The latest collaboration makes my heart skip a beat! Nordstrom and BAUBLEBAR make a dream team. While some collaborations are outside my price point, this one is right on the money. Starting at $24-you can buy baubles to your heart’s content. I love the pieces that would be easy, everyday accessories. Notice anything? Yep, my affection for gold does not seem to be waning. {Wow! It’s becoming a problem.}
All winter I wore a pair of Old Navy Rockstar skinnies. The price is right-on and they are super comfortable. Since I am only 5′ {with heels} they wore really long, but I liked the look with my boots. Now that spring has arrived, the length was bugging me. At full-price they are under $35, so I didn’t want to pay to get them hemmed. While I am no seamstress, I can use a pair of scissors. My solution to the length problem was just to cut and cuff them!
Step 1: Cuff jeans to the desired length.
Good lord! Yes, I am ridiculously short! A cuff that big would look comical. {They needed to be cut!}
Step 2: Measure for the length of the desired cuff.
I wanted my cuff to be about 2″, so I used my trusty sewing ruler.
Step 3: Draw a straight line and flip inside out.
Using a straight edge, I drew a line 2″ higher {than the desired length} on each leg and then flipped the jeans inside out.
Step 4: Cut and wash.
Using sharp sewing scissors I cut both legs at the measured line. It is important to wash the jeans or they won’t fray. {And it just looks silly if they are cut and not frayed.}
I am so happy with the finished look that I am going to do the same thing with a pair of Rockstar White Super Skinny Jeans. If you didn’t want to cuff the jeans, just cut at the desired length and wash. Easiest and least expensive alterations you will ever find. ROCK ON!
P.S. So here’s the deal. I am not a fashion blogger. I totally get that! Rest assured, there will not be future posts of me modeling my outfit of the day. Yesterday I needed a shot of my finished project so I set up my handy tri-pod and snapped the top photo. Self-timer action was in full effect. It was pure entertainment for the landscaping crew working next door. I can only imagine what they were saying about me! xoxo
This really isn’t much of a DIY. It’s more of an idea on how to add color to your table! While getting ready for a party last week, I decided that my little bamboo forks needed a pop of color. I dug out a tube of acrylic paint that I bought on clearance. {I simply bought it because I LOVED the shockingly, bright pink color!}. Using a painters tape, I taped the forks to a piece of paper and painted the tops with a sponge brush. When they dried, I flipped them and painted the other side. It took really no time at all to paint 30 little forks. And they turned out awesome.
Aren’t they darling in that black cup? I am thinking they will be fantastic painted yellow in the summer. Oh, the possibilities are endless!!
While goldfish are great fall back snack, the boys in my house enjoy variety! We {all of us} LOVE Halfpops! Air popped locally in Seattle, this super crunchy snack is perfect in the afternoon! My favorite flavor is Butter & Pure Ocean Salt. HELLO! And they are made with all-natural ingredients. Gluten free, nut free, no corn syrup, no artificial flavors, no hydrogenated oils, no preservatives. Well, Halfpops are virtually health food!
Now that I will be watching four baseball games a week, I am going to stock up! Moms need snacks, too.
In the summer of 1999, my husband had the chance to travel to Israel for work. He was invited by clients who lived and worked in Tel Aviv. We were not married {or engaged} at the time, but we planned to take the trip together. I was teaching and summer was the PERFECT time to take a long trip. Unfortunately, the cost of my air fare {the only cost out-of-pocket} proved not to be in our budget. We didn’t make much money at the time and the numbers didn’t seem to add up. Sadly, I did not go on the trip and Aaron went alone. {In hindsight, we should have just gone for it! It was a trip of a lifetime and we were being overly practical, in my opinion. But that is another post’s topic}.
Lucky for me, Aaron made a wise choice when purchasing something to remember Israel. He bought hand-painted, ceramic bowls while on a day trip to Jerusalem. As you can see they are lovingly nicked and stained. We use them often. Every time I reach for them I love that they have a story.
