Bright lips

I'm embracing bright lipstick. It reminds me of my Mom and her friends in the 90's, but I think I like it!

Yes!!!

I finally found a fashionable seamstress blogger to follow! Seriously, there are (like) none! Check out Mimi G Style! She is super cute and makes a TON of her own clothes. Everything she makes is on trend and fashion forward in a practical (wear it all the time) way. Consider me inspired! She posts pattern reviews and DIY's. She even hosts conferences!  How does she have the time? I have no idea, but I can't wait to go through all her outfits.

Mimi G Style

Winter Blah's

I'm bored! I think I have the winter blah's. It's been freezing in Indy this week and really this whole year. It's hard to get motivated to do anything this season. Shopping is sort of out of the question since all the stores are in transition and my wardrobe is not. It's not even remotely spring no matter what retail says. I've been layering up and choosing comfort and warmth over fashion every day and I'm over it. I refuse to buy anything for spring yet though. What's the point? I'll either forget it by the time the weather warms up or decide I like something much better.

I'm in the same boat when is comes to sewing. I have a few ideas for dresses, but again, I don't see the point until I can wear it. And sadly, we have no weddings or beach vacations that may warrant a dress anytime soon. See? Blah!

I AM however really excited about the Prabal Gurung for Target line on Feb 10th. I want every single thing! Mostly this whole outfit!

So February 10th is when spring will arrive in my closet. That groundhog better see it too! 

Also in my boredom I am scheming up ways to redecorate or rather decorate in the first place some of the rooms in our house. I'm trying to convince Dan of all the things we need. One being this rug, or something like it from Flor. Have you heard of this place? You can create your own rugs using a tile system. Awesome!

What are you doing to get through the winter blues? Want to commiserate?

Red Carpet Inspiration

Every year I enjoy the red carpet and awards season. I usually find inspiration in the fashion, hair and makeup of the stars. The Golden Globes were on last Sunday, so I'm sure by now if you were interested you have already seen the best and worst dressed of the evening.

On Monday I had this great idea for a post that would show you patterns to mimic the celebrity designer dresses. I searched and searched and didn't come up with any replicas. It is now Thursday and I have found a few for inspiration.

I really liked the top part of Rachel Weisz Louis Vuitton dress. If she cut off the bottom part, it would be super cute! 

New Look 6143

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

Isn't Jessica Alba a goddess? Damn, she looks good! Everything from her lipstick to her dress was flawless! I had to go vintage to find a similar pattern. "Pattern for mermaid style dress"

New Look 6122

Claire Danes Atelier Versace dress was made specifically for her, but it seemed an easy pattern. She just had a baby one month ago and she looks fabulous! 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang 

Simplicity 3878

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta

Simplicity 4070

I love a good ball gown and love a sweetheart neckline even more! 

  

McCalls M6462

Lena Dunham in an off the shoulder Zac Posen look. I think the short version in the pattern even better!

Celebrity photos taken from People.com

Leather peplum

Yes! It's finally mine! I've had my eye on a leather peplum top for awhile now. Everybody and their blogging sister has the one from H&M. It was all over the Internet but not in stores. I found this gem at TJ Maxx! Score one for me! Now, I'm a year late to the leather peplum party, but who cares it was only 20 bucks!

Blog Reads

I have recently found a few blogs that I started reading daily and wanted to share.

Mr. and Mrs. Powell- Karina is the cutest Mom! She shares her pregnancy advice and cute pictures of her family. Found her on Pinterest! Isn't she gorg?

Unabashedly Uncorked- I was introduced to this blog last week and I cried my eyes out reading her blog. Elizabeth is a super cute runner who has great style and outfit posts. She recently battled cancer. I have enjoyed reading her optimistic and inspiring posts.

I have also updated my blogroll to all the blogs I follow daily. Check em out!! 

What are your favorite blogs? Tell me some new ones!

Black and White

I saw this fabric a few months ago at Crimson Tate, a fabric store on Mass Ave. in Indy. The fabric reminded me of the Kate Spade Spring 2013 line. At the time I didn't have an idea or a use for the fabric going into the fall and winter months, but now I've got an idea for a spring/summer dress!

