My zipper broke on my perfect Fourth of July dress, and needed to fix the zipper ASAP so I can wear it in Seattle for our celebrations. So last night I tackled sewing my very first zipper. Notice anything funny in the picture.



Yep, its on backwards! I haven't decided if i'm just going to leave it like that and struggle to get it on with a backwards zipper or start from scratch. I have about 4 days before we leave so y'all will just have to wait till I post my Seattle Va-ca pictures, to see the verdict.

When I was little I used to rip all my barbies clothes off and make them their very own Kiki designs made of fabulous scraps of satin ribbon and toilet paper taped together with scotch tape. In Junior High I decorated my room by finding things laying around the house and tailoring them to my rooms theme. I have always enjoyed designing and dreamed of designing as a career ( I know I have a lot of time left to conquer this dream) and just haven't made any  progress on pursuing  it.

As, I was sewing in my zipper I got to thinking if I can reupholster some chairs, sewing a pillow, and put in a new zipper on this dress (I hadn't realized it was on backwards yet), I sure can create my own designs (all the sewing has gone to my head at the point). By no means am I going to be the next Coco Chanel or Alexander McQueen, but I have decided to push myself to pursue something that I love and enjoy, even if it just another hobby of mine. I haven't created anything yet, but have tons of ideas dying to be created. So stay tuned for some custom Kiki Designs . :)

As I was doodling today at work the phase "keep it simple" and realized that that's my motto this year ( I know I'm a little late for New Year's resolutions). Keeping things simple started really slowly for me and didn't realize it till now. Just my home, fashion, words, thoughts, and actions have become simplified. It's not about the big things anymore, it's the simple things that have become the most important.

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." Alma 36:6

The brass plates are being passed down to Helaman, Son of Helaman (you couldn't have thought of a better name?),to be preserved, Helaman, his father, gives his son some advice. My favorite piece of advice Helamen gives his son is that the small and simple thing turn into great things in the future. Meaning the small and simple things you do now will matter in the future. Just because something is small and simple doesn't mean it wont become great. Which comes to my next point!

As I was searching the scriptures for more topics on simplicity, I found simple is used for small and simple minded people. Someone who is not very smart, someone is living the struggle life. As i searched some more I found this scripture.

"The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me." Psalm 116:6

I love this scripture. I think everyone has felt small and low at one point in their lives and this scripture says that the lord will help you in those times. What a comfort!

I want to expand on the thought of simple becoming great. Someone who is simple always has the potential of being great and strong through the lord. You see that a lot more lately with the pay it forward trend. Also simple thoughts can lead to actions if acted upon. There has been many times I have felt prompted to start a conversation with the grocery clerk, or smile at a stranger. I have not idea if any simple act I have done makes a difference in those peoples lives, but it just might have. Those things were free and painless and nothing bad can come from smiles and making someones day. Many small and simple actions can become huge!

Everything starts with a simple thought, then a word, then an action, and then your lifestyle. I would like to share with you that there are many blessings to be found in keeping our lives simple.