Days of Play: Easter Egg Art

Make it and Love It is a favorite DIY blog of mine.  There are tutorial for everything from clothing re-fabrications to home decoration projects.  You've seen other projects posted on this blog.

Anyhoo, I came across this fun and simple idea and thought, "Hmmm.... that would make Gramma Ginny's heart swoon!"  If you have a loved one you'd like to have the kids make a craft for (or if you want one for YOU, YOU, YOU) try this cute one!

Source: Make It and Love It

Click here to get step-by-step directions complete with photos.

Enjoy craft time with your kiddos!

Fashion Friday: The Little Black Dress--from Day to Night

Okay, okay, I did a rant on disasterous LBDs a few weeks ago. In that, I told you that your LBD should be able to go from day to night with nothing but some accessory changes.  Today, I'm gonna prove it.

The base dress here is from Ann Taylor.  Lovely.  Sophisticated. Sexy (without being slutty).

Wearing your LBD casually:

Black Dresses by Ann Taylor
Scarves & Wraps by Ann Taylor

Wearing your LBD to work:

Black Dresses by Ann Taylor
Boots by Banana Republic

Wearing your LBD for a night on the town

Black Dresses by Ann Taylor
Evening Shoes by Forever 21

See you just can't do this with a skimpy, tight LBD. Be wise when you buy your LBD and get ready to work it!

Things I Love: Resurrection Eggs {Repost}

This is a favorite Easter tradition at my house so I had to share it (again!).

Family Life has this delightful tool to help teach children about Easter, Jesus and the Resurrection. They are called Resurrection Eggs.

The eggs come in a hard plastic egg carton.  Each egg has a different toy that represents part of the Easter story and a handy little book that tells scripture you can read to children to help explain the significance of the toy.

Every year before Easter I start hiding eggs.  Day 1, egg 1.  Day 2, eggs 1 and 2.  Day 3 eggs 1-3.  You get the picture.  With each new egg my children and I read the scriptures and discuss the meaning.  It is pretty cute to hear M.E.'s version of the tale.

Day 1--Donkey--Jesus rode a donkey into Jrsulm and people shout ShoHanna! (her pronunciations)
Day 2--Judas betrays Jesus for thirty monies.
Day 3--Jesus had one last supper with his friends.
Day 4--Jesus went to the garden to pray.

It is pretty great!

If you are interested I suggest looking into Family Life to get a set!  The set is under $15 and can be re-used every year (this is our 3rd year with our set and it isn't getting old at all!).

What I Think About--Gift Cards

Ever get a gift card and feel thrilled with it and the possibilities it held?

Ever get a gift card and feel let down--like you weren't worth the effort to find an actual gift?

Welcome to my schizophrenic feelings toward gift cards.

Not so long ago on my facebook page I posted this: "ah, gift cards. I mean, what a nice way to say, "here's $15--go find your own darn present!"

You should have seen the response!

Half the people loved gift cards because:
A. They were teachers and met their quota of baked goods, apples, and teddy bears four years ago so that $5 Starbucks card was akin to liquid gold.
B.  They usually buy stuff for others and gift cards force them to buy themselves something (I must learn this trick. I generally buy stuff for other people with my gift cards).

The other half hate gift cards because:
A. They are impersonal
B. It feels like you are swapping cash (One year at Christmas my husband and his older brother swapped $50 gift cards to Cabella's.  That made sense, right?).

I think that gift cards are okay when used in certain circumstances:

1.  They've been asked for (I won't even get started on how greedy I feel it is to ask for cash or gift cards.  I saw a Baby Blues cartoon today about a little girl throwing a shopping party.  Her birthday guests would go shopping with her and buy exactly what she wanted--straight to the greed!  Oops, I said I wouldn't get started and then did.  My bad.  Sorry!)
2. You don't know the person very well (distant relative, secretary, teacher).
3. You honestly can't think of a good gift idea (finally an acceptable cop-out!).
4. The person is in a position where you remember cash coming in handy (wedding, graduation, just moved).

