Project: Aimee

If Aprons Could Talk

Aimee — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:40:29 +0000

For starters, let me just say thank you for all the incredible support you’ve given regarding “The Aproness”.

Never in a million years would I have imagined myself being overwhelmed by the volume of people wanting something I merely threw together.

Honestly, I saw an invite and thought “well, how cute would that be to recreate”? And do it in a way that could be useful long after the party ended.

So I designed a dress that could come on and off like an apron.

If aprons could talk, here’s what they’d say.

With so many new people to my Facebook page, I feel like I should give you a little bit of background about me, as a person.

Aprons aren’t my life. I am incredibly thankful, and blessed that so many of you want them. I honestly appreciate every single comment, but you should know that I have a life outside of aprons.

For starters, I have a job. You see, by day I crunch numbers, reconcile accounts, and manage the finances for the missions department at my church. It’s not as glamorous as sewing aprons, posting on Facebook, and playing on Twitter but it’s a part of my life. When my husband and I made the decision recently to upgrade our home, I knew we needed the consistency that a job outside the home provided in addition to the income that anything I do online provides.

I have a family. And that family likes it when I cook them dinner and don’t let the laundry get out of control.

Oh, and one family member demands, yes demands, that she get an obnoxious amount of attention each evening.

If not, I get this face.

And seriously, who wants that face?

And while I want to make each and every single person who has asked an aproness, it’s simply going to take some time. Time for me to respond to the multiple retail inquiries. Time for me to figure out how much of this is even within my control. Simply time.

Which brings me to the fact that I refuse to schedule you guys a month out. Even if you say it’s ok, it will drive me bonkers to know you’re waiting for something that’s in my control. I’ve ordered a camera strap that I literally forgot about by the time it finally arrived. I won’t do that to you.

Each of these little creations are gifts from me to you. They’re multi layers of fabric. They’re serged. They’re fully lined. They’re ruffled. I put my heart & soul into them. Seriously, I hold them up, I play with them on my dress forms, and I don’t let them leave my house until it’s something I’d be happy with receiving. It’s the difference between receiving something handmade, and something mass produced. Remind me to tell you the story of the moment I received an apron from my idol. My heart broke a little.

It means everything to me that you love these little things. I want your children to want to play in them, and I want you to have to argue with them to get them to take them off at night.

But the reality is I’m only one person. With a somewhat limited amount of time to devote to aprons.

So many of you have asked for an adult version of the Snow White inspired aproness.

So I spent some time this weekend making sure I could modify patterns in order to make it match.

I kind of thought you guys were insane when you requested it, but once I slipped it on and broke out the red heels, something magical sort of took over.

There’s a few kinks I need to work out, but they are indeed possible and I will be offering them to you soon.

And I now understand why so many of you wanted to match your little one. They’re pretty stinking cute.

So what I’m going to do is list them in limited quantities in the Etsy shop this Saturday at 9:00am CST for anyone who didn’t email me directly. I hate to penalize you for not jumping right on contacting me.

For those of you who I’ve communicated with, your reserved listings will be available soon.

There will be childrens sizes ($45), adult sizes ($50), and mommy & me sets (discounted to $80).

You’ll also see some other characters as well.

I’ve had custom orders for Little Red Riding Hood, Strawberry Shortcake, & Dorothy and they’re next to ship.

I’ll continue to try to accomodate custom orders as there is space in my schedule.

And then you’re probably going to have to wait a little while until they are restocked.

It pains me to say that, but it’s not smart business to over extend myself because I don’t want to tell anyone no, and as a result fail to keep my commitment to those of you I’ve told yes.

So there you have it. If you want to get your hands on one before they’re restocked, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 7th at 9:00am CST.

Here’s the link for handy reference:

Aimee Broussard Handmade Link

See you then! And thanks again for your support.

Oh, and one more SURPRISE….. Coming SUMMER 2012, the Aproness To Go Collection.

5 Disney inspired character apronesses in 1 adorable suitcase ready to bake, play, party & go!

If You’re Going To Be A Loser….

