A Diverse Approach :D

Hi,

Things are gonna be a bit different with this post. I want to make it more "true to life" or something. I'd like to include more tidbits about what I'm actually wearing/doing/buying. My cell camera is decommissioned at the moment, but there will be stand-ins when needed.

I've resumed some old habits when it comes to jewelry this past week and started going for nostalgia. I'm perpetually nostalgic. In fact, I heard the perfect quote today in a movie called 'Kicking and Screaming' (by Noah Baumbach, a fave of mine) to perfectly describe how I feel about anything in the past. "I'm nostalgic for conversations I had yesterday. I've begun reminiscing events before they even occur." It's completely true for me. I love memories and old things and the past in general. Well, the good parts of the past. The bad parts I try to put into a tiny mind compartment and forget.

I've been wearing mementos on my neck, a little rock my friend gave me, a locket I bought myself to put pics of my little siblings in, all at once created a consortium of different, but not opposite, emotions in me. I love memories. On that note, I want to share some excerpts from some great Oscar Wilde poems. Hopefully they connect to you as they did me. I find them melancholy and very true to actual feelings rather than any physical reality.

"Long listless summer hours when the noon
Being enamoured of a damask rose
Forgets to journey westward, till the moon
The pale usurper of its tribute grows
From a thin sickle to a silver shield"
-The Garden of Eros

"Methinks my life is a twice-written scroll
Scrawled over on some boyish holiday
With idle songs for pipe and virelay,
Which do but mar the secret of the whole...
I did but touch the honey of romance-
And must I lose a soul's inheritance?
-Helas

If it seems an odd jump to you from poesy to fashion, we're clearly different folk! We're all made up of many parts and each one should get it's fair shake, yes?
As you can maybe imagine, when I'm feeling nostalgic and poetic my thoughts go to nature. I found a few GREAT animal items that would swing quite nicely with my current necklace! I wish I had more free cash or I'd snag a ton of this stuff!

Whale watching is something I've always wanted to do. Whenever I move to LA, I'll spend my weekends reading on the sand and watching for whales on the rocky piers! This necklace is a very classy rendition of those giant mammals that fascinate we tiny folk!


Since we've already established I l-o-v-e owls, this necklace is perfect. Did I mention the owl is my spirit animal? Plus, I'm a big fan of shiny things. ;)


Of course, I'm super into old school anything and Wilde makes me wax poetic and nostalgic for him time. Not the whole persecution and stupidity part, but the style and perfection of dandyism. This sweet pocket watch is absolutely unmatched. It's a bit pricey, but for such a beautiful piece. It doesn't tell time anymore, but it transports you back in time!


There's something sort of beautiful in this dilapidated tree print that I can't help but love. It's simple and sweet. It's meant to please aesthetically which makes it open to your own symbolic interpretation, which I love.


To makes things a bit more personal, I want to share my latest super cheap shoe find. :) I bought a snazzy pair of Sperry's for $15 at Burlington Coat Factory! They have them of sale here for ~$90 (you might have better luck on eBay or some other option). The shoes look great and will transition awesomely into fall and possibly winter (with the right treads added). It's a simple, but very classy shoe that can transition from school/work to play with ease. You choose how to dress them up, or if you even want to! I have only worn them totally casual so far and love the results. I have them in brown but there are many colors options available!


Whoa! I just hit a plateau of energy! I'm going to watch an episode of Bones, eat some banana smoothie (that I froze and am eating like sherbet!), and go to sleep.
I hope you enjoyed me new style and sorry it ends so abruptly, but the wave of tired just smacked me in the head!
G'night! :)

IKEA-tastic.

I mentioned before that I've got a new job...since I think I shouldn't give away the particulars, I'll stick to the genre. It's in furniture! With lovely chairs, tables, and finery in mind--today's post!

