Wednesday, August 29, 2012

PLA Giveaway: Nicandthenewfie! {CLOSED}


Today's giveaway is from the darling Etsy shop Nicandthenewfiewhere you will find handprinted clothing, reclaimed wood clocks, coasters, and pendants And today, they are giving away a pair of handprinted yoga pants to one lucky PLA reader. Want to enter? Here's how: 

MANDATORY: You must be a follower of our blog and leave us a comment that you are. You must also visit Nicandthenewfie's shop and tell us which pair of pants you would choose if you won.

BONUS ENTRIES:
• Pin your favorite pair of Nicandthenewfie yoga pants on Pinterest
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway
• Add our blog to your blog roll
• Blog about this giveaway  

Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry for more chances to win.
Giveaway will remain open through Tuesday, September 4th. GOOD LUCK!


xo, S&W

Monday, August 27, 2012

Monday, Outfit, Camera


{top: co/Oasap || pants: Old Navy $16.50}

Heyyyyyyy. It's Monday, so...

Can you tell I did a little camera upgrade? I am now the proud owner of a DSLR, and I feel like my brain is going to EXPLODE. There is so much to learn. Aperture this, shutter speed that, ISO, white balance, depth of field, blah, blah, blah...

Anyway, I took the plunge because I am ready and willing to learn, but I would love some help. So, if you have any fave tips/tutorials, or if you yourself are a camera pro, please send your knowledge my way. I'd really appreciate it. THANKS.

Have a great day!
xo, S

Friday, August 24, 2012

Five Things Friday

1. This website that literally has every color of cardigan for only $11.99. And they are real cute. Let's place a mass order so we can afford the shipping from China, k?



 
2. This darling tutorial for heart pattern friendship bracelets. If any of you have free time this weekend, will you please make me one of these? I think I would mess it up...




3. This recipe for Pumpkin Lust Cake. The second fall decor enters the stores (have you been to Hobby Lobby!?), my brain turns to pumpkin overdrive. And. I. Want. To. Eat. This. BAD.




  4. This amazing blog, Pinstrosity, that showcases failed attempts at Pinterest projects. SO cool.



5. This awesome video: 25 Ways to Tie a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes.





If you have any faves (blogs, recipes, DIYs, etc) to submit for Five Things Friday, email us!

Have a great weekend!
xo, S&W

Thursday, August 23, 2012

DIY: Colorblock Infinity Scarf

Happy Thursday, y'all!

That weekend is on the horizon, I can feeeeeel it. All we gotta do is go into survival mode (drink 1-5 diet cokes, eat 2-6 baked goods, etc.) for approximately 48 hours and it will be here. We can do it!

And, to help pass approximately 7 minutes of that 48 hours (you're welcome), today we are guest blogging over at the lovely Time Out For Women blog where I teach you how to make a knock-off of this color-block infinity scarf I saw at Gap over the weekend out of some old t-shirts:


See:


So GO, read, get your scarf-crafting on, and let's get that weekend here.
Love you, mean it. 

ox/W. 


-----
PS. The winner of the JUNIEBlake giveaway is...
Christy Maurer

Congratulations, Christy! Please email us at prettylifeanonymous@gmail.com 
in the next 10 days to claim your prize!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Happy{ish} Monday






































{sweater: Van Heusen Outlet $21.00 || skirt: thrifted $4.00 || wedges: ROSS (Nine West Brand) $16.99}

You guys...

I had the best anniversary extravaganza over the weekend with my husband. We got massages, saw Wicked (uh... mind.blown.), slept in late, shopped like crazy, ate like crazy, watched our beloved Real Salt Lake lose (#rslfansforlifeeveniftheyruinouranniversary), and pretty much just loved each other. It was perfect.

But there is a downside to fabulous, long weekends like the one we had... and that is Monday. So for all of you who are struggling this morning like I am, here is a pep talk:

• We are lucky to have jobs.
• We have to work to earn money to be able to have fun anniversary extravaganza weekends.
• In a couple months I get to visit W (insert something you have to look forward to here).
• Anything you can add (seriously, I could use the encouragement)

Have a great day, please!
xo, S

PS- Enter the JUNIEblake giveaway here. It's a good one!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Pinned/Tried/Loved It: Kitchen Table Re-Do

In getting ready to move and figuring out what we could/couldn't fit in 16 feet of truck, one of the things that didn't make the cut was our kitchen table. So, when we made it to Pennsylvania I needed a new dining set but didn't have a lot to spend. As a result, I turned once again to Pinterest for some inspiration on how to make it happen. After pinning my dining room vision like crazy, husband and I made a visit to Goodwill. What we ended up with was just under $30 of ghetto chairs and a beat up table. Here is the before:

Yep, I forgot to take a before of the table. Sorry for the weird stock photo, but you get the idea. What we have here is a scuffed top, terrible color of a table, and a set of chairs with looooovely pleather seat covers. However, thanks to Pinterest, I had concocted an idea of what what could become of these wayward pieces of furniture, and as I was putting together a kind of vision for my new little place, I kept finding myself pinning tables with bold table legs and tops, and all in a teal-ish blue, like these that I pinned: 
  
Pins: 1/2/3

So...that's what I knew I had to do. I didn't photograph the process of the makeover because really, all you'd see is me sanding and painting, then sanding and staining, since that's all I did. Sand/paint the legs, and sand/stain the chairs and table top so they look like they go together. However, I do have a money-saving tip or two that help us to complete this whole project for under $40. Notepads ready?

