Beaded Pinecone Ornament DIY

Beaded Pinecone Ornament

So here's what you'll need...


1) Glue Gun
2) Glue Sticks
3) Scissors
4) Ribbon or String
5) Pinecone
6) Beads

And here are a few more ideas for using your ornament...


Napkin ring


In vase or bowl for table centerpiece
Enjoy!
J.

Out and About in Austin

Happy December!
  I can't believe I'm saying that already!  Partly because of the amazing weather we've had...the 1st of December was in the 80's, sunny and lovely.  I'm not sure about the sun but it's still supposed to be 81 degrees today.  No complaints really, that's why I moved from the mid-west in the first place!  And I took full advantage of it yesterday! 
  It started out early, the dance studio I teach at had their annual holiday show, Breakfast With Santa, and I wish I had taken photos but it's really kind of too crazy for that.  However, I'm pleased to say that my little group of performers did fabulous, (despite the dress rehearsal the night before.)  They made me proud! 
After, the BF and I decided to head to the Triangle for a bite to eat, which was perfect because a couple of my co-workers were there at the Violet Crown Arts Festival, showing their wares.  I love the clean modern shapes of these pieces...


 The black on black earrings are my favorites! 


You can visit their site, jpear Design if you like what you see here.

After, we ate at Galaxy Cafe...

(Photo via)
Once again I failed to take pictures of because the BF and I were involved in a heavy duty, super intense discussion about the our future which superseded any pics of my French Breakfast, which was a slice of quiche, 1/2 a bagel and fruit cup.
  Anyway, we roamed the Triangle for a while before heading back to the car, and we stopped at one of my favorite local shops, SoLa.  I found so many great and reasonably priced items for people on my Christmas list!  Plus, I found these for myself... 


Yup, I fell into the "one for you, one for me" shopping trap but these were only $15...super sale!  I'd love to wear them today, but that requires a fresh pedicure...

  You would have thought this was plenty for today, but no, the studio still had one more holiday show, this time at the Georgetown Stroll.  Georgetown is a little further north of Austin, and is adorable.  The Square is filled mostly with restaurants and antique shops which aren't really me...

but I love the nostalgic feel of it at holiday time...


What are you doing this weekend?

J.

Can I Rock A Party Frock For Day?

I have a co-worker who can rock a party dress like no other...she doesn't save them for parties, but instead wears them wherever and whenever it pleases her.  I've even seen her take out the trash in a party dress!  This girl is getting her money's worth for sure.
I, on the other hand, have only worn my party dresses for just that- parties.  Usually weddings and I'll wear it more than once, provided that it hasn't already been seen by the crowd that I'll be part of on any particular occasion, but really all they do is hang out in my closet.  So out of curiosity, could I wear a party dress for day?  Well, turns out I can...


 
It took a little more thought to style it down for a day at work.  I've had this Nicole Miller dress for years, and normally I wear it with a red sash belt, my favorite Christian LaCroix evening shoes, and more bold make up but clearly, that would not be a day look.  

 
Flats, instead of heels made a huge difference!  I bought these hand dipped dyed darlings a few weeks ago and love them!  Strangely enough they go with way more than I thought they would.  (But, I do admit that I miss the height.) 


Instead of the sash, and because of the fact that it's strapless, a little shrug/cropped cardi was necessary for work.  But, because it's a party dress, I couldn't resist a little sparkle around my neck.

It was fun to step out of my box for a day, and I got loads of compliments on this look, but it is very different than what I usually wear to work.  But, just thinking about cost per wear changes the way I think about those semi formal barely worn dresses that happen to be taking up valuable space in my wardrobe, because this is not only party dress that I own...so you may be seeing more of them soon.  It is after all holiday party season, and how much easier is it to go from work day to night party when you're already wearing the dress?

J.

I've Only Changed My Clothes-I'm Still Me

It's been a long weekend alone for me...well, me and the cat anyway.  The BF and family members were gone for the holiday which left me with enough free time on my hands to do all the girly things that should be to young for my age/enjoyment bracket, instead of doing the things that I should have been doing but since there was no one here to remind me to do those things, I just enjoyed myself.  You know, trying things like completely different makeup styles, spending hours making different outfits in my closet and braiding my hair...


