Hola!

I'm BAAaaak!  At least in body.  Not completely in mind or spirit.  It takes me a while to adjust back to real life after vacation.  Certain adjustments may take a wee bit longer than others...like the 10+ pounds I gained - compliments of 7 days of endless food.  I've never eaten so much sea food before in my life.   Thursday night, I had lobster for dinner - with lemon drizzle and dipped in butter sauce.  It was a spiritual experience...that tasty,buttery lobster-of-my-dreams (sigh).

Ok, I'll go into detail about the trip later.  Right now, I just really need some sleep...or coffee.  Coffee would probably be better because then I would actually get some stuff done...catch up on those 10 days I missed (UNregrettably). 

To hold you over until I get my act together, here is my outfit for Disneyland, Day 2.  I call it "Minnie Goes Grunge".

Headband:  Pink Zombies

Tank:  Target

Flannel:  Cliche'

Hoodie:  DisneyWorld circa 2006

Leggings (under jeans):  Target
Jeans:  Target
Boots:  DSW

Check out how Mary styled the Traveling Bag for a Cause!

FBFF 2/25 - Blog Awards

For this week's FBFF, we're voting for our favorite bloggers in selected categories.  I thought this would be easy, but going over my extensive blog roll, it was VERY difficult to choose!  You (bloggers) are an amazingly talented, award-worthy group of people!










1. Creative Juices - most creative:  Kimberly, Fab Finds Under $50

2. The Real Deal - authenticity:  Jentine,  My edit

3. Spark Notes - most helpful:  Elaine, Clothed Much

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old:  Linley, Dwelling and Telling

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected:  Sara, Orchids in Buttonholes

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY:  Maegan, ...love Maegan

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together:  Katy, Modly Chic

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable:  Jessica, What I Wore

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger:  Keiko, Keiko Lynn

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty, lifestyle:  Tatiana, Love, Life, Lace

Etsy Love: bricolag(e)able

Hello, sweet readers! I'm cruising down the western coast of Mexico with my lover boy this week! In my real-time absence, I will be sharing with you a few of my *Favorite* Etsy shops! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Lauren of Etsy shop bricolag(e)able!  She not only has an eye for adorable accessories, but a passion for animals too - 10% of her shop profits are donated to animal charities!  How perfectly fashionable to walk the dog in a darling, vintage-wool cap and cozy cowl.  Chicest puppy-mama in the neighborhood!

Check out the blog!

Etsy Love: Studio Legohead

Hello, sweet readers! I'm cruising down the western coast of Mexico with my lover boy this week! In my real-time absence, I will be sharing with you a few of my *Favorite* Etsy shops! Enjoy!

In my search for Pug paraphernalia on Etsy (something I do embarrassingly often), I stumbled upon Studio Legohead's beautiful pet portraits.  Any dog owner will attest to their pet being almost human and I love how those attributes are displayed in Studio Legohead's illustrations.  I would like to stock up on blank greeting cards featuring Miles' funny mug - appropriate for any occasion!

In February, it's only $80 for an A4 Custom Illustration!  Just a few days left!

Head on over to Studio Legohead's great website and blog too!

Etsy Love: A Helping Handbag

Hello, sweet readers! I'm cruising down the western coast of Mexico with my lover boy this week! In my real-time absence, I will be sharing with you a few of my *Favorite* Etsy shops! Enjoy!

I love these handy, little wristlets from A Helping Handbag.  REALLY wish I would have purchased the red & black polka dot one before my trip.  If you're in the market for a cross-body bag, coin purse, clutch, tote, cosmetic bag, or gadget sleeve, they have those too. What's EXTRA great about this shop is that 10% of profits benefit a different charity each month.  In February, it's Hands to Heart International. 

Check out A Helping Handbag on Facebook too!

Etsy Love: Zafirenia

Hello, sweet readers! I'm cruising down the western coast of Mexico with my lover boy this week! In my real-time absence, I will be sharing with you a few of my *Favorite* Etsy shops! Enjoy!

I know, right!?

