And Everything Nice

Prints I Want

2012-02-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Paper Jam Press on Felt & Wire is a shop that I admire a lot. Not only do I like the snippets of lyrics she picks to print, I love that the songs get stuck in my head and make me feel slightly nostalgic for just a bit. It's possible that it also ages me quite a bit, but whatevs. I totally agree that these are words to live by, too. Because…. you can't touch this! And I'm something like a phenomenon. ;) Somebody buy me these!

Winner's all around

2012-02-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

The winner of a free ad space at Hollie Takes Notes is Natalie from A Moment of Wonderful. Congratulations Natalie! Email me - annaelder [at] ymail.com and we will get you set up!

I know there can only be one winner of the giveaway, but everyone's a winner today because I've got a free printable for you! Catherine of Design Editor has made a drinking game for the Oscar's! Seriously, how fun is that? Here are her directions for the game:

"CHEERS, OSCAR! DRINKING GAME | Hosting a viewing party? This will make things a little more interesting. I've included lists of things you might see on the show, divided into categories that will prompt you to take a sip, take a shot or totally down it. If you aren't a drinker, you could try turning the game into bets.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD | This is your companion as you police the red carpet. I've included a list of nominees and presenters with space for notes and grades.

Both of these designs are on one 8.5 x 11 PDF. I trimmed it down the middle to make long cards, but that's up to you."

Download the printable here: Cheers Oscar! (you may need Adobe Reader in order to open this, and you download that for free here)

To be honest I don't usually watch all of the Oscar's. I usually catch the end for the best movie winner and then check out the best of the best dressed celebs online the next day. But with these cards to print off on my fancy new printer…yeah, I think I'm gonna have to now, right? What about you? Do you watch, host a party or skip the whole thing?

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I can't contain my excitement!

2012-02-23T10:43:00.001-06:00

Are you familiar with Minted? Only the coolest website for ordering stationery. Whether it's weddings, announcements, note cards, journals, and now art prints, they've got it all. But Minted is unique because the designs are submitted by the Minted community and then the community votes on which designs they like the best. Winning designs are then sold. What I love about Minted is that designs are super modern and fresh and are continually working to stay ahead of the design curve.

A few months ago they began their very first Art Print challenge and I submitted a few designs. And today I am BEYOND excited to announce that one of my designs won! But that's not all - this print was also a runner-up for Best personalizable wedding art print. Yeah, so it didn't win, but to be a runner-up?! I'm honored.

This personalizeable print will be available for purchase soon and will be offered in a couple different color-ways. I will be sure to let you know when it goes on sale. And you can guarantee I'll be ordering one for myself. duh.

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for Ad space on Hollie's blog! Enter!

Wednesday Giveaway Yay + A Guest Post

2012-02-22T00:14:00.002-06:00

Hello bloggie friends! I have a super fun and totally worth it giveaway for you today! Hollie of Hollie Takes Notes has so graciously offered to give away one medium ad space (200x250) on her blog as she is now offering sponsorships at super affordable prices! I'm sure you're no stranger to her blog, but if you are here's you chance to get acquainted (I promise you will love it). The winning ad space will run through the entire month of March, and get ready because her blog is gaining readers significantly every day! If it so happens that you've already purchased ad space with Hollie for the month of March she has agreed to extend your spot into April. Ad spaces on blogs are one of the best ways to get your blog or shop out there and reach readers you may not otherwise. Your ad space win will also include a feature post and links to love. Entering is easy!

How to enter: (one comment)

You MUST be a follower of both my blog and Hollie's blog.

I give up

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

via

I've been searching the internet and racking my brain for the past 3 hours (seriously) and I've got no ideas for a blog post today. So instead this is what you're getting. I'm super frustrated at my brain. It doesn't seem to be working very well. I'm forgetting things and lacking in inspiration and ideas. My creative juices have gone dry. I'm thinking that what I really need to be doing is spending the day in bed. ;)

I'm also going to take this lack of a real post as an opportunity to rant about something. Those stupid word verifications blogger's are using to make use prove we're not robots were enhanced recently and they're now two words and really hard to see. Because I would love to leave a comment on your blog post, I find myself trying up to three times! If it doesn't go through after that I give up and leave your blog. If you're someone who isn't getting as many comments as usual and you have this setting this might be why. There are other ways to keep track of your comments and weed out spammers. I personally have emails sent each time I receive a new comment (it's a great way to reply to a comment also), and have old posts (after 5 days) require my approval before it will post. I get spam sometimes, but it's mostly on old posts. This way you can delete or mark as spam. Blogger also has a pretty decent automatic spam detection. If you have settings like this you shouldn't have a problem with spammers and you have full control if you want to delete a comment. I know that I'm not the only one annoyed by this "enhanced" feature, so please think about changing your settings.

