Make Your Own Floral Head Garland!

My Current Obsession: Floral Head Garlands

 

These fun accessories liven up any outfit, are perfect for hiding dirty hair, and are my current absolutely favorite item!

AND they're super easy to make!!!

Here's how you can make your own! Try it out!

Materials:

- Ribbon (thickness depending on how wide you want it)

- Fake Flowers (the nicer the fabric the better it will look)

- Thread

- Needle

- A couple inches of elastic

- Scissors

 

How To Make It:

1. Measure the ribbon around your head so it covers about 3/4 & cut that length

2. Pull apart the fake flowers and lay them across the ribbon to get an idea of how you want it to look

3. Thread your needle making a secure knot at the end and start sewing on your first layer of flowers (use cheaper flowers for this since it's mostly to add dimension) across the ribbon. 

*You really only need to do 2 stitches per flower (a little was apart from each other) to make sure they're secure. 

4. Once you have the full bottom layer, start to add more flowers on the top. Make it however you want! I like to bunch and gather them in alternating colors and sizes to give it a really full look

*If you choose to keep the plastic centers in the flowers for dimension or color, try using a thimble - it will help you push the needle through the plastic. If you keep the plastic you'll need to do some extra stitches per flower to make sure it's secure and looks right.

*Keep in mind you want the stitches to be hidden! (Except on the back - that can be as messy or ugly as you need) You'll need to re-thread your needle a bunch, so make sure you're knotting it tightly when you cut it off each time. 

5. Once you have covered the entire ribbon with flowers in any way you like, hold it around your head and measure how long the elastic will need to be in the back. Cut about a third less elastic than that measurement since you need it to stretch

6. Sew the elastic to each side of the ribbon on the inside (*Make SURE you don't have it turned around or twisted or anything!)

 7. Voila! You're done! You can now instantly doll up any outfit or even just conceal a bad hair day! Enjoy!

*For smaller ones, just use thinner ribbon and smaller flowers!!

Here's my finished product:

And here are other fun ones I've made and ways to wear them! I told you I'm obsessed!

Little Things That Make Me Super Happy

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Brault

• Getting Coffee on the way to work
• Having manicured nails
• Book Stores
• Picking music on a jukebox
• Getting compliments on a new purchase
• Inside jokes
• Waking Up and Stretching
• A Giant diet coke at the movies
• Clean sheets and towels
• Holding Hands
• Nighttime walks
• Air Conditioning
• Discovering a new band
• Fresh Flowers
• Snail Mail
• Hats
• Thinking of the perfect gift for someone
• Fancy scented candles
• Visiting a new place, even if it's just around the corner
• When something I use all the time goes on sale
• Swimming
• Romantic Comedies
• Nostalgia
• Having my hair played with
• An ice cold beer on a hot day
• A nice warm coffee on a cold day
• Finishing a workout
• Anything & Everything monogrammed 
• Costumes
• Fancy Bottled Water
• Water Colors
• Room Service
• Babies
• Ballet Flats
• Winks
• Photo Booths 
• Coffee Table Books
• Long Hot Showers
• Long Hot Baths
• Haagen-Dazs

The 25 Best Things About Birthdays

As you may or may not know, my birthday is this Monday. 
I effing LOVE birthdays. 
There are truly few things in the world I love more than birthdays. Not just mine either -(although obviously those are awesome) but all birthdays. 
In our household we call it Birthday Chanukah, because we celebrate someone's birthday for the whole week before and after the actual day.  
In eager anticipation, here is my list of the 25 Best Things About Birthdays, accompanied by some pictures of birthdays past. 

