Outfit to Card {Hello Friend}

Over the years, I've amassed quite a collection of pages torn from magazines. I developed this habit in high school when I plastered my walls with every image I fell in love with from Elle, Vogue, Bazzar, etc.-much to my mom's dismay (did you know scotch tape can peel paint off?). Recently I started storing them in page covers in a binder for easy reference. Per my usual Sunday night routine, I was making a list of things I needed to do this week and realized I was behind on making MANY cards. I'm already behind on two birthday cards (guess they'll be Belated Birthdays now), and wanted to get one card out to my girlfriend tomorrow. I was at a loss for what to make, but as soon as I started looking through my binder, I found my inspiration. I love navy and green together. It can be preppy or chic, casual or dressy. When I saw this lovely dress in Lucky, it became the inspiration for a card. I think it turned out nice. What do you think? Where do you find inspiration? 

Materials:
Paper: New Leaf (PTI), Navy (SU), White (PTI)
Stamps: Think Big Favorites (PTI), Simple Sentiments (PTI), Background Basics Chevron Stripes (PTI)
Ink: Night Sky (Versa Magic), Frost White (Colorbox), Red (Colorbox)
Other: Mat Stack #4 Die (PTI), Banner Die (PTI), Rhinestone (Michael's)

Spring-like

Blouse-Gap, Kimono-Winter Kate, Jeans-Paige, Belt-JCrew, Shoes-Born, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Earrings-Limited

This was one long week. I don't know if it was because last week was short or because the weather did 50 degree shifts this week, but man am I glad it's Friday. We went from record breaking 103 degrees on Tuesday to 50 degrees last night. How's that for culture shock. Just when I thought summer was here, mother nature slaps us in the face with what looks to be early spring-including rain. I can't complain too much, as I prefer dressing for cooler temperatures. I'm not a shorts gal, and when it gets hot I have a hard time finding stuff to wear.  Give me 65-70 and sunny any day. What about you? Are you a warm weather lover? (I don't think anyone here was after Tuesday, that's for sure!)

Going the distance

Blouse-Gap, Sweater-Limited, Skirt-I made, Belt-Target, Shoes-Seychelles, Necklaces-Emersonmade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-gifts, earrings-F21

This skirt is going the distance in my closet and I love it. For a few dollars, I stitched this skirt up a few weeks ago and have now posted 4 different ways to wear it (see them here). I continue to find new things in my closet to pair it with. Remember my cost per wear justification for purchasing items (refresh your memory here)? The cost per wear on this skirt is going to be negative soon-does that mean I can buy something expensive that I've been coveting for a long time to make up for it? Ramesh or mom if you're reading this I'm just kidding (or am I?) Do you an item in your closet that goes the distance?

Weathered

Dress-Target, Blouse-JCrew, Shoes-Target, Belt-Love Culture, Necklaces-Emersonmade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Gifts, Earrings-Limited, Sunnies-Chloe

Based on the looks of our garage (isn't that hole by my head lovely?), it's time either paint or reside. Last year we had the house painted and that was no small task. Thank god we hired out for that or we'd still be painting. Normally, I'm a DIYer, but when it comes to big, surmounting tasks like this, I prefer to hire someone. So if you know anyone who'll give me a fair bid, send them my way.

After the fantastic weekend weather we had, the yard is starting to shape up as well. As soon as the seed fills in, I'll share pictures. I'm actually looking forward to hanging out back here and spending the warm nights with great friends and good rosé (my new favorite summer wine).

Glowing Green Smoothie

I've been trying to eat healthier whole foods-this weekend's activities being the exception- hello french fries, damn you for setting me back a step or two. One way I've been getting more fruits and veggies in to my routine has been Kimberly Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie. If you aren't familiar with Kimberly, you can learn more about her at her blog and find the recipe here. This smoothie has gotten all kinds a press (Today Show, Vince Vaughn on the Late Show, Access Hollywood, you get the idea) and I was skeptical that this was all it was cracked up to be. I was proven wrong. It's delicious and I'm convinced this is why I have more energy. I've actually been getting up before my alarm-unheard of, ask my husband as he hates how I hit snooze NUMEROUS times. This was the only big change I've made to my diet in the last two months, so I'm convinced. Try for yourself and see how you fee. I think it's awesome and have been starting my day with them for almost three weeks now. If you do try it, let me know what you think! Is there a specific routine you have to eat more healthy?

Anniversary Dinner

Dress-Gap, Belt-Target, Shoes-Born, Purse-Tori Richards, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-gift, local, Earrings-Limited

Saturday was our one year(!) wedding anniversary. I can't believe how fast this past year flew by. Ramesh took me to La Belle Vie and I can honestly say it was the best dining experience I've had to date. From the moment we walked, the service was impeccable. Our server was stellar. When he learned it was our anniversary and dinner was our only plan for the evening, he asked if he could space out the meal so we could really enjoy ourselves. Which we did, by each opting for the 5 course tasting menu with accompanying wine flight. I had the all seafood option, while Ramesh stuck with the traditional with both seafood and meat. Every course outdid the last. All in all, it was a 3 hour dinner that was never rushed and we got to enjoy every minute. We finished off the night in their lounge and ordered one more food (can you believe it?) - French Fries with curry sauce...delish! I may or may not have had a few champagne elderflower cocktails which my head did not thank me for on Sunday. Two close friends met us for a nightcap and the night couldn't have been more perfect.

Bohemian Mix

Jumpsuit-F21, Blouse-Equipment, Vest-JCrew, Shoes-Born, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Bracelets-Gifts, local, Watch-Coach

Last night was Hadley's last night in Minneapolis (remember this card). I dedicated this post to him last week, but I've got one more post for him today (I promise... this is it, we've just been celebrating so many times, it's become funny!). Over the weekend, we took him out to Masu in NE Mpls with a bunch of friends (If you haven't been, get there now! it's awesome). It was a great night and even though he's leaving us, we're all super excited about his new adventure. I wore my 70's inspired jumpsuit because I was feeling festive and knew he would appreciate my look. Those who know me, know I love me some 70's! And when I saw this jumpsuit at F21, I knew it would be mine. Hadley called it bohemian and I have to agree. At first I was thinking more disco fab, but based on how I styled it, bohemian fits. Cheers to Hadley, and being bohemian.

Golden Gate {Bonus card post}

Tonight is Hadley's last night in Mpls and I made him a send off card for San Francisco. It took me some time to come up with this one, and then the execution was a bit of a challenge. I hate when I have an image in my head but then can't quite figure out how to make it work in real life. I designed it from paper strips and baker's twine. It's a bit crafty, but I think one of my best cards to date. What do you think?

Materials:

Paper: Paper Bag (Paper-Source), Black (Paper-Source), Pure Poppy (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Stamps:Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)

Dies:Wonderful Words (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack #4 (Papertrey Ink)

Other: Ribbon (JoAnn), Baker's Twine (Papertrey Ink)

30th Birthday {Card Post}

A week ago, my friend Anne turned 30. Her boyfriend threw her a fantastic party a great Pub in Minneapolis. It was such a great time. My first time meeting Anne was an all girls Valentine dinner at my place a few years back. It was when she was first introduced to my Trifle (posted here) and I think that's why we hit it off. I like a girl who loves to indulge in all things dessert and this was no exception. By the end of the evening, all of us were digging into the bowl with our spoons. It was the best Valentine's Day ever believe it or not. 

Materials:
Paper:Ocean Tides (Papertrey Ink), Lemon Tart (Papertrey Ink), Grey (   ) Silver on Sunrise (Paper-Source)
Ink:Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Dies:Signature Series Dressform (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack #4 (Papertrey Ink), Wonderful Words (Papertrey Ink)
Other: Jewels (Michael's)

Americana

Blouse-Equipment, Sweater-H&M, Blazer-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Born, Clutch-Tori Richards, Watch-Coach,
Bracelets-Gifts, Local, Ring-BCBG, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Earrings-Limited

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend! I spent quality time with some of my favorite people, finished sewing another skirt (more on that later this week) and enjoyed another splurge day with my husband that included our first stop at a Sonic! Classy, I know. But hey- sometimes you need a bit of that. What did you do? Hope you had better/consistent weather than we did.