I purchased this sequined tank at Old Navy about 7 years ago, and this is the first time I've ever worn it.  It really should have left my closet years ago, but sheesh, it was only $10 and full sequins, not just the front but the back as well!  Seriously a steal...and now I finally found a way to wear it without feeling like I'm wearing a dance costume! 

Anyway, playing with how I look started to get me thinking, what if you could change over a long weekend, become a completely different person?  Ok, maybe longer than a 3 day weekend, but I knew someone who did just that over a summer.  She left the 7th grade as Naomi, you know, typical shy but fun girl with a bad sort of pixie cut (NOT cute,)


 (photo via )
and returned to 8th grade as Madonna, I swear to you!  Eye liner, big hair, and slinky dress, (extremely slinky for 8th grade!)  The boys went crazy, and they were right, she was a knock out, with an attitude to match, and most certainly defined herself as an individual in my small town.  Her personality matched her new look.  No longer was she the mousy girl I remembered but much more outspoken and definitely not shy!  This was a whole new person!  Secretly I was part in awe, part jealous...she was brave! 

And while I admired her spirit, I was not that bold...although I did go through a neon puffy paint phase...(I was a crafty kid.)
But what about you?  Are you or have you been brave enough to do a complete body/mind change?  Does what you wear reflect in your personality?

J.

Super Easy Impossible Pumpkin Pie

Super Easy Impossible Pupmkin Pie

So here it is in picture/word form:


Top Row-
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 can Pumpkin
2 tablespoons Butter
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1/2 cup Bisquick
3/4 cup Sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 Eggs

Enjoy!
J.

Closet Trend-The Peplum

Yes, I too have fallen prey to this trend and must resist the urge to indulge in more.  The peplum is easier to wear than I thought...


I got this one, my first, in July and I think my BF might be tired of seeing it by now.  Normally I pair it with pencil skirts but love how it looks with this 90's cropped cardi, (Yeah, I've had it since the 90's...) with the addition of my Doc's, it sort of takes it back to that grunge place...sort of...

What trends are you falling for?
J.

Out And About In Austin

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES J. A DULL GIRL.

So, even though I had mountains of housework to do I decided to enjoy myself for just a little while before I dug into the cleaning.
And first things first, eating was in order...


The BF and I went Kome' a Japanese restaurant, which was  packed for a Saturday!  I had the Sushi Lunch and it was so good!  The unagi was perfectly crispy around the edges...mmmm....(He doesn't like sushi so I rarely get to eat it...he had Ramen.)

Afterwards I dropped him off at home and I headed out to get some coconut water (I can't get enough of it!) and hit the Goodwill next door to the market.  (Which was also packed!)  I tried on a few things but didn't really find too much except for these clutches...

I love how all the colors look together!
Well I couldn't/didn't buy all three but I sure did think about it. Anyway, I think I had envisioned having Goodwill to myself that day, (this particular location isn't very busy during the week,) and wasn't in the mood to share so I made my purchases and went home...so which did I buy?

 
I love the texture and weave!  I couldn't say no!
Ok, and I bought this one too...


It barely holds anything, so I can't drag too much around with me!

I was very productive after my jaunt around town.  I've always been the kind of person who thinks that if I don't go to or do some work, then I don't get to have fun. Perhaps that means I need to balance my life out a little bit better...Have fun first, then work!
J.

Closet Debate-This Shoe Or That Shoe

I posed this exact question to my boyfriend recently, as I often do, (usually before 7 am, which I know is really not fair.)  But anyway, sometimes it's a hard choice and often I give up on a "look" because I don't have the "right" shoe for it, (Will you ever be found perfect black flat?)  On this day it went something like this:


 After several pairs had already been tried and passed by...
Me:  How about this one?
He:  Yeah, that's probably the best one.


Me:  Wait...what about this one?
He:  Hmmm...it's ok, the other one might be better though
Me (looking in mirror): Nope, I'm going with this one.
He: But the other one is just...there's just a little more something too it...

