Weekend File

Friday Favorites

2012-02-24T07:11:00.002-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I wanted to share some links and blogs I have been loving on lately with all of you! Who knows, maybe you will find a new favorite. This weekend is the first weekend since we moved that I will have the entire weekend off. We plan on having family come out to visit, possibly going down to the beach Saturday evening, and of course Sunday brings us the first NASCAR race of the season. Hope you all have some fun plans, too!

Today is your last day to enter my $20 giveaway to Scarves.net! Everyone can always use a new scarf or two and they have some great choices!

12 Free and Gorgeous Fonts. I am obsessed and downloaded nearly all of them. Did I mention they are free?

This pastel tipped manicure has been on my mind lately... I need to try this!

No link here, but have you seen Targets super cute new ad campaign? I cant get enough color in my life right now and I feel like that commercial is in my brain!!

A helpful visual for hanging your wall art!

Great tips for taking outdoor outfit photos. I know we have had our trial and error and this helps a ton!

I cant wait to stay here on our upcoming Vegas trip. Have any of you stayed here? How is it?

This look has been on my mind since I saw it. How can this lady kill it week after week? Doesn't she own sweatpants?

One of my favorite style blogs lately.

Received this beauty in the mail this week and I cannot wait to style it. Her shop is full of beautiful (and addicting) baubles!

Stripes! Stripes! And more stripes! I wish I could pull this off!

If money was no object, this necklace would be mine and I would never take it off! I love how little it is!

Desert Sunset

2012-02-23T06:14:00.001-08:00

Beige Sweater- Forever 21

Bow Print Blouse- Forever 21

Skinny Jeans- Old Navy

Brown Riding Boots- Payless

Gold Hammered Statement Necklace- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

These photos are old. Like from our trip to Arizona old! For awhile I was waiting for a great time to share them, then I forgot, then it just seemed to late. But today when I was looking at them I decided I wanted to share them still because hey, I still wore the outfit! We snuck away one afternoon to take some photos after a day trip to Scottsdale and I wish I could have done a full on photo shoot right where I was standing. Gorgeous field, golden sunlight, huge mountains and not a single person or car. You Arizona bloggers don't even know how good you have got it! I only wish there was this much empty space in So Cal! It made for a gorgeous backdrop and a fun play with the camera. I loved this outfit, it looks put together and stylish but still casual. I want to try wearing this blouse tucked into a pair of wide leg jeans, and with a navy blazer for an even more put together look!

If you have ever been interested in sponsoring my blog, I have just a few spaces left for March so you can email me here. Or you can put your name in the hat for an Ad Space giveaway I am hosting over at Lemons, Avocados & The Bay! March is going to be an exciting month around here and well, the more the merrier!

Lately

2012-02-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

A fun Valentine's Day inspired ombre manicure with one glittery pink nail. Who could resist this adorable combination?

This succulent sits near my sink in a fun Anthropologie jar.

A favorite Cynthia Rowley handbag and a new cute Old Navy top. My friend actually asked if these were chicken drumsticks not birds. I have to say, I totally see what she meant!

Quirky business cards arrived at my doorstep awhile ago thanks to a giveaway I won from Alicia. I love them, but have no idea what to do with all of them!

A table full of gorgeous new baubles that are part of 31 Bits new "Chasing Daylight" collection. We headed to the launch party at Madewell last Thursday night.

Trying something new for a Friday night. Red lips, a high bun, gold necklaces and bold stripes.

Of course an event at Madewell meant picking up some new goodies! They treated us to 50% off, I got some great deals!

A peek at one of my closets that still needs a bit more organizing, but were finally getting there!

I am new to Chictopia (and love it!) but imagine my surprise when I found myself on the front page! There I am over on the right, I actually thought these were random images until I made it all the way over to the left side that evening! I was so excited! Thanks for voting! And if you guys use Chictopia, find me at "imhayley" or click the little icon over on the left.

Win a $20 Shop Credit to Scarves.net

2012-02-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today I am excited to announce that you have the opportunity to win a $20 shop credit to Scarves.net! If you saw my post yesterday, you saw me wearing my adorable Finley Loop Scarf which is one of my favorites along with the super cute Portia Heart Scarf and the Southwestern Ikat Pashmina!

Scarves.net has plenty of winter scarves and wrap scarves to keep you warm and the entire site is having a 15% off winter sale right now! Sounds good to me! Plus they have a super cute blog called "In The Loop" showing you endless ideas on how to tie your new scarf.

