tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25247279159293139792024-02-07T07:27:27.365-05:00Adventures in MissylandRetro loving, all over the place girl who loves her kittehs and her shopping and her hubby and baking and home decorating. Not necessarily in order of importance. ;)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-56917772876444573902013-04-02T14:29:00.001-04:002013-04-02T14:29:46.831-04:00Today…..<p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5815583488/h81F0C2D3/" width="485" height="322"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Spring everyone! So where is spring? I guess Mother Nature is still in hiding (along with Punxatawney Phil who should be in hiding) because it’s April 2nd and 34 degrees here in the ‘burgh. Seriously. Last year at this time I was already weeding in my yard! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m reading my blog list today (for those sad about Google Reader, try <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">bloglovin</a>) and came across this great motivational post from <a href="http://runningintoshape.com/about-me/">Carli</a> at <a href="http://runningintoshape.com/">Running Into Shape</a>:</font></p> <h6><font size="2">Today I had to remind myself of the old saying “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer, one bite at a time. It’s possible to do seemingly impossible tasks, if you break it up into smaller increments.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">So I decided to focus on today only. Those of you who struggle with weight I think will understand this list.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I packed a healthy breakfast for lunch and Today I actually ate the breakfast that I took to work.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I fought the craving to go to the local donut shop…And won</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I wanted to spend money on fast food, but I ate the healthy lunch that I brought instead.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I wanted to go to the gas station and grab a sweet snack but I didn’t.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I quit being in denial about Slim Fast shakes and accepted that they don’t work for me and they actually make me hungry.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I tracked my food and drank lots if water.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I was discouraged about not being properly trained for my race but I went to the gym anyway</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today my little sister wanted me to cook her favorite meal since she’s home from college and I didn’t use that as an excuse not to go for a run first.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I prayed when I felt weak.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I was determined to finish Week 4 of the Couch to 5K.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I pushed back the fear of not crossing the finish line and focused on my run.</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">Today I finished Week 4 and I’m excited about the future!!</font></h6> <h6><font size="2">What did you do today?</font></h6> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Well that struck a chord in me so I wrote my own little part. Here it is:</font></p> <ul> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I packed up my gym bag before work even though I am tired and do not want to go.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I really wanted Chinese for lunch but ate the soup I brought with me instead.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I really want to just go home instead of going to the gym but I am going!</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I am re-starting C25K, even if it means waiting 15 min for a treadmill at the gym.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I am reading Carli’s e-book to help motivate me.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I tracking my food.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I will eat my apple before thinking of buying candy.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I will take a few minutes to sit and just be, even if I have to do it in the ladies room.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I am sending out positive vibes to a few friends who are dealing with illness.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I will spend an extra 5 minutes snuggling with my kitty.</font> <li><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Today I will make a to-do list for tomorrow.</font></li></ul> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s not much but it’s a start and I can accomplish all of these items. For anyone wondering about Carli’s e-book, here is a link to it: </font></p> <h3><a href="http://runningintoshape.com/books/official-5k-training-guide/">Running Into Shape: The Official 5K Training Guide eBook</a></h3> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s a great motivational tool! I did C25K last summer but stopped when temps hit 100 out. I hate humidity. But I realize there is no reason I can’t start out on the treadmill until it warms up here. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">(PS---I am not affiliated with Carli or her book and have not been compensated in any way. Just a happy reader of her blog.)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So what are YOU going to do today??? </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-27331816618554574952013-03-21T15:07:00.001-04:002013-03-21T15:07:18.392-04:00Spanner in the works….<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/4201394432/h7E1BA57A/"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Wow—hadn’t realized it had been that long since I updated! I will admit to being at a work conference but also winter often leaves me gray and uninspired. I thought once the stupid groundhog predicted an early spring I’d be getting to see some warmer weather. But no—it’s about 20 degrees here today. Brrrr. </font></p> <p><img src="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/28600000/Rod-Stewart-rod-stewart-28605780-235-294.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The title of the post basically means messing up the works. I just like the phrase. It was also a <a href="http://www.rodstewart.com/">Rod Stewart</a> album from 1995. I will admit a guilty pleasure in loving the music of Mr. Stewart. Despite the comparisons to an old shoe and a porcupine, that dude has written some amazing songs and obviously enjoys the hell out of life. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">ANYWAY---I do have a point to my post. Spanner in the works refers to today of me getting out of my funk. Sometimes life just whizzes by and soon you realize it has been weeks since you really got to do something you wanted to do or even finished a load of laundry. And I’m not a girl who hates winter terribly, but now I’ve had enough and I’m ready for some warmer weather and to see things green and growing again. And also to work on some new projects. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/3379906304/hFDD2560C/" width="370" height="278"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I definitely do <strong>not</strong> have OCD, but I could use a teeny bit right now. It’s just so much easier to close the door to my boudoir and pretend the mess is not there. But as I got a few minutes to ponder the mess, an idea finally came to me: Murphy bed! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.stonebarnfurniture.com/Images/Murphy_Bed.jpg" width="429" height="404"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I had a light bulb moment one day last week. I guess the part about ADD people attacking things from other angles comes in handy here. I came home one evening and looked at the rat’s nest of a room and knew I had to come up with a better way to help me keep things organized and yet still allow me to ‘see’ things. First I thought of rearranging the furniture in the room. The room itself isn’t that big and I have a dresser, vanity, armoire, and bed in there. That still wouldn’t really solve the problem of space. Then I realized that the bed takes up so much room and what is on it? Clothes! If I could move the bed out of the way, I could create a ton of space. <em>DING DING DING!</em> Murphy bed to the rescue! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So of course the first place I searched for Murphy bed ideas—Pinterest! I found some Murphy beds you could buy outright. Then I saw the price and:</font></p> <p><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/bfe78a6ae2955863c976ed217782c09d/tumblr_mgt3afafhe1ql5yr7o1_r1_500.gif" width="351" height="186"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Let’s just say I changed up my search to see if I could build a Murphy bed myself. Here are some of my faves (click on pic for link):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I love this one and also love the color!!!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2011/05/wall-bed-is-installed.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizlsud8MGR4_el1gL3ORqiUxUfLJzE8VZnOOYAGgS65YOHgs7mJQip10nleY8bxk4MsQar0pIbusAOiet5bZAaZ47ZL_iyTv-NzTclzp1KER1BrzcdSt56wEkjnnk_2jeFTQNJkUaAL-r/s640/Wilding+Wall+Bed.jpg"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">the wood color is a little dark but I really like the design here:</font></p> <p><a href="http://creativedecorbybrooke.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-is-murphy-bed-ill-show-you.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDgX8pRrhHkaNWDvCPizAqZBkLLJMLdANk59G-KQCLm0sSUKw6skMXHWPlYzkQe6Rn9Dw-DaUsPMfO_TgNOjkUCX9ihl6JD0DBZk6_aIjpfH5onO6rJtnZSfRuA7354QTUJVJ7QtBLXE/s400/100_1545.JPG" width="391" height="521"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">this one opens from the side:</font></p> <p><a href="http://diydelray.com/2011/11/14/reader-submission-diy-murphy-bed/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6344963894_ee9bb7715d_b.jpg" width="460" height="616"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">For the size of my room, I think a bed that opens from the top would be the best fit. The other important thing for me was to be able to use the queen size mattress that we already have. I believe our mattress will fit but I will definitely be measuring before I start! There are a few sites I am considering ordering a kit from, but <a href="http://www.wallbedsbywilding.com/murphy-frame.php">Wilding Wallbeds</a> seems to have the nicest construction. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The next part is convincing hubby to <strong>A-</strong>spend the money to get the frame and <strong>B-</strong>actually build the outside cabinet part. As he loves a good project, I think that part won't be too hard. But the spending part may be another story. I am okay with getting some very plain light wood as I am planning on painting it any way. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hubby will also ask what I want to do with all of that space. My brother actually answered that one. I was having dinner with Salsa Judy and my brother last week when I told them about my idea. My brother then said "You'll just move some rolling racks in there and set up shop!" Pretty close there, Mike. I know I would have something set up for shoes (the cubes I talked about in <a href="http://adventuresinmissyland.blogspot.com/2012/12/tis-seasonfor-shelves.html">this post</a>) and maybe something like this:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=69892&index=17&searchQuery=closets&searchType=photos&spaceId=8"><img src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/8b/cf/27/8bcf276a9934955c6b0d3561eda3bfea.jpg"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Of course my little room has no fireplace. But I could certainly put some nice racks up like that. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This is awesome:</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.jimmychoosonthetreadmill.com/2011/12/28/a-peek-into-my-closet/"><img src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/99/46/68/99466814328458603991140dfe96f404.jpg"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This looks do-able if the hubby were willing to help design. Doesn't look too complicated right? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So readers (if I even have any left), give me your tips, thoughts, and ideas on what I can do to make my dressing room dreams come true! </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-23082945812318108722013-02-13T16:04:00.001-05:002013-02-13T16:04:21.128-05:00Beauty Booty….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5981915648/hCD6BC85A/" width="358" height="480"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I was all set to write hope you had a great New Year’s when tomorrow is Valentine’s Day! FAIL by me. I’ll spare you the details for now and get to my Beauty Booty or some of my latest beauty faves:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1398858-main-hero.jpg" width="309" height="309"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-tattoo-foundation-P311138?skuId=1398858">Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation</a>—HUGE rave for this. I’ll be honest. Since I converted to minerals a few years back, I haven’t even looked at a liquid foundation. Nada. You couldn’t even tempt me. Until I had some skin issues. *cough*hormones*cough* This stuff was being raved about on a few blogs and message boards and I wanted to try it but I was scared. Skerrd of silicones. The last time I tried a ‘make your skin perfect’ foundation (from Revlon), I had zits all over my forehead from the silicone and of course this was right before DH and I went to the beach for a nice vacation. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Anyways—since then I haven’t dipped a toe into that water again. Until now. I was doing some Christmas shopping late one night and stopped at Sephora for a small gift and it was empty. I asked someone there about it and she offered to put it on me. Why not? It would be a good way to A-find the shade for my pale self and B-see how it looked. The girl there said she usually hated foundations like this but LOVED this Kat Von D foundation. I admit—my skin looked great. I bought it and winced a little at the price ($36). However, you only need a teeny bit of this as a little goes a LONG way. I put a little pump on the back of my hand and apply with my <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/146/285/Products/Brushes/Face/190-Foundation-Brush/index.tmpl">MAC 190 brush</a>. It really covers redness well and stays on all day. I only get a little oily breakthrough on my nose late in the afternoon. And NO breakouts from this!!! So impressed with this stuff. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/02/14024597.jpg" width="291" height="291"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-kashuk-tools-synthetic-flat-top-kabuki-brush/-/A-14024597#prodSlot=medium_1_23">Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Kabuki</a>—another rave! Even though I just raved for the Kat Von D liquid above, I’m still very loyal to my minerals. And to me, the best way to apply minerals is with a kabuki brush. The old one I had had seen better days. I just happened to be at Target (where of course I browse for everything else when I’m really supposed to be buying kitty litter) when I saw this brush on clearance for $12. Even though it’s technically labeled for creams I prefer it for my powder minerals. I tried it for the first time last week and it applies minerals beautifully. It’s also kitten soft and did not shed at all. WIN! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.allergan.com/assets/images/US/products/aczone.jpg" width="241" height="321"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.aczone.com/">Aczone gel</a>—in love with this stuff. First—it’s prescription, so please consult your doctor before you go and decide you want this stuff. I have been seeing a great new derm for my skin woes. Last time I was there, she recommended the Aczone. I had never heard of it (and I’ve heard of ‘em all) but was willing to give this a shot. I went home and googled it—only to find out it has been used to treat leprosy!!!! So of course now we call this the leprosy cream at my house. What it does wonderfully is help to clear up moderate acne and reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. I have only been using this for a few weeks but have seen big improvement in the redness lessening. When I wake up in the morning, my nose and cheeks are usually red (I have rosacea). However, the first morning after using Aczone, there was no redness. I could not believe it! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">One minor caveat—this stuff ain’t cheap! My insurance didn’t cover it but Aczone does provide a coupon where you can get a 30 day supply for $25 (with insurance). I was able to do this without any issues at my local pharmacy. Just click <a href="http://www.aczone.com/default.aspx#">here</a> and look to the right to download and print your coupon. I also was given one from my derm.</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Would love to know some of your skin secrets---what products do you love the most and what has worked best for you? </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-19781148552290514802013-02-13T14:13:00.001-05:002013-02-13T14:13:54.827-05:00Be right back…..<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m still alive!!! My extended break got a little longer with some life events thrown in…..I’ll be back soon with some posts! Thank you for reading! </font></p> <p><img src="http://kara.allthingsd.com/files/2009/12/lolcat4-full.jpg"></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-23907391649037302712012-12-13T15:57:00.001-05:002012-12-13T15:57:00.568-05:00‘Tis the Season…..for shelves?<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/11/28/-4CUtpQi7U2lunHMKC4NhA2.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Holidays to you all! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The past few weeks of work have been a train wreck of non-stop work and prep for a project and today is the first day in weeks that I have some spare time to blog. </font></p> <p><img src="https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/12/7/vLxFlcPuS0O99x8xag2bGQ2.jpg" width="420" height="280"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m feeling a bit bah humbug, like I can’t really get into the Xmas spirit this year. This will be our first Christmas without my grandma and while I think everyone will do their best, it just won’t be the same. But we’ll make the best of it, and it’s hard not to have fund at Christmas when you have little kids running around! I can really enjoy the opening of the gifts through my niece and nephews’ eyes. Now that there are 2 almost 2 years old, they will really get to enjoy the whole shebang this year. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">DH has been asking me for over a month what I want for Christmas. And to be honest I have no idea what to tell him. I wish I could tell him to buy me some motivation to get to the gym. Since <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/L-A-Fitness-Southside-Works/183429415073135?ref=ts&fref=ts">LA Fitness</a> changed most of their Zumba classes to after 7pm, I don’t have a real cardio class that I enjoy any more. I’m one of those people who need to hit the gym on the way home from work. Once I’m home I’m done for the night. I do not feel like going out again for an 8pm Zumba class. So I’m trying to figure out if I should cancel my membership for another place that has lots of classes and do weights at home or continue at the gym and find another cardio class to take? What do you think? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So anyway---back to his question with a real answer. I honestly don’t know what to ask for! I have all the clothes I could ever need (and then some) and I’m not a jewelry person by nature. When he asked me last night about what I wanted I said “Shelves!” and I got a weird look! But if you recall from <a href="http://adventuresinmissyland.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-can-haz-more-space.html">this post</a>, I was bemoaning my need for a better way for me to store my shoes and such. I won’t lie—my boudoir is a complete rat’s nest. So here’s what I found for possbilities, which I will send to DH:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_163236-76182-78644_4294687719__?productId=3277003&Ntt=closetmaid&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dclosetmaid&facetInfo=">This organizer from Lowe’s</a>—I figure I can get 2 of these and use for storage for shoes and get them out of the bottom of my closet in boxes. I can put my TV and other little knick knacky things on top or a small lamp? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/075381/075381786447lg.jpg" width="348" height="348"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Then I saw <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/shelfOrganizers?productId=10008147&N=71921">this one</a> on Container Store’s website. It looks nice, but not as tall and sturdy as the one from Lowe’s. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://images.containerstore.com/catalogimages/130536/12PairShoeOrganizer_l.jpg" width="334" height="334"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Once I tackle the shoe part, I would like to tackle the mess where all my sweaters and folded items are. When she moved, Salsa Judy gave me a nice armoire from IKEA that was in my brother’s room. It’s great for sweaters and stuff like that but there is no way to keep them all stacked nicely. So I found some options:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/sedona-beige-shelf-divider/-/A-13743070#prodSlot=medium_1_5">This shelf divider from Target</a>. Looks nice enough and no assembly required! </font></p> <p><img src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/74/13743070.jpg" width="334" height="334"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I also like <a href="http://marketplace.diynetwork.com/Product.aspx?Lid=2204-81522">these from Plow and Hearth</a>. But I’m not sure they would fit the deep shelves in my armoire? </font></p> <p><img src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/80300e.jpg" width="342" height="376"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So my next step was to search Pinterest for shelf dividers and I hit the mother load! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">From <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274691/spring-cleaning-closets-and-drawers/@center/277002/spring-cleaning">Martha Stewart</a>:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/images/content/pub/ms_living/2006Q3/msl_aug06_org_dividers_vert.jpg" width="298" height="372"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">You use shelf brackets upside down to make shelf dividers!!! Genius! And if that doesn’t cut it, then I can have DH make me some from some old wood we have.</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I guess organizational products aren’t the most romantic gift out there, but it is something I actually NEED and DH will be happy I’m making an effort to become more organized. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The other stuff I’m considering is mostly fitness related:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://razzyroo.com/index.html">Razzy Roo</a> headbands. <a href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/2012/12/30-gifts-ideas-for-30-or-less-for-the-fitness-fanatic/">A Foodie Stays Fit</a> had these on her blog and I knew I had to have them. Now that my hair is a bit shorter I do not want it hanging in my face !</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://razzyroo.com/sitebuilder/images/ziggy_raspberry-255x305.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.shop.puma.com/Fitness-Workout-Bag/pna069142,en_US,pd.html&cgid=14120#!srule%3DUniversal_Rule_Sale_Bottom%26i%3D17%26color%3D04%26sz%3D30%26start%3D30%26size%3DUS_OSFA">This gym bag from Puma</a>—LOVE the color! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://is.puma.com/pna/pisa2?fn=/06/0691/069142/069142_04/069142_04.jpg&bg=255,255,255&w=393&h=430"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Tomorrow I will have few more gift ideas but I have to get going. Tonite DH and I are going to <a href="http://www.bigburrito.com/kaya/events/friedchicken.shtml">Kaya</a> for belated anniversary dinner. Their fried chicken is to die for and it’s only on Thursday nights! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a great evening! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-91877025309806739932012-11-26T14:32:00.001-05:002012-11-30T13:56:44.097-05:00Hexy Side table with Annie Sloan Provence<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2011/2/27/83e248fc-8a09-4857-8f54-49c803ab06f6.jpg" width="346" height="392"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Did everyone have a great Turkey Day (those in the US)? I have to just say that everyone who was at the Thanksgiving dinner I attended can cook and bake! Every dish was so yummy! I’m glad the leftovers stayed at someone else’s house though. All of those desserts would have been too much for me to handle. But I was able to spend some time with family and friends, which is far more important to me than the food! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://bestfurniturepaint.com/images/015658c277b202666bb3eeebb9e35db5.jpg" width="539" height="402"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m finally getting to post my 2nd try with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, this time using Provence. As you saw in <a href="http://adventuresinmissyland.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-can-haz-new-project.html">this post</a>, I found a cute little side table at Goodwill that I picked up for $5 to put in my boudoir (aka clothes tornado/spare room). I also ordered the <a href="http://shop.bestfurniturepaint.com/Annie-Sloan-Soft-Wax_c3.htm">Annie Sloan Soft Wax</a> to finish my piece too. This was my first time using this and I still have a bit to learn about waxing! Here’s a few pics of the piece before: </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WGESXRzTszA/ULPDkDyMZzI/AAAAAAAAAZM/BouE_FuWbtA/s1600-h/SDC10412%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10412" border="0" alt="SDC10412" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tj0lnyuu2Kw/ULPDkjuLWsI/AAAAAAAAAZU/o8u3m0U-ALc/SDC10412_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="281"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zgLZqpdD3rY/ULPDlDpt96I/AAAAAAAAAZc/a99_ei8nZLU/s1600-h/SDC10413%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10413" border="0" alt="SDC10413" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e27PwXaI2Uk/ULPDlqJs8DI/AAAAAAAAAZk/2aZ_bf8soBM/SDC10413_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="282"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The wood was a bit dark for my taste but I was hoping it would show through when I hit with it a few coats of paint. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Here is the Annie Sloan Provence (taken in natural light, no flash), which I got at <a href="http://shop.bestfurniturepaint.com/main.sc">Best Furniture Paint</a>. I was torn between this shade and Greek Blue, but I am so glad I chose Provence! When I use this paint, I pour a little bit into a big old plastic cup and then mix with 1/3 cup of water (estimated). After mixing, I test out the consistency for what I like. I tend to like a thinner version of this---I feel like it goes on better and dries faster. But that’s just me---you’ll have to test out for yourself! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n27mF0Rib7w/ULPDmvsImRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/A6Zt65RsoJ0/s1600-h/SDC10415%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10415" border="0" alt="SDC10415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8mL99hd8pXs/ULPDmyP2BmI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/EZ3SLfwSZg8/SDC10415_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="292"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_kiLkSdex9o/ULPDnnh_zdI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/g8_aD7zpATE/s1600-h/SDC10416%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10416" border="0" alt="SDC10416" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PWZIFz7wzzs/ULPDoaIg4sI/AAAAAAAAAaE/8TqUH8vpJjw/SDC10416_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="293"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Here it is after coat #1. I just used a synthetic paint brush that I ordered from Best Furniture paint. You can find it <a href="http://shop.bestfurniturepaint.com/2-Inch-Furniture-Paint-Brush-170.htm">here</a>. I realize my painting technique is far from perfect but I’m still a newb! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZuvMcl-7rE4/ULPDorZhWDI/AAAAAAAAAaM/7ahqpDDbjyg/s1600-h/SDC10418%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10418" border="0" alt="SDC10418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6MPNuyYSDJ0/ULPDpiVeacI/AAAAAAAAAaU/ka5WEOZRvLE/SDC10418_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="354"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6VlmKvvQcLs/ULPDqFpe7II/AAAAAAAAAac/Tush5xyC45s/s1600-h/SDC10419%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10419" border="0" alt="SDC10419" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Vo80zi-ABo/ULPDqaZH5VI/AAAAAAAAAak/voA9_4_HF6A/SDC10419_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The late, great Fat Cat sunning himself while I painted. Still miss him so much.</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SIzaeuz9IDo/ULPDrB06qeI/AAAAAAAAAas/aIpZjoHQTbc/s1600-h/SDC10417%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10417" border="0" alt="SDC10417" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1NAlIZcfi0s/ULPDr7ztXTI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Oyhg8IwRYlQ/SDC10417_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="342"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The table after the 2nd coat. See how much better it looks with a second coat on? This was taken not long after it was painted. I love that this dries so fast. I was able to get a quick snack in while this dried! The second pic shows the piece almost completely dry and gives you some sunlight for contrasts. You can also see some of the marks where the wax is drying. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZk1IsWgOCA/ULPDsc5n9yI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Rsa498Jon34/s1600-h/SDC10421%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10421" border="0" alt="SDC10421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RFtBA2fh7sY/ULPDs7X625I/AAAAAAAAAbE/GGGtZ1UbJHo/SDC10421_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="427"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PzerQr3mi-4/ULPDtQfWruI/AAAAAAAAAbM/3uqfGwI2IBM/s1600-h/SDC10423%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10423" border="0" alt="SDC10423" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VGi6a6X-0k8/ULPDuGJsf8I/AAAAAAAAAbU/yjTTe_J5Xz4/SDC10423_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="316"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xr_lbolz3XM/ULPDum8o_SI/AAAAAAAAAbc/aIzs6OB_QKU/s1600-h/SDC10422%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10422" border="0" alt="SDC10422" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZezgCEcmSvE/ULPDvSXrvnI/AAAAAAAAAbk/04m99nrjrXA/SDC10422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="372"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Top View:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T5JDUc0k1qQ/ULPDwf34nCI/AAAAAAAAAbs/oNMCHBx5hZU/s1600-h/SDC10424%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10424" border="0" alt="SDC10424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mRrbHtmRlbI/ULPDwh_vcTI/AAAAAAAAAb0/e3W8m6x_4C0/SDC10424_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="332"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vf6eDH9M-ec/ULPDxSlCNgI/AAAAAAAAAb8/_qRiuoOAIrM/s1600-h/SDC10425%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SDC10425" border="0" alt="SDC10425" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pYv5022NG_M/ULPDxw7J9MI/AAAAAAAAAcE/v90sTR98nYA/SDC10425_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="395"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The only pics I didn’t take were actual fully finished ones!!! I apologize for that but I wanted to get this post up rather than keep delaying it as a few people were nice enough to ask how it all went. I didn’t really sand at all, I liked the finish just the way it was. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Overall, I’m quite happy with how it turned out. I have more then enough paint left over to also cover another piece in the boudoir and that is one great thing about the Chalk Paint—it really goes a long way. I barely used 1/3 of the quart that I bought and would definitely have enough to cover the large armoire that I’m considering for my next project. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The only part that vexed me was the waxing. I am sure I didn’t use enough of the wax because I barely had to buff any off. That’s something I think I’d have to watch on You Tube or attend a class in my area to really get a good idea of how to do it properly. The Annie Sloan wax WAS much softer and easy to work with though—I would recommend this over any hard wax. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hopefully I can get a pic of the finished table tonite before <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/index?cid=abc_ss1_dwts">Dancing with the Stars</a> starts. Yes—I fully admit to being a dancing nerd. I’d LOVE to be able to learn with a pro. I was so sad to see Giles go but it’s anyone’s game now! All of the ladies are really talented and bring something different to the table. I’d love to see Melissa win just because Tony has always gotten stuck with horrible partners—remember Kate from Kate plus 8? EW! </font><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I will get of my DWTS soapbox now! ;)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">If you painters out there have any advice with the AS wax, please comment away and let me know. I could use your expertise! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">My butt is also going back to the gym today too. I wasn’t too bad over the long weekend (my brother and I even took a walk after dinner on Thursday) but I need to get back into my routine! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a great Monday! </font></p>
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-13466784596380815662012-11-20T13:45:00.001-05:002012-11-20T13:45:15.901-05:00Shopping Your Closet<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/3/29/129143709523714052.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I made a post on Facebook last week that I needed to shop my closet. My friend Carla reminded me that I said this before and she was right---I’ve said it more than once. So now I am making a more concerted effort to ‘shop my closet’. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Last night during <a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/index?cid=abc_ss1_dwts">Dancing with the Stars</a>, in between the numerous commercials (it’s really the only show I watch live besides football), I was cleaning up the boudoir area (which never seems to stay clean--I think there are monsters who come out from under the bed and put more stuff all over the place) and decided to just run through my closet for ideas on what to wear tomorrow. </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2011/8/23/bf5da9b3-f686-467d-a562-08d4481d22a9.jpg" width="434" height="324"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">They saying is that you wear 20% of your clothing 80% of the time. I think that is somewhat true for me. I wear something to death for a while and then move onto the next ‘shiny’ new thing. Part of that is my ADD, where the clothes I can ‘see’ are what pops into my mind. That’s why my clothes are laying out all over the place. The other part of it is that I like new clothes! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So I decided to pull out something older and make a new outfit with it. The first thing I found was this skirt. This was a find from a thrifting trip with my BFF Sheg at the Salvation Army store. No idea of the brand but it fits perfect and I think I paid $3 for it. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YvUQOyu-Ftw/UKvPuKkVOaI/AAAAAAAAAWc/i8e5JGLrU4U/s1600-h/thriftskirt17.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thriftskirt" border="0" alt="thriftskirt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hICJKo7CHh4/UKvPuqXwTtI/AAAAAAAAAWk/3AMUVV7jYZw/thriftskirt_thumb15.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="344"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">From there I had to come up with a top. Like most women, black has a big role in my closet. I have black cardis, black sweaters, black tops and black jackets. But I was looking for a softer jacket and caught <a href="http://www.target.com/p/converse-one-star-women-s-outerwear-jacket-black/-/A-14118830#prodSlot=medium_1_22">this Converse gem</a> on clearance at Target:</font></p> <p><img src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/11/14118830_120912162243.jpg" width="374" height="374"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s showing as $19.59 online but I got it for less than $9 at the store! Score! It looks kind of weird in the pic but in real life, it’s a bit moto looking. Today I’m wearing it unzipped but don’t worry, no Bridget Jones-ing for me. Black tank underneath! ;) It’s the perfect little jacket for fall days when it’s 32 in the morning and 54 in the afternoon (like today!). So you’re warm but not sweating when you leave work in the afternoon. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The rest of the outfit was easy—black tights (which I have too many pairs to count) and these boots that I love but don’t remember to wear that often:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/536606_3590738781944_374656803_n.jpg" width="311" height="311"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I believe these are Jessica Simpson booties. I love them but they are rather high for work unless I know I’ll be pretty much lazy on my butt all day. Today is one of those days. Can anyone out there recommend a thin insole to give me some cushioning for ma feetz? I have some at home but they make the boots feel too tight. Would love some suggestions! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m embarrassed to tell you that I also found some newer things that I bought a over a month ago and 'put away’. So those will be going into the rotation also. My new goal for work outfits will now be to try and pull at least 2-3 older items a week to mix in with newer stuff. As Salsa Judy would say “If you actually cleaned everything up, you would know where everything is!”. Yes yes, I know. I have to accept I am just never going to be one of those people whose stuff is perfectly organized. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hope everyone plans to be with the ones they love on Turkey Day and enjoy. I will certainly enjoy my long weekend (taking tomorrow off too) but it probably will not involve shopping unless it’s at the grocery store. I cannot be bothered with Black Friday unless it’s online. I usually get up at 5am during the week, why would I want to get up earlier on a day off? Just sayin……</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">And here is what I am making for our Thanksgiving celebration. I did a practice run a few weeks ago for dinner at SJ’s and everyone gobbled it up and it was requested for Turkey day too. It’s called <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/pumpkin-dump-cake/">Pumpkin Dump Cake</a>:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/547030_3562527356676_1520850359_n.jpg" width="417" height="417"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"> and it is NOT Weight Watchers friendly at all. But sometimes you need to have a treat. I also plan on taking a walk after dinner anyways. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So do you ever shop your closet? Have you found any long lost gems you’ve forgotten you even had? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a wonderful Turkey Day! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-6256206426446603922012-11-14T15:50:00.001-05:002012-11-14T15:50:26.745-05:00on the quiet side….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2012/2/17/6b5f0a58-9d47-453c-bcff-9e33b582c01f.jpg" width="440" height="330"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">My apologies for my disappearing act. I posted about my new updated side table for my boudoir and then promptly disappeared! As Stephanie Tanner would say “How RUDE!” (Yes, I am a child of the 80’s so you are getting Full House quotes. Deal with it). </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/11/9/Ktvf3j1IjECdUyKzF_fPjw2.jpg" width="417" height="312"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Anyway, I won’t bore you with the details but lots of life and personal stuff going on. Work too. We also lost a family member a few weeks ago:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6W2Fn-0Tqj4/UKQEDqXZ7SI/AAAAAAAAAWA/-tmWsjWe_qs/s1600-h/FatCat%25255B23%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="FatCat" border="0" alt="FatCat" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WWJBrBMOrWQ/UKQEEFc855I/AAAAAAAAAWI/Tr_juyfwBkg/FatCat_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="398"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This is my beautiful Fat Cat. DH and I had him for almost 15 years and he passed away a few weeks ago. His real name was Connor, but our friend Randy christened him Fat Cat and the name stuck. He was a big boy, weighing in at 22 pounds at one point! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I know everyone says that their pets have a great personality, but Fat Cat really did. He converted non cat lovers into cat lovers. Salsa Judy was never what you would call a ‘cat person’. We were raised with dogs and I never had any kittehs until we got Fat Cat and Duncan. (Duncan is fine, btw.) SJ always thought cats were ‘sneaky’ and not that friendly. Fat Cat converted her in less than 24 hours. His personality was more big dog like—friendly and affectionate. He always greeted us at the door and wanted to snuggle. He was a lap cat, even though he didn’t fit in your lap! </font></p> <p><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306600_3532025554150_1626904292_n.jpg" width="320" height="320"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">He always made himself at home. SJ will never forget when he jumped up on the bar stool of her breakfast bar and put his head on the bar as if to say “Where’s my dinner?” She didn’t think he could jump that high, as fat as he was. Salsa Judy soon became grandma to my kitties and they stayed with her when we went out of town. She spoiled them rotten, giving them tuna and treats and Fat Cat slept in her bed. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This has been especially hard on DH as he never lost a pet before, as his parents wouldn’t allow any when he was growing up. We don’t have any kids, so Fat Cat and Duncan were like our little furkids. We got them the first year we were married and it’s still hard to believe he is gone. I won’t get too detailed but his health had declined in the past 6 months very quickly. Our vet’s office was amazing through everything as well. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It feels so weird at home without him. We have a chair downstairs in our game room that is Fat’s Chair. Meaning, no one else was in that chair except him. When we had company over, I warned them that it was his chair and he would come and try to claim it. Usually, he would give the person sitting there a look and then climb on up next to them and just hunker down and wait to be petted. I haven’t had to heart to put his toys away on the chair. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/523622_3031345877471_576884730_n.jpg" width="426" height="426"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Duncan hasn’t really figured out what is going on yet, which my vet said is normal. He will look for Fat (we got them at the same time and they are roughly the same age) but that’s about it. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">People have asked me if we will get another cat and right now the answer is no. I don’t think DH will be ready for a long time and Duncan is almost 15 so I’m not sure I want to bring a kitten into the house right now. We’ll play it by ear. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I don’t want this post to be too sad. I miss my Fat Cat but he had a very long, wonderful life and brought love and laughter into ours. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">In memory of Fat Cat, I will encourage you to think about adopting a senior pet as November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. There are many older animals who would love a forever home! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://consciouscat.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/senior-cats1.jpg" width="409" height="245"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for reading. I feel better putting some of this in a post. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I promise to get a few more posts in soon as well! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-55791834039720210222012-09-27T15:41:00.001-04:002012-09-27T15:41:01.964-04:00A bit of an update….and some faves<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/3/30/129144525423089858.jpg" width="452" height="338"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">First I want to thank to all of you who sent me message on Facebook, email, etc. about my grandma. She truly was a special lady and will be missed by many. It’s still hard to believe she’s not here any more. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/7/8/2p2_-y-66keW3KnI6FmHZw2.jpg" width="306" height="386"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So here’s a bit of an update. (I just love that pic above---too funny). You know I painted my little side table, right? From <a href="http://adventuresinmissyland.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-can-haz-new-project.html">this post</a>. I went with the Annie Sloan Provence and it turned out great. I don’t want to show pics until it’s all done, but you can get a sneak peak on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/vampygirl13/">my Instagram</a>. I will confess, it’s still sitting in our master bedroom, where I painted it. I wanted to get the right pulls for it before I moved it anywhere. And of course I need to clean up the area where it will be going (still working on that one). So see below for what I got:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bONYcC-hciA/UGSrysMKu_I/AAAAAAAAAVc/-cVySWgU-3Y/s1600-h/drawerpulls%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFmXqg71rtk/UGSrzFuAaqI/AAAAAAAAAVk/BuzbYcoCrkI/drawerpulls_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="298"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I checked Home Depot and Lowes for pulls but you know where I ended up—<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a>! I wanted something really different and unique and I knew Anthro would have what I wanted. Normally I would never allow myself to spend that much on drawer pulls, but seeing as I only needed 2 I was okay with it. My friend Sheg and I met for lunch and shopping and she helped me hunt up what I was looking for. So much to choose from, but I am happy with the ones I took home. If you are scouting them out, they are called <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-hardware/22146484.jsp">Deco Block Knobs</a> on the site. I was even smart enough to remember to bring the screw of the old hardware so I could make sure they would fit properly. Yay for me. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Now for some faves. I’m always looking at ideas and inspiration for life, from home to wardrobe. Here are some recent finds:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Fave Pin lately:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/44402746297459782_1UZGx9Q7_c.jpg" width="485" height="339"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Fave food lately: </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/archer-farms-organic-blue-corn-with-flax-seed-restauant-style-tortilla-chips-14-oz/-/A-13137641">Archer Farms Organic Blue Corn Chips with Flaxseed</a>. I’m so a chips and salsa girl lately. And these chips are extra crunchy and they’re blue, my favorite color. They’re also organic and the flax seed gives them a bit more healthy-ness added in. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/13/13137641.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Fave hair I am liking lately:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This is Kate Lanphear who is the style editor of Elle. No offense to Miley, but she had this look down way before you decided to cut your locks. I would LOVE to cut and color my hair this way but DH would freak at how short it is. Plus the upkeep of that color is not that fun (I’ve had it this color before). So for now I’ll just keep thinking about it until I get the itch to cut my hair again. </font></p> <p><img src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/44402746297337374_4zACESau_c.jpg" width="291" height="436"><img src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/214132157252235515_dysrQMfw_c.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Fave blogs:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://fitnessista.com/">Fitnessista</a> always makes me feel motivated and smiley when I read her posts. Seriously, if you’ve never visited her site---go! Whether you’re into fitness or not, she’s worth a read and always has good info. I love reading her posts about her little girl, her travels and her fitness forays. She’s positive and inspiring. *gush over* </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/">A Little Slice of Special</a> is another cutie. She’s from MN, (where I used to live) and blogs about clothes, shopping, geek stuff (her word), music and beauty. I love her style and reading about her adventures. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/">Elements of Style</a>—I just wish I had an ounce of Erin’s style and ability to put a home together so beautifully. Seriously—she’s a pro. <br></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Fave purchase lately: </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.thelimited.com/womens-clothing/jacket-blazer,default,sc.html?navid=left">this jacket</a> from the Limited. They had a big sale and I felt like this oxblood blazer said fall to me. I can see it being worn with many different items from my closet! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aajr_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-ltd-Site/Sites-limited-catalog/default/v1348749232262/images/xlarge/2825728_591_1.jpg" width="310" height="404"></p></font> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for reading and I’ll be back soon with a full write-up of my new little table—all put together!!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-2536740454159777862012-09-06T13:54:00.001-04:002012-09-06T13:54:12.038-04:00I’m not lost….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/8/21/128953723730418702.jpg" width="376" height="310"></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I apologize for my long absence from the blog. During the end of August I am usually busy helping to prepare for a Board Meeting at work. Which means, lots of time spent on PowerPoint slides, spreadsheets,and proofreading. That and multiple changes from people of course. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">But on Friday my life really was thrown for a loop when my beloved grandmother passed away. She had had a massive stroke on Monday and died peacefully with everyone there on Friday night. I was honored to give her eulogy and will miss her so much. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I will get back to blogging soon as I want to show you the results of my painted night stand for which I used <a href="http://shop.bestfurniturepaint.com/Provence-Annie-Sloan-Chalk-Paint-125.htm">Annie Sloan Provence Chalk Paint</a>. Once things settle down here a bit I’ll update my blog. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for reading. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Below is a is a pic of my grandparents on their wedding day, July 3rd, 1948. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-743ODSnW8vU/UEjjQb5r7VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/pZSiGAJmEQ0/s1600-h/grandmapapwedding%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="grandmapapwedding" border="0" alt="grandmapapwedding" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xcuFZJwM8e4/UEjjQlvW-gI/AAAAAAAAAVE/hrTlvsgGlQ8/grandmapapwedding_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="733"></a></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-76942604577439674822012-07-24T16:31:00.001-04:002012-07-24T16:31:36.695-04:00I can haz new project!<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/8/31/7b6b74c8-dfb1-4c9e-af37-a0f95f146a05.gif" width="434" height="325"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m baaaaaaack….and I have a new project! I’m one of those people where I need a book to read, something to shop for, or a new project to work on. I’m fine just vegging and watching some TV, but my brain needs lots of ‘shiny!’ to keep it going. If I’m without something to ‘get into’ as DH calls it, I get restless or in bit of a funk. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">But now I have a new project! *clap clap clap* On Sunday, my BFF Sheg and I had a nice day of shopping on our own. First, we hit <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Home Goods</a>. Two just opened here and I hadn’t made it to either of them yet. I had been dying to check this store out, but the timing never really worked. I was so happy she wanted to go and even happier that I would have someone with me who would want to ‘look at everything in the store’. This is how DH says I shop and I say so what?---I like to look at it all!!! At Home Goods, I saw and immediately fell in love with a great grey basket as soon as we walked into the store. I didn’t get a pic, but I will post one later today. It’s perfect for storing extra magazines and has a cute fleur-de-lis tile in the middle. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://citycoupondeals.com/cimages/orlando/deals-50-100-worth-summer-party-food-catering-menu-moes-southwest-grill-valid-2-locations.jpg" width="338" height="225"></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3">We also hit up Kirklands (huge sale!) and then were ready for a late lunch at <a href="http://www.moes.com/">Moe’s</a>. Mmmmm, I used to hit up Moe’s once a week when there was one near my work. Now it’s maybe every 2 months! Although I did just order Moe’s catering for work and everyone raved about it! I wish they would open up a Moe’s closer to me.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After lunch, we hit up Goodwill as Sheg said this particular Goodwill had some great finds, including some brand new stuff from Target with their tags still on! The first place I always check out at thrift stores is the furniture section. I’ve been looking for a new table or nightstand to replace the flimsy little table that I have been using. Something with storage so I can throw some junk into it. So we push the cart around when I spy this:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--07qZ9Lfn4s/UA8GJdEUcUI/AAAAAAAAAUg/MYGOm09je78/s1600-h/new%252520nightstand%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="new nightstand" border="0" alt="new nightstand" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iFfiLPACitA/UA8GJwQzfuI/AAAAAAAAAUo/95Jt9Tc4i4w/new%252520nightstand_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="424"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Exactly what I am looking for! It was differently shaped piece and had storage. The best part? It was $5.99! I actually didn’t believe it was that cheap and went to ask an employee there. She confirmed and I asked her to put a SOLD sigh on it while we shopped a bit more. I ended up with some books, a brand new from Target springform pan (I think DH accidentally threw mine away), and a cute gingham button down. The only thing we were concerned about was whether this table would fit in the backseat of my car. It did, with just an inch to spare! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So now that I’ve got it home, I need to decide how I want to redo it. I know it will involve paint but not sure what color. Right now I am leaning toward a turquoise-y color, one of my faves but not something DH would want in our bedroom. Since this little nightstand will be going into my boudoir/dressing room, I can paint her any color I want!!! Of course Pinterest has all kinds of ideas and here are some of the ones I like (click on pic to link to to source):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.faceliftfurniture.com/2012/04/peacock-blue-hexagon-end-table.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QICCXQHJ-Ze7EZw6AV6tjD2tpQB9xGoygU4mhx2upLtdL608e70QTE43Lxeerl8qGcZgjIWdEqMBajHOmamZERkndY5cMFtOh56MesQmiifZ5MCI9stomTDqFgpOHnNOSlo5BKer0Ak/s1600/hex-end-tble-carved-after01-fb.jpg" width="346" height="379"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/bedrooms/add-shabby-chic-touches-to-your-bedroom-design/pictures/index.html"><img src="http://hgtv.sndimg.com/HGTV/2010/02/15/RMS_AVintageGirl-turquoise-shabby-chic-side-table-with-flowers_s3x4_lg.jpg" width="394" height="525"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2012/02/n-is-for-nightstands.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPVnSXdXdEm7-9jO2fv3xH0SujywCQmM1amzccrlj7s2_lYue4hNtVzgaRHHQtuW3B1y7ckp7oPg9Visxl1i4Qa2muf2ch6xIA2sZjYxcxgDHyR3ofYBeszhM64cJlnX9bihvkTVfjIk/s400/IMG_1156.jpg" width="326" height="435"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.paintinmyhair.blogspot.com/2012/01/channel-your-inner-child.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPOcM9YSHchLASHQ2iy4x3kMTb7Ob8uNoenHK-sBKOPvbncnwQktsq4MaZkoJASd1PnencSgM6itphnK9bPco2StJl_po05TD6_xfaH-oGfGbBzri6p2dy1AZwRJJQX_42NQGC-Oz2psY/s640/DSC_0009-1.JPG" width="315" height="473"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I am pretty sure I am going with <a href="http://www.anniesloanunfolded.com/products/chalk-paint">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint</a>, but not sure to which shade yet. It will probably be Provence, which I will mix with a bit of Old White to get a lighter shade. Just have to get it ordered!!