27 Years and Counting

Today I turned 27 years old. That seems so surreal. I don’t feel 27, I’d say I feel more like 24, yeah…that sounds about right. Most people think I look much younger than I am. I’ve even heard some people say I look 12 years old, now that’s just rude if you ask me, but I don’t think they see it that way. To most people being called younger than you are is a compliment, but up until this last year I never considered it as such. But as I get older I am beginning to appreciate it more and more. I realize I’m really not that old, but I am encroaching on 30 which is closer to 40 and further away from 20. I have to say though, I kind of like getting older, I feel as though my insides are finally starting to calm down and I have a little more patience than I did a year ago. Although my birthday was uneventful I rather did enjoy it and I have decided to chronicle it for you.

Because finals are due Monday and Nick worked all day today I spent a good portion of my day writing a paper. In order to concentrate and truly crack down on my paper (there are just way too many distractions at home) I left for Borders Book store around 11 this morning and didn’t leave until 5 PM. I really enjoy writing my papers at Borders, for some reason the hum of people around me, the smell of coffee, and the Christmas music playing in the background is conductive to learning, though the smallest sound can render itself a distraction at home. Anyway, I hunkered down at a table, plugged in my lap top purchased a bottled water and a latte (cinnamon spice to be exact), and began to type away.

A few hours into my paper my adorable cousin Keely stopped by to keep me company, I can always count on her to come visit. She’s my coffee shop buddy, in fact she actually works at a coffee shop. Needless to say she only stayed for a short time, but we were able to get some pictures while she visited.

She made me a birthday cake out of graham crackers and peanut butter. It was so funny when she pulled out a giant container of Jiff right there in the book store.

Keely making me a cake out of Graham crakcers and peanut butter.

Me blowing out my Graham cracker candles.

After the coffee shop I headed home to be picked up by my other cousin Katie (Keely’s sister). She insisted on taking me out to dinner. We wasted about a half hour trying to decide on where to go (that’s actually pretty good, I estimated it at about an hour) and finally decided on the Blue Door Pub in St. Paul. Yummmm! For any of you who have not been there, I strongly recommend it.


We each had a Blue Moon and a Cajun Blucy with sweet potato fries and beer battered fried green beans. For those of you who don’t know, the Cajun Blucy is a melt-in-your-mouth burger stuffed with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños, it is ridiculously yummy!

After dinner we decided to see a movie at the Woodbury 10 theater. Since what we really wanted to see wasn’t playing at the theater, “Blind Side”, we decided on “Everybody’s Fine,” which was actually very sad. You couldn’t help watching it and feeling deep sadness for lonely old people. I believe I made a silent vow that I would never allow my parents to be so lonely, it was heartbreaking. All in all though I would probably only give the movie 2.5 stars. I wouldn’t say it was bad, but it felt as though it was lacking. Robert Dinero was very good, however, extremely convincing. Now that I think about it, all the actors did really well.

That is about the extent of my 27^th birthday. Nick and I will be celebrating it December 15. He surprised me with tickets to “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie. It only took him seven years for him to get a clue, but better late than never is what I say. Oh, and Nick gave me the greatest card ever! It was all in Spanish (neither one of us reads a lick of Spanish), that's my hubby! Thanks everyone for making my birthday lovely. I really did feel loved!

Living a Day of Thanks

Because Thanksgiving is only two days away I thought I would take a moment to write about what I am most thankful for (I'm already getting teary-eyed just thinking about it).



My Husband



I met my husband nine years ago when I was 17 years old at the meat market where he worked (yes, a real meat market, where you buy steak and other meat stuff). Planning on NEVER getting married, the first thing he said to his coworkers after I left the store was "I'm going to marry that girl someday." And you know what? Two years later (I was 19 and he was 21) he did! For those of you having a difficult time with the math, Nick and I have been married for over 7 years.


Nick and I are complete opposites, so much though that there was a time we were afraid we didn't have enough in common to stay married, but funny how the most important thing we did have in common was what kept us together, our love for each other and our mutual desire to be together. Today Nick and I have become more alike than I ever imagined. Sometimes we'll say exactly what the other was thinking and just smile about it. Now instead of our differences causing a gap our understanding and appreciation of each other is drawing us ever closer to each other.



