sunsets and city lights

Tread softly.

2012-01-16T22:27:00.001-06:00

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

~ W.B. Yeats

The past few months since I had gotten all into blogging and then got out have been crazy. I know I can't keep up the way I did last year...but the inspiration and oomph to create and explore and discover that I found last year from blogging I'm really missing right now. If you haven't blogged for awhile, but know you want to, you should start again with me...make it simple and sweet, not too complicated and not over-committed. I bet you'll be glad you did!

This past year was quite defining of dreams and to know that I had Justin by my side through it all...he treaded softly on my dreams and ushered them to become what they currently are evolving into. As did all of our awesome city friends and family...who are just awesome. Can't wait to see where these and your dreams show up this 2012. {there's quite a bit more to say of last year...but not tonight!}

(photo source)

xoxo

Blogging hiatus but we'll see ya soon!

2011-08-16T20:08:00.001-05:00

I've been just a bit tired lately. My dad is in the hospital and every day paints a new picture of how we feel we should feel about all of this. So here's to a little blog hiatus until then. Maybe. Unless I'm sitting in the hospital and get inspired and drink 2 pots of coffee!

And I just kind of needed this reminder today.

See you soon!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Pretty Large Headbands

2011-08-12T07:25:00.000-05:00

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Loving the headband creativity going on around Etsy and even to celebrities...

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I can't wait to make some of the tutorials here and that are getting posted on Pinterest! I used to feel really awkward wearing headbands, but I am totally loving the hugeness of headbands lately... There's a good variety of ways to throw one into your outfit and style and I'm really hoping to try out some new ways of wearing...

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I didn't really know if I could pull some of these off with bangs...but after seeing some of these pics I'm inspired to try! I love how you can wear them on your forehead or above and your look can totally change with the placement you choose...

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From elegant weddings using large headbands to just dressing up an outfit, they are so whimsical and fun!

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Classy and elegant...

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"DO Jazz up a special-occasion look Just as wearing a ginormous hat is kosher so long as you're swigging back mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby, so is wearing a more dramatic headband for a big party, New Year's Eve, wedding, or other special event." Lemon Drop Blog

{photo credit + shop}

The Recessionista blog wrote, "Just like the scarves, headbands are a very inexpensive way to spice up your spring wardrobe. For under $10, you can completely transform an entire outfit. Just like every great trend, we have a Hollywood Elite to thank, and I’m sure we can give a generous one to the fictional Blair Waldorf and her Upper East Side posse for truly rockin’ the headband scene.

Now don’t be mistaken, headbands ARE indeed for everyone. Think you can’t pull it off? Think again. Even the semi-plain, boring, non-fashion conscious people like myself can sport the do, and sport it well. In fact, I even go as far as sometimes sharing headbands with my 7 year old! How’s that for fashionable?"

{photo credit + tutorial}

A blog I've been following - Casey Wiegand - showcases some of her completely cute and awesome headbands from Etsy and other bloggers...and totally sweet mommy style...

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And thicker headbands are fun...

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And how completely adorable...

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So how about some local love?

From Danae Moran of This Earthly Tent...lots of lace, vintage, and variety...

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From Amber Parsons with Midwest Mud and Ambrosian Design (you can find some of her awesomeness at EcoChic off 45th St. Fargo...love that place!)...

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And from Becky Uglem of Beckaboodle and the Third Street Gallery up in Grand Forks...really pretty vintage headbands and veils with pretty feathers...

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These 3 creative artists/crafters were a part of Unglued this past year! Can't wait to see what next year brings!

Make some awesome headband sometime or go check out these lovely shops and support some local shops online and in person! Have a beautiful weekend:)

xoxo

PS...Have you check out the up and coming North By Midwest Craft Spectacular up in Grand Forks this November 19?? Applications are open now so go do it!

Inspiration Workshop Installment #11: Gardening!

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I flippin' LOVE gardens! Started last summer with some flowers and veggies and addicted since. I most recently posted about current gardening happenings and mishaps here...:

Gardening may not be quite as fun (or eventful) if it wasn't for this guy - who turned 3 this week (click photo for a shout out post to the fantastic Hamilton Hot Pants):

I love the sustainability of gardening...from creating your own food to growing your own beautiful addition to the world...In our backyard we utilize a lasagna garden...of which you really should try sometime! It's really effortless...I did a little diddy how-to on a Try it Tuesday:

You know...I also am realizing just how romantic gardens are, too. They inspire you to stop and rest your eyes on something so magically beautiful and alive. I'll be running out late someplace with Justin and I'll see a new flower that is blooming and I'll make him stop in his tracks and pay attention to the flower or smell it...and just for a moment you kind of relax and just enjoy...hhmmm...

{photo credit for both above: I just love French gardens. Not sure I have the patience to manicure one, though...}

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{taken in Korea..someday I will have a pergola over our patio with these beauties...and everyone will fall in love underneath them...}

{photo credits: More than three billion tulips are grown each year in the Netherlands and two-thirds of the vibrant blooms are exported, mostly to the U.S. and Germany.}

Lastly, gardens, especially sculpture gardens, make me think of Justin.

{i love the Mpls sculpture garden...we danced under this sculpture dome the first day we started dating...Justin is like knock-you-over romatic...}

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: don't insult yourself.

2011-08-10T06:24:00.000-05:00

We are our own worst critic...

and, oh man, how often do we waste time, inspiration, and self-worth on comparing ourselves to others!

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Comparing yourself to others will only lead to jealousy, discouragement, and self-contempt. There is really no point to it. But it's so natural!

My friend, Kristin, used this photo in her blog and you should really go read it (click photo). It totally hit home with me the day she wrote it. And she talks about, which I so totally fist-pump agree with, how as you want to grow in creativity and find yourself being inspired by other creative minds, you eventually begin to compare your work and creativity with others...and sometimes hit the point of giving up and feeling down right sucky.

I thought it was pretty awesome in church this weekend how a solution was thrown out there for comparing yourself to others. This young, twenty-something spoke about how much of life we waste on comparing our finances, relationships, looks, intelligence, creativity, etc. to other people we think are better than us - or we ourselves are better than. "At least I'm not like..."

How freeing would it be if we chose to LEARN from the people we feel are better at...or better than...if we got out a pen and paper and let them teach us directly or just by watching their actions how they do what they do. Instead of feeling hopeless in those situations, we can turn it around to be TRULY inspiring.

And when we can't get our mindset there...then I would believe the best option is as Gussy vlogs below...and just choose to stop watching whoever it is and however it is that we see their life (online, in person, through others)...

3 tips on how to stay Creatively Energized from gussy sews on Vimeo.

Divas and Dreams blog also summed it up quite awesomely: "If you are like me and most creative people in this world, you know of people you admire and see as better, more qualified than you or as a competition (same level as you). Comparing your self to them does not encourage you (and me) to stretch our imagination and find alternate sources of inspiration. Of course it´s great if they inspire you and make you glow with passion and ideas, but if you feel terrible and "not good enough" then don’t watch their work! Go out and play and have fun instead, testing your own ideas, feel alive and creative."

We need to be who WE ARE. We need to discover quite simply who that is. Don't let the joy get sucked out of you by paying so much more attention to others that you aren't really even living!

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Rather easy large thrifted dress to much more fun skirt/dress!

2011-08-09T17:34:00.000-05:00

So I was inspired by this post from My Girl Thursday on a thrifted dress she bought that was ill-fitted and cut into a high-waisted skirt:

And I bought this for something like $3 at Savers:

She didn't post a tutorial so I tried to figure out this easiest way to make this happen by first cutting the dress straight above the seam from the skirt section. I decided since I'm not awesome at cutting straight I'd keep the old seam there for guidance.

These are a bit dark (oof!...not doing it again...yet), but I pulled up the skirt to a dress height as I discovered I kind of liked that overall. I pinned it tight to be able to keep it up while deciding what to do...

Tried it belted a few different ways...

And then I found a piece of scrap elastic and pulled it around myself to dress height...

And marked it where I pulled it to (a little tight to allow it to eventually hold up the dress). I cut it leaving about an inch extra for stitching it together...

I put the elastic on the wrong side of the skirt and pinned the top of the skirt down over the elastic for a somewhat unprofessional way of getting elastic sewn in later!

I pulled out the elastic then to be able to then sew it down...

And when sewing, left about an inch of non-sewn top to fit the elastic in...

After putting a larger safety pin on the end of the elastic...

Worked to threw it through the new seam...

Until it pulled out the other end...

Not really shown...but then took the elastic edges together and decided to pull them out pretty far to allow me to sew them together with my sewing machine to hopefully have a nice strong stitch holding it together...

The finished elastic sewn in on the back...

