Little Lovables

Tufted Headboard and Resin Tortoise Shell Tutorials

2011-12-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

I am pretty much in love with most everything Jenny from The Little Green Notebook does. From her tutorials, her interior design projects and the room tours she features, all are an instant hit with me. Though I love me a good tutorial, some have been seen done so many times. But she really takes upholstering and refinishing furniture to a whole new level. Since I have about 5 pieces I need to redo, this is giving me a little, tiny, kick of inspiration.

tufted headboard tutorial

resin tortoise shell table tutorial

Absence

2011-11-20T18:52:00.000-06:00

I really cannot believe how long I have not logged on. I actually forgot my blog password. My new comments are from spambots. It's a deserted playground around here. Really, for anyone who has been reading this blog these past few years knows that fall is my absolute favorite season, and I completely skipped most of it. I skipped Halloween, people. That's major ,(though I may try and fill you in). So where have I been? Exhausted. Tired. Fatigued. A problem I have trouble with initially due to having a 'poor disposition', (been watching too many masterpiece theater period pieces on netflix), but it is more compounded now. And on top of that, it's been a wild ride around here these past few months. Crazy, awesome busy this Halloween in my Etsy shop with my Never Ending Story Childlike Empress tiara. Broken down cars. Vehicle sharing. A new adorable kitten. A ringworm infestation from said adorable kitten. Allergies and stinky infections in my dog. But I have a new thing to cling to. My trusty Zofran, that works but only oh so well. So, to be ever elusive, here is one of my favorite poems by Sylvia Plath to give another hint. I'm coming back to blogging ladies, but it may be spotty... especially in May when things are really going to change around here! But for now, I'm thankful for my dear husby who is currently making me pancakes for dinner.

Metaphors

I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.

-Sylvia Plath

*yellow chevron heart embroidery by lilac saloon

Chaotic Color

2011-09-01T22:46:00.004-05:00

While I love a beautiful white, restful room/outfit/style, either in modern, urban farmhouse or shabby glory... the chaotic color vibe pulls me in, at least for a little while. Just long enough to get my toes wet in something eclectic, before I retreat back into sterile, predictable comfort. I think I get whip lash changing back and forth, so while my slipcovers went back on today, I felt drawn to these photos. Just like this lovely home above of jeanhclee. For some reason, I'm sensing a familiar color pattern of pinks, oranges and greens. Bright colors have a jolt of energy to them, you know? Perhaps my body is clinging to these sprightly images as a subconscious way to burst me out of this crazy,stressful fog I've been subjected to lately.

Awake is the New Sleep cover art, Ben Lee

Before the Voyage photograph by elle moss

hobby holly tutu inspired prairie girl portrait by Oh So Posh Photography

award ribbon canopy bed, Chrissie Rucker

Colorful ribbon woodland chandalier mobile tutorial by A Fanciful Twist

Connecting the Dots via decor8

Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Trash the Dress Wedding Photography by Lynn Michelle

via

Sew in Love thread on wood spools photo by Iris Inspired

Homefront: Plants and Pixies

2011-08-28T22:34:00.003-05:00

This leaf is shaped like a heart. LIKE A HEART! adorableness.

Our lawn is crunchy and brown in most places, but at least I have some very drought resistant hedges. And since I am lethal to any house plant that enters my abode, these bush trimmings make for a dandy fresh, no guilt it it dies plant. And, it lasts for well over a week or two, just add water as it evaporates.

Select cuttings with nice, crisp, green leaves and several little branches for fullness. Remove any leaves with brown spots, cuts, bird poo, spider webs... and the lower leaves that would otherwise be rotting in the water.

I love my thrifted urn. $2 or something.

I like to stack things on books. Especially awesome vintage books with charming illustrations and titles. Like my, They Marched with Spartacus (amazing cover, why didn't I photography it?) and Pound Foolish ones.

This little elfin pixie boy was found with my mom at my fav. antique mall before I moved. He is clearly vintage, I'm thinking 40's? It is only stamped with it's place of origin, Japan. I've seen this collection once online but do not know anything about them. Does anyone know?

