Bringin It Back

I haven't blogged in so long. Since November. Work and life have just been so busy!
But I miss you, my blogging friends! I haven't even had a chance to even read any blogs the last few months. I miss that. 


Here's the last 6 months of my life.

In November, I worked my butt off for 2 craft shows I did for my Lemon Drop business. Did pretty well and sold some orders for Christmas at the same time. Then I worked the next month filling orders, baking yummy Christmas goodies, buying & wrapping presents, and just the general holiday craziness of it all.

Oh and 3 days before Christmas, I got the fun surprise of having my appendix out. Yay me. Thank goodness medicine has come a long way and God was taking care of me. I know many of you have probably had surgery before but the first time you go under the knife is kind of scary...especially when you don't have a choice.

Then in January, on top of my full-time job, I started working part-time for Weight Watchers. I haven't talked about Weight Watchers much, but they mean a lot to me in my life. I lost over 70 lbs to become a Lifetime member of WW. Now I want to give back some of my time to work for them and help other members who are trying to reach the same goal.

February, March & April were full of lots of birthday celebrations with my own, my husband's, his grandmother, his father, and my father.

So that's the basic recap of the last 6 months or so of my life.

And what of all those things I listed that I wanted to do the year I was 30? Looks like I did 12 of the 30. Not great but at least I accomplished some of them...I guess.

This is what I DID accomplish:

• Ran my first 5K.
• Went to Europe with the hubby.
• Paid off my student loans, this was SO freeing!
• On average, I've said the $200/month I wanted to save.  Saved less some months and more during other months. 
• Sewed some pillows.
• Enjoyed the sunset from our patio...behind which there are now lots of houses built.  :(
• Stayed at my WW Lifetime goal weight.
• Surprised my husband.  I didn't really plan anything major for this, I just tried to be more thoughtful and also buy him treats he would like from the store.  :)
• I read 5 (not 10) books from the Top 100 novels list.
• Mentor at a school.
• Go 30 days without using my credit card.
• Sew a small quilt.

 Considering that I hadn't blogged at all the last 3 months prior to turning 31, I was surprisingly only 6 posts short of reaching 52 posts/year which would equal 1 post/week, per one of the items on my list.

And I shall leave you with a fun outfit I put together on Polyvore. 
I love any variation of coral or orange this season!

  

 Stay tuned for pictures of my recent trip to the Kentucky Derby!!

  


I promise I'll try to blog more often!

I'm A Soccer Aunt

I've recently had the priviledge of attending my nephew's soccer games. It is so cute to see those little 4 year olds, running around (sometimes the wrong way), and (trying to) stop or kick the ball.

To be honest, I'm not much of a soccer fan. I enjoy my nephew's games more than soccer games I've (not really) watched on tv. I think the only adult soccer games I've watched in entirety were when the U.S. was in the World Cup last year. Sorry to any soccer fans out there.

Anyway, being outside for these soccer games gives me a great opportunity to enjoy the warm weather here before it becomes unbearable. This means it's time for my legs to see more daylight in shorts, eek!

See? You CAN dress for the summer AND look cool. HA!

I'm constantly cold so I must always have a cardigan on hand.





Close up of my accessories. I can only wear the hat on weekends.

The I LOVE these earrings, got them on our honeymoon in Costa Rica last year. And I can't stop wearing this orange necklace from Francesca's. It pairs so well with everything!

shorts: Dillard's / floral tank, purse, hat: Target / cardigan: JCPenney / necklace: Francesca's Collection / earrings: Costa Rica

Paper Doll, Edition 2

It was awesome getting up this morning and knowing I already had clothes picked out to wear!

I participated in The Paper Doll Project again and had the pleasure of working with Beck from At Her Best.

I asked my partner to style my outfit around my trouser pants. I love them dearly and try not to wear them to work every day. I think limiting them to one day a week for the past month has been pretty good!

So Beck chose to pair the trousers with a black/white polka dot top, one of my favorite floral cardigans, and some yellow shoes. I chose the yellow sandals over the yellow uncomfortable heels that are super cute but can't be worn for an hour straight yet.

All I did was add some accessories - a brown braided belt to define my waist, some yellow drop earrings, and a black bead necklace.

