friday favorites

happy friday and enjoy your weekend! here are a few links that I've been loving on this past week.

elsie's post on how to style a fishtail braid. so pretty!

I wish I'd had this kind of inspiration when I started kingston's nautical nursery. my love for anchors and anything nautical is in love with this room.

I've been searching etsy a little too much this week and am loving these prints: ship shape, anchor, owl love, captain & pirate.

this wood alphabet and how it was used in this nursery.

a little nursery love: posters & frames above crib/bed, this ikea dresser, this room, this room + wall color, this cute corner, and this awesomeness.

friday favorites

hellooo, friday (and september)!

if you follow me on twitter then you know I spent last saturday through tuesday at my parent's house with my family patiently waiting for my dad's arrival from afghanistan. he spent a week debriefing in new jersey and was supposed to be home on saturday. my older brother jeremy and my 9 year old nephew jordan came on thursday  from virginia to be here with the family. we waited and waited and waited. every day dad would call and say his flight has either been delayed or cancelled. we tried to pass the time by playing badminton and kickball, tossing around bean bags and playing at the park. we also ate entirely way too much food.

he called on monday and said that he finally has a plane ticket for tuesday and will be landing at 12:07pm. my mom, jeremy and jordan left to pick him up on tuesday. it figures that the day my dad is coming home, the weather decides to go from hot and sunny to gloomy, cool and rainy. depsite the sprinkling rain, I grabbed some of kingston's sidewalk chalk and decorated the pavement in front of my parent's garage with a big welcome home sign. it also figures that an hour before they pulled up into the driveway, it started pouring rain and completely washed my sign away. I quick whipped up another welcome home sign on a few pieces of paper and taped it to the front door.

kingston and my dad were always close. they were best buds! my dad left for afghanistan when kingston was 9 months old. he came to visit for 2 weeks when kingston was 14 months and it didn't take long at all for kingston to remember who his goofy grandpa pederson is. for the past couple weeks I've been reminding kingston that papa is going to be home soon. so when we ask him, "who's going to be home soon?" he smiles and yells, "PAPA!" he also points to his picture whenever we ask him "where's papa?" we weren't surprised one bit that an hour after seeing and playing with my dad, kingston warmed right up to him and started calling him papa. it was pretty awesome to see those 2 back together again. (lots of pictures coming soon, friends!)

I'm happy to be back and am slowly but surely catching up on my favorite blogs! check out a few of my favorite things lately...

stephanie tweeted about this website. every single picture is adorable and creative, so many inspiring shots.

happiness for your walls? yes please. these illustrated decals are adorable and perfect.

if you are slightly obsessed with blue mason jars like me, then you're going to love this tutorial on how to make your own blue jars.

I stumbled upon this seriously awesome DIY chalkboard banner. I made kingston's 1st birthday banner, and I'm definitely using this idea for his 2nd birthday banner.

I someday hope to have a little girl, and this flamingo themed baby shower is such a cute idea.

I really want to make these antipasto kabobs before summer is over. yum!

friday favorite(s)

I love re-discovering songs that you once had on repeat for days and days. I had to drive duane's car to work on thursday (that story coming soon) and he had this song playing when I started his car. I had almost forgotten how much I loved it when I first heard it. this song makes me want to drink beer with my friends, and I think that's just great.

shinedown - what a shame

friday favorites

I'm going to start working on transitioning kingston's nursery into a more rad toddler room for him. I found this website when I was pregnant and have been obsessed with it ever since. SO much inspiration!

this song and this video. I dieee.

thanks to danielle for finding the sweetest wedding video possibly ever made. I just love it.

also, thanks to kelly ann for finding this cover of "pumped up kicks." and this one of "jar of hearts" is awesome too.

casey + art + this post = so inspiring.

I've had this song on repeat all week.