Aimee — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:09:12 +0000

If you’re going to be a loser….

Then at least lose to yourself.

Last weekend I was invited to a Pampered Chef party where a prize was being given to the best apron.

So in true Aimee fashion, I set out to construct the most impractical apron in attempt to win by cuteness default.

I spotted a vintage inspired apron in the latest issue of Apronology, and quickly decided that’s the direction I would head.

There was lace. There was pearls. And there was rosettes. Lots and lots of rosettes.

Here’s my little apron in all her glory.

Fancy schmancy, right?

And here’s a photo of the ladies who entered the contest.

The chick next to me in pink is wearing a Jessie Steele apron. And I’m kinda smitten with it. And with Jessie Steele.

So that means I’ll probably be making one similar soon. Which means more apron inventory in my pantry. {sigh}.

And see that lovely green “Gaga” apron. She totally cheated and brought her matching grandbaby’s apron and kicked all of our booties. And if you didn’t already know by now, I made them both.

So she won the prize, but I also got a lovely citrus peeler because I made the winning apron.

And that made me happy. But not as happy as having one of my aprons win!

Oh, and see the lady in the Easter apron on the far right? Her two little girls are getting the most adorable spring aprons in their Easter baskets. I just finished one of them tonight, and boy oh boy is it my new favorite!

One last thing- did you notice the coupon widget on the right hand side of my page? I’ve teamed up with Retailmenot to ensure that you never order craft supplies online ever again without snagging a lovely discount code!

I ordered cupcake fabric the other day that was already on sale. Then I used my additional 15% code, found exclusively on my own page and got myself quite the deal.

And better yet, I’ve streamlined it for you to show you the current discounts at my favorite places.

You’re welcome!

Susie Harris {Blog Crush}

Aimee — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 23:23:01 +0000

Do you ever follow a blog, and say “self, that woman is a genius and everything she touches is just pure magic”?

If you answered yes, then you know what I’m talking about.

If you answered no, then you probably aren’t following the Susie Harris Blog.

I stumbled upon Susie, when really, she stumbled upon me.

Or my blog, rather.

I remember seeing a blog comment saying “hey, I’m from Louisiana too” and immediately going to check her out.

Turns out, we’re neighbors! Ok, well maybe not “neighbors”, but she lives in the next town over and I am head over hills in love with her blog.

A few days ago, she posted these little beauties:

I nearly fell off my rocker when I saw them. I love the idea of dressing up our front door for holidays with something other than wreaths, and immediately wanted to create some fabric carrots for myself.

So I did. And my door got real, real, excited.

And you know how when you’re going to someone’s house for the first time, and you’re trying to figure out “am I at the right house”? I wanted to make it a little easier for people to know they were at the Broussard’s house, so I put a fancy little B on my carrot.

Even though my carrots are a little lumpy (I got a little too excited stuffing them), and I had a near carrot catastrophe attaching them, I’m loving the carrots.

They were ridiculously easy to make.

For Susie’s tutorial, click here and be sure to tell her I said hello.

I think you’re going to enjoy your stay there.

Do The Mardi Gras Mambo!

Aimee — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:03 +0000

It’s Fat Tuesday, Ya’ll!

And if you didn’t know, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday.

The New Orleans carnival season is the preparation for the start of the Christian season of Lent. It begins on Epiphany (Jan. 6th) complete with an abundance of parades, balls, and king cake parties. It has traditionally been part of the winter social season; at one time “coming out” parties for young women at débutante balls were timed for this season. My cousin, Kalynn was presented this year at Bacchus.

To New Orleanians, “Mardi Gras” specifically refers to the Tuesday before lent, the highlight of the season!

Here are some of my favorites from this year’s season:

Favorite Mardi Gras related blog post: You Dont Know Mardi Gras Like I Know Mardi Gras by Kristen Duke Photography.

I love that she de-boozed and de-breasted the world’s persona of Mardi Gras the way only a person having grown up in Louisiana can do. And, I especially loved seeing the pictures of her as a child dressed up in costume for the parades.

