Month: May 2014

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Mexican Blanket Skirt

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I love the creativity and color that symbolizes Mexico in my soul. There is so much to inspire: The Talavera, the Otomi embroidery, the Huichol beadwork, handblown glass, beautiful silver jewelry, intricate leather purses, embroidered dresses and woven blankets. I love it all.

We have Talavera tile all over our house. Even in our pool. I layer with Otomi blankets on couches and beds in our house. Each time we visit Mexico, I never ever leave enough room in my suitcase. I want to bring it all home. The lively spirit of Mexico has my heart in its grasp.

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So, when I saw this vintage Mexican Blanket Skirt (similar not vintage item from Modcloth here and vintage item here and here and here) being sold from Effina Vintage, I knew my pocketbook did not stand a chance. Especially since it was exactly my size. And also, the seller was selling it very reasonably and her commentary on her items is fun.

I paired the skirt with my Anthropologie Cloth and Stone Denim Daydrifter Tee from last year (similar tee here) and my Anthropologie Almanac Sandals.

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The necklaces are Free People’s Coin Necklace (given to me as a participant of Free People Me. Similar here) and Simply Livly’s Turquoise Necklace.

The Mexican Blanket was brought back from one of our trips. I thought it would be a fun prop with the skirt. I did not carry this blanket to Costco with me later in the day. Although, with all of the samples they give away, wouldn’t it be funny if I plopped this blanket down in the middle of the store and had myself a free little picnic?

That wouldn’t anger anyone.

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Speaking of free samples, did you know that Trader Joe’s gives out free wine samples?!?! I also learned that on this day when I ran in there for Peonies. And walked out with Peonies and wine. Well played, Trader Joe’s! But next time, I’m bringin’ my blanket. You won’t even see me comin’.

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The bracelet is Free People’s Hammered Stacked Multi Cuff

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If my spirit was a skirt, this would be it. Wearing this skirt makes me feel more like “me.” Does that make sense?

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What piece of clothing would your spirit inhabit? Do you own it? Do you feel more like yourself when you are wearing it? Do you think I would be able to finish my free samples of wine before I was asked to leave the store with my blanket? A curious girl would like to know.

* This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from certain links will result in a small commission for my bail this site.

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

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It’s The Little Things: Pretty Dining Pieces

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The other day found me in an Anthropologie and I fell in love with a few pieces for the table. Of course, I only purchased two of each dining item…for my family of four. This was to justify the cost and also because I like mixing and matching.

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I saw these wine glasses and I had to have them. They even have a pretty product name, “Cumulus.” They are one of my favorite colors. That seafoam minty green. I am now praying we don’t break them. When I pulled them out to show my husband, I said, “I would like to introduce you to Carl.” Anybody?

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These plates (I cannot find them anywhere online)! Spaghetti in these plates?! Yes, please! I only purchased two. I want six more of these. They are all ready discounted, but I am hoping to bide my time for an even better sale price.

They will keep pastas nice and contained in the bowl/plate (I cannot figure out exactly which one of these categories this fits into).

I have tried a new spaghetti recipe I will be blogging about soon. It is made in the crockpot. It is easy. It makes a ton. I freeze half of it in two containers and each container is a family sized serving. Anyway, it has coffee grounds in it. Yes, coffee grounds! So weird, but it is delicious. Especially the next day. Here is the recipe in case you want to try a new spaghetti recipe and do not want to wait for my post. It is from the blog, Layers Of Happiness.

I did, ahem, cut back on the water… And, cough, um, double the wine. I am quite sure that does not surprise you.

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Speaking of water. How pretty will these be with water in them? I have had these purple tumblers in my wishlist for forever. I finally just caved and bought two while I was at the store. I like to purchase my breakables in store, because far too often I have waited for sale and bought a piece I have desperately been waiting for only to have it arrive broken and subsequently also be sold out.

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I first heard about this candle on Liz’s blog, With Wonder And Whimsy. I was intrigued. I love food flavored candles. Although typing that sentence made my stomach churn. That doesn’t quite sound right when it is phrased in that manner. It is “Strawberry Shortcake” scented. “Scented”! That was the word I was missing! It smells like a strawberry Starburst candy. I cannot wait to burn it.

