Out of the Notebook and into the blog

Places to Be - Tunnel of Love Ukraine Klevan

2012-02-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Photos Oleg Gordienko

In Klevan, Ukraine sits this gorgeous piece of land that the locals call "The Tunnel of Love." It is an industrial track for a steel mill. The crooked tracks, as Krzstoff says, makes for a "slow, bouncy" ride for travelers, kinda like love itself, sounds perfect to me!

Source: Amusing Planet

Anna Miminoshvili

2012-02-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

I was scrolling through Wanelo last night, passing time, and I came across the lovely petal dress in the third picture, and had to click through to see who designed it and what other stunning works she has done. The designer of these pieces is Anna Miminoshvili, and they are truly beautiful. When your pieces are not only beautiful, but tell a story and makes the onlooker think, you know that they are truly remarkable.

Glamour Downtown Abbey

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

August 2011 Vogue UK

Glamorous dresses from the 21st century? Brits? Jane Austen? Perfection? I think yes...

I actually haven't been watching the BBC Downtown Abbey but after seeing all the hype, some lovely photos I'm convinced that I will have to catch up! I love Jane Austen remakes! Pride and Prejudice is still my favorite however!

Dress 1 and 2: Bottega Veneta Fall 2011 Collection Dress 3: Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 Collection

Every one of these dresses are stunning. I can't choose a favorite, they are all so lovely. I am in love with the interesting cut of the first dress, the golden color of the skirt in the second, and the classic and very much sophisticated style of the emerald green dress. Are you partial to any of the three or are you like me, not able to choose a favorite?

More Downtown Abbey Inspiration can be found at Tom and Lorenzo

Alt Summit Business Card Inspiration

2012-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Even if it weren't for the lovely content and amazing learning experience, I think I would want to attend Alt Summit just for the gorgeous business cards you end up collecting! Swoon!

I am so inspired by anything turquoise colored. Stunning, and my favorite collection!

And the bold contrast of the Hot Pink next to the Black are also stunning and so inspiring!

Be sure to take a look at all of the other gorgeous cards The Creatures Comfort collected on her blog and visit all of the shops and blogs to the lovely cards!

*All images are not my own and are owned by Creature Comforts Blog

Ipod Cracks Under Warrenty

2012-02-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

So, I bought my Ipod Touch 4Th Generation about a month and a half ago, and a couple weeks ago, I was sitting in the local coffee shop, looked down at it, and saw what looked like a little piece of hair going from the middle of the top to about a quarter of the way down on the right side. I swiped my finger across it to shoe it away, but guess what?! It wasn't a piece of hair. It was a crack.

Ouch. That's an expensive thing to get a crack in..and not too cheap to repair it.

And then I found a loophole....Ipod Touch 4Th Generation are covered under warranty for the first year. So I called up the Apple store and they told me "9 out of 10 times the crack is not covered under warranty because it's not a manufacturer defect." Well...

...I took my Ipod into the Apple store on Monday, he looked at the crack and said because it wasn't a spider crack, it was covered under warranty! So that was my excitement for the day! So, if your Ipod gets a crack in it, and it is not a spider crack, be sure to remember that!

Captured Beauty

2011-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon Rodney Smith's enchanting works and am mesmerized by their simple but at the same time, elaborate, beauty. Do take a moment to look through his portfolio, it is visually stunning and full of inspiration!

Christmas Wish

2011-12-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

So, I've been eying this piece of loveliness on amazon
, (my Christmas gift to myself!) and with that, I've been looking at covers....and have found some pretty ones that I think could be perfect!

All of these cases are from Society 6

Have you tried Society 6? I just discovered it tonight, it looks interesting!

Using Liquid Eyeliner

2011-12-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

Image source lost

Recently I have added one more step to my morning makeup routine. Black Liquid eyeliner! I haven't been able to stop using it since I've started. I love it! It gives me that little bit bolder and vintage look that I love and it is a nice contrast against my pale skin and blonde hair.

Image source lost

Most of my friends shy away from liquid eyeliner because they think it's a lot more difficult to put on than regular eyeliner. At first, it is terrible to learn how to put it on and you end up wiping of and redoing it a few times which possibly leads to giving up for the day when your eyes start turning red from trying to get it right, but just try again the next day and you'll begin to get the hang of it! Just remember to not try it out for the first time right before your heading out!

The trick that I've found is to really shake the bottle to get a lot of eyeliner on the brush before you start applying, and when you begin to apply it, start in the middle of your eye and kind of twist the brush on it's side and sweep it to the outside. And then use a tiny bit and brush from the bottom corner of the inside of your eye up to the rest of the liner. The key is to start of not very thick with the eyeliner and if you need to, add more to make it look thicker.

I also love to add a little sweep on the corners to add a bit of a cat eye!

Another fun way to change up your morning makeup routine is to use a sparkle liquid eyeliner. It's perfect for the holidays! I have a bottle of purple sparkle eyeliner, and I love it! It gives the perfect pop and is really unique! I admit. I'm addicted.

Next on my list? Gold sparkle liquid liner. Yes please!

Thanks to L'Oreal for sponsoring my post about my favorite beauty looks, tips and tricks! Check out Makeup.com for beauty advice from the experts.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. Click here to learn more about Makeup.com or become a Facebook fan by clicking here.

I have a Situation....

2011-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Image Hancock Fabrics

I've been working on my Christmas shopping.....but here's the thing.

My best guy friend has three favorite things....Skittles....Coca Cola.....and McDonalds. So, I thought, well, how about I make him a McDonalds fleece tie blanket? I put in a quick Google search and found this fabric that you see above at Hancock Fabrics. However, it's discontinued and I'm having a hard time finding at anywhere for a reasonable price.

It's just....perfection. It fits him, it's got that hispter-ish edge to it that is SO him.

So, if you happen to have any of this lovely fabric that you wouldn't mind selling to me, or know someone that does, or maybe you wouldn't mind sending out a tweet or Repinning it, I would be SO SO SO grateful! I am looking for around 3 yards!

Love ya bunches!

Letting go of Summer

2011-11-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing out like crazy today, the first snow of Winter! Depending on how you look at it, it's either super exciting or kinda depressing, I think I"m sticking with exciting though :) I ran outside to take a few self portraits, since it was so gorgeous out, and thought I'd share!

Winter Glitter

2011-11-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

There never fails to be some interesting conversations that take place at work. There are so many differences between everyone working there, that there are almost always some memorable ones from every day. Well, the other day, the man that works in the Meat department, car breaks broke so he was stuck at the store for awhile.

We started talking about how cold it was and I mentioned that I didn't like Winter other than Christmas time. He looks at me and says "Oh, so your just in it for the presents?" I look at him and say "No, I'm in it for the cuddling." Haha, he looks at me funny and I think about what I just said and I just laugh and say "Oh, that sounded weird didn't it?!" He agreed, but said he understood, because in the Summertime everyone too hot and sweaty to be cuddly. Don't you just love those weird, random, strange, time passing conversations?

One of my other favorite things about Christmastime is wrapping gifts. There are so many fabulous ideas, I just love incorporating them and making gifts a little bit more memorable and special!

1) 2) 3)

I Have Loved you for a Thousand Years

2011-11-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

The Hemingway Blossom Headband

Yes, I know that I just posted a song earlier today, but I couldn't resist sharing this one by Christina Perri with you tonight. With the Premiere of Breaking Dawn coming out today, it seemed so fitting. It is really a lovely and romantic song!

The funny thing about Twilight is that I have never read the books (and I love to read!) but I have watched the movies, and before watching the first one I was all ready to put it down and dislike it. I ended up liking it however, no, not as much as Harry Potter, but I did enjoy it. And I have to say that I do still have a hard time admitting to people that I like the Twilight movies and want to see Breaking Dawn. Haha, there is just so much judgement towards Twilight! I think everyone secretly enjoys the fight and the disagreement ;)

Music Monday

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday night, after a full five hours of raking leaves (I wouldn't mind if I ever see a dead leaf again!) Danny, Adam (my brother), Bekah and James (Bekah's boyfriend) went to see Footloose. It was fabulous! Definitely a fun one to see in the theaters. Can you imagine having a law against dancing or playing music too loud? Crazy!

Here's to Feeling like a Princess

2011-10-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

I would feel like a princess wearing any one of these lovely pieces. Aren't they stunning? I'm actually sewing the last one for a Snowdaze dance (Yikes,I still don't have a date!) only in navy blue and cranberry colors. I'll show you the results soon!

1) 2) 3) Unknown 4)Unknown

Minnesota Senior 2012 Photographer

2011-10-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Hannah asked me to take her Senior Portraits this year. I was thrilled with how they turned out and thought that I would share them with you!

This Summer has been crazy and wonderful and beautiful in a million ways! So much has happened, so much that it feels like two summers have passed rather than one. Isn't that a lovely feeling? It's all a golden haze of long days, riding, camp counseling, archery shooting, and friends. Summer of 2011 was indeed, the best yet. It just makes me wonder what 2012 will bring....

Your So Put Together

2011-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have been searching everywhere for the perfect pair of boots. I stumbled onto the Nordstrom website, looking at hunter rubber boots just for fun and decided to take a peak at their boots to see if any catch my eye. I have fallen in love with this lovely pair, Miz Mooz Kira Riding Boot, aren't they just the epitome of perfection?

1) 2)

And how cute would they be with a pair of these darling socks from Free People peaking out the tops?

Now...no need to think about prices when we are dreaming, right?

Salt in the Air

2011-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

The smell of Salt in the air. When you are near to the ocean, and you know it, even if you can't see it, if only because of the smell in the air. It is such a powerful smell and very nostalgic. I have a few favorite smells, and this is one of them!

This spread is from the beautiful shop Silent Sundays. Everything from their name, there clothes, to their photos, leave you with a sense of calmness and longing.

Bangs

2011-08-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Moloko

Uknown

I love my bangs, I think they are just right for so many different faces! Right now, mine need a trim, which is the only downfall with bangs - is how fast they grow! And when your swimming, they end up all over the place. I really like my bangs however, and have been contemplating on getting my hair cut a bit shorter, such as in the first picture, but then again, I would like to grow it out as in the second picture! So many options! Right now it is right underneath my collarbone.