How to enter:

- You must be a U.S. Resident (sorry guys!)

- You must be a follower of The Weekend File on Google Friend Connect!

-Just head on over to Scarves.net and then leave a comment telling me what you would buy with your $20 Shop Credit!

Extra Entries (Please leave separate comments):

- Follow The Weekend File on Twitter

- Follow The Weekend File on Bloglovin'

-Tweet "Win a $20 Shop Credit to @scarvesdotnet from @imhayley http://bit.ly/nvLBJU"

- Blog about this Giveaway

Good Luck! Giveaway will end on Friday, February 24th.

Gingham Weekend

2012-02-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Gingham Button Up- Forever 21

Skinny Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Finley Loop Scarf- c/o Scarves.net

Brown Riding Boots- Payless

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Grey Hobo Bag- Forever 21

Watch- Fossil

Bracelets- Forever 21, Gift, 31 Bits

This is typical weekend wear around here lately. Every since I received this olive green scarf from Scarves.net I have pretty much been living in it! I throw it on to take the dog out for a walk on Friday evening, wear it running errands on Saturday and bundle up in it on Sunday mornings when we are drinking coffee and watching SNL. Yeah, were old. It should be called Sunday Morning Live in this household. Ha. Regardless, the olive green color mixes well with almost anything in my closet, and I love the knitted detail with the bold braid in the center.

If you are new to The Weekend File I just wanted to take a second and say hello! I have noticed so much traffic lately and I am so thankful you guys are enjoying my little blog so thanks for coming by day after day! Please leave a comment and introduce yourself or leave your blog address so I can come say hello in your space, too!

Olive Juice

2012-02-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

Pink Sweater- Forever 21

Navy Skinny Pants- Forever 21 Signature

Cherry Red Sandals- Target

Floral Silk Scarf- Target

Maroon Handbag- Urban Outfitters via Andrea's Shop My Closet Party

White Rose Gold Watch- Fossil

Sunglasses- Forever 21

Knowing this months challenge for Everybody, Everywear was red & pink, I immediately started putting together combinations in my head for what I could pair together. Looks like my closet is really lacking red and pink items. Every time I put something on boyfriend said "Well, that is more purple.", "No. That is for sure peach.", "Those are more burnt orange then red." Humph! So I decided to stop trying to pair just two solids, and decided to use the colors together and see what I came up with. I loved this look, it looks chic and sweet, all things that are perfect for Valentine's Day! Plus this silky scarf has been hiding under my bed forever waiting to make its appearance on the blog. I found it at an obscure Target and paid about $4, but I love the vintage quality it has!

I hope everyone has some fun plans for this evening with your loved one! Hopefully boyfriend will come home from with with a surprise or two! I know we will be staying in tonight, cooking and hanging out at home. Maybe a trip out for some frozen yogurt! We went out and had a great dinner Saturday at my most favorite restaurant ever, Maggiano's so I am perfectly okay with an evening at home! Happy Valentine's Day!

Misikko Review

2012-02-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Misikko contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing one of their Professional Hair Straighteners, the HANA Titanium 1.5" Flat Iron. I was so surprised with the cute package I received full of goodies, like some E.L.F Cosmetics, travel cases for the flat iron, and some amazing Shine Spray.

The Flat Iron itself is really lightweight and easy to use. They even sent a pamphlet with it so I could know exactly what heat setting to use for my type of hair, which I never know and am always afraid I am frying my hair!

This is my best "trying to straighten my hair and show you photo". If you have noticed, recently I have been wearing it straight more often since I received this iron!

My daily routine is...

- Adding some Shine Spray and a little Argan Oil to the ends of my hair while it is wet then combing it and letting it sit twisted up in a bun while I get around.

- Starting at the bottom of my hair working upwards, I blow-dry in sections using my fingers to separate the hair, then just adding in a round brush towards the end when the hair is nearly dry.

- Then I flat iron my hair in 4 directions. I do the sides straight down, then pull what would be the "bangs" area forward and flat iron it down (in front of my face), then I take the hair at the crown and lift it upwards and iron it, so it adds body at the root.

- Lately instead of using hair spray, I have been stealing the boyfriends hair putty and running it through my hair to hold it in place, without looking crunchy.

What I like about this iron, is that the titanium plates are really large and smooth so you have no snagging when running the iron through your hair. The only downside is that the buttons are facing the inside so you really have to stick your finger in the middle where it is already hot, so you need to be careful! It would be helpful if the buttons faced toward the side so you could adjust the heat setting safely.