Why I am thankful for my husband...


Too many reasons to count. He truly is MY person, I believe designed specifically for me to challenge me, love me and make me grow. He is my greatest support, worst critic (yes, I am even thankful for that); he encourages me to be independent and has taught me compassion. My husband is truly one of the most compassionate people I know (I don't think he even knows it though). He can't even watch the news without it effecting him tremendously. He is giving, incredibly smart, and inquisitive. I am thankful that he cooks, cleans, and that he bought me flowers the other day when he went to the grocery store just because. I am thankful that he is honest, that he questions all things, that he is a hard worker, that he loves me and that he will never leave me. Mostly I am thankful because I can honestly say that I am a better person because of him and that he has made my already good life even better.



Thank you baby....I love you!



Family



I have the most amazing family!


My Parents




I know I am a little bias, but I think I have a good looking set of parents! My parents, now living in Indiana (a very long 12 hour road trip from here) are, as far as I'm concerned, the best parents ever! They have been married for almost 28 years and have taught me what married love is. My parents are each others' best friends, rivals, companions, biggest support, and lovers. They are always openly affectionate with eachother (not in a gross way though, well...sometimes gross) and are more in love today then ever.


From my mom I got ambition and a giving heart; from my dad I got wisdom and patience. I'm beginning to cry writing this because I don't even know how to express the gratitude I feel for having such amazing parents. Sometimes I feel bad that I got so lucky.

My parents are two opposites who together make so much sense. My dad's calm demeanor helps still my mom's anxiety; my mom's very young and adventerous spirit keeps my dad (who is 12 years older than my mom) young and active. They are a perfect pairing. My parents have loved me, supported me, encouraged me, watched me grow, and let go when I needed them to. They have truly become my best friends.

My In-Laws (I don't much like that name for them because they are much more, but for lack of a better name this is what I will call them for now)


From left to right: top row: Ryan (brother-in-law), Craig (father-in-law), Nick(husband); bottom row: Maria (sister-in-law), Teresa (mother-in-laws) me, Haley (sister-in-law)

I love this family! Again, I have know idea how I got so lucky.

I remember the day I first met Nick's family, it was October and Haley was only 8, ryan was 18 (and he hadn't met Maria yet). I came over to their house because Nick and I were going on a haunted hay ride nearby. Their kindness and acceptance was incredible...no wonder I married their son!

Mama T and Papa Craig are undoubtedly the best in-laws a girl could ask for. Mama T knows what it is to love. She is a mother in every sense of the word; alwasy caring for her children. She has ALWAYS made me feel loved, has ALWAYS made me feel comfortable and has ALWAYS had my back. I am truly blessed. Papa Craig reminds me a little of my daddy. He is one of the greatest supports I know and full of wisdom. He is kind and compassionate and gives so much of himself never expecting anything in return. I see so much of Papa Craig in Nick, of which I am truly grateful.

Haley is absolutely and totally the most amazing 17 year old I have ever known. She is the top of her class, in Varsity volleyball and soccer, in student council, etc. And to add to it all she is kind, compassionate, and giving. She has wisdom beyond her years and I feel blessed just knowing her.

Ryan and Maria. I have always loved Ryan and am so grateful for his very different views on life. He keeps things real and interesting. I am thankful for his artistic, passionate nature and for his kindness to me. He has even on a few occasions, when needed, had my back, just like a brother would. My newest object of gratitude, however, is Maria, Ryan's very perfect match. Maria is truly an amazing individual. I so admire her differences from mine and love her more for them. She is a strong yet sensitive person who knows how to love and who cherishes family. In my short time knowing Maria she has already taught me so much about life. She too, I can honestly say, has made me a better person. She is the youngest looking 30 year old I have ever seen (I know...can you believe it?) and I have come to truly cherish her advice and wisdoms acknowledging that she speaks from experience. When she talks...I listen.

Friends



Left to right: me, Keely, Katie, Jill

I have the most amazing friends ever! I love you guys!


I have the kind of friends that will last a life-time. They have everything anyone could ever want in a friend. Seriously! They are the most amazing group of girls ever!


