Random Thoughts and Pretty Stuff

Taking a break from my serious life and having a "Me" moment. I deal with a lot day to day. So busy, busy busy... Things work my mental, physical and everything in between. I'm on this journey and finding out what I'm made of. Often I hit a wall, and get stuck thinking and not knowing what to do next. I hope to turn to this site and those things and remind myself of the things that motivate me and make me smile.


Look to the things that make you smile when you're down. Here are a few things I saved and would like to share:

Working with Athletes for Charity. Was able to meet Don Carey of the Detroit Lions.

Awesome day!!

Tired of sitting in the house my son and I went out for a bite to eat.

#datenight

One of my latest creations. I feel so good about this one. It's so freaking pretty!!

And yummy! Mmm!

These are the moments I live for and keep me going.

Have a great start to the work week!!

Revamp Remodel Redesign

Well Fall time has come around again. It's Time To Revamp your wardrobe. Remodel rooms in the house, and Redesign anything that hints Summer or Spring Time. Basically Time To Shop. That's is all I hear! Right?! Time to buy scarves, hats, cool and funky pieces to layer up and look stylish. Okay yes I like to shop but I do not want do much shopping. I bought a few pieces like dresses, tights, sweaters, and boots. You know the usual for the season. Browns, oranges, and all the natural tones are my go to's around this time of year. Reminds in the changing colors of the leaves. My favorite so far the season is mustard yellow. Such a pretty color and it its so pretty against my skin.

I'm in the mood to change my site up a bit. So if you see some changes, let me know what you think.

Have a good one.

Creative Bug

Hello and welcome again to ItsSoPretty.com I have been having a lot of fun sewing and updating my blog. The creative bug must have bit me. I hope you guys like, follow, and comment. If not just look around and get inspired to make something, or do something great. There's a lot of evil things going on in the world now and I'm just trying to keep positive. Keep the faith and make a change. I've cried almost everyday, sad and pissed off at my FB news feed. I see all these silly fights, and other nonsense. Then on top of that I see killings of young unarmed men... women being kicked and hit by police officers. It's a cycle that must stop. So sewing right now is a way to relieve the stress and hurt I feel. How do you feel about whats going on?

Back to the skirt. I've been finishing up this skirt for the last couple of days. Not that it was difficult. But every time I wanted to work on it it was late at night and I needed to rest for work in the AM. I managed to work on it a little a every day. My lines across at the seam are straight and everything. There's just one seam in the back, a elastic waist, and look... I even made a tag :) I got the idea to do it from a girl on YT that was making a skirt. She had fabric paint, a scrap piece of fabric and a toothpick. I thought it was so cute and decided to do it myself.

I bought the paint from Wal-Mart for less than $3. cut up a piece of polka dot fabric and free styled. didn't use a toothpick.

I made a few to try and get the hang of it. ISP is of course for Its So Pretty.

Had a fun time making these. I'm going to design a tag and make some more creative looking. My daughter and I will be making some shirts with the paint as well. A fun little arts and craft project would be nice. I try to do some with her to keep her happy. I'll post those once we do them.

Here's the final look.

Hope you enjoyed!!

Sable

Upcycle: Ralph Lauren

Welcome back! I have been on a posting spree and I love it! I found this cute dress at the thrift store. yes I go to the thrift store, no shame in it. I've been taken, sometimes forced, to go to these store when I was a little girl. Back then I didn't want anyone to see me. Kids can be so cruel. Though I truly didn't mind it after I seen what cute clothes and toys I could buy and for cheap!
This dress here was "saved" from Value World. The plan was to find a few pieces and bring them back from death. Upcycle instead of Recycle. A term used frequently around the web meaning to revamp and bring a newer version.
The dress was a size four. I knew it would be too small for me but I was in love with the print. It's beautiful right?! The colors are so pretty :) Plus is Ralph Lauren. Not that I'm a huge label whore. But I knew that meant the fabric would be good quality. I went in looking for pieces that I would end up cutting and revamping so I must withstand torture. Bawhaha.

cute right?

chop chop

cut a piece of elastic the length of your waist, sew to raw edge, flip over, then sew around to hide elastic

no need to hem the bottom! done!