1. Birthday Cake

2. Champagne
3. Finding the Perfect Party Outfit
4. Getting Cards in the Mail
5. Talking to all your friends & family 
6. Making a wish on Cake Candles
7. The Midnight Birthday Phone Call from your Bestie
8. Crowns, Tiaras & Party Hats

9. Spending a whole day doing whatever you want
10. Presents - both giving and receiving 
11. Eating your favorite foods
12. Taking Tons of Pictures
13. Cake and Ice Cream
14. Shopping
15. Surprises
16. Seeing all your best friends

17. Ice Cream Cake
18. Spiked Punch, Kegs and People treating you to drinks
19. Costume Parties
20. Party Games
21. That moment when the lights turn off, everyone starts singing, and you get the candle-lit cake

22. Party Favors
23. Streamers, Balloons and Bubble Machines
24. Wrapping Paper
25. Cup Cakes

Underrated Brilliance: The Phantom

You may already be aware of my deep love for both Billy Zane and Cheesy movies. I love so-bad-it's-good, I love tacky, I adore Billy Zane. And recently, in a mad craving for some more Billy in my life, I re-discovered the genius 1996 epic The Phantom. Two Words: Life. Changing. 

This movie is genius. If Errol Flynn came back to life and made a superhero movie in the 90's, this would be it. 
With Billy Zane as the mysterious hero in his grape purple spandex costume, riding through tropic islands on a white stallion, with a sidekick wolf named Devil, how could any other super hero compare?
It has everything I want in a movie. Bad extras, cheesy one-liners, an enjoyable story, thick 90s traits, fun cast, super stylized aesthetics, and so-bad-it's good everything else. Voila.
Not only is the Phantom an agile fist fighting man of mystery who lives in a skull-shaped cave in the Caribbean (??), but he is charming, sensitive and thoughtful. He offers line after line of gems such as "Stay away from bad Guys" and gives gifts like rare black pearl necklaces.
The Phantom's alias, Kit Walker, is just as awesome. He deals in jewels instead of money, breaks into museum displays and has a faux 1940s swagger that's irresistible. 
Forget the continuity errors or the horrible dialogue. OR embrace it. It's half the fun.
Enjoy things like the fact that Billy Zane had on more guy-liner than Alice Cooper, yet when he takes his mask off he somehow is completely liner-less. Relish that he can jump awkwardly from a plane onto a running horse. Appreciate Catherine Zeta-Jones in her first American movie role and the original Buffy as the heroine. 
In a recent interview, Billy Zane called this movie "Ahead of it's time." I couldn't agree more, Billy.
Well done. 

Heart List 8 ~ 26 ~ 2012

Fleet Foxes, Workaholics, Funfetti Cake with Chocolate Frosting, Morning Coffee, Maude Apatow (Follow her on Twitter), Soft Worn Leather, Pilates

Pool Floats, Scrubs, Aziz Ansari's Face when he's happy on Parks and Recreation, Safety Pins, OXFORDS!, Yoga Pants, The Daily Beast Cheat Sheet

I Love Lucy, Smart Water Corsages, Hand-Knit Scarves, Rissotto, Babies Laughing, When a cop pulls up behind you & you think you're gonna get pulled over but you don't

And A Buncha Websites:
Life2pointoh, My Favorite Stranger (Such a cool idea!), The Post College Hangover,  Scathingly Brilliant, Julia Segal Time 

Good to Know

My Dream Closet

I've known for quite some time that I belong in a different era. 
My taste in practically everything leans towards retro. Music, movies, and especially clothes.
An avid vintage-holic, I love anything that looks like it would have been put together by Edith Head. 
I've decided to start compiling images that would reflect my dream closet, based in all things retro and amazing. 
Here's an initial peek into my Dream Closet:

Fried Food, Tubing and Bubbles - Why Life is Good

Life is really good. 
There are countless reasons why, but I'm gonna sum it up for you in 3 big ways.

1. Chicken and Waffles

O M freaking G. Waffle, Butter, Syrup, Fried Chicken, Hot Sauce - Mind. Blown. Arteries. Clogged. SO Worth it. 

2. River Tubing

I go tubing on the Salt River every summer at least once, and it's one of my favorite things. If you've never been river tubing, do it! It is SO MUCH fun! They call it 'The Floating Picnic" and thats exactly right! It's hard to say which is my favorite part - the floating, the tanning, the drinking, the swimming, the eating, the relaxing, the hanging out with friends, the new friends you meet as you float down the river, the scenery - who knows? It's all RAD. 