Whats your take on bangs?

Inspired by Brits

2011-08-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

(Teen Vogue Via Asian Cajuns)

Source Unknown

1) Desire to Inspire 2) Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue

The truth is...I love London and British flags! I am considering going to college in London for a year, actually, I know that I want to, I just have to find the right program. Actually, I think I was meant to be a Brit.

You might remember me talking about redoing my room that has a lot of log and wooden walls, in white paint. I am looking for a vintage union jack flag, such as the one in the first picture (isn't it lovely?) to add something to it. Now, I just have to keep my eyes open for one, if you see one, please let me know!

FACSY

2011-07-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

You might remember all my planning for FACSY (Family and Consumer Sciences), well, it happened and I'm just sharing the images with you now!

We didn't have a huge amount of people signing up, 20 youth that signed up for classes and we had 7 Ambassadors helping/teaching classes and three adults. However, for being a very new event, it was a perfect amount, especially since we had a wonderful location to host it at for no charge, and it wouldn't have fit more than 40 people. Next year, our attendance will be higher ;)

I set up a little photobooth and it was chock full of amazing props! I made some mustaches and glasses and attached them to dowels for props, and Danny brought lots of crazy hats and hula necklaces. The photo booth was the first "activity" of the event. For the backdrop, I used curtains from my bedroom - you should have seen all the duct tape we had to use to keep them on the wall!

Piggy Paint and Vintage Rose Wraps sponsored the fashion revue class and they were both a huge hit! Each of the kids received a thing of piggy paint and a vintage rose wrap headband. They also learned how to make their own scarf based of this tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff!

(And you gotta love that crazy wall painting job!)

Before hand, I made bunches of these fabric flowers and each girl got two flowers to put on their scarves!

And to explain the berry picture, I also taught a photography class and this is one of the younger kids photo that he took. I love how it turned out! He did such a great job!

And now it's almost time to begin planning for next year! Any suggestions or class ideas?

Shades of a Sparrows Heart

2011-07-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

This series created by Ann He. is stunning and inspiring in so many ways. The images are so raw, beautiful, and delicate at the same time. I also love that you can tell it is summer/late summer, but yet there are lovely autumn tones in the pictures, very much how I feel right now - I can't stop thinking about Autumn now that the county fair is over, but yet I walk outside and its in the 90's!

Images by Ann He.

A la Romantique Camel

2011-07-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jose Villa never fails to express an abundance of creativity and charm through his photos. When Jose Villa is behind the camera, a camel sure does make a lovely subject, don't you think?

I love using different "props" in my images. I feel like you can really create a beautiful image with them. I love styled images, such as the ones above that aren't overdone and obviously styled but yet have that charm and uniqueness to them. Do you like styled shoots?

Images: Jose Villa for Rue

Pink Elegance

2011-07-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

Dress

Image

Image: Alice + Olivia Source: Sarah Klassen

Images: Vogue UK

Bold pink isn't my favorite color, however, pastel and blush pinks are some of my favorites as far as fashion goes. One of my favorite looks to put together is taking a more dainty, feminine piece in a shade of sweet pink and pairing it with a more bold and boyish piece. I like this look. It's very boy meets girl. Or girl meets boy. It makes you think.

Vintage Sailor Dress Made

2011-07-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Finished! My 1959 sailor dress! I spent probably 20 hours sewing this piece....first I started with a draft out of an old bed sheet and then I moved to making the actual dress. I had to take in the sides to make it fit more snug, and and I have to say, I love how it turned out!

I found the buttons on Etsy. They are from on old mill! How neat is that?

Image Source

This is the pattern that I used, Simplicity 3061.

My favorite Shoes

2011-06-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Image source unknown

I have to say, I never used to give much thought to my shoes. They weren't my favorite things to shop for, I liked cute shoes, but was never excited about them. That changed this year....I discovered some pretty amazing shoes, starting with my glitter oxfords....

Gold glitter oxfords. Spotted right before Christmas in the Urban Outfitters catalog last Winter. Right away, I loved them, and was excited to find them wrapped up beautifully under the tree! These lovelies have served me well and go with so many things and are very comfy! Love, love, love!

I LOVE Oxfords. They are the most comfortable, stylish, wearables shoes, ever! This pair from BP by Nordstroms are definitely one of my favorites! I wear them so much (except when it's raining) and they are so comfortable! And they come with two different color ribbons. And there are different colors. Perfection!

A pair of cheap ballet shoes from Payless do no harm and satisfy my longing to be a ballerina - plus they are awfully cute with a lot of outfits!

I actually was sent these Puma Sneakerina's to let you guys know about them, oh man, they are amazing! I loved Puma before, but after having these for a few months and wearing them like crazy, I think I might be Pumas biggest fan. They are the most comfortable brand of shoes that I have ever worn. And I'm always getting compliments on them!

Source Unknown, however they are Joules Wellies, I am not sure where to find this color however.

And on my wishlist......! Next Christmas maybe? What are your favorite shoes?

Email and Connections

2011-06-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Yahoo! Mail for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Photo

I love how email can connect you with people all across the world. A few typed words and a click of the button and your email can be sent to...anyone. The opportunities that can be given to anyone through email is truly amazing.

I truly think that if you want to run a business or blog, online or not, email is necessary! My parents, grandparents, brother and I were celebrating Fathers Day at a Flea market today and there was a man and his son that have a plant business selling. We talked to them for a while and were asking them about a plant my Mom has that grows like crazy but that we haven't been able to identify. She asked him if he had an email and he said no! I was so surprised. It is just a necessity to reach the full potential that you can with a business!

I have asked questions, found opportunities, read interesting articles, found new blogs, and connected with some amazing people through emails!

Another thing that I love email for - staying in touch! Spending the winter in California can indeed be challenging, not being able to see your friends and family often. I sent emails back and forth between my best friend and I almost everyday, sometimes more!

Another thing I love about email - when I come across a new blog that I love, I like to subscribe via email right away so it doesn't get lost in my bookmarks or mind and forgotten about. By subscribing, I am always reminded to read it!

What are your favorite aspects about having an email account? Why do you think it's important? Do you have any funny email story's? I would love to hear them!

I love this Yahoo mail video....because of it's creativity! Adorable!

Au Revoir!

2011-06-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Photo: Judy Pak

I just wanted to let you know that I will be camping as a counselor to a cabin full of cute 4th graders this week! I will miss you guys much!

To keep you busy while I'm gone, I thought I'd share this. It's a fabulous 5 part blog guide on the history of Sailor Dresses! I am sewing a vintage sailor dress and found this so interesting and helpful! Lots of great stuff!

Heres the link!

Life Magazine 1940

Swim the Tides!

2011-06-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was so sad when I clicked over to Anthro today too find the swimsuit (black with white - reminded be of vintage barbie) that I've been so wishing for sold out! So sad! However, the other suits that I have really liked this year are from Marysia. So cute! The pastel colors, the flattering fits, and the ruffles! The only thing I wish was different? The prices. And aren't the children's swimsuits just darling?

All images and suits from Marysia

Also....I entered this great giveaway over at Lanalou Style and thought I'd share :) Enjoy!

Image taken from Lanalou Style - dress and dress image from Shabby Apple

Rustic White

2011-05-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Image 1) Decor 8 Image 2) House and Home

Image 3) SFGirlBay Image 4) Apartment Therapy

5) The Lettered Cottage (love this soooo much!)

Lately I've been in a sort of dilemma. We live in a big log house and I have been wanting to repaint my room. Earthy tones - greens and plums - are always a good choice for a log home, but they weren't "me" enough for my room.

I love white walls but have been scared that the contrast between the dark wood and the whit walls would be too strong. However, I've been searching through different sources trying to find examples, and the more I see white with wood, the more I like it. I think I'm going to go for it!

Just picture it...white, ruffles, and light touches of teal. I'll be sure to show you the results!

A poodle, a Ring, and a Wedding

2011-05-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

This wedding is charming all the way and I knew I had to share it with you when I came across it on Love and Lavenders blog! Every detail is perfectly thought out and executed beautifully. Even the photography, taken by Tiny Water Photography, has the perfect soft vintage touch to it!

How sweet is her poodle necklace?

Her vintage dress is stunning, is it not? And her hair piece! Swoon! Which is your favorite element of this lovely wedding?

Plate to Pixel

2011-05-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Image taken by Myself

A couple of days ago I received a very exciting package in the mail....

....a shipment from Amazon.com with Helene's new food photography book inside - "Plate to Pixel!" I've been reading it almost non stop since!

Throughout her book, it's easy to tell that she has a passion for food photography and knows what she's talking about. She has many of her own delicious looking photography in the book, which is indeed, one of my favorite parts, taking inspiration from her photos makes me want to go bake something!

What I love about Plate to Pixel is that she doesn't skip over or assume anything. She thoroughly explains all of the tricky things that most people just "assume" that you already know. From food styling, to lighting, to great DIY tricks! Helene really explains things in an understandable way.

I actually taught a class on Food photography at FACSY to youth in grades 4th through 8th. We took pictures of radishes, I just wished I had this book before the class!

All images not credited above are from Helene's blog: Tartlette.

I was not compensated in any way or form for this post - I simply loved this book and wanted to share it with my lovely readers! I do receive a very small commission if a book is purchased using one of the links in this post.

Something Clever: Emails

2011-05-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Yahoo! Mail for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

1) The Clausens

I love the nostalgia of writing a letter with pen on paper, sealing it with a lick and sending it through the mail by hand. While I do always love to remember to write letters, emails are a vital part of our current times - sending an email is like....eating breakfast in the morning or.....the invention of the phone! The connections that can be made across the country, with family, friends, or business partners, they are endless!

My Grandpa has had an email account for a very long time. He loves to save everything, and has hundreds of emails in his account. However, I can't say much about that as I just recently deleted around 4,000 emails from my own account!

Anyways, he is always sending my mom crazy emails or calling her with inventions. A couple of weeks ago he called Mom up and was excited about an idea he had - "online cards that can be printing out and emailed to someone." Well........ :)

I think it's amazing to think about the connections that I have made through email (the best platform I've found so far for me is Yahoo!) - chatting with Chris Guillabeau (20 something old and has traveled to almost every country), and building relationships with bloggers and others across the world! It really is amazing.

