DIY // Natical Name Necklace

I am excited to share this REALLY easy diy project. (that I photographed last spring.) I originally got the idea for this necklace after I created this Antro inspired diy necklace almost 2 years ago. I love the aesthetic of wooden jewlery because it is often incorporated in unconventional ways. A little background for those of you who may have grown up outside of a maritime community and aren't aware that there is a special maritime alphabet. The alphabet is made of flags and is used to facilitate communication between vessiles or to request help. Your can read more about the alphabet here. I used this alphabet to spell my name out! This is a really preppy and stylish way to incorporate personized jewlery into my wardrobe. This project could be elaborated on in many way by adding or removing flags. I think it would be exciting to spell out acronyms like PTL or even initials of someone special. The neat part of this project is that these wooden flags are made from craft POPSICLE STICKS! Cool, huh?


Supplies needed: Popsicle sticks, hand drill, chalk or pencil to trace out pattern, xacto knife, sandpaper to prevent slivers, paint and jewlery chain. 

I am trying out a new stream lined version on my tutorials because I often don't post projects because the task of typing out an elaborate step by step is overwhelming somedays. So let me know if you have any questions. Please let me know if you end up creating your own natical alphabet name necklace!

Winter Denim & Brown Boots

The nerve of me, right? Unapologetically publishing a blog post after months of being unaccountable for this little slice of the Internet I call home...that's kinda starting to be my thang. Anywhooo. Recently I invented the Canadian Ballgown which is a denim dress over a denim top. I know! I know! (Please refrain from bursting my bubble if this is already a thing. Ok?) This dress is just perfect for remixing outfits because of the cut and fabric. I am sure this dress will make an appearance many more times this year. Other than NOT blogging and wearing a ridiculous amount of denim my life in Wisconsin has been pretty low key but in a good way. I like low key after the last 4 whirl wind years of my life. I hereby proclaim 2014 to be the year of low key living. I have found the idea of low key has been transitioning into my wardrobe in that a lot of eclectic elements which used to drawn me in are turning me off.  Have you noticed a similar shift in fashion? I certainly have.

Outfit Details

Dress // Kohl's 

Chambray Top // Sears

Hat // No idea where this hat came from 

Scarf // Gifted 

Fleece Nylons // Shopko 

Boots // Charlotte Russe

Necklace // Aero

Fall Round Up

I thought it would be kinda fun to look back on the content I have posted in during last couple the past fall seasons. Looking back turned out to be so much fun that I decided to compile a few of my favorites. Honestly, reading through my own blog archives was inspiring and odd because I was so proud of the materials I have presented in the past. It was odd because it was surprising that this blog holds so many memories that I didn't even realize I was making last year or even two years ago. I am thankful for this social platform and I hope you enjoy this tiny trip down memory lane. 

1. Button ups & Boots // an outfit post // This post marks the start of my understanding of my own personal style. I always thought my style was a casual boho chick but when I would put those outfits together I always felt sloppy. It wasn't until last October that I started to realize that although I love the hippie style I am much more of a preppy dresser with unexpected elements such as a sheer skirt or an unexpected fringe boot mixed in.

2. Found Friday // a gorgeous find // Although I no longer write my weekly Found Friday series I knew I had to add this gorgeous cemetery print to my fall round up.

3. Cemeteries & Fringe // an outfit post // I included this post because most importantly I miss this lush mountain cemetery. Secondly I knew I should include because this outfit post was the first post I photographed and then  felt excited to publish. There is also a pretty sweet mushroom featured.

4. Warm Spiced Apple Milk // a recipe // This recipe is delicious and snuggly. I mean it. This apple milk will snuggle your Uggs off. Make it. Drink it. Come back later. Thank me.

5. RIP // lovely photographs // I wrote this post around Halloween two years ago to share my favorite photographs taken by a highs school friend. I hope you enjoy them.

6. Cowl Necks & Corduroy // an outfit post // This was a fun post because Sergio tagged along to play photographer. Also I mean the layers in this outfit are out of this blog world. I make myself proud.