The bowls have proven to be the perfect travel treasure. A beautiful item with practical use. I have been thinking about what I would like to buy on our trip to Italy. My list is short at the moment: a pair of sandals and something for my home. I read an article over the weekend that touted olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the top souvenirs to bring back from Italy. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen!
What have proven to be your FAVORITE travel treasures?
Do you Instagram?? It is quickly becoming my favorite social-media site. Something about 4×4 pictures that makes me outrageously happy! I decided to start a series called Four to Follow. Just a quick heads up on four accounts I think you might like {or love}! If you are not on Instagram, I highly recommend it. Come play…it’s super fun!
The official account for the magazine Darling. As self described: “Darling isn’t just a magazine, it’s a movement. Our print magazine is a guidebook to lead you through the seasons of the year and your life. We exist to encourage and empower women and be a voice of love.” I subscribe to the print magazine as well as follow them on Instagram. I am blown away by their mission and their pictures are inspiring. Darling is the art of being a woman.
Ascot and Hart is an online store founded by the girls behind Target Does It Again. Their style is mix between boho and grunge. I always love the outfits they put together and their original style!
Taylor Sterling is the founder of Glitter Guide. Her account is flooded with details from her everyday life, Glitter Guide adventures and her darling baby girl, Elodie.
The Instagram account of David Schwen is creative in every sense. I can’t really put his images into words….you just have to see them! Each day I smile when I see his fun and original posts.
Everyone needs the basic wardrobe staple, a plain white T. I love denim paired with a white t-shirt. Add a few accessories and you have the perfect no fuss outfit! While it may seem ridiculous, I have four STEADFAST requirements for t-shirts {of any color}. Everyone’s body type calls for a different type of t-shirt.
The following describes my perfect white T:
A “V” or scoop neckline. I am quite busty. These two necklines are the most flattering for girls with curves up top.
Light weight cotton. The lighter material the better. Heavy cotton T’s add bulk, which no one wants. Be careful when buying thin white T’s. Unless you plan to wear a bright, colorful bra {a bold move} you don’t want the T to be see through. Make sure to try it on with the bra you plan to wear.
Short/cap sleeve. A cap sleeve is the most flattering on me. The sleeve hem hits right at the thinnest part of my arm. I don’t know about you, but I usually judge a picture a “keeper” if my arms look good.
A loose but feminine cut. Thanks to my children and middle-age my mid-section is the least favorite part of my body. If the t-shirt is too tight, it only accentuates this “problem area” {God, I hate that term!}. I prefer a loose, but feminine, cut that skims my body but doesn’t cling to my tummy.
So that is my perfect T. If I had a different body type I would love to play with the classic T and tons of layered necklaces or a boat neck t-shirt paired with classic trousers. But I don’t, so I stick to what looks best on me.
Have you thought about it? What are the requirements for YOUR perfect white T?
Yes, I do love to cook and I try new recipes all of the time. Many of them include healthy, whole foods like kale and squash. But sometimes you just need a good burger. I have pretty much perfected the slider, or mini burger. Or at least Big W thinks so. These are totally kid approved!
The All-American Slider
1 lb of organic ground beef {10% fat}
1 tbs. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
2 tsp. {low sodium} Soy Sauce
3 slices Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese
12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Combine beef, seasoning, and soy sauce with your hands. Make small patties by using your palm as the guide. The patty should will be no bigger than your palm. Grill or cook on the stove stop until done to your liking. Just before taking the burgers off the heat, cut each slice of cheese into quarters {or fold and break apart with your hands} and top each patty with cheese. Place into sliced rolls and serve!
I think the secret is the Lawry’s and the rolls. Who doesn’t love those incredibly soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls? You can jazz these up with guacamole, bacon, or barbeque sauce. My boys like them simply with ketchup. The All-American Slider. You can’t go wrong!
After yesterday’s sort of heavy post, I decided to lighten things up a bit today. It is inspired by a Vogue Video interview. A quick-paced, lighthearted interview with one of my favorite stars, Sarah Jessica Parker. 73 questions with simple answers. For fun, I answered the same questions below. {Well, most of them.}
How long have you lived in the area? 12 1/2 years.
