PR and First Dates!

Lot's to talk about today and I'm too excited about them to split it up over different posts, so bear with me.

Let's start with the usual Project Runway recap and analysis.  Last night I had to catch up on last week's episode plus watch the new episode (last week BSB took precedence over PR....sorry).  I won't waste a whole lot of time talking about last week since I'm sure most of us have moved on, but I will say LOVED Jeremy's outfit, and yup, Sue needed to go.

This week's episode I absolutely LOVED!  First of all, I told my husband that "Glamping," was definitely the type of camping I would do with him anytime.  I asked if we could plan a glamping trip of our own...he was not enthusiastic.  My husband would rather camp Bear Grylls style in complete survival mode, and hopes to one day be on his new "Get Out Alive," show....I said "you have fun with that, I will not be accompanying you for that journey."  Does that make me a horrible wife?

I adored Jeremy's dress this week, and quite frankly Alexandria's outfit was pretty cool, however, I am still NOT a believer in the "poopy pant."  I do think that the judges got it WAY wrong this week in terms of who should go home, and SPOILER ALERT, THANK YOU TIM GUN!!!!!!!  I have LOVED Justin this whole season just because he's so darn sweet and funny, and I actually really LOVED the idea he tried to execute...it was a big beautiful risk, that unfortunately went all sorts of wrong once it got to the runway.  This week, I cried, I ACTUALLY CRIED!!!  At Project Runway for gosh sakes! Anyone who knows me knows I cry at most movies and such but crying for Project Runway...I have sunk to a new low. And then Tim Gun saved the day and EVERYONE (ALL the other cast members) commended him for his decision and said it was the right one.  So who should have gone home...?  As much as I had kind of been pulling for him in the beginning, Ken, that dress was WACK and UGLY to boot!  No woman would ever feel feminine or sexy in those colors or with all that stuff on top flattening, and yet still bulking her chest out (if that even makes sense?). Annnd I'm starting to feel like in these last two episodes Ken has become the new Sandro....am I alone in this?  ANYONE?  Drop the drama kiddo and just focus on making clothing.

 Alexandria's Winning Design from last night.

Jeremy's Stunning Love Letter of a Dress

Justin's Neat Glue Gun Lace Design that sort of fell apart in the end.

Ken...really?

In other news, I went on a first date last night!

Gotta have my pink elephants!

I made poor Corey get a box down from up high in the garage that had these shoes stored in it.  They were the perfect shoe choice though!  I got tons of compliments on them the minute I showed up which made me feel confident and opened the door for conversation.  Thanks a ton babe, you're the best!

Has anyone ever joined groups on Meetup.com?  Well if you know me you know, that since I returned to my new home with my husband, I have been going out of my mind this summer because I have been sitting at home by myself all day while he's been off at work.  We moved here in June, and I don't have any friends in this area, so I've been going a little crazy.  Hence the HUGE need for my Girl-cation last week.  We've been working on finding a church home in the area in hopes of developing a sense of community that way, but up until this past weekend we hadn't been successful with that.  Anyway, a few weeks ago I got on Meetup.com where various groups of people with different interests start groups and host events as a way for people in their communities with the same interests to come together and meet and make new friends.  So I joined a women's social group in my community and last night I attended my first event.  They hosted a happy hour at the local Firebird's restaurant.  I was SO nervous!  I told my husband I felt like I was going on a first date...his response, "You kind of are."  Good news is this gave me a great excuse to dress up!  (Since I've just been by myself at home most of the summer I've been in shorts and t-shirts...hence the lack of fashion posts recently.)  And other great news, I had a really good time!  I won't say that I made any super deep connections, but I had the pleasure of sitting and having a drink with some really neat ladies that I might not have otherwise spoken with.  I got to hear their stories and learn of all their cool travels, and one lady went to the last NY Fashion Week and got to see the Project Runway shows, AND had a picture of Michael Kors from Fashion Week on her phone!  Ummmm HELLO AWESOME!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The drinks were delicious, the price was right, and the company was wonderful.  I only wished I could have had the chance to chat with others who were there, there were about 20 of us who attended, but the tables only seated 4 so we were a little spread out and sort of limited as to who we could comfortably chat with (without screaming across the room lol). I definitely plan on attending more events, and hope to get to know more of these fun ladies!

