Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Ways To Season Pumpkin Seeds

When my family and I carve our pumpkins we collect the seeds and season them for eating. I thought it would be fun to share different recipes for seasoning them.

Regular Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees C)
Toss seeds in a bowl with melted butter and salt. Spread seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Sugar and Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
6 tablespoons white sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
1.Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry and toasted. Larger seeds may take longer.
2.In a large bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of white sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and sprinkle the remaining sugar over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts, about 45 seconds. Pour seeds into the bowl with the spiced sugar and stir until coated. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Caramelized Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds, washed and dried
cooking spray
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons white sugar
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons of sugar, the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper, and set aside.
3.Place the pumpkin seeds on the prepared baking sheet, spray them with cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Bake the seeds in the preheated oven until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
4.Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, and stir in the toasted pumpkin seeds along with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook and stir the seeds until the sugar forms a coating on the seeds, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the caramelized seeds into the bowl of sugar-spice mixture, toss to coat, and let cool.

Italian Style Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
Italian Seasoning
Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300ยบ F.
1.Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the oil,Italian seasoning,Salt and pepper. 2.Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
3.Grate Parmesan cheese over seeds
4.Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and let cool completely before enjoying.

Here is a website with a few other recipes for pumpkin seed seasoning :) Click Here for ideas like Buffalo Wing Pumpkin Seeds!
Disclaimer: These are not my recipes I found them on the internet.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Sedona

Early Saturday morning I took my little brother to the airport to go back to Washington and since it was early my mom, Craig and I decided to take a day trip up to Sedona. It's so gorgeous up there! We hiked at two locations to check out some old cliff dwellings. It was so cool to see ruins from such a long time ago, the only thing that sucked was the graffiti! It wasn't horrible but some people are so selfish! Before heading home we saw some ladies selling jewelry so I purchased this beautiful necklace for my mom, their prices were very reasonable too! Only ten dollars for the necklace. We then proceeded to head back into town where we found this cute little European inspired shopping center. After eating dinner at a grill we then headed home.








Sunday, October 2, 2011

Prescott Getaway

This weekend a couple friends and I took a girls trip to Prescott. It was so nice to get out of the heat and to a place that reminded me of home. We ate at some cute restaurants, shopped at some unique stores, went kayaking ( it was my first time ever and it was so fun!), came across a music festival, and saw some cute guys!


This was at the pizza parlor we went to for dinner Friday night.


Becka, Abby and I on the dock before we went out on the kayaks.


Our view of the rocks while we were out on the lake.


Becka took this picture of Abby and I on our way back to the dock.


All of us out and about town :)


The Folk Music Festival


The giant teddy bear we found on a bench while out shopping.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Don't Give Up On Love


Love...its a hard word to describe, but everyone feels it at one point or another in their life. I know some people say they don't believe in love and that makes me sad because love is all around us! Just because it's not from a boyfriend or a girlfriend does not mean it doesn't exists. Love can come from family, friends, ourselves (which I think is one of the most important kinds of love), strangers, small children, the elderly, even our pets. Love isn't just a word either love is an action, people can say they love but love is really what you do for others, yourself, or what others do for you. Not necessarily in buying stuff but lets say the person you love knows you like a certain TV show and your going to miss it so they record it for you to watch later or they knew you had a hard day so they make chocolate chip cookies because they know its your favorite...that is love! First love yourself, love your family and friends, and one day you will find that one person you are supposed to be with :) It could take a lot of boyfriends or girlfriends but don't loose hope, faith and most important love. You might have lots of loves in your lifetime but that's ok, it is better to have love and lost rather to have never loved at all.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Quick and Easy School Snack



Recently I tried nutella and loved it! For a snack I was putting nutella on a graham cracker, but today I thought why not add peanut butter to the mix...and it was so yummy!