7. Metallic Hair Branches // a DIY post //A super easy hair diy I posted last year.

Instant Replay #4 // Fall

Admittedly my instagram feed has been a broken record lately of pumpkins, leaves, boots and beads of dew on fallen leaf debris... but honestly can you blame me? I don't think so. As a result of being hidden away in the desert for the last four falls that I completely forgot how completely magical Northern Wisconsin can be during the fall. I have been so jazzed about Halloween this year that Sergio and I carved pumpkins on September 30th. I didn't even have the will power to wait until October! I have been enjoying this season so much I might even wait until after Thanksgiving to start celebrating Christmas...might. 

// A Friendly calf at the pumpkin patch // Rainy Fort Howard cemetery // Fallen cattails on the shore of the Bay // Halloween nail decals and my Mom's Iodine bottle // Gourds // Abandoned industrial buildings on Broadway // Flowy burgundy shirt and a pair of fancy oxfords // Another fall foot photo // A snap from Run or Dye 5K with my BFF Kate //

Silver & Cement

I am an eclectic dresser at best and I believe that if I could major in layering I would have my PhD by now. (I tend to say that about a lot of things like; kittens, tamagotchi's, glitter and tetris but rarely painting which is kinda weird) Sometimes layering clothes works wonderfully as it did with this outfit and sometimes... Well, I just pat myself on the back and say "Good game but better luck tomorrow." I bought this dress from the clearance rack at Walmart (seriously!) for my cousin Molly's graduation. It is becoming a fast favorite. I have a lot of black dresses. If I had to guess I would say I am currently in the ball park of six or seven black frocks in my wardrobe. With all that said I have never had a dress that lent itself remixing so well. I love Walmart clothes. I am not kidding. Walmart is like thrifting clothes that no one else has ever lived in. Stop judging me. I lived 78 miles from the nearest Target. Any way, I felt killer in this outfit like a sassy used car dealership secretary from the 70's and any outfit that makes me feel that good is considered a win in my book. How about you, is there an item currently hanging in your closet that was purchased from a surprising store? I would love to hear about it!

Outfit Details
Dress // Walmart
Necklace // Thrifted
Shoes // Nordstroms Thrifted
Faux Lace Shirt // Target
Purse // Inherited From my Nana

DIY // Easy Ukulele Make Over

A couple years ago I was beyond obsessed with learning how to play a ukulele so my wonderful boyfriend surprised me with one for my 21st birthday. I adore it. I found out soon after receiving this musical instrument that I have absolutely no rhythm like strumming is the hardest thing ever. Don't even get me started on playing songs because when I am playing a simple song it doesn't sound like anything to me. All those musical set backs aside I really enjoy practicing chords and making up silly songs. Anyway, the uke Sergio gifted me had an airbrushed palm tree which although festive didn't suit my style very well. I got the green light that Sergio wouldn't be hurt if I altered my uke in anyway so I came up with a super easy way to make my pretty little lady even prettier more info after the jump.

7 on Sunday #24

[1. link] I had this movie camping out in my instant que for like 3 months and I regret every month. This is hands down my new favorite comedy in my opinion it is on the same level of good as Little Miss Sunshine.

[2. link] I wouldn't mind being able to wear a plant around my neck.

[3. link] Bret, Unbroken is an article from the most recent Runner's World magazine that not only offers a new perspective on running  but introduced me with a new out look on life. It is a lengthy article but so worth the time. I highly suggest you read it in it's entirety. (if you have never clicked any of my 7 on Sunday links and never plan to at least look at this one)

[4. link] I love this WiscoKid Tee. The best part is a portion of every purchase goes to support the Boys and Girls club...Cool swag for a good cause. The website has a ton more Wi designs I reallly want one of each.

[5. link] This article about body image and fast fashion really resognated with me personally. I want cheap clothes but I also get so discouraged about the way clothing tends to fit my body.

[6. link] My BFFL (Hi, Kate!) lent me Sex God which is a book that explores the connection between sexuality and God but on a much deeper level just the physical act of sex. It is so interesting even if you are not religious it is worth it just consider a different take on human relationships.