Katie:
She is spunky, wild, crazy, intelligent, ambitious, and sensitive. She will always show up when you need help. You need help cleaning your house, she'll happily clean your bathroom. I just don't get it. I would NEVER volunteer to clean someone else's bathroom. But she is truly amazing like that! She'll help you paint, cook , clean-up, etc. She is a great support system. I love you Katie!


Jill (AKA: Spoils of Wear):
She is the greatest listener I know. And I should know because I'm a pretty great talker! Not to mention she is my greatest ego booster and fabulous support. She is also the best shopping partner ever! She posseses great wisdom, of which I admire, and she always surprises me with her knowledge. Jill is the girl I tell everything...I mean EVERYTHING to. I love you Jill!



Keely:
She is my little cousin and my newest lifetime friend. I remember when she used to kind of annoy me and her sister Katie (listed above). Now I can't wait to hang out with her. Keely has grown into a beautiful woman who I can honestly say is by far the sweetest person I know! I'm not even exaggerating on that one! Keely is always kind, she is spontaneous, and she shows up. She is so much fun to be around and to mentor too. I love you Keely!

As you can see I have the utmost to be thankful for. I really have know idea how I got this lucky. I am truly blessed. Thank you everyone for making my life so amazing. I love you all. I hope never to forget to be thankful each day. Thanksgiving is not just one day of the year, but should be everyday of your life. A grateful heart, I'm sure, is the key to happiness.


And finally....



Oufit of the day:




Checkered Twead Jacket: A Christmas present from Mama T
Black Turtle Neck: Thrifted
Plaid Pencil Skirt: Charlotte Russe brand from my mama
Shoes: Charlotte Russe - $6

Oakwood Church Bazaar Follow-up Post

Sorry this is coming so late, but boy oh boy have I been busy. I'd rather not talk about that though. Instead I'd like tell you how the Oakwood Church Bazaar went.

Unfortunately I didn't fair too well, but I did enjoy myself and would definitely do it again. It was NOT all for naught, however. I obtained a few purchases, and even sold a few things. Yeah! I sold my gold big girl tutu to my spunky cousin! I have the pictures to prove it! She wore it for a night out in Stillwater on Saturday. See for yourself.

Here is the front of the tutu worn with leggings, black stiletto boots, a black sweater from Target, and a bracelet I made.


Here is the back of the tutu.


And...here is a close-up of the bracelet I made.


I also sold a red sequined flower bracelet, a black and white silk flower bracelet, the owl bracelet which I love so, a hair clip made of black and white tulle, a purple flower pin, and two little girl flower headbands.
I purchased about as much as I sold though, so much for making some extra Christmas money! I made sure I adorned myself with all my treasures both days of the bazaar.

This is what I wore on the first day of the bazaar.

Pink and White Tulle Hair Clip: Made by me
Grey sweater jacket: Target - $6.98
Navy blue pink floral long-sleeve T-shirt: Target - $9.98
Skinny Jeans: TJ Maxx
Pink arguile socks: Gap


Gold Mary Jane Heels: Hot Topic - $5

And this is what I wore on the second day of the bazzaar.

Feather headband: made by me
White angel wing cardigan: Target
Army green lacey t-back tank: free from a clothing swap
Light denim jeans: American Eagle - thrifted


Burgundy open-toed heels: 6PM.com -$7 (originally over $90)

Necklace: Purchased at the Bazaar; Funky Gladys made by Girly Muse
Button and Stone rings: Purchased at the Bazaar


Owl Earrings: Purchased at the Bazaaar (a little treasure I discovered while setting up my table...I absolutely could not resist!)


All in all I had an absolutely wonderful time. I strongly encourage the support of local artists. I mean...everyone benefits! Look at the amazing one-of-a-kinds you can find.

Talk to you all very soon I hope!

Signing off...

Elaina

Warning: May Offend Wal-Mart Shoppers!

As the name may suggest (or not), this blog entry is about Target. Considering that I am pretty much obsessed with the high-end discount retailer, not to mention I have a closet full of the store's wearables, I figured it deserved its own blog. So here it is.