What is your favorite season in Seattle? SUMMER!
What is your favorite activity in Seattle? Anything involving the water.
Would you ever leave? Maybe. Never say never.
What are 3 words to describe Seattle? Green. True. Diverse.
What is your favorite movie? Good Will Hunting
Favorite movie in the past 5 years? American Hustle
Favorite TV show that is currently on? Mad Men.
A book I plan on reading? The Eye Has to Travel.
A book that positively shaped me? Lord of the Flies.
A book you read in school that you never think of? As I Lay Dying.
On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life? 9.5
iPhone or Android? iPhone
Twitter or Instagram? Instagram
Vine or Snapchat? Neither.
Favorite downtown restaurant? Revel {Seattle}.
Least favorite food? Oysters.
Favorite drink. Moscow Mule
Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Milk chocolate
Hardest part of being a mom? Stopping myself from rescuing my boys.
Favorite band? Mumford and Sons
Favorite lyrics? Love your curves and all your edges. Your perfect imperfections.
Which instrument would you like to master? Guitar
Where would you get a tattoo? My right shoulder blade.
Dogs or cats? Neither.
Dolphins or koalas? Dolphins.
Bird watching or whale watching? Whale watching.
Historical person you would like to have coffee with? Diana Vreeland
What is the last gift you gave? A Nintendo 3DS game and a Minecraft keychain.
How do you like your coffee? Short Americano with room.
Favorite curse word? Sh*t.
Favorite board game? Pictionary.
A country you wish to visit? Italy {eeek!}
Favorite color? Coral.
Least favorite color? Beige.
What color was your prom dress? Red.
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
Heels or flats? Heels.
Blow dry or air dry? Air dry.
Jogging or swimming? Jogging.
Pilates or yoga? Barre.
Favorite way to decompress? Lay in the sun.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis
Now, hear SJP answer the same questions and get a peek into her home. It is worth watching!
While writing my blog must still be considered a hobby-since I don’t receive any income from it-during the last year I shifted thinking of it as much more. People do this kind of thing full-time and make a living. Here’s what I know. I love doing it! How great would it be if this was my job? It has inspired me to learn new skills, push through fear, sit with disappointment, and appreciate support. I have running lists in my head of posts and ideas. Writing and creating content is my most favorite thing to do during the week. I adore what I do.
Like in any industry there are super stars. Recently, I felt myself being envious of these rockin’ chicks, who seem to have it all going on. HUGE partnerships with companies, travel opportunities, photo shoots, free designer loot, and on and on. I was throwing myself little, daily pity parties. Yuck. Then I checked myself. Jealousy green doesn’t look good on me, even on St. Patrick’s Day. That shit {pardon me for actually spelling out a 4-letter word} will get me no where. Gave that up somewhere in my 30’s and I am NOT going back. So, I began leaving comments on my favorite bloggers’ posts wishing them well and complimenting them on a job well done. Put good out into the world feels so much better.
I also forced myself to do the same for Where is June. I listed my blogging accomplishments since last July. It was such an empowering exercise. And here’s the thing-writing a blog makes no difference unless someone reads it. It might only be eighty people on a given day, but I have readers that are lovely, caring and supportive. A few of them joined me yesterday in my home for a little thank you party. My plan was to take pictures and share with you the details- but I didn’t snap one photo. And I am glad I didn’t. I was thoroughly enjoying the amazing women that came to celebrate. In our social media age, life and blogs often appear gorgeous and perfect through a lens. However, the party and fun happen when you put the phone down and are part of the moment. You don’t need a 4×4 picture to let you know you are fun, beautiful, and how very lucky you are!
So, a huge heartfelt thank you and a big {hot pink} kiss from me to you. Keep reading and share the love. xoxo
**As another thank you, if you place an order of $100 or more from my Where is June? {loves} Stella & Dot trunk show, my dear friend Regan will add the Cleopatra studs {one of my favorites} as an extra special gift.
