Happy Halloween peeps! In case you are a last minute gal like me, here are a few fun and easy crafts and recipes you can bust out to make your day more festive. Enjoy!
Free printable! Boy version here.
10.31.2011
10.28.2011
Old Navy's Stuff & Save-My Picks
Whoa, third post today, I'm on a bit of a blog bender right now. But I just wanted to pop back in to share with you that today is Old Navy's famous "Stuff n Save" day, where you get 40% off everything you can stuff in the re-usable bag they give you. After today, it goes down to 30% through Nov. 3rd. The sale is online as well. I made myself a little virtual shopping list of items I would be on the lookout for while there. Here they are:
For me:
Blacks:
tie-front blouse (from my WIW post here)
Brights:
Neutrals:
Jackets:
For the Hubs:
For the Girls:
Whew, that is quite the list! Notice how my list is the longest? Ha! Now to make it over there...
Sweet Life Friday
No instas today, just a few pics of my flower girls and new puppy! You know, a little momma showing off moment...
Sisterly Love
They were so excited to wear these dresses. Pretty much every day since they arrived about a month before the wedding they asked if it was time to wear them yet.
Our new pup Bruno's first day home. See that little camo bunny in the back of his kennel? He loved that thing and already tore it to shreds. RIP camo bunny, RIP.
I adore this picture of Kara and Bruno. This is totally them in a nutshell. Kara is crazy and silly and loves carrying him around, and he just gives her these little puzzled yet loving looks. She kind of reminds me that little homegirl Elmyra on Tiny Toons...you know, "I'm going to hug you, and kiss you and love you forever..."
Natalie is definitely more of the nurturing and cuddling type. When he gets too playful it makes her a bit nervous. But she sure loves this little guy, as we all do. I'm not gonna lie, having a puppy is a boat load of work, and at times (like when he's peed on my floor for the umpteenth time) I feel my anxiety levels rising. But then he gives you the sweetest little look or I hear the girls giggling with him and I know we made the right decision.
Have a sweet weekend!
Sweet Picks: Skulls!
I've developed this random growing love for all things skull adorned. And this started way before Halloween, but obvs there is an abundance of it right now so...might as well come out of the skull-loving closet. There is definitely a fine line between bad skull and good skull. Anything Alexander McQueen is right off the bat tasteful skull-age, although well out of my price range. Let's just feast our eyes for fun...
shoes (Holy hotness!)
Here are a few of my favorite budget-friendly picks:
nail prints (need these!)
One last skull item I love, but that is a bit out of budget-friendly territory is this Rebecca Minkoff tote:
Love the crochet pattern! Makes it cheeky and fun!
So tell me, do you have an affinity for skull culture?
10.26.2011
Work It Wednesday: Tie-Front Blouse
I'm loving a good tie-front blouse this season, and this simple and chic black version from Old Navy the perfect versatile piece to add to your wardrobe. Let's see it three ways:
Casual:
Dressed-Up:
skirt (only $34!!)
Office:
How would you work it?
Smart Thinking Lifestyle Tips: Party Decor On A Budget
Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website http://www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup.
I recently shared the pictures from my 30th birthday party, and today I wanted to share with you my tips on how to throw a stylish party on a budget. There are so many beautiful, extravagant ways you can throw a party these days, but nothing says you have to break the bank to do so. I had a strict decor budget for my party, but I did not let that stop me from having the party I wanted. It just helped me use my creativity to come up with ideas that were cute and budget-friendly.
Here are some of the tips I have for you when planning a party on a budget:
1. Use What You Have-In the Kitchen
This is BIG people, BIG. The number one way to save money on a party is by incorporating things that you already have around your house in your party decor. There are many things you have right now in your home that can easily fit into any type of party. Here are a few ideas from my party, which had a rustic country-chic theme:
I decorated empty wine bottles with vintage lace I had on hand to create vases for my table centerpieces. Cost=$0
We used wine corks wrapped in twine with a card slipped in between as labels for the food and drinks.
Cost=$0
I saved up spaghetti sauce jars and pickle jars and used them in various ways: to hold wooden skewers on the s'mores table, one I filled with glitter and a votive candle, one was used as an extra little vase. The options are endless!
Cost=$0
I already owned glass hurricanes and glass lidded jars that I ended up using on the tables. The glass lidded jars were in my kitchen holding rice, flour, etc., I just emptied them out to use for the party.
