Her Umbrella

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {26}

2013-06-19T00:08:00.000-05:00

There's something really special about someone who, right or wrong, says what they feel, what they think and they don't try and conform to those around them. Even if they're not likable. Even if they aren't the "sweetest" or the "kindest" person around, there's something really admirable about someone who tells the truth and knows who they are without anyone swaying that. They're secure and they have confidence. And I think those people are the happier ones. The ones that throw those tedious and time consuming cares out the window and they say, "To hell with all the judging, this is me suckers!"

I need this painting in my home.

Breathtaking right?

Amen Ben.

Although Willow doesn't have a long enough tail to make anything go, "BOOM." She does her fair share of saying, "Yippeee!" in the mornings.

This look is so me and so fall and I want it to be fall, right now.

A trail of puppies? I'll take them all please.

REDO It: Sweet Wicker Side Table

2013-06-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

This wicker table had been sitting on my parents' porch for years. I can't even remember the last time it was even in the house. So, when my mom asked me to help her REDO it, I was on board instantly.

All we needed, of course, was the help of Krylon and Glidden to get this show on the road. We decided to paint the bottom blue with a more muted tabletop. That's why we snatched up some of Krylon's PeekaBoo Blue in the indoor/outdoor category just in case we decided to take this baby outside. Then since we had some of Disney's Glimmering Silver (Metallic) Glidden paint leftover, we used that to coat the top!

After the spraying was complete, we slapped on a couple layers of Glidden and the little beauty was complete and ended up in my old room. Now a cozy guest room, the blues and grays are still super relaxing and this side table fits perfectly right next to the bed and window.

Imitation & Stripes

2013-06-17T00:11:00.001-05:00

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But I'm not too sure that's necessarily true. To be inspired by someone is one thing, but to just rip off is another. Especially if they're your friends.

For example, in high school I started to really experiment with my clothes. Most days I wear things just a bit outside the box, a bit bohemian ... a bit disheveled. And that truly started during my teenage years. I remember wearing pointed kitten-heels covered in musical notes and camo tights with textured skirts. But I also remember one of my friends, who would, literally the next day, turn around and completely copy the outfit. Even when I layered my polo shirts, she'd show up with layered polo shirts and that wasn't even a good idea.

My junior year I had to get prescription glasses. The first day I wore them to school, no one believed they were real. And the next day, of course, that friend showed up with a fake pair on! I couldn't help but be a little miffed. A small part of me thought, "is she mocking me?" I felt like she didn't even care to know that I might be a little insecure about having to wear them to school at all.

But this is really my point. When I make choices about my clothes, what I want to write about, what I believe in, what I make or what I decide to decorate my house with, that's a reflection of myself. I think about these things. I feel close to these things and I decide on things in these categories very easily. So, when people blatantly take that and use it for themselves, I feel incredibly disrespected.

For example, my fellow bloggers, if you created an amazing DIY and showcased it on your blog and a follower did something similar and talked about how you inspired them, you'd be flattered right? But if you found out a reader just completely ripped off your DIY and posted it as their own, original idea and creation, you'd be straight mad right? Well, that's how I feel and have felt with multiple friends over the years. I just want to shake them and say, "Be yourself! Find out what you like, or call me and let's create something together!" I don't want to show up at your party and see what I wore to my party. I don't want to show up at your house and see what what I already put in my house. It lessens my special and it creates nothing special for yourself.

This outfit isn't particularly original. It's just a comfy blouse, with some of my favorite wide-leg jeans. But what sparked writing about my frustrations was seeing these photos of me wearing my glasses, but my frustration as of now is fresh and real. I choose things for myself, my family or because they inspire me. I hope to inspire others, that's partly why I created this blog, but I don't ever hope to have my thoughts, ideas and memories be taken for others to use. There's nothing unique about not creating (or decorating) your own life.

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Target / Glasses: Versace / Jeans: GAP / Earrings: Sterling Silver Hoops - Gift / Bag: Big Buddha / Wedges: Vera Wang via Kohl's
And how did I get my super straight pony-tail? With the help of the fabulous people at Misikko who sent me the wonderful Hana Elite to try!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Product was received for free and used but the ramblings of today are completely my own.

My Daddy...

