Readily Accessible Easter Dresses

My mom asked me what I was going to wear to church on Easter Sunday earlier today. "Umm.... hadn't thought about it" was my reply. Even though I'm not exactly eligible for the egg hunt anymore, I still like to have something new to wear for Easter. Here are some bright, spring-y picks that are cute for church (with a little shawl) and lunch afterward.

Forever 21 Floral Dress
Old Navy Pom Pom trim scarf
New York & Co Down Town Split Dress
Old Navy Pink Scarf
Kohl's Apt. 9 Floral Dress
Target Merona wrap
Forever 21 Floral Dress
Target Merona Salmon Dress
Forever 21 Rosette Dress
J. Crew white halter dress
The Limited orange leopard print scarf
Kohl's Simply Vera salmon dress
Old Navy green shoulder tie dress
Fred Flare yellow scarf

DIY: Personalized Margarita Glasses

Since last weekend was Girls' Beach Weekend, I decided to surprize my friends with their own personalized margarita glasses, upping the fancy level at the house to Orange (it also helps with the whole, "Whose drink is this?!?" situation). These are really easy to make - I even found the glasses at The Dollar Tree.

You'll need glasses (learned the hard way - don't get super nice glasses that are really thin. They will crack in the oven when you try to bake them. I buy them at Dollar Tree, Wal-mart, or anywhere else with sturdy glassware. Avoid World Market), Vitrea or Porcelaine glass paint markers (found at craft stores and shown below), and cool fonts on your computer (like the kind found at Font Squirrel).

These glass paint markers are great. You can get the kind of paint you brush on, but why?

Even though I tend to think I'm pretty good at lettering, I wanted to make sure these were perfect. So I printed the girls' names in a big, cool font, cut them out, and taped them to the inside of the glasses. I had a picture of this, but it was on my phone, which crapped out yesterday. Thanks, Apple. Anyway, I digress...

Just trace over the letters with the paint markers, and then add any other embellishments you want. I did polka dots because they were easy and I was tired. Also, a good tip to keep the paint from running before it dries is to turn the glasses upside down for a couple minutes, then rightside up again. If you want a cool design, print some clip art and trace it. Or wingdings. Whatever - the world is your oyster.

Let the paint dry for 24 hours, then bake the glasses in the oven for the time and temperature listed on the marker. Add a fluffy drink, crazy straw, and voila! Cute, personalized glasses that will impress your compadres.

An Eggcellent Idea

Every year for Easter, my mom and I dye Easter eggs. We usually just buy the Paas kits, but this year we're going to try something different. Martha has graced us with a tutorial on making these cool marbleized Easter Eggs. Give 'em a try! I will report back on how this goes, and might even include a great egg salad recipe to make with your colorful creations after the Bunny Festivities.

Weight Watchers for your Wallet

If you have a hard time sticking to a budget (like Yours Truly), this article from MSN Money might be just what you need. It helps you think of money the same way you think of Weight Watchers points - you figure out your daily allotment (rather than your monthly allotment), and it helps you understand how the purchases you make fit into your overall budget.

So, for instance, if your daily allotment is, say, $40, and you go to dinner and spend $20, then find a fantastic pair or shoes on sale for $38, then pop by the ice cream parlor on your way home and spend $5, you've gone over your daily allotment by $23. For some reason, this concept is MUCH easier for me to wrap my head around than a larger, monthly number. And we're getting into that time of year when it's more common to meet friends for a drink or dinner, or visit cute little shops during lunch because it's pretty outside, so, for me anyway, I have to be vigilant about watching the pennies. What about you? Any tips on sticking to your budget?

Not your Grandmother's Wallpaper

I love wallpaper, but I don't love the price tag that comes along with wallpapering an entire room. Even inexpensive wallpaper can get pricey when you're talking about ordering 20 rolls. But you can get the look of wallpaper for much less money with a few tricks.

Try framing pieces of wallpaper. An easy way to do this is with half-round moulding, so you can make them any size you want:

from Houzz.

Wallpapering under a chair rail saves money and gives a really rich look. I L-O-V-E this image:

Original source unknown, but this image is from Callie Grayson.

Something I tried in my dining room was wallpapering the inside of my bookshelves (OK, I used wrapping paper, but same idea).

from Country Living.

from design*sponge.

And in case you're in need of a few samples to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few I pulled from Wallpaper Wholesaler:

All Images from Wallpaper Wholesaler

Suit Up! Two-Pieces for Two Sizes

If yesterday's one-piece swim suits weren't your bag, I've compiled two groups of two-piece suits (or, tops actually) to consider. First, for those of you who are minimal up top:

Try a ruffled top that will fill out your figure a little bit, or a bandeau top with gathers or folding. Prints, like the black and white one above, add interest as well. This is only a sample - great looking suits that maximize your assets are everywhere right now!

