Christmas Wish List

Tonight, while enjoying Donny Osmond, Christmas lights, the Shops At The Riverwoods, Santa Claus, nutella crepes, and friendship - I stumbled across this beauty.  I must have it.  After I earn money, of course.  I love my initial necklace, but this little crown would not only be a reminder of 4 wonderful months in London, but it would also remind me to take a deep breath and push forward.

The necklace comes on a cute little sign that says Keep Calm and Carry On.  It is to die for.  Is it worth $58?  Perhaps.  Find more beautiful dogeared jewelry, here.

In London with Caitlin at Oxford Circus where they turned on the city's Christmas lights.  We dined on fancy drinks from Banana Republic and Catlin was hit on by a man who called her an ice princess.

 A year later in Provo, Utah.  This time we dined on nutella crepes and shopped at Soel. 

Friends are favorite finds, right?

I think finding quality friends is tough. Which makes it all the more difficult when they find someone they love and they leave me behind to get married. Here are a few of my friends who have been married in the past year or so.

(Ignore how ugly I look in this picture, please.)

Meet Kandace, married to the wonderful Glen.  She is my best friend (still, thank goodness!) who I go to for neosporin, a shoulder to cry on, Bones on Thursday nights, and girl talk.  She was first to go down, on my birthday no less.  What a birthday present.  I haven't ever told her that I cried all the way home from her reception listening to John Legend.  

 This is Rosanna, who married Doug.  I couldn't go to her wedding because I was madly working at the theater earning money to to go London.  She is a funny friend.  Thank goodness I have Comms 301 with her.  If she wasn't in that class, I might not go.  We check facebook and chat all through that boring class.  She is also who I talk to about boys - she's got great advice.  I still remember first meeting Rosa freshman year.  She gathered us all in her room, wrote down our names and asked us all about our boyfriends.  I didn't have much to share, of course. 

Amber was third to bite the dust.  I missed most of her romance with Andy but I was able to make it to her reception last January.  She was in the dorms with me freshman year and we were roommates sophomore year along with Kandace and Liz.

 Next was Courtney.  We were London friends.  We were the first brave ones to leave the Centre for the weekend and travel to Dublin.  (What a lame city.)  Unfortunately I was swamped with school when she got married in Newport but I was able to go to her cute bridal shower in SLC.  Her husband Mike was in my ward sophomore year, btw.  Amber, pictured above, may or may not have kind of dated him.  Small world in Provo, Utah.  Everyone dates each other.

 Lauren was next to bite the dust, again on my birthday.  No one can match her wit, except for Abby, who is her best friend.  Last night we (me, Kandace, Rosanna, and Abby) enjoyed a lovely dinner at her house in SLC.  We're bummed she lives an hour away but thank goodness for girls night which gets the 5 of us all together once a month.  I think we'll have to use skype when I'm in DC next semester.

  Next was Lilian.  I was able to go to her wedding in SLC but unfortunately I didn't snag any photos of the two of us.  We've been friends since just about forever.  We went to the same schools, were in the same ward, and both lived in Chipman Hall freshman year at BYU.  Our first weekend we were a little homesick and out of place so we bought a pint of ice cream from Cosmo's and downed it in one sitting.

Most recent was Ashleigh.  She was probably my best friend in high school and I was unable to make it to her wedding yesterday.  I was surprised when I learned she was in a relationship and getting married.  She didn't date much in high school and never seemed interested in boys.  Now she is married.  So weird.  I'm glad I got to go to her bridal shower before I left for school.  I wish her the best.  Doesn't she look stunning?  Love the lip color (and to see Ashleigh wear makeup is shocking)!

Out of the 39 girls that went to London: 4 are married, 5 are engaged, 3 are on or are going on missions.  I haven't even been back a year.

I sure hope Kacey, Catherine, Abby, and LeAnn wait a while before leaving me behind.  But, with their great looks, I'm sure they're soon to go.

So, here is to maintaining old friendships, enjoying current ones, and making new friends. 

Aubry is a new friend and I am sure I will make even more next semester in DC.  There, I answered my own question.  Friends do qualify as favorite finds.  I'm lucky. 

I'm hypothetically shopping

If I weren't saving to go to DC and if I didn't just spend way too much money to replace a piece of plastic on my car - I would be saving to purchase this dress for myself and these shoes for my mother.  Or maybe I could get a job at J Crew like my friend Kacey?  Not likely.  Have I mentioned I am taking 17 credits this semester?  Stupid.  I know. 

Help me make some money!