There are circumstances when I think you should avoid gift cards:

1. When you are in an intimate or close relationship with someone (in this instance, knowing what that person would want or what size to buy says a lot about your relationship).
2. When it is a super-special day (your 5 year old would rather open a $1 gift that looks big than a gift card if she's anything like my kid!).

What I think about gift cards is they are a necessary evil--use them only when necessary.

Your thoughts?  Gift cards--yay or nay?

If You Haven't Already Heard ...

about One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp then watch this video.  It might be the best six minutes of your day.



Now, let me implore you to not wait another day to order this book.  Click here to go to Amazon to buy a copy!

I've read the first chapter of this book.  That's it.  But I've read it three times and that should say something.  Like it is awesome.  Like I'm connecting to what it says.  Like I have some work to do.

Voskamp is challenging us to live fully right where we are--in the midst of stress and pain and uncertainty--to find beauty and grace and 1000 gifts in the way God delights in us no.matter.what.

I will caution you that Voskamp is incredibly poetic and uses analogies and metaphors that are lengthy and wordy and sometimes, down right confusing.  But reading and re-reading them to discover why she chose that word in this spot is exactly the kind of thing we SHOULD be doing with our Bibles (but it is sometimes easier in other works).  So practice with Voskamp and then turn your attention to Colossians with the same vigor!

If I didn't entice you to buy the book, then at least visit Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience.

The Difference Between Hearing and Listening

As I watch you move the lamp and climb onto the couch I tell you, "No, that's dangerous."

You look at me with a smile that says you heard me and choose to disregard.

I consider intervening and then wonder, for your own good, if I ought to let you learn the consequences of your actions.

I take that route.

The lamp falls and will forever lean to one side.

The remote controls go everywhere.

You slip, flip, and fall on to your head.

Loud wails.  Tears.  Red faced.  Something that looks like tears but is probably snot or drool.

I feel bad; yet at the same time I think, "Perhaps next time you'll listen to me."

And then it hits me.

Maybe God feels the EXACT. SAME. WAY.

Is He talking to me and I'm hearing but not listening?

I swear I haven't "heard" Him in weeks.  Or maybe it's been months now.

Has he stopped even bothering to try and talk to me because I don't listen, whether I hear Him or not?

What I'm feeling now, is this a consequence for hearing and not listening?  Do I feel separated because even worse then not listening, I've stopped even trying to hear?

May my red eyes and tear streaked face be a welcoming for You to hold me and comfort me and encourage me to listen ... next time.

Daniel Fast Menu {Week 1}

Sarah from Frontier Kitchen asked that I post my weekly diet for the Daniel Fast.  So, here's a recap of week 1.

Remember this is a vegan diet.  No animal products (dairy, eggs, meat, butter).  No sweeteners--natural or not (white sugar, cane sugar, molasses, honey, agave nectar, splenda, etc.).  No leavening (no bread or anything with yeast, baking powder, or baking sugar).

During his fast Daniel ate only fruits and vegetables.  However the original language was "foods from seeds, which is why the diet does include whole grains (whole wheat pasta, oat bran, etc.).

Finally, though we can use soy, almond, or coconut milk sparingly, we are not allowed to drink anything other than water.  No herbal teas, no juices, no soy milk to drink.  Just water.

Now that I've covered the bases, here what we ate (okay, not "we" as in kids just "we" as in Matt and I. The kids ate their general foods at breakfast and lunch but ate the same dinners).

Monday
Breakfast--Strawberry-banana smoothie with coconut milk
Snack--rice cake with natural peanut butter and bananas
Lunch--Vegetable soup
Snack--ants on a log
Dinner--black bean stirfry served over brown rice (This meal was more of a one-pan skillet dish than stir-fry.  It was filling and tasted okay but not my favorite.)