I am the Queen of Procrastinators! I've had the items for this post for days, but I've been distracted and all that jazz from the blog. A couple of entries from now I am going to start branching out. I'm preparing them all right now, so I can just press 'Publish' each morning (or afternoon, or evening)! ;D

I've been avoiding the blog because my head is in such a creative space, I don't wanna use it all up on here! My project for the day will be to compile my latest inspirations into an What Inspires Now book. It's a concept I've been using for years. At the moment, my headboard is covered in inspiring things...some of them are quite strange! I wish I had a picture of it to share.

Onward, to furnishings!

Dressers come in a variety of sizes, but the shapes generally remain the same. You have to add color, texture, or a little something special to make them truly yours. This turquoise piece looks great, and the mirror is just an added bonus. You can probably find a similar piece in your area to DIY! From tampastreetmarket.


When you're attempting your dresser DIY, or if you just pick up a plain one that needs some spice, drawer pulls are a necessity! This one is so interesting! And this one is absolutely sweet! Both are from kmadson




I like simple, clean lines in furniture--but, that doesn't mean I don't like a suprise in how it's decorated! This octo-table is so crazy cool, I'd love it in my place! From FunkyArtGuy.


Of course, I know my readership is quite hip (I rhymed there! ;D), so you guys must be into reclaimed, distressed looking furniture. These next pieces fit that bill perfectly, each in their own funky, interesting ways.

This reclaimed wood table looks great outdoors and would be a total home-run indoors. Especially with concrete or muted flooring. From, cleverly named, surthrival.


This trendy stool demands all the attention, even going so far as to command its owners in the affirmative! (language buffs, eat your heart out!) From coffeehousevintage.


Those of us interested in furniture design will love this Eames inspired sofa from lunarloungedesign. I love the affordability of these pieces. They're beautiful, sound, affordable pieces. :D


For some, understated means totally organic, simple, and so easy to look at that you forget it's furniture. This tree-like table provides a beautiful, natural look that brings a room back down to earth. From DovetailDesignsCont


Sometimes, you don't want to re-vamp an entire room, but you want a bit of change. Switching out your door knobs is an easy way to update your space and give your hands a little something new. :) These knobs from WeirdTales are handpainted and very pretty.


Of course, today's recipe is for SWEDISH MEATBALLS! I love these things! Also, a dill bread to go with them would be yummy!


P.S. I've nicknamed the meatballs Swede Meats. Get it, like sweet meats? Hilarious, yes? :D

Bye for now.

The Big Fat Summer Challenge!

I'm definitely late with this posting, mostly because I just got in from a very nice wedding and couldn't post earlier! I didn't quite complete every bit of the challenge, but I had fun doing what I could. Like I said a few days ago, I found out about it so late, I didn't think I'd complete it! I did my best and I hope you enjoy!

Click pics to enlarge!

Here are the results from my whirlwind attempt at wearing everything for the Big Fat Summer Challenge. I don't usually step outside of my comfort zone when it comes to clothing, though that zone is gradually expanding. There were some things I was very reluctant about because, let's face it, my arms are obviously big. They're impossible to hide, it's as if they can think for themselves! Anyways. I found some, what I think, were very clever ways of putting together those options (since I don't own all the different types, I faked it and loved the results!).

I love body hugging stuff, ironically, since I don't like my body all that much. I went for the clubgirl look...since I have tight dresses for the purpose of dancing all night long!



My sister is always telling me I need to stop with the Meg Ryan look. Admittedly, Meg is one of my fashion icons. I love how she brings her beauty to the forefront with baggier attire. Or that's how I look at it. There's something sort of Japanese about it as well. I own quite a few flowy, loose, baggy things so it wasn't hard to put this one together. I'm in love with that jacket...I'd wear it everyday if I could!



To go sleeveless takes quite a bit of moxy for me. I hate my arms, but, for you out in fatshion world, I'll go for it! Plus, I'm in love with me in this outfit.