A work friend sent me a link to Zafirenia's Etsy shop and said this jewelry reminds her of me.  What a compliment!  Admittedly, there is not a single piece in Zafirenia's extensive collection that I wouldn't wear.  I love it all!  If I could travel back in time, I would purchase a signature piece for my maid and matron of honor to wear at my wedding (and keep, of course).  Each stunning creation is as whimsical and glamorous as the next - I'm enthralled!

Zafirenia is on Twitter and Facebook.

Etsy Love: Pug Notes

Hello, sweet readers!  I'm cruising down the western coast of Mexico with my lover boy this week!  In my real-time absence, I will be sharing with you a few of my *Favorite* Etsy shops!  Enjoy!

I adore this fun and quirky Pug art from Etsy seller Pugnotes.  And there is even more adorable stuff on their website.  This trip is the first substantial amount of time I've spent away from Miles.  He's staying with my mom, so I have absolutely no worries about his care, but I still miss him terribly. 

And if you're into dressing your pooch (like me), check out http://www.dogsweatervests.com/!

Weekly Gratitude (in Red)

1.  Thank you Walt Disney for creating the Happiest Place on Earth.  It rocks.
2.  Thank you job for sufficient FTO.
3.  Thank you mom for taking care of Miles - I know he's a hand-full.
4.  Thank you Stevie for being the best travel buddy ever.
5.  Thank you California weather for being perfect.

Glasses:  Kensie via Idee_Geniale giveaway
Scarf: Disney Cruise
Shirt:  Vintage, thrifted
Hoodie:  Disney World
Sweater:  Disney Cruise
Jeans:  Lux, thrifted via Valu Thrift
Shoes:  Target
Bag:  thrifted via ARC's Value Village

Wearing RED for Women and the health of their hearts.

Luging

Little buddy Indigo turned 6.  So we luge.  

It's like the Winter Olympics in Lori's backyard.

Andrew & Miracle

Unintentionally artsy shot of Greyley Kate. 

The fearless Birthday Boy.

My niece Nora - cutie pie.

My Steve and his little girlfriend Lila.

Even prettier pics...

Celebrity Crush

I was about 8 years old when New Kids On The Block were at their prime.  Donnie Wahlberg was my fave.  I slept in a NKOTB nightgown and played "Cover Girl" over and over and over again on my awesome boom box.  When I heard his name announced at the Grammy's as one of the presenters, I got all excited, anticipating a wave of celebrity love.  But it didn't happen.  I felt as much for him as I did for Justin Bieber, maybe less.  So I guess I'm over Donnie.

When I was 11 I fell hard for Michael W. Smith.  Had all his albums and his concert video.  Sure, he was a little too old for me, but I didn't care.  I sort of lost touch with him/his music over the last few years, but the flame never went out entirely.  Thanks to my awesome BFF, I was able to see him in concert with Amy Grant on Sunday.  They did a bunch of throwback songs which took me back to my Jr. High/High School days.  Michael is a grandpa now.  But he's still super hot and even more talented.  The crush survived.

Shirt:  Ralph Lauren, thrifted

Sweater:  Vintage, thrifted
Shorts:  Calvin Klein via TJMaxx
Tights:  Old Navy

Shoes:  UrbanOutfitters.com

Purse:  DSW

Vintage Travel Posters

In less than 48 hours, I will be in sunny (or rainy, according to weather.com) California.  Steve and I will spend a couple days at Disneyland, then board a Princess Cruise for Mexico.  We are vacation junkies and fully intend to stay that way.

Where to next?







Google images

Love and Awards

I've been a bad blogger.  It's been forever (forever = 17 days) since Brittney so graciously passed along the Stylish Blogger award to little ol' moi.  I didn't forget, I just got lazy.  That's the honest truth.  Then, my high-school-buddy-turned-blogger Tiffany also gave me the award.  So now I'm doubly honored and will harbor a double portion of guilt if I don't follow through on my end of the deal.  That being a list of 7 things you probably don't know about me.  But since it's Valentines Day, how 'bout I make it 7 things about me+love...I'll try not to get too graphic.

