Electric Relaxation

Revisited Habits

I've decided to take it back to my artistic roots.  Back to my
childhood. I'm now keeping an art journal...again.  It's been years
since Ive devoted an entire book to drawings, doodles, and sketches.
It's therapeutic...just me and my interpretations of life.  This is my
first entry.  I hope you enjoy.

Le Sigh

Hello Lovelies!

I know i've been MIA for damn near a month, but I can explain...life.  Yup, life consumed me and all my attention & energy.  My creative juices have still been a bubblin', but I just haven't had the time to pull a post together...I know, I gotta do better.  I just want to apologize for my absence and promise to make it up to yall.
P.S.- I've missed yall big time!

The Simple Things

Dylan's first haircut

 Autumn wouldn't be right if we didn't go to the pumpkin patch!

 pieces of my heart :)

 I'm surprised he sat still long enough for me to take the picture

 ...her too

 Ava wasn't feelin' the whole hands in the grass thing...lol

I'm so proud of her...all she wanted to do was walk :)

Twerk Ya Closet Tuesdays: Ruffles

I've been wanting to ruffle something for a while now.  I was inspired by Joy (love her blog) of HowJoyful Design Studio's Upcycled Ruffle Dress Tutorial.  The cream colored shirt is from old navy and the print fabric came from a new york & co. dress that was entirely too big for me.  I cut the collar off the shirt because it was baggy (a baggy mock-neck is so not what's up).  I love the way it turned out, but OMGeezy are them ruffles tedious and time consuming...especially when you have two 21 month old toddlers running around.

Hello My Friend

I got a sewing machine!! *pop-lockin*  This was my earthday gift, fedex finally delivered it tuesday evening...i'm so stoked!  Since December 2010, i've been using Grams machine, which was cool.  But it wasn't mine.  Now, I have one to call my own.  It's a Brother CS-6000i, has an automatic threader, snazzy decorative stitches, and is crazy lightweight.  Oh, annnnnd it came with bonus accessories (which included a hard case/cover, extended table (detachable) walking foot, spring action quilting foot, and quilting guide...boom).

Now all I need to do is name it...any suggestions??

Happy Autumn

I've been looking forward to Autumn, but as today arrived with nimbus clouds my mood was not cheerful...more like melancholy.  *sigh* At least my wreath is purrty.

Righteous Love

¹ If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

-1st Corinthians 13

Happy Anniversary King.  

Whew!

What a weekend!  Thursday was a super chill day.  Friday was game night...what a blast!  Wine, cheese, veggies, dip, and wonderful friends were in attendance.  Oh, and to top it off, Gram baked me a chocolate cake...good stuff.  We played the Michael Jackson Experience and Just Dance 2 on the wii.  Ladies against Gents...thanks to Blair and her lazy dance moves, they beat us.  Doesn't matter...there's a first time for everything so we let them live...lol.  All in all, we rocked owt!


Saturday evening was my cousin's wedding reception.  His bride looked stunning and he was debonair.  I danced ALL...NIGHT...LONG.  Now i'm paying for it because my ankles are on FIYA!  And i'm upset with myself because I forgot our camera at home...so pics of me and King will be posted at a later date...yeah i'm smh too.  Needless to say i'm exhausted and really just want a nap, but we know the ninjas ain't letting that happen.  Hope your weekend was filled with everything you love :)
Bisou

Jour de la Terre heureuse! (to me)

Today is my earthday. This morning I was greeted with wet kisses and tight hugs from the ninjas and breakfast in bed from my King.  I had a wonderful day. I'm grateful that God blessed me with another year.  Another year to fulfill my purpose on this earth.  Another year to be a better daughter, wife, mother, friend, sister, creator.  Another year to contribute my creativity and knowledge to those whom I come into contact with.  I'm grateful that God provided me with creative talents that empower and allow me to express ME.  I'm blessed and happy and truly humbled by life...peace.

Twerk Ya Closet Tuesdays: The Blues

Hey Lovelies!

