Scrumptious Food & a Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but I have been pinning like crazy and it's so addicting! Here are a few recipes that I stumbled upon that look delish!

Zucchini Pizza

Hot Caprese Dip

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

I also wanted to mention that one of my bloggie friend, Vanessa at Ramblings of a Makeup and Shopping Addict is hosting a giveaway in celebration of her 400th post and 300 (and counting) readers! So head over here to her blog and check out the beautiful stuff that she is giving away to one lucky reader.

Hitting the Slopes!

2012 is the year of firsts for my husband and I couldn't be happier. I've begged him for years to go ice skating and snowboarding with me but he never has until recently. A few weeks ago we went ice skating for the first time ever (together, that is) and yesterday I finally convinced him to go snowboarding with me and my brothers. My family has always been into winter activities like this so it's normal for me but my husband never did any of this growing up so I'm really happy that he gave it a try. As it turns out ice skating isn't his cup of tea but he loved snowboarding so we hope to head back to the slopes next week.

I'm a really bad blogger though because I didn't take any photos at all. We were too busy having fun to stop and snap pictures and I didn't want to bring my camera and risk getting it ruined in the wet snow. I did snap a few photos of my snowboard just so I had something to show you (and to make this post a little prettier). Should I take photos next time we go, is that something you would want to see? 

Do you ski, snowboard, or ice skate? What do you do to keep busy during the winter months?

DIY Framed Art & Cute Cupcake Wrappers

How is that for a random post title?! I had this bare wall in my bathroom that really needed something. Anything. I've been looking for the right picture, shelf, wall art, etc. for months now and I have yet to find anything that I like. While browsing through the different scrapbooking papers in Michael's today, it dawned on me: frame a piece of scrapbook paper!

without flash

with flash

Cost Breakdown: Frame, on sale for $4.99; solid lilac paper, 29 cents; lilac pearlized filigree paper: on clearance for only 99 cents

I also wanted to mention that Michael's has the cutest cupcake wrappers in their dollar bins. I picked up two; I would've gotten more but I have an entire drawer dedicated to cucake wrappers already. I've come to the realization that I am a wrapping paper and cupcake wrapper hoarder collector!

What is your weakness? Are you a cupcake wrapper collector too?

Pink & Gray

~Pale pink and gray, one of my favorite color combos.~

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Wet Cement
Finger Paints in Brushstroke Blush (from: Sally Beauty Supply)



image via

image via

image via



What are your favorite color combos?

Valentine's Decor & DIY

Dining Room Table
Pink Sequin & Pearl Hearts- Michael's (last year)

Lolita Red Hot Martini Glass
(gift but they sell them at Hallmark) 

Heart Rug
Target's Bargain Bin, I think it was $2.50

Dollar Store Heart Wreath wrapped with heart garland (also from the dollar store) to make it fuller.

Lighted Heart Garland
Inspired by a Pinterest via

Super Simple Project: Branches gathered from the grape vine in my backyard (but any branches will do), heart picks from the dollar store, and some floral wire. I carefully separated the hearts from the sticks, cut wire and formed it to create a hanger, hung them on the branches and viola! 

Find me on Anticipation!

image via Anticipation!

Taylor from Anticipation!, has a new series on her blog called "a place I love" and I will be guest posting over there today. So you can find me here. While you're over there, be sure to check out her blog which is filled with beautful photos and lots of simple pleasures.

Thanks for having me Taylor!

Tag, You're It!

(image via)

One of my favorite bloggers, the lovely Miss K from Love, Lipstick, and Pearls tagged me in this fun getting to know you post. What a great way to connect with and learn more about each other, right?

