Style: Denim and Lace

This was my Easter dress last year. I saw it in the store and just fell in love. I was browsing Pinterest for ideas on how to wear my knee length lace skirt when I came across the photo below and immediately thought of my dress. Since I don't travel with it I don't get to wear it too often. I jumped at the chance to pull it out for church one Sunday when we were at home. Denim and lace go so well together!

Anthropologie

Dress: Forever 21

Jacket: Old Navy

Necklace: Beall's Outlet

Belt: Vanity

Lace Shirt: JC Penny

Tank: Wal-mart

Hair Flower: DIY

Yo-Yo Satin and Tulle Flower

This is part 4 of the LC series that I designed for my cousin for Christmas.
Start with a long piece of material, about 4 inches wide and 18 inches long. It can be something that will fray, in fact, I came up with this because I wanted to use satin. You also need a needle and thread, tulle if you like, and a hair clip and hot glue.

Fold your fabric in half and do a running stitch, making a tube that is closed at one end and open at the other. Do not cut your thread.

Flip the tube inside out.

Next, pull your thread as tight as you can so that your flower scrunches up. Tie your knot off.

Next, tie a new knot and slip your needle through the tulle and then insert the needle in between the doubled thread by the knot so that it will catch when you pill it tight.

Do another running stitch along the edge of the tulle and pull your thread tight so that it creates a circle. Tie it off.

Cut out a circle of felt.

First, glue down your tulle, then your satin rosette, leaving the end un-glued.

Next, roll up another, smaller piece of tulle so that it makes a small rosette. You do not need to stitch this one.

Glue this rosette in the middle of your satin flower, tucking it slightly under the loose end and then glue the loose end down.

Glue you hair clip to the back

You are done!

Check out more from the LC series: Gem Barrette, Glitter Leaf Hair Clip, Hello Kitty Tulle Bow

Fashion Challenge - Part 1

Our family is on a three week deputation trip and this time around I decided to give myself a little challenge and make as many outfits as possible from a limited amount of clothing. You can read about it here. Here are days 1-4.

Day one was just a couple hours of travel and seeing my husband's family. I had to stay home with the Dida at Christmas as she had the chicken pox, so we decided to see them on our way up. The weather was sti;; nice.

Shirt: Ann Taylor (thrifted)

Skirt: DIY

Shoes: Payless

Day two was travel and dinner with a Pastor and his family. I opted for comfort.
Shirt/Tank: Target
Cardigan: Gift from Mom (and last minute addition)
Scarf: DIY
Skirt: Liz Clairborn (thrifted)
Tights/Shoes: Payless

Day three was Sunday, two meetings, travel and it was freezing!! Lots of snow still on the ground. I also layered my trench over this.
Dress: Vanity
Sweater: Coldwater Creek Outlet
Scarf: Wal-mart
Belt: gift
Boots: Target

Day four does not exist because I was a hot mess! It just was more travel and a quick trip to Wal-mart. We stopped in Knoxville, not realizing that we would be eating right down the street from the University of TN and the Dida just happened to be wearing her UT sweat suit that my Dad bought her (it's her warmest outfit)! It was a fun coincidence.

Maxi Dress to Maxi Skirt Tutorial

I got this dress as a hand-me-down recently and I tried it on with several sweaters and jackets but never found one that looked quite right. As much as I love strapless dresses they don't often love me as they tend to be too low in the front or are hard to define your waist in. So, I decided to make it into a skirt.

First, I tried it on at my waist to see how much of a waist band I wanted. Then I took it off and trimmed it accordingly, leaving an extra 1/2 inch for a seam allowance.

Next, I sewed the waistband down, gently stretching as I sewed. You may want to zig-zag stitch the top or fold it over a third time but I did neither as I didn't want my waist band to be too bulky.

Once that was done, I tried it on again to see how long I wanted it. Once I decided, I pinned it with a straight pin to mark my place.

Then I took it to the ironing board an pressed a seam all the way around.

After pressing, I trimmed the excess material about a 1/2 inch from my pressed fold.

Then I pressed it again so that I had a hem that was folded over twice.

