Freshly Cut Grass.

This skirt is seriously the most perfect shade of grass green. When I first put it on, I thought of John and this new "thing" he has with smells. He thinks everything is stinky. Freshly cut grass, flowers, puppies; any smell makes his little nose wrinkle up and he'll retort "Yuck, Mom."

T-Shirt: Old Navy. Green Pleated Skirt: Kohls. Sandals: Target.

This week I've spent some precious one on one time with John. We've been to the park, napped on the back porch, planted a garden and baked yummy treats together. It was seriously a perfect week.

Now, onto a perfect weekend!

Monday Lovelies: Breaktime.

Happy Monday! This post is brought to you by my personal laptop, in the middle of the day, while my son is napping in his own bed. I'm officially finished working at Major Brands and I'm at home right this very second! I will begin my new adventure in April, so right now I'm just enjoying extra time with John and working on some projects at home. Here are some fun things that we've been up to :)



We spend a lot of time outside in front of the house. We like to sit in these comfy adirondack chairs and have our afternoon snack.



I am in love with this new candle from Bath and Body Works, "Spring." I like to light it in the morning when I'm having my coffee. It makes the entire house smell like a flower shop! I'm also ready for the Easter Bunny with my glass egg candy dish filled with my favorite treat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Eggs :)



One of the perks of having a little time off means I can keep my home perfectly clean (well, for a little while anyway!). In case you didn't know, our family of 3 currently resides inside a 3 car garage/house that we built on four acres in Cape Girardeau County. So we're all basically in one room, together all the time! We have a small bathroom and bedroom in the back there (middle of photo) where John sleeps, but as you can see our bed, couch, kitchen and dining room are all in one big space! We are in the process of building our dream house right next to this garage that we currently live in. We hope to be in our new house by Christmas!



Speaking of our dream house, here's what we have built so far--the basement! This big slab of concrete sits to the left of our garage-house. It's nice to live right on the construction site so we can monitor the progress! 

 

We spent a lot of time at the park over the weekend--and these are my "shoe of choice" for chasing around little man.



I think someone might be waking up---talk to you all later!!



Painting Party!

Last night some sweet ladies and I participated in a Painting Party at Bloom Studio and Gifts. We had a great time drinking wine and eating yummy snacks---oh and learning to paint of course ;)

Some of the ladies hard at work painting!



I'm cheesing so big. Just excited to be with these awesome ladies!



Robyn was ever so patient and gentle with her painting. It turned out perfect!




Brooke and Amy are almost done!




Me and my finished product. While Robin took her time to make her painting beautiful, I probably rushed through mine a little too much. I think I would have been happier with it if I had slowed down a bit.

Final review: A super fun experience! The painting instructor was so sweet and her voice was very soothing. She walked us through every step of the painting, but encouraged us to create our own unique piece. For $25, I think two hours of fellowship with awesome ladies was well worth it--and getting to bring home a fun painting that you created was a bonus! Thank you Bloom Studio and Gifts for hosting such a fun event!

My hubby is out of town fishing so getting out for an evening with the girls was a nice little treat for me. As for the rest of the weekend, John and I plan to do lots of cuddling, baking yummy cupcakes and playing outdoors, weather permitting.

I miss Daniel when he is away, but sometimes it is nice to spend time alone with little man. John woke up with a smile this morning and is ready to take on the day!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Spring Trend: Mint Green

I'm a tad obsessed with mint green---it's just the most lovely Spring color, don't you think? I searched all my favorite website shops for a mint green top or dress, but almost every item I loved was already out of stock! Then last weekend I made a quick trip into Kohls for some Spring outfits for John and spotted this flowy sweater for 50% off! Score!



Sweater Poncho: Kohls. Tank: Old Navy. Jeans: Target. Wedges: JCPenney.

 It was so so bright when I took these pictures. This is seriously a perfect Saturday outfit. Skinny pants and a loose top are my go to uniform for sure.
Here are some other ways I've incorporated Spring Mint into my life:





   This sweet mint planter and succulents are perfect for a sunny spot inside, and will thrive later on the back porch when the temps rise. And it's from Wal-Mart!!

I've had this scarf for ages, it was a gift from my Nana. I love how the soft mint green that fades into yellow.

My new favorite nail shade! Mermaid Tears by OPI.

And here's the necklace I made using Sculpey clay! I think it turned out pretty cute, although my husband says it looks like someone threw up on my neck. Nice, huh? I happen to think it's a surprisingly versatile necklace, thankyouverymuch. Do you like it?

Are you loving mint green this Spring? What is your favorite color right now?

Monday Lovelies: Spring is Here!

Hello all! I hope you had a great weekend. Here's a little peak into what we've been doing since Spring has officially hit Southeast Missouri!

We've been doing lots of bike riding and exercising. I could barely walk on Friday after running almost every day last week. John busted out his trike and started learning different street signs at Safety City.

