loving >> week 76

Hello!

It’s been a lovely and busy week, but I am very happy that it is finally the weekend.  I hope to spend most of my time making a few things and hanging out outdoors. It is predicted to be in the high 60′s and low 70′s all day tomorrow and Sunday, so I hope that is the case!

I’m loving…

blog inc.

I’m so happy I put this on hold at the library! Blog Inc. is a quick read, yet it explores all aspects of blogging, from social media to effective design to advertising. It is chock full of helpful tips, and I’m sure it will come in handy as I do some bigger updates to the blog this summer. The author, who writes her blog, Oh Joy!, is very skilled in the area, and I only wish I had this book when I just started out as a blogger. My favorite part would definitely be the interviews with famous bloggers and other business owners worldwide. It was interesting to see everyone’s view on things! Anyhoo, it is a worthwhile read, and I encourage new and expert bloggers alike to read it themselves.

homemade ice cream

To celebrate Mother’s Day, my family got her an ice cream maker! Now, doesn’t that sound like the perfect gift? :) Along with a few starters, our ice cream maker has been in use all week. We’ve only tried vanilla out {not wanting to get too crazy here!}, but I can already tell you I will be eating homemade ice cream all summer long. I can’t wait to make some chocolate, which is my favorite flavor, as well as use some toppings, like chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and crumbled cookies. Do you have any tips when it comes to making homemade ice cream?

teen vogue’s june/july 2013 issue

Sigh. There is six weeks of school left. SIX weeks! I’m hanging on, but I really do wish June and July could come sooner :) Thankfully, my pink-hued covered Teen Vogue came today in the mail, and it screams summer! Here are the articles that caught my eye…

• power play I totally agree with the statement that it is best to look healthy and strong, and this article really got that message home! I can’t wait to try out the full-body workout included.
• para para paradise This entire shoot was gorgeous! I loved the warm tones of the outfits and the photos. This one makes my list of favorite fashion articles of the year.
• water works This was another well-photographed and well-designed shoot. The swimsuits were pretty and colorful, and I liked the vintage feel.
• mane event Growing out your hair can take a long time. I’m going to keep this tips in the back of my head!

so you think you can dance

The summer season of television has begun! I’m really excited for the bunch of shows premiering this month, and it kicked off with So You Think You Can Dance earlier this week. I am always amazed at what every dancer can do, and it is a really inspiring show. The auditions this week were interesting, to say the very least, and it was nice to see all of my favorite judges reappear again. They sure know how to have fun on the show!

this video on the history of typography

{found here}

Finally, I leave you with amazing and stunning video on the history of typography! It is a really nice summary of everything that happened in the type world in just five minutes :) While worth a watch! Now, I’m very curious to wonder, how in the world did all those letters get cut out?!

Have a wonderful Friday!

loving >> week 68

Hi!

I’m so happy it’s finally Friday, as it seemed this week dragged on forever. Thankfully, my weekend looks pretty relaxed! I’m loving…

teen vogue’s april 2013 issue

Aren’t we all looking forward to April? For me, there’s school break, play festival, and the last term of the year starts. It will be here before I know it! Until then, here’ what I enjoyed in the April issue of Teen Vogue…

• gym class hero Although the pieces are pricey, I am in love with Stella McCartney’s collection with Adidas. Gorgeous pieces that allow you to work out in style. You can’t ask for more than that!
• shay’s way I know I’ve talked about Shay Mitchell in the past, but she is so inspiring. I love to read about down-to-earth celebrities! Not to mention, the shoot {outfits, hair, and all} was beautiful. I cut out so many photos for my bulletin board :)
• dream weaver Braids are on of my go-to styles this spring, so I liked seeing someone else’s take on the classic style! Some of the choices were a bit too eccentric for me, but I am looking forward to trying a few out.
• game of thrones One, Gabby Douglas is all sorts of awesome. Two, I feel I need to get a pair of those cool Nike wrapping shoe things for myself.

wizards of waverly place: alex vs. alex

The day Wizards of Waverly Place ended was a sad day. My family and I all were big fans, so I think we are all kind of excited to see that they are back :) In this hour long episode, Alex and her family travel to Italy to meet up with family, but Alex ends up creating two versions of herself! It premieres tonight at 8/7c on Disney Channel.

vera bradley’s disney inspired handbags

Vera Bradley and Disney is a genius combination, and I am surprised it hasn’t been done before! As a bag-loving girl, I love that Minnie and Mickey made their way into the designs. Personally, I’m digging the bright pink pattern {it’s almost a bubblegum pink and oh-so cherry} although the black one looks rather stunning with the pops of color against it. The patterns have even better names – “Midnight with Mickey” and “Just Mousing Around.” The bags aren’t available until the fall, but that’s no reason not to get excited!

disney’s croissant de triomphe

Speaking of Disney, have you seen this brand-new short with Minnie and Mickey?! It has been a strong year so far for animated shorts {Paperman, to name one} but this is too cute for words. Minnie doesn’t have any croissants left, so she asks Mickey for help. The animation is incredible, and it’s in FRENCH! You really can’t beat that :)

{via}

st. patrick’s day!

