Friend Friday: Blog Resolutions

FBFF Questions for 12.31.10 - New Year, new blog, new you... resolutions, goals for 2011

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?

I really want to learn how to use imovie and do fun video features.  

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?

I've become way more comfortable with direct communication with other bloggers.   In the past, I've been really shy about approaching the people behind the blogs that I follow with my questions or ideas.  I want to keep up this new-found boldness in 2011.

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?

Monetization on a small scale.  I want to be able to advertise companies that I think are great and relate well to the blog.  I'm picky even about the look of an ad and want to have full control over what goes on my sidebar.  I'm trying out Commission Junction right now and will see how it goes.

I also really want to get better about responding to comments and am considering a few different methods of doing that.  My time is very limited, and though I read and greatly appreciate every single comment, I find it difficult to respond within a reasonable timeframe.  It's a matter of priority and time management.  My readers are an absolute priority, and I want to make sure they know that.

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?

Oh gosh.  Can I collaborate with all of them?  I would love to come up with a "traveling item" idea, similar to that of the Delightful Dozen or Kimberly's Traveling Scarf.  But maybe do something with a charitable cause in mind...raise awareness about something...more contemplation needed, obviously.

If I had to pick just ONE blogger, I might go with Jessica of What I Wore.  Is that too obvious?  She's not exactly within my "sphere of influence", but she's one of the first style bloggers I followed and would love to benefit from her wisdom and expertise.  Plus, I think she has impeccable style.

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year? 

I'm trying out a new feature called Blogtrotting.  Just little snippets from blogs/bloggers that I love and think my readers will benefit from knowing too.  I hope that it also gives the featured blogs a little boost and visibility within this great community.


Outfit Details:
Turtleneck:  Kensie via Macy's?
Dress:  Forever 21
Tights:  Target
Shoes Target

Sweats & Leashes

I recently picked this Old Navy sweatshirt dress up at my local thrift store.  It's a size too big, but that only adds to the so-comfy-it's-stupid factor.  I could jazz this up with a belt and chunky heels and wear it to work.  Don't dare me, I might really do it.

Know what else is a little stupid?  The amount of snow we've had this year (already!).  We live in a 1st floor condo unit.  All the snow gets plowed into our "yard" and is now encompassing the 2 closest parking spaces as well.  I've been tempted to break out my skiis and hit the slopes right outside my patio door.

The one great thing about the snow pile(s) is that it has served as a barrier for Miles.  Steve shoveled him a little area around the side of the building where he can do his business.  As much as Miles doesn't seem to mind snow, he also does not like to be in it over his head.  Unfortunately, the snow has become so packed and hard lately that my curious pup is venturing beyond his designated area...without a leash...and will only come once he's realized how cold he is.  I call him, offer treats, whistle, but he's way more interested in digging for rabbit poop.

The snow may hold a 15lb. Pug, but it certainly won't hold me.  If I want my dog back anytime soon, I have wade into the thigh-deep snow to retrieve him.  One time.  That's all it took.  He was back on the leash.  And I was wet, and cold, and just a little ticked.

 

Scarf:  Swapped via friend Elaina's closet

Turtleneck:  Kensie via  Macy's?

Dress:  Old Navy, thrifted via Valu Thrift

Tights:  Old Navy

Socks:  Mom's sock drawer
Boots:  Target

Traveling Through 2010

I got my palm read at the company Christmas party a few weeks ago.  Just for fun...I don't really believe in that stuff.  She mostly told me spookily accurate stuff about my personality and didn't venture much into "what the future holds".  Though she did mention that I enjoy traveling and can expect more opportunities in the future.  Rock on, gypsy lady, you're a keeper.

And with that, a recap of my adventures in 2010:

March:  Royal Caribbean Cruise

April:  San Antonio, TX

July: Colorado & Utah, parts 1, 2, 3 & 4



September:  Indiana



November:  Louisiana

So tell me...where should I go in 2011?  What are your favorite travel destinations?

Hey...there's a giveaway goin' on, ya know.  It ends Friday.  Don't miss out!

30...Remixed

A lot of remixers have expressed difficulty jumping back into an expansive wardrobe after participating in the 30 for 30 challenge.  When you're limited to the same 4 pairs of shoes for a month and all of a sudden the floodgates of closetry (word I made up) are opened to you, it's slightly overwhelming.

That doesn't mean I wasn't ready for it.  Really, really ready.  Also really ready to clean the heck out of my closet.  I filled a garbage bag and still don't feel done.  It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me...realizing that less really can me more.  It isn't just something jerks say to be ironic.  Who knew?

If I were to attempt this again, it would be during warmer months (longer days) and I would be bolder with my selections.  And more shoes.  Definitely more shoes.

Tops: 

Gray, Turtleneck Sweater - X4

Purple, Short-sleeve Sweater - X2
Black/White, Striped Turtleneck - X4
Floral, Wrap Cardigan - X2

Red, Long-sleeve Tee - X3

Blue/White, Striped Blazer - X2

Denim Henley - X2
Black, Long-sleeve Tee - X4
Mickey Mouse Tee - X3
Polka Dot Cardigan - X2
Red Sweater Vest - X2
Polka Dot Oxford - X2
Teal Turtleneck - X2
Black Suit Vest - X2

Ivory, V-neck Sweater - X2

Brown, Asymectrical Sweater - X2

Black/White Oxford - X2

Bottoms:

Ivory, Lace Skirt - X4

Black, Wool Skirt - X4

Gray, Pleated Skirt - X2

Denim Mini Skirt - X4

Skinny Jeans - X5

Khaki Pants - X2

Dresses:

Red Shift Dress - X3

Blue Shirt Dress - X4

Navy Jersey Dress - X3

Shoes:

Black Boots - X9

Tan Boots - X11

Yellow Pumps - X5
Black, Pumps - X5

Re-Count

How embarrassing.  I was so relieved and overly proud of myself for completing the 30 for 30 challenge, but while working on my recap post, I was one outfit short.  This post was the culprit.  20-24 would be 5 outfits, not 4.

