A price that will shock.

(Photo borrowed from VIE magazine's March 2013 'Fashion Friday' post)

I bet your thinking this dress looks summery, flirty, and in general fabulous. You might like it less knowing the tag price is $145, but I got this baby for over 85% off at the Herbergers Clearance Outlet that just opened near my house.

Don't let the warehouse-esque feel throw you off; this store is packed full of designer label merchandise and SAVINGS. I went on my [very short] lunch break to check things out and was running around like a lady in a madhouse trying to find the best deals. Some stuff is cheaper than others, but I saw gorgeous things at great prices. Even prom dresses for under $20! 

This fabulous find was marked down to $40, but with the additional '50% an item coupon' I received upon entering the store, it only ran me $20. Unbeatable. Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers, but lets face it, she breaks the bank. I love finding marked down items of hers at re-sellers like Marshalls or TJMaxx. 

Oh and if you fall head over heels, I found this dress on Ebay: BUY ME, BUY ME, BUY ME

Can't wait for an occasion to sport this. May the shopping Gurus be with you.

J.

Food.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Shopping list:

Pasta (I used veggie, but feel free to get any style you prefer)

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh basil

Mozzarella pearls

Balsamic vinegar

Extra virgin olive oil

Boil water and dump in desired amount of pasta. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Chop up basil (shred) and halve each cherry tomato. Set aside.

Separate mozzarella pearls. Set aside.

Combine a small amount of balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until well blended.

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Drizzle sauce mix over salad. Stir. Enjoy.

This salad was delicious. I made a large batch, so I would have leftovers for lunches. If you go this route, I would recommend leaving the sauce off until ready to eat. I also made a Caesar/olive oil mix to mix things up. Equally delicious.

Happy cooking.

J.

Pinterest Project.

This craft [courtesy of 'The Mrs. & Mommabird's" blog] is definitely at the top of my 'to do' Pinterest project list. 

Supply list: 

Flowers

Hot glue gun 

Sharpies 

Scissors

Sheet of cardboard

Large frame

Lightbulb -- this would be adorable at the entrance of my wedding ceremony and/or reception

Bonus -- the demo already features the 'S' I would need to create

Double bonus -- I just scored a similar large gold frame for $2 at a local church garage sale.

J.

Imaginary Dream OTD

Dreaming that this type of little gadget will call my apartment home in the near future.

Genius idea, 5 gazillion:



The shower wine glass holder from firebox.com. It appears to be sold out or no longer offered; here's a similar option for around $15 - WaveHooks.

HA.

J.

Now Playing.

Some music speaks to your soul.

You hear it, you sing it, but you also feel it. It moves through your body and ignites a spark. The spark can be bad or good; a memory brought to life by something unexpected. 

I love this soulful music. But it's not all in the lyrics. I like to think certain artists hit notes and sing melodies that I am specifically susceptible too. A voice with power, with passion.

'Rumors' Album Cover

On my playlist tonight is Fleetwood Mac's

Listen to the original here, and also check out this awesome cover [and artist].

Listen on.

J.

Imaginary Dream OTD

Putting my new headphones to use today and jamming out to this legend... while dreaming that he will tour in Minnesota again. And that despite my cheapness, I will make the leap and buy the dang tickets. 

(July 23,1981 cover of Rolling Stone magazine)

Listen now on Pandora or YouTube.

Is it the weekend yet?!

J.

Broiled Tomatoes.

Paired with beef pot roast for dinner last night. A much healthier side dish alternative to pasta or potatoes. 

Bon Appétit!

J.

AEO.

Warm weather is here and you may find yourself in a frump when it comes to your wardrobe. Lucky for you, American Eagle Outfitters has everything you need to stay calm and collected as we fully transition into the new season. And right now, you can score up to 60% off select summer styles, an additional 40% off clearance items, and free shipping ($50 minimum). Savings overload, whoa.

Here are a few items I have compiled for work and the weekend.

Work: 1 -- 2 -- 3

Weekend: 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4

Enjoy.

J.

Weekend Recap.

This past weekend seemed to fly by, but it was without a doubt well spent. One of those weekends, that you can't really make any complaints about. One spent surrounded by family and good friends.

Friday night consisted of burgers, wine, ladder ball, and loungy-ness. Oh and some very fancy surprise new earbuds from my lovie.

Banana Pancakes and bacon were on the Saturday morning menu. And after all was clean and squared away from the previous nights festivities, we headed north. Stopping at my parents to say hi and drop off my Father's Day gift. After a short visit and hugs for my favorite little boys (the nephews were over) we hit the road for my [future] niece's sixth birthday party. Girly and wonderful. I think she had a fun day. 

Saturday night the girls headed to Minneapolis for another birthday celebration. Destinations included: Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge, Tony Jaro's, and Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit.


Sunday we filled our bellies at Pizza Luce in St. Paul and capped lunch with ice cream from top ranked Izzy's.


