Week In Pictures 47.0

1  Early last week I was suffering from a serious sinus headache...you know, the ones where you have to lie face down on a pillow to feel better.  I think Happy felt bad for me.

2  It was close to spring, but it wasn't coming any sooner.  Maybe making paper flowers would make it feel springy?  And then it snowed...

3  Zeppole...an Italian dessert filled with yummy sweet custard.  Heaven.

4  Even though it was officially spring, it wasn't warm enough to wear my new to me Dolce and Gabbana skirt that I purchased the weekend before.

5 & 6  Milo and Soda - the youngest and oldest pups in the family.

7  My mother in law sent over food.  Extra spicy cucumber kimchi.

8  Wore my new studded heels for a baby shower.  It wasn't warm enough - surprise, surprise.

9  We went on a field trip and Happy decided to sit in the back like the cool kids.

How was your week?

Cobalt

Our March meet up included brunch, shopping, and of course some photos.  Tiffany, Lydia, Megan, and I took the opportunity to shoot some photos around the Yale campus.  Besides being historical, this educational institution has it's own characteristics that separates it apart from the others.  One of the reasons why I love New Haven.

jacket: Anne Klein
cardigan: Banana Republic
dress: Chico's
belt: H&M
wedges: Nine West
bag: Michael Kors

Photos courtesy of Lydia

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Any plans?

Lovely Time

This past weekend I met up with Lydia, Megan, and Tiffany.  We try to plan to get together at least once a month and so far we have been very successful.  Since brunch seems to be our favorite time to meet, we went to Lena's Cafe and tried their delicious specials.  We then went to the downtown New Haven, walked around a little bit and admired our pretty surroundings.  There were so many places to pick from, but we decided to just pick an area of the Yale campus despite the very cold weather.  

blogger cheers / my huevos rancheros brunch special

pretty Yale campus / Battel Chapel

it may have been winter, but I love this pretty campus / Battel Chapel

another lovely time with Meg, Tiffany, & Lydia / ended the afternoon with a cookie and breve

After the photos were taken, we all ventured to some of the shops and boutiques. Since we were all together, we all decided to go back to Coco's of Madison (the third trip for Megan, Lydia, and I within a span of a month) to see what new wares they had.  It's hard not to go since everything in the store is ten bucks.  I scored a Dolce and Gabbana skirt and a spring/summer scarf.  I can't wait for the next time we hang out again!

Week In Pictures 46.0

1  Working on something special for someone special.  It's just taking a LONG time!

2  Had Brazilian take out for lunch and I thought getting a Briazilian drink would top it off.

3  I love mangoes.  This time my Mama gave me ripe ones from the store.  Love how she thinks about me.

4  Happy and Darling are getting along beautifully.

5  Took out my Michael Kors bag for a whirl.  Sometimes I forget how many bags I have, but I won't count.

6  Umm.  Don't know if you play Candy Crush, but I sure am addicted to it.  Right now I'm stuck on level 35.  What game are you playing right now?

7  Another blogger meet up accomplished.  It's always nice to hang out with some fellow bloggers.

8  Walking around Yale is always nice...post to come soon.

9  A few weeks ago I found these studded nude colored heels at TJMaxx and left the store empty handed.  I went again this past weekend and saw that they were still there.  I was meant to get them, right?

How was your week?

Snack Time

I'm always in the market for new recipes to try or even try different "new to me" food.  I have been on a roasting kick for a while, and have been looking for different vegetables to try.  This time I wanted to try roasting chickpeas.   There's so many recipes out there, so just pick one that would be good for you.  It's good it's own as a snack or topping for salads to add a different texture. 

What do you think? Have you ever tried roasted chickpeas?
Happy Friday and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

DIY Pillow Pet

Who doesn't want to take their pet with them everywhere?  This is a great way to bring your favorite animal in plush form to work or maybe vacation where our little friends are not always welcome...or it can just stay at home too as part of your home decor.  Plus, it's just a great way to put their cute mug on a pillow.  It may be verging on crazy, but I think it's just perfect for anyone who loves their pet(s).  I know I'm not the only one.

 

Materials:

pet photo

iron on transfer paper

computer program and ink-jet printer

fabric: solid colored cottons or jerseys work well

scissors

needle & thread/sewing machine

polyfil

I chose the best photo to use for my pillow and cropped it with a computer photo program.  Some may have options for printing on special paper like the photo transfer paper, if not I am sure you can just make sure that the photo fits when printed.  

 

Cut printed photo paper around the actual cropped photo.  You can certainly cut closer to the

photo if you choose.  It's definitely your preference.

 

Iron on the photo paper picture side down.  Make sure to read the directions for proper application!

 

After several minutes peel the back of the paper, and the photo is transferred onto the fabric.

 

Cut one inch around the photo.  Make sure to cut two pieces: front and back.

 

Time to sew.  You can just sew by hand or use a sewing machine which will certainly be

more sturdier.  The picture should be "sandwiched" in the middle before sewing both pieces together.

 

Make sure to leave an opening.  

 

Turn the pillow right side out, using the opening that was left unsewn then fill with polyfil to 

desired puffiness.

 

Darling's face is now on a pillow!