And FINALLY, surprise #6 I think...

This bench was given to us by my mother two weeks ago.  It was super rusty and all the white paint was chipping off.  Funny story is, Corey and I had actually looked at the same bench a few weeks prior, but it was out of our budget.  Mom had no idea we had even seen the bench before, but when she pulled it out of the van, I was like..."Hey, where'd you get that? We've been looking at one of those!" It was the exact same bench!  Anyway, this past week, Corey sanded out the rust and painted it pretty!  

Now we just need to have a cushion made for it and we're ready to enjoy it! 

Blouse: GAP (Pink elephant pattern not available online)
Necklace: Gift
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Shoes: Target (old) similar/similar/similar
Purse: LOFT (old)
Bracelet 1: GroopDealz (similar)
Bracelet 2: Gift (similar)
Sunglasses: Target
Watch: Citizen Eco (gift)

Sweet n' Chic Treats

Today I'm going to share a sweet treat Roomie and I made during our Girl-cation.  It was easy, and delicious...and somewhat healthy...somewhat.  I guess I should say it's not SO bad for you lol.

Take pre-made oreo crust, a cup of greek yogurt (we used greek yogurt with chocolate chunks in it), 3/4 cup of peanut butter, and we added nutella (just glopping spoonful of it).  Mix it all up and pour it in the crust.  Top it off with chocolate chips, and drizzle melted peanut butter and melted nutella.  Freeze for about an hour and enjoy!  The greek yogurt and the peanut butter make it healthy...right?

Ok, so our drizzle looked more like globs...but it all tastes the same!

Now for our next surprise...I believe we're at surprise #4

My sewing crafting area was set up for me!  I bought this sweet enamel-top table at an auction for $10 last year, and it has been waiting for it's opportunity to shine!

Surprise #5:

Corey reupholstered this chair for me to use at my crafting table.  Before it had an ugly red cushion, and now it's girly, cute, and sweet n' chic!

Sweet n' Chic Wedding DIY

So today I'm going to share our little DIY project we worked on during Girl-Cation for the upcoming wedding.  It was a simple enough project...that I probably made harder than it had to be sometimes...(I tend to do that), but it felt great to pay-it-forward in a sense.  So many people did so much for me to prepare for my wedding this summer.  In fact my mother's home was essentially a wedding sweatshop for about 6 months, making burlap and lace rosette wreathes, and garlands, escort cards, etc.  I felt rather guilty actually that I really didn't DO much of any of the crafting for my wedding.  I WANTED to, but people jumped in to do it for me and the teaching life took over in my world, so I was more than grateful for all those who jumped in to help.  But jumping in on this little project for my Roomie's Brother's wedding was a fun way to pay-it-forward.

The task was simple: cut the adorable chevron fabric into 13 x 13 squares, and fold over + sew the seams.  These simple squares will serve as a topper on the tables for the centerpieces to go on top of. And Meaghan and I have already decided they will make ADORABLE napkins for the couple to use when they entertain in their home.  I love reusable wedding decor.  Corey and I have several pieces of our wedding decor throughout the house.  I used chair ties to tie back curtains, cut monograms to adorn walls, one of the wreathes my mother made now adorns our front door, and several of the wood signs Corey made are hung out front or around the house.  But enough of that, let's see some of these great little table toppers!

Completed Sweet n' Chic Chevron Table Topper

Oh and now for surprise #3.

New carpet in the office!  Thanks to IKEA's "As Is" section.

Corey was worried I wouldn't like it...it goes with the room though, so I like it for now lol.

C'est la vi Girl-cation 2013!

