Outfit: Workday Wednesday

Sometimes you need a work outfit that it quick and easy.   This dress I am wearing from Target is that outfit for me. It fits great, is comfortable, and wears well all day. My only problem is that I am tempted to wear it to work all the time. 

Having a few ready made thrown on outfits is essential for any successful work wardrobe. What simple and quick outfits do you have that work well any day?

Ellie's Outfit:
Dress: Target (Similar)
Boots: Steve Madden

Ellie

Fitness: Maui Hiking!

To escape the gray of Portland winter my mother and I took a short vacation to the western coast of Maui and stayed at the Napili Surf Beach Resort. It was amazing to hike around, snorkel, and experience the beauty of a completely different part of the world. It was spectacular how many different plants and animals call Maui their home. Although it was warm on our trip it was unfortunately not as sunny as we had hoped. There were flash flood warnings and rainstorms the last couple days of our vacation. We did not let the less than perfect weather keep us inside though!

 

:: It was so warm I got to show off the new sportsbra I got at Lululemon! So comfy and cute! ::

 

 

:: My mother and me! ::

 

:: The not so spectacular weather ::



:: Neat plants ::

 

:: The sunny day hike ::

 



What is your favorite sunny vacation spot?

Maddie

Craft: Jade Hat

One of my most recent knitting projects is this slouchy jade hat, that Maddie is modeling. The hat is a fun vibrant color that nicely transitions from winter to spring, and will add a pop of color to any outfit! I found the pattern on my favorite site, Ravelry.com. This pattern is from the same designer as the Slouchy Star Hat, that I made in January. It was definitely more challenging though. The hat has lace detailing, which requires frequent dropping and adding of stitches. I realized half way through the first pattern set, that the hat looks terrible if you get off by one stitch. I am excited to use this pattern again, now that I know what to expect. But I definitely cannot watch Scandal, my new obsession, and knit this hat at the same time! 

I love the delicate look of the hat but that it still adds warmth. Do you have any new knitting patterns you would recommend? I am currently working on finger-less mittens and will post them next week!

Ellie

Outfit: Long Skirts

Spring is finally around the corner. You can spot the occasional flower blooming and I suddenly have the urge to throw on a skirt or dress. A maxi skirt or dress with a jacket or sweater is definetley a practical and comfy way to wear a dress in these cold months. This weekend Ellie and I had a fun night out at Bridgeport Brewery to celebrate a birthday and have some yummy food. We took the oppurtunity to dress up and take some pictures. Coincidentally we both choose long skirts and dresses for our night out. 

Ellie's Outfit:
Jacket: Levi
Skirt: American Apparel
Boots: Nordstroms
Necklace: Homemade, look for a tutorial in the coming weeks!

Maddie is off in beautiful Hawaii, I am very jealous! She will be updating us on her trip as well as including information on her outfit in this post soon! Also did you spot my pedometer in this post? I have started wearing one to track my steps and embarrassingly forgot to take it off for pictures.

Ellie & Maddie

Outfit: Valentine's Date Night

 Whether you are going out with friends or having a date night with your honey, Valentines day is the night to wear pink or red! This Valentines day, my girl friends and I decided it would be fun to get together regardless of our relationship status'. To dress for the occasion I found an adorable pink satin dress to wear out! Paired with some black heels and a simple necklace I have the perfect outfit for a fun night. 

 

Maddies Outfit:

Dress: Nordstroms

Shoes: Nordstroms

Okay, I had a little Nordstroms shopping trip ;) Can't wait to wear it out.

 

Whats your favorite Valentines day outfit?

 

 

Maddie

Outfit: Workday Wednesday

It has been oddly warm in Portland  this week! Flower bulbs are sprouting, birds are chirping, and I even left the house today without a coat on. For my Workday Wednesday outfit this week I chose an outfit that could be worn in this warm weather or paired with a blazer when the weather is forty degrees and rainy! 

I can't seem to get away from my black pencil skirt! It is so versatile and practical. Now I just need to work on my tan and I will be all set for spring.  Do you have an item in your wardrobe that is your go to piece?

Ellie's Outfit:
Shirt:  Target
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Target (Similar)
Shoes: Target

Ellie

Craft: Valentine's Day Cards

One of my favorite childhood memories is making homemade Valentine's Day cards. I loved making individual cards for all my classmates and the creativity involved in doing something special for a friend. To this day, I still love making cards and as a teacher get to make cards for all of my students. Here are the cards I made this year! 

 I used a stamping technique where you stamp the stamp multiple times per inking. It gives the card a faded look and adds variety in color.

After stamping the hearts and letting them dry, I added a Happy Valentine's Day stamp and embossed it with metallic embossing powder. The embossing powder makes the words pop off the card and gives it texture.

On the inside of each card I stamped this adorable penguin stamp.

The craziness of the craft table!

Finished project!

I am excited for Valentine's Day. It is such a festive day in the first grade and always makes the kiddos feel so appreciated and special.

Ellie