Super Easy Maxi Dress Tutorial

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DIY Maxi Dress

I'm currently into sewing since my (very generous) mother-in-law gave me her portable sewing machine. This is one of the first dresses I made and it's so simple, I believe anybody can make one! I failed to take photos of how I made it so here's the step-by-step procedure with my sketches. I hope it's clear enough but if not, just leave your question on the comment box below and I'll get back to you when I can. Happy sewing!

Super Easy Maxi Dress Tutorial

1. Measure your hips + 2 inches for comfort + 1 inch seam = (label A). We are measuring this as the widest part of the body.

2. Measure your desired dress length, from your shoulder down to the hem line you want, +1 inch seam = (label B)

3. Cut your fabric as such:

4. Now fold your fabric in half, lengthwise, and sew ends together

5. Measure shoulder-to-shoulder and divide by 2. Then add 2 inches for allowance = (label C)

6. Subtract (C) from (A divided by 2) = (label D). That's what you need to cut from the top. To make sure your halter top is symmetrical, divide (D) by 2 and measure that from left and from right.

Then measure your armhole and divide by 2 = label (E). Make a mark from top on both left and right.

Now cut from your marked ends of (C) and your marked (E).

7. At the back side of dress, cut a "V" or "U" shape in the middle.

8.  Now hem away! Sew all open ends, making sure you don't sew the dress close! 

SEW JUST THE HEM on all open parts ~ arm holes, neck lines and bottom of dress

9. Make a loop on the neck line with an inch opening. Do the same on the back. This is where you'll insert the ribbon to hold the dress together!

10. You could either use a store-bought ribbon or make one from the same fabric. Then insert the ribbon in the loops and tie in the back. You're done!

If you decide to make a similar dress, I'd love to see it too!

DIY Menu Board for Meal Planning

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I don't know about you, but thinking of what to cook for dinner leaves me clueless most of the time! My husband and I would always wait for the other to come up with something, then we basically end up eating the same meals over and over.

I got super excited when I came across the Menu Board idea on Pinterest, so I made mine the exact same day and finished it within a few hours! I would love to add more recipes to my board but for now,  I'm just happy that I finally got to organize our weekly dinner menu!!

Here's how it works:
With my menu tags all in the upper box ("pick here"), I choose the menu I want for the coming week and clip 7 menu tags on the side. First pin is for Sunday, second pin for Monday, third pin for Tuesday, and so on. When the week is over, I put the used tags in the lower box ("yum!") and repeat the process. Once the upper box is almost empty, I return all the menu tags back in the upper box! Sounds fun and easy, right?

Here's what I used:

8x10" frame (for 8R photos)
small wooden clothespins
fabric (or you may use a decorated card stock)
glue gun
wide clear tape
double-sided tape
white card stocks (for the menu)
cutter, ruler & cutting board (or scissors)



First, I cut my fabric to fit my frame and put it as I would a photo. This will be my backdrop for the Menu Board. By doing this (and not directly working on the fabric), I could easily change the backdrop come Christmas season or Valentines or whatever occasion!

With 7 pins to hold my dinner menu for the week, I positioned them on the side and try to set an even distance. Then I used my glue gun to attach the pins to my frame. 

Now that I have the pins positioned, I cut some scrap paper to kind of determine the size I want for the menu tags and the boxes.






Then, print away!! With the measurements I want, I made the menu tags and boxes. This was actually the hardest part of this project: remembering all of my recipes! So I asked my girl friends for help and they sent me some of their recipes too!

To further organize my Menu Board, I used color codes for my menu: red for meat, green for vegetables, and yellow for seafood. (That's actually the same color code I use for my chopping boards!) This way, just by looking at the colors I could easily plan for the menu of the week, making sure I have the right combination of meat, seafood and vegetables. I also printed my menu's ingredients and I'll show you later what they are for.

