Nest of Posies

$18 Walmart dress ~ styled 3 ways

2012-02-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

It's not too often I stop dead in my tracks when shopping at Walmart.

My main focus when I shop there, is to hurry up & get out.

But 2 days ago, I took a short cut through the clothing section to get to the dog food. Let's stop right here & repeat...2 days ago.

This dress was being placed on the floor 2 days ago. So it's there. It's current. Go grab it.

I even took a pic of the dress & shared it on my instagram stream while shopping. So yes, yes it was love at first sight. ;)

It's knit. PLEATED knit. 100% cotton. Adorable.

No, it's wont be the best quality, you can buy. But it's stickin' cute, in my opinion. Stickin' cute enough to give me the idea of this post. Sizes XS-XXL, and comes in tangerine tango (yep, got that color too) chocolate brown & a fun blue one as well.

Because with a little help from accessories you can take this dress to the WOW factor, really quick.

Let me show you...

I used to do this kind of stuff for a living, ya know. (styling, displays, windows, helping people buy clothes, back in the day before kids.) So styling, when I get the chance is one of my favorite things to do.

I grabbed some of my favorite accessories, colors & got busy with some ideas.

Target cardy

Posie cluster pinned on my belt - Nest of Posies

Hair rosette band - Nest of Posies

TOM wedges

stripe shirt over dress from Walmart

pink cardy & shoes from Target

green rosette necklace - Allora Handmade

pearl necklace - Ann Taylor

leggins - Walmart

Disco Ball Ring

black heels - TJMAXX

So call me crazy, but I'm in love. It's definitely worth your time to check it out. Trust me.

This post is not a sponsored post in any way. I'm sharing what I love doing & a tip on a sassy, cheap dress. Just in time for Spring - right? It could even be your Easter dress.

linking with:

Tatertots & Jello, Tidy Mom, Positively Splendid, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog

10 - One Dish Meals

2012-02-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

I could spend hours discussing some of the one-dish meals out there. Unless, I've totally missed something, most of them are loaded casserole dishes with tons of carbs or are stir fry recipes. Mind you, I have nothing against carbs. I love carbs. I'll sing & dance for carbs. But when you're trying to find healthy recipes, that are easy & not very time consuming...well, the choices become more narrow.

Honestly, this post is more for me. I've been having the guilts lately when it comes to our dinners. School, after school activities, trying to get orders done while the twins nap, not focusing on dinner - you know...blah blah blah. So this weekend, I decided I was going to try & find one dish meals (or close as possible) that were healthy & budget friendly. I also wanted a good variety. Different proteins, lots of veggies, ingredients that are easy to find & 90% of the process is made in one dish.

You know, easy. Less clean up. Now we're talking!

As you'll see there's some recipes that require a little more prep time, marinating overnight, or even a homemade pizza dough. Obviously, I would purchase a pizza crust or use a box kit so the time factor would still be on my side. The marinating overnight (The Singapore Beef Slaw) after you cook it for 15 minutes, then you stick it in the fridge to marinate & cut some veggies the next day. I mean how easy is that?

So here's what I found. The link to the recipe is directly underneath each pic or just click on the pic.

Enjoy~!

Real Simple Magazine

this is a friendly reminder...

2012-02-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

This is a friendly reminder that the giveaway for a scarf + posie cluster in your choice of color will be closing TOMORROW Feb 14th ~ at midnight. (EST)

Click HERE to enter!

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

pure goodness & then some

2012-02-13T00:12:00.000-05:00

I really feel in my heart that I would be doing you all a dis-service if I didn't share this before Valentines.

You see, I made this lovely combination of salty & sweet Valentine confetti last year. It has got to be one of the best things I've ever made & ever put in my mouth. Amen.
I mean, I consider you all friends. I share these kinds of tips with my friends. I'm even the kind of friend that will tell a stranger if they have toilet paper on their shoe. I don't know what toilet paper & popcorn have to do with each other, but I do feel strongly about sharing one of my best recipes with you all. I would want you all to do the same for me! Share recipes & tell me when I have toilet paper on my shoe. ;)

Go here to see the original post with recipe.

Hope your Monday is fabulous!