While the ninjas napped I was able to refashion a pair of ballet flats.  I purchased these in 2007 from Old Navy...they were silver.  I love the silver for summer months, but really craved a funky color for autumn.  I attempted to snazz them up a couple of months ago, but it didn't go as planned (as you can see by that dreadful brown paint).   I went to my craft room and perused my paint collection.  Found the perfect hue of blue.  I can't waiiiiit to wear these with a cardigan and skinnys.  I say they're über cute...whatcha think?

Refashioned Denim Vest

This vest was an item I quickly snatched up in the swap-off...thanks Toya!!  This was a quick, sit in front of your t.v. and watch "Ancient Aliens" episodes on Netflix type of refashion.  All I did was swap out the blue-gemed buttons for these monogrammed ("T", "L", "P") brass buttons.  I've had these  buttons since 2008.  I purchased them to add to my wedding bouquet...didn't get to use them, but I knew they would definitely be used in the future.   So here we are 3 years later and a fly denim vest.  I love the way it came out.

Venus Is Her Name

Venus' baby roots
tea.elle.pea 2011

Yup, finally named the cuttings from "Love".  I call her Venus.  I don't know why all my plants take the feminine role in my head, but they do, so whatever...lol.  Well today I looked at Venus while putting her in the window and noticed that SHE HAS ROOTS!!  They're little buds, but I can see them.  It usually takes approximately 2 weeks for roots to appear so is it safe to assume that I have megatron bionic plants since it's only been 3 days?? lol.  Anyway, I'm super happy...now I have another title under my hat, "Tea The Horticulturist"...don't that sound hot?!  Look at Venus and her gorgeous baby roots. *click here to see a close-up *

A Piece Of Love

golden pothos cuttings
tea.elle.pea 2011

Today I noticed that two vines on my golden pothos plant, who's name is "Love" was hanging on by a thread.  I put her outside a couple of weeks ago and the rain and wind went in on her...smh.  She's growing so beautifully despite the two limp vines.  I think I can save them.  So I cut and placed the vines in a square glass vase filled with water...hopefully they root.  I'll know within 2 weeks because that's how long it normally takes for roots to form in water. *Fingers crossed*

Yet another item to add to my "things i'm looking forward to in September" list.

Bisou

Happy September!

Bonjour Lovelies!

I'm looking forward to a few special events this month:

• 9/15 is my earthday
• 9/19 is my love day (anniversary)
• 9/23 is the 1st day of Autumn (Autumnal Equinox)

What are you looking forward to in the month of September?

courtesy of autumn-pictures.com

Unwanted Items + Great Friends = A SWAP-OFF!

This past Friday, I hosted our 1st Swap-Off.  What's that you ask? Simply put, my girlfriends and I gathered items of clothing, home decor, hats, purses, backpacks, shoes, smell goods that we no longer used or needed and traded them.  I set up the items on individual tables...trying to separate according to the appropriate category (accessories, shoes, outerwear, home decor, etc.)  I was able to get some snazz items to add to my autumn wardrobe.  We ALL bought great things to the table (literally lol) and left with much needed/wanted stuff. Whatever was left at the end of the night were donated to Goodwill.  We has such a BLAST!!!  I can't wait to do it again...maybe we'll make it a seasonal event.  What ya think ladies??

No Panicking, Just Be Prepared!

With Hurricane Irene approaching I wanna give you guys as much resources as possible in order to make sure ya'll are prepared.  Make sure you have a substantial supply of:

• water (rule of thumb- 1 gallon per person...per day...at least a 3 day supply)
• non-perishable food (tuna, granola bars, peanut butter, dry cereal, crackers, dried fruit, dry milk, infant formula/food, canned juices)
• manual can-opener
• flashlight 
• batteries (to preserve battery power, don't insert in flashlight unless you need to use it) 
• first aid kit
• any important medications

Pack a "go" bag in case you need to evacuate in short notice.  Check out Ready.gov for details.

Gather important documents and place in a zip-lock bag (birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, bank account info, etc.)

KNOW YOUR CLOSEST EVACUATION ROUTE!  CLICK HERE for a map of evacuation centers with-in the NYC 5 boroughs.  

Remember, preparation is KEY.  Don't be non-chalant about this hurricane...the government and state officials are stern in saying that THIS IS SERIOUS!  Don't let ignorance get you got, feel me?!  Today is the day to get your necessities.

