"Sweet Serendipity"

March

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Goodness March has come and gone in a blink of an eye. And I'm sure the next few months will be the same because when the sun is shining and our days are filled with stuff to do it just seems like they fly by. With the weather being oh so nice we have been trying to soak it up as much as possible. Because we never know when it will do a 360 and be snowing again. Utah has the most bipolar weather EVER.

As always I'll share some of my phone pictures from the month. I need to set a goal to pull my actual "camera" out. It has been sitting away in our shelf since December :o Sad, I know! But in some ways refreshing. Not HAVING to take pictures daily has really been nice. Now that I think about it I don't know how I made it a daily thing?

I had some friends ask why I did stop blogging anyways? It is very personal but let's just say I wasn't in a happy place in my life. To say the least I was struggling, and blogging daily became more a routine and something I just had to do. The fun was sucked out for me. And I think just like any other person that is unhappy there was a lot of comparing and thinking "why?" Why is my life not like that? or Why do I not look like that? Or why can't I dress like that? Vain, I know! It just wasn't healthy. So I decided to start the New Year different and change my daily routines. I eliminated blogging, even though it was hard because I did love interacting with such wonderful people everyday. I found help, and focused more on the important things like being around my husband, instead of neglecting him to the computer. Growing in my calling, and growing as a member of our church. Reading, something I was never very fond of but now have learned to love it. Being active. Being around my family. Being around friends that ONLY bring me up instead of constantly dragging me down. Getting crafty, something I have always loved. Decorating, doing yard work and all that jazz. Life is looking up. I have realized that it will never be perfect but as long as I am grateful for everything I am blessed with it will always be enough. I know My Heavenly Father doesn't give me trials that I can't handle. And the hardest ones to overcome are the ones we learn the most from. I can truly say I am grateful for everything I have gone through this short life of mine because it has truly made me who I am today. And even though I'm still working on that person, I am starting to kind of like her.

Anyways now that you heard that boring stuff I'll share some instagrams from our month.

Remember when I shared that husband was getting crafty and building me wooden crates out of some free pallets we got?

Well they turned darn awesome! After a few hours of hard work he perfected them. We stained them a dark color to contrast against our new white shelves and TA DA, a great storage solution. When we were at Ikea a while ago we looked at the storage crates but they were like $20 each. These turned out being $8 total. I'll take that instead!! :)

As always we grabbed a bite over the weekend, that's the only time we eat out. This day we went to the mall to a yummy Philly Cheese Steak joint. We sat there, ate our yumminess and people watched. We had forgotten how the mall is THE place to be if you are a 13 year old boy or girl haha It brought back old memories of when we used to do the same haha. Oh and that cone was ginormous it was dang good.

Can't miss girls night! This night me and my girlfriend had fun grabbing a bite to eat, scrapbooking and chit chatting of course. We had such a good time. I pulled out my scrapbooking stuff that I hadn't used for 3 years or so.

Since the weather was so nice this weekend we dedicated it to being outside and working on the yard. It was defiantly hard work but it paid off. It looks so springy and beautiful outside.

This same weekend we got free paint at Ace Hardware so we decided to give our front door a fresh coat of paint. And why not make it cheery by painting it RED.

This same weekend a big fancy new mall, The City Creek Center opened in Salt Lake City and we headed downtown to check it out. It was packed, I think all of Utah was there that day. But we loved it nonetheless, It's beautiful and full of wonderful stores. We've gone back twice ever since :)

Random picture time!

Bedazzled nails by my 10 year old little sister. Didn't she do a good job? They're those sticker thingys.

Her state project that we helped her create. Funny story she came over when I wasn't home and my husband pulled out my cricut and was going to town with all my crafty stuff. It was such a funny sight, I literally just laughed when I saw him and realized he figured out how to use the cricut and pulled out all my scrapbooking paper and all. That guy is too dang cute. He cracks me up.

Doing her hair on a typical sunday afternoon at my parents house. Why can't my hair grow to be that long?

Me and a classic good ol' bathroom shot. At church haha.

New little wall display that I'm LOVING. Thrifted mirror and pretty prints.

This last weekend I had the opportunity of meeting such an inspirational person. Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie) If you read her blog you may know that she just released a book today. On friday I went to get mine signed by her. It was wonderful, to top it off she complimented me on my name, said it was beautiful (blush) and that my dress was darling (double blush). She is the sweetest and cutest. And her book so far is wonderful.

