Friday Five

1. Target going Chinoiserie/Hollywood Regency

I have spotted quatrefoil trays and candles and now foo dogs. What could be next....bamboo tables and chairs?!

2. Chocolate Cappuccino topped with Whipped Cream

I ordered this deliciousness when I went to breakfast with Mandi at Bistro 31 this week. Even if our meal had not been good we would be back to enjoy this goodie. The Lombardi Group never lets me down!

3. Resolution List
I picked up this fun list of resolutions at a She Reigns/Daley Ann trunk show this week. How fun it is? Words to live by friends!

4. My Fascinator
I popped into SteinMart last weekend and came out with my arms full. One of the gems I found was this FABULOUS fascinator. It will be PERFECT for my Royal Wedding Anniversary soiree!

5. Couponing

While I am still not yet a hard core couponer I was SO proud to finally save OVER 50% of my bill. The best part about this was this trip had NO planning involved as I simply popped into Tom Thumb, scanned the add as I grabbed what I needed and ran out. This just proves to me that you do not need to be all extreme as those seen on TV. I spent NO time planning and saved this much; no need to spend 60 hours a week!

Chargers

The other day when I was searching for hot pink food coloring I came across the most amazing chargers (do not ask me how Google put these two things together....I shall never understand). I LOVE putting details into my place settings and chargers are really the next best thing after flowers in making a table come alive. I am always on the lookout for pretty chargers that will compliment my china and I found just that through Google:

PINK CHARGERS!
Not only one shade of pink, but a hot pink and a light pink!
Michael's and Hobby Lobby often have similar chargers, but I have never spotted the beaded chargers nor have I come across such a wide array of color options.

You know how I love, love, love some blue and white with pink so in my opinion the hot pink are just what I need for my table settings.

Now, since not all of your love pink as much as I do (you poor souls) there are loads of other color chargers to choose from. The rainbow of blues also caught my eye.
This navy would also work well with my china I think. It is number two on my list since I am all about the pink right now.
Preppy Pink Lilly Lover: the purple and green are calling your name for your Mardi Gras soiree!
These chargers are such a great way to not only bring pops of color to your table design but are perfect for carrying out a theme as well. They can also be used for larger gatherings when you do not have guests seated at a table. Guests can get a plate, fill it up with their food and then grab a charger to better balance the plate on their lap. The lightweight charger and large size have made numerous events much easier for my mother, myself and our guests.

The chargers can be purchased individually, but are also come in sets of 24. The price is certainly right and you cannot beat the rainbow of colors! Happy entertaining!!

The Vow

I am off to a screening of The Vow tonight and can hardly wait. I am a sucker for a good love story, even if it is sad (I mean, look at The Notebook) so I will be sure to report back my thoughts on Facebook and Twitter later tonight. In case you have not seen the preview, here it is:

Have a delightful evening!

Pretty in Pink!

I am dreaming of all things PINK! Here are a few pretties on my current lust list:

Bubble Gum Hartley Skirt
Pink Heart Bed Linens
Pink Trench

City Bike
Spade Earrings
Grosgrain Polka Dot Ribbon

Hot Pink Straws and Gift Bags
Leather Coffee Cozie
Celebration Tapers

Naptime Diaries Quote
File Folders
Pink Extension Cord
Pink on Pink Macaroons

Resolutions

I am a bit behind on sharing my 2012 resolutions, but better late than never, right? Anyway, I am a very goal oriented person. When I want to do something I make it a goal. I set out to achieve my goal and do not stop until I get there. Obviously, I try to be realistic in my goals. While I am constantly updating my goals the new year is a great time to update and expand my list. I stayed very on top of my goals last year and am proud to report that I kept up with reading the paper and the Bible in a year (though I am a month behind I WILL finish). I did not however, run a 5k :( or continue with squash (my club is still looking for a new pro and as soon as they find one this will be back on my list).

Anyhow, I wanted to share my 2012 resolutions with you all. Judging by my the list below it appears I have my work cut out for me...

I am one of those people that just LOVES to shop (shocking, I know). I can find cute things no matter how terrible the store is and cannot pass up a good deal (you know, for my gift closet). However, as much as I love deals and shopping my space is limited and my budget is shrinking. I am going to start saying NO to purchases and YES to saving!
I LOVE to host parties! Putting together an event is a real thrill for me. I love themes and carrying out said theme in every way possible. This year I want to have one party every three months. I already have two parties in the works (not even including my birthday fete) and plan to have another Halloween bash as well.
Scripture plays such an important role in my daily life. I truly admire those of you that can refer back to verses in any and every situation. In 2012 I plan to memorize more scripture. I am starting with just one verse a month (join me; see my sidebar), but am going to try to up it to two a month once I get a handful down.
I am a slow reader and can tend to spend too much time on the internet or "catching up" on things around the house. This year I WILL read at least one book a month! Things are off to a great start seeing as I just started book number three for the year.

