top 5 tuesday: maxi skirts

It seems as if the maxi skirt is going to be really big again this spring/summer. I even got myself a cute one from Old Navy recently. Maxi skirts are very versatile and can be worn with a blousy shirt, a fitted jacket an much more. Here are 5 maxi skirt looks to get your creative juices flowing for your spring wardrobe.

High-waisted maxi skirt with a fitted, tucked in tee and a skinny belt. (Pinterest)

Maxi skirt with a tucked in tee and a denim jacket. A statement necklace and messy bun totally make this look rock. (Pinterest)

A belted maxi skirt over a tank. Casual, yet chic. (Pinterest)

Buttoned-cardigan tucked into a maxi. Very cute. (Chictopia)

Leopard cardigan tucked into a maxi. Very cute.

 What do you think of this look?

monday space: beautiful bedrooms

I've been yearning for a bedroom makeover as of late. This pretty photos have really inspired me to step things up a notch in my own bedroom.

Source

I need to incorporate some of these elements, pronto. Now, to find a chandelier!!

a friday favor

Happy Friday, lovely readers! It's a windy, rainy, dreary day here in Wilmington, but it's still a GREAT day because it's Friday, right? Right.

In lieu of my normal InstaFriday or Confessional Friday posts (neither of which was I really "feeling" this week) I'm asking a favor from all of you.

The organization HeartsApart.org, which was founded by my company's president and involves many of my coworkers was was selected as one of 20 finalists nationwide for the White House's Joining Forces Community Challenge. HeartsApart.org helps keep military families connected by providing our soon-to-be deployed servicemen and women with professional photos of their spouses and children. The photographs are printed on waterproof and durable bi-folded cards, which fit securely in their uniform pocket.

My favor is to ask all of you if you would go and vote for this organization by going here. You can login via Facebook and not have to register. By voting, you'll bring HeartsApart.org closer to receiving even more exposure on the Champions of Change website as well as bring about more knowledge of this amazing organization.

Thank you for your help. You can learn more about HeartsApart.org by visiting their site here.

Have a great weekend y'all!



 

wildcard thursday: pinterest recipes

Y'all there are a lot of good lookin' food recipes going around on Pinterest lately. Even though I'm on a diet, some of these are just too good to not try. Here are a few yummies I've pinned lately...

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via April on Pinterest

Mini Pizza Bites

Source: lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com via April on Pinterest

Bacon Stuffed Avocado with Garlic Lime Soy Sauce Glaze

Source: howsweeteats.com via April on Pinterest

Grilled Corn with Bacon Butter and Cotija Cheese

Source: howsweeteats.com via April on Pinterest

Healthy Ice Cream with Bananas, Cocoa and Peanut Butter

Source: userealbutter.com via April on Pinterest

If you try any of these, let me know. Personally, I can see the last one as part of my weekend plans. :)

wednesday wardrobe: designer spotlight!

For today's Wednesday Wardrobe post, I decided to spotlight one of my favorite clothing designers. Mind you, I could not afford anything she designs unless it was from an outlet, but I still absolutely adore her design style.


Kate Spade's clothing and accessories line is full of bright colors, clean lines and hints of retro or vintage. Her dresses reminisce of the classic fits from the 40s and 50s with modern prints and styles of today. Oh, and y'all know how much I love a good cardigan, right? Well, hers are SO cute. Take a look for yourself...

Thanks for joining me for today's designer spotlight on Kate Spade. All photos are from here.


Have a happy Wednesday!!

top 5 tuesday: lessons learned

Today's Top 5 Tuesday post is somewhat personal. Just be forewarned...

Have you ever looked back on your life to see different lessons that you've learned and how you learned them? Be they important life lessons that you learn from your parents, or embarassing I-told-you-so lessons that you had to learn the hard way, they all have a part in shaping us into who we are. Today, I thought I might muse on 5 lessons that I've learned in my many 27 moons...