Ode to Target:

When I'm not sure what to wear
nor where to go
I think of you
and your ruby red round symbol

Its funny how you've watched me grow
and fitted me for a many ensemble

For you I am grateful
and know that I will be
forever faithful
for you've seen me through
a many trying times,
of clothes that is,
and decorated my closet
so willingly

I cannot express my gratitude
for all your clearance racks,
small sizes
and fashionable clothing lines

Truly I have found a place
where I can find a simple shirt
to decorate with lace
and while I'm there
I shall not despair
for you also carry...
cloths made of terry

I'm so glad I found you
and know that you will
forever be
respected and adored by me!

Okay, so now that that bit of corn is out of the way I would like to, less dramatically, explain my near obsession with Target. For those of you who do not live in the lovely state of MN it is likely that your store of choice is Wal-Mart, considering that they pretty much rule the world.! But I ask you can you even compare the cute red and khaki to the homely blue hardware aprons typically worn with faded jeans (and not the cute ones either) that the employees where? Or what about Target's advertising campaigns (check out commercial here), how cute, trendy, and original are they compared to...well...Wal-Mart's juvenile smiley face (which I admit is kind of cute), but come on, can't you come up with something different for a change! Then we come to... Super Target has a Starbucks and Diamico and Sons; what does Wal-Mart have...a McDonalds!

These aren't the only reason why I love Target so, however. The shopping ambience, though I'm not sure why, is much more relaxing, inviting, and conducive to shopping and/or browsng than that of Wal-Mart, which often feels Warehousey and cold. At Target I browse; at Wal-Mart I scurry. Finally, I must speak about the fashion-ability of the wearables. A few years back, Target, being the innovator it is, introduced its "Go International" line. A fun, youthful, fashion-forward, and even sometimes classic, junior clothing line. I was sold! It was so cute, mature, girly, punk, funky, fun...you name it! For those of you who have not had the fabulous opportunity to behold the "Go International" line, let me explain.

Every 90 days Target displays a clothing line by a different high-end designer from around the world (now displayed under the designer's name instead of the "Go International" brand), yes you heard me right, high-end designer. Items on display at Target are only a fraction of what you would pay for items from the same designer on the runway, typically with prices points ranging from $100s to $1,000's; while at Target they usually have a price point between $20 and $60. For example, currently Target is carrying a clothing line made exclusively by Target by Anna Sui. Check out this same designer's fall fashion show for her pricier items here. I can also attest for Target's quality of clothing. How many of you have purchased a tank from Old Navy to only have it stretch beyond recognition and loosing its shape with the first wear? Okay, now how many of you have purchased a soft cotton (brushed cotton) top from Express and have it pill with the first wash? I have. Not to say that Target's cotton won't ever shrink, stretch, or fade, but it doesn't with the first wear nor wash, in fact many of my wearables hold up much better than my wearables purchased at more expensive stores. Finally, Target not only provides a great shopping experience, but also provides adorable quality clothing at beyond reasonable prices. One major flaw for the retailer, however, its website could use a complete overhaul. How does such a fashion-forward, trend-setting retailer have such a blah website? Seriously!

So which do you prefer? Target or Wal-Mart?

Outfit of the Day is next!

Because I missed a few posts today you get two outfits, both which are predominantly from Target and both of which were worn on a work day.

Monday
Blue soft cotton cardigan: Target
Blue and white western style button up shirt: Target
Scarf: Target
Brown Chino Pants: Target
Earrings: Target
Shoes: Miss Bisou, Christmas present from my mother-in-law




Tuesday
Grey and white striped top: Target
Black elastic belt: Forever 21
Black skirt with front zipper: Target
Scarf: Target
Grey and black polka dot tights: Target
Black leather flat boots: Kids Gap-thrifted
Silver flower ring: boutique in White Bear Lake

Bazaaar

Today I am getting ready for the Oakwood Church Bazaar. I actually need to leave here in about 15 minutes so I'll make this a short entry (well, short for me anyway). I mentioned in my first post that one of my favorite things to do is create, I would hope that makes me a creative person since that's what I have on my resume, but today you get to be the judge. I made several things for the Bazaar this weekend ranging from a tutu and handbag to woman's and girl's headbands, vintage button magnets, button earrings, funky bracelets, and decoupaged heads (http://spoilsofwear.blogspot.com/2009/10/crafty-day.html). Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy:

This a woman's tutu I made out of gold and black tulle with some pearl beading (no, not real pearls). This tutu is a one size fits most due to the stretchy waistband.




