished a custom dress for a little girl going to a breakfast at Tiffanys :)

How to...Crochet Your Own Cupcake Garland (DIY Tutorial by Twinkie Chan) + Giveaway!

2011-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

How to...Crochet Your Own Cupcake Garland (DIY Tutorial by Twinkie Chan) + Giveaway!

New Hair

2011-02-14T19:23:00.001-08:00

WINNER

2011-02-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Stephanie Stayton! She and her 5 year old cutie are the winners of the Fancy Nancy Giveaway. She's a FaceBook Fan! I will be doing another Fancy Nancy in the spring! Im so excited to make the outfit and see it on :) YAY!

((((FANCY NANCY GIVEAWAY))))

2011-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge Fancy Nancy Fan and I know lots of my girls are to! I was in B&N today and saw her Vday book on the counter! I LOVED her little heart outfit on the inside cover and I'm dying to make one SO I grabbed a copy of the book and here's the specs! One lucky little girl will win a FN Heart to Heart book AND a replica FN outfit just like the one pictured on the right side of this pic! YAY! To enter just comment underneath this pic ♥

For my sewing friends-a GIVEAWAY

2011-01-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

So....I found a pattern last week that I HAD to have....this rarely happens, because I've been sewing so long that I feel like there's 'nothing I haven't seen before' - no pattern necessary...but I saw this pattern and fell in love! So I bought it Friday and tried it out on Saturday.

Now, of course I made some adjustment for the fact that I'm using old tshirts instead of a big piece of knit, but it turned out GREAT! I was so impressed that I now own 4 more of GingerLouise's patterns. I contacted the shop owner, Laura and she has generously agreed to let me host a giveaway and the BIG news....4 WINNERS! Yep! F O U R~ We'll be giving away the following: (click on the pics to go to the listing)

You can see from the amount of sold items that her patterns ROCK!

To enter, simply Let me know your favorite item from GingerLouise's Shop

For additional entries...FOLLOW her Blog, TWITTER or become her FAN on FACEBOOK and leave a separate comment for all three. Also, post about this giveaway on any of your pages and leave a link here for another entry.

I will accept entries the entire week...and draw winners on Sunday, January 23.

Smooches!

Gettin Personal

2011-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by Dstripped Magazine for an interview and it just published. You may learn more about me than you want to know but here it is :) Click the pic to read the interview.

Fun Times and a TUTE

2011-01-15T22:07:00.001-08:00

I found this TUTORIAL on Gussys blog for Finger Knitting and it ROCKS! You must try it!

So after I made my Pink one I decided to make on out of a variegated yarn....and I kinda got carried away while I was watching TV and now I have 4 LOL!

As for clothing...from Top Left Corner: Victorian Halter Dress, Rock Out Tie, Eric Clapton Dress, Pretty Girl Bib, Juicy Couture Bib, Elmo Shirt, Leopard ruffled leg warmers, No Doubt Set, Lady GaGa Dress, Speedracer Dress and I put new sleeves on a onesie for a customer :)

The New 365 Day Challenge

2011-01-13T03:57:00.000-08:00

We've started back up for the new year. This year you can choose 365 days, 52 weeks or 12 months commitment. I chose to post every week. Posting every day last year was daunting to me. If you want to join we'd love to have you- it's so much fun! And you get LOTS done~ CLICK HERE to see the madness that is the 365 Creative Challenge

Women I love

2011-01-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

We've been snowed in 4 times already this winter - which has left me no choice but to drown myself in Movies on Netflix and On demand. As most of you know - I am so inspired by women entrepreneurs and artist; strong women, full of life and passion for what they do.I have kept a scrapbook of women entrepreneurs since I was in middle school and it has morphed into 2 binders now with approx 200 profiles. I love to read about these women and learn what they know to be true. I've posted about Julia Child, Martha Stewart and Kimora Lee along with others in the past, but tonight I'd like to tell you about 2 A M A Z I N G women....well I'll just give you blips and if you'd like to read up on them, then you can.