And while there I got to see one of my favorite singers perform. Mindy Gledhill. It was short and simple but so so sweet. I also got to meet her for the second time and get my cd autographed by her. So so fun!!

We went to City Creek again that same day and had fun shopping at our favorite store. H&M. Love that there is stuff for me and Him there. It was a blast. And was less crowded than the first time we went.

Saturday we worked on our yard again all day long and then husband headed to the priesthood session of conference with his friends. And I went shopping haha I got new bathroom stuff. Thank you kohls for having such cute things like chevron bathroom towels and a cute flowery shower curtain for only $6. Later at night we went on a double date with our cute friends, and ended the night with a movie. It was a wonderful day.

Sunday we enjoyed conference. The words were so inspiring. It really just made us all be better people everyday. It was wonderful.

March went by way too fast. I am hoping I can enjoy this next month and accomplish goals I have set. I'm looking forward to celebrating my husbands' and little sisters' birthday, Easter, and this nice spring weather.

Hope your month is also just peachy :)

XOXO

My instagram = anabanana0224

February in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I know, I know it's not February anymore. But I miss blogging on a daily basis so much, writing about all our little adventures everyday, and talking to you lovely blogging ladies everyday I suppose the least I can do now is blog about the month right?!

I started February with the idea of doing the photo a day challenge again on instagram. I started out good then I got lazy and didn't finish it. Here's what I got for the month.

We started the month by attending our ward's temple night. We are trying to make it a regular thing and go in the beginning of every month. It sure is wonderful when we can make it happen.

I went on a fun girls night with a few friends. We had yummy zupas (my favorite), went shopping and watched The Vow. Channing didn't disappoint, I loved the movie.

We are those type of people that love valentine's day. So for it we celebrated early on the saturday before, we beat the crowds and tried The Roof in downtown Salt lake city. We had never been before. It was defiantly a wonderful first time experience. My favorites: The dessert bar, live piano music and of course the view. Such a fun night to remember.

The month of february i finally decided to start using my sewing machine more often. I made new pillows for the living room and my first ever dress refashion. It didn't go too bad, except that I accidentally cut it too short. Don't ask how that happened haha But I'm planning on making those easy peezy stretchy waist skirts with the left overs. We'll see how that goes.

On the actual day of Valentine's day we had to work so we just caught a late night movie to watch This Means War. It was HILARIOUS. We loved it.

And my husband remembered I loved this neon bag from target from one of our many visits and gifted it to me for vday. So sweet of him along with all the other lovey dovey v-day stuff that you don't want to hear about.

Thanks to our local groupon where they sell gift cards for 50% off we always try new places around town. This time we tried subzero. A cute little ice cream shop where they make the ice cream right in front of you with nitrogen. Pretty cool stuff. They turn it from liquid to ice in seconds. You could say I was like a little kid in a candy store, full of excitement. haha This same night we caught a dollar movie. The Bounty Hunter. Not the best movie but eh it was a dollar so whatever. And yes you could say we like going out to eat then to movies. It's what the winter does to us around here. Makes us fat and lazy!! Thank goodness spring is around the corner. I think we're about done hibernating :)

On february 24th we celebrated 5 years that we've been together as a couple. No not married. That anniversary is in August almost 3 years, so crazy how time flies by. My sweet sweet husband surprised me with pretty tulips. I know most couples don't celebrate how long they've been together but we always liked remembering when we started dating and kept that date in mind as years passed by.

One of my favorite dates are Ikea Dates. This time around I was very proud of the money i took with me in there to shop around. Here's the story, I was sick of my living room furniture so I put everything up for sale on our local KSL classified ads. And guess what? I sold everything for pretty dang good prices. Yes it was a pain in the butt dealing with cheapos that wanted to pay nothing for my good stuff, but in the end it was worth it because I got brand new updated living room furniture. I love change :)

And last but not least I just wanted to post this picture so I don't forget about it. This guy... the things he does... I just love him. We bought a new shelving unit and I wanted baskets to store all our clutter, i mentioned to him we should make some wood crates with the free pallets we got. I get home from work one of these days and find him making them. He is just too sweet and treats me too good.

Our life isn't perfect and yes these are just the good moments. Of course there are bad moments as well but i am learning that life is 90% good and only 10% bad and I choose to live for that 90% and move on and learn from that 10%. So far this theory has been going good, and that makes me extremely happy.

