Pocket.

Since majority of you lovely ladies are married, and the other half are searching for their other half. There are so many sweet love songs that make us all oooh and ahhh but my favorites are always the fun ones that make you want to dance but are overly gushy sentimental all at the same time. The Pocket is one of my all time faves that I thought some of you might like too!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB0WHL3Il_g

baby shower games

via

there is something in the water. everyone is getting preggers.

ok not everyone {I'm not} but a lot of my dear friends, including some of the ladies here.

so my question is this...

who has ideas for a baby shower game?

its going to be a big shower so it needs to be the kind of game that can be played with lots of people and or the kind that can go on while everyone is mingling rather than everyone stopping to play the game.

I'm in desperate need! HELP.

Beauty knows no pain

 

Today I wore these shoes to work.

I received at least five compliments on said footwear.

On an unrelated note, I can no longer walk because I've lost the feeling in my toes.

P.S. Did anyone have to wear saddle shoes to school as a kid? I did and every year on the first day of school I thought that my feet were going to revolt and possibly fall of my body, but those shoes looked super cute and lasted forever. I'm pretty sure that's where my problem began.

the girl who was on fire

let's talk about the hunger games.

I loved the series

(except for the last part of the last book in which I have major qualms)

if you loved it like I did you'll want to go here and check out the casting for the movie.

Rue

primrose

president snow

cinna

caesar

gale

katniss

peeta

haymitch

what do y'all think?

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”

The Ritual

image source

I don't know how many of you watched the show Gilmore Girls, but there is a great episode where Emily and Lorelei are getting ready to go to bed and Rory is watching them both unintentionally do the same beauty before bed routine. Lorelei catches on and stops immediately. It is a moment that I think many daughters throughout the ages have had, the discovery that you've accidentally or intentionally started taking after your mother.

I have been thinking about my beauty rituals (or current lack thereof). What sticks out most in my mind is what I used to do every Friday for four years of high school. Every Friday rain or shine, I woke up, put on my cheerleading uniform, pulled up a pair of awesomely high socks, my "cheer" shoes and tied a white grosgrain ribbon in my hair before heading off to school. Then, after classes were over the real makeover would begin, green and gold and blue shades of eyeshadow (not as garish as it sounds), sparkles, blush, lots of mascara, and enough Aqua Net to put a hole in the Ozone layer. It may have been over the top, but there was never a night when I didn't feel like I looked my best when I walked out to cheer for a game.

Now, I barely have time to throw on a coat of mascara and lipgloss before I sprint out the door. Lately, I've noticed that my devotion to cute heels has even waned, and I've been opting for flats more and more. I've also noticed that I feel less and less confident about how I look. It wasn't about the shellac, so much as, taking the time to care for myself. Starting in college, when late nights studying or giggling or dancing led to much later mornings wearing sweatshirts and UGG boots around campus I stopped making my beauty ritual a priority. 

For the month of August, I want to create a new and improved beauty ritual to start off everyday feeling confident. Does anyone have any suggestions or favorite parts of their morning ritual? I've got my own list of favorite products but I'm always open to trying new things. Do you have a favorite product that is part of your beauty routine? Is there some part of your routine that you learned from your mother? Or that you hope to someday share with your little girl?

I'll do some sort of updates at the beginning and end of next month to share my plans and how it all turns out.

terrible.awful.

I made the tragic mistake of deleting picassa web albums on my google+ account. I don't use picassa for photo editing and I had no idea what they were or that they were linked to my blogs hosting all the images I had ever posted. now all those images are gone.

I am dying.

my blogs are toast.

don't make the same mistake I did.

the mormon women project

I thought I'd share this, I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of a church that really sees our troubles in today's society and seeks a way to ease them. I have not suffered from an eating disorder myself but I certainly do feel a tremendous pressure concerning appearance. Being a new mom changes you a lot, there is a significant growing that you must do in order to nurture your little one and while most of that comes naturally and simply, the physical changes you undergo are not always pretty. I'm not even sure what size I am now but I know that with time and exercise and the love of my heavenly father all things are possible: even skinny jeans.



"Women everywhere struggle with eating disorders ranging from poor self-esteem to extreme starvation and/or bingeing. The fact that there is a stigma that accompanies these issues makes it hard for these women to find help or even feel comfortable telling their husbands and family about their struggles. That makes it all the more difficult, since talking about it not only makes it easier for the person struggling, but helps others by letting them know they are not alone."

