Miscellaneous: Where Do I Blog (and Bead)?

Our condo officially goes on the market today (woo!), so over the last two weekends, Hubsey and I have been doing the Martha and re-organizing all of our stuff. One area in particular was my "jewelry studio," which was actually a pile of boxes and plastic bins that lived on the floor next to my bookshelf. It was like that because if I felt like watching TV while I worked, I would take whatever box I needed and head to the coffee table... and get beads all over the living room.

But no more!

It's not the most beautiful setup, but at least things are in drawers and bead-sized containers now. Oh, and it's off the floor. Eventually I'll make it pretty, but knowing this is temporary makes it hard to put forth that kind of effort now.

The desk is also where I blog when I'm home. Just add a computer!

The blogging that goes down at work happens in an ugly little room with a bunch of audio equipment, so let's just skip that picture.

If you want to check out some other blog locales and work spaces, and maybe get some ideas for making yours prettier, head over here.

Miscellaneous: This is pretty.

My brain has already turned itself off for the day. Yes, I know it's only 3 o'clock, but it's 3 o'clock on Friday. Nobody should be working right now. Not with the weekend holding out its arms for a loving embrace.

So I'm hoping you'll forgive the lack of commentary. Let's just look at something pretty.

Yes, please! If I had an extra $128 hangin' around I'd snap it up. It might be too late in the day for putting sentences together (or doing my day job) but I can always handle an Etsy transaction.

Happy Friday!

Ma, Look What I Got: Alaska has bargains?!

I bet you thought I forgot about this. (And I almost did, until I had to move my jewelry into the box that locks since we're getting ready to list our condo and I didn't want some PUNK stealing my sparkles.)

Anyhoodle, Hubsey and I went on an Alaskan cruise with his family a couple of weeks ago, and not only is it beautiful up there, it's apparently the new hip place to go for jewelry bargains. This was news to all of us. There was a presentation on the boat that was disguised as a "shopping guide," but it was really a hard-sell for a group of diamond and tanzanite galleries. Of course, we, being the brilliant people that we are, questioned these "low prices" and skedaddled to another store.

And I think you know what happened next:

A matching amethyst and diamond set! I didn't realize this, but the Alaskan cruise season is only 4 months long, and we happened to sail during the last few weeks. Because of that, a lot of stores were having MAJOR sales to clean out their inventory. My set was originally $210 (sterling silver as opposed to gold made it so cheap) but was 70% off the day I went. There was a little tax and a ring-sizing fee for my twiggy fingers, but the total was still only $68. For THREE PIECES of semi-precious gemstone jewelry.

So if you ever find yourself in Alaska in August, do a little shopping.

What's the best deal you've ever gotten on vacation? Did you already know about the Alaska/jewelry thing? Spill your guts.

30 for 30: 24 and 25

Last night I took a bunch of stuff to GoodWill and then I got TOTALLY sucked into the Real Housewives of New Jersey season finale. (You're probably jealous that I spend my free time doing such awesome things.) I never watched The Sopranos, but I get the feeling that RHoNJ is pretty much the same thing, but with more leopard print and less James Gandolfini. In fact, there's no James at all, which is too bad because he and my new favorite person, Caroline Manzo, seem like they'd be instant BFFs.

The reunion show is tonight, and I'm totally watching that, too. The last time there was a reunion, somebody flipped over a table.

Anyway, what does this have to do with my clothing? There's a lot of leopard and fur happening over in NJ (usually at the same time), and I wanted to reaffirm that I won't be doing that to myself.

Day #24:

Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Macy's
Flops: Target
Scarf: gift (though I can't remember from whom)

Day #25:


Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Skirt: Express
Shoes: DSW
Bracelet: Macy's
Earrings: Francesca's

Does anybody else watch RHoNJ? Or maybe you're a fan of the New York franchise? I know SOMEBODY else watches these shows because they have 67 versions of the same thing... Come out of the woodwork and join me in the comments!

What Were You Thinking?!: K(h)ate Gosselin

Hi, Kate.


You're 35. You're also the mother of 8 children. Don't you think it's time to stop dressing like you're on your way to Da Club?