I couldn't just let it go for someone else to find my mistake and call me out on it...no matter how unlikely that might be.  And I would know and have to live with all of your kind congratulations and compliments over a challenge I didn't even complete.  This is me confessing my error.  So...for real this time. 

30 for 30:  Day 30

This is what I wore Christmas Day...for about an hour.  As soon as I got to my in-law's, I changed into my new, flannel PJ's and didn't take them off until the following morning.

Hat:  H&M

Sweater:  Forever 21
Skirt:  Old Navy
Tights:  Target
Boots:  JCPenny
Gloves:  Marshall's
Coat:  Forever 21

Merry Christmas

I am at my in-law's sitting beside their lovely Christmas tree in my new, flannel pj's, sipping hot tea and honey...

Wishing you lots of love and happiness today.

See ya next week.

Sweatshirt: Vanity Fair Outlet

Shorts: H&M

Tights:  ?

Socks:  Ross, Atlanta

Booties:  Gifted from friend (thanks, T!)

Purse:  thrifted

Scarf:  St. Paul Boutique

Choir Concert



Photo courtesy of Mari at UpperRoom Photography.

Keely, Me, Elaina

What We Wore: 

Keely wore a tutu custom made by Elaina for big sis Katie.  Sometimes I wish I had a big sister I could borrow awesome clothes from, and then I remember my super stylish friends...same thing.

I'm wearing a silky, black tee from JCPenny under an Ann Taylor blazer from the thrift store - looks like it's never been worn!  My skirt is from Target's kid's department.  Faintly polka dotted tights from DSW.  I bought the gold boots at WalMart several years ago for $3.  The most expensive item I'm wearing is the necklace, which I picked up at a boutique in White Bear Lake for $19...doubled the chain to make it shorter.



Elaina is wearing a headband that she made.  Dress from our most recent clothes-swap, skirt from Forever21 and shoes from Hot Topic.  (E - Did I get that right?)

The black and gold looked beautiful - SO much better than the typical black & red dress code.

The concert itself was wonderful.  The church packed out and we nearly sold out of cds.  We had some fabulous guest soloists including Sara Renner, Chris Lawrence (pictured above), Ashleigh Still, Jonathan Thulin, and comedian Joey I.L.O.

Now taking a much needed break before heading into the new year with more big plans...a 20 year reunion, another album (or 2)...I can't help but be very excited about it all.

Dr. Perricone Cosmetics GIVEAWAY

Some women (men too) are really into skin care.  I am not one of those people.  I buy the crappy stuff from the drugstore and deal with the often-crappy results.  Like many things in life, you get what you pay for.

Would I invest in high-quality goop if I wasn't addicted to shoes?  We may never know.  But yeah...probably.  Would I sacrifice my hard-earned shoe money if I found a miracle solution that made my skin perfectly clear, even, and glowing for the rest of my life?  Yeah...probably.  The trouble is the money spent trying to find that item only to come up...disappointed. 

I have really good news for cheapskates like me.  The generous folks at Dr. Perricon Cosmetics are so confident about their products that they're giving one lucky reader their choice of any product under $150.  You have skin issues?  They claim to have solutions. 

I'm not freaking out about wrinkles quite yet, so one of the products that caught my eye is the Perricone Lip Plumper.  Watch out, Angelina, I can have big, juicy lips too.  Ha.

Would you like to play for a free Perricone product (under $150)?  Sure you would.  Here are the rules:

Be a resident of US or Canada.
Leave a comment telling me which Perricone product (under $150) you would like to try and why.
Include your email address.

Giveaway closes Friday, December 31.

30 for 30: Day 30

Whew.  So I survived last week.  And the weekend.  And Monday. I deserve a cookie.

I officially finished the 30 for 30 on Saturday.   I deserve another cookie. The timeline was a little wonky (wonky?), but what matters is that it's OVER.  Would I do it again?  Yes.  In the winter?  Hecks no.  Finding time/daylight to document all of the outfits was the real challenge for me.  And next time...more shoe choices.  I nearly lost my mind.

After a very fun Friday evening out - friends, Vietnamese dinner (yummy Pho), shopping, live music, caramel apple cider, more friends, more shopping (did you know department stores are open til MIDNIGHT? - holla!), I slept in as long as possible (like, 8am?) on Saturday. 

Steve made plans to see TRON at 10:00am and I went sort of expecting to sleep through it (it's what I do), but it was actually REALLY good. (Stayed awake through Steve-movie - cookie!)  I did in fact sleep through the original TRON so I was a little lost as to the back-stories of the characters, but it didn't matter too much.

As you can see, my finale outfit was nothing too spectacular.  It's really all about the scarf.  I made it and this is my first time wearing it.  It turned out pretty darn good for my first attempt at a chain scarf.  It took me forever, but I actually finished a knitting project.  Make that 4 cookies.

Hat:  jcrew.com

Scarf:  I made it!

Shirt:  Target

Jeans:  Lux, thrifted via Valu Thrift

Socks:  ?

Boots:  JCPenny