Steppin Out Friday, I mean, Saturday!

Guys, I had a hot date this weekend. We went to Il Mercato, ate the most delicious food & talked about nothing and everything. After we left we went to pick up almond milk, ginger ale (for D) and the latest Real Simple magazine. I only thought to take photos after we got back and because I hate using flash, these photos are dark and fuzzy. Woops. I think my photographer did a good job with what he had.... Here's what I wore:

Dress: Thrifted, no label, probably hand-made ($10!!)

Belt: H&M ($17)
Sandals: Aldo ($20, including shipping)

Don't you love cheap outfits?

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On Saturday morning I woke up at the crack of dawn to catch the bus to Sackville, NB (where I went to university) to see 3 of my closest girlfriends. We went on a random adventure to an old fort, went out for supper, spent an hour choosing a movie at the store and then didn't watch it. We met some special friends for brunch and then laid out on the deck and chatted. It was so nice to see these girls again. We talked about some things we shouldn't have, talked about some things we had to and then talked some more. That's what girls do, right? :) We reminisced about our time at MTA & felt pangs of nostalgia. We were staying on the other side of the duplex where I spent my last 2 years of university and it took everything I had not to knock on the door and go take a peek at my old room... Anyway, I think we all had a good time. There's something about the friends that you meet in university...

we're all wearing a bit of pink!

Miss you already!

xo Janelle

Ladies Room Fashion Show!

Happy Monday! Today's style post was inspired by Melissa at Dear Baby. She did a slew of posts titled "Ladies Room Fashion Show" to show off her adorable outfits she wore to work when she was pregnant with her little ones. Now don't panic. I'm not pregnant in any way shape or form. But, since her posts inspired me to try some new looks I wouldn't have thought of, I figured I'd pass on the love to you.

Now because I'm one of 3 people in the office on a daily basis, I can get away with some casual pieces that may not be appropriate for other work environments. So I get to have a little fun and dress up or down. The one rule is no jeans. Other than that, it's all about being professional but wearing something that's comfortable enough to sit down in all day. Anyway, enough blabbing. Here's today's outfit:

Gray pencil skirt, Joe Fresh (it's knee-length & high-waisted)
Black tank top, Smart Set
Black blazer/sweater, Costa Blanca
Scarf, India (D got it for me on his trip!). You can't see the detail but it's got red, purple, black and tan threads.
Red purse, Northern Reflections (thanks Nanny!)

Thanks for stopping by the blog. Hope you have a relaxing night!

xo Janelle

simple storage using ish you already have.

I hope you're having a great weekend. We are in "Sunday-mode" today and are just relaxing, cuddling the puppy & napping.

For this weeks home post, I put together some easy, don't-even-have-to-think-about-it storage ideas. Baskets and bins are always, always a safe bet but sometimes it's fun to think outside of the box (so punny!). I wanted to share these ideas because they use things you probably already have kicking around, which means more cash for you (or for weekend booze) and means you're creating less waste (which will make you part of the "green/eco-conscious/environmentally friendly" club). Honestly though, they look pretty and do the job. And who doesn't love stuff that's cheap, pretty and functional?

Try storing your toothbrushes in a fun mug, instead of a holder or cup.
I have mine in this green Alexander Keith's mug, which goes with the haphazard tree/nature theme we've got going on. A mug with a pedestal bottom would look elegant, whereas a short round mug in a punchy tangerine or teal would bring some energy and color.

Use a pretty gift-bag on your dresser to hold clutter (headbands, perfume bottles, lotions, receipts etc.).
I had a teeny empty version of this Coach gift bag on my dresser and decided to clear some stuff off my dresser by throwing it in. The bag is up high enough that the junk doesn't show and I can always go back and put everything away later. Yay for procrastination!

Source

 

 

 

Store bathroom essentials in old berry containers or tangerine crates.
I love this storage idea from Real Simple! If you're like my mom and you hoard hotel shampoos and soaps, this is a great way to keep them all together. You could also grab a few travel-sized toiletries, tuck in a rolled facecloth and an extra toothbrush and leave it out for guests. Or tie a ribbon around it to fancy it up and give it as a sweet little hostess gift.

Real Simple

Keep utensils within reach in these charming pots.
These would work perfectly for parties, weddings, potlucks etc. and would make good office or kitchen storage too! How about using one as a napkin holder on the dining room table?

Simple Home Life via Pinterest

Use mason jars to store craft supplies, makeup, q-tips and things.
Confession: I am obsessed with mason jars. We used to use them as cups when we were kids so naturally they make me very nostalgic. I have so many DIY projects to do with these... everything from candle holders to painting them from the inside to making vacation jars. If you Google mason jar uses you'll see why I'm so inspired! Check out the idea below using hose clamps and what looks like molding. Cute, eh?

Source

I hope you enjoyed my tips. Don't forget that these can all be used wherever you need to control your clutter. If you always have pens and notes scattered by the phone, set a painted jar there to hold them. If you always drop your keys and phone when you come in the door, set a vintage butter-dish there to keep them out of sight. I get overexcited when I find something that looks nice and actually works well for me. Boxes, baskets and bins are fine for some things, but I need a little bit of personality, a little bit of "cute". This post actually has me excited about cleaning and organizing... never knew that was possible. I'll be sure to post whatever I end up doing. Keep an eye out next week for a heart shaped DIY project I'm working on....

Do you have any ideas for recycled storage? What do you think of these ones? Do you hate organizing, but love being organized? Let me know!

xo Janelle