I love these polka dot curtains, $5 at Home Depot on clearance. I wish they had an army of them, to add in our living room, but this was the last set.

What a cutie patootie.

Upside Down Pizza Recipe

2011-08-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

Upside down pizza. I remember my mom making a Pampered Chef Pizza in a Jar recipe that was delish. So when I found this recipe in a Family Fun magazine this week, I HAD to try it. I made a few changes to the recipe, added more veggies like the zucchini, more onions... I'll write my changes below, and the original in ( ):

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1 large zucchini cut in 1/2 inch chunks
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lbs shredded chicken, I used leftovers (or 2 lbs ground turkey)
* 1 jar pizza sauce, 1 small can tomato paste ( or 2 (15-ounce) cans Italian-style tomato sauce)
* 1/2 c fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
* 1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 (13.8-ounce) package prepared corn bread mix (or prepared pizza dough mix)

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the turkey and continue to cook and stir, breaking the meat into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

2. Stir in the tomato sauce, basil, and pepperoni and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the pepper, then transfer the mixture to a 9- by 13-inch casserole dish.

3. Scatter the cheese on top and layer on the pizza dough. Bake the casserole until the dough is golden, about 20 minutes. To serve, spoon out portions with a large serving utensil.

Yes, I left it in the oven a little bit too long, but it was still so. good. If you make it, I'd love to hear your changes or if you liked it!

Personal Style: Layering Bling

2011-08-24T13:32:00.000-05:00

Just a quick little fashion tip. If you look in my closet, you will probably see about 3/4 of the shirts I wear are similar to this, in varying shades of brown or gray. My clothing manifesto mentioned that I was tiring of experimenting with all the trends and bright colors and such. So, to not be totally boring, I layered two statement necklaces. The winged lion is one I made using an amazing vintage pendant. I do have more available if you want one! The pink acrylic waterfall necklace is forever 21. I think they go kind of perfect together, and I love the cool, jingle feeling as well. Pair the boring 'ole top with some skinny jeans, faux leather leggings and sassy shoes and your good to go.

But the best accessory is a cutie hunk of a man...

... and two adorable offspring on their best behavior.

Sweet Treats: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

2011-08-20T19:20:00.003-05:00

I got this recipe from a church friend. These are sooo good. I first thought they wouldn't be, but oh man, was I wrong. Soft, moist, flavorful but not overwhelming. I crave this weekly... they. are. amazing.

1 cup oil (I used applesauce, they will be extra moist. Or you can do 1/2 oil, 1/2 applesauce)
3 cups sugar
2 eggs beaten
1 TBS vanilla
5 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg (I was out, so added an extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 3/4 tsp salt
1 large* can of solid pumpkin (not the mix)
1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips.

Mix together the wet ingredients. Stir in sifted dry ingredients. Mix well. Glop on heaping spoonfuls on your cookie sheet. I do about 3-4 spoonfuls per cookie, so I get 9 cookies per cookie sheet. (They don't need to be this huge, but I like them to be this huge! Almost like cookie/cupcakes) Bake at 375*F for 12-13 minutes or until cookies are cooked through. (You can tell by looking to see if the tops still look mushy and uncooked).

*I have made this using the regular sized can of pumpkin. Still good, but not as good. Get the large 29 oz can.

* Linked to Sweet as Sugar cookies Recipe Linky
*Linked to Remodelholic Recipe Swap

Inspired Home: Table Tonic

2011-08-15T23:19:00.000-05:00

I'm loving Louise's blog, Table Tonic right now. From her health food/juicing kick to her lovely home and online shop, there is a little bit of it all.

I love her colorful, clean simple lines approach to style.

And if I wasn't already married, I would want to marry this sofa.

Mustard. On a stool, one of my favorite colors. She even painted her front door this color. Adore.

I love how the acrylic barstools have a clean and uncluttered appeal. I could so use that. Wouldn't it be great to have a clear spray paint?!

More feather juju hat ideas and a tutorial on making one here via nester. Or purchase from Louise here.