I loved my outfit all day. And I know comfort isn't most important, but seriously y'all, these are the cutest, most comfortable pants I might've EVER bought!

Here's a close up of my sandals. I couldn't take a good full outfit shot.

Oh and Lucy wanted me to pick her up and love on her so she can say Hi to all of you!

A big Thank You to Beck for being a wonderful partner. Go check out how I styled her outfit here.

And THEN, come see all the other Paper Doll Project participants over at Miss Vinyl Ahoy.

Hope y'all had a great hump day, see you soon!

Inspiration Outfit: Floral Dress

Another week and another great inspiration outfit photo from 2 birds.

This week's inspiration look is this adorable floral ensemble and jean jacket on Nicole Richie.

I thought this was a floral dress but now it looks like a romper. Either way, I'm not wearing a romper. They would NOT be flattering to this pear shape!

I love love LOVE floral prints! I love little vintage-looking florals, mod chic florals, and big bold florals, they're all beautiful to me!!

You've probably realized that I wear most of my inspired looks to work, so I had to tame it down a little in order to be appropriate. But I wore it on Friday so I could keep it casual!

The spaghetti straps on the dress would be a no-no at work without the cardigan.

lots of skin showing from the front as well without the cardi

My puppies were camera shy this time. They were having too much fun sniffing around the backyard.

floral look: Target dress & cardi, GAP jeans (long & lean), UO shoes

James Avery necklace, Target earrings

Forever 21 belt

First time I wore these shoes from Urban Outfitters and I love them!

Nicole Richie has great style and looks super cute, but I like my look better...at least for me! :)

What do y'all think?



I'm also using this link for EBEW too, so be sure to check out other florals in the fashion blogosphere.

FBFF: Inspiration...a little late

Dude, this is embarrassing...I forgot to schedule this post so it would post automatically. And here it is, Monday, not Friday. Oh well, I'm posting it anyway.

So I guess you'll just have to deal with it.

FBFF time again. Which means it's also Good Friday AND Earth Day!

(or at least it was!!)

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?

I really don't have a certain celebrity that I look to for fashion inspiration. I will flip through magazines and like some celebrity styles I see, but I am not following them and copying their every move or anything.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?

I'm inspired by many other fashion bloggers out there. When I'm looking in my closet, I will remember something I saw another blogger try and it will encourage me to try my own version of that.

I'm also inspired by new trends that look like they will stick around. I don't want to try every trend that is out there, but if I think it will stand the test of time or I just think it's super cute, then I'll take a stab at it myself. But I can also accept that not every trend will work for my body type and I'm perfectly fine with that!

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?

With regards to fashion, I hope that I inspire my readers to have fun with colors and think outside of the normal outfits they create.

I also hope that I make people laugh a little when they come to my blog.

4. Outside the realm of fashion, who/what inspires you?

I guess it depends on what we're talking about here. This could really be anything.

If we're talking about crafts and sewing, I'm inspired by other crafty bloggers, as well as beautiful fabrics I see online and in stores.

If we're talking about life in general, then we could get really corny here...my husband, my family, and my friends.

5. Since Idol is ending...which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol. Sorry peeps if I disappointed you.

But I love music and many songs inspire me. Right now, I'm listening to the new Foo Fighters album. And I just went to an amazing concert recently of one of my new fave bands - Fitz & The Tantrums. LOVE them!

yeah, these are super boring answers. so now you're wondering why I even bothered posting them late...I don't really know.

but hey, here's a little outfit pic for you...

I'm trying to experiment with mixing patterns more often. I like how the repetitive subtle print of this navy tank works well with the colorful floral print on the cardigan.

Oh and I totally had 4 layers on above the waist...and they were not needed for warmth.

Cardigan: Old Navy. Navy print tank: garage sale. Black tank: Downeast Basics. Light gray tank, orange belt: Target. Jeans: GAP.

I don't remember what shoes I was wearing but you can't see them anyway.

I also find that after looking at these pics, I could really use a necklace.

So what inspires YOU?

Springtime Sunday in Paris

Hope y'all had (and are maybe still having?) a beautiful weekend!