Tuesday

Breakfast--Hot oat bran with diced apples, raisins, and a dash of cinnamon and ground cloves
Snack--corn chips and salsa
Lunch--whole wheat pasta and marinara (fancy for spaghetti)
Snack--raw veggies and roasted red pepper and garlic hummus
Dinner--Greek stuffed peppers

Wednesday
Breakfast--potato and onion frittata
Snack--apple slices
Lunch--beans and rice in whole wheat tortillas
Snack--Triscuits (original) and hummus
Dinner--Vegan chili with homemade corn muffins

Thursday

Breakfast--Blueberry and banana smoothie with soy milk
Snack--bananas, peanut butter, and raisins
Lunch--hummus and veggies, whole wheat tortilla wraps
Snack--mandarin orange
Dinner--Antipasto Pizza  (Okay, this pizza tasted good BUT the rice crust totally fell apart so it was more like a rice pizza casserole.  This week I'm going to follow marinara directions but put it on flat bread!)

Friday

Breakfast--Tofu breakfast scramble
Snack--apple
Lunch--tomato basil soup (use vegetable broth, omit Parmesan, and use soy or rice milk)
Snack--veggies and garlic scape hummus
Dinner--chipotle black bean burger (omit onion soup mix) with organic corn tortillas, tomatoes, diced onion, and green pepper

Saturday
Breakfast--Whole wheat shredded wheat, soy milk, banana
Snack--rice cake and PB with banana
Lunch--baked potatoes with homemade salsa
Snack--ants on a log
Dinner--spinach pesto over whole wheat pasta (omit Parmesan)

Sunday
Breakfast--peanut butter and banana smoothie with coconut milk
Snack--strawberries
Lunch--Greek salad
Snack--Triscuits and hummus
Dinner--Mexican black beans and brown rice (black beans, Rotel tomatoes, cilantro, brown rice and lime juice) in whole wheat tortillas

Some other things we ate:
Oatmeal raisin cookies (dense and filling)
Amy's Vegan soups
Organic store bought corn chips (I tried making my own with this recipe and we did NOT like them)
fruit salad
banana ice cream (only one ingredient!)
popcorn

My Exercise Plan:
Monday/Thursday: 30 minutes on the elliptical, P90X Ab ripper
Tuesday/Friday: 45 minutes on elliptical
Saturday:  Elliptical for one hour and Elise Gulan's 10 minute ab workout Straight To The Core

Days of Play--Edible Play Dough

Want to play playdough but afraid kids will eat it?

Well then whip up one of these batches of edible playdough.  Fun you can eat!


Kool- Aid Play Dough

• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 Cup Water
• ½ Cup Salt
• 3 tsp Cream of Tartar
• 1 Package of Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of your choice)
• 1 TBS Cooking Oil
In a large sauce pan combine all of the dry ingredients. One they are blended slowly add the water (premix with the oil) mixture.

Place on the stovetop and stir over medium heat.

When it is all combined, pour into a large pan (9x13) to cool.

Once it's cooled you can hand it over to your kids and let them start playing. The good news is this play dough can be stored in Rubbermaid container and you will be able to use it for about 6 months.

Peanut Butter Playing Dough For kids that love to eat peanut butter (obviously NOT for those with peanut allergies)
• 1 Cup Peanut Butter
• 1 Cup Karo Syrup
• 1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 ½ Cups Dry Milk

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Add more wet ingredients as needed.

Place the play dough in an air tight container and store it in the fridge. It should last about a month.

3 Way {March} *and a valuable lesson*

Welcome to March's 3 Way Challenge!

(If you want to know more about the challenge, click here)

My "uniform" challenge this month was to wear a sweater three times.  I chose a blue wool sweater that used to be Matt's but had an unfortunate run in with our dryer.

Here's what I came up with:

Sweater, khakis, structured jacket, ballet flats and necklace for a Sunday afternoon.

FYI--I was having a bad face day.  I won't subject you to that kind of torment.

Brown cargos, leopard print ballet flats, sweater, and gold jewelry galore for a "do nothin'" day at home.



Jeans, orange Tee, sweater, the locket Matt got me for our 6th month dating anniversary (it's okay, you can say, "awww!"), and a pair of shoes that pre-date my oldest child by quite some time.