The last storm we had I watched Frida; a film about Frida Kahlo, a Mexican Artist who contracted polio at age 6 and suffered from spina bifida. When she was 18 she was in a trolly accident. She suffered serious injuries in the accident, including a broken spinal column, a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a broken pelvis, eleven fractures in her right leg, a crushed and dislocated right foot, and a dislocated shoulder. An iron handrail pierced her abdomen and her uterus, which seriously damaged her reproductive ability.

Although she recovered from her injuries and eventually regained her ability to walk, she was plagued by relapses of extreme pain for the remainder of her life. The pain was intense and often left her confined to a hospital or bedridden for months at a time. She underwent as many as thirty-five operations as a result of the accident, mainly on her back, her right leg and her right foot.

She painted anyway with the help of a special easel that she could use in bed while she was incapacitated. Her art is very intense and colorful and full of emotion. For more information: HER BIOGRAPHY~ HER PAINTINGS ~ BOOKS ABOUT HER

Sunday night I watched the movie La Vie en Rose; a movie about Edith Piaf, a French Singer who grew up without her parents, who abandoned her, and she lived for a short time with her maternal grandmother, then her father took her to his mother, who ran a brothel in Normandy. There, prostitutes helped look after Edith.

From the age of three to seven, Piaf was blind as a result of keratitis.

At the age of 14, she joined her father in his acrobatic street performances all over France, where she first sang in public and from that went to cabaret and then was discovered and become a cultural icon and universally regarded as France's greatest popular singer. In America, she is most famous for her song La Vie en Rose which has been covered by many, many other singers. Her voice is so powerful even after she was so sick and decrepit, her voice remained strong. The passion in her songs will bring you to tears. HER BIOGRAPHY ~ HER MUSIC ~ BOOKS ABOUT HER

AACHK!

2011-01-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

...send in reinforcements we're being buried alive!

I am so sick of snow - we can't get a break for more than a few days before another storm comes through. We got about 5" of snow Friday so I didn't get to the studio on Saturday but Sunday was sunny so I got out and sewed for several hours before I had to take cover for the big storm that hit Sunday night. We have about a foot of snow, the roads are impassible...even for my 4 wheel drive, well actually I could probably get out if I wanted to but ....eh! I'll just lay around in my pjs all day and crochet...sounds like a winner to me!

I'm working on a heart scarf for Valentines day and on little valentines for my co-workers. I do these same little hearts every year but this year I'm using a huge hook (N) and bulky yarn! Love 'em. If you'd like the big heart tutorial click HERE.

The little hearts instructions follow...change hook size and yarn weight to vary size.

CHain 4

(the entire pattern is worked in 3rd chain from hook)

3 Triple Crochet

3 Double Crochet

CHain 1

Triple Crochet

CHain 1

3 Double Crochet

3 Triple Crochet

Slip Stitch and tie off.

these babies are super easy and fast lots of FUN!

Sometimes I amaze myself...

2011-01-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

It doesn't happen very often...but every once in a while I look at something I've made and gasp - it happened today with this shrug and skirt set!

And I'm SO in love with the Jimi dress - he's one of my favs!

SOOOO Excited for the New Year!

2010-12-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'm all about change....and to think - we have a brand new year to play with! WOOT! I mean, seriously - what all can you do with 365 days YAY!

2010 has been an incredible year; especially the last 3 months! My first fashion show....a quadruple in sales, thanks to Face Book WOW! Im super stoked about what 2011 will hold! I put together a lil collage of some of my most fav dresses from CSL and Rewind...

Happy New Year and Best Wishes to ALL YA'LL! Thank you for being a part of my days...weeks and years! I enjoy talking and getting to know each of you! YOU ROCK! XOXO

MUWAH!

SUPER easy and AWESOME twirlled edge scarf

2010-12-26T07:58:00.001-08:00

I stumbled upon this gem early this morning - can't wait to get some yarn and try it! The only stitch is the single crochet so this would be a fantastic project for a beginner! Full video tutorial. Just click the screen shot!

2010-12-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Easiest - Cutest - Cheapest - Fastest - Warmest Gift EVER!