That's all. It was pretty easy. I will have to post pictures of how I styled it. I was thinking a V-neck black or pink top? Any other ideas? Do you like this? Would you like more? I was thinking of doing a Thrifty Thursday or something ;) How does that sound?

Thanks,

Sable

DIY: Baby Clothes

Baby pants

A few weeks ago I made these two pants for my two friends that had their babies around the same time. Both of the little ones came a little before their time. Little preemies so I'm sure these pants will not fit them yet as they are size 0-3 mnths. Oh well plenty of time to admire in the closet until the right time. The mothers seemed to really appreciate them. This was my first time making baby clothes. I found the free pattern online. I printed it out at work;) I bought the fabric from Joann's. I was hoping to make matching hats.
Now I want to make more pieces for babies as it doesn't take my fabric or time. Next I will be making my son a shirt and pants set. I have a long list of things I want to make.

Here is the link to the Baby Pants. They have both 0-3 and 6-12 for your personal use.

DIY: Purple Sundress

Hello All!
The next few post will be me catching up on some things. I love this one for a few reasons. One, the #purpleformeesha tag is about a young lady on YouTube name Meesha that made DIYs that were fun, quick, and easy. She would make these beautiful pieces and would say it's "SO Easy" over and over in her sweet little voice. She had a great following because of the way she explained how to make these garments. And her spirit and love? She made you think you could do it all. Her energy was so warm and loving. So why the purple for Meesha? Well her life was taken this summer by an ex boyfriend. She was the victim of domestic violence. And although they were no longer together and she was since married, he still came into her home while her kids were their and killed her in her sleep. It was so sad. I cried and was so very pissed. Some men are such cowards. I use to watch her videos all the time over and over for tips and tricks, I still do now. Meesha was a beautiful woman and mother and she will be truly missed.

Here is one of her videos on How to Make a Jumpsuit. Please watch it. You will see why everyone in the Sewing/DIY Community fell in love with her.

Next, on to the dress. I wasn't too sure on what to make. Or I had an idea of something with the Chervon print I want to make but I wasn't confident in my skills just yet to make it. I searched YT until I found a pretty simple enough sun dress to make. I will post the video below. It was by Threadbanger.
While on family vacation I made this dress (more about the trip later). Yes, I brought my sewing machine on vacation. Sewing is really relaxing to me and so much fun. Also I made the dress because during my week vacation it was my birthday, July16th. Yay. I'm now 27 years young :)
So yup this was my dress it turned out okay. And I love purple! It was just regular cotton. I believe I bought it from Wal-Mart. I made a few mistakes while making it but you can't really tell. With mistakes you learn a few things for the next time.
TIP: It was a bit time consuming to keep loading the bobbin with elastic thread. I think I had to do that like 4 times. FYI, I learned this method is called "shirring". So that's it.

Here's the Threadbanger video:


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Until next post, Stay inspired!
Sable

Update!!

Hola Beautiful People!!

Haven't posted in a while. My laptop was down for some time, why I'm not sure. It just wouldn't come on for some reason and then out of nowhere Poof! it came on. It kinda sucks that I haven't updated lately. This summer I hoped to get more content out. This is sort of a diary to me. I have been doing a lot of fun stuff this summer. Definitely a summer to remember. Full of awesome trips, and concerts and family fun. I have captured most of it on Facebook and Instagram but not on the site domain that I bought. PLUS I bought another site from Go Daddy... smh. Silly girl just wasting money. Lol. I have a problem....
Now the summer is coming to an end (sad face)  fall is coming and its time to get back in the books! Whomp whomp. Classes start next week, Wednesday, and I have a full load. A job, Mom, Fiance, and full course load. Crazy, right!? Yes. I agree. And although I will be plenty busy I do hope to update my site often, at least on the weekends. I think it would be a great getaway from the never ending homework and do things I love. I'm still sewing from time to time. Made a few items even made a somethings on my vacay in West Virginia. It was so relaxing out there. I haven't been making smoothies as much but I'm sure to get back to it, I will need the energy. Lots of content is sure to come up and since I will have my laptop attached to me, a post will not be too far away. SOOO, hopefully it all works out.
Anyways this was just a quick update. I will be posting a few on pieces today and this week of the things I have been doing and working on.

