Trend To Watch - Bug Jewelry

I've noticed more and more that insect inspired jewelry is coming to the fore-front lately. Beetles, Butterflies, Caterpillars and the like are beeing seen more and more in magazines, movies and television - even on shows like my favorite, Game of Thrones -

Sansa's butterfly/moth (?) ring isn't the only bug bling on the program either - she also had a dragonfly necklace, and other characters are also seen wearing bug rings and bracelets. I wish I could find if her ring is available for sale somewhere though - anyone else found it?

Honey bees have caught my fancy the most lately - Especially when the designs incorporate honeycomb shapes as well. This little "bugger" from JewelMint is cute - 

and my Etsy favorites have been "swarmed" with bees lately (har har)

This necklace in particular is up there on my wishlist - 

I have a few pieces of bug jewelry in my possession already, but those are comprised of mostly butterflies and spiders. I've been thinking of adding a few beetle bugs and other creepy crawlies to the mix, and I've found quite a few sparkly slithery things that would work out just fine - 

  

 

I'm not sure I have enough guts to wear a live beetle brooch, but a silver counterpart would be just fine.

Would you wear insect jewelry?

I hope all my post didn't "bug" you :)

-B-

Tuesday Shoes-Day!

In today's Shoes day post I want to share with you all a pair of shoes that I have been lusting after on Zara for quite some time and how I would wear this for a summer BBQ or even a day out shopping.

(Disclaimer: This is just a suggestion as I know my tastes are quite different then most.)

 

 To me nothing is easier to wear then a pair of jeans and a tank top and while it may seem like a boring combination there are many things you can do to jazz up this boring combo. 

Since I've been obsessed with colored pants these last couple of weeks I think these sandals would go perfect with these colored jeans and this simple swinging tank. Though it may seem crazy to pair light pink pants with a shirt that doesn't have any pink in it, that's what makes the outfit interesting. Just consider the pants a part of the "White" family and then they will feel more like a neutral. If you want to be even bolder you could wear this tank with some patterned pants. Its your outfit though so put your own spin on it and make it work for you!

*J* 

Eats - Crab Salad Stuffed Eggs

I hope everyone had a fun and memorable Memorial Day weekend! I've enjoyed a fantastic 3 days off, including a family barbeque on saturday that included a wide array of food and other than the chips most of it was made by me. Many of the dishes were old family favorites, but I made a few twists on the original. Like these deviled eggs - instead of the traditional yolk filling, I made a really simple crab salad to stuff them with.

Its primarily imitation crab meat, and diced celery. I didn't want something with too much mayo since we were having the party outside, so this has the bare minimum I felt it needed to hold it together.


Crab Stuffed Deviled Eggs
(makes ~1 1/2 dozen)


9 eggs, hard boiled
2 stalk celery, diced
6 oz imitation crab meat, diced
~1/4 Cup Mayo (eyeball it as I mention above)
Spices to taste (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper)


Cut eggs in half, discard yolks
Combine remaining ingredients for the crab salad
Stuff eggs with crab salad.


These eggs were a hit - I also made traditional deviled eggs, and one with added Sriracha for a spicy kick. They all got eaten in no time.


Do you have any traditional picnic foods? I'd love to hear your recipes!

-B-

Tuesday Shoes-Day

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Shoesday! Since sandal weather has finally arrived for most of us in the northern hemisphere, I thought today I would feature a few of my favorite pair of sandals!

These gladiator sandals from Jessica Simpson are one of my favorite pair for summer - they can be dressed up or down, and go with any number of dresses, pants skirts, you name it! I was drawn to them initially because of all the buckles and zippers. I sort of wish I had gotten them in black now, but I like having this pair in my arsenal for when I want more "subtle" shoe statements. They are pretty high, but since they have a wedge heel I find that they are surprisingly comfortable.

This red suede pair is another comfy set, in spite of the height. They were a steal for $13, I got them at Burlington Coat Factory and while they aren't a name brand the quality has stood up for the amount of abuse I regularly put my shoes through. The color is so fun and a great punch for neutral outfits.

Do you have a favorite pair of sandals for summer? Tell us about them!

-B-

Book(s) Of The Month - May Edition

It's been a little slow on the reading front, but this month I've been reading multiple books.

I first knew about Garrison Keillor from the radio show A Prairie Home Companion, and I actually read his other Lake Wobegon book called Pontoon. These books based on life in a fictitious small town in Minnesota are pretty hilarious, in my opinion, so I've been enjoying them.


Jen and I have also been reading the 50 Shades Grey series. My opinion about the books keep changing, because I think the whole premise is entirely too cliche and it makes me put them more in the category of a romance novel than a legitimate novel. I'm intrigued by the characters though, which is why I keep reading, although I'm sure Jen is getting tired of me getting to certain points and sending her text messages along the lines of "OMG REALLY THAT IS SO SURPRISING, oh wait- no it's not", or musing back and forth whether the books were sponsored by Converse and Audi.


