The Nearsighted Owl: Art, Everyday Life, Fatshion, Love, Cats, Thrifting and Owls

Giveaway: Chevron Wood Mounted Print from Everyday is a Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:38:00 +0000

I love filling my house with pretty and colorful artwork and I am sure you guys will love this giveaway! Here is Jenny to tell you a little about their shop and what is up for grabs.

Hi there! My name is Jenny Holiday and I adore all things vintage holiday, birthday, bakery, and cute! I paint, decorate, collect, bake, blog, and teach at fabulous art retreats all across the country! I live with my partner of 19 yrs and our 2 chihuahuas on the NJ Shore. I adore art journaling, creating faux cakes and sweets, the sound of wind chimes and anything vanilla, coconut, almond scented! My fave colors are Aqua, Pink, Black, Cream and Gold! Come visit my tiny corner of blogland!

BLOG / SHOP / FACEBOOK

What you win

"Me & You" wood mounted print plaque valued at $32. We've been in love with chevron print for a while and finally we created a piece that's meaningful to the two of us and will very likely strike a chord in many of you. A SUPER fab wedding gift...great for wedding photos, engagement photos...as a "prop" in that old classic photo booth. Think best friends, sisters...you get it I'm sure. Who's the ME and who's the YOU in your life? This is a high quality print of our original painting. The print measures 8" x 10" and is mounted to a 3/4" wood plaque and signed & dated.

How to win

Follow The Nearsighted Owl via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment here telling me what your favorite item is from the Everyday is Holiday shop!

Earn extra entries:

- Tweet about the giveaway: Win a wood mounted print from Everyday is a Holiday on @nearsightedowl blog! http://tinyurl.com/79umujy

- Share the giveaway by posting it on your blog, Tumblr or Facebook.

- Like Everyday is a Holiday on Facebook.

Leave separate comments for each entry and please include your email address.

Giveaway ends June 3, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be drawn randomly and notified. Must respond within 2 weeks or a new winner will be drawn. Good luck!

P.S. Be sure to enter the giveaway on Jenny's blog too!

- Rachele

Happy Caturday

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Sandy has a new place to sleep. She can watch TV, spy on us and receive treats and pets all from this chair next to the couch. Plus, I can take endless photos of her sleeping to prove that I am really a crazy cat lady mama.

- Rachele

OOTD: Thrifted Torrid Top

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sat, 26 May 2012 05:29:00 +0000

One of my proudest thrift store finds! I was unsure about it at first because it is sheer but I had the perfect tank top to fix that problem. I am also usually strongly opposed to tops that have the ruffle on the bottom. A lot of them have elastic too. Another one of the things that plus size clothing companies think is a great idea and puts it on everything! Do you know what I am talking about? But this one doesn't have elastic and it flairs out enough to change my mind on the ruffle.

top : thrifted

cardigan : torrid

jeggings : lane bryant

jellies : fred meyer

glasses : coastal

It was hot and I had just gotten ready quickly to head over to the parents. So that explains my exasperated look!

Hope you are all having a good weekend!

- Rachele

Library Books and Park Picnics

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:52:00 +0000

Last week brought us lots of sunshine, unlike this week. So I am glad that we took advantage of it and visited our new library and had a picnic in the park. It is just a couple blocks away from our house and something we should do more of! When I got off from work, we packed up our dinner and headed down the street. I was surprised to see how nice the library was and appreciated the artwork, architecture and design!

My stomach was growling so we went across the street to the park to eat dinner and lay in the grass. It was a beautiful evening! Our little adventure was very refreshing and good for the soul. Sometimes the best things are free.

Does your neighborhood have a library or park? I hope you take advantage of it!

- Rachele

Sponsors & Portrait Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:20:00 +0000

It's time to meet all the neat people that sponsored the The Nearsighted Owl in May! They are pretty awesome. So much that I want to giveaway a free custom digital portrait to spread the word on their awesome-ness. Get to know them and follow the simple rules at the bottom to enter.