A few different ways to wear it!

Someday...I will be that person who can smile slyly at the camera and look all perfect for the sake of blogs...but not today! Yay cat props!

This all in all took a little over an hour because I kept pricking myself with the stupid pins...hence this will be easier if you don't drink wine and try to watch The Good Guys...

xoxo

*Also...while I was in the hospital with my mom and dad last week, I made this month's craft challenge! You should totally try these because they are rather simple and fun...click the photo to follow the tutorial...and let me know if you try them so we can share some sweet photos!

{a braided hex nut bracelet - the gold one picture}

{Urban Outfitter's washer ribbon necklace}

From cute to ugly to awesome.

2011-08-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

The bulldog turned 3 today!

He was the cutest thing on earth...

With razor sharp, needlepoint teeth...

And he destroyed...

But had the cutest little butt on earth (his middle name is hot pants!)...

And he visited our sweet coworkers...

And us at work...

And hid in random places...

And was terrified of skateboards...

And ate mud...

And licked mud...

And loved The Office...

And slept so soundly...

And learned to go down stairs...FINALLY...

And kept destroying...

And had delicate paws...

And had an awkward phase...

And then a very sudden old man phase that has stuck...

Old men...

But he still has his playful moments...

Seriously...it's true...that whole dog and owner saying...

And he used to be easy to hold...

And got waaay heavier...

And then Ham dealt with a new friend...

He got famous for awhile...

Despite his total grossness...

And occasional crazy...

He's one of the best road trip copilots...

And loves to garden with me...

And watch me sew all afternoon...

And he's generally and all around great furry friend...

{photo credit: Kelsey Sargeant}

Happy Birthday, Hamilton!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Summer Cardigans!

2011-08-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

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Oh the many ways a cardigan can happen! From preppy style to boho to classy to vintage to modern...anything!

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Trend Bloger wrote, "In time history, when a character thought “cardigan,” metaphors arose of a caring grandmother or a 50′s-era dad with his paper and slippers by the hearth. Nevertheless these being, cardigans have become the hot go-to form for almost every variety, happening and spell. Available in an endless combination of colors, cuts, sizes and fabrics, a cardigan is a principal wardrobe thing whether your focus is emotion comfortable or sensation stylish."

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I am addicted to cardigans. Not only can you wear them in summer (I think it's a necessity to have one in your car going from crazy heat waves to icy cold air conditioning and still wear all your cute summer clothes!), but then it's a purchase that'll get you through winter, too, with tons of layers and fun. And cardigans don't have to be so spendy either or change all that much with trends - thrift stores and consignment shops are great places to find a sweet one!

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And I looove the yellow going on these days...

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And variety of ways to accessorize the heck out of cardigans with belts!

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Belts over...

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And belts under...

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One way of wearing a cardigan that I really haven't tried is tucking it into a skirt. Might need to try soon...

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And style your outfits for all sorts of looks...

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And for your DIY pleasure...a ruffled cardigan inspired by anthropologie that looks pretty awesome! (click photo)

Awhile ago I also tried a remake an old sweater into a cardigan tutorial from Adventures in Dressmaking (click photo!):

I am so ready for a really really really quiet weekend...will probably find me a large, oversized cardigan in my closet (regardless of the weather!) and REST!

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #10: A Day In Your Life.

2011-08-04T06:54:00.000-05:00

The prompt for Gussy Sew's Inspiration Workshop this week is A Day In Your Life...so here's some quick photos of what a day typically looks like over on this end of the world - mind you, this is not my "ideal" day...just a normal one!

I wake up to this face usually first each morning.

{photo by my good friend Kari}

And then I get to see this sexy face (hope you're enjoying this step-by-step). ;)

And then I become all magical and glowy and put on my nurse hat.

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But, really, my 8 hours each day looks more realistically like below. Cardiac stress testing and a few other cardiac-related procedures. And I really have the best coworkers ever. I don't want to be a nurse...like nobody's business...but having this awesome group of people to work with makes ALL the difference!

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I then come home, thinking I'll do a million things, but the one thing I try most to do is keep working on a business plan, craft fest plans, financial plans, and plans for not being a nurse. I'm to the point where I've been dreaming for so long that I'll start punching myself in the face for not taking more action.

{photo credit...the amazing Red Velvet store}

And I remind myself of this when it comes to the most recent number-crunching that's involved...

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At some point I end up with this guy on my lap. This either leads to falling asleep or pushing forward to create!

And I usually don't finish anything...but it's fun to try! After starting this blog up again, I have this crazy inspiration to actually take time to make things and it's sooo totally freeing! (ie. are you thinking about blogging more? DO IT).

The sweetest ending to the day is a random weekday night when we still take time to go out with our awesome city friends! {Especially on Fargo rooftops!}...

If this doesn't happen, then this will while we watch 30 Rock:

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And each night, I regret not going to bed before midnight once again, not having woken up early enough to work out, not have cleaned up enough, and get all restless and wish we didn't own a house...but couldn't ask for anything more when I get to fall asleep next to my love and my dream.

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: because when you stop and look...

2011-08-03T07:06:00.000-05:00

So we were sitting in church Sunday evening...singing this song...

And I saw I missed a call from my mom...left to return her call...and found out that my dad was being airlifted to a bigger city for having a hemorrhage in between his skull and brain. Totally, totally crazy.

We ran home to grab our things, put Ham in his kennel, and made our trek to northern Minnesota. Literally, seriously thinking my dad may not make it through us traveling there. Even once we were there the ER nurse kept saying "it's not looking good."

And we started asking people to pray. Because even when you have not been required to have a whole lot of faith lately in life, you know right where you need to go, and right what you need to do when crazy shit happens in life. And you do things like look at the ceiling when you run upstairs to grab your Bible and say to the ceiling, "I'm sorry it took this" as you run out to the car.

They couldn't believe he was even conscious. So despite how bad it looked on the scan and increasing severity in his headache, his neurosurgeon said wait.

They repeated the CT scan in the morning and the neurosurgeon came in and said he was totally impressed. The swelling from the blood pooling was actually decreasing. Man, answers. Totally answered prayers.

There's still some good recovery ahead. But we won't be given anything more than we can handle. All of these crazy crazy things in life can bring us closer to the one who created it. It makes you grateful that you're never really alone. It makes you grateful that you have those awesome people called family. It makes you grateful that you are given more time to discover all the beauty there is to behold in this weird life.

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Finished man's polo remake..and next month's craft challenge!

2011-08-02T17:38:00.001-05:00

So far I have very much had a blast having a set "craft challenge" to do once a month and invite anyone to join in the fun! This particular remake of a man's polo shirt...however...just about did me in...

{Click here or photo to go to Grey Luster Girl's tutorial I used}

And...here's some highlights of my frustration!

I bought a $4 consignment shop XL man's polo. First, note the thicker-type collar on the polo.

You would probably have better luck getting a shirt like Grey Luster Girl's that has that thinner-type collar for later making the bow collar work better:

I cut off the thick collar and turned the shirt inside out to remake a hem on the shirt. Whenever I try something new to something cheap, I don't always go super professional...which I'm especially glad in this! I just turned the collar down once and hemmed it from there.

I cut off the sleeves to resize them to not be large man arms.

At this point, I also tried on the shirt inside out to pin it in where I would later take it in to give me a waist and bust.

I used a comfy tshirt I wear to initially resize the sleeves...I changed this later.

I would also recommend instead of cutting the top of the sleeve off to use the bottom hem again, just cut off the bottom part instead so you have a sleeve with one hem alone (instead of a top and bottom hem which will later make your sleeve stick out funny on top!). Note to self. Boo. Had I just followed her tutorial correctly, this would have not been a problem;)

I pinned the sleeve inside out to resew the top portion I sized down.

And then finished off the end of the sleeve, too, by hemming it.

As shown! Sewing in a circle presents interesting challenges to me.

Finished sleeve end (I didn't have grey thread!):

Then I pinned the sleeve back into the tshirt.

Since this sleeve is smaller than the original one I needed to sew up the sleeve hole where there's no sleeve to connect! If you try this, check out her blog instructions for the real tutorial. I'm trying to show here how I pinned the bottom part of the sleeve back into the gigantic hole the original one left. When I sewed this shut I sewed both sides of the sleeve and left the bottom part for later when I took in the shirt.

{Insert imaginary photo of taking in the sides for the first time}

{Insert frustration when I tried the shirt on and the sleeves were still large and the shirt was not actually taken in very much}

{Insert repinning the sides and sewing them in tighter...and then too tight...and then NOT fixing it because I had to head out of town emergently...and then deciding to leave the sides as is...see below}

So when I decided the smaller sleeves on the tutorial were way cuter than the larger sleeves I cut I enlisted another shirt of mine with more desirable sleeves. With the sleeves sewn into the shirt I trimmed them down and redid it all.