1. Procrastination never pays off. I learned this lesson the hard way. Mostly when my parents required that I wash, dry and put away all of my laundry before I was able to go do stuff with friends or *cough* school field trips. I remember one time of waiting to do my laundry until the last minute and I ran out of time. No school field trip for me. But this particular time also learned me my second life lesson...

2. Never take the easy way out. It never pays off. Because I hadn't learned the don't procrastinate lesson yet, I was scrambling to get my laundry done before I could go somewhere. I decided there would be no harm in taking my still damp clothes out of the dryer, folding them and putting them away. See? Laundry done. Except, it was summertime. And later that night my room started to reek of mildew. Needless to say I was soon caught. The easy way out SO did not pay off. Nor did it smell good.

3. Trust your gut. Ah, this is a hard one to learn as I'm still learning it. That knawing feeling in the back of your mind about the relationship that you're in? Pay attention. That sense of urgency you have to call someone or avoid someone? Those strong feelings of uneasiness around a particular person or about going somewhere? Take heed. You should always trust your gut. I'm learning to trust mine more because it's not ever failed me. Well, except whenever I eat too much Taco Bell...but I digress.

4. Season friends vs. Reason friends. I've learned that there are two main types of friends: season friends and reason friends. The season friends are in your life for a period of time and then life happens or moves happen and you drift away. They had a season in your life and you were able to learn and grow in that friendship until you could learn no more. Then there are reason friends. These are the friends that are perpetually in your life for a reason. Hopefully, good reasons, but nevertheless, they have one. Perhaps they are the reason you go to church or the reason you met your spouse. Perhaps, they are in your life as your voice of reason. Neither type is wrong or bad and both are necessary throughout the course of life.

5. Sometimes God speaks through songs. Though this seems like a no brainer for me, being a singer, sometimes it takes God practically beating a song into my head for me to get it. Lately, I can't even get through the worship time at church without becoming emotional and overwhelmed at the message that God is telling me through song. My personal worship times are often even stronger than my personal prayer times. I like to think of them as musical prayers anyway. Lately, God has really been ministering to me through these two songs, if you're interested at all. First. Second.

What are some life lessons that you've learned?

monday space

 Hi friends!!

I did a guest post over on Kelly's blog for today's Monday Space segment. Head over and check it out!!

Happy Monday!

7 pretty things on a Sunday

Today, I'm participating in the 7 Pretty Things on A Sunday link up party and blog hop. This is the easiest and quickest way to get major dose of inspiration. There are so many pretty blogs to discover by doing this. Today, I'll share with you 7 pretty things I'm loving right now...

1- Different ways to wear cardigans. LOVE! 2- Pink, striped, long cardigan. Fave. 3- I'm digging this shade of white blonde on Emma Stone. Perhaps I'll be going lighter on my next salon trip. 4- I may not be able to pull this look off, but maxi skirts are totally my crush right now.

1-DIY lighted headboard. I need this. 2-DIY scrap wood headboard. What a great idea...oh and love the mustard and gray combo. 3- I'm on the lookout for a pearl statement necklace like this.

All photos from Pinterest. Follow me on Pinterest.

Happy Sunday everyone!

instaFriday!

  Happy Friday, everyone!! It's my first Friday being 27. Hooray!! I've got LOADS of pics to share today for my InstaFriday link-up with Jeannett over at Life Rearranged.

So, without further adieu...

This is a fancy new ombre-esque nail treatment that I tried this week. DIY tutorial coming next week!!

My shoes that I wore on Tuesday. I used to do a Shoes on Sevens post here on the ol' blog, but now, I'm sticking to a Twitter/Instagram hashtag. Wanna join? Snap a pic of the shoes you're wearing on any day that ends in a 7 and post to Twitter with the hashtag #shoesonsevens. Can't wait to see your shoes on January 27th!

Over the weekend, I ventured out to the beach to sit and read for awhile. It was just way too cold...so I lasted about 15 minutes. :)

For my b-day, 2 of my friends went with me to this super-awesome fondue place downtown on the river. It was seriously...so good.

Clockwise from top left: The cheese course (with dippers), the chocolate course (with dippers), my birthday cheesecake and the chocolate course (with what's left of the dippers).