What You'll Need:
Graham Crackers
Nutella
Peanut Butter

1. Separate the graham cracker in half so you have two squares.
2. Using a butter knife spread nutella on one half of the graham cracker.
3. Using the same knife spread peanut butter on the other half of the graham cracker.
4. Take Both half's of the graham cracker and put the nutella and peanut butter together.
5. Enjoy! :)

A whole box of Graham crackers would make about 18 snacks. Would be great for a party, study get together, or gathering. If making for school lunch or after school snack I would make one-two for a proper serving size.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Halloween




Halloween is coming up and I got to thinking of how it felt when I was younger. It was such an exciting time dressing up, getting to go out with mom and dad and walking up to houses to say "Trick-or-Treat" and then a piece of candy would get put into my jack-o-lantern basket. Now im the one who gets to pass out candy. Honestly I love all holidays! There is something fun and unique about all of them. I love the decorations, the traditions, it's just fun. I was browsing the web and I thought i would share some fun links for everyone!

This page has tons of Halloween fun facts and trivia like did you know that chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers being #1. The website also has pages on costume ideas, how to make fake blood, history of Halloween, fun pranks, recipes, a page about superstitions, omens, & myths, and also urban legends.

This website gives you Bat Theme Halloween Party Ideas, Glam Girls' Night Halloween Party Ideas, Halloween Paper Crafts, Last Minute Halloween Costumes: Shop Your Closet,Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids,Budget-Friendly Halloween Recipes and Tips from Shawn Rabideau,Handmade Halloween Invites,Scare Your Guests, Not Your Wallet: How to Throw a Budget Halloween Party,Sexy Homemade Halloween Costumes,Upscale Halloween Party for Adults, Halloween Safety Tips for Pets, Halloween Costume Ideas, and Group Halloween Costume Ideas.

This web site has tons of different Halloween recipes.

Here you can find Halloween Toys, Games & Novelties, Halloween Party Supplies & Decorations,Halloween Candy, Halloween Craft & Hobby Supplies, you can find some Halloween Costumes & Accessories, there are also links for free Halloween fun and a chance to win a $500 dollar gift card to help you throw your Halloween party.

Here is a website that helps you start the BOO-ing tradition in your neighborhood, workplace, or even apartment. It gives you instructions on how to do it, boo poems,boo signs to print, and a free printable boo kit to get you started.

Here is a website that helps you find Haunted Houses and fun Halloween attractions near you. There is a part for "Real" Haunted houses too. You can also look at reviews of places to find what you are looking for.

Then of course there is Spirit Halloween for all of your Halloween needs :) click Here for their website.

There are also tons of Halloween tutorials on youtube for Halloween costumes so be sure to browse youtube to help you get completed Halloween looks.

Friday, September 9, 2011

A Few Of My Favorite Things: GoJane.com


I Decided to browse GoJane.com and select some of my favorite things from the site that I would purchase if I had extra money lying around.

These black spiky stud peep toe pumps are killer! I adore them, they are not practical but they are fabulous!

I've had a love for boyish looking hiking boots with a heel since i saw them in seventeen magazine! thispair is tan and only $28.10.

This black belted crocheted dress is very bohemian!

This purple zipper peplum dress is sooo cute!

This asymmetrical open back dress is $27.60 and would be perfect for a date or special occasion.

This skirt comes in black and brown and looks like it would have great shape!

This three tier layered chain-link tassel necklace set comes with matching earrings. I just really like the look of this necklace.

I wanted to bring this vampire teeth necklace to attention for all the Twilight and Vampire Diaries fans, plus ive never personally seen anything like it.

This rhinestone barbie charm necklace is so adorable!

These pyramid stud shape earrings are really pretty and i think they would be great for fall!

I know thiswoven floral print fedora might not transition well into fall but i love it!

They also havethis page that has a ton of cute hello kitty stuff.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fall Loves Tag


I just watched a video on Youtube from Macbarbie07 and it was called Fall Loves Tag. I don't have a video camera but I still really wanted to do it so im going to do it on here. I will link her video below. I really love her videos so check her channel out.

Top Five Makeup Products For Fall:
Maybelline Expertwear Eyeshadow Quad In Chai Latte
Lipgloss w/Mega shine in natural.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Yummy Plummy
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon
Tarte Cheek Stain in Natural Beauty

What Is your favorite fall polish? Right now I really Like Sally Hanson's Diamond Strength polish in Rosy Future. I don't personally like stark purple for my nails, i prefer a pinker color. It's a good transition color since im not super ready for fall. Its the perfect pinky purple.