Right now I’m listening to Katie Herzigs wonderful new single, “Make a Noise” which I found out by opening up her email this afternoon. Ha, if I wasn’t subscribed to her email list, I never would have known until much later that her new album is being released tomorrow, her new single came out today and is offered as a few download right now on her website! The power of email is undeniable!

I’m curious to know about what the majority of my readers think about emails. I think it’s an interesting topic, as our world is changing so much to being more tech savvy and fast.

What is your favorite thing about having email? What connections have you built because of it? Do you prefer sending out a quick email or writing a personalized letter?

I love this video because of it's old fashiony feel to it, pastel colors and kids playing with their pappas outdoors. Darling!

Pitter Pat

2011-05-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

A Cup of Jo

Last week, it rained almost everyday....this week has been sunny and gorgeous so far however! I LOVE these Posh Joules Wellies, the red pair with red bows, gorgeous! I can't find them anywhere though? Only a navy pair with a plum colored bow. I'd love to find the red on red pair though! Have you seen them? Which is your favorite color?

Adventures of the Paper House

2011-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, just wow! This is unlike anything I've ever seen before. Isn't it stunning? Mandy Smith's work is truly amazing. Can you imagine the time and patience to create this?

The cardboard catapult that my 4 year old cousin and I made a couple weeks ago is feeling a little less amazing right now. :) It's a start though, right?

Found Via

Pizza Pizza

2011-05-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of FRESCHETTA® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I think of France, I think of pizza. Italian food is my ultimate favorite type, (almost anything Italian, not just food, is a fav!) so when I was given an opportunity to try FRESCHETTA® Simply…Inspired™ I jumped!

I chose to try the cheese pizza, though they have some wonderful different flavors! Harvest Supreme anyone?

Even so, I am quite picky about my "cardboard" (as my Grandpa calls it) pizza. It must be delicious. Indeed, I have high expectations.

First, we put the pizza in the oven (you needed to know that, didn't you?)

Something that I liked was that they use a Fresch Taste Seal, so it keeps in the flavors while being more green because it is using 30% less packaging.

After a few minutes, we pulled it out of the oven and it looked divine. Melted cheese and all.

Next step....blow on hot pizza. (Nothing worse than a pizza burn on your tongue!)

And then it was time to bite into the deliciousness.

Crispy, hot, cheesy, and a little bit sweet, I was surprised at the uniqueness of this Freschetta pizza, but pleasently surprised at that! It was wonderful! And along with Tombstone, it is my new favorite "cardboard" pizza.

Would you like to win a coupon to buy yourself a pizza? If so, read on!

Mandatory entry:

Just leave comment and let me know what type of food is your favorite? Italian? Mexican? American?

Glass Bottle Love

2011-05-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Glass bottles are stunning alone, but I find them even more beautiful when Johnny Miller puts his creative styling to them. Aren't these images stunning? With the light flooding through them and the colors that fit just right?

I am always on the search for glass bottles, in particular shades of blues and purples. Stunning! My Uncle has a lot of connections in the art industry and has a few friends that have loads of these bottles that he can get for a great price. Now...the trick is, getting him to spill on where exactly they are ;) He doesn't like giving out his secrets.

Are you looking forward to Mothers day? Any special plans?

Images and Styling: Johnny Miller

Being Classy at 4 AM

2011-04-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

After seeing Katie Ermillios designs, I want to get out my sewing machine and sew some scrumptious red dresses and sweet neutrals! Aren't these looks simply stunning?

Are you planning on staying up (or waking up!) for the Royal wedding? It's sure to be fabulous!

Which is your favorite design?

Photographer: Jamie Beck Designer: Katie Ermilio Found Via: Sarah Klassen

Embrace Fear

2011-04-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure the true source to this photo, please leave
a comment if you know!

Browsing through different blogs, I came across a quote and it stuck with me for awhile.

"Become so wrapped up in something, forget to be afraid."
-Lady Bird Johnson

This quote, I just can't find myself agreeing with it. I believe that being afraid of something, means that it has the true potential to be amazing.

Really, think of it - are you going to be afraid to wake up and brush your teeth in the morning.

Wait?

You say no? Well, how about your are in this scenario.

You have drafted and written and rewritten an email asking a big - shot blogger that you love to work with you on a project. Your mouse hovers over that send button. You click it.

I bet you have that "oh my goodness, I'm going to faint" feeling welling up in side of you.

Will she love my hard planned idea? Will she even email me back?

It's a butterfly moment indeed.

I felt that way last night, after sending off my pitch to two wonderful children authors. It's an amazing feeling. Why?

Because you know that what your doing means something to you and you will work through sweat and tears to make it happen.

When we are scared about something, we need to put our entire selves into making it happen, because when we do, well,

That's when something amazing happens.

This video really inspired me on this topic...Marie Forleo's is so inspiring!

Little Girls and Hugs and Kisses

2011-04-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

Jaime Lackey Photography

This is one of my favorite pictures of a little girl and her mom, or cousin, or sister. Isn't it beautiful?

Tomorrow my family and I are packing up to head up to Wisconsin to spend Easter with my Mom's side of our family, and all of my little muchnkin cousins! Taylen (4), Tannen (10), Mckenna (8) and Mckaya (2). Quick, say there names 5 times fast! I love spending time with them, laughing and experimenting crazy things... ;)

Running through the fields and building fairy huts for Polly pockets and cuddling up with a big bowl of popcorn and a movie at night, how can I can look forward to seeing them?!

Tomorrow is packing day...one thing that I've always wanted to do was use a vintage suitcase rather than a regular bag. So much more fun, don't you think!? However, the two that I have...umm, by accident I locked them and they didn't come with keys. I really have to get them open somehow though, as I do have plans for them!

Having such adorable cousins as I do, I can't help but LOVE looking at little girl and boy clothes, imaging I could stuff their wardrobes with older cousin gifts of super adorable clothes! First stop? Tea. Darling little girl clothes, little boy clothes, and boy oh boy, their baby clothing is to die for!

1: Modcloth 2: Ish and Chi 3: Marina Dress from Tea

That nautical Marina dress (far right image) from Tea is so stylish! Baby keeping tabs on the nautical style indeed!

1: Asos 2: Tea Ruffle Sleeve Top

And this ruffle sleeve top? Darling.

There are so many options for adorable kids clothes, it’s so hard to choose! When I look at Teas clothes, I just think they look so soft and cozy, and wish that more of my clothes looked that comfy!

This post is sponsored by TEA

Clap your hands

2011-04-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Cherry Blossom Girl pour Etam from Alix on Vimeo.

The colors...the balloons....everything. Everything looks so pretty and fun, does it not?

The video was created for the new lingerie line, The Cherry Blossom Girl by Etam - I'm wishing I could purchase some in the states!

And isn't the song lovely? Does anyone know who the artist is or the name of the song?

Found via Dress Design Decor

Charmingly Haunted

2011-04-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Jordan Tiberio's photography work is absolutely stunning. It has a certain haunted feel to it, making you feel awe struck and almost itchy at the same time.

And my favorite...

The tones in his images are amazing. Are you as inspired by his work as I am?

Feeling the Sun

2011-04-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I suppose it's suitable...that I took over a hundred pictures of eggs today. What not with all of the posts on Chicken coops I've been doing these past two days. What? I'm obsessed.

This time though, it's not quite about chicken housing - rather the egg itself.

The weather is finally beginning to feel like Spring. The sun is out and it's actually warm! Plus, the snow is melting. I took the chance to go outside and take pictures of a project that my wonderful Mom and I did together the other day.

She taught a class at our 4H's Project Workshop days recently, and they used this technique on glass vases. They turned out beautiful!

When we got home, we decided to try it out on eggs. I love the affect, so much more bright and fun that store bought dyes! Plus, it's hands on.

Mentioning hands.....ours were ridiculously dyed afterward and that paint is killer to get off.

I may or may not have ended up with a streak of green in my hair, that we had to get out with nail polish remover.

Huh. Maybe I should have kept it like that.

I mean, didn't you here that green streaks are all the rage?

Be sure to take a peak at the great tutorial for these over on my Moms blog!

Images taken by Myself

Inspired Chickens Part 2

2011-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Something about the Spring air and the snow melting is making me think chickens! Chickens this chickens that, my mind is flooding with chicken plans.

Remember my post yesterday on the frenchy chicken coop that I loved?

Well, as I was reading more of Heather Bullards wonderful blog, I came across this also darling coop.

Are you thinking chickens about chickens as much as I am?

Snidel

2011-04-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

While I can't remember how I stumbled upon the little online shop, Snidel, I am happy that I did.

There clothing is very vintage inspired and sweet. With polka dots and perfect pastels, they are perfect pieces for Spring!

I also adore the styling. It really highlights their soft colors and lacy features. Beautiful indeed!

On another note, I've been working on the website for FACSY and am wanting to put a slideshow in for the gallery. However, that's working with JavaScript. A whole new dimension from what I'm used to with HTML and CSS. Truthfully? It's making no sense at all to me!

French Coop

2011-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about making a home for a few chickens to live out by our garden and horses. They are great to keep flies and ticks away, which abound in our land that's full of trees and right across the road from the lake.

Everything about this sweet chicken hut that was made by Heather Bullard is perfect. What lucky chickens! I love the Frenchy feel to it, and the great features that make it easier to collect eggs and for storage.

All of the little features to this Chicken house, show all of the thought and time put into the design of this chicken coop!

Over on Heather Bullards blog, she has directions as well as more pictures!

I think it's great that so many people have started to raise their own chickens, whether in rural areas or closer to the city's. Such a great way to bring more "natural" into your kitchen as well as getting out to enjoy nature.

Now, we can't forget the chickens...

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I think the White Silkie Bantams are the cutest!

Do you have chickens?

Bakes Sale Inspiration

2011-04-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

This vintage bake sale put together by stylist Heather Bullard is full of inspiration! I love the vintage look and the sweet details that really pull it together. The perfect packaging, the great treats, and everything else are perfection! Say good bye to plastic containers and paper plates....

Found Via Twig and Thistle

Mixing Science and a Farm with Love

2011-04-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

A year ago I posted a post on a gorgeous photoshoot that was styled as a chemistry type wedding. It was amazing and surprisingly enough, received a lot of hits. When I came across this real wedding I knew I had to share!