Personal Style: Blue vs Gray Manifesto

2011-08-12T14:42:00.004-05:00

madewell

Say Yes to Hoboken did a say no to jeans campaign earlier this year. I don't think it's that hard right now with the soaring heat to be wary of jeans, but being a fall kind of gal, that's attracted to simple, comfortable lines and colors (namely, gray and camel) I am still in love with the following outfits she chose as inspiration.

shirt: abercrombie dress: kohls necklace: handmade by me

I wore a blue maxi dress the other day that got lots of compliments, but when I took pics for my outfit post, it just didn't feel right. Getting out of the car in the long lengths of soft drapey fabric, didn't feel right. Having a lacey empire waist... didn't feel right. I've been feeling that way for a while now. I'm just not cut out of bright colorful cloth or long flowy things, or cute rolled capris, or partial tucked blouses that are the fashion rage. I may love it on you, but not on me. Maybe it's my coloring, or my petite, apple shape and chicken legs that just doesn't work well. 6 years ago with a 20 inch waist, I could do some of it... not now. So, instead of trying to dress differently or more fashion forward, I'm going to retreat into my soothing grey vnecks for a while. Maybe even pair one with my faux leather leggings for a fashion kick, (or those awesome madewll pants above) but being more true to my style none the less.

madewell

I love this... reminds me of Elaine's awkwardly adorable long skorts.

via pintrest

Do you have some sort of dressing manifesto to be the real you? I'm not talking about giving up altogether and wearing pjs and sweatpants or horrible 80's tapered jeans and tweety bird t-shirts~ but what are some styles you decided to say 'no' or 'yes' to, while still feeling beautiful and comfortable?

Personal Style: Fancy That

2011-08-08T23:44:00.000-05:00

I got these faux leatha leggings on sale at Marshall's. They so reminded me of Wendy Nguyen's styling video with her faux leather leggings. Which if you haven't seen her ideas, you must watch! Wendy's legging pairing ideas are fall oriented, but I wanted to wear these now, crazy in this 104 degree heat, I know. I remembered this adorable idea on Cut Out n Keep by Selena, on how to wear a button up shirt all adorable and tunic like by just folding it, no cutting/no sewing, and thought I would give it a whirl. This striped shirt is much bigger than what Selena uses, and I'm okay with that.

So, the pants look way better on Wendy and the top looks way more adorable on Selena, but in public, people aren't comparing me to them so I'm okay with that.

And I got these sparkly flats at a garage sale, brand new. I had to roll the leggings under, I'm considering cutting them and hemming them around the lower calf, what do you think?

I also got these amazing vintage buttons at a garage sale. I turned this one into a necklace pendant.

shirt: craft shirt at Michael's
button up: Ralph Lauren, goodwill
leggings: Marshall's
shoes: garage sale
necklace: handmade
bag: goodwill

Horses are our Friends

2011-08-08T22:43:00.000-05:00

Severely emaciated? No, but emaciated none the less. It happens all. the. time. Am I a horse expert? Certainly not. But the conditions of these horses struck me as pretty pathetic and having ridden on healthy horses before, these did not strike me as healthy or nourished. These three horses are right by the road, the fence is so shoddy and open at points they just had a large tree trunk thrown around one hole to keep the horses in, and barely enough grass to eat.

The stable looks as if it's about to fall down and yes, there are a few horses in there. So, I did call and complain to the proper authorities about a week ago. I drove by today and one horse is gone, though perhaps he has just been moved to a farther field. This is a stables company after all. The other adult and baby remain.

I wish I had gotten a picture of the other side of this baby, it had a scaly looking welts all along it's trunk.

Rib cages and hip joints are not supposed to be so prevalent in a healthy, well fed horse.

Be an animal friend! Especially in this hot weather, where I see countless animals chained outside with no water or shelter, or locked in hot cars That's like putting your pet in a microwave. You better believe I will bash in your window if I see a dog or cat or CHILD locked in there. People don't realize that the temperature rises severely in cars and can and DOES lead to death. I adopted a kitten the same day (I saw these horses) because it was being given away outside a store. The poor thing was panting. Kittens don't pant unless they are having heat stroke. Come'on people, it's well over 100 degrees out right now.