Have a happy day everyone!

Hugs and thanks always for all your kind words.

My Instagram = anabana0224

January photo a day challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

1. Me. New Years Eve

2. Breakfast on the go

3. Something I adore = my little creating area

4. My EMPTY letterbox

5.What I wore. Ruffles, bow, oxford and cobalt blue skinnies. Oh boy

6. Something that makes me smile. $0.50 jewelry finds at the thrift store

7. Of course he's my favorite

8. Beautiful winter sunset

9. daily routine. studying. blah

10. childhood. check out my momma's hair

11. where I sleep. need to fill in that bare wall. Oh and I thrifted that awesome Z Gallerie comforter. Originally $200 I paid $20. YEP

12. Close up. Feetsies from last summer. Can you tell I'm ready for some sun around here?

13. In my bag. Junk and um junk

14. What i "try" to read everyday

15. Happiness. The house of the Lord

16. Morning. Feetsies again

17. Water.

18. Something I bought. $2 floral shorts. YES

19. Sweet. Reese's peanut butter cups. My favorite

20. Someone I love. His silly face

21. Reflection. Another one from new year's eve

22. Shoes. Black booties. A staple

23. Something old. Thrifted heart pattern little number, ready to be revamped any day now

24. Guilty pleasure. Thrifting. All of those things were $5 or less. Madewell & Banana Republic? Seriously those lucky thrifting finds never happen to me

25. Something I made. Book page wreath. Easy Peasy

26.Colors. At an H&M shopping outing

27. Lunch. Chicken cordon bleu with grilled veggies and a gas station diet coke

28. Light bulb

29. Inside our 'bare' fridge

30. Nature. View from our window

31. Me again. The famous poutty kissy face. Classy

If you want to follow my February photo a day challenge journey, my instagram username is anabanana0224. Let me know yours so I can follow you also :)

Hugs friends.

Happy Wednesday.

life lately

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

1. him

2. me

3. little sis

4. yummy salad

5.thrifted shoes

6. Morgan's thrifted blazer and my thrifted pleated skirt

7. My 50 cent thrifted necklaces

8. back to school

9. pretty sky and birdies

10. pretty winter sunset

11. new read

12. good stuff from new read

13. jazz date night with the fam

14. new furry friend

15. late night ice cream in a mug

16. this yummy recipe

If your on instagram i'd love to follow you. Let me know what your username is.
Mine is anabanana0224 :)

OUR year in review.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

January.

Pizza and a movie date night

February.

Valentines date at color me mine

March.

Last fun weekend with our cousin that later passed away in Afghanistan.

April.

Lover's birthday

May.

Family temple day

June.

Zions National park trip

July.

Bear lake family trip

August.

Our 2yr anniversary trip to california

September.

Labor day weekend

October.

My 23rd birthday

November.

our little family's pictures

December.

Merry Christmas from us

This year I decided to document more about us on here. I loved doing so and hope I can keep it going through the new year. Looking at these pictures and remembering how happy we were at the time is truly wonderful. I have loved documenting our adventures through pictures and knowing that whenever i am feeling down I can come back here and look through those pictures and know that they will make me happy.

Hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating new years.

Again thank you so much for sticking around through this roller coaster year with me and thank you for all your kind words. Words cannot express how thankful I am for all your support.

Here's to 2012, Hoping it's a good one.

hugs, hugs friends.

a year in review

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:32:00 +0000

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Wow I can't believe 2011 has came and gone so fast. I would be telling you a lie if i told you that 2011 was all peachy, in contrary it has been a very difficult year for me. I am, however, hoping that all the things I have gone through this year just helps me be a better stronger person in the future. So far it hasn't, it has actually made me more bitter, I am praying it does in the future.

I am hoping this next year I can find who I really am and pursue into what truly makes me happy. All I am asking this next year is to find my happiness. The saddest thing to me is being sad and down and not knowing why. (Which sadly has been happening a lot) I am hoping I can kick that to the curb and just be a happier, better and a more loving person this new year.

I also feel like I haven't yet found my personal style. Having this blog helps me see what my style has evolved into, but as I look at these pictures I realize this isn't really what I "wish" I could dress like. The truth is I don't know what I wished I dressed like. I know in the past sometimes I have gotten dressed for my "blog" not for myself, I tried to be on top of trends and dress to please others. Which sometimes was not me! I like so many different things, I wish I could just incorporate all of it into my personal style. So adding to the new years resolution is, Finding my personal style, being happy with it and being confident! That will be a hard one.

