Fiber One Cookies

Friends I need to let you in on a little bittersweet secret of mine. 

Fiber one cookies.

Only 120 calories per cookie and they are soft, chewy, and delicioso!

And hey 5 box tops! (Does anyone even save these anymore??)

Oh and they have fiber, which in important to maintain a healthy belly right? I mean that's what we are told at least. I'm sure there are studies that prove or disprove everything I mention and I'm completely ok with that. 

Problem though. (Cue dramatic music) Only 6 come in a box and I've ate like 2 a day. Which lets be real. I've ONLY at 2 a day. I really should be proud of myself. 

However, needless to say, they are gone and I don't think my belly appreciates all the fiber I've blessed it with the last 3 days. 

Moderation people.

(Pulls out megaphone)

Moderation Chrissy!!! Have I taught you nothing??!?!

 I should have just bought a package of chewy chips ahoy and been done with it. It certainly would have been cheaper, and I'd still have some left. But I guarantee a package of those is way more than 720 calories. 

The good news is if you can control yourself to eat just one a day or when you need a sweet pick me up treat, it's the perfect little bit of amazing to do that.

Maybe it's better they are gone and I have no more temptation. 

Yes. 

That is what I will tell myself at least. 

So don't go buy them if you have little to no self control over chocolate chip cookies. You are thinking you are doing good by buying the "healthier ones" but if you eat them all in one sitting, well you aren't helping the problem. You are just creating a new problem. "Binge fiber cookie eating."

Good luck my friends. I'm struggling at this too some days! Chocolate chip cookies are my kryptonite. 

Well that and Starbucks Mocha Frappachinos. 

Keep calm.....and you might as well go ahead and finish that box. 

Xoxo

What is Your Passion?

Hi Lovelies!


I know, I know. Where have I been? All over the place it seems. Between being a wife, mom, full time employee, student, night time dance party host (in our living room), oh what else.....

I know it would be pointless to go through the ridiculous amount of excuses as to where I have been, but that is just what they would be. Excuses. And Frankly, as Sweet Brown would say "Ain't nobody got time for that!".


So why now? What is going on with me that I suddenly want to blog again? Life. Life Happens. Life happens when you are busy planning the future, when you are busy trying to figure it out even. It goes on with or without you. I recently made some decisions in my life regarding my school and career that were pretty big decisions. Sometimes you have to really go after what you want. Even if its hard, even if its scary, risky, or you are unsure how to do it. I am beginning to think regret is worse than not trying!


This is my new favorite Quote/Picture. It completely makes me smile, makes my heart beat race, is so encouraging to me! I read it every day. EVERY DAY.

So, that's why this blog is back up. I have a passion to write, and instead of worry about what people think of what I say or don't say, I am going to write. I spoke to a writer recently that said if I wanted to write, then I would do it. That there is a difference between people who "wish they could" and "people who do". I hated how right they were. It made me mad actually and I was instantly like "psssh, you don't know me and my schedule and everything I have going on." Then after I came down off my emotional vacation, I realized they were right. If I want to write, I need to write. If no one reads it, I still get to write. I get to put "pen to the paper" or tickle the keyboard squares to construct thoughts into sentences and hopefully make something of it. I would love nothing more than to eventually write for a magazine, newspaper, write a novel, or even just blog and help people. None of those things can happen if I sit back and just "hope" they happen. It is going to take work, dedication, and drive.


So what will you see in this revamped little project of mine?


Ramblings......


Complaints.......


Fashion Style Advice......


Beauty Tips........


Humor........(I hope at least!)


Reflections...............


Inspiration............


Food.............


Mom Life..........


News/Media.............



Basically its going to be like a stuffed crust pizza with all the toppings. Supreme! You will just have to pick off what you don't like and enjoy the rest. (And I don't even like supreme pizza, so I understand this will be a struggle for some, even myself!). I am going to approach topics and areas that I have opinions about that may push against yours. That's OK! One great thing about all of us, is we are different. We have different ideas, theories, thoughts, plans, etc. It's what makes us who we are!


