Thrifted: $4 Tea Time Florals

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I said I was going to start challenging myself more and I have been. And I'm proud of it. Not only is thrifting environmentally friendly, but it's a great way to branch out and feel creative and inspired.

I found this grungy little beauty on the racks at Goodwill and since it's tag was marked 50% off, I snatched this tea time florals dress for only $4. 

I have yet to find a piece of thrift that fits me perfectly, but with just a couple of tugs and pulls, that part is easy to deal with. This one needed a good wash, a press, a new button sewn to the back and a belt to keep things in place.

 

I ended up wearing the dress to my best friend's bridal shower and had the perfect excuse to add my favorite skin-toned wedges and have my Coach bag finally make an appearance.     

I'm Wearing:

Dress: Thrifted / Shoes: Steve Madden / Belt: An Old, Old Navy Buy / Bracelet: Thrifted / Bag: Coach 

 

 

Our Handwritten Wall: 3 Projects in 1 Nook!

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I had thought about doing something this for a really long time. I had even pinned a similar idea but instead of paint I was just going to use decals. Fortunately, when I saw this magical project done by the amazing Elsie of A Beautiful Mess, I was inspired to make it happen for our home too. 

First, I took Elsie's advice and penciled in the words for a guideline, then it was off to work. I played with the idea of using a mint green or yellow instead of black. But eventually decided black was the way to go so it looked more like one of my handwritten letters. And let me make one thing clear, this did not take me a mere afternoon or even a day. It took several weeks to finish this project, after one line was done, I'd get super annoyed and need a break. It was more tedious than I thought it would be. I didn't want a "perfect" look but I also wanted all the words filled in as much as possible. Thankfully, when my mom came for a visit, she helped get the job done.

If you know me or read this blog frequently enough to get a good glimpse, I love words. So, it was only natural that I take a similar route. I decided to use the breakfast nook as the project corner. The wall isn't a large focus of the home and it was a great place to get a little risky and make an unsuspecting surprise in the house.

We decided on the phrase, "to the moon and back." Have you ever heard Dolly Parton's song, From Here To The Moon and Back? That was the inspiration. 


In the middle of my wall painting, I had another idea. My "baking" pantry, just a small white accent to the breakfast nook that holds all my bento accessories and baking goodies, needed something to make it look a little more stylish and unique. I got into some craft pants and gave that a quick redo as well. And now I love how it pops off the handwriting. I'm a fan of mixing patterns in fashion and design, so I'm really happy with the result. I've been looking for a bigger, vintage armoire to paint and use as a pantry instead of this little one, but until I find the perfect piece this makes me smile.
 

 Then there's our random little table. The top was once a clock I had in my college apartment. My mom, being the crafty woman she is, made this for us when the clock hands broke during the move in. Then she took a sharpie and has the clock reading, "1:19," which signifies January 19th, our wedding date. 

 

 

What's Inspiring Me Wednesdays {22}

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I'm critical and have a tendency to judge people's action with swiftness. I stand my ground for every and all of my opinions. I'm stubborn in that way. I'm passionate. I have, in some ways, impossible standards for others. I don't see those standards as impossible for myself. I can be harsh. I'm a worrier. I'm very sensitive despite my bolder ways.

I realize that these are some of my downfalls, but I kind of love them. I've embraced them, I've worked on them but I can't ever be rid of them. And that's okay.

Now, take a look at some of my inspiration for the week and try leaving a comment with one of your worst traits that you still love. 

 

This little one is dressed as one of my idol's, Susan B. Athony. When I read this snippet:

"Mother shuns Disney Princess ideal and dresses daughter up as five REAL heroines from history to commemorate fifth birthday," it naturally peeked my interest and I've bookmarked this to do with my future little one.

 

Please, take me to Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, England. 

 

This living room is right in my wheel house. I've already got a tapestry hanging in my office by clothes hangers but I love, love this wall collage somethin' fierce. 

I love being a pink-loving girl.

 

One of the best quotes from one of the best writers - Jane Austen. 

Popcorn macaroons with salted caramel filling, okay, sure I"ll have a bite!

  

 

I'm Not Afraid of Loud Pants

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I think I received about 17 thousand weirdo looks the day I wore these. To be honest, I get weirdo looks a lot since I don't necessarily live in an area that's all about loud pants. Although, I do love my home.

But the fact is, I'm just not afraid to wear loud pants. Which in my opinion, is a metaphor for life. Don't be afraid to wear loud pants, any day of the week.

What I'm Wearing:
Top: Forever 21 / Pants: Cato (a 3 year ago buy) / Bracelet: Forever 21  / Bag: Target / Sandals: Target

 

GIVEAWAY: Starbucks Gift Card!

In honor of reaching my goal of 550 Pinterest followers, we're celebrating today on Her Umbrella!