I feel like I need to tell you all a truth, that has kept me away from blogging regularly these last few months. I have gone back and forth whether or not I should get rid of my blog. Like I mentioned before I have been going through a tough time with "life" and being "happy." Having a blog seems to just be bringing me down more. I tend to sit and compare myself A WHOLE LOT to others all around me! Not to mention I waste lots and lots of time online. I feel like I need to be putting that wasted time into myself and getting more productive with it. I also feel like the whole blogging community puts a lot of pressure on bloggers and their lives.

I would love to keep it if I can get positive responses from it to my daily life. All I am hoping for is that I can keep it a space with all the happy things I love. Again it goes back to me finding my happiness. I think as long as I strive to make that my blog's motto then I should be good to go. I guess I shall see how that goes.

I am so thankful for all of you that take your time and keep in touch through my blog. I have been blogging for quite a while and what I have loved the most is the friends you make. I feel like I know some of you better than some of my closest friends. I love reading your blogs, keeping up with your lives and love each little comment each of you leave here. I am grateful for all your words of affirmation, more than you will ever know. Thank you, Thank you!!

Here's to 2012 bringing us all lots and lots of happiness.

Hugs, hugs friends.

Thriftaholics Weekly #30

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:04:00 +0000

"I'm a Thriftaholic" is a link up party where we share weekly our thrifted treasure! Thrifted treasure could be an item(s) you have thrifted, thrifted clothing you've worn in outfit posts, thrifted home decor, really any thing you thrifted and want to show off is welcome!

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

So if you have a thrifted find that you are dying to share, this is the place. Every Tuesday we will have the: "Thriftaholics Weekly Link up."Where you will be able to link up anything your little thrifted heart desires. There are no limits on what can be linked up, it just simply needs to be anything you've thrifted and fell in love with. Bottom line: If you thrifted, we want to see it. Simple enough right?!

My thriftaholic pick of the week is,
Rachel from xoxo Rachel Sayumi.

Loving her pattern mixing and the pops of colors in this cute outfit. Plus she thrifted the polka dots. In my opinion you can't go wrong with polka dots. Love it. Thanks for linking up Rachel :)

Don't forget to head over to Morgan's blog to see who she featured this week.

Want to join our linky party?
The guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Just stopping by to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Hugs hugs friends.

little christmas break

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

You guys I have been trying to enjoy this little Christmas break to the max, especially since school starts back up on MONDAY the 2nd for me. I guess who ever is in charge of that at our school doesn't want us having too much fun for New Year's Eve.

So I've been enjoying this little break by wearing lots of comfy pjs and warm slippers. (hence the lack of posts)

Baking, baking and some more baking for neighbors, friends,

and of course for us.

I've also been trying to add a little handmade touch to some presents like the store bought scarf, I made and added the little flower pins.

And I've been busy trying to wrap all our presents.

Thank goodness for cute free printables found on pinterest.

I've been making lists like crazy and checking it twice.

And enjoying our favorite brazilian holiday treat. Yummy!

Hope your enjoying your Christmas break.

hugs hugs.

Thriftaholics Weekly #29

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

She thrifted her adorable ruffly coat. Who doesn't love ruffles right? Great find Nicole. Thanks for liking up.

Want to join our linky party?
The guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

a weekend post.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Our weekend consisted of unhealthy but delicious food.

Movies. The Help was beautiful. We absolutely loved it.

Trying to do some Christmas shopping. We failed. Target was INSANE!

Attempting to take some family pictures for my parents Christmas card. The one above is as good as it got, with husband hiding behind me and all.

Us addressing and sending our Christmas cards off.

Painting our backsplash in the kitchen with chalkboard paint. Can't wait to test drive it. And show you guys a better after pictures after we've doodled all over it. Yes we are 23 going on 5.

Oh and I can't forget to mention my huge cold sore that I've had since Wednesday. Marvelous.
Isn't it a beauty?

What did your weekend consist of?

P.S. The winner of this giveaway was announced here.

open to interpretation

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

wearing: jeans- old navy, button up- ross, sweater- kohls, booties- target, necklace- icing.