Majority Rules

2012-02-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

this? or this?

Friday I have a hair appointment. I was pretty set on just enhancing my current color, much like the first image from The Beauty Department, and then I was talking to Matt about Oliver Palermo and googled her to show him a photo and saw this one and I love it a whole lot. So now I'm torn on what I should do with my hair. I might go with you what the majority here thinks I should do. What should I do? I'm only referring to the color, not the cut.

A Toast to the Weekend

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

*note to self: do not try to edit your blog posts from your ipad. it deletes the entire thing. ugh.

Make it:

2 oz VuQu vodka

1 oz. Chambord

1 oz. champagne

Pour vodka and chambord over ice in a martini shaker. Shake and strain into champagne glass, top with champagne. Easy peasy!

I'm sorry, but I don't remember what I wrote since my stupid ipad deleted my entire post. But, go check out this vodka. It sounds really good.

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!

You're always on my mind

2012-02-16T01:00:00.002-06:00

blazer // silk top // floral denim // ray-bans // earrings // bangles // TOMS slip-ons

Shopping is always on my mind. Even more so lately because I actually bought some stuff for the first time in a LONG time. Ok, it's been since Christmas, but that's a LONG time. I don't care that Matt hates these jeans. I am in LOVE with them. I need them. Right stinking now. I've always had a soft spot for printed pants. What about you? It's such a nice change from plain jeans and is a really great way to spice up your everyday outfits. A lot of times I want to dress up but I'm just going to Target so I don't. But if I had these jeans….I wouldn't feel the need. Ok, I just talked myself into buying them. Did I talk you into it too? Ugh. Obsessed. Also, can we talk about how amazing those Ray-Bans are. I opened the Nordstrom catalog and squealed with delight (ok, I lied. I gasped) when I saw these. Also, those Toms. The little girl who wore Keds growing up (spoiler alert: it's me) is drawn to these suede beauts. What are your thoughts on printed pants? Do or don't?

I'm in a bit of a blogging slump. I hate when that happens. Pinterest usually helps remedy my blogger's block, but not so much right now. Where do you go for inspiration?

Oh happy day, it's almost Friday! And do you know what that means? Four days until I see the GI specialist!! <---- probably not what you were expecting. I wish it was something more like "time to get my drink ON." Ah well.

Hey Cupid

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

image via

Just wanted to say a quick hello, and wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I hope your day is filled with lots of love and happiness. I am still shocked that it's even Valentine's Day. With me not feeling good and spending a large amount of time in bed over the past month, time has been slipping by, though idly for me. On a quick side note, because I've been sharing my health woes on Twitter, I'm going to a GI specialist next Monday. Yeah, they couldn't get me in for 2 weeks. Boo hiss. Hopefully he will be able to figure this out because I really miss food and the outdoors and my family and friends. I'm crossing my fingers that I won't need a colonoscopy. :X

Oklahoma Blogger's Night Out

2012-02-13T12:57:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday was the 3rd Blogger's Night Out in OKC. It was my first one to attend, and the largest by far. Hosted by The Makeup Bar with food and drinks catered by Deep Fork (yum), delicious gluten-free vegan cupcakes from Green Goodies it was a really fun night. There were door prizes, free eyebrow waxes that were completely pain-free, personal consultations from The Lingerie Store and lots of mingling. It was a lot fun to meet lots of new bloggers and talk with some of my all-time favorite bloggers and designers. I snapped a picture of some of the business cards I snagged - even though this isn't nearly all of them.

The bloggers...

Danielle from www.elleinadspir.com

Susan from www.workingcloset.com

Shana from www.gorillabuns.typepad.com

Melissa from www.pineapplelilyblog.com

Alison from www.shopcrawlr.com

Caroline from www.iamagreedygirl.com

Allison from www.feedingmytemple.com

Kelly from www.designcrushblog.com

Allyson from www.allysoninwonderland.com

Brigette from www.settlingwest.com

Evie from www.evie-s.com

Sally from www.sallyspins.com

Erin from pippinandpearl.com

Rita from www.meandmyshortloffs.blogspot.com

Brandy from www.bellavitajewelry.blogspot.com

Emery from www.emeryjo.blogspot.com

Stephanie from www.stephaniebice.com

Kathleen from www.jeremyandkathleen.blogspot.com

Marek from www.mareksmusings.com

Rachel from www.pencilshavingsblog.com

Melissa from www.sassafrass2point0.blogspot.com

Rachael from www.rachaelreally.com

Nikki from www.bradleybirth.com

Kara Kae from www.themomdiggity.com

Elle from www.memoirsofawannabegypsy.com

Laura from www.steenstyle.com

Whitney from www.whitneykolb.com

Katie from www.dishinanddishes.com

You should definitely go and check out each blog! I promise it's worth it. I look forward to the next meet-up and if you're in OKC I hope to see you there! Hint hint LAUREN! Tomorrow I am participating in my first online class at the AltChannel. Beyond excited. But first I've got to get this migraine under control. I've had it since yesterday and it's the worst migraine I've had in a long time. Boo. Happy Monday friends!

