DIY Wall Art (for the non-DIYer)

Anyone that knows me at all, knows I am not really crafty

I try to be, and end up getting frustrated and throwing things

(just being honest)

That would be the exact reason I went the nursing route...

No crafts involved!!

Nic and I found out yesterday that we got a house!!!

Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!

This means I have a TON of wall space to cover

As everyone knows or has seen floating around the social media world

macramé is back!!
And I love it!

I have no idea where to even start when it comes to instructions that involve a loom

(I have a huge respect for those that do)

So I found something that was simple and took less than an hour!

I am horrible at typing out instructions so here are about 1000 pictures to walk you through this macramé, non-macramé wall art

Happy Thursday!

(Can you believe it's already Thursday?!)

What you will need:
Wooden dowel
Yarn (as many colors as you would like)
Scissors
Paper
Measuring tape (I used a yard stick)
Saw of some sort

1. Cut your yarn into long pieces (I made mine a yard for each string)

2. Here we go with pictures (I just work better that way)

3. Continue with this pattern until you are ready to start the next color and do the same thing
4. Once you have all your colors on your wooden dowel, grab a piece of paper ( I used 2) and make a triangle (like so...)

and cut the edges at an angle
5. Now time to shorten the dowel

I measured to keep 4 inches on each side (depending on how much you want sticking out)
6. Add whatever color yarn you prefer to the top for a hanger

and THAT'S IT!!

 I will post more picture of it once Nic and I get settled and it finds a home on the wall.

River Walks and Pom Pom Shorts

It's days like today that make me so grateful to be back in California

Nic and I, prior to moving to the Midwest, took frequent trips to the river

There is something so peaceful about being there

No need to talk, just taking it all in is enough

The river also happens to be one of Charles' favorite locations

He could splash in the water all day if we let him

He runs, chases anything he sees, and drinks about a gallon of water

Today was a spur of the moment river trip

Which happen to be my favorite type

Today, I am so thankful for family, beautiful scenery, and the ability to see beauty in the small things

Happy Saturday!

(Check out Charles' face! HA!)

Pom Pom Shorts: Free Bird Collection

Tee: Urban Outfitters

Jewels: Dogeared Jewelry

Birks



Surprises and Kimonos

I'm BACK!

After packing for a week, passing my final test out for nursing school, driving 2200 miles, getting 2 flat tires along the way, and multiple bathroom stops, Nic and I made it back to the great state of California

My heart can NOT be happier

We have missed so much in these past 2 years, that now we are playing catch up and have been on the go since our feet hit the CA soil

Saturday started like any other day...

Nic and I had to run a TON of errands to get ready for Nic's first day at his new job

We had made plans for the night to have dinner with some friends

As the day progressed, Nic asked if we could go see Mason (our handsome little nephew) at his parents house

Of course I had no problem with that

Nic's parents live on a ton of property and have quite the gravel driveway before you get to their house

As we turned onto their driveway, I noticed cars EVERYWHERE

Frantically, I began asking Nic "What is this?!" "What are you doing?!"

Lo and behold, Nic had pulled off the most amazing surprise graduation party for me

(I've never had a surprise party; it's been something I have dreamed about for years!)

All of my family and friends like family were in the same place and yelling 

"SURPRISE!!!"

I have never had more of an amazing day! 

(besides of course, my wedding; but this was a close second ;)

Thank you SO much to all who made this day so amazing! I could not be more blessed with amazing friends and friends like family

Now on to the outfit...

 Thank God for Nic pointing me in the right direction of the perfect outfit for the day

(I always ask him if he likes what I have on)

He simply said what about this?

It was PERFECT and perfect for a surprise party

This kimono...you guys, I could live in it

Like actually sleep in it and all

Here are the outfit details from the party!

 

 

Hope you guys have a great week!

Kimono: Ascot and Hart

Shorts: Urban Outfitters

Tee: Mulberry Press Co.