Here's a tip: I wrapped my menu tags with the wide clear tape (like a 'lamination') to keep them protected. My board will be in my kitchen and I wouldn't want a drop of water to ruin my menu tags!






For the menu tag holders, I created my own boxes to exactly fit my board. I also wrapped them  with the wide clear tape.





Now all that's left to do is assemble the board! I attached the boxes to the glass on my frame with a double-sided tape. I also added the "menu" logo just to finish the look. 










Now, remember I also printed my menu's ingredients? I attached them on the back of each menu tag and once I have my menu plan for the week, I simply turn the tags over and there's my grocery list!

* And yes, my husband cooks dinner for me once every month :)

Ready to make your own Menu Board? Click here for my menu tags and boxes templates! 

Happy crafting!

Strawberry Pavlova

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This dessert just looks so beautiful. Basically, it's just meringue, whipped cream and a fruit of your choice.. in this case, strawberries! I love how simple and easy it is, perfect for any occasion!

Now this could be made in any size (and shape) that you like. Personally, I like making desserts in small sizes for individual servings. It just makes it easier for me to keep inside the ref, and just as easy to serve.

Ingredients:

2 egg whites, room temperature  
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 Tbsp vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla
whipped cream and strawberries

Procedure: 

1. In a large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until you form soft peaks.
2. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Beat in corn starch, vinegar and vanilla until well blended.
4. In a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, form your meringue into the shape and size that you like. I did mine 4-inch circles for single servings. Have a slight indentation in the center.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 120'C until cream and firm to the touch. (If it's starting to turn light brown, reduce temperature to 100'C.)
6. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
7. To serve: place meringue on a plate, put whipped cream and top with sliced strawberries.

Onesie Cupcakes

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My husband was invited to a baby shower today. He was thinking of bringing a diaper cake but then he thought the mother-to-be's friends might already have one.

So what's the next best thing to cake? CUPCAKES!

This gift is so cute that I just have to share how I made it! Here's a step-by-step guide. Enjoy!

Decide how many cupcakes you want to make:

1pc onesie = 1pc cupcake
pair of socks = cupcake toppings

Fold your onesie, both sides to the center
(Leave the bottom bottons undone)

Then fold again in half
(Now you have 1/4 of the onsie, lengthwise)



Position the pair of socks at the colar end like this.
(Note that i put one sock's top higher than the onesie's edge and the other sock is positioned lower than the other)

Then roll as tight as you can.

It should look like this after rolling. One sock's end now looks like the cupcake's topping, while the lower sock gives you enough material to cover the lower part of the cupcake.

Use the lower sock's garter to hold the cupcake's end firmly.

Done!

Now all you have to do is package it like a cupcake -- with cupcake wrappers and box!

Isn't it adorable? :)

Bruschetta with Fresh Tomato

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This has got to be my favorite appetizer because it's very flavourful and... you guessed it... easy to make! I always get compliments on my bruschetta and I'm always asked for the recipe as well so here it is!

Ingredients:

baguette
tomatoes
garlic
pesto (about a teaspoon just for added flavor)
cheddar cheese, grated
cream cheese
olive oil
salt and pepper

* Notice I didn't put how much of the ingredients are needed? Because it's entirely upto you! You can make it as flavourful or as light as you want :)


Procedure:

1. Cut the tomatoes in halves, then quarters. Remove the seeds and juice then dice the tomatoes. (No, I don't boil the tomatoes and I don't peel the skin because I like that added texture  and freshness.)

2. Mince the garlic. I usually use about 2-3 cloves.

3. Mix the tomatoes, garlic, pesto and cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Slice the baguette, lightly brush with olive oil and toast for about 5 minutes in 200'C oven.

5. Take out the toasted baguette slices from the oven and spread a little bit of cream cheese on each of them.

6. Put a tablespoon or so of the tomato mixture on top of the baguette slices and put back in the oven for about 2 minutes.


And that's it! Enjoy the crunch and flavor!