The Front Yard of Opportunity

... or just my front yard. 

It's whatever, really.

But it's not whatever at all, actually. A ton of this blog has disappeared into cyberspace and/or my own personal external hard drive. I hate that cyber bully more than anyone can possibly understand. But what the hacker has done for me is allow me to take a good, long look at my life and priorities and I've been able to grab a little perspective on everything. I'm thankful that during the few days that I literally couldn't work on the blog, I was able to realize that I spend a lot more time writing in the evenings than I do sleeping... or doing laundry... or making lists of chores and meals (things I actually enjoy and need to be doing). I've sort of lost grip regarding the unmeasurables in life to a world that has become measurable by "how many, how much, how far, how long?"

This blog began as a motivational tool for me to get dressed in something other than sweatpants, after I gave birth to my daughter. It helped me cope with a lot of anxiety and "extra time" that I all of a sudden had after nursing and pumping for a zillion hours a day. And now? Now, this blog is still a creative outlet. It still motivates me to get dressed and document my life in a way I'd never have imagined. This blog is the nurturer of SO many relationships of which I'm extremely appreciative.

So, basically, thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for helping me through that craptastic hacking event from last week. Thank you for STILL being here.

And now, I'm going to thank you for continuing to be here while I try to re-find my niche as a personal style blogger, with a little more life perspective, and a little bit of a new outlook on what this place is gonna be like.

charcoal silk top: Banana Republic (so sweetly Christmas gifted by ML)

leopard cardi: APT. 9 via Kohl's

charcoal and light grey striped slacks: Old Navy

pewter buckle flats: from Whitney

necklace: Zales, Christmas gifted by Husband (2007)

earrings: Charlotte Russe

I know someone who needs to get that halo taken care of.

Holy roots.

OMG.

And two orders of business:

1. Please check out the sexiest blog giveaway, EVER, over at Lulapalooza!

Then pray that I win, 'cause ya'll know your girl needs a pick-me-up when Hubs starts working day shift, hopefully next week!a

2. My dear friend, Rochelle, is moving to Japan in a few weeks. She's going to be literally living out of a suitcase for the next month and she's having us VOTE on what pieces she should include in that suitcase!

Check out the choices and give a little insight, here!

3. Go 'head and drool over the lemon bars that Collette posted.

I'm going to the store for ingredients.

Like... now.

FBFF - Blogger Superlatives!

This Friday's post is the launch of the first ever FBFF Blog Awards.

Katy, of Modly Chic, asked us to nominate one blogger for each of ten categories.

These will be narrowed down to the top five for each category and opened up to the FBFF blogging community for voting!

As always, for more information on Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, please check Katy's blog, Modly Chic!

And now, for the nominations!!!

All photos are property of the blogs which have been linked for each nomination.

1. Creative Juices - most creative 

Keira - a pretty penny

Not only does Keira co-own her family's flower shop (hello, creativity!), she has some really amazing outfit combinations, does the most creative and quirky giveaway winner videos, and Keira is seriously kicking some a$$ on Project Re-Style!

YOU GO, GIRL!

2. The Real Deal - authenticity 

Melissa- A Working Mom's Closet

Melissa is as real as it gets. She shares her ups and downs, and she's a loving, caring, sweet friend, daughter, and mother. She gives us all Melissa all the time. Her outfits get more genuinely "Mel" as the days pass and she reaches out to her readers so well!

3. Spark Notes - most helpful 

Kimberly - Fab Finds Under $50

Kimberly is inspiring in so many ways. She does monthly outfit inspiration calendars, tells us where EVERYTHING in her wardrobe is from, answers reader questions on a regular basis (and seriously does research to answer them WELL), and has informational tidbits in each of her posts.

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old 

Kimmie - blue paper lanterns

I know I'm not the only one who thinks this talented beauty has taken the blog world by storm, since her entrance just a few months ago! Kimmie is the amazing designer that made my blog look amazing, is a great friend and confidant, has impeccable style (even though she doesn't think so), works full time, and has a husband and little man to go home to! She does it all and she's juggling life well enough to have an amazing blog, to boot!

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected 

Collette - Statements in Fashion

Is there a blogger out there that has not received a comment from Collette? Probably not many. I have no idea how this Super Woman does it, but Collette makes time for EVERYONE. She's always the first to compliment you, the first to tweet you, and the first to run to your side when help is needed. Collette is a friend, always, INDEED.

