Can you spot the more expensive look?
Here is a high/low of some trending looks....
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Top Forever 21 $13.80 Bottom Express on sale for $29.99 from $49.99 |
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Tales from a shopaholic (that is official), baker (still learning), and home decorator (also still learning). Like a younger version of Martha, just on the other side of the law.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
WTF Wednesday
This week's WTF Wednesday post comes from the Baltimore City furniture section of Craigslist.com
A vintage nail head detailed vinyl loveseat for the bargain price of $10!
In case this gets deleted, below is the actual description (don't worry I highlighted the lovely details).
"Cute apartment-sized vintage vinyl loveseat for only $10! Why? The cat peed on it. I love this piece of furniture and wish I could keep it, but I cannot fully get the pee smell out. If you can, you have quite a steal here. This is a forest green vinyl loveseat. There are no rips in the vinyl, but the lining that used to cover up the supports underneath has ripped off (you can't see this unless you turn the loveseat over). The seat cushion is removable, and the lining beneath that is the part affected by the pee. Maybe you can cut it out or replace it? I just hate to send this to the dump. There is a super cute brass tack detail all around the bottom, sides, and up around the back (see last picture). The legs have minor wear consistent with age, and there are some pricks in the arms from those little cat claws. Otherwise great condition. Cash only, you move. Approximately 52" wide by 32" deep by 32" high."
Wow, cat urine stained furniture...who wouldn't want to pay for that!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
WTF Wednesday preview.....
So I have decided to start a new weekly post- it's going to be called WTF Wednesdays.
Here is a preview of a WTF Wednesday post....
Who wouldn't want to wear this? This graphic chiffon semi-sheer jacket slash top combines your love of nature with the high-low trend that is "all the rage". Complete with button cuffs, this howling wolf will keep you stylish long into the night.
It can be yours now for $29.80 at Forever 21
Seriously where the F would you wear this?
As seen online....
If you haven't already checked out the blog, "J's Everyday Fashion" I recommend you do so now!
This girl is super creative when paring affordable everyday outfits and provides links to the clothing (or similar style) with each post. Although I disagree with purchasing cheap clothing for the majority of your wardrobe, the blog does have some clothes from Loft, Express, etc.
A recent post (here) did lead to me purchasing an skirt from Target.com (here). Since I had a gift card and the skirt was only $23 I decided to go ahead and buy it. I really liked the bold white and blue print and the pencil fit and was surprised by how well it was made once it arrived. In the post, J explains how she was returning the skirt, since she purchased the lightly less expensive Forever 21 dress in a similar print (here). I prefer the look of the skirt and all dresses are too short on me from that store!
Target apparently run's big in their sizes. I ordered a 2P (the smallest size) and it fits well. The length is right above the knee.
Target apparently run's big in their sizes. I ordered a 2P (the smallest size) and it fits well. The length is right above the knee.
I plan to pair the skirt with a deep navy blouse and my nude Louboutin's.
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| Picture from J's Everyday Fashion |
Yummy Salad Recipe
I stumbled upon this gem of a salad and had to share!
It's healthy, easy, and great for lunch or as a side.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans (or any white bean...see below) rinsed and drained
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
Directions
- In a medium bowl, toss together beans, tomatoes, scallions, oil, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- To store, refrigerate up to 1 day.
Cook's Note
This bean salad gets even better as it sits. You can make it up to a day ahead.From Martha Stewart
My Note
White Beans come in various varieties with the 3 most popular being: Cannellini, Great Northern and Navy. For more on these check out go here.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Strapped
I'm loving ankle strap sandals and can't wait for the weather to break to sport a pair this season!
Paired with skirts, dresses, shorts- your legs will appear extra long since having the top of your foot is exposed (think Victoria's Secret Models! Most models in their catalogue/website wear this style).
They also have the closed toe version, however I like the sandal style better.
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| Open Toe makes your legs look longer...this pair doesn't. |
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| With pants your legs can look stunted. |
Some great ones below in all price ranges.
Manolo, "Chaos Patent", $650, here
Tibi, "Carine", $395, here (soldout)
Express, "Zipped Back Heel", $53, here (on sale)
Coach, "Leighann", $198 here (other colors as well- love the metalic heel)
Victoria's Secret, "Single Sole", $78 here (various colors and heights)
Victoria's Secret, "Platform Sandal", $78 here (various colors, tan and white also)
Target, "Mossimo Vidal", $30, here (other colors available)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Shine Bright Like a Diamond!
When I first got engaged, I babied my ring! I cleaned it all the time and took it off when I applied lotion or hair products. Years later and now married, I forget I'm even wearing it and needless to say it's definitely gotten dirty.
I came across this at home ring cleaner recipe that is supposed to really make your bling sparkle and decided to give it a try.
Here's what you need:
- Small bowl
- Aluminum Foil,
- 1 tablespoon Baking Soda
- 1 tablespoon Dish Soap
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- Warm Water
Here's how:
- Heat water in microwave 1-2 minutes (I did 1 min. and 30 sec).
- Cover bowl with aluminum foil.
- Pour baking soda, salt, dish soap into bowl ( I didn't measure, just kinda eyeballed it). Top with warm water and mix together gently with a spoon. Mixture should become bubbly.
- Let ring soak in mixture for 10-15 minutes (I let my ring rest on the spoon so I could easily fish it out).
- Remove ring and rise with cold water. Dry with a soft cloth.
for more go to:
http://www.food.com/recipe/jewelry-cleaner-180133
I have also tried Windex (go here) and also toothpaste (yes used an old toothbrush, water, and paste and literally brushed my ring seen it here). Neither seemed to clean as well as this at home mixture.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
You can do it!