Actually, it's kind of funny because just the other day on a cleaning spree, I was going through a bunch of old home schooling stuff. We went through K12 which is an online school and they sent us all of the supplies we ever needed.

Well, every year that we went through K12 we got doubles of a lot of things - for example - beakers. I looked at the glass beakers and thought how cute they would be with flowers in them! Now there is a glass beaker sitting in my window with pretty pink flowers!

Be sure to click over and take a look at the rest of the amazing wedding!

Found Via Glamour and Grace - Photographer rheebevere

Drinks made Dazzling

2011-03-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart

I love the idea of adding that perfect "something" to a drink to make it have that unique touch that you won't see at other events/parties/places. I also think that they are becoming more popular. They just really add that little something to a meal!

Yup. FACSY ideas are swarming in my head again as I'm typing.

Vintage Inspired Straws. Oh how I love thee. I've been drooling over these straws for months, but I just came across Shop Sweet Lulu and found this set, 60 straws in different colors, for $12! The best deal for these that I've come across so far. And, you don't have to choose which color to buy. I love the pink and white stripes and the teal with green stripes!

Martha Stewart Wedding

Yes, Yes, Yes! In every way!

Martha Stewart

I love the little flags!

Intimate Weddings

Perfect for the kids!

Which is your favorite? All of these pictures are really making me want to grab a cup of lemonade...

What I love on Roadtrips + Pillow Pet Giveaway!

2011-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

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My family and I went on a two month trip this winter to California! However, the drive from Minnesota to California is crazy long, it took us around a week of 7-8 hour days, to get there because of the bad snow storm that came through. Semi Trucks were jack-knifing and tipping over and sliding off the road all over the place! It was terrible!

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With all that driving, you need some weapons. Some road trip weapons. With spending countless hours driving around in the past two months, I've developed a few favorites. Take a look....

Extraordinary Ipod image
(Podcasts are great to listen to while traveling - on my 'extraordinary' ipod nano - my favorite - "Stuff you Missed in History Class")

And what not to pack....

Sweet Paul

Ham sandwiches. Actually, I think I'm changing the spelling to "Ham Sand'witches'." When you start to eat them everyday for a week, the come to be unappetizing indeed.

Now! Did you notice that one of my favorite things to pack was my pillowpet? Its the perfect size for in the car, and it's so soft. Would you like to win one?

How to enter: Visit the new Pillow Pets website and look around. Let me know what your favorite feature is. Mine is look through their shop - it's fun to look with my cousins, they are ecstatic over some of the pillowpets!

Extra (please leave a separate comment for each!):

+1: Subscribe to this blog via email

This giveaway is only open to the US!

Giveaway ends 4/9/2011

Color! FACSY Planning 2011

2011-03-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Van Love

You might remember about a month ago, I wrote a post on my indecisive-ness upon whether I should host the FACSY Retreat Photography class or the Fashion Revue. Well, I'm sticking with Fashion Revue but I'm still wishing I could teach Photography, SO bad! Maybe I'll just have to weezle my way into helping plan it.....

Anyways! The theme of FACSY is going to be COLOR! How perfect for a bunch of kids in 4th-7th grade! Right? I've been finding inspiration everywhere, and wanted to share some of the amazing with you!

Which of these ideas do you think I should definitely keep, and which ones do you think I should pass on?

Also! The budgeting is TIGHT for FACSY. It is an overnight event and we are feeding the kids supper as well as breakfast, plus the kids take home a project from the class that they choose (3 classes on one subject) and we also have to pay the $300 fee for building rental and all of the "extra" stuff. How much do you think an acceptable registration fee for FACSY would be?

Wouldn't these little pies be adorable for the afternoon snacks? And the cake....oh the cake!

Decorations are a must.

And a fun photobooth!

Inspiration: 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9

Live Ivy. Take Ivy.

2011-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I watched "Social Network" (a must see, by the way) the other night, I've been kind of obsessed with Ivy League schools. Harvard...Princeton...Yale...Stanford....

So when I came across a blog post on Miss Moss referring to the blog post on The Trad blog, on this book, "Take Ivy" which was published in, I believe, the 1950's! His post has the entire first chapter scanned in, lots of lovely Ivy league pictures! How I love this style!

Rome

2011-03-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I would always watch the Mary Kate and Ashley show "When In Rome" and of course, I would dream of visiting Rome! And Italy, and Greece, and Ireland, and, and and.... And here's the thing - I still do to this day!

I've been a big fan of Shabby Apple dresses for a long time now. They just released there Roamin Holiday line today! It's gorgeous! I just thought I'd pop in to share with you some of my favorites of the new line! Which is yours?

And my most favorite...

Jack Wills Spring

2011-03-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

This Jack Wills editorial shot by the wonderful Elearnor Hardwick was for the Spring 2010 handbook, however, I think it is just as suitable to welcome us into Spring this year! Don't you agree? I love Jack Wills - perfectly British inspired, blazers, oxfords, and sweet skirts!

Twigs and Honey

2011-03-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

The hair pieces are gorgeous enough, but the photo shoot to go along with makes it all them all the more gorgeous. I find so much inspiration from Twigs and Honey's hair pieces and website! Lovely!

I really like wearing bold statement pieces in your hair. I think it really makes a dress or even regular outfit stand out. I also think they look beautiful in pictures! What do you think? Would you wear one?

Sweet Hauntings

2011-03-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Anna Malmberg has a very haunting feeling to her images, very haunting. I love the unique processing that she does, quite lovely!

Photography: Anna Malmberg

Something New

2011-03-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you to P&G’s Have You Tried This Yet? program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. Click here to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Image Rockie Nolan

A while ago, I was reading a short little article on how "Twilight" books changes people. However, of course it does! Everything we do - everything we see - everything we come across and every experience that we experience, we are changed by it and effected in some way.

When I think of something that I've done in my life that has changed me, I think of a lot of little things, that when put together, makes something huge. One of these things that has changed me, I believe, is beginning to blog.

I began to blog two years ago, with my book blog. The whole experience really been quite experimental and I had fun trying it! However, I then began to focus on this blog, which developed into a fashion/design blog, and that's where things really became clearer and changes started happening. As I began to explore the blog world, I realized a whole different way of life. I was able to see things and gather ideas from sources that I never before new existed! I started reading blogs such as Sara Klassens, Sewing in No Mans Land, The Pioneer Woman, Twig and Thistle, and various Scandinavian blogs.

By reading these blogs, I began to find my style. My writing style. My fashion style. My life style. Even my music style! I have a huge love for indie/folk music now. I began to not care if other people didn't like what I wore because it was "different." Yesterday I wore my glitter oxfords from Urban Outfitters to a 4H meeting. Hahaha!

I also found myself being more creative, with fashion, with event planning, with sewing, and other endeavors. I also have found myself wanting to learn about different techniques that I never even considered before such as mixed media, and interior design.

I really believe that blogging has helped me become a more confident and creative person. What changes have you had in your life that have helped you?

For the last days of Winter

2011-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tag on Image: Creature Comforts

I love hot chocolate, and while it's warming up a little bit outside, it's still delicious to have a cup of it while watching a good movie. I've been waiting to see "Life as we Knew It." Have you seen it? Was it good?

I think it would be especially delicious to indulge in one of these sweet personalized hot chocolate silverplate spoons from Ticket Kitchen. How clever that the message is revealed as your stirring your hot chocolate in! Wouldn't they make a great gift?

Ceramic Perfection

2011-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

I love simple white/cream ceramics - plates, cups, coffee mugs - that are made beautifully whimsical with sweet little sayings that make you happy while your using them!

Kylie Johnson is the creator of these pieces, her website has a lot of other great pieces as well! I'm also excited that her ceramics are being carried by Anthropologie now! Eek!

The photographer of these pictures is Jillian leiboff - I love the freshness of her photos!

On another note, we just got home last night (I should probably say morning) at 12:45 AM. It was a craaazy drive all the way back from California - we drove 16 hours yesterday and on Wednesday and Thursday we drove around 8 hours each day. So relieved to get out of the camper our HOUSE for the first time in 2 months! Ahhh, it's nice!

Vogue Looks without the cost

2011-02-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

How frustrating it is when your flipping through fashion magazines such as Vogue, finding gorgeous dresses, shorts, swimsuits that you adore, only to glance down at were to buy them and see that the hat you fell in love with is $700. You know that feeling?

While some people might be able to afford vogue fashions, most of us shy away from prices such as those. However, here are some tips on getting the bang for your buck while still looking Vogue ready.

1) Look through your favorite fashion magazines and blogs (Sarah Klassen's blog is amazing) and upon coming to a look that you love, take a moment and stare at it......

Are you staring?

2) Ask yourself, what do you like about it? Is it right for your body type?

Now as you have answered those questions, do you still want it? If yes, that's great!

3) If you still love the outfit, and wish you were wearing it at the moment, take another look. Look at the lines, the design. Many times, the designs are actually quite simple and basic, made to look fabulous by the uber slim models and the gorgeous photos. The good thing about that? It's easy to find very similar pieces at much cheaper stores, such as Urban Outfitters, GAP, or Anthropologie. While the quality might not be as great as the $700 piece and it might not be "exactly" the same, you will be coming out way ahead when you pair it with the right pieces to get the spreads look.

4) Take inspiration from the spread. Maybe you have a skirt that is very similar as the pleated golden one above, but you can never seem to find anything that looks right with out - or you pair the wrong things with it and you feel like your personal style is being thwarted. Do you love the outfit above with the three quarter length sweater paired with the skirt? Since you already have the skirt, it's easy to find a similar sweater for cheap, even if it's not 3 quarter length! You can use this trick for any outfit!

5) The last idea is one of my favorites. Sew it! If you know how to sew, it is so easy to re create many expensive pieces that you love. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right material, but now with Spoonflower you can design your own which really helps give you more options. Don't know how to sew? Now would be the perfect time to start!

Will you be using any of these ideas? Or have any to throw in? I'd love to hear them!