Writing is a passion of mine. Reaching people. Connecting. Feeling like I am helping someone. I just didn't realize it until now that instead of "wishing I could", I just need to "just do it". (Nike would be so proud).


I am not committing to writing daily, but I would like to. Weekly at least. Sometimes it will be really great, and sometimes it will be ridiculous, and sometimes it will be very short and boring. The point though is I am writing. Now I know there are friends who will read this and go "Really? I thought she wanted to a news anchor, or host her own talk show, or be on camera being the goofball that she is." The answer to that is still yes. Would I love a job in broadcasting, or media, or where I can interact with people? Absolutely! We all have to start somewhere. If Oprah or Kelly Ripa calls, I will be sure to let you all know.


So what is YOUR passion? Do you love working with people, but you are stuck behind a desk? Do you love to draw or paint, but feel like you are inadequate because you didn't get proper "training"?. Do you love animals but don't know where to begin with volunteering your time? You have to start somewhere. Recognize what you love and GO AFTER IT!


I want to beg you to stick around, be patient with me, share the post, help me speak to the masses, BUT, for now. I am just glad you are here. Sharing a few minutes of your day with me. Buckle up sunshine, for who knows where this journey will take us.


Until Next time....


Keep Calm.......and Fight for you Passion

XoxO

Giving The New Year a Break

5.....4.....3....2....1.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Now choruses of Old Lang Synge can begin, everyone can name off their new resolutions for the year and begin loading up on all the new goals they are setting.


I usually take part in the fun of making a resolution. I, of course like most people, end up never changing the habit, lifestyle, or task that I find myself so concerned about on Jan 1. It's fun to see people with the spunk to see change though. Whether its in their own lives (usually health) or whether it is spiritual, financial, spend more time with family, or spend more time unplugged from the constant "tap tap/scroll scroll" motion we all know too well on these smart phones. Its energizing to see someone so motivated.


Can you imagine if we took the same energy as "I'm going to the gym everyday in the new year" to "I am going to tell at least one person about Jesus everyday in the new year". Ouch. That one was even hard for me - But I digress as this specific post isn't about whether or not you plan to make spiritual changes in your life. (but you totally should think about it, because I know I am)


I decided for once I was giving New Years the day off. Yep, that's right. No resolution, no promises that I make just to 'have one', no swearing off chocolate or soda for the rest of my days. No pressure and let me tell you.......It was the "BEST (new years) DAY EVER" - (and if you read that as Rapunzel you get a cookie)


You see, the new year came in for me a little different. I woke up with some physical ailments including a sinus cold, some aches and very little sleep from the night before. I decided that it was ok for me to eat a half a container of French onion dip, stay in my pj's all day, NOT go workout or go to the gym (GASP), drink a diet coke or 5, snuggle with my children, sit with my family while laughing and crying in the same movie, have a bowl of ice cream at bedtime....I could go on and on. See for me, this year, I decided to not put the pressure on New Years Day anymore. I have never had a more relaxed, carefree and happy new years day. Are there things about myself or my marriage, family, finances etc that I would like to change?


Every.
Day.


Since I started to lose weight a year or so ago, I learned that you make the changes you want and you learn to live with the ones you don't. The "day" you make them is not as important as setting a goal and sticking to it. My type of change this year isn't going to be to achieve something renowned. Maybe I am just ready to re-prioritize a bit.