Pink ruffle top, $20.51
Navy ruffle bandeau, $36.50
Black, white, orange bandeau, $13.68
Red frilly top, $32.00
Yellow/black polka top, $17.99
Peachy-orange ruffle top, $16.50
Red frilly triangle top, $16.00
Yellow ruffled bandeau, $24.50

Next, for those of you who want a suit top that will give you a little more support if you're well-endowed, here are a few suggestions:

Halter tops are great because they offer the most support. But even suits with thinner straps can work if you find one with an underwire. I LOVE the asymmetrical black top above (even though you might have to fill in those weird tan lines with some self tanner later on). And even though I am of the school that everyone looks better (and tanner) in a black bathing suit, there are so many great, bright colors out there right now, like these neon corals, that would be fun to try.

Brown zebra halter, $48
Blue polka halter, $24.50
Poppy top, $49.50
Green strip halter, $17.99
Black bandeau w/ multi-colored straps, $45.90
Multi-colored polka halter, $46
Black bandeau with straps, $38
Red padded top, $20.00
Black halter, $46
Black asymmetric top, $23.43

Suit Up! One-piecers for Summer

Ladies, bathing suit season is just around the corner, and whether you're planning some weekends at the beach or lake, or just hanging out by the pool at your neighborhood Y, you know you need a new swim suit.

Since I was a toddler, I've been wearing two-piece suits, but sometimes those suits stick their sneaky little tongues out at me and say, "You haven't been doing your crunches, have you?" And that's when I think, "Hmm. Perhaps its time to embrace the one-piece." So here's a collection of one-piece suits that are every bit as good looking as they are figure flattering. And they're all under $50, which, frankly, is hard to find in a swim suit.

Green suit, $40
Black twist-front suit, $39
Pink-berry halter tie suit, $24.99
Grey jeweled suit, $27.99
Pink twist tankini, $42
Green tie-front suit, $39
Pink jeweled suit, $19.99
Purple cut-out suit, $37.61
Olive ring-front tankini, $21.99

Black suit with gold metal detailing, $29.50
Yellow ring suit, $38.50
Black ring halter, $16.99
Black twist front tankini, $19.99

Tomorrow we'll look at two different styles of two-pieces: those for gals who are smaller up top, and those for girls who, well, are a little more well-endowed.

Rent It: The September Issue

Many call it The Bible, and while it's not filled with arks, burning bushes or water-to-wine tales, it IS filled with fashion and models and headed up by the High Priestess herself - Anna Wintour. It's Vogue, and "The September Issue" documents the behind-the-scene chaos of producing the September 2007 issue - the largest in the magazine's history.

As you may know, Meryl Streep's character in "The Devil Wears Prada" was loosly based on Wintour, or "The Ice Queen" as she is known. And the similarities between the two movies are apparent, even down to some of the actual shots. Wintour is cold and unapproachable, quickly decides what's in, what's out, and micromanages the magazine to the point of exhaustion. She's hard on her employees, because she expects perfection. As Vogue's Publisher, Tom Florio says in the film, "I don't find her to be accessible to people she doesn't need to be accessible to." However, there's something about her I find fascinating.

The ying to Wintour's yang is Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington, a former model who, for 20 years, has been behind the scenes at the magazine. Coddington's battle to get her favorite photos into the issue is truly interesting to watch, especially when her choices are overridden by Wintour.

I really loved the movie. Even if, like me, you've never put on a piece of couture (but long to), if you love Vogue, magazines in general, photography, powerful women, models, Andre Leon Tally, publishing or documentaries in general, put "The September Issue" on your "to rent" list.

What I'm Packing: Girls' Beach Weekend

T-minus 24 hours until I hit the road for Girls' Beach Weekend 2010 with all my besties (or, most of my besties). So tonight, I pack. I plan on having a fun, relaxing weekend, with some photo-worthy good times and maaaaaybe a glass of vino or two. Ring toss will be played. Beach house will be enjoyed. Sand will be sat on. Shrimp will be boiled. Here's a look at my beach essentials:

My red (this one's purple) polka dot bandau top bathing suit from Tar-zjay.
Cute new bright yellow linen roll-sleeve dress from Old Navy.
InStyle Magazine.
Red statement necklace - goes with everything!
Fancy going out shoes.
Green Old Navy Swim Suit cover/dress.
Big orange beach bag to tote all my junk.
iPod, complete with happy beachy music for porch sittin', beach layin' and car drivin'.
Chick Lit. Love Jennifer Weiner.
Ray-Ban Aviators. Always classic, always Maverick.
Galvanized AU beer bucket with liner. Who wants to walk back and forth to the fridge?
Lucky Magazine.
Rainbow flippies. This might be my last summer with mine. 10 years (literally), and they're still holding up, though.
Laptop. NOT for work. For downloading songs IMUSTHAVERIGHTNOW.
Brand new Canon PowerShot SX20, for capturing compromising photos and rendering my friends unable to run for public office.
The entire Jimmy Buffett catalog. It's not a beach weekend without "Last Mango in Paris."