Images: Julianne Moore for Talbots

Photoshoot Background Inspiration ~ FACSY Retreat

2011-02-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

Geronimo

I am helping coordinate a huge Family Consumer Science retreat in our tri-county's 4H program. There are going to be a handful of wonderful classes on great topics held by our Ambassadors to help teach our Youth new skills and grow the ones that they already have - while inspiring them to create!

The problem in our county is the lack of participation in youth, as it's a newer event and not very well known yet. It's hard to get the word out, and when it is, people tend to forget about it quickly. If we want FACSY to work, we need a lot of kids to sign up (at least 50+). Do you have any ideas on getting the word out and making it stick?

Any who, I've been working hard to prepare the Fashion Revue course, however, I'm also bursting at my seems with ideas for the Photography session!

Ruche - Sarah Seven - Ruche

1) To start the session of, I would teach about the basics - correct exposure, focusing, shutter speeds, aperture, etc.

2) For the next part, we would get much more hands on and we would play with the already set up backgrounds. I would love to recreate the ones above to use!

3) Taking pictures of classmates would help them learn how to set up a backdrop, implement the technical skills they learned, styling, posing models, as well as how to work the camera themselves!

Writing out my ideas for the Photography class that I would love to teach, is giving me a crazy amount of inspiration for the Fashion Revue class that I am thrilled to be teaching! Booklets on styling, fashion for different shapes, different activities we could do, and so much more is floating around in my head right now!

Do you have any ideas on the classes, or on how to get a larger response?

Windy, Rainy, and Riding on top of a Tow Truck.

2011-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

Gingerlillytea

Have you ever realized you were in such a crazy, wild, quite original situation that you have two options in? Cry. Or laugh your head off from the belly up.

When you go on a trip in a camper for a couple of months with your family, situations like this tend to happen quite frequently.

Take the other day for an example.

We were staying way up in the mountains, and decided to head into town to use some wifi and get our mail. Driving up the mountains is a beautiful drive and car sickness inducing. Worth it though. Unless you don't have a full tank of gas. Up the hills we trekked, and then, one mile from the town we were headed to....

......Our diesel truck quit.

No matter that we had gas in the tank. The mountains were swishing it around into a place where it wouldn't reach the fuel lines! So here we were, stuck, in the mountains, no gas.

Thanks to triple A, they came and saved us in a matter of minutes (love those guys!). Now, second problem of the day - California is not big on diesel. The triple A guy's diesel was 6 years old and disgusting - not gas tank healthy. So, he loaded us on onto his tow truck - with us inside! And we were off! Elevated into the air, swerving around the mountains, looking down to see over a thousand foot drop.

The best roller coaster ride of my life.

What will happen next?

Also - I need your help! We are off to San Francisco, any places we should visit before leaving?

San Francisco

2011-02-24T21:51:00.000-08:00

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After spending the day in Yosemite (gorgeous, you must visit it!) and heading out before the huge snow storm hits, we are off to San Francisco. I am so excited! I've heard nothing but good things about it! Lovely.

Arthur Elgort

I really would have loved to go see the San Francisco ballet, however, I think that the dates are off and we will be missing it! (sigh.)

What are your favorite places in San Francisco? Where should I go? Any upcoming artsy events I should know? Anything dearies, I would love to know about!

Also, congratulations to Lauri for winning the Votre Vu giveaway! Hope you enjoy your product!

More Anthro Goodness - Wallpaper!

2011-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

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I have been drooling over Anthropologies new wedding line, BEHOLDEN, and just today I found out that they also have a wallpaper line! Double love!!

Can you see yourself using any of Anthropologies wallpapers?

I also love Amy Butlers wallpapers! Gorgeous!

Found

Which are your favorites?

Alison Sudol and Rue

2011-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Alison Sudol, my favorite singer, can most recently be found in the wonderful RUE magazine, full of inspiration everywhere.

I find Alison so inspiring! Her style, and her songs are just amazing.

I was thrilled to find out that she has written a childrens book (400 pages) and is coming out with a new album this Summer!

Be sure to check out her story in the RUE online magazine! And, I also find this behind the scenes video of the shoot great!

Piano Phone: Alison Sudol & Rue Magazine from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

Some previous pictures of Alison from Ban.DO

And enjoy this cheery song, "Blow Away" by her!

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

Cupcake - Starbucks

Ahhh, I'm sitting in Starbucks right now, using free wifi, drinking my also free Rasberry Hot Cocoa (yum!). My birthday has been great, Mexican food, haircut, and now Starbucks. We are camping in the middle of the mountains and there's not to much to do around here! Ahhh well, a day "partying" with family is lots of fun!

A little list I have going of thinks I would love as a birthday gift....

1) Oh goodness these wall decals! Love! So different than any others I've seen! And so much more magical! 2) Where do I begin? This ring flower is handmade out of paper! Isn't it stunning? And, in one of my favorite colors! 3) Love this flower, perfect hair accessory! And the color - my favorite!

And, I just wanted to say, thanks to all my wonderful readers who comment and keep me going! I appreciate everything you read, every email you send, and every comment you write! Thank you! And here's to another year!

Anthropologies Stunning Wedding Line

2011-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

How was your Valentines day? My favorite part was the launching of BHLDN - Anthropologies new wedding line! It is as lovely, if not more so, than imagined and has so many little details that make their pieces perfect. I love everything, the boleros, the dresses, the stunning gowns, accessories, and of course, shoes. There is inspiration seeping out of every click you make on the BHLDN website! Fall in love

Vintage Swimsuit

2011-02-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to enter the great Votre Vu giveaway, valued at $58! Only 14 entries so far! Click here to enter!

I always have found vintage swimsuits darling and such a fashion icon! Don't you think? With there sweet cuts and simple colors, they have a sophisticated feeling to them, do they not? I came across a great blue vintage swim suit at an antique store today! It was in perfect condition, and I could imagine wearing it strolling on the beach with the waves crashing at my feet, rocks and sea glass tumbling harshly against them, making them soft as baby bottoms!

Are you feeling Springy yet? I can hardly wait for Spring and Summer to hit, though we are in California right now, there's a certain novelty about spending the summer in Minnesota, swimming in our dirt lake with friends, sometimes while the stars are shining bright overhead, spending hours biking, and of course, strolling the county fairgrounds over and over again.

1, 2 , 3

Votre Vu {Giveaway}

2011-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

With the Wintery weather, it's important to not forget about your skin. The cold, dry weather is harsh on your skin and with Valentines day coming up, it's a perfect time to give it that extra glow! Have you ever noticed how the French always have the most beautiful skin? When I was able to try out a few samples of Votre Vu's skin care, I could easily see why.

Royal Treatment Gentle Pearl Scrub - Restores and helps dry skin (perfect for Winter!)

Since I started using Votre Vu, it has been my favorite skin care product, and I've tried many! It really gives your skin a soft glowy look!

Votre Vu's skin care products are botanically based and has received many awards, including the Davey Award. Voture Vu has many different products to suit every type of skin. Careful detail, craftmanship and years of studying is put into every Votre Vu product, making it truly outstanding.

One of the great products that they have is the Ma-Ligne. It has a wonderful blend of antioxidents and botanical ingredients, among others! The Ma-Ligne gives your skin a firming, moisturized, glowing look to it, and at the same time, helping wrinkles disappear!

Enter to win Ma-Ligne Wrinkle Eraser Votre Vu product!

Mandatory entry:
Visit Votre Vu and let me know one other product you would love to try!

+1: Subscribe to this blog

Giveaway ends February 18th!

*Please do not include your contact information unless it cannot be found on your blog or profile page!

Please email me at countrystars95@yahoo.com if you would like to receive a sample!

*Thank you to Traci for providing me samples of Votre Vu, it has been a great experience!

Image 1 Rest of images courtesy of Votre Vu

Advertise

2011-02-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

Monsoon

Are you interested in advertising on Out of the Notebook and Into the Blog?

Be seen by thousands of creative readers that love shopping vintage, clothing, Etsy, and paper goods! With your button directly under the header, your shop will be one of the first things that readers see when they come!

Please email me at countrystars95@yahoo.com for rates and more information!

"I shouldn't be Alive" - My Story

2011-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Image source Unknown

Have you ever watched the show "I shouldn't be Alive?" My little brother loves everything outdoors, hiking, fishing, geocashing - so even though I've never watched a full episode, I've seen parts of it and have heard from Adam the terrors that people have faced.

Setting out exploring, rather than watching the superbowl, we decided to go to Joshua Tree Park. Remember how I blogged earlier about how I was in the mood for another ghost town? My Dad and brother also seemed to have the same thoughts. My Dads friend told him about a ghost town up in the mountains a few miles out of Joshua Park.

The Portrait

Having a big 4Wheel drive truck, my Dads friend, who had been up there many times, told us that he thought we could make it fine. Well, after driving miles through extremely bumpy, rocky, and jagged road, with the cliff on one side about not barely a foot away from our tire and rock on the other side, we came to a curve. However, with our truck, we couldn't fit! So, we backed out and headed along our way. (Don't ask how we backed out!)

Road that we couldn't fit through...and sign before we left the park!

Dad having a book on ghost towns in California, found that there was one listed not far from where we were, so we decided to try that one. The road leading up to it was a bit ragged, but it was fine, though rocky, still easy enough to get through. Once we reached the ghost town and walked a ways, we found out that the town itself wasn't much of anything, other than a few wood tracks left over. So we were off, with daylight dwindling because of the walk that we had to take.

The Wheat Field

Everything was going good, we were almost out of the BLM land before darkness hit in the mountains. However, somewhere along the way, we happened to take a wrong turn on the unmarked roads. A few minutes down, we knew that it wasn't the same road that we had taken before. With huge rocks everywhere, we knew we couldn't go much further. However, the road was so skinny that it was impossible to turn around in. Finally we reached the end and there was a sort of turn around there, however, the wheels started spinning and we were stuck in a matter of seconds. Dad after feeling the tires spinning, immediately stopped and grabbed a shovel with Adam. It was starting to get darker and we were in the middle of no mans land, with rocky boulders everywhere and on top of that, stuck in the patch of soft sand.

Field

Well, lucky enough, Dad and Adam managed to finally get the truck unstuck by digging it out and maneuvering our way around the huge rocks all around. Like Adam said, if it had been in the Summer with the atrocious dessert heat - in the middle of no where without anyone around - we could have faced an entirely different outcome. When you find yourself in a situation like this, you begin to look at things in a new perspective.