"This digital library will show that among the 7 million women currently members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is stunning diversity and strength that may not always be recognized. The MWP is particularly interested in highlighting the righteous choices women make in all circumstances and locations. It celebrates women who have made deliberate choices — with the help of the Spirit and personal revelation — to overcome personal trials, magnify motherhood, contribute to communities outside their homes, or be converted to the Gospel."

(via nienie dialogues)

Truly, Madly, Deeply in Style

 

image source

In case you haven't heard, this fall, Banana Republic will be offering all of the outfits above and quite a few more in collaboration with genius Mad Men stylist Janie Bryant. First of all , if you aren't watching Mad Men, head to Blockbuster, Netflix, Redbox or Apple TV and get started. As if brilliant writing and directing aren't enough the clothes steal almost every scene.

And I can't wait to actually by some pieces inspired by my favorite show. Her incredibly wearable and modern take on late fifties/early sixties fashion has me head over heels, the epitome of vintage chic. Not only does Ms. Bryant know how to style Betty, Joan, Peggy, Trudie and so many other beloved characters to a "t", she also give great style advice in her book: The Fashion File. Whether you check it out at the library or buy a copy, I promise you won't be sorry. Even for the most vintage wary girl her tips from choosing the right styles for yourself, making sure you've got the right stuff on underneath, and how to shop for just the right thing to polish off your look will be valuable.

Don't fret Matthew Weiner, Janie Bryant, and Banana Republic have no idea who I am, I just thought I'd share some pretty clothes and a fun style book.

its about time

ok, this post was was long time coming.

secret is out

...is A.MA.ZING

if you aren't a member on this site and want an invite, leave a comment and I will sendie mc send.

if you are like I was until a few weeks ago (totally out of the loop on what pinterest really is or what it is about) let me explain:

its essentially like an online vision board.

you create your own digital board with virtual pins.

when you see something on a blog or website you like you simply "pin it" (by clicking one button that you download to your book mark bar) to one of your boards (home, style whatever...) and voila a picture is added to your board with a link back to where you found it. the link back is crucial. 

you can also re-pin from other pinterest member's boards and follow friends.

its a fantastic way to stay organized (opposed to saving images to a folder on your desktop like I used to do) and get creative ideas.

trust, you will LOVE.

teacups

check out this fun idea my friend melle sent me

Shizugawa High School

March 11, 2011 a massive earthquake devastated Japan and ruined over half the country. My sister is living in Tokyo and was in the subway on her way home from work when the quake his her small sector of Chiba Shin-Urayasu and engulfed her in one of the largest world disasters to date.

We have all read the news, seen the photos, watched the video clips, and read the miraculous stories of miracles and survivors. Sadly, the reality is that this is not a cinderella story and not everyone gets a lucky ending. This video was filmed by those who made it out on time and documented the trauma of watching their city, community, and homes reduce into rubble through the vigorous waves of the storm.

As you watch this I implore you to think of your own lives; your homes, families, community, neighbors, friends. These men and women sat helpless as they watched the accumulation of their lives drift away and come crashing down around them. All the dreams, hope, tears, hard work, and success of their past was demolished in a matter of minutes with the power of water, leaving behind a muddy trail of broken hearts and soggy dreams.

We are all children of God struggling to return to our heavenly home and I hope we can keep our brothers and sisters in Japan in our hearts and prayers as they make the terrifying trek back to stability.

Create.

I was asked to teach in Relief Society this week and preparing for my lesson on talents and the value in discovering your strengths I came across this video that really touched my heart. Please take a few minutes to watch it and listen to the beautiful reminder it provides that we are meant on this earth to create things: art, music, friendships, delicious cuisine, education, talents, testimonies, faith, homes, and families.

The beauty in this life is that we have countless opportunities to stop and try again if we need to. We are constantly given the time and chance to start fresh or start something new. Find your passion. Strength. Talent. Do it. Over and over again so you can continue making masterpieces each day and blessing those around you as you build yourself up. Someday you will be able to look at your life and think "wow, well this was all worth it" because you'll then see the monument you have molded yourself into with each simple creation along the way.

Mother Knows Best

Hah so I love this song from tangled... But seriously

I know some of you are mom's or have good advice on baby items and since I am a first timmer here I need some help/advice about getting our little nest started. There are so many baby items these days it blows my mind... so this is where I need your help... what are the baby must haves? And what things would you suggest we not waste our money on? What were some of your favorite products/baby blogs/and brands for baby items?

love.di

TXTING.