So I'm participating in the "Open to Interpretation" challenge this week. The outfit they chose for us to interpret was this one. What I got from that cute outfit was, colored jeans, comfy layered sweater, and some booties. I grabbed what I had on hand and created my version of it. It was my first time wearing my cobalt blue skinnies. They sure make me excited to create other outfits around them. Just the other day I pinned some cobalt blue inspiration. They are defiantly a favorite as of right now.

What's your favorite piece right now?

It's almost the weekend. It makes me seriously so happy

just thinking about it.

Nothing extreme planned just excited it's close by.

Are you doing anything fun this weekend?

Hugs friends :)

And don't forget to check out my current giveaway.

You don't want to miss the opportunity to win thee cutest dress ever.

Head over here to enter!

little blurbs.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

wearing: shirt, skirt, and cardigan- old navy, booties-target, necklace-icing.

Here are some "blurbs" since I am having writer's block.

I am kind of obsessed with Old Navy's sale rack. I got this cute button up there for a whopping $1.95. Say what? I can't even get a button up that cheap at out local thrift store.

And I got that cute statement necklace at icing for $2. I love me a good deal.

I made this for dinner yesterday. It was scrumptious. Try it!

Tomorrow I take my last final, then i'm done until next year. Hooray.

I am having a hard time telling my family what I want for Christmas. I don't know what I want. Weird! That never happens to me. I think it has to do with the fact that I'm really trying hard not to make Christmas be just a materialistic holiday and really focus on the true meaning of it. Cheeseballs right! ;)

I am having thrifting withdrawals. I haven't been in weeks. Sad story. This weekend, I shall!

Last but not least. I wish I could win this dress. But I am nice enough to be giving it away to one of you. Go enter.

Happy Wednesday friends.
Hugs.

Thriftaholics Weekly #28

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

She thrifted this unique jewelry holder. Isn't it a beauty? Reminds me of something you would see in Pottery Barn or something. Just comes to prove that you can find thee unexpected on your thrifting trips. Great find Jess. Thanks for linking up.

If you want to join our linky party the guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

a shabby apple dress giveaway. (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

You guys I'm super excited to announce this giveaway to all of you today. I think it couldn't have come at a better time.

With this glorious holiday season dressing up is most likely going to happen a few times for us girls. And when I think dressing up, I think pretty feminine dresses. Think Christmas parties, hot dates, or heck any day can be a "wear a cute feminine dress" day.

Shabby Apple one of the cutest online stores to find modest, fashionable, and feminine clothing is generously giving away one of their lovely dresses to you today. The beautiful Waimea dress. It's the perfect dress to transition into the different seasons and most importantly it's perfect for those holiday parties we were just talking about.

Ready to see if your the lucky one to take this beauty home with you?
Read on to see how you can enter for a chance to win it...

Giveaway is only open to public followers of Sweet Serendipity Design.

Mandatory:

Head over to Shabby Apple's facebook page and like em'
Come back and tell me you did so.

Extra Entries:

Follow Sweet Serendipity on twitter.

Share this giveaway on twitter, facebook, a blog post,
or by pinning one of the giveaway's pictures.
Come back and leave the link where you shared it at.
(Can be done daily for extra entries)

Like Sweet Serendipity's Facebook page.

Add a Sweet Serendipity button to your blog.

..................................

Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Giveaway will close on Sunday, December 11th.
Winner will be announced here on the following Monday.

........................................................

The winner is La Mode by Marianne.

I will be emailing you with all the details.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

bloopers.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

So while going through the million pictures of my self (annoying little thing about having a style blog) I always literally laugh out loud at the many retarded ones. Trust me there are many. Many have been deleted through time, and after laughing my butt off at these I wish I would have never have deleted all the past bloopers. However some have survived so i thought it'd be funny to share with you and so you can get a sense of what goes on when we take pictures. Just so you get an idea, we get about 20 frames each time, out of those 20 only 3 or 4 are decent ones. The rest are well... these.

So friends ....

And there you have it! Quite scary/ quite hilarious right? Don't judge kthanks ;)
Do you have many "bloopers" from all your blog pictures?
I'd love to see or hear about them.

Hope your weekend is fabulous!
Hugs.

Goodbye november, hello christmas tree.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

And just like that November came and was gone so fast. We sure are excited for December though. It holds just a special meaning behind all that junk that the media likes to make us "think" is important. Husband and I are still creating traditions around here. Just the other day we were talking about creating a new tradition, that we could carry on when we have kids, for christmas afternoon. We always open presents with my family in the morning then my mom makes her yummy lunch then we basically just vegetate for the rest of the day. That's where we are trying to think of a new tradition to start up. So far we've thought about going sledding or volunteering somewhere. What's your tradition in your homes?

