Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sunday Feature: The Scarf

We had a linger longer after church today. Food at church=instant nap time upon home arrival. This should happen way more often.
And I realize I have worn a black dress two weeks in a row. I live on the East Coast, which means, I am allowed.
So, I've been thinking (it's been known to happen from time to time) I want my posts to have a little direction. Most important since I am so completely random.
Each Sunday I will feature a theme/article of clothing that I will incorporate into every outfit for that week. This week is a scarf.
I am always looking for new ways to wear what is already in my closet and now I am relying on you to be my inspiration. Play dress-up with my by posting a picture of yourself on your blog (or elsewhere on the web) wearing this week's featured item, and leave a link in the comment section below.
How do you love to wear a scarf?? I can't wait to see!

Dress: Shade
Scarf: F21
Tights: F21
Shoes: Juicy Couture

Friday, February 25, 2011

I Don't Drink

Because I'm good Mormon girl and all. Thus, ice cream is my alcohol. And in a few short minutes, I'll be naked wasted. I'll explain:
Last night 7pm: The Mister informs me he left his keys at work and needs me to pick him up at the train station (he takes the train into Manhattan daily)
2-5:30am: The Baby (does a 21-monther still qualify for that title??) is S-C-R-E-A-M-I-N-G her lungs, brain and heart out. And no amount of shh-ing, singing, swaying or Tylenol will stop the child.
6:30am: The Princess creeps into my room. Before she can mutter a word, I tell her I have only been asleep an hour and I am not ready to see her face.
6:45am: The Monkey Man enters my room asking if he can play video games "because it's Friday." I tell him no and I don't want see his face.
7:20am: The Mister snuggles up next to me and promptly exclaims, "you stink." I punch him in the gut and tell him I really don't want to see his face.
7:25-7:50: Get kids dressed and fed. Make them clean their room. Make lunches
7:51: Awaken the sleeping demon/angel baby
7:52: Everyone piles into the car
7:57: Pull into parking garage to pay for another day so The Mister's vehicle may remain idle
8:03: Drop The Mister off at the dentist
8:12-8:24: Go through drop-off line at The Monkey Man's school
8:26: Pull into driveway
8:27-8:44: Change and feed baby. Shower and dress myself. Maybe I brushed my hair???
8:51: Pick-up The Mister from the dentist
8:56: Pull into driveway
9:05: Mr. Appraiser Man arrives
9:05-9:35: Schmooze Mr. Appraiser Man
9:40: Pile back in car to drop The Mister off at the train station
9:46: Pull into driveway.
All in the pouring rain.
I don't drink. But many more mornings like this, and I may be driven to it.
(Just teasing daddy. I promise)
Under Tee: Shade
Blouse: Gap
Ruffled Cardigan: Nordstrom
Jeans: Hudson
Flats: Born

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Blouse

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Ruffled Table Runner

My family was able to visit my husband's sister and her family over Thanksgiving. While we were there, we all "ooohed" and "awwwed" over a gorgeous ruffled table runner she had just made. It was so pretty and added the perfect touch of femininity and class.
A little over a month later while blog hopping, I came across a tutorial for the exact table runner. It was destiny. I had to make it.
Let me just say, I am just learning to sew. As in, I got a sewing machine like a month ago. Me and my sewing manual are kind of attached currently. Luckily, it has got to me the clearest manual I have ever read. I think I almost have basic sewing down. Ha.
Also, I haven't ironed the ruffle down or the runner at all yet. So please forgive the wrinkles. I will get around to it.

Ruffled Table Runner:
Sewing machine
Appropriate yardage for your table (I bought 2 and almost used all of it)

Total: About $7

I'm not going to even attempt to tell you how to make this because I am a beginner and I am sure there are lots of excellent sewers out there who would be disgusted by my instructions. Do check out the original tutorial listed below.
I will say that instead of using Stitch Witchery, I just went ahead and sewed a hem on both sides of my runner.
Also, I now know how to make a ruffle and it wasn't too difficult. I've gotten a little carried away ruffling everything since I obtained this new knowledge. Just set your sewing machine to the longest stitch and the highest tension, leaving both ends of your thread long. It will automatically ruffle and then you can pull the top threads to make the ruffle more full.
I am kind of in love with it. I think I might even iron it to make it extra pretty. :) It gives such a finished look to my kitchen table.