What Is your favorite fall hair product? I really am liking my Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo and Conditioner. It makes my hair smell fantastic!

What is your favorite fall scent? Pumpkin spice! I love pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice candles anything pumpkin spice is my favorite in fall!

What are your favorite fall clothing pieces and accessories? I wear my riding boots so much, my owl ring and scarfs!

Who Is Your Fall Style Icon? Is Probably Selena Gomez, but I also love Lauren Conrad, All the Kardashian/Jenner sisters,and Lucy Hale on Pretty Little Liars.

What Is your favorite Halloween movie? I watch Nightmare Before Christmas every year!

Favorite Halloween Candy? Candy Corm without a doubt! :)

What do you want to be for Halloween? either a Greek goddess, superwoman, catwoman or a chic 70's hippie chick. I haven't really decided.

Click here to see MacBarbie07's video...all her videos are fantastic so check them out :)

Monday, September 5, 2011

Easy Chocolate Pudding


Ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups milk ( I used almond milk)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa and cornstarch. Whisk in milk a little at a time so the mixture does not have any dry lumps.
2. Place in the microwave, and cook for 3 minutes on high. Stir, then cook at 1 minute intervals, stirring between cooking times for 2 to 4 minutes, or until shiny and thick. Stir in vanilla.
3. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator. Serve cold.

Notes:
When I made this I had to do seven one minute intervals after the initial three but you may need to do more or less depending on your microwave. Just be careful not to burn it! I also ate mine with strawberry's. You could also enjoy it with bananas, whip cream, blueberries, chocolate chips, gram crackers...whatever your heart desires :)

Makes Four Servings

Saturday, September 3, 2011

You Are Loved...




Tonight I'm going over to a friends house because her and her boyfriend broke up. No one can prepare you for that, unfortunately it's a part of life. I know what it's like to loose your first love especially one that was like your best friend. So for those of you out there that are going through a break up, my heart goes out to you! It's different for everyone but I can say that it does get better! Don't be afraid to cry; let yourself go through the grieving process. Also I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, so try to take this time to reflect on your life and do things for you! Go shopping, eat cake, read a book, go dancing whatever it is you like to do or want to do...do it! I found for myself distraction was the key. Just do things that make you happy...even if its for a split second because pretty soon seconds of happiness can turn into hours and days and soon you will feel better. If you know of someone going through heartache just be there for them, listen to them, if they need to be alone give them space if they need a hug or a tub of ice cream and chick flicks be there. Just know you are loved and cared for!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

My Dream: Kitchen


My dream kitchen would be a mixture of retro fifties diner meets pink barbie kitchen. I love the pink appliances, black and white checker floors, vinyl bar stools and seats, cute fifties housewife apron, and of course in my dream kitchen i would be making nothing but heart shaped sweets :) I made the collage above from this really awesome website called beeclip.com! you can make a collage like I did or a mood board, photo album, portfolio, or scrapbook. You can change the borders around the pictures, change the size of them,add text and stickers, and change the color of the background. When you are finished you can upload it to facebook, download on your computer and share with your friends. There are lots of fun things to do on this so I thought I would the website with everyone :)

AZ Cardinals Football Game


Last Saturday I got the chance to go to a pre-season Cardinals game with my family. I've been to one professional football game before back home in Washington and even though I am a girl I do enjoy a good sporting event. I just love the excitement of it! Getting ready and wearing the Cardinal garb to support the team, the smell of food that isn't good for you at all...like the giant hot dog I ate hehe, the roar of a big crowd as the team makes the first touchdown, till the end intensity of who will make the last score and win the game. It's all fun for me...I even enjoy the overly enthusiastic fans, the ones who yell and scream and get totally serious when the other team scores. It was funny to me to see how the opposing fans act after the game. When the cardinals lost the cardinals fans said to themselves it was just a pre-season game so it doesn't count and the Chargers fans would say smirky remarks, this interaction just makes me laugh. Its interesting to me how some people can take a game so seriously...I totally understand why the players might be upset when they loose because they work hard to win...the fans just sit, watch the game and spend money. Its all in good fun though and that's why I love it!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Opt To Adopt