Listen, maybe your stint on Dancing with the Stars changed your life more than I realize, but the next time you feel the urge to get jiggy with it, I want you to remember that you HAVE OFFSPRING, and that prancing around town in satin shorts might be slightly embarrassing for them.

Thanks.

(I should note that this picture was taken while you were back-to-school shopping. TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE.)

U.G.L.Y.: Acid Wash

Okay. I thought we were done with this.


Aside from the occasional unbalanced person like Lindsay Lohan or Kate Moss trotting around in them, I thought acid wash jeans were OVER.

But no. Urban Outfitters had to go and prove me wrong. Acid wash jeans that are also high-waisted AND ankle length! So not only are they hideous, but Urban wanted to make them as difficult to wear as possible. And I like how they squeezed the poor model into a pair that's a size too small so doesn't have any blood getting to her pelvis.

I'm not including the link to the pants. I just can't bring myself to copy and paste it over here. Not when it could upset all of the other cute clothes.

By the way, the season finale of Design Star is tonight! Will anybody else be watching? I'm rooting for Emily, but I'm a little nervous because she seems like the type to bust out pants like this.

30 for 30: Days 22 and 23

We're in the final stretch! I've mostly been enjoying the 30 for 30 Challenge, but I am starting to miss the rest of my closet. There's one dress in particular I've been itching to wear the last few days, and I'm kind of wishing I had included more blouse-y shirts into the mix. But now I know for next time.

Day #22:

Cardigan: Banana

Tank: Banana

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Nine West

Day #23: Pardon the bizarre nature of my curls. The top kind of looks like a helmet, no? At least the outfit is cute.

Tank: Express

Jeans: Forever21

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: I made it.

Miscellaneous: Flower Fail

I learned something today. Dried lavender is too fragile to be added to an already existing flower arrangement. The little nubblies fall off and get all over the dining room table. And then it's time for me to go to work and I'm forced to leave them there.


So. Don't try it. Just FYI.

Web Gem: Young House Love

I'm baaaaack! Jet lagged and with a cold (courtesy of my thoughtful bro-in-law), but back nonetheless. The Alaskan cruise was awesome and in addition to taking 150 pictures of Glacier Bay, I did a little shopping while up north. Alaska is apparently a mecca for jewelry bargains--who knew?--so I'll have a sweet deal to share with you soon.

But in the meantime, I've been catching up on all of my blog reading. One of my favorites, Young House Love, had quite the DIY reveal last week. If you've never checked out YHL, it's written by a husband and wife who have been completely renovating their 1950s ranch home over the last 4-ish years. While I was lounging by the pool (it was seriously warm for Alaska, you guys; I got a tan), they finished their office/guest room/playroom.

Yep. A triple-duty room. Office, guest room, AND playroom for their baby. Here's how it looked when they moved in:

Pretty blah, right? Well, NO MORE. Here's how it looks now:

Um, WOW. And to make it all the more impressive, they did it for $1,238. You can read about what they made and where they shopped here and here. For example, they made that desk out of an old door! Whaaaat?

I seriously need to get some power tools.

On the Cheap: Surprise! Cardigans!

Since it's August and fall clothing is in stores, it's time to look at NEW CARDIGANS!

This one made me squeal with glee! It's striped! And many colors! And I could wear it with EVERYTHING! And it's only $26.90, so I could buy it in both color optoins if I really wanted to (which I do).

And for those slightly dressier occasions (like a Mad Men viewing party) this number will do the trick. It's not as good of a deal as the above, but for $54.99 it's not unreasonable, especially from Modcloth.


And as a trasition piece, one with 3/4 length sleeves. It also comes in pink, navy, and grey, and those cute little flowers are included. At $26.50, it's also the cheapest of the bunch.

My fixation continues. I could've easily put 10 sweaters in this post, but I HELD BACK. That's a baby step toward progress, right?

30 for 30: 19 to 21

Hubsey and I are on an Alaskan cruise this week with his family, but 30 for 30 rests for no one! (Or maybe I wrote this post before I left. I'll never tell.)