We have also been having so much fun putting up our christmas tree and all the christmas decor. We did it the other night while listening to some loud fun christmas music. Whenever a new holiday comes around I love to come up with new decorations for it. My problem is always the no budget thing. So I love browsing good ol' pinterest for craft ideas on a budget. What i absolutely love is making things out of mostly what I already have at home. Like the book page wreath, all i bought was a $1 wreath at All a Dollat so totaling that project at a whopping $1. And the mason jar globes, I already had the jars on hand, I used sugar as snow and I just bought 4 of the trees and little people also at All a Dollar so totaling 4 whole dollars. Those are my kind of crafts. Next on my chepo craft list is a book page christmas banner, glitterized little reindeers and new stockings. I think our $1 ones from 4 years ago gotta go.

I am sure this month is going to fly by just like any other busy month. So i will most defiantly be making our winter bucket list here pretty soon. I'm already thinking off all the fun we gotta squeeze in this month like going to see the temple lights, going snowboarding, making gingerbread houses, watching our favorite christmas movies, and reading a christmas story and scripture everyday of the month. Oh what a wonderful time of the year.
What are you most excited for this month? What's on your bucket list?
Happy December friends.

Thriftaholics Weekly #27

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

She thrifted her cute leopard print skirt. Isn't this whole outfit just too cute? I love the pop of red and I have been eye balling those cute boots at old navy too. Thanks for linking up Joanne.

If you want to join our linky party the guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

Thanksgiving Weekend.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:12:00 +0000

I hope you all had a wonderful LONG thanksgiving weekend. As planned I had a lot of fun baking some pies for thanksgiving day, dying my hair, decorating the table, and spending time with my family and friends. My mom is so amazing, as always her thanksgiving dinner was amazing. My favorite was her turkey, which yes I did forget to take a picture of. But believe me when I say it was delicious.

So do you want to hear something funny? As I mentioned on this post I was in desperate need of dying my hair. So this weekend I bought my trusty $6 box dye and went to town with it. I lie, actually my husband, yes I said husband, did it for me. I guess around here we do a swaparoo. I cut his hair monthly and he dyes mine. It all works out with our little budget. It's not perfect, but like I've said before I rather spend the money I would have spent on it, at a salon, on clothes :)

Not pictured from our weekend: Me and my girlfriends spent all night shopping on black friday. Crazy? Yes! Will I do it again? Heck yes! I'm not one of those psycho ones that camp out days before for a tv but I will go shopping all night. Mainly because we always have a blast, and I love me a good deal. Don't judge!

Also not pictured: We visited our friends that just had a sweet baby girl on saturday. Goodness she is adorable. We took them on their first dinner date out with the baby. I thought it went well. The whole ride home husband and I were in awe with her cuteness. When will it be our turn? That my friends is still a mystery even to us!

Well i'm ready to take this week on, get it done and over with. Next on our agenda is putting our christmas tree and decorations up. I'm excited, I love decorating from Christmas.

How was everyone's weekend? Are you guys also on full mode Christmas spirit with the tree up, Christmas music on and all?

Happy Monday friends!

gratitude.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

wearing: skirt and over sized sweater- free, jacket- gift, boots- urbanog(dot)com, elephant necklace- pacsun, glasses- urban outfitters.

I can't believe tomorrow is already Thanksgiving! Time has been flying around here. Which is exciting because it means school will be done so soon and Christmas is so close, but then it scares me because I have so much to do still. The procrastinator in me always wins.
Husband is the one most excited for Thanksgiving. He already told me his game plan, which involves his stretchiest and most comfiest pants to make room for all the turkey and pie possible. It's one of his favorite holidays. I'm excited to spend time with my family, trying new recipes, and decorating the dinner table all with a thankful heart. I think if I was always as grateful as I am around Thanksgiving I would be a happier person. Something I need to add to my list of goals. How wonderful is it to take a second around this time and just think of all the things you are blessed with. I am truly grateful for all I have. I love this quote I have pinned on pinterest, "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." Isn't that so true?

Hope you are all having fun with all the preparations for the big turkey day.
Hugs friends.