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">One of my fave bloggers, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie</a>, painted a table similar to the one I found. Except she did hers totally different but with an idea I would never have thought of! Click on the link to find out the little surprise! Here are some pics from her <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2012/04/lovely-chalkboard-top-table/">post</a>: (all pics from her <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">blog</a>)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_4391-682x1024.jpg" width="291" height="437"></font></font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_4434-1024x682.jpg" width="601" height="400"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Amazing! I hope my little table turns out as well as hers did! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Did you have any good finds this week? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-7775145412220620032012-07-11T15:33:00.001-04:002012-07-11T15:33:43.699-04:00Latest Favorites…..<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/7/5/wLQ0OWfQy0-0QwAKJljGVw2.jpg" width="444" height="329"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So my latest faves are all over the place…..but here they are! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/Images/Products/prdLarge_11773.jpg" width="318" height="339"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">First up is <a href="http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/ProductDetail.aspx?catID=753&prdID=11773">Pepperidge Farm Pumpernickel bread</a>. This stuff is so good! I know pumpernickel has never been that popular, but I guess it’s making a comeback due to the fact that it is very low on the glycemic scale. I’ve always loved pumpernickel, ever since I was a kid and we went to a German restaurant in Hilton Head on vacation. Our family must have eaten 8 baskets of that bread! Anyway, I was looking for some new kind of bread to make my usual sandwich for work with. I was eating a whole wheat but was sick of it. I spotted this at Walmart and was excited. Loaded up my Weight Watchers scan app and it came up at 2 points a slice! AND—no high fructose corn syrup! SCORE! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4906242361_9ddc374ac3.jpg" width="432" height="324"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Another foodie find—<a href="http://www.cheesehouse.com/havarti-cheese-with-dill.aspx">Havarti with Dill cheese</a>. I was at one of our local farmers markets last year when our cheese guy had this and let me try a slice. OMGyummmmy. So delicious with a hint of dill for a great flavor. He gets his from the Amish in Ohio but my link above will take you to a site that you can order from directly. This goes great with my pumpernickel bread and some buffalo chicken breast from the deli. All of those flavors make for an amazing sandwich that will keep you full after lunch. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296565953_zpe3nE1W_c.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.express.com/ruffle-front-elastic-waist-dress-46616-683/control/page/9/show/3/index.pro">This dress</a> from Express. I had first mentioned in <a href="http://adventuresinmissyland.blogspot.com/2012/05/general-random-ness.html">this post</a>, and then I went and got it when I had a GC and a coupon to use. I wasn’t sure how it would look on me or how short it would be. Luckily I was shopping with my BFF Sheg (waves!) and I knew she would be honest if it looked like crap. When I put it on, I thought it looked great. Even the sleeveless, which I normally hate. She agreed and thought it was really flattering too. The trick for my shape (which is hourglass), is to have a defined waist. I just slip a cardi over it and it’s the perfect work dress. The colors are so pretty and vibrant—you cannot be sad cat in this dress! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296734174_DEOJD9Fj_f.jpg" width="357" height="357"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/lclaurenconrad/apparel/jacketsandblazers/PRD~1081192/LC+Lauren+Conrad+Floral+Chiffon+Jacket.jsp">This jacket from LC Lauren Conrad from Kohl's</a>. Doesn’t look that cute from the pic, but I took a chance and ordered. I thought the colors were great and it had a soft drape. I find this line to be all over the place with sizing. Some of the dresses I tries on were really short and some of the tops were too big. I ordered a medium and hoped for the best. Well it fit perfectly. I can see myself wearing this with jeans and a white tank with some cool jewelry on the weekend or for a casual day at work with a pencil skirt. And of course it was on sale! I guess I’ve been gravitating more towards florals lately with these purchases. Probably my love of vintage. </font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 522px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a1b66ab4-a66c-480f-83e1-c3a1707c54b3" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="fef768d2-24fb-4d0f-a04a-0c5a57fa65fa" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef201LbbAPE" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o2tJDYL9xrQ/T_3VFXEZCnI/AAAAAAAAAUU/1zqKWlSF4wI/video7d1e26a36e92%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('fef768d2-24fb-4d0f-a04a-0c5a57fa65fa'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"522\" height=\"293\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Ef201LbbAPE?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Ef201LbbAPE?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"522\" height=\"293\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:522px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Wind by Zac Brown Band</div></div> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Wind by Zac Brown Band. I heard this song when I was driving home a few weeks ago and used Shazam to find out what it was. I have a passing fancy for country music but anything that is bluegrass tinged and I’m there! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">That’s it for now---I’ll be back later with an real update on my Ancestry.com finding. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Wednesday! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-33764640608197473482012-07-09T15:45:00.001-04:002012-07-09T15:45:23.060-04:00I can haz more space?<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/12/19/4ae5f08a-d2d3-451e-9335-e28538871648.jpg" width="443" height="319"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>If you are reading this now, I appreciate it!</strong> I took a little vacation from my blog for a while and now I’m back. I could lie and say I was exploring the world or say I was doing some sort of wonderful charitable act, but you otherwise. The truth is my birthday was towards the end of June and before that DH & I went to Lancaster (home of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Dutch">Pennsylvania Dutch</a>) for a weekend of Celtic music. Then work crept up on me and before I knew it, it was the 4th of July!!! I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the date at work this morning, realizing how long it had been since I blogged!!! </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://modcatlove.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/birthday-lolcat.jpg" width="406" height="254"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So after all of the birthday fun (and it was fun thanks to my DH and family and friends!) I took a few days off after Independence Day. Thursday I relaxed and worked on ancestry.com stuff and then hit our city’s main library branch for some genealogical research that ancestry.com simply didn’t have, like local newspapers from 100 years ago. (More on that in an upcoming post!). Friday was another relaxing day. I had a long overdue visit with my grandparents and showed my grandfather the information I had gathered on his mother’s family. Then I visited my aunt and my mom’s BFF (they live next door) and we all played a few very heated games of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_10">Phase 10.</a> No real plans, just taking the days as they come. </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4746081234649945&id=2406e1f89e8798c2aeac063d874b7cf4" width="437" height="442"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Well I came crashing to reality on Saturday. I am a champion procrastinator when I don’t want to do something even though I know I should. There is always something ‘more important’ and this drives DH crazy. My little boudoir (or dressing room/spare room) looked like a Hoarders episode and I am not kidding at all. I would have taken a pic but even I am too embarrassed to show you. But I did buckle down and spend a good chunk of time clearing out the mess. Most of it was just stuff that needed to be put away and organized. That is one habit I would like to change. When I get home from work/gym, I just throw everything in a corner ‘for later’. Then it just builds up. DH says “If you just put away when you come home, you won’t have that pile.” Easier said than done for me, buddy. But I am learning to recognize what a waste of time it is to do a big cleanup vs. a small one each day. </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/11/23/05c34686-6d10-4d02-86a8-2ff343dd72d0.jpg" width="379" height="423"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">With that in mind, I am on the hunt for a new way to organize closet items. Right now I just have all of my shoes stacked in boxes at the bottom of my closet. Sounds great, right? Not for this ADD girl. I have a real need to ‘see’ everything and have always used visual cues to help remind me. Basically, if it’s put away, I don’t ‘see’ it and then don’t think about it. So while some of the shoes were put away, the ones I wore all the time were all over the floor and just made a big mess. I needed a way to ‘see’ the shoes but still have them organized out of the way. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VSkj_qh1xDU/T_s00AG7DPI/AAAAAAAAAUA/dSgVJ2mdSbo/s1600-h/orgpin%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="orgpin" border="0" alt="orgpin" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3KgbqTf5UMc/T_s00ZaleNI/AAAAAAAAAUI/Xdwa98rez04/orgpin_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="312"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Enter <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>! Seriously---this site is my go-to for everything lately. I had seen some good ideas on blogs but most of these people had more space than me. So how could see my stuff but also make it look neater? This was the image that jumped out at me the most (source is linked on the pic):</font></p> <p><a href="http://ariannabelle.com/blog/2011/03/shoes-organized.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5459814974_97d4f3f670_z.jpg" width="563" height="573"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Doesn’t that look great? The shoes are organized and you can see them but they are put away. It’s like a pretty shoe display!! So I set out on a search for these types of cubes and found <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_163236-76182-78644_0__?productId=3277003&Ntt=organization+cubes&pl=1&currentURL=&facetInfo=#">this one from Lowe’s</a>:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296833246_NVrNcGzb_c.jpg" width="346" height="346"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I figure I can order 2 of them and put the shoes that I wearing the most often (based on season) into the cubes so I would always be able to see them and put them away quickly. I can use the top of the cubes to put my little TV and lamp on there and a few photos and such. Maybe even a few more pairs of shoes? Either way, I know that if I use this type of visual organization it will stick with me better and I won’t want to throw it all into a big pile ‘for later’. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I also think that if I move the shoes to the cubes I will free up some space on the bottom so I can maybe hang a 2nd rack to free up space. Not sure if that will work with the height of the closet, but I am going to try at least. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for reading! Please pass on your closet/shoe organizing tips! I need all the help I can get. Check out my dream shoe closet:</font></p> <p><a href="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/287245282453371454_gcVWEXXZ_f.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/287245282453371454_gcVWEXXZ_f.jpg"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I will be back tomorrow with an update on my family history findings! Let’s just say ancestry.com rules! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a wonderful Monday and stay cool! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-59809364112053098662012-06-14T16:13:00.001-04:002012-06-14T16:13:14.303-04:00summer berries…mmmmmmm<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2009/5/9/128863295582543941.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">You know summer is truly underway when summer berries are out! I just love berries—eaten plain right off of the vine or in pies and scones! I always think of them as nature’s sweet treats. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fXkh-qRJAbU/T9pF1ynfiYI/AAAAAAAAATU/2c01YYqz9hI/s1600-h/summerberries%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="summerberries" border="0" alt="summerberries" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X5OeqQUeeYE/T9pF2Xq6MEI/AAAAAAAAATc/dzTDPPTRm0o/summerberries_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="412"></a></font><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">From my instagram @vampygirl13</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">As I’ve said before, DH is the green thumb in our home (except for roses, which I seem to grow very well!). He has a nice garden that gives us great stuff, except for when the groundhog seems to think it’s HIS garden. Ugh. Anyway, his raspberries bushes have started to produce mounds of gorgeous berries. So many that we have taken to freezing them! I have started taking them to work with me as a great afternoon snack (see above). They are so sweet and yummy and help to keep you full for a good while. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">With all of these berries coming up, I was in need of some new recipes to utilize them in a new way. Enter <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha Stewart</a>. The day after DH’s berries started arriving by the huge bowlful, Martha’s new issue of Living showed up and guess what was on the cover? Martha’s favorite berry recipes! Kismet! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_m/ecl/images/content/pub/ms_living/2012/current-cover-msl-0612_vert.jpg" width="255" height="318"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I flipped right through to the berries section and found some great recipes. You can also get a whole bunch more recipes by clicking <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274895/60-berry-desserts/@center/276964/60-days-summer">HERE</a> where you will find all kinds of great berry recipes. Here are some of the ones I pinned and bookmarked for my use: (pics are from Martha Stewart’s site and there is a link to each one)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/06_june/in_house_cmyk/berries/raspberry-cobbler-mld107637_vert.jpg" width="310" height="388"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/901687/raspberry-cobbler?center=276964&gallery=274895&slide=901687">Raspberry Cobbler</a>—this one would be great for a crowd. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/images/content/pub/everyday_food/2010Q2/med105536_0510_tart_slice_vert.jpg" width="317" height="396"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/336223/chocolate-raspberry-tart?center=276964&gallery=274895&slide=195578">Chocolate Raspberry Tart</a>—I haven’t attempted to make a tart yet but it can’t be too much harder than pie right? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/martha_stewart_show/show_photos/3151_3200/3151_072408_blackberrycobbl_xl.jpg" width="317" height="396"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/333853/memes-blackberry-cobbler?czone=holiday/sixty-days-of-summer/recipes-ideas&center=276964&gallery=274895&slide=255742">Meme’s Blackberry Cobbler</a>—I love that this is made and served in a cast iron skillet!</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I also did some searching on <a href="www.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a> and found: (links to original sources/pics)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5584994557_9e8f9ac4ca_z.jpg" width="437" height="312"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/2011/04/raspberry-lemonade-bars.html">Raspberry Lemon bars</a>—YUM! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/194358540138782484_htBYQukT_f.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://annies-eats.com/2007/07/10/raspberry-chocolate-scones/">Raspberry Chocolate Scones</a>--I’ve made regular raspberry scones, but not any with chocolate yet! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/65/70/657030.jpg" width="300" height="300"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/raspberry-sorbet-or-granita/detail.aspx">Raspberry Sorbet</a>—I’ve made this before and I have a version printed out at home (VERY old recipe) that has wine it. How can you go wrong with raspberries and wine? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/68/74/687499.jpg" width="298" height="298"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">And the one I am going to make for Father’s Day this Sunday---<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fluffy-raspberry-torte/detail.aspx">Raspberry Torte</a>. This looks sooo good and I cannot wait to try it out. I will take pics of course to let you know how it turned out. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The weather here has been so beautiful with no humidity. I have a feeling that will end soon and just in time for Father’s Day! Since my dad died before I was born, I always make a point to celebrate with my grandfather and will be going to a brunch for himself and all of the other dads in our family. It’s so hard to buy a gift for him, so I usually just bake chocolate chip cookies with walnuts since he likes them so much. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend and be on the lookout for pics of the torte! I will post something, even if it turned out terrible! </font></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-33024546795331239812012-06-04T15:23:00.001-04:002012-06-04T15:23:22.274-04:00This weekend was cookin….<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/2/12/129104553821016366.jpg" width="479" height="358"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Monday shows up again so quickly doesn’t it? The weekends seem to just fly by! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I got to make 2 great recipes this weekend that I want to share with you! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V29j6-09DbE/T80LGtBFRNI/AAAAAAAAASs/Jcdc-XYdTVQ/s1600-h/raspberry%252520pie%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="raspberry pie" border="0" alt="raspberry pie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uKz9t1dF3wk/T80LHePwzfI/AAAAAAAAAS0/tHLJojYE6N8/raspberry%252520pie_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="435"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The first is a much loved dessert in our home—raspberry pie. DH has been growing raspberries in his garden in this home for a few years, but this was the first year he really got a good amount for me to make some pie. He would rather have pie over any other dessert! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After picking all of the sweet raspberries, I had to measure to make sure I had enough for a pie. The <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/raspberry-pie-iii/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=raspberry%20pie%20iii&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">recipe I use</a> calls for 4 cups of raspberries. We had more than enough! :)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Though I have a link to the recipe, I am going to post it here as well. I found it at <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">All Recipes.com</a>, one of my all time fave places to find good things to make. I have used this site for over 10 years and have found some recipes I’ll be making forever! Below is the recipe taken from their site:</font></p> <h5><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><u>Raspberry Pie III</u> (from All Recipes.com)</font></h5> <h5><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Ingredients</font></h5> <ul> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (I normally make my own crust but used Michelina’s since I was short on time)</font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">4 cups raspberries </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 cup white sugar </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">2 1/2 tablespoons tapioca </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 tablespoon lemon juice </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/8 teaspoon salt </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">4 teaspoons butter </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 tablespoon half-and-half cream </font></li></ul> <h5><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Directions</font></h5> <ol> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Mix together the raspberries, sugar, tapioca, lemon juice, cinnamon and salt until raspberries are well covered. </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Pour into 9 or 10-inch pastry shell. Dot with butter, top with crust. </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Make slits in the top crust and brush with cream. Bake in a preheated 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) oven for 15 minutes, then at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 minutes. </font></li></ol> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Some notes on this. I definitely used 4 cups (and maybe a teeny bit more) of raspberries. The only thing I deviated from was that I used milk instead of cream to brush the top of my crust when baking. I normally do not have any cream in the house and was told by a pastry chef that milk was an acceptable substitute. The tapioca is important as it helps to thicken up your pie filling so it’s not too runny. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The only thing I did NOT like about my pie when it was finished was that the bottom layer of crust was slightly dough-y. I am guessing this is because I baked it on the convection baking setting in my oven rather then regular bake. This was the first time since we got this new oven that I have tried this and I was annoyed how it that turned out. I think I’ll either bake on regular bake or will read my oven manual on how to adjust. Normally, you just lessen the bake time when using the convection setting but maybe I missed something? Oh well. DH said the rest of the pie was fantastic and the top layer of crust was done perfectly!</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I posted the above pic on Facebook and people wanted to know about the bird in the middle It’s called a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_bird">pie bird</a> and is used to help release steam from the pie while baking. This prevents the pie from bubbling over. I got mine at Giant Eagle locally, but I’m sure you can pick these up anywhere! They have been used since the 16th century! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2009/2/2/128781042808139076.jpg" width="373" height="280"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The next recipe was a long lost but then magically found one. You know how you are reading a magazine and something looks good so you rip it out? I did this a few years ago with this recipe. Made it and DH and I both liked it. Then is disappeared in to the abyss of my stacks of paper. DH asked me about it and I thought I had found it but it was a different one. Lo and behold, a few months ago I was going through a bunch of papers in my room to throw out old stuff and I came across it! It’s from People magazine in 2010! Chicken Marbella, which Matt Lauer loves. DH said “I knew it was in that room somewhere!” Gee thanks. So I made it on Sunday. Now that I know the title of the recipe, I was able to find it at msnbc.com! Below is my original scan: </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ynCuHVU9rjs/T80LJqgE6TI/AAAAAAAAAS8/GRzztw7rdAg/s1600-h/mattlauerchicken%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mattlauerchicken" border="0" alt="mattlauerchicken" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r2levFBM7SQ/T80LJ6EShVI/AAAAAAAAATA/YF9KsukFSW8/mattlauerchicken_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="429"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Here is a link to a readable version: <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/9123738/ns/today-food/t/matt-lauers-favorite-recipe/">Matt Lauer’s Chicken Marbella</a>.</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Here is the entire recipe:</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Chicken Marbella (from People Magazine 2010)</font> <h6><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Ingredients</font></h6> <ul> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">4 chickens, 2 1/2 lbs. each, quartered </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/4 cup dried oregano </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup red wine vinegar </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup olive oil </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 cup pitted prunes </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">6 bay leaves </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 cup brown sugar </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 cup white wine </font> <li><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1/4 cup Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped </font></li></ul> <h6><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Preparation</font></h6> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1. In a large bowl combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">3. Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">4. Bake for 50 minutes to one hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">5. With a slotted spoon transfer chicken, prunes, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pass remaining juices in a sauceboat.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">6. To serve Chicken Marbella cold, cool to room temperature in cooking juices before transferring to a serving platter. If chicken has been covered and refrigerated, allow it to return to room temperature before serving. Spoon some of the reserved juice over chicken.</font> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The only thing I left out in this recipe were the prunes. I hate them and DH isn’t crazy about them. But you don’t really miss them or anything. I also used a 'pick of the chicken’ pack from our grocery store that was just under 4lbs. The pieces fit perfectly in my glass pan and turned out very tasty and juicy. And I did not marinate mine overnight, just a few hours. Still tasted very good. Don’t forget the sprinkling of brown sugar as it makes a tasty little crust on top. I baked my chicken for 60 minutes and it was perfect. Wish I had a pic of how mine turned out but DH put it right on his plate so I couldn’t take a pic! Here’ a pic from the Today show below:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/553000/553527.grid-6x2.jpg" width="427" height="320"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Doesn’t it look yummy? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">DH will happily take this to work for leftovers. You can also serve the chicken cold as well but I prefer it hot. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Do you have any long lost recipes or randomly found recipes that became a part of your go-to dishes? If so, I’d love to hear them and how you found them! Whenever I see a good one, I rip it out, Pin it or print it so I have it to try out. I used to have folder and folders of paper until I got some binders and organized them a bit. Now I only have one folder of looser paper around. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Random note—I am FINALLY going back to the gym today. I was supposed to go last week on Thursday and Friday but I was working late and then had to shop with DH for a TV (that he wants to put outside). No excuses today for me! I am going to take it slow and work my way back up but I am still going no matter what! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a wonderful start to your week! I’ll be back later to show you some of my finds! </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-47167260008352940392012-05-29T16:56:00.001-04:002012-05-29T16:56:24.919-04:00General Random-ness….<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2011/7/1/7829987b-2f2e-4d0f-94c4-a3c5af9d9914.jpg" width="389" height="425"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! DH and I had quite the relaxing weekend. Well he did after he came home when he was called in to do an emergency liver transplant (he’s a surgical nurse) on Friday. So he was at work from 6:45-5:15 and then had to go back at 9:30PM! How do they expect someone to function on that little sleep? Just doesn’t seem right to me! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So now for some stream-of-consciousness a la James Joyce……</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Anyhow—I was quiet as could be Saturday morning while DH slept and we hit a cookout where we tried out our <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php?proid=drink">adult slushies</a> from Davis & Davis. They were delicious and a hit! </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5e/50ShadesofGreyCoverArt.jpg/220px-50ShadesofGreyCoverArt.jpg" width="249" height="375"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Sunday we did nothing but veg around the house and it was heavenly. It was too hot to really do anything outside anyway. I am reading the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345803485">50 shades trilogy</a> and am on book 3 now. To be honest, I was expecting a bit more but these are a good fun read. The writing leaves a lot to be desired (especially if you have read Anne Rice’s Beauty series) but E.L. James does capture the chemistry between the 2 main characters well. I feel for Ana in the book because I’ve been a young 21 year old and know what it’s like to have emotions coming at you from every angle. I also like the character of Christian too. He actually evolves through out each book and there are many layers to Mr. Fifty Shades. I was actually more interested in his story more than anything! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/64950419596104145_8m2L6c09_b.jpg" width="253" height="253"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I thought this meme was hilarious! I just didn’t find the book that smutty to be honest. It was a bit explicit but nothing you can’t read about anywhere in Cosmo. It’s the content that must freak people out. Bottom line-don’t read this expecting high brow fiction. Read it for fun and then draw your own conclusions. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">As of today I am officially cleared to go back to the gym! My doctor said my toe should be fine during workouts! Yay! It’s still a little bruised and my toe nail is black (see below) but I am happy to get back to working out. Being lazy actually helped to get me motivated! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://distilleryimage11.instagram.com/20906378a9c311e1b2fe1231380205bf_6.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Now I just have to figure out what exactly I want to do in the gym. I did the Jamie Eason program and could start that from scratch but I’ll be honest, I’m kind of bored with it. If you have any suggestions for a routine (because that’s what I do best with), please let me know! I’ll still keep working on Zumba and spinning but I need something for weights. I’ll be browsing around tonite on the web for a good program that keeps me going for a few months. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">How come when you have money to spend you don’t really want anything but when you shouldn’t be spending you want to buy everything?? I recently got an Express gift card and there’s really nothing that jumps out at me right now. I am sure I can save it for fall or a great sale later in the summer, but it’s burning a hole in my wallet right now. Although <a href="http://www.express.com/ruffle-front-elastic-waist-dress-46616-709/control/show/3/index.pro#">this dress</a> is surely cute for summer! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296565953_zpe3nE1W_c.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">And this top would look cute with colored jeans or skirt or just about anything! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296565981_sOkYjLzM_c.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">But considering the amount of clothing I already have (and I can hear DH saying it in my head as we speak LOL), I will wait to see what goes on sale later in the summer. I’m sure I can find some new fall clothes to covet with no problems! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Stay cool and before I go I will show you my yellow rose bush. This pic was taken on Thursday evening and now the bush has 28 roses blooming on it! </font></p> <p><img src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/d8f8385ca75a11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" width="581" height="581"></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-25777567903775303502012-05-21T13:34:00.001-04:002012-05-21T13:34:58.653-04:00Karma loves me<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/3/30/breakdancekitte128513970115625000.jpg" width="409" height="260"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Gotta love karma. I had posted below about heels and wedges and how much I love heels and how I hate flat shoes. Karma pays me back. On Thursday at the gym I was putting weight onto a rack to do reverse squats and the weight (45 lbs.) slipped right out of my hand and onto my toes. Remember when Lucy was grossed out when she had ‘dog germs’ from Snoopy? That is how I ran around the gym in a circle when I dropped that weight. I’m sure I looked crazy but it hurt sooo bad! </font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:24610ee8-6439-4868-9fc2-0d6ab99ecb47" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="61b37221-ca11-41c1-a24b-e0a9e0a81849" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj-0OxmPiK0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oMo9JJevRYc/T7p8srMsozI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ZVgEz1ydszM/video562647c97b78%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('61b37221-ca11-41c1-a24b-e0a9e0a81849'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"498\" height=\"280\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Qj-0OxmPiK0?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Qj-0OxmPiK0?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"498\" height=\"280\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So stupid me thought I could stay at the gym and finish my light work out. Yeah right! I could barely walk once the swelling set in. I took of my shoe when I got home and it was not good. Swelling but no bruises—yet. I iced my toes and elevated them for the evening. The next morning when I got up, my toes looked like this:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IEEIfj7RkTE/T7p8tJquoGI/AAAAAAAAAR8/RBwaVmBC3i4/s1600-h/bruised%252520toes%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bruised toes" border="0" alt="bruised toes" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EK6SuboCH1g/T7p8tuidUhI/AAAAAAAAASE/kQ7QQo4vRjM/bruised%252520toes_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">EWWW. I wasn’t planning on seeing a doctor but a few people at work convinced me to go. Originally I had an appointment for next Thursday, but SJ called me and told me that was too late and could she call the podiatrist for me? I said sure and figured her ‘persistence’ wouldn’t hurt. She texted me that she got me in for Saturday at 8am. Wow—impressive Salsa Judy! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After an x-ray, the doc was rather impressed I only had a small fracture on the lower right corner of my first bone of my big toe (no idea the medically correct name). I received a beautiful surgical shoe to wear for at least a week to give my foot some support. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GB68tP52QRU/T7p8tzBCU7I/AAAAAAAAASM/DBNAR7sPOLo/s1600-h/surgical%252520shoe%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="surgical shoe" border="0" alt="surgical shoe" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZBx7S7Otmao/T7p8wDVtVaI/AAAAAAAAASU/wkLV8Mj6UcI/surgical%252520shoe_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="432"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Isn’t it lovely? But in the meantime, this means no heels! So after the appointment I had to hit Target for a pair of low-wedged sandals to wear to work. I cannot wear tennis shoes to work for a week---no way. I found a pair that will do but they are so NOT my style and too low of a heel. But they will do for now. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Lesson learned—Don’t mess with karma. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Luckily for me I am not in a huge amount of pain. I just walk slower. </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-47475926416422438862012-05-16T14:52:00.001-04:002012-05-16T14:52:31.201-04:00Shoes—I has dem!<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://files.myopera.com/clean/albums/430311/Shoes%20.jpg" width="468" height="350"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Recently, an interesting shoe discussion came up that got me thinking…..</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Last week, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Women-s-Xhilaration-Teresa-Espadrille-Wedge-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13852676">these shoes from Target</a> finally showed up at my door. </font></p> <p><img src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/85/13852672.jpg" width="356" height="356"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">They were backordered for some reason but since I got them on sale I didn’t mind waiting. Well that and Mother Nature was still deciding if she was cold or wanted hot flashes so I was content to wait. Anyway—I was so excited when they finally showed up as it is nearly impossible to find cute navy sandals. And wedges too, my favorite. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/92096b949b7211e1abd61231381b6d77_6.jpg" width="346" height="346"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Lately I’ve been in the habit of posting my Shoe of the Day (SOTD) on <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/vampygirl13/">my instagram</a> for the hell of it. And also cross-posting on Facebook. So the day I posted my new wedges, one of my friends said the shoes looked like ‘dominatrix shoes’. I literally LOL’d when I saw that. Really? Since when are navy wedges dom shoes? I liked these shoes so much (they are really comfortable!) I was eyeing them up in the grey version. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/85/13852661.jpg" width="351" height="351"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I wore them to work and got compliments. DH and I went to a little get-together the next evening and I wore them with the <a href="http://www.express.com/scoop-neck-ruched-knit-dress-43652-683/control/page/71/show/3/index.pro">dress below from Express</a> (this pattern is no longer available but link is to dress in other colors). A bit matchy-matchy but so what? (DH actually thought I bought the shoes specifically for the dress. Seriously?) </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295925505_r0Mx3VTV_f.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Said Facebook friend was at the party and when I saw him I made a point to raise my foot and say “See? I wore my dominatrix shoes just for you!”. Later on a discussion ensued about them. One guy christened them ‘Dominatrix at the Beach’ shoes. And now that is what I call them too. Then Facebook friend tried to say they were black and lost 2-1 to the other guys (including DH—thanks!) that they were navy. Then they said it was the fact that they were patent leather made them think dominatrix. This led me to believe that men know nothing about shoes! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">But it also got me thinking about shoes and heels. I am very rarely out of heels ever. I only wear flats to work out (tennis shoes) or will wear flat boots (riding boots only). I also wear flats to work do and from the office from my little parking lot in town. And at home I am barefoot. Otherwise all of my shoes have a decently high heel of 3 inches or more. I’m short (5’3”) and I feel that heels make my legs look better but make my look over all better. I’m especially attracted to wedges—they are more supportive and more comfortable! People often comment on my shoes. Salsa Judy always asks “How do you walk in those?”. Meanwhile, she certainly wears high heels. I think wedges just scare her a bit. People at work have said ‘be careful’ to me a few times too. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Then I got to thinking about heels at work. I have seen some really super hooker looking heels on people. I will do a high heel or wedge shoe and boots, but I cross the line at shoes that look too ‘club like’. I like them a lot but not for work. Hopefully no one feels that my shoes are like that! I am thinking I’m safe based on the compliments I have received from my boss. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I think so many of the flats that I’ve been seeing are adorable but just not a trend that works for me. I’ve tried them on numerous times and each time I look in the mirror with disappointment. Flat shoes make me look dumpy and short. I see them on other girls at the office they look so cute in them but I just hate them on me! I guess I’m all or nothing. Give me heels or give me bare feet! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Since it’s warmer (and staying that way finally!) I’ve been accruing some great wedges. Luckily for me I have been using gift cards to supplement most of these purchases:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.endless.com/dp/B004ZDCCW2/188-7506152-3593543?ie=UTF8&creative=395033&suppressRedirect=1&linkCode=asn&tag=dealtend-22456-20&creativeASIN=B004ZDCCW2&ref_=asc_df_B004ZDCCW21865227">BCBG Animal Print sandals</a>—I found these very early in the spring for a steal at Macys. They are so versatile and can be worn with so much! They are also very easy on the feet despite the height. Gotta love the platforms! </font></p> <p><img src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/pim/49/6f/496f9f2a69597a874fac738a479aa5b2.jpg" width="240" height="208"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/lclaurenconrad/shoes/PRD~968972/LC+Lauren+Conrad+PeepToe+Wedges.jsp">LC Lauren Conrad Wedges from Kohls</a>. I fell in love with these when I saw them on the site. The style is a bit of a throwback to the 1940’s, one of my fave decades of fashion. Extremely comfortable! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/968972?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1" width="249" height="249"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">BCBG wedge—wish I could find a link to these but I got them at TJ Maxx and could not find a good link them them. Love the height on these and they worth with pants and skirts. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/a6b5f65e985511e19e4a12313813ffc0_6.jpg" width="276" height="276"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Harajuku Lovers sandals. These are a few years old but I was taken in by how cute they were and at the time I could find no other navy sandals. I would consider these more ‘non-work’ shoes now. </font></p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5UxZNX__WfjQBr4Jly0RVUD6Q1AvZSkKk4GjLuoHQFfVzdxGlyRL1srVwnsh3rYyPs4h429x941mwLPVUs-R75I-zf9RgF-siy6S1qU5SpNxJzCRjwDUOq2OCal9vRP9dlp7_CaT7x8/s320/harajukuloversleahsandal.png" width="235" height="289"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.heels.com/womens-shoes/josephine-black.html?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliate&utm_source=aff_id&atrack=cj">Jessica Simpson Josephine</a>. I know, I know. You are thinking these are too high and funky. But they are so much fun. I will admit these are really high even for me! I don’t do a lot of walking around in these. </font></p> <p><img src="http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/a4/7/AAAADJa_DHsAAAAAAKR9Hw.jpg?v=1263007397000" width="282" height="282"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">And now some shoes that fall into my Coveting category:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.shopplasticland.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P20113910&Category_Code=Shoes">Helix Heeled Sandals.</a> I actually do not own a pair of yellow shoes but these would certainly work for me! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.shopplasticland.com/store/products/C/P20113910.jpg" width="332" height="449"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/jessica-simpson-shoes-papaya-platform-sandals?ID=641019&CategoryID=55750&swatchColor=Navy%20Stripe#">Jessica Simpson Papaya</a>. Stripes + Heels = happy me. </font></p> <p><img src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296494034_bvffSlSP_c.jpg" width="303" height="371"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/steve-madden-womens-shoes-winonna-wedge-sandals?ID=641155&CategoryID=55765&LinkType=#">Steve Madden Winonna Wedge</a>. Great colors to wear with everything! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296494082_CC6x9QKK_c.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So what are your favorite go-to shoes in the summer? How do you feel about heels? Do you love them sky high or just a bit of a heel? </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hope to be back later this week with pics of the first bloom of all of my roses! Enjoy your Wednesday! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-41019041777640587602012-05-11T15:15:00.001-04:002012-05-11T15:15:25.554-04:00I can haz makeup part 2—eye stuff<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuMQVfLgFnoo2TkUe1_s2k4qBahcmTLMLUAEvlDrqIlGOopS2uyA" width="426" height="319"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Friday! I cannot believe it is already the 2nd week in May and it’s over! At least the weather is cooperating a little now. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I thought I would give you more makeup faves, this time concentrating on the eyes. They are my favorite feature to play up and I always like to have fun with them! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.makeupstore.com.ua/image/cache/data/880-800x800.jpg" width="407" height="407"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After I have put on my minerals, the first thing I must do is prime my lids with <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2229939&productId=xlsImpprod3330137&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=8urbandecayprimerpotions&categoryId=cat40006">Urban Decay Primer Potion</a>. I cannot remember who recommended this to me but it makes my eye makeup wear like iron. No creasing or fading at all! This is one of my holy grail products. You simply squeeze a teeny bit out and rub it onto lids and let it set for a few seconds. At Christmas time, I got a HUGE tube of this at <a href="www.ulta.com">Ulta.</a> It’s lasted me well over a year. The only complaint is that it is getting harder to squeeze out of the tube. But it’s a HUGE improvement from previous packaging, which I know many users complained about. You will NOT be disappointed if you try this! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/spp/M1J906.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The second thing I use is <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/344/Paints/index.tmpl">MAC Paints</a>. Now they are only making neutral Paints and also have introduce Paint Pots since then but I still have my old ones and my silver one (forget the actual name) is lovely. The consistency is very light and you use very little to cover your lid with a base color. I swear I’ve had my little silver tube for well over 5 years! I will be so sad when I use the last of it. It brightens up and gives depth to any eye color you are using. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.beach-and-rainforest.com/image-files/02-mac-eye-shadows.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Shadows. OMG, where to start. When I first got into makeup I was obsessed with MAC everything. I had to have every new shadow that came out, I would read tons of blogs devoted to MAC and I seemed to know the collections that were coming out before the artists did. I told you I was a geek when I got into something. That being said, MAC is still my go to for <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/363/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl">eye shadows</a>. I seriously have so many I don’t think I will run in out in a very long time. I love all of the color and they really give a great color payoff. My all time fave ever quad from MAC is Perverted Pearl, which was limited edition. I still use it! See below for pic:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://img.makeupalley.com/hwthumb.asp?f=1_9_8_3_1820527.JPG&amp;amp;w=200&amp;amp;h=200" width="337" height="256"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">As for shades, I can give you a few of my favorites that are still in the collection:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Forgery (silver):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/swatches/168x168/M250AH.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Silver ring (muted grey):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/swatches/168x168/M55K05.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Bitter (a funky green that looks great with blue eyes)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/swatches/168x168/M25007.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Aquadisiac (beautiful turquoise that looks great layered or by itself)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/swatches/168x168/M250CA.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Vex (a beige with pink/green pearly highlight) </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/swatches/168x168/M2503E.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">There are so many colors that I would love to show you but are no longer around! I think I’ll have to do another post on the colors that are discontinued! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I know this is a no-no but I am one of those who like to somewhat match the shadows to their clothing. When I say somewhat I don’t mean exact but in the same family. For example, I will wear grey tones on my eyes if I am wearing black or gray clothing. But if I am wearing blue, I will do a neutral eye with brown liner and a pop of blue in the crease. And if I am wearing color I may go more funky and wear more color on the eyes. Again, nothing too wild for work, just subtle color. </font></p> <p><img src="http://d1535dk28ea235.cloudfront.net/preset_65/020108_bobbibrown_a_16.jpg" width="219" height="219"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmJnJSa4XqqVTL9cD6-Y7bNMbufCe87KTgb_UsHropzxXzvX79peuDwbM2l-18X104dDseqtJrtRfADh5kp8dSM4u8FZfbDO-MdGR2qc-y5ya4B1_5760qoxTcLzTLVhUMt2OEZRROXn6/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" width="292" height="219"> <img src="http://www.glamourandmakeup.com/content/images/thumbs/0000425_maybelline_eye_studio_lasting_drama_gel_eyeliner_.jpeg" width="244" height="216"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After my shadow, I get out my liner. Currently, my liner of choice is a gel liner. I prefer <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/898/Fluidline/index.tmpl">MAC Fluidline</a>, <a href="http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2328/7785/Makeup/Eyes/Eyeliners/Long-Wear-Gel-Eyeliner/index.tmpl">Bobbi Brown Gel liner</a>, or <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/products/9/eyes/eye-liner/eye-studio-lasting-drama-gel-eyeliner/blackest-black/950?shadeId=54">Maybelline Lasting Drama</a>. They are all very similar in my opinion, but if pressed for a favorite I would pick the Bobbi Brown. I like the consistency best. I prefer gel liner because I am a mess with pencils and liquid but I like a precise line. The gel is the easiest way to get that. I use my trusty <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/145/360/210-Precise-Eye-Liner-Brush/index.tmpl">MAC 210 brush</a> and slowly feather it on. On the bottom part if my eye, I will use a little pencil liner, usually a grey or black or sometimes none at all! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s741967-main-hero.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Next come lash primer. Now you might think lash primer is a waste of time. I’m here to tell you it’s worth it if you don’t have thick lashes like me. My lashes are long but not thick and this gives them soom oomph! The one I am using now is by Sephora and they no longer make it. But I have the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lash-building-primer-P122866?skuId=741967">Clinique Lash Primer</a> (above) waiting in the wings. I’ve heard good things about this! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.covergirl.com/images/common/product/cg_lashperfection_mascara/cg_lashperfection_mascara_1.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">After I let that dry (usually go and iron my clothes for work while it dries), it’s time for mascara. Mascara is such a discussed topic. Everyone seems to have one they like and swear by but not everyone seems to love the same one. I have tried SO MANY, I can’t even keep count. I have been suckered in by new claims but I think I have found the one I am sticking with. I used to use and adore Max Factor Volume Couture mascara. It was the first one with the plastic brush nubby things. It gave me the greatest lashes ever. When they discontinued it, I went on Amazon and bought 4 tubes. When that was gone, I started a new hunt and read that the <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/lashperfectionmascara">Cover Girl Lash Perfection</a> was very similar to the MF. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s close!!! I have strayed once from this mascara and went right back to it. It gives long full lashes with no clumps! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://labellease.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Megan-Fox-Eyebrows.jpg" width="251" height="275"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The last thing I do after all of that is to fill in my brows a little bit. I use a MAC shadow called Omega and a stiff angled brush to just put a little definition into the area. It really does make a difference in your face and anchors your look. Look at Megan Fox’s brows above. Those are great on her and the perfect arch! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I could talk about makeup all day long and stuff I love, but that would be a VERY long post. So thanks for reading this far! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">And I figured I would show you my outfit today. EEK—I hate pics of myself and I really hate this one. My legs look short and wide. I swear my outfit doesn’t look this weird in person. I got a lot of compliments today! I took it in the bathroom at work LOL. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NobtvK6_wbU/T61lS7nuldI/AAAAAAAAARc/Cx4KSzmajmM/s1600-h/greenpaantz%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X26SpoWV7gA/T61lTJOOZCI/AAAAAAAAARk/28-jZaog_S0/greenpaantz_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="400"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The weather here in the ‘burgh is going to be beautiful this weekend! Can’t wait to enjoy it! Have a great weekend!!! </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-56039891130898373792012-05-04T15:51:00.001-04:002012-05-04T15:51:22.628-04:00Friday finds….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/4/25/ihasafriday128536052975792678.jpg" width="479" height="359"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Friday!!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Did this week seem really long to anyone? The normally frantic pace at work has slowed a bit and I’m just getting used to it. I’m sure that won’t last too long though! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The weather here the past 2 days has been hot and humid. I finally turned the AC on this morning, even though DH complained. Too bad! Anything over 75 and I’m ready for the AC. I’d rather freeze and cover up with my Snuggie than to be hot. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Anyways, I thought I would share latest finds and items I am coveting:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.331233029.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98253158/mason-jar-organizer-with-jewelry-holder">Mason Jar Organizer with Jewelry Holder.</a> This adorable little piece comes from the lovely Liz Marie who write the <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/">Liz Marie Blog.</a> I stumbled onto her blog when searching about <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/paints.html">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint</a>. She has a great knack for putting things together, refinishing old furniture to give it new life. and I am in love with all of the colors she chooses! Plus, she’s a fellow lover of Mason jars like me. Liz Marie recently opened up her own Etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizMarieShop">Liz Marie Shop</a>. And this little beauty is calling to me. It would match my ‘boudoir’ perfectly and I could use the hooks to hang jewelry or belts. And I could put fresh flowers in the jars! She’s in the process of getting more items onto her Etsy site, so if you something you like and want it customized, contact her! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://theforgestyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-yarn-wrapped-painted-jars.