My attempt at showing you the back. Pretty straight and smooth, with minimal fly-away hair (which always bugs me). If you are interested in checking out some new hair tools, they also carry Chi Straighteners and Hair Dryers so head to Misikko to check it out!

31 Bits winner is.....

2012-02-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the 31 Bits Giveaway!

According to Random.org our winner is...

MichaelaRae!!! Congratulations! Please email me so I can get this sent over to you!

The sun is shining and I am meeting the boy for a lunch date this afternoon. On our agenda for this weekend is finally hanging up our framed art and shelves that have been sitting on the floor since we moved in!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kitchen Reveal!

2012-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share this with you guys today!

As most of you know, and if you are new to the blog you can head over here to see the progress, we have been re-doing our house. We are currently living here and enjoying it, but I still have so much to show & share with you guys! This is something I had a vision for from day one and I am thrilled with how it turned out!

For this area we needed to make it appear to be larger and more open then it really was. We widened the pass into the kitchen, lowered the counter, moved the wall on the left as far back as it could go, and removed a soffit on the top of the ceiling! And Voila, a large wide open space!

To also make the entire area look clean, fresh and bright we went with pure white paint every where! I just love how much bigger everything "appears" even though it is still the same size.

To keep it open we wanted our lights to appear to be floating (even though I do love those large, industurial looking fixtures!) and not take up the space we just spent all that money creating, so we found these small globe lights at Ikea and I love them! The wires became straighter as time went on, thankfully! We also added pot lights in the kitchen along the whole ceiling so it could illuminate different work spaces.

We made the countertop extend into the dining area so we could have a secondary seated space and it has proven to be one of the most used spaces in our home! We kept it all one level (though some thought we should have the counter part be higher then the sink) and I am so glad we did. I love the large countertop!

As you can see in the first photo, nothing was worth keeping as far as cabinetry, appliances, and flooring was concerned. We gutted it all. I hated the large "gingerbread" type scalloping and the entire layout of the kitchen as it was. We knew if we took the cabinets wall to wall we could achieve a "Galley Style" kitchen. We left the sink, dishwasher and oven in roughly the same spaces but swapped sides on the refrigerator so we could add a huge pantry and cleaning cabinet.

We went with the Ikea for all of the appliances. After looking around and pricing everywhere, their appliances made by Whirlpool were more affordable with longer warranties! And I am pleased with what we chose, they might not be the fanciest name brand but I am so happy with how sleek everything is! We even managed to get some floor model's so we saved even more money.

The cabinets are the Ikea Adel in Beech and we went with 4 glass cabinets to put our glassware, plates, wine glasses, ect. I love how it breaks up the all wood look and ads a little color into the cabinetry. We went with the Lansa pulls in various sizes and I love that they don't show any hardware at all. We can also use the larger ones to hang towels on.

Always, always check the As-Is section if you are doing a project like this! I went there weekly to scope out what was on offer.

A bit blurry, but this is the opposite side (and view) of the kitchen! We could have put a matching Beech panel on our dishwasher, but I kinda liked adding the stainless on this side to balance out the stainless on the fridge on the opposite side. I also love this dishwasher because all of the buttons are hidden inside the machine not the outside so it looks sleek and clean.

We also went with a sink that was available through our countertop manufacturer because Ikea didnt offer an under-mount option. We got this sink sight unseen and all I was able to choose was if I wanted 2 sink compartments even sized or one small and one large. To keep it symmetrical I went with 2 even sized basins, which is just a personal preference.

I also wanted a huge faucet with a pull out option and this one fit the bill. It is Ikea's Ringskar in Brushed Nickel. I loved that it was slightly curved, but the pull down is hidden inside. Not to mention the handle is really sleek and you just rotate back for hot water and forward for cold. Pretty easy!

The dining room has been painted white and it has made the original hardwood look darker and even more vibrant! We were able to use the boxes from all of the kitchen pieces to keep workers and paint off of the floor. They got dusty (as you can see) but were in way better condition then they could have been!

The countertop is white (though it looks grey here) with lots of white, grey and light brown flecks. It is a quartz countertop made by Caesarstone in Nougat. I saw this right in the beginning of designing the kitchen and knew I had to use it. I love how it looks and that it really disguises crumbs and spots so it always looks clean! I wish I had a better photo, but it really is gorgeous!