2013-06-15T23:50:00.001-05:00

Is Superman.

and he loves milkshakes :)

Mantle Mixology: Decoupage Elephant

2013-06-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

I probably re-design my mantle and table centerpieces at least once a week. I love the freshness of a newly created spot. I like the spontaneity of switching out a candle and what that tiny move can create. And that's why I started Mantle Mixology.

I'm a sucker for elephants. I love when I find an elephant print where all the animals' trunks are up and wishing us well. But when I saw this decoupaged-esque elephant hiding in a consignment shop for a couple bucks. I couldn't resist. She went straight home to me and helped to create this little cluster on our mantle.

What's On My Mantle

Peacock Snuffer - Pier 1 / Books - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Now Is the Time by Patrick Lindsay and Webster's 21st Century Complete Guide to Speech, Style and Grammar / Decoupage Elephant - Thrifted / Gray Candle Holder - Hobby Lobby / Blue & Salmon Candle Holder- Target / Blue Mercury Glass Candle Holder - West Elm / Heart Dotted Candle - Home Goods / Wedding Cake Candle - Gift / Sparkle Candle - West Elm

Willow's Wonderland: 7 weeks

2013-06-13T00:08:00.000-05:00

Our baby Willow is 7 weeks old! She's already noticeably bigger than the day we picked her up and she's showing more and more of her personality everyday. We've gotten her on a great schedule: eat, play, sleep and back again. But there are times when she has so much energy she doesn't know what to do with it. Hence, her random laps around the house, random explorations of my hair and dangling earrings and random explorations of Justin's appendages.

The solution? She's ready for morning and evening walks to get some of that energy focused in the right places! Although she can't go too far, the adventurer in her loves a nice (and quick) walk up and down the street.

The great news is that she's loving her play pen and crate. Barely making a peep when she has to go inside. Such a sweet puppy (even when she's being testy).

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {25}

2013-06-11T23:58:00.003-05:00

Lauren Conrad has to be one of the most intelligent women in business. Sure she started on a silly reality show, but let's get real for a minute, the lady is smart, savvy, beautiful, strong and extremely creative. I love her.

But what I love about her the most is what she says. Here are some goodies:

"If others are jealous of you, you're doing something right."

"I just feel like I never stopped trying to be your friend and you just lost interest, you didn't care."

"...so the only thing there really is to do is to forgive and to forget...so I really do, I want to forgive you, and I want to forget you."

"Don't be the girl who didn't go to Paris."

A perfect outfit.

I love finding new quesadilla recipes to try and these Margarita Pizza ones are no exception!

This macaroon "cake" is perfect for a birthday party or girls get-together, am I right?!

Taking others' ideas is an easy way to get something done, but doing your own thing creates memories and lots of magic.

I'm pretty sure I've used this on a previous WIMW post, but it's really inspiring me this week.

Her makeup, her hair, her style is flawless.

Peasant Wedges

2013-06-10T20:20:00.001-05:00

I love being able to add a bit of my signature style to every outfit. I'm a bit of a bohemian. I like things that flow and feel free. I like outfits that don't feel matchy-matchy. I like unusual pieces that make me feel like I'm wearing some bits of art rather than something with a clean edge or simple silhouette.
And I really love surprising color combinations. Black, Hunter & some bright Salmon are a trio that I'm completely in love with.

What I'm Wearing:
Top: Forever 21 / Skirt: Apt 9 via Kohl's / Bag: Big Buddha / Wedges: Vera Wang via Kohl's

Thrifted REDO: Marble Side Table

2013-06-09T23:43:00.001-05:00

One of the best decisions I made was to start thrifting for clothes and homey items to redo and make my own. And when I ran across this marble-topped side table at Goodwill for a mere $20, I knew it was a treasure that I had to have. Especially since we have been on the lookout for the perfect new piece for the living room.

I decided that I needed to redo the bottom of the table since it looked a bit aged between the design and the color. And of course I was leaving the marble top as is since it was just a solid piece stamped with, "made in Italy." We chose to use Krylon's purple gloss spray paint to coat the stem. And then finished it off with some nickle satin.

Fortunately, it fit right into our living room as we continue to slowly revamp the space with new and interesting pieces. Next up, maybe a blue sofa?

