Cheerio!

Houndstooth is something that brings to mind certain images.  Maybe it's more of a refined and classy blazer.  And maybe it's something like this:

Or this:

And maybe that's just me.  In fact it may even invoke a bad British accent and I may throw haughty stereotypical British sayings into my everyday conversation.  "Jolly good!"  "I do say, Sir!"  And the like.  You know, the kind of sayings you're positive nobody says in England, or at least they haven't in about 100 years.  If anyone does, would you kindly let me know?  Because I would very much like to be their friend.  

But stereotypical English sayings aside, houndstooth is a pattern that has been around longer than Sherlock Holmes.  And just like Sherlock Holmes mysteries, it's roots are in Scotland.  (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is Scottish, not English.  Go ahead and count that as your "thing you learned today."  Thanks Wikipedia!)  Houndstooth originated in woven cloth of the Scottish Lowlands.  Which is another random pearl of wisdom you get to take home with you today.

Even still I do say, tis jolly fun to dust off one's English sayings whilst smoking a pipe and wearing a houndstooth cap atop your head!  Ok, I'm stopping now.


And then I find out Toms has houndstooth shoes and I swoon:

Source

I've quickly developed a crush on them and have added them to my "One Day I Will Own These" list.  Because, honestly - how cute are these?!

Look how cute they can be:

Polyvore

This is yet another outfit I couldn't really afford.  The shoes I can, but the rest is out of my price price range.  Its still a lot of fun to play.

And houndstooth is all over everywhere else too:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

A lot of these are handmade Etsy finds.  I LOVE the houndstooth pillow.  And the purse?  Are you kidding me?  That ruffle clutch is also catching my attention.

And then there are always houndstooth pumps:

Source

Brand: Oh Deer!

Style: Toffee: Houndstooth

Price: $96.69

Sold out too.  Too bad, they're perfect for work wear.

And there are these gems too:

Source

Brand: Pinup Coutoure

Style: Bella in Houndstooth

Price: $80.00

While I'm not a fan of bows, these are actually kinda cute.  I'm loving the heel too.  I'm a sucker for serious pumps.

Well I believe I've rambled on long enough about houndstooth.  And hopefully I haven't offended any British followers.  I'll have you know my blood is very English rich so really, I'm just poking fun at my own heritage.  Have a lovely weekend everyone!  New project goes up Sunday!

Fridays Rock

 I know I just came back from a long vacation so I shouldn't get to talk about how happy I am that it's the weekend.  But I am.  This week kicked my trash.  It hasn't been the best or brightest, that's for sure.  But you just keep moving forward, right?  Hopefully things start looking up soon.

Today I'll just get right down to it and tell you that this little search began with that blazer.  Yes, I'm still on the hunt for a good blazer.  I came this close to buying one at Charlotte Russe before I left for vacation but my husband stopped me...I had already spent what I budgeted to spend.  We like to keep each other in check, the hubs and I.  I guess I'm just pouting a little bit because I want to find one for under $30.  I need to just scour my local Forever 21.

I did find a few options at Charlotte Russe, like the blazer seen below.  I like how airy it looks, casual and airy because summer is still well in swing.  Monday is August, which means it's going to get downright uncomfortable and hot around here and anything airy is good.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

I'm loving the lace overlay on the things I found.  Beige is a good staple but its important not to overdo it.  What I mean is that you shouldn't wear all of these items at once.  Stacy & Clinton would find you and throat punch you.  Not really, but I'm positive they'd want to.  I'm also loving that headband - yes that's a headband on #7 - it's kind of hard to tell.

And because it's Friday we need to discuss some serious shoes.

Found: Heels
Brand: Promise Shoes
Model: Casual-Nude
Price: $49.99


These are just plain hot.  Nuf' said.

Found: Heels
Brand: Report Signature
Model: Leeton - Blush
Price: $189.99

Wouldn't it be nice to just drop that kind of cash on shoes and not worry about it?  Ah, one can dream.  And that's exactly what I'm doing.

