Something Cute for Allsorts Challenge

Happy Saturday! Today is the start of a new theme at Allsorts challenge with Lynn hosting and she picked the theme of "So Cute". I definitely have more cute stamps than others and this challenge was right up my alley. 


*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, this is at no cost to you. As always thank so much for supporting this blog!

I made a CAS card, the image is an old one from Penny Black - Message from Above - stamped and heat embossed on Bristol Vellum paper then colored using distress inks diluted with water and a Zig Detailer brush. I used a clear  Wink of Stella glitter brush on the flowers and bird for some sparkles.

The sentiment from the Penny Black set Friendship has also been heat embossed. You may notice the hedgehog is popped up with foam tape. This wasn't originally planned but I messed up coloring the hedgehog's face (a blue smudge somehow seemed to appear out of nowhere) and there was no way to save it. Since the rest of the card was almost finished I didn't want to start over again, instead heat embossed and colored the hedgehog again, then fussy cut. 

I picked some papers from my stash that coordinated well with the way I colored the image, then tied some jute twine around the card and finished off with a bow. 

Penny Black Message From Above -retired, found one on eBay // Penny Black Friendship // Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink // Clear Ultra Fine Embossing Powder //  Distress Ink Pads //  Zig Detailer Brush // Natural Jute Twine // Bristol Vellum Paper // Pattern Papers from Stash //  Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush


Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope to see you joining in this week at Allsorts!

Related Products:

I'm linking up with these blogs:
Alphabet Challenge - F for Flora or Fauna // Colour Crazy Challenge  - Coloring // Creative Fusion Arts & Crafts Challenge - Nature's Garden // Aud Sentiments Challenge - Summer // Craft Rocket Challenges - Embossing (I heat embossed image and sentiment) // Moving along with the Times - Things with Wings // Creative Moments - Anything Goes // Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes // Crafty Sentiment Designs - Anything Goes // Ike's World - Dots // Tuesday Throwdown - Anything Goes // Always Fun Challenges - Anything Goes // Crafting Happiness Challenges - Anything Goes // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges - Anything Goes // Path of Positivity - Anything Goes // Crafter's Castle  - Anything Goes // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Spots and Stripes //
Always Anything Goes Card Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Crafts Galore Encore // Classic Design Challenge // DL.Art Linky Challenge // Not Just Cards (F) // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges // Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // The Corrosive Challenges // Creative Fingers // QKR Stampede // Crafting With An Attitude // Brown Sugar (?) // Craft-Dee BowZ
Linky Parties:  
Artsy Fartsy // Thinking out Loud Thursday // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // Creative Compulsions // Fridays at the Fire Station // Friday favorites //High Five for Friday // Friendship Friday // Funtastic Fridays // A Morning Cup of Joe // On the Edge // Friday Favorites // Best of the Month-- (first Friday/ month)
Party In Your Pj's // Tuesday Turn About // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // Dare to Share // Inspire Me Mondays // Little Cottage Linkup // Love Your Creativity // Handmade Monday // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Craftastic Monday // Beautifully Made // The Happy Now // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night)

Fashion Over Forty: Two Ways to Wear A Yellow Top in Summer

Hello and happy Friday!

For today's outfit post I am styling a yellow top two ways - a casual look with blue jean shorts and then I dressed up the top with my chambray pants and heels. I even used the same bag for both looks.

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, this is at no cost to you. As always thank so much for supporting this blog!

Yellow V Neck Top with Jean Shorts:

This shirt is old, purchased from Banana Republic, but LOFT has some pretty tops in yellow if you're looking to add some yellow to your wardrobe. And of course don't forget to take a look at Banana Republic as well. I like this ruffle top with drawstring hem.

My jean shorts are from American Eagle but also an older style and no longer available. These are the "midi" shorts which is my favorite style as they aren't as long as bermudas (which I don't think looks good on me) but longer than short shorts. This pair is similar but almost sold out. This pair from Kohl's has good reviews as well. They are from the Juniors department so you may need to size up in those.

I've shown you my new straw and canvas bag in last week's post. It's become my go-to bag and here I am carrying it as a shoulder bag - in last week's post I used it as a crossbody bag. I love it when I get multiple choices out of one item! The bag is available at Zappos or Macy's. And directly from Sakroots, but their shipping cost is $10. 

My sandals are by The Walking Company purchased from their retail store in Myrtle Beach last summer, but also available online. I usually wear 7.5 in sandals but half sizes aren't available and the 7 fits perfectly. These come with built in orthotic and I find them extremely comfortable. I have them in the neutral color but there are several other colors available.  They'd be the perfect pair of sandals to wear to a zoo or botanical garden where you will do a lot of walking but don't want to wear sneakers.