Finally, St. Patrick’s Day is coming up this weekend on Sunday! I don’t go all out {no crazy headbands or wigs here} but I will try to incorporate some green into my wardrobe that day. Will you show a little St. Patrick’s Day spirit?

Have a happy Friday!

*Psst. For anyone else who watched Glee, wasn’t last night’s episode really good? Next week’s looks like a good one!

loving >> week 63

Hello!

I’m loving…

to and from’s valentine’s day gift guide

Valentine’s Day is coming up, but meanwhile I am oohing and ahhing over all of the gorgeous items featured in the February issue of the online magazine “To & From.” Their Holiday 2012 Gift Guide was outstanding, and this one may be even better. They had some lovely bloggers contribute, and added fun features, like interviews. You can also send an anonymous email to any family member to know what you want! Aren’t they just so smart? :) My favorite spreads would have to be The Gifts for Food Lovers and Kids sections.

the grammy awards

The 2013 award show season has started, and this upcoming Sunday is the “night of music,” the Grammy Awards! I always love watching the performances and admiring all of the singers’ outfits :) This year, some of my favorite artists, like Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Fun., and of course, Adele, are nominated, and I’m excited to see who will win! If you would like to watch, it is this Sunday at 8/7c on CBS. Who do you want to win?

teen vogue’s 10th anniversary issue

I love getting a Teen Vogue in the mailbox, so I was really excited to see a big issue for March last week. Teen Vogue is celebrating ten years, and their anniversary issue did not disappoint at all. Here are my favorite articles…

• on the road This entire spread was stunning. I am in all sorts of love with the photography and outfits.
• ten years of young hollywood It was so fun to see some of the most famous stars today in photos from way back in 2004! I liked comparing them, and was nice to see how far everyone has come.
• growing up obama I literally have such a style crush on Malia and Sasha’s wardrobes. Their styes have evolved so much in the past four years! A mix of preppy, polished and classic is right up my alley.
• chloë’s world Chloë Grace Moretz is an aspiring young actress, and I was happy to catch up on her latest projects.

helvetica

I am such a font geek, so it would make perfect sense for me to watch a documentary all about a typeface! :) My mom, dad, and I have been enjoying Helvetica, which is all about the development and use of this infamous font. We still have another thirty minutes to finish up, but it is really good so far. I love all of the interviews with the graphic designers and learning the origin of Helvetica. This is one I would definitely recommend!

upside downton abbey

I’ve been following Season 3 of Downton Abbey for a few weeks now {and gosh, those past few episodes were shocking! hehe.} but nothing compares with Sesame Street’s parody “Upside Downton Abbey!” It is beyond adorable, and their Carson and Lady Grantham are spot-on. Obviously, the intended audience may not understand, but it makes mighty good entertainment for the Downton fans!

Have a lovely Friday, everyone!

Bella :)

loving >> week 59

Hi!

I’m loving…

vera bradley’s spring 2013 line

Vera Bradley released their Spring 2013 line on Wednesday, and they have come out with a bunch of cute items! The four new patterns are lovely, and I am digging the new hair accessories. Jazzy Blooms {upper left} is one of my faves, because of the pops of color against the slate gray background, not to mention that it could really work year-round. Midnight Blues is just as fun; I adore the color combination that they chose! Purple, indigo, blue, and hints of marigold scream spring to me. Plum Crazy is probably my least favorite out of the bunch, but it’s not bad, especially in small doses. {like bobby pins or a cute wallet} Finally, Go Wild is a cool mixture of hip and trendy {the animal print} with something more sophisticated. Overall, this release was a hit for me!

teen vogue’s february 2013 issue

I know I’ve mentioned how much I love February magazines, so we’ll move right on with the show :) Here’s what I liked most about Teen Vogue’s February 2013 issue…

• kids in america Teen bloggers obviously rock, so I really liked these bios on four pretty awesome fashion bloggers. They all had their unique taste, but as a whole, I think that they represented what a big industry blogging has become.
  
• born this way Lea Michele is gorgeous both inside and out. I was so happy to hear that she has become L’Oréal Paris’ new “face,” as well as to hear her thoughts on beauty.
• the new girl AnnaSophia Robb is down-to earth and fun to read about! She is starring in The Carrie Diaries as the leading lady, Carrie Bradshaw. Plus, the photographs for the article has this retro feel, which I was all over! :)
• crazy beautiful I loved this honest article on how society perceives beauty. It was truly interesting to her all side on what people thought about the “edgy” look. This magazine came while I was reading The List, and I think that they both tied in together.

