Thursday, January 31, 2013

Comfort Zone Be Gone



Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a routine?  Mine happens more often than not.. Especially this time of year.

I'm just a super shy person who tends to be quite repetitive. 

And I'm easily embarrassed.. Even over the stupidest things... The whole "what would people think" crowds my mind more than necessary.

I'm trying to end it.  At least, damper it a tiny bit.

And you start that with baby steps, right?

First of all, ever since I got my DSLR camera, I want to take it EVERYWHERE with me.  I even went to a forest preserve right down the street to snap some photos... until I got there and realized that my memory card was still at home... sitting in the laptop.  (Bad habit of mine)
But even as I pulled up and stepped out of my car, I felt weird.  Secluded.  Alone.  I felt like all eyes were on me... It's silly.  I'm trying to enjoy winter to the fullest... And get out of this cabin fever...  But, I have to admit, I was a little excited that I didn't have my memory card... I was glad to be able to run off to my car and scurry on home.  Even though I regret not returning to capture the beauty of Mother Nature.  (It was beautiful seeing the sun shining through the trees and onto the snow covered lake.)  No.  I'm done feeling this way... (at least, I hope)
With my husband and I having opposite schedules and my friends being far and in between, I need to learn to get out there... By myself.  I don't need the companion of another human being.  Although I always feel like I do.  It's going to be a hard thing to break but I'm willing to try.

People like my husband cannot fathom the thought of this.  But he isn't shy.. Not one ounce.  He can talk to a crowd of strangers and have them laughing within just a few minutes.  I wish I was more like him.  But I'm not.  And I think that's why we work as well as we do. 

~~~~~

Moving on to fashion...

The old me would have never mixed colors/prints.  I had to make sure everything matched.  The right shade of pink could only go with that exact same shade or a neutral.  Now, I've been mixing prints, colors and textures and everything in between.  I wouldn't say I'm a fashionista; not even the slightest.  But I enjoy it.  I started with taking the smallest color out of one item and using that to complete the rest of the outfit.  Now, I'm out of control!  (Ok, no, not really..)  But it makes my outfit possibilities endless... Well.. almost.  I still have many days where I have "nothing to wear"...  And the piles of clothing stay lying on my chest at the end of the bed.  (Which my husband says is a big "no, no"... Even though it still happens, more often than not...)

And I'm trying things I've never liked before... ie. FRINGE. 
I don't know why, but it just screamed {hippie} to me... And then I would feel like I'm trying to be someone I'm not.  The minute my mind would be like "Ohhh.. That's kind of cute!"  I would hurriedly back that up with "You can't pull that look off.  But, so and so can!"
 
I am finding myself loving all sorts of styles and eras though but I feel you need to "act" a certain way in order to pull it off...   

Well, forget that! 

I received these amazing LC riding boots for Christmas and was *in heaven*... until I slipped my feet in them.  My calves were crying and screaming in pain.  Soooo... What do I do?  I try them again on another day.  Thinking maybe I was just having a "fat calves day". (Yes, really)  I was determined to make these work!  But they didn't.  I refuse to be in pain for a particle of clothing or shoes.  (Hence why you rarely catch me in heels, even though I love them so...)

BACK ON TOPIC:

I finally exchanged them.  And after a poll on Facebook asking "To Fringe or Not to Fringe", I purchased these:
Find them here.

I don't know why I'm drawn to them, but I am.  I like the way I've seen celebrities pair them with leggings, shorts and even dresses.

I'm still hesitant, but I'm wearing them right now.  I actually giggle when I hear them "swoosh" as I walk. :)

I'm eager to try them with shorts and dresses as the weather warms up.  We'll see if I can rock that look. ;)

Here's another thing I'm loving:


And I'm not really a "feather girl"... But I'm starting to become one.  I know this necklace falls into the category of you either "love it" or you "hate it".  It's part of HSN's Oz, The Great and Powerful Collection.  Designed by Raven Kauffman Couture, called the RAVEN feathered collar.

Ok.. That may be my draw.  I love Oz.  A lot.  But I still love the sassy and uniqueness of it.  I think I will attempt a DIY on this because there's no way I would spend $325 on an item I *think* I like and I *think* I will wear. 

It's definitely a daring piece and I'm quite excited to give it a whirl.

Find more on the first look to this collection here.

~~~~~

I'm even trying new foods!

I'm not a fish eater.  I am so skeptical on certain foods but ever since I started dating my husband, I've been trying to be more "open". (I've tried sushi, lobster tail, a few other kinds of fish)  That soon stopped completely.

However, once in a while, he'll insist I try something.. (And yes, sometimes I put up a tantrum...)  But he usually wins.  I just can't say no to his gorgeous face.

Well, he bought some frozen fish last time we went grocery shopping.  And it smelled so good whenever he cooked it.  It was a weird feeling.  Me + Fish? 