Check out the clear and simple tutorial at Under the Table and Dreaming by Stephanie Lynn. Make sure to check out more of her incredible projects on her sidebar while you are there. I am definitely going to try and recreate a few more.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What's Black and White....

I am totally channeling my inner referee. Or zebra. But mostly referee. Since that is basically my full-time job.
I registered the princess for kindergarten today. I requested the afternoon session. Because the chick does not do well with mornings. Fingers crossed. Although really, no one wants afternoons. Except moms with grumpy drama queens. There can't be too many of those out there.
Is it not PC to include a butt-shot?? Because I dig the little-bit-low back on this shirt. And I nearly have a butt in these pants. Maybe I'll even get a stalker.
Shirt: BCBG
Shoes: Juicy Couture
Headband: F21

Shop Similar: Shirt, Headband

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Just Another Manic Monday

Oh wait, it's Tuesday. Whatever, it's still manic. I left my house 8:30 this morning and pulled back into my driveway at 2, filling the day with errands and play dates. And since today is the last day of Winter Break, that means I had all three children in tow for every venture. Which means I am fully exhausted. And frazzled. And in need of a huge bowl of ice cream. Which I will now excuse myself to consume.
And, aren't the books on my shelf awesome?? I should probably be embarrassed.
Button Up Shirt: H&M
Sweater: Gap
Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom (yes, I own them in two colors. And would own them in ten if I could ever find my size)
Boots: Apepazza (yes, I also own these in two colors. What can I say, I'm a lazy shopper)

Shop Similar: Blazer, Sweater

Sunday, February 20, 2011

It's Nap Time...

So this will be quick. Long gone is the sunshine, and stealing with it, any hopes that Winter may end anytime soon.
I am in mourning. Can't you tell?
And this camera angle makes me look a foot shorter. Time for a change.
And most importantly- Happy, Happy Birthday Tracy!! You are adorable and hilarious and beautiful and kind and the most phenomenal mother I have ever met. I am so lucky to count you among my sisters!! And Elliot should count his lucky stars he gets to sleep with you.
Happy Sabbath. May we all have way too long naps that leave us grumpy when we awake. But who cares? Tomorrow is a holiday!!
LBD: Gift from my mommy
Shoes: Kenzie

Shop Similar: LBD


Saturday, February 19, 2011

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday (#2)

We only had one link up last week, but hopefully it will catch on and everyone will start sharing their cutting machine projects! I love to see what others are doing with their Cricut or Silhouette.

Check out these adorable Valentine's Day projects using the Silhouette. These could really be used any time when you are feeling extra sweet. :)
An awesome clock with notes for her husband to open at each hour of Valentine's day.
A sweet card for her son. Both from Makings and Musings. Love it!

And since only one person linked up, here are some more of my recent projects I made using my Cricut:
A paper butterfly I mod podged.
A vinyl key for our key holder/junk.Side vinyl for key holder.A diaper box turned train storage.

Leave a comment with a link that goes directly to your cutting machine projects. I can't wait to see them and feature them next week!

Friday, February 18, 2011

It's Friday, I'm in Love

Tonight the honey buns and I are doubling with some fabulously fun friends. I have a crush on date night. Mostly because my date is hot. And he always pays. But that's probably just because he is always looking to score. Oh, and this mommy job of mine doesn't afford me the finer luxuries in life.
It did, however, allow me a morning at the park with all three of my babies since they are out of school on Winter Break (which by the way, is the most ridiculous break of all time). Swinging and sliding, however, was short lived. Because it was freezing, and snow covered, and the sunshine was no where in sight. So much for that I-can-make-it-through-the-next-two-months-of-hell 60 degree day.
But none of that matters, because in 3 hours I will be childless munching on Edamame and all will be right in the world.
Ruffled Blouse: Forever 21
Cardigan: TJ Maxx
Boots: BCBG

Shop Similar: Blouse, Cardigan, Boots

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Off to See a Man About a Horse

Okay not really. I've never ridden a horse. Maybe an over priced pony at a zoo. But never a horse.
I do have a bazillion errands to run today though. Almost as fun as riding a horse?
Chambray Top: Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th
Sweater: Gap
Corduroy Leggings: Nordstrom
Boots: Apepazza

Shop Similar: Chambray Top (this one is a pretty dang good knock-off)



Paper Book Wreath

Over Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law organized a craft for us all to do. Her and my mother-in-law are craft geniuses. I aspire to be like them. :)
She found a tutorial for a paper book wreath for us all to try. We all briefly read through it and then went for it. All of our wreaths turned out totally different and mine turned out to look nothing like the one from the original tutorial. However, I still love it and have it displayed in our family room.
Paper Book Wreath:
An old book (or 2). I needed 2.
Foam wreath form.
Glue Gun & Hot Glue.