Well, that's all I've got for today's InstaFriday post. Join in next week! Have a wonderful weekend!

it's my birthday and I'll blog if I want to

Well, blog friends, today is my birthday. Yep. The big 2-7. I'm celebrating it tonight with a few of my friends at this sweet little fondue place on the river called The Little Dipper AND my birthday just happens to fall on a Wednesday, which is Ladies Night. Boom Chicka Wow Wow!

When I look back over my 27 years of life I'll admit that my life has taken so many turns and gone in so many directions I never could have fathomed and I can honestly say that I regret none of it. Not one single bit. Even the bad parts have taught me something about myself or how I interact with others. Most of all, I can see the story of God's grace and how His hand has guided me and protected me in everything over the last 27 years.

So, you might skim over the next part, or not even read it at all. That's okay. I write these things more for cathartic reasons than anything else. If you care, keep reading, if not, have a wonderful, HAPPY Wednesday.

In honor of my 27th birthday, here are 27 facts/statements about moi. If you'd rather the abbreviated version, you can check out my newly-updated About Me page.

1. I'm learning to eat and appreciate fruits and vegetables.
2. I already have my future childrens' names picked out, even though I'm not sure if I'll have kids.
3. I once was on a billboard when I was in high school.
4. I can't wait to live somewhere that I can paint the walls. Renting is fine for now, but not being able to paint is the pits.
5. I haven't been to a Target since Thanksgiving. I know. This coming from the girl who used to go multiple times per week.
6. I consider myself a pretty savvy online shopper. I just bought a dress, a skirt and 2 tops from Old Navy for a total cost (to me) of .27.
7. I'm allergic to almost everything living.
8. Surprisingly, I'm not allergic to any foods.
9. I don't eat seafood or vegetab....scratch the last one. The first part is still true.
10. I enjoy vaccuuming. Also, I'm not sure how to REALLY spell "vaccuuming".
11. I can't wait for spring. Why? Because I can wear pastels. My fave.
12. I went to beach last Saturday just to sit and read. I stayed for about 15 minutes. Why? Oh, because it was 40 degrees outside.
13. I just recently got rid of cable and got a Roku. It's a device that works via wireless internet and plays on your tv. Because of Hulu and Netflix I am watching SO many shows that I would never have watched before.
14. (Referencing #13) For example, Downton Abbey, Hart of Dixie, Once Upon a Time and Switched at Birth.
15. I have a girl crush on Carrie Underwood. Not so much her music...but her. She's blonde, southern and not afraid of big hair. :)
16. To this day, I'm afraid of thunderstorms because one of my first memories of one was Hurricane Hugo. If there is one at night, I will wake up in a cold sweat. Never fail.
17. My favorite pair of shoes are my gold, glittery platform pumps. The heel is a mere 4".
18. I love statement necklaces.
19. I've fallen for this amazing-albeit-limited-edition scent from Victoria's Secret Drenched in Pink collection. The scent is Fresh and Fierce. It's pretty amazing, but I'm spacing out how much I use it so I don't run out too quickly.
20. I got a curling wand for Christmas and I love using it! I've only burned myself on it once.
21. I don't like monkeys. They creep me out.
22. I only sleep on satin pillowcases if I can help it.
23. I have around 60 cousins. (1st and 2nd)
24. I have recently given myself an ombre nail color treatment and I LOVE it. (there may or may not be a tutorial coming soon...)
25. I have not really been a huge fan of pies.
26. I need to add more monogrammed things into my life.
27. I have had a blessed 27 years of life and I look forward to a lot more!

top 5 tuesday: beauty finds

Lately, I've kind of been obsessed with pretty makeup. For today's Top 5 Tuesday post, I'm sharing some of my favorite beauty finds. This is the stuff that once I found, I've kept in my makeup bag ever since.

1. Beauty Rush Wet/Dry Shadow by Victoria's Secret in Gold Rush. (color on the bottom) It's perfect dry during the day and wet at night.