2010-12-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

I found this tutorial on Just Another Hang Ups Blog. The Easy Peasy Scarf...and it is just that! The bonus is - the scarf is gorgeous no matter what type or print fleece you use! You MUST try it! Makes a GREAT gift - I've made probably 25-30 in the lat week and I'll be making another 10+ tomorrow! Perfect for a female teacher! If you are a seasoned sewer, the scarf will take you maybe 5 minutes from start to finish...if you're a novice then 10 -15 mins tops!

I don't even measure - I make one scarf from a 1/4 yard. I fold it in half length wise...and again and then cut it right down the middle - sew the two ends together to make one long piece and scrunch away. You get 2 from 1/2 yard, etc.

From Merry Us to Happy You!

2010-12-15T18:10:00.000-08:00

Whatever you celebrate this season CELEBRATE BIG!!

Remember me?

2010-12-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

I'm the crazy lady with no time to post on her blog...hee hee

I hope everyone is enjoying the madness of the holiday shopping season :) I have actually painted my nails twice - both times after going to bed b/c that seems to be the only down time I have lately. The butterfly wings were much prettier than the pic show - you know how camera phone pics go...If you'd like the tutes for either of these designs, just click the pics and *POOF* you'll be there! Happy Holidays if I don't talk to you before the new year! XOXO

...when Otters attack!

2010-11-28T08:23:00.001-08:00

...Meg

2010-11-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

One of my Bestie's, Angie, got a new Kitty after her sweet Luna died last week....

I call her Meg (even though Angie doesn't) because she reminds me of Meg from the White Stripes! I love her.

Great Gift Idea for Kids to Give

2010-11-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

I handle the magazine subscriptions for the office waiting area and one is Birds and Blooms...now I NEVER look through this magazine because it never fails - there are always 2-3 pics of a bird with a worm or a grub in their beak....blehk! Im scared TO DEATH of any type of worm, even little inch worms - you have NO idea! But the cover of this months issue was so gorgeous that I couldn't help it...and there was only one little worm pic! WHEW!

So - as I was trollying through the magazine, what did my wandering eyes but appear? Cuppies...for birds?! YES! How fantastic! AND with all the different cuppy wrappers they have now - you can really go all out! This would be so much fun for your kids to give teachers and grandparents - the recipe is so easy - they can help make them and then enjoy some fun window viewing of the birds enjoying their treat! YAY! Here's the recipe!

Melt 1c Shortening and 2c chunky peanut butter over low heat until melty and then add in 5c cornmeal. Put the mixture into cupcake liners and then top with your choice of bird seed or nuts! Make sure you include a recipe card with recipe when you give the gift so the recipient can make more! XOXO

Fashion Show Pics YIPPEE!!!

2010-11-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

I tried to only pick a couple but I couldn't, but since there are so many I won't put captions under each! XOXO

SUCCESS

2010-11-13T04:46:00.001-08:00

The Trashion Show was a HUGE success - I absolutely had the time of my life! I don't have time to post all the pics now - Im getting ready to head to the studio for the studio stroll! ...if you're local you should totally come by! HERES THE INFO. (Candis made a ton of cupcakes for me to serve) Ill leave you with a couple of pics and the article from the MOUNTAIN EXPRESS this morning! SMOOCHES! ps I will tell you that I LOOOOOOVED walking the runway - Im hooked!!! hee hee

hee hee

2010-11-11T20:37:00.001-08:00

Trashion Show

2010-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Next Friday night the 12th Candy Stick Lane will be participating in it's first fashion show! at Trash Inc. YAY! I've been sewing like mad...I was actually in the studio for 12 hours today and Ill be there all week sewing away!

The Fashion Show will feature artist in Asheville that re-use or re-purpose. There are about 12 other designers - we can each invite 10 people. The cover is a suggested $10 donation at the door and all proceeds will go to Brother Wolf Pet Rescue (where me and the kiddos will be volunteering in a couple more weeks). I will be donating 100% of my sales to the rescue as well!