Please remember...to count your blessings! And here's to more adventures to come!

Ghost Town Fashion Inspiration

2011-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jill Stuart

This Spring fashion campaign by Jill Stuart has me dreaming of two things...Spring and a ghost town fashion shoot!

My family and I camped at a ghost town a few weeks ago and it was so much fun. The stores looked very much likes these, if not more rustic (especially the barber shop!). It was an old mining town and still had many of the original buildings! After looking at this Spring fashion campaign, I'm dreaming of finding another ghost town!

Flapper Inspiration and FLapper Doodle

2011-02-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Image found Source Uknown

One of my favorite eras to look for fashion inspiration are the 1920's. Flapper dresses, glittery dresses, shorter cuts, beaded purses, and feather hairpieces! The fashion style was taking a turn forever, expressing the freedom and breaking out that girls everywhere wanted to feel themselves!

I love to incorporate 1920's fashions into my wardrobe but I think that using the inspiration in paper goods is also adorable!

Let me introduce Flapper Doodle....

When I found out about Flapper Doodle and their absolutely adorable flapper fashion inspired pieces, I had to share!

Do you take inspiration from the Flapper era?

Also, be sure to enter my great Me and Goji giveaway!

Sweet Magnolia

2011-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Magnolia...how do I start? Coming across her lovely clothing designs has been splendid! They take fashion to a whole new level, beautiful, and simple with the right touches of elements that make her pieces stand out. The dress above, the color, the flower embellishments, perfection!

Magnolia's pieces have a romantic, feminine look to them without going over the top, which makes them perfect for so many different occasions!

Have you fallen in love with her romantic fashions yet? I think they are stunning!

Which is your favorite?

Also, be sure to enter my great Me and Goji giveaway!

Image 1 (found) Rest of Images (Magnolia)

Me and Goji {Giveaway}

2011-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Me and Goji is the type of cereal that you feel healthy eating! When i found out about Me and Goji, I sent them an email asking if they would like to do a product review on my blog and they also agreed to do a giveaway for you!

The first step was to create the cereal. It was fun going through all of the different options trying to choose which delicious flavors that you wanted to include. One thing that I really liked was that they had the nutritional facts and healthy benefits of each ingredient you can add!

I chose a lot of typical things that would be in natural cereal, such as blueberries, cranberries, almonds and oatmeal. However, I also included a new to me berry - the Goji! The Goji berry grows in the Himalyas and is extremely healthy due to the glacial waters that fertilize the plants and gives them loads of nutrients!

I did find it difficult sometimes to click on the ingredients I wanted to add, they wouldn't always go through. However, at the time I had extremely bad internet connection which was most likely a huge part of the problem!

This morning, my Dad and I got to try the cereal! It tasted amazing. It really was full of nutrients and you could tell. It was very filling, even though I put less cereal in my bowl than other non healthy options from the grocery store. I would also love to try more Goji Cereals in different mixtures, but will probably stick with using them for a special treat now and then as the prices can add up quickly.

Now....for the fun part!

Me and Goji is giving away one container of cereal to you!

Mandatory entry: Tell me something new you learned about the Goji berry from this review!

Extra entry's:
+1: Subscribe to this blog
+2: Review my blog on Alexa

+1: Tweet this message (can be done once a day)
" Enter to win a container of nutritious Me And Goji cereal! http://bit.ly/i3w6J3 @Polopony95 "

+2: Enter to win some delicious Cowgirl Chocolates on my wonderful Mom's blog!

+2: Visit the February Free People Lookbook and let me know your favorite outfit!

Please leave an different comment for each entry! Don't forget to leave your email address!

Giveaway will end on 2/14/11

The Last Days of Winter - Keeping Warm Stylishly

2011-02-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

A cold snap seems to have hit across the entire United States, from Minnesota's -20 degrees to spots on California at 38 yesterday! It makes us dream of Spring, but pack on those extra layers and try to come up with more cool weather outfits that we haven't already worn a hundred times this season!

*Cozy up inside with a pair of cuddly leggings (my favs) and a chunky sweater. Grab a great book and cuddle up with a fluffy down blanket and you'll be sure to feel adorable but comfy at the same time. Plus, your outfit will be cute enough to run to the post office to mail of a sweet letter or to the library to pick up a new book!

*The Winter months are perfect to show your classy side. Who said that dark colors have to be boring a dreer? Take the perfect flattering black dress that falls right above your ankles, pair with black tights and sued boots and you'll have a look that can make you stand out in many different spotlights!

*Now, to multi purpose those perfect suede boots! To create a more dressed down look that is perfect to wear to conference meetings, grocery shopping, out in town, or nights out, try pairing a simple dress with a bright cardigan, sinched together at the waist with a bulky belt. Where a coordinating pair of tights, your suedes and a statement necklace piece and your look will shine!

I hope Elizabeth doesn't mind me using her photo for this! I feel like she always portrays this look perfectly and on top of that, her entire blog is full of amazing inspiration! Everywhere! I've spent hours looking through her darling blog! Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Hopefully, by using a few of these styling ideas you will feel a little more patient waiting for Springs colors to start showing!

Images: 1 2 3

"A Wounded Deer Leaps the Highest"

2011-02-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

Don't you love her socks and flats? Fffound

So, here we are. Yucca Valley California. The town looks like a really oooollld Cowboy town, somewhat run down, but kept nice and clean at the same time. There are a few lovely antique and vintage shops that I've stopped at and barely was able to drag myself away from this stunning 50's dress. Flouncy, cream colored, classy, and with a red bow in the back. Perfection. I would have snatched it up in a second if it was a bit lower priced than $70. Sigh. I won't forget that dress though.

This campground that were staying at, is...interesting to say the least. There are 14 camp sites, and the water is cloudy, not the least bit clear. The wifi that they promised is truly hopeless.

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A wounded deer leaps the highest.
~Emily Dickinson

However, I wanted to quick let you know about this great book I'm reading. "The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson." I've reached part two and have been sucked in from the first couple of pages. Unlike other historical books retold, this one really is interesting and you feel like Miss Emily is the one telling her story. I've found it's a perfect read to learn more about Emily Dickinson in an easy way! I also think this would be a great read to incorporate into a homeschooling program for history and literature.

Have you read this book? What where your thoughts?

Shout out to my Chilly Friends and on Nostalgia

2011-01-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

My goodness California - ahhhhh - it's such a change from COLD Minnesota!

I've been to Florida, I've been to Texas, and now, California. Minnesota isn't calling me back, at least until summer hits. Nothing could stop me from coming home during the Summer. I love Minnesota summers as much as I love Californian Winters. Swimming in lakes everyday with my bestest friends during the summer, surfing the ocean in the winter. Riding {horse} here in the Winter, riding there in the summer. Best of two worlds.

It really is the memories we bring with us. The memories are what keep us coming back. Memories are also what keeps us moving forward. Remembering the best of times, wanting to create more for the future. They saturate and mend the feeling of loss when you leave something, in place you'll find yourself smiling with the thought of the good times, and thinking ahead to the future when you can recreate them - the best of times.

Nostalgia has always been a feeling that I loved. Nostalgia hits when you come across something - a song, a smell, a love letter, a landscape - that brings to surface, as quick as a pin drops, a memory that brought you happiness. It's this feeling that transports you back in time and at the same time, makes you look forward to the future, when you'll be there again.

Images: Lollila

5 Fabulous Bloggers

2011-01-25T10:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

When I first started blogging, I started with a young book blog, over two years ago. I stumbled upon the blogging world after I found a Random Buzz, the publisher’s site for teens to earn free books, and more. I was thrilled when I found out about the world of young adult book blogs, and spent hours writing reviews and learning about the upcoming books for teens. Fast forward a few months, I find a completely different world of blogging, a world were design, inspiration, classy Vogue like fashion was abounding and when I found this new niche and the many lovely blogs to go a long with it, I was hooked and began this blog as my own type of inspirational/Design/Fashion blog!

I hope you enjoy this list of some of my own favorites, which I check back for new posts almost daily, in hopes to be inspired.

Kitty Gallannaugh

Daydream Lilly ~ This is a blog that you won’t want to miss. It is stuffed full with design, photography, and fashion inspiration, frilly, feminine, unique and romantic is what I think of when I think of Daydream Lilly.

The Drifter and the Gypsy ~ When I’m on the search for design inspiration, the two blogs that I head to first, in correspondence with each other is Daydream Lilly and The Drifter and the Gypsy. If you are a fan of Daydream Lilly, this blog will also become a frequent stop!

Image: The Pioneer Woman

The Pioneer Woman ~ Have you heard? Have you heard of Miss famous Ree over at The Pioneer Woman? If you haven’t, please, scurry over and find yourself spending hours scrolling through her confessions, photography, cooking, or homeschooling posts and be prepared to be delighted! Something about her writing style hooks you in a mere matter of sentences!

Casey’s Elegant Musings ~ Casey, from Casey’s Elegant Musins, blogs all about her wonderful vintage sewing adventures! She has a few great tutorials, and hundreds of great posts! I love her style, way of writing, and outlook on life.

White Hot Truth ~ Your going to love this blog! It is full of inspiration and tips to creating the best business plan possible for you. Danielle has an amazing style and voice for blogging. She knows how to get facts and plans to ya in a way that you will "get it" and want to put them in action right away!

What are your favorite blogs?

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses
Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Let that Teeny Bopper POP song get to Ya

2011-01-24T18:01:00.000-08:00

Found

Well, I'll be the first to say that I don't pay much to the mainstream pop music out there...ask me about indie and I can give you a handful of my favorite artists. Pop though? I didn't know who Ke$ha was until last Fall. Justin Beiber? I wouldn't know if I was listening to him on the radio or not! However, some of the pop songs out there have a message that we'd do good at remembering in our daily hectic lives.

Cause next time your feeling blue....

{Song: Dynamite by Taio Cruze and DJ Got Us Falling in Love by Usher} {Prints: Myself}

I think that we can find inspiration in things everywhere. Even if it's not something that you normaly do, or in this case, listen to, take a look and maybe it will add that extra bounce to your step today. Maybe it will become your new theme song!

What songs give you that extra boost of happiness?

