TODAY

Today is an iced coffee, impromptu session for the niece, hair up in a pony tail kind of day. I want to remember it forever. 

Remember to capture the little things...

Joanna

DIY STRING LETTERS

I love making old things new. 

The husband was out of town for two days this weekend and I decided to spend my night/day home alone revamping a number of items. I'm attempting to bring more color into our front room and this pretty M was the perfect place to start. 

Supplies Needed:

1. A 3D letter 

2. Colored String (I scored all that string at the thrift store for $5!)

3. A good TV Show

4. A hot glue gun and sticks

Instructions:

*This may vary depending on what letter you are wrapping

1. Once you've decided what colors, find a place to begin wrapping the string. I started at the base of my M.

2. I held the edge of the string with my finger and began wrapping the string around and around. This should hold the edge in place, but for extra security you can add a dab of hot glue to the edge.

3. Continue wrapping horizontally and diagonally. I wanted mine to have a crazy, playful look so you can see the string wrapping has no particular pattern.

4. Keep moving your way up/around the letter. Try and keep the amount of string equal throughout. 

5. Repeat this process using different color string until your letter is covered with minimal holes. 

6. The hot glue gun and your patience will come in handy when trying to do edges, like the V shape in the center of the M. Use the glue gun to hold string in place that wants to slip. 

*I knew the back side of my M was not going to be seen so I chose to put dots of hot glue on the back rather than on the front or sides.

7. Once you are happy with the color and pattern of your string, use hot glue to secure the string ends and enjoy your DIY String Letter.

Other variations of this might include an ombre effect, using one solid color, painting the letter before wrapping in string, or using a different material to wrap.

Post a link in the comments to your blog if you attempt a DIY string letter. I'd love to see it!

Joanna

DIY EARRINGS

With the warm weather finally hitting the midwest, I was inspired to create a fresh pair of earrings. They are extremely simple to make. Once you've gathered your supplies, follow the instructions and let me know how they turn out! And I've included a 26 week bump picture for history's sake :)

Supplies:

1. Piece of Leather

2. Cording

3. Suede strands

4. Wire

5. Earring hooks

6. Scissors

7. Wire cutter

8. Iron

*I purchased all these items from Michaels/Joann Fabrics

Instructions:

1. Once you've gathered all your supplies, begin by cutting three thin strands of leather, four pieces of suede and one piece of cording. I cut each of mine about 4 inches long. 

2. If your suede looks like mine pictured above, you will need to iron the strands before moving to the next step.

3. Take all the strands and arrange them together in a bunch. 

4. Cut 4-5 inches of wire and wrap tightly around top of strands. Once they are secure, cut another couple inches of wire and wrap again, but this time twist the wire so it ends up in the center of the strands. 

5. Weave wire through earring hook and twist to secure. Make sure sharp edge of wire is inside the earring.

Joanna

THIRTEEN {Golden Hour}

There are people who come and go in your life, but a few remain. This little beauty just turned thirteen and I am grateful she remains in my life even though we no longer live close by. Watching her grow up into a beautiful person inside and out has been a privilege. 

The sun was just too beautiful the other day to pass this field by. On our way home from her family session(which you can find here) we pulled over along the road to snap a few pictures. Oh Golden Hour, you make everything so dreamy.

Outfit Details: 
1. Army Green Shirt >> Pac Sun/Kendall&Kylie 2. Floral Shirt>>Target 3. Jeans>>TJMaxx 4. Shoes>>Marshalls/SteveMadden 5. Glasses>> America's Best

Thanks for stopping by,
Joanna

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

My favorite quote from the week..."You are the color to my film" -- The Husband

DREAMING OF DRESSING HIM

1. Baby Gap >> 2. Baby Gap >> 3. Candy Kirby >> 4. H&M >> 5. Dot Dot Smile >> 6. H&M >> 7. Mason and the Tambourine >> 8. Target >> 9. Thief and Bandit 

Most days you can find me dreaming of dressing my little man. Once I found out I was having a boy my search for baby boy designers and trends was in full swing. There are so many options out there, but as I began looking it became clear to me how he would be styled. 

Just like his DNA, it is a blend of  the husband and I's styles. Typical baby patterns and colors just don't excite me when it comes to his nursery or his fashion. I usually say, if I or my husband wouldn't want to wear it than neither should my little one. 

All that to say, above are a few items/designers/shops I recommend checking out. 

What are your favorite designers or shops for little ones?
Joanna

{23 Weeks} AND PREGNANCY FASHION

I'm twenty three weeks in and I've learned a few lessons about what works and what doesn't when it comes to pregnancy fashion. I always imagined it would be so cute to dress my little bump but the thought of having to shop at motherhood maternity made me want to throw up, I'm just being honest. 

Well, this has proved to be a bit more difficult than I'd imagined. Did this happen to anyone else? I think it is a combination of when you feel huge nothing looks good and in reality, most regular clothes just don't work. They are either too short, too tight or just plain unflattering. All that to say, here are a few lessons I've learned about pregnancy fashion.

1. Your shirts need to be long, I mean very long.

2. Babydoll dresses are your best friend

3. Maxi Skirts are your other best friend

4. Just because your belly is xxl doesn't mean that is the size you should buy, I mean its not like your shoulders are growing too.

5. You need comfy shoes, not ugly shoes

6. Be creative and don't be afraid to take risks. Just send a picture to a friend before you go outside. 

7. You NEED your friends' help. I have two, Michelle and Elizabeth, that are my fashion police. Most days I send either one or both of them a picture of my outfit to see if it works.

8. Target tank tops have been one of my staples. They make everything longer and add color when needed.

9. Accessorize!!!!! Jewelry is always a good choice.

10. Maternity jeans are great. I'm a fan of Gap's line, they are worth the money.

My Outfit Breakdown:

Shoes/Reef >> Jeans/Gap >> Tank top/Target >> Denim shirt/Volcom >> Necklace/Urban Outfitters

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN

The husband and I are on a little adventure in California. This place has always been a magical place in my mind, we always say we want to move here one day...hence the title California Dreamin'. Here are a few of my favorite iphone snapshots from our journey thus far. Most were taken in Joshua Tree, California.

Joanna