Thrifted: Trapeze Please

2013-06-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

When you find a brand new Gracia blouse on the racks of Goodwill, you buy it. For only $4, this regularly $92 blouse was well worth the trip.

It's super comfortable and I love the trapeze-ness, although the colors remind and have me earning for fall weather and Halloween movies.

I'm Wearing:

Blouse: Gracia {Thrifted} / Shoes: Forever 21 / Ankle-Pants: New York & Co / Bag: Nine West

The Battle Between Digital & Print

2013-06-05T13:12:00.001-05:00

When a lovely lady named Allison contacted me about a infographic she helped create I was intrigued. It's a subject that, although I've already graduated college, I'm passionate about. I realize that I love all things digital but when it comes to the printed word, there's nothing better than a crisp, new book to open up and read on a rainy day. And that doesn't include powering on your tablet and starting to "tap" through the pages. But more importantly how can you study well with an e-textbook?

Today I'm showing off that graphic, courtesy of Online Degrees, and hoping you're a little more enlightened after reading it.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I'm simply showing this infographic off because I think it's snazzy.

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {24}

2013-06-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

I'm in puppy mode this week and that's really all there is to say. So, check out some goodness I found in Internet-land that had me smilin' while Willow was sleeping.

How great do these frozen yogurt trail mix bars look?

Prime example of one of my mottos: ladies, you don't need to show a bunch of skin to look and feel sexy.

This is such an inspiring piece of somethin'.

I need to buy some skinny knuckle rings. Love.

O, this is so my style.

So right for so many people, if you're settling, if you're just letting life happen to you, you're not on fire.

Warby Parker Ocean Avenue Collection: AVAILABLE TODAY!

2013-06-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

My husband is a bit obsessed with Warby Parker after seeing them in GQ magazine, he's become a loyal fan. From the Baxter frames, which he believes was named after him (hence our last name Baxter), to the Porter sunglasses he wants them all. And as for me, I'm a big fan of their Ocean Avenue Collection which launched TODAY.

If you don't know much about Warby Parker, let me fill you in. Not only do they sell affordable eye wear including prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, but they know style. They know trends. They know people and they know their needs.

Before we get down to business I also have to shine a light on their "Do Good" program. For every pair of glasses they sell, they provide one pair to someone in need. Snazzy eh?

When a rep from WP contacted me about their new Ocean Avenue Collection, I was pumped, I was excited and I couldn't wait to see my husband's face when I showed him the preview. I'm proud to announce and help out with their launch.

Open your eyes and take a peek!

Willow's Wonderland

2013-06-02T22:28:00.001-05:00

Our Willow is finally home. After a long week of preparing, shopping, planning and reading we have her here all to ourselves. And what a weekend it has been!

She knows how to pose, she likes to stick out her tongue, she loves to sip on her water, she does magic tricks for us, she loves wrestling with her Lambchop, loves to find new places to cuddle, loves to try to nibble on her bed. She's just plain cute. And I'm pretty sure she's a genius. Little lady didn't even have an accident in her crate the first night here! I even got a flashlight out and went inside to make sure my eyes and nose weren't fooling.

Once we got her home. I took her around to the backyard to show her the ropes. Then it was bath time! Poor thing was already pooped out. She started drinking the water and then quickly realized that it was better to sleep in the tub while she got a nice massage from me and Justin.

Look at those sleepy eyes!

Girly was thristy after her first encounter with a hairdryer. And yes, she likes to lie down while she sips.

After she was nice and clean, although she was quite clean to begin with (not a flea or bug or anything in sight!), it was time to show her all the goodies that were waiting.

There was absolutely no hesitation. She hopped right in bed for a long, long nap. When she woke up it was time for the toys! Honestly, at first, she had no idea what to do with them. But the concept of "toys" came to fruition by the end of the night.

We went ahead and ordered a nice size plan pen at the beginning of the week. We have a extra large pet taxi for her too, which she does really well it during meals or times we don't have our eyes on her but when she's wide awake, playful and when I can't be in the room I thought something like this would do us well.

Mealtime. She likes to sit in, put her paws in and nibble on her bowls .... with or without food inside.

Willow is just cute overload.

Snail Mail is the Bee's Knees

2013-05-31T00:34:00.000-05:00

If you know absolutely anything about me, then you must know that I love paper products. It's kind of an obsession. Don't worry, I use the recycle bin.

