One Pattern, Two Styles

My latest sewing projects use the same dolman sleeve pattern. The first is a sweater dress with extra long sleeves and cuffs and a leather corset belt. The second is a crimson top with 3/4 sleeves, long cuffs, and lace-up side detail.

Both projects were super easy and took only 1 day (with the exception of the corset belt which didn't turn out right the first time, and I am still not 100% happy with it).

My Assistant

Thrifty Find to Bathroom Art

I imagine not many people would find an old brochure from Yellowstone National Park and see art for their bathroom, but that is exactly what I did with my $0.50 thrifty find. I purchased three Ikea picture frames with white mats at around $3/each, separated the three panels of my brochure, folded them to fit, and done! Super easy, and I now have art for my bathroom that is interesting to look at and perhaps a bit of a curiosity.

Thrifting

We went thrifting over the weekend and found a number of interesting/strange/down right creepy (see picture above) things.

Old medical instruments... chicken anatomy... ancient periodic table... All of these items speak to the scientist in me. I actually would have bought the periodic table if it hadn't been scribbled on. It just wasn't worth the price in that condition.

The only thing I bought was this old brochure of Yellowstone National Park. It was 50 cents. I have plans for it... :) Stay tuned!

Cajun Seasoned FIsh

Super simple meal. This is one of my emergency meals. As in, whenever I'm starving or home alone and just don't have the energy or desire to cook.

I keep some sort of frozen fish in my freezer for just this occasion. Fish is loaded with nutrients, including those omega-3 fatty acids everyone is always talking about. Why buy a pill whenever you can eat the source? Keep your brain and stomach happy and healthy.

What kind of fish? That depends on you. I use the following consumer guide from Seafood Watch to ensure my choices are good for the environment. 

Seafood Watch Consumer Guidelines

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (thawed if frozen)
• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (I use this brand which is available at my local supermarket)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp oil

Directions:

*I recommend assembling side dishes prior to beginning; the fish will take <10 minutes.

1. Rinse fillets and pat dry.
2. Combine seasoning, flour, and cornmeal in a large bowl.
3. Coat both sides of fish in seasoning mix.
4. Heat butter and oil until sizzling.
5. Fry fish for 3 minutes on each side until golden.

Side Dish Suggestions

• side salad
• sauteed zucchini slices
• just add salt and pepper to taste and fry in layers
• roasted potatoes
• golden potatoes quartered, coated in oil, salt, and pepper and roasted at 425 degrees for 20 minutes
• sauteed spinach and garlic
• fry freshly chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant, add spinach and saute until wilted

Bhindi Masala (Okra Curry)

One of my favorite dishes. Bhindi Masala is an indian okra curry. Serve on a bed of rice with a side of naan (optional). This is the reason I am going to be growing okra in my garden next year.

I use this recipe.

Total prep and cook time is 40 minutes!

Oh, and it's vegan, gluten free, and soy free if you're into that sort of thing...