1.  My first kiss with hubby Steve took place after a competitive thumb-wrestling match.  Doesn't sound too romantic, but I assure you, it was.  I was giddy for days after.

2.  We used to go on dates in the church basement/youth room because we were so broke.  We'd rent a movie, show it on the projection screen, cuddle up on bean bags, and eat microwave popcorn.  It was our own, private theater.  It was awesome.

3.  The only arguments we've ever gotten into have been over me not learning how to drive a stick-shift.  I just don't want to, ok?  I don't see the point.  Simpler (automatic) is better.  Leave me alone!

4.  Choir tour (Texas 2002) was "not a date"....seriously?  Who were we kidding?  At least we drew the line at hand-holding.

5.  Our wedding ceremony took place at a little park in St. Paul on a Friday afternoon at 4:30, had about 45 guests and was approximately 15 minutes start to finish.  To date, the shortest ceremony I've ever attended.  (Screw tradition!  Let's just get married already!).

6.  Despite Steve's aversion to feet, I did receive a foot-massage (or two) from him while we were dating.  Now, he just tells me when they stink. 

7.  Thanks to my better half, I have learned golf, tennis, disc-golf, poker, Dr. Mario, dinner etiquette, large vocabulary words, New Wave music, and the proper pronunciation of "Spartacus" (it's not how Cher says it in Clueless).

You want in on the fun?  Consider yourself tagged!  Just leave me a link so I can check out your 7 things!

Scarf-thing:  thrifted via ARC's Value Village
Sweater:  Herberger's

Skirt:  thrifted Saver's
Tights:  Target?
Shoes:  Cole Haan via Marshall's
Bag:  Elaina Designs

Incorporating Color: Go RED!

Going RED for Women, once again, as we raise awareness about Heart Disease. 

FBFF Questions this week are all about COLOR!

1. What color dominates your closet?

I'm all about color!  I don't think there is one dominating color in my closet - I love and wear them all.  Though I may be drawn to red and yellow more than other primary colors...not sure why.

2. If money weren't an issue, how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?

I could use a few more solid, brightly colored shift dresses in my wardrobe.  If money weren't an issue, it would be all Kate Spade.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?

I used to be way more matchy-matchy with my colors, but now I'm finding that just about anything goes!  So that's my new mantra:  Anything goes!

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?

Anyway I can.  Nothing is off-limits.  Not even my hair.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe?

If I had to give a Color Award to just one blogger it would be Vanessa,  hands down.

Sal, Jen, Kileen, Jessica, Tatiana and Fifi (does she count?) come to mind as well.  They're all masters at incorporating color into their outfits.

Sweater:  Target
Necklace:  Francesca's
Blouse:  JC Penny
Jeans:  Lux, thrifted via Valu Thrift
Boots: 

High & Wide

I'll call this my Anna outfit.  Not only was she so extremely thoughtful to send me this gorgeous, vintage blouse, but I purchased these fab trousers while thrifting with her as well.  How pretty are these ruffles?  The color.  The print.  I love it.  Can't wait to style it for Spring weather!

I was so thrilled over these high-waisted, wide-leg pants, but they were waaaaayyy too long for my legs.  I had my handy mama take them up a few inches and STILL...I'm wearing 4" heels here.  I love how flowy and romantic this look is, but next time, I'm going to style them with a contrasting belt and chunky boots for a more funky/casual look.

Blouse:  Vintage, thrifted & gifted by Anna
Pants:  thrifted via ARC's Value Village
Shoes (unseen):  Nine West via DSW

Skate

This is the year of the iceskate.  In years past, I've looked longingly out from my warm refuge to the downtown St. Paul skating rink and wished I were gliding gracefully across that ice.  This year, I've made it out there twice.  I don't exactly glide gracefully in my ugly rental skates, but I can pretend.  New skates are on my list of needs in order to get through this gosh darn winter.