So while I gave N.Y. Day a break this year, there are great things to come for this year that I look forward to. Instead of planning my life around what I want to be able to fit into by summer, or the perfect family vacation I want to plan and enjoy once we meticulously save up enough money each paycheck, I am looking forward to the excitement from my children yelling "Mommy's home" as I get in from work or the "mommy can we snuggle" question that I get asked most nights, or the "can you watch me do this/that" that normally pull at this mom of 3 that barely has time for herself, let alone snuggle and play with children when ..........


laundry is overflowing, seriously kids...you can wear that shirt more than once.....
dishes need washed, Why didn't we buy more paper plates?
I think the fridge has something growing in it that you know can't be good,
I think I forgot to empty the trash from the kids' bathrooms and isn't it trash pick up day?; Fabulous.
Oh now no toilet paper in there either? How they remember to wipe but forget to flush amazes me.
And what about diaper rash cream? Do we have any left for the baby? She can't be without it.
And speaking of the baby, I need to sweep the floor AGAIN where she has learned the new game of "lets drop food so Mom will pick it up game".....and....
lets see....


STOP Mom Brain!


This is how my mind runs most of the time and its very rare it isn't plaguing me to get up and do something else other than enjoy simply what I have and who I have to spend my time with.

NOT ANYMORE.


So enjoy your break new years day.....and maybe everyday after that. Who knows, I might just give "the pressures of life" a mini-vacation for a while.


I'm ready to make changes. Are you?


Just kidding, I am going to eat some cookies.


Keep Calm......And Enjoy the little things along the way.

Getting Focused - Only I can make it happen....

So as I have missed this blog too much. It is time for a revival for sure. I started another little weight loss motivational blog, but never fear, I will just move those posts over here eventually but they are still here if you want to check them out.

I just want one central location where I can just be Chrissy Couture. All that she is and will be.

I have missed posting tutorials and recipes, health tips, goofy pictures of myself hair plopping.

The kids are growing up so quickly.

Its like I blinked and no longer have babies.

I've kept busy......

Lost 50lbs doing it the RIGHT way. Took a year, but its not ever coming back on.

Sister Dresses using gorgeous princess fabric

Of course we have had a few frozen dresses.......

Blanket Forts while watching movies are the best........ 

Photography featured on Instagram is pretty exciting too. Chrissie_Couture if you wanna keep up with that. 

More and more sewing. I thought it was pretty cheap therapy until I started to have a new found hobby called fabric hoarding! haha.

This is just the beginning.....it's only going to get better from here.

Keep Calm - and Stick around- the Fun is just getting started.

XO

Update and Reviving Blog?

So, Its true that I haven't blogged in a LONG time. Blogger and I may have to break up over this and it saddens me because I loved how easy it was to use. Then it decided to make me us HTML, which I am told isn't too difficult once you learn it, however, I really am not sure I have the desire or energy at this point to fight and learn it.

Little Emmie is 10 months going strong and I have been a picture taking, pretend hairbow making, dress sewing fool. I love having a creative outlet to just create something from nothing. Life just gets so busy to do everything I want to though!

I have seriously considered reviving this blog.

I have seriously thought about starting a completely new one - more along the lines of Motherhood and less centered JUST around creating.

These thoughts go up there in this little section of my brain bucket list. It includes other things like "make a stunning gown and win grand chamption at the county/state fair" or "write a novel". Things that I say every week I want to do, but I just don't. So if reviving this blog gets put in that bucket, we will see if it actually happens.

I got a new position at work which I just started almost 2 weeks ago. So far so good. I do know I have to make my own dreams come true....and not wait on someone else, but at what cost? Deep I know. lol

Until next time.....

Keep Calm......and Dream On.

Be Blessed

Just stopping in. Blogger and I for some reason are having a difficult relationship, since I do not speak HTML at all. This makes blogging a little more difficult. I wonder if its just me, or if everyone is having the issue. Oh well. Life is going crazy my way, as usual. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! Enjoy good food, family and football (if thats your thing!:) XOXO Keep Calm....and be Blessed.

Just a little of whats been kickin...

So I had some free time (really means on break at work), and so I thought I would do a little blogging. I do love it, I just don't have the time to really do with it what I would like to. Here is a look at the last few weeks in Chrissy Couture land.

Also Blogger and I have been having a few differences and he/she is making posting more difficult.