But I love fun paper plates and napkins, stationary, card stock, note cards, greeting cards, labels, stickers .... I love it all. And what I love the most, is snail mail. It's so much more personal than a text or an e-mail. Barely any of my friends even have the pick-me-up to pick up the phone, let alone send a letter, so I imagine the rest of the world is the same. Aside from annual birthday cards to extended family and wedding congrats, I don't meet enough people who send cards and letters just because.

I like to do it all the time. When I have a spare moment I'll send a little, silly something. Even if it's just to tell one of my cousins or best buds to have a magical week, I like knowing that I may be able to make someone smile or feel good, even if I'm not right there to see it happen. So, when I find new places to make these moments that much more special, like Tiny Prints and Treat, I'm a very giddy young lady.

Most of the time, I try to make the entire snail mail package extra stylish. From return labels to the closing seal, I like for it to be a fun surprise. Take these address labels from Tiny Prints for instance. The polka-dots, the bows .... and the actual size of the label is bigger than those I've received from other companies.

After yesterday's batch of letters, I'm getting down to my last page. So, I'll be ordering more soon. Maybe the Good Time Glitz is just what I need.

And then there's the card. When I'm out and about, sometimes I buy cards for no rhyme or reason. They could be beautiful enough to stick in a frame and hang on the wall, like the Truly Outrageous that has to be my favorite of this bunch from Treat. Or, I could buy several that just make me think of someone special, like the Party Drinks card that reminds me of our dear family friend, Lynne.

I'm so happy I've discovered Treat. Not only is the selection amazing. There are so many unique choices for any and every occasion. You can have your return address printed right onto the envelope or mailed directly to the loved one you're sending it to!

Each of these cards represent something or someone special. From the butterfly for my mom to the poppies for my best friend who is getting married next week.

And I love pieces that have extra details. For example, these Treat cards may have a little extra something displayed once you open the card or have a "just for you" printed on the back.

So, here's my challenge to you. Get off your phones, get off your computers and get out a beautiful, ballpoint pen. Pick out a beautiful piece of paper to scribble down a nice letter or find a greeting card that will surely make your someone smile and send it.

Here is the complete name list of cards you see in this batch:

All Heart
City Club
Sprinkles of Love
Blooms of Greetings
Painted Wings
Painted Poppies
Breakfast Friends
Party Drinks
Truly Outrageous
Enchanting Wishes
Stylish Stack

Disclosure: Treat sent me these cards free of charge. I was not compensating in any other way for this post, I just think Treat is rad and snail mail is cool.

Chattanooga Blues

2013-05-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

We sprinted off to Chattanooga Friday evening for a weekend of relaxation, puppy talk and good food. On the drive up, I threw on a maxi dress. Because it's summer and I live in them. I hate the heat, I'm not a fan of the super bright sun, I'm allergic to pretty much everything outdoors (that's not an over-exaggeration), in fact I prefer days that are chilly, rainy and super cloudy. Just call me Eeyore.

I do tend to make my maxis look a little different each time I wear them. Whether it's adding a belt, shrug or light, summer sweater I try to play with the looks as much as possible. And of course, I did love showing off my new Big Buddha purse.

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Gap / Sweater: American Eagle / Bag: Big Buddha / Sandals: American Eagle / Necklace: Forever 21

Happy 3rd Birthday Minnie!

2013-05-29T22:02:00.001-05:00

It's Minnie's 3rd Birthday!

She'll be showered with treats and cookies today. And maybe even a new toy.

She is such an amazing dog. Incredibly intelligent, completely trustworthy and there's not an aggressive bone in her body. She barely even barks!

She's definitely one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen and I'd argue one of the most beautiful breeds. Happy, happy birthday to our baby girl Minnie. There will be many more years of doggie cookies, cuddle time, Dancing with the Stars & American Idol dates (she loves music shows) and conversations on what it's like to be a human and get to have a turkey sandwich. And even though she's technically my parent's dog, she's still my Minnie!

I can't wait for Willow to meet her. I know Minnie will show her the ropes and teach her some good behavior. I've been doing so much research on Australian Shepherds that I'm practically an expert by now. The breed can be quite fearful later in the life depending on situations they're exposed to in their youth, so we're doing our part to expose her to as many good situations and behaviors as possible. That means no scary people, aggressive pets (including dogs, we don't want her picking up bad habits either!) and all around giving her a relaxing, loving and stimulating environment.