Favorite Parade Photo:

image via

I love this photo because it truly captures how nasty our weather was this past Saturday.

Endymion’s new motto should be “Rain Or Shine, Endymion Rides”.

Favorite Mardi Gras Wreath:

Saw a Valentine’s Day wreath tutorial on How To Nest For Less and immediately said “self, that would look lovely in Mardi Gras colors”. So I made it in Mardi Gras colors. And I liked it so much I refused to hang it outside.

Favorite non-traditional Mardi Gras treat:

Are you noticing the insane details on these cupcake toppers?

Like, um, the microscopic baby?!?!

Maria from Love & Sugar Kisses is one of the sweetest, most talented chicks on the planet.

She rocks my socks and I tell her so at least once a week.

Favorite traditional Mardi Gras treat:

image via

Gambino’s is a New Orleans based bakery known for their king cakes for over 50 years. Luckily, they have a location in Baton Rouge, too! If you ever wondered where Oprah Winfrey gets her king cakes from, it’s from Gambino’s.

My personal favorite are the ones filled with pecan praline cream cheese. Oh. Mmmm. Gee.

Favorite Mardi Gras mask photo:

And yes, my mask is totally on crooked, but that’s how I roll, yo.

Favorite Mardi Gras Jester Pet:

When you live in south Louisiana, you can expect your groomer to deck out your pet for carnival season…. without being asked.

Note: The bow in her ear lasted all of twenty minutes. {sigh}.

Happy Mardi Gras!!!!

Weekend Of Silence….

Aimee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:12:39 +0000

This was not the post that I had scheduled.

This was not the post that I probably ever anticipated writing.

But there are times when life doesn’t care what you have scheduled on the calendar or what you’d prefer to blog about.

Life simply happens.

image via

When I was really young, my mother married a man who would remain a constant throughout my life.

Maybe I’m not as close to this man, my step-father, as I should be but despite his tough exterior was the man who was many times the voice of reason when chaos occured in our family.

This is the man I called when I was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire. This is the man who arrived first to the emergency room when I totalled my car in college. This is the man who last year when I found myself back in the emergency room, not only arrived first but then went to retrieve my car from where I left it.

This is the man who despite our differences has come to my aid more times that I count.

There won’t be many times where I ask you to pray.

But, this weekend if you wouldn’t mind, I’d appreciate you sending a few his way.

My mom’s Facebook status is pretty self-explanatory:

*******************************************************

Cathy Littleton

3 hours ago

Please keep my husband Chris and my family in your prayers-He had a quad bypass 21 years ago, multiple stents over the years. Last night he was admitted to Cabrini Hospital, and after a heart cath and stents this afternoon, 3 of the four main arteries are back in working order One could not be stented. He is resting at this time in ICU. Pray, he will recover quickly and be home soon.

********************************************************

But what she doesn’t say is that he has a pump now attached to his heart to keep the stented artery open. She doesn’t say that it’s basically a way of buying time until a by-pass surgery will be necessary. She doesn’t say how terrified that makes him, my sister, or myself.

Because that’s not who she is. Instead, she asks for prayers for recovery with a smiley face icon and maintains a “I’m ok, I don’t need anything” attitude.

So while yes, I chopped my hair today (and it’s super cute) and yes, it’s Mardi Gras weekend, and yes, it’s also my birthday- I won’t be blogging any of those things until after he has been cleared.

Out of respect for him. For my family. And most importantly, for my mom.

Trivial things can wait. Unimportant things can wait. Praying cannot.

image via

Don’t Monkey With My Monkey Bread

Aimee — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:34 +0000

I’ve made “Monkey Bread” several different ways. I’ve made it with cream cheese pockets and today I made it without. This recipe is by far the easiest!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle the base of the pan with the pecans. (You’ll be flipping the bread, so what you put in first becomes your topping). In a large -storage plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter; pour over biscuit pieces and keep a small amount on reserve. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; reheat the reserve brown sugar & melted and drizzle over the top. Pull bread apart, and serve warm.

Seriously delicious!!

I love you….a latte!