Each designer can show up to 12 designs on the runway - so Im stoked about seeing everyones things....especially mine! Super Moms gals will be on the runway as well as lots of my other friends and their kids! EEEEEEEK! Ill keep you posted and you can always count on me for tons of pics! If you're local and want to come - message me and I'll get tickets for you~

My First Cuppy :)

2010-11-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

I made my first cuppy from Twinkies book tonight. Her instructions are incredible! SERIOUSLY! I had the bright idea to use a bulky yarn with pastel spots so the cuppy would look like it's frosted with that confetti icing...well, it looks fluffy and yummy but crocheting with bulky yarn is friggin insane! SHEESH! Once you get the loop going - it dreads together and you cant see or feel anything - omg! LOL! I said lots of colorful words! BUT I finished it! The Cherry was TOO fun! LOVE it! This is the only fluffy cuppy I'll be making! I think I'll put this one on a hat and from now on it's regular yarn for the me! hee hee

WOOHOO!

2010-11-02T20:18:00.001-07:00

I'm crocheting cookies like mad! LOL and LOVIN every minute of it! I got pics tonight of my favorite pair of Rewind Leggings (the headphones) Eric donated the rock out tshirt and it made for some awesome leggings! Indeed! She also sent pics of the DC dress

XO Thanks Kenyatta!

OMG OMG OMG! I got my Twinkie Chan Book today!

2010-11-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

SO this is totally the best day EVER!!! Roman called me at work to tell me I got a package - and I was expecting it to be a shirt that a customer was sending but NO!!!! it was MY TWINKIE CHAN BOOK!!!!! WOOOOHOOO!!! As soon as we finish dinner I'm gonna dive right in! I haven't been yarns shopping yet but Ill use some odds and ends I have in my yarn basket and then I'll get yarn this weekend! Im super stoked!!! And for your viewing pleasure....check out Twinkies Yarn Wall in her studio! ZOINKS!

2010-10-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

My hairs on fire!

2010-10-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

AHCK! Ive totally been MIA and I know! I went out of town last weekend and now i have to move it to catch up on orders! Hopefully by next weekend Ill be back to normal....well, my version of normal anyway :) In the meantime heres some cute customer pics XO

In my new Hoody Dress

Peace Love and Cupcakes

And at the Breast Cancer Walk!

Learned a fun new stitch tonight

2010-10-12T16:16:00.001-07:00

The single rib stitch! LOVE IT!

HOORAY for Yarn Season!!!!

2010-10-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

I love cool weather because it reminds me to drag the yarn container out! YAY YAY YAY!

First on the menu a granny square cowl in shades of tomato

and 2nd a royal sunrise wrap for a pretty little girl in NY! (if you're interested in the pattern and instructions for the royal sunrise...CLICK HERE...there are 8 vid clips in all)

I went to Super Moms today to nab this AWESOME scarf she crocheted me last week! I LOVE it - it's made from cotton so it feels oh so good!!! Thanks Love! .....and she had Krispy Kreme EEEEEEEEEK! XO

*Please excuse the crappy cell phone pics -I was too lazy to get up and make a real pic - crochet relaxes me so :)

New Pics from Rach

2010-10-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Rachael and Kenzie ROCKED THESE!!!!

Guurrrl goes to Paris!

2010-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

ok SO! As I get older I totally crave things that I've been afraid of before and at the top of that list is flying! I have never flown...sigh and before this year I wouldn't have considered it but I'm totally dying to fly anywhere - EVERYWHERE! You all know Guurrrl....my friend Gail! She is in Paris as we speak and the pics from the plane and on the ground are breath taking! I swear in the next few weeks I'm gonna hop a plane from Asheville to the next town over just so I can say I've done it! Me and my Candy are in talks about flying to NY for my birthday! HOW AWESOME WILL THAT BE!!! EEEEEEEEEEEK! I've decided to make a bucket list of everything I have never done and want to - places I've always wanted to go - and I'm gonna do 'em! I don't know what I've been waiting on but its a wrap peoples! I will post the list once it's done! Do you guys have anything you've never done that you wanna do? I'd love to know what! OH and here's pics of Gail in Paris in the Gatsby dress! YAY! How cute is she in my most popular dress - And it was meant to be in Paris! Thanks for the pics Sweets!