Though usually I agree with him, I wore the boot.  I wasn't feeling all that well and I knew I had some running around to do that day, and the heel wasn't as high, blah blah blah.  So maybe I'm an emotional shoe wearer...which would you have chosen?
J. 

Closet Accessory Color-Blue

Blue.  It's not a color that I wear very much or even very often, and it's not that I don't like it, but other than denim, it's not a shade that I own very much of.  (I prefer green.)  But lately it seems as though the hue has sneaked its way into my heart by way of accessories...


I love the blue/black color combo of the belt and the shoes (I was reminded that I had them about a week ago thanks to Cafe Fashionista) turned out to be way more functional in my closet than I had originally thought. The navy snakeskin clutch I picked up from the Hunt.Gather.Style. pop up shop back in February.  It's a little delicate but I use it all the time.

The scarf was a DIY using fabric left over from a dress alteration I did a few years ago.  I had been wanting to really make it into a more finished scarf instead of just a hunk of fabric which never did have quite the effect that I wanted. Finally, I decided to do something about it and it turned into a really great piece.  (Upcoming post.)  But then I had the idea (thanks to H&K Style Journey,) to try to make an infinity scarf from fabric that I had in my fabric collection box.  (Much to the dismay of the BF, but hey, I recently got it down to just 1 box...it was 3!)  It turned out really great and then I had the BIG IDEA that I would try to make a DIY video of it.  It took me a long time to figure out the technology (aka my iPad,) so yeah, I'm proud of it.  And I sort of had fun...for a while...So see it below...here it is...
J.

Super Easy DIY Remnant Scarf

Closet Conflict

It's a conflict...I moved from a cold state to a very hot state because I was tired of freezing!  I really don't complain about the heat too much but the clothes just aren't as interesting.  Oh the struggle...

I've had my winter wardrobe out and waiting for me for at least 4 weeks now but the record heat and humidity have had me reaching for sandals and tank tops instead.  (It's been around 85 to 90 degrees+ here with 88% humidity!) While everyone else is enjoying blazers and leggings the thought of throwing on a cardi just makes me sweat...It's not fair!  So on this particular day I decided that I was going to enjoy some of my more autumnal items and just deal with the green house effect I would be putting myself into...

This dress is one of the easiest go to pieces in my closet.  It's perfect for days when I have a lot of running around to do.  If it ever gets cooler here I plan on layering it with button downs and turtlenecks and scarves and leggings...should I even keep going?

Anyway, I wore it with some vintage silver bracelets from my BF's great aunt.  This photo doesn't really do either of them justice, the up-close details on the bottom one are amazing and the shape of the top one when worn is very modern and asymmetrical.

Well, I guess I'm off to hang out at the pool and contemplate my conflict...
J.


  

The Wasted Pants

I had been waiting about 6 weeks and for the hot weather to pass before wearing these pants... 




The night before, I was in bed giddy with my choice to wear the pants the following day, but when I woke up, my right eye was completely swollen shut with allergies...disgusting!  It also made me dizzy and I wasn't so sure that driving to work was a good idea, but that didn't stop me.  Allergy pills and eyedrops for breakfast, trying to clear it up, I was determined to wear the pants.  About 15 minutes before I was actually due at work, I could sort of finally see out of it, and decided to head out.

(I don't know why I wasn't freaked out about how it looked, it was really unattractive to say the least, and it was beet red the entire day.  Seriously, I was gonna wear the pants...)

Anyway, to make a long story short, I wasn't at work very long before I went home.  Enough people had seen me so that I wouldn't be able to wear the pants the following day.  I wasted the pants.  So here they are, weeks later, on a day that I was feeling much better...



J.

Hooray! Shoes!

Shoe update! 


These Sabrina's from the Doc Marten store in Portland are my favorite vacation souvenir.  They are so comfortable!  I've even worn them under a fancy maxi dress that's too long for me and nobody ever knew the difference...except me who wasn't experiencing any foot pain!

 
I found this pair of beauties for about $30!  They were marked as a size 7 but out of curiosity, I tried them on and they fit!  (I wear a size 5.) I can't pull them off too much longer with fall on it's way but they do look great with a black jean and simple tee while it's still warm...