For like right now

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

I know that this print is nothing new, but in keeping with the Valentine's theme and wanting things that I can't buy, I wanted to share this. Because even if you've seen this everywhere, isn't it still nice to look at? I love, love the pink and red but realistically know that it might not go with our house. But on the other hand, I imagine hanging this above our bed where there's already a grey canvas so I couldn't hang grey next to grey, right? I can't decide! Which one do you like the best? Do you, like, totally want this? And how about that last one? You + Me. Love. You can buy them here.

Oops, I forgot to title this

2012-02-08T01:09:00.002-06:00

I guess I updated the title and it deleted the rest of the post? WEIRD! Blogger, don't misbehave!!

ted baker / marc by marc jacobs / botiker / marc by marc jacobs

chloe / kate spade / see by chloe / gucci

And it went something like this…

Do you ever sit and think about how much you'd like a new handbag? Well, that's me everyday. And here is just a small amount of the bags I've got my eye on currently. I'd give my right arm, my good arm, for that Chloe bag. And I've been wanting that red one FOREVER. Sigh. I'm pretty sure Hollie needs the mint one, and I bet Lauren would agree with me. What's your favorite?

Winston 2.0

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm completely flabbergasted by people who don't like pugs. Sure they snort when they breathe, and they're pretty hard to house train or train in general, and they like to be the boss of you, but what's not to like? They're so cute it's unbearable. I like to think that Winston is the best pug ever. If you're new around here, well, meet Winston Ewok Turkey Puggers Churchill Elder. Isn't he distinguished? If you're not new and you follow me on instagram then you know how much I love my dog, and I'm not sorry that you have to see these photos again. He makes my heart melt. He's the sweetest, most cuddly dog. If you've never been around a pug here are few things you need to know: They snore when they're awake. They shed a lot. They're pretty hyper, but they're not always hyper. They must be in the same room as you (yes, even the bathroom if you'll let them) at all times. If they're not cuddling with another dog they must cuddle with you or at least be touching you in some way. They're not supposed to play catch but Winston does. Everything ( well, almost everything) is the cutest and funniest thing you've ever seen which means they get away with a lot of stuff. They're also extremely clever. Winston's favorite food is popcorn. He can hear the wrapper being opened from any room in the house. He likes to cuddle, sleep, go on walks, chase the laser pointer and his kong, lick the beagles ears, and catch popcorn in the air. And I'm currently in the process of figuring out how to clone him. Do you like pugs? Obviously you're answer must be yes so, instead I'll ask, what's your favorite dog breed?

Feel free to send me videos of pugs from youtube.

Pretty in Pink

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

necklace // tank top // miss dior cherie // ipad case // iphone case // undies

Not only is it already February, it's almost Valentine's Day! Here are just a few things that would make great gifts. So forward this to your husband, boyfriend, or whoever you'd like to buy you something. :)

Did you watch the Superbowl? I sorta did. Meaning, it was on the TV while I did other stuff. I do like the commercials. I think my favorite one was the Sketchers one with the French Bulldog. Did you see it? It was super cute. Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Font Friday #15

2012-02-02T18:29:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday bloggy friends! I can't believe it's February let alone Friday. I don't know where this week went, but it was possibly wasted in bed. I always imagine the days to crawl by at a snail's pace when I'm stuck indoors, but apparently not. Honestly I'm not really sure how I feel about it since I'm not feeling any better. I had more tests done on Tuesday and when they come back negative (I'm only assuming) I will either be going to a GI specialist or to an internist. But on the plus side I've lost about 8 pounds? Just trying to find the silver lining.

But to get to the point, isn't this font pretty? I think so, and I keep thinking how lovely it would look letterpressed. I love the wide flourishes and the retro feel. It's kind of like a funky town feel. The name is Rosarian and there's two widths available for $29.00 each or both for $55.00. This just went on my wish list.

As always, don't forget to check out the rest of the Font Friday crew! Follow along on Twitter too.

