loving >> week 64

Hi!

This week was pretty busy, even for only having three days of school! There were plenty of tests to finish before break, but nothing could stop a little Valentine’s Day present from my parents to make my day. {It was Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter, in case you were wondering.} Finally, the deadline for the voting for the Valentine’s Day Photo Contest over at American Girl Fan is wrapping up, so I would really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to vote. Thanks everyone!

Moving on. I’m loving…

seventeen’s march 2013 issue

March is not my favorite month. By a long shot. But my view has started to turn up a little when all of my March magazines are bursting with bright color, springy fashion, and gorgeous sun-filled photo shoots. Maybe March isn’t that bad after all… Here are my favorite articles from the recent issue of Seventeen.

• the influencers I love reading and finding about cool things people are doing, wearing, seeing etc. The girls in this article all rock their own unique style, and I enjoyed learning more about them!
• 5-minute makeover I would be lying if I said I haven’t had bad hair days :) Hairstyles that are quick, easy, and work on my shoulder length hair are my thing.
• get killer confidence! Gabby Douglas was on my watch a TON during the Olympics, so I always like seeing her pop up in an article every once in a while. She had some really good tips on confidence and such.
  
• styles that rock This spread was amazing. I fell in love with the neon colors and bold looks. While I am not quite so daring to rock the multiple patterns at once deal, I will definitely try out the colorful shorts, shirts, and makeup this spring. 

sheena’s one by one project

Sheena over at The Little Red House has come up with a project that I am so excited about. It’s called One by One, and it’s simply encouraging anybody and everybody to make a tiny difference. The tasks seem simple enough, but I know for fact {like challenge one: smile!} will help out. And it is not difficult at all to tag along. There’s no “linky” or dozens of steps. Ready to make a difference? Check out Sheena’s original post to learn more.

boden’s warehouse sale

My wardrobe consists of lots of Boden, so to tell you that I like these sales is an understatement. I loovvee them! Unfortunately, due to the snow, the original date from last Saturday was postponed until tomorrow, but in my opinion, it’s just a case of having to wait a little bit longer :) It is so very fun, and such a good way to stock up for spring and summer. I’ll be on the lookout for sundresses and patterned skirts!

hipster branding

Design humor, my friends, is funny :) This blog is a collection of logos that have been “hipsterized,” in other words, very minimalist with lots of arrows. Some of my favorites are McDonald’s, IKEA, and Coca-Cola.

{via}

february break!

I now have a week of full relaxation ahead! :) Although I had a mini snow day vacation earlier this week, I have been looking forward to my break for a LONG time. Anyhoo, I have plans for lots of baking, reading, and hanging out with friends. {and hopefully a few surprises for the blog, as well!} Can you tell I’m excited?!

Have a happy weekend!

style snapshot // september

Because I can’t think of a good title, guys.

Time for another Style Snapshot! With school ramping up, and the whole back-to-school phase is over, I see my friends slowing going back to their routine of sweats and tees. While I understand school is not meant to be a fashion show, no one ever said that you can’t look good for it! :) I created five outfits for each day of the week, and included some hair tips as well.

Monday

On Mondays, I like to start the week off with a bang. I have loved this mustard-colored shirt with the peter pan collar detail ever since it came out, and I think it would make a great statement when paired with some basic skinnies. I would keep the hair and makeup basic, perhaps throwing on a fun headband or little twists on the side. Cheetah-print Sperry’s finish it off.

 

shopping guide

• Pretty Collar T-Shirt
• Jeggings
• Slip-on Boat Shoes

Tuesday

On Tuesday, a sweet, floral print dress is enough without any accessories. To continue with the “delicate” look, I would do a simple ballerina bun with a skinny headband in my hair. Finally, brown flats could go with just about anything, especially dresses and skirts!

shopping guide

• Pretty Pintuck Dress
• Bow Ballet Flat

Wednesday

I think Wednesdays are the worst. It’s the middle of the week, my day is packed, and the last thing I want to do is to stress about what to wear. To brighten up everyone’s day and make my morning go a *but* quicker, I would wear a simple, but cute pullover sweater with bright pink jeans :) Do a few mini fishtail braids and I am good to go!