With what was left over from my sleeve trimmings, I sewed a long line of gray fabric together as her blog shows. I put this with right sides facing together with another strip of fabric from a different gray shirt I cut up for this part and sewed it together. Then turned right side out to see how it worked...

It didn't work very good. The bow was really skinny...I actually just pinned it on here because there was no point in sewing it on when I didn't like it!

Here's the shirt without the bow. I only really like how the sleeves turned out! Using a polo with the thick collar, it left an awkwardly wide v-neck. In this photo I pinned the button area closer together to make it not so weird fitting...

If I was going to wear this today, I would add this sweet H & M bib necklace and feel way better about the shirt!! I would also have liked to take time to take out the sides a bit more from my bit extreme taking in. I like how the blogger had her sides a bit less fitted;)

So did you try it? Love it? Hate it?

For this next month...if you'd like you should join me for another craft challenge and we'll do a not sewing-related one! Really, the best part is just staying accountable to create something - especially if you are inspired when others are also - and a deadline!

I hopped over to pinterest to my friend Lacey's site and found these on her projects board! I'm going to choose one of these or both to make. These were chosen because you'll get to go to some place like Mac's Hardware, get free popcorn and coffee, and make a really cheap awesome bracelet or necklace! And I'm really into bracelets right now...

{Click photo to follow to tutorial}

{a braided hex nut bracelet - the gold one picture}

{Urban Outfitter's washer ribbon necklace}

Happy creating! If you make either of these this month, send me a photo and we'll show off your handiwork! Finish by September 1...and have fun!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Accordian Pleats!

2011-07-29T07:05:00.000-05:00

I happened upon East Grand Forks, MN for work this week...and stopped by Glamorous Reruns during lunch. So sweet! It's a little clothing consignment shop that the owner also purchases some new brand clothes from LA (just 6 pieces of each new item is purchased to sell in the store). I've been trying to find a photo of the dress that inspired this Fashion Friday, but, alas, no photo online is to be found - it was an Ugg brand, light pink accordion pleated dress with navy blue ruffling underneath - adorable! ($49...not bad, but I couldn't commit!)

Have you tried any accordion pleats lately?

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Sneaky Peek's fashion blog writes, "The accordion pleat (otherwise known as the sunray pleat) is audaciously in fashion. By that we mean that every designer and his dog is featuring the 50s-inspired style, including the ready-to-wear collections of Karen Walker and Sharon Wauchob. Not to mention US design house J Mendell, whose Autumn 2011 collection was riddled with this fanciful fold."

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"Accordion pleats are light and breezy and when worn correctly, can really make an outfit look effortless. What’s great is that they’re worn maxi, midi and mini length so depending on your height or style, you can wear them however you want" reports Non Stop Style blog.

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I would have looooved to bought the dress...I don't have anything really remotely close to accordion pleats and they are just so light and airy...romantic and feminine. Accessorizing these sorts of outfits also just seems like one good time! A plain tee, high heels, cardigans, vintage and modern accessories...

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And from one of the blogs I regularly follow, she not so long ago took photos of this sweet H & M dress!

{LOVE Pretty Zoo's blog where these 2 photos came from!}

Love it? Hate it?

Plan an awesome weekend getaway! Go do some awesome thriftings...garage sales...beaches...kites...maybe run up to Grand Forks to check out this store and True Colors - another new consignment shop find I didn't notice before!

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #9: The Beach

2011-07-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

So once upon an amazing idea...we went with a sweet group of our friends on a cruise. I still can't believe it actually happened! {you know how easy it is to talk about doing crazy things...but then never doing them??}

Desperate to get the heck out of dodge (ie. Fargo), we lived it up for a weekend. By far, the highlight, and still one of my favorite days yet, was playing beach volleyball while sharing unlimited Passion Beach drinks...

Chillin' on the blob...

Fallin' on the blob...

Relaxin' in our chairs...

Playin' in the sun...

Fallin' in the sun...

Swingin' at the bar (on a different island...I just really love this whole concept...and it was on a beach)...

Ridin' in the speed boat...

And making completely and totally unforgettable memories together. (I'm in the white skirt;).

I really hope...that we don't become too mature and responsible that we don't allow ourselves moments like these. Let's just all plan to hire like 3 babysitters in 5 years to watch our kids as we fly back down and zip line through rain forests!

Who's with me?!

{and...p.s....anyone continue to meet up with friends who've moved away or after having kids that's made it like an "annual event" of sorts? curious what you did/do!}

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: 3 doors down.

2011-07-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

"When one door closes another opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." ~Alexander Graham Bell

What is tripping you up from seeing the very opportunity or adventure that is awaiting you ahead...if you just would let go and move along?

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Felt rosette (wicked easy)...multi-purpose!

2011-07-26T18:45:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Deb, asked the other day if I had heard of the craftings blog How About Orange... Feeling inspired, I actually was able to try some simple projects I found on that site and also on a linked site that same night! I love when that happens...instead of just pinteresting as I usually do...I DID it;) (PS...I loooove pinterest. Wholly perfect inspiration board-ness!)

The 2 tutorials I tried were:

Felted Rosettes from Mrs. Priss blog:

And the How to Make Boxes From Paint Swatches from How About Orange:

The rosettes themselves just took craft glue (or any), felt, and scissors...

I tried 3 different sizes - 4x4, 3.5x3.5, and 3x3...

3.5x3.5 to me turned out to be the best size...

The instead of drawing a swirl on my felt, I just starting cutting circular from the outside to the inside of the square...

Trimming off the outside end that was square-ish.

And started rolling the flower from the outside to the inside...

The perfect little middle piece got a dab of glue...and fit perfectly to finish the bottom of the rosette...

4x4, 3.5x3.5, 3x3...

The bottom...

And then I tried the paint swatch box using what I had at home to try!

They go so well together;)!

But then I thought, hey, I kind of really like all this fabric rosette jewelry I've been seeing on etsy and such! So I found my piece of doily lace stuff...

Figured out where it would fit best to have a little "leaf" left on a side...

Cut it down and hot glued it to the back...and found twine that I also hot glued to the back...

And thus a rosette necklace was born! Not sure if I really like the twine or not with it...might be a little too Mary Jane's farm...but for now I'll take it...or make the rosettes into a brooch later!

Any of your pinterests craftings you've been trying out lately? Let me know your link if I'm not already following you! I love sharing these great tutorials (and then doing them!)...

Also...did you ever try the July craft challenge fun? I could yell loud curse words at my shirt currently, but I'll finish it up by Aug 1 and share it with you next Tuesday! Here's the link - you've still got time to try it out (shirts like these are usually $4 or less when thrifting!) and send me a photo if you do it so we can share our craft winnings and failings together:)

{click photo or here for link to tutorial at Grey Luster Girl}

xoxo

You're so dirty.

2011-07-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

I'm just super stoked that things actually keep growing in our gardens so I wanted to throw out some photos I took today and compare with a couple from last year and earlier this year! The above is an asiatic lily that I totally thought would never grow...however, our master gardener friend said we should go for it! (which, by the way, if you would like to come along with us sometime this week maybe to see his flowers in bloom let me know!)...

I'm loving perennial gardening...however, it does take some patience...some things seem to die when you first plant them, but come fall or the following year they rock it...and most take until the next year to be voluptuous!

This is from last year around the end of July...

This is this year in later May...

This is from today (as are all the following!)...

Heard of moneywort? It's an awesome lime green colored cover plant - this is from today and I'll be able to transplant parts of it next year to help cover more of the garden instead of mulch!

This is what the moneywort started as!

And some more flowerings from today...

So as for veggies...last year I took a hit as my first year with a "lasagna garden" - (check out my post on how I started one). I did have some mold in just one corner of the bed and then couldn't figure out what went wrong with my tomatoes. So I decided to add the following...

Organic Zoom Garden Food pellets that make your plants grow stronger and supposedly 2x's as large...and Miracle Grow Organic Topsoil...

This is the initial planting of the garden. I had also read to rotate where tomatoes go, so even though they would later block some sunlight, I went for placing them mostly in the opposing side of the raised garden. Ham loved licking the zoom. And supposedly if you poke 2 pinholes into milk jugs and fill them with water they will water your plant for you over the week. Worked with only 1 of the jugs...which I did that for for about...2 weeks...and then stopped;)

This is today! WAAAAY huger than last year! I used a variety of tomato plants from heirloom to Big Boy...there's jalapeno's and bell peppers surviving in the front, too! I had initially put up sticks and saran wrap to block the crazy wind from the new plants...and it totally worked...just looks a little silly now after all the storms...