3. Champagne

Fact: Champagne is the greatest thing in the universe

Fact: I could drink bottles of champagne every day

Fact: Sometimes I do.

You know I adore champagne. I know I adore champagne. But sometimes, it just has to be said. Glamour in a glass.

Notable Mentions: 
- Menswear
- Instagram
- Little Kids in Costume
- Fresh Made Rice Krispy Treats
- The Changing of Season
- Massages
- Twinkle Lights
- Marlon Brando

A Letter to my Middle School Self

Hey T - 
First off, if you're reading this, time travel has been invented and that's freaking awesome.
Secondly: It's all going to be ok. - All this misery does lead to a happy end. I promise. 
I've been thinking about you lately and how middle school blows. But also how all that suckiness can lead to good.
I thought I'd write to you some suggestions, observations and pieces of advice from you at 24 that I think might be helpful in not only giving you hope and help, but suggesting that you re-evaluate some of your expectations...

Just so you know - Not only do you make friends, BUT you're even gonna have a boyfriend or two! I know, right?! (The good one comes in to the picture around 20 so keep your eyes peeled)

Despite your spin-the-bottle efforts, you don't actually get kissed until you're 15... and it's in a school play... so don't hold your breath on that for now...

Start listening to cooler music now. It becomes a really big part of your life later. I know that right now listening to Rent on incessant repeat makes you feel accepted, but move on. There are tons of angsty 20 year olds making great music that will give you the same sense of understanding. 

I know you think your face looks weird without glasses, but trust me, getting contact lenses will literally make you see the world differently. 

Oh, and maybe skip that whole skirts-over-pajama-pants look...

You are way cooler (and way less chubby) than you think you are. 

Be confident in who you are. Like yourself, and other people will too.

Ignore all those "cool" girls who won't sit with you at lunch. Being mean is never Cool. And they all probably have kids and deadbeat baby-daddys by now so I wouldn't worry about that too much... 

People are gonna give you a lot of shit for being in love with Robert Downey Jr. - Don't listen to them. Not only does he get out of prison but he becomes the mega movie star you always knew he should be. You have good taste. 

When the whole internet thing happens, it's gonna blow your mind. 

I won't tell you to stop faking sick and going to the nurse so you can get picked up to go home. If I were in your position all over again I'd probably do the exact same thing.
Adolescents are assholes. It's not you. It's hormones. Ignore them. 

Wear your retainers.

When you get to High School, pay more attention in French - knowing a second language is rad. And take it easy on Madame Lown, she's got a really tough job.

That's about all I've got for you right now, younger me. 

Oh, except Maybe Reconsider this picture:

You're gonna be just fine. Self-doubt never goes away completely, but work on your confidence and things get easier. 

Sincerely,
Older You

PS - I'm so sorry to tell you this: In 7th grade you're gonna get lice and it's going to be the most disgusting thing you ever experience. Sorry. 

Buzz Do's and Don'ts

Here are some Buzz Do's and Dont's for your week:

• Do: Listen to Fleet Foxes
• Don't: See Sparkle
• Do: Watch Workaholics
• Don't: Put off joining Spotify!
• Do: Listen to The Lovin Spoonful
• Don't: Waste your time with Fifty Shades of Grey
• Do: Join Twitter
• Don't: Take too much stock in reviews
• Do: Get the Mind Snack language app
• Don't: Be intimidated by the length of 11.22.63
• Do: Watch Breaking Bad
• Don't: Underestimate the coolness of Modcloth

Heart List 8 ~ 19 ~ 2012

Breaking Bad (O.M.G.), This great music blog: Do You Hear The Music, Bubble Gum, Vintage Neon Signs, Convertibles, River Tubing, Top Knots, Face Time! 

