Bad habits & a DIY - Guest Post By Shanda Neighbors

This weekend did not go as planned. Me thinks I may have over scheduled yet again. For the purpose of this post we'll just called that bad habit #1. I wanted to turn the soil in the vegetable garden, and address the weeds there. I also wanted to expand the garden 

area. That was the priority.

Instead, I worked on this dresser. Enter bad habit #2: the unwillingness to adapt focus to ever changing circumstances, and environments. Also known as inflexibility. What is started must be finished, so I finished the other dresser, the sister to this.

From that:

To this:
 

If you look in the mirror you can see its previously finished mate. Yes, our bedroom looks a hot mess! Now you know why I'm doing all of this DIY stuff. I'm hoping I'll have pics of my bedroom redo on the cheap, in a few weeks. Maybe I'll even be brave enough to share them. Anyhow, somewhere in the middle of the dresser redo, I decided the project wasn't living up to expectation. Bad habit #3: unrealistic expectations. I hate when the projected outcome is not the reality. For a number of reasons this dresser is the poster child. I decided, it's time I make my peace with disappointment. Besides, I like it better as it is now, than it was, so I'm gonna keep the dresser as is...for now.  I can't promise I won't cave and fix it later. :)

Cherio!

The Braid-ey Bunch - 10 Fashion Forward Summer Hairstyles

Whenever I find a new hairstyle that I like, I save it.  Well, actually I file it.  Yup, I have a file on my desktop labeled "Hair inspiration" and it is chuck full of these awesome hairdos. How's that for organized.

Well, this evening I just happened to be going through that folder and realized, I have to share this with my bloggie pals. This is way too much hotness to keep all to myself......so here I am, sharing.

Most of these are braided hairstyles but what I like most about them is their versatility and how easy some of them are to do.  Anytime you can get your hair styled in less than ten minutes is definitely a win in my opinion. And there is nothing more attractive than a lady who looks pulled together/stylish but not overdone.  These styles are perfect for achieving that perfect balance of chic and effortlessness.  Plus, most of them look even better if they are a little messy.  I love that!

Well, I hope this post inspires you to try one of these fabulous hairdos. It's amazing how a simple hairstyle can boost your confidence and bring sexy back....but don't take my word for it, try it and see for yourself.

Cherio!

Celebrating The Red, White and Blue.....Nautical Style!

Nautical fashion is one of the hottest trends this summer and I couldn't be happier!  I am a huge fan of this style and over the years have collected many pieces that are now staples in my closet.  That's what I like about this look.  The pieces are so amazingly versatile that they work well with lots of other pieces in my closet.  Nautical looks can be dressed up or down in a snap too!  And, they never get old....they only get better and more fabulous with time. Aye! Aye!, indeed.

Made fashionable by Coco Chanel in the 1920's, this look is crisp, clean, elegant and has a classic appeal that is beloved around the world. The main characteristics of this style are stripes, black, navy, red and white color combinations.  I personally adore the casual understated glamour, especially the gold accents that are so popular with this style.  It's the perfect finishing touch!  

 Nautical Fashion's best feature in my opinion is it's clean lines which makes it "figure friendly" on so many different shapes, silhouettes and sizes. This is also one of the reasons why this look has such staying power.  

Though the Nautical trend is no stranger to most of us, this year it has taken the market by storm. There is a different spin on it this year though.....a really sophisticated yacht club infusion if you will.  I love it!  With July 4th approaching, Nautical style is the perfect solution for an independence outfit. The red, white, blue and black has never looked more chic!  And, with so many Nautical clothes and accessories available now it is real easy to incorporate a little bit of this trend into your own wardrobe.

By simply adding a striped shirt, red belt, or navy blue hand bag you can transform an otherwise average outfit into this classic look. (Don''t forget to add gold for accessories.) Here are some ideas and inspiration outfits to kick you into Nautical mode.  Happy independence day everyone!

Get Your Nautical Nautical Fashion Fix At:

J crew

Ralph Lauren

Banana Republic

Old Navy

T J Max

White In Fashion....So Fresh And So Clean!

WHITE.  It's the "must have" component to any girl's Summer wardrobe, and that is definitely not going to change in 2011.  And why should it?   No color is fresher, cooler, cleaner, more effortless.... and lets not even go there with how sophisticated white is.   White is all that and so much more.  

By now you've probably guessed that I am partial to white, and if you have, you are all kinds of right!  I love this color.  I own lots of white clothes and jewelry, most of which are  favorites in my wardrobe.  Every time I wear them I get so many wonderful compliments. 

One of my favorite ways to wear white is to pair it with with tan and metallic accessories.  I especially like white with nude colors and mixed with other shades of white.  So chic! 

Another benefit of white is, it does not absorb heat.  Many of us knew that already but it's great to know that this is actually a scientific fact and not just an old wives tale.  So to recap, white is fierce, fabulous and cool!  Not convinced?....check out the beautiful white ensembles below!  

Cherio!