Short dresses have been my Summer staple, to darken my legs before they go into hiding for Winter and because I'm in love with them. The shorter the hem, the better this Summer! I like the bubble cut, even though it enlarges me a bit. I dig it. I thought the shoes would really emphasize the length of the skirt.



Bathing suits...EEK! I wish I'd taken a picture when I was in California in the beginning of the month. I took this one in the front corridor. I love this suit, so my insecurities were quelled by my love for the suit. I'm glad I did it. :)




Shorts. Well. I hate shorts. That's just fact! Plain, simple, fact. However, I forced myself to be up for the challenge. I picked these up from the Salvation Army, since I didn't own them before. (As noted in a previous post) I just want nothing to do with them, though this made me give them a second thought. I like the length and the simplicity.




Me without my shaper. Well. I have been avoiding that girl for quite a while now! Only for this challenge will she be unveiled! ;) I'm not sure if I cheated since this skirt fits so darn well! I try to make sure that my clothes fit me nicely without the shaper, unless it's form fitting. Jean skirts are my new best friend because they are quite forgiving (like their legged counterparts). Just a tip, ladies!




Strapless was also an improvisation. Can you tell? I don't think it's obvious, really. The way this dress flows makes me feel confident about going without and shoulder/arm protection. I feel a bit naked, but I'm trying not to think about it!



The maxi dress never happened, sadly. I didn't own one and never got around to picking one up, but I still wanted to share what I could do!

My personal selection had to be special, it had to highlight my biggest fatshion fears while making me feel beautiful. That's quite a tough one. At first, I wanted to go naked--do some tasteful maneuvering to assure appropriateness. Then my mind jumped from that, to this, a halter top showing off as much arm as possible. I hate it, but anything for a challenge!

Reasons for Living.

Today, I'm in a fabulous mood. Here are the reasons:
1. I'm drinking hot coccoa!
2. My Pandora is on the Heatmiser station right now.
3. I am freshly employed.
4. Life is beautiful.
5. I'm exercising regularly.


In honor of this lovely day, I'm going to do multiple posts. (Since, technically, I owe the blog-o-sphere for my absentee-ism.) And I just want to.


This first entry will be a lot of my favorite things. I usually don't share what I'm loving at the moment, but I feel communal right now. As that demon said in the Bible, "We are Legion." :D

A. Over the past couple of days, I've embraced my body more and more. I just love the things I can do. That said, the hippo and I have formed a true bond. We're round, but strong. That's who I am. I love it. I am actually planning a trip to the zoo to get my own shots of hippos to hang in my apartment. This smug mug is a perfect expression of Hippo and Me. From WheeTreasures.

B. In accordance with embracing myself and simplicity, I'm wearing my hair naturally, as it sits atop my head without any help. That sort of beauty is encompassed in this print from AFroDisiacs.

C. I'm in love with decals right now. All sorts of decals. this decal just brings so many great elements together. Cute kitties, birds, and a tree! From ClipArtDecal.

D. I'll admit. I have a favorite etsy seller that I turn to for jewelry. I pick favorites! I just love the cheeky style of her designs. Yep, I'm talking about thelovelyteaspoon! This cute anchor necklace is one more reason to love her stuff. It's absolutely adorable! That little heart is the perfect touch. :) So sweet!

E. What's cuter than moustache pins? Nothing at all. Except perhaps kittens wearing moustaches. Pins from MustacheandFriends. Plush from cordialkitten.

vs.

F. I'm always fascinated by the octopus. Eight legs, super smart, and very ugly. (Or so we'd think!) This cutie is defying the odds by being totally adorable, wearable, and subtle. I love everything. From Alwynstore.

G. I'm into oddities (which I'm sure you can tell), and I love owls (yet another obvious one). So, when those two loves came together with this strange bank, I just had to share! Imagine tossing pennies in there and bringing that bad boy in to the coin star machine! From jayne2333.