~Sable

Smoothie Love

Mmm I love a good smoothie. (Please do not think of McDonald's when I say smoothie. That is not what I mean but a GOOD smoothie. That is powered crap and that's all I'm going to say about that.) If you have ever had a GOOD smoothie, I'd bet you wanted another one just like it. I've made plenty and they never taste quite the same. But that is on purpose. I like to experiment. Some are green, a few brown, and some purple or pink. Bananas and blueberries, Strawberries and Mangoes, Kiwi and Apples. Doesn't that sound so good? I mean like realllly good in your mouth. The flavors are like porn in your mouth... Okay maybe not really but if its not that good at least it is good for you.

spinach and bananas

Spinach, the best to add for a Green Smoothie, in my opinion. Kale is pretty good too but I didn't master blending my greens very fine until I did a little research. I have perfected it now when blending spinach. The trick is to mix your liquid and green FIRST before adding any other fruits or veggies. Start the blender off slow and give the blender a few minutes to really chop it up good. That way all the bit little go down smoothly. But still check your teeth after drinking.

I find recipes online that I really like and write them down or bookmark them. Look for the ones that have things you would actually buy or already carry in your house. For example I had a container full of oats in the cabinet. Taking that, a banana and a few strawberries, a nice amount of milk, I'd made a tasty beverage. Just try it with anything you like. Play with the flavor. If tangy maybe add something sweet.

strawberry and banana

Its the best way to get the recommend amount of vegetables and fruits per day. This will help you stay healthy and strong with little effort. Mind and body all getting the vitamins it needs. No cooking and hassle. Nothing wrong with keeping your body healthy right? You only get one. How about we do our best to take care of it. I'll get more into the reasons why its SOOO good for your body later...

Even the kids like it

There's still room for sweets. I have never been a huge fan of sweets but I do enjoy them. Just watch your intake. All that sugar is not good for the body. You can satisfy a sweet tooth sometimes buy adding apples to a smoothie with a bit of honey. Now don't get me wrong I love candy. Kit Kats, Twix, Reeses. But this isn't a post about them. This is a shoutout to a new love. One that I have found with my blender and food. Join in why don't you. It's SPRING TIME!!! Let's look good on the outside and inside.

-Sable

Change

It's 2014 and I haven't posted anything since May 2013. Wow 2013, That's a big one for me. It was a year full of ups and downs. Right on down to the ending of the year and beginning of a new. 2013 I had a baby boy, Nate. He is such a cutie and sooo sweet. The whole time during my pregnancy I knew things would change I just wan't sure how much it would mess up things. After having him I left my job to be at home with him. I knew I would get another position with ease but I liked where I was. I was there for about 4 years so I didn't want a new job. Truthfully I was scared of the change. My whole life changed after having another kid. Change can be a scary thing. You can't stop it though, it happens everyday. Slow and subtle changes work best for me. Big changes make me nervous and anxious. I'm learning now to embrace change now but before it all seemed so overwhelming. I may still get nervous and scared, now I try not to dwell too long.

I'm learning from a mindfulness group to sit with my feelings and thoughts, even the ones I don't want to have, and realize they are just feelings. I am a very emotionally person at times so I have to learn not to let my emotions take over too much. I could ponder and worry and analyze and reanalyze a situation for hours or days. Worrying myself to death about something or someone I can't change. I would sit with hurt for hours when really the feeling should only be temporary. That horrible feeling I was so consumed could soon past, but only if I let it. Sit and dwell.... I tend to do that and most of the time it makes me really sad. I cry and hurt and cry and hurt. Why? Why continue to feel that hurt and stay in that sad place in my heart and mind. I'm learning to let it go. Just let it go and move on with life. The next hour, the next day, the next month that thing that hurt me probably won't even matter. I was making things way bigger than they should have been. Its okay to sit in your feelings and feel that hurt. Its part of being human and experiencing life. The ups and downs. Just remember there is always a way up and a way out. Life is beautiful, Life is a wonderful thing to experience. Go out and do just that, all of it. Bad good hurt joy love pain the ups and downs. Embrace the changes of the seasons, people, yourself. Nothing will remain the same. Nothing will last forever. Take in all you can now. This is what I'm learning and I'm enjoying this new journey of living in the present. Why dwell on the past? Right now is the only thing I can change. This very moment. 