The backsplash was a easy decision as well. I chose a large glass subway tile. This is Arizona Tile in Fog. I knew I wanted grey but not much else, so we took multiple samples in different shades and left them in the house for a week until we could see how the light would hit the tiles and what it would look like in the space. I would recommend this with any sort of tile. Many of the tiles looked so blue in our house but in the store they looked completely different!

The floor is also from Arizona Tile and is called Metalwood in Argento. It is a large, rectangular shaped tile with a grey-ish, wood grain like texture. We had no idea when it came to flooring what we were going to pick but I knew I wanted a large tile in a very modern style. These rarely exist. Everything is in shades of brown and square. This tile was perfect. We laid the tiles long down the kitchen to mimic the wood in the other room. I am over the moon with this decision and this tile is gorgeous.

Completed Kitchen!!!

On My Mind

2012-02-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

black Sweater- Forever 21

Green Shirt- H&M

Dark Wash Jeans- Target

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Bracelet- Andrea's Shop My Closet Party

I guess this is all you get when you beg your boyfriend to run outside in your jungle of a backyard in incredibly harsh light and ask him to take your photos. They were all so bad and shadowy that this is all that made the cut. Plus, I noticed I should really learn how to iron based on how this shirt looks. Oh well, my favorite part is my new bracelet I picked up from Andrea anyways! Pink nails and bring green, might be one of my new favorite combinations!

There are some other things that have been on my mind lately, and I want to open this up to you guys and maybe get your feedback and advice on some incredibly pressing issues (Ha!) that have been on my mind lately...

- How do you guys keep your skinny jeans from doing that awkward wrinkle thing around your knees?

- I'm going to go here (because no other blogger does)... What is your favorite (non expensive) brand for bras??? I swear I always see the top seam of my cup or something else weird in tons of photos and I don't want to see a thing! I want those things perky, round and seamless. Help! If you don't feel comfortable commenting, email me! I swear this has been on my mind for months now!

- Taking blog photos is (for some reason) becoming harder and harder. I think it might have to do with our camera being pretty old. I would love recommendations on cameras, or even lenses, that would be great to use for documenting outfits everyday.

- Tucking in your shirt. Some of you do this effortless, "Oh, only half of my shirt is tucked in and I still look so chic" thing! When I try it, it looks like I got dressed too quickly when in reality, I tried to tuck my shirt for a good 15 minutes before leaving the house. Give me some tuck advice. All tucked, loosely tucked, the one sided tuck... I am all ears!

Life Lately

2012-02-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

This beautiful Anthropologie dress was on sale, but didn't manage to find its way home with me. Regrets!

A beautiful, vintage clutch I managed to score at the Goodwill.

Best license plate ever! I hope that we are hip folk when we are older!

A fun, funky ring I pulled out on a sunny California day and one of my favorite nail colors, Essie's "Mint Candy Apple".

My little boy just chilling on the couch.

Gorgeous succulents at one of the prettiest garden shops that I have been too. I have been working on replanting my plants out in the front of our house and they came out great!

Not too bad of a view from our lunch spot! not to mention I was also indulging in a milkshake and cheeseburger. Now that is a good Saturday afternoon!

Never enough stripes in my closet! These shirts were comfortable and a steal at $10 a pop at Old Navy so I picked up a few different colors.

I have been working on revamping my Sponsor page so if you have had an interest to sponsor, or are a current sponsor of The Weekend File, please check out the new information and sizing here. Starting off the new month with low prices so grab a spot while you can!

Rocking Horses

2012-02-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Horse Print Peter Pan Collar Dress- Forever 21

Black Cardigan- Old Navy

Fleece Leggings- Ross

Black Booties- Payless

Initial Watch- Urban Outfitters

Gold Studded Bracelet- Forever 21

Sometimes I feel like being a style blogger (I don't really consider myself a "fashion" blogger), you are let on to the worlds greatest secrets. Being from Southern California, I always wondered how you girls would go out and about in below zero Canadian weather (you know who I am talking about!) with a little dress on and smile while looking pleasantly toasty! I pretty much reach for a scarf anytime it dips below 65. Then I was clued into fleece lined tights. Genius! This is my first pair, and the first time I wore them and they were so soft, so comfortable and sooo insanely warm! I have also learned the difference between a boot, shoe, bootie, and shootie. No, who am I kidding? I still don't know! But these boo-shoo-tinies are totally cute and make my legs look like they go on for days.