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY 

Rochelle - Rochelle Approved

Like Keira, Rochelle is also rocking Project Re-Style. She's made several a skirt out of dresses or shirts (out of shirts? YES!), crafted a standing lamp all on her own, can sew ANYTHING on the face of the planet (eh hem, if you hop to her blog and find a picture of her beloved orange chair, SHE REUPHOLSTERED IT!), and she is also a painter and photographer. Yes, she does it all, my friends!

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers

together 

Katy - Modly Chic

Katy is the reason we're all here! She's brought so many bloggers together with FBFF in such a short period of time! Katy is enthusiastic, does blogger profiles to showcase awesome writers and fashionistas (and to introduce them to all of us!). She is dedicated to the blogging community, and I think that's what this award really means!

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable 

Ramsey - Love, Ramsey

The sweet, fresh, chic Jackie O. of 2011? You were looking?

Oh, here she is.

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger 

Tiffany - MakeUp By Tiffany D

Tiffany is much more popular in the YouTube world than the blogging world, but she also has a blog that I keep up with. I learned a lot about eye makeup and concealer from her, and although she does feature some outrageous makeup ideas, I applaud her for doing so many "daytime" looks that I wouldn't be afraid to try.

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty,

lifestyle 

Maegan - ... love maegan

I don't care if Maegan has one hundred bajillion readers. She is the very first blogger that I started to follow and is one of the reasons I began blogging in the first place. Her style is incredible, her DIYs are through the roof, she's hilarious, beautiful, and so talented. I swear, if you start reading Maegan's blog for a week, you'll be hooked for life. And so popular she can't return emails? Forget about it. Not one email I've sent her has been left unanswered. Love.This.Woman.

Romantic Side of the Tracks

I have a new wardrobe!

Okay, maybe I wouldn't necessarily go that extreme... BUT, my sweet friend, Rochelle, treated me to a post-birthday shopping trip on Saturday and she SPOILED ME ROTTEN. We had a set budget and hit the thrift store, Old Navy, and Ross! We were planning to head to New York & Company as well, but we just hit the jackpot everywhere we went and there was no need to get even more! So a big, giant thank you to Rochelle, for putting up with me (and Little S.), treating me to such a fun girls' day and very thoughtful gifts (not only did she take me shopping, BUT when I got to her house, there was a huge box of goodies waiting for me, there, too!), and helping me build a Spring wardrobe with some awesome pieces and SHOES!

Now that I have you on the edge of your seat, I know you're dying to see at least one of my new finds. Am I right? Am I right?! Lucky YOU, because I'm wearing TWO new things! And lucky ME, because 1) I'm extra comfortable, 2) It's going to be 77 degrees, today, and 3) My sweet husband rescued me from a trying morning and took some MORE beautiful pictures. I love you, babe! Thanks for making me feel like a super model. And you don't look so bad behind that camera, either. 

Who's jealous of my sexy photographer?

  floral dress: Old Navy (gift from Rochelle)

grey swing cardi: New York & Company

gold belt: Target clearance

flower necklace: gift from Marilou

blush rosette ballet flats: Rampage via Ross

 

Husband sure does have an eye for location. All of these photos were taken around the perimeter of an old, abandoned train station right near the university where I work. I love how the tough background offsets the flirty, romantic vibe of my outfit. I also love how I feel so uninhibited with my husband behind the camera. I normally feel like such a geek when I'm "trying" to pose for photos, but he makes me feel comfortable and natural. I'm so thankful for that.

 

Many of you have probably read Collette's AMAZING weight loss story, already. And I've been on my own up and down roller coaster since before Little S. was born. Today, I'm turning the page and moving forward with my own weight loss journey. With the help of my husband and SEVERAL amazing bloggy friends, like Melissa, Collette, Marilou, Kori, and Leigh, I have so much more faith in myself that I'm ready and it's TIME.

GIANT, EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT, Blogging, & Hair

WE INTERRUPT TODAY'S REGULARLY SCHEDULED POST FOR AN EXTREMELY EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT:

Two in Technicolor

is making its first debut at We Love Colors!

Check out our first featured blogger, Kimmie, of Blue Paper Lanterns! 