I remember seeing this on pinterest and elsie did an awesome tutorial for this DIY project.

speaking of elsie, who's blog I love, this post covers 5 tips for better self portraits. awesome!

and I figured I would let you guys know that I've been loving this nail polish. and this one too.

happy friday, friends! I'll be back later with lots and lots of pictures from mine and kingston's walks and park time!

friday favorites

after watching aura's video in this post, I kinda fell in love with the song she used and have kinda been listening to it on repeat for a few days. you can check it out on youtube too!

a recent obsession of mine: color collective.
I will definitely be trying out this braided 'do by keiko lynn. that girl's hair is freaking fabulous!

if you read my makeup favorites post awhile back then you already know my least favorite makeup product is lip stuff. I decided to venture out from my $.98 ELF lipstains (they're so dry) and picked up a few of revlon's just bitten lipstains. I bought flame, passion, twilight, and frenzy. they're a thumbs up in my book! pretty colors, long-wearing, and they feel totally fine on my lips.

I should probably just start calling this series friday favorites + forever21 finds. I mean really...

1. owl cuff bracelet
2. peacock threaded filigree earrings
3. floral teardrop earrings
4. strappy leatherette heels
5. peacock pendant necklace
6. tribal print tank
7. tribal swing skirt
8. flowering sundress

oh and, I swear I'm working on a post (or 2) about our california vacation. happy friday!

friday favorites

aaaaand it's friday, again. time for some favorite things.

duane showed me this video of an old man absolutely LIVID about the casey anthony verdict. preach it, grandpa!

I'm still doing the 17 day diet and today is day 17, which means tomorrow my diet pals and I will start cycle 2 for 17 days. I've decided once cycle 4 hits I'm going to celebrate with these bad boys. my mouth is watering!

after a little convincing from my sister I finally decided to pick up the hunger games. I couldn't put the first book down. I loved it. I just started the second one so once I finish posting this, you know where I'll be.

I really want this handbag. simple and perfect!

I also want this makeup brush. I have a similar one from sigma that I use to apply my foundation. I've heard from some beauty gurus on youtube that they like the coastal scents brush better than sigma's. I'm thinking I'll have to test that out myself.

these eyeshadow kits are awesome. I already have a few eyeshadow kits with tons of colors that I never use but for some reason I really want both of these. one has matte colors and the other has shimmer colors. would I actually use these? who knows, but I still want them.

I have oily skin, so of course it gets ridiculous in the summer. I recently bought this "de-slick" spray, and I love it. I definitely see a difference when I wear it. it's pretty much a life saver for my face.

I'm really pumped for this weekend because on sunday a few friends and I are going to valleyfair which is an amusement park in the cities. I used to go a few times every summer but haven't been in about 3 years. I absolutely can not wait. I could spend all day riding rollercoasters (or any ride, really) and never tire of it. I hope the gals I'm going with can keep up!

friday favorites: 4th of july

sometimes I wonder how the heck some of my favorite bloggers can post every single day (or even 3-4 times a week). don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE that they post as much as they do because I adore their blogs and get all giddy when I see a new post. I just can't keep up. I feel like I just posted my friday favorites and BOOM, it's friday again, and I'm in need of some favorite things. I blame being a mama. ever since kingston arrived time has absolutely, without a doubt flown by. it's crazy and sad all at the same time.

duane has to work this weekend which is a huge bummer because 1) he always works and 2) I really wanted him to celebrate this weekend with the fam. the 4th of july is one of my favorite holidays (nothing tops christmas), has been since I was little. it means summer, yummy food, lots of drinking and celebrating with friends and family, tubing on the river, being outside all day, getting a tan, wearing "nautical" clothing, sparklers, and FIREWORKS. I get excited just thinking about it. I plan to take my dslr AND point and shoot cameras with me this weekend in hopes of capturing everythiiiing.

so, in honor of my (2nd) favorite holiday...

the perfect one-piece

"sailing into the sunset" dress

4th of july strawberries (I'm definitely making these!)

brownie & berries dessert



pretty, pretty fireworks

sparklers!

my little firework, one year ago ♥

have a great 4th of july weekend, friends. enjoy it!

friday favorites

about a year ago I started watching beauty guru videos on youtube. just last night I found a new favorite. she's super funny! she also has a blog about being a wife and mama who loves fashion and beauty.

last week I bought these feather hair accents in sun kissed and boho breeze. I'm in love. they were $25 each which is a great buy because you can put them in and take them out whenever you please. I wore sun kissed to work yesterday and got SO many compliments!

this lady takes amazing photos. if I could take photos like her I would be the happiest girl in the world. she does AWESOME work.