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {23}

2013-05-29T00:34:00.001-05:00

Y'all, we're getting a puppy! We pick her up on Saturday. She's an Australian Shepherd. And her name is ...

Willow.

Justin had been pestering me about getting a puppy for a while. And I just didn't think we had the time to do it right. But, the more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be a good idea. Getting a puppy, raising and training it ourselves would not only be a wonderful lesson for us as a couple and as individuals but for our future. We're committed to making this a wonderful experience and by the time we have kids we'll have a wonderful dog to round out the house. We had a list of breeds we were interested in including: Goldendoodles, Havanese, Labs and possible mixed-breeds. We checked all the local human societies, went through lots of online and newspaper ads and even checked a few places while we were away from home. But there weren't any dogs that made us feel ... like they were right for us.

If you're adopting or buying a dog, you have to be committed. It's a living being and you want a connection. And for someone like me, who truly isn't an "animal person" I want to feel absolutely no apprehension, especially if I'm letting a dog into my home. We saw some ads for Australian Shepherd puppies in the newspaper and although we both knew they were gorgeous dogs, didn't know too much about them. After two nights of research, we decided to go see some and that's when we found Willow. She stuck out among her sisters and brother because she was the only black tri, but she also was the calmest, sweetest and didn't even seem scared when I held her. Later that night we were talking about going to see some other Aussie puppies who, quite frankly, cost less, but that just didn't feel right. There was something about this little girl that felt good and going to go buy another one just because of a lower price didn't sit well with me.

For the past few days we've been reading our "Australian Shepherd" bible. I'm soaking in all the pointers and advice I can from my mom since she's had so much experience with puppies and Minnie, my parents' Bernese Mountain Dog, has to be one of the best and most trustworthy dogs on the planet. We're prepared to nip nipping in the bud early, give her lots of mental and physical stimulation (which is something I wanted, this doggie will help me get more exercise and get me ready for having kids in the future!) and lots of love.

While we wait for her arrival, check out what's inspiring me this week!

I need these.

Aren't these pastel "rose" sugar cookies incredibly sweet?

I'm not sure where this is from, who it's of or why is was taken, but it's beautiful isn't it?

I want to have a party and create this setup, pronto.

Doesn't this strawberry & avocado salad look delicious.

Don't ever confuse having high standards for being high maintenance.

GUEST POST: How To Save Money On Clothes

2013-05-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

The average American will spend about $1,700 on clothes per year. Care to shrink that bill? Here are 5 shopping strategies that’ll help you save money on clothing.

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1. Shop Out of Season
Buy your clothing just as the season is about to end and the retailers are putting everything on sale to clear out as much stock as possible. This will demand some self-control and some organization, though: It is hard to resist the temptation of buying a cute dress just as the weather is getting warm again. But stand strong: You’ll save tons on money.

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2. Buy Fashionable Accessories
Invest some money in trendy and chic accessories such as a nice belt, a colorful scarf, earrings, necklaces, bracelets... You can transform an outfit from bland to fashionable just by adding the right accessories. If you have great accessories in your wardrobe, you won’t feel the need to add extra pieces of clothing as often.

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3. Repurpose Your Clothes

There is no need to be tremendously skilled with a needle and thread in order to turn your old T-Shirts, dresses, jeans and others into fashionable and trendy new items. You just need some imagination. And even if you don’t have that, well, there’s always the Internet! With a quick search online, you’ll find plenty of great and simple DIY ideas and tutorials to transform your clothes. Check these ideas out, for starters.

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4. Have Clothes Swap Sessions With Your Friends
Gather all the clothes you don’t want to wear anymore (but that are still in good shape), get your friends to do the same thing and have a swapping session together. Your wardrobe will be refreshed for free, plus it’s a great excuse to have some fun with your girlfriends.

For swap sessions on a bigger scale, check if The SWAP Team is organizing an event in your town any time soon.

