Style Queue: Navy Nails + Weekend Links

September 20, 2013

After the last color play post, I went out to pick up that perfect navy polish. Its been fun having a new color to wear that goes with everything I put on. After scouting out all the navy polishes Ulta had to offer, I went with Incognito in Sausalito by OPI… has a nice ring to it, eh? It really hits a good balance between the black navy’s and the too blue navy’s. So that’s that friends.

What are your weekend plans?? We are hoping to head up to the Georgia mountains to go apple picking this weekend while the weather is a perfect 70 degrees. Here’s hoping!

Links you may want to hit up:

Amen’s lifestyle blog I regularly read. (And so does Gabe:))

A mini projector?? Photography lovers check this out!

Favorite ankle boots for fall.

Creature Comforts opened a print shop, and I am smitten.

Flora and Henri’s fall line for littles…mini perfection.

Kate’s latest messy bun/braid tutorial for medium hair is brilliant.

This post facebook free life resulted in me “cutting down on mental clutter” and logging into my personal FB page less. Good food for thought!

P.S. I am doing some research for our upcoming Brand Market workshop and made an 8 questions survey on the topic of social media. Would love your help if you have a minute!

DIY Captain America Costume with PB Kids

September 19, 2013

Every year on approximately Oct. 28th I am scrambling to put together costumes for the little ones. (Last year I took an easy route.) Thanks to a little nudge and encouragement from Pottery Barn Kids, I am a whole 6 weeks early this year;)

Their entire line of costumes for kids is outstanding. I mean really, who can compete with this? I am so glad they included Captain America in their treat bag section because he happens to be my son’s favorite super hero. Gabriel has been asking me for a Captain America shield so when this opportunity arose to do a little DIY action for PBKids, I knew exactly what I would attempt. I got a little carried away and made the whole costume.

Materials:
Frisbee (We had a few of these from parades we had collected.)
Sticky back foam sheets
Regular foam sheets
Red and White Duck Tape or
Duck Tape sheets
Elastic trim
Sticky back velcro
Blue T-shirt

Instructions:
Shield: Cut out a white ring, white star, and blue circle out of the sticky foam sheets,(You will need red too if you can’t find a red frisbee) and attach to the front of the frisbee. Turn over, attach sticky back velcro circles in two rows. Hot glue elastic or fabric strips to the top sides of the velcro dots.

Shirt: Using duck tape rolls or sheets, cut strips and place vertically along the bottom half of the shirt. Cut out a second white star out of a duck tape sheet to place at the center of the shirt.

Mask: Trace a mask shape on blue foam and cut out. Draw an A and two small wings on the scraps of your white duck tape sheet to attach on the front of the mask. Staple an elastic trim piece on either side of the mask. (Pre-measure.)

PB Kids is offering 20% off all their treat bags (+ Free Shipping!) which means we will be getting that Captain America one for Mr. Superhero…;)

*Thank you to Pottery Barn kids for sponsoring today’s post.

Make//Hang .03 – Gold Gilded Modern Art : DIY for SMP Living

September 18, 2013

Sometimes the ordinary can become extraordinary if you look at it from a new perspective. Can you guess what I used to create these art pieces?? Head on over to Style Me Pretty Living to see this month’s DIY. Its an easy way to make some modern art. Get your friends together to make some gifts for friends or family! Use the hashtag #SMPLivingGildedArt so we can see what you are up to!

These beautiful pillows by Goods by Grinn were my pattern inspiration for these art pieces. Also a thank you to By Luciana shop for the Non, Je ne Regrette Rien print which completes the trio:)

Sweet Scoop: Talenti Gelato

September 17, 2013

I have to admit one of the best baby gifts I received was just this last week. My friend Natasha brought over some sweet treats…..a valued and appreciated gift for any girl who just had a baby, right?? She introduced me to the wonderful world of Talenti Gelato. Less than a day later, the entire pint of Salted Caramel was gone. Consider yourself warned – this stuff is dangerous.