Total:
My sister-in-law purchased the supplies, but I think she said each wreath came to $3.
Step 1: Rip out the pages from a book. (The original tutorial painted the sides of the book pages, but I found that to be pretty pointless. So to save a step, I'm going to suggest skipping the paint).

Step 2: Roll the page. You make some loose, some tight, roll each side together for a double roll, or whatever. The more random it is, the better.

Step 3: Add a dot of hot glue to keep your rolled page together.

Step 4: Bend one end of the rolled page

Step 5: Add hot glue to the bent page and glue to wreath. Start from the back and work your way to the front and then to the center. Once you get to the center, you will stop folding the pages and just glue it to the wreath flat.


Original tutorial found at Living with Lindsay. Check it out for more detailed instructions. Like I said, mine looks totally different, like it might not have even been the same project. Ha.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Color Me Badd *UPDATED*

The camera has arrived!! Blurry be gone. But maybe we want it back???
Either way, I'm off to deliver a pizza and snuggle a sweet smelling new baby. Heaven!

These photos are getting worse by the minute. The hubs has the iPhone with the better camera (I just get his leftovers), but I assure you I will be in jammies by the time he arrives home, so...grainy and blurry and blotchy it is.
Tee: F21, Striped Shirt: Gap, Cardigan: J.Crew, Boots: Apepazza
Shop Similar: Stripey, Jeggings, Boots, Cardigan

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Love Day

The Preschool Princess played photographer this morning. The baby played model. And I just stood there. Faces were optional.
And I have no idea what Amanda's comment meant, but I assure you, she is every bit as arrogant as myself. It's a Wallace woman trait. We get it from our mother.
Hope you have a fabulous day full of sweets and smooches!!!

Cardigan: Nordstrom
Dress: Shade
Belt: F21
Boots: BCBG
Heart Pin: Hand crafted by The Princess herself

Debut.

Did the rest of my sisters give an introduction?
Do you even care?

Regardless, here I am. I’m 23 and young and free. Or that’s what people say. I feel more like I’m 20 and bound by bills, boys and early morning bells. I just took on my first real-person job, assisting with public relations for a company in Utah, and I love it. I also love the piano, writing, wit, shopping and making bucket lists. I think my latest cross-off was “30 Days, No Fast-Food or Fast-Food Treats.” I actually went like 47 days because I took on Lent at the same time, so yeah, add righteous and committed to my list of really great attributes.

Side note: I’m not as arrogant as my sweet sister, Erica, so take comfort in the rarity of those comment-types.

To business:

I was just interviewed about fashion and my love thereof, so I’ve got a few thoughts fresh on the brain.

Dressing well is best achieved when you mimic someone else—I typically try to look like Blake Lively or Taylor Swift. They will always look better than me because they have the money and means and stylists to be perfect, but that’s no reason for me not to try.

If you want to take fashion seriously, study the people whose fashion you admire. I studied my mother’s my whole life, and I still look to her for advice. Don’t try to get fashion right on your own; mimic those who have already gotten it right.

Also, your personality will provide all the individuality you need, so don’t worry about looking like a clone.

Here’s my effort:





A few notes: I tried to fuse Blake's looks and ended up with rugby stripes, a ruffled skirt and combat boots. My boots are the ones pictured. Nordstrom is still selling them. Target has adorable $5 over-the-knee socks. And Forever 21 has got tons of rugby striped shirts and ruffled skirts. Since I left my shirt untucked, I chose a skirt that was straight through the hips and then ruffled. Makes you look skinnier.

I don’t have a ton of fashion rules because I believe the fashionable can make most anything work, but I’ll try to share something I’m for and against with each post, nonetheless:

Against: Wearing any sets of matching jewelry, or wearing dangling earrings with necklaces.
For: Wearing gobs of clinky bracelets on one hand, and a fat, wooden [or plastic] bangle on the other.

Finally, you shouldn’t like everything I wear; if you did, I’d feel mainstream, and the fashionable never want to be such. All the same, please don’t insult me. We all have feelings here.

I promise shorter posts in the future.