Aimee — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:47:28 +0000

You can go all out for Valentine’s Day, or you can go all Aimee which is ten times easier. Due to the husband being out of town for Valentine’s Day, and rather than celebrating when he returns (hello, that’s way closer to my birthday at that point) the day for us has come and gone. Which is good for those last minute people, yeah I’m talking to you, who still haven’t decided what they’ll do for their hunnys.

Seriously, you can whip this up in less than 2 hours.

And the “oh wow, you did all this for me?” will still apply.

I’m calling it….. I Love You… A Latte.

Because, you know….I used latte mugs.

Ok, so here’s what you do to create your very own Valentine Breakfast of Champions, I love you a latte morning. No dessert tablescapes or fake photo shoots, just breakfast. Straight up, cute breakfast.

The live, laugh, love plaques are normally on my media center. I swapped them out with the Mardi Gras paraphenalia that was currently on the dining room mantle, shelf thing.

Then I made a fun little burlap banner. Seriously, ya’ll- in less than 15 minutes.

All you do is create a pocket looking template out of card stock. Cut out a few. Create a seam along the top of the “pocket pennant”, by ironing it down, run some twine underneath, sew it flat, add some ribbon in between. Bam. You’re done.

Now, go find yourself some oversized mugs. I originally saw the chalkboard painted mugs at Target and said um, no thank you to the $8 each price tag. In fact, I said “oh, I can totally make that”.

And so I did.

Mugs. Chalkboard paint. Paint primer. Heart stencil. Done.

The husband isn’t really a coffee/latte drinker so I put a little note on them, and stuck our cereal in them.

Bonus points for creating a heart out of a strawberry.

Next I did something that was borderline pushing the envelope. I pulled out my party wares, and I stuck his juice in a milk glass. Complete with printable, striped straw, and all.

{Free printable from Whisker Graphics}

The free printable was designed to tuck inside a mini envelope, which I also did. Whisker Graphics is sort of one of my new favorites. Seriously cute stuff.

Then, I whipped up some personalized place mats to put them on.

I’m quickly becoming the queen of burlap, for a tutorial on runners and how I did them, click here.

I knew I wanted the husband to have something in his belly besides cereal before traveling clear across the country, so I whipped up our very favorite monkey bread.

That recipe will come tomorrow.

And of course, I created an apron for myself that coordinated. Because, well, um, that’s what I do now. More information on the apron line coming soon.

And even when I tell the husband, no flowers because they’ll just die.

He brings home 2 dozen. Pink roses because I hate red- way too traditional.

Have a great day, and an even better Valentine’s Day!

Lacy Burlap Table Runner {How To}

Aimee — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:29:55 +0000

If you’ve spent any amount of time on Pinterest or Etsy, you’ve stumbled upon a zillion deviations of the burlap runner. If you’ve spent any time noticing the prices of said runners, you might’ve found yourself in sticker shock. $35 for a simple runner. Oh no, no, no.

Recently, I contributed two of those shabby chic little numbers to the Piggy Bank Parties Vintage Valentine Collaboration

{Photo via Piggy Bank Parties }

And I even shared how I made them. If you missed the tutorial over there, I’m including it again here.

Begin by determining the desired length and width you want your runners to be based on your table size. I typically add an additional 12″ to each end to allow for a sweet overhang. For our project, we needed approximately a yard and a half to complete a long dining table runner as well as a short buffet table runner.

Supplies:

1 1/2 yards of Burlap

1 1/2 yards of Broadcloth (Broadcloth serves as your lining. You can choose a fabric with a print for a fun touch or another color, if preferred)

2 yards of Eyelet Lace

Scissors

Sewing Machine

First, I like to run the iron over the material I’m working with. In this case, give both the burlap and broadcloth a quick touch up. It makes cutting, pinning and sewing a lot easier.

Next, measure out the desired length of the runner. Since you’ll be turning the runner inside out, allow an additional 3/4 of an inch to both the length and width so that the “turn in” won’t mess up your desired measurement. Measure, mark or pin, then cut. Your burlap and broadcloth should mirror each other in measurement.

