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!

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.

Little Changes: Mod Podge Sign with Felt Flowers

Now, I know that I said that I wanted to incorporate a little more blue into my space - not green because I have green as it is.

But for this craft, I wanted to see if I could use things I already had around the house - basically the goal was free for me. And since I didn't have blue paper that would work, green it is!!

Instead of a hanging sign, I went for "accent." Mostly because it's really hard to mod podge paper around hanging wire. The felt flowers I made and I'll post the tutorial next Sunday. I like the overall outcome, even if its not blue.

You will need:

In no particular order:

1. A nice protected surface. Since I did this on the floor I used an old mat I had lying around. 2. Felt. 3. Glue Gun. 4. Scissors. 5. Something to trace with. A pencil is ideal but all I had was pen. 6. Glue sticks. 7. A paint brush. 5. Mod podge. 6. Sandpaper. (Optional.) 7. Item you are re-purposing. 8. Lettering. I used stickers because it's what I had. But you can get creative.

I had been given an old sign after someone had brought it back from a garage sale and they realized they went a little nuts. And since I had everything else around the house - this project cost me nothing. But I can't imagine that it would cost very much if I bought everything too.

First I mod podged the paper onto the wood block. I'm never too precise about measuring so I knew I'd have excess on the corners. Which is fine because I planned on sanding the edges down.

After the paper is mod podged on, I sanded the edges. Yes, some of it does flip up, but I'm not too worried about overall perfection.

After sanding the edges I painted on another coat of mod podge.

After that was dry I glued on my felt flowers. (Tutorial on them next week.)

I decided to put the sign above the book shelf after it was finished. Even though it's green, I like the placement.

I like the flowers on it. My husband is coming around.

Like I said, I'll post the tutorial on how to make those flowers next Sunday!

Linking: See "I Like To Party" Page

Featured:









Because it's having a hard time working:
TCB, TM, 30 HMD, SD,

Hoo Are You?

Today is one of those days. You know the ones? When you look outside and the weather is not only dreary, but SNOWING?! Yep. I said snowing. I've lived here all of my life and I swear it has never snowed this frequently in April - ever. I'm not going to say anything about hoping that this is the end of it because I've said that before.

Instead I'm going to participate in Hoo Are You Tuesdays at Night Owl Crafting. You should participate too - it's fun getting to know people like this!!




1. Do you plant a garden or flowers, or neither?


I live in a condo. Therefore there isn't a place to do any of that junk. But I do plan on having a nice backyard one day. However, I have an intense dislike of yard work. (Probably because it was a punishment as a kid...) The beauty part about my future yard is that my husband LOVES it. He says that mowing a lawn is relaxing. Well knock yourself out, big guy! I've already given him control over our future yard. We're both very pleased with this decision.

2. Does it bother you to have your blinds or curtains open after dark so people can see in your house?


Um...yeah. My husband and I like to play a game where either of us do a strange or crazy random thing to make each other laugh from time to time. I don't think we should subject our neighbors to our madness. That and I've seen one too many scary movies.

3. Do you like to go camping?


Honestly I haven't been camping since my Senior Trip in High School. We camped at Lake Powell, it was heaven. My husband and his family were huge on camping and hopefully we'll be able to go this Summer. I just have one hangup that bothers my husband. There must be a modern-ish toilet...or I'll basically be the most unpleasant person to camp with. I'm very passionate about the fact that women weren't made to pee in the woods.

4. Do you have a laptop or a desk top computer?

We have both at home. We have a laptop and a Mac. The Mac is sexy, and the laptop is useful when you don't feel like getting up and going to the other room. Guess which one gets used the most?

5. What time during the day do you have your most energy?


Probably between the hours of 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm. I get a burst around 10:00 am when I'm at work, but I'm afraid that doesn't happen on the weekends. Weird. Must have something to do with the fact that I'm usually curled up on the couch catching up with my On Demand shows. In pajamas...feeling guilty that I should probably go to the gym, but I know I won't make it until at least 1:00 pm. If ever.



*I have no idea why blogger is messing with font size with the questions. Best of luck reading the really small ones. I can't seem to make it stop!

Friday! And Ooh - Yellow!

Sleep. Gym. Laundry. Repeat. That's what my weekend will consist of. But that's ok!

I've set the goal for June 1st to be swimsuit ready! The plan is to keep an exercise and nutrition log so I can see what I need to change and make better goals. I've also taken a before picture of myself. This will not be shared. Neither will the after picture. Sorry - I know myself too well, I'll be overly critical of myself in a swimsuit, even if I get to my overall goal. Also - my skin is so horribly, pasty white right now, you'd need sunglasses. (No seriously.) I don't have a set weight goal, just an overall tone-and-slim goal.


I think another motivator is swimwear.

Like this:

Found here.