Nice meeting you,
Amanda

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Lovefest Eve

We just got back from a long weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. It was a most fabulous break from the hell on earth that is Winter in the East Coast. I also managed to drop my camera in the water while attempting to shoot my baby going down a slide. Which she did. Then drowned. It was baby or camera. I hope I made the right choice :)
Never fear though...a new camera is in the mail and should arrive by the end of the week.
Until then, we get iPhone photos. Complete crap. I realize this (although really, not that different, considering my expert photography skills and all).

In celebration of lovey dovey day, the six year old shot me with The Mister.
I love him.
On Him:
Suit: Hugo Boss
Shirt: Van Heusen
Tie: BCBG
Shoes: Ecco

On Her:
Dress: BCBG
Tee: F21
Shoes: Guess

Shop Similar: Dress, Shoes

Saturday, February 12, 2011

"I'm a cutting machine" Saturday

I got a Cricut for Christmas and I am crazy in love with it. I've been hearing that a lot of people actually got a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine recently.
I love seeing what other people are making with their cutting machines so I thought it would be fun to start a "I'm a cutting machine" Saturday. Everyone can post links to their cutting machine projects and I will post my favorites every Saturday so we can all get fun, new ideas.
I found a great deal for a ton of vinyl on eBay so I have been having a ton of fun putting decals on everything.
Here are some of my recent projects:
A jar on my nightstand to hold my nursing pads. Haha.
I love this in my kid's/guest orange and blue themed bathroom.
Fun added to my utensil holder.
Our family number on the inside door that leads to my garage.


Leave a comment with a link that goes directly to your cutting machine projects. I can't wait to see them and feature them next week!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Mirror Redo (Add a pop of color!)

So a while back, I found an interesting wooden mirror at the Thrift Store. I didn't have any plans for it, but I figured for $4, I could eventually come up with something.
I saw a mirror redo on another blog and I loved it. I even had similar color paint on hand. This was so easy and I love the way it turned out. For some reason, it reminds me of The Little Mermaid. Ha.
Anyway, this would be fun to do to any piece of wood furniture. I actually am looking for a dresser to turn into a T.V stand and would probably use this same technique to refinish it.
Step 1: Clean and lightly sand off any shine, paint, or finish off the wood.
Step 2: Paint on one layer of paint.
Step 3: As you are painting, lightly wipe it with a paper towel.
Step 4: Let it dry.
Step 5: Sand edges and random spots to make it look more distressed.

Easy!
And those are yarn balls I made. I saw the idea at NieNie Dialogues. I love her.

The mirror idea originally came from Chris loves Julia. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. Make sure to check out her blog while you are there. She has great decorating ideas!
-Megan

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Yoga Mat Winner

We have a winner for the Hayneedle Yoga Mat (up to $60)
#43

Congrats! I will be contacting you shortly.

-Megan

Rose Petal Chandelier/Mobile Tutorial

Everything I make is going to be fairly easy. I am a beginner. So if I can do it, you can too! My daughter's room was really lacking so this is another craft for her room. When I saw this on another blog, I knew I had to give it a try. It does take time, but it was quite easy and I think it turned out awesome!
Rose Petal Chandelier/Mobile:
3 Different Sized Embroidery Rings
White Paint and Brush
Hot Glue Gun and Hot Glue
600 Fabric Rose Petals
Sewing Machine

Total: About $8
I found the rose petals at the $1 Store, 300 in each package. I really did sew 600 petals together so you will need 2 packages. I picked up the embroidery rings at Michaels for around $5.
Step 1: Paint the rings white.
Step 2: Attach your rings together, largest at top and smallest at bottom. I used jewelry wire, but you can use fishing line.
Step 3: Sew 9 petals together in a line with just a little space between each one. Try and have the petals all facing the same way.
Step 4: Hot glue the petal strands onto your rings.

I adore it!!!

Idea originally found at The Country Chic Cottage. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. Make sure you check out her blog while you are there. She has done some amazing transformations!

-Megan

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Rosette Balls Tutorial.

We are renters.
Ugh.
I hate renting, but it is what it is. I used to think renting meant boring walls and investing as little as possible to make it livable. After my husband and I just recently decided to remain renters for quite some time, I had a change of heart.
I wanted to change our cold townhouse into a welcoming space that felt like home. I have a $50/month budget to be used on supplies. $50 goes quickly so this process may take a while, but so far, I have loved seeing our place transform. I have been trying to make as much as possible to entertain myself and save some cash. So, I will be posting cute crafts I create. I would like to start by saying I don't have a single original idea. Ha. I will always try to send you to the spot where I found the idea at the bottom of my post.