{picture from Ashley Benson’s website}

pretty little liars

Pretty Little Liars makes for a happy, happy Bella! :) The winter premiere was this past Tuesday, and along with the rest of the teenage girl population, I am anxiously awaiting the next episode. I have not read any of the books {coughslightlybadwritingcough} so I go into each episode with no idea what will happen. The latest one was chock FULL of surprises! I definitely don’t trust Mona, and the janitor guy is pretty suspicious too… What did you think of the episode?

patti murphy’s 365 things project

I am all for accomplishing things, as well as making experiences and trying new things, so I think the 365 Things to Think, Believe, and Do Project is right up my alley. Led by designer Patti Murphy, you complete a task each day, like “Learning to Fishtail Braid” or  ”Treat Yourself to Dessert.” Fun, yes?! :) What I love most, though, is that you don’t have to do every single thing – it’s flexible, which is great for busy girls like yours, truly. I’m so excited to get started tomorrow! {better late than never}

emma magazine

Emma magazine is fairly new to the online world, with their first issue coming out last month, but they are already insanely popular! Described as “Martha for a 20-something,” {such a fun motto!} it’s filled with recipes, crafts, outfit ideas, even printables! With blogger contributors, like Jamie at A Pair of Pears and Sherry at Young House Love, I’m sure that they will gain even more attention in the coming months. For now, though, I’m reading through and collecting inspiration as I go! :)

Have a lovely Friday!

loving >> week 47

Hi!

Sorry for disappearing off this week! Life took over, but I prepared a Love List for you all to enjoy. You can also say hi to me over at Youth Literature Book Reviews, where I guest posted today!

Moving on, I’m loving…

taylor swift’s new album

I think we all love Taylor Swift, even if it is in the tiniest way possible :) I have been waiting and waiting for the release of Red {digging the album cover, by the way} and it is only a mere 3 days away! I can never seem to get “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” out of my head, and her other singles have been a hit, so I can just imagine that Red will do amazingly well! Buy it right along with me when it comes out this Monday, October 22.

teen vogue’s november 2012 issue

I find that November can be a bit of a drag when it comes to magazines. Sorry to disappoint all those who are fans, but Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday {we should really just skip to Christmas, right?!} and there’s nothing too exciting going on. Nevertheless, Teen Vogue‘s November issue wasn’t that bad! Here’s what I liked the most…

• here comes the sun I am a total Broadway junkie :) Seriously. So, anyhoo, Annie is returning to Broadway, and the sweetest girl, Lilla Crawford, is taking over the role. I’m sure she will do AHmazing!
• brand me While I’m not a fashion blogger, this article was still helpful! It gave tips on how to get your blog known, which, with all the social media these days, isn’t easy.
• trading places I’ve always wanted to switch places with someone for a day, so the next best thing is to read about it! :) Jane Keltner de Valle switched places with Bryanboy, and I really enjoyed looking at each person’s day.
• cold play I hate the cold. Looking cute while staying warm, however? That I don’t mind.

elementary

I love, love, love BBC’s Sherlock, so I thought I might as well try the other Sherlock show, Elementary. And, while I went into with the opinion that nothing could compare with Sherlock, it did surprisingly well! Jonny Lee Miller plays a great detective, and I look forward to seeing how his character develops as the season goes on. I love that Watson is a girl in this version, and I think that Lucy Liu was the right choice. Right now, my dad and I are only on Episode One, but we hope to catch up in time so that we can watch next week on Thursday. This will tide me over until my other Sherlock friend is back on :)

 

you are my fave

Everyone should really visit the lovely blog, You Are My Fave. There’s darling post titles, totally awesome DIY projects, and just bits and pieces to make you smile :) What’s not to love? One post that caught my eye was this Mini Bags tutorial. They look stunning, yet are totally doable. I can’t wait to try the lace one out this month. The letter ones could work great for a pick-me up for a close friend or a good luck present before a big game or show. Finally, the stamped and stitched one is perfect for little gifts. Clearly, you can tell why this blog is one of my faves. {see what I did there?! hehe.}

homemade halloween @ oh happy day

Halloween is getting closer and closer, and I have seen so many cute costume and projects floating around lately! I’m not in need of a costume {Minnie Mouse ears? check!} but if had a little girl or boy, I would dress them in these adorable costume ideas from Oh Happy Day! She has been posting them steadily this month, but the past two have been my favorites {airplane and Eiffel tower} Make sure to check back next week for a spooky themed Love List! :)

Have a lovely day everyone!
Bella :)