This is the handbag I made out of some really beautiful stretch fabric which is lined with a black fabric that is textured like snake skin. There is one pocket and the handle is made out of bangles (yes, bracelets purchased from target actually). The rose is a pin so can be removed should one prefer the bag without it.




These are two of the bracelets I made. Others not pictured include flowers and gemstones. The first bracelet pictured is made out of a smaller elastic and many, many, many rhinestones varying in sizes. The second bracelet pictured I made out of thick elastic and a giant owl pendant I found at the thrift store. My husband thinks it looks like weapon armor.




These are two of the woman's headbands I made. The first made with feathers and a vintage button (actually purchased from an antique store in Bayfield, Wisconsin), and the second made just with feathers.




And finally, the outfit of the day. This was not a work day, so I am in my casual everyday attire. The jacket was a Christmas present from my husband a few years ago and is Empyre, it also has skulls on the back. The scarf and jeans are thrifted. I just bought those jeans for $9.99 at the thrift store and am obsessed. They are rerock (which I've never heard of before, but apparently they retail for $90.00+). And the boots, another great find, are UGG, which I actually purchased at TJ Maxx for 20% of the original price (that is about 80% off Yo!).






Have a great day and hope to see you all at the Oakwood Church Bazaar today or tomorrow! Information for the Bazaar can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=110872998040&index=1.

Virtual Christmas Shopping

The Wednesday before Halloween I went into Target searching for Halloween candy and to my dismay discovered Christmas decorations littering the isles. Now...don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas, not to mention Christmas music, but I can only focus on one holiday at a time. What about Thanksgiving? It seems as though we skipped right over that one. Anyway, this shopping experience was just a gentle (or screaming) reminder about all the Christmas shopping I had yet to do. I do love to buy gifts, oh how I do, in fact I often go a little overboard and feel the effect afterwards through depleted bank accounts, but I am a very busy girl and don't have much time for shopping (yes I said it, I don't have much time for shopping).

Typically I start planning on what I'm going to buy for my husband in August because I usually need to start saving by then (I don't own a credit card, it appears I have a bit of a healthy fear of them). Unfortunately however, this August I was still without a clue on what to buy for Nick (my husband) and because I am a full-time student, working part-time and doing an internship I have very little time or money to spare. Throughout the year I tried to keep my ears sharp for any hints on what Nick might want for Christmas, but this year I fell short and failed to come up with anything.

Then it happened! Nick started talking excitedly about this Spanish speaking software program called Rosetta Stone (jackpot!). For some reason he has always wanted to learn Spanish, he really likes the culture, people and language, which is very admirable. Needless to say, hip hip hooray! I knew what I was going to get Nick. But whoa was me when I discovered it came with a price tag of $539.00, that is correct, no typo here, that is $539.00. Eeeek! I basically counted that gift out, I was nowhere near prepared for that type of price tag. Bummer. Then one night out of boredom I decided to google Rosetta Stone and came across a DVD website that had Rosetta Stone priced at only...wait for it...$139.00! Can you believe it! So awesome! I mean I could definitely swing that, I already had that much in savings for Christmas anyway. But it gets even better people...FREE SHIPPING and HANDLING! Score! So I of course bought it! Great website by the way, it has lots of deals on all sorts of DVDs and CD Roms. Definitely worth checking out!




Now that Nick was mostly taken care of I could start thinking about the rest of the fam. I started with my sister-in-law Maria simply because I knew she would be the most fun to buy for. I mean she's a 30 year old who loves the color pink and collects Pandas, super fun right? Anyway, I thought it might be fun to get her some wearable pandas so I decided to shop ebay and found panda mittens and a matching hat (below). I haven't made the purchase yet, I thought I would engage all of your opinions first since they both carry a somewhat heavy price tag. Although my sister-in-law is 30 years old she doesn't look a day older than 22. She is very petite and cute, and dresses as young as she looks. So what do you think? Should I make the purchase? The hat is $50 and the mittens are $25.


















Since I interned again today my outfit of the day was business attire.



































Sheer Zebra Print Top: TJ Maxx
Khaki high-waisted linen/cotton trouser: Forever 21
Shoes: 6PM.com
Earrings: Target