Hanging Rosette Balls:
Foam balls
Paper Streamers
Hot Glue Gun
Hot glue
Ribbon
Ruler

Between $7-10 per ball.
Those dang foam balls are expensive! I read on another blog that to make your own balls you could make a form from grocery bags and then cover it in masking tape. I didn't do that, however. Next time.
I found my streamers at the $1 store, 2 rolls in a pack. It takes about 2 rolls per small ball and probably 3 for the larger. I also bought streamers at Target, one roll for $2.99. It was much larger and would probably cover a large ball.
Step 1: Cut your streamers into 24 inch strips.
Step 2: Crumble all your strips to make them look softer and more like fabric.
Step 3: Straighten out your strips.
Step 4: Take a strip, and start to roll at one end. Begin small. Then, as you roll, twist the streamer. Does that make sense? It didn't to me. So, I made a video that hopefully is a bit more clear.
(Don't judge my nasty chipped nail polish)
Step 5: Once you have some rosettes done, start hot gluing them on. Oh, and you probably want to add a tad of hot glue as you are rolling so your roses don't come undone.
Step 6: Add a ribbon. I hot glued mine in the middle and then glued my roses all around it. I made my ribbon extra long so I could cut it once I hung it to my desired length.

So cute, right? I hung these in my daughter's tiny room over her changing table. I love them!

Tutorial originally found at House of Smiths. Check it out for a more detailed tutorial. And check out her blog while you are there. I am currently obsessed. She is so creative!

-Megan

Thanks Wiz Khalifa

"Yeah, uh huh, you know what it is...."
I am rarely as serious as I look. Most of the time I act like I am five. Ask Megan.
I am the coordinator of a scripture group that meets every Wednesday. It's one of my favorite mornings of the week. A little spiritual upliftment, a lot of girl time. Perfection.
Tee: Victoria's Secret (obviously my favorite layering tee. I have about 15).
Sweater: Macy's Impulse
Jeans: Quicksilver
Boots: MIA

Shop Similar: Sweater, Tee, Jeans, Boots

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I Like to Dip

I am not getting any better at this self-portrait thing. On the plus side, you can't see my shameful roots. And I do have one awesome mug shot.

I am in a cooking group that meets once a month. A fabulous friend and I were in charge of demonstrating today. We did a fondue spread of yumminess. Food seriously tastes better on a stick.
Tee: Victoria's Secret
Blouse: F21
Cardigan: Nordstrom
Jeggings: Guess
Boots: Michael Kors

Shop Similar: Cardigan, Tee, Blouse, Jeggings, Boots

Dannon Small Steps Sweepstakes


I've mentioned in a couple posts that my family and I have been striving to become more healthy. We have started to exercise a few times a week and have been choosing better options for our meals.

In the past, we would eat out several times a week. Now, my husband and I have been preparing healthy or healthier meals in our home so we know exactly what is going into our bodies. Instead of serving our son ice cream or cookies for dessert, we now bribe him with yogurt as his treat for eating all his dinner. And it has worked! He is asking for yogurt every night. What a healthy treat before bedtime! Our new routines are creating better versions of ourselves. What steps are you taking to better yourself and your family?


From January 23 - February 28, Dannon encourages you to live a healthier lifestyle with their "Small Steps to a Better You" program, while giving you the chance to win free groceries for a week, month or even a year! By entering the UPC code found under the barcode of any Dannon product at dannon.com/smallsteps you have four daily chances to win instantly (Free means of entry is also available at Dannon.com/smallsteps).

What you could win:

  • Three (3) Grand Prizes: free groceries for a year, valued at $7,800.
  • Fifty (50) First Prizes: free groceries for a month, valued at $550.
  • One hundred (100) Second Prizes: will win free groceries for a week, valued at $150.
-Megan
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dannon and received a coupon and gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

I'm Starving

30 seconds before leaving for church I snapped ten photos. I smiled at the now apparently crooked camera in 9. Frightening.
I thought my shoes would work as ice picks and I would be able to maneuver across the frozen pavement to my car swimmingly. I nearly died. Twice.
And could the Super Bowl hurry and start?? I really want to eat disturbing quantities of food.

Shirt: Guess
Tee: Victoria's Secret
Skirt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden

Shop Similar: Shirt, Skirt, Shoes