A BIG thank you goes out to Collette, of Statements in Fashion, and We Love Colors for making this feature happen! I'm so excited to be working with both of you!

And now, the regularly scheduled programming shall commence.

Friends, I didn't even notice that yesterday was my 400th post! Whoa! These little fingers have been hitting the keyboard, hard! I was going to do a giveaway at 400 posts, but seeing as I'm only 12 GFC readers from 300, I think I'll wait 'til that point and celebrate both! How does that sound to you?

OMG- I almost forgot to tell you!!! My BFF of 13 years (the time frame is important because no one else would understand how insanely amazing this is, except someone who knew me "back when") asked me to be her date to the BSB & NKOTB concert in June! Holy mother of pearl and OH MY PICKLE!!!!
I cannot wait to scream like a 12-year-old.

Publish Post

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday - I Puffy Heart Colors

This week's FBFF, hosted by Katy, of Modly Chic, is all about COLORS- one of my FAVORITE topics! I was so glad when Rochelle reminded me about FBFF, because after my uncle's passing last week, I completely missed it (I'm sure you understand) and didn't get back on track. I seriously need to sign up for the group emails. So, thanks, friend. :)

1. What color dominates your closet? 

I just walked in there to take a gander, and it seems as though I have one to two items in most colors. But if I had to choose one color that stood out, I think I might have a bit too much grey. For someone who puffy hearts color as much as I do, grey is a pretty sad sack for closet domination.

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet? 

I want bright, royal, saturated colors to fill my closet. I love colors like Crayola's WIld Strawberry, the hued mustard everyone's been sporting in cardigan form, lately, and the royal blue that Kate Middleton is already known for. I also really love deep plum, kelly green and Tiffany blue. Oh, and blush. So, it seems there would be a lot of work happening if money were no object. And by work, I mean fun. And by fun, I mean SHOPPING!

black lace trim cami: Old Navy

floral tank: WalMart

green polka dotted skirt: I made it

black cardigan: Old Navy

rubine tights: c/o We Love Colors

black boots: Payless

purple necklace: Swap gift from Victoria

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors? 

Do it! Do it! Do it! Party like a rockstar. You only live once! Do whatever YOU WANT. 

MIX it up.

Dress for yourself.

Have fun.

Get a little crazy up in here.

And if you're not comfortable, just live vicariously.

I apologize for the excessive mantras. I just wanted you to know that I can read. I understood the question. I just like to excel overdo it, sometimes often all the time.

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits? 

For me? Well, I walk into my closet, pick a bunch of stuff that doesn't go together, and hang it together to make an "outfit." Then, I wear it. I'm so not kidding. There are also always tights in 51 outrageous colors + patterns, which is a super fun way to spiff things up.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe? 

Most of the bloggers I read are pretty great at incorporating color. I think that's a draw for me, since I really like color. People that come to the top of my head for color inspiration are:

- Melissa - A Working Mom's Closet

- Collette - Statements in Fashion

- Ashley J. - A Fashion Fixation

- Louise - Coffee & a Cardigan

- Ariana - FATale Fashion

- Jill - Spoils of Wear

Day 20: A hobby of mine- 

Other than singing, sewing, spending time with my girl, and cooking...

my favorite hobby is probably sleeeeeeeep.

image via

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I'll be busy turning 27.

TWENTY SEVEN YEARS OLD.

Wow. Those years rolled by so quickly.

Everybody Everywear: Breton Stripes Day & Twitter Tuesday!

The awesome bloggers over at Everybody, Everywhere feature specific styles, and today, "everybody, everywhere" will be loading their Breton Stripes looks to the site!

 It's a gloomy, grey, rainy day in Eastern NC, so I dressed appropriately!

Or, I'm just mocking the rain. This is me, sticking my tongue out at the ugly weather. Mneh.

If you say, "Mneh," out loud, that's what it sounds like when I stick my tongue out and make a mocking sound. "Mneh. Mneh. Mneh."

striped dress: WalMart

grey hoodie: Old Navy

tights: Old Navy

boots: Payless

And last, but probably most importantly, today, I have been featured on Statements in Fashion Twitter Tuesday, by Collette Osuna! Please check out my interview! I'd love to hear what you have to say! And if you don't already follow Statements in Fashion, you're totally missing out!