Pearls and Plaid

Going along with my spring cleaning kick I've had lately, I tore through my closets several weekends ago, throwing all of my lesser-loved clothing into piles, sorting by Keep (aka, 95% of the stuff), Consign (aka, stuff that I spent too much money on to throw away), Donate (aka, stuff still in good shape), and Toss (aka, half-started sewing projects, shirts I've ruined, socks with holes in them, etc.).

I thought a had a pretty good system going, and even had the donate/consign clothes packed in bags, ready to go by the door. Well, days and then weeks went by, and I still hadn't taken them away. In fact, I started digging through them in the mornings as I got ready for work, hoping that maybe by some luck I would see one of my neglected tops or dresses in a new light. Kind of like shopping. Or maybe I would see an outfit on Pinterest that I liked, think to myself "wasn't there a plaid shirt in that bag that I was going to throw away?", and dig it out to re-create the stylish girl's look.

Yeah, that happened. Whoops.

This Forever 21 button up was among the tossed because I've always thought I looked super doofy in plaid. I like to think that it looks comfy and casual on me, when really, I just feel straight out of a 90's catalog. But lately I've had a change of heart, because when tucked into a skirt with some pretty accessories, it's an unexpected look for the office.

Lessons learned today? Maybe instead going shopping, sometimes you can see items from your closet in a new light. But if you are going to give away clothes you don't wear, get them out of your house and to your local Goodwill ASAP. Otherwise, you will end up a hoarder. Like me

P.S. I'm also selling some of my used clothes on Copius.com. Has anybody had any luck with this site? 

A Closer Look: Our Bedroom

Over the past few weekends, I've done some spring cleaning. I've gone through my closet, thrown a bunch of stuff out, and have hung more stuff that hadn't found a home yet on the walls. On Saturday, I finally took it upon myself to REALLY spruce up our bedroom so I could snap some photos to share! 

I mean...uhh...it always looks perfect and clean. Duh. Doesn't yours?

When we moved in, the two rooms that we painted right away were the living room and our bedroom, which were both painted a lovely shade of pastel blue/green. Not that I don't love me some pastels, but the color we picked is very neutral and can go with just about any color themes I might decide on in the future. (FYI, it's called Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams.)

I figured if there was anywhere to have a shrine to ourselves, the bedroom was a good place...right?

I kind of unofficially took over the dresser as my beauty storage space (sorry, Ian) and have fought an ongoing battle with storing my jewlery and makeup in a way that doesn't look a mess. Right now, I'm happy with what I've come up with! My makeup is currently displayed on a vintage serving stand and bracelets on a skinny glass vase...

...brooches on a homemade tray...

...and earrings on a wire jar carrier thingy. I'm all about repurposing!

Friday

This week has been a roller coaster of motivation and energy. Can I still blame it on switching the clocks ahead? Or is everyone else caught up by now? I find myself lagging through every day, and then all of a sudden full of energy as soon as I get home to do anything but sleep. Then I get in bed and my mind won't shut off, and as soon as the alarm goes off a short couple of hours later, it's back to where we started.

Incidentally, this week I've also had a dumb meltdown, cried at Undercover Boss, and felt the need to eat my weight in chocolate peanut butter rice krispy treats. Oh hey, PMS. Nice to see you again.

I think this photo that I snapped while I was sitting in traffic one morning pretty much sums it up.

Happy Freakin' Friday. Back to your normally scheduled upbeat programming next week!

Fear of Missing Out on Beer Bread

Last year, Ian and I went all. out. for St. Patty's. Green shirts, eating and drinking all day, hanging out at the pub and wishing that I could dance like those girls with the super curly hair....

This year, not so much. I didn't even wear green. Or drink any Guinness. FAIL! My crazy day consisted of church, Walmart, and then was spent curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, browsing my cookbooks for some inspiration, and old episodes of Undercover Boss.

Here's my question. On a cold Sunday afternoon when all I felt like doing was the above mentioned activity, why did I still feel the need to aimlessly peruse Facebook and Instagram and feel lame for not wanting to be out drinking green beer? What is wrong with not feeling like I want to go out all the time? I think that when I just want to chill in my yoga pants and flannel I need to ban myself from all technology so I don't feel bad about wanting to do so. Anyone with me?

So in order to not be a complete St Patrick's Day failure, I made beer bread. I LOVE me some beer bread, and this recipe from Casual Kitchen did not disappoint. Ian and I were so excited to dig in that I simply didn't have time to dig out my nice camera. Instead, you get a lovely filtered Instagram version of the delicious creation. Now, tell me that the people out at the bars weren't having serious FOMO on Brenda's Beer Bread when they were perusing their phones. Yeah, that's what I thought.