[7. link] I just really want to visit American Gothic like yesterday.

Carter & Cash

I just need to confess that for some unknown reason I feel like June Carter Cash in this outfit... OK so she may have never dressed this casual but if she has been twenty something in 2013 I am willing to bet she would have rocked an outfit like this. I need to confess one more embarrassing thing, when ever I talk about Mrs. Johnny Cash I almost always first imagine Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of June. I guess what I am getting at is I feel like Reese Witherspoon playing June Carter Cash when I wear this get up. Other than pretending I am movie married to Joaquin Phoenix playing Johnny Cash my life has been all sorts of crazy lately. Since my birthday three months ago I have travelled to Moab, Portland, Vancouver and most wonderfully Green Bay. On top of that in two short weeks I am going to visit Justin and Maria in Oregon... THEN I AM MOVING HOME! (As in I am leaving the state Utah and moving to the place that makes me feel most incredible WISCONSIN) When I travel I miss the surprise of whipping up an unexpected outfit since I have carefully planned every single detail a week in advanced. This outfit is a result of finally having the chance to wear an unplanned outfit and a testament to my love of bargain shopping. I say this out loud so often I might as well blog that I am so happy I bought these boots ( seen here, here and here ) at the end of last summer for only 16 bucks. I have never worn a pair of shoes so much that the soles are are starting to fall off of! I feel the same way about this jean jacket and to be honest I was super hesitant a jean jacket might read a little 'white trash' instead of preppy but so far I have successfully avoided any trashy mishaps.

Outfit Details
Jean Jacket // Old Navy
Black Tank // h&m
Ring // Ti Pan (clearance bin 75 cents)
Bracelet // 5 year Anniversary Gift from Sergio
Heart Necklace // Borrowed from my Mom
Dress worn as a skirt // Kohl's
Black Leggings // Free (as in not one dollar spent) JcPenny
Boots // Ross

Beautiful Tunes

I mentioned that I have been painting sooo much more lately which feels incredible. Aside from the glorious feeling of actually painting the second best part of making art for me is listening to my record collection constantly. I listen to music on the same record player I grew up watching my parents use. A lot of the music I am drawn to today is heavily influenced by the music my parents listened to on it. My record collection is sort of all over the place because I have my Grandpa, Mom and Dad's individual record collections in addition to the pieces I have acquired on my own. I wanted to share the four records that I have had constantly spinning lately. Can you tell which records are mine and which records come from my parents collections?

[Top Left : Not Without a Fight] [Top Right : Our Endless Numbered Days] 

[Bottom Left : View From The Ground ] [ Bottom Right : Uh-Huh]

7 on Sunday #23

[1. link] Kmart has a sense of humor who knew?

[2. link] I have been shopping around for a dress to wear to my cousin's graduation ceremony I am either getting this colorful number or....

[3. link] I might buy this adorable dove dress BUT I can't decide. I am having a hard time because her school is pretty classy and I just don't want to look like a hillbilly compared to preppy/country club chic parents who will also be in attendance.

[4. link] My Utah church just released a pretty neat video library with a ton of resources. I think it is a really great idea.

[5. link] I have seen some pretty intricate hair styles lately floating around on Pinterest but this one is da bomb.

[6. link] I just found out about ShopKick a few days ago and I am in heaven because I get rewards for walking into stores I already shop at.

[7. link] This is a two for the price of one deal! I have seen the Dove Beauty Sketches floating around on the Internet and I highly recommend watching it. I showed it to the most beautiful woman I know, my mom, and she thought it was really interesting also. I am being vague on purpose because in my opinion the less you know about the video the more exciting the concept will seem. The second Dove link is the Self-Esteem Kit which is a free resource created with the intention of creating an open and honest discussion about body image with young women. I believe Dove is going beyond corporate marketing and really changing the way women feel about themselves.

