Thursday, July 21, 2011

Like a herd of turtles

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I tend to have some weird sayings that have traveled with me through the years. One of the most odd sayings came from a friend that I worked with at a camp in British Columbia. She used to say "and we're off like a herd of turtles!" It used to tickle me so much every time I heard it that I have used it ever since.
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I have felt a bit like I've been moving and working at turtle speed the last few weeks. I have several things coming up including the end to one of my summer seminars, moving to a new place and wedding planning. Even with all these items on my to-do list I still find myself doing anything else but pack boxes, complete my final assignment (don't worry, mom, it will get done!) and choose wedding colors. I can't blame it on the rain (remember this post?) so I guess I have no excuse.
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In order to combat my turtle work pace, I have tried to "dress the part" of someone who at least looks like they are kicking ass and taking names. This is one of those outfits. And though I'm pretty sure I napped for two hours in the afternoon on the day I wore this, I keep hoping that if I look the part enough days in a row, I might start acting it.
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Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Express
Shoes: DSW
Earrings: made by this lady
Necklace: Forever 21

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

April Holtan, you are a genius

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J's sister is literally a genius with a camera. Over the fourth of July we spent the day with J's family and even partook in a little photo-op. I am in love with these photos.

Check them out!

Blue Sky Photographs: John & Rachel - iowa engagement photographer: "John and Rachel are a little bit different, so we did some photographs on the Fourth of July that are, well, a little bit different. . . ..."

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Stupid Hot

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It is stupid hot here. I recognize that some areas of country are, in fact, hotter than this ol' haunch of the midwest and for people dealing with heat there, I'm sorry. But I'm not there and I am here and in my neck of the woods, it is stupid hot. What I mean by stupid hot is that it is so gross and sweaty outside that I feel myself getting dumber. Let just say the creative juices have perspired right out of me. So this will be a short post.
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tank top: target
skirt: swapped
belt: thrifted
shoes: PayLess
earrings: forever21
necklace: revival boutique
I wore this often last week when it was stupid hot out. These pictures are deceiving. I'm not as happy as I look. Stupid hot makes me a bit grumpy. I felt less grumpy with my easy breezy outfit. I also feel less grumpy with a cup of coffee.
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What do you when it's stupid hot out?


Friday, July 15, 2011

Owls, Dog Poop and Uncontrollable Laughter

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Well this photo-op was slightly doomed from the start. It started with J’s neighbor’s dog. This dog is so cute and, if I do say so, really likes me. I have this tendency to see myself as a bit of a dog whisperer so, naturally, the dog followed us to our photo shoot. This must have sensed the familiarity with this particular area because he reached one point, stopped and turned around. I wish J and I had done the same. As fido was galloping away I trotted very close (potentially into) a large pile of fido’s poop. Awesome. Great way to start the shoot.

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Needless to say, the entire shoot I kept thinking, and giggling about, the poop incident. I have the sense of humor of a prepubescent boy so those things really get me. I tried to hold it together but pretty much lost it when I smiled very awkwardly in one of the photos and J exclaims, “What was that face?!?!”

This is what ensued:

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I’m a ridiculous human being. Moving on

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This shirt was bought a few weekends ago in Minneapolis. I adore everything about it. The cute little owls, the light fabric, the color. It is a wonderful find, particularly paired with my adorable owl necklace from Modcloth.

Top: Blue Bird via Buffalo Exchange

Jeggings: Old Navy

Necklace: Modcloth

Bangles: Forever21

Sandals: Kohls


Any of you have any funny photo mishaps?


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Rifles, Boat shoes and Jorts

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This outfit is from several weeks ago but I haven't taken any photos this week so I thought I would post about this outfit. The main reason I love these photos is, of course, the rifle. Since we both were feeling a bit uninspired this day, J and I had the brilliant idea of including a prop in these photos. The rifle was recently purchased at an auction and though it is completely un-functional, it is really to play with. My experience with rifles is extremely limited to include summer camp and J's family farm, so it's probably good that it is nothing more than a souvenir.
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I also wanted to talk a bit about my shoes. I've worn them so much this summer! So comfortable, and pretty much go with everything. Just yesterday I wore them with a floral dress. They were such a steal of a find (thank you Payless!) I think I have mentioned this before but because I have BIG FEET I tend to have hopeless searches for shoes that fit and aren't easy spirits. So when I do find shoes I like and fit, I kind of freak out. I definitely did a little dance in Pay Less when I found these darlings.
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And finally, lets talk about jorts ( Jean shorts for those who are unfamiliar). I'm not much of a shorts wearer but I am a huge fan of jorts. I will say that I tend to wear my jorts longer than some. With these "strong" thighs, I'm ok with that. But they have been easy to pair with long tops or "dresses" like this one ( At 5"9, I consider this dress more of a long top than a dress).
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dress: Forever 21 (swapped with this girl )
belt: mom's
rifle: c/o J (auctioned)
shoes: Pay Less Shoes
necklace: Revival Boutique

How do wear your jorts?

Monday, July 11, 2011

My Best Friend's Wedding

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This weekend I had the great honor of attending and being a part my best friend's wedding. As J and I start planning our own wedding, I find myself tuning in more to the weddings of the people around me. My friend Rachel and her wonderful husband Shawn had very specific goals in mind for their wedding, much in line with some of our goals. They kept it small, focused on a select few things that matter most to them (great food was their priority) and tried to keep it a low stress as possible. I think it is safe to say the wedding went off without a hitch (except for the intending hitching!) and I found myself delighted to be around new and old friends.
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The day was HOT, though. I had checked the weather all week and was thankful the forecast was for sun (the entire wedding was outside) but with sun came the heat and humidity. I needed a dress that would keep me feeling cool as I gave a reading and a toast.
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I completely forgot I had this dress until I rummaged through my closet looking for something to where. I remember purchasing this dress with the intent to wear it to summer weddings (we have a few to attend this summer) and boy was I glad I found it! The dress is incredibly light and airy with hint of structure up top. A perfect dress for the day's festivities.
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dress: Target
belt: ?
shoes: Payless
earrings: Forever21

Had to add a photo of my dapper date. Doesn't he look sharp?
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Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Fireworks, Sunburns and Functional jewelry

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Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: T.J.Maxx
Sandals: Kohls
Bangles: Forever 21
Necklace: Buffalo Exchange
Sunglasses: Ragstock
Wild Daisy: Picked by J
These photos were from Sunday, pre-sunburn. Currently, I look like a lobster. Monday we celebrated the fourth by being outside...all day. I guess I was having so much fun that I forgot to apply (and reapply) sun screen. I am paying the price for this mishap. Sunburn aside, I had a wonderful time swimming, relaxing, eating, and fireworks watching with J's family. We even got April to take a few engagement photos at the carnival!
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As mentioned in a previous post, J and I began our weekend by heading up to Minneapolis. We were dreading the potential hot and muggy weather but to our great surprise the weather was absolutely perfect all weekend. In between catching up with friends, J and I walked around South Minneapolis (where I used to live and work) did a bit of thrift shopping and generally enjoyed being in a more urban setting. Since J and I will be moving to DC in a few months, we have been sharing our excitement about living in a city and all the opportunities that come with it.
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One of the items purchased during our time in Minneapolis was this spy glass necklace. What a fun little piece it is! And it actually works. The necklace was also worn on the fourth (I have the burn lines to prove it!) and was quite entertaining to J's nieces and nephew whom we spent the later part of the weekend with.
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I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend (with hopefully a few less sunburns)!
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