The sad part is I rarely burn my candles. I am usually cooking and I like the smell of food cooking better than candles. And I have a rule that my house has to be spotless in order for me to get the privilege of burning a candle.

So, maybe never? That will be when this candle is used. But I can still sniff it. That’s got to count for something, right?

Have you purchased any home items lately? Do you burn your candles with wild abandon or do you have weird rules about them like me?

* I shared this on Savvy Southern Style.

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Would You Rather? And A Silly Little Spontaneous Giveaway: NOW CLOSED!

First: I apologize for not posting on Monday and Tuesday. I plan to be on schedule, posting daily from here on out unless another emergency pops up.

I blame the gnomes. I think they are letting in some nonsense.

I am sorry. I imagine dangling them by their wee little toes over Ollie might be a fair punishment.

Now, I could use some fun. How ’bout you?:

If there ever was a game to describe America, it wouldn’t be football. It wouldn’t be Scrabble. It wouldn’t be Blackjack.

No.

It would be “would you rather?”.

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THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED. YOU TRULY MADE MY DAY!

The winner is Sally Steele Corbett! Congratulations! Please contact me so I can mail you your prize! : )

My family and I play this game far too often. And even though I have many other posts that could go up today, I thought it would be more fun to play a game. I could really, really use a laugh and a smile. Winner gets their very own Predict-A-Pen and a $10 gift card to Target. ‘Cause I love me some silly fun.

You only need to answer three out of the eight questions to enter for a chance to win!

Ready?

Get set.

Go!:

Would you rather sleep in the rain with no covers while Pee Wee Herman sang to you all night long or take a drink from a rain puddle on a New York City street after the rain has fallen?

Would you rather have the super power of flying or invisibility?

Would you rather live one hundred years of a boring life or forty years of a fun one?

Would you rather chew a piece of used gum you found on the ground from Ryan Gosling’s mouth or drink a glass of two week old milk in Ryan Gosling’s bed?

Would you rather be in the real life scenario of the movie “Jaws” (on the water) or be in the movie “Jurassic Park” (on the island)?

Would you rather live in a world with magic, dragons and fairies or own Apple?

Would you rather win one million dollars or have one completely perfect day once a year for the rest of your life (and, no, you cannot win one million dollars on your perfect day)?

Would you rather be a prince/princess or a merman/mermaid?

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I’ll update with my own answers after the giveaway ends in my comments here. I’ll respond as Gnome Lover. I can’t wait to see your replies! Please feel free to elaborate why you chose your answer. That’s what makes it fun. I will be picking one winner at random. This contest is open for today only (5/21/2014) from 12:00 a.m. PST to 11:59 p.m. PST for you sweet folks who happened to click over to visit on this very random Wednesday. I will announce the winner tomorrow around noon PST on this post.

Good luck! Have fun!

*Negative comments will be deleted at the discretion of the owner of this blog and the entry will be forfeit.

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One Last Look Overall

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Before the blasted heat wave hit California, we were enjoying gorgeous, beautiful weather. The kind of weather that made you feel like all of the taxes were worth it. The gentle breeze just blew them away.

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I decided to get one last wear out of my overalls (previously shown here and here) before the sweltering heat began. I think these overalls have sold out, but I am also lovin’ the Free People Railroad Printed Overall.

I adore yellow and black together. This obviously having nothing what so ever to do with growing up on an apiary.

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Nothing makes a day better than getting love from a dog. He is my gentle giant.

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The top is from Anthropologie last year. It has hedgehogs all over it. It is sold out but Modcloth always has amazing printed shirts in their online store. I have my eye on this and this.

Are you ready for the heat? Have you been wearing overalls or gotten nuzzled by a monster? Trust me that doing both will make your cares go away. Or at the very least, doing both will guarantee that the drool from the messy-but-sweet creature will be confined to just one article of clothing.

* I shared this on The Pleated Poppy!

*This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from select links will result in a small commission for cleaning monster drool this site.