Paint

Things have been quite around here for an amazing reason..... The reason that I haven't had time to blog is because I have been painting again. (!!!) I woke up one day recently and asked myself "Is this [painting] what you want to do with your life?" To which I rhetorically shouted "YES" (in all caps obviously) back to myself.  I couldn't stop thinking over the next couple day "If all I want is to be a painter then why am I not painting as much as humanly possible?" and since then I have been painting every possible chance I get. I sketch compositions before bed and have started see inspiration every where. Painting is amazing. I have been trying to discover what my painting style is as well as trying to discover what it is that I do with paint really well. I am going to be honest I don't know what makes a painter great I just know that the only time I truly feel like the person I was meant to be is when I am holding a pallet knife loaded with oil paint. 

7 on Sunday #22

[1. link] I think this Parks & Rec coloring book from Etsy is really funny and something I would totally love to be gifted.
[2. link] CAT bag! enough said. 

[3. link] I really adore this shirt and For some weird reason my brain thinks this tee would be perfect for long road trips. I really do love the PNW. 

[4. link] Perhaps my favorite thing to include in a Seven on Sunday post ever would be the Happier App. It is a breath of fresh air in today's toxic social networking society. Check out the web site for more info. 

[5. link] An NPR road map that lists what station you can find NPR on through out the entire United States. I love that is an actual paper map and not an app which is way more convenient on a road trip. I might be purchasing this item very soon. 

[6. link] Please check out Better World Books as soon as you can!!! It has cheap recycled books and free shipping. When I say cheap I mean like 3.99 for popular novels. This website will be getting a lot of my pay check.

[7. link] I have wanted a PBS t-shirt since my days of watching Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood and I just found out that I can purchase the shirt of my dreams directly from the PBS website. EKK!

    

Instant Replay #3 // Spring

Life according to my instagram feed has been beautiful, inspiring, fresh, colorful and full of joy. This Spring is a much different season of life than it was last year. I am slowly emerging from the heavy cloak of grief and starting to feel joy again. I mean there are still hard and horribly painful days but not as frequently. I am embracing each day and making an effort to tap into the things that have always brought pure joy into my life like nature, family, flying kites, baby animals, painting and walking in rain storms. I sincerely hope this Spring is treating you as kindly as it has been treating me.

Glittery bricks outside of Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland // Delicious homemade raspberry ice cream // Fresh eggs from our neighbors // My messy paint brushes // Delightfully colorful Easter egg shells // Two new baby pygmy goats // Costco tulips // Favorite instax pictures from Washington // rain drops

7 on Sunday #21

 

I have been pretty busy doing amazing things with my life but realized two things last night. The first thing I realized was that today was Sunday. The second thing I realized was that I hadn't put together a 7 on Sunday post in awhile. So... TADA! I wanted to pop in and share a few things that are currently on my radar. I would also like to note that I originally loved the idea of  keeping this series as my only image free post but I am currently toying with ideas to whip up a fresh new look for next week. So check back soon! Aware of anything floating around on the Internet I might enjoy? If so feel free to leave me a link or suggestion in the comment section.

1. The new Tamagotchi App. enough said.

2. Do I need a cute and affordable Iphone case? No, but I want this cat case.

3. Stuff Christians Like. No seriously.

4.  I watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel last night and I loved every moment of the film.

5.  My current default spring nail colors Rimmels Sage all the rage and I lilac you

6.  I was recently inspired to change the format for this series by this post on SRSLYLIZ

7. I really want a Gypsy inspired chain head dress and this one seems perfect for me.

DIY // Ticket Stub Art

Here is a confession: I hoard paper. It is honestly an issue. I mean it. There are all these little scraps of paper I have be hanging onto for some reason since before middle school. A lot of these little pieces of  paper tend to be tickets for every. single. concert. or. museum. or. play. I. have. EVER. been. to. The superfluous punctuation in the last sentence was meant to add drama. I hope you whipped out your internal Morgan Freeman voice to read it. I decided to gather up all my ticket stubs and make something visually appealing. This is a really easy, simple take on all of the neat concert ticket displays I've seen floating all over Pinterest. The project could also be used as a white board but I am not really into that trend but go banana's if that is your thang. Instructions after the jump.