If you witness something amiss, don't be afraid to contact the authorities! In the case of the horses, I don't know if they are severely being mistreated or what. But by calling it in, I leave it in the hands of the experts. So, no harm done if all is well. If it isn't, than hopefully steps will be taken to provide a safer and healthier environment for these magnificent creatures.

Homefront: Reviving a Framed Painting with.... Paint

2011-07-27T01:40:00.001-05:00

I got this large, Barbara Hails 1990's print in a semi-lovely fame at a garage sale for $7 a few months ago. It's been sitting here, looking all park bench floraly and very dull, sucking the energy out of the room. I only wanted it to bring some color to this massive brick wall, but the frame drabbed out any colors in the otherwise pretty painting. Obviously, the only clear solution is to paint it, white.

I'm lazy and don't sand, not even when I did my headboard or my mirror. But if you did prime and sand, you will have more longevity on the paint job and it will look better. I really don't mind if I have to touch up a nick, or I may even add intentional nicks to balance out accidental nicks.

You can dry brush for a naturally shabby chic look and call it fin.

But I liked to pile on the paint, too thick layers, before allowing the first to dry. I'm impatient. I used plain old acrylic craft paint in ultra white. This painting doesn't come out of the frame. But if it did, then a can of spray paint would have been easy.

The print is a textured vinyl, so any paint I got on it, easily wiped off with a lightly dampened paper towel. I even think it would be fun to stencil or free paint some crazy design on here. If your picture surface is also not removable or vinyl, then be sure to cover it, so paint doesn't ruin your picture. I went around right under the frame edge with a piece of paper as I painted and it worked fine.

It really does seem to brighten up the whole fireplace and give the colors some subtle intensity.

Our inheritance from my husband's grandmother's passing. His parents got this in Germany when he was born and gifted it to his grandmother. A lovely, huge, vintage scenic candle, handcarved by Johann Gunter. There are a few broken parts, but it's been moved around 20 times, though it is still very charming.

I got his lovely bust and The Dicken's Bedside anthology book a few months ago at some antique shops.

Love my little bottle collections. This one is from my favorite antique mall a few years back and I glued a vintage brooch on with E6000. The flowers came from the mister. You know how a dying bouquet usually has a few good flowers left? I usually remove those when throwing the bouquet out and add them to small bottles.

Homefront: Spray Painting an Upholstered Chair Makeover

2011-07-22T11:43:00.010-05:00

After reading Little Green Notebook's fabric spray painting adventure, I automatically went and ordered their upholstery spray paint (on ebay from Tie Dye Girl because it was a tad cheaper). I used a total of two cans on this chair, but I still need one more can because I didn't get the back of the cushions yet, and there are a few more spots that need touch ups. So, maybe two more cans. Which says a lot about me, because on their site, they demonstrate on a whole couch with only 6 cans. (But, I don't recommend for a huge couch. Also, if the fabric has a pattern on it, the pattern will show throguh just a tad. It still wouldn't be as ugly though, but a nice monotone pattern color.)

Our friend gave us this chair, and I actually love it. It's huge! But, I am not a fan of the colors, plus my boys have stained it so badly. I've been covering it with my wonderful vintage granny square afghan, but now that is being torn apart and will need repair. I've wanted to slipcover the chair, but I don't sew, nor do I have a staple gun... though the Hello Giggles girls have a cute alternative requiring fabric and safety pins that I may try later.

The hubs kindly volunteered to help.

I'm rocking an all black outfit, turned inside out, just in case. My toes didn't escape the paint, however.

The neat thing about this paint, is it can be worked and smoothed into hard to get areas with a cloth.

The drips are easily wiped off with a damp rag. I will be sanding the wood down and painting it white later, so I'm not too upset about any paint that remained.

And, because my nail polish got destroyed by paint speckles, I gave them a little gun metal finish. (Yes, I am aware I have a disfigured toe, you can't see it, but that toenail is painted too!)