I wore this outfit to Andrea's house (one of my favorite fashionable ladies) for a shop my closet party. I have to admit, I really urged her to do it so I could get my hands on some of her super cute duds. Its a great idea if you have clothes, friends, food and wine! I managed to score some pretty cute things and meet some pretty lovely ladies. If any of you have one of these, invite me! Check out her post (full of gorgeous professional photos) for info and ideas on hosting one of these. You might even spot me in a few photos!

I am hosting a giveaway for a super pretty 31 Bits bracelet. If you haven't entered yet, click here!

Have a great weekend!!

31 Bits Giveaway!

2012-02-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Remember how yesterday I mentioned I went to a warehouse sale for 31 Bits? Well I picked up a little bauble for one of you! This bracelet is made of Gold, Teal, Violet and Burgundy recycled paper and is so glossy and vibrant in person, you would never know it was just paper. I love this local company, their passion for what they do, and they fact that they help empower women... so today this bracelet can be yours!

The rules are simple... just be a follower of The Weekend File and tell me why you want to win this bracelet! I will personally send this out to the winner!

If you follow on Bloglovin' or Twitter leave a separate comment telling me you do so for extra entries!

I will draw a winner on February 8th! Good Luck!

Fair Isle Pastels

2012-02-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

Fair Isle Sweater- Kensie

Top- H&M

Skinny Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Riding Boots- Payless

Bracelets- 31Bits

Brown Belt- Forever 21

Initial Ring- Urban Outfitters

I have to admit something... I stole this sweater. Okay well, I didn't "technically" steal it but it sure felt like it! I was browsing Nordstorm Rack one random afternoon and this sweater literally fell off the hanger and into my arms! I decided to hang on to it and try it on and it was the softest sweater with the prettiest pastel fair isle print I had ever seen! So naturally I decided to get it. Can you believe my surprise when I noticed that it was only $16!?! 16 marked down from $98! Score!

So when we had a rainy Saturday morning recently I knew it was the perfect thing to pull out. I had a hard time trying to figure out how to belt it and still make it look loose and flowing but I liked how it turned out. Don't ask me why I cuffed one sleeve and not the other, I blame the rain!

These bracelets were also picked up that very morning at the 31 Bits warehouse sale. Boyfriend kindly let me go do some browsing while he enjoyed a free cup of joe and I picked up a handful of these pretty beads and one gorgeous necklace! One of the things I love about living where I do, is that there is always a fun event to go to or sale in a hidden building to be found. Since we have moved here we haven't had a dull weekend yet! I even managed to make cinnamon pancakes from scratch one Sunday. Yumm!!

Lately

2012-01-31T08:28:00.000-08:00

Some snapshots from the last few weeks in my life via my most favorite app, Instagram!

Continuing the neon trend with a shockingly bright yellow tee and a cute necklace for lunch.

One of the best faces to wake up to in the morning! He has claimed this little bathroom rug as his.

A great way to unwind, a big cup of coffee and a Glamour magazine!

Perks of staying at my family house one night a week... delicious food just shoved in front of me! Doesn't this bagel look delicious?

Tangerine stripes and a minty green bauble. Looks like I am already rocking the colors of this year a bit early!!

We finally took Lewis to the dog beach and a gorgeous 80 degree afternoon and he loved it! Getting filthy, playing in the water, chasing balls, watching the other pups!

Its the time of year again, and I will admit... we went a little overboard! It's not like I can have these goodies any time of the year so we decided to stock up!!

A new scarf I am loving to keep warm on brisk mornings!

Hot pink nails! Finally getting used to painting my nails on my days off.

A girl can never have enough curls!

Cute Valentines day treats give a pretty pop of color to our countertop!

A new graphic pillow that I completely adore!

Happy hours on the patio with my love. It is nice that we are able to do things during the week since he isn't stuck in traffic anymore!

Buzzing About Neon

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Neon is catching my eye lately in so many different colors and ways! Try some of these items to spruce up an everyday outfit, and add that great punch of color!

1. This Floppy Striped Hat is fun and vibrant and would be perfect for a weekend brunch or a stroll along the beach!

2. Try switching out your regular sunglasses for a pair in a punchy color! These affordable Pink Sunglasses are sweet, but try bright orange or electric blue as well!

3. I am forever in love with these neon Cambridge Satchels. Add it to any outfit and you will feel (and look) instantly cooler!