P.S. If you happen to have a hot date with your Valentine & want to have something fun & sassy to wear...look at this tutorial below. It's just awesome. Dress it up with a little black dress or with jeans & a cardy. It's classic & a great DIY!

Source: psimadethis.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Have a lovely weekend

2012-02-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Don't these look heavenly?

Especially for this weekend.

But truth be told it will be Leggo my Eggo waffles, served up over here. Just about every room in our house has been turned upside down. During this week at one point in time, we had zero working bath tubs & for about 8 hours didn't have running water. Oh the joys of remodeling an almost 90 year old house.

Good news, though ~ if everything goes well tomorrow (which, ahem - you know it wont ;) we'll have 2 brand spakin' new bath tubs to bathe in. Just thinking of soaking in a new, clean, bath tub makes me hear the "Halleluhah Chorus" in my ears. I can't wait.

Have a lovely weekend.

image from: Underbaraclares

Homemade Valentine's Day Card Ideas

2012-02-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

Source: thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: sweetmuffinsuite.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: jacolynmurphy.blogspot.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: carolynshomework.blogspot.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: whipperberry.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: dandee-designs.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Truth: I'll be spending the next few days trying to talk my 6 y.o.into allowing me to make his Valentines just one.more.year. You can see from this post last year, that I kinda like making a whole day out of it. ;)

He wants those Star Wars Valentines, you know the ones in a booooox. (It's all I can do to keep from saying booooox - it's such a painful word, for this paper loving mama.) He says he wants light sabers on his Valentines. Gah. He's killing me. My husband just rolls his eyes at me.

All I ask, is that I make his Valentine cards until the twins go to school. Then he can have those booooox kind of cards & I'll make the twins their Valentines. Well, until they're ready for light sabers & barbies, that is. Gah!

Anywhoo...

I couldn't help but put some of my favorite homemade cards in a post. Just so I could at least have them here on the blog. You know...just in case I don't get my way this weekend.

Fingers crossed, I do.

Share the Love Giveaway Hop

2012-02-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

Hello lovelies!

I'm so excited to be participating in my first Giveaway Hop - ever!

It's a collection of bloggers giving away all sorts of prizes for the Share the Love Giveaway Hop hosted by She Promotes. The giveaway hop is starting today & will end on Feb 14th. Each blog has their own giveaway - so make sure you click through the list at the bottom of this post. There's also a GRAND PRIZE of a Kindle Fire being given away sponsored by Tweetalicious. So each blog you stop & enter at - will be another entry for the grand prize! So don't miss out! Woot Woot!

My giveaway is from my handmade shop, Nest of Posies.

The scarf comes in gray or black.

The posie cluster comes in 3 color options.

And the winner gets to pick which color combo she would like to have.

The posie clusters are made with a brooch style hook pin attached to the back, so they can be worn with your scarf or on a sweater, top, purse or even a belt! To see more of my handmade collections feel free to visit my handmade shop - Nest of Posies.

So....who wants to win a scarf & posie cluster???

To enter the giveaway, click through the steps on this rafflecopter box below. Trust me, it's really easy, there are additional entry options if you so desire to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Downton Abbey ~ my new obsession

2012-02-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

The Lamps of Downton Abbey

Enchanted Serenity of Period Films

formerly pandorea

I stayed up till 3am this morning watching season 1. Obviously, I live under a rock. Because I didn't know about this amazing series until last week. I really don't watch much tv, I'll blame my ignorance on that.

I'm trying to find words that describe this series, that will do it justice.........

magical, enchanting, superior, captivating, tv at it's best.

The costumes, the setting, the acting, the props are a classic cut above.

They'll wrap you up in every side story along the way. You'll be swooned in by the most dramatic & most humorous acting. You'll find yourself cheering for the staff, hoping this or that relationship works all while taking in a deep breath when you view the stunning photography all captured in this series.

I assure you, it's that good.

Everyone seems to be talking about it now, that's how I found out about it. Believe it or not it was on twitter, then I started seeing it on blogs. Score one more point for social media.

I downloaded season 1 on iTunes, but I hear Netflix has it available as well.

PBS, has season 2 available to watch for free.

So guess what I'll be doing this week???

Please excuse me in advance when I mourn after I've watched season 2.

I hear season 3 is scheduled for September.

Let's just say, my toes & fingers are crossed that they'll release season 3 even sooner.