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5. Last But Not Least: Buy Second-Hand
Not only is second-hand a great way to save some money on clothing, it is also a great way to make up your own, unique style. No more running into girls wearing the same H&M dress! Except maybe for lingerie, there is nothing you can’t buy used. So go look for good second-hand and vintage clothes, shop in your town and visit them often.

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Julia Taylor is a writer, globe trotter, nature lover and fashion enthusiast who tries to fully appreciate every single thing life throws her way. She works as a freelance blogger for Simons, a major Canadian retail store.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

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P.S. The winner of the Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway is ... Entry #3 Brittiny Smith!

May POPSUGAR Must-Have Box Review

2013-05-27T01:16:00.000-05:00

This is my second box so now I'm officially involved in all this POPSUGAR talk.

For those that have no idea what I'm talking about, let me break it down for you really quick.

At POPSGUAR, there's a team of people that select some of the hottest, must-have items of the moment (or the month), they pack them up for all of us and send them out for us to try. After seeing so many wonderful items discovered in the must-have boxes, I knew that I had to experience it for myself. So, let's take a look at what I uncovered in my May box!

Kooringal Giselle Mid-brim SPF 50 hat in graphite ($27):

This is an incredible hat. You can smash it, fold it, pack it and mold it into exactly what you need, when you need it. It's already stashed away for our cruise in September and I'll be ordering my mom one too!
Pacifica Color Quench lip tint in guava ($9):

I'm in love with this. I've been carrying it in my purse and using it everyday since I opened it up. It's silky soft and leaves just enough color that you don't look blah or overboard.
Mindy Kaling’s Questions I Ask When I Want to Talk About Myself: 50 Topics to Share with Friends ($14):

These are hilarious. They're creative and a great little treat for a boring afternoon. I sifted through a couple and thought, "Hey, these be great to use at a bachelorette party coming up!"

{My Photo of this Product Disappeard?!)

Way Better Snacks Sweet Chili Chips ($3):

I ate these when I opened them. Which is when I took them out the box. They goooooood.
Charm & Chain $30 gift card:

Yeah, I haven't decided what to use this on yet since I drool over so many of their pieces.
Beauty Blender ($19) & Cleaner ($18):

Okay so I didn't actually use this myself, since I stick to the foundation brushes. But I had heard about these magical things. I passed it off to my mom since she was foaming at the mouth when I unwrapped them and she's in love with how neatly and evenly it blends her makeup.

The Modern Cocktail Margarita Sampler ($10):

I've seen these around Christmastime at Target and since we are big drinkers, we've never used them. And we still haven't used them. I thought about busting them out for a bachelorette party coming up next week, but I'll probably just use them on a whim with my husband sometime within the next year.

This month was a total of $130 worth of products. Yay! And it was a fantastic, fun box.

Thrifted: $4 Tea Time Florals

2013-05-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

Enter here for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Starbucks!

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I said I was going to start challenging myself more and I have been. And I'm proud of it. Not only is thrifting environmentally friendly, but it's a great way to branch out and feel creative and inspired.

I found this grungy little beauty on the racks at Goodwill and since it's tag was marked 50% off, I snatched this tea time florals dress for only $4.

I have yet to find a piece of thrift that fits me perfectly, but with just a couple of tugs and pulls, that part is easy to deal with. This one needed a good wash, a press, a new button sewn to the back and a belt to keep things in place.

I ended up wearing the dress to my best friend's bridal shower and had the perfect excuse to add my favorite skin-toned wedges and have my Coach bag finally make an appearance.

I'm Wearing:

Dress: Thrifted / Shoes: Steve Madden / Belt: An Old, Old Navy Buy / Bracelet: Thrifted / Bag: Coach

Our Handwritten Wall: 3 Projects in 1 Nook!

2013-05-22T23:28:00.001-05:00

Enter here for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Starbucks!
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I had thought about doing something this for a really long time. I had even pinned a similar idea but instead of paint I was just going to use decals. Fortunately, when I saw this magical project done by the amazing Elsie of A Beautiful Mess, I was inspired to make it happen for our home too.

First, I took Elsie's advice and penciled in the words for a guideline, then it was off to work. I played with the idea of using a mint green or yellow instead of black. But eventually decided black was the way to go so it looked more like one of my handwritten letters. And let me make one thing clear, this did not take me a mere afternoon or even a day. It took several weeks to finish this project, after one line was done, I'd get super annoyed and need a break. It was more tedious than I thought it would be. I didn't want a "perfect" look but I also wanted all the words filled in as much as possible. Thankfully, when my mom came for a visit, she helped get the job done.