BLOG / SHOP / FACEBOOK

BLOG / EBOOK / TWITTER

SHOP / FACEBOOK / TWITTER

15% OFF WITH TNO15

BLOG / TWITTER / BLOGLOVIN

BLOG / SHOP / FACEBOOK

BLOG / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

BLOG / SHOP / FACEBOOK

BLOG / FACEBOOK

BLOG / INSTAGRAM

BLOG / TWITTER

How to win

Follow The Nearsighted Owl via Google Friend Connect and do one of these:

- Tweet about the giveaway - Win a custom digital portrait from @nearsightedowl and discover some new blogs! http://tinyurl.com/7l6qclp

- Link to this post and giveaway on Facebook

- Follow all the lovely sponsor's blogs above

Leave a comment with your email address, telling me which one you did. Extra entries if you do more than one. Please leave a separate comment for each. Up to 3 entries per person.

Giveaway ends May 30, 2012 at midnight PST. Winner will be drawn randomly and notified. Must respond within 2 weeks or a new winner will be drawn. Good luck!

- Rachele

Rae, Mary-Morgan & Nicole

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Rae

Mary-Morgan

Nicole

I love posting portraits as I draw them because I get so excited about it! I enjoy the process of getting to know people and like being paid to be a stalker. Staring at someone's nose for 5 minutes, thinking about how I am going to draw it is a good thing now. These three ladies all have really neat blogs and were a pleasure to draw! Definitely click on their names to check them out! And if you would like to also have your portrait drawn, visit my Etsy. I am still offering free ad space too.

- Rachele

OOTD: Sushi and Froyo

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Ya know, just trying to break my cardigan habit! It was a hot day and I decided to forego the cardi for once. It is a weird feeling, Being cool and all on a hot day. It really isn't a body image thing either. I am a-okay with my fatty arms! They are plump, white and have an assortment of moles and beauty marks. The cardigan has just become my fashion staple and I thought I would try to pass it up for once.

high waisted jeans : torrid

shirt : target

peacock feather necklace : buffalo exchange

flats : payless

glasses : coastal

We had a nice little sushi and froyo date to battle cabin fever.

Yum! Salmon, spicy tuna and crab!

Then home to blog with the kitty cuddling close by.

- Rachele

I Told the Mister to Shave?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I did indeed! While I love that beard to death, I told him to shave, thinking it might be easier on his job search. I don't know if it helped but a few months later, he has landed a job! Today is his first day and I am so happy for him. It sucks being unemployed, I know how that feels. In the past, it was really easy to line up a new job within a few months but these days it takes so much longer and can be really discouraging. We couldn't be more grateful that something finally came through! He actually got two job offers the same week! I love that boy. Beard or no beard!

- Rachele

Happy Caturday

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sun, 20 May 2012 04:23:00 +0000

A little video of Marie, our robot cat, looking at birds out the window.

- Rachele

Renee's Portrait and Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:58:00 +0000

Renee

I thought it would be fun to share a recent digital portrait that I completed as well as the steps from start to finish. I took a little unintended break from portraits last month. Commissions slowed down and I took advantage of the time to put my Etsy on vacation, recharge and avoid burnout. Which was good for me! Now I am fresh and ready to draw again. I really like how Renee's portrait came out. She wanted her eyes and eye liner to pop and I think I was able to capture that. Her expression took some adjusting but in the end, it is almost as cute as she is! I use an iPad, Rocketfish Stylus and Sketchbook Pro and it usually takes me 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete a portrait, not including the time I take to research the person and plan the drawing out.

1. Start the quick framework and layout. 2. Adjust the faceshape and add detail.

3. Add color, details and adjust hair shape. 4. Add shadows and pink cheeks.

5. Reposition the eyes and other final adjustments, like changing the eyebrow color. Finish all the coloring and background.

6. Merge all the layers, erase to make into an oval and add initial.

And so you can see what the different layers look like. I always use a separate layer for each element. So I usually end up with at least 10 layers. The black pen line drawing is in it's own layer and then each paint brushed color has it's own layer. I always layer the colors below the outline so that the lines stay on top. I also do this so I can easily change an area without having to erase a huge chunk of the drawing. It also allows me to use the eraser to reshape or fill in a pattern and then erase what went over the edge. Even though I am drawing on an iPad, I try to stay as fluid as possible but use consistent methods so that most of the portraits have the same look and feel.

I hope you enjoyed a little peek in how I create my portraits!