Only 16

2011-01-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

I think it is so inspiring to find young photographers who have followed their dreams and are turning their lives, though not old in any sense, into big things. Meet Ann He. She is 16 and has already found her photos in publications! Oh, and did I mention she's quite an amazing photographer?

I think that it is important to have people like Ann. People like her have such an ability to inspire others. Peers her own age, students in her class, people that read magazines and blogs where her photography is found. Young to old, anyone can take something away from knowing that a teenager can create something full of beauty and creativity that tops many adult photographers!

If you have a passion - go for it. With enough try and hope, you'll reach what you never expected to have.

"Life is always a tightrope or a feather bed. Give me the tightrope."
~ Edith Wharton

Make 2011 the best year for YOU

2011-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

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Every year we make resolutions and goals to try to overcome bad habits or create new good habits. However, sometimes we forget to look at goals that help your physiological side - your thoughts and feelings, the way you look at life. Here are a few tips to help make your life better in the new year!

A change that I made in my life to enrich it and make it better is to work on following my creative pursuits and really just trying anything! I now find inspiration in anything, the way the ocean waves come in, a crooked smile, someone teaching another photography. Another thing that I changed in my life that really helped make it better was to just be myself! I live in the middle of the country, with horses and cows all around. I love riding and do hunter jumping, but Western is the "thing" where I live. I have learned to follow what I love even though it is not what others often do. I think following your dreams is the most important thing, not caring what other people think.

1) Schedule YOU time. This is the perfect way to help you feel refreshed, relaxed, and have a happier out look on life. It also gives you something to look forward to. In your YOU time, do something that you love, take an hour aside to take the yoga class you've been wanting to take, read a great book, take a stroll on the beach, there are so many options!

2) Create! Don't ever say that you don't have a creative bone in you, everyone does! Whether its sewing, knitting, graphic designing, or interior design, you just have to find the type that suits you! When you create, your life is enriched because you have a focus, and something to work on.

Dreams

3) Learn to look at life in a positive way. Don't say "I can't do that!" and laugh it of, instead say "sure, I'll try!" and learn how to do it if you have the will, it can happen. It's not a lie, when people say that you can do anything you want to if you have the try to do it - look at the two girls who are mermaids - they followed their dreams, you can as well!

4) Write out how you would like people to see you as. What kind of personality do you want others to see you have? Write them down and then think about how to act on these and make them more vibrant in your life.

~#4 for me: For me, I would like people to see me as someone who isn't afraid to express herself and her opinions. I feel like in our current ambassador program, we really need this and I would also like to encourage others to express themselves as well. I would like to do this by stepping up and saying what I think would make an event/topic better and opening it up to discussion for other people to add to.

These are just a few great ways to enrich your life in 2011, do you have other ideas?

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece."

Inspired by {Menswear}

2011-01-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

H&M Spring look from spread found Ashley Nicole Catherine

Sometimes, I find a style that I can't get out of my mind. Every time I see something that falls into the criteria of it I am in love. One of these styles is menswear, which we are seeing more and more of.

H&M Spring

Sweet bow ties are a must, paired with a button down they make for the perfect look. I also love to add a simple blazer to the look.

I mage

And to make this look really work, I like to add feminine pieces to it. Lace - ruffly shirts, gathered skirts, and huge vintage statement glasses.

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You can also find a lot of menswear inspired pieces from places that aren't very expensive.

My go to for blazers is American Eagle, thrift stores, and my Grandpas closet. They can easily be altered!

You can look for big vintage glasses at yard sales and antique stores. Bow ties are also easy to find! That is one of the beauties of this look, you can include your favorite inspired pieces, mix with other styles to make it more "you" and you don't have to spend loads of money!

Are you inspired by the Menswear look?

When a Dream because the Reality

2011-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Floaty dancing

So I have this fantasy dream...

...I am soaring across the ball room floor, a stunning dress floating, swirling around my ankles. Everything oblivious except for the next move to make and Mr. Darcy following every movement.

Dancers

Every piece of everything, out of my thoughts, except for the movement of my feet on the still floor. The trust that my partner will keep up and follow along.

I would love to learn ball room dancing. My Grandma and Grandpa have been ballroom dancing, waltzing, somba, and other dances, for years and they are great at it, and love it! I would love to follow in their footsteps laid out to learn ball room dancing. It would come in handy for that ball I plan on attending.....

My 2011 resolution is to start to learn Ball room dancing.

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Black Swan

2011-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting and waiting to see "Black Swan" for a few months, ever since I first saw the trailer. It looks amazing, does it not?

I think that part of the reason that so many (including myself) are excited to see it is that fantasy that started in our wee years of growing up to be a prima ballerina.

The costumes are part of it. I always seem to fall head over heals when I come across a stunning ballet costume, I especially love the traditional tutus, such as the ones shown in Black Swan. I also think it has something to do with the grace and beauty that is expressed in ballet, it's like a story is being told without words, all left up to your own interpretation and imagination.

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Have you seen Black Swan yet? What are your thoughts on it?

Vogue Paris ~ How to incorporate 1920's style into your wardrobe

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

(images)

I love learning and researching the 1920's, I think it is an era so full of drama, magic, daring people, style, and at the same time confusion. I think that there are so many different parts of the 1920's that we will never understand! It is so fascinating!

I love incorporating 1920's style into my own wardrobe. Since the "roaring 20's" were so full of glamour, it can be hard sometimes to think of how to take inspiration from their fantastic style into our own, everyday looks. Here are a few tips to help you along!

1) Dazzling hair pieces!
Your in luck - stunning, sparkly, and feathery, hair pieces are in right now! They are also very 1920's! Wear a band in your hair with curled hair and you will add instant charm to the rest of your somewhat casual outfit! These also look great with sundresses, and in photography sessions!

Great hairpieces from Band.Do's black label to add a little 1920's to your look!

2) Pearls!
Pearls were seen often in the 1920's, in stunning Flapper dresses, hairpieces, to elaborate necklaces! You can look on Ebay or Etsy for some beautiful pearl collars, I bought one for a dress in the making that was only around $2o! They are perfect to add to just the right dress.

3) Sequin hand bags
Sequin hand bags are a great item to add a little 20's to your outfit that aren't expensive! I picked up a great black very Flapper inspired hand wallet at Target the other day on sale for $5! You could also look at vintage stores for an authentic vintage one!

4) That one special dress
There are so many 20's dresses in shops right now! With there drop waists and boyish - straight down - style, they make for a comfortable but stylish dress! With just the right amount of sequins, you will be the bell of the ball.

1) Forever21 2) Poetrie

Will you be using any of these ideas in your style? What era do you like to admire fashion wise?

Feel Glamorous

2011-01-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

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One thing that I have on my list of things to do someday is attend a ball.

And wear a dress that looks like something that you imagined coming from a Regeneracy ball in New York 1890's,

And dance until the wee hours of the early morning

Dance

Under millions of dazzling lights....

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With flurries of snow swirling around outside...

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Do you have any dreams that make you feel glamorous?

Ballet Flat Love

2011-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

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I've never had a real obsession with shoes like some, I more like to have an array of dresses to choose from, rather than shoes.

However....I do make an exception. For ballet flats (and oxfords), and these lovelies make me drool!

Right now, I am probably driving in the truck, on the long trip down South. Farmers Markets and the beach here we come! I have a few posts scheduled for the next couple of days so you don't think I completely disappeared!

1)Jcrew 2)Topshop 3)Kate Spade

I was thinking about doing a shoe DIY embellishment week, replicating a few of these beauties! Would you be interested in it? Which of these shoes are your favorites?

And since I just can't help myself, a stunning dress to go along, from one of my favorite designers, Jenny Packham!

You can make $1000 a month being a dog walker (not kidding!)

2011-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article over at Covet Chic and then was pointed over to an article she suggested, "In defense of $500 shoes" about taking a different perspective on judging other people on the way they spend money. Everyone does it - I do - you do - your neighbor does - my neighbor does, it is the way we were built, a way of protecting our own egos. Anyways, it's quite an interesting article and I suggest you to check it out!

However, I didn't decide to write this blog post on the article itself, but a particular comment that I read about the article. In the article, it mentions how anybody can make an extra $1000 dollars a month if they do it in the correct way, even if it's dog walking. Well, this is what one of the comments said about that.....

"Let me know the neighborhood you're working where you can make an extra $1000 dogwalking. I'll be totally down."

My first reaction was "she's right! Haha!" and then, after I thought about it for a few minutes I started to see how you really could make $1000 off your dog walking hobby, or any hobby for that matter.

1) You start dog walking five dogs a week for $15 an hour - that's already $300 a month.

2) Now, you want to do more and make more money with this hobby and so you start a dog walking blog, full of tips and articles on dog walking. Soon your ranked in Google and have dog companies wanting to advertise on your blog. This is also a great chance to optimize your blog with Google Adsense.

3) Your blog starts gaining popularity, and you decide to start a little shop to go along with it. You buy your own domain name and hire a designer and stock your shop with the highest quality leashes, unique dog collars, and even pooper scoopers, all aimed at the dog walkers that love your blog!

For any type of hobby that you have, whether it be dog walking, ballet, or knitting scarves, you can always find ways to make money from it indirectly, you just have to find the optimism in you and the drive to get started!

1) Ballerina image 2)Doggy Donuts

Important update - Newsletter Subscribers

2011-01-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

Guy Aroch

Hello lovelies!

I hope that you are all having a great start to the new year, I know I am....

....Our family is heading of to the sunny state on Saturday and so we are busy busy busy getting ready and packing up! Its so hard to think of everything you need when you know you'll be gone for a few months! How many books will I need? Are 6 different swimsuits to many? What about sweatshirts?

I have some exciting news for you though! I am switching blog newsletter hoster's to a more customizable format and think that you will really like the new way you'll receive Out of the Notebook and Into the Blog Newsletters!

To be added to the new list, just fill out your information in the subscribe box on the right sidebar! Thanks much!

I also wanted to share with you these beautiful spreads from the lovely Paris Free People catalog! I always feel like Free Peoples catalogs shoots are just stunning, a combination of beautiful photography, the right emotion, and lovely clothes makes for such a great catalog!

Images found via Drifter and the Gypsy

(Isn't this skirt just perfect?)

