2012 Fall Wish List | One

Are you ready for the crisp leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes or apple ciders, the boots, the sweaters?

Today, on this last day of August, I am so ready. I've been so excited as I scoop up some fresh, new clothes for the cooler days that are on their way. Today, I wanted to share a few of the little Fall accessories and beauty items that I most look forward to!

First up is an accessory I can't believe I don't already own from last year. I was all about scarves last year [and the year before that, and the year before that...] but I never ended up getting an infinity scarf! I LOVE them! Whether you wear them as part of an outfit or under your Fall jacket, they add the perfect pop!

Each of these scarves was found while perusing Etsy and they are all $25 or less! :)

1. This $16 scarf by anils is labeled as "Summer" but I think it's perfect for Fall!

2. I love the warm Fall colors in the orange/brown color block scarf from ohzie!

3. This scarf by DreamingDays is my favorite color. Enough said :)

4. This fun-patterned burgundy and white scarf by fairstore is also perfect for Fall!

I might just have to buy them all!

Now, if you're like me, you're obsessed with nail polish. While I don't have numerous Tupperware boxes full of nail polish, I've had fun growing my collection. As soon as I heard about OPI's Germany Collection, I practically jumped for joy. I took German in high school and fell in love with Austria and Switzerland so I knew I had to buy a couple of these bad boys:

OPI has the best names, don't they? My favorite names have to be, "Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs" and "Don't Talk Bach to Me." Genius. "Schnapps Out of It" and "Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!" are hilarious as well and those two will definitely be added to my collection!

Does anyone have any of these new colors yet?

I'd continue on with more of my Fall wish list but... we'd be here all day! I'll save those for later because there are few things I love more than BOOTS!

What is on your Fall Wish List?

I'm linking up these favorites of mine with Lindsey, and you should join in too :) Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!!

Zero Fun, Sir

Yesterday was not a fun day. To quote one of my favorite movies, Remember the Titans, it was:

"ZERO FUN, SIR."

It started off with an 8am appointment at a new dentist. Problem numero uno, si? Actually, there are two problems - the 8am part and the dentist part. But, hey... it was the dentist my mom went to for years and my brother recently went there and had a great experience. Besides, I went to the dentist a year ago, and all went well. So, I sucked it up.

Now, let me preface this by saying that I'm a fairly healthy girl. I have one heck of an immune system and take care of myself so I rarely have issues. [Knock knock knock on wood.] However, my mouth has given me issues, and unfortunately, not just from talking back when I was a teenager. I know I wasn't the only one!!

I've taken great care of my teeth but have had one crazy journey in and out of orthodontist chairs, oral surgeon chairs, and cosmetic dentist chairs. Read about that here if you want to learn all about my implants. Tooth implants, friends.

Moving on. Yesterday, I went in to get a cleaning and left five hours later [yes, FIVE] with a pretty much entirely numb face. Numb to the point where I literally couldn't form words. Needless to say, I didn't go in to work. I did this:

My cats are good at loving on their numb-faced-recovery-mode of a mom while she works on her biz-nass.

Ugh.

It gets better.

I have to go back next week where I'll find out what the next step will be. Yep, there is yet another step. Surgery might be involved thanks to the small mouth I was born with. Apparently bones aren't where they are supposed to be. Good to know.

So, friends. What have we learned this week? Don't talk to strangers and go to the dentist [and have him/her triple check your X-Rays... because you could have bones/cavities/who knows what else in secret places.]

Life is full of surprises.

*P.S. thanks to all of you who showed your After Sunset support on Facebook yesterday! My little jewelry line is still a baby and having your support means the world! If you missed out, come "like" us here!*

After Sunset is Now On...

Facebook! My little jewelry line has made its debut on the big social media site!

Go check us out here and follow along for updates on new items added to the store, special coupon codes, and sales!

And... sneak peeks because who doesn't love a fun sneak peek?

[See picture below]

:)

Now, I'll be honest - I don't use Facebook much for my own personal page so figuring out how to get everything up there for my shop might be a process :)

Luckily, I'm a quick learner.

So, what are you waiting for? Go stop by now and show After Sunset some love!!