Alright well have a good one folks, hopefully things stop being so crazy and I find the time to craft and contribute to this blog of mine!

Counting down the minutes...

Alright kids, I take off next Thursday morning. And when I say "morning" I mean 3:30 - 4:00 a.m. range. We wanna get there so there's time to enjoy some sun after we drop off the suitcases and throw on swimsuits. Then we're rushing that lake like there's no tomorrow!!

Then we'll probably scream and run away the second our feet hit the water because, dude, that lake is so cold. Year round! Why does it never warm?!


So anticipation of the blue, blue lake and clear blue sky I did the blue thing. Which I'm sure I've done before but we all know I don't put enough effort into researching that fact.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

#5 & #6 are from a fun store called Fuego. We don't have them in Utah and on a long trip to Idaho last week, we decided to stop in Boise and stretch our legs. Also - whenever I'm in Boise I have to stop at either the Blue & Orange Store or the Boise State Bookstore for my husband - who is one of the biggest BSU fans...ever. Since my Mom and I were on the lookout for something different than what we have in Utah, we stopped in Fuego and ended up staying for about an hour, looking at the fun novelty stuff and knick knacks. That hat - I came this close to buying it. I didn't though and I'm kicking myself because, guys -it was so cute. However, I did buy #3, and it is comfortable! I'm loving the key earrings too. I just like stuff like this - sometimes its good to stray from the ordinary.

Also on my fun blue search:

This Chevron Duvet

In a word: Trendy. And since trendy things tend to be outdated in seconds, it would be a poor decision to purchase it -but can you think of all the possibilities?! All the colors and palettes this would go with? Pairing it with shapes and textures and finishes? The mind reels. This could be beyond cute in a guest bedroom.

Found via Pinterest.

This mirror is so cute and simple. Not too ornate, the blue isn't too bold - and it would be so cute in my living room. Also - that baby is a cutie too.

And then, of course, Friday wouldn't be Friday without the shoes:

"Twinkle in your Eye Flats"
Found: Ruche
Price: $72.99
Pretty much out of stock.

These are way more than I would spend on flats but I love the color. I also love that these look like they'd be way comfortable.
Color Block Hidden Platform Pump
Found: Charlotte Russe
Price: $35.50

These remind me of a peacock...or a parrot. On your feet. While I can't think of a reason to wear these, it doesn't mean I wouldn't try them on.


Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Magnolia
Found: Zappos
Price: on sale for $204.00

These cute wedges are only that price because of the brand they bear. They're the kind of shoe that you know you can buy somewhere else for $30. You just know it, deep down. Don't get me wrong, they're cute wedges, but they'd better make me feel like I'm walking on clouds for $200+.

Well that's the fun for today. I hope I can get something together craft/ recipe wise for Sunday, if not please forgive me. I have vacation on the brain and while I love to craft - this trip is heavily anticipated.

I have some lovely guest bloggers lined up for your blog stalking pleasure while I'm gone. I promise you won't be disappointed!


Have a lovely weekend!

Happy Friday to you!

Oh it's Friday once again and I now have 19 days until I leave for vacation. So much needs to be done, its scary. I was just informed that family will be staying at our house the night before we leave so they can break up their long drive. Which is absolutely fine - the entire reason we have a guest bedroom, but that part of my brain that thinks that everything needs to be super clean for house guests just had a heart attack. My house is a wreck right now. I know I have 19 days, but I borrow trouble like a pro, and it's on my mind...(my baseboards! I need to clean those baseboards!)

So in order to keep my mind off of things that stress me out, I've window shopped and today I looked for fun silvery things:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

Of course Toms are featured. At this point you should know my feelings about them. I've decided to shop in the kids section. I have small feet so I could potentially save $10. (I know...I have a problem.) I'm loving the mustache stuff too. While I'm try not to jump on the bandwagon, I really want a mustache necklace. They're hilarious. I normally wouldn't wear the corset, but I have seen some very cute and creative ways to wear them, so don't count them out!