4. These Old Navy flats are perfect for everyday, but are still playful with a lot of personality!

5. Stack these affordable Neon Chevron Stripe Rings on one finger and you will have two of my favorite things all in one! Stripes and Brights!

6. A Pleated Midi skirt in the prettiest lemon-y hue is screaming to be worn for spring. Try pairing this with neutral tops and sweaters.

7. Afraid of Neon clothes? Well try some Neon Nails! Use 1 of these colors, alternate colors or use all 4! Nails are playful lately so don't hold back!

8. Color blocking is still a must and this cute Old Navy Shirt Dress is so easy to wear! I love the varying pink hues at the top.

9. Lauren Elan makes gorgeous jewelry and these little Friendship Bracelets have been on my want list for while. The only problem? Which color to get! All these colors are perfectly cute!

Spring Sponsor Deal- 5 Small Ad Spaces are only $10 for a 3 month duration!! Offer valid until Sunday 1/29. Buttons and payment must be completed and sent in prior to the 1st! Email me!

Bull Riding

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

The other evening we were invited to go to the Professional Bull Riding in Anaheim, and without hesitation we said "YES!". I thought it would be great fun to dress up and that would be that, but it was soo much more fun then I had imagined!

I wore my blue gingham shirt, tucked it into a pair of jeans and strapped on some boots and a belt. If I would have had a big belt buckle, it would have been on!

We ended up going with 2 friends, and we were in the front row! Totally cool and totally scary, because the bulls can go running away (like in that little photo) and all that is keeping them and their spit away from you and your face was just a little bar! I was a tad nervous, especially since the boys behind us kept taunting the wild bulls!

I never knew there was such fun music, drinks, cowboys and cheering and intense bull riding and then in the middle of it some extreme jousting! We had the best time just being loud and dancing in our seats and cheering everyone on!

Geoff had so much fun he was totally in his element (have I mentioned he is from Texas?) and loving drinking some beers and getting to do something completely "guy friendly" for the night! Plus he had not one, not two, but three lovely lady dates!

Blue Gingham Shirt- Old Navy

Leather Belt- H&M

Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Boots- Payless

Necklace- Commissioned Online

Giddy Up!

2012-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Chambray Shirt- Target

Black Jeggings- Target

Brown Riding Boots- Payless

Brown Knit Beanie- Forever 21

Leather Belt- H&M

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Lock and Key Bracelet- Vintage

This is one of the last sets of photos we took in our old neighborhood. We had this huge field behind our house that usually was empty (except for an occasional bum or coyote) and perfectly secluded for photos. We managed to get there just as the sun was setting one brisk fall afternoon and I love the way these came out! The lighting is so vibrant and fun! I wish boyfriend didn't have to work so we could catch this "Golden Hour" every day!

This was just a quickly thrown together outfit, which is full of basics everyone pretty much has in their closet! I loved the somewhat outdoorsy, working on the ranch vibe it had. I have to say, I only fell in love with the chambray shirt since I have been blogging and I just don't know how I lived without it before! Later on that night I layered on a black sweater and a grey peacoat and it was the perfect amount of layers for a last walk around our city (okay... we went to look at Christmas lights but really, you don't want to know that in the middle of January, do you?).

Want to Sponsor?

2012-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Sponsor The Weekend File in February!

As my site is growing and expanding I wanted to write a quick post to let all of you know I am accepting sponsors for the following month. I have some great reviews and giveaways coming up as well as new outfit photos and finally sharing the interior of our house!

If you think you would be a good fit for my blog check out the sponsor page or shoot me an email! I love working with other blogs, shops, retailers, etsy stores, etc.

My smallest ads are super affordable and I also offer a discount for purchasing multiple months ahead of time!

Plus, how can you say no to that sweet little face up there?!

Adding Green

2012-01-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting to show you guys this for ages!!

One of my big projects on this house was the front door. I always knew I wanted it to be very modern looking and bright green. Before I could get to painting, I had to find the right door. I scoured the internet, went to lumber yards, and door and window wholesalers looking for the right one. I eventually found this door at Home Depot in their vast online section.

It came pre-framed so we had to have our contractor remove the old door and frame, and thankfully we had some extra original oak flooring (from the closet we took out) so he could make the doorjamb seamless.

I love the modern look of this door. I love the sleek windows (which also mimic the windows on our garage door!) that let in light, but still provide security.