If anything... just go show me some love and make my day? Yes :)

AND - because I love my blog readers so much, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING for any domestic orders! Once you scoop up what's left of the Summer jewelry, enter coupon code FREESHIPSUMMER at check-out!
Happy Shopping!

It Can Happen Anywhere

It was 5:42pm on a Monday night. I pulled into the parking lot where my doctor's office was. All the spots just in front of the building were taken so I drove about ten yards away and parked in front of the other building, with a white sedan parked to the left of me. I put my car in park, unplugged my phone from the A/V jack, and started to get my belongings together. 

In my peripheral vision, I noticed something near the white car next to me. It was a man walking between our cars. I figured he was getting ready to get into the passenger seat of that car so I waited a second until he got in before I opened my door.

Well, he never got into the car.

Instead, he taps on the window of my car.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Shocked, I whip my head around to look at him and he motions for me to roll down the window.

This man appeared to be in his upper 70's if I had to guess. His hair was white. He was wearing a camel brown, long-sleeved button down. He wasn't the cleanest shaven man I've ever seen but certainly didn't look homeless.

After he told me to put the window down, I shook my head, "no!"

He started mumbling something and seemed as though he was asking for money.

Again, I shook my head, "no" and motioned for him to leave.

I grabbed my phone in a panic, trying to figure out what I was going to do.

Should I move my car? Should I get out now and run? Where did he go? I waited until I saw another car driving through the lot. I figured if he was going to do something, he wouldn't do it while another person could see. So, I quickly grabbed my belongings, and cut diagonally through the parking lot, walking very briskly. As I passed the edge of the first building, I noticed a figure emerge from around the corner.

It was him!

"Miss! Miss!" he yelled, quickly moving toward me.

I started to run to my building.

As I ran, he picked up his pace and started to chase after me.

I yelled, "I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE!"

via

In those last flashes, I remember trying to get to the door of my building as quickly as I could and being sure to shut the door and keep it closed behind me.

The man did not follow me into the building.

Right away, I reported what had just happened to the receptionists and doctor. One of the ladies went outside in the direction he had gone and flagged down a driver of an SUV. The man had tapped on her window as well, wanting money. He proceeded to approach ladies going into and out of the gym in the shopping center.

The police were notified.

I tell you this story because this stuff happens. In broad daylight. In the shopping center ten minutes from your house that you've been going to since you were a kid.

Did the man hurt me? No. Did he scare the living daylights out of me? Yes. Did he have a gun? I don't know. Did he really just want money? I don't know.

What if I had rolled down my window? What if I did reach into my purse? What if I hadn't run when I saw him again?

What could have happened?

My mom always taught me to be aware of my surroundings. To have my car keys in my hand when I walked out to my car. To look over my shoulder. To drive away as soon as I got into my car instead of texting someone or messing with my radio.

Things happen in split seconds, when you least expect them.

I'm grateful that she continued to re-iterate those things to me for twenty-six years because if it weren't for her, maybe I would have rolled down my window. Maybe I wouldn't have run.

I worked with a girl who left dance practice one afternoon and her car was found at the bottom of a lake and her body found soon after. I don't take these situations lightly.

Be careful. Watch your back. Have someone walk you to your car [luckily, one of the doctors insisted on walking me out.]
And if a situation doesn't feel right, it isn't.

Dupont & Occoquan Weekend

This past weekend was a great one! I really can't tell you how much I appreciate weekends. Work has been wearing on me and while I also worked most of the weekend [but on After Sunset jewelry!] I also had the chance to have a little fun :)

Saturday started off with a Metro trip into DC for the day. I used to take the Metro into work everyday for my first job out of college [and one of the best jobs I've had yet!] There's something about traveling alone in busy cities that I just love so much. The people watching, the chance to just chill out and listen to music...it's just nice for a change!

So, I put on my teal skinnies, grabbed my Metro SmarTrip card, and jumped on the train to meet up with Raquel! I just adore her and we always have a blast when we meet up! Delicious food and shopping are always involved. You can tell we are bloggers :)

We ended up on the same train and met up in Dupont Circle. Dupont is a fun little neighborhood in DC full of cute shops and eateries. The Metro station there also has the longest escalator. Note to tourists: If you are going to stand instead of walk, move to the right!