Day #19:



Tank: Banana Republic
Skirt: Macy's
Sandals: Target
Earrings (that my hair is blocking): The dollar section of Target FIVE years ago. Quality stuff, I tell you.

Day #20:



Tank: Forever 21
Shorts: Gap Outlet
Sandals: Target

Day #21. I was on the fence about wearing this again so soon, but I'd never worn it to work before and the weather was PERFECT. As for you guys, I did my best to make it different from last time.



Dress: Banana Republic
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace & earrings: I made them.

I'm not quite to 30 outfits yet, so expect a few destination shots toward the end. Maybe I can convince Hubsey to do the Titanic pose on the front of the ship...

Hello, Gorgeous!: Some like it hot. I mean, dry.

I don't always wash my hair everyday. Not because I'm following the advice of experts and letting those natural oils do their thing, but because sometimes I get lazy on a work day. Or, once in a GREAT while, I'll wake up and my hair will magically look awesome on its own, so I'll just foof it a little and go on my merry way.

But it's mainly because I'm lazy or slept too late (which are kind of the same thing). On those days, I tend to wear my hair up to hide the fact that it's Second Day Hair. However, I recently found something that lets me cheat and keep a more adult style.

Dry shampoo.

You shake, spritz, wait two minutes, and brush. The shampoo is white and kind of powdery, so don't be surprised at the attractive Bride of Frankenstein stripe you'll have before you brush. I've only used it on days when I straighten my hair because there's another "foam" variety recommended if you're going the curly route. Although, I've found that curly hair wears better the second day, anyway, so I don't think I'll bother.

But if you can straighten those tresses and just get tired of the rinse and repeat, I definitely recommend this stuff. Plus it's only $3.49 right now at Walgreens. And if there's not a Walgreens near you, they have it on the website.

So have you used dry shampoo? Do you like it?

Miscellaneous: Sketchbook Project

I read about something super cool yesterday on Down & Out Chic and I thought I'd pass it along. It's called the Sketchbook Project, and for $25 you receive a moleskine notebook to fill up. There's a list of themes to choose from (or you could be ballsy and hit "random"), and you have until January 15, 2011 to finish your work. Then you ship it back and all of the sketchbooks will tour several cities this spring before finding a permanent home in the Brooklyn Art Library.

Pretty awesome, isn't it? I write all over everything, anyway, and if I have my own special notebook it won't happen on the papers at work. My theme is "It Must Be..." Let me know if you're going to do it, too.

Onto regular business, 30 for 30 Day #17. For a change of pace, let's take the picture outside!

Dress: Target

Shoes: Target

Belt: Wet Seal

Necklace: I made it.

Shades: Fossil

Purse: Filene's Basement

Day #18. I forgot to put my shoes on before I did the photo shoot, but imagine the gold sandals.

Shirt: Victoria's Secret

Jeans: Forever 21

(Invisible) Shoes: Target

Necklace: I made it.

30 for 30: Several days in a row.

Wait for it... wait for it...

COLOR!

Day #13, a work at home day.

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Target
Flops: Target
Necklace: H&M

Blogger is being weird right now and keeps wanting to make my text blue and underlined. I guess it's just trying to get on the color bandwagon, too.

Day #14, a work at "real work" day:

Shirt: Victoria's Secret
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Nine West

Day #15. I'm totally kicking myself for not getting a better picture of it, but I'm wearing a cute leopard print headband with this. Kenya believe it!? A color AND a pattern at the same time! I must've hit my head or something.

Tank: Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21
Sandals: Target
Bracelet: Macy's

Day #16. There was a "cold front" moving in, which basically meant there was no humidity. Whenever that happens, the AC at work turns my office into a meat locker.

Whoops, grey and black! But yes, that IS a sea monster around my neck.

Tank: Express
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Jeans: Forever 21
Sandals: Target
Necklace: I made it.

Did anybody do anything cool over the weekend? Anybody see Inception? Hubsey thought it was just like The Matrix, which it kind of was. I said it was better than The Matrix because Keanu Reeves wasn't in it. (Oh snap. But it's true.)