From this mix up I learned a valuable lesson: I can't stand this sweater.

Every outfit felt forced and frumpy! Ergo, the sweater is now in my "giveaway" pile--surely someone out there will love it!

Anyhow, since I disliked each and every outfit posted here, I'm going to leave you with a look I love!


April's challenge: wear a dress three different ways. I challenge you to find a dress in your closet and work it three ways during the month of April!

Things I {DON'T} Love: Hello Debby Downer!

Well, it just feels like it's time for another installation of things I DON'T love. You know, before you start thinking I'm too PollyAnna-ish.

I DON'T love:

1.  Driving Under the Influence (of a cell phone)

Seriously, 90% of people think they are better drivers than everyone else.  That math doesn't add up.  Most people over-estimate their ability to drive and pay attention. You cannot text and drive.  If you do, you shouldn't.  It's dangerous.  If you don't care about yourself and your children, then stop typing and driving for my sake and my children's sake!

Source

2. Hammer Pants

I can't STAND Harem pants.  Really, these need to go the way of M.C. Hammer!  No one should touch this.  Ewww!  Really, they look like giant diapers and anything that makes runway models look sloppy isn't touching me!

Casual Pants by Paul & Joe
Shorts by McQ by Alexander McQueen

3.  One-piece clothing (also known as adult onesies)

I SO DON'T LOVE one-piece pant suits!  When we were in Vegas we took in a Guess Fashion Show and there was a model who was tall and thin and everything I hate about models and she was in a one-piece pant suit that made her arse look like it was a double wide.  Eww!  Rompers?  Double Eww!  Yes yes, they are all the rage.  I bet this rage is gone in a year. Here's hoping!

Cropped Pants by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Wide Leg Pants by Juicy Couture

4.  Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen. Enough said!

Source

5. Shopping with children

I can't stand going grocery shopping with my kids.  Phew!  There.  I said it.  I know some moms who think this is a great time to explore and have color conversations with kids.  I've even had a mom friend who gave her child fake grocery lists to do scavenger hunts with (seriously, I'm not making this up). To me grocery shopping with kids feels like "fight with your children constantly about why they can't have this, or that, or that" time!  Even worse--I hate it when grocery shopping has to double as my "alone time."

How do you make a trip to the store with kids an event that doesn't make you want to go join Charlie Sheen and his "winning" team?

Source

So, what DON'T you love?

What I Think About--The "I" Word{Guest Post}

Today's guest blog was penned by Sarah.  I talk about Sarah all the time on my blog because she's one of my closest friends who just happens to make great cheesecake.  Please take the time to read her post and then pray for her.  And if you really want to encourage her, leave a comment (or go to her blog Frontier Kitchen, and leave a comment there).

Sarah is pouring her heart out with with Shell at Things I Can't Say.

************************************************

If you’ve ever spent an afternoon with a group of moms, you’ll notice that we talk about pretty much anything: television shows, kiddos bed times, date ideas, pregnancies, allergies, books, our child’s developmental milestones, in-laws, vacations, house hunting, etc. But there’s one thing that we rarely talk about…

Infertility.

The “I-word” often seems to be taboo. And understandably so. Everyone prefers to talk about the joys of pregnancy and cuddly cute new babies. Those of us who have dealt with infertility would rather pretend it doesn’t exist; pretend that we’re normal and 100% emotionally stable. When, in reality, all it takes is someone innocently asking, “So when are you going to have another baby?” to send us out of the room bawling.

I know. I’ve been dealing with the “I-word” for the past two years since I had a miscarriage and lost our precious baby in 2009.

I’ve had countless tests done. My regular doctor can’t find out why I’m going through this. I’ve seen an infertility specialist. Right now I'm literally days away from an invasive surgery to determine if endometriosis is the remaining possibility. 

I feel completely isolated and alone in dealing with this issue.

But as it turns out, second-time infertility is very common. But nobody talks about it. We see many of our friends and coworkers with one child or with large gaps between their children and assume it’s because they used birth control and/or they were too busy with their careers to want another child.