Here's Darling posing with her pillow.
As you can see the pillow version of Darling has a green tint to it.  It may be due to the ink in the printer.
Note to self: change photo to grayscale next time.

The pillow will be traveling on holiday with my aunt, and Darling will be staying with us.

I may end up making a pillow of each of the dogs in my family; some standing, sitting, sleeping....so many ideas.  

eShakti

A last minute shopping trip with some fellow bloggers Lydia and Meg equals great bargains and of course a photo op.

I am wearing my new eShakti dress that I picked out from their website.  I've chosen something very simple knit cowl neck dress that I can pretty much wear work or even for an event.  I kept the cap sleeve and chose the length above the knee.  It so happen to be green too... my quest for a green dress is over.   Once I sent my order, it quickly arrived at my doorstep in less than a week.  Here, I've paired it with just a blazer since it was very spring like that day.
eShakti is a great women's online store where everyone who orders has the opportunity to customize the style of their garment - sleeve, neckline, and length of the piece can be changed to your preference. They offer all styles in all sizes: 0-36W and custom.  Who wouldn't want a dress fit like a glove?
eShakti also allows the customer to have the choice to have embellishments or not.

blazer: Calvin Klein
dress: eShakti
shoes: Nine West
bag: Deux Leux



Photos courtesy of Lydia

Week In Pictures 45.0

1  Haley of The Zen of Making posted #crafttoolstalk and this is what I made with some make shift google eyes.  

2  The husband and I finally went a Brazilian restaurant that recently opened in the area.  It was a whole lot of great food and to top it all off they had delicious flan - my favorite!

3  Added some crocheted shamrocks for a little one's St. Patty's Day parade outfit.  

4  I also made the little one a little shamrock hat.

5  Who would've thought that we'd have another snow day.  I didn't believe it until I saw it when I woke up that morning.  I gladly slept in a little and lounged around since I was feeling a little under the weather.

6  A snow day means deserted roads.  It looked pretty until it melted later in the day.

7  I don't know what happened, but I had to make shrimp with lemon sauce over spinach.  Blame it on the snow.  It was pretty darn good.

8  I found the king size of Cadbury Mini Eggs.  I am obsessed with them so when I saw this bag the second time, my husband told me to just get it.... oh alright.

9  This pooch is going to be staying with us for a month and we're looking forward to it.

How was your week?

It's Not Easy Being Green

St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and the parade will be held this weekend here.  I thought I'd post a very green roundup.   As much as I am loving green right now, a little goes a long way because there's a thin line between being on trend and looking like a parade float.  I don't think I'll be going to any parades this year, but I do foresee lots of green.

Diane von Furstenberg / Topshop bag / McQ by Alexander McQueen mcq alexander mcqueen

Happy Friday folks, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Etsy Shop Discount

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that Louise of Laid Off Mom is featuring my Etsy shop.
The first twenty who comment on her post will receive a 20% off coupon code off their entire purchase (excludes made to order items).  Thanks again Louise!

Geronimo!

It's been years since I've been to Geronimo, probably when they first opened.  Honestly, I don't remember what I thought about their food.  However, from my recent dinner that I attended for my cousin's birthday it was apparent that they've stepped it up a few notches with their food and as well as their decor.   It was really memorable.

Spiced popcorn

Fresh guacamole made table side.

Chorizo tacos

Pulled pork quesadilla (husband's choice)

Strawberry and cucumber margarita

Week In Pictures 44.0

1  Last week I was frantic about my little pup Happy because she was shaking for no reason.  Well, she went to the vet and she is A-OK!  This is her playing hide and seek after her scary visit to the vet.

2  My Correspondence Club partner Hera sent me this cool bracelet!

3  A friend asked me to finish off a diaper pad cover for a baby shower she was going to.  Little did I know that I would be at war with my sewing machine!  Time to read up (again) on tension.

4  I am currently obsessed with green seedless grapes.  

5  Took out my vintage Coach bag for a twirl.

6  Lord & Taylor was having a great sale and I saw this Calvin Klein snakeskin print blouse.  Unfortunately when I went to the cash register to pay, I learned that it actually wasn't 50% off, so I said goodbye and farewell.

7  This AK jacket is not my usual, but something about it made me want to get it.  And I did.

Wow, just noticed how long my hair is.  

8  Another blazer in the closet.  I just couldn't help it.  The leather trim just got me.

9  Brussels sprouts for my lunch.  Most likely it won't last until Tuesday.  

How was your week?

Correspondence Club Jan/Feb 2013

I started the year with a new Correspondence Club partner Hera of Hera NYX.  She has a great fashion sense and has some serious friendship bracelet making skills as you can see from our exchange.

January Exchange
I made Hera crocheted earrings, and she made me a macrame friendship bracelet with a washer in the center of the bracelet.  I think we were on the same wave length that month because our exchanges seemed very similar.

   

February Exchange

Hera sent me another version of her handmade bracelet.  Perfect for spring and summer!  Since it's still considered as winter, I sent her a crocheted infinity scarf that I made and a little crochet sweater keychain that I picked up at a local yarn shop.

If you'd like to join the Correspondence Club, please go check out Star Crossed Smile for more information.

Any plans this weekend?  As far as I know, I don't have any and frankly I am okay with that.  

Have a great Friday!