In keeping with the theme of spending too much time online and with electronics in general I am implementing a turn off time. At 10pm on weeknights there will be no more internet time, no more texts, no more phone calls, no more TV etc. In just the few weeks since I have started this I have noticed SUCH a difference and would highly encourage you all to try this as well!! Since running a 5k never happened in 2011 I have carried it over to 2012. I am not a runner as I mentioned last year. In fact, I really hate running, but this is something I have always wanted to do. I am signed up to run a 5k in February and can hardly wait as I get to enjoy it with friends!
It is no secret that I have gotten WAY behind on blog emails over the past two years. Time and time again I have tired to catch up, but I have failed. I am going to just have to delete emails sent before July 2011 and start anew in order to catch up and stay on top of it. I think I can, I think I can...!

I have had the same goal weight for years and years. I am SO close but have never really taken action. So this is the year I WILL hit my goal weight (and stay there)!! While I do love to cook planning meals for myself can be more of a chore. Thus, I end up eating out more often than I should. I want to start planning ahead then cooking on the weekend and partially freezing some of what I make. I know this will not only be easier and healthier but more cost effective as well (save more).
While I never text while driving I do always take my phone out at lights. Though it is easy to multitask, driving is just really not the time to do that in my opinion. The phone is staying put when driving from now on!

Well, that is my packed list friends! I certainly have my work cut out for me, but thankfully I now have all of you to hold me accountable. It is sure to be a great year if the last few weeks are just a preview!!

DIY Feather Wreath

When I worked at Serefina in Edina many moons ago we sold these amazing feather wreaths. Ever since then I have been in love with them. Since I was in need of a new wreath for my door (sadly it was time to take my ornament wreath down) I decided I would take my stab at one.

What you will need:

Feather boas (I used three boas plus two feather craft accessories.)

Wreath Form (I opted for an 18 inch)
Hot Glue Gun

Ribbon

Seasonal Decor (only if you want to spice it up)

Every craft store I went to was out of the foam wreath forms so I opted to use a wooden one. I was a bit worried my wreath would not look very full since the form is flat, but boy was I wrong. The form is much less cumbersome, incredibly light and under $5 making it perfect for this project. I do think you would need another boa for this project if your choose a foam form over the wooden.

This project is SO easy and take under 15 minutes. To begin find the rope end of your feather boa. Simply hot glue the rope to the wreath form and begin to wrap the boa around the wreath. Make sure none of your wreath form is showing as you continue to wrap the boa around it. If you opt to use the additional feather craft accessories like I did you can fill in with this to make your wreath a bit more full.

Unlike with the ornament wreath you do not need to tie your ribbon on before you glue on the boas. I picked the least full spot and tied the ribbon around it and voila!

Since Valentine's day is just around the corner I also picked up a felt "XOXO" pretty at Michael's and added this to my wreath. I simply affixed it so that I can remove it once February 14th has passed and replace it will glitter eggs for Easter.

I am extremely pleased with my feather wreath and cannot wait to make another for the Fall. I am thinking a black one with glitter skeletons would be perfect for Halloween! This would also be darling for a baby shower or bridal shower (in white).

NOTE: Make this project even more wallet friendly by checking your local Dollar Tree for $1 feather boas!

Friday Five

It's Friday, Friday, Friday! I can hardly believe we are in the middle of January and the projected high is 75 today! Crazy times indeed. I have a busy weekend ahead, but there is lots to look forward to in the mix...including picking my dress for Saturday (I am taking all your opinions/votes seriously)! So, without further ado here is this week's top five:

1. New Earrings

I loved the pink flower, enamel earrings I scored at Stein Mart last week. If you are in the market for costume jewelry head on over. They are my go-to for occasions when I want to spice up an outfit but not spend a fortune. I think I might wear these this weekend.

2. Matt Maher's "Turn Around"
I love, love, love this song! The beat and the message are just wonderful and great lift me up.

3. My Desk
A desk no longer means of study, study, study (all you young ones get excited for that day). This little space collects all my pretty things. What's not to love?

4. Materne Applesauce Packets

These have been my go-to breakfast and snack item for a long time. I have tried just about every applesauce packet and Materne is by far the best tasting. At 60 calories a pop and 3/4 serving of fruit they are great for those with busy schedules (or little ones).

5. The Lucky One

I am a sucker for every Nicholas Sparks story, but when Melissa and I saw this preview at a screening the other night (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was just horrible by the way) we immediately knew we might have a new favorite. It looks SO good!!