And since Friday wouldn't be Friday without some hot shoes:

Link Here.

Heels.com
Report Signature: Neptune
Color: Gunmetal
Price: $224.99

*Way more than I would spend...but oh they're pretty*


Link Here.
Heels.com
Chinese Laundry: Traffic Jam
Color: Silver
Price: $74.99
*I LOVE the little peep toe. I can't get enough platforms!*

Link Here.
Heels.com
Michael Antonio: Keme
Color: Silver Glitter
Price: $54.99

*They sparkle. No idea what I'd wear them with...but...they sparkle.*

Well, that was fun. Now I'm back to thinking about steam cleaning my floors and organizing my laundry room. So much needs to be done!!


Have an awesome weekend - new project should be up Sunday.



Linking up to the Friday Shoegasm over at Peace, Love & Applesauce!

Wrap it up for the weekend!

This week.


Well this week was a week that I may end up discussing at a later date. If not, just know that this week was interesting to say the least. I hope this next week gets a little less crazy!

I'm so very, unbelievably thrilled that it is FINALLY Friday. It seemed it would never get here. And this lovely weekend it's Father's Day no less! We'll be hanging out with my Dad and Grandpa a little bit and sending love to my Father in Law too!


I'm afraid this upcoming vacation will be one that is SO very needed and I plan on enjoying every last second of it. Hopefully hanging out by the lake, enjoying the water, hanging out with family and soaking in some vitamin D!

Now I know I've probably done pink before but it just feels so beachy!

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here . 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here. 8. Here.

I love the polka dot and ruffle combination of that swim suit. I probably won't buy it because I'm convinced I can find something similar at a lower price, but I love it. I love fedoras - I have a cute one. It's straw and has a cute orange fabric stripe on it. I wore it on the last beachy vacation and it kept the sun out of my eyes. And what is a good beach vacation without a good tote? That's where you stuff the flip flops, the sunblock, the towel, magazine and bottle of water. Seriously, if you have all that and a nice beach - you're good to go. And of course the cruiser bike. This bike is the closest I could find to the one I actually have. Mine is also pink - and so cute and fun. It too came on the last beachy vacation and it was glorious riding it around on the boardwalk. Isn't it adorable?



And of course because it's Friday and I can't help myself:

Found here.

Canvas Strap Cork Wedge
Charlotte Russe
$25.50

I like them because they feel beachy too.


And no worries - I'm planning on using plenty of this:

TGIF!!!

I can't tell you how happy I am to see Friday this week. I am going to clean my house this weekend. It doesn't sound like fun but it needs it in the worst way. I hope the rest of you are doing something more eventful than I am.

Today I'm all about Navy. Here, let me show you:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

Ok, I'm still on the hunt for a covered swimsuit. Yes, I'll have a two piece with me, but my upcoming vacation is a family function so I'm still looking for something a little less sexy. I love the cute polka dots of this one. And navy skinny pants? Yes, I think I might give those a try! The only way I'll purchase them though, is if I look like that in them. Outcome looks grim... I love the texture of #3, its really cute. And then we have the polka dots again. This shirt I'd wear with some bright red lipstick. It's almost a rule with a top like this! And again we have the famous blazer. I know, I need to stop talking about it and just purchase one already. Then we have some more flats that look nice and comfy and a cute airy vest!

And it wouldn't be Friday without shoes:

Found Here.

Betsy Johnson: Dita

Heels.com

$89.99

I love the hot pink soles. And of course, the hotness.

Oh I wish I had something fun and interesting to tell you but I'm just counting down the minutes until closing time today. Wish me luck...I may need it!!

Fridays make me happy...

Did you know it's actually resembling Spring? I'm very happy about it. While they're predicting that there might be rain...again, this weekend is looking very, very good.