My morning coffee perks me up even more with this adorable "cream cow." Moooo!






Hat: Kohls. T-Shirt: ?? Belt: Thrifted, TC Thrift Store. Skirt: JCPenney. Flats: Macy's.

My first official Spring outfit! I wore this last week to work and then again yesterday to church. The t-shirt makes the skirt a bit more casual, and I love this hat! Such a fun addition! This "mullet hemmed" skirt was fun when the breeze picked up, I felt like Marilyn Monroe!

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day at home watching movies and eating one of my favorite meals, Corned Beef and Cabbage. I dyed the cabbage, scalloped potatoes and my Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer green! I think I'll keep this tradition going year after year. John loved eating the green potatoes, he kept putting them on his spoon and laughing.

Finally, my sweet Aunt Nancy shared this photo of my Mamaw Shain with me last week and I made it my facebook cover photo. That's my mom in the upper right hand corner, my silly cousin Andrew making raccoon eyes in the back, half of my sister Lauren's face on the left, and my Mamaw Shain and me sitting up front. I miss my Mamaw all the time. She was a beautiful, amazing woman and a total style icon. Seeing this picture has made me think about her a lot this week. Love you Mamaw!


Hope your Monday is lovely, friends! xoxo

Monday Lovelies!

Good morning! I had a great weekend of crafting and hanging around the house with my little man. Unfortunately I left my camera at work (typical!) so I'll have to get some pictures tonight of my DIY's. Meanwhile, allow me to distract you with some lovely things from around the web.

I am loving the printed jean trend. I can't decide which pair I like better!



This lovely pair from River Island

 Or this pair with the black backdrop......



From ASOS.

I am also really loving Sculpey right now. Basically it's just clay that you form into any kind of shape or figure you want (I've been making tons of beads for necklaces) then you bake the clay in the oven so it stays in that form permanently.

It comes in about a gazillion colors, and you can always mix colors together to get the perfect shade. I mixed a grass green with white to get a minty green color!





I'm officially ready to get back into reading. I used to read all the time and the past few years I've just been reading strictly for school and not for pleasure. Here's my newest book that I scanned a few years back, but now I'm reading it cover to cover and it's phenomenal:

I wish my husband would read it with me but he's more of a movie guy. If they made this book into a movie I bet he'd be all over it though.




Love coffee? Behold, my new favorite morning (and afternoon!) obsession: The Blonde Roast.

It's just the perfect blend. Seriously. I drink my coffee with milk or half and half only. No sugar. But the Blonde is smooth enough that I can drink it straight black. Awesome!



Lastly, I'm very excited and ready for my new adventure to begin! I am still currently at Major Brands, I gave them much more than the standard two week notice so I could properly train my replacement. Meanwhile I've been planning the store's Grand Opening Celebration through Pinterest and other blogs. Check out my Grand Opening Board to see everything that's running through my head.

Hope your Monday is Lovely, xoxo.

Weekend To Do's...

Happy Friday! I have big weekend plans that involve my couch, craft supplies, my sewing machine, and episodes of The Wonder Years on Netflix. Here's a little sneak peak into what I'll be doing....

I've looked high and low for the perfect necklace to wear with a simple black dress. Unfortunately, I have had no luck! Miraculously Jen loves Kev posted this amazing necklace tutorial and looks easy enough. I hope I can pull it off!

I've also had my eye on kimono jackets. They're basically little floral, open cardigans. After I saw this pin I knew I could so totally make this jacket myself---this will probably be the toughest craft of the weekend so wish me luck!

Ok one more DIY plan....check out this Anthropologie lamp shade----for $88 buckeroos! Yikes! Don't you think I can do this myself??? I'm gonna try.

What are your weekend plans? I'll be crafting all afternoon Saturday and probably Sunday after church too so join me if you'd like!

Little Black Dress

I just picked up This little black dress to wear to a fancy function we are going to Saturday night. I obviously have major first world problems because I cannot decide which shoes to wear. Sigh. So I'll let you decide for me!

Option 1: Black Dress w/Leopard Kitten Heels

Black Dress w/ Leopard Flats by lifetoldbyles featuring kate spade jewelry

Option 2: Black Dress w/Natural Wedges

Black Dress + Natural Shoes by lifetoldbyles featuring slip on wedges

OR Option 3: Buy New Shoes!! Any of these will do!

Black Dress + New Shoe Options by lifetoldbyles featuring platform shoes

So whatcha think??

A Night at the Symphony.

There's just something simply elegant about going to the Symphony. The dimmed lights, classically beautiful music and a purse full of candy make for a lovely evening. What? You don't sneak candy into the Symphony?




Slightly Sparkley Sweater: Kohls. Brown Basketweave Belt: Thrifted, Goodwill. Navy Pleated Skirt: Thrifted, Teen Challenge Thrift Store. Nude Wedges: JCPenney.