Whew. And welcome back Monday.


J.

Summer wear.

Here is my most recent outfit compilation. I picture someone wearing these duds while shopping at the farmers market, boating, running errands, and pretty any casual summer activity. The items are versatile enough to follow you into fall, which is always a benefit as well.

Scarf -- Cropped Pants -- Sweater

Best yet, all of LOFT's clearance is an additional 40% off right now, so if your in need of an update, you should be set here. This entire outfit would currently cost you about $50. Not too shabby.

Shop to your little hearts desires. Guilt free!

J.

Remember the....

first time you fell in love? Yeah, the butterflies in the stomach love, but more than that too. The kind of love that causes you to start thinking thinking of the 'us' instead of the 'me'. The one that has the power to shatter your being or put you on a pedestal higher than you'd have ever imagined... the kind of first love that Zack Arenson of Elite Daily claims can pave the way for the rest of your life.

The First Time You Fall In Love Could Determine The Course Of Your Entire Life

I stumbled across this article thanks to a friend's share on Facebook, and I'm glad I did. Because it's eye opening. I sound corny, as I usually do, but articles like these remind me of where I've come from. I can reflect on it now thinking, 'yes this is so true, things played out just that way'. But at one point in time, I was probably victim to the natural instinct of comparison. The comparison of one love to another and the dreadful and suffocating feeling that nothing will ever compare to those first feelings. Zack puts it all too well stating that until you let go, you will never move forward; which I couldn't say any better myself. 

I can honestly say that how this article describes true love, is how I feel in my current state. Yes, as I have stated before, I run into roadblocks. But ultimately, I wake up each day and go to bed each night knowing there is no one I would rather be with. And it's all because I let go. 

Likewise, I was ready to find love when it came by. This is key. If you are closed off to the new, you will never find it good enough. It will never match or outdo your previous love. But its your past for a reason. That's key too. If things worked, you would be with that person. People constantly beat themselves up over how they should better themselves after a relationship, but whose standards are those by? Likely the other individuals...

Step back and evaluate yourself. Make a list of the greatest things about you. Build yourself up and then see where there's holes. Those are more worth filling than the ones left empty from your heartbreak. 

J.

Focus.

Just a reminder to keep positive and trust that everything will fall into place, as it should.

Happy Wednesday!

J.

Imaginary Dream OTD

My dream today is more of a wishful thought. A hope that I find something very similar to the amazing Monique Lhuillier wedding dress [set]. I read up online that this is actually a dress and skirt combo, which gives me hope that the look can be replicated. How much are you in love?

(Photo borrowed from Style Me Pretty, click the link to see more photos from this beautiful Carmel Valley wedding)

Fingers crossed, dreaming. 

J.

Weekend well spent.

My weekend wrapped up rather quickly, but I managed to enjoy myself quite easily and well. 

Friday was date night consisting of dinner and a stroll along the river. Saturday was spent seeing a movie (continuation of date night), family dinner [and wine] at my parents for my brother's birthday, and a trip up to two of our good friend's new home. The weekend wrapped up for us Sunday with a grad party, ice cream, and catching up with a best friend. No complaints here. 

The details.

Brandon, my fiancee, gave me full reign to choose a dinner destination, but suggested we try something new. Immediately I thought patio, and picked a place I know he an I had never been. I did cheat a little by picking a place I had been once before, but knew that the atmosphere and food would not disappoint and he would be a happy camper. 

So we headed out to Downtown Hudson, WI to one of their top rated restaurants, Pier 500. Riverfront dining, an amazing large patio, and delicious food. The menu seems to be pretty American with many fine options including an array of seafood dishes. We split the smoked Gouda nachos (YUM) to start and enjoyed some brews. Brandon ended up having the french dip (Philly style) sandwich and I had a Caesar salad; pretty typical options for us and we were very satisfied with the product! The restaurant is riverfront so we strolled along the path for awhile before heading home. Good times spent together. Always a fan.

Saturday's dinner consisted of local made wine (thanks to the help of my Daddy; who, now in retirement, works for the Vineyard), huge steaks, my mom's [should be famous] cheesy potatoes, Caesar salad and fruit salad. 

Fruit salad, that sounds familiar. Well it should! Because I whipped it up (loosely) following the recipe I posted last week. Turned out fabulous; used all the right ingredients and eye-balled everything. Here's photographic proof...

No photos to illustrate my Sunday, but I think you get the idea.

Hoping for this much excitement in the coming weekend.

J. 

ATTENTION ALL SHOPPERS!

Just wanted to alert you of some awesome sales and offers going on NOW.

First and foremost... Kate Spade is hosting a surprise online sale with a whopping 75% off select sale items. Check it out.

Victoria's Secret just kicked off their semi annual sale. Shop in store or online for out of this world deals.

Urban Outfitters is offering free shipping with no minimum purchase, but it ends today so act fast!

