Boden outfit of the day

Hi all!  I'm going to start doing a new post called "outfit of the day" and see if you like it.  I'll pick a retailer (or you can send in requests), put together an outfit using only their products and share it with you all.  I'll add fashion advice along with my reasons for picking that outfit.  I'll be doing it for all shapes and sizes.  So if you have a favorite retailer and would like me to put tether an outfit for your body type (or style), just let me know!

Today we're looking at Boden. And putting together a classic Summer look.  Simple and Chic.

I love a classic look.  It works on any size and shape.  It's always looks fresh and modern.  It's never out of style, so no need to constantly buy the latest trend.  To be "classic trendy", buy colors of the season and have fun with inexpensive, on-trend accessories.

Simple and chic, this top evokes Audrey Hepburn and the 1960's.  A classic cut that will never got out of style.

Straight leg crops.  A feminine choice for Summer, that is both classic and modern.   While white is a favorite, it is not always practical for Moms.  Denim in a darker wash would look equally fabulous.  

Open toed and colorful.  Shoes are one of those areas where you can have a lot of fun with color and style, no matter what your weight or height is.  Bright sandals are the prefect choice with this classic look to add a fun and casual feel.

Accessorizing an outfit is important.  It brightens up the look, keeps the eyes "distracted from flaws" and pulls everything together, making you and your wardrobe look super chic. 

Tortoiseshell sunglasses are always a classic look.  Sunglasses serves two functions, they enhance an outfit (they are an accessory after all) and are super anti-aging because they shade your most delicate skin (your eye area) from harsh UV rays which cause wrinkles.   Find that shape that best matches your face.  As a general rule of thumb wear the shape that is the opposite of your face shape.  Round faces look best in a slight square shape and square faces look best in a rounder shape.  Oval faces can pretty much wear any shape.

Keep any jewelry simple and stick to one (maybe two) piece as a rule for a clean and classy look.

You are the star not your jewelry.  

When there are no patterns in an outfit, adding a colorful print handbag is the perfect choice.  It adds pattern and texture, bringing a fun and playful "pop" to your look.

Well that's it folks, my outfit of the day.  Hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers!

Dreaming

I'm dreaming of warm Summer days and water.  I'd like to do some of that dreaming at a place like this...

Source

Spring

Isn't this a pretty picture, so whimsical and soft.  Makes me think Spring.  

Owl

I found a pattern for this pillow in Pinterest and it gave me the shove I needed to make one.  I've been wanting to make one since I first saw one on PB Kids.

Here's the second one waiting to be stuffed...

Feeling crafty in the new year...

I've been feeling crafty today.  So I made a pillow and painted a picture.  I almost painted another union jack dresser too, but as I am removing from a flu, I thought it best to limit myself 

(although I may end up sewing a few more pillows tonight).

 Painting 16x20

I am one of those people who doesn't want to spend enormous amounts of time on a project.  My rule pretty much is if I can't get it done in an hour, I won't do it.  I know that's not very realistic of me.  I know it's pretty much because I have a great lack of patience (especially when it comes to sewing).  But it works for me and hey, I've found I often do my best work late at night when I'm not trying too hard.  :)

I will say however that I am a bit smug over the time it took me to paint that picture...15 minutes.  No, it did not turn out exactly how I wanted (nothing ever does) but I'm pretty happy with it and think it will be the first of a few like it.

The pillow took me a full hour.  And I love it!  I've been wanting to make one for some time now, and am so happy I finally did it.  

Last few months of 2011

Happy new year to all of you lovelies!

Sorry for my dreadful lack of posts lately.  It's seems like that's all I say anymore...sorry!  Life gets in the way and blogging is one of those things that must go on the back burner while I'm running kiddos to school, preparing for the holidays and recovering from one illness after another.  

But I am not here to give excuses, I do indeed have some pictures to share with you all!  I finally got my computer thing worked out and am now able to upload pictures. YAY!

So, quick recap of the past few months...

Fall came and it was glorious this year!

We got to see some people bungee jumping from a hot air balloon

I worked on  this project for my son's room

Christmas came so fast I hardly had time to decorate, but we did manage a nice little tree and some cheery decor.

Lavender Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  Here's a little something I whipped up last night and thought I'd share with you all.  

These are simply divine and would be a big hit as gifts or just for the holidays!

They are especially delightful with tea! 

Lavender Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter softened and creamed in a mixing bowl

1/2 cup powdered sugar add slowly to butter, cream well

Mix in separate bowl

2 cups white flour

1/4 tea. salt 

1/2 tea. Lavender buds

1 tea. Rosemary leaves (freshly minced)

(a delicious substitute for the Lavender/Rosemary would be vanilla bean) 

Add slowly to butter/sugar mixture 

Knead until a ball forms

Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cup using what ever cookie shape desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 16 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Watch closely in the last minutes to keep from over cooking.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Let cool and glaze with a light powdered sugar glaze.

Lavender Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 tea. vanilla

A pinch of lavender buds

3 T. water

Mix in blender until it reaches a very smooth "runny" consistency.

Pour over cooled cookies.

Let set and enjoy!