If you know me or read this blog frequently enough to get a good glimpse, I love words. So, it was only natural that I take a similar route. I decided to use the breakfast nook as the project corner. The wall isn't a large focus of the home and it was a great place to get a little risky and make an unsuspecting surprise in the house.

We decided on the phrase, "to the moon and back." Have you ever heard Dolly Parton's song, From Here To The Moon and Back? That was the inspiration.

In the middle of my wall painting, I had another idea. My "baking" pantry, just a small white accent to the breakfast nook that holds all my bento accessories and baking goodies, needed something to make it look a little more stylish and unique. I got into some craft pants and gave that a quick redo as well. And now I love how it pops off the handwriting. I'm a fan of mixing patterns in fashion and design, so I'm really happy with the result. I've been looking for a bigger, vintage armoire to paint and use as a pantry instead of this little one, but until I find the perfect piece this makes me smile.

Then there's our random little table. The top was once a clock I had in my college apartment. My mom, being the crafty woman she is, made this for us when the clock hands broke during the move in. Then she took a sharpie and has the clock reading, "1:19," which signifies January 19th, our wedding date.

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {22}

2013-05-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

Enter here for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Starbucks!
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I'm critical and have a tendency to judge people's action with swiftness. I stand my ground for every and all of my opinions. I'm stubborn in that way. I'm passionate. I have, in some ways, impossible standards for others. I don't see those standards as impossible for myself. I can be harsh. I'm a worrier. I'm very sensitive despite my bolder ways.

I realize that these are some of my downfalls, but I kind of love them. I've embraced them, I've worked on them but I can't ever be rid of them. And that's okay.

Now, take a look at some of my inspiration for the week and try leaving a comment with one of your worst traits that you still love.

This little one is dressed as one of my idol's, Susan B. Athony. When I read this snippet:

"Mother shuns Disney Princess ideal and dresses daughter up as five REAL heroines from history to commemorate fifth birthday," it naturally peeked my interest and I've bookmarked this to do with my future little one.

Please, take me to Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, England.

This living room is right in my wheel house. I've already got a tapestry hanging in my office by clothes hangers but I love, love this wall collage somethin' fierce.

I love being a pink-loving girl.

One of the best quotes from one of the best writers - Jane Austen.

Popcorn macaroons with salted caramel filling, okay, sure I"ll have a bite!

I'm Not Afraid of Loud Pants

2013-05-20T22:55:00.002-05:00

Enter here for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Starbucks!

I think I received about 17 thousand weirdo looks the day I wore these. To be honest, I get weirdo looks a lot since I don't necessarily live in an area that's all about loud pants. Although, I do love my home.

But the fact is, I'm just not afraid to wear loud pants. Which in my opinion, is a metaphor for life. Don't be afraid to wear loud pants, any day of the week.

What I'm Wearing:
Top: Forever 21 / Pants: Cato (a 3 year ago buy) / Bracelet: Forever 21 / Bag: Target / Sandals: Target

GIVEAWAY: Starbucks Gift Card! {CLOSED}

2013-05-19T23:12:00.004-05:00

In honor of reaching my goal of 550 Pinterest followers, we're celebrating today on Her Umbrella!

One my favorite things to do is grab a coffee at Starbucks, snatch up a pile of magazines and spend an afternoon sifting through all the good reads. Or, grabbing a cup at Target and figuring out my coupon route before I hit the aisles. So, I thought this was a perfect way to celebrate.

One reader will win a $10 gift card to Starbucks to spend! Grab a white chocolate mocha in my honor or a yummy slice of lemon loaf cake. They're my favorites. I will select a winner at random on Memorial Day (May 27th)!

To enter this giveaway you must:

Be a Follower on Bloglovin'
Comment on this post - let me know what your favorite Starbucks menu item is!

(Please include your e-mail so I can get in touch with you if you win!)

For extra entries (comment separately for each entry please, or I can't count the extras):

Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about the Giveaway
Like HU on Facebook
Follow me on Pinterest
Subscribe to HU via Feedburner (located in the left-hand sidebar)