P.S. Does anyone want to come dye my hair? As you can tell it's in desperate need of a dye job. I will probably be attempting the box dye this weekend (what i always do). This is what happens when you are poor and rather spend your money in clothes :)

Thriftaholics Weekly #26

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

Her daughter thrifted this cute black lace dress. Isn't it perfect for this holiday season? Thanks for linking up your daughter's thrifty find Heather :)

If you want to join our linky party the guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

family pictures.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

So last month I won a photo shoot giveaway on the cutest photographer's facebook page. It was one of those things you see your friends entered then shared the giveaway on their wall so you go and enter, type of thing. But if your like me you never expect to win because you never win anything awesome like that. This time we were in luck, we won, and lucky us because we were in desperate need of family picture (2yrs without any new ones). Kristi is the one over Kristi Martin Photography, her work is amazing, she is the most down to earth person and made the shoot totally fun, and trust me that is hard to do with a husband that dislikes taking pictures.
We are so happy we have these pictures to treasure forever. She captured exactly what was felt that day, happiness and love. Head over here if you'd like to check out the rest of the pictures.

Happy Monday Friends.
Anybody else excited for this short week to fly until thrusday?
We sure are around here ;)
Hugs.

What we wore:
Me: skirt- ruche, top-old navy, boots- kohls, watch- aldo, bracelets- charlotte russe.
Him: Levis pants and converse shoes- ross, shirt- kohls, watch- guess.

my go to.

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

wearing: shirt, cardigan, bag-thrifted, skirt-kohls, shoes- target, necklace-h&m, watch-aldo.

I can't believe it's already wednesday. This week has flown by and I haven't gotten anything on my to do list done. I hate when i'm unproductive like that. I blame pinterest, great blogs everywhere, unexpected afternoon naps with husband, trying to cook and clean around here, and trying to catch up on our favorite tv shows. I am the worst when it comes to self discipline, and to top it all off i'm thee biggest procrastinator ever. Somebody come teach me how to change that, pretty please ;)

Anyways this outfit is kind of something I always go to on my weekly basis. Usually something I wear to school. A skirt, shirt, cardigan, flats and a high bun for when I don't feel like doing my hair/dirty hair days. A sock bun that is, for baldie over here.

What's your go to outfit? And does anybody else feel like this month is just flying by? Heck were half way through it already. Is that crazy to anyone else??
Hugs friends.

Thriftaholics Weekly #24

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Remember this really is a support group in reverse, we don't want to kick our thrifting habits, we want to embrace them and show them off. And most importantly we want to have fun in the process!

She thrifted her cute vintage dress, purse, and belt. I just love the little details and how delicate that dress is. So super cute. Thanks for linking up Adrian!

If you want to join our linky party the guidelines are easy:

Link up a post about your thrifty finds, be sure to link the direct post.

and

Please place one of these badges on your blog post you are linking up with.

11/11/11, 11/12/11, and 11/13/11

noreply@blogger.com (Ana from Sweet Serendipity) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:02:00 +0000

wearing: skirt-gift, shirt-hand me down (so old), belt from skirt, boots-kohls, bracelet-self made, and watch-gift.

How was everyone's long weekend? It felt nice to have that extra day there, didn't it? However we were so busy all weekend long, it feels like we need a weekend for our weekend. Don't you love when that happens? We decided to have a little dinner party with friends friday night, 11/11/11. I tried out this recipe, it was delicious. Defiantly one I will make again. We played games, had some yummy dessert, talked and talked, oh and can't forget made the best wish ever at 11:11. I almost missed it, thank goodness my friend reminded us right on the dot.

lollies inspiration from here.

We also visited our favorite veteran's grave that friday. It was so nice remembering him, and thinking of what a hero he is to us that Veteran's Day. I thank Heavenly Father every day for those men that have fought and still fight to this day for us, just so we can live in peace and have freedom in our country. Freedom is not free.

Saturday husband and I parted our ways. I had a girls night, he had a guys night. That never happens, it was defiantly a little weird being apart, especially since it was a saturday night and we always do something saturday nights, because its the only time we have off. It was still fun to catch up with friends, he had a lot of fun too.

Sunday was the usual. Church then off to my parents house for lots of food and napping. My mom spoils us with stuff like this every sunday. She is the best. I love being so close to her.

How was your weekend? Did you make the best wish you could think of on 11/11/11 at 11:11?

Happy Monday friends.