WINNER

2010-09-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hear Ye Hear Ye!

The winner of the fantastic singer sewing book is Amber...Comment Number 1! Amber you'll have to contact me - I don't have your info~

Smooches!

I'm reading a new book

2010-09-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Since I've stalked Kimora Lee Simmons and read everything she's written...I thought I'd start on Russell now! LOL! Actually, I've been wanting to read this book forever! And I have to share 'nuggets' - you now how I do it! So here we go.... short and sweet!

Law Number One: See your vision and stick with it: Degrees are helpful, but they won't guarantee you success in the business world. Only faith and dedication to your vision can do that! *I dream my painting and paint my dream* Vincent Van Gogh

Have a great weekend! OX

Sharing Customer Pics

2010-09-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

LOVE these two newbies from Rachael! She is so awesome! I will be doing a blog post on her and her multitasking skills soon! YAY! I have so many custom orders backed up (Thanks to Rach) that I don't think Ill be stocking the shop anytime soon. But if you want to see the custom garments (like these two) that I'm churning out - you can see them on my facebook page...WHAT?! your not my fb friend?!!??! tisk.... ;) CLICK HERE to become my friend!

Happy Me + Impulse Buy = Giveaway Baby!

2010-09-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

...so...me and my boys had a date tonight :) we went to Cici's and then Books a Million...one of our most favorite dates! So Look at my loot!

I grabbed Oprah's new Issue - all about a more powerful you...Russell's book, Ive been wanting to read it forever AND look at the crochet handbook! EEEEEEK! And check out my new portable desk...in argyle YES! EPIC SCORE for only 10 dollars~~

.....and see the super fun 'Pattern Free Fashions & Accessories' That's all you baby! I picked it up just for you! hee hee! I saw it and thought OMG! I will grab that and give it away! YAY! AND! See my sweet treats Pens - THEY SMELL OH SO SWEET! And the Winner can have one...just not the cuppy one ;) hee hee!

SO if you're interested in the sewing book and sweet smelling pen...all you need to do to enter is leave me a comment telling me what your MOST favorite thing is :) I will run the giveaway for a week - make sure you leave me your email addy so I can contact you if you win!.....okay I'm off to try the new nail polish tutorial!

Smooches!

Zac Posen Leopard Nail Tutorial

2010-09-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

CLICK THE PIC FOR THE PHOTO TUTORIAL :)

Free Paper Doll Pattern! YUM!!

2010-09-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

My Friend Monica Shared this Link with me tonight and I HAD to share :) CLICK THE PIC TO GO TO THE DOWNLOAD

Great Gift Idea for you Crafty Sewing Divas

2010-09-15T04:14:00.001-07:00

I found this pattern on the DIY DISH this morning and Im including the link for the free pdf download HERE!

Smooches!

You Gals know how much I love Twinkie Chan....

2010-09-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, OMG! She has a pattern book coming out in November!!!! EEEEEK!

'OMG MOM YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIEDO'

2010-09-14T15:31:00.001-07:00

That's what I heard and THIS is what I saw! Madness!!

tisk TISK...I fall in love SO easily....

2010-09-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

...what can I say....she had me from hello.

I get the daily emails from Etsy and I'm always stalking for new editions of their 'Quit Your Day Job' series....cause, ummm, I totally wanna quit my day job *clearing throat*.

Today's email contained one such feature and the remarkable artist is Idle Hands Designs. The interview was fabulous and her shop is a delight for the senses in every way! I'm totally not into owls or the whole mustache movement but guess what?! I will be buying a owl ring or two and a mustache necklace for myself for Christmas this year...AND with no further adieu....

....you all know I have commitment issues - so I'm sure I'll have a new love soon :)
Smooches!