Word of the day: PREPARE

Stay safe lovelies

Bisou

One Pleased Pout

tea.elle.pea 2011

mac cosmetics
runway red lipstick

The hunt is over.  Today my girlfriend and I went to the MAC counter at Macys and asked the sales associate for the shade of red that best suites my cocoa complexion.  She suggested Russian Red and VIVA Glam.  I tried both of them on and my reaction was...BOOO!  Way too orange for me.  I then asked my personal make-up consultant aka my booski B (lol) to pick out a color for me.  She looked at the display of lipsticks and immediately picked up runway red limited edition .  I looked at it and was like, *side-eye* "I don't know B".  I tried it on anyway and lovvvved it!  My pout is pleased.  Bisou.

An Earthquake In NYC

Say it ain't so! Oh, it's SO!  Yup, the east coast had an earthquake....5.8 on the richter scale.  I was at my mom's house with the ninjas, we were actually about to take them for a walk because they were set trippin in the house lol.  As I'm putting my sandals on I began to feel as though I was under water.  Like instant vertigo.  I payed it no mind and chucked it up to me being extremely sleepy.  Then my mom said, "OMG Tea, look at my plants!" They were swaying like palm trees and no windows were open.  I was looking around like, what the?!  Then I noticed her fish tank...it had waves in it! I couldn't believe it!  I was like this is cray cray!!  After about 20 seconds her building stopped shaking.  I grabbed ninja boy and she grabbed muno and we got the hell outta dodge.

We took the steps (glad she lives on the 4th floor).  Everyone was outside with the "shocked" face.  Now, I know that a 5.8 is poppy-cock to the west coast dwellers, but round here...NYC...Queens, a 5.8 earthquake is an "ahhhh run for your life" event lol.  Anyway, I'm just happy everyone is ok.

Red For A Chocolate Goddess

Good Day Beauties!

tea.elle.pea 2011

I'm so ready for Autumn...totally over this heat & humidity.  I embrace all that nature has for us, however, I'd prefer Spring/Autumn any day.  From a fashion standpoint, Autumn brings, cardigans, corduroys, and fly ass boots. It's soooo much easier to dress and wear your threads comfortably during the cooler months.  From a science (y'all know I'm a science geek) standpoint, Autumn continues the seasonal cycle by returning the leaves back to the ground and provide nourishment to the earth.  Before they become food for soil dwelling organisms, they provide us with a gorgeous color spectrum show.  Displaying a myriad of red, orange, yellow, and brown hues.  Basically, they're going out with a bang! LOL.  To me, nature allows us to see the beauty in death via this season.  But I digress.

Change of season means a change in clothes, hair, and even makeup.  My hair is short and curly now, but this time last year is when I started twisting or braiding it.  I usually polish my nails/toe-nails some tone of red.  I wanna be a lil' edgy this Autumn and switch my everyday nude lip color for a bang-up RED. Yup, chocolate goddesses can rock that red too...hehehe.  I'm just unsure of what shade would compliment my skin-tone. Should I be looking for a deep red hue (burgundy...or like my husband says, Cranberry lol) or should I be looking for something reminiscent of a fire truck? IDK.  Suggestions please and thank you.  :-)

Un Peu Creation (A Little Creation)

I really wanted to just sit on my couch, sip a red stripe, and surf the web. However, I promised y'all (as well as myself) a creation for the night...so here it is.

sunglasses case
tea.elle.pea 2011

I'm a frugalista at heart. I don't believe in purchasing items I can make...with that said, I made a sunglasses case using some felt that was in my craft room.  I like how it came out...simple and snazz. Whatcha think??  Post your comments on the blizog. Bisou

Sixthousandsevenhundredfiftyfour Ideas

Yes, I really do have 6,754 bouncing around in my head. Jotting them down is NOT helping me! I really must create something or else I'm gonna combust. So tonight, it'll be me, the sewing machine, or glue gun, or stamps, or paint, or glitter and some music (how else am I going to pop-lock??). I'm so tired it feels like lil men are hanging from my eyelids, but I don't care what time it is when I start,  I am going to finish a creation TONIGHT!  If I sip green tea I should be good money right?? Right?? Send me positive energy lovelies. Bisou.