For my little dream catcher piece, it's just a cheap canvas with a Dollar Store dream catcher pinned on it. I put foam poster board on the back of the canvas for pinning different objects to my canvases when I tire of them. Like my ephemera canvas art tutorial here.

Look, my painted armiore, I don't think I've shown that yet! It still isn't finished ;)

linked to:

Simply Designing Linky Party

The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday

Modern Country Style Paint Please Party

Chic on a Shoestring Flaunt it Friday.
Shabby Chic Cottage Transformation Thursday
Fingerprints of the Fridge Feature Yourself Friday
The DIY Showoff
I Heart Naps Sundae Scoops
Sugar and Dots What I Whipped Up Wednesday

(not at Frugalicious Friday's Linky, but had to share anyways)

Sweet Treats: Chocolate Chip Strawberry Walnut Banana Bread Recipe

2011-07-20T21:40:00.002-05:00

I bought two bunches of bananas last night, still a little green. But that doesn't stop the boys from cutting into every single one looking for a ripe fruit. Now, I could have trashed them, but decided to turn an aggrivating situation into a mouth watering one.

♥ Chocolate Chip Strawberry Walnut Banana Bread Recipe ♥

1 c sugar

1/2 c vegetable oil

2 large eggs

4 bananas

1 tsp vanilla

2 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda (oops, I used baking powder and it was fine)

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 long squirt lemon juice

1 c walnuts

1 c chopped strawberries

1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix sugar, oil, eggs, bananas, lemon juice and vanilla together in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix them together. Stir in walnuts, strawberries and chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes in a greased bread pan (or muffin pan, just lower the time).

I don't like to smother on butter, I like just a small little hint on a thick, warm slice of bread.

My little guy couldn't shove it down his throat fast enough before begging for another piece.

linked to Chic on a Shoestring's Flaunt it Friday.
Sugar and Dots What I Whipped Up Wednesday

Personal Style: Lovin Some Gray

2011-07-20T12:37:00.002-05:00

This dress's bottom ruffle is coming off in about 8 places. Nothing a few safety pins couldn't handle. I'm handsewing a dress refashion and it's taking me forever, and I really wanted to wear this dress so the safety pins had to do. It's thrifted, it's maternity, (no I'm not pregnant), but it fits like a normal empire waist dress. Plus, gray is my favorite color, so I spiced it up with well, more gray.

Earrings can be purchased here.

dress: motherhood maternity, thrifted
sweater: jc pennys (?)
belt: off a NY& co skirt
bag: thrifted
shoes: steve madden
watch: fossil
earrings: metal roses (the larger version), made by me, jeweled ambrosia

Linked to Clothed Much's Rule Breaking Monday

Personal style: Gaudy Stripes on Stripes

2011-07-18T09:03:00.001-05:00

This is officially my ugly "necklace". But, I kind of love it. It's so big and bold and ugly, that it kind of makes an outfit out of these non matching, baggy and ill fitting pieces. I found it at a thrift store along with two other huge brass vintage necklaces, and sometimes I wear them so much I have to tell myself not to touch them for a while.

While stripes on stripes are typically a no-no, I found the subtle pinstripes to be a nice contrast with the bold yellow and white horizontal movement. I think it would be even cuter had the top been a chevron pattern.

I'm doing a troll face here. I love these loose, pinstripe, seersucker-like pants, but they are crazy baggy, and don't really look pair well with anything I own. I'm thinking of cutting them off and making long shorts with with a lightly rolled hem. What do you think?

These shoes I got on clearance at Express the other day also don't really 'match'... but the denim color kind of goes with the pinstripes. But I adore them and they are so cute. Unfortunately, I continually stab myself and those around me with those ginormous rhinestones.

*the overdone shoe shot. I don't think I have ever participated*

top: forever 21, thrifted

pants: american eagle

necklace: vintage, thrifted

shoes: express

Inspired Interiors: Shabby Chic, Le Magnifique!