shopping guide

• Textured Jumper
• Skinny Jeans

Thursday

I find that everyone dresses casual on Fridays, but I like to surprise everyone and dress “down” {in Bella terms, at least :)} on Thursdays. A gray tee is a staple in anyone’s wardrobe, but when you add forest green jeggings and a printed scarf, it doesn’t look so basic anymore. Now that it is officially fall, I feel that moccasins are a must! For hair, I would go with a side braid and headband.

shopping guide

• Favorite Scoop Neck Tee
• A&F Jeggings
• Printed Scarf
• Moccasins

Friday

Finally, on the last day of the school week, I would keep it comfortable with a sweater {love that bow!} and my favorite jeans. Add the booties that I desperately want, and I’m out the door.

 shopping guide

• Knit Sweater
• Jeggings
• Suede Jazz Boots

What have you been wearing this school year?

B :)

loving >> week 42

Hi!

I’m loving…

seventeen’s october 2012 issue

Guys, I went into a grocery store last Saturday to buy the magazine, and it wasn’t THERE. It made me very sad. Let’s fast forward to Tuesday. I went grocery shopping with my mom, and I was able to buy it! Fun story, no?

Here’s what I enjoyed most in the October issue of Seventeen…

• top ten fall style picks! This was Seventeen’s first time doing Reader’s Choice Fashion Awards, and it included categories of all kinds, such as Trend You Cannot Get Enough Of and Celeb with Crush-worthy Style. I agree with most of the winners, and it made my day knowing that I already own some of the pieces shown :)
• amazing hair every day I so so so needed this. I will be using this constantly as the school year goes on!
• make your season count This was a several page article on how to have the best season in fall sports. It included tips from pro athletes, {which I appreciated} good food for energy, and a cool-down workout. Perfect for my soccer practices and games!
• pretty amazing My. Gosh. Everything these girls have done are outstanding. Each year, Seventeen host a “Pretty Amazing” contest, with girls that have accomplished things that are considered, well, you know, amazing. They finally narrowed it down to the winner - Lindsey Brown, who helps girls in undeveloped countries grow more confident through soccer.
• nina Nina Dobrev is awesome. That is all.

{via}

finding nemo

Yay! :) Finding Nemo has been released in 3D! I get so giddy when it comes to Pixar films, especially when they are being re-released in theaters. Finding Nemo is a classic, and I’m sure, if I do catch it in theaters, that people of all ages will be attending. I do adore Dory.

vera bradley’s newest pattern

In honor of the upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vera Bradley is releasing their newest pattern, Ribbons next Thursday, September 20. I am in love with the bright and vibrant color scheme, yet its much more subtle than Va Va Bloom. Although I do not *think* they are coming out with any new products, I just have to buy a bag in this. You know, a little back-to-school treat :)

this adorable ad

Quite possibly the cutest advertisement ever. Seriously.

I am now a huge fan of penguins.

the long weekend

I have never wanted Friday to come so badly. Although I have been in school for only eight days, I feel like I have been back for over three months! I hope that with the long weekend ahead I can catch up on a few projects, watch some shows, and do some baking. On Tuesday, I will be refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to put these tips into action.

Have a delightful night!
B :)

Starting School

Hi!

I think it’s time for another photo story, guys :) This one is about Ruthie’s first day of school!

Ruthie walked into the school with butterflies in her stomach. It had been a few months since she had seen her friends, and she was nervous about her classes. Thankfully, her good friend Isabella saved her a seat in the auditorium for the Welcome Back assembly. Ruthie and Isabella chatted about the theater camp Ruthie attended and Isabella’s trip to Hawaii until the principal began the speech.

The students were handed their schedules with instructions to go to homeroom. With the help of a map, Ruthie was able to find Ms. Garcia’s room without a problem :)

When Ruthie found her locker, she was greeted with a pleasant surprise. Her friend Zoey was her locker buddy! Ruthie couldn’t believe her luck, and Zoey was just as happy to see her friend.