Stripes and Booties

We are down to the wire living in our first married home

California is approaching fast and we couldn't be more excited about the next journey ahead

However, moving equals packing

Packing equals zero clothes to wear

I hate this idea

Clothes are the ABSOLUTE last thing I pack anytime a move is happening

About a week ago, Nic went back to CA for a job interview

(he landed the job...EEkkk! He is the new Environmental Specialist for E&J Gallo Winery)

He convinced me that packing our large suitcases of our clothes would make life easier for the move

I have no idea how I fell for this

Now I am stuck here with a somewhat bare looking closet 

(trying to fight the temptation to shop so I can fill it up again)

After having a day of flinging everything over my shoulder cause "I have nothing to wear"

(girls, I know you know what I am talking about)

I landed on this ensemble

Comfy, casual, and effortless

After all, a girl can never go wrong with stripes and booties

Happy Sunday!

Tee: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Urban Outfitters ON SALE!!

Shoes: Aldo Similar

Jewels: St. Eve Jewelry

Friday Night Bliss

Since Nic and I got married we have always made it a point to have a weekly date night

This could be going out to dinner, taking a long walk, seeing a movie or (one of our all time favorite things) living room date night

(we go to Target, buy a $5 movie and set up the living with all our bedding)

 

(case and point)

Friday night is my favorite night of the week because of this

I still find myself so excited to come home and get ready for Nic to come and pick me up

It feels like we are still in high school

(except for the fact that we can afford a dinner out, high school that was not the case)

I still get butterflies, I still feel nervous, and I find myself cherishing every Friday night because I get to spend one on one time with Nic. 

We laugh, eat good food (something we are both very fond of), talk about our weeks, and reflect on the upcoming adventures in our life. 

I feel crazy blessed to have the opportunity to do life with this guy

If I could encourage every couple to do one thing, plan for a Friday night

(any night of the week) 

Make it mandatory for your relationship

Forget the stressors of life, and enjoy the bliss that can come from a couple hours alone 

(no interruptions)  

Here is a snippet of what I wore last Friday night

Happy Tuesday!

 

Dress by Gypsy Soul Collective

Hello Apparel

The weather in the Midwest is completely unpredictable

It is one of the most exciting, yet frustrating things I have ever encountered

Keeping something long sleeved near by is your best bet, considering you never know when the thunderstorm will hit

Today's look shows just that

I woke up this morning to weather that was in the 50's and felt completely unprepared

(most of our winter/cold weather clothes are back in CA; YIKES)

A simple pair of denim jeans, the right tank from Hello Apparel

(more about them below)

Birkenstocks and a button up is the perfect ensemble for weather that is temperamental

It's comfortable, casual, and can easily take you from day to night

Hope you love this look as much as I do!

Happy Hump Day!

Hello Apparel has been one of my favorite clothing designers for quite a while now

They make the most comfortable pieces for REALLY affordable prices

Not to mention, they have some really hilarious pieces for the entire family

Go check them out; you wont be disappointed!

Birkenstocks

Jeans // urbanoutfitters // similar

Hello Apparel Tee

Bracelets 

Micheal Kors Watch 

Dogeared Necklaces 

 

Summer Nights

Living right downtown, Nic and I tend to go out for a drink almost nightly

There is something about being able to walk to our favorite spot (Charles in tow), grab a drink, and watch the world fly by us

The humidity here (like I have said before) hates me; I must admit the feeling is mutual

Putting on a lavish outfit and getting gussied up is just not in the cards 

This look is simple and effortless; yet adds a leopard pop as your statement piece for something a little outside the box

(and it is comfortable, the most important part)

 Happy Sunday!

 

Shoes: Tobi // similar here 

Top: H&M

Shorts

Jewels

Summer Essentials

Summer is BY FAR my favorite season

(except for fall because it's my birthday season; yes I celebrate for a full season)

I've noticed that when summer comes, I completely change up my skincare and body routine

keeping my makeup and hair routine minimal

In the Midwest it is HUMID, beyond anything I can humanly handle on the day to day

my hair is instantly wet and my makeup instantly runs off

(sexy huh?)