2011-07-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

updated shabby chic, a modern approach via apartment therapy

If you are looking for a style which is light, airy, feminine and bright, try a little shabbiness. Similar to cottage style, it has a softness which carries throughout furniture to textiles. We mostly all know this style, but it's easy to get lost in the images, so breaking it down will help one pick and choose elements to incorporate, if so inclined.

Painted floors

via houzz, shabby chic redux

Painted white or pastel coloured floors with simple rugs can be not only inexpensive to implement, but add space and texture to the room.

Roses

via houzz, shabby chic redux

Chintz style roses or prints are a must. Pink is always good, but if you want to tone down the femininity then you could use another chintz style in a blue hue.

Distressed style furniture

via i heart shabby chic

{Photo Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn}

There is styled furniture available which means you don’t have to go to the trouble of painting and sanding a brand new reclining sofa, but of course if you wish to make the furniture to your own style then you could try this glazing technique yourself. It involves giving the furniture a distressed, battered look. You could paint the furniture in several light, pastel colours and sand the upper layer away in areas such as the corners, drawer fronts and around handles. Stick to white or very light colours to maintain the look. Other touches are roses and little flowers painted on areas of furniture.

Fabric

Traditional types of fabric such as lace and chintz cotton fabrics are a hallmark of Shabby Chic. Use these as throws, tablecloths, cushions, curtains and blinds. Bunting is a wonderful touch; hang around the room, across walls.

Lighting

via love lauren

via houzz, shabby chic redux

Lighting usually consists of light chandelier type fittings. This contrasts with the relaxed air of the rest of the room but gives the design its inimitable style. It provides a little glitz and glamour amongst the relaxed softness.

Hearts

via i heart shabby choice, notice the heart candelabra?

shabby chic heart side table by old new again

Lots of decorative hearts in various styles are a common theme. They can be made from fabric, petal or painted wood and are usually hung on walls, door and furniture handles. They provide a little ornamental touch.

Walls

Walls are bright, light and soft. Pastel hues are common, although white is a firm favourite. For those who like wallpaper, rose wallpaper could give a touch of the country, but be careful not to use too much or the room may look old fashioned rather than stylised.

Shabby Chic is a timeless classic, and can be achieved with a minimum of fuss. For the creative it can become a project, decorating furniture and walls, but remember to keep it simple, relaxed is at the heart of this look.

*guest post text by Susan, courtesy of Sofasandsectionals.com, a leading retailer of recreational seating.

Personal Style: Retro Secretary

2011-07-13T22:37:00.001-05:00

This outfit is mostly thrifted. I was planning on cutting this top up to refashion with a dress, but I just love it too much to cut. The fabric has a lovely raised texture, yet it's so silky too. I am usually against pairing silky blouses with cotton type skirts, but I felt that with the addition of the silky sash from my last dress that it would somehow work. Perhaps the bow and mega ascot ruffle is too much, but I sort of like semi-ugly fashion, and I don't have any belts that fit with this skirt.

For my hair, I'm trying to make a teeny 2 inch ponytail look styled, b/c there is no way I'm flat-ironing every time I go out. I let sections air dry in a slight fingerwave style and used maybe 4 pr 5 bobby pins on my ponytail in the back to muss up into a messy micro bun. I pulled out random sections on the sides and back as well for a soft effect.

I'm a tad lucky that my hair has a natural wave pattern. To get a similar look, Blythe Hopes Vintage has an incredibly easy youtube tutorial on a simple finger wave. Hers is a very subtle and modern wearable finger wave style that would even translate nicely into a updo for longer hair. The finger waves we had to perfect in cosmetology school had very distinct ridges and wrapped all around the head, a style that is more appropriate for formal events and period styling.

Autumn Rose Earrings: made by me, Jeweled Ambrosia
Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft, thrifted
Skirt: H&M, thrifted
Sash: from a Forever 21 dress, thrifted
Shoes: faux snake print, Target

*Linked to Clothed Much's, Rule Breaking Monday post.