I went a little browse-happy on modcloth this week...

it figures this stinkin' adorable shoulder bag is out of stuck. hmph!

I need to order this scarf before it's sold out. love it!

owl in a row ring. SO cute.

a mustache glasses stand. hilarious.

a pretty, pretty doormat.

an anchor doormat! I'm obsessed with anchors (and owls).

"everything is going to be ok" book. so awesome.

a nacho wallet. bahaha. I feel like I should buy this for one of my friends.


haaappy friday everyone! cheers to the weekend!

friday favorites: hair products

I love hair products. I really, really do. it's hard for me to go through the hair product aisles and not buy something because there's just SO MUCH STUFF.

I've been blonde my whole life, but I highlight the crap out of my hair thus making it bright blonde, which I prefer. I dyed my hair red 2 years ago, and it was AWESOME. I loved it, but then it faded and it sucked. then I slowly but surely went back to blonde. I thank my lucky stars to have such strong hair because after dying it red and all the blonde I put in my hair, you'd think it would be fried and falling out but nope! props to my hair I guess?

here's a list of hair products I'm currently loving.

shampoo:
I'm sure I'm not the only one that switches up my shampoo constantly, but these are currently in my shower (and have been for a few months)!

clairol shimmer lights - this is my all time favorite purple shampoo! I get mine from sally's and always buy the huge bottle (31.5 fl oz).

herbal essences hello hydration - this is a great moisturizing shampoo plus it smells really good.

suave professionals almond & shea butter - so inexpensive and always leaves my hair SO smooth and silky! when I style the crap out of my hair I always use this shampoo the day after.

conditioner:
suave professionals color protection - I go through conditioner like nobody's business. I always have 2 or 3 bottles stored in the bathroom cupboard. this conditioner is awesome - inexpensive and conditions the heck out of my ends!

aussie moist 3 minute miracle deep conditioner - I don't have to use this conditioner too often but if I ever feel like my ends suck or my hair is getting dry/frizzy from all the STUFF I do to it - I'll use this and BAM! my hair is back to being awesome.

hairspray:
garnier fructis full control anti-humidity hairspray - oh man, I've tried so many hairsprays throughout the years. I'm a hairspray queen and like my hair to be "controlled" but not gross and crusty. this hairspray is AMAZING. it's inexpensive, lasts all day, looks natural, and HI anti-humidity! doesn't get any better than that.

other:
herbal essences none of your frizziness smoothing leave-in creme - I use this on my frizzy hair days. you all know what I'm talking about. this stuff will help you (and your frizzies) out!

got2b guardian angel heat protector/flat iron balm - I reeeeally love this product. it gives a pretty looking finish to your hair. I use this before I straighten or curl/style my hair. they have one meant for curling your hair but my hair curls pretty well so I just stick with this one all the time. I have naturally straight hair but after I blow dry my hair, some of my layers flip in or out so I quick run through with my straightener.

john frieda go blonder controlled lightening spray - I can't say enough good things about this product. I tried it a few months ago when my roots had grown out but I was too lazy to schedule a hair appointment. this stuff worked the very first time I used it (keep in mind it doesn't need to be used often!) I only use it on my roots but it can be used for highlights or all over color. this product is going to save me from getting my hair done all the time. thanks, john frieda!

oh and, if you love makeup like I do but didn't catch last week's makeup favorites post you should probably check that out because it kinda rocks.

happy friday!

friday favorites: makeup

want to know what I wear on my face almost every day? I didn't think so, but I'm going to let you all know anyway because I'm pretty much obsessed with makeup. I have a crazy collection (that I hardly ever wear except for my favorites), and I'm always browsing through the makeup section in stores or online to see if there's anything I should try because, you know, you can never have too many eyeshadows or nail polishes. here are my current makeup favorites which are my go-to products on the daily!