Then I stitched it down and was done. Easy peasy!

Now I have a comfy skirt that can be worn in any season with boots or sandals. I included it in my 21 Days with 5 Outfits Challenge. Follow the link to make an outfit for my for my up-comming trip!

Style: Blue Stripe, Green Jean and Pink Bubble Necklace

I found these two inspiration photos recently and thought it might be fun to combine them. 

J's Everyday Fashion

Happily Grey

I wore this outfit for an evening out with my husband and daughter enjoying the weather and shopping and eating at one of my favorite places, The Cheesecake Factory! It's normally packed so we opted to eat outside and got seated almost right away. The weather was perfect and so was the carrot cake cheesecake!

Top: Vintage

Tank: Aeropostale

Skirt: Old Navy Outlet

Shoes: Payless

Earrings: Flea market

Necklace: Versona Accessories

Watch: Target

Leftover Chicken Taco Soup

Ever have some leftovers that you just don't feel like eating again? I am always re-inventing dinners. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! This is the story of one that did.
We were having taco dinner night at my parent's house and I offered to bring a little extra taco filling. I boiled 2 chicken breast, drained and shredded them and stirred in a can of Campbell's nacho cheese soup and just a little milk. It made for some yummy taco's, but when I took it home, I didn't have any burrito shells on hand to finish it up with. So I thought, what about taco soup? I also had some leftover plain white rice and about half a carton of chicken broth. Additionally, we had some tomatoes and onions. My husband diced the tomatoes and onions up and cooked them in some butter and salt while I added the chicken broth, rice and a little frozen corn to our creation. Once the onions and tomatoes were soft we added them as well along with a little heavy whipping cream and some extra taco seasoning and let the whole thing simmer. The result was awesome! Here are those ingredients again in list form:
2 chicken breasts - cooked and shredded
1 can Cambell's nacho cheese soup
1/2 cup milk or heavy whipping cream
8-10 oz. of chicken broth
1 - 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 onion
1 tomato
2 tbs. butter
1/4 cup frozen corn
Seasonings to taste

What's your favorite way to use leftover chicken?

Style: Skirts and Stripes

I came across this inspiration photo while surfing Polyvore one night and just fell in love with the color pallet! I loved it so much I put this outfit together the next day. I had been wanting to try this silhouette, shirt tucked into a full skirt with a wide belt, but wasn't sure I could pull it off. I'm glad I did because I loved this look. It made me feel like I belonged in "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn. I loved it so much in fact, that when I found a similar J. Crew inspiration photo, I tried it again!

I just switched the shapes on this one from full on top to full on bottom. I have to admit though, I was not loving the flip flops with it and I did switch to a different pair of sandals. I wonder if I'm outgrowing my flops? At least until summer maybe!

Outfit 1

Top: Target

Tank: Wal-mart

Skirt: Vanity Fair

Hair Flower: DIY

Earrings: Target

Necklace: Part of high school choir outfit

Belt: Cold Water Creek Outlet

Shoes: Payless

Outfit 2

Shirt: Target

Tank/Skirt: Wal-mart

Jewelry: Flea Market

Belt: Gift

Shoes: Payless

Would you wear a full skirt with a belt and tucked-in shirt?

Inspiration photos: Polyvore, J. Crew

Shower Beauty Routine

Ever feel like you are just too busy to do a beauty routine? Can't be bothered to put on lotion or keep your legs perfectly shaved all the time? Me too. Especially after becoming a mom! But, there is a way that you can get it all in AND reduce the mess (another reason I skip stuff sometimes!). Take it to the shower! Here are a few things that I do in their:

1. Shave! I have been shaving in the shower pretty much since I started shaving. I do it every day, every shower. It does not take much time at all and my legs and underarms never get unsightly. I don't use shave gel every day, however. I usually just run the razor over my legs right after I soap up. You can also use extra hair conditioner that you might have on hand.

2. Deep condition your hair! This particular product only takes 3 minutes! I put it in as soon as I wash my hair (which I do first) and by the time I am done washing myself and shaving it has already been at least 3 minutes. Bonus: it smells great!