First, we got the leg color in a mixed sample from the paint department at Home Depot. It was around $3 which is the same as a can of spray paint, and you get to choose from such a HUGE amount of color options so you can find the perfect shade. Plus, there is a lot more in those samples then you think (we still have more than half left over), and the paint is a really high quality. I think I'll start having them make me samples for all of my craft projects from now on since there are so many options. Plus, I just like Home Depot. Makes me feel handy. Yep. Handy.

Next, we found our upholstery fabric in the clearance pile at JoAnn for $4 a yard. FOUR DOLLARS. Usually I can't find a pretty, heavy, upholstery fabric for under $10. Such a steal. Never, never leave the fabric store without checking that bargain pile, people. That is my new mantra. I may knit it on a pillow. Look for that DIY coming soon.

So...here is the finished product, sassy blue legs and all:  


Now you may be wondering, "W, what method did you use to recover those chairs?" Well, I'll tell you. I cut of the fabric, then I used a glue gun. Yes. I am in fact a craftsman.



Pretty cute, right? And here's how it breaks down:

Table: $12 (Thrifted)
Chairs: $13 (Thrifted)
Paint: $3.50
Stain: $3
Fabric: $8
Brushes: Free/Already had
Glue Gun: Free/Already had

Total= $39.50

Yep. Can't even eat dinner at Red Lobster with the hubs for that amount. I mean, maybe you can, but I need a coke, a  coconut shrimp appetizer, crab legs and something chocolatey for dessert when I go there, so ya...this table project is def cheaper.

And that, my friends, is another (p)inspired project, complete!
{To see the other posts in the Pinned/Tried/Loved It series, click here.}

oxox/W.

PS. Have you seen the FAB JUNIEblake giveaway? Go here

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

PLA Giveaway: JUNIEblake! {CLOSED}

Today we have a giveaway from JUNIEblake - where modest meets fashion-forward thinking and great design taste. Their line of trendy and fashionable women's clothing has been tailored to fit your style and your life, and their colors and cuts are sure to impress. And TWO (that’s right, two!) lucky PLA readers will win a $30 Gift Card toward any of their pretty dresses, tops, or skirts. Wanna win? Here's how: 

MANDATORY: You must be a follower of our blog and leave us a comment that you are. You must also visit JUNIEblake's website and tell us what you would buy with your gift card.

BONUS ENTRIES:
• Like JUNIEblake on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall
• Comment on JUNIEblake’s Facebook page telling them you are visiting from the PLA
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway
• Add our blog to your blog roll
• Blog about this giveaway  

Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry for more chances to win.
Giveaway will remain open through Tuesday, August 21st. GOOD LUCK!

- - - - -

And now, the lucky lucky lucky winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway is...

Mickelle McCrory

Congratulations! Make sure and email us within the next 10 days to claim your prize.

Have a great day!
xo, S&W


Monday, August 13, 2012

We wanna know...

...what you really wanna see on this blog. So please tell us in the comments! Here is a list of some options:

  • Outfit posts
  • Recipes
  • Decor DIYs
  • Fashion DIYs
  • Five Things Friday
  • Giveaways
  • Where we live
  • What we do
  • Around our homes
  • Good deals on cute things (JSYK)
  • Product review
  • Guest posts
  • Pinned/Tried/Loved It
  • Q&A
  • Anything else you can think of

We only want to post what you want to see/read. So, vote for your faves, and help some sisters out, okay?

Have a great Monday!
xo, S&W

ps - Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway. Only two days left!



Friday, August 10, 2012

Five Things Friday.




1. These darling little treasures I stumbled upon from A Beautiful Heart's shop. I need them all. So darling.


2.  It's peach season, people! Aside from fall and all of its pumpkin treasures, what season could be more wonderful? And just look at this recipe for fresh peach creamsicles. Heaven.

  



3. Since I just moved into a new place and I'm still trying to figure out how to decorate it, I am looooving anything that is affordable and lovely to help me out, like this super neat idea for ombre/herringbone/paint chip art. Pretty, right?


Find the tutorial here. 


4. Coming to Pennsylvania after living in the desert of Utah, I have come to find that there is this weird weather phenomenon called rain storms. Luckily, I came across these ridiculously cute rain jackets at Target yesterday. Are you dying over the floral? Bring on the rain, baby.