Hands

2012-02-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

Pardon me while I go down memory lane just for a little bit, would you?

The theme for yesterday was Hands for #febphotoaday. Even though the photo a day experience is suppose to be about taking new pictures, my mind couldn't help but go back to when I nursed all 3 of them & I was able to hold their little itty bitty hands while we shared that precious time together. There's nothing like that incredible experience when a mom feeds her babies. It will always be one of my top accomplishments on my mom resume: Was able with God's grace to nurse exclusively my oldest for 16 month & the twins exclusively for 22 months. Phew! I get exhausted just thinking about it. It was the hardest but yet the most rewarding job I have ever done.

During all of that, I got to hold their little hands 6, 7, 8,9,10 times a day sometimes for the first several months of their little lives. Or with the twins, witness the two of them holding hands. It still is to this day, one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen & have ever been a part of.

It's the only time in life when you can sit still & know that nothing else matters. Or have the best excuse to have not showered in days. Days, I tell you.

Now it's all changed. Those little hands are so busy. Playing, getting into trouble, figuring something out, beating up on each other, drawing & learning to write. When I'm lucky enough to have one of them reach out to hold my hand, it usually has boogers on it or is so dirty it's all I can do to race to the bathroom to wash our hands. The journey we all takes as mothers is just an incredible mix of emotions. I guess it's always going to be filled with the beautiful, the good, the memories, the stickiness & the most precious time of our lives.

#photoaday Link up Party!

2012-02-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

The time is here! Link up your #janphotoaday month in review!

Share your story, your days, your month, your way.

This party is open to anyone that is *trying* to conquer a photo a day. If you're just doing it month by month, or are planning on doing it the entire year, feel free to link up & share your story.

Your post can be any way you like ~ because this is your story to tell.

This month I decided to do one big juxtapostion collage to showcase January. I must admit, I love doing this photoaday series! It's fair to say I'm addicted to instagram & taking pics!

You can find me on instagram here.

If you are just starting & joined in photoaday for the month of February, no worries! This link party will be a recurring thing, once a month for all of us to link up our month in review!

So count on being here next month to link up!

To see February day theme's go here. It's never to late to join in!

So come one & all & link up your #janphotoaday month in review!

Thanks for joining!

You can also link up over at Shelley's blog The House of Smiths to showcase your wrap up post. She's doing a link party too!

DIY elbow patches

2012-02-01T14:33:00.000-05:00

This post is for the record books, folks.

It's not often you'll find a size ~~10+~~ 12+ gal, who has back rolls, love handles, bra strap rolls & who has given birth to twins - no less, exposing her back.

Only for you all, would I dare brave this crazy back roll exposed position of modeling to offer the "cuuutest" DIY accessory you can do in minutes!

Supplies:

a sweater - I used one that wasn't too old, but not too new

felt

heart template

scissors

fabric glue

straight pins

print out the heart template. *note you may have to adjust the size of the hearts, per body type*
cut your felt using the template
try on your sweater & pin where the back of your elbows hits the sleeve of your sweater
using your fabric glue - trace the outline of the heart & apply to the appropriate elbow spot on your sweater
allow plenty of time to dry

It's a cute, super cheap, instant update to a boring sweater or shirt that anyone can do!

linking with:

Tatertots & Jello, Tidy Mom, Positively Splendid, 30 Handmade Days, Home Stories A2Z, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog

5 things I'm loving right now

2012-01-31T21:53:00.000-05:00

I'm linking up with my cousin Maegan & her monthly link party! I love the care free idea of this party. You just randomly list 5 things you're currently loving. It's fun to see what other people are liking, find interesting, or just to get a quick tip, don't you think? She's doing this party just once a month - so feel free to join in & link up over at her blog.

Alrighty..........

1.
20 Things You Should Start Doing in Your Relationships.

I found this article the other day & omgoodness it's so right on the money! It talks about letting go of friends who really aren't friends, who are burdens & are negative. It discusses how family isn't always blood. Being loyal. Or just to directly quote a sentence from the article:

"Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. When you free yourself from negative people, you free yourself to be YOU – and being YOU is the only way to truly live."

Yeah, it's really good. It's pinned from my pinterest acct - so click on the pic & it will take you there. It's a great, easy read.