Bubble Baths, Miniature Things, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies, Prima donna by Marina & the Diamonds, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, Every Episode of Friends

Bedazzled Office Supplies, Tattinger Champagne, Miniature Golf, Justin Bieber's Baby, Period Movies, Wooden Wedge Heels, Guys who can pull off jewelry (there are few...)

And these people to follow on Twitter:
@Juliasegal, @Kdn, @Lenadunham, @CourtneyReimer, @PaulRyanGosling

Back To School

I feel ya, E.B. White

"I arise every morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." 

"Be obscure clearly."

"Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than a full one."

"Prejudice is a great time saver - you can form opinions without having to get the facts."

"It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer."

"One of the most time-consuming things is to have an enemy."

"The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with an open mind." 

"Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested, and the frog dies of it."

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry."

Thought-Blocked

I've been staring at a cursor on a blank screen for half an hour...
...and by half an hour I mean two days...
I have mad writers block.
In the absence of muse, I've decided to share with you some of my twitter drafts since apparently that's the only place my brain is working...
So here's some of my B material... Enjoy??

• I wish I was eating cake right now... But then what else is new...
• I want to be besties with 90s Sandra Bullock
• If I were a millionaire I would have a chandelier in every room and buy really expensive greeting cards for people constantly.
• I wish I was a fictional character who could be totally satisfied with a slice of toast with butter for breakfast...
• After years of being completely off my radar, this whole haircut thing has made me decide I like Miley Cyrus...
• Driving, I passed this guy dancing like a MANIAC while riding his bike!!! It was the greatest thing I've ever seen. Literally. Thanks, my new role model.
• I should bake a cake...
• I wish crowns were every day attire...
• I was slow to catch on the sensation, but - Belts are effing amazing
• I wish I had a baby friend. I love babies, and no one I know has one who I can hang out with. 
• Kate Middleton is my she-crush for life
• Chips, sAlsa, chArdOnnay! (Have I been watching too much Breaking Bad..?)

What I Learned: From Men In Black 3

Tonight I saw Men in Black 3. Now, I'm not a big MIB person, I saw the first one when it came out and I was 8, but it's never been my thing. I went tonight because it was at the cheap theatre and there's not a ton to do here in the summer. I ended up having a really great time!

I was pleasantly surprised at the movie's thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and startling lack of aliens and gross stuff.  I thought it was surprisingly esoteric and super endearing, especially for a summer blockbuster. Will Smith can do no wrong in my book (well, except for that whole Scientology thing...), and Josh Brolin was great! I really enjoyed myself, and

Here's what I learned:

• Will Smith doesn't age
• 'The Truth is the Only Path'
• Supermodels are actually Aliens
• Everything looks better in the 1960s
• $1.50 night at the Cheap Seats is the best thing ever
• When you need to think about something, Eat Pie
• 'There are countless futures, we just don't know which one will happen'
• Andy Warhol was actually a Secret Agent
• Jemaine Clement is a surprisingly good movie villain
• Jemaine Clement looks surprisingly good in leather pants
• I think I officially love men in leather pants
• 'A miracles is what seems impossible but happens anyway'
• Having 3 glasses of Prosecco before the movies is always a good idea
• When dealing with time travel plots, keep explanations short and simple
• Every man should own a black suit
• 'Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to'
• I love Will Smith
• Characters getting tased in movies is almost always hilarious
• Josh Brolin is a phenomenal mimic
• My theory that shorter movies are better is constantly right
• If you go to a movie with low expectations, your chances of enjoying it drastically increase

Heart List 8 ~ 12 ~ 2012

Macaroons, Umbrellas, Getting Places Early, Grilled Squash & Zucchini, Late Night Walks, John Cusack, Peppermint Tea, Target's Up & Up product line

 Running Jokes, Snapdragons, American Apparel, High Fiving, Hair Ribbons, Ginger Snaps, Rice in all of it's forms, Old Family Photos, Urban Outfitters Sales

  

Housewarming Parties, Einstein Bagels, High Waist Pants, Soul Music, Cold Beers on Hot Days, Gag Gifts, Running Shorts, Thin Belts, Thick Belts, Belts in General