Found this little ditty of love and laughter a few weeks ago and thought you lovelies would enjoy it as much as I do.

Click. Text. Love.

shady

In case you guys didn't already know shade clothing is back in business. naturally I get the newsletter so as soon as I got an email they were alive again I went a bought a few things I been waiting for. here's some things you guys NEED to know about

these leggings are heaven. they feel like butter, but are thick enough for coverage. they also have a thick comfy waistband, similar to my other favs

I was worried about this one. It looked like a great idea but I wasn't sure it would live up, however it TOTALLY did. Its really comfortable and is perfect for when you have something a little low cut, or need extra coverage with a dress/top under the arms. know what I mean? sometimes i just need a little something as an under layer without the extra bulk. this is a life saver!

I also got one of these layer tees. shade has a few different kinds of tops now.

baby tee, classic tee, layer tee....

this one had cute hemmed trim and fits great. 

I've always liked shade but I was exceptionally pleased with my latest purchases and just bought a few more items.


yeah for shade!


p.s. where are you guys... get to postin!

stripes make me happy

in case you need something to do right now:

1. go to j.crew

2. click women

3. type stripe in the search box

you may or may not see some of the cutest treasures ever

:)

um hold the phone...

my co-worker, just told me about this magic product 

I'm going to bed, bath, and beyond as SOON as I leave work to pick one up.

pretty sure it's gonna be a life changer, but I'll let you know

easy head band

 found this little tutorial and thought I'd share

some of us here have buns in the oven

:)

crafty smafty

Seven Flowers. Awesome Pop Up - Funny home videos are a click away

Isn't that cutie?!

I think so. When I get around to making one I'll post some pics.

WOW

I WANT! how cool are the Eiffel tower shoes?!
or do they look like hooker shoes... hulp.

you go girl

make stuff happen today ladies!

nook vs kindle

this may be a moot point since I am getting the ipad when it comes out and may decide not to get another e-reader before then, but just in case I'd like to be informed.

so who's got a nook or a kindle and has some selling points for a fellow reader??

OBAGI (oh.bah.jee)

so has anyone heard of this skincare company? My father in law recently went into business with them and I just got a big huge starter kit for their Obagi C RX system and I'm so excited to try it! I feel humbled because when I first saw their product I saw the older samples that are meant for older women and men- more of an anti- aging prescription grade without-the-prescription-looking bottle and I'm ashamed to say that I made fun of them and called the bottles old fashioned. I say ashamed because I really had no experience with the product, I didn't know who it was for or what it looked like or what it does... and then I got this starter kit (which retails for like 300 dollars- for free.) and it's for younger skin, and it came with a cute plum bag, and all the products are infused with Vitamin C which is the only antioxidant that helps your skin produce collagen (makes it firm and pretty). I'll let you know what the product does to my face after I use it for a while, I have really sensitive skin so it's hard for me to pick something new, but if it works for me I stick with it FOREVER. It would be nice to have all my face care in ONE brand, so that I don't have to go to ten different companies for ten different products that haven't been tested together. Does anybody else know anything about this company or know anyone who uses their products? I bet I could hook them up with awesome coupons and samples and stuff, Obagi is super loyal to it's costumers- who are super loyal to them back! I'm not trying to toot my dad's horn, I'm just being honest. So if you are looking for a new skin product, you should try obagi. It used to only be prescribed by dermatologists, but now it's on the market for every type of skincare you can imagine. Get some! or just check it out here

sites to explore

over the holiday some of us girls were able to get together and enjoy chatting/goodies until the wee hours of the night. here is a list of blogs/sites we shared. check them out, there's some seriously good stuff here!

dear blank please blank

passive aggressive notes

cake wrecks

fail blog

thx thx thx

young house love

the lettered cottage

the sartorialist

stumble upon

hillary took my first page of notes... so hill please put them in the comments or post em.

politics

a goal of mine for a LONG time has been to be more informed about what is going on in world, specifically the running of our great country. the problem is that is a lofty goal when you try to go from knowing relatively little to being informed in one bound. I try and read articles, but with out more context/back-story on the event it's hard to grasp what the heck anyone is talking about. 

can any of you intelligent/informed woman recommend a good ,preferably unbiased, blog or website that gives the basics on current events? I'm for looking simple breakdowns so I can start learning more, you know a good jumping off place... that's what I need. 

who can point me in the right direction?