There are tons of websites that show statistic of animals in shelters or rescues and honestly it's hard to know what the real statistical numbers are of animals in shelters, the number of pets euthanized each year and so on, so I will link a few web sites below for anyone interested to check out. The basic thing is that tons of pets are euthanized due to over population. Now I'm not telling anyone what to do but my personal thoughts are if you want a pet a rescue or animal shelter is a great place to look. It makes me sad to think of a poor animal not getting any love or attention. Also, if you have a dog or cat honestly they should be spayed or neutered because if not it is very well likely the number of pets in a shelter and getting euthanized will go up. Some Shelters are lowering their adoption fees which is a great way to get people to adopt! If you cant have a pet you could also look into volunteering. So basically if you are interested in getting a pet please consider adopting!

Click Here for information about adoption and to find a shelter.

Here is another great website for finding shelters and learning more about it.

This website gives you facts about U.S. animal shelters, pet ownership, and over population. The bottom of the page also gives you more links to check out.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: WetSeal


Just A few items that I would get from WetSeal if I had enough money.

Machine Jeans are one of my favorite brands and these white destroyed skinny jeans are fab!

Most of all the Machine Jeans i've found are destroyed so these are a a breath of fresh air.

this belted tunic looks nice and polished.

There is just something about this all over lace top that I like. I think it could look tacky but styled right it could be fab! Plus it comes in four colors.

This floral heart tank is adorable!

WetSeal has some great basics and I particularly like this v-neck racer tank. It comes in white, charcoal and black.

I also really like this ribbed v-neck Tee. It also comes in a variety of colors.

This knit pull over sweater comes in a few colors and I like that it has a kind of preppy look to it.

It says online that there are only a few of these dresses left. I adore the pattern on it! Soo cute!

This stripped hooded poncho looks like it would be super comfy!

This denim hooded jacket would look cool for fall.

These little red bow flats are so cute!

The added touch of a bow to this beanie hat is really cute!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Summer Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing


Let me first start out by saying my youngest brother has Crohn's Disease and this recipe came from a cookbook that has recipes in it that are good for people with Chohn's or colitis and it's a good healthy recipe that would be great for a dinner party or bbq (or just any sort of gathering).

3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 medium limes)
2 tablespoons sugar (you could substitute with stevia or other better for you sweetner)
1/2 small seedless watermelon, cut into bite sized peices
1 medium cantaloupe, cut into bite sized peices
2 large peaches, pitted peeled and sliced
1 cup seedless red or white grapes, halved
1 pint strawberries, stems removed and halved
1 pint blueberries
1/2 pint raspberries

Stir together lime juice and sugar and set aside. Combine all the fruits in a large bowl. Drizzle the lime dressing and toss gently. Cover and chill 1-2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Makes about 12-14 cups



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: Delias


Just a few of my favorite things from Delias right now.

This dolman top is only $19.50 with a special of buy any two for $25 and there is a good variety of colors.

This pointelle circle top is adorable and how it's styled is exactly how i would wear it.

This Mustache Tee is cute and funny and delias graphic tees are BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF.

I adore this hello kitty tank.

I would love this shirt for just lounging around in.

This Fringed Sweater Poncho is actually probably one of my favorites! So great for a warm beachy look.

These Olivia Color Jeggings are so great! They come in a few different colors and are buy one get one 50% off right now.

These Taylor Low-Rise Skinny Jeans are great two because they come in black, white and neutral. They are also buy one get one 50% off.

I Love this dress!

This floral sweetheart dress would be great for an evening out or a party.

This prima ballerina dress in black could be so great because there would be so many ways to wear it! The perfect LBD.

These Kalisa Boots come in great colors for fall!

These Wanted Glitter Skimmers are so so cute! I love them!

I'm seriously in love with this bomber jacket! It comes in this color called claret that I think would be different and adorable for fall.

I also really like this Shearling Moto Jacket. So great for fall!

Back To School Look: Sporty


This look I'm calling sporty but its also very much a lounge outfit. It would be great for those days where you want to look cute but also have a very comfortable outfit without looking sloppy.

A cute hoodie like this hello kitty one from forever21 for $22.80 or a cute raglan top like this one from foreevr21 for $12.80. Basically just any zip up hoodie, pullover or raglan top that fits you're personal personality.