Completed a Pocket dress for Livy and of course a little one for Emmie (which was WAY too small, but I did manage to squeeze her in it once. (sorry no pics of that). Made Miss Livy a candy corn dress AND a matching headband. It was way too adorable. Little Mr Noah turned 6 with is awesome Mustang cake. Life just continues on as it always has. It was this time last year I was just finding out we would unexpectedly be having another baby. What a difference a year makes. I am thankful for my little blessings and wouldn't give them up for anything. On the agenda for the coming weeks? Knit ruffle pants and scarves. I have a lot of extra fabric that I tried making things with that was an epic fail, so I plan to re purpose that to make some cute scarves. And it has went from Summer to Winter overnight with some actual snow yesterday! Brrr. Just puts everything into holiday mode WAY too quick.


Until Next time...

Keep Calm....and if you want to KEEP UP with CC, you can subscribe at the side. ;)

From my Transparent Heart...

So since the new baby Emmie has been born, lets just say my life hasn’t slowed down any. Not that I figured it would, but at 12 weeks old, I am still trying to get this family of 5 on a schedule that works. It seems that the nights I plan to go home and sew, or craft, it just doesn’t end up happening. I get discouraged seeing laundry in baskets and dishes in the sink and I think well I will get these done and then I will feel better knowing its not plaguing me, but you know what happens. By the time I get it all done or as much as I can, homework done, getting clothes out for the next day, then bed times start rolling in, and once the babies are all in bed, this momma is ready herself. What does this mean for Chrissy Couture? Not sure. I did find time last week to make a cute dress, but I’ve not had a chance to photo it cutely and get it up on the blog. Also made myself some hair pretties, but yet again, I can barely find the time to actually do the fun creative things I enjoy, let alone blog all about it. I started this blog as an creative outlet when I was so depressed after my little Miss O was born. What I went through physically after she was born just made the emotional part of me fall apart. Getting into this creative area and learning to sew on my own has been so much fun. I am no way near signing up for project runway, or even trying too many adult clothes, but I enjoy dreaming one day I might be good enough to do something with this fun little “talent”. (Can I call it a talent? I am not really that great at any of it). Originally I thought I was just doing this for myself, but now that I have moved past those issues and feel better physically and emotionally, I just don’t know if its “necessary” in my life like I thought it was at one time. Sometimes I would like to just blog about life issues, being a working mom, trying to be supermom when I fail miserably….things we all can relate to, but that isn’t how I started this blog and not sure anyone would really be interested in those things. I just want to feel like I am inspiring someone. Whether it be from words, or you seeing that I can do something and you can too. Maybe its just more of my desire to work in the ministry but not seeing how that will happen. Anyway, I guess I said all of that to say blogging may be on hold for a while till I really figure out the direction I want to go. I don’t want to give it up entirely, because I have had a few people tell me how much they enjoy my blog (Which makes my day), but hearing it from 100 people would be nice…(or hey even 10) haha. Sometimes I just have to realize I can’t do everything and that is a hard concept for me to realize. Until Next time…. Keep Calm….It will all work out how its supposed to.

Florals and Polka Dot Mix Dress

So as I am sitting here waiting on my fancy IPhone 4, (yeah you heard that right) update to the new IOS 7, I thought I would blog about the dress I made for Miss O before I had the baby this summer.

It was a take on another dress I used as inspiration. I love this SweetHoney brand, but I can't afford the price tag.

So I ventured out, bought some fabric and without a pattern, just kind of "winged" it.

First I started with a bodice. I knew I didn't want it to have to zip or button, but I wanted it to be fitted. I used a tank that Miss O currently owned and fit into nicely and keeping seem allowances in mind, I traced around it and cut the bodice.

Then I attached 4 strips of panels together to make a tube and attached it to the bodice. Then I added some lace and a belt.

The finished product was not as exciting as I thought because I couldn't stop staring at the awful hem!

So as I contemplated picking it all out and resewing it, I decided to just cut straight across the bottom and add a ruffle instead. I really love the way it turned out and I think she did too.

What do you think? Not too bad of a knock off!