One of my newest, greatest thrift purchases is this tan, leather(ish) backpack.  Since my purse was stolen in November, I've been very wary about leaving my personal items anywhere - including a public skate warming house.  I can wear this guy cross-body style or unzip the strap and wear it like a backpack.  It was so handy this cold day for keeping extra layers, water bottle, camera, wallet, ect. and I didn't feel like a kid toting a schoolbag...more of an Uptown Chic vibe...

Hat:  Target
Scarf:  Vera Wang via Kohl's
Sweater:  Gap, thrifted
Thermal:  Target
Jeans:  Gap, clothes-swapped

Gloves:  TJMaxx
Backback:  thrifted via ARC's Value Village

For the Locals: Sale & Styling Event!

As you know, pop-up shops have been all the rage lately. two birds has been hosting vintage pop-up shops since 2009, and has now collaborated with Salvaged Strawberry and Salon Stella to do a Valentine's sale and styling event.

Salon Stella, in Northeast Minneapolis, is hosting the two vintage vendors and plan on selling a complete package to customers. People can come in and get their hair and makeup done (by appointment), and then shop for Valentine's gifts and outfits.

All the vendors will be on hand for free styling advice.  They are avid vintage collectors and will have plenty of merchandise on hand, including clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes, housewares and artwork. The sale will be perfect for men and women alike who are looking for the perfect one-of-a-kind gift and/or the perfect outfit for their Valentine's celebrations.


When: 
February 12: 10:00 – 6:00
February 13: 12:00 – 5:00

Where:
Salon Stella
654 19th Ave. NE
Minneapolis.

More details, including a sneak peak of items to be sold!

Joe, Meet Coco

If GI Joe hooked up with Coco Chanel, their offspring would dress like this, I'm sure of it.  And she would totally have this bad-ass look on her face (way badder than what I can pull off), and she would tell you that it's blazer day on Everybody, Everywear.  Only she'd say it in French and we'd all be like 'huh?'.  Except those of you who know French...you'd understand.  And then she would whip off her gigantic, silver faux-pearls and demonstrate how they double as a weapon. 

Just call me GI Jill Chanel (because I was a love-child and Coco refused to give me my father's name).

Yes, I've thought about this WAY too much.  My imagination is well-preserved, ok?

Necklace:  Target

Blazer:  Banana Republic, thrifted

Thermal:  Target
Jeans:  Lux, thrifted via Valu Thrift

Boots:  DSW

Day of Rest

It's Monday.  The day we all recover from the weekend.  It's not suppose to be that way.  Sunday is supposed to be the 'day of rest', and though I did drift off on the couch a couple of times yesterday, I was more-so trying to recover my little home from a weekend of neglect. 

Also, we had a sick pup.  He seemed a little out of sorts yesterday morning and when we got home from church, we had some messes to clean up.  Poor baby ate some trash or perhaps a dead animal while playing disc golf on Saturday and reaped the consequences all over the floor.  Sorry...you don't want to hear about that.  He's better today anyway.

Did you watch the Superbowl?  I tuned in and out. 

Best Commercials: Doritos/Pug, and Volkswagon/mini-Darth Vader.

Christina messed up the words to Star Spangled Banner, but recovered well.

Harrison Ford seemed inconvenienced by the whole red carpet thing.

Jen Aniston was adorable as always.  She gets botox, right?

Bill O'Riley had a nice chat with Pres. Obama...I guess...whatever.

Sound during the half-time show was atrocious (switch those microphones to the ON position!).

Fergie scares me a little. 

Noticed an increased amount of player/player crotch-grabbing. 

Heated up some queso with a little salsa mixed in.  Called it "dinner".

Then had some powdered sugar mini-donuts and called that "dessert".  No complaints.

Really couldn't have cared less who won the game, which is why I didn't really watch it. 

Green Bay won?  Well, good for them.

Shirt:  Express, Elaina hand-me-down

Sweater:  H&M, thrifted via ARC's Value Village

Dress:  Vintage, thrifted

Tights:  Target
Shoes:  Nine West?, via Herberger's

Check out how Kimberly styled the Traveling Bag for a Cause!

GO RED

We are wearing RED on Fridays in February!

Ok, so I'm not wearing this today, but I am wearing red, I promise.  I'm just a week ahead. 