I found myself slowly walking down the Publix frozen section a day later in case I would happen to cross paths with Talenti. Once I spotted it between the Ben & Gerry’s and the Häagen-Dazs, our eyes locked. Before I knew it, I was at the checkout line with Sicilian Pistachio and Caramel Cookie Crunch.

I told Gabe this can now be my birthday, anniversary, and just because surprise gifts should he feel so inclined. I will just pretend to be surprised.

Let me know if you give it a try. I have about eight other flavors I need to test out so I’d love to hear suggestions on which to try next!

Monday Muse: Colorful Clutches + Giveaway

September 16, 2013

Happy Monday friends. Our weekends are FLYING by lately, and can I barely bask in the joy that it is the weekend before Monday comes back to smack me in the face. So I decided to make everyone’s Monday a little brighter today….

These leather wallets from Ily Couture are the perfect size to throw in a purse or use as a clutch. There were loads of colors to choose from and I picked up a few favorites to give away to you readers just because. Sometimes its fun to give away loot as a thank you for being so lovely. Hope it brightens your day and gives you a good start to your week!

I am giving away THREE in Emerald Green, Ivory, and Peacock Blue! Enter easily below:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shop Scoop: Oliberte Shoes

September 12, 2013

Shoes: c/o Oliberte // Cords: J. Crew

My husband Gabe is a man of integrity and loyalty. If you are an honest person, he holds you in high esteem. If you consistently show you are willing to work hard for something, you have all of his respect. This goes across the board for Gabe….even when it comes to the shoes he wears. If the brand is durable, high quality, and will last forever, he will be loyal to that brand till someone proves him otherwise.

So you can believe me when I say, Oliberte shoes are top notch. They are Gabe approved.
Oliberte set up their company to support and provide job opportunities in Africa. Their careful process in selecting and sourcing materials, as well as enforcing a “play fair “factor is what is most noteworthy. Every pair of shoes is handmade with high quality leather. We are so impressed with this company, their story, and the outcome of their shoes.

Gabe claims they feel like slippers, so he wore them off to work this morning …and probably will wear them every day for the rest of the year…
So ladies, if you are looking for a pair of shoes that will last for your guy, here you have it. And guess what? There’s a lifetime warranty. Boom.

*IHOD readers can take 10% off with code OLIFW1310

Dirty Laundry or Highlight Reel?

September 10, 2013

^^ That time I forgot my shirt for the photoshoot and looked like a John Lennon groupie? ^^

This is a question I have been mulling over in the past few weeks. This topic has been discussed over the blog world time and again and its good to think through. I see bloggers taking a stand against the perfectly curated life and revealing it all; un-edited photos, real stories from the dirty laundry pile, and honest discussions. I think it is riveting, refreshing, and important….

I also know that it is in my nature to want to uplift and encourage. I don’t like to dwell on the negative and always assume no one wants to hear it either. This is why I have fallen somewhere in the middle. I have written my fair share of One Truth or Real Chat posts, and have loved learning from you all in the process. I often wonder what is the best route to go when writing this blog. I received this note from a dear friend the other day and it came at just the right time. Its important to not hide your joys just as it is important not to hide all of your sorrows. So I would love to hear from you all. What is your perspective on the content bloggers share?….

Why do you come to a blog?

What do you look forward to reading?

Would you rather escape to a highlight reel or engage in someone’s real life scenarios?

I know I have sites I look forward to visiting that are on both spectrums. Its nice to read through stories I can personally relate to or even laugh at someone’s comical mishap. They can be encouraging on their own! However, its also nice to escape a hard day to some of my favorite style and design blogs. And there’s always pinterest…;)

The question I always ask myself which I hope translates through this blog, is how have I helped someone today? Have I promoted the good? Have I encouraged the struggling? Have I shared something I truely love? Honesty, Authenticity, and Creativity are what I value most in this space and I hope you can always sense that. Although I also hope you can smack me upside the head if I get to lofty. Sound good?