So, here are the rules:
-You must post the rules
-Post 11 Fun Facts about yourself
-Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you in their post & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged
-Tag 11 people and link them in your post
-Let them know you have tagged them

11 Random Facts

1. I refused to wear pants when I was little, only dresses or skirts.

2. My biggest fear in the world is bears.

3. Vanilla custard pudding baby food is delish.

4. I haven't watched a single Twilight movie and I really have no desire to. 

5. My biggest pet peeve is when people use the wrong form of a word (i.e: you're vs your, too vs to).

6. I have terrible vision and wear contacts (and I usually sleep in them too).

7. If my nails aren't painted with at least a clear coat, I automatically feel like I look like crap.

8. I am an organization-loving neat freak.

9. I never have cash on me. I use my debit card for everything.

10. I am obsessed with Pinterest.

11. I don't have a middle name and neither do my brothers.

11 Questions from Miss K

1. What magazines do you subscribe to?

Glamour. I barely have the time to read that so I stopped renewing my subscriptions to Cosmo and Marie Claire.

2. What is your best quality?
I have a big heart and an open ear.

3. What movie(s) do you always watch when they're on tv?

Mean Girls, Coyote Ugly, and Fried Green Tomatoes are the ones that come to mind but I'm sure there are more.

4. What tv show do you watch, but don't know why you do?

Ice Loves Coco. I really have no idea why I find them entertaining.

5. What drink do you order when you're out? (Alcohol & Non-alcohol)?

Alcoholic- Chardonnay, Miller Light, or some other kind of beer. Non-alcoholic- water with lemon, I'm obsessed with water, it's all I drink.

6. What celebrity do you think you'd be friends with if they were your neighbor?

Reese Witherspoon. She seems so down to earth and she is really funny too.

7. Would you rather attend the Oscars or the Grammys?

Grammys, I guess, for no particular reason.

8. Do you prefer regular or flaming Cheetos? Puffy or crunchy?

This may come as a surprise but I have never liked Cheetos. Crazy, I know. I'm a chips and salsa lover.

9. Do you use regular or aerosol hairspray?

Aerosol, I know it's not environmentally friendly but I think it produces better results.

10. Who is your favorite Harry Potter character?

I never got into the whole Harry Potter craze so the only character I know of is Harry.

11. If price was no bother, what one indulgence would you have? Massages, mani/pedi, spray tans, etc? Spray Tan! I have banned myself from the tanning beds that I was once so addicted to.

People I Tag:

Ugly Duckling

A. Co est.1984

alicia doll

All Things New

Anticipation!

Haute Child in the City

Kim's Vanity

Pink Glam

Ramblings of a Makeup and Shopping Addict

Sequins & Stilettos

Veronika's Blushing!

11 Questions for the People I Tag:

1. How did your parents come up with your name?

2.Do you typically get your nails done or do them yourself?

3. Do you leave the house without makeup on?

4. Silver or Gold?

5. Where would you like to go on your next vacation?

6. Name one thing on your bucket list.

7. What is your favorite feature (eyes, smile, etc)?

8. What song(s) are you obsessed with at the moment?

9. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

10. What is the first thing that you notice about someone?

11. What is your favorite food and/or dessert?

I think this may be the longest post in my posting history. Congrats if you made it this far and thanks for reading! I can't wait to read your posts!

Cozy, Warm, & Totally Random

It is 9 degrees farenheit right now and I have officially fallen victim to the cold. I've been sick for the past couple of days now- again- I feel like I've been sick every other week since the temperature dropped below 55. I am longing for spring and it's not even February yet so the worst of the snow hasn't even hit; I'm in trouble. I spent yesterday relaxing, drinking lots of fluids, and eating lots of soup hoping to feel better. So here is a bit of an OOTD sad attempt at an OOTD for you:

Forever 21 Hot Pink Leggings (old)
Old Navy Slippers - I love them so much that I'm going to buy another pair as soon as I feel better!

In other exciting news...

Canon Rebel T2i (via)

I also had the time to reasearch, compare, and read up on DSLRs and I have fiiinnaaalllyy decided on one. I placed my order for the Canon Rebel T2i last night. My H was so relieved that I finally put the order through because I've been back and fourth for some time now and I think he is sick of hearing about cameras. Finally, my little place on the internet will step it up a notch with better quality photos.

Speaking of cameras and thing I've been doing to keep busy while snuggled under my covers...

I've been pinning like mad on Pinterest.