If you've been reading, you know last week I was on Girl-cation.  A week long get-away to New Jersey with one of my best girlfriends, and college roommate, who to this day...I still endearingly refer to her as "Roomie," even though we are in fact not roomies anymore...For the two of us...it was once a roomie always a roomie, and the term references a bond even deeper than sisterhood.  My own sister and I never actually shared a room growing up...but this gal and I shared a dorm building freshman year, a dorm room sophomore year, and a townhouse junior-senior years of college.  She was a Maid of Honor at my wedding and she has ALWAYS been there for me.  We spent the week working on a simple crafting project for her brother's upcoming wedding (this weekend!), shopping (OF COURSE), lounging on the shore, and reliving our Tween Glory (Awkward) Years at the Backstreet Boys concert in Holmdel, NJ. I will share several of our Girl-Cation adventures throughout the week, but now, for your viewing pleasure...and because I can't resist reliving this right now, I give you The Backstreet Boys!

Fortunately my sweet husband survived the week without me, and in fact was quite the  busy bee. I came home to several great surprises that I'll share with you throughout the week. It feels great to be home though, I missed my man and my bed. 

Surprise #1: Lunch for me when he picked me up from the train (I devoured this before taking a picture...sorry.)

Surprise #2: Corey washed my car and then FINALLY put this decal on that my sister gave me years ago...and I've always been too lazy to put it on! Way to go babe!

On a less positive note...it's the last week of my summer vacation :(.  I'm excited about meeting new students and having something purposeful to do again, but I am not looking forward to getting up at 5:30, commuting for 40-45 minutes in the morning, and then sitting in traffic for at least an hour on the way home. BOOHOO!

Things I'm Excited About

Things I'm excited about today/this week....

I'm on girl-cation with this chick whom I love and adore!

I bought a new pink elephant top on Monday. (No pictures online...must be an in-store only shirt...it's the Shrunken Boyfriend, but it's a pink elephant pattern which is not listed online).

We are headed to the shore today for two blissful beach days!  Possibly my last for the summer :'(

(This time last year)

We are going to see these guys in concert tomorrow night.  FINALLY!!!! (All my hopes and dreams are coming true this summer between marrying the man of my dreams this summer, and finally seeing live for the first time ever the men I swore up and down I would marry all throughout my tween years...awkwarrrrrrrrrrrd, BUT AWESOME!)

 

My very own!

What are you excited about this week?

Back-to-School Wants!

Because everyone else is doing it-and I'm on girl-cation so it's a quick post!

1. J Crew (available at J Crew Factory also)

2. J Crew (available at J Crew Factory also)

3. Old Navy

4. Gap

Stay tuned for more girl-cation posts!  Some special things are coming down the line!

PR Episode 4

Time for your Project Runway update!  This week's challenge was so fun and I'm not gonna lie, I was REALLY looking forward to it.  Designers had to use bow ties as their inspiration this week and also incorporate them into the design (in unusual ways of course)!  You know who else was excited about this week's challenge?  Corey was!  (He'll never admit it, so pretend I didn't tell you).  But the man is a bow tie aficionado, so...he was totally into this episode!

Doesn't he look good in a bow tie? Thanks Southern Proper!

Recap commentary:
Sandro...really?  Get out...

Kate, has quickly become my season fav with Dom coming in right beside her.  My prediction is those two in the top three.  The third spot is still up in the air.

When Kate's outfit came down the runway I was literally shouting, "SEXY!" at my TV.  Her design was so amazing and hot, and I loved it and I want every piece of it!

Dom's was quite cute and reminded me of vintage seersucker styles.

Bradon's design was edgy and unique and I loved how he used the bow ties to actually create a garment.

Helen, the judges were spot on in their commentary...you're VERY lucky.

Ken and Karen also caught my eye.  I really liked their designs.  However, I can see where they may have felt they had seen Karen's look before, it was VERY J Crew, and the fit of the pants was questionable.  I loved Ken's use of the ties, but I don't think it was enough to stand out to the judges.  I see a lot of talent in these two though and I hope they get their chance to shine soon! Anyone else?