{Photo by me. Photo collage via Piggy Bank Parties}

Now, turn your fabric/burlap inside out.

You’ll want to pay your iron another visit and press down the edges. Make sure the burlap is on the burlap side and the white lining is on the white lining side.

On each of the exposed open ends you’ll fold toward the inside both the burlap and the white lining allowing them to meet—about 1/2 inch inward. Press, pin then topstitch in place making sure to backstitch on both ends.

{Disclaimer}: Who knew I had ugly little spots on my ironing board!? I’m buying a new one before I do another tutorial involving the iron!

If you don’t want any lace on your runner, you’re all done. For lace ruffles, keep reading.

Now determine where you want your lace. You can put it on the overhang ends. You can add multiple layers and create dainty little ruffles or you can add it along the front of the runner extending the full length. If you can’t decide, you can do one of each like we did!

For ruffles on runners with overhang, pin and topstitch the ruffles where you want them.

{Another Piggy Bank Parties collage}

For a single ruffle extending the length of a buffet runner, pin the lace onto the backside of the burlap runner and stitch. Both sides will look alike so just choose one side to be the backside. You’ll stitch it in place on the backside, then flip it over for use.

To ensure your runner looks crisp, return to the ironing board and give the runner one more quick press.

You’re all done! Sit back and marvel at (1.) How beautiful & charming your runner is and (2.) How much money you saved by doing it yourself.

If you’re here because you spotted the Valentine’s Day placemats, I made those very similarly to the runners. Decrease the size, instead of lace attach ruffled strips of patterned fabric. Cut out a heart in the same fabric for the center of the placemat, run it through an embroidery machine, then glue in place. Had I thought about it prior to sewing the ends of the placemat closed, I probably would’ve stitched the heart onto the burlap, then attached the ruffles & lining. But you know, it didn’t come to me then.

Yada, Yada, Yada

Aimee — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:39:02 +0000

It’s nearing the end of January and I stumbled on a little characteristic of mine that needs some tweaking.

I’d add it to the vastly growing list of 2012 resolutions, but I don’t really want to call it a resolution.

So I’m just going to place it in the ”How To Be A Better Aimee” file.

Do know that this is taking some major self identification to admit out loud.

So here goes.

Breathe.

{source via }

That’s right. I need to talk less. As it turns out, I’m a chatterbox.

I wouldn’t say that my problem is to talk less and listen more though. Because, in reality it’s not I’m not a great listener, because I do listen. That is….when I give someone the opportunity to talk.

I’d say that in certain situations I tend to dominate conversations.

Holy moley, that was harder than I thought it would be to admit!

I knew it was a potential problem as far back as high school.

I’d come home from school and spill all the daily drama details to my mom. Sometimes I’d notice she wasn’t paying attention, and was clearly zoning out so I’d say to her “you’re not even listening to me!” in true teenage fashion. And I’ll never forget one of her replies, “Aimee, I am listening, it’s just that you’re talking too much”.

{source via }

Unfortunately, fastfoward until present day, and I’m just now admitting there’s a problem.

It would appear that I’m talking a tad too much in pressure type situations.

A recent job interview lasted an hour and a half. I already had the job at probably the 30 minute mark, yet I was still going on and on about how great I was, and all the wonderful things I’ve accomplished.

Then, a few weekends ago at a small group meeting at church, one guy was left without time to introduce himself because I spent too long on my intro. {o.m.gee}I felt my husband kick me several times to signal “shut up, already” yet I kept babbling.

I’m not really sure why I misinterpret “tell us about yourself” to mean ”tell us your entire life story and don’t you dare let anyone else speak”.

You give me a little bit of interest and it’s like winding up a toy.

I just get going. And keep going. And going. And I just can’t stop!

In my head, I’m zipping along with all type of things I find interesting and what they’re really hearing is yada….yada….yada, when will this girl shut up?

Here’s the only solution I have.

Talk Less. Say More. Stick on the blog.

Admitting it is the first step.
I’m feeling better & quieter already.