Its a Beautiful Day

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the wind? A bit windy but it was just great. People were out and about and smiling. Me and my 2 month old got out for awhile after we dropped his sister off to school. I went to see some family and then a few friends. I sat and had a little chat with them all. I got to see my granny, give her a little breakfast, and help her out around the house a bit. I hardly get to visit her but I was glad I did today. I even sat around her house and watch the Style channel. It was nice to indulge a little cable, ya know? I had a mission the whole day: to get a few dollars to make it through the week because a sista is flat broke... And although I wasn't able to borrow any money, my hubby got upset with me, my tank was low, and all I had was three dollars to my name... I still manged to have an awesome day. I'm smiling through it all. You know why? Because all that physical stuff really doesn't matter. And really that's saying a lot coming from me. Some of us give all that crap so much power over our lives. All that matters is that you're healthy and able to enjoy the day you're in. I'm sure most of this feeling comes from the fact Spring is here and the Sun gives you all these feel good emotions. The skin is happy, the mind is happy. I'm so glad to be into today.

Today was a very pretty day.

Facebook Rehab

Miss me? I know you guys did. Well I missed me-- I haven't updated on my blog in a long time. But I'm going to start again because I have officially broke up with Facebook. Yes, our relationship will be over by the end of today. I've let all my friends know.. I'm sure they won't miss me though. I don't update my status often. I just go around sharing natural hair photos and liking peoples pictures and videos (which seems to be the majority on my feed). Last night I seen a video that someone shared, going in I had no idea what I was about to see. But what I seen sent me into tears. I couldn't believe what I was looking at, though it wasn't the first time. Smh. People do not realize the mark that they are leaving out in the world. I will not be a part of such foolish acts. Anything I put out into the world will have some real thought behind it.
Now as for other social networking sites like Twitter and Instagram they're on the chopping block as well. I may not delete my Twitter as quickly (truthfully I'm addicted) I'm just going to remove A LOT of the people I'm following. Which is much easier since these are basically strangers. Facebook isn't that easy. So I will just delete myself.
So this is goodbye Facebook... I would say I'm going to miss you... but I won't. This should be a speedy recovery for me.

This is the status I left behind:

Like i stated before I'm going to shut my FB page down for a little while (if not forever). I'm just tired of looking at some of the hurtful stuff you people say and share on this site. The fights, the abuse, the hurt kids, the "bitches be like..." photos, all that nonsense. And there's just NO FILTER. It isn't entertaining to me anymore just a bunch of useless and senseless images and text. You people have no limits to the stuff you like and share with the world. You do realize these are the breadcrumbs you are leaving out in society?? Umm. Yeah Im a fault as well which is why Im starting with me. I have a blog and will start updating that more. Visit my page when you get a chance and stop [drop] a comment sometimes... 

Projects In The Works

Happy New Year fam! I hope you had a great time bringing in the new year. And if you didn't I'm sure better days are sure to come! "Life is like a box of chocolates...." Lol. Just had to throw that in real quick.

I just wanted to pop in and talk about a few things I'm working on. I'm hoping this post will inspire and also keep me motivated and focused. I know I can get side tracked some times and that's okay you just have to get back into the game and finish out strong!

I'm currently helping out my sister with building a website. She had a wonderful idea and one that gives back so I'm very excited to be helping her out. I'm the computer geek out of the family so as soon as IT know how is needed I'm the one you call. So the idea is she would like to start giving out things like hats and gloves to people that she will see on the street that really need them. It's called Project: Right Now. She wants the site to help get the word out that she is doing this so people can help us out with this mission. My sister always comes to me with some idea or creation that she would like to start up, but this one is by far the most generous one yet. We've bought the domain already. I'm now working on content and design. If you get a chance check it out and leave feedback! Project: Right Now << Let me know what you think!! Remember I just started so have an open mind when leaving suggestions.

