Party-of-One

Tonight I did something scary, I ate dinner. In a restaurant.  In the middle of families and dates.

All. By. Myself.

I realize this may not be a big deal, but for me it was a bit terrifying.  But here I am, in a hotel room in a new city training for my job.  I don't know anyone here and I needed to eat!  I ate in the past couple nights but I was ready for an adventure out.  So on I went!  I picked a cute little cantina down the road and took the plunge.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought! I'm an independent woman, booyah.

Pros of dining as an independent woman:
      1. I get the whole bowl of salsa (and seconds) all to myself
      2. I can double dip as much as I want
      3. The waitress pays me super extra attention
      4. Food comes as fast as it takes for them to make mine.

Cons of eating in the company of your thoughts:
      1. The waitress seemed to feel a little bad for me
      2. I think having a marg with dinner qualifies as drinking alone
      3. The hostess put me as close to the middle of the room as possible

Tips for feeding the soul (and belly):
      1. Look pretty - you feel like all eyes an on you, so you might as well impress them!
      2. Bring something to do - be it a book, or whatever, it's just nice to have something to do when you're waiting for your food
      3. Enjoy your own company.  It was nice to take as long as I wanted, savor the meal, and just have some time to relax and enjoy a good meal.

Overall, I had a nice time eating by myself.  I won't be doing it regularly though - it's still a bit terrifying and it's nice to have someone to talk to besides a concerned waitress!

Have you ever dined by yourself at a real restaurant?  Would you?

Tootles!

Organized Design

I was looking for a craft that was easy, cheap, and practical and here we have it!  The necklace hanging frame!  I was looking on DIY websites and also found some ideas from Lauren Conrad's Website about how to fix the endless problem of tangled and lost necklaces.

First: the inspiration:

 From pottery barn (and LCs webpage)
a frame with a corkboard nailed to the back
 an old rake (how cool!)

Next: the doing

1. Find a frame the right size.  I found this at a thrift store for $1.  It's 18" x 18".  Pull off the backing and picture and any nails/staples that may be in it.  

2. Then I washed it.  It was actually pretty gross so a little bath was just what it needed.  

3. Then I painted it white (disregard the K, it's for a different project!) and added a few silver brushstrokes for a little interest - I was going to sand down a few parts to distress it a little but I didn't have sandpaper and was too lazy to get it! 

4. I gave the underside and back a layer of silver paint for the finishing touch.  Not that you'll ever see the back, but it does make the whole thing feel finished, and you can see the little lip at some angles. 

5.  Then I added nails on the top and bottom.  I started at the center then worked my way out at 2" intervals.  I put one on the ends on the top but not on the bottom so I could hang the longest necklaces at the end and not get them caught on a bottom nail. 

6.  All nailed up!

7.  Then I hung a command hook on the wall (the frame had hanging hardware so it made sense) and put a few necklaces on it!

8.  Here's the finished look! In real life it has a lot more necklaces on it.  you can see the silver touches i added more in this picture.  i hung it over my bookcase and it is really an interesting but functional piece in my room.

Overall this project cost me about $5:  $1 frame, $2 white paint, $1 silver paint, $1 foam brush.  How fabulous?? You can use a more ornate frame for a vintage look, or smaller frame and make a collage of sorts with one for necklaces and one for bracelets.

Happy designing! Tootles! 

Channelling my Inner Kitten

I'm in love... 

...with leopard print. 

I'm not usually a trend follow but this is most definitely my favorite trend of the moment.  There are so many ways to wear it and it just looks so chic if done right.  It should be used as an accent, not a whole outfit or anything crazy like that! Here are a couple of pieces I love. 

Lodis 'Siren' Smartphone CaseSale: $37.90

Not that I'd ever actually use a phone case (wayyy to practical), I would love it as a wristlet.

 If you know anything about me, you know I'm a scarf addict - so naturally I would need a leopard one! 

Nordstrom Printed Crinkle Silk ScarfSale: $37.90

Vince Camuto 'Studded Bow' Leopard Print Calf Hair BeltSale: $31.90This is so cute and dainty I just can't deal.  I LOVE the little bow.  it would be perfect with a summery white dress or in the fall with almost any solid color dress. 

If you're feeling exceptionally ferocious , this little number will keep all eyes on you...however I do not have the confidence (or the arms) to pull this one off!! Maybe one day...

Leopard Corset Bra Top $59.50 on VS  

These are SUPER cute.  You could wear these as a great accent to a slightly dressier outfit.  it's sexy but understated enough to not overpower the outfit. 

From VS (I closed it before I got the info and I couldn't find it again!)

I would totally rock these.  They add a great rocker chick feel to any outfit 

Colin Stewart Studded Pump $78 from VS 

 I love the removable bow on these - perfect if you want to spice up an office outfit but still be classy and chic.

  

Colin Stewart Bow Pump $68 on VS

Belted Trench $148 on VS 

I know I said the leopard print should be understated...but i LOVE this, want this, NEED to have this.  It's a fabulous finisher to any outfit - party dress, office chic, or just running out on a cool day.

I'm not usually a style blogger (except for my fabulous shoe post) but I hope you enjoyed this and love the animal print just as much as I do.  And if not - more for me! 

Tootles!  

Face Scrub

Tomorrow morning I start my big kid job (yay!) and yesterday I started to break out (boo!) so I decided to do a facial scrub.  Now I'm a big fan of masks and such but I've never found a scrub that was easy to make at home and that I liked.  Then I came across the easiest and best scrub I've found so I decided to share it with my (4) avid readers!

Drumroll please....

- Take 2 or 3 spoonfuls of baking soda in a small bowl
- Add a little bit of water
- Stir together to make a paste

Before you put it on your face, be sure it's clean (either wash it or just take a makeup remover wipe and wash away the days dirt!).  Then I always take a wash cloth and dip in into hot water and rub it on my face (it helps to open up your pores so that it can really get all the gunk out of them!)

Then, apply scrub to your face!  Rub it, scrub it, and exfoliate your troubles away.  I used it tonight and I'm hooked.  It's simple and takes a grand total of 7 minutes for you to feel like a whole new person!

Try it! Love it!
Tootles!