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXfVg-JUKcWFW9tmFvCqfmVWMLDYN0H_gEw3bEIsRg_kftv6vMP-yiBlH35pckFqh-yynVGtDFhrVQjub9PMIy7DO5TmxU8-nUlcIHvNafzN9c9yqNqRzzf6gAbEq6MfTWqDjcnyp-j_S/s640/JarsCollage1.jpg"></a></font></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Speaking of Mason jars, I came across this pic (not mine, linked to site if you click on pic) on Pinterest and had to know more. Lo and behold this fellow blogger is also from Pittsburgh!!! Her name is Sophie and she writes <a href="http://theforgestyle.blogspot.com/">the Forge</a>, great blog about fashion, vintage, DIY, etc. The more I read her blog, the more I love her. So when I saw this post on how to make these jar lights, I had to pass her idea onto you guys. You can find the entire post <a href="http://theforgestyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-yarn-wrapped-painted-jars.html">here.</a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552982_358264097555092_253173404730829_996060_158741224_n.jpg" width="385" height="455"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Sometimes you just want something different, that no one else has. I always seem to be in the latter group. Which is why I love shopping for vintage and online. When doing a search or reading blogs for ideas, there are always sites and finds that you randomly come across and fall in love with. <a href="http://www.dungareedolly.com/index.html">Dungaree Dolly’s</a> is one of those sites. I honestly cannot remember where I first encountered her site. Maybe it was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LisaFreemontStreet?feature=watch">Lisa Freemont Street</a> and her You Tube page? Anyways—I went to the site and instantly fell in love with all of the adorable bags. This was at least 2 years ago and I STILL have not ordered one for myself! I think I am just going to email DH the site and tell him this is what I want for my birthday next month. The bag in the pic above is called the <a href="http://www.dungareedolly.com/DD_baroness.html">Baroness bag</a>. The best thing about these bags is that you pick the fabric it comes in! There are a ton of choices and it’s hard to choose one because they are all lovely. Every review I have read on these says how sturdy and well-made they are. I’m thinking of the bag above in this fabric below. What do you think? </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.dungareedolly.com/images/fabric/black_cherry_f1_DZ.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Her site also includes several other great bags, diaper bags, makeup bags, and even sunglass cases! I’m also eyeing the <a href="http://www.dungareedolly.com/DD_scarf.html">Rosie scarves</a>. Great to keep the hair back in the summer! </font></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media.godashboard.com/gypsyville/1featherNECKmulti.jpg" width="316" height="487"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I admit I’m a sucker for funky necklaces. I will scour vintage stores to find something unique and personal to me. I rarely wear bracelets (since I wear a watch on my left hand and need my right to use the mouse on my computer at work) so necklaces are my fave way to wear jewelry. This one above called the <a href="http://www.gypsyville.com/store/store.asp?nProductId=25878">Freebird Necklace</a> has everything I love: funky-ness, fun and feathers! Would be great under a jacket or just with a plain white T. I would wear it with everything. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’m sure you want to enjoy your Friday so I will keep it short and sweet (like me LOL!). I don’t plan on much for the weekend—maybe see the Avengers and going with my BFF to a new-to-me greenhouse to look around on Sunday. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Have a great weekend! </font></p> <p><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/128898337205477799.jpg"></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-34312074358557124182012-04-30T12:43:00.001-04:002012-04-30T12:43:32.827-04:00The rites of Spring….<p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://chzlolcats.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/funny-cat-pictures-ah-spwing-at-last-teh-sunshine-warmz-flowers-on-teh-shrubberies-gentul-breeze-teh-smell-ob-omg-bbq.jpg" width="455" height="302"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’ve got spring fever. Well, sort of. Well Mother Nature is still trying to decide if she wants to us to freeze or burn us, I’m trying to work around her schedule to get a few things done in our yard. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">My climbing roses arrived from <a href="http://www.gardenvines.com/shop/">Brushwood Nursery</a> on Friday! I ordered an Eden Climber and Joseph’s Coat from them. It was my first time ever ordering and I’m very pleased with their great service! It feels like forever since I ordered but it was actually only in February. They will ship based on your zone too, which turned out to be great until just until my roses arrived. Saturday’s high temp here was 46! Needless to say, I kept the roses inside until Sunday, when it was MUCH nicer. After DH and I got back from seeing a movie (The Raven, which was just okay) we set out on moving the clematis from the arbor (where it was being scorched from too much heat) to just below our deck where it could climb with no fear of being burned by metal from the arbor. Hopefully it will take to its new spot and grow nicely. Then I got to work planting my little roses. Here is my Eden Climber next to the arbor. You can see she’s just a baby, so I left the stake there to help her climb and get support. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pFDq1RUm1xo/T57BARbDTmI/AAAAAAAAAQw/IOPSjcq7Hpk/s1600-h/babyeden%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="babyeden" border="0" alt="babyeden" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tE-7JYrOdDQ/T57BAzXnprI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/0-HRijn4xgc/babyeden_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="496"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hopefully it will grow and look like this one day (click on pic for link to source):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.regannursery.com/_ccLib/image/gallery/DETA-167.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295695009_vxnKtISG_f.jpg" width="422" height="564"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I also had some help with the planting from Fat Cat:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7jhRZxDVK1o/T57BMQfpf3I/AAAAAAAAARI/te33zi4WusA/s1600-h/fatcatporch%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fatcatporch" border="0" alt="fatcatporch" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--yS1u26Dp7A/T57BMzHku2I/AAAAAAAAARQ/1cOIBjOPB-4/fatcatporch_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="425"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Duncan was of course being nebby in the yard so no pics of him. I have to constantly watch him or else he is sneaking in the neighbor’s yard! I also planted my Joseph’s Coat climber next to our front porch so that it can climb up the ugly metal support for the porch roof. Didn’t get a pic of that one, but here is a pic showing the beautiful color of the Joseph’s Coat. And watch out, they are thorny! (click on pic for source)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://amongsttheoaks.blogspot.com/2009/04/roses-new-year-and-josephs-coat.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295695087_w2hq2kwY_f.jpg" width="352" height="469"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Also planted some bulbs which our neighbor next door gave us a few years ago. I have no idea what they are called but they grow to have very pretty long red flowers. Wish I knew what they were! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The next things to do on my list are to get the deck ready. This year DH has decided that he wants to put a TV out on the deck! He said that he doesn’t like being cooped up inside when it’s nice out. I asked him how he plans to accomplish this and he has all kinds of ideas. Whether or not it’s feasible is another story. Like how he plans to move our DVR (and related cords etc.) outside. I’m totally fine with him doing it IF we are able to get everything working and be comfortable as well. I would also like a bit more privacy out there if all of his ideas come to fruition. Our deck looks out over a wooded hill but we are semi-close to our neighbors. I am looking at something like these from <a href="http://www.plowhearth.com/">Plow & Hearth</a> for privacy:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295732670_hgQEJi9b_f.jpg" width="425" height="467"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/about/51366benchtrellis_x.jpg" width="463" height="509"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Just have to find the right stuff to climb and thinking trumpet vine as they grow quickly and is a perennial I believe? I may have to go with the first planter as it moves and space is a consideration. The other thing is to get some annuals to put on my deck planters. Last year we had petunias, which were pretty but what I really want is some ivy geranium. They will cascade down my deck and look really pretty. Here’s a pic I found from Pinterest (click on pic for link to source):</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://loveliegreenie.tumblr.com/post/7763696310"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/52565520620831297_pyrBZWvv_f.jpg" width="427" height="570"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Love the bright color and I know these like sun, which our deck gets quite a bit of! I think sometime this week I’ll have to stop at our local place to see what they have in and what they can suggest. I still consider myself a novice with plants so I always ask the experts. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">One more thing before I go—I am on <a href="http://instagr.am/">Instagram</a> now! Feel free to follow my—my username is vampygirl13. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So what plans do you have for your yard this year or do you prefer indoor gardening? </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-75244082271694031932012-04-23T16:19:00.001-04:002012-04-23T16:19:46.252-04:00Latest Favorites….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/funny-pictures-cat-closet-clothes-hangers.jpg" width="440" height="330"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">So before I get to my latest faves, just a random observation. </font><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">What is up with our weather? On Friday it was 80 and I was wearing sandals and today it is 37 and I am wearing boots and tights. Make up your mind please, Mother Nature! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Okay….onto the actual subject! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.gap.com/webcontent/0004/905/298/cn4905298.jpg" width="325" height="433"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op898555&dv=1&pid=898555&cid=79586&vid=1&scid=898555032">Old Navy skirt</a>. I had posted on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/vampygirl13/">Pinterest</a> page a while back but hadn’t gotten around to getting it. But then I get an Old Navy coupon in my email for 20% off so I figure I should at least check it out right? After work on Friday I headed down to the <a href="http://www.waterfrontpgh.com/index.cfm">Waterfront</a> to check it out. I looked around and asked an employee, but she had no idea what I was talking about. Luckily, someone came up behind her and pointed me in the right direction. They only had one of these skirts left in a small. I tried it on and it fit fine. I liked the skirt so much I also got another one in black. I figure it will be a great basic item to wear when it’s really hot and I don’t feel like getting dressed up. Plus, I hate wearing shorts. I am just not built for them---I look better in a skirt. Since I was there I looked around for a bit and also picked up <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50186&vid=1&pid=898737&scid=898737062">this dress below</a> for dirt cheap. MUCH lower that what is showing online. </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www1.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0004/285/709/cn4285709.jpg" width="350" height="466"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">DH and I often go to local wine events. He’s definitely more into than me (I prefer whiskey!) but I enjoy going and tasting the wines. Plus, there always seem to be lots of vendors selling other things than wine. Such as the case a few weeks ago when we met the guys from <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php">Davis and Davis</a> gourmet foods. The first thing that caught my eye was the slushie machine they had going. It was filled with <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php?proid=drink">adult slushies</a> in the yummiest flavors! DH and I came home with 2 of them. They also carry <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php?proid=dippermix">dip mixes</a> and we took home 5 of those as well. What I like about these dips is that they are made with sour cream only, no mayo. So if you use lite sour cream, so much better for you! DH made <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php?gitemid=34">Spinach and Smoky Red Pepper</a> one last night to go with the fajitas I made for dinner. It was so good, I could NOT stop eating it. The smokiness really came through. We also picked up some <a href="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/index.php?proid=WineDipMix">Wine Dip</a>, which you can make with a bottle of wine. DH grabbed onto those really fast! Ken and Chuck were just the sweetest guys and their products show it. Check out their site if you get a chance. There is more than I have listed here and I am betting they are all delish. (FYI I am NOT affiliated or have been paid to say this. I just am a happy customer!). </font></p> <p><img style="display: inline" src="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/img/dipper_red_pepper_L.jpg" width="250" height="253"> <img src="http://www.davisanddavisonline.com/img/citrus%20dill.JPG" width="227" height="254"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Sometimes you kind of want a change, even a small one. I have been coloring my hair red for the past few years and was longing to be a blonde again. The only bad thing is that eventually my hair always turns out to get too damaged to keep it for too long. But that’s probably because I like being a really light blonde. No in-between for me!!! So when I was the salon on Thursday night, I let my stylist Vicki talk me into some very subtle goldish highlights. I didn’t want too streaky and she did a great job (see below for a pic). The best part is that on Saturday I met up with Salsa Judy and 3 people told me in front of her that they loved my hair color. This is a HUGE deal because SJ and my grandma constantly say I look better blonde. I made a point to each person to say ‘Thank you’ and gave SJ an ‘I told you so’ look. I felt vindicated! The pic below isn’t great (took with my phone) but you get the idea. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pegjlLhz6t8/T5W5U2C4zwI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/416hsBAIk4w/s1600-h/hairhighlights%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ldePGWHB5mU/T5W5YdDQjmI/AAAAAAAAAQY/c8iu9iJigkc/hairhighlights_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="342"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Is it weird that I am happy my legs are sore? I forced my butt to the gym on Saturday even though I procrastinated for a while. I did legs and went a bit heavier. They are still sore today, but in a good way. I know I worked the muscled hard. Today it will be arms and back at the gym. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/177258935303315989_GZPTe574_f.jpg" width="400" height="300"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/85849936616686984_jwIehkhQ_f.jpg"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Lastly, are <a href="http://www.thelimited.com/detail/cassidy-wide-leg-crop/6628549">these crops from the Limited</a>. I have been in need of summery pants for the office since last year. Cute cropped pants for the office are really hard to find. Fit is important and I have to make sure I don’t look like an Oompa Loompa with my short legs. I took a chance and ordered these online when they had a sale and I had a coupon so I got them for over half off. I tried them on and they are perfect! A little longer on me then the pic here but I am no model! And they look great with wedges for work. I will be wearing these a lot. I also got them in navy, which I was amazed to see they carried! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.thelimited.com/items/ltd/images/large/6628549_144.jpg" width="339" height="442"></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hope you are doing okay if you are having the wacky weather we’re getting here in the ‘burgh. It’s finally starting to clear up here and temp is now a balmy 40. My climbing roses are supposed to show up some time this week so I hope it warms up before then! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Do you have any finds to share? </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-59055429902423523962012-04-20T16:07:00.001-04:002012-04-20T16:07:18.371-04:00When I was little….<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/funny-pictures-weve-secretly-replaced-johns-cell-phone-with-an-orange-kitten-lets-see-if-anyone-notices.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I stole this from Carli who writes <a href="http://runningintoshape.com/">Running into Shape</a>, a great blog. She’s also a fellow WW and did the Couch to 5k. </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>1. My parents told me…</strong> Salsa Judy always said I could be whatever I wanted when I grew up. She also said “You’re not better than anyone else, so don’t act like it” and “You can drown in a teaspoon of water!”</font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>2. I wanted to grow up to be a…Solid Gold Dancer. </strong>Remember that show in the 80’s? I loved it and watched it every week! When I was really little, I thought it would be cool be a garbage man! </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>3. I refused to eat…</strong> mushrooms and brussel sprouts. Now I eat mushrooms but still hate brussel sprouts! </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>4. My favorite thing to do outside was… </strong>swim in our pool and ride bikes with my friends. I was so tan because I never got out of the water! </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>5. I broke my…</strong><strong> </strong>Never broke a bone. Hard to believe since I'm not the definition of grace. </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/5648_1053301267592_1677603203_108901_7267393_n.jpg" width="325" height="460"><br><strong>6. I liked to wear…</strong> this was the 80's, so lacey jackets and gloves, floppy hairbows. Also lots of plaid which I still love! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>7. My parents always… </strong>let us have fun and enjoy ourselves. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>8. I thought that Santa was…</strong> suspicious. Our old house didn't have a chimney and I questions Salsa Judy for 30 minutes about how he would get in since we didn't have a chimney! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>9. My favorite cartoon was…</strong> Smurfs and Muppet Babies</font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>10. I was the… </strong>the noisy, talkative girl. I know HUGE shock, right? </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>11. I got in trouble when…</strong> we were 'carrying on'. What does that mean? I guess getting rowdy. My mom or my aunt and uncle would yell and separate me and my cousins. Didn't last long though. </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>12. My bedroom was…</strong> had floral wallpaper, matching bedding and curtains from JC Penney. Also had posters all over the wall.</font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>13. My favorite food was…</strong>Ice cream and still is! </font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>14. My parents always made me…</strong>make my bed, clean my room and take out the trash. Salsa Judy got over the making the bed part. Even she doesn't make her bed every day any more. </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>15. My first crush was…</strong> Scott Hilligsberg, a boy in my first grade class. I got into trouble for chasing him around the playground to kiss him. We also had a mock wedding. LOL</font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>16. My favorite toy was…</strong> all of my 'dress up clothes' to pretend we were dancers. </font></font></font><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/7321_1097218205488_1677603203_199250_5336874_n.jpg" width="393" height="312"><br><strong>17. I thought school was…</strong> boring but great to socialize. </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>18. My biggest fear was… </strong>moving to a new school district. When my mom was pregnant with my brother we almost moved to another district and I was so afraid. But we stayed in the same area and I went to the same school. </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="3"><font color="#0c3e8f"><strong>19. My favorite story was…</strong> I was always reading books. Salsa Judy dreaded those Scholastic flyers coming home because she knew it would mean I would want more books. My fave series was the Baby-sitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins! </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong>20. My favorite memories…</strong>Most of my memories revolve around spending time with my family and friends. We always had cookouts at our house in the summer since we had a bid deck and a pool. The kids would have swimming contests and dancing. On my 10th birthday I had a sleepover. We got into the pool and it started thundering and lightning. Then the power went out. Our neighbor said she could hear us scream all the way down the street. It was still fun because Salsa Judy gave us flashlights and we told scary stories. </font> <p><font color="#0c3e8f"></font></p></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-34474635092467564222012-04-18T11:38:00.001-04:002012-04-18T11:38:52.099-04:00I can haz navy?<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/funny-pictures-ai-lubz-da-fishies.jpg" width="429" height="321"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">“You always feel perfect in Navy”</font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 529px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d448666b-5268-49e5-95da-62fa2ad281dd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="348bbe2c-4849-4873-87f9-a6fbaf85171c" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fypjiiYREbQ" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CV8sEtXhaWA/T47gCn9LeII/AAAAAAAAAQE/OIuLK_lnKT0/video2a4821dfa5c7%25255B92%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('348bbe2c-4849-4873-87f9-a6fbaf85171c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"529\" height=\"297\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fypjiiYREbQ?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fypjiiYREbQ?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"529\" height=\"297\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:529px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Navy Commercial 1990-91</div></div> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Do you remember that commercial from the early 90’s for Navy perfume from Cover Girl? Check it out above and see if you recognize Karen Duffy (aka Duff from MTV) in the commercial. I loved all the navy and white imagery and clothing (still do) but HATED the smell of this! I heard they may be bringing it back! Remember the ads in Seventeen magazine? </font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a193/ariosto/ebay%20ads%2014/glam13-bazaar92-9x11-B.jpg" width="299" height="379"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I realized that while navy is a huge color this season and every designer seems to be showing it, it never really went away for me. I’ve always been drawn almost any shade of blue (from walls to clothing to pedicures!) but for some reason people always tell me I look great in navy. Don’t tell DH that of course, he’s 100% Air Force all the way. Although their uniforms are a shade of navy right? ;)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Field">Patricia Field</a> (costume designer who also designed for Sex and the City) helped bring navy back when she put Blair in this dress <a href="www.bettiepageclothing.com">Bettie Page</a> dress. The original is longer but love it on her!</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjxdHuUZIzSCSLkfksgS8_KrsdVSrGNhFEFzqkOeEfgGQ8ivP691h_NFDKmXqF5IgcvyxMRM3iKfFbOtUfm-5qB8u_MDSLGUNttBfYczTtOTyMP5wUFpQ520GipQHvpkiIyprnc1LzAvY/s1600/Captain.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I’ve never stopped wearing navy, even when it was harder to find. I thought I would show you some navy love today! Some looks I love and one or two I put together. (Note: sources to pics are hyperlinked. Please click on the link to take you to the source!)</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69340685/pin-up-rockabilly-navy-marine-sailor?ref=sr_gallery_20&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=navy+sailor+dress&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadenavy+sailor+dress&ga_view_type=gallery"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.224229913.jpg" width="358" height="537"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">When I think of navy usually, I always go nautical and think of the lovely classic sailor dress. A long time fave of mine, I have tons of variations of it in my closet! </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.daddyos.com/retro/sep.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.daddyos.com/retro/img/staug2.jpg" width="489" height="355"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56227014/sailor-shirt-nautical-anchor-navy-t?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=navy+sailor+dress&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadenavy+sailor+dress&ga_view_type=gallery"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.174139648.jpg" width="394" height="417"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1050-admiral.aspx"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296333909_yU8CD5jV_f.jpg" width="312" height="520"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/hello-sailor-dress-pinup-couture.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache9.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296333644_mtUS7N0p_f.jpg" width="394" height="578"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.daddyos.com/retro/retroldy.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.daddyos.com/retro/img/staug1.jpg" width="328" height="617"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Red, white and blue always seem to go together! I really love this dress below and if you click on the link, the back is very pretty as well! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.babygirlboutique.com/striped-nautical-mini-dress.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296333806_MyyPcJCA_f.jpg" width="290" height="442"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Then you have just some great outfits with navy as the main color:</font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Karla of of <a href="http://www.karlascloset.com/">Karla’s Closet:</a></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.karlascloset.com/2012/04/navy-lady.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296294085_hn99qS82_f.jpg" width="402" height="603"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Jules of <a href="http://www.sincerelyjules.com/">Simply Jules:</a></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.sincerelyjules.com/2012/04/minty-lime.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296288295_1auEijMT_f.jpg" width="381" height="543"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">From the <a href="http://www.thebeautyfile.com/">Beauty File:</a></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.thebeautyfile.com/2012/03/spring-blips-summer-trips.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/262686590735348195_v16x72Rv_f.jpg" width="352" height="528"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Blair from <a href="http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/">atlantic-pacific</a>:</font></p> <p><a href="http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2012/03/blues.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296102647_yYTPsA2c_f.jpg" width="386" height="579"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Gwyneth: (I actually have a jacket really similar to this from <a href="http://www.express.com/striped-knit-blazer-46502-43/refine/Type/Jacket/control/show/3/index.pro">Express</a> and am going to try this look! )</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/58687601364163786_RwLFddd3_f.jpg" width="340" height="510"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/sunshop/dresses-1-1.html">Stop Staring</a> dress (love!!!)</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295983559_Epy5FHwO_f.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23393861&catId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&pushId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=144&color=049&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&templateType=subCategory">Anthropologie</a> top (sold out but I’m scouting Ebay):</font></p> <p><a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23393861_049_b?$product410x615$"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23393861_049_b?$product410x615$" width="336" height="504"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Skirt from <a href="http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/">Pretty Stuff’s Tumblr</a>:</font></p> <p><a href="http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/post/10804832907"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls9860JqxB1qfrtudo1_500.jpg" width="391" height="586"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=79586&vid=1&pid=898555&scid=898555032">Old Navy Skirt:</a></font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296181058_eZTcpHI1_f.jpg" width="329" height="436"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Let’s not even talk about how hard it was until recently to find navy shoes but I seem to have found a bunch!!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/rachel-rachel-roy-shoes-surayya-platform-wedge-sandals?ID=657263&CategoryID=17570&LinkType=&swatchColor=Blue#fn=SANDAL_TYPE%3DWedge%26SIZE%3D7.5%26sp%3D3%26spc%3D563%26ruleId%3D67%26slotId%3D">Rachel Rachel Roy wedges:</a></font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296333141_49D4F97M_f.jpg" width="364" height="445"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/Women-s-Xhilaration-Teresa-Espadrille-Wedge-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13852490">Target wedges</a> (I ordered these but they are backordered…grr):</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296024758_kS8zBxE9_f.jpg" width="349" height="349"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/nine-west-shoes-sharina-slingback-pumps?ID=643405&CategoryID=55761#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D91%26ruleId%3D52%26slotId%3D12">Nine West slingbacks:</a></font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache3.pinterest.com/upload/44402746295983397_1xUkPaqA_f.jpg" width="388" height="475"></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Here’s my stab at <a href="http://vampygirl13.polyvore.com/">Polyvore-ing</a> some navy stuff, using the same skirt for 2 different looks. I didn’t go too wild here; just put together something that would work any almost any workplace. I do so much better in person!!! But I’ll let you have a look! (Click on pics to go directly to see where to purchase)</font></p> <p><a href="http://vampygirl13.polyvore.com/navy_red/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3307642&id=47404539"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296339176_hI19CFUv_f.jpg" width="489" height="489"></a></p> <p><a href="http://vampygirl13.polyvore.com/navy_green/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3307642&id=47405214"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296339149_XGzedEZu_f.jpg" width="484" height="484"></a></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas for navy this spring and summer. I think it’s less harsh than black and can look good on everyone. </font></p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">What are your favorite navy pieces or do you not have any??</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0c3e8f" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2524727915929313979.post-9090451111022076982012-04-16T13:36:00.001-04:002012-04-16T13:36:54.806-04:0010 to 1 Survey<h5><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/funny-pictures-make-todo-list.jpg" width="416" height="333"></font></h5> <h5><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Since I’m procrastinating on another blog post I am working on, I thought I would give you a fun list! Feel free to steal and use! </font></h5> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Stolen from Christina @<a href="http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/">Hungry Meets Healthy!</a> </font></strong> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">10 favorite musical artists:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Robyn</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Brian Setzer Orchestra </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">U2</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Scissor Sisters</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Gotye (they were great on SNL!)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Ellie Goulding</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Tori Amos (always!)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Old Rolling Stones (70’s era)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Janelle Monae</font></li></ul> <p><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.raucousrecords.com/products/300px/brian-setzer-orchestra-vavoom.jpg"></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">9 things in your purse:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">wallet</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">WW book</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">keys</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">lipbalm</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Tic Tacs</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">powder</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Clean N Clear blotting sheets</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">phone</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">random receipts</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">8 places you want to visit:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Ireland</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Madrid</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Austin</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Chicago</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">San Diego</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Italy (Tuscany and Milan)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Russia</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">London (again!)</font></li></ul> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://iwanttobehere.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Rock-of-Cashel-Cashel-South-Tipperary-Ireland.jpg" width="556" height="348"></p> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">7 movies you love:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The Departed </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Gone with the Wind (watch this at least once a year)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Pulp Fiction</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The Notebook</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The Breakfast Club (can recite most of it)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Beauty and the Beast</font></li></ul> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.nickutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/The-Breakfast-Club.jpg" width="413" height="413"></p> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">6 favorite hobbies:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Shopping (for just about anything from shoes to lawn furniture!)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">working out </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">reading </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">baking</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Ren Fests (with DH)</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Family history</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">5 favorite fruits/vegetables:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">blueberries</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">spinach</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">bananas</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">green beans</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">pomegranate</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">4 favorite colors to wear:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">green </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">blue</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">black</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">navy blue</font></li></ul> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/44402746296266970_SMrZ1ZBM_f.jpg" width="304" height="371"></p> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">3 things that stress you out:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">cleaning </font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">other people’s lack of planning</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">traffic (I’m super impatient)</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">2 things you say too much:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">WTF</font> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">seriously?! </font></li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">1 favorite dessert:</font></strong> <ul> <li><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">Blizzard! </font></li></ul> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.articlesweb.org/blog/wp-content/gallery/dairy-queen-blizzard-flavors/dairy-queen-blizzard-flavors-8.jpg"></p> <p><font color="#35479d" size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">I will be back soon with another post! Sorry for being MIA! </font></p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069225036921866448noreply@blogger.com2