Yep, straight up into the sky!

We started off at Cosi for some yummy lunch outside. I got the turkey & brie sandwich... yum!

We chatted, caught up, and talked about Vampire Diaries. The usual :)

Then, we had to grab fro yo because that's just what Raquel and I do when we get together, ha. The place we went to was really not worth mentioning. They had more of a sorbet than fro yo and it kind of started to melt right away. It was tasty though, so it hit the spot.

We took our fro yo and headed across the street to one of Raquel's favorite little boutiques, Lou Lou.

DC ladies - if you love jewelry [like I do!] you must head on over to this adorable shop. It is filled to the brim with the cutest designs and organized by color. Perfect, right?

I scored these bad boys:

Do the pair on the right match my blog perfectly, or what? :) So sunsetty!

Raquel and I had a blast. Be sure to go say "hi" if you haven't already!

Here we are outside of Lou Lou:

Later, I took my dad out to dinner for his birthday [which was on Wednesday!]

There's an old, little town down the road from my house called Occoquan that's right on the Potomac River and they have a delicious restaurant on the water, Madigan's.

Fun moment for me: As our waitress walked up to greet us, before she even told us her name, she said, "I love your necklace!" It happened to be one of the new designs I've been working on for After Sunset and it pretty much just made my night. She was the sweetest and who knows... maybe she'll be rocking an After Sunset piece soon ;)

Our meal there was amazing. I had to go with the coconut crusted Mahi with a pina colada sauce and my dad got the Rib-eye.

'Twas amazing. So was the crab dip that we got as an appetizer. Go big or go home, right?

I'm grateful for all the dad/daughter dates we've been able to have since I've been back on the East Coast and since my Mom passed away. We sure miss her.

It was a productive weekend but there's always more to do so it will be a busy week!

I am getting really, really excited to share my new After Sunset designs with you all!

[If you follow me on Instagram, you already got a sneak peak! @chelseasunset]

What did you do this weekend? :)

Friday Favorites | Fashion, Music & More!

Happy Friday! Let me just say, your comments yesterday were awesome and hilarious! Before I get started talking about some of my favorites this week, I just have to take a moment to say a huge "Congratulations" to our link-up host, Miss Lindsey! If you don't know Lindsey, she was just recently offered her dream job and will be relocating to another state in just a couple short weeks. She's announcing today where her new home will be. Lucky for me, I already know so the anticipation is no longer killing me :)

Congratulations to my favorite Bargain Blonde!


Now, let's talk favorites!
Favorite Moment

I had one single, solitary moment of solitude this week. I put on my comfies, grabbed that delicious gelato I mentioned yesterday, and turned on some Ian Somerhalder Vampire Diaries. Relaxation at its finest. Have you bought your own sea salt caramel yet? What are you waiting for?

Update: I am officially #TeamDamon
Cue the "I told you so" comments ;)

Favorite Commercial

I am almost ashamed to admit this but I saw this commercial once and just about died. I do not watch Family Guy but this is funny. I feel the same way about the "h" emphasis...

By the way, Wheat Thins + cream cheese = delish.

Favorite Album

I have recently fallen in love with Mat Kearney. I loved his song "Runaway" on the Soul Surfer soundtrack and "Hey Mama" is such a fun tune! Last night, I downloaded his album Young Love [the Deluxe Edition] and I can't get enough of it. His sound is so unique! Perfect driving music :)

via

Favorite Purchase

I've mentioned how I've been working on a new Fall line for After Sunset, full of new looks, new colors, new material and I just couldn't be more excited. I've been working away and needed additional supplies so I headed to the store where I picked up all these goodies :)

Colors make me so happy. Especially now that they are permanently temporarily stained into my skin from working away with the clay :)

Favorite Outfit

Blair posted this outfit on her blog Atlantic Pacific and I adore it. I think we all know already how much I LOVE that military jacket. I never would have thought to pair it with that beautiful shag skirt. I have no clue where I'd wear this but I'd find a place because I love it that much :)

And those are my main favorites from the week!

This weekend, I'll be spending more time in DC, meeting up with Raquel for lunch and cupcakes :) Then, I'll be knocking out more necklace designs and hopefully doing a little re-organizing and downsizing.

What are your plans?