Throwback Thursday!

In honor of Throwback Thursday, this outfit pulls out a top I haven't worn in probably 2-3 years, but have always kept because it's just so cute!

Ugh the Bahama tan is gone...I need another beach trip! :(

 

Top: J. Crew (Factory?) (No longer available...looking for a similar so check back)

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Kelly & Katie c/o DSW

Purse: LOFT (similar)

Sunglasses: Target

Linking up today with Tara from Mix and Match Fashion.

Electric Palm Style

Back to the grind blog readers.  Sorry to say it's Monday...but the good news is I'm back from the weekend with some more sweet n' chic style!

I didn't capture the whole weekend...in fact, there wasn't much to capture, but Corey and I did head out for date night Friday night!  We were actually planning on leaving town to go to his parent's place but while waiting at the post office for an eternity to get a certified letter (I'm telling you those things are not the way to go for whoever is receiving it...unless you have TONS of money on the line or they are important legal documents....DON'T do certified mail.) we got a text from our good friend Wiley (as we all call him) giving us a last minute heads up that he was performing a gig at a place near us.  By that time in the day interstate traffic is a nightmare so Corey and I immediately changed the plan to stay in town Friday night and have a fun date night to catch Wiley play some awesome tunes at the Electric Palm.  (I personally liked this plan better...no sitting in stupid I-95 traffic!)

Here's what we wore!

Dress: Francesca's (similar, similar, similar)

Purse: Target (similar)

Earrings: Francesca's

Necklace: Gift from Friend

Bracelet: Francesca's (similar)

Watch: Family Gift

Shoes: Nine West c/o TJMaxx (similar, similar, similar)

Shirt: similar

Jeans: Target

Shoes: Johnston and Murphy c/o Amazon

Annnd just because I HAD to show the dynamics of our relationship...this is the story of my life.

"COREY!  Get it together!"

Project Runway Anyone?

Project Runway last night anyone? ... Anyone?!  OK, this is one of the FEW TV shows on that I actually care about catching at it's regular scheduled times.  My hubs and I don't have DVR (trying to save a few $$...you know...) so I've gotta catch it.

Last night was the third episode of the season and it was another unique materials challenge.  The spirit of the challenge itself was fun, but of course they HAVE to amp up the drama by making it a team challenge.  UGH...GAG ME!  I hate it when all the cat claws come out and everyone's crying and acting like big babies.  I mean come on..just show me the clothes! Am I alone in my loathing for all the fake and staged drama?

I can't find pictures I can get copies of so you'll have to follow the links to the Official Project Runway site!

So from last night's episode Kate and Helen's look was my absolute favorite! I love everything about this look!  It's fresh, it's unique; I love the color, and the shape.  I adore how fun and sophisticated it is and how ingenious they were in using the sombreros as they're material and let that dictate the shape of the dress.  BRILLIANT! Anybody else in love with this look as much as I am?

Shocker for me was how they all RAVED about Alexandria and Dom's look!  Just too "Juniors," if you ask me.  I get the playfulness of it...but she definitely looks ready for the Comicon convention or something.  You can get that at Hot Topic...it's not new.  Am I crazy here?

Another surprise was how they overlooked Jeremy and Ken's savvy and chic look!  They too used sombrero to form a corset style top, which I loved.  The pants...yeah, they look a little spacey, but my eye is drawn to how that blue just POPS!  And hey...they were working with inflatable creatures for materials on that one!  I thought their look was sexy and brilliant.  Well done you two!

To check out all the runway looks from last night's episode head to MyLifeTime.com to watch the full episode and see all the designer's looks.  Also find out who won and who went home (because I'm not a spoiler)!

I definitely have my fav for the season picked out already, and think this person will go all the way to the top.  Who are your fav. designers and what are the looks you're raving about?

Sorry for no pictures, but just had to share my PR Passion with you!

