Treasures #2

I was going to do an outfit post today, but I got called in to work so I'm posting this during my lunch break now! Man, it feels so awesome to say that. Even though I'm not starting off with that many hours, it is such a good feeling to finally be making some money and thinking about getting a house! Weeee.

This is the second of many (very many) treasure posts to come. I had a bundle of stuff to take pictures of, and it seems like a lot of them are random cups and glasses. I have a tiny problem buying kitchenware!

yard sale // $1

flea market // 12 for $3

thrift store // 3 for $1

yard sale // $1 each

I'm really in love with the mason jar drinking glasses. I tried really hard to find a fourth one, and don't ask me why but it just feels nice to me to have 4 of things! Haha. The plastic yellow stacking cups are pretty awesome as well. I can't wait to have a cupboard full of random cups/glasses/mugs. :)

July in Instagram

always in the car // sunday rituals // ever+mi.crush dress & romper

preworkout breakfast // lovin' // even more lovin'

crazy dog // protein smoothie // another selfie

Goodbye and good riddance, July! I'm so excited for August, and hopeful that the rain will stop and I can have a good end to this summer. I'm envisioning lots of time in the water, boat rides, smoothies, and really focusing on being a healthier person. I'm starting my new job today and I want to be punctual and passionate about it. What are your goals for August? Or am I the only one that makes monthly goals...

Over the Weekend

Most of my weekend revolved around one of my best friends getting married. On Friday, we started at 11:30 with a (very) formal luncheon at the Capital City Club. I'd never been there before, but after winding through a parking garage and taking an elevator to the 25th floor, I was pretty excited! I was greeted and directed into our room, with tables set and my cherry mimosa waiting.

I didn't take many pictures until after everyone had left. That's how formal it was! The view was complete with the State House on one side and a slight view of the Lake Murray Dam in the distance on the other side, which is over 30 miles away. I should do rooftops more often!

After our lunch ended, I had time to come home and paint my nails (they still got smudged) before the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. So much goes into a traditional wedding that I've never been a part of as an adult. It kind of blows my mind. I got home around nine and immediately passed out. The next morning, I met Adlissa and the rest of her bridesmaids at the wedding venue. We got ready and the time passed so quickly, as I learned that it does when you get married.

(excuse that "badass" face attempt)

There were about 75 people attending, and that means I was a nervous wreck! I don't know how people do the 200+ weddings. Once the ceremony was over, we all hung around in the shade until the early afternoon. As they exited, we tossed ecofetti all over them as they made it to their car.

After the reception, around 10 of us headed to the Old Mill Brew Pub, one of my favorite places to be in this town. As luck would have it, it started pouring rain. Again. It ended pretty quickly and we all talked and drank beers while the afternoon turned to evening.

Everything was pretty uneventful after Saturday. I laid around with my dog all night, and spent most of yesterday relaxing and eating homemade pizza. This past weekend was one of the most eventful, exciting, and memorable ones I've had in a long time.

*Don't forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you! :)*

Life Lately

Holy smokes, am I glad that July is almost over! It's been emotional and crazy and unproductive at the same time. I've been hanging on to getting this job at a salon for almost a month, and I decided I wasn't going to wait around anymore. The owner is selling my jewelry which is going well, but I think I'm just going to pull it out and call it quits... Because I got a job! I'm so excited to do something with myself other than sit at home and feel lost.

Here's a few of the good things that happened!

Making postcards for the PCSW hosted by Jennifer of Grits and Moxie.

Little envelopes I made for a secret project.

Hanging with this crazy fella!

Perfectly packaged mail will brighten any day.

Fried green tomatoes from Pawley's are the best.

Urban Outfitters had a grand opening here (!!) and Washed Out played.

Months of rain gives you dirty dogs.

Panic attack?

Two of my best friends are getting married tomorrow, and I'm so happy and excited for them! I've been friends with them both since the beginning of high school so watching their relationship develop has been awesome. Weddings are crazy and being in one proves to be even crazier. Being newly married myself, I found myself listening to lots of love songs recently (Ahem... Offering by The Avett Brothers) and getting emotional thinking about how amazing their life is going to be! I can't wait to watch them keep growing.

Outfit: Polka Flower

These are some of the best shorts I've ever had. They're high waisted, they have polka dots, AND they fit perfectly! You know when shorts just ride up in the back? These have a long, thick hem that keeps them in place when you're out and about. 