2. Great Lash "Lots Of Lashes" Mascara. I love this little tiny cone brush. It's perfect for the little lashes on the corners.

3. Almay Intense I-Color Eyeliner in Brown Topaz. This is perfect for daytime to provide just enough enhancement for my baby blues.

4. Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue fragrance. I get so many compliments on this scent. I can wear it every day and not get tired of it. And that's a big deal for me!

5. Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Pink Shimmer. Though it looks kind of purple in this picture, it's a really beautiful and flattering shimmery rose color with a bluish tint to it. (which makes your teeth look whiter!!)

Well, y'all, these are my Top 5 fave beauty finds as of late. Do you have any beauty products that you swear by?

monday space

 Who wouldn't want a pink couch in their room? Okay, okay, I realize not everyone does...heck, I would never consider a pink couch in my house...well, before I saw these photos, of course.
When I saw this room and how the pink couch is accented with black, white, smoky blue and chrome, it really makes me consider it.

Seriously. See for yourself...

Found here.

What do you think? I lurve it!

confessional friday

 





It's time for Confessional Friday, y'all! I'm linking up with Leslie over at A Blonde Ambition for today's post.

Confession #1: I've recently started attempting to incorporate more fruits and vegetables...okay, specifically vegetables, into my diet. That's not much of a confession...the confession part is that I'm going to start trying them on Saturday, when I'm home. I just don't know how my body is going to react to all of that...healthy-ness. It might make me crazy, and well, better to be crazy at home than at work, I say.

Confession #2: I can't watch violent movies. I don't know what it is, but they just make me so anxious and sad at the same time. I definitely don't need that. Is it wrong to only want to watch funny, romantic or mystery movies? That's so girly...

Confession #3: I haven't picked up my guitar in about a month. I know. :(

Confession #4: I got a few giftcards for Christmas and I haven't spent them yet. This is the longest I've ever gone between getting the giftcards and spending them.

Confession #5: Along those same lines, I have about 6 other gift cards that have balances of less than $10 that I just haven't used. I NEED to!

Confession #6: My magazine habit has gotten so bad that my coworkers are now bringing them to me.

Confession #7: My roommate and I got Hulu Plus and I'm now watching tv shows that I totally would've NEVER watched before. Some of them I even scoffed at thinking the idea of the show was stupid. Boy, was I ever wrong. Once Upon a Time is AMAZING!

Well, I think that's all the confessing I've got for today. Have a wonderful weekend!! 

wildcard thursday: fruits and veggie woes

We all know it's the time of the year when everyone is gung-ho about their New Year's Resolutions. I started mine 2 days after Christmas. I like to think that I "prempted" my resolution. Ha!

Anywho, part of the resolution was getting back on track with eating right and exercising. Blabbity bloo...not fun to talk about. But something that has been more of a life-long issue is the fact that I do not like vegetables.

No lie.

I've just never been a fan of veggies unless they are smothered in some form of full-fat, dairy topping like cheese, sour cream or the likes. Add to that, the fact that I grew up in the South...which means we eat everything cooked or fried within an inch of its life. I'll eat beans if they are cooked and flavored with, oh, I don't know...some pig product. (I know!!) I just can't help it. Oh, I'll eat potatoes and corn, but neither of them really have a whole lot of nutritional value. Not as much of the leafy green veggies, though. Yuck.

Now, fruit is another story. I actually like some fruits. Unfortunately, the fruits I like are not the best ones for you. I like bananas (bad). Apples (not as bad). Strawberries (okay). Pineapple and citrus fruits (okay). I DON'T like the fruits that are REALLY good for you...like blueberries and cantaloupe and watermelon.

The bottom line is that I can limit my calories and Pilates myself until the cows come home, but if I don't start rounding out my diet, then I just won't see the results I want. The FDA recommends 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. Well, that's a tall order for this veggie-hatin' lady.

So, I'm asking you...what are some ways I can incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet? Or, give me some suggestions for new fruits or veggies to try. I'm a raw food beginner, so I'll take whatever advice you can give!