A hops plant from our master gardener friend! These guys (3) totally died. Totally dead. We left them alone, however, after transplanting them in late May and now look at them!! They = homebrew by Justin someday.

My goal is to have a plan for all the tomato action that is going to happen. Last year...no plan.

Also excited for some new plants in the 2nd bed we built...like kale for that Olive Garden soup that Justin makes and is mind blowing.

Also, an eggplant, garlic, onions, watermelon (I know, I know, we don't have a long enough growing season for that...), and herbs in the background.

I literally, seriously, do not touch the garden to water, weed, etc. the rest of the year after some watering the first week of planting. I love these raised beds!

And tonight, a first from our harvest - fresh basil in our favorite "You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta" by Rachel Ray. Try it! We add chicken, also. It's a huge batch and awesome for leftovers!

And...because you have leftover heavy cream or whipping cream from the above...you really should make some brownies from a box and whip the cream in your mixer with a tish of powder sugar for a super easy, sooo good dessert! (I always have a box of brownies on hand. It's a necessity.)

How's you growing going?

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Cameos

2011-07-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

I am totally loving cameos. So much so that I splurged for the first time in a long time at an antique store in Detroit Lakes (SuLaine's off hwy 10) on a tiny little necklace and pair of earrings with black and white cameos. Here's the sweet selection the shop had:

Emerson College Fashion Society wrote on cameos that they are "Something delicate, something girly; something ultra girly, transported from the Victorian era."

The history of the cameo's that the college group documented was "Flash forward to the 1850s. In the midst of Queen Victoria’s reign, cameo-adorned jewelry skyrocketed in popularity with endorsement by the Queen herself. She “favored” the dainty thing, wearing a variety of them as brooches and necklaces dangling from velvet ribbon, according to VictorianBazaar.com..."

"...Since the impoverished little Londoners wanted to be pretty like the Queen, jewelers began to make cameos out of shell and other inexpensive items. They also made more expensive ones with precious stones for the wealthy socialites and such. The silhouettes were hand-carved with images of beautiful women with flawless Roman features..."

Cameo's add a mix of softness...and make any outfit more intricate and detailed. Beautiful.

One of our crafters from Unglued, Lefthanded Originals, has such pretty cameo necklaces that I've been loving since they caught my eye at Craftstraganza in St. Paul...

From vintage and antique...to finding a delicate mix of cameo's at Forever 21...they're an awesome accessory for dressing up or down...

Did you know, too, that you could just make your own cameos?

Cheers to a wonderful weekend! See you Monday!

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #8 : What Inspires You

2011-07-21T06:47:00.000-05:00

Leave it to a day that started super not awesome-ly at all to end up inspiring me more than anything else this week thus far!

Tuesday I got to travel for my job to Perham, MN out in lakes country. It was such a terrible morning as I had gotten 2ish hours of sleep after hiding in our under-stairs area during tornado sirens, lost electricity, fell into detours with flash flooding, and despite Starbucks could hardly stay awake on my drive!

The nurses I worked with were really passionate about their city. A city that produces dog food, licorice, turkeys, cheese, and potato chips and smells - depending on the day - like a combo of random sorts. The employees of the hospital donated their own money to help build the new one coming. The owner of one of the large factories has donated to the schools when closings seemed eminent. And when one of the factories faced likely shutdown, 25 of the blue-collared employees pooled their money together to keep it going and have grown it like crazy.

So I wandered downtown and came across - by no exaggeration, seriously - the most awesome thrift/antique boutique store I have literally ever been to! Arranged by color, and prices that make you smile in delight the entire visit, it's like an Etsy store for vintage exploded. You know how long it takes to find that perfect salt and pepper shaker at an antique shop? This one has at least a dozen to drool over!

So go to Perham. Check out the store, In With the Old.

As I checked out with my salt and pepper shaker, I shared with one of the owners how we're thinking of opening our own shop. She was totally stoked...and inspired me to keep pursuing it..."even though winter sucks for business, it's worth it" she said.

Thinking sleep would be demanding on my drive home, I found the coffeeshop, Gathering Grounds, along the next street. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. One of the best blended mochas (esp in 120 degree heat) I've had. I LOVED that the store had each table almost filled with gray-haired ladies having pie and coffee...and a couple random nooks to quietly read in.

Again, got a brief chance to talk about their business. Lake country = tourism. Big plus. I told them, "do you know how awesome this city is??" They referred me onto Jezebel's.

Creative, vintage displays of a vast array of homemade to higher profile gifts decked the walls.

I only post this not great photo below to show you a great idea for burlap coffee sacks - thick pillows for sitting on!

Further down the street was "Make Me Wine." A cougar-esque gift shop with flip flop coasters for your wine glasses, but not "cougar-esque" in that annoying sense. Rather in that, "oh YEAH" sense;)

But one of the shop's main squeezes is the awesome selection of wine and beer brewing supplies! Plus for every 10 kits you buy you get one free - and she keeps track of your punch card for you;) Win. We, again, talked of owning small businesses...she didn't take a day off for a year and finally this January (almost a year after opening) she hired her first employee...and loves it all! She said..."good luck with your store!" as I left...and that inspired a whole lotta goodness inside me!

{And this theater on the same street was completely awesome.}

Plus I found us a new home/retail location not more than a block away - for $89,900! Yes, let's do it.

Point: I loved being inspired by a true community. It inspires me to continue on the ideal to build it here regardless of the turnover of friends moving away - or staying!

I am so inspired, also, by regular, average joe's just doing it. Taking a risk and following their folly in the small business world. And who haven't become so cynical about the hardships of it to discourage you from it! {I should've known this about nursing with all the "happy" nurses who told me to avoid it!} Honesty, encouragement, and creative idea sharing are beautiful.

So...want to move to Perham with me??

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: inspiration from The Chariot

2011-07-20T07:08:00.000-05:00

You know that kind of EPIC rock show you go to...

and it makes you *with all the pent up emo emotion inside* believe in more...and feel super stoked to be alive.

{photo credit}

There's some lyrics from The Chariot's song "The City" that you probably won't be able to understand if you watch this video from Saturday...but, heck, just turn down your volume and sneak a peek...

Regardless, here's some lyrics from the song you should really get inspired by this midweek hot as heck day:

"Calm rose: violent wind
The only "surrender" tonight, shall not be our own
They cannot escape, one if by land, two if by sea
Because I saved my money, but it can't save me
And maybe there is blood from the past, but that is not from me
They can take away one man, and they can take away his might
But they cannot take us all
No, they can't dig a hole the right size to fit all of our dreams
They can't bury me, they can't bury me
We can't hope that somebody else take our place
No, we can't hope that somebody else take our place

Oh we stand hand in hand and we walk without fear
This is a revolution!"

No one can stifle your dreams if you allow yourself to dream big enough. "No, they can't dig a hole the right size to fit all of our dreams." It reminds me that:

You have every right and ability to dream. But not only the right to dream, but the necessity to use and grow and explode (and discover) the talents that have been entrusted to you. In the very situation you are in now. The world...your friends...the city needs you and your talents to be a part of it. "We can't hope that somebody else take our place."

So here's to us twenty and thirty-somethings (and more-somethings) who need to start dreaming and realizing again! As we get all responsible, be well aware "I saved my money, but it can't save me" in the end. So what are you doing besides heading to more safety?

"Oh we stand hand in hand and we walk without fear
This is a revolution!"

Try it Tuesday!: How to Throw an Engagment Party + a little tutorial diddy for favors...

2011-07-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

Some really amazing friends of ours just got engaged...and I've never in my life been to an engagement party, but we decided we should make one happen! There's not a whole lotta helpful info on this massive online web, so I thought it'd be fun to post this;)

Through a tish of google research...I found engagement parties are typically thrown by the parents of the couple but especially if the couple doesn't live too close to home, the party can be thrown by mutual friends (if appropriate, the friends should ensure it's cool with the parentals that they are taking it on). Timing of the party should happen at least 3-4 months before the wedding or close after the engagement announcement (sometimes the announcement is at the party itself!).

My 2 all time favorite engagement party postings I found are below {click on photo for link}:

Lumberjack and Jill engagement party! Complete with a lumberjack photo booth...such a great idea - wish we would've done this for our own with my bearded lumberjack;)

A backyard carnival themed engagement party!

So...I was lame and got a little sick during the week of planning and our enchanted backyard engagement party I was hoping to do would have also been coupled with a gross heat wave + mosquito mischief. Here's how we did it, though!

*Invited people via online with Facebook (this came together in a week...should there be more time for you, definitely go for the cutesy printed invites to match whatever you do!). Asked the couple to be sure to include anyone we didn't know who they'd like to have there. One important note we found was the hostess should be sure guests invited are also ones who'd be invited to the wedding = prevent awkwardness...

