Letters in August

It's been a while since I've written some letters. 

Dear Chelsea,

I know your heart was a little heavy yesterday, looking back at how far you've come this past year but how far you still want to go. It's been almost one year since you left Utah. There have been so many changes this year. So many uncertainties. Your personal beliefs have changed, your priorities have re-aligned, and that's okay. Take the time to keep finding yourself and to keep finding the right people surround yourself with. It's okay to have doubts. Just stay true to you. 

Dear New Instagram [or shall I start calling you Facegram?],

[via]

Not okay. Not. Okay. So, I can zoom in and see the exact spot on a street where I was located while uploading pictures? Sure, I can "undo" the places you tagged my pictures FOR me on the map, but, really? Why did you think this was a good idea? That's what I want to know.

Here is their reasoning:  “We don’t want Instagram only to be about ‘now,’” Instagram founder Kevin Systrom told Wired via email. “Instead we want Instagram to be a visual collection of your memories — something beautiful and nostalgic.”  You're right. Because I'm going to forget what street I was on when I posted that picture in my house... Mmm, memories.

Dear Online Deal Websites,

[via]

I think I have signed up to receive all of your emails. Yep, every single one of you. I mostly just peruse but I confess, when I do find something that's a really good deal that I just can't pass up - it sure makes me happy!

Dear Summer,

I'm over you. I mean, what's the point when I have to wear a sweater and sit next to my space heater all day at work because it's so friggin' cold inside? Not to mention, I can't curl my hair because when I do and when I do go outside, the curls say, "buh-bye." I'm ready to start singing, "O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum" and "The First Noel." No?

Dear TJ Maxx,

Your "impulse buy" section at check-out got to me and I don't even regret it because this is what I scored:

For $3.99 each!! Guess I'm back on board the Essie train!

Dear Aubrey,

You turn 2-years-old today!! I'm so sad that I couldn't be here the day you were born or for your 1st birthday but tomorrow we are going to celebrate in Minnie style! You light up my life and I am so happy and blessed to be your Auntie. You are so pretty and loving! I can't wait to see how far you go in life :)

Go link up your letters with Ashley!

Fashion Blogger Inspiration

We're talking fashion today. Fashion inspiration, that is. I obviously don't put myself in the "fashion blogger" category. As I mentioned yesterday, it has been quite a while since I've had an outfit post. I'd like to change that so I'll get working on it.

When asked to describe my style in a couple words, I never know what to say. Like, ever. I know I've had a style but I think little by little, I'm starting to learn what exactly it really is. I'm a rather active Pinterest pinner and I have started to realize another trend in the fashion pins I've posted [you can find my fashion board here.] Many of the outfits I adore originate from the same few fashion bloggers!

So, today I'll be sharing those bloggers and some of their outfits similar to my style with you! While I love fashion inspiration, it's important to keep in mind that I certainly don't have the same body makeup as these ladies so I can take these styles and make them my own for what works best for me :)

That's the best part, right?

Atlantic Pacific

This outfit is pretty much me to a T. I love my neutral, earthy tones and olive green military-style jackets are my favorite. I belt a lot of my outfits to add layers and texture, and the chunky, gold jewelry and over-sized bag? Yes, yes, yes.

Hate on it all you want, but I still dig the popped-collar in this look. And the turned-up cuffs. I also love layers in case you can't tell. I think the whole maxi with a jacket look might be one of my favorites for the upcoming Fall before it gets too cold. I also adore that rich purple with the pop of neon.

Honestly, I never would have paired that sweater with that skirt but somehow, I absolutely love it. Basically, anything with cheetah or leopard print automatically wins my heart so that helps. Looks like this really push me to experiment more with clothes! [Do we notice the popped collar again? Mmmhmm...]

When I'm not wearing browns and golds, I'm wearing shades of aqua and turquoise. Aside from that, this look is pretty much me throughout the Fall [and even the early Spring.] Skinny jeans, although I probably wouldn't wear that light of a wash, a fun jacket, and colored scarf. However, I'd most definitely be in boots :)

Seams for a Desire

I recently stumbled upon this blogger on Pinterest and love how fun her style is!
Are we surprised that I also love this look she's wearing above? That color and those edgy studs and zippers? Bam. Sign me up :)

I love colored denim and I love chambray. I know these two things have been around for a while now but I still think they're a fun look, especially when paired together like she did here. Can't say those black heels are my style. Maybe some nude heels or wedges :)

Again, I'm loving the layers that are going on here. [White skinnies, not so much.] I just think it's a super unique look with the vest and the belt. And who knew the colors of the vest and striped shirt would look so good together?