Listed below are my MUST HAVES for summer to ensure you look and feel your best 

(humidity or not)

1. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray
 

This stuff SAVES me during the summer
I always take showers at night, sleep with my hair up in a top knot, if it's still a bit damp in the morning I will dry it a tad and then I spray this all over and scruntch
PERFECT BEACH WAVES
(it smells amazinggggggg too)

2. The perfect summer shorts
Every person needs that go to pair of shorts that they can wear with EVERYTHING
These are it for me

OneTeaspoon

3. Million Dollar Tan 
 

Working in the medical field I am hugely against tanning beds 
(to each his own, I don't hate on people that lightbulb it up)
I still want to be bronzed in summer and look like I have time to actually lay out
This stuff... I can't say enough good things about
Easy to apply, doesn't streak, and last for about 1-2 weeks
Winter or summer this is a must have!

4. Josie Maren Illuminizer 


I just recently snagged this stuff and will never stop using it
It gives you the perfect natural summertime glow, perfect for a date night or everyday wear
Use it on your cheek bones, under your eyes, or on your body for that "just got back from vacation" look
(Truth: the first day I used this, Nic asked if I had laid out all day. Josie for the WIN)

5. Ray Bans 

Need I say more?? 
These are a must for ANY season
They are so effortless and allow your outfit to just go to that next level
LOVE. Always.

5. Statement Necklaces
 
I have been SUPER into wearing basically all basics
That has the potentially to be pretty bland
With the perfect statement necklace you can take your outfit to the next level in seconds
Day or night 
I get the majority of mine from jCrew 

6. New Balance '420' Sneaker  
 
Nic and I love walking downtown and exploring Chicago
It's so hard to find a cute sneaker to go with your outfit without looking like a tourist
Well... I found them!!
These are the MOST comfortable shoes (possibly) ever
I can walk all day and they can go with a number of outfits
Thank you, New Balance 
(who would've thought?!!)

Hope everyone is enjoying every second of their summer!!! 

40 Facts About Charles

Meet Charles!

1. OriPei (half pug, half sharpei)

2. Five years young

3. Loves mom and dad (but loves mom more, let's be honest)

4. Sleeps 22 out of 24 hours a day

5. Vicious guard dog (until someone actually walks in then hides behind anyone and anything)

6. 49er fan

7. Only tolerates 73-77 degree weather (anything above or below is traumatizing)

8. Snores. Loud. Extremely loud

9. Extremely treat motivated

10. Loves long car rides with all windows down

11. Has taken 6 plane rides (and hated every single one)

12. Hates bath time (except during the face massage, that part is ok)

13. Prefers only the stems of broccoli, not the head

14. Occasionally wears shades

15. Loves to chase squirrels, bunnies, birds, flies, cats, and other dogs (but just to play)

16. Will sleep with anyone who will let him

17. Stubborn. Did I mention he was stubborn?? 

18. Has 18 babies (squeak toys) and the collection is growing

19. Falls off the bed while sleeping at least once a week

20. Has 2 sweaters in varying colors

21. Likes to sit shotgun and run the show

22. Plays tag with dad everynight and gets highly offended if he is caught

23. Sleeps on clean laundry every chance he gets

24. Loves his fans (anyone on the street that stops to pet him)

25. Gets jealous when he is not the center of attention

26. Prefers that you not pet his face wrinkles (he spends a lot of time on them)

27. Has been to 9 states

28. Thinks that 3 walks a day is a good comprimise

29. He is adopted

30. Enjoys the occasional beer

31. Weighs 23 lbs (give or take, depending on the day)

32. Prefers to sit on your lap

33. Thinks he is the boss of the entire family (he is right)

34. Sneezes everytime mom or dad say "no" to something

35. Wakes up every morning at around 10:15

36. Will find anything to prop his head on

37. Hates fireworks

38. Sneaks onto the couch every second he can 

39. Has a dog bed fit for a king he has used 10 times

40. Can't wait to meet his sister Petunia (our soon to be micro mini pig)