Here are a few of my recent pins:

I can't wait to be able to take pictures like this. How beautiful. Wish I was there right now.
image (via)

This is one of my favorite scenes from the movie Disney movie, Up.
If you haven't seen it yet, I strongly encourage you to see it; it will melt your heart.
Image (via)

The Incredible Under $20 Old Navy Haul

I'd like to think that I'm a pretty smart shopper but this time I think I may have outdone myself. I went into Old Navy looking for a blue peacoat (which they didn't have in my size) and I came out with all of this for just under $20!

Old Navy Longsleeve $5.49

Old Navy Longsleeve $5.49

Old Navy Crochet Belt $0.47
I can't wait to wear this with a summer dress.

Old Navy Tall Bootie Slippers $6.99

I've been wanting a pair of these forever because they look so warm and I'm always cold.
Verdict: They are SO warm and SO cozy. love. love. love them.

Old Navy The Dreamer Jeans $0.97

Yes, 97 cents. Insane, I know. I'll never be able to find another pair of (new) pants for under a dollar, I'm sure.

 Old Navy Grand Total for 2 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of slippers, and a belt: $19.41!

These are from Ross but I thought I'd post them because I've been wanting a pair of rainboot liners for some time now. I usually shovel the snow with my rain boots so this extra layer of fleece will definitely help keep my feet warm.

The Best Bag in Town, Camera bag that is...

I've decided to go for a DSLR camera! I'm really excited about it but I'm also really overwhelmed. I've been trying to learn all of the technical terms of the photography world and I've been comparing like crazy, obessing over reading reviews, and just trying to make the right decision.
One of the easier decisions in the process is choosing a camera bag. I have been looking all over the internet for a stylish camera bag and let me tell you, the options are very limited. I know what you're thinking- why is she looking for a camera bag when she hasn't even decided on a camera yet? Well, that's how my brain works, I'm easily distracted when accessories are involved. Anyway I stumbled upon Jo Totes last week and I fell in love with her bags. Then as luck would have it, one of my favorite blogs Home by Heidi is having a giveaway and one lucky reader will get a Jo Tote bag of their own!

Im am in no way affiliated with House by Heidi or Jo Totes nor am I being compensated by either of them in any way.

DIY Ruffle Cardigan

I've been sorting through clothes, purging, and donating donating them like crazy. I came across this basic cream v-neck sweater that was a bit too short on me but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. It's odd fitting and too short so I cut it down the middle and made it into a cardigan. Then I picked up some ruffled trim from JoAnn Fabric and pinned it on along the edges that I cut to finish it off. I still have to work up the courage to break out my sewing machine and sew the trim on but this is the basic idea.

I haven't used a sewing machine in years so hopefully I can find the time to watch a tutorial and get back into the sewing game soon so I can finish this project. I keep looking at it just hanging there, wanting to wear it pins and all, but of course I can't yet!

New Additions to My Closet: Lauren Conrad & F21

I've been meaning to get this post up for the longest time but I got off track with my blogging once the holidays hit. All of the following items were purchased before Christmas and some of them are no longer available online but I had to share them with you anyway. I am a huge fan of the Lauren Conrad Collection at Kohl's. Everything in that line is SO my style; it's like I designed it myself. I love all of the light neutral colors, feminine details, and classic cuts.

Lauren Conrad Dolman 3/4 Sleeve Bow Top

This is one of my new favorite shirts, I've worn it a bunch of times already.

Lauren Conrad Ruffled Tank

Lauren Conrad Chiffon Trim Slubbed Cardigan
-Still available online here-

Forever 21 Cable Knit Sweaters in Cream & Peach

Forever 21/ Hertiage 21 Plaid Fringe Scarf
-Still available here-

Forever 21 Sparkling Collar Necklace
-Still available here-

 I adore this necklace but there is just one problem with it- it flips over constantly with the slightest movenment. It is meant to fit as a collar necklace but I think the short length is what makes it flip so I'm going to try to extend it and add some ribbon to see if it helps at all and I'll keep you posted. Aside from that, it's the perfect statement necklace so I hope I can find a way to make it work. If you have any suggestions, let me know!