Then pick up a colored Cami that you like. I liked this one in hot pink to go with the mini mouse zip-up. It comes in lots of colors and it's only $2.80.

A pair of yoga pants like these from Kmart for $14.40.

Then you need a pair of comfy shoes. My personal favorites are converse because they come in lots of colors and patterns, they can last you a long time and they are comfortable for school. So I chose these in pink to go with the pink, grey and black outfit for $44.99.

you may or may not need some socks. If you do need a package of new socks i really suggest these from forever21 because you get a five pack for $4.50 and they also carry other super cute single pair socks for only $0.95.

The total cost of this outfit is $84.99 and with the socks 89.49 and that's before shipping and tax.

Here are just some fun extras

For working out you might want to get a sports bra like this one from forever21. Forever21 actually has a good selection of fairly inexpensive sports bras in different colors.

Also if you don't like the loose fitting yoga pants a pair of Stretch Capri Pants like these
You also might want some headbands, hair clips or bobby pins which you can find here at forever21 for super cheap!

Forever21 also has a collection called F21 University so you could look there for specific items for your school and don't forget Vs Pink! They have all sorts of super cute lounge clothes, they are just a little more spendy.

Back To School Look: Artsy


An artist is all about texture, color, and pattern and that's what this look is all about!

I'm going to start this look off with thisvery cool Fitted Zig Zag Dress from forever21 for $22.80. I think the pattern in it is very cool! Just check the length to make sure it's school appropriate.

Now the dress above has sleeves so a jacket is not necessary, especially for class but on a really cold day you may want that extra layer with a a blazer or sweater with a complementary color like this brick red blazer from forever21 for $27.80.

To keep the legs warm wear a pair of knit tights like these from forever21 for $4.50.

These olive colored flats will complement the brick red blazer and be more comfortable to wear in school. They are $12.99 from Target.

A simple necklace like a group of gold chains such as thisis perfect for this outfit without taking away from the pattern of the dress. It is only $4.80

A funky cool ring like this would be a nice finishing touch. It's only $3.80.

The total cost of this outfit is $76.69 before shipping and tax.

Here are just a few added items that I think would be good for and artsy look

ThisPainted Deer Head Top is fun and is very artistic looking.

ThisOversized Geo Hoodie has a lot of graphic detail in it.

ThisAbstract Print Dress comes in blue with dark navy and also pink with dark navy.

This is another Abstract Print Dress but this one is black and white with a pretty mesh detailing.

From far away this Abstract Fold-Over Waist Skirt almost looks like a floral print.

This graphic top has a painting on it called Water Lilies. I'll be honest I'm personally not a huge fan of it because it's printed on a purple shirt which takes away from the painted graphic but that's the beauty of art and fashion..beauty is in the eye of the beholder :)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Back To School Look: Edgy


For the girls who really like to stand out of the crowd this look is for you!...or for anyone else who wants to try something new :)

Start this look of with a black and white graphic top with a design you like. Here is one of my favorites from Forever21 for $13.80.

Add a leather jacket or vest like this one from Charlotte Russe for 39.50. Right now some of outerwear from Charlotte Rusee is 20% off so check that out.

For a pop of color wear red jeans (or any color of your choice really)these from Delias for $44.50 or these ones from forever21 for $22.80. Personally I like the look of the ones from Delias better but it does cost more.

Tuck the red pants into these super cute studded suedette wedges from forever21 $29.80. You could also do a cute leather booties or maybe even combat boots if you don't want the added height or you simply don't want to wear heels.

Then accessorize with a studded cuff bracelet like this one from forever21 for $7.80.

This Look is more spendy than my previous two looks but it is totally worth it i think. So the total would be 113.70 or 135.40 depending on which pants you were to get. Now to put this in perspective if you were to buy a real leather vest it could cost you $1,295.00 from Neiman Marcus...but I would never suggest real leather! Even so there is one from Kohls that alone it's $114.99.



Here are some other cool things that would be good if your going for and edgy look.

These black denim shorts have leatherette pockets.

These combat boots come in black and camel.

This black and white scarf has a cool zebra like pattern on it.

These striped over the knee socks could be a cool touch with the right outfit.

This white and black skull shirt has a very pretty Day Of The Dead pattern to it.

