Sorry, Rachel Zoe

So, I was looking through my Pinterest board, 'I Die' and I realized that a lot of the outfits I pinned weren't so high fashion. (Maybe I should rename my board) In fact, a lot of what I had pinned was actually achievable.

Pinned here



Pinned here



Pinned here

Here's my problem:  When I shop, I buy pieces, and don't think about what I'll wear them with.  I don't put outfits together and then end up just wearing the same old things.

I always covet the way my friends put together outfits, mixing and matching pieces and creating different looks.  On the contrast, I have some really great pieces that never get worn because they don't match anything. I need to amend how I shop.

My solution:  I figured out what in my 'I Die' board I would need to create a good mix of outfits for fall. Things that I could mix and match and use in multiple ways.  Things that would compliment some of the things I already have.  Then, taking it one step further, I set a budget for each item.  A maximum amount that I would be willing to spend.

Here's my list:

Cognac Flats- budget $30

Chambray Shirt - budget $30

White looser-fitting layering tee - budget $15

Longer Cardigan medium thickness - budget $30

Statement Multi-Colored beaded necklace (with some plum in it) - budget $20

Shorter Trench coat - budget $50

Straight leg Navy blue cords - budget $50

nicer layering top with button sleeves - budget $20

Cognac purse - budget $30

And if I stay on my budget, I'll spend $275 total!

This has made shopping more fun and has kept me searching for the versitile pieces that I need.

I've found 3 pieces so far, and stayed under budget.  I've found a few of the others, but have been over my budget.  So, I'll just keep them in mind and keep my ears open for a sale!

Do you think it's do-able?  What do you think of my strategy?

Okay, okay....

I don't like fall....there, I said it.  Go ahead and tell me all the reasons why I'm crazy.

I just don't.

It means the end of summer and leads into winter (my most hated season).  I get sick, like I am now, every time fall rears it's ugly head.  I don't like bulky clothes, and I don't look good in sweaters. My dogs track in leaves, and the days start to get shorter.  whining finished, promise.

However, there are some things that I do like about fall.  Pumpkins being the largest one.  I like Halloween and Thanksgiving, but wish it were warm outside for both holidays.  I love football.  and I like to lay outside and read in pajamas in the early fall/indian days of summer.

That being said, I have a number of activities that I'd like to accomplish this fall.  So, I made a bucket list. I know, I know, join the club, right? who hasn't made a fall bucket list yet?  Whatever, I jumped on the bandwagon.

looking at it now, I should have made the heading larger.... I feel like I'm never done editing.

I will say, though, this list makes me a lot more excited about the season ahead of us.

My plan is to frame it and use a dry erase marker on the glass to cross out everything as we accomplish each activity.

What do you think of Fall?  What's on your bucket list?

Weighing in on The Replacements.

And it's goooooood!  They're back

And here's what I have to say to the replacement referees (with warning that I have a tendency to root for the underdog)

Dear Replacement Refs,

First off, thank you.  Without you, what would have happened to football for its first 3 weeks.  Maybe we would have missed out.  And so, thanks for stepping up.

Now, I forgive you for the weird, confused, and bad calls; if you forgive me for hating on you so bad.  I know it's not your fault that you aren't experienced.  You should see me trying to do things I'm not experienced at (like calling football or tailoring shirts).  I may also need to thank you again, because without you, not sure what I would have talked about with the boys in my office, besides Fantasy Football, and the baby panda at DC Zoo (tear).

I'm glad to have our regular refs back, especially muscle man Ed Hochuli.  I've missed him, especially.  Although, even he makes bad calls sometimes  I'm sure you're glad to not have to get yelled at anymore.  Take some time off.  Watch some football.  Enjoy yourself.

source, funny article

At the end of the day, you have given us 3 weeks we will never forget.

Sincerely,

Claire Jacyshyn

NFL Football fan

And, of course, in case you missed them, here are some of my favorite responses to the replacement referee disasters

source

"we've all made bad calls"

"Call it maybe?"

Fall photo session mood board

I've booked a photography session for Justin and I at a friend's farm in a few weeks.  I. AM. SO. EXCITED. 

As a kid, we didn't do family photos every year, and I wish we had.  So I'm determined to do so!

These pictures will also be used as our christmas photos.  So, since this session will have to be a double whammy.... I created a mood board for it.  Just so I can try to achieve the vibe I want.

1. source
2. source
3. source
4. source
5. same source as #2

So, this is my mood board.

Pictures 1, 2, and 5 were found on Pinterest.

Picture 4 is from one of my favorite blogs, A Blog About Love.

And, lastly and bestly (I made that up, and it's staying), Picture 3 is of my adorable best friend, Betsy and her husband Paul.  You should check her blog out too.  She's over at Peony and Gray.  Her adorable-ness may be contagious; pop over there and try to catch some.  I do as often as I can.

You like my mood board? Ever created a mood board?  What do you think about using one to plan a photography session, or anything else?

============================

(I know I've been gone forever, but I never gave up, I was just not being motivated.  I needed a little nudge from the before-mentioned BFF to get back into action.  Maybe I'll do a nice, long, where I've been entry.  Maybe I won't. Haven't decided.  What do you think? ) 

Oh wow.

Another chapter in my life.

I just made one of the dumbest mistakes a person can make.  Oh wow.  Luckily, it turned out okay.

But a co-worker sent me this to cheer me up:

It's true...

deep breath...


And I'm going to get some inspiration from Mulan to get back in the game. This (song in video below) was my theme song with my 3 best friends in college and was also sung before I walked down the aisle at my wedding with the same 3 friends.

singing "Make a Man Out of You" at my wedding!

Need to get pepped up?  This song works for me!!

What do you do to recover from a really stupid mistake?? 

Quite possibly...

...my favorite "Human of New York" in a long time.

http://humansofnewyork.tumblr.com/post/27330594748/im-a-librarian-whats-your-favorite-part

I've sometimes wondered if I should be a librarian.  Major caveat:  I'm very loud.  :-/

New Wall Art!!

Recently saw this post on one of my fav blogs, From My Grey Desk and was immediately infatuated.

She found the idea and instructions here over at Mint Love Social Club, an awesome blog I hadn't discovered yet!

I just LOVE all things Kate Spade, so knew I just had to try to reproduce this.  Plus, my guest room is a little boring and I've been looking for things to fill the walls.

I had a little trouble keeping it simple and probably glued WAYYY too many dots on my canvas, but I was just having so much fun!!

You can't tell (I wish I used my real camera and not my phone!) but I used 3 different color shimmer-y/ glitter-y scrapbook papers. Used about 2.5 sheets.  Total project cost me about $18. 

So I gained a new wall hanging, and found a great new blog!  Total score!!