Did you know that this past month has been the wettest May on record? Seriously - the most it has ever rained in May since they started keeping track! And while it might rain a little this morning I'm trying to keep in mind that on Sunday they're predicting weather in the low 80's.

We're fixing the grill this weekend even if it kills us!! I'm planning on making a nice pasta salad and a lovely refreshing dessert - which I'll probably post as my Sunday Tutorial/ Recipe. I've only done one recipe on here so far, but this dessert deserves some recognition! (No worries, it'll be crazy-easy.)


Today I rounded up one of my favorite colors to wear: Coral

Coral is a lovely mix of orange and pink and it's one of the few colors that compliments my skin. If there's any color in my skin at all this color compliments it. I hope to find some coral pieces this summer. I've been working on a slow and steady self tanner regimen and luckily it's turning into a nice bronze color and shows no signs of coppery orange. The down side is that it smells awful. I have yet to find a great facial tanner so if anyone has some tips, I'm all ears!!

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

Ah the Maxi dress. When I see Maxi dresses I think of them as Sunburn-Wear because these are PERFECT to wear if you have an uncomfortable sunburn. Trust me, I know from experience. I like #2 because it's simple and it looks very comfortable. I really like #3 because of the lace detailing. It's a very pretty shirt - go ahead and click the link to see it bigger - the detailing is lovely. #4 I would pair with a nice white tee underneath because that's just me. I like this tunic because I think it wouldn't resemble maternity wear like most tunics do. It seems to have a nice fit. And of course #5 we have Toms. I will own Toms this year. Do you hear me, Internet? Oh yes, I'm purchasing them this year. And #6 we have some nice coral jewelry and since it's from Forever 21 you know it's affordable. And lastly the go to flower cardigan from Downeast Basics. I have two of them and I'm wearing my black one right now.

I love coral - it's such a summery color!

And of course, Fridays wouldn't be Fridays without the mention of shoes....

Found Here.

Steve Madden: Bellah
Heels.com
$129.99

These Steve Maddens made me gasp. GASP, I tell you! They're so hot, there are no words! They're the entire reason I decided to search for coral today just so I could display their beauty!

In no way can I afford these shoes. But they're just so magnificent I couldn't help myself, so I swoon.

This past weekend on there was a SATC marathon, which of course, I watched and even though I've seen all of them, sometimes a great quote just slips past you. Luckily there are marathons to remind you of gems like these:

"The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun."

Oh Carrie, so true. I kid you not, if there were a "printable" of that quote to frame, it'd be hanging in my closet...tonight.

Well that's all for today. This Sunday's project will be food related so if you're on the hunt for a nice refreshing and easy dessert, make sure to stop by! (Note: I didn't say nutritional or healthy...don't hold me to that.)

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

Ready for the weekend?

Its been another weird work week. The kind that involves weird sicknesses that aren't quite colds but aren't quite the flu either. The kind that keeps piling stuff on your desk and no matter how hard you try, you can't make a dent unless you were to stay a good hour after closing.

I can't tell you how glad I am it's Friday. I have nothing planned except for sleep & the gym. It just means I can decompress and not have to think about the madness until Monday - which is always a very good thing.


So today, for reasons unknown I'm rounding up Green stuff. (I might have already done green. I'm not sure and I'm kind of too lazy and too frazzled to go make sure. Sorry...)

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here. 8. Here. 9. Here. 10. Here.

This is kind of a mixed assortment of green goodies. Can I afford most of them? Not really, but can't a girl just swoon? #5's ruffle tank was actually found at Old Navy for a steal. As you might have guessed, I have a small thing for ruffles... And the sweat pants are on there because honestly I'd much rather be wearing those bad boys than anything else in my closet. And of course, we have a neon green nail polish...the kind that I'd have no problem wearing. Does it make me weird? I don't care - I love bright colored toes.



Today Peace, Love & Applesauce is swooning over shoes, like she does every Friday during the Friday Shoegasm. I LOVE this shoe party!