For accessories I added a simple bracelet I purchased at Myrtle Beach and part of a multi layer necklace by Lucky Brand. This specific necklace is sold out but Amazon has a variety of layer necklaces to choose from. 

                                         

Yellow V Neck Top with Chambray Crop Pants:

In the photos below I paired the same yellow top and same bag with my Chambray Crop Pants from LOFT for a more "dressed up" look. If you've been following along, then you might remember seeing them styled in this recent post with a red floral top.  I think this chambray color can almost be treated like a neutral as it goes with so many colors! These pants do run large and I had to exchange for a smaller size. These are petite 00 (usually I'd purchase petite 0). 

These shoes have a higher heel than what I'm used to wearing. They are by Etienne Aigner. No I did not pay a lot of money for these designer shoes, in fact I found them at Goodwill last year for $6.99 and I could not resist even though I know I won't wear them much. I love the classic style and nude color! I did see a few sizes at ThredUp, and some at Poshmark. I have them in a 7.5 and would say they run true to size. I usually wear between 7.5 and 8.

I switched out the necklace. This long necklace is also part of the multi strand necklace from Lucky Brand. (This specific necklace is no longer available but there is always a chance to find it on eBay, ThredUp or Poshmark.) But any longer necklace would work.  

Same straw and canvas bag. This bag has removable straps and here I'm using it as a clutch. I think it's perfect for summer! 

                                        

 Midi Shorts Option  

Sleeveless Top Option from Banana Republic

Sleeveless Top Option from LOFT

 (More options HERE and HERE) 

Straw and Canvas Bag also available here
Chambray Crop Pants

Peep Toe Heels or click here for more sizes and styles

Strappy Sandals 

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog!!

I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs:
Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Friendship Friday Blog Hop //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy // A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures //  Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays)

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend

Misfits Market Box No. 4: Contents and How We Used The Produce

Hello and happy Wednesday! Today I'm sharing the box contents of my 4th produce box from Misfits Market, which I received last Wednesday. I am currently subscribed to a weekly box, arriving every Wednesday, and I decided to share my box contents and how we used the produce the Wednesday after delivery. This gives me the chance to actually note what I've used things for and how much is still left before my next box arrives this afternoon.

For those of you new to my blog or if you're not familiar with Misfits Market, I am sharing this from their site as they explain it best:

"It's a subscription box of sometimes funny-looking, always delicious produce, designed to break the cycle of food waste. Think of us like an online grocery store, except one that specializes in rescuing food that is unnecessarily thrown away. We source high-quality organic produce that has a few quirks—onions that are too small, potatoes that are shaped like your favorite celebrity, and carrots that fell in love and got twisted together. It may sound like a joke, but billions of pounds of this fresh and delicious food is tossed each year because grocery stores only want "perfect" foods on their shelves. We step in and buy this food from hundreds of farms across the country and bring them to your doorstep, saving you money and helping you save the world." 

Misfits Market does give every subscriber a discount code to share with their friends for 25% off their first box. If you would like to try this service, you can use this code: COOKWME-TT0TPG.

While this post is in no way sponsored by Misfits Market, I too would receive a 25% discount off of a future box when someone is taking advantage of this code.

Just a note, they do not yet deliver to all States, you can take a look here to see if your state is one of them.

Box No. 4 -What I Received:

1 Bundle of Red Chard
2 Grapefruit
4 Oranges
Several Fingerling Potatoes
6 Deep Purple Potatoes
2 Yellow Onions
6 Apples
2 Red Beets (one large beet I wasn't sure was it was at first, and one small beet)
1 Butternut Squash
2 Eggplants
8 Roma Tomatoes
4 Peaches
4 Mango
2 Heads of Lettice
1 Jicama

Add-Ons:
(There are weekly option of add-ons, this was my second time adding to my box.)
1 bag of Cherries
6 Heirloom Tomatoes

How we used the produce:

• Fruits were eaten fresh and I used a few to  make a mix of fruit salad (no dressing, just cut up the fruit for a variety in a bowl) 

• Fingerling and Purple Potatoes were sliced and  roasted in a frying pan, seasoned with salt and pepper then served as a side to leftover grilled meat. (This was our first time ever trying purple potatoes -they tasted great and similar to yellow potatoes.)

• Both Eggplants(they were on the smaller side) and 1 Onion were used to make an eggplant spread. (No recipe, I simply poke the eggplants a few times each with a fork, then bake in the oven until soft  - time depends on their size, maybe 30-45 minutes ... then peel then chop with a knife (you can use a food chopper) I add a diced onion, salt to taste, some canola oil and yellow mustard to make it a little creamy. I like to eat this spread on Pane Turano Italian Bread from Aldi.)

• 1 Onion was used on grilled burgers and sandwich topping.