Have a great week!

A recap, a recipe & ridiculous rambling

Aimee — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:08:24 +0000

Someone discovered they have about 5 different jobs.

Someone also discovered that they try to be superwoman.

I would be said someone.

(I was tagged in the above photo on Facebook, so I haven’t the slightest how to cite it)

Job 1 requires me to properly get up on time, force myself to wear something besides sweats, and arrive at the workplace in an efficient manner 20 hours out of each week.

Job 2 requires the ongoing coordination of dishes: enter the dishwasher, go to your home, enter the dishwasher, now go to your home, the insane amount of laundry produced by only two people, the nightly dinner, the meal planning, the grocery shopping, the weekly sheets changing routine I despise, the nearly daily vacuuming/swiffering that comes with owning a shedding dog, the dusting, the plant watering, the….oh, you know, all the household chores!

{disclaimer: my husband doesn’t expect these things, and he is gracious and helpful when asked, but I’m a neat freak and I need everything spic & span before beginning a new week. Or before bedtime for that matter. }

I’m thinking Job 3 is quite similar to parenting a toddler, except it’s co-parenting this little diva.

She’s precious. She’s well-mannered. She’s super smart.

She’s HIGH MAINTENANCE.

There are a multitude of reasons why I ditched a well paid job in corporate insurance and
instead chose to work part time at our church, but let me just say for the
record that Lucy factored right into that decision. She wasn’t “the” factor, but she was in fact, “a” factor. There. I said it. The priss can’t be left for longer than 5 hours a day. I mean she can, but Lord help us she would be the most miserable and sad pup on the planet. When they say Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are true companion dogs, they’re not joking around.

It was get a part time job, or get a job where she can go to work with me.

Which brings me to Job 4 which is my desire to get this etsy shop, blog hop, hip
happening social media world ball moving. And moving at a much faster pace than
I have in the past. The debut line of reversible, embroidered Valentine’s Day
Mommy & Me aprons have been photographed and are just in the waiting stages
of getting my hands on the photos from the photographer. I’m already
pre-planning for St. Patty’s Day and Easter. It’s some exciting stuff, I tell you.

And finally, Job 5 which is simply to maintain my sanity and have a life outside of my
job(s), husband, and dog.

I could potentially put being a wife as Job 6, but something about calling my marriage
a “job” seems pretty insignificant but doesn’t discount the fact that
there are times when my duty as his wife, and the demands of his job begin to
feel a little like a job. I mean hello, I had an itinerary for the National
Championship game weekend. With dress codes!

Speaking of husband, we had our first real argument this weekend. You know, the kind where someone (or everyone) shouts, someone might cry, and you both feel awful afterwards. Ironically, it wasn’t about anything mentioned above which is why I said this post was “rambling”. And while arguements were bound to happen-we’ll have been married 2 years this June- it still sucked. (my mother taught me never to say something “sucks” but it did, sorry mom).

It was completely stupid and actually quite humorous afterwards.

In attempt to make amends, he got around to switching out the bathtub fixtures, and I
whipped this up:

Paula Deen Shrimp & Grits

Who can stay mad when there’s Shrimp & Grits to be devoured? Neither of us.

Ingredients:

Salt

1 cup quick-cooking grits
(not instant)

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup chopped tasso ham

2 tbsp chopped yellow onion

2 tbsp chopped green bell pepper

20 medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp white wine

1 cup heavy cream

1 scallion, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

Cook grits according to package directions; set aside and keep warm.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tasso and saute until crisp. Add diced vegetables and saute until onions are translucent. Add shrimp and saute for 30 to 45 seconds, or until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside. Deglaze the pan with a little white wine. Slowly add the cream and let reduce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Line plate with the shrimp along the edges, then divide grits among 2 serving plates. Pour sauce over the grits and top with green onions.

My addition includes:

With the remaining white wine in hand, sit back and wonder what on earth you had the argument for in the first place and vow that you won’t argue over stupid things, but know that it’ll probably happen again someday.

Such is life.

Anybody do anything fun this weekend??