And today in keeping with the green thing, I'd like to submit these sexy beasts:

Michael Antonio
"Teague"
Green Patent
Heels.com

Some other green-themed fun around seen around the blogs:


Hotpants at Handbags & Handguns is having a Shabby Apple dress giveaway and this green number is up for grabs:



Over at How Does She, there is a great recipe for Old Fashioned Mint Limeade...and it looks perfect to sip on a warm day. Then again, I wouldn't know, we haven't had one in a while...



Well folks I'm calling it a week! I have a couple projects I'm starting and I hope to have one of them up to feature on Sunday!


Have a fantastic weekend!

Orange You Glad it's Friday?

That's a really cheesy title.

But just wait - it's fitting. You'll see.



Like everyone else out there, blogger completely threw me off this morning. I have a routine. I sit, take a deep breath and start going through my RSS feeds. (I have over 90...and counting) Except, like blogger, my RSS feeds had a little bit of a tantrum and only updating posts...from a couple months ago. Along with other unexplainable weird situations at work - today is just...weird. I'm not superstitious, but is today weird because it's Friday the 13th?

Tonight I'll begin my latest cheap-o project. I've decided to pick up a couple extra bottles of paint because this baby needs more color! I'm excited for the finished project!


Until then - enjoy some things in orange. Why orange? Not sure but it's a fun color. So have a fantastic weekend and watch out for the next project sometime Sunday!

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here. 8. Here.

Alright, we all know I love ruffles...as is shown here, but I really honestly want that top. Bad. Another fun fact: orange eye shadow is apparently very in right now. I don't know if I have the guts to try it, but if you do - let me know how it works out. I do, however, have the guts to try out weird nail polish and that orange is calling my name!

Found here.
I don't even know what I'd wear these with. Does it matter though?

Found here.
I plan on having a bright and cute guest room one day. And I think it all starts with a bedspread like this...you can imagine how fun this could turn out, right?

Found here.
For a really long time I was thinking about adding orange/ bronze to my living area along with the greens I had. But ultimately I decided it would look too 70's for me. It doesn't mean I don't love the color - I'd love to try something with oranges and browns and see how that comes out still. You know, when I have a limitless supply of rooms and money...

Website Here.
This is a favorite shopping companion of mine. I like to try something new each time I go, but bananas and strawberries usually are included. Did you know that you can sign up for coupons? True story. I did. (Not a promotion...just sharing the wealth.)


Random Fact: Gerber Daisies are my favorite flower. I used them in my wedding. My colors were Red, Orange and Bright Pink. I also used Red Intuition Roses. (I didn't buy them from overstock - just an example.) My father in law said that those colors sound like sherbet. Kind of, but like I had envisioned in my head - it all came together very cute and pretty. Nothing like sherbet.

Well, when I say it "all came together" I meant the flowers and colors (see?) not the weather.

Ooh Minty

Today it's sunny. That's right, I said sunny - here in Utah and NOT snowing. I actually wore short sleeves today and didn't have to wear a jacket either. It's a very good day.

Today is also a good day because it's Friday. That means tomorrow is Saturday. (The high is supposed to be 76 which honestly makes me want to break into song with glee. I won't though. Instead we'll dust off the grill and use it for the first time this year! Hooray! I might even take out my cute pink cruiser bike. I'm SO excited!

Yesterday I have to admit I was having one of "those days." It was a rough one. On top of that I made myself sick. Running a fever and everything. Today I'm feeling and doing much better, so when you add that to the fact that it's Friday AND it'll be nice this weekend - things are certainly looking up. Another great thing: the landscapers are at the building next door and I smell fresh cut grass. I LOVE that smell.

So because it's FINALLY springtime in Utah I wanted to display one of my favorite springtime colors:

MINT

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.
Yep...another E.Shakti creation. I love these dresses!

Here.

Here.

Here.

What's a favorite springtime color of yours?