Here's to hoping the winter weather passes quickly!

Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies

I used this recipe to make these cookies and they are delicious!! This is a great simple recipe when you need something to make last minute.

Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 18 oz Red Velvet Cake Mix
1 Egg
1/2 cup of butter softened.
1 cup of white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients first 3 ingredients together. Add in chips. I highly recommend Ghirardelli white chocolate chips. Ghirardelli just has a much better and creamier taste than any other brand.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Enjoy!! 

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

I've been sick and when I saw this soup posted on Chassity's year end recap as the "best recipe" I knew I had to make it. It took me a few days to track all the ingredients down, but I finally made it and I have to agree, it's a chart topper!

This recipe is taken from Jenna at Eat Live Run

Read my notes below recipe for extra help.

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger 1 tbsp sesame oil 1/4th tsp salt 6 cups chicken broth 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced 3 green onions, sliced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 2 baby bok choy, chopped 5 oz chinese noodles (about half a package) sriracha sauce for serving (optional) chopped cilantro for serving (optional) Directions: -Heat the sesame oil over medium high heat in a large heavy-bottomed stock pot. -Add the minced garlic and ginger and briefly saute for about 30 seconds. -Add the chicken and bok choy, sprinkle with salt, and saute for another three minutes until chicken has turned white but not completely cooked all the way through. -Add the chicken broth, jalapeno and green onions to the pot and bring to a simmer.  cook for 15 minutes until chicken is done. -Meanwhile, cook the noodles in boiling salted water, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. -Add the rice vinegar and soy sauce and stir. -Add the noodles to the pot and serve with chopped cilantro and sriracha sauce on the side. ***MY NOTES*** -I could not find Chinese noodles and used about 1/3 of a box of thin spaghetti instead. -This turned out to be so hot that I couldn't even add the Sriracha sauce. I would recommend removing the seeds from the jalapeno to lessen the heat. -To mince ginger, carefully cut outside peel off and chop into tiny pieces. -Bok choy can be found in the produce section of your grocery store near the lettuce and fresh herbs. -To chop bok choy, start on the white end (similar to celery) continuing to the green leafy end. Use all. I had never cooked with fresh ginger or bok choy before and I had a few questions, that may seem silly to you, but for others click the links for extra help! Enjoy!

Holiday Recap

Welcome back! I took a nice long vacation both from work and blogging. I'm currently sick and on the couch, which isn't how I planned to start the new year, but it's giving me time to blog again!

I spent my time off celebrating the holidays with friends and family. I enjoyed spending time with my nieces and nephew. Kids make the holidays so much more fun!

10 Year High School reunion. 

First things first, drinks and making cookies. (Nephew's was non alcoholic)

Baby Rye montage. Seriously, is she not THE cutest thing? My mom made us all matching PJ's, including my sisters little dog. 

Out at my parents new lake house. Many new memories to be made there! 

 My other cute niece, Alex on Christmas! 

Playing Hungy Hungry Hippos with a little Princess. 

 We got several inches of snow in Indy and went sledding with friends. It was one of the most fun nights we had over break. 

Happy New Year!

Stitch Fix

Have you heard of this? So check this out! My friend sent me this website that creates a profile for you and sends you clothing to try based on it. I went and created a profile for myself and am waiting to get off the waiting list! I can't wait! This is SO FUN!!

1. Pick a date, and they’ll send you a box of 5 clothing and accessory items hand-picked just for you - based on a style profile you fill out. Schedule monthly, or as often as you like——it’s your call. You pay a $20 styling fee up front, which serves as credit toward anything in your Stitch Fix shipment.

2. Try on what they send you—you never know what you’ll like until you see it on. Pair it with items already in your closet. Each item includes style cards with ideas and inspiration on how to wear it.

3. Take 3 days to decide what you’ll keep. Pay for just what you want to keep, return the rest in a pre-paid mailing bag at any USPS mailbox. Keep all 5 items and you save 25% off the entire shipment.

Click on this link to start your own profile! 

Do it!!!

Stitch Fix 


Update: I just went to google images and saw SO many cute bloggers post their Stitch Fix boxes and contents including style cards. I'm so excited! New obsession!