This is the Emtek Handle we got for the door (you can see the lock in the above photo). It is brushed nickel and very industrial looking. I loved that it was square, when mostly every single door handle is oval in shape! One you start noticing these details, you will never think of doors the same way again! So I had to have it, even though the handle cost more then the entire door!

We went with Frazee Paint's Granny Smith Apple for the front door. I only tested 2 colors and I am so glad I didn't overwhelm myself with too many choices!

We also had our contractor frame the door from the outside and paint it white so it would really stand out (and match the frame we put on the doors and windows!).

The day the door got painted, but before the windows went it. I will tell you, it is pretty inexpensive to buy wood and frame your windows out and it makes such a great effect on the home. Plus you can add color in small doses if you are afraid to paint the entire house!

There she is in all her glory with the windows uncovered and the trim complete! I absolutely love this door! We also painted the inside green, and it adds such a great pop inside the home as well!

The view at night with the lighting installed and the outside of the home (except for the landscaping) is pretty much complete! Our entry looks so happy even at night!

Another night shot!

We had all of our neighbors come by and ask us about the door! Apparently we were the talk of the neighborhood! They have told us that this house has never looked this good, and some of them have lived on this street for 40 years! We even inspired a neighbor to paint their door as well!

Our new welcome mat that my mom bought us perfectly matches our color scheme. I love walking up to the house, everything is so inviting and cheery!

Now it looks even better with all of our plants and our grey mailbox! I am so glad I was gutsy enough to go with that color and now we can tell people "Its the house with the green door! You wont miss it!".

Trip to the Bark Park

2012-01-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about our new neighborhood is the fact that we are so close to nearly everything we need. Their are Food Trucks on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoons. Farmers Markets and Swap Meets on the weekend. Starbucks, supermarkets and restaurants all within walking (and for sure, biking) distance! One of the best thing according to Lewis, is the Bark Park. A huge dog park that is fairly close to our house!

This guy hasn't really been to the dog park before, because it makes me feel incredibly anxious to let him off the leash to run around. Who knows what other dogs are going to do? What is he going to eat? Will he get loose? Needless to say, I need to get over it because he is a dog!! And he needs to have fun!

Here he is meeting my best friends dog, Henry, for the first time! Instant friends!

Look at those boys go! Haha! He had so much fun running like a crazy dog, chasing tennis balls, and chasing dogs smaller then him! Every time I see this photo it makes me laugh. I can totally make out a crazy eye and tongue going flying!

I was so proud of him that he was so good, and didnt get into any trouble and so proud of myself that I was able to let him get dirty and run free! It turned out to be the perfect morning to go! It was nice and warm outside, and there weren't too many dogs. He told me he had a ton of fun. The only thing he didn't like was the public water fountain bowl, he couldn't figure it out!

And he was so happy he found some mud to cool off in. I, on the other hand, was not so happy I had a muddy, slobbery dog on my hands but we headed straight home for a bath and a nap (him, not me!)

So far we are loving our new hood and all of the fun things we (both) get to do!

All photos by my friend, Rachel.

Multi Colored

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

Beige Sweater- Forever 21

Little Feathers Navy Dress- Nordstrom

Black Leggings- Target

Flat Black Boots- Old Navy

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

Charm Necklace- Forever 21

Life has been so busy lately! And when I sit here ready to tell you all about it, all I can think of writing is "It's cold outside and this dress is cute." Honestly, award winning blogging right there. I am just having a slight problem sharing everything that is going on and keeping up with it all! I really need to get a 2012 planner or something, my 2011 one just isn't cutting it anymore.

Anyways, I have been sticking to my New Year's goals and have been out running with the puppy in the mornings, and saying yes to more offers and invitations then just sitting at home and being a boring dog lady. Like this past weekend we went to the Professional Bull Riding. Cowboys everywhere, good music, and a good excuse to wear some boots. It was a great time! And then after we went dancing. Im not going to lie, I danced and danced! I Kinda the yin and yang of a Saturday evening! But I had a great time.

Do you have any tricks or tips on staying organized and inspired in the new year?

Link Swap!

2012-01-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

Today I am blogging over at Ashley's blog, A Little Dash of Ash, sharing some of my current favorite Etsy shops, blog reads and DIY's! And in return, she is over here today sharing some of her current loves! Hopefully you will find some new faves too!

Hello! I am Ashley from the blog a {little} dash of ash. I have been blogging for almost a year now about fashion, home decor, photography... and well, pretty much anything that I find and love! Currently, I am completely ~~in love~~ obsessed with color and these lovely outfits from {madewell}...