As a Christian, infertility has challenged my faith in ways I never expected. It’s really popular to hear Christians refer to Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Or similar passages that speak on God fulfilling the hopes and dreams and goals that we have, if we believe in Him.

But yet, even though I’ve wanted, hoped, and prayed for God to bless us with a baby for the last two years, He hasn’t.

I continue to struggle on a weekly basis with the life God has given me even though I’m incredibly blessed with a wonderful husband and daughter. God’s met all our physical and financial needs every day of my life. And in my heart, I want to walk in the path He has planned for me, whatever that may be.

But, more than almost anything else, I want another child. I always envisioned myself as having 3-4 children. I planned on being a mother first and having a career later in life.

But perhaps God’s will is different than my own life plan. He knows that I have no desire to teach before all my children are in school. Perhaps He isn’t giving us another child because I’m meant to start teaching next year as our only child begins kindergarten. Perhaps my persistent baby fever is a gift from God and meant to be directed towards the children I will teach. Perhaps some of them will be from broken families and need someone to be in their life daily to care for them unconditionally and be their constant champion and supporter. Perhaps by being that person, I will make a huge impact on the direction that child’s life takes.

All I know is that dealing with infertility is emotional and isolating. Because we don’t talk about it. I only know of one friend who is also dealing with infertility right now even though I’m sure there are more.  I pray for her almost daily because I know the pain and heartbreak that is accompanied with infertility.

Essentially, I’m writing this because I want you to know that if you’re dealing with infertility, you aren’t alone. Infertility may be taboo but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, talking about it is painful but once you do, you’ll be able to find friends and family you can go to for emotional support.

Anyhow, I don’t have any answers on this topic but would love to hear your thoughts.

Ants

We have ants.

I've never had any sort of critter living in my house before that wasn't supposed to live here.

They give me the heebie-jeebies.

You know what the worst part is?

Everything I read tells me that ants go into dirty houses where food is left out.

I DO NOT have a dirty house! I mean, I would drink water from the toilet (if it was absolutely necessary) and eat anything that fell onto my floor.  Yep, my house it *that* kind of clean.

So why are they here (and by here, I mean they are living in my master bathroom) and what can I do to get rid of them?

Ideas? Advice?

Daniel Fast

Here's the deal--I've been struggling with my spiritual life lately ... and I hate it.  I'm not sure what's really going on but my prayer life and Word life have just been, well, non-existent really.

I sort of need a "shock" wake-up so Matt and I have decided to do the Daniel Fast.  The Daniel Fast is based on two scriptures and is a vegan diet (with more restrictions).  No yeast, no leaven, no sweeteners (including natural sweeteners).  YIKES!

I really haven't fasted much before but I do believe in the power of fasting to encourage one to study, pray, and focus like crazy. 

I am doing this fast to help these areas (click here):

My Body--No, I am not unhealthy but I do believe there are areas of my health that can be improved.  I eat too much sugar and processed junk.  This fast will help detox my body.

My Flesh--Right now my emotions are pretty shut-up (I tend to close down when stressed).  Fasting will put pressure on me and may make me want to: give up, shut down, rebel ... I think seeing these "things" in my flesh and contrasting them with the fruit of the spirit will help me develop good thought patterns.

My Soul--Spending quality time in meditation, The Word, and prayer will help my soul take my flesh captive! 

Mostly, I am doing this 3 week fast to draw nearer to Christ!

But I'm nervous.  I'm anxious that "flesh" desires for tea with creamer or chocolate ice cream will win.  So please, pray for me.

And for my sake, if you have any good vegan recipes, send them my way!

Days of Play: Family Movie Night {Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs}

I recently came across family movie nights from Plugged In and I have to say I'm hooked!  Once a month I'll share a movie night we've done and loved!

Why have a family movie night? 

Well, besides having some good quality time with your kids and a fabulous excuse to eat popcorn, Plugged In states:

"A Movie Night is a golden opportunity for parents and children to have a meaningful, biblically based discussion about one of the better films coming out of Hollywood. It's also the term we use for the downloadable curricula we've created to help you accomplish that."

