VFS

Shopping at a thrift store can be intimidating for most. Most think that the clothes are old and not in season. The real trick to see beyond what the piece "looks" like. At first glance, this blouse looks matronly and because of the material, outdated.

The trick to this shirt was to pair it with the right pieces. A vintage cream lace skirt and soft pink statement necklace. We rolled up the sleeves to create a 3/4 sleeve, unbuttoned the first button and tucked it into the skirt. The reason why I chose this blouse was the color and buttons, it seemed bright and rich. Be creative, don't be scared to enter your local thrift store, LOOK at everything, don't just glance at the rows and rows of racks, the clothes will not always just pop out at you. Think of it as a treasure hunt:) Every trip to the thrift store will not always be successful, don't be discouraged about this, just head over to the next store. 

Hope this post helped. Thanks for stopping by:)

DIY Heart Shaped Photo Collage

I was skimming through some old pictures on my shutterfly the other day and came across this project. I was so surprised that I took a picture step by step, as if I knew I would one day have a blog to post it on!   At the time my husband and I were newlyweds and had just moved into our apartment. I was so excited to finally decorate my own house and make it our own. Like any other girl, I went to Pinterest for inspiration and found several wall art collages. I knew I wanted to incorporate our wedding pictures I just printed from shutteryfly do I decided on a heart. (You get 50 free prints when you sign up)   Heart shaped photo collage   Supplies: (52) 4 x 6 photos (8 vertical & 44 horizontal) (52) 4  x6 Cardboard frames ( I found a 3 pack at Dollar Tree) Black acrylic paint (if frames aren't black already) Foam brush Scotch tape (2) 5 ft of string ( I used yarn) 4 Push pins Pencil Spray adhesive Construction level (optional, I didn't use one) Measuring tape (optional)    Directions:

• After you've picked out your pictures, paint your frames black and set aside to dry
• Once they have dried, place a picture on the back side of the frame and tape. Repeat this process with all your pictures.

• Next lay out your photos on a flat surface, the floor worked best for me, and begin to arrange your photos. I started from the bottom then worked my way to the top, either way works.
• 
  

• After you have it all laid out the way you like it, measure the length of the collage with either the measuring tape or yarn.
• Take your measurement to the wall where you want the collage to be. Hold it in the middle of the wall vertically with your push pins and mark the top, bottom and middle. Repeat the same process horizontally. The place where the two strings meet is the middle, this is where your will start your fifth row.
• Follow directions on spray adhesive bottle. Spray the back of the first picture frame starting on the left side of the fifth row and center picture underneath string. The string should be right in the middle of the picture frame.
• You can move down your horizontal string to help you keep a straight line. You can move the string up and down and you move along. ( After the fifth row I continued downward then moved up, either way will work) 

     

Hope this post helped.

Thanks for stopping by:)

Over Night Oats

Breakfast is a meal that I some times forget to eat, as do many people. So I began looking for quick and easy recipes to make my morning routine faster, and came across over night oats on Pinterest. I loved the idea of oatmeal for breakfast but without cooking it? Yes, and it works! I loved it. The texture is slightly different but still delicious. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it your own buy adding different fruits or jams. Check out a beautiful mess for some ideas:)

Over Night Oats

Servings: 1, Size: 1 Jar, Calories: 269, Carbs: 45, Fat: 9 g, Protein: 10 g, Sugar: 12 g, 

Sodium: 208 mg

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 a cup of rolled oats
• 1/4 of a banana
• 1 tbsp of powered peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 tbsp of almonds
• a pinch of cinnamon 
• a mason jar

Directions:

1. On the night before you want to eat your oatmeal, mix together almond milk, oats, and powered peanut butter in the mason jar.
2. Refrigerate the mixture overnight (they will be ready in about 3 hours, but overnight is best).
3. In the morning  top your oatmeal with honey, almonds, banana and cinnamon (these can actually be mixed the night before to avoid wasting time in the morning. ) and enjoy:) If the oatmeal is too thick feel free to add water or a little bit of almond milk.