Win the item of your choice from either of my shops

2010-09-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

This week is the GIVEAWAY week on the 365 days creation challenge...we're winding up the year and going out with a bang! Today you can enter to win any one item from either of my shops! Head on over and check it out CLICK HERE

...and here's what I made tonight :)

Feeling LOTS better

2010-09-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

So me and the boys went to the studio and I cranked out 2 custom sets and a skirt and hat from a recycled sweater :) ....it felt SO good to be sewing. It did put a little strain on my back but once we got home Sterling hooked me up with a back massage - I swear his hands are perfect and hot?! I have never known anyone - especially a kid - EXCUSE ME...Pre Teen...hee hee-to have hot hands. I've explained that maybe he should get his license in massage therapy and earn money through that while going to culinary school...I mean he's obviously gonna be a hunk...I seriously think he could rake it in. lol! but I've got another 7 years before we even start down that road so...here's my goods from tonight!!!

Smooches!

OPEN UP IT'S THE POLICE

2010-09-05T13:09:00.001-07:00

So! I was laying in bed this Sunday afternoon. Sterling is in his room on the computer....Roman is outside riding bikes with the neighbors kids....life is grand....my backs feeling better...I haven't had to use nose spray all day...feeling like I'll go to the studio after dinner......and then KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Hope charges the door and it scares the shit out of me....I jump up - grab my robe - lock Hope up so she doesn't eat the police officer who is abruptly spitting snuff spit on my deck...ummmm -seriously?! WTF. over and over and over again - how am I supposed to hear what he's saying. Oh well - turns out Mr Roman and the girls decided to sit on a car that was stranded on the side of the road and it dented in the roof so the owners came back and called the cops....I'm furious. That's all

Got Spasms?

2010-09-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Lol! I cant help but laugh at myself....I've been in bed sick with a virus since Tuesday and I totally don't know what to do with myself because I'm never sick - I couldn't take it anymore so I went to the studio for a couple of hours today (which was WONDERFUL) . The weather was so gorgeous - I think the high was in the 70s, but I guess my back was weak from laying in the bed all week and I pulled something as soon as I got up into the truck! HUMPH!! So I spent the entire day making that crazy 'OMG THAT HURT SO BAD I CAN'T BREATHE' noise...you know the one where you turn a certain way and the muscle spasms and it cuts everything off at once and the only thing that comes out your mouth is that (((glottal attack)))! Yep, that's me - I can't tell you how many times today I was conversing with people at the studio and mid sentence a big ol' HUEP comes out - complete with my tensing brow and grabbing my back! ...and now I'm back in bed...making the same noise every time I move, Hope has even retreated to the boys room because I'm apparently freakin her out LOL! So....here I am, one o'clock in the a.m. ....conversing with the blog designer (there's a new blog design in the works YAY) all alone, in the dark...just me - you - and the laptop!

Smooches! XO

What to do...

2010-08-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

This will be a rambling post...of sorts! I guess I'll just start at the beginning and when I get to the end I'll stop....(the first person to tell me what movie that came from can have a $10 Gift Cert to either of my shops! Candy Stick Lane or The Jump Off)

So I guess the most pressing issue is I have more orders than I ever have before. I had a customer buy 5 dresses from The Jump Off and she fell head over heals and she's been buying stuff faster than I can shake a stick at..

..not to mention she's posting amazing pics of her daughter Kenzie in the dresses and that's causing every mom she knows to want custom orders as well. I have about 20 pending orders....that's a personal record....when I got on facebook last night I was answering messages about custom orders for about an hour solid! That was the first time in my umpteen years of making clothes that a glimpse of quitting my day job was glimmering ahead in the distance. The thing is - I've put all my focus on CSL and the Jump off has been more of a fun little hobby on the side but it has definitely shifted so I'm gonna have to regroup and shift my focus - but change is good so I'm excited!

next...we live in the country (for anyone who didn't know) and so we have well water - and I've been drinking well water my entire life...WELL...our water is starting to taste, 'well' ummmm weird? So I've had to start buying bottled water by the gallons - it's quiet a chore - I had no idea!? But that water is SO good - I guess I'm a lifer now - but we drink TONS of water and it's getting expensive...I may need to explore other options.

I guess I'll end it on the fact that my book reading over the last month has led me to consciously be more present in my life and the 'moments' of my life. It has made a HUGE difference in the way I interact with people - even how the kids interact with me. There has been an obvious shift in attitude for me ....even at the day job - I actually caught myself humming a little tune today while I was coding...*who knew*

Life is really great. I hope all of you are experiencing the time of your life - and if you're not - Make it Happen Baby! Change what you need to be okay with you and the space your in!