I am going to Washington DC next semester.  I have to sell my contract and pay for life in a more expensive city.  As a result, I am back to selling things on ebay.  I have two skirts for sale right now.  A hot pink Juicy Couture wool skirt and a cream PORTS 1961 skirt.  I would keep both but neither are in my size.  One was a hand-me-down that I intended to have altered and the other was a great find at a local store.  Take a look and make a bid!

Size 0 wool skirt by Juicy Couture

Size Medium cotton lace skirt by PORTS 1961

ebay

I'm selling some Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges in cognac on ebay.  One pair is a size 6, the other is size 10.  Both are brand new and in the box.  Minor spots due to shelf life at Target. 

I have a pair for myself that I wear all the time.  They are very comfortable and go with just about anything.  Not to mention, the are the SOLD OUT style of the season.  Happy Bidding!

Poppy Preppy & Chic

I made this outfit on Polyvore for a contest sponsored by the aforementioned company and Coach.  The contest was announced by Jessica from What I Wore who posts her daily outfits and gives fashion advice to the masses.

I hope you enjoy!

Blog Lovin'

I was mentioned on a fellow blogger's blog.  I do not really know how this whole blog world functions but I thought I would give it a try.  Thanks to Glamamom, I now have two readers/comentors (the other person is my mom). 

In an effort to make use of this thing, I am going to share the love as well.  I am not sure how useful I will be since I only have two readers but it is the thought that counts right?  Jill Seiman, of Glamamom is trying to gain exposure in the blog world for mothers.  Vote for her blog here.

While I am not a mother, nor expecting, her blog is still relevant to anyone looking for fashionable ideas.  I stumbled across her blog via the TJ Maxx profile on Facebook.  She is giving away a $100 gift card to TJ Maxx, my favorite store.  Take a look at her blog and enter here. 

I still love J. Crew

A few posts ago, I bashed on J.Crew.  They are straying away from some of their classic designs and getting extremely expensive.  However, this past weekend in Seattle, I was able to find some great items at a discount.  J. Crew will always be one of those stores where I wait until everything is on sale (and then wait for the additional 30% off) before making a purchase.  They definitely redeemed themselves this past shopping trip.  If only I lived closer to a J. Crew and could catch more of their extra 30% off sales...

Today I went to work at 8:45 and was off at 12:15pm.  I work at a movie theater.  Yes.  I just said that.  I am nearly 21 years old, and entering my fourth year at Brigham Young University.  I make slightly above minimum wage by serving people popcorn and working with high school kids.  That said, I cannot complain.  I attend church with the owners of the theater, which makes it very easy to get the shifts I want.  Also, I like the managers and they recognize my efforts and have become my good friends.  Anyway, that is beside the point.  When I work at the theater each summer, I get frustrated with dressing myself.  I am either in my oversize burgundy polo and black pants or in a swimsuit catching as much sun as possible.  Therefore, when I had to dash to a dentist appointment today, I took a few extra minutes to put on a cute outfit - because who knows when I would have a chance to dress up again!  All of my recent J. Crew purchases were at hand and I was able to put on a simple outfit that is stylish and more than just jeans and a top.  Here is what I put together.  Do you like it?

Here is the breakdown of everything I am wearing.
top: J. Crew $45.00 (I paid 30% off of $19.99)
skirt:  J. Crew $88.00 (I paid 30% off of $19.99)
belt:  J. Crew $39.50 (I paid 30% off of $19.99)
shoes:  thrifted Steve Madden

My mom was considering making our own embellished J. Crew-esque shirts.  She has been inspired by all the talented ladies who sell their items on blogs and etsy.  But by paying just $14 dollars for the real deal, it is not worth her time!

I have been looking for a cute denim skirt for a long time.  I wanted one with this shape that could be dressed up or down.  When I found this skirt for such a deal, I could not pass it up.  And I think it looks pretty cute on me too. 

I love shoes.

I love shoes.  There is no denying it.  My grandmother loves shoes.  My mother loves shoes.  I love shoes.  I bought and returned two pair today because I loved them so much but didn't have the money to keep them.  I still got satisfaction in taking them home trying them on multiple times and seeing how cute the looked on my feet.  While returning at Nordstrom, I came across these beauties.  I hope they don't sell well so they end up at Nordstrom Rack and eventually in my closet.  I would take them in any color - but I love the navy best.

I also picked up some adorable Betsey Johnson earrings.  I have been wanting some like this for a long time.  They are more than I usually spend on earrings and I will probably end up returning them because of buyers remorse - but I love them just the same.  I'd show you a picture but I can't find them on the Nordstrom website or anywhere else.  I guess that means they are popular!