Hope this post helped. Thanks for stopping by:)

Vintage Finds Series (VFS)

My friend Aprillynn and I have embarked on a business adventure bringing to life garments that have been forgotten. We're giving these pretty pieces a second chance by bringing them to you on our Instagram shop at prettypieces_. Our pieces are on of a kind, pretty, and never coming back! Snag your item now before it's too late.

This striped number is bold yet sweet, it hugs your body perfectly at the hips rather than your waist like most dresses. This dress comes with its own accessories, but don't be afraid to add modern pieces to make it your own. Take a moment to admire the artistry of this garment because you won't ever see it again. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for updates and always unique pretty pieces.  

Hope this post made you smile.

Thanks for stopping by:)

New IG Store!!!

Starting a new business venture with my friend Aprillynn. Posts coming soon:) Go check it out!

50 date ideas under $30

Photo Credit: Delaluz Photos

Ricky and I have been married for a little over a year and dated for FIVE YEARS TEN MONTHS which seemed forever! We went on several dates throughout this time of which many were repeated. You know the usual, dinner and a movie, or just dinner, the occasional shopping, art walk, or the ever to so popular take-out and red box. Don't get me wrong, I love doing all these things with my husband but it can become monotonous.

I think I was 18 in this picture. That was 7 years ago!

 

So in an attempt to bring some variety to our date night I made a list of different ideas mostly under $20! These can also double as great Valentine's  night out. Just take some chocolate covered strawberries and you're good to go. Some of these are specific to where I live but can be tweaked to your area.
Working on a printable version for you guys:)

1.   Grab a loaf of bread and feed the ducks at a Park

2.   Grab water guns and balloons at Dollar Tree and have a water fight

3.   Have a picnic  and sing our favorite songs

4.   Have a picnic at the a local park

5.   Go fishing (make sure you have a fishing license) 

6.   Watch the sunset with a box of ice cream sandwiches or hot chocolate

7.   Share a milkshake with two straws

8.   Go to Wal-Mart and buy each other a $10 gift and wrap it and give to each other at dinner.

9.   Build a tent in the living room and watch a movie with munchies

10.               Make smores

11.                Go the a local bakery and buy some cupcakes and eat at a local park.

12.               Bake cookies together.

13.                Decorate cheesy couple t-shirts and have a photo shoot

14.                Make homemade ornaments

15.                Go watch Christmas lights in a neighborhood with hot chocolate.

16.                Go bowling

17.               Pack dinner and lunch and rent a room at the island ($30)

18.               Have dinner at the island.

19.               Pack lunch and eat the pier then the dolphin watch ($30)

20.              Play mini golf

21.               Watch a play at your local high school play

22.               Go to a high school football game

23.               Go to the a basketball game at your local University or high school.

24.               Go to a baseball Game

25.               Watch a senior recital at your local University.

26.               Watch a play at  your local University or community college

27.               Go to a concert

28.               Go to a fair

29.               Go to a butterfly farm

30.               Go to the Museum

31.                Go to the zoo

32.               Go to a bird center

33.                Go pick oranges or any fruit from a place for locals

34.                Head to the farmers market

35.                 Head to the movie theater

36.                Walk your local nature center

37.               Go camping

38.               Go to the drive in

39.               Buy some steaks and have a candle light dinner in the back yard

40.               Go to a hockey game

41.                Play games at Peter Piper and share a pizza

42.               Head to the flea market

43.                Go to a small coffee shop

44.                Fly a kite

45.                Get some frozen yogurt and head to a local park and swing on the swings

46.                Paint some pottery at your local art shop

47.               Go to your local art show/walk

48.               Rent a movie and buy a box of pizza

49.               Start a puzzle

50.               Create a piece of art together with a canvas, paint and your fingers.

Hope this post helped Thanks for stopping by:)