I didn't get a picture of my candy stash, but you can be sure my purse was full of Sour Gummy Worms, Ring Pops and Spree's. I looked for Warheads (my all time favorite!) but couldn't find any. Do you remember those little sour hard candies? Man they were the best. The Jackson Roller Skating Rink kept those puppies stocked. You weren't cool unless your tongue was burnt from extreme sour-ness.

I offered the man sitting next to me some of my candy, but he replied "Actually, there's no food or drink allowed in the Symphony Hall."

Well of course there's no food or drink allowed in the Symphony Hall! But does that include candy? Because if so that's just ridiculous.

Turns out I should have listened to that informative stranger. My tummy still hurts from all that sugar!

What's Inside My Purse!

I always think these kinds of posts are interesting....I like seeing what other ladies feel is important enough to carry around with them every day! Here's what's inside my purse and makeup bag!

The Purse: A Dooney bag I got for Christmas from everyone in my family. I asked for Macy's gift cards and combined they all were enough to get this bag!

Left to Right: My pink and purple Fossil wallet, a beaded makeup bag I've had since high school, my planner, my sunglasses (cheapies from Target!), Say Yes to Carrots hand lotion, a voice recorder for class lectures and interviews, my keys with a Dooney key fob, Say Yes to Cucumbers face cleansing cloths (these babies are lifesavers!!), and finally, a handful of army men. You never know when war is going to break out at the dinner table!

Not pictured: My camera, for obvious reasons!

The Makeup Bag:

Sonia Kashuk for Target Mineral Powder, Concealer, and Blush in one: Can you get any more convenient that that? This baby is perfect for me because on most days I don't wear any sort of powder on my face. I do use the concealer for my dark under eye circles though!

Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus and Rose shades: I have always been a chapstick girl, so when I found these affordable balms in lovely grown up shades, I was smitten. The perfect amount of moisture and color!

Ear Plugs: I have no idea why those are in there. Ha!

Extra Pony O's and bobby pins

Tweezers for my hairy face problem!

Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara in Black

Visine for Contacts

Stila Convertible Eye Color in Stone: A dual shadow and liner in one stick!

That's about it! I do have some backup makeup at home, but what you see here is basically what I use every day.

If you have any more questions about the products featured here, let me know!

Leopard Pants = Too Jersey Shore?

So I've seen these pants floating around the blogosphere the past couple of weeks. And what I mean by that is simply LOTS of bloggers bought these same pants and are rocking them. So why can't I?



Kendi can wear pretty much anything because she's awesome. I on the other hand am a wimp and I just don't have the gusto she does!







Living in Color paired leopard with the same booties from Target that I have. So MAYBE I can pair them together too? I dunno she's really rocking them!

 





Finally when I saw this photo from Here and Now, I decided to go for it. I love how she rolled the bold pants up a bit to make them more casual, and paired them with a loose fitting tee.

 

 So, here's me in my leopard pants. Don't call me Snooky, ok?




Sunglasses: Target. Sweater: Macy's, old. Leopard Jeans: Target. Flats: Nine West.

 The preppy, cable knit sweater and lady-like flats balance out the crazy print on the pants. This outfit was perfect for Sunday afternoon shopping and napping, but I'm not sure it's office appropriate--might be a bit much.

What I discovered about these pants is that in a small town like Cape Girardeau, you might get a few stares. I guess folks just aren't used to seeing that much leopard! These pants are super comfy though, and the small print is surprisingly flattering. When the weather warms up I'll pair them with a drapey tank and flat sandals.

What do you think of the Leopard Jeans trend? Happy Monday, everyone!

My February Purchases

Do you have a clothing budget? We try to manage our finances wisely and as best we can. So some months I buy new clothes, some months I don't even step into a store. February was a buying month for me, and January was not. I think with the nice weather and the itching for Spring I was ready to buy some new pieces that would transition into the warmer months. Here are a few pieces I bought in February!

My February Purchases by lifetoldbyles featuring letter jewelry

1. Waxing Poetic Mother of Pearl Initial Charm (Anniversary gift from Hubby!)
2. Navy Pleated Skirt, thrifted for $1.00 from Teen Challenge Thrift Store
3. Leopard Print Skinny Jeans from Target, used a coupon and got them for $19.00
4. LC Lauren Conrad Floral Top from Kohls, used a 20% off coupon and got it for $26.00
5. Old Navy Chambray Shirt, $24.00


I've been collecting Waxing Poetic charms for awhile now and can't get enough of them! This new charm is by far the fanciest one I have. I plan to pair lots of fun Spring items with the pleated skirt and floral top, maybe even together? And of course the leopard jeans are pretty rad, but I'm still unsure about what to wear with them. Any suggestions? Last but not least; you can't have too many chambray shirts. You can quote me on that.


Have you purchased anything new for Spring? Or are you hanging onto your sweaters for dear life? Happy Thursday, friends!