Source: marcandangel.com via Kellie on Pinterest

I also made something from a pinterest recipe. It's insanely good. Holy moly. wowzers!

As I type this post, our house is getting a facelift. And I'm dancing on air. So excited!!!

Woot Woot!

I've been so excited to attend SNAP!
Well....as of a few hours ago the scale of excitement went to a whole new level because my cousin Maegan is coming too! We get to be roomies, hang out, laugh, dine, chat & eat chips & dip together. It's going to be fabulous - I.can't.wait!

I am loving our vday mantel, but in particular my instagram photos inside the jars. I really was trying to find a way to add casual photos around the house & by golly I think I've found a way.

And, how about you? What are you loving right now?

Do a quick post & link up over at Maegan's!

the lucky duck winner is....

2012-01-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

the winner picked by random.org for the polka dot Farmhouse table runner is.............

Michelle

Congratulations!!!

for those of you who did not win, but would like to browse around Gina's incredible shop just click her shop sign below. Her items are all handmade & made with tender loving care, I can assure you!

Also...(shameless plug here) Gina wrote an ebook,

From Passion to Profit: a how to for the handmade world

I am a true believer & living example of her tips & tricks from this book for my own handmade shop. I also believe in it so much that I joined her affiliate program. To purchase her ebook - just click on the button below. You will not be sorry.

announcing Photo a day link party!

2012-01-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

I swear this photo a day thing is like a mini cult. I don't mean it in a bad way, it's just addicting! I told you all at the beginning of January that I was going to do the *January* photo a day challenge. I wasn't quite sure if I would enjoy it, or even stick with it. Turns out, I love it!!! It's just a casual reflection. I quick snippet of your day. Also, it's keeping a record of your day, your kids, enjoying yourself & what you have. Some are doing it with a regular camera, cell phones, or through the instagram app. Whichever way you are doing it - I would love to have you come & join the link party this Friday.

It will be a review of all your January pics. No matter if you're doing it your way or following along with a theme. If you're using your regular camera, cell or instagram c'mon over & join the party. Whatever & however you'd like to display your month in review is fine by me! A collage, day by day or week by week. It's totally up to you, because it's really about you, your day, your life & your story!

For those of you who didn't join the January theme party....guess what???? The February one is out & ready for the new month, that's just around the corner!!! The themes (that I'm following) were created by Fat Mum Slim. They're all really easy, everyday kind of topics - so ANYONE can do this!

Yep, I planning on doing the link once a month - so start clickin' & join the party!

Hope you #photoaday-ers will join me here on Friday!!!

the BIG Valentine's Linkup Party! It's here!

2012-01-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

Here we are at the Grand Finale of Valentine's week, where you all get to share your projects for Valentine's. I cannot wait to see them! You're welcome to link up any type of project related to Valentines! Craft, handmade gift, mantels, sweets, decor ~ you name it, we'd love to see it!

Here's a quick recap of the week's projects.

Hoosier Homemade made fabulous mini Pink Lemonade Pies with heart shaped crusts.

The Shabby Creek Cottage created a crisp & fresh Valentine's mantel.

Yours truly crafted up some Valentine's envelopes.

The Idea Room made a super cute Chalkboard Mug as a perfect gift for anyone.

We also have a special treat for all of you!

The Paper Cupcake made an adorable FREE subway art printable.

click here for the PDF file of a 8x10 size

or here for a 11x14 size

How cool is that??? Yours for the taking. Many thanks to The Paper Cupcake!!!

also.....
if you haven't entered all the giveaways from this week, here's some quick links that will take you to the various posts:

$25 shop credit towards The Paper Cupcake

A burlap LOVE bunting garland from Baybee Dahl Boutique

Polka Dot Farmhouse table runner from The Shabby Creek Cottage Shop

Posie Cluster giveaway from Nest of Posies Shop

Alright, my lovelies - that's it! Go enter all the giveaways & print out a copy or 2 of the fun subway art for your decor. Don't forget we'll be pinning your ideas throughout the weekend on our Valentine's boards. So make sure you are following so you can repin some of the incredible ideas that I'm sure will be linked up!