Love,
Mrs. SweetTea

A Sweet n' Chic Story

Alright readers, well as promised SweetTea's Sweet n' Chic is taking on a different approach to blogging.  I LOVE fashion, but I'm more about ALL things sweet n' chic.  Today's about a sweet n' chic story I just finished reading and had to share with all my sweet readers!

I purchased a Kindle Paperwhite just before my wedding to be sure I had plenty of reading materials for the honeymoon (without lugging around books).  Now hear me out...I resisted e-readers for a long time, because I too am a book aficionado.  There's nothing better than the turn of the pages and the weight of the book shifting in your hands as you turn every page in anticipation of the next.  However, for traveling logistics...this is a great solution, and I'm not going to lie...WAY more convenient for one-handed beach/pool-side reading.  I was also blessed with a generous Amazon gift card from one of my students as an end-of-the-year gift, which allowed me to stock my new Kindle with some great summer reads, and rather than having to wait for them to be shipped in the mail...they are immediately downloaded to my Kindle.  So...I caved, but I don't regret it! I also got to purchase this sweet n' chic Vera Bradley e-reader cover!  LOVE IT! I got this one on sale, I think the pattern is retiring, it's not available in this pattern and size online anymore.

 

Now in order to select the books I load on my Kindle, I still insist on going to the bookstore first to actually pick up the books, read a few pages, read the back and decide if it's for me before I download.  Yes, I KNOW you can get a free sample of the book on your Kindle before you buy but it's still not the same!  So no, I have not and will never completely abandon real books. But now, onto our feature!

I just finished reading Helen Simonson's Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

The cover art is what drew me to pick it up at the bookstore (yup, that's me...still judge a book by it's cover).  I could tell it was going to be a good love story, and I'm a major sap for a good love story.  I used to be a Nicholas Sparks addict until I realized it was always the same story and very formulaic.  He has a few greats, but after a while they all start to sound the same, so I've laid him to rest for a while.  But always on the hunt for a sweet love story I picked this one up to find out more.  

In the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary in the English countryside lives Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, the Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother’s death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and regarding her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition? -(Description on Amazon.com and the back of the book)

This premier novel from Simonson eloquently and unapologetically presents the conflicts between the modern generations and their elders tied to etiquette and tradition.  Simonson also examines the cultural and religious barriers that divide societies, and yet she gently tears down the walls, revealing the hearts of people that have the same basic needs: love, acceptance, and a home that allows them the space to be their true self. Through the events that take place these characters learn that in order to meet these needs, sometimes change is necessary.

As I read I burst out laughing, I scoffed at characters, I got teary-eyed, and I even held my breath and felt my whole body tense in suspense.  I loved every page of this book and felt the tinge of disappointment when I had read through the last page.  

Some of my favorite lines from the book:

"Mrs. Ali sighed, 'I rather admire such refusal to bow before authority, but I fear it makes for a very uncomfortable daily existence." - p. 67

"--America wielded her huge power in the world with a brash confidence that reminded him of a toddler who has got hold of a hammer.---He was prepared to admit that he might be prejudiced, but what was one supposed to think of a country where history was either preserved in theme parks by employees wearing mob caps and long skirts over their sneakers, or was torn down--taken apart for the wide-plank lumber?" - p. 174

"Only sometimes when we pick and choose among the rules we discover later that we have set aside something precious in the process." - P. 181 Abdul Wahid

"'I know something of shame,' said the Major. [...]'How can we not all feel it?  We are all small-minded people, creeping about the earth grubbing for our own advantage and making the very mistakes for which we want to humiliate our neighbors.' [...] 'I think we wake up every day with high intentions and by dusk we have routinely fallen short.  Sometimes I think God created the darkness just so he didn't have to look at us all the time.''"- P. 341

BOOM!  There's some powerful stuff in this incredible novel and there's a few weeks left of summer for you to soak it up if you feel so inclined.  

Looking forward to starting my next summer read. What are you reading this summer?