Let's GO RED for Women and raise awareness about Heart Disease!

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This week's FBFF Questions:  Blog Content & Participation

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?

It's hard to say exactly how I pick and choose what blogging events I want to be involved in.  I think it's usually about convenience and whether or not it's something I have a good chance of following through on.  I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl, so if I'm not 100% sure it's something I want/can do, I won't do it at all.

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?

Not that I recall.  There are numerous reasons to participate in a blogging event:  to make connections within the community (FBFF), to personally challenge oneself (30x30),  to get in on a good idea (Weekly Gratitude), to support a cause (GO RED on Fridays), just for fun (Awkward & Awesome Thursdays) ....I could go on and on.  None of these reasons are wrong, just serve different purposes for different bloggers.


3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose? 

With the Fall 30 for 30, I had to figure out what worked for me while still sticking to the rules of the challenge:  30 items/30 days, no shopping.  Some feedback from a couple real-life friends led me to do more than 1 outfit per post (when possible) to prevent the the whole thing from going stale.  I had a really difficult time getting decent outfit pictures and I think condensing the posts made the struggles I was having less obvious...maybe?

Ok, so that didn't exactly answer this question.   I guess this is me adding my own 'flair'....off-roading FBFF.  :)

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?

I do what I want to do.  I do NOT want to do things that will take up all of my time and energy.  I  DO want to do things that are fun or serve a worthy cause...preferably both.

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something worthwhile but not your style?

Be positive and supportive!  It's hard to put yourself out there and say "Hey!  I'm doing this!  Join me!" and hope that people do.  Whoever is willing to give it a try deserves my encouragement, even if I'm not able to participate.


Outfit Details:
Dress:  H&M
Jacket:  thrifted via Valu Thrift
Tights:  Old Navy
Shoes:  Shelly's London via Endless.com

Newbies

I received my new boots from  !  They're a 7 1/2, but fit like an 8, so had to cushion them with thick socks.  Other than that, I really like them.  I love the hidden platform which makes them so easy to walk in for such a high heel.  Speaking of the heel, if I were really crafty and motivated, I would bedazzle them with studs.  It would look really cool.  I'm pretty pleased with the quality of the boots overall...considering they were only $24.  They'll give my hard-working Madden Girl's some relief.

Can you guess what else is new?   This fantastic bag.  Obviously.  My BFF Elaina made it for a local boutique to sell, but they said it was too springy(?)  Weird.  When she showed it to me, I fell in love with it instantly and bought it from her on the spot.  It makes me very happy.

Elaina's website is under construction, but if you're interested in a custom bag, you can contact her here.  Be sure to mention Spoils of Wear!

Shirt:  H&M
Blazer:  Vintage, thrifted
Pants:  Macy's
Boots:  

Only in Pairs

This is a problem.  Because I could easily justify the purchase of all 4 of these shoes.

Beige shooties:  I don't own beige shoes.  These would be all sorts of cute with pretty much anything and would make my legs look long and curvy.  At least that's what they told me. 

Saddle shoes:  Do you know how many hours I've spent on Ebay looking for saddle shoes?  Many, my friends, many.  I want to wear them with short, floral dresses and slim, cropped pants.  The search is over.

Red Sandals:  I need these to replace a Target pair I wore into the ground over the last few summers. Hopefully, I trashed them when it was time to store away summer gear.  If not, then my summer shoe bin is going to be very stinky come spring. 

Black Pumps:  Miles got a hold of my go-to black heels.  It was sad.  But these are prettier and come with very good reviews.

So, let's see.  If bought the shooties for $34.99, I would get the saddle shoes for $9.  Then if I bought the red sandals for $24.99, I would get the black pumps for $11.50.  That brings us to $80.48 for 4 pairs of shoes that I obviously cannot live without.  Didn't know I was a mathematician, did ya?  Ha.  You should see my mad skills at DSW.

AND...to save even more money, I would do their handy ship-to-store option to avoid shipping costs which you all know I loathe.  So that settles it.

Now if only I had the space for them.