Can't wait to see!

shake & shimmy mantel

2012-01-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks back I mentioned how my little girl has a thing for anything that's fuzzy, pink or filled with glitter. She will be the one with pink flamingos in her yard, there's no question about it. She even wants horned rimmed glasses with sequins. So when we're in the fabric stores, she makes a mad dash to the clearance scrap bins & picks out anything with fur, glitter or pink. So with all that on hand ~ the shake & shimmy frame was created. Trust me, it doesn't go with *a thing* in our house, but it's Valentines & she's in love with the display.

I've been wanting to display some of my casual instagram pics around the house. So I thought it would be fun to display some in old jars on the mantel. Nothing permanent, but just to display some of my faves. I made them all black & white using picasa & printed them out on cardstock. I am loving the contrast of the black & whites against all the shake & shimmy trim. It just kinda evolved into this direction & I'm loving it for a fun Valentine's mantel.

linking with:

Home Stories A2Z, Tatertots & Jello, Positively Splendid, Decor Chick

come find me on instagram! warning: i'm kinda obsessed with it! ;)

DIY Valentine Envelopes + a GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-25T08:03:00.003-05:00

It's finally my turn to have a little pink explosion on the 'ole blog for Valentine's Week. I am thrilled to be teaming up with Hoosier Homemade, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The Idea Room & The Paper Cupcake for a week to celebrate pink, sweets, love & treats. Each day this week we're sharing Valentine ideas & then on Friday we want all of you to take part & share all things Valentine's for one.big.link.party! We will all be hosting the same party & between the 5 of us, that's over 30,000 readers. Hello! So make sure you link up on Friday!

Now for the scoop on the DIY Valentine Envelopes. Really they're quite simple to make. They take a few supplies that most of you probably have on hand & really, this post took much longer to write than these little envelopes took to make. I promise!

For your supplies, you'll need:

felt

sewing machine -or- needle & embroidery thread

cutting mat, ruler edge & a roller cutting blade

buttons

fabric

stamp & ink *optional

lavender *optional

You'll cut your felt in a shape of a house with a pointed roof. (That's the simplest way to explain it ;) Then using a sewing machine (or needle & thread) stitch along the edges. I used a decorative stitch, but any stitch will do. Follow along the point of the envelope with a stitch if you so desire. I used covered buttons to embellish the envelopes, but plain buttons will look just as cute! Honestly, after I finished cutting, sewing 5 of these envelopes took less than 15 minutes. They really are that fast & simple to make!

I also made little sachets of lavender to place in the envelopes to give to all the grown ups in our lives. The kids can't have all the fun, now can they?

I made a simple rectangle cut. One that would fit inside the Valentine envelopes. I used the same decorative stitch to seal the envelope, but I left the edges raw. Lavender to me, is a little luxury gift that you can give your friends. It doesn't matter how big or small, the smell is also so lovely & refreshing. Believe it or not, I buy my lavender from a vendor on eBay & I just store the leftovers in a jar until the next project comes along.

Click over to see Hoosier Homemade's darling heart shaped pink lemonade pies & enter the giveaway from The Paper Cupcake..

The Shabby Creek Cottage decorated a gorgeous Valentine's mantel & has a fun giveaway!

Tomorrow Amy from The Idea Room is going to make something that I'm sure will blow our socks off!

And then - don't forget FRIDAY is the big link up party! You can link up from any of the blogs listed above, but all the links will show up on all of our blogs. Whoo Hoo.

***We have all started a Valentine's board on Pinterest. We will all be pinning ideas that YOU link up on Friday to those boards. So be ready to party on Friday!***

Now about the giveaway...

The talented Gina (who I love & adore) blogs & runs The Shabby Creek Shop. Gina is giving away a Polka Dot Farmhouse Table Runner from her shop here today!

I mean, seriously...how cute is that? Perfect for Valentine's Day & any day in between!

It measures 12 inches X 72 inches.

And it is up for grabs!!!!

To enter:

Simply leave a comment below.

For additional entries:

* follow The Shabby Creek Cottage & leave an additional comment

*share this giveaway on your FB page (including the link) & leave an additional comment

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Winner Winner of The No Brainer Wardrobe

2012-01-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

Ack! I forgot to announce the winner of the fabulous No Brainer Wardrobe ebook!

Well...random.org picked...

Jenni!!!!