Summer Reading

While sitting in class today, I decided to start a list of books I want to read this summer.  My summer will be short this year.  I stayed for spring term and I have to be back on campus August 18th for work.  However, I am determined to make it through as many of these books as possible.  In keeping with the theme of this blog, if I find the book to be significantly above average and worthy of the term "favorite", I will feature a little synopsis on this blog and explain why I liked it.  Some of these books are for pure enjoyment, while others are of a more serious note.  Here goes - if you have any suggestions, please add to my list.

• Night - Elie Wiesel
• Uncle Tom's Cabin - Harriet Beecher Stowe
• The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
• Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen
• Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella
• Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Middlemarch - George Eliot
• The Age of Innocence - Edith Wharton
• The Portrait of a Lady - Henry James

Last on my list is to finally finish Henry James' Daisy Miller.  Even though it is a short story, I have started and restarted it too many times to count.  This summer, I will read the entire work straight through so I do not have a chance to forget what I read only to restart it a while later.  Also, now that I am looking over these books, I have decided I am in the right major.  So many of these books deal with American topics.  I am excited to really delve into my program this fall - hopefully I still like it in the midst of a busy semester!

I am in a contest.

I randomly decided to submit a picture to a local facebook contest.  I am a finalist.  I need as many people as possible to "like" the photo I submitted on facebook.  Here is where I need you.  Please log on to facebook and "like" Skweez's profile.  Then follow this link to the picture and "like" it as well.  Easy as pie.  If I win, I get a gift certificate and some other goodies.  

Bargain Find

I coveted these shoes for the longest time.  J Crew is so expensive I thought I would never own them.  The shoe gods are on my side however, because yesterday I scored a brand new pair at Down East Outfitters for $24.99.  When they first appeared in the catalog a year or so ago they retailed for $165.  Take that J Crew!

Shopping at stores like Down East, TJ Maxx, and Ross require frequent visits.  Fortunately for me, I find hunting through things very therapeutic and a great break from school work.  I will definitely be going to Down East's tent sale in Orem and Draper June 9th - June 12th.  See you there?

New Favorite TV Show

Well okay, maybe not my new favorite television show - NCIS still takes the cake.  However, this is a close second.  Bones, starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz is based off of the best selling novel series by Kathy Reichs.  It is about a forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent who pair up to solve crimes that otherwise would be impossible.  Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan is very intelligent, yet lacks knowledge about pop culture and never manages to understand a joke.  Special Agent Seeley Booth is the typical handsome and witty male character who is in love with Bones.  Only now in the fifth season is this story line really coming out.

I started watching the show three weeks ago on Netflix (their live streaming is the next greatest thing since the iphone).  I am hooked.  I have about six more episodes until I am completely caught up.  The season finale was on Thursday night, and from what I have heard on the internet, it was a good one.  I don't just like the show for the romantic banter between the two main characters, I like it because it portrays a beautiful, intelligent, rational, and strong female character.  I like that, compared to other crime dramas, it does not focus solely on sex crimes.  I like it because it is humorous as well as emotionally touching.  I like that Agent Booth has a strong Christian belief system.  What can I say - I just love it.  I will finish the season in the next few days.  After which, I will start reading the book series.  The television show is loosely based off of the books and I will probably be a bit disappointed.  But at least it will give me a chance to learn more about the world of crime.  After all, I do want to work for a federal law enforcement agency.

Tulip Week: Day 3 - Stationary

I love nice stationary, I always have.  Perhaps this love was passed down from my dad who also loves a good business card or letterhead.  What makes me love stationary even more?  When nice paper, an organized format and my favorite flower are all combined into one.  Unfortunately I was unable to find a stationary set, but I did find two pieces that I believe are very attractive.  The first is a blank greeting card featured as part of the "Blooming" series on this website.  Check out the other flower cards available with pre-written or blank messages.

 

The next piece of stationary is a formatted as a gift tag sticker but could easily be printed on card stock and used as a nice notepad or even used as a business card (in the right setting - it is a little casual).  This print is a more childlike rendition of a tulip which adds whimsy and character.  Links to this gift tag sticker and other creative art can be found here.

  

As always, stay tuned for tomorrows favorite tulip find!

Tulip Week: Day 2 - Bouquets

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  Thanks for being such great parents.  Consider all these bouquets I post on here a gift to you both.  I love you!

When I get married - which wont be for a very long time - I am going to have tulips everywhere as centerpieces and bouquets.  Here are some of my favorites. 

 

I love the combination of tulips and the various pink and purple flowers in this bouquet.

 

I love how clean and simple these parrot tulips are in the rectangular vase.  The color and lines are so beautiful. 

 

This is what I imagine my bridal bouquet will look like, except with deep pink tulips.  