A Jaunty Antiquing Tour

2011-07-12T11:48:00.003-05:00

After living here almost a year now, I can't believe it took me this long to find a nice antique shop, The Red Queens Attic. And not only that, but it's on a small town square with about 2 other antique shops a few doors down. It's not as epic as my favorite one in Fort Worth, but still nice. So, here are a few of my finds on this visit. I kind of love this creepy paper mache' rabbit mask.

Doll parts, baby shoes, an an antique baby scale in the back. Interesting, cute, creepy.

This room smells how it looks. Like fresh, white cotton and potpurri from a scented wax burner.

Hello, I so want this nifty carousel horse. It would be adorable under a vine covered garden arbor.

This was a fairly large statue, nestled in a room full of glorious aged vintage books, assorted by color. Love it.

I have never seen this artwork of Jesus and child before. But for $10, I can see it every day because I brought it home with me.

This vintage beaded dress was absolutely stunning. And that chair! (but not the grapes)

He is just so adorably mischievous. There is another painting of a girl in this series, but I didn't get a good pic.

A mostly white room. I liked how this dealer used mini tea stained playing cards as the item's tags.

I just love portraits and this one is precious. I wish I could bring her home.

I actually think the bust would look better minus 50 seashells, but who am I to comment on someone's art?

Stereoscope, 3d photograph viewer, with lots of neat images. My in-laws have one, and thus, my husband quite naturally loves them.

There was an entire section of military and naval antiques. Medals, uniforms, photographs and so on.

Well, I have many more images to share, but I'll reserve that for another time.

Do you have a good antiques shop near you? What are you usually drawn too?

Personal Style: Retro Chocolate Polka Dots

2011-07-11T10:24:00.000-05:00

This may be weird, not sure, but matching browns is extremeluy important to me. This outfit may seem simple, but it almost gave me a panic attack because I couldn't find brown shoes that matched. Dark chocolate browns, burgandy browns, tans, cognac browns... it's an immediate eyesore for me when accessories don't match.

Fortunately, I had made this necklace a while back that pulls the shoe color in with that one amber colored bead. It's odd how that one necklace saved the outfit.

And oh! My final haircut reveal. I love it because it's cute and I dig shattered layers. I also like how it shows my peekaboo highlights I did several months ago in the interior section of my layers. I hate it b/c it really requires flat ironing, (and she cut the front shorter than the back... loathe that.) I usually only blow dry my hair about 10 times a year, so this is going to drive me insane and I will be doing a lot of deep conditioning now. But, as a hairstylist, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

I changed up my Aquarius eye make-up, by adding some slightly shimmery chocolate shadow to the crease.

Dress: Forever 21, via goodwill
Necklace: Jeweled Ambrosia, made by me
Earrings: vintage brass sailor knots
Shoes, can't remember
Tank top: it's maternity... sad

So, if you like my outfit, please vote for it here on Clothed Much's rule Breaking Monday post! Thanks :)

Inspired Color: Grey and Pink

2011-07-09T00:09:00.001-05:00

Not surprisingly, I've been attracted to grey again. But instead of my yellow/gray fascination, it's come to pink and flesh tones pairings. A perfect summery treat for the ladies and gents such as myself, who shy away from loud colors and keep to the shadowy confines of familiar and flattering gray, whilst grabbing pops of pinks. Interestingly enough, florals also start to show up when I gravitate toward this color combination.

grey zen garden desk organizer by karolinefelixDream

grey mist ruffled tulle cuff by karolinefelixDream

pink and black house

starlight by the dreamy giraffe

vanilla layer cake, buttercream frosting and sugar spray recipe by bakerella

the home of Jane Atla. I am just loving this chair. All boringified revamped in doilies, paint and embroidery.

I don't know who makes these epic floral tights, but I am quite desperate for a pair. Any ideas?

grey bow detail, ted baker dress. I could probably wear this every day.

the white house for moooi by marcel wanders via mocoloco.