{Sidenote #many: an engagement party isn't to give gifts...more to purely celebrate. It's recommended via the great Martha Stewart to not include anything such as "gifts not expected" to keep it classy. She says to trust if people aren't sure they'll do their homework or ask the hostess. However, she also says it doesn't hurt to be prepared for those who do come baring gifts such as a small extra table for them.}

*Decided with the couple if they wanted formal vs. casual. We leaned towards the dressy cocktail. Thinking, too, that informal, fun should be in the mix since the rest of wedding festivities tend to be more plan-y and programmed.

*Wanted to ensure both the guys and the girls would enjoy the night which equaled renting a room at our totally sweet Billiards Gastropub. Intimate, loungey, and pool table in room (esp for the guys!). We informed the guests that, yes, you should dress up!

*Planned a simple, yet *sweet* dessert ensemble. Included cake because some of the fun for engagement parties is the couple gets to "practice" cutting the cake together. Which is especially great as the couple isn't sure they want one at the wedding. Yeow! (and so agreed!)

*Used a tish of decor for fun...which were coordinated with the little diddy favors...

*And had cutesy personalized party favors to enjoy during and post party for guests...(simple tutorial below).

*Allowed for time to just chill and have cocktails...

*And, though not too typical of engagement parties, had 2 super laid back trivia games...but seriously, who wouldn't want to win a super soaker when the heat index is 117 outside?!

(The first was "that's what she said" where we asked the couple 12 questions prior to the party and chose one's answer from each...asked guests "who said in response to 'what is something you cannot live without' - 'my hair, i'd lose all my godlike abilities'". The second was the Newly Engaged Game where each of the couple had a whiteboard and wrote their fiance's answer on the board to questions such as "who is their celebrity crush.") Many laughs ensued...'twas sweet.

*Toasts...someone should definitely toast at the party!

Just keep it simple so everyone can enjoy a lovely evening!

I wanted there to be some sort of sweet little favor...this is the simplicity of it:

Cut really mini squares with the color you're going for. Cut even straight lines off each corner towards the middle (this can be accomplished by folding the square into fourths as you can see I did to help you know how deep to cut them to the middle evenly).

Put just a tish of glue in the center.

Using a toothpick for really little pinwheels, cross one corner that's been cut over to the center and hold just a sec...

Work on taking the same side of each corner into the middle, being sure a little bit of the dot of glue attaches each.

Done! We definitely found that if your pinwheel has sides pop off the glued center, they'll stay better if you press the looped-ness down a bit to not be quite so curled up.

We printed normal sheets of paper with 2 columns that said the couple's names repeating along with some lyrics from songs he had written...in one of the colors they'll probably have a part of their wedding...

Cut the paper into fourths and looped into a little holder. Just a scant amount of glue at the bottom of a quarter-page fold like this will hold it together.

Attach pinwheel! Or button...ribbon...paper flower...

We filled them with rock candy so we could have a sign in the front later that said "gavin and jenni rock!" Justin spray painted the top of a box and cut little x's to hold these guys up.

Have you ever been to an engagement party? Thoughts?

The Open-ness of Living.

2011-07-18T18:16:00.002-05:00

I've come to wonder...through my endless restless meanderings through life...if what I came to believe was the answer to being restless and wanting more out of everything actually is one big, false pretense.

Moving to a sweet, urban city, near mountains or ocean, has been my solution to any complaint I throw out to the wind...or any willing ear...about wherever I'm currently living and situated. I moved from Grand Forks to Greece to Grand Forks to Rochester to Minneapolis to Fargo. And a few others in between. If I got restless or confused with life it was a lot easier to move and start new.

We were talking with The Chariot's bassist this Saturday and he repeated it a few times and resonated what Justin and I have been musing around with - that every place, each city's different culture, even from the US to Europe - is actually quite the same. He grew up wanting to get out of Kansas City and had a total blast of life to its endearing fullest as he toured across the continent and overseas...everything new and beautiful and inspiring...but slowly by slowly has come to realize how you don't find a whole lot of resolution to whatever it is you're looking for by just moving. What I loved most was that he kept saying, "it's not negative at all - it's really quite beautiful."

We always want something bigger and more awesome. But I really have to remember that some places I lived by far had more geographical beauty, but I still ended up doing the same thing and loving the same thing regardless of where I lived. Coffeeshops, the smell of fresh bakeries, reading in bookshops, creating a sweet community with creative, new friends, going to awesome-blow-your-mind-to-tears rock shows, and finding ways to stay connected to my family and friends that I held most dear everywhere else in the world.

It's funny because I'd say the masses of friends I've reconnected with who have moved resonate the same thing - moving {esp to bigger and better on the presumption it's necessary for increased fulfillment} doesn't fix it.

Moving to a larger more exciting city is totally sweet most times (I found the Kitty Cat Klub in Minneapolis which remains my most favorite place on earth)...but when you begin to spend your time in traffic...paying $10 for parking...missing the show you were going to as you wait on I-94...and eventually your dwindling funds from all the awesome-ness you're doing make you end up at home...having the same options you would have living in, say, Fargo?

This maybe shouldn't be a part of the same thought...but just as well I'm just going to throw it out there, and I'll totally regret this tomorrow when I still feel restless and still want to move to Seattle or Paris just because, but I kind of wonder if something we lack is the love and desire to be good at things called hobbies. Just maybe as a small piece of the question...Seriously, if you had such said things you loved coming home to do or work on or do with other people, you could be happy anywhere...

I'd still want to move to experience new life and city, people, and just look at a flippin' HILL/mountain/ocean...but things like my contentment and "there's nothing to do" fixes wouldn't feel so dependent on it. I wouldn't be able to be disappointed that there's nothing to do. Or when the budget gets shot from doing as much as possible wherever I am.

Waaaay back when I started re-blogging, I asked for thoughts on hobbies and life...

"Hobbies have died with the invention of technology, to most people. Back when transportation, communication, and electronics weren't readily available, people made use of their minds and talents by way of music, art, knitting, etc. And now, when you've got a job, a family, and other time consuming things, it's hard to remember to set aside time for yourself to do things that you used to enjoy." Kelsey

"People don't seem to have hobbies anymore-I totally agree. It's way easier to fill one's time with tv or computers or videogames (all of which are good, but let's kick it oldstyle, people!)." Tracey

And Linnea wrote a poem

"People don't have hobbies.
They have TVs.
They have Netflix,
and Redbox
and movies streaming instantly.

Hobbies aren't so practical.
And they don't make tons of dough.
Besides, I'm way to busy
To take time to learn to sew.
Do I really need to when,
It's cheaper to buy it at Walmart?

And, I've got to have the money
to pay off all my debt.
My son wants a new iPhone
And I think he'd throw a fit,
If I were to give him
Homemade socks instead.

But now you've made me late,
I have an extra shift at work.
Before I leave I have to check
My email/facebook/twitter accounts.
I'll get a hobby when I'm old."

So wherever you're at...if you're disliking it...I'm betting you could find some awesome things to get involved in and good at. Things that can carry you through boring and mundane times...and keep you from just sitting on Facebook or in front of Netflix. I still wouldn't go as far as to say it'd make everything right in the world and that I still shouldn't move someday {soon}...but maybe, just maaaaybe, we could be making more of our city and situation by not just always waiting to move, but taking on and defying the boring and/or technology crafted world by learning and creating our hobbies.

Just another circle of incomplete thoughts I can't rightly put together just yet...

{and there's a whole lot of other pieces to it beyond hobbies...just thoughts....}

{and you should probably tell me your random thoughts on this, too}

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Ruffles!

2011-07-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

{photo credit}

Real Simple calls it the most wearable trend and

"Soft frills on dresses, shoes, bags, and more are utterly, gorgeously feminine. "

This above photo is one I took in Paris, France way the heck back in 2004. It's been one of my most favorite fashion styles I've seen when traveling. I love the jackets, tights, converse high tops...but especially the ruffled skirt!

{photo credit}

"The ruffle trend is here to stay in a more powerful flirtatious way. This trend, which is simply made by cinched material, is adding a lot of spunk to clothing and accessories. I have always liked this reoccurring trend because of how easily it transforms a white crisp shirt to a powerful, fashionable shirt with attitude. With variations ranging from small to big ruffles, there is a ruffle piece for everybody!" wrote Kim Moshtaghi from Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle.

{photo credit}

The sweet part is that ruffles can look completely awesome on any body shape. Hint towards your smaller half with where you add your ruffles to be a a total compliment to your look! They are so forgiving, lightly romantic, and sweetly fun...