But, I have to say, I tried some the other night and actually liked it.

(My mother in law will be so proud!)

I could see myself eating one whole fish!  (Watch out, little fishies!!!  I'm coming for you!)  After I made this comment to my husband, I ended up thinking of Nemo and then became a little sad.  Sigh..

Still taking baby steps.  I figured if I like frozen fish, I should be able to like some more authentic kinds.  But, we'll see, we'll see. 

~~~~~

I'm trying to challenge myself.  And I'm off to a great start.  Although sometimes I run into a few bumps in the road and back away but that's normal.  I'm hoping to overcome them soon.

Baby steps, baby steps...

What ways are you challenging yourself?

 

Monday, January 28, 2013

I Mustache Loved You from the Beginning...



HAPPY {almost} FEBRUARY!

One of my lovies mentioned that Valentine's Day is her all time favorite holiday!  So, I promised I'd share my Valentine's decor!  I don't have much, but I love, love, love it!  













{Things not shown:  L O V E spelled out on our cabinets - Well, to be frank, I still haven't put the "V" up yet.. So it just reads out L O _ E.}

And something I have yet to do, which may fall into next year's Valentine's Day, is filling our photo frame with lovie dovie photos that make me smile.  Such a small touch, but it's one of my favorites (I did this for Christmas and enjoyed it so much!)

And our Valentine's Date shirts came in!!  We have a date set to go see Warm Bodies. :) :) :)

I love them!

{Shirts are from SnorgTees.com}


Some wall decor that's up all year round but it felt fitting to show it off in this post :)




{To the left: Wife Kudos for Me - 1st Anniversary Gift:  I framed the song sheet from our first dance since paper is tradition}


And check out my $3 Target Find:


{Well, give credit where it's due:  My friend, Angel, told me about it so I went straight after work and bought two!  One for her and one for muah}

Is your home filled with holiday decor yet?

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Mixing Prints + Pop of Color



I must have been hiding in a cave because I was unaware of this ice storm we're having.  It wasn't until I was at the baby shower I attended this afternoon when I overheard the guests talking about it.  By the time I walked out to my car, it was full of ice.  Luckily, the shower was literally right down the street from me so I was able to get home safe and quickly.  I hope everyone else is driving safely!

The shower was so beautiful and simple.  I didn't know anyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed who was at the table I was sitting at.  It was nice talking to you all. :)

And I seriously cannot wait to meet Baby Ramcke!!!!!  Especially to see if it's a little girl or a little boy :D  I don't know if I could wait till delivery to find out the sex... My curiosity would get the best of me... Especially when I saw a faux fur bolero for a three month old and thought "MINI ME!"  If my husband was with me, he would have shook his head at me and walked away.  He already did when I stumbled across a Sully (Monsters, Inc) plush! 

{I.just.about.died.}


Here's what I wore:







{Outfit Details}

Top:  Target
Skirt: Trift Find (Target Brand)
Cardi:  NY&Co.
Leggings:  VS
Boots:  Target (clearanced, recent)


Now that I'm in, I slipped my pjs on and am now watching Calendar Girls.  {I hope I look like Helen Mirren when I'm older... She is smokin'!}

Saturday, January 26, 2013

A Few New Things


I'm *in love* with this fur wrap/scarf!  I always wanted them but every year that comes and pass, I leave the store empty handed.  Probably because I have an overload of scarves as is, that I couldn't find the urge to purchase a new one.  However, these babies are clearanced out at Target right now for $5.98!  Comes in this lusious wine color and also a deep teal.  I bought one of each :)


You may have seen me debut this ring here.  Another clearance Target find, just a few days ago!  It reminds me of Beauty and The Beast <3

{There goes my symbolism again} 

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!  I have a baby shower gift to wrap now ;)

Friday, January 25, 2013

A Week Through Instagram



I'm working on a few posts that involves maxi skirts & leather bombers.. But in the meantime I thought I'd share these with you...

(If you follow me on Instagram, I apologize for the dups...)



I've always loved photo journaling... even though I never really practiced it.  It may be nothing to look at but either way, enjoy!

(I'll let the captions do the talking :D)







Happy Friday!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thursday Round Up



{Navy & Mint} 
I'm newly obsessed with this color combo that I wore it twice this week :)




{Outfit Details}
Navy Sweater Dress:  H&M
Navy Short Sleeve Sweater:  Victoria's Secret
Sweater Leggings:  Target
Boots:  Madden Girl
Mint Bubble Necklace:  Sassy Steals
Earrings:  Forever 21
Watch:  Kohls


{Peach & Raspberry}
{Outfit Details}
Cardigan:  NY&Co.
Top:  Lauren Conrad, Kohls
Necklace:  Gifted


{Eggplant & Aqua}
{Outfit Details}
Coat:  Target
Hat:  Target
Tech Gloves:  Target
Leggings:  Lauren Conrad, Kohls
Boots:  Madden Girl