I'll be gone until Sunday, but dry your eyes - I've set up lots of fun bloggy goodness to keep you company while I'm away. Toodles!

Slither into Spring

I'm thinking my new animal print for spring is going to be faux snakeskin. There are lots of great snakeskin accessories right now, with prices that won't make you stick out your tongue. I really love all the pieces below - they give you just enough texture but don't overwhelm. Scroll through for some under $50 finds.

Express Wide Stretch Belt, $44.50
Fred Flare Snakeskin Sunglasses, $11
Apt. 9 Snakeskin Belt, $24
Zigi Girl Sandal, $29.62
Torrid Green Snakeskin Bracelet, $7.62
Urban Outfitters Snakeskin Cuff, $12.99
Aldo Snakeskin Clutch - sold out. Sad.
BKE Snakeskin Wallet, $8
Naughty Monkey Bambi Flat, sold out. Sad.
BKE Snakeskin Shoe, $31.60
Torrid Snakeskin Vienna Heel, $39
The Limited Snakeskin bag, temporarily sold out
Express Snakeskin Ballet Flats, $17.70

Quote of the Day

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Image from Domino (RIP)

Dogs need cute accessories too!

This is Molly. She's part Boston Terrier, part Boxer, all sweet pup. And when I was taking her collar off last night, I realized that her very-cool hippie collar I bought her in Park City, Utah, has seen better days. With spring coming, it's time to revamp her wardrobe, so to speak. Here are some options to get your pooch in style for spring:

These animal print collars from Doggie Vogue come in several sizes and are between $9 and $15.

Remember those Guatamalan belts we wore with our Duck Heads back in the day? I think they look much cuter around a dog's neck. The Trendy Puppy has these for $24.

If you're trying to go green, Spoiled Sweet Pets has collars and leashes (for $19) made out of bamboo, a renewable resource. I love the lime green.

If your dog is super fratty, he could pop THIS collar from Vineyard Vines for $28.

So go get your best friend a new collar, and maybe a liver treat or two. And if you don't have a pup to lavish delightful accessories upon, go visit your local Humane Society. There are lots of great dogs in need of loving homes.

Cute Throw Pillows at... Wal-Mart?!?

Last night I was trying to find a new toaster at Wally World, when I stumbled upon the formerly-icky throw pillow section. But what's that I see? There are actually CUTE throw pillows! At Wal-Mart! And, of course, they're all $12, because, you know - it's Wal-Mart. (Excuse the grungy camera phone shots.)

While I don't like ACTUAL birds, bird motifs are A-OK in my book. I like the orange-y red in this one. And I want to put this pillow on this amazing settee:

(Image from Valerie Willis interiors at Houzz)

Zebra is weird, because it either looks incredibly chic or completely cheap. When you see it glaring at you from the Wal-Mart shelf, it might not seem like anything special (even with the bead work). But picture it away from the Wal-Mart fake flowers, tires and blenders, in a fabulous room like this. You'd never know it was from Wally World:

(From Blossom Interiors. Also - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that Louis Vuitton trunk used as a coffee table.)

I love love love this lattice work pillow (even though I didn't get a good shot of it). The green is fun and not quite neon. I could see this pillow working in this room as a cool contrast to the wallpaper:

Image from DecorPad

So, perhaps it's time to give the Evil Empire of Wal-Mart another glance. Could they be taking a tip from Target on cool home decor?

Healthy Recipe: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo

As crazy as it sounds, fettucini doesn't have to be a diet destroyer. A serving of the creamy dish at the Olive Garden packs 1440 calories and 82 grams of fat. And that's BEFORE you knock back a glass of Chianti and 3 breadsticks (two with your dining companion, and 1 secretly while he's in the bathroom). But Kraft Foods has a healthy alternative that tastes just as good as the real thing, and a serving (1 1/2 cups) has 460 calories and 12 grams of fat. Not too bad for something I consider comfort food. It's Katy tested, boyfriend approved, too. The entire recipe is around $8.30, and that's for four servings! I'll take you through the steps below.

1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1-1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 tsp. flour
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz.) Cream Cheese, cubed (I use the kind with 1/3 less fat)
3 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper

Cook the pasta. Duh.

While that's going on, cook your chicken in a skillet until it's completely done.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, mix the broth and flour, then the cream cheese, parmesan, garlic powder and pepper.

Stir with a wisk until it mixes together and looks creamy.

Drain your pasta, and mix your chicken and alfredo sauce together.

Pour another glass of vino and enjoy!

A St. Patty's Day that (sham)rocks

So, you've got your green clothes, but what else makes a great St. Patrick's Day? How about...

...a 3-pack of Baja Bob's sugar free sour apple martini mix. Mix with vodka and lime juice for a great green cocktail.

...an Irish music mix. Have some friends over and blast some traditional Irish tunes. No U2 here!

...a knowledge of who St. Patrick was and why he has a day dedicated to green beer and wild shenanigans. Check out The History Channel for some cool historical information.