Jen is actually lending me the books, which is kinda a leap of faith on her part because she is like me in that her books are her babies, and she is sending 2 of them over the great lakes for me to borrow. I told her I promise that I would keep them out of the twins' reach. They're too busy with their own books anyways - My BF and I recently got them a whole series of matching books that they love





So if you think about it, I've got a lot of books in circulation this month. My eyes are tired!

What are you reading lately?

-B-

DIY : Growing Celery

Remember one of our pins of the week?

Check out this orginal blog post on how to re-grow celery from cuttings

Well, I did it!

It's been growing pretty steady. Hopefully it will continue growing well so I'll be able to enjoy it.

Have you done anything you pinned lately?

-B-

LBD!

Hey look it's me! I know it's been a while since I've done an outfit post and I'm sure you want to see something more exciting than a little black dress but what could be more exciting that a LBD with classic tailoring?!?!

Working two jobs again really seems to put a damper on my creativity so I'm trying to revamp my wardrobe using classic easy pieces that will still give me a little bit of a punch. Lets face it, when you know you have a long day ahead of you the last thing you want to do is wear a whole bunch of fussiness!

And that's all about that!

*J*

(Necklace: Dots?, Dress: H&M, Watch: Target, Shoes: Charlotte Russe)

How Does Your Garden Grow

Since I've been living in a house for the past year or so and finally have a chance to put down roots I've been trying to cultivate my green thumb. I have a few houseplants as well but the wee ones have managed to knock most of them over so they are a little sad at the moment until I can get them re-potted. Outside is another story - In the fall I planted a lot of bulbs, and sat back and crossed my fingers. By the time they sprouted I had forgotten what exactly they were supposed to be. The day the first one bloomed I was so happy! Not only because they grew in the first place, but because I love Daffodils!

Something about Daffodils just makes me happy. They also make me think of Alice in Wonderland. I half expect them to start talking to me when I'm out in the yard.

They've all died off now, sadly, but I've got some more plants to add in for the interim since daffodils will come back every year. They spread, too, so in another year or two my garden will not look so sparse.

Last weekend I did a lot of gardening, and while nothing has blooms yet I'll post an update on them later on.

Happy Gardening!

-B-

Tuesday Shoes-Day!

So in an effort to bring you all some new content Beck and I have been doing some brainstorming on some new posts for you guys. This is one of the new ones. In case the title was self explanatory enough, on Tuesdays we are going to either features shoes we love and wish we had or what outfits we think the shoes would look great with. Here are just 3 that are on my wish list now:

This peep toe bootie is courtesy of Zara but as of today I can't seem to find it! I am so thoroughly disappointed and hope that it will show up again soon so I can purchase it

This grey wedge is from Target and has a funny story. Beck was out shopping one day and decided to send me a picture of her with these shoes on and of course I fell in love with them. I don't know if I should be glad she showed me them or not...I guess that depends on whether or not I will be able to buy them this weekend!

Last but not least is another pair of lovelies from Zara. Since most of my wardrobe seems to be colored but not my shoe selection. These lovelies would help bring some pizazz to my feet! Classic and modern all at the same time!

Now wipe the drool off and go buy some shoes! You have my permission.*

*J*

*Feel free to send us pics of your new shoes as well so we can drool some more over the shoes! 



Do What You Can

Hi guys! I've been trying to kick myself in the butt to get something ready to post here. I have a lot of drafts in the works so hopefully it'll be back to regular blogging! The end of April took a lot out of me between back to back craft shows and a benefit walk. Things are calming down now so I was busy taking some pictures last night and this one stuck out at me - totally unstaged but this was the fortune on the top of the pile of my collection.

Just a little reminder that you dont always have to go all out - Just be yourself and that is enough.

-B-

My humble abode!

I just wanted to give you all a little peek into what I have been keeping myself busy with...my new home! There is still lots to be done like making the yard prettier and more enjoyable but at least it's cleaner than it was before!

The backyard is pretty large and has a bonfire pit so I hope that there will be lots of fun backyard parties to come this year!

The only room that's the closest to being finished is the living room. It's not a big room but it's cozy and comfortable.

As always I will get you all more pictures later. Oh and can you tell I'm addicted to my new Instagram app. That's what you call fake photography!

*J*

Just a quick note of explanation

Hey guys,

We're still around. I hope you weren't worried about us. Moving is hard but even harder when you are working a full time job and a part time job 3 nights a week. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I haven't forgotten about you. While I keep up with Beck on a fairly regular basis I realize I don't do that as often on here. Between moving and work it's been hard to be truly inspired with anything while I'm still trying to wrap my head around living in a house versus an apartment. I am not making excuses because when I started this blog I realized that sometimes life is more than just what I put on the Internet. What I do feel is that you all deserve some kind of explanation and an understanding that I haven't given up on this blog and everything it represents.

As we said in the beginning life changes and so do we. The same things goes for seasons in our lives. Beck has been busy as well and we realize that we have left you all hanging. While I apologize for our lack of communication I do not apologize for my life. Sometimes it may take me away from you but you will never be forgotten. I hope you all understand that this is just temporary and in no time we will be sharing all our antics with you again!

Sincerely Yours,
*J*