- Rachele

OOTD: Neon Fairy

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:48:00 +0000

I couldn't help but feel like a fairy when I wore this outfit. I felt like I should have had little wings and flown around the suburbs bringing color to everyone!

angel sleeve jersey tunic dress : c/o simply be

leggings : we love colors

cardigan : torrid

flats : payless

headband : folding chair designs

glasses : coastal

I love this dress! It is bright and lightweight. The fabric is really soft and comfortable too. I was worried that it would be a little too big but then I realized that it fit absolutely perfect. I must be used to the odd fitting of some of the other brands I wear. While this one had plenty of room for my chest and behind but still tailored enough in the right spots. You can tell they put thought in how this will look on a real plus size lady.

My attempt at spinning, but you can see the fit of the dress here. It is size 28 (UK).

I got this wonderful headband from Folding Chair Designs at Crafty Wonderland! I believe it is made from a vintage applique. I was immediately drawn to it in her booth and knew that I wanted it! Brown, mustard yellow and bright orange! Yes!

Are you ready for bright florals this summer? I know I am!

- Rachele

Free Medium Ad Space on TNO!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:13:00 +0000

If you have been wanting to purchase a digital portrait from me, now is a great time! I am offering a free medium ad space to go with your colorful iPad art. That is a $25 value! I currently have 5 of these special offers listed in my Etsy. Your ad space will include a spot in my monthly sponsor round-up post and most likely your portrait will also be featured in a post! That equals lots of exposure for your blog or shop and a custom drawing by little ole' me. Check it out!

- Rachele

Crafty Wonderland Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:58:00 +0000

The Tin Gypsy Project

This chick was awesome. She was selling real tin photographs and jewelry. That is the camera she uses!

Regrow PDX

I bought my mother in-law one of those hanging terrariums for Mother's Day.

Spencer Little Wire Sculptures

Jaclyn Rose Embroidery

Dream jean jacket!

Rooted Necessities

Rose City Sweets

Isn't she the cutest in her dress and apron! She was pretty popular. I think it is because she was so adorable but she was also giving out candy samples.

Betty Turbo

I bought this Twin Peaks print for the mister. He just keeps staring at it.

Peri Ponchos

I want one of those ponchos in my size. I wish I had unlimited amounts of money to buy everything there! I have been to Crafty Wonderland more than a few times and sometimes see the same things. But it is fun to see what's new and hopefully meet and chat with people there. I have said in the past that I would be a vendor at the next one, then I said I would at the next one. But then my ventures change and I can't seem to find the time to commit to it. But I love going!

- Rachele

Crafty Wonderland Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:58:00 +0000

wegreenspot

I mentioned yesterday that I went to the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale on Saturday and these are some of the photos I took inside. It is a local craft fair with tons of handmade goodies and artwork from over 200 vendors. I really like these moss terrariums!

We got to make our own Mother's Day card using a woodblock.

Etchpop

Yarnarchy!

Ex Libris Anonymous

The Victory Garden of Tomorrow

bigspoonjam

These are my new jam people. Ya know, the people that supply me with yummy jams and jellies. Girls got to have a good jam source. I got a tasty pear jam with black pepper in it and it was awesome! They were also super nice and I chatted with them a bit about my camera.

Man's Face Stuff

Matthew Porter Artwork

Folding Chair Designs

I purchased a headband from the above shop. It is very cute! Coming to an outfit post soon. Stay tuned for Part Two!

- Rachele

OOTD: Afternoon with Hannah

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:50:00 +0000

pencil skirt : torrid

hello kitty tank top : torrid

cardigan : thrifted

leggings : we love colors

flats : payless

headscarf : thrifted

glasses : coastal

My social life problems are changing! It was time to take a step and hang out with a lovely blue-haired lady that crafts, thrifts and has been in my sidebar for the last few months. That is Hannah from Hey Zombot! She is super sweet and we had a blast hanging out at Crafty Wonderland. We waited in line and barely made the first 200 to get a goodie bag. We browsed lots of handmade goodies, bought a few things, had coffee, lunch and took some outfit photos! Really the perfect way to meet up with a blog friend in real life for the first time.

dress : h&m

shirt : old navy

tights : target

shoes : thrifted

ring : forever 21

cameo brooch : from hannah's shop

She is so purty! I love her blue bangs. We wore matching legwear too.