foundation:
for years I used bare escentuals bareminerals matte powder foundation. eventually I got tired of paying around $30 for it and really just wanted to try something new.

right now I'm using revlon colorstay foundation for oily/combination skin in natural beige. I want to mention that I use a sigma flat top synthetic kabuki brush to apply it. I love this brush and it works SO WELL with liquid foundation. it's heavier than I'm used to so I try to apply as less of it as possible.

concealer:
hard candy glamoflauge in light. again this stuff is pretty heavy so I apply as little as I can. I've heard people say it's a dupe for kat von d's tattoo concealer.

powder:
I've tried a lot of different powders throughout the years. I'm always on the hunt for something better. right now I'm using maybelline dream matte powder in sand/medium. it's inexpensive and really works with my skin. so for right now, it's a keeper.

another powder I use and have used for years is bare escentuals mineral veil. it's awesome but obviously more expensive than maybelline ;)

bronzer:
my all-time fave bronzer is MAC bronzing powder in bronze, but after kingston dropped/threw it and it crushed into tiny bits, I swung by the drugstore in search of a quick find. and what do you know, I found 2 that I really love.

milani bronzer XL all-over glow in fake tan and milani baked bronzer in soleil. the baked bronzer has a shimmer to it so I only use a tiny bit of this on top of the XL bronzer. it gives a nice, pretty glow.

blush:
I don't wear blush that often but if I do my favorite is NARS blush in orgasm.

eyeshadow:
urban decay eyeshadow primer potion - this is a STAPLE.

urban decay naked palette - if you don't own this already, you should. just sayin'.

wet n wild trio palette in walking on eggshells. I pretty much wear this palette every day!

eyeliner:
maybelline unstoppable eyeliner in onyx. this is the. best. eyeliner. ever. I've been wearing it for years and will probably wear it for years to come. it's inexpensive, VERY black, lasts forever, and is just plain awesome.

mascara:
I have so many mascaras that I really like. my current fave is revlon grow luscious mascara in blackest black. I really love this stuff, especially the wand. I'm so happy I tried this mascara because, to me, it's a dupe for my all-time favorite mascara, dior diorshow mascara, but who the f wants to spend $25 on mascara? not me. so thank you, revlon, for saving me money. I tried the new grow luscious plumping mascara that they came out with but I didn't like it, the wand sucked and the formula was a little too wet for my liking. it separated my lashes and made them longer, so how exactly is that plumping anything? meh.

two of my other mascara faves are covergirl lashblast volume mascara and maybelline volum' express colossal mascara.

lip stuff:
in high school there's no way you would have caught me without lipgloss on but for the past few years lipgloss is my least fave make-up product. I don't like the feeling of it on my lips and I just find it really annoying. BUT every now and then (basically for special occasions) I'll throw on a little something. one day I was at target and the ELF section had a huge sale going on, so I picked up a few $.99 lip stains. they're not amazing or anything, but I actually kind of like them. the clear gloss on the other end of them is also pretty handy! my favorite colors are first date and heartbreaker. the red carpet red is also fun to play around with.

for every other day I'll use carmex. yep. I've used this stuff for years, and I love it.

nail polish:
I don't go too crazy with buying nail polish. I'll buy a new color every now and then if I really like it. right now I'm loving revlon nail polish in craving coral. I put this on my toes because I bite my fingernails like crazy and it's pointless painting them (I can't afford to get my nails done all the time like I used to, shucks). I think it's a perfect coral color for summer. I also really love revlon nail polish in minted!

whew! that was a lot of stuff. I was going to include my hair favorites, but I might as well save that for next friday since that was a crap ton of makeup to check out and lord knows I have just as many hair products.

let me know if you spotted any of your favorites up there and also feel free to recommend any of YOUR favorites because I think we all know that I'll check them out for sure.

friday favorites

a few cell phone pictures: passed out in the car after a fun weekend at grandma's, a painting I did a few months ago that I gave to my sister for her birthday (she had told me she wanted a copy of it, aw), kingston is not a fan of strollers/carts - "up! up! up!", and a happy toddler doing his own thing in target.

now onto a few of my friday favorites...

love love love this song.