Summer Confessions

It's time to confess some things. 

I almost finished this pint of gelato after the second night of eating it. Woof. Do you spy a kitty nose?

But it's not just any gelato. Oh, no. I had seen a picture similar to mine floating around the bloggy/Insta world [ahem, Katie!] and figured I'd give it a shot. I had no idea it would be as deliciously tasty and OUT OF THIS WORLD as it was. HEA-VEN. Talenti Sea Salt Caramel. Run to the store now and see for yourself.

I confess:

I still watch The Real World and cannot wait for this next season of The Challenge. I remember watching The Real World when I was like 12-years-old. Now... I'm "too old" to be cast on the show. When did that happen?

Unfortunately, there will be no C.T. this season...

I've confessed this before on Twitter and Instagram but it's now blog official: I love the Washington Nationals. Yes, I know they have been around for a few years but you have to understand... I don't jump on bandwagons. For years, the Baltimore Orioles were our team and when the Nationals came into town, I rebelled. I went to a few games with friends but never got into it.

Finally this year, I started paying attention to them, their games, and their players and I LOVE them. I watch/listen to every game. They inspire me. What a wonderful team of talented, dedicated, respectable men. #NATITUDE

I confess:

I don't like the new Taylor Swift song. Love the meaning, don't like the song. It's one of those hate it or love it songs and apparently a lot of people are loving it because it sits at the number one spot on iTunes.

I'll back this up with the fact that I am just now loving that whole "Payphone" song by Maroon 5. Cut me some slack. I didn't listen to the radio for like 10 years. [slight exaggeration.] But now with XM, life is changing.

I confess:
I got into my car one evening, and this was happening. It was then followed by the biggest dance party/celebration that a 20-something-still-in-love-with-boybands ever had. I still love O-Town.

I confess:

When I'm busy blogging or working on my jewelry, I put on a recorded show [say... Teen Mom?] just to have it running in the background. But I don't listen to it at all. Or pay any attention to it for that matter so I just end up putting it on again once I'm done.

And the last one. I confess:
I kind of wish AIM would re-gain its popularity. There, I said it. Bye.

Your turn. What do you confess?

Lessons of August 22nd

August 22nd.

August 22, 2010 was the first full day of being engaged. The first full day with a ring on my left ring finger. The first full day looking forward to forever with someone I loved.

August 22, 2011 was the last full day I lived in Sandy, Utah. The last full day I spent living in an apartment with someone I would no longer be calling my husband. The last full day of being surrounded by the pain within those walls.

August 22, 2012. Today is the 6-month anniversary of my Mom's death. It is also my Dad's birthday.

So many mixed emotions that this one date in August holds.

Today, I want it to be a turning point. While today and the past two years remind me of pain, loss, and heartbreak... I want to turn it around.

I will never be able to change what these three dates mean - what happened. The truth is, I will never be able to control what happens in the future either. However, going forward, I want this to be an emotional turning point for me.

I'm letting go of the past and I'm letting go of the outcome. I accept this as God's plan - the trials He's given me - the scars - the new strength.

I fully embrace this life that has been given to me. The lessons I've learned. I've accepted that there are some people who aren't meant to stay in your life and that letting go of them will allow you to live a life truer to you. I've accepted that death happens - often when you least expect it - and that there is nothing you can do but live a life in honor of them.

I've changed.

I've learned.

I've grown.

And those are things that will never cease in this life.

As each day's sun sets, I remind myself that tomorrow will be new.

Tomorrow will be a gift.

And I remind myself to continue looking up, always. 

To this turning point...

Birthday Party Success

Hopefully you caught up on my late 90's/early 00's post from my middle and high school days. Because, well, it'll be a while before I post any of that again. Let me just say, I was glad to hear how many of you were also part of the choker craze. 

This weekend was my niece's 2nd birthday party. It was pretty special for me personally because I was out in Utah when she was born and also when she celebrated her 1st birthday. It meant a lot to be back, surrounded by family, creating new memories with my little niecey. 