I made this spring Parisian inspired Polyvore set a few weeks ago and forgot about it. Now I'm sharing its cuteness. Don't you just love these picks?

Springtime Sunday in Paris by lemondrop_linz featuring cap sleeve tops

Rocha John Rocha ruffle top, 27 GBP Rue21 plaid top, $20 Zip up jacket, $39 Full skirt, $37 Cap sleeve top, $30 Little Women, $20 Platform shoes, $85 River Island black pump shoes, 25 GBP Printed handbag, $83 ASOS beading earring, $18 Nautical bracelet, $43 Antique silver ring, $15 TopShop enamel jewelry, $20 Wrap necklace, $15 Wrap scarve, $18 Folding umbrella, $130 Two tone hat, $30 Camel belt, $8.90 d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX Pure Black, $24 MAC Lipstick, $15 Urban Decay Cosmetics - 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil Heart Chatsworth Teacup & Saucer - Table Top Nina Campbell, 15 GBP Eiffel Tower Large, Wall Words and Decals by Trading Phrases, $70 Buy Fabiano Art - Purr-fect - Easyart.com, 9.95 GBP Graves, 35 GBP Brew La La Bottle Opener, $20

I included some of my favorite things - polka dots, ruffled cardigans, floppy hats, Audrey Hepburn, dangly earrings, white wine, bright colors, florals, and even one of my favorite books, Little Women.

This Polyvore set is perfect for a Sunday brunch with friends. I love brunch, don't you?

Well the weekend's over but at least this is a short week at work...hope it is for you too!

FBFF: Spring Trends

FBFF Topic this week is Spring Trends!

What are the top 5 Spring Trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

Of course I chose clothing & shoes trends to feature!!

Spring Trend #1: Wedge Sandals!!

Well apparently they only show images of the right shoe. All images from DSW.

Does this not make you wanna go shoe shopping? With so many adorable wedges out there, I know I'll be buying some soon. This is sad, but I have some amazing royal blue ruffle wedge sandals sitting in my closet that have never been worn. I'm making a resolution now to wear them in the next month.

Spring Trend #2 is Florals

Spring Trend 2011: Florals by lemondrop_linz featuring a striped hat

Dorothy Perkins white day dress, 24 GBP Rue21 floral cocktail dress, $30 River Island purple floral dress, 25 GBP Floral top, $57 TopShop floral top, $45 TopShop skirt, $60 French Connection floral skirt, 47 GBP J Crew floral swimwear, 35 GBP J crew bathing suit, 35 GBP Floral print pumps, $99 Floral print bag, 60 GBP Fat Face floral handbag, 35 GBP Juicy Couture polka dot hat, $58 H by Henry holland, 15 GBP Forever21 striped hat, $12

I'm seeing both bright big floral prints and small vintage florals and I'm loving it all! I definitely think some florals can pair together, but you just have to be careful if you don't want to come across as eclectic. By the way, all the picks above are less than $100!

Spring Trend # 3 is Wide Leg Pants

Spring Trend 2011: wide leg pants by lemondrop_linz featuring high waisted pants

TopShop linen pants, $80 ASOS pleated pants, $81 Adam wide leg pants, $84 Black pants, $180 Akira Black Label high waisted pants, $45 Topshop, $76 ASOS wide leg pants, $54 Stoneware Hearts, ABC Carpet & Home, $50 MERCI GUSTAVE Eiffel Tower, 49 EUR

Pants are really going retro this spring and channeling the 70s. What I like about wide leg pants now is that they have more of a classic look these days. And also, they're SO flattering for almost every body shape!

I don't think I'm really feeling the red floral pants, but all the other ones I would totally buy.

I included the Eiffel Tower because it's wearing wide leg pants too!

Spring Trend # 4 are this season's color trends: Orange & Chartreuse!!

Spring Trend 2011: Color Trends by lemondrop_linz featuring cotton dresses

Dorothy Perkins cotton dress, 40 GBP Lemlem tunic, 59 GBP Calypso crochet tunic, $68 Betty Jackson Black ribbed cardigan, 38 GBP Principles by Ben de Lisi top, 32 GBP Kate Frankfurt jacket TopShop cotton skirt, $70 Cork wedge, $140 Windsmoor, 25 GBP CB2 - chartreuse floor pillow, $60 Set of 4 Porcelain Chartreuse Measuring Spoons, $2.50 Chartreuse Green Glass Candle, $2.75

I adore these bright colors!! I own some orange in my closet but I'm thinking I need to fill in some of the gaps with a few lovely chartreuse pieces.