Beer Bread

recipe from Casual Kitchen

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 12-ounce can of beer (I used Yuengling!)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375F (190C).

2) Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add beer, and stir until batter is moistened and well-mixed.

3) Spread the batter evenly in a greased 8" or 9" loaf pan. I sprinkled oats on top!

4) Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

5) Let pan cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove bread from pan and let cool for another 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.

Did anyone else choose to spend their weekend in a very non-festive way like we did?

Let's Dance

Does anybody else love this commercial? And want to be in it? And want to go out and buy a bunch of shoes?

Or is it just me?

Happy Friday, everyone!

PS. Follow my blog with Bloglovin!!!!

Since Google Reader is going away or whatever...

Why I Thrift: The Risk

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow DMV thrifty ladies for another thrifting crawl, organized by the lovely Stephie. This time around, we hit up Old Town Alexandria's circuit of consignment, vintage, and thrift stores and ended with some drinks and snacks at Vermillion. As we sat around, giddy about our new purchases, we got on the topic of how everyone sitting there had first gotten addicted to thrifting.

We all had different reasons, but for most the themes were the same--we got started in high school/college, liked finding cheap clothes, and loved having different things than what you would typically find in department stores. As I drove home, I continued thinking about how thrifting became a full-blown addiction for me. Certain words always come to mind-- the thrill, the hunt, the reward. But thrifting can also be a risk. As someone who hates wasting time, why would the idea of spending hours in a disorganized mess of clothes and accessories with the possibility of walking away empty-handed appeal to me? 

Well, like a true shopaholic, I love shopping. Walking around with a cup of coffee, trying on things, and hopefully finding some new clothes to bring home. But when you thrift, it's so much more than that! Yes, you have to look harder and be more patient, but it's completely worth it when you find that designer dress that fits like a glove or that perfect vintage blazer.

I have people saying all the time "I need to go thrifting with you!", but my friends, it's not me! There is a treasure hunt waiting out there for you, and if you have the patience and the time, the risk can be totally worth it in the end.

Speaking of that designer dress that fits like a glove...

I am in love with this dress that Stephie pulled off the rack for me at Look Again Resale. It's by Chetta B, and after some internet research, I'm thinking I got a pretty sweet deal:

CHETTA B

An exquisitely detailed modern line. Chetta B is the ultimate in elegant versatility for sophisticated woman catering to day and evening with delicate and unique fabrics, each garment will be treasured. Available at Dillard’s, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s, and other fine specialty stores. Price ranges from $120 to $300 retail.

(from the company website)

This particular dress is currently on sale for $85.00 at Neiman Marcus Last Call. However, $12 was my damage. Cha-ching!

Blazing Red

Over my long twenty-three years of life (having been an avid thrifter for approximately ten of them!), I have never found an item that I adore more than my red blazer.

I know, a lofty statement. How can anyone pick out their favorite item of clothing, especially one that they might have slaved over racks and racks of musty old shirts and jackets for hours to find the perfect garment that doesn't look like it came out of a grandma's closet? Or how about one where they sauntered down to the Goodwill over their lunch break, grabbed the first red thing they saw, and tried it on and fell in love? In and out the door in thirty minutes, and out only six bucks? This may have been how I found this gem, but you can believe what you want.

I don't know much about the jacket itself. The label on the inside says "Brentley" but I'm hardly able to find anything online with that brand. All I know is that I love it and I will accept it and whatever its background might be, even if it was last worn by an old man ushering at church.

(Ok, that's a little weird.)

Hard to believe that I took these pictures a short twelve hours ago in the shining sun, and now Ian and I are currently hunkered down inside with the snow blowing around outside enjoying a grown up snow day. Everyone in the DC area, stay safe in the storm! 

The Kitchen: A Closer Look

The kitchen is one of the first things you see when you walk into our house, and it was DEFINITELY one of the many reasons I fell in love immediately when we first saw the place many months ago. I will never forget walking in the door and seeing the light blue walls, the funky chandelier, and the previous owner's Kitchen Aid stand mixer just like mine. I texted a picture to my mom, to which she responded "OMG! It's your house!"

And she was right. Momma knows best.

If I knew anything about house hunting from HGTV, I knew that this kitchen had everything that a modern homeowner would want--hardwood floors, stainless steel, and granite countertops. Are you sick of hearing those words yet? When watching those shows, Ian and I have said there should be a drinking game every time one of those phrases are uttered, but it sure is OK with me when it's in my own house. The previous owners really put a lot of work into updating the place, and I couldn't wait to fill it with my own little touches.

Thrifted Silver Bowl 

 Art from World Market - 50% off!

Antique tin

 Antique coffee grinder and serving stand.

 Thrifted book stand.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of my favorite room of the house!