Did you catch that?  There is downloadable curriculum to help you create a successful family night.

First up: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG).

Start your family night off cooking dinner together.

Make meatballs, spaghetti, and salad for dinner.

Source

 If you need a good meatball recipe, click here.

Next, pop up some popcorn, make a cushy spot to snuggle as a family, and watch the movie.

At the end of the movie, hold a discussion with your kids.  Some sample questions from the Plugged In Movie Night curriculum:

1. What kind of problems does our community face and how can we help?
2. What does Sam pretend that she isn't smart?  Why do kids make fun of Flint?  What should you do when kids don't use kind words?
3. What are some difference's between Flint's dad and Cal's dad (the policeman)?  How can I be a better mom or dad?

For more information on this movie or to look through movie lists for your own family movie night, please check out Plugged In Family Movie Night!

What I Saw in Vegas {5 Spring Must-Haves}

To finalize my week of Las Vegas inspired fashion, I'm going to leave you with the top 5 trends I foresee for Spring.  Sometimes scouring thrift stores for "retro" items work like a charm.  So enjoy these "inspirational" snippets and see what you can put together on a dime! (And then e-mail me a photo so I can enjoy you!).

5.  Gingham and Stripes
Fun patterns will be all around this Spring/Summer.  Classic stripes and gingham will be popular.  Wear a yellow gingham top with denim capris, neutral flip flops, and red jewelry.  Or wear white pants with a green top and a purple gingham scarf.  Or simple add a boldly colored striped canvas to an already fabulous outfit!

Tanks by Old Navy
Totes by Mossimo

#4 Denim and Navy
Denim (chambray) shirts and dresses were summer staples last year and the trend continues.  Whether it's a skirt, capris, shorts, or a jacket, denim is easy to wear.  If you don't want to wear denim, consider navy--a classic, timeless color.  Perhaps pair a navy top with white pants, a red gingham bag, red sandals, and a jean jacket.

As you go shopping or look in second hand stores, look for items or accessories in navy or denim!

Day Dresses by Forever 21
Totes by Lands' End Canvas

#3 Florals
If you just went "Ewwwww" I don't blame you.  I'm not a floral girl.  However, this spring florals will be all the rave.  You can find dainty feminine floral tops to pair with skinny cargo pants or find a bold, eclectic floral pattern to wear with denim capris.  If all else fails, a floral accessory-like a purse or scarf--might add a lot to a denim dress!

Shortsleeve Tops by Old Navy
Flats by Mossimo

#2 Polka Dots
Not just for your itsy bitsy teeney weenie bikinis!  You're gonna see polka dots on dresses, shoes, shirts, and accessories.  Polka dots are a cute pattern that can be overdone.  If you wear a large polka dot piece (say a dress or shirt), keep you accessories small and simple.  However, if you are using small polka dot pieces (purse or scarf), don't be afraid to mix patterns (click here for some mixed-pattern examples).  For instance, to white capris and a navy tank top, try mixing a red polka dot scarf and yellow striped bag.

Shortsleeve Tops by Joie
Athletic Shoes by Converse

#1 Coral
The color coral was in every shop I browsed through in Vegas--from Gap to Pucci!  Look for coral to be the "IT" color for Spring.  Lucky for us, coral was also HOT in the early 90s so second hand stores are likely to have a top or accessory!  If not, I found an awesome coral sweater at Gap for $8! (happy dance!).  Coral looks great with white, denim, teal, turquoise, navy and especially "pops" with gold jewelry!

Day Dresses by Delia's
Flats by Eddie Bauer

And a bonus!
To come full circle on this week o' Vegas fashion, let me remind you to wear BOLD colors.   

Day Dresses by Forever 21
Flats by Delia's

SEE IT. CLICK IT. FIND IT. BUY IT.
Did you know that you can click on ANY of the products featured on this site and it will give you buying information? And just so we are clear, I do NOT get kickbacks!