My favorite things in life incude: family, friends, my amazing boyfriend, beaches,wine, photos, papery, my iPhone, instagram and reading blogs! I am absolutely addicted to pinterest and etsy and truly believe that it is the women's verision of fantasy football! ;)

Today, Hayley and I are swapping blogs to share with you some of our favorite blogs, etsy shops and other links around the web! Hope you enjoy browsing my links...

a {little} dash of ash links:

{blog} {facebook} {twitter} {instagram} {pinterest}

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't swoon over BEE's fabulous wardrobe - she has the ability to mix and match prints in a way no other women can pull off... and her jewelry collection is to die for! Check out her fabulous style at {Atlantic-Pacific}

Every Friday {AV} hosts Friday's Fancies - a link up where you get to create your dream outfits! Check out her blog at {Long Distance Loving} or my own {Friday's Fancies Posts}

{Made by Girl} is another favorite blog and her painting collection is so fresh! This little {painting} has been on my wish list for sometime now...

There is never an item on {Luella and June}'s "What I ♥ Right Now" post that I do not want to immediately purchase! Her collages are always perfect... and dreamy to shop!

I would love to own my very own {Lily Gene} print for my apartment one day! I think I would want to start with a PA one since it holds a special place in my heart... but I have lived in so many different states, that it would be so cool to have one from each!

I just received my first {birch box} and absolutely loved it! It is a surprise box of cosmetics that you can sign up for monthly! I signed up for the surprise, but I actually loved every item in the box!

xxoo, ashley

Collective

2012-01-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Even though all the outfits I wear don't seem to make the blog (I blame daylight savings time!), I still photograph quite a few with my phone during the week. Here is a collection of outfits I have worn lately.

Out to Dinner.

H&M Shirt, Forever 21 Grandpa Sweater, Initial Watch from Urban Outfitters

Shopping.

Forever 21 Sweater & Black Top, LC Lauren Conrad Leggings, Thrifted Necklace and Boyfriend's Fossil Watch

Lounging Around.

American Apparel Hoodie, Target Graphic Tee

Saturday Out and About.

Gap Sweater, Target Chambray Shirt, Old Navy Skinny Jeans, Payless Boots

Anytime its Cold!

Favorite Chartreuse Knit Scarf from Forever 21

What I Wore on Christmas Day!

Forever 21 Boots, Aeropostale Button Up, LC Lauren Conrad Leggings, Old Navy Sweater

Friends Party

Forever 21 Shirt & Necklace, Edor Jewelry Necklace, Old Navy Skinny Jeans, Payless Boots, H&M Coat

Yellow No Longer!

2012-01-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

So it has been awhile since I have shown you anything with the house. So much has happened I wish I could just show you it as it is now, but that wouldn't be fun, now would it?

As you remember, the house as we found it was a faded yellow with some white trim and green shutters. Well I took the shutters down and had all of the eaves replaced so we were ready to get painting the outside.

I knew painting the outside of the house was a big task, and you pretty much have 1 shot to get it right so I went and got small cans of paint and painted some test patches on the back of the house. I would totally recommend this! Plus, you have extra paint to paint things to match! Like benches or flower pots!

I made sure to test the colors in both the sun and the light because I really wanted true grey colors. I was afraid they would be too blueish in one light and not another. We ended up deciding on Frazee Paints' Excalibur for the stucco on the house and Alabaster for the brickwork and fireplace.

At first, it looked light blue and we were disappointed, but we realized that the big huge sky was casting light onto the house and when the sun went down... it was grey again! Looking at it in its state today, the paint has had time to settle and it is honestly perfect!

Then, of course, we looked at those old windows (and one that actually came off, frame and all!) and decided to extend the budget to allow for new windows. I absolutely love how the big window in the front room looks as a solid piece, instead of all the small squares!

The house looks so clean and modern with the crisp white trim, and now with the lovely windows I couldn't be more pleased! Plus, we sprung for windows that can either open from the top down, or bottom up which is handy if you have children (or dogs) around or you want that added security along with a nice cool breeze!

The house only had 1 light by the front porch but we added 2, one of either side of the garage making it 3 total. We found these amazing industrial looking lights by Kichler at Lamps Plus. This was one of the things I didn't really have a vision for but knew I wanted something brushed nickel and heavy duty and these fit the bill!

Where is the front door you ask? Well I am keeping that separate for another post because that was my special project and the thing I was most happy with the finished result!!