I think I have my NYE outfit already picked out and this is it! Aqua glitter boyfriend cardigan - perfect! I'd have to accent it with gold heels and a gold belt, though :)

See, Jessie is just friggin' adorable. Be sure to go check out her cute style and gain some new inspiration like I do!

While I start to pick up fresh, new items for my Fall wardrobe, I'll keep some of these looks in mind and I won't be afraid to try something new that I've been wanting to try - something that I like, something that's really "me." I think we too often tell ourselves, "Oh, I could never pull that off." And, yes, I look at some things Blair and Jessie wear and I just know I'd look funny walking down the street in it. However, if I see something I like that's different from what's always in my closet, I'm going to go for it!

These are just two of the several fashion bloggers whose styles inspire me.

Now, tell me who your fashion blogger inspirations are! :)

What's On My Feet | Vlog

It's time to VLOG again! I've been horrible about getting many outfit posts up this Summer. Lucky for you, these ladies below are hosting this "What's on Your Feet?" vlog link-up so you'll get to see what I've been wearing on my tootsies! As for the rest of the outfits I've been wearing, I suppose I should start taking more pictures? Yes. We'll just make that a goal for the rest of the year :)

Anyway, watch and enjoy! Like I mention in the video, I did not pay full price for any of the shoes I mentioned. Talk about a frugal fanny...

And just because I love you guys [and those Steve Madden wedges] so much, you CAN get some of the colors on sale here from DSW. Score! I really wanted these olive green ones [again with the color theme] but they didn't have them in my size at the store. Unfortunately, they are out of my size online as well. Shucks.

If you're at work or somewhere where watching this vlog isn't the most feasible option right now, just take a gander on DSW's website at those amazing Steve Madden wedges. I'll say it again - best shoes ever. I'm pretty sure I have worn them for nearly 24 hours straight. That's how much I love them.

What has been your favorite Summer shoe this year?

Party Inspiration | Minnie Style

Who loves planning parties? I sure do... most of the time. Yes, my background is in event planning and yes, I am obsessed with wedding planning. However, I'm known to obsess over small details. It can be a great thing when planning someone else's event but when I'm planning my own event, it frustrates the heck out of me.

I've been planning my niece's 2nd birthday party which will be this Saturday! It will be Minnie Mouse themed and I want it to be as festive as possible. Unfortunately, a lot of the planning has had to be rather last minute which meant that ordering anything special online was pretty much out of the question. Bummer.

Here is a little of the inspiration I've found and have used while getting everything together for this weekend:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

I'm kind of disappointed that I can't make those cupcakes. It will be a small party so cake AND cupcakes? Not happening, sadly. Also, it was too last-minute to order Mickey Mouse cookie cutters [that's right, because no one sells them in an actual store] so I might just be attempting to cut those sandwiches by hand. Wish me luck.

I was quite surprised about how difficult and inconvenient it is to find anything Mickey or Minnie related. The party stores let me down. Even the Disney store let me down. So, if you ever host a Minnie party, be prepared to either order everything online or make everything yourself. I'd make the cute, little Minnie ear headbands but I don't know how that will go over since the majority of guests will be guys.

I'll be sure to share some pictures from the actual party next week. I'm so excited to make that punch!

What are your favorite party snacks to make? Maybe I'll use one! :)

Goodbye 30th Olympiad

Wow. The Olympics are over. It is truly hard to believe. It feels like I was just sitting here watching the Opening Ceremony and now... they're over for another four years. All the victories, all the losses, all the tears, all the happiness. All the countries coming together for these few, short weeks. What a beautiful thing.

I'm sad to see them go.

My favorite moments were still with the Women's Gymnastics Team which you can read about here. That team performed beautifully and I am so happy for them.

Unlike some people, I actually enjoyed the Opening Ceremony. The music was so much fun to listen to and I was intrigued by the way they interpreted Great Britain's history.

I also enjoyed the Closing Ceremony but I must point out the rather weird theme that was portrayed in London. Shall I refresh your memory?

Image via Reuters

[via]

[via]

1. Annie Lennox in what I'm guessing was a Ghost Ship and dancing zombies.

2. Fatboy Slim mixing tracks in a giant, translucent octopus.

3. And of course we all remember the whole Mary Poppins/Voldemort battle in the Opening Ceremony.

Moving on. Did anyone else catch how adorable Prince Harry was being? Especially during the whistling part of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." Can I become part of that family now?