{photo credit}

A New Mode wrote about flirty ruffles, "The most important thing to remember with this style is to make it work for you! If you can pull off sweet and girly, then take that motif and run with it. If, like me, you lean more towards edgy styles, then incorporate some edgy embellishments- a leather cuff, an androgynous blazer, killer pumps, to toughen it up a bit. So how will you know what works for you? Well there’s this little thing called gut instinct which will always guide you."

{photo credit}

The best part is all the DIY you can do to pretty up a cardigan, tank, or tshirt! Check these out (click on photo to follow to tutorials)!

So go for it! DIY some sweet ruffles...or go find some amazing deals at Forever 21!

Can you believe it's the flippin' weekend already! Let's have some fun! See you Monday!

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #6: Pamper Yourself

2011-07-07T07:03:00.000-05:00

This week's link up with Gussy Sews was Pamper Yourself...

Well, let's just say that a perfect day to treat myself to some alone-ness would first involve rain. Seriously, it's the perfect set up for a day to relax, refresh, and refrain from trying to stay busy.

{photo credit}

And then I'd listen to beautiful things like Copeland.

And I'd indulge in coffee. At a coffeeshop that I could sit in for hours.

{photo credit}

I'd read a lovely book. Like A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

{photo credit}

And, garden, without a schedule.

{photo credit}

Oooo...and I'd get my favorite dessert at Nichole's Fine Pastry in Fargo...(the chocolate one).

{photo credit}

It's quite simple, really, to pamper (although I kind of dislike how royal that word sounds). It's just a matter of taking the time for yourself. And, truly, you do need it to remember life isn't a race. And things don't constantly have to be checked off your to-do list!

At the end of the day, I would spend time with my love.

What do you do to treat yourself?

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: You Earn Your Body + BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2011-07-06T07:07:00.000-05:00

The other day I saw this::

("you earn your body. i want to get healthy. i want to look better. i will eat right. i will exercise. i will earn my body.")

And I realized...how obvious it is...I EARN my body. For all my complaints. For all my imagining it doesn't matter what I eat or when I decide to be lazy when I could be running. I'm earning the body I deserve. Ouch.

You don't have to love running. But just think about trying a short race. I bet you'd love it (and I know you don't think that's possible). I never thought it possible to run more than 2 miles at most...but now I've ran a marathon, a few half marathons, and a hand full of others. I'm not super fast and I don't train super well...but it is so exhilarating and inspiring.

You don't have to run...but what can you do that would be so simple to get more energy, feel better, and be healthier? Try this.

There are many things we can't change about our bodies...and a lot of sicknesses that can happen out of our control. But, man, there sure is a lot I could improve with just a little consistent effort! And the energy you earn...mmm...

Get inspired by the people around you who are doing it. Ask how they make it work in their lives. Think about how you can make it happen in yours. Pretending it will happen at a more convenient time is B.S.

You don't get it by staring. Isn't that true! Change your mentality. Make it happen. Get active.

BLOG GIVEAWAY!!

And...drum roll...Hamilton is here to help with our blog giveaway winner!! We put each entry in a green balloon and after Ham wasn't terrified of the balloons, he barked and growled pretty consistently at one...

Yay, Kari! You win the sweet mark owl ring and aviators!

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Men's Button Up Shirt Skirt

2011-07-05T18:15:00.002-05:00

**Be sure to enter our sweet little blog giveaway from Friday by tomorrow before my next post (owl ring + aviators)! Click here for details at the bottom of the blog post from Friday!**

This is the last craft try-it-out for June that I just completed today! Although not totally completed, but enough to show you what I tried out;)

The men's button up shirt skirt remake! There wasn't an actual tutorial to follow, but it was based off of this shirt skirt from the blog Fashion Indie (click photo to follow link):

I remembered another blog I randomly follow "Adventures in Dressmaking" and found a tutorial she posted for this shirt skirt (click photo to follow link):

However, I knew this type of skirt wouldn't work for myself, so I briefed her instructions and headed out on my own...this is just a brief synopsis of what I did!

I started with a shirt of Justin's that was stained and not caught until after drying - a large H & M one.

I cut off the sleeves and collar - now granted, I cannot for the life of me find the 2 pairs of fabric shears I have so I used kitchen shears for everything!

Ham watched...

Then I cut off the top of the shirt, realizing I probably didn't have to cut off the collar since I wasn't using that area. I cut pretty much at bottom sleeve line to what I thought would be my desired length of skirt.

Next, not having any idea if it'd fit, I tried it on. It was tight on the hips so I thought adding a slip and maybe sewing it under later would be sweet.

It was also super baggy at the top...

I used pins to make a top hem evenly and also gather "darts" in different areas to gather the skirt to my waist.

Same on the back.

Pre-sewing of darts.

The inside - I didn't make a legitimate hem...just attempting to finish something I usually wouldn't and folded it over only once so the raw edge wasn't even tucked under!

The darts I folded in where the pink heads of pins are.

I keep using white thread so you probably can't see it, but this is my dart sew to help give the skirt some figure to be more form fitting. I've only sewn darts once before, so here's a tutorial on sewing darts.

The outside look of the dart.

This is just an example of how after trying on the skirt with the sewn darts I found some of them didn't gather enough so I added a second level of darts!

You can't really tell, but this is a photo of about 3 darts on the skirt!

So to finish it off, I needed to cover the stain that would be right smack in the front...

I sewed on a pocket using the same technique as the cardigan I remade.

The mostly finished product with the skirt under the shirt...

Same...

With a black butterfly belt from mark...

And probably my preferred one, the weave belt from mark!

So...to recap, I never finished the top hem as the darts themselves were holding it well...for now;) Also, I would recommend a shirt that fits your hips better as I need to find a way to actually wear this in public without the buttons pulling...and exposing...to much! Also, a preferably heavier, thicker shirt to keep the sun from shining through! It's really nice to keep the top of the skirt near a button so you can use that as the top instead of installing a zipper or other such connector.

Also, as part of June's craft mission, here's the other attempts at tutorials (click photo to follow to blog page):

This next month's try-it-out will be a men's polo shirt tutorial a friend posted on pinterest (click photo to get to tutorial) - I decided on this one because it'd be super cute for summer and finding men's clothing to remake in thrift stores is so cheap and there's so many of them!:

If you're up and interested in the challenge, let me know! Finish it by August 1 and send me a photo to link up to!

Happy creating!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Animal Bling + BLOG GIVEAWAY!

2011-07-01T06:58:00.004-05:00

(from Yellow Umbrella)

So they're labeled "the ultimate conversation piece" by celebrity jewelry stylist, Michael O'Connor, who also reports "animal motifs are making a huge impact this year," in Life and Style Weekly.

(owl earrings)

(all above from Dainty Squid)

(Etsy)

Animal accessories are such sweet, fun pieces to add to any outfit - dressed up or down. Etsy has quite the masses of fawn, owl, and bird jewelry and accessories to keep you drooling over the handmade!

(both above from modcloth)

(Etsy)

"At the forefront are the diverse and eclectic pieces depicting owls. Earthy yet opulent, regal and astute. We love their features – big, contemplative eyes, and the range of different feathers, from brown to snowy white. Add this piece to your fashion findings and it's sure to be a hit. Collectible pieces like these can even go up in value over the years. So be sure to take good care of your feathered friend and keep on hunting for those fun fashion jewelry hits," wrote Roseart Gallery on ebay's trend guide.

Loving that you can find these all the way from vintage, antique, thrift, Forever 21 to etsy shops...and they'll be around for awhile...

Whether you dress it up or down, your fashion becomes more playful and carefree with animal bling!

(she wins with her owl rings on one side and a deer ring on the other!)

(lookbook.nu)

So let's just go for it and set up a sweet middle-of-summer blog giveaway!

The winner will be chosen at random by next Tuesday night and will receive both of these sweet summer items - the mark animal attraction ring and aviators!!

To enter, there's 2 ways to win - "follow" my blog on your google reader or sign up on the right side to "follow by email" and be sure to comment below if you do so it's not missed. If you already follow this blog or say to heck with following blogs...or just want another entry in the bucket...leave a comment about your favorite summer fashion!

Have a beautiful, sweet 4th of July weekend!

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #5: PERFECT BATHROOM

2011-06-30T06:34:00.000-05:00

Oh man! This week's link up with Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop has the prompt of "The Perfect Bathroom." I've gotta tell ya...if you are thinking you'll ever own a home, especially BUILD a home...just start spending a little bit of time now actually thinking about what you like about homes you see - or start a pinterest or something!