 

 

 

 

I also just recently bought this fabric for some girls matching dresses! So excited to work on them.

Until next time....

Keep calm and be Inspired.

 

 

Back to Reality

Testing….testing….Is this thing on? Have I lost everyone over my hiatus? I have been a little busy this summer and blogging was the last thing on my mind, although I contemplated throwing a post out there a little sooner, it just didn’t happen.

So what have I been up to that has caused me to be so busy?

Meet Miss Baby Emmalyn.

She was born in mid July from an awful c-section. My biggest baby so far. 9lbs 15oz. I never had so much pain in my other c-sections than with this one. I don’t know what happened, but I just wasn’t numb like I should have been. It was awful and I whined about it for days (and still apparently) but I did get a wonderful, healthy, sweet smiley doll out of it, so it was totally worth it.

Brother Noah and Miss O are loving her to pieces. Of course big sister is very protective of “her baby Emmie”…which I love.

I made a dress with this fabric a month or so before she was born, so keep an eye out for it in the next blog post.

Just wanted to say I am alive and out here, just went back to work and so back to reality means back to blogging apparently.

Until next time,

Keep Calm…I didn’t fall off the earth like you thought. 

Americana Ruffle Skirts + Giveaway :)

So we are on the 5 week count down on "mirena" baby. I hope in the next 5 weeks it finally hits me that we are going to be parents again. You would think these 8 months would have prepared me better, but even with just a few weeks to go, I am still in shock that we are embarking on a 3rd baby! Also, we still don't have a name.... She may end up being called Mirena in the end! (calm down, just kidding)

My pinterest boards are getting a little out of hand. I do try and mark everything I make under my Chrissy Couture board, but I still have a ton on the "want to do" list. A few weeks (month,...months?) ago, I saw this pin on pinterest.

It is the most adorable ruffle skirt. I knew immediately it would probably be too difficult but I clicked on into it and read the Mama Says Sew blog. She gives a full tutorial on how to make them. I don't know if it is really just super easy, or she did a great job explaining it, but I after I read it I thought, "hey, I can make these!" I knew I had some sort of patriotic scraps of material from a Goodwill outlet trip that I could use so I embarked on trying it out. (and really any 2-3 cohesive fabrics would be awesome, but who doesn't love a little red, white and blue?)

My first one here, turned out beautifully. I altered what she did slightly as I didn't have the same fabric she had.

Unfortunately, I still make things a little small. It was supposed to be roughly a size 2, based on a skirt Miss O already owns, but I guess one day I will learn how to correctly measure based on seam allowance. I love the colors and how it turned out. Problem is, it is a 18-24 month comfortably, so it doesn't even fit my little one.

I tried a second one here, (not even using her instructions this time, because let me tell ya, its pretty easy!) and it fits her perfect! Its about a size 2t-3t given the elastic stretch. Its hard to see in the picture but the side ruffles cascade so pretty. Probably because it is cream colored and hard to see.

I also noticed that the first one is more straight and longer and the second is more flared and round. It all really depends on how you cut your fabric strips to begin with. The only thing I found was I originally made my ruffles for my first skirt kind of small and then I was thinking..."I will never finish this skirt with all these tiny ruffles" so I doubled them and it was the perfect size. Then, it didn't take nearly as long.

Where are the pictures of my little one in these adorable skirts?

Well...... See the first one doesn't fit her (which is my favorite of the 2) and to be honest, I am really not a skirt lover on little little girls because then I have to match a top. Dresses are easier. haha. Less thinking, less time....its much easier for this momma. So since she really didn't have anything to match up the 2nd skirt to, and I had no scrap left to try and make something that matched, all you have is the finished product pictures.

Would you like one?

Comment below telling me which one you like and you could win it! Giveaway starts today June 7th and a winner will be chosen on June 12th.

Until next time....

Keep Calm and Ruffle up a skirt.......