If you're looking to stock up on basics for the summer, head over to the Target website where they currently have a promotion going on of buy one get one 50% off dresses and shorts.

And if you're not sure what you need, but know you need it. Macys is offering an additonal 20% off items in most departments as part of their Father's day sale.

Ready, set, shop!

Happy hunting.

J.

Product Crush.

Product Crush.

Definition- to have secret affection for an inanimate object you are longing to purchase.

Stumbled across my most recent PC this morning thanks to a 'sale warning' email from my fave craft store, Michaels. Let me paint you a little picture...

You move into a new place, get a new couch as a gift from your parents, cute clock from your grandma, and matching throw pillows from your sister. Everything pairs perfectly and you are all set for a dream living room. But you know that your hard woods are going to take a beating if you don't find a floor rug to match. You hunt and hunt and hunt some more. Target, Home Goods, Bed, bath, and beyond... no. luck. anywhere. Nothing matches. Aheeeem, bring in the Vecco!

The what?!

Vecco is a line of products that enable you to fully design and customize your rugs and carpets. Yet another 'why didn't I think of it' idea. The company sells stencils and carpet colorants (made with water base pigments, so they are safe for indoor use, pets, etc.) to help style your rug to your design and color scheme. Designs dry to a powder like substance that can be vacuumed up for easy updating and countless options. Likewise, you can also purchase a colorant lock spray which will make your design permanent, since we sometimes surprise ourselves and create a masterpiece we'll never be able to live without.

Photo example borrowed from C.R.A.F.T's blogpost.

Best yet, the stencils cost around $10 (but, heck, you could make your own) and the colorants are around $15 per can. Meaning 1 plain cheap large rug can be transformed for a price that will keep the smile on your face.

Purchase in store at Michaels or online and get your craft on!

J.

Pretty much...

And you can only go up from here. Be present, life is all around you and...





Just sayin'.


J.

Keepin' it fresh.

Fresh foods are a summer staple. Fruits and vegetables, fresh from the grocery store, the farmers market, or your very own garden. 

Fresh is on trend and for good reason. Options are endless... take peppers, for instance; dice and fry them up for fajitas, eat raw with humus or veggie dip as a snack, or stuff 'em with ground beef [or turkey] and rice for an easy dinner.

Regardless of how you work fresh foods in to your diet, you are sure to avoid disappointment and just generally feel better.

Here are a couple recipes I am hoping to give a go this weekend and next week!

From 'The Garden Grazer' blog... Cucumber Salad



What you'll need:
Cucumbers
Onion
Tomatoes
White wine vinegar
Olive oil
Oregano
Salt

From the 'Winner Dinners' blog... Fruit Salad



What you'll need:
Pineapple
Mangoes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Grapes
Powdered sugar

Check out these awesome blogs for detailed recipe instructions!

J.

Summer drink.

Ladies and gentlemen, my favorite summer drink..... the mojito!



I love mojitos and sadly they are sometimes hard to come by, as many bars don't like to stock mint leaves. Womp womp. But when I do find a place that has 'em that's what I'm ordering. Yum.

So cool and refreshing, light enough that they're easy to drink, and not too sweet that you have to stop after one. 

I borrowed this picture [and recipe] from userealbutter.com  so head over there for detailed instructions AND pictures to help you along the way. Depending on how much you like these, you made need to reference this material for rounds 4 and 5. 

And even if you decide to bend the rules and not follow a recipe, these are pretty hard to mess up. Just stick to this grocery list and you'll be throwing 'em back in no time.

Grocery list:
White Rum
Limes
Club soda or sparkling water
Simple syrup, sugar, or agave nectar
Fresh mint 
Ice

Drink up.

J.

Somebody's a genius..

My most recent, 'why didn't I think of that' ideas. I love tea lights for one major price, you can get a lot of them for a very little price. But there's nothing jazzy about a tea light... even the colored ones are boring without a cut holder. 

These little guys are covered in patterned tapes. You can find these at any craft store, but even Target should have a few options. Just think, one cheap pack of lights, one cheap roll of tape. Endless possibilities.

This is a great idea for a baby or bridal shower, or even wedding! Just be sure to check with your vendor on their policy regarding open flames, as many require glass surrounding. Regardless, pop this puppy in a votive for added pizzazz. 

If you just can't wait to get started, place your tape order today at Amazon.com. 

Happy crafting.

J.

Back again.

Whew. I am back. 'It has been approximately 10 days since my last blog post.' Just kidding, but seriously it has been awhile.

I was without a computer, when I was on vacation last week. Andddd spent a lot of time unpacking, cleaning, being lazy, and enjoying having a living room again. But, like I said, I am back.

And I am ready to blog.

So get ready for lots of fun posts, because I've got lots on my mind. Foods I'm trying, clothes I'm buying, and some imaginary dreams along the way.

J.