These jeans have a very different look to them.

If you are like me and do like the look of some more edgy looks but actually going inside the Hot Topic Store is a little intimidating definitely check out hot topic.com because they really are a great go to store for those more edgy pieces.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Old Tucson Studios



This weekend the family and I went to Tucson for the weekend. My step-dad Craig had a BMX race to go to for work and so my mom and I took my younger brothers to Old Tucson Studios for part of the day to kill some time. It was such a fun family activity! Basically It's where some old western films were filmed, some of them with John Wayne (who I think is one of the best actors of all time!). First we went on the guided tour which was very informative, then we went to a comedy show in the saloon. We just happened to be in the perfect seating because I got pulled up on stage! Lucky me hahaha don't get me wrong, I love the stage just not when I'm not prepared. Then we stayed for the can-can girls performance. I love can -can dancers. The costumes are so fun and it just seems like a good time. My brother Kyle also got puled up on stage(like I said lucky seating!)The girls were great performers; singing and dancing the whole time. After that we went into a few of the shops and then proceeded to the gun show. The actors did a great job doing The Quick and The Dead. If you haven't seen that movie and you do like westerns I do suggest seeing it. My two favorite things about being there were the can-can girls and I loved seeing the costumes from the movies and the old camera that they used to film the movies with. I think though the best time to go isn't in the summer because it was HOT! Especially during the gun show because you are out in the middle of the sun on hot bleachers.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Back To School Look: Boyish Chic


The boyish chic look is all about using menswear and adding a girlish touch. Below is a look that I think will look great for school.

A Striped Boyfriend Shirt like this one from forever21 for $11.50 or this one from Hollister which comes in several colors but for $49.50.

Menswear inspired shorts (just check the length if your school has a strict dress code) like these or even these which come with suspenders. Both are from Forever21 and cost 17.80.

There are also tons of menswear shoes on forever21 right now but personally these for $24.80 are my favorite. A cute feminine touch would to buy some ribbon color of your choice and use them for lacing up your shoes with instead of just plain laces.

This Rhinestone Glasses Necklace from Forever21 comes in gold, silver and black and would add a cute studious flair to the outfit and it's only $1.50.

A Cute Hair Bow clip in a coordinating color like this. There are tons of hair bows for cheaper but I liked the ones from American apparel because of their size.

Also a cute pair of thigh high socks likethese also in a coordinating color.

The total cost of this look is either going to be 71.40 or 125.60 depending on which shirt you get and that's without tax. If you look really hard you might be able to get it even cheaper but this is what I found.

Here a just a few extra things that I like for a Boyish Chic look

A cute graphic tee like this one with suspenders and tucked into shorts would be darling I think.

Add a bright colored cardigan to add a touch of preppy like this.

A vest like this is another cool menswear staple that you could girly up.

These Lace overall shorts from amiclubwear come in cream and white and would be a super girly way to do the boyish chic look with.

ThisChain Mail Tie Necklace would be super cute done the right way!

A watch like this would definitely add a boyish touch to an overly girly outfit.

A fedora like this is always good for adding boyish charm.

If you want to go the extra mile adding a pair of readers like this is a good way to go.

Then there are suspenders, I tried to find cute girly ruffle suspenders but couldn't find any so there are these ones from wet seal. Be careful to not look to costumey.

Back To School Look: Feminine and Girly


For a feminine and girly back to school look think light colors like pinks, peaches and creams, lace bows and floral. Here is one look that I put together that I think would be really cute.

A casual floral dress likethis one from Forever21 for $19.80. I like this dress because it has the capped sleeves which is good if you have the three finger rule. If you have a length rule at school and this dress is an issue opt for a longer one and add a cardigan if it doesn't meet the three finger rule.

A pair of flats likethese from urbanog.com in mauve or natural for 13.90 you could even add a bow to the flats to add a even more feminine touch.

A white or cream belt like this one from amiclubwear.com for 12.99

This gold bow necklace from Forever21 for only a $1.50 would be adorable I think.

This set of six earrings for $4.00 from Charlotte Russe is such a good deal and the little gold bows would go perfectly with the gold bow necklace.

The total cost of this look is $52.19 without tax and shipping but is a total steal compared to a similar look where the dress alone was $54.00 from O'Neill.