Although I do not live alone, I think there are things that every girl should know how to do around the house. Here are a few easy to learn if you don't know already....
This is so basic and with cookbooks, shows, and the Internet- there is no reason why you cannot make a tasty and healthy meal. If you haven't already, master one really great dessert or side dish you can take with you to parties, BBQ's, and potlucks. Experiment with the crock pot, try broiling, and make cakes and cookies by scratch. If it's terrible, throw it out and try something else.
You really need have the basics too- good knives, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a mixer. Without these cooking and baking can be difficult. Before starting any recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients as well.
I admit, I'm still a little scared when it comes to using our gas grill. Knobs, fire, and a propane tank can be intimidating, but food on the grill is healthy and tasty!
Depending on the type of grill you own: charcoal or gas...refer to the manual for manufacturer specifications and recommendations.
Every girl should own tools or at least have access to their hubs or boyfriends. I'm not talking about hack saws or anything crazy, but the basics such as a screw driver, hammer, and wrench. Every girl should be able to tighten up a loose hinge, hang a photo on the wall, and make minor repairs around the home.
I don't own a sewing machine nor do I know how to operate one, however I can sew. Sewing kits, containing string, buttons, and needles are available at most stores in the craft isle and are a must have in all homes. It's easy to repair small holes in shirts or sew on missing buttons.
Learn:
how to sew a button visit:
http://www.marthastewart.com/268329/sew-on-a-button?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips¢er=326405&gallery=275336&slide=268329
Fix a small hole:
http://www.marthastewart.com/274965/how-to-patch-a-hole-mend-a-seam-and-fix/@center/277000/homekeeping-solutions?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips¢er=326405&gallery=275336&slide=272639#187304
Yes I am OCD when it comes to cleanliness, however every girl should know how to clean their house thoroughly. I'm talking about cleaning you don't do daily, but should do. For example, changing air filters in your home, replacing water filters in your fridge or water pitcher, cleaning the inside of your washing machine, and changing filters in your vacuum. Doing this type of upkeep will keep you healthy, your home looking good, and keep these types of appliances running smoothly for years to come.
Inside your home, don't overlook your microwave, oven, toaster, fridge, and baseboards when cleaning! Don't forget about your makeup brushes too :)
When flowers arrive to your doorstep either by a carrier or by a hot date, you should know the basics from selecting the right vase to trimming the ends.
Here is a quick step by step! Also to keep your beauties alive, use flower food (the small packet that usually comes with the flowers). Florists also recommend you change the water every few days, some suggest distilled H20 over tap, or warm tap instead of cold, but in all food, trimming, and water should keep them alive and looking their best!
Cooking/Baking
This is so basic and with cookbooks, shows, and the Internet- there is no reason why you cannot make a tasty and healthy meal. If you haven't already, master one really great dessert or side dish you can take with you to parties, BBQ's, and potlucks. Experiment with the crock pot, try broiling, and make cakes and cookies by scratch. If it's terrible, throw it out and try something else.
You really need have the basics too- good knives, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a mixer. Without these cooking and baking can be difficult. Before starting any recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients as well.
Using a Grill
I admit, I'm still a little scared when it comes to using our gas grill. Knobs, fire, and a propane tank can be intimidating, but food on the grill is healthy and tasty!
Depending on the type of grill you own: charcoal or gas...refer to the manual for manufacturer specifications and recommendations.
Tools
Every girl should own tools or at least have access to their hubs or boyfriends. I'm not talking about hack saws or anything crazy, but the basics such as a screw driver, hammer, and wrench. Every girl should be able to tighten up a loose hinge, hang a photo on the wall, and make minor repairs around the home.
Sew
I don't own a sewing machine nor do I know how to operate one, however I can sew. Sewing kits, containing string, buttons, and needles are available at most stores in the craft isle and are a must have in all homes. It's easy to repair small holes in shirts or sew on missing buttons.
Learn:
how to sew a button visit:
http://www.marthastewart.com/268329/sew-on-a-button?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips¢er=326405&gallery=275336&slide=268329
Fix a small hole:
http://www.marthastewart.com/274965/how-to-patch-a-hole-mend-a-seam-and-fix/@center/277000/homekeeping-solutions?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips¢er=326405&gallery=275336&slide=272639#187304
Cleaning
Yes I am OCD when it comes to cleanliness, however every girl should know how to clean their house thoroughly. I'm talking about cleaning you don't do daily, but should do. For example, changing air filters in your home, replacing water filters in your fridge or water pitcher, cleaning the inside of your washing machine, and changing filters in your vacuum. Doing this type of upkeep will keep you healthy, your home looking good, and keep these types of appliances running smoothly for years to come.
Inside your home, don't overlook your microwave, oven, toaster, fridge, and baseboards when cleaning! Don't forget about your makeup brushes too :)
How to arrange Flowers
When flowers arrive to your doorstep either by a carrier or by a hot date, you should know the basics from selecting the right vase to trimming the ends.
Here is a quick step by step! Also to keep your beauties alive, use flower food (the small packet that usually comes with the flowers). Florists also recommend you change the water every few days, some suggest distilled H20 over tap, or warm tap instead of cold, but in all food, trimming, and water should keep them alive and looking their best!
Saying Sunday
-Deepak Chopra
Well then, I am in for some fun!
I decided after highlighting my hair bright blonde since high school that I needed a change, a major change. I booked an appointment with my style and went for it. Yesterday, we died in a deep chocolate brown, which is a little darker and not as red as my natural color.
I took a chance and hoped for the best and the result is better then I hoped! Instantly my hair looked healthier and had more shine. My skin looked more tan and my light eye color now pops. The husband likes it too :)
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