But let's be honest. The one thing that I really didn't want to end was the "brilliant" performance by the one and only Spice Girls.

[via]

I mean, the second I saw those five snazzy Brit cars drive in, I went ballistic! The 11-year-old child in me came out and I couldn't keep myself from half singing along/half freaking out about the freaking SPICE GIRLS performing again after all this time. Okay, okay and also freaking out about how much I still want to be Baby Spice. I will always want to be a Spice Girl. Always.

#SpiceWorld

Let's all take a moment to honor the legend that was and always will be the Spice Girls.

[Do they look great after 15 years, or what?!]

Who else is going to buy Spice World now to re-live those wonderful memories? :) Obsessed much? Yes.

Yet, the Olympics were so much more than who performed and what music they played and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. They were about the talent, dedication, and hard work of so many of those living on this beautiful planet.

The Olympics were so much fun to follow along with this year. It's just so hard to believe it will be another four years from now until we'll be seeing the Summer Games again.

Watching the flames of the torch go out sure did make me sad.

This much I know... London will be missed.

What was your favorite part of the London Olympics?

Fun fact about Chelsea: I had a Union Jack [Britain's flag] hung on my bedroom wall for years.

Sunday Social | Food

It's Sunday Social time again and I'm pretty friggin' hungry so this week's topic is perfecto.

Comida aka food. I always find it interesting to see what other people love/hate to eat because we all have such different appetites! Go link up with Neely and Ashley!

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi. Hands down.

Yes, I took that picture and yes, that sushi was all mine/ours. Four different rolls to be exact and I even titled a blog post with the word "sushi" in it. [The tempura rolls are so bad yet so good.]
What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?
Does chocolate count? Because I no longer even feel guilty admitting my complete tooth full of sweetness. Chocolate makes everything better. 

[via]
What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?
I just realized that it's kind of weird how I go to the Mexican restaurant and have started ordering the shrimp and scallop enchilada. I mean, shrimp and scallops, wrapped in a tortilla and drenched in a Mexican cheese sauce? Really? Whatever. I love my seafood that much... apparently.
What foods do you avoid at all costs?
Anything sweet potato/yam related. The thought alone is enough to make me nauseous. I don't know what it is, friends but I just cannot handle that taste/consistency. Oh, and I LOVE bananas but only when they're still greenish-yellow. If I see bananas at the store that are just yellow I will not be buying them because the next day I'll see a freckle. No bueno.

[via]
What meal reminds you of your childhood?
Chili from our grocery store, Giant, with Saltine crackers. Mmm, my mom and I used to eat that when I got home from preschool while we watched "our soaps" on TV :)
Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.
My mom's spaghetti. It was our all-time favorite meal growing up and all throughout the years. When we'd come home from college, Mom had it on the stove. When I came home for a visit from Utah, Mom had that spaghetti waiting when I got home from the airport. 
Since my Mom passed away, that recipe has become even more special to me and because it's kind of a family tradition, I'll be keeping it a secret for now :)
I am SO looking forward to next week's Sunday Social post because it's about THROWBACKS and we all know how much I love the 90's!

After Sunset Necklaces and a SALE

It's time for an After Sunset shop update!

The four current color options for the Double Twisted Statement Necklace have been listed on Etsy! Head on over and take your pick!

This Yellow & Magenta Golden Twist Necklace was just added today! I love this color combination.

But, hey... I can't deny my love for all things blue with this Golden Twist Necklace in Sky Blue :)

Or, if you're still loving the color combos, you can still grab this fun Orange/Magenta Necklace!

I seriously cannot get enough of royal blue with lighter shades of blue such as sky blue, turquoise, and aqua so this look below with the Golden Twist Necklace in Royal Blue is one of my favorites!

Now, for the best part - it's time for a SALE! 

Since it's now August, you know what that means... out with the old and in with the new! I'd love to make room for some newer bracelet designs for the Fall so some of our bracelets are 20% off! 

1. Golden Twist Bracelet in Orange/Magenta

2. Golden Twist Bracelet in Sunset Orange

3. Double Stranded Bracelet in Hot Purple

4. Double Stranded Bracelet in Royal Blue

20% off any of those bracelets!

Wear them alone or match them with your statement necklace!

Go check out After Sunset and, as always, let me know if you have any questions :)

Happy Shopping!