And maybe it's just me, but as I'm looking at this Polyvore set, I'm really loving these 2 colors paired together...challenge accepted! I'm going to find some chartreuse to style with the orange I own and feature it on the blog.

Spring Trend #5 is Neutrals

Spring Trend 2011: Neutrals by lemondrop_linz featuring an envelope clutch

Oasis shift dress, 25 GBP Vanessa Bruno scoop neck tank, 28 GBP John Lewis top, 35 GBP Dorothy Perkins short sleeve top, 28 GBP Twill blazer, 30 GBP Dorothy Perkins crochet dress, 28 GBP Dorothy Perkins wide leg pants, 26 GBP Dorothy Perkins linen skirt, 23 GBP Rue21 crochet skirt, $22 Calvin Klein high heel shoes, $30 Dorothy Perkins brogue shoes, 25 GBP Dorothy Perkins envelope clutch, 10 GBP BCBG Max Azria fringe scarve, $98 Cream belt, $32 Straw hat, $18 Linea Linea Neutral checked short, 28 GBP windows to the soul eye shadow palette philosophy, $38

SO maybe this choice threw you off a little. Neutrals...on ME? But seeing them over and over in magazines and online is just making me love them even more.

Layering neutrals is really big for the spring, but just make sure you don't get all matchy matchy with it. You want to stay monochromatic.

What are your favorite spring trends you are seeing and wanting to show off?

Any pieces above you are craving?

Or how bout any ideas for styling some of these trends?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Check out other fave spring trends within the FBFF group over at Modly Chic.

Polyvore Floral Ensemble

I found a fun new challenge to do! And now I'm obsessed with the Polyvore website.

I have Polyvore sets on numerous blogs and sites but I didn't know until this morning how beautifully addictive it is!

Where have I been all this time? I could have been wasting so many hours at work with this fun site. Oh, right, maybe it's a good thing I didn't know about it.

Here's my florally inspired set.

Garden State of Style by lemondrop_linz featuring flat shoes

Sonia Rykiel cotton tank top, 560 GBP Miss Selfridge shrug top, 28 GBP Top, $25 Crochet tank top, $10 Dolman tee, $7.99 TopShop floral print skirt, $75 Flat shoes, $88 Dorothy Perkins leather handbag, 32 GBP Flower necklace, $15 John Lewis Women straw hat, 23 GBP TopShop hair accessory, $8 Ray Ban aviator sunglass, 135 EUR Paul & Joe - Lipstick N - # 20 (Milk Chocolate) 3.2g/0.11oz, $25 CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE PARFUM, $95 THE COSMETIC MARKET :: Makeup :: Nails :: OPI Tutti Frutti Tonga, $8.50 Table Flowers - Roses and Carnations in a Vase Singapore

I started with the gorgeous skirt and then coordinated the outfit based on that.

And of course I couldn't just have one top as an option with the skirt because that wouldn't be me. So I had to go overboard a little and give my girl a few choices.

I think the tank & yellow lacey cardigan is perfect for a weekend day outfit. I like the 3/4 sleeve top with the Sonia Rykiel tank layered over it for a work outfit. And I couldn't help but add the gray tank with crochet back...it was just too cute!

Just throw these extra tops in that cute gray Dorothy Perkins handbag and you've got your work to weekend options ready to go!

The orange flats can be used for work or play and will definitely grab envious attention from your coworkers or friends. As will the adorable flower headband you'll be wearing. For the weekend, grab your striped hat so you can protect that porcelain skin while you're out and about!

Now that you're looking at the world through your rose tinted glasses, all you need is a killer necklace, rockin lipstick, and pretty nails and you're good to go!

Don't forget a quick spritz of my favorite perfume and then treat yourself to some gorgeous roses so you have something pretty to look at after your fun weekend!

Come join the Polyvore fun with Danimezza!