Cost=$0
Always take an inventory of what you have before going out to buy anything. Use that pretty vase you got from your wedding registry, use your favorite candlesticks that you have on your mantle, use your vintage milkglass collection. Whatever it is...use it!
2. Use What You Have- In Your Yard
I found a good size tree branch at my inlaw's house and had my husband saw it into slices. I then sat them along the tables and put candles on top. I loved the woodland look!
Cost=$0
I have several olive trees in my backyard, so I cut a few branches and placed them in glass hurricanes for a touch of green. I also used branches as fillers in the bouquets in the chandy.
Cost=$0
Also from my yard were all the succulents. I have quite the succulent garden growing, so I pulled up a few I wouldn't miss and used them throughout the party as well.
Cost=$0
3. Use What You Have-In Your Office/Craft Supply
When deciding how to decorate the front door I decided I wanted a giant, sparkly "30" to display. I looked around a bit online, but without finding what I wanted I decided to make it myself. I found a big piece of cardboard from a recent UPS delivery, then free-hand drew the lnumbers on and cut them out. I spray painted them gold, then covered them in Mod Podge and sprinkled with glitter. Voila! Door decor on the cheap.
Cost= $8 for spray paint and glitter
4. Check Your Local Farmer's Market
When in season, your local Farmer's Market may have a great selection of flowers at incredible prices. I found the giant zinnias I used on the tables for 5/$1! I couldn't believe it!! I then found smaller bunches of flowers that were $5/bunch, and bought two for my chandy arrangements.
Cost=$13
5. Hit Up Your Local Dollar Tree
Since my party was outdoors and it would be at night,. I was relying on loads of candlelight for a pretty ambiance. Pillar candles can be expensive, so I found great tall candles in glass holders for only $1 at Dollar Tree (what other price would it be, right?!) They were with the religious, alter-style candles; I was happy to find plain ones too! There are many ways to get creative with items from Dollar Tree, so take a look around and see what you can find.
Cost=$4
6. Visit Your Local Fabric Store
Fabric stores are a great place to pick up material to make inexpensive table runners or table cloths. I chose to use burlap to go with my country-chic theme, but there is literally something in every color and pattern imaginable to fit your theme. Simply order a few yards depending on your table sizes, cut them to size, and sew the edges (I didn't even sew mine-I left the edges frayed to add to the rustic theme). Most fabric is wide enough to where you can cut it in half to really make the fabric go the extra mile. I ended up buying a little under two yards, and had a 40% off coupon.
Cost= $8.
7. Borrow From Friends & Family
When you have a large guest list that will require you to bring in tables, chairs, extra silverware, dishes, etc. ask around first to see if anyone has things you can borrow. We were able to borrow 3 six-foot tables, white tablecloths, wine glasses, copper ice buckets, and giant throw pillows for my party. This saved us lots of dough.
Cost=$0
Along the same lines...
8. Enlist Your Talented Friends to Help
Have a friend who loves to bake? Ask her if she would like to make your cake. Supplying her with the ingredients is much cheaper than paying a baker to make you one. Have a DIY queen who can help you with decor? Hit her up too! Don't be afraid to ask for help-you'd be surprised at how ready and willing people can be!
I hope this has given you some food for thought on how you can decorate your next party while on a budget. Just remember-use what you have, borrow what you can and be creative!
I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Tervis, visit their website http://www.tervis.com.
10.25.2011
Sweet Obsessions: Marc Jacobs Cougar Print
I was browsing Refinery 29 the other day when I ran across this awesome Marc Jacobs backpack in a fierce cougar print :
Felt like I had to have it.
Then I kinda got obsessed. And started looking for other stuff in the same print.
Turns out there was a lot.
And now I can't decide what I like best.
A tote bag?
A scarf?
A zipper pouch?
But wait, they have the print in clothing!!
An awesome tie front blouse!
And a saucy dress!
A tote bag?
A scarf?
A zipper pouch?
But wait, they have the print in clothing!!
An awesome tie front blouse!
And a saucy dress!
If I had an iphone, I'd probably go with the most affordable option and buy this case (I only have an itouch-don't judge, I can still insta, tweet and fb with the best of 'em...errr, as long as there is free wifi)
On the other hand, there is all this pretty jewelry. Earrings and necklaces and bracelets! And all under $100! Oh my!
In the end, I think I really like my original choice, although the tote may be a more practical option for me. I don't really see myself carrying around a backpack no matter how cute it is.