3. Wash your face! I really don't like washing my face in the sink and having the water run down my arms. Washing with acne wash in the shower is perfect because your pores are already open from the heat of the shower and it is a whole lot less messy. You can let it sit on your face for a minute without worrying about it getting everywhere. You can also wash your neck and chest with it as well.

4. Put on lotion! This is not one that I ever would have thought of this if someone had not given me the product above. You put it on after washing and shaving and you don't even need to rinse it off! I don't think you really even need a special in-shower lotion either, you could probably just use regular lotion!

These are the four main things that I do extra in the shower. Doing these things there saves me a lot of mess and time and still helps me feel like I'm trying! Here are two more things you can do in the shower on a less regular basis:

5. A face mask! For me, a shower is the perfect place to try these. I seem to be sensitive to them, so if they start to burn (what usually happens) I can rinse them off quickly with no mess.

6. Exfoliate your feet! I have a pumice stone/brush very similar to this one from the Dollar Store. If I feel I am getting a little rough I start using it in the shower for a little while and then just hang it up to dry.

Do you have any more ideas to save time and work in a little pampering in the shower? If so, add to the list in the comments!

Pictures:

http://jennysgrocerycart.blogspot.com/2009/05/albertsons-doubles-riteaid.html, http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/hair/2010/garnier-fructis-triple-nutrition-dryness-treatment, http://reviewsbycole.com/2012/09/up-up-apricot-scrub/, http://allwomenstalk.com/8-great-inexpensive-body-washes/, http://apsaraskincare.com/blog/skin-care/facial-masks-how-to-use-them/, http://www.lulusoso.com/products/Foot-File-With-Pvc-Pumice-Stone.html

Style Challenge: 21 Days with 5 Outfits

In about a week and a half our family will be hitting the road again. I have really enjoyed being at home and having a bit of a break, but it is time to get back to work! This next trip will include 6 meetings, a week with family, a day and a half in D.C.! and me flying home with our daughter for a wedding. Temps promise to be cold as well.
This time around for packing I decided to try something different. I usually pack in complete outfits with a few things that can mix and match. I usually have well more than I need but I also end up getting bored and don't even wear half of what I pack more than once. For this trip I decided to try to only pack peices that went with at least two other things, preferably more. For the trip I picked five whole outfits (top, bottom, sweater/jacket, tank, shoes, accessories) but the challenge is going to be to not repeat the same combination twice during the whole 3 weeks! I plan to take pictures to document it and post when I can. (Scroll to the bottom for a fun reader challenge!) Here is what I am bringing:

Shirts

1. Purple Tee

2. Red Pullover Sweater

3. Grey Tee

4. Blue Peplum Tee

5. Green Print Tee

Skirts/Dress

6. Jean Skirt

7. Grey Pencil Skirt

8. Printed Maxi Skirt

9. Purple Maxi Dress

10. Knee Length Printed Skirt

Sweater/Coats

11. Grey/Silver Cardigan

12. Black Short Sleeve Cardigan

13. Purple Cardigan

14. Trench Coat

15. Denim Jacket

Undershirts

16. Teal Tank

17. Navy Tank

18. Purple Tank

19. White Tank

20. Black Tank

Shoes

21. Denim Flats

22. Leopard Flats

23. Silver Flats (may replace these with black ones or leave out all together)

24. Black Boots

25. Brown Boots

 

Accessories

26. Owl Necklace

27. Purple Necklace

28. Light Blue Necklace

29. Purple Scarf

30 Teal Scarf

31. Purple Belt

32. Black Belt

I also plan to bring a long sleeve white tee and brown leggings for layering if needed (sleeping if not!), a paper thin beige cardi, also for layering, and tights in brown, tan, navy, black and burgundy. I will also be bringing hair accessories.

Here are some potential outfit ideas:

Now for the fun part! Make me an outfit! Using the numbers, come up with an outfit for me that has at least a top, bottom and shoes and leave it in the comments. If I can pull it off (the pieces fit together modestly) then I will wear it and post a pic! I can't wait to see what you come up with!