Aurorae Yoga Mat Video

2011-01-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

I made this yoga video today, I just loved the sun flowing in through my window by my vintage desk that used to be my Great Grandpa Carls - he is turning 102 this Friday! The crazy thing is, is that he is perfectly healthy, not a single health issue other than that he has dimensia! His favorite food is root bear floats (I inherited that love from him).

He also saved the day when he shot a bankrobber in the leg back in the "good'ol days."

Anyways back on topic...I love yoga, it is such a great thing to do, especially for flexibility, strength. I definitely encourage you to try it out! One thing to remember about it is that if you don't like it try a different type! There are so many different types of yoga, I really like doing Vinyasa for myself. Once I get more experienced, I would like to take a canoe yoga class, I think it would be a challenging change

!

The yoga mat that I use and love is the Aurorae yoga mat. It is thicker than a lot of yoga mats, and has raving reviews!

A resource that I always go to for new yoga pose ideas, is Fit Sugar. They have a lot of great articles and slideshows. And especially for everyone who feels like they ate a little to much ham for Christmas, here's a great sequence to tone your glutes!

Have you tried yoga?

Naenut Shirts

2011-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Sarah, from Naenut designs is one of those people that you just want to know!

Sarah recently started making these great shirts and after so many people started complimenting her on them, she decided to start an Etsy shop so more people could enjoy them!

Sarah's shirts make great gifts, either for yourself or a friend!

You can buy her shirts at her Etsy shope, Naenut. You also can visit her blog!

It's a New Year!

2011-01-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Thewheatfield

I really hope that you all have an amazing 2011! And if you didn't get any sleep last night - take a nap today! :)

Happy New Year!

En Pointe ~ Ballet Lessons

2010-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

En Pointe

I used to be a ballerina - for about three years, probably between the ages of 4, 5 and 6. I also wanted to go on to having those beautiful pointe shoes like the older girls in the class right across from ours. One time I remember going up on my tippy toes like you would if you were in pointe shoes, but I quickly stopped when the teacher yelled at me to go back to regular ballet slipper feet.

I decided to quite ballet for gymnastics, which I loved for about 3 or 4 years. We then moved out to the country and I finally was able to settle into my true dream, horses. Even so, I've still wanted to be a "ballerina" with those pretty pointe shoes and graceful lines dancing to classical music.

This past year, dancing has really gotten to be "in" not the bopping you remember doing at highschool dances so many years ago, but rather ballet, or even xomba! Ballet is such a great way to get fit and is a great way to express yourself in a different form of art.

I also think that Natalie Portman in Black Swan (now in theaters) has also really inspired a lot of people to try ballet! It is amazing what she went through in a year to play such a convincing role as a ballerina in this movie!

Make a new year resolution to take a ballet class! You might just find yourself going back for more!

Nuzzle Perfume Giveaway and Review

2010-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

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Did everyone have a good Christmas? I hope so! I know I did. It was crazy, and I'm still tired (16 people in our house, and 8 of them kids for 4 days!) but we had a lot of fun!

I have a treat for you!

I was sent three nuzzle bottle of perfumes, and two of them are for you! First let me tell you why I love this perfume so much.

I first discovered it flipping through a catalog a few years ago. I then was thrilled to receive it for a Christmas present! The smell of this perfume is just lovely. It is quite addictive as well. Unlike a lot of perfumes, it doesn't just rub of, it sticks for quite a bit of time. The bottle is also beautiful, in a pretty pink color and with a horse shoe charm that you can attach to a necklace chain and wear it as a necklace if you want to!

This perfume is absolutely perfect for the horse lover - but even if your not a horse lover, it still has a wonderful smell!

My friend, Bekah, was over the other day and she spotted my Nuzzle perfume, she grabbed it and couldn't stop smelling it! It's her new favorite perfume, and she just loves it! Something about the smell of Nuzzle is just the perfect mixture of confidence and feminine!

Would you like to win a bottle of Nuzzle? There will be two winners!

To enter:

Mandatory: Visit the Nuzzle website and tell me one other product you would like to try!

+1: Follow GFC

+1: Subscribe to my email newsletter (sidebar)

+1: Like this blog on Facebook and leave a comment on the page letting me know you entered this giveaway!

+7: Email me to buy a Papa Murphy's Fundraiser card for $5. They are worth $50 and if you use only one coupon out of the many that are on it, it will pay for itself. The money raised from purchasing these will go to help pay for my trip to Washington DC for 4H Washington Focus, where we will learn about the government and visit the National 4H building, among other things that we can bring back to enrich our community.

Good luck! Thanks for entering!

Giveaway ends: January 15th

Disclosure: I was sent three bottles of Nuzzle free of charge to review one and give away the other two. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Dream Catcher

2010-12-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

Baohien Ngo

Dreams. They are fascinating things - full of mystery, creativity, beauty, sometimes horror, and mostly everything in between. Will we ever know the full truth behind them? Darlings, they are dreams, something that fills us all with wonder and thoughts after we wake up on what we were doing in that make believe world we just left.

"The thing about dreams is that they're true. I am a flower in the forest by the river waiting for you. I am a star in the sky by the sea, a teardrop in your eye, a word in your book. In my dreams I live in a teacup in your kitchen, you live in the seashell by my bed. We sing a duet with the moon as our song. At sunrise, I'll find myself speckled with purple lilac, you'll breathe the scent in with lips in a smile. One morning you understood the smell of flowers and walked away. You painted the walls into stone, the door faded into smoke and the windows turned to shadows. Darkness said you took the stars in your pocket. The thing about dreams is they're true. It's the middle of the night. I turn on the TV and see birds die. Those birds are lies."

Unicorn Dream magazine Issue 3

I have a dream catcher. My poppa bought it for me years ago when I was little when he went on a trip to Texas. It is pink. Dream catchers are supposed to capture the bad dreams and keep them at bay. I think it works, except for the few times one slips through the open spaces between the leathers. Dreams are a world of imagination, anything can happen, anything is real.

What are dreams to you?

Fish VS. Fishes {A School Girl Lesson}

2010-12-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

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It's always good to freshen up your mind with something new, right?

I introduce to you, A School Girl Lesson.

Fish VS. Fishes

This year I am taking a course in Marine Biology. In one of the modules in the book, it was talking about "fishes" using the word, fishes. I laughed and wondered how the editor could think this could be correct?

Well, 129 pages later, I found the answer.

Fishes is the proper scientific term to talk about a plural amount of fish that are of different species. If you have more than one type of fish that are all the same species, you use the term "fish." If you have more than one and more than one type of species, you use "fishes!"

Sentence example:
Fishes are extremely important to the ocean eco system.

Feel free to leave a comment using a "fishes" sentence!

Holiday Sparkle Inspired

2010-12-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Vogue

It's easy to get *too* caught in the busy rushed part of this holiday season. It's so easy to forget the point of all of it - to laugh, to have fun with your family, to remember Christ, to give, not necessarily gifts, but meaning. Take a moment, relax, enjoy these images that reminded me of the stunning holiday season, with just the right amount of sparkle.

Jenny Peckham

Anne

NoaNoa Mini

Paolo

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

5 Feet of Snow and Counting......

2010-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

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Well...not that much!

It's been snowing like crazy all day! Just south of here they've already gotten 20 feet of snow, here we have almost as much! And watching the news, they're telling us that we are supposed to be getting blizzard winds soon and more snow, snow, snow!

I have a little problem...

....A stinky, disgusting feeling foot problem.

A few minutes ago I was just out feeding my two horses, Figment and Bailee, and I grabbed Figments blue grain bucket (he has a blue one and Bailee has a pink one). When I grabbed it, I didn't realize what was to come.

Two seconds later "EW! EW! EW! EW!"

Figment had peed in his blue grain bucket.

And it almost all fell into my boot.

I didn't have socks on.

Now, off to take a warm bath to clean my foot.

With my Fraiche bath ball.

Also, there's a great giveaway going on to win a Dinosaur Train DVD! It ends tommorow, this is such a great educational show!

Holiday Inspiration Link Roundup!

2010-12-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen such cute stockings? Imagine all kinds of different crazy, wild, funky, and adorable stockings lined up on your mantle this Christmas! Free People is offering a free tutorial on how to make them yourself!

Other inspiring links:

*Great Lego Gift wrapping idea (not cheesy!)
*The cutest pink Christmas Village + tutorials! Pink miniature Christmas trees anyone? I think yes!
*Sugar Cookie Ornament DIY
*Great Pillow Pets giveaway (extra gift idea!) ~ only 1 entry!
*Whimsical holiday decorating ideas
*We all need some toning before Christmas - Yoga for the glutes is perfect!
*Free night at the Hilton in Beverly Hills this Holiday season
*Perfect for holiday favors!
*Perfect giveaway for all those tangles that you can never get out!

Let me know what your favorite link was and if you have any more great holiday links!

Wings

Holiday Gift Idea - Pillow Pets Giveaway!

2010-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

I was first introduced to Pillow Pets last year, and I will admit that I wasn't so sure about them.

However, earlier this year, my cousins (2,4,8, and 10) each bought a Pillow Pet when they stopped at the mall on the long drive from their house to ours. I was surprised when I saw them! They were such better quality than I ever expected them to have been!

In real life, I was surprised to find that these open up huge! Also, the quality of them is amazing, I love how soft they are! I was given the opportunity to review and giveaway a Unicorn pillow pet and I have used mine countless times already, especially for traveling long distances! these are perfect for any age, my Mom wants one!

While I was babysitting my cousins, we were scrolling through the Pillow Pets website, my 4 year old cousin, Taylen, loves the frog pillow pet, he has the turtle and is so looking forward to eventually getting the frog one!

A couple things that I've found out about Pillow Pets however that you should keep in mind...

....If you purchase the ones at department stores they are lower quality and not as big.
.....The ones online and in the mall kiosks are larger and higher quality!

Would you like to win a Unicorn Pillow Pet?

Mandatory entry:
Leave a comment on the Magical unicorn bio!

Extras:

+1: Like Pillow Pets Facebook page!
+1: Subscribe to my blog (sidebar)
+1: Follow GFC!
+1: Enter the Knot Genie Giveaway!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Contest ends 12/23

Good luck!