Of course just when I thought I had made up my mind I run across this great pic of Blair from Atlantic Pacific:
Nailed it! Too bad the top is well out of my price range. Actually it all is considering how much we've doled out for our new puppy as of late. So in the end it will probably be another case of wishing and not getting. But I'm okay with that. Especially if I have convinced one of you that you need some MJ Cougar in your life. Then I will live vicariously through you-so send me pics!
10.24.2011
Monday Morning {P}Inspirations
My husband is on vacation this week!! Hip hip hooray. No more late night "I'm not going to be home on time" calls, no more missed dinners, no more lonely me! For one week at least. I will take what I can get. It doesn't seem very vacation-y though since Natalie is in school and we can't take any trips. Instead we are turning our focus to organizing the house. My main goal is to get the girls' room re-vamped which will include painting and moving Kara from a toddler bed, to the trundle that pulls out from Natalie's bed. I can't believe Kara is already outgrowing her toddler bed. She is getting so big.
On with the show...
With the addition of our new family member I am now on the hunt for vintage Boston items. How cool is this Boston head??
The perfect fall outfit. If it rained more here I would be all over the wellies. Do you own a pair? What color??
I need to learn how to make arrangements like this. It is such a beautiful art form.
Such a simple yet stunning DIY from Jaclyn of Stay in the Lines.
Word.
Have a sweet day!
10.21.2011
Sweet Life Friday
I had such a great week with my mom here visiting. Time always flies when she is here as we do lots of fun things and spend real quality time together which is few and far between. I am so jealous of those who have their families living in the same town. Don't take them for granted people! It really is the little things that I love to do with my mom: browsing Target, bringing her with me to pick up Nat from school, sitting around reading magazines and talking. My week is a lot less lonely when she is around.
Here a few snippets from my week:
1 & 2- The wedding we went to last weekend had a black and white theme and the cake was absolutely stunning! The bride had a custom cake topper made that was so unique-day of the dead type skulls that modeled after them. The groom really does have a mohawk and loves soccer-too cute!
3-My girls dressed up in their flower girl garb at the reception. They were so proud to be in their Nina's wedding! I'll be sharing the pics I took of them soon.
4- My giant 3 has lasted a long time. Too bad the zero got popped. Oh well, Kara has been having fun with it, and appropriately it is her age now!
5. Meet our new pup Bruno! How can you not love that face?! This guy is just so sweet, although he has been peeing all over the damn place and gave us a health scare that cost us $150 at the vet. But the joy he brings to the girls is already priceless. More to come on him for sure!
6. My mom making sure our first furry friend Mookie is getting enough loving. He was none too pleased to see a new animal face around the house. He has nine years on this new little guy, so it is understandable he was a little weary at first. I think he is warming up to him now.
7. The new color I will be painting the girls' room-"Watermelon Smoothie". Nat wanted hot pink so I'm just going for it!
8. Inspired by these color combos from a Loft ad I got in the mail. Cherry & Sand, Fuchsia & Red, Orange & Pink, Citron & Olive and Blue & Sage. Such yummy colors!
Have a sweet weekend!
10.20.2011
Interior Infatuation: Milk & Honey Home
I may be the last person to run across Milk and Honey Home, but boy am I glad I finally discovered this gem of a blog. They had me at their tag line really: "On a quest for beauty...and all things white and lovely and vintage and modern and fresh." Ummm, yes please!! I could have saved their entire portfolio to my inspiration files! Here I have narrowed down my absolute faves:
Adore this bathroom's penny tiles, cabinet color, hardware and faucet. I have the same shower curtain, it was from Ballard, although it looks like it was discontinued. Here is what seems to be the replacement.
Genius: paint lower half of wall a fun color and paint the bed frame the same color. Blends into the wall but adds visual texture.
Great color scheme. Love how they carved out an office space out of that little corner in the kitchen.
Love the metallic wallpaper and navajo inspired rug!!
What a beautiful guest room/office. Love the modern silver cubes next to the wood table and iron bed. These gals are straight up mix masters!
Would love this set-up in my backyard. See those white bowls? Looks like the anthro ones, but FYI, if you don't have on nearby, Target has practically the same ones and they are on clearance right now! I'm dying to snatch some up.
Such a beautiful quote. Similar in style to my DIY artwork. Looks great atop this vintage dresser.
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