Found here

Now, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that I have a love/hate relationship with the color yellow. It looks horrible on me. (Trust me - it's not good.) Every tone too. I really only like it in small amounts. Accessories and such. I also dislike bows. I'm not entirely sure why but it might have something to do with the fact that I'm the first granddaughter and daughter - therefore the bows came in big numbers in my childhood and I feel that's where they should stay.

Then I post a picture of a yellow bikini with a big giant bow on it?! Yep. It's all the things I dislike, except done in a way that I adore. I still probably wouldn't buy it because unless I suddenly develop the ability to tan...at all, this color of yellow would be atrocious on me. But for you tan women out there: look how cute this is!!


I'm also a fan of these yellow items as well:

Found here.

I'm still searching for "that perfect purse." I haven't found it yet...well at least not one that I love in my price range. I still love this. I like buckles on accessories too.

Found here.
This is a cute accessory! It would look fabulous...on tanner people than me. Any women have the scoop on non-orange, non-smelly facial tanners? Anybody?

Found here.
I love bright pops of color like this. These are simple but I'd love to put them with some cropped jeans or skinny jeans.

Found here.
I don't know about you, but I love bright colors for pedicures. I always have. I'm drawn to the neon colored nail polish every time I go into the drugstore. I'm not entirely sure why but bright colors on my feet make me happy. Plain and simple. Right now I have bright turquoise toenails with white polka dots. Maybe yellow is next!

Found here.
These are another one of Jessica Simpson's hot heels. They're called the "Cougar."

Found here.
I'm loving the ruffle on the back!

The rest of the accessories have nothing to do with motivation towards exercise, but they're fun and they definitely get me excited for when Spring decides to grace us with its presence.


Well today is now Day 2 of my Gettin'-Sexy program. Let the countdown begin!

Sephora

Found here. (I bought Shimmery Golden Beige)

I love Sephora. There's a Sephora downtown SLC but I don't usually go inside unless I'm out of state. I'm not sure why. I normally just browse, but since I was in Alabama with some birthday money I decided to just get something and spoil myself! So I purchased $14 lipgloss. Which felt ridiculous, but that's because I'm used to spending $5 tops. (I wear Bonnebell still, remember?) I must say I love this stuff! I can't smell it on my lips at all - which is important to me. I like the color (shimmery golden beige) and the flecks of gold.


I also would love to purchase some high quality tweezers but I can't bring myself to spend between $15-$20 when I know that I can buy some at Target for $1.99. But look how cute:


I think I've mentioned before that I'm always - ALWAYS looking for eyeshadow. Lately I've been looking for bronze and gold hues but I'm coming up short. I saw this - it's Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Pink Quartz and it looks like I've found what I'm looking for. Except I can't bring myself to pay $38 for eyeshadow.

Found here.

I also like the gold hues of this Stila Eyeshadow. I saw a review by a consumer who felt that it was the best gold ever. I'm intrigued. But $28 is still pretty steep for me.

Found here.

I really like the shimmer and glitter too. It may remind me a little of middle school and that white glitter phase, but I think for evening, adding a little glitter/ shimmer to the eyelids is fun!

Found here. $19

Mascara is tricky for me. I like anything that volumizes...period. From hair products to mascara. I feel like I still haven't found "The Perfect Mascara" but I've read that Dior is up there when it comes to mascara. I would love to sample this and see what I think, but for $28, I think I'll just think on it.

The one thing I really think I would invest in for quality would have to be make up brushes. Anyone who has put on make up can attest that a good quality brush is essential. At $34 I feel it's a bit much but I know that a great face brush is something to consider.

Found here.

Now when you purchase Sephora in stores frequently they'll throw in a sample or two. I was given a sample of facial cleanser. One of these days when I get brave, I might try it. I worry because I have sensitive skin, but I still might try it and see.

Online you can actually pick 3 free samples when you order. And what's better than free samples?! Personally I'd pick perfumes as my samples, but that's just me. I wasn't even aware Jennifer Aniston had a fragrance, but I'd be curious to see what scent she puts her name on.

Last but not least - Beauty Advice. This is where you go if you have that question about how to correctly apply "smoky eye" and learn about blush placement for your face shape. These are crucial key things each woman should know! There's even a tutorial on the "5 Minute Makeup" technique. For girls on the go, a.k.a girls who slept through the alarm! I've been applying my own make up since I was a "tween," and seeing something like this probably could have stopped me from trying my "double eyeliner" technique (I put on brown eyeliner and then white eyeliner in a straight line on top of that...) or advised against the bright blue liquid eyeliner that I bought at Claire's in those middle school years. I guess at one point we all have to learn. And then our mothers keep pictures to document such stupidity...


Either way, Sephora in store or online is a place all women should visit a time or two. If they're seasoned make up wearers or young girls starting the adventure - it's a great place to be!