Smooches!

Sharing Some New Pics

2010-08-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

Rachael Pallone sent me the most rockin photos today of her Daughter K in my recycled dresses! I squeeled of course - REALLY loud! lol! Rachael is incredible. She runs a photography studio, and 2 children's boutiques. Princess Pickle and Sugar Cakes Couture. Needless to say, for those of you who thought I was a multi tasker - Rachael has officially trumped me! These pictures ROCK!

Happy Customer Pics :)

2010-08-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Amanda - Thank you SO much for sharing these with me!

You can find the listing for this dress HERE I have enough to make one or two more - depending on the size!

Killer Lizard Attacks News Reporter

2010-08-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Falling Model cracks up News Anchor

2010-08-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Some Time Away

2010-08-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

As you know~ I finished up the Wholesale order and shipped it out on Wednesday! I can't wait to hear how it goes at the boutiques grand Re-opening! I feel like I've been buried under that order for the last 3 months. So~ last night me and the boys packed up and headed out of town to see my close friend and' their' favorite pool buddy (they LOVE that he can throw them all over the pool!). We had TONS of fun at the pool and with all the food and just having some chill time away from the house! We go down once or twice a month usually - but this time was REALLY needed, because we hadn't been in so long!
As usual...Roman wanted to stay in the pool the ENTIRE night!
...and as usual Sterling could only be torn away from his laptop for a few minutes to play in the pool. So for the most part we sat at the pool on our laptops and watched Ro Ro swim and splash, like only he can!

(The boys are so funny about documenting the trip with pics of us!....they dont get it from me or anything! HA!)

Me and He

I stay 'Gussied' up YO!- I'm still SO in love with my Gussy Laptop Bag - she keeps pumping out new designs and I can't wait to get another one! Love her fabric choices!

We love the Hampton Inn. Pool is open all night - AND it's indoors and heated complete with hot tub! They have food all night - GREAT breakfast and the beds and rooms are insane! love LOVE that hotel!(I'm not getting a kick back from them, we just love that place)

Krystal is spending her senior year in Orlando with her dad! And she is loving it baby! She is so happy! She cut her hair this weekend - this is curly...

...and straight! I love it!

I'm completely behind on my Home Ec class! But I will catch up - fear not! SMoochES!

I'm Floored

2010-08-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Shack is the MOST powerful, profound book I have ever read...I can't even discuss it right now - I don't even know what to say. YOU MUST read it!

Readings!

2010-08-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

I started 2 new books today. I HAD to get Eat Pray Love because I SO enjoyed the movie! and then My co workers talked me in to reading the Shack and Ive been sucked in - I will probably be finished tonight! ....more to come!

D O N E !

2010-08-15T20:30:00.001-07:00

ok I finished the four big girl sets and IM D O N E ~and I did Friday's Home Ec Assignment, which was a tote bag - I used part of my quilt top that I made years ago and never finished! YAY ME! This was my favorite project so far :)

tonight was the pic jack pot!

2010-08-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Cammie Weiler sent pics tonight of my dress and fruit leggings! LOVE how they turned out! I was waiting to get fit feedback on the leggings before I put them in the shop!

New Pics of the ZZ Top and Pink Floyd Dresses

2010-08-11T16:08:00.001-07:00

Homw Ec Day 1

2010-08-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Fabric Napkins
17x17 square
we had instructions for a double layer with ric rac trim which i tried first with the stars but it was thicker than i like so for the other 3 I made the single layer which we also had instructions for. Super fun to make and easy!