What I Saw in Vegas {Trendy Accessories}

It's no lie that adding an accessory here and there can make or break an outfit (click here to read a post on why you MUST have accessories). So if you want to be in the know as to what hot accessories I saw in Vegas, here you go (and if you want to know why the heck I'm talking about Vegas, click here).

Canvas Bags

Yes, yes, clutches are all the rage ... right now.  But be looking for that to change as soon as the warm weather strikes making it a necessity to tote towels, sunblock, sunglasses, and chapstick.

This spring/summer canvas bags are making a splashing comeback!  Yay!

Get one in stripes, military infused, bold colored, dressy, or classic khaki.

Totes by Old Navy
Shoulder Bags by Old Navy

GOLD
Gold jewelry will be hot this summer.  Of course, silver will always be classic so hang on to your silver jewelry.  But this spring/summer when you are wearing your bold colors or girly military gear, pair it with gold, if you want to be golden!

Earrings by Forever 21
Necklaces by Forever 21

BOLD BRACELETS
"Look at me" necklaces are going to continue in popularity this spring/summer.  BUT if you want a switch up, be on the look out for bold bracelets.  Wood, leather, and other "earthy" bracelets will be hot.   

Don't wear bold bracelets and big necklaces together unless you aren't afraid to be mistaken as a chandelier.

DO stack bracelets of various shapes, sizes, mediums, and colors (think pearls with gold bangles, with coral crystals).

Bracelets by Forever 21
Watches by Forever 21

SANDALS
Super strappy, gladiator-type sandals are going to continue to be "it" shoes this spring/summer.  Also HOT will be "cuffed" sandals, wedges, and unique thongs (beads, colors, ruffles ...).

Sandals by Forever 21
Sandals by Mossimo

What accessory trend are you most/least excited for?

Are you an accessory newbie?  If you want to learn how to add accessories to make an outfit go from "nice" to "chic," click here for my 3-2-1 fashion formula!

What I Saw in Vegas {Military Infusion}

If you want to know why I'm referring to Vegas, click here.

Since I'm a gal who tends to love neutrals, I'm a shoe in for drab olive greens and khakis.  I've even been known to wear camouflage in a non-goose killing kind of way.

So hip, hip hooray for continued military infused fashion!

Bags, pants, dresses ... you name it I saw it "militarized!"

Here are some of the best ways I saw military dress rocked in Vegas!

CARGO PANTS
When you think cargo pants if you think "frumpy" think again!  This season cargo pants are S.K.I.N.N.Y!  

Whether in camo, khaki, brown, or white, pair them with a feminine top and bold accessories.  Oh ya, and you can wear them with ballet flats, wedges, or sandals.

Skinny Pants by Gap
Bracelets by Forever 21

GIRLY MILITARY GEAR
It might seem counterintuitive but the HOT way to wear military now is to make it feminine and girly.  Pair cargo skinnies with a sequin top.  Wear a military jacket with a floral dress.  However you wear it, make the military v. girl glam contrast stark! 

Sandals by Forever 21
Shoulder Bags by Forever 21

FITTED MILITARY DRESS
Military dresses are gonna be hot this spring/summer.  They'll come in sleeved and tank style and in a gamut of military infused colors.  Wear them with heels, sandals, or wedges.  Pair with feminine scarf, colored belt, and a great bag!

Cocktail Dresses by Banana Republic
Wedges by Forever 21

MILITARY JACKET
Coats this season will have buckles and pockets galore.  Try to find a fitted trench coat or a slimming blazer.  Pair it with skinny jeans, a flowy tank top, great shoes, and a bold bracelet for a classic "I didn't even try this morning" look.
 

Skinny Denim by Gap
Flats by Forever 21

MILITARY ACCESSORIES
The sky is the limit when it comes to military inspired accessories (kind of ironic if you think of it).  If you don't want "big" military items then consider a fun bag or hat to add a bit of flair to your spring/summer wear!

Boots by Danner
Shoulder Bags by Mossimo

Military style--Like it? Love it? Hate it?