Have delightful weekend!

Oh How Sweet It Is!

The other day I got an email about Valentines from Minted. I am pretty into Valentine's Day as I love all things pink and froufrou and was so excited to find the PERFECT Valentine to hand out to coworkers and friends with special treats. As soon as I spotted the sugary sensation Valentine I knew I had found my match:

These cards are small and meant to be handed out, not mailed. They are sweet is looks and size! Even better yet you are also able to personalize the array of classroom valentines with you own colors and fonts on Minted (though the brown is lovely the pink and red were best suited for me)!

It is looking like I might have to experiment with making macarons for the very first time as I cannot imagine a better treat to go with this sweet card!

VOTE!

You have seen the shoes for Saturday evening, but not the dress. Well, the only reason I cannot show you a complete ensemble is because it is still up in the air. I tried on a bunch of dresses last night and thought it might be fun to have you all vote on your favorite. I am leaning towards two of the following five (can you guess which two after reading my write-ups?), but would love your vote (there is a poll on the side bar where you can vote) to help me narrow it down to just ONE!!

A

The photo does not do this dress justice. It is an elegant raspberry and gold jacquard one shoulder, ruffe. This dress has a bit of shimmer which pair perfectly with the DIY glitter heels.
B

I have worn this dress once before, but you cannot go wrong with this silhouette in black. Note that it is the exact same dress as A and I think the picture is a tad more flattering than I found it to be last night...

C

I simply adore this dress! The back dips into a deepish (not too deep though) v. I think it is very slimming and classic and I just love the knots each shoulder ties in. I think it makes a perfect pair with my shoes, earrings and gold wrap.

D

I love my Jillie dresses since they can be worn year round. I am a bit hesitate to wear this as I feel like I just wore the dress in another color to a recent engagement. The gold on the dress does pull the gold from the shoes though so it has been left in the final five.

E

I have pretty much narrowed this dress out as it IS January after all, however a projected high of 76 on Saturday is throwing me for a loop. I love the style and cut of this dress, but think it is best suited for a warmer month's event.

So, there you have it, a selection of five dainty dress. Now, the big question is: which dress is your favorite??

DIY Glitter Shoes

Per my Friday Five post this weekend I took a stab at making my very own pair of glitter heels. I found several DIY links through Pinterest, but followed We Are Not Martha's tutorial for the most part.

I gathered all my supplies from the craft store and was ready to go...

If you are interested in making a pair of glitter shoes you will need:

1 container of regular Modge Podge

Craft Glitter in the color of your choice.

Fine glitter (I used Martha Stewart brand glitter.)

Foam brush (the smaller the better in my opinion.)
Clear Spray Paint

Masking Tape

**I did NOT end up using the spray adhesive shown in the photo.**

Last but not least; you will need your shoes of choice! I really wanted to add a bow to my shoes and lucked out finding this darling pair, already complete with a bow, at Stein Mart.

First, use the masking tape to cover the inner heels of your shoes to avoid getting glitter in the wrong places (this would be increbibly painful later so be sure not to skimp!). You might also want to tape the bottom if you are worried about anything getting stuck to it (I skipped covering the bottom and was fine).

Pour about 1/3 of your Modge Podge into a bowl and pour in a generous amount of glitter.

I say the more, the better!

I continued to add more glitter after I started to paint the mixture onto the shoe. The more glitter you add, the few coats you will have to paint on as it will ensure maximum coverage.

Simply begin to "paint" the mixture on to your shoe of choice.

I let my shoes dry for about 10 to 15 minutes after each coat.

By the time I finished with the third coat things were really starting to sparkle!

When I painted my final coat of glitter on I pours the finer Martha Stewart glitter into my mixture. I wanted to ensure every last spot of the shoe that should be covered would be covered. The finer glitter fit right into the tiniest crevices allowing for maximum sparkle in the long run. Since my shoes had a bow I use q-tips to fill the inside of the bow as I wanted no area to be without glitter. It is all about the shimmer, right?!

After a 4th and final coat I let the shoes dry overnight.

Then I got to feed my love for spray paint. I sprayed a coat of clear spray paint all over the shoes. Though the Modge Podge prevents any flaking, this step ensures your glitter will not ever leave a trail no matter where your shoes may take you.

I let this dry then pulled the masking tape off and VOILA!

I now have my very own pair of glitter heels!

The total cost of my project was just $15 (I used a gift card for the shoes otherwise it would have been $46). It took about 2.5 hours from start to finish, minus the overnight drying time, but including small breaks between coats. I am simply in love and might take my stab at a pair of flats. I cannot wait to wear these beauties on Saturday evening, I am certain I will sparkle and glimmer!