Home Ec Class Eve

2010-08-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight... b/c so many of us were going nuts waiting for class to start tomorrow...the teachers gave us a teaser project to get us warmed up! YAY! It was a kinda crazy quilt pin cushion, and ya know I had to throw in cuppys and peppermints! I love it! and I CANT WAIT FOR CLASS TO START!!!!!!OH and I also had a custom order for a little girl who is going to audition for a modeling agency in NY and her mom chose me to make her dress - WOOT! lol xo

Found some Goodies

2010-08-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

in my blog reading tonight I found out about two knitting books I had never heard of before - I MUST have both before cool weather gets here! Click the pic to be whisked away to the Purl Bee's blog to read all about the books and see projects (which are divine) and Im including links to the two books if you're interested in purchasing! SMOOCHES! AHHK! Tomorrow is Monday :( but on Tuesday the HOME EC class starts! YAY ME!

...after a wicked Saturday night - the 3 stooges slept where they fell..

2010-08-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

no words needed...

2010-08-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

...from Julia

2010-07-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.

Julia Child

...and if I might add - do enough other stuff so you don't get burned out ;)

Candy Stick Lane gets a visit from the SuperFam!

2010-07-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

So! I got up early and hit the studio this morning to sew up the Kimono's I cut out last night. I LOVE my Kimono's - they are hands down the most labor intensive garments I make but, by far the most satisfying. These 3 beauties will be shipping to Tuscumbia Alabama (the birth place of Helen Keller) to an adorable childrens boutique!

I took some time and swept the studio floor when I first got there, put some more little stuff away and arranged, didn't cut my music on right away - so I could just think and enjoy my studio and the way the morning light comes in the window...it was wonderful.
Around 9am I got a text from SuperMom saying she was on her way over with the family to see my new space! YAY ME! The SuperFam arrived with the sweetest card and a BROOM!!!!! HOORAY! I had been dragging my broom back and forth from home THANK YOU SUPERFAM!

Michelle snapped some rock out pics of the Studio with her fab cam and you finally get to see real photos of the space! Chelle and Han picked out a couple of CSL Big Girl Rings to rock. After they left I finished the first Kimono and I love it! What a great day it's been. I came home for lunch and to blog and check emails and now I'm heading back to finish up the coats!

Seahorse in New Orleans

2010-07-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

Sharing beautiful pics from Cammie Weiler Photography. She took this of L while they were vacationing in the big easy!

I've had my first Migraine...lucky me...

2010-07-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

It's official - I've had my first migraine. I've heard stories all my life but never experienced it. I was sitting at my desk on Monday and I started having blind spots in my vision - it scared me to death and the 'line' for lack of a better word was moving, spinning like a barbers thingy... I ran back to Stephs office b/c I thought I was having a stroke or something but she said right away "it sounds like a migraine". And sure enough in a few minutes the 'rod' went away and the left side of my head started pounding then my right fingers went numb (still dont know what that was about). So I came straight home and went to bed and then did the same thing the next day. Today was the first day this week I was able to go to the studio....but look what fun I had...I think it happened because Ive been sewing like mad since I moved in the studio - staying up all night and then working all day - so I will let that be my warning and start being more studio sensible! Cause, errrr, ummmmm....I dont want that to happen eva eva EVA again!

THIS JUST IN>>>>>>>

2010-07-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

I was SO excited when I saw this post at Smile and Wave. I some how missed the first post about but I'm so glad I caught this one. These 3 sewing Divas are doing a virtual Home Ec class via a private blog. Sewing for Beginners. 26 projects and you learn at least one new sewing technique in each. The blog will stay active for 1 year and it only cost $60. One of the instructors is self taught like myself and we both started in 1993 - eeeek! I take that as a sign, so Im signing up! YAY! Cant wait 26 projects and they are GREAT projects and there are 3 pre lessons to boot on materials, learning your machine and little goodies like that so GET OVER THERE NOW NOW NOW! Sign up so we can discuss as we go through it together!!!!!

Ladies n Gents - we have a ROCK STAR on our hands!

2010-07-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

I got these rock out pictures from Mandy of Forever Mine Photography last night and was totally wowed - this little man has superstar written all over him baby, and Mandy said he was singing the entire time EEEEEEK! Her daughter also rocked my little girls tie in pink Mandy must run one rocking household!
These are such fantastic shots of my ties - which have become incredibly popular YAY!

Two Brand New Items

2010-07-18T21:14:00.001-07:00

I've listed them both in the shop HERE