Next, I'm getting back into the sewing side of things. I've bought a pattern and some material to start on my daughter's dress. I'm so excited. I've been wanting to start on it since last weekend but she was gone to her Grannys so I couldn't get measurements. I took some of her last night so now all I have to do is start planning and cutting! I really hope it comes out nice. But if it doesn't it's all good. It's all a learning process. So be on the look out. Here's the pattern and fabric I bought:

Wish me luck!!

-Sable

Looking Back on 2012

Welp 2012 is coming to a close and 2013 is sprouting up. As the new year is showing its head I can't help but look back on the year. There was a lot of big changes that happened to me. For one I went in 2012 single for the first time in a long time. My boyfriend and I were always off and on, but the last time I was SURE we were done. But our unconditional love brought us back together again... as usual. This time he tried to make it official and he proposed! So for 2012 I was an engaged woman with the man I've been with for 5 years. He was in another state when he asked but that didn't matter. We were head over heels for each other. It was time to set our love in stone. When he came back we moved into a new place together. Not our first place together but it felt like it. A lot more space, 3 rooms, a basement. Nothing like our crumby apartment. It's a really nice place.

2012 was also a big birthday year. I turned 25! So I had to have a big party that I would remember for years. I had my party at a club in downtown Detroit. It was successful. The only thing was... I was pregnant. Yup. A few weeks prior I took a test and it was positive! So yeah it was my biggest birthday yet no drinking for me. It sucked a bit but I realize now somethings happen to you for a reason.

So for 2012, I turned 25, was engaged, new place in Detroit, and now a human incubator. Wow. My daughter started 1st grade and I started my semester as a junior. As the months went by I learned that I was pregnant with a baby boy! I was so excited. I was blessed to have my little girl now to have my little boy with my fiancé (our first together) that has always been there for our family. I guess there was a reason for that 3rd room after all. ^_^

 My year has been full of exciting new changes and I'm very happy. At first I wasn't. Big changes like those can really scare the crap out of you. Change period is hard. But as the months of 2012 are coming to a close I realize that change is good and everyone has to go through it. He wouldn't put more on me than I could handle. 2012 has proved to be my biggest and most memorable year yet. And I'm sure 2013 will be just as big. With the baby on the way a lot more will change. I haven't had to change diapers and feed a baby for over 4 years now. But those skills never really leave you. And Nathaniel will show me just how great of a mommy I can be--still.

I hope your year was full of excitement and love as was mines. Have a Happy New Year!!! -Sable

DIY: First Collection I've Sewn

I finished my first collection of outfits! Well they aren't sized for humans but I think the dolls are happy! My daughter has a few dolls that seem to stay naked! And with me picking up sewing I thought it would be cool to make her dolls a few outfits. Here's the collection...

So whatchu think? I think I did pretty good for my first time. I took a old shirt and pair of jeans and made these three outfits. I even made a little denim purse to match the skirt. We couldn't find it for the pic. It was pretty neat. I'm glad I decided to start on doll clothes before going on to real life sized clothes. There's a lot to learn!! But I'm excited.

Next I will be working on the new arrivals clothes and blankets. I have a few patterns I bought from Jo-Ann. Wish me luck!!

-Sable

New Hobby

Cyber Monday was my day to get online and find some great deals to start a new project. I've picked up sewing! And I really like it. It only makes sense right. I like clothes, I like buying clothes, I don't like to spend a bunch of money... So why not just make the things I would like to buy??

I started with little things like replacing a zipper and hemming a few things but now I want to put a whole piece of clothing together.

Not sure how many of my followers out there have a sewing machine or ever sewed anything by hand, but its kinda neat. I've been watching YT vids to get my knowledge. I mean that's where everyone goes right?? I found out I need a sewing machine (Check), I need thread (Semi-Check), and I need some determination (Check-Check). But I need patterns, more thread colors besides white and black and I host of other things. So thats where Cyber Monday came into play. I went on Joanns and few other sites to find some deals. I found a few, but not many. I used most of my time reading reviews and finding out what 6 different footers are for, which I just felt I had to have!