I do wish we got a photo of us together! Hopefully, will get together again for a little thrifting and I will be sure to remember. Because then I won't be so nervous!

- Rachele

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Not only do I love you, Mom, but I appreciate where you come from and the struggles of your mother and your mother's mother. Life wasn't always easy for you but you always taught me to be strong and live the life that makes you happy. Grandma taught you to not take any shit and I am sure that is where I get it from too. That day that she packed her iron while it was still hot and got on a plane to Oregon to give her 6 children a better life has changed what it means to be a mother for our family. She did something that it so hard for so many other women to do - leave an abuser for good. If she hadn't been so brave, you would have never met that blonde haired boy in an apartment pool, married young and raised two strong women. Thank you and don't forget this day is for you!

Photo details: 1963 in a New Orleans project in the Ninth Ward. My mom is the 8 year old tan beauty in the white dress standing with her mom, granny, aunts and sister.

- Rachele

My Secret Bad Girl Image

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:59:00 +0000

It goes without saying that people don’t like talking about this. A lot of people think it is a disgusting and filthy habit but not of all us do. I am talking about smoking. Smoking cigarettes, to be clear. Tobacco cigarettes. I happen to be one of the people that enjoys it. It is not a secret from my family or friends but something that I have avoided talking about here.

I started smoking cloves when I was 18. I would take the back roads to school and smoke on the way as I sipped on hot chai tea. So Portland! I started working at a call center where everybody smoked. That is where I started my 5-10 cigarettes a day habit. Plus the nights we went out drinking and smoked like crazy. I successfully quit a few times but always went back because I liked it and I wanted to smoke. Yes, I know about all the health risks but you get in this sort of Mad Men mentality. Your brain tells you that it isn’t THAT bad for you and it’s not like I was smoking a pack a day. But in the back of my mind, I always wanted to quit just so I didn’t have to worry about the health risks. I would like to breathe better and not smell. I swear I was starting to get a smoker’s cough and a raspy voice. Sexy! I would also love it if I didn’t have to go outside when it is freezing and I just want to curl up in my pajamas in the warm house. We didn’t smoke inside, except for the days when you could smoke at the bar. Oh, and the mister smokes too. It was routine and part of our every day lives for about 10 years.

Until a few weeks ago. I was watching TV and some show was on that I wasn’t really watching. But I saw this part where this guy time travels to the future and he is smoking an electronic cigarette. He says something about how that is the only thing he likes about the future. The cigarette looks real, the smoke looks real, it glows red and my little techie mind is immediately intrigued. I have to have the latest gadgets and this was no exception! We went to the convenience store and bought a couple disposable ones. It wasn’t bad! I remember trying the old school electronic cigarettes years ago at the mall. They were horrible, leaked and tasted bad. But this one was self-contained and tasted pretty good. It works by using liquid nicotine and some other food-safe liquids and turning it into vapor which can be inhaled like a real cigarette. The big part is the battery and then you can attach different cartridges where the liquid is contained, which is equal to about a traditional pack of cigarettes. There are different flavors and nicotine strengths you can buy too.

We decided this was much better than smoking and converted ourselves to vaping instead. We made a small investment in rechargeable batteries and cartridges and haven’t looked back! When we calculated the cost of traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, we are saving about $1390 a year! And now we can “smoke” any place we please. Yes, I could quit but it has become a sort of nervous habit that I am addicted to. Now I can “smoke” after a meal or even in bed without all the yucky things that comes with smoking. I am sort of obsessed with ecigs now so I wanted to share a little about it. I posted about it on Instagram and Twitter and some people were probably wondering. So I am clearing the air, or so to speak.

- Rachele

Rachele's Reading: Crime Thrillers and Circus Romance + Tips & Links

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:54:00 +0000

Sometimes I just need a little time with my head in the clouds. Reading inspires me and calms my nerves. I still feel like that little kid pretending to be in the story and dream of the characters and what could be lying on the next page. Or screen that is! I do all my reading on my iPad and Android phone without spending a cent on books. I thought it would be fun to share what I am currently reading, reviews and resources for free books. None of this would be possible without Alycia! She has kept me in the digital literary loop.