Jenny at Hank & Hunt, Alexandra at Aerialist Press, Alison at Alison Owen Design, Jen at Blush Printables, Steph at Bubblerock, Sofia at Branco Prata, Catherine at Design Editor, Chelsea at Fourth & Folded, Allie at Honey Bee Invites, Lauren at Lauren Elise Crafted, Jenna + Elizabeth at Little Bit Heart, Lauren at Palm Papers, Kerry at Super Swoon, Vickie at Vickie Designer, Wendy at Wesewn Design, Vicki at Curly Willow. Enjoy!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

p.s. I just updated the kitchen reno post with a picture of the outside of the house. Since we've moved and I've bought a new computer I don't have any of the old photos, so I took a screen shot from Facebook (thanks FB for that new timeline thingy).

Inspiration Board: French Inspired + how pinteresting

2012-02-01T09:59:00.001-06:00

balloons / seating / cake / drinks / dress / moet (source unknown) / flowers

It's hard not to think of Paris when I see these lovely images. I just kind of want to live in it. Mini bottles of Moet? Yes, please.

This is my 2nd link up with the vintage apple. What have you been pinning lately?

That one time I remodeled a kitchen

2012-01-30T22:49:00.002-06:00

all images were taken by us, on our camera. please give credit if you repost.

I just snagged this from facebook so I could show off the front of it. I loved that round door a whole lot.
This photo is from the craziest blizzard I've ever been through that came in on Christmas Eve, 2009.

Here's a little history for you: In 2008 we bought a historical home built in 1921. We got a really good deal on it so we decided to see past the ugly, horrendous disaster that was the previous owner's DIY job and instead try to focus on it's potential. We had money left over because we got the house pretty cheap which is good because this house needed help in a major way. So we gutted the kitchen and I drew up the design I wanted. We did the demo ourselves and when we were knocking out the floors and opening the entry to the kitchen (top left photo in both groups) we found the brick chimney for the original furnace. So, of course we had to expose the brick (bottom image; you can see the brick on the right) and chipped away at the wall to carefully remove the plaster. We removed the horrible terra cotta tile that had DOG FOOT PRINTS pressed into them and put in bamboo floors. The cabinets were custom built for the kitchen. Aren't they pretty? They were so big and spacious. Oh, how I miss the storage. We put in quartz counter tops and subway tile to replace the awful hand painted tile WITH GREEN GROUT and put in all stainless steel appliances. If you've ever remodeled or built a house then you know it's never finished when they say it will be and there is always at least one issue that pops up. But that kitchen was pretty much perfect. It was by far my favorite room in the house. Sadly, we moved 2 years later because that little old house was just too much upkeep (and who puts a basement in a home in oklahoma) for us and the bills were so high because the house was not efficient at all. Since it's on a national historic register there are some crazy restrictions we had to follow, like not replacing the old drafty windows in order to maintain the "original" home's aesthetic. The brand new house we live in now is a whole lot larger and our bills are half of what they were in the historic house. The only thing I miss about the old house is this kitchen. Our new kitchen is tiny in comparison and our dishwasher is builder-grade and loud. I never thought I would care about having a nice dishwasher. This is how I know I'm getting old. I really hope that the girl who bought our house hasn't made any changes to the kitchen…except the wall color. What do you think? I'm obviously still very proud of it.

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

2012-01-29T17:12:00.001-06:00

Ingredients:

24 ounce jar medium salsa
Juice from one lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1.25 package taco seasoning
2 jalapeno peppers, finally chopped (optional)
6 boneless chicken breast halves, defrosted

Directions:
In a slow cooker, mix together the salsa, lime juice, cilantro, taco seasoning, and jalapenos. Add the chicken and coat with salsa mixture. Allow the chicken to cook, covered, in the slow cooker on low setting for 6 hours. Serve chicken with salsa mixture spooned over top, or shred and use as a taco filling.

This is so good and so easy to make. Matt couldn't stop talking about it. I heated up some black beans with it as a side and we ate it alone, but these would be really good as tacos. Next time I make this, which will be soon, I will be heating up taco shells and black beans.

Happy Monday bloggy friends! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm still not feeling great so my weekend was on the boring side and I'm starting to feel very cooped up. Maybe I'll get some answers this week! If you follow along on Twitter then you know it's not my spleen rejecting my body. Instead my Dr. thinks it might be my stomach/digestive tract which would explain why I can't eat and I've lost 4 pounds in the last week. I'll take the weight loss though. Maybe this week I'll get some answers?

Have a fantastic week!