Finally A Picture

Hello Lovelies!

denim cut-off skinnys
tea.elle.pea 2011

I finally took a picture of me wearing my cut-off skinnys.  The only difference from the description in the initial post is that I didn't cuff them this time.  But i'm sure you can picture how fly they look cuffed!

SB: I'm a size 2 and these jeans were a size 4 stretch...in other words, major pamper booty and chicken skin thigh looking lmao

Refashioning For The Fall

I'm so inspired by my 1st refashion that I've decided to refashion all of my clothes that are too big but too cute to give away.  I rummaged through my closet and collected 2 bags full of clothes to create an autumn/winter wardrobe.  I'll be posting before and after pics for each piece.  This is gonna be super fun!

My 1st Refashion!

So yesterday I completed my 1st refashion!! >inserts pop-lock here<  I'm so psyched.  Ok so here's what I did:

1. I took a pair of jeans that were too big (pamper booty big) 
2. I cut them at about 3 inches below the knee. 
3. Turned them inside out and used a pair of snazz fitting bermuda shorts as my template and pinned the jeans where I wanted to sew.
4. Turned them right side out, cuffed, and rocked em' all day!

As usual I didn't get a chance to take pics, but I'll do so this week (gives me a reason to play dress-up) hehehe

Peace 

I Got Work To Do, But...

I so wanna sew, craft, create something but can't because my creative space (i.e., craft room) looks like a tornado ransacked it!  I started "reorganizing" the items in it while the ninjas napped, but I was beyond tired so I took advantage of the down time and took a nap myself (sb: i got to close my eyes for all of 20 minutes before ninja boy started to call for me) SMH...bad mistake! Now I no longer have the enthusiasm to get back in there and make it a space comfortable to create in.  I'd rather close the door and continue to walk on by...lol. Lazy, but honest...sue me!  Maybe tomorrow...peut-etre...peut-etre pas (maybe...maybe not)

New Sofa Pillows

I went to the fabric store Sunday and found this gorgeous black and white/silvery patterned upholstery material.  As soon as I walked in it caught my attention and I automatically knew what it would be used for...new sofa pillows!  Im usually reserved with the prints I choose but I'm trying new things.  I purchased 4 yards since it was only...wait for it...wait for it...$1.99/yd.  OMGeezy!  Is what I thought to myself.  I asked the sales associate to bring the bolt to the cutting table for me.

I was soooo excited when I got home.  I did all my wifely/motherly duties and once the ninjas were down for the night, I got to work.  I measured each pillow at 21'' X 21" (giving myself a 1" seam allowance). Sewed up 3 sides completely and sewed the 4th side from each corner, leaving a 5 inch opening in the middle (for stuffing).  I used poly-fil to stuff the pillows and then top-stiched the opening close.  Voila!

The Interior Designer Is Bizack!

Yup, I'm back in the building! Grandma, Sheree, and I went fabric shopping this past friday.  We had a blastski! All 3 of us love to create so it was fun to pick each other's brain for tips and techniques.   I found an adorable turquoise and kiwi pom-pom trim for the ninjas room. A gorgeous tiffany blue podesua fabric and some glamtastic  beaded trim found me (I promise I wasn't looking for it) while I was helping Gram look for her material LOL.   I intend on making 2 bead-trimmed valances or scarves for the windows in my bedroom. I'm so not big on valances, but there were a few on display at the fabric store and I just fell in love with the flow of the fabric.

Since Friday, I have been on a relocate, redesign, revamp rampage! This rush of creative adrenaline feels great and motivates me to continue to challenge my creativity.  Go beyond what i'm used to making.  Dare myself to choose a large-scale pattern fabric with bold colors.  Challenge me to create what I want to see. The reward of creating something is for the finished product to be your idea, as you saw it in your head, in physical form.  At least  thats just what I believe, but anyway. This behavior makes me think of my college days when I would stay up all night creating something for my apartment.  Table centerpieces,  sofa pillows, chair slipcovers, artwork, etc.  My creative juices are flowing.  Yesterday while the ninjas napped, I relocated 3 pieces of furniture to my living room as well as created a sitting area for us to put-on/take off our shoes.  Pictures coming soon :-)