Read

Hush by Anne Frasier: I read this book in a couple days which is always a good sign! This book is like watching Criminal Minds without the quirky dialogue and clever quotes, but is still a page turner. The book follows a criminal profiler as she tracks down a serial killer that kills mothers and young children, called the Madonna Killer. A little explicit but not over the top, for me anyways. If you like crime dramas and don't mind entering the mind of a killer, you will also enjoy it. (*****)

Water for Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen: This story ended up being really sweet and endearing! It might start out a little uninspired for some but give it a chance. I love how the author incorporated real stories from the circus in the 30's and what it was like during the depression. I've heard the movie is not as good but I will probably watch it anyway. One thing I might have gone without is the main character's sexual developments, maybe because he is male and I can't relate as much or because I had just read about a killer's sexual fantasies in Hush and it was getting old. I definitely lean more towards books with female protagonists and a more feminist view. The saving grace in this book was my mutual respect for animals. (*****)

Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: Finally finished Hunger Games and I feel like the last one in the universe to. I start reading the series a few month's ago and was sort of savoring the last one because I knew it was ending soon! As the last book in the series, I was expecting more of the same from the first two books but I was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns and darker edge. I would have liked to spend a little less time in the indecisive mind of Katniss but still loved it! (*****)

Reading

Pinpoint by Sheila Mary Taylor: I am about half-way though this one right now. It is a British crime thriller about a defense lawyer (or "defence"like the book says) that feels a strange connection to a murderer that she is representing. She has a forgotten past as a foster child and two men hoping to save her. But she is strong-willed and stoic and not sure if she wants either in her life. I am starting to see a pattern. Twilight, Hunger Games and so many other books use this same storyline. It's nothing new. It sucks me in too but it would be nice to read a book that passes the Bechdel Test (1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it 2. Who talk to each other 3. About something besides a man). Stay tuned for my full review!

To-Read

White Fang by Jack London: This one is next in my list to read. A classic that I haven't read before. I am trying to mix a few like this in to my "bookshelf". The required reading books from high school still deserve attention. Plus, I was in the Women's Literature class and didn't read a lot of them. Any story about animals will instantly get my stars. White Fang is about the friendship between a man and wolf-dog. And I am sure I will cry my eyes out.

***** = it was amazing
***** = really liked it
***** = liked it
***** = it was ok
***** = didn't like it

Resources and Links

Goodreads - Keep track of your books and see friend's books, reviews and recommendations, as well as other users.

Lendle - Borrow and lend Kindle books for free, for use on all devices. Use referral code EUDN97VA to throw some borrow requests my way! Great way to snag the more popular titles.

fkb.com - Check every day for a list of higher rated kindle books that Amazon is offering for free that day. Also a great way to build your Lendle library and earn borrow requests for other books!

Overdrive - Borrow ebooks from the library. Will help you connect you to your local library's website.

Calibre - Convert ebooks to read on Kindle and other devices.

Feedbooks - Open domain and classic books that you can download for free.

How I Read & Tips

I use an iPad and Android phone with the Kindle and Overdrive Apps. I download and borrow Kindle books as well as Adobe ePub. I highly recommend finding a way to use ePub files when borrowing from the library because the waiting lists are much shorter then the Kindle books. The Overdrive App doesn't sync between my iPad and phone but I can update my progress in Goodreads to keep track! I don't think ePub works on Kindle devices but you can convert books with Calibre.

I hope you feel motivated to do some free digital reading too! If you have any book recommendations for me, I would love to hear about it in the comments.

- Rachele

Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:25:00 +0000

She is too cute.

- Rachele

Recipe: Strawberry Tart

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:20:00 +0000

After sharing my instagram of these yesterday, I knew I better post the recipe so y'all can stop drooling! I had some leftover strawberries and wanted to make something warm and comforting. After looking up a few recipes that seemed like entirely too much work and time, I decided to make up my own strawberry tart recipe. So if you need a yummy lazy person recipe, you are in the right place! No food processor or dough chilling needed! Plus the crunchy sugar glaze and custardy dough makes them delicious. Equally good cold and warm!