I really hate the way these pictures turned out. I try to take them in new places and try to do different things, but lately I guess I just haven't really felt into taking pictures of myself. I've been down for the past couple of weeks, and while I really wanted to take part in the A Beautiful Mess self-portrait challenge, it sounds like a drag most of the time. I suppose I could get creative and try to capture that?

outfit details:
necklace: gifted
sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
blouse: Urban Outfitters
shorts: Forever 21
shoes: Target

I don't want to whine on here all the time, and while there's all this talk of being "fake" on blogs I just feel like I don't want to burden my readers with negative thoughts. Especially when I can't put them into words or end on an optimistic note. Sorry for the lack of effort in my posts lately. Things are about to start looking up, though!

Currently Crushin' On: Patterns

Recently I've found myself drawn to anything with a pattern on it. Well, actually that's nothing new at all. I'm always a fan of a cute pattern. Here's some current Etsy favorites!

Floral Greeting Cards // Striped Cat Studio

Diamond Print Tank Top // Space Mauve

Cloud Washi Tape // More Cozy

1960's Hot Pants // Owlephant Vintage

Origami Birds Tea Towel // Handmade By Me

What are some of your favorite shops or items on Etsy lately? I'd love to see them! :)

*ALSO, I made a Facebook page for my blog, so it'd be awesome if you took a second to "like" it!*

DIY: Textured Vases

Today I'm sharing a really simple tutorial on making over plain vases! These would look great in any color, but I love the look of white milk glass so that's what I was going for here. I went to the thrift store and bought four vases for about $2. This DIY costs less than $10!

You will need:

Vases

Puffy paint

Matte spray paint

You can google search vase designs, but I just don't have a very steady hand so I went with simple patterns! Use your paint bottle and carefully apply your design.

Wait for it to dry completely, then take them outside and spray them.

We had an unusually sunny day, so I let them sit outside for a few hours. And you're done! I planned on this being a two step process, adding in some real branches with leaves made out of various colored paint chips but I've been a real slacker lately. Maybe that will be my next tutorial!

I've had a hard time blogging this week, because I really haven't been in the best state of mind. Things are getting a lot harder than I had imagined, and there's really not much I could have done to prepare for it. I still haven't fully started my job and that's another thing bothering me, but I'm trying to stay positive and find things to look forward to... Such as Riot Fest in Chicago! I'd like to get some people together and make a trip out of it, but we'll see how that goes. If you're interested in being picked up, send me an email!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Outfit: Garden Tea

I recently got two amazing items in the mail from ever+mi.crush, and I was so excited! I've been crushing on this romper for what seems like a year. When I opened the mailer, it was packaged so beautifully that I had to stop and take pictures before even checking out the clothes!

This romper fits perfectly and I love it so much. It's been raining here for weeks, no joke, but when/if it ever stops, this will be a frequent outfit for me. I love that it's ladylike but also a little edgy looking with the faux pocket line and black seam on the bodice. I used to feel real weird about shopping online, but ever+mi.crush is a great clothing company that I will definitely frequent!

outfit details
romper: c/o ever+mi.crush
shoes: Kohl's
shoulder bag: Target

Recipe: Kale & Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This recipes rules. When I was putting it all together, it never even occurred to me that I was combining  a sweet potato with a spicy sauce mix. Maybe I should cook more often... But anyway, it was a different taste than I ever expected and so delicious! This recipe serves two.

You will need:

2 big sweet potatoes

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp. lime juice

2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 tsp. chipotle chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

salt & pepper

2 cups kale

5 oz. feta cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Wash your sweet potatoes and poke all over with a fork. Place in the oven for 50-60 minutes, until tender. 

Brush your chicken breasts with olive oil and top with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish and bake with sweet potatoes for 25 minutes. Allow to chill and shred the chicken with a fork. When the sweet potatoes are done, slice in half and allow to cool off.

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and wilt the kale. Toss the kale, sauce and shredded chicken together. Set aside and keep warm.

Turn the oven up to 400 degrees. Hollow out the potato, leaving a medium size layer of flesh inside. Brush the skins with a little bit of sauce mixture and bake for 5-10 minutes until skins are crisp. Remove the skins and stuff with the chicken mixture and top with feta cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve with chopped cilantro and greek yogurt if desired.

YUM. If you have any interesting recipes, please send them my way! This one was adapted from Half Baked Harvest, which I found through Pinterest of course.