When we built, we basically decided one week to build a home and then went for it the following...way hard when you're like me and never intended to own a home much less ever thought about what I'd want! It was quite the creative...and discussion-filled process;)

So for the "perfect bathroom" I first want to share our own bathroom that I really do like:

My hubs is crazy creative...and daring! He saw on Apartment Therapy a floor that had been tiled in a hotel all of pennies and thought about doing it in our bathroom. Thanks to our gracious group of friends (awesome city!!) we had penny tile parties and glued them to mesh...over and over again. It's about $2 a square foot I believe - pretty good for a creative tile piece! They have held up awesome - just a bit of sealer over them and we love it. The shower cork circles we placed on the floor...however...is another story...

Just for some randoms...I think this photo says it all!! How cool! {Credit to Apartment Therapy...}

The other choice I love for bathroom accents is CB2. Here's our upstairs bathroom with a CB2 shower curtain and 2 Ikea cabinets...

One I love from their site...especially the sinks...

Anything crazy you want in a future bathroom?

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: be awesome.

2011-06-29T06:45:00.000-05:00

you. are. awesome.

and you really need to live it.

we kind of let our days sometimes and even ourselves get mundane. through series of events that we allow or don't really have a say in...whether it's words from someone...or failed attempts at something you were sure of...we forget to be awesome.

i'm pretty sure we've all seen this quote above before...but seriously...eleanor knew her stuff.

you don't need to have the ultimate confidence (i mean, there can be a slew of days that suck and take it away, but you can find it again!!), but you do need to believe that you are more than just another...friend...girlfriend...barista...dreamer...blogger...student...

because you are awesome.

be who you are and be it well. you don't need to be that perfect envy of yours you constantly compare to. be awesome. maybe be a little sassy. but definitely be awesome.

believe in yourself.

so live it up. don't wait to fix yourself to muster the confidence you need to allow yourself to know you are awesome. do it now.

be awesome.

xoxo

Try it Tuesday! Craft Fail...

2011-06-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

At the lake this weekend I brought along the sweet Disney yarn ball craft I posted as a "try it out this month" idea...thinking messy and childlike go hand in hand for lake fun!

However...this was also a lesson in how to craft fail!

We sat in the beautiful sun and followed the simple directions of mixing one part water with {almost} one part craft glue. Blew up our balloons. Cut approximately 20 3 foot strings of yarn. Tied an end to our toe to keep from blowing away. Dipped the yarns into the glue/H20 bowl. Carefully laid over balloon.

Hung them up in the garage to dry overnight...

And carefully the next morning popped the balloons with scissors or earring backs.

Some stayed formed, but the majority widdled away as the balloon lost air and imploded on themselves. As Jenni with the scissors pictured above shows, she was careful to separate some of the balloon from the yarn before popping which worked awesome for 2, but even still one didn't totally work. They felt super delicate and only a few held their shape!

So some lessons to learn for the day you try this:

*Be sure to mix truly 1 part glue to 1 part water!! We did close, but not exactly 1 to 1. That probably caused them to dry too softly.

*Really soak the strings, don't necessarily squeegie them to not drip before laying on balloon.

*The thicker yarn we used (as the first 2 photos of the red and multicolored show) totally didn't work...look at using somewhat thinner yarn.

*Consider after finishing all your yarn strings maybe dipping each side into the glue mixture to seal well.

Should you have tried any of the following 3 crafts (or just want to share an idea for next month's try it out!) be sure to email me at seekbeauty@gmail.com to share your creations by July 1!

Here they are again! Click on photo to link to tutorial...

the shirt skirt

(i am really going to try to make this this week!! i found a readymade old article with a few more specifics on making a similar skirt!)

yarn balls

button bib necklace

xoxo

how to do a floatilla rodeo.

2011-06-27T18:21:00.000-05:00

We just had the most epic lake weekend yet over in Washburn, ND!

And this is worth trying sometime with your favorite people:

the floatilla rodeo!

I was pretty sad with the camera this weekend, so thanks to our sweet friend Jenni we have some!

The basics:

Gather every floaty device you have at your cabin - air mattresses you're sleeping on, tubing tubes, $5 walmart (gasp!) surfboards for 14-year-olds, and scooby doo. Attach together with a tubing rope in random and complicated ways.

Tie to the boat and slowly pull along all the tubes to the middle of the lake. (Option: Put sangria and Fat Tire in water bottles so they float when you drop them during the rodeo. At this point, consider wearing a life jacket. Don't be dumb.)

Now...have a trusted, yet slightly crazy person drive the boat around your floatilla at full speed to create amazing waves and wake. Stand, jump, and dance in your tube to create more excitement. (photo lacking, should we get our hands on more this will totally be reposted!).

Always yell, "HIT IT!!" when ready for more rodeo waves.

Tired? Stop the rodeo and relax in your nice nest of floaties and slowly, as you get majorly sunburned, allow your floatilla get close to shore.

Other option: climb into the boat and play a killer dance party mix. Dance.

Repeat.

xoxo...

Fashion Friday: Nail Art

2011-06-24T07:04:00.000-05:00

I've been noticing a whole lot of blingin' nails on some of the blogs I follow, on pinterest, and slowly starting to notice here in the Midwest.

In Nylon this month Liza Darwin writes, "As everyone from Katy Perry to Lady Gaga to M.I.A. prove, the latest obsession in the music world is the statement manicure."

The article mentions that "back in the 90's when I was working in music, all the girls had their nails done long, with crazy patterns."

(awesome!)

These ones just completely blow my mind. And probably aren't so much going to happen on this hand. But a trend I could handle is having the one finger, such as your ring finger, blinging with some glittzer or even a leftover craft jewel. There's nail glue and nail pens to aid in self-manicures!

Here's a youtube video just giving you a glimpse of the process of adding acrylic artwork to crazy manicures:

"Girls who feel like they can't change their hair or makeup can change up their nails really easily," the story concludes. I thought that was pretty sweet...again, something simple and {if you try} cheap to add great variation to an outfit and look. Plus, keeps me from chewing them;)

Lastly, and most excitingly, a totally do-able youtube tutorial on adding newspaper print to your nail polish routine! Totally going to do it...just make sure you totally let your nails dry before doing the newspaper part (just tried it!)...

Going to try it?

Do something awesome this weekend! See you Monday:)

xoxo

ash

Inspiration Workshop Installment #4: Spend the Day Playing

2011-06-23T06:32:00.000-05:00

Yay Thursday! One more day until we go to the lake weekend with our awesome city friends!! I am SO.EXCITED.! Even if the weather is crappy or we get another flat tire, it is one of my favorites:)

Another one of my favorites was a weekend ago when we visited my sweet parents. I'm linking up with Gussy Sews with this week's prompt being: SPEND THE DAY PLAYING.

Here's a few photos from our awesome weekend:)

These were the coolest ride ever! We soared atop the lake on a beautiful, chilly day on these pedal boats. I significantly dislike most pedal bikes...however, these simply = awesome.

And this photo is even more impressive when you know that the long grass/branch structure horizontal to our heads is a massive beaver dam. The water level on one side is maybe 7 feet higher than the other all because of a beaver!

The bog walk in Orr, MN (really interesting, beautiful, and buggy)...drinks along the Vermillion River compliments of my parents in front of wild rice patties...

Ice cream on our way onto the lake, fishing, and beautiful family!

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: a new dawn (not breaking dawn)...

2011-06-22T17:15:00.000-05:00

{these completely amazing prints are from Studio Mela. click on the print to check out the etsy!)

We get so frustrated at ourselves not making the cut or living up to our own expectations! Just keep in mind, that today is a new day. Full of opportunity and restarts. You can go on that run and not sleep in (ie. myself!!), you can finish your project, maybe find out you got the new job, start the day up with a renewed excitement for something that's been mundane, take on what you've been putting off, say things that are meaningful and breathe life into people, fall in love again.

Don't give up on yourself. There is a beautiful new day ahead...

Sometimes we just need the fresh start after sleep to try again. To have a renewed perspective. To live fully.

Do something unexpected. It's refreshing. It reminds us there is more possibilities out there than we allow our narrow vision to see.

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Bib Necklace

2011-06-21T16:15:00.002-05:00

So as a part of our crafting adventures, here's a try at a tutorial I linked to for you to try this month of June! I'll include the other 2 craft ideas at the end here...remember to try to make one by July 1 if you're interested and be sure to send me a photo to share!! (seekbeauty@gmail.com).

The bib necklace...tutorial used from Little Miss Mama's site here.

I've loved the look of these bib necklaces for quite some time. My sister-in-law is going to be wearing a gorgeous one her mom made for her wedding in October! But since it hasn't happened yet...I can't totally share it;)

I wasn't a super huge fan of just buttons and a pendant or two so this is the process I did, very similarly to Little Miss Momma's:

My dear friend Laura had left a massive box of buttons behind when she moved:( so I used man of those along with picking up a pearl necklace at Salvation Army + a garage sale! All the other items I had as leftover crafts.