Congrats! Jenni, I'm leaving a comment on your blog now...or you can email me at:

nestofposies@gmail.com and the book shall be yours!

remember you can always get a copy for yourself by going here.

mango tango inspiration - shop update

2012-01-23T08:03:00.001-05:00

It's funny - you never know when inspiration is going to hit.
I've been *trying* to find a way to keep my embroidery thread neat & tidy. So I placed them in a clear vase. I got a color idea from that vase the other day & ran with the idea.

It may just be my most favorite yet...

Anybody want to do the Mango Tango with me?

Tangerine Tango, Flamingo Pink & Pink all nestled together in one bright & cheery cluster.

It will make you have sunshine on a cloudy day & when it's cold outside - well, you know...you'll be thinking about the month of May. It will, I promise.

Have I mentioned it's been raining here?

Like everyday, raining.

Like cabin fever to the maxx - raining.

I think that's why God created color. Because it can change a mood in a heartbeat!

And let me just say, I've had some moods!

Whoa!

The Spring Collection - The Sunshine on a Cloudy Day Collection - is available in the shop.

Just in case - you wanted to hear more. I love this song. Talk about doing the mango tango - check out those moves!!! Love them. ;)

***

***Also, today is the first day of Valentine's Week! Head on over to Hoosier Homemade & see what Liz has been cooking up for your Valentine!***

Announcing Valentine's Week

2012-01-21T00:29:00.000-05:00

Hello Lovelies!

Just popping in for a sec & sharing what will be happening next week around these parts.

I've been invited to celebrate Valentine's with these lovely ladies listed above. Each day next week we will be sharing all things related to pink, red, love, kisses, cuteness & sweets. It will be a pink explosion, I'm sure of it! But the fun thing is....on Friday January 27th there will be one - big - huge - nothing but love for ya - link up party!!!

But this link party will be different!!!! It will be a link party from ALL of our blogs, linking up to ONE linky party! You will be able to join the party from any blog listed above, but the same party will show up with all the links on all 5 blogs on Friday. Umm, let's go ahead & say - that's a whole lot of people that will be showing up for this party!

You name it, why, you can link it - home decor, crafts, homemade gift ideas, sweet treats & anything else your heart desires to focus around Valentine's on Friday January 27th!

Oops! I almost forgot...each day next week we will all take turns hosting fabulous giveaways that anyone can enter! So basically you don't want to miss a day.

It's gonna be good, y'all! Any chance I get to be around my signature colors of blush & bashful + some sweets, I'll gladly show up with bells on! Hope you will too!

Have a fabulous weekend.

Holga iPhone Lens = I'm in love.

2012-01-18T00:31:00.001-05:00

Most of you all know about my love & affection for my iPhone. Seriously, it's usually the last thing I use when I go to sleep & the first thing I use when I wake up. Crazy love, right there.

You can imagine how excited I was when I received the Holga Lens from Photojojo for my iPhone 4.

Let's just say it's crazy cool! And you all know I am one picture takin' mama!

It's shaped like a old rotary phone with jeweled buttons & it snaps right on to your iPhone 4 or 4S.

You really don't have to read any of the instructions - you just snap it on & start clickin'. My favorite kind of assembly required.

So that's exactly what I did....

The first heart pic is with the Holga lens only. The second heart pic is with the Holga lens & the Instagram app. Let me stop here & say, yes - Instagram has *some* features like a Holga camera, but the lenses on the Holga are so much more intensified. Plus they're a lot more fun to play around with on the jeweled dial. But when you add the two - oh my stars! What a fun combo!

Here's some more pics from the Holga Lenses taken by me around town.

There's 9 different lenses. Bright lenses like red & green. A macro lens, double, triple & even a quadruple lens maker. It's like 9 different cameras all in one. It's available at Photojojo at such a great price. It's an awesome camera gadget where you can feel all geeky & cool at the same time!

Photojojo has other gadgets that are too cool for school! Amazing products & great prices, they all are a must see! And the shipping...holy cow ~ lightening fast!

*I received the Holga Lens from Photojojo for this review. All opinions are my own & I highly recommend.*

image 1&2 from Photojojo

what I'm getting the hubs (and me) for Vday

2012-01-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

When I laid my eyes on the Poppy and Pinecone etsy shop, I knew it had to be! She has every state in a watercolor print. Since I am a born & raised California girl & hubs is a tried & true, Southern as they come Tennessean, it was meant to be.