One my favorite things to do is grab a coffee at Starbucks, snatch up a pile of magazines and spend an afternoon sifting through all the good reads. Or, grabbing a cup at Target and figuring out my coupon route before I hit the aisles. So, I thought this was a perfect way to celebrate.

 One reader will win a $10 gift card to Starbucks to spend! Grab a white chocolate mocha in my honor or a yummy slice of lemon loaf cake. They're my favorites. I will select a winner at random on Memorial Day (May 27th)!

 

To enter this giveaway you must:

• Be a Follower on Bloglovin' 
• Comment on this post - let me know what your favorite Starbucks menu item is!     

 (Please include your e-mail so I can get in touch with you if you win!)

For extra entries (comment separately for each entry please, or I can't count the extras):

Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about the Giveaway 
Like HU on Facebook 
Follow me on Pinterest 
Subscribe to HU via Feedburner (located in the left-hand sidebar) 

 

 

Get Your Business Cards Circulating With Tiny Prints

A lot of people don't know what I do. Even after they ask and I tell them there's usually a confused, squishy look on their face. Like they don't know what to make of it. And secretly I know they're thinking, "Does she make any money?"

To all those who are confused about what I do "for a living." Here's your answer. I'm a freelance writer. What does that mean? That means I work for myself and I'm contracted by companies, people, websites and a whole host of other possibilities to write for them. I write blogs posts, articles, artist promos, slogans, bios ... the list can go on and on. You name it, I've written some form of it. 

Now your next question is, how do you make money? Well, they pay me! I have weekly jobs writing for several different websites and media agencies but I also have some type of side gig going on almost all the time. It's fun, it's sometimes overwhelming and it's not the typical get in the car job and leave work. For me, my work is with me all the time. But parts of what I do comes with a lot of self-determination. It is really easy to sit on the couch and not walk into the office all day. But if I don't walk into the office I'm missing a deadline and then this uphill hike I'm climbing will quickly come to an end. I'm no where near where I want to be in my career. For me, this job I'm doing is not something I'm doing for a living but something I'm doing with my life. And I'm so fortunate to have a husband and parents who whole-heartedly accept the fact that I'm not the typical 9-5 lady. 

Now in terms of my "side gigs," which are usually larger projects. How do I get those? For lack of a better term, I hustle for them. And a big part of that hustle is letting people know who I am and what I do. That's where my business cards come in and how to get them circulating throughout the community. I've compiled 5 quick tips on how to get your cards in the hands of people you need them to be in and it all starts with a great design. Where did I get mine? Tiny Prints!

1. Standout Designs.
 With a unique design or shade, your cards won't be thrown right into the recycle bin. Well, they'll at least be looked at beforehand. Pick out a design (or design your own) that matches your personality. Also, make sure the quality is good. You don't want a flimsy piece of cardstock to land into the hands of your next client. For example, my cards have a chevron print on the front and the back - they're square instead of the usual rectangle and they're sturdy enough to withstand time in a cluttered wallet.

2. Never Leave Without Them.

There is no excuse not to have a stash with you at all times. You could meet your next client in line at the grocery store or at the movies! If you have them with you, there's no excuse not to hand them out to any and all possibilities.
3. Leave Them With The Tip.
I do this all the time. Leave one of your cards with the tip! You never who know might snatch it up or if the waiter or waitress has a need for your services. It's a painless way to get them into someone's hands.
4. Don't be afraid.
Leaving your card with the tip after a meal is a great option, but you shouldn't be afraid to offer up your card during conversation. There are lots of times when I'm out and about, I get into a conversation with someone and somehow my work comes up. Whether they just want to take a look at my personal blog or snoop around my online portfolio I gladly give one right to them! 
5. The Bulletin Boards.
I love these. It's just another painless, easy way to get yourself or your business seen (and eventually heard). Whenever you see a bulletin board or a card jar, grab one out of your purse or wallet and add it to the mix. You never know what could happen!  

  Lastly, I have to thank Tiny Prints. There selection is one of the best and most inspiring. I've used other companies before to print my cards and the design or quality wasn't near what it was when these cuties showed up in the mail.

 

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Ice Cream Spots

The only reason I even remotely enjoy the warmer weather is the fact that I don't freeze when I eat a bowl of my favorite ice cream. But it's mid-may and we're still going up and down the thermometer. The other day, on a chilly Saturday evening, I got ready to go to the movies in spring colors and a couple of fall pieces.
  Even though the outfit was a mash-up of two seasons, the colors were an fun of assortment of sorbet shades, my favorite.
What I'm Wearing
Top: Candie's from Kohl's / Sweater: American Eagle / Jeans: GAP / Wedges (Not Shown): Payless / Purse: Charming Charlie / Right-Handed Ring: My wonderful piece of Larimar that we bought in Puerto Rico on our honeymoon. / Earrings: Forever 21

Enter here for your chance to win a pair of sunglasses from Firmoo! Giveaway Ends May 17th!