Shear Floral & Spring Rain

My mom and I have an issue with clothing in that we prefer a roomy fit. for example if I am shopping for clothing and a large fits well but up is available up to a size XXXL I will either leave with a XL or XXL. I do this for a variety of reasons but mainly for those times when I feel bloated my closet full of apparel still fits comfortably. I also noticed when I size up my clothes tend to last longer because the item can't shrink smaller than my size. My mom is the same way and practically prefers that her clothes hardly even touch her body. I am not picking on her by any means partly because I am the same way. Saying that I like my clothes to fit loosely is an understatement, I don't pay attention to jean size I just usually buy the pair that I can pull on over my thighs with out unzipping. Although I am a big believer in sizing up I should admit it is not always a wonderful idea. My mom bought this shirt and of course opted to buy a size bigger than she felt she needed but didn't notice that the next bigger size had considerably longer length. I've been told that the first time she wore the shirt a few of her friends commented that it's length may not  have been a good pairing with her dress slacks. those comments naturally led to her giving me the shirt which happens all the time and I love it. I mean my mom is one stylish lady and happened to pass on her good taste to me. If you can't tell we are BFFL. I ain't ashamed. Moral of the story is to never let your mother donate any clothes before you have had a chance to wear it.

Outfit Details 

Top worn as tunic // Ross

Leggings // Walmart 

Boots // Ross 

Belt // Modcloth

Necklace // Charlotte Russe

P.s. These photos were taken on the first day of spring during a rain storm! It has already RAINED during Spring in this desert! How glorious.

Birthday

I like my birthday as much as almost as much I like Christmas except I start my yearly Christmas countdown in August yet I tend to put off my birthday countdown until the last day of February. I have a tradition that is a tad silly and self centered but done in the spirit of good fun... I celebrate my birthday week! As in for  seven whole days I make every effort to inform nearly everyone I meet that it is in fact my birthday week and to excuse any abnormal self indulgence. I had a wonderful birthday and birthday week. Here a few photos of my Birthday adventure. 

Twenty Four

Twenty Four. I am Twenty Four. Two Four. I adore being Twenty Four. I feel more confident than ever in my whole life. I am Twenty Six years away from being Fifty. I couldn't care more or less about where I am in my life. I just am. I am who I am. I am who I should be. I am saved by the grace of God and loved by incredible people. I am Twenty Four. I am Jubilant. Hear my yelps echoing from the mountain tops. I am in love with my own self for the first time in Twenty Four years.

7 on Sunday #20

1. I spent my birthday weekend in Moab and was so excited we stopped here.

2.This little boy's bravery to stand up for a feline being bullied by school mates made me cry.

3. I would love to get this downloaded on our GPS it might come in handy while on Vay Cay.

4. Eek! These wellies are so cute, I love the pheasant pattern.

5. Two of the best dads ever! These two stories are the type of thing I can see Sergio doing one day.

6. I am intrigued by this suit  because I've never seen a long sleeve swimming suit.

7. I know I linked to Indie Darling during the last Seven but really feel this cat purse and scarf need to find there way into my closet.  

My Adventure Book

As with most people I went through a scrap booking phase. I still have a Tupperware containers full of scrap booking supplies that I haven't touched since...drum roll please... 9th grade. My vacation memories have been banished in this digital age to live on only through memory cards or external hard drives. I was gifted a Smashbook from my Aunt for Christmas and I started getting the itch to 'scrap'. My itch was intensified when my parents gave me an Instax camera for my birthday to document our epic Moab adventure. I decided to combine the two gifts and create my very own Adventure Book. It was so easy to follow through with the book because I only used the items I had on hand such as brochures, stickers, small mementos, scissors and my instax pictures. My only rule set was that I had to finish the book before we arrived back home. Also the book itself came with a glue stick/ink pen which is like the coolest thing ever. Do you have an adventure book or even a smashbook? If you have posted about either on your blog leave me a link in the comment section because I would like to see them.