Shabby Apple's Summer Sale

2011-07-08T11:56:00.001-05:00

I love, love, dresses, especially vintage inspired ones. But even more than my love for dresses, are finding them for a good deal. So I had to pass along the Shabby Apple Summer Sale info. Especiallay, since it includes SALE ITEMS and the PRACTICALLY PERFECT SECTION! And I've looked at the practically perfect dresses, simple things like a missing button or ribbon or loose hem... easy fixes. That makes some of their dresses as low as $40.

20% off nearly everything, (excluding swim). Enter sale code SUMMER20 at checkout.

One thing I like about Shabby Apple, is they have a body type guide, then a list of items that work with your body type. I'm totally an apple.

So, some of my summer favorites? (The Ponderosa dress is a fall favorite though.)

gondola dress

trade winds dress * seven seas in seersucker * lost at sea skirt

*As an affiliate, I do get a teeny commission if you purchase through one of my links :). Also, affiliates get to participate in little giveaways every now and then or get little incentives like a cute bracelet. So, if you think your readers would enjoy shabby apple deals, then here's some affiliate program info.

Personal Style: Stripes, Pencil Skirt and a Haircut

2011-07-07T11:16:00.001-05:00

I love the loose, blousy, boxy, off the shoulder striped thing going on, but those styles don't seem to work on me, and the ones that do, are a little too pricey. So, I went for the blue and white classic vneck that I love, and this cute, pale gray pencil skirt. Earlier, I paired this top with some thrifted, jcrew, light linen city trousers, but I didn't get pics of that day. I guess I really like this top in light colored, unexpected pairings.

As for the haircut, I was giving length advice to another mom who asked, "Does anyone ever really regret cutting their hair?" As a hairstylist, I have seen grown women cry over getting 1/4th an inch cut off. Another woman chimed in, "My hairstylist said that if you spend 50% of the time with your hair in a ponytail, it's time for a new style." Bingo, that did it for me, and besides, my ends were looking shot and needed to go. I went, grabbed some scissors and cut at my shortest layer for a completely straight and unlayered look. I added an angled bang and bam, was done. A few days went by and it felt heavy still though. I know I can layer my own hair, it has an odd texture and wave pattern that i trust with no one but myself... but I decided on a whim to walk into a salon and have some choppy layers added. I have a love/hate relationship with them now. You will find out why and see the new-new haircut in the next outfit post.

(yes, it was very windy while taking these pictures)

shirt: abercrombie
skirt: banana republic, thrifted
belt: calvin klein, thrifted
watch: fossil
shoes: thrifted
necklace: made by me

Unintentional Pairings: White Warmth

2011-07-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

adas art filled apartment therapy

I have been drawn to these images and I couldn't figure out why. But when I pulled them all together, it hit me. There is a common theme of a varied coral hues, spikey flowers, vintage charm, competing textures, natural themes and lots of casual muted white backgrounds. Almost a natural history type of flair, with a bit of eccentric fun thrown in.

It's amazing to see how fashion, flowers, treats, books and interior design can be combined to resemble one another in such an obscure and unintentional way.

brooke white & summer bellessa. the girls with glasses show

glitter cookies recipe via the purl bee

jcrew 2010

portrait by Emma Corcoran of blue day designs. Emma turns child portraits into edgy works of art.

indoor teepee via moozle home

Personal Style: Pinstripe Vest

2011-06-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

I found this double breasted, pinstriped (cream/brown) denim vest with super cute buckles and ruffles at Goodwill. A whole bunch of things I love, but on a vest? I don't usually do vests. So I brought it home and tried it with this heather gray athletic craft shirt. It may not match, but I think it's pretty cute and it helps me keep my back straight... so there's a plus for my poor posture.

earrings, made by me available here

This picture makes me sad. I got all wild the other night and chopped 8 inches off my hair! (which really means about 6 inches, right?) So, now, no more fun buns and updos. I'll talk more about the cut in another post.

My two boys showing their fashion sense. Which is perplexing since they never wear these clothes... usually they prefer to wear the same four shirts all week long (Leggo Starwars and some cute monster shirts). Caleb is loving the beanie right now, even though it's crazy hot.

And, these outfit posts would not be possible without my David. So, here is a little outfit post from him.