December 12, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

It’s The Little Things: All Wrapped Up

I am going to just come out and say it: I don’t like the typical holiday wrapping paper.

Oh no! I am beginning to sound like Scrooge! First the poor elf, now cute paper? What’s next? Santa’s suit?

Weeeeeellllllll…

Just kidding. His suit is perfection.

Anyway, back to the cutesy paper: That is not to say it does not end up in our house. Santa Claus has an affection for the stuff and he loves to give the kids their gifts covered in outlandish cartoon wrapping paper.

But for my presents under the tree, I like to keep it streamlined.

Usually this = a disaster.

Years and years ago, I wrapped all of my presents in brown kraft paper. It was so pretty under the tree. But then it happened… Presents started being exposed left and right as the tape popped off of the heavy paper.

I learned my lesson.

Or did I?

After that came the year of the all-white wrapping paper. Again, pretty, but very expensive.

Then there was the year of the fabric. Combine all of the problems I had with the brown kraft paper and the expense of the white paper and imagine this headache.

So, I caved. I bought the wrapping paper that I did not like. And I endured.

Heroic.

But this year I had an idea. I stole into my daughter’s room and I snatched her giant roll of white drawing paper from Ikea off of her desk (if you have not used something in our house within a year, it becomes fair game. Meaning: it reverts back to being Mommy’s. Seems fair, right? Oh, and this rule does not in any way apply to Mommy). I began to wrap presents in it.

It still needed something.

Every year I buy rolls of beautiful ribbon from Costco. They come in rolls of 50 yards for $7. This is an unbelievably fantastic price.

I wrapped my presents in different colored bows.

And I was happy.

For the larger presents (like the ice cream maker I purchased for ~~myself~~ my husband because I he always wanted one), I am using gold and silver wrapping paper.

It’s the little things: beautifully wrapped presents under the tree.

Now, if only I could get someone to wrap them for me.

Any takers?

I think I know of an elf who might be available.

P.S. I shared this on Savvy Southern Style.

And My Romantic Home

August 27, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

Anthropologie Reviews Fall 2013

I went on a return run to Anthropologie. It was fun. I took back some items that I have never worn that have just been hanging in my closet from this summer. I have never done fitting room pictures or picture reviews before. But I figured, what the heck? I always like to see the clothes on a “real” girl. This will not be a reoccurring post. I do not get to a brick and mortar store, but a few times a year. Maybe once a season. I felt a little naughty and weird, taking photos of myself in the dressing room. Oh, the things I do for this blog. ; ). Warning: this post is photo heavy!

First up is this sweater dress called Petalblush Sweater Dress. I really liked this dress. It was super flattering and comfortable. I tried on the small and the medium. I am wearing the medium in the pictures. The small fit great, except the arms were tight. But it is the size I would probably purchase.

I really do not like the detailing at the bottom. It looks like a muppet tragedy.

The back is so cool. It is a shame that the bottom of the dress could not follow suit. Still a love, but at $200, I am waiting for sale.

I then tried on The Sketchbook Dress. It is so fun and versatile. It has forests and fortresses on it. They did not have my usual size 8. I tried on the 6 and it fit perfectly. I love this dress. It is so easy. This lovely came home with me.

Can I truly be a “gnome lover” and not own a mushroom blouse? This top is unbelievably lovely. I am wearing a size 6. This top is also insanely expensive. It is called Toadstool Blouse. It is silk with beautiful beading details. I am wearing it with a Holding Horses skirt that was on sale for $10. The skirt was a no brainer, but when they removed the sensor tag at checkout, it revealed a giant round stain where the sensor tag had been. The sales associate informed me all of the skirts had been marked that way (hence the $10 price tag). It was a giant bummer. I did not buy the flawed skirt.

This skirt is beautiful. It is called Emeline Tulle Skirt. This skirt made me smile. The zipper was broken on this one. It is a size 6. It was a little large on me. I was able to slip it up and down without any problem. Super pretty for the more feminine among us. I would buy this for a great sale price!

This top was pretty.. The top is called Ruched Ribbon Top (thanks Jules). It is purple with pretty ribbon details. This would also make a great sale purchase. I will save this on my wishlist.

This top is adorable. Yep. That’s the word. It is the Nora Peplum Top. It is wonderful. It felt big in my usual medium, but when I sized down to a small, the arms felt too tight. I loved this blouse, and the medium happily came home with me. Let us wave good bye to my September budget.

I will wear this with my Mothers brand jeans that I just got on sale for $40, marked down from $198. Sorry I am not a great photographer. And please ignore my messy house in the background. It’s on my to do list. ; )

Thus, we conclude my quick shopping jaunt. But I also took some pictures of some pretties around the store:

Have you ventured to the dreaded dressing room lately? What did you try on?

P.S. Roxy at Effortless Anthropologie also did some reviews this week. I love her take on some of Anthropologie’s new dresses!

July 24, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

It’s The Little Things: Dog Collars

Dog Collars. The varieties are endless. The choices overwhelming. I like to accessorize my pet, without actually accessorizing my pet.

Enter the dog collar. Jewelry for your dog that nobody questions. He.He.

And I have two dogs, so you would think that I would have my fair share of collars.

But Ollie cannot wear a collar. His neck is too fat. He has too many rolls. This causes sores if he wears a collar.

So, it is just Murphy that gets to be adorned. Not adored. But adorned. They are both adored.

I found a seller on Etsy that makes wonderful dog collars. The shop is called Mod Dog. I have purchased four. The gnome version being one of them, of course.

I just purchased another one this week, because I realized my “newest” one was three years old. Um, sorry dog. But the collar has held up so well. I purchased it in bees, because it reminded me of my dad (the beekeeper).

This time, I purchased the deer collar, in the 3/4 inch size. I liked how whimsical it looked. Plus, I caught my dog munching on one of my bushes this last week, so it kind of fits him.

I have been in boutiques where dog collars are so pricey. I just purchased mine for $21, including shipping. And it comes with a one year guarantee.

It’s The Little Things: A dog with a pretty collar. Hey, it doesn’t always have to be deep. : )

Gnome Lover

Stumbling through life while still having fun

ribbon

It’s The Little Things: All Wrapped Up

Anthropologie Reviews Fall 2013

It’s The Little Things: Dog Collars