 
You know how it is when you have a vision of something in your brain and that's exactly what you want?  (But never do find?)  Well these come as close to the idea of my dream flat ankle boot.  And at Target of all places!  (Actually I do very well with Target shoes, for some reason their sizing is just right for me...)  Yup, you'll have to pry these off my feet...

Now, if only I can find the perfect black flat...or loafer...both?
J.

Austin Afternoon

I found myself with plenty to do today but no desire to do any of it.  Instead, the BF and I got out butts out of bed and explored some things that we had been hearing about but hadn't yet tried...

We started out at this local deli on campus,



I rarely make it down to the campus area, the usual bad parking if you can even find any, etc, but it being Saturday made it a little easier.  I had the "Quick Lunch Special" with a 1/2 turkey pesto sandwich and pasta salad.  The sandwich had cucumbers and sprouts...mmm...

Afterwards, we went to Antonelli's Cheese Shop and picked up 3 cheeses...

 
 Clockwise from top left:
Moses Sleeper, a brie like creamy cheese
Kunik, Extra extra creamy...need I say more?
Brick, surprisingly soft and buttery
We also picked up 2 different types of salami.  I like cheese (a lot) but I'm not really very knowledgeable about it.  You definitely go for the experience, you get to sample almost everything in the shop.

Then we stopped at Drink.Well. a new joint in our old neighborhood and enjoyed an afternoon beverage...


  The BF declared that he would be here every night if we still lived there...good thing we moved.
But I did have a yummy house made twinkie.
Our last stop was in.gredients, a zero waste, package free grocery store. 


For the most part, everything is sold in bulk and not only are you are expected to bring your own bags but plastic or glass resealable containers for things such as cereal, flour, even laundry soap.  It's a very small selection but you can buy as little or as much as you need.  We picked up the baguette and milk as well as some local tea tree soap.

And now the salami and cheese is gone and my laundry is still all over my dining room table...well, it was almost a completely magical day...
J.

Making The Boyfriend Jean Work

I'm intimidated by the boyfriend jean even though it seems like something innocent and mostly casual.  I never know what to do with them except throw on a tee or tank with a pair of converse and therefore they aren't really work appropriate. 
But Hello Jacket Season!
After rummaging through my overly stuffed closet and trying to narrow down to a more season appropriate wardrobe, I came across my favorite jacket and this unworn floral tee purchased earlier this summer, and thought Voila!  I can wear this to work!

 
I wore a basic black peeptoe heel, an easy choice, but I'd still throw on my converse with this look if I was going to be hanging out with my nephew, much more conducive to scooter riding.  (I am an awesome "ambulance" scooter driver if I do say so myself...I don't get to pick, it's appointed to me.  And I make the noises too.  Think what you want.)

What's in your closet that scares you?

J.

As Short As I Go

And maybe I shouldn't really be going this short, but I love this Ace & Jig tunic/dress anyway.


  Perhaps it's more of a personal risk, since I never wear anything more than 2-3 inches above my knee...sometimes I think this length actually makes my legs look shorter.  (I feel this way about cropped pants too.)  Anyway, I envisioned it with black jeans and a different pair of shoes for fall when I purchased it, but it's so soft and lightweight, it was perfect for our spur of the moment evening of art and ice cream...



Mango rose pistachio ice cream with strawberries...yum!!

How short is too short?  How short do you go?

J.

More Pants In My Closet

Yup, I still want pants.  I admit, it's still really too hot for pants here, and probably will be for at least the next month, but when I look at these, I see possibilities...


  OK, yes, they're linen and they'll probably drive me mad with wrinkles, they need to be taken up at least 4 inches and not to mention the mere thought of chocolate and it's instantly on them, but I couldn't resist!  I can see these in my closet for years to come!  (These pants call for a celebration with my favorite Christian LaCroix red evening sandal...but no chocolate...)

This pair is as close as I can get to a perfect fit in pants off the rack.  Of course I had to have them!  I even like them rolled at the end...perfect for flats!

Well, the obsession continues...
J.

Closet Craving-Pants

Are pants the new chocolate?  Yeah, a risky look but I was craving pants...