While the two girls decorated their lockers, they caught up on each other’s summers and compared schedules. Zoey also took art as an elective, so they would see each other again in the afternoon.

Now it was time for Ruthie’s first “official” class – Math. Ruthie doesn’t really like math, so she wasn’t looking forward to it. However, her teacher, Mrs. Delmenico, was friendly, and convinced Ruthie that she would have a good year.

Ruthie’s next class was ELA. They went down to the library, and the class was given the opportunity to take out books. The bookshelf had so many options that it was hard for Ruthie to choose!

She finally picked on Pride and Prejudice. It was a bit lengthy, but Ruthie thought she could finish it by the end of September. Even then, she knew she would be back to check out more books!

Ruthie’s third period class was French. They picked their French names and worked on greeting one another. Ruthie and Isabella were often found giggling over how fun everything was to say in French! :)

Ruthie’s last class before lunch was Science. The teacher, Mr. Sakes, let the students partner up to complete a Textbook Scavenger Hunt. This year, they will learn all about plants, animals, and ecosystems.

At lunch, Ruthie sat with Isabella, Hannah, and Julie. She packed her lunch herself the night before, and Ruthie was anxious to eat her homemade sugar cookie.

After lunch, Ruthie went to Art and Social Studies. In Social Studies, they made big All-About Me posters to hang up around the classroom.

Before she knew it, the bell rang, and Ruthie’s first day was all done!

Have a lovely night!

Bella :)

Psst. Want worksheets and more for your doll school? Click here and here.

 

 

loving >> week 40

Hello!

I’m loving…

american girl’s september/october issue

The autumn magazines are always the best, wouldn’t you agree?! I read my newest AG issue from cover to cover, and I think it was one of the best of 2012. Here are the articles that I enjoyed the most…

• monster cake Cute cakes make me happy. I love the playfulness of the two, and I think they will be perfect for my sister’s birthday in October. Will they come out as cute as the ones in the magazines? Noooo, but they will be fun to make! :)
• fearless Gosh, I think I loved the design and illustrations of this article more than the article itself! Hehe :) Anyhoo, this showcased three girls who participate in daring activities. {karate, flying, and soapbox derby.} It was interesting to read about, and I learned some new things!
• haunted hotel party Fall parties are the best. You can do so much, but a common theme is Halloween. This article took a new twist on it, and made it a Halloween Hotel Party. I can’t wait to try out the recipes myself, but it had some good party games and decorations as well. Oh, and did I mention it came with stickers?!
• farmer’s market This is too cute! There’s no other words to describe it other than cute. I now need to go to Michael’s so I can buy this stuff.

new york fashion week

Aren’t you excited?! New York Fashion week officially starts on Thursday, September 6, and will run to the following Thursday, September 13. I can.not.wait to see what is revealed on the runways, not to mention the incredible street style outside! There will be lots of pictures, thankfully, because there will be plenty of outfits that will need to be pinned :)

method’s orla kiely line

Yes, I’m so cool that I like to talk about soap :) Just kidding, but, for real now, aren’t these bottles gorgeous? My mom picked up some soap in Primrose and some all-purpose cleaner in Pear Ginger and they are the BEST! Not only do they smell nice, the bottle design is so fun and totally brightens your day. If only someone would convert the pretty patterns into bags…

this book

Despite the slightly negative title, I adored this book. I loved Jennifer L. Holm’s Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf, but I wasn’t expecting a sequel. When I saw this on Amazon, however, I jumped up and down with happiness! A quick read, I devoured this in an hour {nothing beats reading on your porch with some lemonade} but this graphics are so utterly amazing that you will want to go back and flip through it again. {to clarify, its told through letters, emails, etc.} Not to pressure the author or anything, but this fan would like another book! :)

my chalkboard wall! 

Isn’t it pretty? After one hour and plenty of chalk, I had adorned our chalkboard wall with the alphabet, which screams back-to-school. I walk by it all the time, and I can’t help but smile. Obviously not everyone will feel the same way, but I’m the artist, so it’s all good :)

School starts next week, everyone. I’m ready, but not ready, you know?

Have a lovely rest of Friday!

B :)