• Some Roma Tomatoes and Heirloom Tomatoes were eaten with Sandwiches. My daughter and I love tomatoes and also ate some with just a sprinkle of salt. 

• Both Lettuce Heads and 2 Roma Tomatoes were made into a simple side salad. 

• 1/2 of Red Chard was sauteed  and served as a side dish. I simply cut the stems and leaves after washing, sauteed in a little bit of hot oil for 6 minutes then added  1 clove of minced garlic and sautee for another minute or two. I did read online that the stems take longer than the leaves, so next time I will start off with the stems first then add the leaves a few minutes later. I waited too long to use this and ended up throwing about half of them away as some of the leaves started to look bad and were not useable any longer.

• Butternut Squash was sliced and baked in the oven, then eaten as a snack. I love the taste of baked squash. 

• I used the Large Red Beet to make these red velvet cupcakes. The cupcakes were good but wish I had skipped the cream cheese frosting as non of us is really a fan of cream cheese. Next time I'll add a few walnuts and turn this recipe into a muffin recipe.
• 1 Jicama (yes I had received another one) I decided to slice and roast in the oven with the butternut squash to try. I think I have found my favorite way to eat Jicama.  

What's Still Left:

2 Oranges 

1 Apple

1 Small Beet (and a couple from the previous week!)

2 Roma Tomatoes 

Disappointments:

I really need to rename this part, as I can't say there were any disappointments. I did end up throwing away one Grapefruit as I noticed it was moldy a few days after delivery. But I think I need to inspect everything closer and maybe choose one fruit over the other first. 1/2 Red Chard was thrown away. I had no idea how to use this, even googling didn't really help. By the time I finally made up my mind to give it a try, some of the leaves were just not in a consumable condition anymore. Hoping for no beets in today's delivery as I still have a few small beets left from before and while I don't mind them that much, they aren't my favorite vegetable because they have such a distinctive taste. Normally I only eat them with Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe I can pickle some and save for Thanksgiving :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! If you'd like to see my other boxes and read about how I used everything, you can take a look here (first box), here (second box)  and here (third box).




Amazon affiliate links are included in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the amazon links. Thanks so much for your support!
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Linking up with these wonderful blogs.
Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // Little Cottage Linkup // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // You're the Star Blog Hop Link Up @ Stonecottage Adventures // Love your Creativity Link Party // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night) // The Happy Now // Tuesdays With a Twist // Myriad Musings // Tuesday Turn About  // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // What's Up Wednesday? // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // A Morning Cup of Joe // Fridays at the Fire Station // Shelbee on the Edge // A Little Bit of Everything // Dare to Share //

All About Pets at Allsorts Challenge

It's time already for a new theme at Allsorts challenge where I am hosting this week. I selected a nice and easy theme about Pets. Hope you decide to join us for your chance to be featured as one of my top picks.

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, this is at no cost to you. As always thank so much for supporting this blog!

I used an old wood mounted stamp from Penny Black, but I've only just purchased it from Etsy last year and I'm pretty sure this is my first time ever using it.

The stamp is called Beach Hammock, I can't find it anywhere at the moment and it's one of those items hard to find but if you check ebay or etsy regularly it might pop up at one time or another. 

I heat embossed using  Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink and  Clear Embossing Powder then used Distress inks (Pumice Stone, Peacock Feathers, Blueprint Sketch, Antique Linen, Twisted Citron, Mowed Lawn, Mustard Seed, Fired Brick) and my  Zig Detailer Brush for coloring on  Bristol Vellum paper.

I added some gauze as an extra detail over the pattern paper which I've had for a long time. The dots in the sand were done with Stampin Up's old Itty Bitty Background stamp set and the sentiment is one from Tim Holtz'  Quotations Sticker Set.

Thanks so much for visiting!!

I'm hoping to link up with these blogs:

Cute Card Thursday - Summer // Pattie's Creations - Anything Goes // Simply Create Too- All Summer Long // Art Impressions Stamp Challenge - Make Me Laugh // As You Like It Challenge - Favorite: Digi or Rubber - I choose rubber stamps because I have more control and options on how I use the stamp and find it quicker and easier // Little Red Wagon - Animal Antics // Paper Shelter - Color It // Simon Says Stamp - Summer Fun // 2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Critters // Ching-chou Kuik Digital Stamps - Fun in the Sun // Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - Pattern Papers // Sweet Stampers - Beginning with B (Beach) // The Crafting Challenge - Summer // Artsystamper Challenge - Vacation // Make My Monday - Summer Activities // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - PB Stamps