You will need

1 cup flour

2-3 tablespoons of sugar

6 tablespoons of butter

1 egg

Chopped fresh strawberries

Whip Cream

Tart Pan

Directions

Combine flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar and butter in a bowl. You can also use Earth Balance or Smart Balance instead. Stir with a fork until blended. Crack your egg and toss the yolk back and forth over a separate bowl, saving the egg white for a later step. Add egg yolk to the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon. Work dough into a smooth ball.

Take about a heaping tablespoon, depending on your tart pan, of dough. Lightly round into a ball and flatten in your hand so that it is bigger than the diameter of an individual tart well (Is that what it's called? I dont know!). Press in the dough to a greased tart pan, squishing the edges so that it overflows a little. It's okay if it looks a little rustic! Try not to leave any areas too thin though so the tart doesn't fall apart.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and fill each tart with your chopped fresh strawberries. Press them in a little to fill up the tarts.

Brush each tart, strawberries and crust, with egg white and sprinkle with sugar.

Put back in the oven for 10-20 minutes or until browned. Let cool.

Pop out tarts from the pan and top with whip cream.

Enjoy!

- Rachele

This Week on Instragram

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:02:00 +0000

Due to some technical difficulties with my phone, I haven't been instagramming as much. Well, actually it was an equipment failure. Begin nerd rant: They made my phone with a plastic camera lens cover which is coated with a UV protection. I, the perfectionist that I am, wipe the lens constantly so fingerprints don't cause the photo to be blurry. Over time, this resulted in the coating being scratched which basically ruined all my photos. We tried removing the coating but the plastic was still foggy. And there isn't any way of removing the lens. So I switched back to my trusty Google Nexus One which has a glass lens cover that can withstand my constant cleaning. Ha! I am impressed if you made it though that. Now onto the photos.

1. Work seems even more tedious when the sun is shining!

2. In my cubicle thinking about when 5:30 will roll around.

3. Office OOTD.

4. I have a pretty cute tape dispenser at the office.

5. Love it when your soda matches your hair color.

6. Testing out my resurrected phone with Instagram.

7. Reading constantly! Might blog some book reviews.

8. Made up a little strawberry tart recipe. Mister approved!

Follow me on Instagram ♥

- Rachele

OOTD: Remixed Top and No Diet Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Let's face reality here. I wear the same clothes over and over. I like it and I wear it. These are my "top of the pile items". Since not all my clothes fit in the closet, I use a couple containers to organize dresses, tops, etc. and there is always a few things that get grabbed the most during the those fuzzy five minutes that I spend getting dressed in the morning. So here is that top again but with a different sweater, shoes and accessories. Sort of my formula!

tiered top : torrid

cardigan : torrid

jeggings : fashion bug

flats : payless

headscarf : thrifted

perler bead owl brooch : made by me

glasses : coastal

Oh, and May 6th was International No Diet Day! Spend this week appreciating your body. Break the habit of putting down your size or weight and joining in on diet talk. Make a statement about your size confidence and show that fat bodies can be beautiful, healthy and capable too.

International No Diet Day is about:

Doubting the idea of one "right" body shape.

Raising awareness to weight discrimination, size bias and fatphobia.

Declaring a free day from diets and obsessions to body weight.

Presenting the facts about the diet industry, emphasizing the inefficacy of commercial diets.

Showing how diets perpetuate violence against women.

Honoring the victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgery.

Helping end weight discrimination, sizism and fatphobia

Today and every day!

- Rachele

Happy Things

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Some things around the house that make me happy! Headscarfs that cure my "Bieber Bangs" and kitties lounging around. Macadamia and white chocolate cookies baking and a huge load of strawberries from the store. Green onions taking over my window sill, blue skies, rain clouds and tender buds. Yarn, Grandma's ceramic cat, suitcases and owls waiting for homes.

What's making you happy this week?

- Rachele

Vlog: Two Questions from Elycia and Kim + Mine Added

noreply@blogger.com (Rachele) — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:18:00 +0000

Hi! I am joining in on the fun with Elycia and Kim and answering their two questions to each other. I also added my own! Participate if you like :) You can thank our temperamental Oregon weather for my loss of sunshine. But the test at the end is really well lit! But then when I actually started recording, it was cloudy outside again. Oh well! You can enjoy my abundance of cleavage and bad posture while I sit in our dark bedroom. Oh boy...

- Rachele