5. Has anyone else noticed all of the cool nails on the athletes at the Olympics? I am way into it. When I win all-around in gymnastics in Rio/2016 I'm totes gonna have sassed-up American flag nails. Find a whole slideshow of lots of the athletes neato nails here.






Happy Friday, friends!!!
Hope your weekend is fantastic!

oxox/W.

PS. Don't forget, you could win $50 to Shabby Apple! Why WOULDN'T you enter? GO here.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

PLA Giveaway: Shabby Apple! {CLOSED}



Today we have a giveaway from the fabulous Shabby Apple. One lucky PLA reader is going to win a $50 Gift Card toward any of their amazing dresses, skirts, blouses, jewelry, you name it. It's all there and it's all good. Really good. So...



Wanna win? Here's how:



MANDATORY: You must be a follower of our blog and leave us a comment that you are.



BONUS ENTRIES:

• Like Shabby Apple on Facebook

• Visit the Shabby Apple website and tell us what you would buy with your gift card

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Tweet about this giveaway

• Add our blog to your blog roll

• Blog about this giveaway

• Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook wall



Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry for more chances to win.

Giveaway will remain open through Tuesday, August 14th. GOOD LUCK!



Shabby Apple is also offering 10% off to PLA readers for one month with code "prettylife10off".



- - - - -



And last but definitely not least... the winners of the Violet Hill Owl Earrings giveaway are:



Brittany B

Colbyjmajors

Madeline Millburn

Mads



Congratulations! Make sure and email us within the next 10 days to claim your prize!



Have a great day!

xo, S&W



Monday, August 6, 2012

Pinned/Tried/Loved It: Rolo Cookies

Guys. I did it. I moved across the country last week. Way. Crazy. But sometimes I think it's good to do tough things so we can see what we're made of. Turns out I've got some guts inside of me after all, gently cushioned by a few new pounds put on by the many Blizzards I ate on the drive to self medicate through it all.

I said I made it. I didn't say it was pretty.   

This morning I thought long and hard about what to wear so that I could put up a good, solid, outfit post today. Then, I realized the only shoes that would make the thing make sense were still at the deep, dark, bottom of a box somewhere in this new house and it just wasn't going to happen. Then I thought about fashioning some sort of collage showing clothes or something, but then I realized that I just moved across the county and I have a 2 month old, so the last time I have shopped for clothes online or in a store feels like a long time ago, and maybe I don't know what is cool anymore. I couldn't take risk, so guess what I did? I turned to the one thing I know will never fail me regardless of trends. It is a constant, like the sunrise in the morning, and that thing is baking. Cookies, specifically. Simple ones with 4 ingredients so I didn't have to dig out the flour and sodas and measuring spoons, cause who knows where the heck those are.

You've probably seen these Rolo cookies all over pinterest since that is how I discovered them and the recipe I used just happens to be from our friends over at Six Sisters' Stuff. I have wanted to try them out for awhile and it turns out that and they are just as simple, yet sinful as you would imagine. Perfect for nursing the overwhelmed, slightly homesick, really missing S, dazed, and tired feelings that come from a big life change, or just because it was Sunday night, and sometimes those just suck. This recipe is a gem, it'll cure what ails ya.

You're gonna need:

1/3 c of oil
2 eggs
1 box of Devil's Food cake mix
1 bag of Rolos


Then, just mix that goodness altogether, and tuck a Rolo inside a spoonful.


Bake for 8ish minutes at 350 degrees on a greased cookie sheet and you're set...and in heaven.   


Can't wait to tell you more about my new life on the East coast and start showing you what I'm wearing again! In the meantime, you know where to find me, elbow deep in Rolo cookies, or just Rolos. Sometimes those 8 minutes of baking time feel like an eternity.

ox/W. 

PS. We are thinking of making this little post part of a new Pinned/Tried/Loved it series. Thoughts?

PSS. Are you all DYING over the cute new layout S created? She is brills.

PSSS. Why haven''t you entered the Violet Hill giveaway yet? Hurry up!

PSSSS. Just checking if you're still reading. You are. Bless you.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

PLA Giveaway: Violet Hill Boutique! {CLOSED}

Today we have a giveaway from our friends over at Violet Hill Boutique!

Violet Hill is the cutest little shop here in Logan. They have one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories for women and I wish I could get all of my clothes there. And get this... today's giveaway has not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR chances to win! That's right, Violet Hill is putting FOUR pairs of these darling owl earrings up for grabs.





Wanna win? Here's how:

MANDATORY: You must be a follower of our blog and leave us a comment that you are.



BONUS ENTRIES:

• Like Violet Hill on Facebook
• Follow Violet Hill on Pinterest
• Follow the Violet Hill Blog
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway
Add our blog to your blog roll
Blog about this giveaway
Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook wall

Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry for more chances to win!

Giveaway will remain open through Tuesday, August 7th. GOOD LUCK!
XO-S&W
PS. Don't forget to participate in our Q&A here!
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