J.Crew Lusting

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I felt the need to end the week cheerfully. I don't know about you, but I've had a rough week. If I'm being completely honest I've been having a rough past few months. Since October I've been unable to enjoy myself (well not entirely) because life keeps popping up and getting in the way. Anyway, back to this week. It's been a helluva rough one. But looking through J.Crew's spring collection was a sight for sore eyes. It's hard to not smile. They really know how to do color. I really want that sequin stripe cardigan! I just know when I can finally buy it, it'll be gone. Their spring collection is always their best collection. Next winter when I'm pining over all of the coats and cardigans I need to remind myself to wait for the spring stuff to come out. On the top of my list are the chambray blazer, stripe sequin cardigan (stripes, sequins, and a cardigan all in one?? heaven), colored capri pants, and the floral watercolor dress. What about you?

Happy Friday!

Color Me Happy

2012-01-25T19:39:00.000-06:00

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight

What are your feelings about the colored denim trend? At first I wasn't too big on it, but I did like red denim. Now I'm pretty much fully on board. I think it's fun and cheery and it's a nice change from normal denim that I wear everyday. Because, let's face it, I wear jeans more than anything. I've decided that the best way to try this trend out is to start with a blue color of denim. I love the cobalt and pastel blue colors! Also, if I buy a more affordable pair and end up not liking them I won't feel quite so bad. I'm still trying to not buy a pair of designer skinnies in the hopes that the skinny jean thing will soon disappear, but I've been hoping for that for a very long time. I'm about ready to crumble and buy some black skinnies.

What colors do you like best? Are you for or against this trend?

A Pretty Case

2012-01-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

When I came across this iphone case on Switch Easy I immediately purchased it. Many times I've bought a phone case online and once I get it in the mail I'm pretty disappointed. Especially by the designer ones. So I honestly wasn't expecting much other than having a new pretty case. I was extremely surprised by how nice it was. It's a hard material that comes in two pieces and a protective film to put on the front of your phone. So it's super pretty and is actually protective. The website has so many different varieties to chose from, but the blossom design is the prettiest. Completely worth every penny. I'm going to order an iPad case asap. I can't wait!

Sorry I Missed You

2012-01-22T23:05:00.000-06:00

via

Sorry I've been MIA the last few days. I'm not feeling so great and
I'm going to be spending Monday trying to figure out what's causing it.

I will get back to blogging just as soon as I can.
Please send some "get well" wishes my way.

Pintersting Wednesday: Wanderlust

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is my first link-up with The Vintage Apple!

I've been suffering from a case of wanderlust lately and specifically with Florence, Italy. We're currently throwing around the idea of going later this year so I've been looking at hotels online and when I came across the Four Seasons Florence website I just kind of stopped looking at other places. All of these images were taken at the hotel…so these are the views around the hotel and the hotel grounds.

City Views

Presidential Suite

Royal Suite … those chandeliers!

more views

the hotel's gardens

more of the gardens

the hotel's pool

Do you see why I stopped looking for hotels? I kind of found "the one" on my first try. I mean, seriously, is that what the Tuscan region of Italy looks like? Because I want to go and never come home. If I were using my imagination this is exactly what I would see when thinking of the best trip to Italy. It's like something out of the movies. It's so romantic and old and historical feeling. I know I probably shouldn't have looked at the most expensive hotel in the region first…now all of the more affordable hotels are going to look like poo poo. Have you been to Florence? Is there somewhere you'd recommend I look at? What's on the top of you travel lust list?

Look at what other people are pinning here.

You can follow me on Pintrest here.

Inspiration Board: Golden Serenity

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-06:00

images top to bottom left to right: one / two / three / four / five / six

My obsession with gold continues. Gold is so serene to me. It makes me feel warm and cozy and glamorous all at once. It's luxurious and comfortable. What do you think? I had some gold elements in my wedding. My shoes were gold, the ribbon on my cake was gold, my hair piece was gold.

Watch Envy + A Winner

2012-01-16T11:33:00.000-06:00

one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight

Oh me oh my, how I want a shiny new watch all covered in bling bling. All of these are currently on my wish list…for Valentine's Day. I don't know if we're allowed to treat Valentine's day as a holiday worthy of wish lists, but I just did. They're all my favorites, but some stick out more than others. My loyalty lies with Marc Jacobs so naturally #4 and #6 - I love. But I also really love #3 and #7. But since the Nixon watch is almost double the cost of the others, I think 3, 4, and 6 are my top 3. What are your favorites?

And we have a winner for the TriAndGull giveaway!

Congrats to Kyla of Kyla is Inspired! Kyla shoot me an email with

your addy info: annaelder at ymail dot com.

Happy Monday!