I thought about fruit/vegetable drinks like those Naked Juice smoothies. I'm game to try those, however, I am NOT down with the V-8. That is absolutely gross.

Alright now, veggucate me. :)

wednesday wardrobe: curvy lady jean tips

Well, I know my guy readers are just going to LOVE this post.

Anywho, I, like every other woman in America, have problems finding jeans that fit well and look good.  Over the years I have collected some tips for finding jeans that fit and flatter. Today, I will share them with y'all. I'm focusing specifically today on jeans that flatter the curvy lay-days. ;)

Tip #1: Leave the distressed jeans for the teens. Holes, rips, acid spots and extreme fading are not chic or flattering. I especially despise the jeans that have huge faded areas ON THE FRONT OF THE THIGHS. Like I WANT to draw attention there. Heh.

Tip #2: Stick to a mid or high rise. (Rise is defined by the measurement between the crotch of the jeans and the top of the waistband.) Any rise that is less than 8 inches will give you, the....muffin top. Ugh.

Tip#3: Avoid major whiskering. Whiskers on the jeans are the lighter "crease" marks that are near the hip/thigh portion of the jean. It's hard to find jeans that DON'T have these nowadays, so chances are, your jeans will have them. The best thing to do is to try and get a pair that have whiskering that isn't so noticeable...or placed all over.

Tip#4: Light washes aren't THAT great. Think about it...lighter colors emphasize and make things look larger. Dark colors make things look smaller. Let that mentality apply to your jeans. Stick to medium stonewash or darker rinses.

Tip#5: Jean style preferences can vary. I, myself, have some bootcut jeans, some trouser jeans, some flares and a pair of wide leg jeans. However, the most universally flattering styles of jeans are bootcut and trouser jeans. Trouser jeans fit like, well like trousers. They have a fit that hangs straight down from the hips with a bit of a flare at the end. Bootcut jeans are also straight fit with a slight flare at the bottom to balance out wider hips. They fit a little slimmer than trouser jeans and the "flare" at the bottom isn't quite as pronounced.

Well, those are my jeans tips for today's Wednesday Wardrobe post. Happy Wednesday!

top 5 shoes-day

I love shoes.

There, I said it. It's out. And now, I must first pat myself on the back while I say that I haven't purchased a pair of shoes in almost 6 months. But, with that, I still have quite a few pairs of them. Somewhere in the higher end of double digit numbers and a few dozen pair away from triple digit numbers. (I think to put the number would be...well...a bit like looking at the nutrition info on the pizza box of the frozen pizza you just ate in its entirety. That specific knowledge is just not needed at the moment.)

Anywho, I came across today's blog post topic when one of my relatives sent me a link to a blog about shoes...or more specifically, shoe closets. Take a minute and look at that link. You know you want to. Then sigh. Ahhhh. If only dust bunnies were Benjamins. If I had the means to afford a closet like this, you'd better believe I'd convert a room somewhere in my house into a dream closet...for my shoes. But alas, the real world beckons me back from my dream-like trance...and strangely enough, she sounds a lot like my upstairs neighbor belting out "Comfortably Numb" while playing Rock Band. Eh.

Today's Top 5 Tuesday post is very aptly, the first 5 pairs of shoes I would buy if money were no object. You know how when people when the lotto they go out and buy cars and houses and motorcycles...well, I'd put my wealth into this fancy footwear...

 

Jimmy Choo Anthracite Glitter Leather Zinc Sandals

Guess "Nanci" Pump

Vince Camuto "Missie" Pump

Jimmy Choo "Luna" Peep Toe Platform Pump

Sergio Rossi "Mermaid" Caged Sandal

 Alright, so now that you've indulged me by reading my shoe lusts, I'm giving y'all something in return. Here you go....

 

BAHAHAHAHAHA. No disrespect to Jenelle and her mom...I truly hope they are getting back on the right track with each other. But I saw this on Pinterest and busted out laughing.

Have a lovely Tuesday filled with thoughts of shoes and KEIFFAH!