  

I love the inclusion of tulips in these bouquets.  Also, I couldn't help but notice that the bridesmaid dresses are from J Crew, which I love.  I think this color scheme is really pretty for an outdoor summer wedding.  

Stay tuned for tomorrows feature on tulip stationary!

Tulip Week: Day 1 - Clothing

I have decided to have themed posts each week.  Not only will these themes help me look outside the box but it will give me items to post about on a daily basis.

This weeks theme is tulips.  I love tulips - no flower is more simple and beautiful at the same time.  This love comes from my mom's love of tulips.  My dad always gives her tulips on Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and their anniversary - which is tomorrow!  Two years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the end of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  Many of the heads had already been lopped off, which was tragic to see, but at the same time the festival opened my eyes to the many varieties of tulips that exist.  Nothing was more beautiful to me than the fields of red tulips, all perfectly arranged in rows.

 

May Day 2008

I began my hunt looking for tulip clothing - done in a non cheesy way.  The most common result to my search was a tulip shape dress or skirt.  The skirt below was featured on a blog titled La Catrina.  I love the tulip shape of the skirt and the interesting abstract print.  My only fear about this shape is that while it will accentuate a narrow waist, it might make one's hips look much larger than they actually are.

 

My next favorite tulip find is this dress from loveclose - T.  The blog appears to be a new business so I am not sure how well the clothing fits, but I can tell you, if this dress were a bit longer, I would buy in in an instant and pair it with a cute cardigan for Easter Sunday.  Is is possible that it is really only 18 dollars?!

If you have any suggestions for weekly themes, please let me know!  Stay tuned for tomorrows post featuring some of my favorite tulip bouquets. 

Michael Kors

I love Michael Kors.  I love him even more because I can find his designs at TJ Maxx.  Last summer I saw many variations of this clutch and now I am regretting my decision not to buy one.

 

I also love all Michael Kors watches.  I am constantly scanning ebay looking for a bargain.  The gold and tortoise variations are my top choices.  What do you think?

  

 

Polo Olympic Gear

No designer represents American style like Ralph Lauren.  I loved the outfits the athletes wore to the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver BC.  Yes, the white sweatpants were a little casual but I loved the overall look, even the Denver boots.  I would love to get my hands on the knit hats they wore but I cannot find them anywhere, even on the Ralph Lauren website.  While scrolling through the gear I found this beautiful shawl sweater available for both men and women.

If you visit the website, take a look at the video featuring many athletes in Polo gear.  I love it.

Olympic Spirit

The blog was intended to be the location for my favorite fashion finds.  Instead it is going to be a collection of my favorite things - whatever they may be.  Right now, my favorite thing is the Olympics.  I love snuggling up in the cabin and watching hours of NBC coverage of the competition. 

Eight years ago, my family attended the Olympics in Salt Lake City.  We were fortunate enough to attend the mens 1500m short track speed skating and the first ever women's bobsled competition.  In both events, the United States took gold.  Most memorable was the short track where Apolo Anton Ohno skated to a second place finish only to have the first place finisher be disqualified.  I remember the Korean throwing his flag to the ice and skating over it in disappointment and the crowd erupting in cheers for Ohno.  Our seats were at the end of the arena and when the medals were presented, they were facing us!  Also that night in the Delta Center, the Canadian figure skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier were awarded their gold medals after the judging controversy involving the Russian skaters.  I love the Olympics and as I watched Apolo Ohno compete the other night I couldn't help but be proud.  Not just proud that he is an American but proud that he is a fellow Washingtonian who is a great competitor with true Olympic spirit.

Apolo Ohno Skates to Gold in 2002 

I am excited for the rest of the Olympics and I hope one day I can attend them again.  GO USA!

Normally

Normally I don't like the dresses that are intended to look like a skirt and blouse.  I figure you might as well buy the two separate pieces and wear them together because they will probably end up fitting more proportional and looking better.  However, give credit to Anthropologie for finding a skirt/blouse/dress that does not look like a train wreck.  The true test is to see what it actually looks like on an average girl.  I would love to have this for Easter Sunday.  If only it wasn't so expensive!

 

This also comes with a yellow and purple skirt.  Maybe it will go on sale before April?  I hope so.  There is no way I am paying $118 dollars for it.  I hope I can blog about how perfect it is in the spring.  I hope I hope I hope.  

Classy Cardigan With a Twist

I popped into the Forever 21 store at the Gateway mall in Salt Lake the other day and fell in love with this beauty.  I love the bright contrasting colors and the classic design.  In the store it was paired with a cute camisole of the same color palette.  My favorite part of this cardigan...the gold buttons.  Gold is my absolute favorite metal color because it is timeless.