 
I love the high waist of these Cory Lynn Calters, they make my legs look much longer, though I admit, I'm actually debating whether or not to take the legs a little shorter to wear with wing tips instead of my usual heels, I think I might wear them more often that way.


Close up of pants...tiny diamonds!

What closet cravings have you given in to lately?

J. 


 

New To My Closet -Black Denim

We all know that finding those perfect pair of jeans is perhaps one of the most daunting tasks on the planet.  I admit that I wear more dresses and skirts than jeans to avoid this problem, though I myself have been through MANY a denim shopping trip with my sister, J4, only to have her tell me a few weeks after her purchase that she doesn't really like them.  I do not have the time or patience to put up with that!  It may have something to do with the fact that she's probably wearing the wrong size or style but won't admit that to herself...like many other women I know.  So lately, because I've been in need of a new pair, when I see someone who looks great, I ask them what brand they're wearing.  This is a huge help to me!  I still end up trying on a lot of different styles but by narrowing down the playing field of options, I can get right to what I'm looking for...


 
Enter J Brand jeans.  I'm not sure why I'm only now trying them, they come highly recommended and I have found them to be extremely flattering on so many different body types.  I only have this one pair so far but I intend to try more styles. 
It has been a long time since I've had a black denim, in fact maybe since I've moved from the Midwest, where black was (is) sort of the uniform.  It just kind of goes with the weather. 
Anyway, it seems to me that the hipster scene in central Texas has always worn the essential black skinny jean, usually with an old band tee and Converse.  I'm just not that cool, I'm certain of that.  

J.

Latest Obessesions

Some of the things I'm currently obsessed with...


White and gold Zenzii bracelet.  This is one of my most favorite summer color combos.  (And I love the tiny tassel!)


Grilled peaches with Cajun Seasoning.  Sounds crazy but it's incredible!  You can try the recipe here.  (Local tip-If you happen to see a stand on the side of the road for Fredericksburg peaches, don't pass it up.  You won't be disappointed!)


New to me Fred Shand bedding.  (In fact, I'm sort of obsessed with all his prints.)  Mmmmm, silky...I may never get out of bed...

J.

Review-Snake Print Shorts From Swaychic.com

Swaychic.com offered me an item of my choice in exchange for a review, and I chose these snake print shorts... 


I admit that I normally prefer skirts to shorts but I literally only own 2 other pair of shorts and the great print on this pair sucked me in.  I love how the (very) high waist makes my legs look longer and my stomach flatter!  They run true to size, are 100% cotton and were very comfortable in today's 104 degree weather which says a lot!  The only thing that bothers me about them is that the fabric is a little stiff (and I'll probably sew the pockets shut but I do that with a lot of pants,) however, I have a feeling that with a few washings it'll soften up and be fine. 
Anyway, swaychic.com is a great site for finding that fun, trendy item without investing too much money.  I also wouldn't mind the stripe pleated dress and the cheetah top is on my list too.

What trendy pieces will you be adding to your summer wardrobe?

J.

Out And About in Austin

A day off!  I needed it! 
It's been a while since I've been out and about outside of my typical grocery store, gym, coffee shop haunts so today the BF and I went to a farmer's market that's relatively close to the house that we had not visited yet and though it was small, we were not disappointed!
 
These white things are squash.  I didn't get any...maybe next time... 



I love these colors! 


 
These are boxes from one of the local farms...how fabulous is the design/graphics?


  Random nearby rooftop...


Quick outfit pic...don't judge, it was still early on a Saturday morning for me, I needed lipstick or something...

Afterwards, we went across the street to the Hot Rod Coffee Trailer.

 
This man knows his coffee!  I've been here a few times before and have had an outstanding cup every time!  I need to stop here more often...

 I love this wavy bamboo fence behind the trailer.  (Bamboo grows like crazy here!)

  

And I'm not sure you can see the details but this paint splattered picnic table was awesome.


(The top.)  Sadly, it was falling apart and super splintery, not very shorts friendly in the summer if you get what I mean.
Anyway, off to make stew or something with my goodies from the farmer's market...


Have a great weekend!
J.