I was initially going to go a little overboard with the Minnie Mouse stuff. I had planned on making Minnie shaped tea sandwiches and since I couldn't get a cookie cutter in time, I was going to cut the shapes out by hand. Needless to say, that didn't happen :) Here's what did:

I just had to make this Minnie Mouse as the centerpiece. This is all you need:

Minnie Centerpiece

• 4 pieces of round Styrofoam circles [I used 2 small and 2 large]
• Black acrylic paint and a sponge/brush
• Toothpicks to secure the Styrofoam
• Wire ribbon [After making the bow, I secured it with a wire clip. Toothpicks should work as well]

I added a pink and black boa around the base to cover it and add a little "oomph!" :)

I saw this pink punch on Pinterest and knew it would be perfect for the Minnie party. Not only did it look perfect but it tasted perfect! The guests just loved it :)

Click above for the original recipe. I ended up using frozen pink lemonade mix, Sprite, raspberry sherbet, and that's it! Super easy!

I think we can all agree that we would do the exact same thing Aubrey did: Walk into a room full of presents and run straight to the CAR!! Her face is adorable :)

The cake was yummy and Aubrey sure thought so too. I like how the fork is in one hand and the cake is in the other :)

Overall, it was a wonderful day. Full of family, friends, and a happy two-year-old's smiles and giggles.

We were only missing one person this year - my Mom. We knew she was there in spirit. She was the one who helped everything end up running so smoothly.

I had great talks with family and friends, great snuggles with the little sweetie, and great food!

Get-togethers like this one are a perfect reminder of the things in life that really matter. And when it comes down to it, love is what really matters. Spread love all around, friends. In hugs, in smiles, in gestures, in favors. Let those you love KNOW you love them and don't ever let them go :)

Life is precious.

Sunday Social | Old School

Here we go! It's time to go back in the day and talk about Vintage Chelsea - the middle but mostly high school days. Join in on this hilarious fun by linking up!

1. What were you like in Middle School/HS? (pictures)

In Middle School, I was a total drama girl. I loved acting so much and put the majority of my time after school [and during school in drama class] into it. In high school, I was 50/50. In public school, I continued on with acting and got involved with student government.

Guys and Dolls

Halfway through my sophomore year, I transferred to Catholic school where I ended up focusing on dance and spent all of my time on the dance/drill team!

Senior year Catholic School uniform. Man, I had a great attitude.

Dance was my life.

2.  What were your favorite past times?

Spending all of my time after school either at rehearsal for acting or practice for dance team. In private school, I had a pretty tight-knit group of guy/girl friends so we'd go see a movie and then go back to one of our houses to have some good, clean, hilarious fun. It never got old.

3. What songs were you obsessed with?

I was obsessed with O-Town in high school for a long time.

We made shirts and even WON in a contest to get amazing, upgraded tickets. That's dedication.

I loved a little bit of everything - Jimmy Eat World, Linkin Park, S Club 7, Dream, Mandy Moore, Nelly Furtado, Green Day, Hoobastank, but my high school soundtrack consists of a lot of John Mayer and Maroon 5. Usher's, "Yeah" was probably my favorite for a while.

4. What fashion statement do you look back on and cringe?

Bleach. Blonde. Hair.

Both of us are brunette now. Haha :)

And chokers. Whether they were bought at Claire's or made out of ribbon. We wore them. Why?

I was also WAY into surf companies and anything surf-related for years.

And then there were the popped collars. And the double popped collars...

Earlier in middle school/high school, it was all about Adidas jackets and shoes, flare and wide leg jeans. We were cool.

5. Who was your celebrity crush?

Who wasn't? Actually, I don't remember at all. I had my phases. Justin Timberlake, Paul Walker, probably Josh Hartnett at one point.

6. What were your favorite tv shows/movies?

TV shows:

I was pretty busy in high school and didn't watch much TV but remember every Sunday night, I HAD to watch American Dreams [with Brittany Snow]. My boyfriend knew he couldn't call me [on the house phone of course] until the show was over. 

Movies:

A Walk to Remember!!!! The Fast and the Furious. The Skulls [lots of Paul Walker I guess]. Anything with Adam Sandler. But I think A Walk to Remember definitely wins.

Well, that was fun! Man, times sure have changed. It's always bittersweet to look back at those times. Everything was so different then. Sometimes I miss it but sometimes I'm grateful for the maturity and life lessons I've gained since then.