Here are some extra things that I think are also super cute and girly

This bow print top for $8.80 from Forever21

This Fashionista Cat Top for $14.90 from Forever21

This lace cardigan from Forever21 for $22.80

This Tulle Skirt from Forever21 is so fun and girly!

These bow heels are cute and for anyone who wants to wear heels but doesn't want the height these would be perfect!

This bow necklace has the added bonus of pearls.

This Trio Bangle set for $6.80 would add a cute touch to an outfit.

This Floral Lace Clutch could look grandmaish but with the right styling could add a cute girly flair.

This lace bow scrunchie could take a plain ponytail from blah to girly chic!

These lace ankle socks from American Apparel come in tons of colors and are super girly!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Back to School!


Today my little brother got on a bus and is starting his first day of Jr. High. I'm not sure when everyone starts school again but here in Arizona they start in August. I remember the first day of seventh grade I was so scared. A new environment, new people and the horrible thought of getting lost definitely crossed my mind. Starting at a new school can be scary but it can also be an adventure too. Like I told my brother school will be what you make it. If you want to like school you have to be active. The only kids who like school are the ones who do sports, join clubs and participate in school activities. I'll be honest I was one of those kids who didn't do anything but go to school, hang out with my circle of friends and be at home. It's no wonder I didn't like school! So my advice to those starting Jr. High or High School is don't be afraid of trying new things; join a sport, try cheer, look into clubs and never say no to going to a school dance or function because that's what makes school fun. It will give you that sense of belonging that a lot of kids feel like they are missing out on. Oh and also the picture of the bus above is just because I sooo wish there was a school that had pink buses!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

A Dream Is A Wish....



Everyone has dreams in their life. I for instance, dream about one day being able to travel the world. I would love to go to France, Spain and Italy. The sightseeing, food, fashion..just over all culture of other countries is something that interests me very much. The down fall for dreaming though is that often times we counter the dream with "oh I can't really do that, it's just a dream". No one not even yourself should be able to tell you that you can't do something or that it'll never happen. If you tell yourself that it wont happen then it wont. Yes making your dream a reality may take hard work but in the end you will be so happy that you made your dream come true. So work HARD and dream BIG! Make your own dreams come true.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Smile : )






Sometimes I like to just go through Google Images, Photobucket, and WeHeartIt.com to find cute, funny, and sometimes inspirational pictures that make me smile or laugh. Here are just a few that I've come across lately. If you are having a bad day maybe these pictures can make you smile or laugh and make your day just a little better : )

Arizona Mills Mall


Yesterday my mom and I took my brothers back to school shopping at this mall in Tempe called Arizona mills. I will not be going back there anytime soon! First off, it's a little far from where we live. I was honestly scared to be there. I did not feel comfortable at all. At one point I heard a woman screaming! Technically no where you go is completely safe but I would at least like to be shopping at a place I feel comfortable at. Then there was the cleanliness factor. Now, no mall is a germ free place but the bathrooms in this mall were just straight up nasty! It looked like a bunch of animals came in there and shredded all the toilet paper; I refused to go to the bathroom there so I cut the shopping trip a little short. All bathrooms are dirty I understand that but if I’m going to be using a public restroom at a mall I like it to at least appear clean. They had fun music playing and a good selection of stores that’s about it. So overall I think I’m just going to stick to the malls closer to home.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pooky Bear, Graphic T's, and Homecomings.


I know some people think it's silly to have stuffed animals when you are older but I love them! I have one in particular that I keep on my bed at all times and it's Pooky Bear. For anyone who doesn't know Pooky Bear is Garfield's stuffed bear. I got him when I went to silverwood theme park in Idaho a few years back and he's been with me ever since. It's my personal opinion that you can never be too old for a stuffed animal... especially Teddy bears : ) Graphic T-shirts are seriously adorable! Some people don't like them and some do. I'm one of the people who does like them. I think they are super fun and one day I'm hoping that maybe I will have my own line of graphic T's. For now though I'm hoping to just get my hands on the new sharpie stained fabric markers so I can make my own personal shirts. My brothers are coming back today! They left to see my dad back in Washington. It will be nice to have some people to swim with now :)