California & Tennessee in watercolors with a heart - no less! Perfect for Vday!

I also have plans for this print below.

She'll add the hearts to every state that you love to personalize it.

Such a lovely idea.

To get your state visit The Poppy and Pinecone.

tangerine tango, scarves & more - shop update

2012-01-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

Tangerine Tango, as in Pantone's color of the year for 2012 = Yep, I've got it right in the shop for you.

You can grab just a cluster to spice up your wardrobe & get the sassiest color of the year or grab a NEW infinity scarf to go with it. It's totally up to you. I am in love with the beautiful aqua & pistachio colors up against the tangerine tango. To me, they're all gorgeous mixed together~!

There's also a new color combo of the same aqua, yellow & gray now available. I'm calling it Mediterranean Sea. I don't know about you, but it would be really nice to get away to the Mediterranean during the Winter, So we can dream a little while we're wearing this bright, sunny mix of colors, can't we???

Infinity scarves are made out of a lightweight knit & of course are extremely soft. You will love them. No doubt about it.

I'm also debuting a new idea of fabric covered button necklaces. Aren't they adorable? My intent was to make them very colorful, but also have some basic colors in them so you can wear with just about anything. Everything is handmade. Although, I will try my best to duplicate the pictures above to the best of my ability, they will vary. That's the true beauty of handmade. The necklaces will not always be in stock. I plan on making them as I go & then list them. So when they're sold out, I will make more & list eventually.

All new items are available in my shop right now...so c'mon over & have a peek.

in search of:

2012-01-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

I've just got to find her.

The No Brainer Wardrobe + a giveaway!

2012-01-12T01:40:00.002-05:00

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

If I were to ask you how many pieces of clothing you have in your closet, what would your answer be?
40, 60, 80? Too stuffed to count?

When was the last time you cleaned out your closet?
Maybe some of you have - since it's January, but I know I have yet to tackle mine.

What about your wardrobe itself - do you like it? Are you always shopping for more? Better yet, do you feel confident in the clothes you have?

While you're thinking about your wardrobe & your closet can we talk about this lady for a sec?

This is Hayley. Her blog is The Tiny Twig. Her reputation is growing by leaps & bounds in blogland & in the real world. Her awesome sense of style, her tips & suggestions are for real women of all sizes with real budgets. She just finished her ebook, The No Brainer Wardrobe.

In her ebook, she'll take you through the process of cleaning out your closet. = GETTING ORGANIZED! whoohoo!

She'll share tips on finding your style, inspiration or how to dress & get ideas.

What to buy. How to plan ahead.

She'll even share how she uses Pinterest for wardrobe planning & inspiration. Then, she'll take you shopping at Goodwill in her book, to share tips on what to look for while shopping at a thrift store.

image from Topshop

She pulls it all together for you & will make your mornings so much easier with her No Brainer Wardrobe suggestions.

She'll cover it all in her easy, helpful way. I love what she has to say about Accessories for example:

"Accessories are like the cinnamon on your toast, the syrup on your pancakes, the sprinkles on your sundae. They make things sweet and fun. Accessories are also an inexpensive way to make you outﬁt more ﬁnished and polished."

She knows how to do it.

Isn't she cute?

So who would like a copy of The No Brainer Wardrobe???

She's giving one away! Right here, right now. Woot Woot!

To Enter:

*simply leave a comment below telling us what you fell victim to in the 80's.

big hair, leg warmers, a flashdance sweatshirt perhaps??? - let us know in your comment!

*for an extra entry - follow Hayley on twitter! - leave a separate comment

*or, if you would like to partner with Hayley & tweet or FB post about The No Brainer Wardrobe, click the button below. - please leave a separate comment for an additional entry.

OR..want to buy The No Brainer Wardrobe now? The first 10 readers will get the ebook for 50% off!

enter: posies

at checkout. Click here to purchase The No Brainer Wardrobe.

umm, hello - that's $3.99 to 10 lucky people. ((Hurry!))

Giveaway ends Sunday, January 15th.

winner will be chosen by random.org

*I received a copy of this ebook for this review. All opinions are my very own.

Basically, that's the short version of saying, "I loved it!"*

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!