I've Gone to The Dark Side...of Fashion

I was finally brave enough to try out the "dark" nails

And I really love them!

I also darkened my hair and added a few long bangs.

Next "dark" trend I want to try: deep raspberry lipstick!

Flower Power {8 Ways to Wear Them as an Accessory}

Lately, my favorite accessory has been an oversized flower pin.

It is so versatile and really adds an extra "umph" to my outfits.

I was inspired by Elaine on her modest fashion blog, clothed much (check it out!).

So, I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a stemmed flower (if it isn't on sale, take a coupon or wait a week--they go on sale FREQUENTLY!)

I chopped off the stem, flush to the flower base.

I kept the flower and all it's layers intact, and gently gobbed hot glue between

as many layers as I could.

Then, I hot glued a "pin back" on the backside.

Wa-La! 

The Perfect Accessory!

You have no idea how many compliments I have gotten on the flower from complete strangers.

My favorite ways to wear it include: 

On a regular, t-shirt. 

It really dresses up a casual outfit without any extra effort and a lot of statement.

On my plain purse. 

I got this purse for $10 because I liked the price, size, and color.  It is super plain, so I tied a thrifted scarf on one of the handles, and then pin the flower right on.  This is easy to do and isn't permanent, so you can change it up when the seasons or your mood changes!

On a plain cardigan.

I have a ton of simple cardigans, but I still get weak in the knees when I see an adorable embellished one at the store.  But with this flower, it dolls up even a plain sweater.  It takes a simple, understated outfit, to a whole new look--much more "pulled together" in my opinion. 

On a simple scarf.
I just love this look.  So easy, so simple, so chic. 

On my waistband.
Instantly makes this outfit glamourous!  Elaine also wears her flower this way, which I love.

Other Ideas:
Pinned to a belt (just on top of the buckle--gives it a feminine flair)

Pinned to an earwarmer

Pinned to a necklace (think one or two strands of long pearls, pinned on the side)

I even have a few other flowers, but you can see the versatility with just one neutral color!

And there you have it!  A few ways to glam up your get-up!

Gotta love {flower power}

(and after compiling this post, I am seriously sick of looking at my face!)

Knitting Needles

My Grandma Clark has been teaching me how to knit.  I know only two stitches so far...

but I've been practicing them like crazy. 

I take my carpet knitting bag almost everywhere I go...

Including to watch Brett play softball Tuesday evenings.

Someone came up to me and asked how married life was, I said, "It's great!"

And then he looked at me knitting and said, "Ha, yeah right!  Looks like a drag to me!"

Well, I think knitting is awesome!  I love having something to keep my fingers busy and these projects I can whip out pretty fast--and I love projects that come together quickly.

Here's my first project:  a camel colored scarf.  I really like it!

Don't look too closely though, or you will see a lot of imperfections. 
But when it's on, you don't notice...

I just say it's experience.

I am also working on a making a scarf for each of my little primary kids for Christmas. 

Let's hope I can finish in time. 

I have also whipped up a few of these ear-warmers (too bad it's still in the 70's here)!

I can't decide whether to keep my bangs tucked in or falling out.

I've considered selling a few of the ear-warmers, but I don't know if anyone would be interested.
If you are, leave a comment--I would keep them under $10, so they would be affordable.

And am I the only one, or is taking pictures of yourself super awkward?

Or asking your husband to take a picture of you kinda weird?

Ha!

Maybe it's just me...

Anthro-Inspired Necklace

I came across this Anthro Inspired knock-off and knew I had to try it. 

Here is the original Anthropologie necklace:

Here is her knock-off (I like hers even better than the original)



I did mine a little different than her, I just used ribbon instead of using clamps.  I thought it was easier and cheaper--plus it would help the rope not fray as easily.  (Sorry that the lighting was bad in these pictures) 

 For my supplies, I used one flower from a pair of earrings, a flower off of a stretchy ring, and a flower from a brooche I found at a local thrift store.  (Sorry, I can't figure out how to turn the picture)

Then, I simply removed the back of the ring and earring, and hot glued them to the rope

 Wa-la!  The finished product!

I like it quite a bit! 

And I even adjust the length depending on what I'm wearing