Just a few quick snaps of some outfits I wore this week.  I'm up passed my bedtime and all I want to do is have a midnight snack :)  Although I don't think MyFitnessPal would be all that happy with me...  

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Texas + Mustaches

Today is the day... Mom and Dad #2 are on their way to TEXAS!!!!  Whoa hoo!!!!  I can't wait to be retired..  Then every winter I can escape the cold and run through different states and explore a little more of my country.

The cold would be ok, though, if we had snow... And if my teeth weren't so gosh darn sensitive.  (I can't even SMILE outside or my teeth feel like they will break right off...)  But I'm extremely thankful for our fireplace and free wood.  (Did I just say "free wood"?  Get your minds out of the gutter!)

I was in Texas once or twice... (The second time is so hazy, I don't even know if it really happened!)

We drove down helping a friend move.  It was a long, long road trip.  No overnights.  One straight shot.

I remember LOVING Austin.  But really, really wanted to visit Dallas.  That didn't happen though.  Sigh... Maybe next time. :)



P.S.  What's with the mustache craze and why am I so obsessed?  It's going on for about two years now... 

Exhibit A:

(Shirt from Target)

It just brings tickles to my belly... Place a mustache on *anything* and you got me hooked, lined and sinkered! I think I will be purchasing some mustache items soon... Maybe even make some DIY projects.  Photos will come :)

Source

I want to frame this and place it in my kitchen! :)

Art-cool-france-illustration-mustache-toast-favim.com-86998_large
Source 

Blue-moustache-mustache-need-para-li-teacup-favim.com-89134_large
Source



What's your craze?

Monday, January 21, 2013

Merona - Sleeveless Tie Neck Dress

A quick post for a quick steal!

Some of you know my love for Target...  I mean, what's not to love?

As I was looking at one of the bloggers I follow (I'm sure you have heard of her.. The Small Things) I was glancing at some older posts and spotted this one:

Source

(Isn't she just a doll??)


I have "wedding" on the brain... I've been scanning her updos all morning :)

But let's take a minute and admire that dress of hers!!!!

It is an online only item, but it's under $21 right now!  (Most sizes are only $10.48 or $14.98!!)

If you have the Target card, BONUS, free shipping!

I love the color, the high neck, the length... Seems like a dress that can be worn a lot... To work, out to lunch with friends, parties.. It can be easily played up with accessories or left as is.  Perfect staple for any closet!

Snatch it up HERE!!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Weekend Mash Up



Errr.. Sunday Mash Up?

This Saturday I was absolutely *exhausted*... I had no energy for anything...  And the way I felt going to bed Friday night, I felt like I was finally catching the terrible bug that is going around.  But, luckily, today I feel normal and healthy. <3  Phew...  

Saturday night, after I was feeling more rested... between a few cat naps and a few cups of coffee... I trapped myself in our office and worked on a few rosies for the shop.  They make me dream of spring... And with the way it looked outside today, it almost seemed like it was here.  But then I remembered that it's only January.  Brrrrr...
(Doesn't it look beautiful out?)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This afternoon my family met up with my future sister in law and her family for dress shopping!  Oh the excitements about being a bride...  It was such a wonderful trip!  And she said, "YES TO THE DRESS!"  It's absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to see my brother's face when he sees her walk down that aisle.  For a woman who says "I am not going to be one of those brides who cry", sure could have fooled us! :)  As soon as she walked out in "the one" and stepped on that pedestal, the tears came.  Which then made all of us even more overjoyed.  It was the perfect moment for any bride and I cannot be happier that she experienced it.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Coming home in the middle of the day on a Sunday always puts me in a funk.  I usually just plant my butt on the couch and do absolutely nothing.  But I forced myself to get stuff done.  Pick up, clean, and even play "chef".

I wouldn't call myself a cook... But I do thoroughly enjoy it.. Especially when I'm following a recipe. :)  
However, today, I decided to wing it.  
It was one of those moments where I didn't have to measure and I just picked and chose spices, and played with a new ingredient for a second time (leeks!)  It was such a fantastic feeling!  Sometimes I follow a recipe to the "t" and am still not feeling it.  As I walked in and out of the kitchen smelling this chili I played with, I was feeling really good about it.  And am almost kicking myself for not writing down how much of what I put in :)

I know I used beef broth, two leeks, black beans, kidney beans, ground beef, garlic clove, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, a green bell pepper, diced tomatoes and a few other seasonings that may have already left my mind. :D


It was delicious!!!  A wee bit salty, but nothing cheese won't tone down. 

Maybe that's too much cheese ;)


The rest of my Sunday will be on my couch, cuddling with the husband, probably watching Once Upon a Time <3