So I am very excited for the packages I am soon to receive. I'll talk more about the projects I plan to start later. Right now I have to "run" off to class. Not much running since im 28 weeks preggy :)  Adios!

-CocoB

Me Me Me

I looked at my blog and noticed I have like no pictures of myself... That's just sad. So I decided to pop in real quick and give a few pics for you guys to see. I mean that's a part of connecting with your readers right :)

This was my 25th birthday outfit

My first time doing my own kinky twists

Not me.. But I couldn't help but share :)

Into the big sweaters this fall

Hope this gives you an idea of me and my style a bit. The last one is the latest one. Enjoy! See you guys soon!

Back Again

I know I know I do not post often enough but I haven't had much to talk about. I hardly paint my nails and my fashion sense hasn't been able to blossom as much. I don't want to spend a lot or think a lot into maternity clothes. I have other things to entertain me though. I have picked up sewing. I've been doing it off and on. I find little projects and finish them slowly. Like the last one I just finished, replacing a broken zipper on a winter coat. I watched some YT vids to understand the in's and out's of sewing on a zipper. I think I did a pretty good job. The only problem I had was one that was stated several times. My needle got too close to the zipper head and broke, TWICE. Mad and slightly pissed I kept on and got it done! I was so proud of myself! My daughter now has a another coat for the fall/winter. And just in time too... Michigan is about to start getting SNOW! Here it comes people. So let's get ready! I'm going out to get longjohns tomorrow!

HOW ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR THE SNOW?

Less Stress

Hello ladies,
One thing I must say is I LOVE nail polish. I think nail polish is one of the best accessories to wear. Its so easy to change it up. You can wear one coat of your favorite nude shade or a pop of color to enhance any outfit. I also feel its a great way to relieve stress. No seriously. If I'm having a bad day I paint my nails. I think it has to do with pampering yourself. When you 'take care' of yourself it makes you feel better (and look better too). And who doesn't love that?? What do you do to relieve stress??


With it being Fall now I had to find a nice shade for the season. I currently have on a shade of orange with a pop of metallic gray on my ring finger. Kind of Halloween-like. I went for the gray instead of the obvious choice of black. I started to design them up a bit but found I liked them just the way they were.

I'll add a picture later if you guys would like to see. Let me know. And Please comment ;)

BOX Braids

Hello all. Felt the need to share my new hair do. My niece braided me up with some cute box braids. I LOVE THEM. I have seen a few ladies with them. So I started to investigate... YOUTUBE! I saw so many videos of beautiful ladies with box braids. They often referred them as "patcher" (probably wrong term) braids and Poetic Justice/Solange inspired braids. And those are the exact people I thought about when I seen them.
This is the perfect example that history always repeats itself. And I'm excited they're back!

If you know me you know I'm a curly/kinky/nappy headed sista. The flat ironing, hot curling, and permed hair styles don't work for me. I have pressed/flat ironed it once or twice since I did the BC, but it just didn't help my hair. My hair is already thin. So putting all that heat, which is making it flatter & thinner, is a no-go. So to my rescue came Box Braids!

I've had them for about 2 1/2 weeks now. And I completely love them. I keep running my fingers through them. :) And they're so much fun. Especially dancing around the house, LOL. I wanted to show you guys. I made a YT vid. So please watch and comment!! I would appreciate it. :)
Hope you like them and try them out!! 

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty

Hello hello. We meet again. I have been SUPER busy with school, work, being a mom, new place, newly engaged (we'll get to that in another post) and a bit of partying too of course.
I read my last post and noticed that I haven't updated since Jan, beginning of this school semester. I've been busy with these 3 courses. But it has been fun. I'm learning a lot. I made a AWESOME website for my Web Development course. I did a live, recorded presentation on it today. Check it out and tell me what you think!
~Oh So Pretty~
I had so much fun creating this site. I really enjoyed the course. Now I have to finish typing this 8 page research report about cyber-bullying. Sounds lame? A little. But I'm actually learning a few things. So I have to get that finished soon.

Enjoy the site and until next time,
Stay pretty :)
-Sable