Fat Quarter Floral Ruffle Peasant Dress

Somewhere between Mothers Day and last week I realized I didn't post the cute dress I made for Livy. I had made it the week before Mother's Day and thought that I would put her in it for my little brother's college graduation party. I opted to put her in it for Mothers Day instead and I am so glad because the weather at his "open house" was crazy cold a week or two back.

So better late than never right?

The Floral Ruffle Peasant Dress

 And what is a new dress without a new label. Remember when I made these for $6 here?

 I don't even use a "pattern" for this dress anymore, now that I have made half a dozen or so. I just used 4 fat quarters. 2 Fat Quarters are about the perfect size already for a 3T dress (because I like my dresses a little longer). I love that it saves me a step of cutting and they are only $1 each. This dress cost $4 total, and I still have some fabric left.

I used 2 fat quarters for the main part of the dress, folding them in half together and cutting crescent moon like shape for the arm holes. Then I took those same half circle pieces as a template and cut the sleeves out with the pink polka dot print. Once I sewed the sleeves in, and before I put a casing in the neck for elastic, I ran 3 gathering stitches down the floral piece and gathered it to ruffle and attached it to the dress. Then I added the elastic at the neckline and hemmed and it was done.

I love the 3 patterns mixed together. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but thankfully this isn't for everyone. Livy loved modeling in her little dress too.

Noah wanted in on the fun. It seems we can't take a picture of one without the other these days....I also made the little flower bow from the leftovers, but you can't really appreciate or see it.

This other picture turned out cute other than his new found "wanting to give everyone bunny ears".

I think it turned out super summer cute! The weather is finally warming up in these parts. What about where you are?

Until next time....

Keep Calm and Fat Quarter it out....

P.S. Enjoy reading Chrissy Couture? I would love for you to follow along by subscribing. We also love comments too. Have a happy Friday!

The Mini Infinity Dress

So I came across this infinity dress the other day and fell in love!

I am not a green fan whatsoever, but I have to admit I love the minty color. The versatility of this dress is amazing. I am pretty modest and even with a strapless dress, or tank dress wear something over or under it. That’s why I loved this dress. It can be made to cover more or less, which in my case the more is a benefit! She gives you a quickie tutorial (diaryofamadcrafter) and links here (Sewlikemymom), which is a full tutorial. I have had a few requests of this dress since I saw it, (even want one myself) but before I dove directly into the deep, I thought I would give Livy one and see what I was getting into.

The Mini Infinity

So here is her completed dress. I just posed her 4 different ways.  

Double straps to one side. (probably my favorite way!)

 

Straps up each side. 

Strap-less. (Her little chubbiness spilling over the top) She wasn't a fan of this style.

  Just one strap up one side. This where I promised a sucker if she held still one more time!

  The material I used was a vintage stretch polyester. It had some give, but it was very thin too. Stella(my machine) and I kept having some issues sewing it though. I tried using a zig zag stitch since I read somewhere that its better to use that on stretchy fabrics, but the thread kept breaking. I don’t know if my tension is to high or or not high enough, but when it would sew fairly decent it kept bunching the fabric. I am not usually a violent person but about the 8^th time my thread broke I smacked her and told her to stop it. She straighted up a little, but I still had to deal with the bunching fabric.

Since Livy doesn’t really have a “waist” I made hers a little different. I made hers more of a tube dress first before adding the straps. It is a little more snug than I had planned so I don't know if I underestimated the level of stretch or if I measured incorrectly. 

I love how it was supposed to be a maxi dress for her….anyone notice its length?

Also since I was having so much trouble with bunching of the fabric, I tried to do shorter straps then what it suggests. It turned out fine, but next time, I will see why I need longer ones. I didn't get much of the "wrapped" effect because there wasn't much left to wrap.

What do you think?

I think making a mini is the way to go! Now I have a little practice under my belt for a real deal adult dress.

I don’t know what I love more, the dress or her cheesy expressions. OK, its her cheesy expressions.

Until Next time….

Keep Calm…..and Mini Infinity it!