I started with a bunch of felt, buttons/jewelry pieces, lace ribbon, a hot glue gun, scissors, tweezers, and a pen.

I used my mark necklace to draw an outline on the felt with a pen (pencil wasn't working...) of about how big I was thinking...

I first laid out the pearl necklace (without cutting the necklace or felt) in a random shape and then filled it in with various pieces, trying different options out...

I liked laying out all the buttons, etc I had onto the felt so they didn't roll away and I could easily see the options...

Once I liked the layout, I heated up the glue gun!

I left all the pieces on there as I glued them down in place...then I cut up my other pearl necklace and filled in the gaps with singular pearls. Tweezers helped a lot to hold up a small pearl, put a tish of glue onto the bottom, and sneak it into the gaps.

After it dried for a minute, I used my scissors to cut around the necklace...

I then took the necklace to cut out another piece of felt the same size. Once it was cut, I trimmed down this new piece so it was definitely smaller than the other and could be its backing without peeking over the front.

I found some lace I liked and hot glued it down to the bib as 2 different strands.

Then using the backing piece I cut, I hot glued that over the lace pieces.

Voi-la! It's very pretty to me...and since I went to India I love the tiger eye's kind of pendants.

Alright, so now that I try it on...I think a little smaller would have been okay!

For anyone who's got some down time in this crazy rain and weather, try out this to fit your style or try another one of these Try it Tutorials!! Click on the photo to link up to the tutorial.

get creating!

xoxo

could you take my picture...'cause i won't remember

2011-06-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

So I realized I really need to take more photos...and not just wait to be awesome and comfortable with a camera! With all these friendlies moving it's time to capture some memories forever...

(we loved mini golf)

(super fun)

(and some gorgeous weather roof-top drinks).

we are so blessed by our "awesome city"!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Bright Tights

2011-06-17T07:14:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a trend for a while...but I'm starting to finally think I could pull off this bright colored tights thing! However, in an unfortunate event I gave Justin my only pair of blue tights to brew some beer at home - which ruined the beer and my tights!!

My biggest love - such a cheap addition to an outfit that can completely change the look and feel of it! So much variety...

You can match your outfit with bright tights, mismatch, wear them with vintage wear or modern...and your outfit gets doubled in possibilities!

So my goal this weekend is to find a cheap pair of awesome bright tights and actually WEAR them with an outfit! I always felt like a smurf when I tried to pair my blue tights with something that I never tried it out...but I think it's time!

Elsie from A Beautiful Mess has some really awesome outfits with bright tights...sometimes using a simple, 2-colored outfit with a smashing pair of unmatching bright tights to pop...to totally matching the pinks...to wearing a pair of tights colored in the same tone.

But...I'm still also needing a pair of black tights to do this:

Some place for your awesome tights listed by cafemom

MyTights.com: Features every pattern and color imaginable, from plaid checks to Pucci swirls.
Lovecolour-Lovetights.com: Lets you shop by color, type and pattern so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
Forever21.com: It's hard to beat F21's wide selection (floral, stripes, solids) and low prices (all tights are under $10).
Target: You can always count on Tar-zhay for inexpensive accessories (like tights) that will help you update your wardrobe for less.

Wholly fast week, batman!! Hope yours was beautiful and that the weekend to come is cheerful and fun!

See you Monday:)

xoxo

Inspiration Workshop Installment #3: Green!

2011-06-16T06:24:00.000-05:00

Today I'm linking up with Gussy Sews for her Inspiration Workshop...(check it out!)...

The prompt for this week's photo was simply GREEN.

My immediate reaction: these BEAUTIFUL green moccasins I've had my eye on from Darlintonia:

Handmade amazingness...and 25% off this month for her birthday! Oh for the love how these would be so fantastic!

But 2 other photos that also came to mind...

Last year we were a part of a CSA and were able to visit the farmer and do our own picking! The greenery blew my mind and it was so rewarding to know the farmer, visit the farm and harvest your own bounty...

And, lastly, our trip to Iceland back in '08. Beautiful. Green. Moss. Fascinating.

xoxo

inspire me on hump day: the storm

2011-06-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

"life isn't about waiting for the storm to end;
it's about learning to dance in the rain."

so whatever you've been waiting to do, waiting to feel, or waiting to plan until *this* difficult or annoying situation is over...maybe it's more about overcoming it and doing it regardless. finding beauty in the midst of it all and not letting it ruin your year.

or maybe it's as simple as not letting a *rainy day* ruin your summer plans. live it up baby!

xoxo

Try it Tuesday!: Grilled Peaches

2011-06-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

So let's just go ahead and admit it. Grilling is a crazy good way to enjoy summer!!

One thing since last summer I keep on hand is PEACHES. NOM. This is my favorite dessert for after-grilling...or just later in the evening when we want an awesome, fruit-licious snack!

I started this time with white peaches...however, you should really use yellow peaches as I'm thinking they're much juicier! Justin liked these though because they kept "good form" when grilling.

So take however many peaches you want, honey, cream cheese, and if you'd like...nuts. Heat your grill to medium high heat.

Cut your peaches in half and pit them...

In a bowl, mix up softened cream cheese with a good dose of honey to taste and also nuts if desired (I chopped up halved pecans I had on hand). **You can just buy cream cheese already with honey in it, too, if preferred**

Place peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill about 10 minutes.

Turn peaches over...

Immediately drizzle peaches with honey and place a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture into the pit emptiness. Grill another 2-3 minutes for cream cheese to soften more and maybe even get a tiny tiny tish of brown on the top (not too much, though!).

Serve immediately! You could even have a little spoonful of ice cream next to it:)

And that, my friends, is one of my favorites for summer!

(PS...I am finally attempting some photoshop fun!! I know the photos themselves aren't super impressive, but what made me still use them and love esp the outdoor ones was a one-step edit using Sara Kiesling's photoshop actions package...check it out...they are awesome and a killer price for a whole buncha fun!)

xoxo

get more sleep.

2011-06-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

Favorite garage sale find from Minnesota...my new little kitchen window friend!

Tonight: relaxing watching Community episodes, eating Justin's "better than chocolate brownies with mayo on them" popcorn, and looking through all of the Readymade issues I can find to tear out new ideas, storefront inspiration, and container homes! (and hopefully doing our budget in there, too).

This weekend was completely sweet!

It's funny how you can start to see the beauty of your old city as you grow up.

And I really <3 hanging out with my family. I'm thankful for this summer fo' sho'!

Some other things I'm clipping out of Readymades are advice from really amazing entrepeneurs:

"Most people I know who are really passionate about their work do things that are very focused. Because I was interested in knowing about lots of different things and didn't have one main focus, I was worried I had missed my calling. It turns out that there's a niche for people like me - and possibly you - too. Hang around people who interest you and intriguing opportunities are bound to pop up."

"A lot of people think it's all about networking. Network away, by all means. But at the end of the day, the only person who is going to make things happen for you is you. The single biggest luxury in this life is being able to do what you want, when you want, and how you want, and not give a damn what anybody else thinks. Know that, because that is what emboldens you. Also, get more sleep."

"Try to eat regularly, exercise, and get enough sleep. I will consider myself successful when I wake up well rested, eat a delicious dinner, spend time with my family, and still do the job in a way that I find satisfactory - and that my customers tell me that they still come (to the shop) to be inspired."

You can find these and more at Readymade's site for "How Did You Get That F*&%ing Awesome Job."

Hope your weekend was beautiful!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: Zooey Deschanel

2011-06-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

I was thinking of who in the celebrity world I most admire for style...and it's pretty easily hands down Zooey Deschanel. I thought it was pretty awesome when Facebook did their "post what celebrity you most look like" and a whole bunch of us chose her!

Her mix of vintage/retro has such a fun, cute edge to it. I'm loving that there's someone in the celebrity world out there like her to keep the world inspired in the limelight...Lots of tights, cardigans, dresses, belts = greatness.

This was pretty awesome last summer when some friends and I traveled to Des Moines and went to this great craft/art/gift store:

She told us that when they were painting the store, a somewhat pretentious, vintage-dressed girl on a retro bike with a basket and a cute little dog looked in with their pretentious eyes and the 2 friends painting the store added this great piece of art to the wall:

("you are not Zooey Deschanel"). Pretty epic.

Lastly, just a quick video to enjoy if you already haven't seen it from her music She & Him...

Any other well-known faces you love to see with some sweet vintage wear or just awesome style?

Have a most grand weekend! See you Monday! We're kicking it on the Iron Range and it's pretty awesome...

xoxo