I don't really consider myself a lady gaga fan but some of her songs are pretty awesome, and her new album is pretty rad! a few of my faves are you and I, the queen, electric chapel, and hair. they're all so catchy and fun.

I took a "30 days of simply SLR" class, taught by faith of simplicity, for the month of may. WORTH EVERY PENNY. I didn't know the first thing about taking pictures in manual mode on my new canon t1i and now I totally get it thanks to faith. I have a lot of learning to do yet but I'm so glad I know the basics! I can't wait to take more of her classes. she's awesome. if you're interested in checking out some photos I took for her class, go here.

bahahaha. this video.

spongebob squarepants, anyone? duane showed me this yesterday on TV and, yep, we found it pretty hilarious.

safari themed forest wedding. lots of pretty photos! and the one with all the ladies wearing different pairs of rainboots? love it.

I recently picked up 2 new reads that I'm pretty excited about. I'm pretty much in love with chelsea handler so it's obvious I'm going to love her new book as well. and water for elephants? I wanted to see the movie SO BAD when I first saw the previews but I wanted to read the book first so I'll just check it out when it comes out on DVD. books are always better than the movies but if it has reese witherspoon in it, I'm going to love it no matter what. have any of you guys read these books? what did you think of them??

welp, that's it for today. short and sweet! next friday I'm going to do a post with my favorite makeup & hair products. I'm always buying new makeup and crap for my hair, and now that it's summer I've gone a little crazy the past few weeks with new nail polish, bronzer, and blonde hair products. so that will be pretty fun (for me)!

friday favorites

I love reading friday favorites on other's blog so I figured I would start my own cause, ya know, I have a lot of favorite things to share!

I don't like country music. never have, probably never will. but I do like this song.

duane and I sat reading this website for almost an hour the other night. we were laughing SO hard.

this concealer is awesome and inexpensive. it's my new favorite concealer for sure. I've heard it's a dupe for kat von d's tattoo concealer, so that's pretty awesome because kat's is around $25. steal!

it is very safe to say that I'm addicted to perfume. I don't know why I've never tried this perfume before but it's definitely one of my new faves.

I have a top almost identical to this one but mine is from charlotte russe, black/grey/lime green, and TOO BIG. I'm thinking I might have to replace it with this one. I love leopard print, sorry 'bout it.

now that we're on one of my favorite subjects (shopping at forever21), I might as well let you all know that I want this dress, these flats (leopard print, we meet again), this top, this peasant top, these awesome dreamcatcher earrings, this owl necklace, these shorts for lounging around the apartment, and this purse. WHEW! that's a lot of stuff (and I only got through half the new arrivals, yikes).

I hope you all have an awesome memorial weekend!

holy busy week

hi, friends! this week has been super busy. duane's mom flew in from california early this morning and will be here til tuesday so we've got lots of fun things planned for the weekend. I have a hair appointment tomorrow morning then we're heading to the mall of america for the afternoon then off to my boss, sonya's, house for their housewarming party. it's probably going to be a great day. I have to try to get in my 3 assignments for my SLR class I'm taking. with the amount of pictures I take on the daily I never thought it would be this hard to set aside a few minutes to try to take some fast shutter & slow shutter photos. sheeeesh. but I'm REALLY loving this class and all the fun things I'm learning. I bought my canon t1i with absolutely no clue how to use it for what it's meant for (manual duhhh). now I just have to get cracking on those photos!

I really wanted to start my "friday favorites" today but seeing as I've had no time for anything, I'll have to start that next friday. so instead, I'll leave you with this, courtesy my lovely boyfriend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXbpZnYmo38 - even if you're the world's biggest prude, I hope you'll still find this as funny as I do.

also, umm, would anyone happen to know why my font & post title font are not the same fonts that I set them to in my template design? maybe it's just my computer (???) but I don't see "arial" or "lobster" anywhere on this blog. dumb.