H. Small, sweet, muted objects are completely timeless. I'm always searching around for another great find. This petal ring does the job famously. It can be worn with a gown or a t-shirt and jeans. I'm in love with versatility and this piece has it! From littlebugjewelry.

This entry came so easily. I think I'm at a more creative and open place. I'll be sharing on this blog way more often. (Funny, now that I actually have things to do, I want to make time for it!) Everything about this flows. I love you guys! Adios.

Star Wars!

So, I love Star Wars. It is the only saga that I've actually taken an interest in. It's awesome. I loved Hayden Christensen as Annakin as much as I loved Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Both sets of films had so many high points, I won't list them here. LOL. :)


As you can imagine, there are tons of great items on Etsy related to Star Wars and here are just a few! :)

First off, my favorite characters from Star Wars are definitely Boba Fett and Jango Fett. This candy is such a cute little rendition of of Boba Fett! :) I always used to play him on one of my Star Wars video games from N64 all those years ago! From nicegifts.




Of course, showing your support for the Rebel Alliance around the house is a total necessity! These coasters help you do just that! From BlythHouseCreations.




I love phone covers and I love Stormtroopers, this cover does the trick. From nokomomo.




Yoda. On a t-shirt. Providing you constant life advice. Perfect! This t-shirt does it for me! I love the chalky look! From I Candy Designs.




This is just badass. It doesn't really need much set-up, Vader, on your laptop, SWEET! From LanaKole.




I didn't know that people made crayons, but they do! This Star Wars set has all the quintessential characters. From GaddyNipperCrayons.

Today's entry was simple, but I really enjoyed browsing through all the great Star Wars stuff on Etsy. There is really SO much more that I couldn't touch on, so check it out on your own!

Signing off. :)

50s Theme Party, ahoy!

I think that the 50s were a great time in fashion, though not the best time for things like rights and liberties. At least not in the U.S. of A. However, that doesn't make theme parties for that era any less fun!
It would be disingenuous to say that I am 100% in favor of glorification of misogynistic eras or characters, but it is fun if you take it at face value, which most people do. So, to not get too convuluted in social responsibility, let's enjoy some themed items from Etsy, a very socially responsible website. ;)

Every good hostess needs an apron to avoid any potential spills and look cute! Also, aprons are flattering for two reasons: you look like you've actually been up to something to ready for your guests and you don't need to be slim because it cinches at everyone's thinnest part--the waist! The sweetheart neckline on this apron is to-die-for! From Boojiboo.




Any Heroes fans out there know all about HRG (aka Noah) and these cute glasses are the perfect accessory to define your 50s look! From jamielanie.




Serving implements are essential to make the 50s atmosphere all the more authentic. Here are a few possibilities.

1. Serving tray from LadyGrungeVintique.



2. Atomic glasses from JustYouWait



3. This pitcher is so cute, and you can fill it with grown-up juice! From fastercat6880.

This is definitely off topic, but these earrings are the best things I've ever seen. All of DorisAnne's items are beautiful. I can see myself in every pair and I'm buying one as a gift to myself for making an 'A' on my last paper because I can. :)

As far as a 50s meal, you have to go classic. Try these American staples! (I am fantasizing these tasty things on my white CB2 flatware. I certainly recommend CB2 to everyone!


Meatloaf! An American icon. Complete with ketchup!




The first side has to be carrots, that's practically a rule! Plus, they're sweet which is nice with the meatloaf.





My absolute favorite side dish has to be, smashed potatoes! They are extra tasty with meatloaf and good for mixing up your food in. :)




The dessert should be obvious by now--APPLE PIE! With vanilla ice cream on the side, of course. Or a slice of cheese if you're feeling very gauche!

Okay, this entry was on the long side and took me awhile to compile, but I'm completely happy with it and want to go out and host a theme party right now! Maybe that will be an end-of-the-school-year bash. Sounds like a prime idea to me!


Ciao. :)