Outfit Remix- Engagement Party

I love blog posts that feature outfit choices. Feeling inspired by Kendie's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, I have been creatively transforming my wardrobe with what I already own. I am gearing up to officially start the Remix Challenge soon, but I am finding that I am a little scared. Scared of failure, scared of bad outfits, just scared. If anyone has tried the challenge, I would love some advice! Let me know how you and your closet fared. For now, here is an outfit I threw together over the weekend for a friend's engagement party. Pardon the shadows...I'll get better at this- I hope :)

Finding the Silver Lining...

All right, so the Academy Awards last night were a bit weak. While my husband (predictably) napped through the opening sequences and found himself in a hot bath long before any substansial awards were given away, I'll admit that even I was having a difficult time getting into the swing of the show- don't tell my husband! Despite the limited humor provided by hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco I was somehow able to find a way to enjoy my evening with the surprises the night included. Here are some of my favorite moments from last night.

1. The Autotune Montage



2. Kirk Douglas



3. "I should have gotten a haircut": Best live action short film winner, Luke Matheny, accepted his Oscar after first confessing to his red carpet faux pas- shaggy locks in desperate need of a trim! Don't you just love people who are genuinely themselves 100% of the time- even at The Academy Awards?

4. Good Looking Men: The night was full of dapper men attempting to keep sexy right where it is. The biggest offenders were Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr., Collin Firth, Jude Law- heck, even Jeff Bridges was kind of bringing some heat last night!

Oscar Party Essentials!

Scanning the web this week, I have come across a number of yummy treats, fabulous outfits and other creative ideas showcased to enhance the viewing experience for tonight's Academy Awards. I am always so inspired by the creativity of others! Here is some of the best stuff I found out there. Makes me want to skip that "grading party" I was about to throw myself (as fun as grading 9th grade students' essays about Greek mythology can be) and call up some girlfriends to host a little shindig!


1. This first "Oscar Party Kit" comes from The Academy itself. Search here to find some great cocktail & appetizer recipes along with some amazing freebies- Oscar ballot cards and even Oscar bingo!

2. Wise Bread also has some great budget-friendly ideas for hosting the star-studded event. I love the quirky idea of placing a mustache on your TV screen to catch a glimpse at an unsuspecting star with facial hair!

3. Party ideas from Evite include invitations (of course!) & a playlist from previous Oscar winners.


If I were lucky enough to host my own event this evening, it would include all of the following goodies. What's an Oscar party without gold?

Photo Credits:  Homemade by Holman, This is Glamorous, How About Orange,  Sephora

I am Taking the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge

Have you heard of Kendi Everyday? I recently stumbled upon this blog and included it among my favorites after seeing her brilliant idea for the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. Inspired by a lack of funds (oh how I can relate!) and a creative idea, Kendi challenged herself and her followers to remix their wardrobe for 30 days. Here are the complete rules.

And here are just a few outfits this challenge inspired Kendi to create. I love the way she discloses the stores she purchased her outfit from.

So cute! I am definitely inspired. I'll be taking the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge soon and keep you all posted on my journey. I may need to run by Target and a couple thrift stores before taking the plunge (is that allowed?), but look for outfit posts soon! Wish me luck!

A Week of Exploration

This week I have been pretending like my 9-5 job doesn't exist. Every year my students get a week-long break at the end of February for "Ski Week" and I have the opportunity to gallivant all around the Bay Area exploring new sights and eats. What can I say, I am a lucky girl!

One of the places I ventured to mid-week was The Wooden Duck in Berkeley. This unique furniture store uses recycled wood to create all of the amazing living room, dining room, kitchen, etc., pieces they offer. Not only is the craftsmanship and product great, the shopping experience is pretty neat too! Check out some photos I took from their shop.

This week I also had the chance to check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I seriously had not been there in years. Wow, what a beautiful collection of ocean life! The jellyfish were absolutely amazing. It was fun to see all the kids enjoying the beauty of the ocean, too. The uncontrollable joy of a child can make most things better.

Can I Study Abroad Again?

I am in LOVE with these videos from Education First for their Live the Language campaign, encouraging young travelers to pack their bags.

Outfit Posts

I absolutely adore blogs that feature everyday fashion choices by showcasing daily outfit photos. I find this kind of blogging creative and truly inspiring. A few of my favorite places to find this inspiration around the web is at Cupcakes and Cashmere & What I Wore.

A Day for Love!

Happy Friday, lovers! And when I say "lovers" I am not necessarily referring to couples, but people who are lovers of LOVE in any shape and size. Today I wanted to feature a few of the things I am LOVING this week.

my husband.

photo by: Casey Mackenzie Photography

my job as an english teacher.

photo by: Selena Lake

food.

oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies from Picky Palate

Where I want to be...

Maybe it's because for a California girl, today is COLD. Or maybe it is because with my husband now in school, there is less time for snuggling. Either way, I'd love to find myself cuddled up with my hubby in any of these cozy nooks.

via My Shabby Streamside Studio

via Decorology

via Storage Glee

DIY Weekend Projects

Happy long weekend! How are you spending the extra time? I am finding time to photograph the snow covered foothills near my home, blog, and spend time snuggling with my husband and dog. Here is some inspiration for great DIY projects you may want to indulge in if you are lucky enough to find the time.

Inspirational Garland from Creature Comforts

Headboard from House*Tweaking

Yarn-wrapped Monograms from Evie S. Things of Beauty