Author Archives for Carla

my new obsession: sewing

HEY HEY HEY!!!  I’ve been gone way way way too long but I was hit with some inspo and needed to post about my new obsession.


My new hobby has inspired me to write about it and hopefully it will encourage others to jump on the sewing train or just try something new.  This pandemic has us in a groundhog day every day and trying something new can really help with just feeling good, having more energy and being happier.  If you want to start knitting then I think this post will be really helpful.


Closet Core’s learn to sew clothing was amazing!  Heather Lou is a great instructor and the course is set up in such a way that you’re starting to sew pretty much from the get go.


This is an online course that has videos that you can watch whenever you want and rewatch as many times as you want.  It also has a comments section so you can ask any questions and Heather always gets back to you with her feedback.  The course also includes three Close Core Patterns that teach you some of the basics but they are also great patterns that you’ll keep using throughout your sewing journey.


The initial “chapters” are about getting started and getting acquainted with your sewing machine and sewing tools.  The course also teaches you to interpret sewing patterns and teaches you the basic sewing skills including various seam finishes, adding a zipper, buttonholes, hemming, sewing darts and lots of other techniques.


The Closet Core pdf patterns included in the course are worth 48$ alone so the course is an incredible value.  This post isn’t sponsored and I’m not affiliated with Closet Core Patterns but I just wanted to let anyone starting out know how helpful the course was and that I continue to use it as a resource now.  The course also has some great downloadable resources that are really helpful to a beginner sewist.


I dove in head first and I’ve sewn quite a few things since November.  I’ve only used indie patterns which are known for having very clear instructions which has made my sewing super gratifying because my projects come together nicely (no tears shed yet) and have turned out amazingly well for a newbie.  


Here’s a rundown of what I’ve sewn so far and some pics to go along with it. 
Pietra pants by Closet Core Patterns

Cielo top by Closet Core Patterns

Cielo Top – My first make!!!

Irma dress by IAM patterns

My Irma Dress – One of my favourite makes!

Rya coat by Fibremood

My Rya Coat – I always wanted a buffalo plaid jacket

Suki Robe by Helen’s Closet

Suki Robe – I made three different ones as Christmas presents

Hudson joggers by True Bias

Carolyn Pajamas by Closet Core Patterns

My Carolyn Pajamas – the cutest PJs ever!!!

Marlo Sweater by True Bias

This is my Marlo sweater and I’m wearing it non-stop!


I’d love to hear if you’ve started anything new or learnt a new skill.  Also let me know if you’d like reviews of the patterns I’ve made so far and if this would be helpful.  I also post my makes on Instagram so stop by to check out everything I’m making.

slow cooker turkey bolognese sauce

You have to try this recipe because it is freakin’ amazing!!!  I’ve been legit eating this slow cooker turkey bolognese sauce every day for lunch during the last week, it’s THAT good!!!  Apart from it being delicious, it’s also healthy, crazy easy to make and it’s a great make ahead recipe and perfect for food prep Sunday.  How many more reasons do you need to try this?  None, I promise, you won’t regret pulling your slow cooker out of the box and spending 20 minutes prepping this recipe. Continue reading

mediterranean pancetta pasta

I think it’s about time I posted a savoury recipe around here.  This mediterranean pancetta pasta is pretty healthy and you can even make it more so by eliminating the pancetta but why would you want to do that???  Pancetta equals protein and protein is important so it’s a no brainer.  We all know that pancetta is fancy bacon so that means it just makes everything better.  The feta cheese gives it a great creaminess and saltiness that is just right that makes this mediterranean pancetta pasta just perfect and a total must. Continue reading

healthy chocolate blueberry cookies

I’m all for healthier versions of classics but a healthy chocolate chip cookie just doesn’t sound right because chocolate chip cookies have to be bad for you to taste good, right? Honestly, I love a good chocolate chip cookie but this healthy version really does taste pretty amazing. My husband even said it’s his favourite cookie! Full disclosure: M is Spanish so chocolate chip cookies aren’t a homegrown classic so he doesn’t have that nostalgic link to it but he’s always honest (sometimes brutally so) which means these healthy chocolate blueberry cookies are pretty fabulous. Continue reading

diy: love squared snood

I’ve been gone a long, long, time and I’m so happy to be back!  Life was pretty crazy the last few months and thankfully mostly for good reasons which meant that I just couldn’t sit my butt down long enough to write a proper post.  Oh, how I missed this and I’m hoping you’ll come back with me.   I’ve come up with a pattern for an easy snood that can be knit up pretty quickly and it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that someone special in your life whether it’s your other half, BFF, or your first friend ever (aka: brother or sister).   Continue reading

classic cheesecake

I’ve obviously documented my love for cupcakes here, here, and here however I also worship all forms of cheesecake.  I think cheesecake is the perfect dessert to bring to a party or to serve at your next dinner shindig because I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like cheesecake (and those that don’t like cheesecake have never actually tried cheesecake, trust me). Continue reading

chocolate caramel tart

I’ve been MIA for a few weeks but I was in vacation mode and I really wasn’t very inspired with blog ideas and I wasn’t in the kitchen that much but I’m BACK!  This chocolate caramel tart is amazing and the perfect dessert for a special occasion because it’s very sophisticated but between you and me, it’s pretty simple to make.  It does have a few steps but they’re easy and it comes together easily so I definitely think it’s worth a try. Continue reading

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