Always Anything Goes Card Challenges:
A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Crafts Galore Encore // Classic Design Challenge // DL.Art Linky Challenge // Not Just Cards (F) // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges // Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // The Corrosive Challenges // Creative Fingers // QKR Stampede // Crafting With An Attitude // Brown Sugar (?) // Craft-Dee BowZ
Linky Parties:  
Artsy Fartsy // Thinking out Loud Thursday // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // Creative Compulsions // Fridays at the Fire Station // Friday favorites //High Five for Friday // Friendship Friday // Funtastic Fridays // A Morning Cup of Joe // On the Edge // Friday Favorites // Best of the Month-- (first Friday/ month)
Party In Your Pj's // Tuesday Turn About // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // Dare to Share // Inspire Me Mondays // Little Cottage Linkup // Love Your Creativity // Handmade Monday // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Craftastic Monday // Beautifully Made // The Happy Now // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night)

Fashion Over Forty: Summer Basics and a New Straw Bag

Hello and welcome! It's Friday, that means it's time for my weekly stylepost, as always thank you so much for taking the time to visit!

Today's look is all about Summer basics, and I don't think it can get any more basic than this. After all it's just a white t-shirt and a pair of lighter wash jeans.

Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting my blog.


While my go-to tops are not usually white (I love color!) a white colored t- shirt is something I like to have in my closet. White reflects heat and therefore a white t-shirt will keep you cooler on a hot summer day. This t-shirt was purchased at Marshall's and I love everything about it - the flattering v-neck, feminine cap sleeves and perfect thickness. I wish I could link to it, but I haven't found it anywhere online. It's by Cynthia Rowley and maybe you can find it at your local Marshall's store.

Otherwise, this v neck t-shirt from Banana Republic has good reviews and is currently marked down to under $15 when added to your cart. By the way now until Monday 6/22 everything is 40% off at Banana Republic.    

If you're looking for a thicker option, this pima cotton t-shirt from Talbots would be a good choice.

 

1. White Cotton-Modal T Shirt from Banana Republic

(currently 40% off everything!!)

2. Pima Cotton T Shirt from Talbots

Light wash ankle or crop jeans are another summer basic. While I wear shorts often in the summer, I reach for blue jeans when I know I'll be spending time in an air conditioned setting, which was the case on this day after a few hours of hiking. As you can tell in the photos, I folded them up once, a few times and not folded up at all - my least favorite is the look above folded up once when we were taking the photos for the blog before heading out the door, but I love being able to get different looks from one pair of jeans. 

These jeans are a few years old  (by GAP), and while I can't link to this specific pair, they do have some good choices if you're looking for a new pair. I like these girlfriend jeans in an even lighter wash than mine and I also like these mid rise jeans from Old Navy. Several other styles to choose from too!

  

1. Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans from GAP

(these are also available in Petite and Tall)

2. Mid Rise Boyfriend Straight Jeans from Old Navy

Casual sneakers are another spring and summer basic in my closet, and while I usually reach for my Sandals or slides in the summer, I do like to wear these when hiking on an easy trail or forested area. 

These sneakers by Taos come with a removable footbed with great arch support and are super comfortable, although definitely not recommended for moderate or hard hiking trails, which would require hiking shoes or at least trail sneakers. But these casual sneakers are perfect for easy trails, a visit to the zoo or an amusement park.

I'm wearing the "Retro Star" which is being discontinued by Taos, but some colors including this khaki suede is still available on Amazon. Please note, it is recommended to go up 1/2 size. I usually wear size 8 in sneakers and have these in 8.5 which is a perfect fit.

Otherwise there several other styles and colors to choose from directly at Taos Footwear  and Zappos also carries a good variety. Mine were purchased at Zappos a couple of years ago. I wish I had a pair in a lighter color but thought this color would be the most versatile for spring, summer and fall. 

A straw bag is another summer basic, and while this one might not be the perfect bag for hiking, the crossbody option makes it very practical and at the same time it's perfect for a stop at the restaurant. This bag can also be carried as a shoulder bag and it's even small enough to be used as a clutch as the straps are removable. It was a recent purchase (I had my previous straw bag for a long time and it was time for an update). I love so many of the Sakroots designs and this one caught my eye, I think it's perfect for summer, especially when pairing with solid colored clothes. 

Straw and Canvas Crossbody bag.

also available at Macys

You might also like some of the straw bag options below....

My coin pendant necklace is part of a layer necklace by Lucky Brand (old). This pave disc pendant necklace would be a great alternative option to add just a little bit of bling to your casual summer outfit. 

A few more pictures below with a pretty landscape as a backdrop, taken in eastern Iowa ... we had such beautiful weather last weekend, full of sunshine and low humidity, a perfect day to spend outdoors! Many years ago, while trying to pose for a photo I almost fell off a cliff in this park, because I stepped on a (tiny) snake. No snakes in sight this time, thank goodness!!!

Thanks again for stopping by! Hope you're having a good weekend. Thunderstorms are in our forecast....

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I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs:
Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Friendship Friday Blog Hop //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy // A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures //  Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays)

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend