A Big Thanks To Miss Washington......

So I have a lot of really talented friends. One of them, Jean-Marcus Strole, is an A-mazing photographer, who I have known for something like 9 years. We don't see each other all that often, but we keep in contact and when one of us needs a favor or has a job that the other would be perfect for a text is sent.

A few weeks ago Jean-Marcus contacted me to barrow some clothes from the company I work at, for the Miss Washington promo shoot he was doing. In the process of helping him pick something out he mentioned he needed a necklace for a blue background, and would I make one.

The blue he needed was not any blue it was old school Christmas light bulb blue, which if you are wondering is pretty hard to find. However, I succeeded in finding a hand blown in Italy glass bead.

So to conclude, I would like to thank Jean-Marcus for needing me to make a piece of jewelry for such a cool shoot and to Miss Washington Casandra Searles for making my necklace look so incredibly amazing.

Until next time.....

Perfect Fit, Supporting Starbucks and being very Fashionable!

I'm not going to lie, I pretty much am addicted to Starbucks, and for me it's local, you know Seattle and all. I not only greatly enjoy their coffee, but I like how they support the community and how they decided to help the economy/jobs with their $5 "Indivisible" bracelets.

What I didn't like about the bracelet is that it was too big, for my tiny wrist. I get it is supposed to be a double wrap, which I usually love, but it annoyed me that it didn't fit. So, as someone who can not leave well enough alone, I cut it in half, added a clasp and Tada awesomeness.

With bungee cord bracelets being so in right now, I'm not only supporting helping jobs, but also my bracelet fits better, and with other bracelets stacked with this I'm super in fashion.

Until next time....

DIY: Old Grocery Store Checkstand Lights made into a Side Table

I have a tendency to always have either a glass of water/cup of coffee while I am at home. I also have a tendency to place said beverages on the arm of the chair, thus leading to me usually knocking them over and spilling said beverage and breaking said glass, which as you can imagine angers Husband. Based on this chain reaction I realized a side table was what our living room was lacking.

Unfortunately, I am not someone who can just go out a buy a side table. No, I always feel I need to make it, sometimes much to Husband’s dismay.

So my youngest brother manages the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Beaverton, OR. Upon my last visit there he had just received a group of checkstand lights when New Seasons grocery stores decided to change their look. Good for me, I was able to pick up a set of four numbers. I figured stacked and topped these numbers would make fantastic side tables.

After a hint of paint, a few screws, some braces and one old Pottery Barn metal bulletin board…..table made, beverage/glass safe, Husband happy.

Until next time……  

 Before

I Know I'm not Hawaiian, but here is how I did Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi

As I mentioned last time I recently came back from my first time in Maui. When Husband and I are out of town we like to eat where the locals eat. So when we came across Geste Shrimp (Just Shrimp, get it? It's Hawaiian) and had their Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi I knew I had to figure out how to recreate this.

The Process for Recreating Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi in Seattle 

Step 1: Understand and remember that you am not Hawaiian

Step 2: Look up on the internet Hawaiian shrimp Scampi recipes and realize they all kind of suck

Step 3: You are not Hawaiian

After I came to terms with the above steps I took bits of a few internet recipes and came up with my own. I would like to preface with I do not really measure because I was taught to cook from my Italian great grandmother and she measured with a pinch, a handful and some, so please take that into advisement. 

Britt's Hawaiian Shrimp Truck Scampi 

1 1/2 pounds of shrimp still in shell 

3 full cloves of garlic (yeah you heard me 3) 

1/4 white wine (and some for drinking while you cook so get something good) 

1 tablespoon Paprika (sure that amount sounds good) 

1 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

1 teaspoon Salt 

4 and some table spoons butter (yep and some, really that's up to you) 

1. Split, clean and devain the shrimp, but leave their legs and shells on, it will enhance the flavor and that's how it was served to me so that is how it will be served to you. 

2. Marinate shrimp in 1 clove of minced garlic, wine, bunch of shakes of paprika or the tablespoon if you need a measurement, pepper and salt. I let them sit for about an hour. Shrimp don't need a ton of time to gain flavor. 

3. When your shrimp have swam around in the wine, paprika mixture for about an hour. In a large frying type pan, I used my cast iron, melt butter on medium and mix with the other two minced garlic cloves. It's going to smell amazing and it's good for you to be around that much garlic...at least that's what my grandma always would say.  

4. When garlic is a bit translucent add the shrimp and their marinade to the butter and garlic. Mix those little guys into the butter. Yes, the garlic will get stuck in their shells you want that. Cook until pink, hey look at that you did it.

If you want to be really amazing add this Hawaiian macaroni salad and a scoop of white rice (don't ask me that's how they serve it) now eat with your hands and pretend you are in Maui.   

Until next time....

Maui and Maybelline

I just got back from a 8 day stay in Maui. My first time in Hawaii and I loved it. Maui is so sunny, laid back and I believe one of the only areas where working in the service industry is the norm. I hiked, I ate, drank Mai Tais, read and tanned, oh yes I tanned.

Previously to leaving for Maui, Husband and I made a pilgrimage to City Target. Now, I am usually a NARS makeup girl through and through, but I didn't want to sweat off all my NARS face makeup in Maui and yet still wanted to wear face makeup, at least to balance out my color. So, while at Target I figured why not try some of this BB cream I have heard so much about. All the other brands were out of very light, so I settled on the Dream Fresh BB Cream by Maybelline, this was not my favorite brand so I was extremely doubtful, but for something like $5 I figured I would live.

Day one in Maui and I try my Maybelline, and can I just say WOW! It was awesome it felt nice, has sunscreen, my face did not dry out and it has great coverage and look. I wore it the whole time and was so happy with it's performance.

I usually get my makeup colors updated twice a year at the NARS counter, but this year instead of getting new face makeup I'm just going to continue with my  Maybelline....who knew?

Until next time.....

P.s. Please do not tire of my stories of Maui I have a Shrimp truck recipe to share and a story about my inspiration for my new living room color. 

A Smashed Penny Necklace for your Thoughts

When I travel I like to pick up some sort of souvenir from each stop. However I am not a tchotchkes person, as I mentioned before no cat statues for me. Based on both of those facts and not loving tee-shirts with location names, I started collecting smashed pennies.

They are easy to collect and super cheap, at $.51 a piece. However, as I have collected them for sometime now, it recently occurred to me that I should do something with them. So as someone who makes jewelry I figured make them into a necklace.

For the sake of getting re-pinned on Pintrest I am displaying it on my old man pug the distinguished Thelonious Monk, however a better picture is below. Check it out you could make one too.

Until next time....

*Side note, tchotchkes is a very hard word to spell #justsaying

Don't they make a Happy....Naked Couple!

Tiny Project Alert:

As I said yesterday, I collect things. So when I was in Portland and saw this Venus d' Milo statue I knew I had to have her. I figured she would be perfect with my statue of David my parents got me in Italy. The only problem with Venus was, her head and her body were not connected and she is made of cement, which someone decided would look nice spray painted gold, as you can see below they were wrong.

After a number of tries and a waste of more bonding materials than I would have liked, Venus's head and body finally became one and with a little sanding and a few coats of white stray paint Venus was presentable enough to united with her new love David. Don't they make a happy.....naked couple?

Until next time....

Anti Charm Bracelet, Bracelet & My Nail Polish gave me a Fake Hand

I collect things. Not anything major like cat status or dolls. What I collect is on a smaller scale, usually erroring on the side of small oddities. So, when I had an idea for a gold bracelet for myself I decided to look through these oddities and see what I could find.

What I found, and made myself, is what I consider my anti charm bracelet, bracelet. I say anti because none of these charms have any major meaning too me. Except maybe the naked women coin. It was given to me when I worked in a Chinese restaurant, when I was 19, by one of the cooks. He said it would bring good luck. Who doesn't want a little extra good luck....or a naked women coin, I mean really?

I figured the pieces would look good in a group, which they do and by double wrapping the chain the charms look even edgier and so much more my style.

Speaking of double wrapping, notice the new nail color? I had my nails done with two different colors again. My experiment as successful, the general public responded positive, with the exception of one man thinking I had a fake hand. So new colors or from two different polish's I have never used before. The blue is Slapper by Butter London and the gray is Mirror Mirror by Orly. So far I am content with both, but will of course let you know.

Take away: I recommend you find random tiny pieces and make your own anti charm bracelet bracelet, or contact me and I will do it for you. Also test out some nail combinations and see what you think, maybe you will look like you have a fake hand too.

Until next time.

Polish, Popsicles and Prosecco

So it's finally summer in Seattle. This usually doesn't happen until after the fourth of July, and like clock work it was 80 degrees on July 5th. With summer "finally" here I had ideas. Well, technically I had one idea and the other I saw on the Today show, but still I tried it out.

Idea number 1; Nails! 
As you know I usually wear two tone nail polish. This morning I thought, why not take it a step further and paint one hand one color and the other a completely different but complimentary color. In this case my right hand is "Aquadelic" and my left hand is "Oh How Street It Is," both by China Glaze. My theory; very seldom do people see both my hands nails up, so I don't think anyone will notice, but we'll see, I'll keep you updated as to public opinion.

Idea number 2; Popsicle in Persecco! 
Yep, you read that right. I was watching the Today show on Fourth of July and they mentioned putting popcicles in Prosecco for a party. Yesterday, I did not attend/have a party, but it was hot and Husband and I had twin pops and a bottle of Prosecco, so we decided why not try this. I must say it is DELCIOUS, but I recommend seperating the twin pop into two pieces first otherwise it's a bit messy.

There are my summer time ideas of the week for you, try them out and let me know.

Until next time.......

You Got Nailed (but in a good way)

I learned a new skill, you can see it to your left. I combined my new knowledge with my love of hardware, in this case carpet nails. Why carpet nails specifically? They are mean looking, have a unique shape and well, they are small.

I think this necklace is super fantastic and the next best thing to gluten free sliced bread. Next week watch for a matching bracelet.

Until next time.....

Girl Talk; Nail Polish and Cafe Racers

As I mentioned in my last post, I had lunch with Joy the Baker last week. She had mentioned I should post not only about my jewelry and unique fashion sense, but also about the projects I'm working on. So I'm taking her advice.

Today I painted my own nails. For most this is not a big deal, personal nail painting is a regular occurance in life. For me however, it is not my forte, but I'm trying to be a "Money Saving-ista" (I'm sure that is something), so not paying for a polish change is a good start. I think I did a pretty good job. The blue is Amy by Julep, I like how it is a matte finish, the purple is Ate Berries in the Canaries (seriously who names these) by OPI.

Another part of today of my being a Money Saving-ista is working with the barter system. Last night I couldn't sleep, so I was wa tching Barter Kings, and have now decided I want to barter. My end goal is a cafe racer motorcycle. I have my motorcycle license, but Husband's bike has far too much torque for me. I am just looking for a older, in moderate condition small bike, and I love the vintage look of a cafe racer. What I have to start with is a older Dell laptop and a double batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies oatmeal cookies, I believe those are worth their weight in gold. I know this probably will not supply me with the racer now, but it's a start.

So there is the current life projects. I will keep you updated on how the bartering goes.

Until next time.....

Rope and Chains bring me Joy!

I don't know about you, but there are friends in my life who for some strange coincidence the cosmos know when I need them the most. One of these friends is the amazing Joy; you probably know her better as Joy the Baker. Although, we live 1,136.3 miles away, when we see each other it's like it's been no time at all.

Joy was here this weekend, I had the pleasure of having lunch with her on Monday at Sitka and Spruce. Although I did not know at the time, I needed that lunch with my friend. Food was amazing, wine was crisp, weather was warm, ambiance stunning, it was great and fantastic and I am so happy she was here.

When we get together we always discuss our current fashion obsession. I told her I was into rope and the whole nautical look. She agreed with me and showed me a picture she took the day before on the ferry (right).

After my inspiring lunch I decided to make Joy a necklace based on her picture and my new obsession with rope. Hope she likes it and maybe you too. I'll let you know what she thinks.

Until next time.....

Two fold post, Nails and jewelry, What more could a girl want?

So, this is a two fold post.

First, I FINALLY had my nails done. It had been what seems like forever, I know, I know first world problems, but really for someone who loves fashion having bad nails is, really, a fashion faux pas. So, yes finally done and I decided to go back to my two tone look, because I love it. I have been really feeling the whole bright colors look in fashion, so I opted for Gaga for Green from the China Glaze Electropop Collection  and I Eat *Mainely Lobster  from the OPI Touring collection. I love the look and will most likely carry it through a polish cycle or two.

Second, as you can see in the picture I am wearing a bracelet. Yep, I made it, and yes it is not only pink, but ribbon. Don't worry I didn't lose my "look," the main part is all chain, two tone chain in fact, which I also made, plus a double wrap, oh yeah you know you love it. I tried it as a necklace. It was a bit too much pink for me, but hey, check it you might love it, otherwise it's pretty Rad as a bracelet.

Until next time.....

*To my brother Brandon and Husband, yes it is Mainely and no I did not spell it wrong.*

Men's Socks and a Chloe Mini? Yep, I went there!

Men’s socks. Let’s face it when we think of men’s socks it’s usually something like white athletic or if you had a rather conservatively dressed father, like me its navy with a gold toe. However, men’s socks have come so far in fashion these days they are now a quintessential part of a men’s outfit. They provide just a little pop of personality or color in what would ordinarily be “just a suit.”

So yes, what do men’s socks have to do with me? Well, I have found men’s socks can directly translate to women’s fashion as well. Here I paired Husband’s various shades of brown striped Hugo Boss socks with my favorite heeled oxford’s, Chloe mini and white button down. I like to think of this look as a bit urban school girl. What do you think? I will keep you updated on other outfits inspired my men’s fashion.

Until next time.....

Do you need a Bracelet Revival?

I have to admit, I do not like writing DIY's. I don't like sharing my creations for free, but sometimes I understand it is necessary to get your name out there, so here goes.

A few years ago, Husband gave me an amazing bracelet I had seen in a magazine for Christmas. The unfortunate part of this bracelet, it came strung on elastic cord. I don't know if you have ever had anything strung on elastic cord, but it lasts about as long as ra Hollywood wedding. Well, the inevitable happened and it broke and when it did I lost some beads, making it far to short to be put back together as a bracelet.

It's been a few years since the tragic bracelet break. Recently I came across some amazing chain and decided to give my bracelet a makeover. Ta da, new necklace, saved bracelet. Just thought I pass along in case you too need to do a bracelet revival. Do to the bracelet being a gift from Husband I am obviously not selling it, just passing along info. Hit me up if you have questions.

Until next time......

Multiple Personality Jewelry

So I wanted a bracelet yesterday. Not a basic boring one, but something with umph, since I was going to talk to some fashionable people. I decided in addition to the orange skull bracelet I would take my woven chain necklace and wear it as a bracelet. Genius? Why yes it was. I love when things have multiple personalities.

I also today wore full makeup, including fake eyelashes to my spin class. No, I didn't put it all on to go to the gym, I'm not that kind of girl. I had everything on before, as I said I was meeting and after I was meeting friends and prayed I would be able to just touch up my makeup. I did slightly end up looking like Tammy Faye Baker at the end, but it was ok.

Until next time.....

Hermes Ribbon, It's not Rocket Science

My "look" tends to lean more towards the 1940's-1960's, with a blend of undated street style. I know it sounds weird, but it seems to work for me both stylistically and physically, plus I like it.

On one specifically vintage feeling day last week, I wanted to wear something in my hair. The problem was;
1. I hate hair accessories
2. Don't really know how to wear them
3. I don't really own any

And then I remembered the Hermes ribbon my rather affluent friend used to tie up the Christmas lights he gave me a while back. I had saved the ribbon figuring it would be useful to me at some point.

Now, I know tying a ribbon around your head is not rocket science, but using a designer ribbon was way more "fashionable" than I ever thought it would be. The compliments I received far exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed the little bit of "designer" in my life, plus the Hermes symbol of horse and carriage added to my vintage look. Now I need an orange Hermes ribbon too.

Based on the great feedback I got I figured I should pass the info along to you, in case you wanted to have a little designer in your life. Have a great weekend!

Until next time......

Blue Shoes, Yellow Pants! Yeah I wore them Together!

I'm sorry this is late. I know, usually I'm earlier in the day, but today I was busy. Busy establishing a container garden, making soup and helping my friend Tony Moses with social media, so as you can see a packed day.

However, as I promised on Monday here are my blue Report shoes, and for your entailment and since Easter was so sunny and nice I coupled them with my Paige yellow crop skinnies. Yes, I got some looks, but you know what, I felt fantastic in my bright colors and that's all that matters sometimes.

I found both shoes and pants at Nordstrom Rack and am very happy with both purchases. My pants are actually more yellow than the picture gives them credit for, but with the light as it is it's the best I could do. I feel this outfit would go perfect with my double the fun double the color bracelet....just saying.

Until next time.....

Polished Rocker!

I would like to start off by saying I am aware this is probably not the best picture ever. I was trying to show you my outfit, and by that I had to have a boy take my picture with his iphone, clearly it was a bad idea all around, but I feel you get the gist.

So, on Saturday it was a "warm" and sunny 55 degrees in Seattle, which in my mind is dress and bare leg weather. I know 55 doesn't seem like bare leg weather, but the rule for me growing up was always 40+ and I didn't need to wear tights or pants, hence bare leg weather. Not only was I wanting to wear a dress, but I wanted to wear my newly created leather, chain, skull necklace, so in this case my Kensie black dress seemed appropriate.

Well, I realized that day I needed some flats, as someone who lives in heels, buying flats is a big deal and something only down once in winter and once in Spring/Summer. Last year it was Sperry Top-Siders, this year it is Report electric blue Oxfords, which I will show you in Wednesday's post.

I wandered over to the new Nordstrom Rack downtown and upon check out the girl and I had a conversation that went like this:

Sales Girl: Girl, I love your look!
Me: Thanks! 
Sales Girl: You are so rock and roll, but polished, you don't see much of that around here. 
Me: True, that's a good way of describing it, I'll take it. 
Sales Girl: You work it! 

I know, not a conversation of major depth at all, but one I feel that left us both feeling good and me and my new shoes and "Polished Rock" outfit enjoying the rest of the day. Wednesday expect a discussion about blue flats.

Until next time........

So a Girl Goes on a Figurative Vision Quest.....

On Sunday I needed to get away. I needed to get away from looking for "what I am supposed to do with my life" and everything that came with it. I also needed to get away, so I could gain some perspective to create. What better time to start a vision quest than Palm Sunday?

So I started my "figurative" vision quest. I use the word "figurative" because I did not go really anywhere or do anything different except stop worry about looking for my "life career" and stop scouring job sites. Now it's Thursday and I  not only have been more creative than probably the last month, but I think I some how channeled Alexander McQueen.

I say that because over the past week I have been obsessed with making, what I consider, some of my best pieces out of dyed heminate skulls. I showed you my orange and black bracelets the other day and then today I did this. I assume I will tire of skulls, but if a little McQueen is what I needed than so be it.

My vision quest ends Easter Sunday, another fitting day I feel to end a vision quest, you know, new beginnings and all that. I'll let you know how it goes, but until then admire this necklace.

Until next time.....

Feeling Bananas!

So today was a "warm" 50 degrees in Seattle. The nice part was at least it was sunny, well most of the day anyway. With the sun shining I decided it was Spring, therefore it was a good day for a fun Spring outfit. Thus my Spring style for the day I  figured would be a little "high/low" situation.

For those who don't know, dressing high/low is when you wear both designer pieces and not designer pieces within the same outfit. In my case, I wore my last season Lanvin rope wedges, my Earnest Sewn denim (with a slight cuff) and an incredibly ridiculous banana shirt I found at H&M for $3, over a black Forever 21 three quarter length sleeve top. I know the banana shirt is silly, but I love it and really what did I have to loose for $3?

To top of my Spring look today I had my nails painted a slightly crazy or obnoxious, orange, which is part of OPI's Holland Collection called "A Roll in the Hague." Overall a fantastic and happy blast of Spring for this Seattlite.

Until next time......

Think McQueen not Hardy

Lately I have been kind of obsessed with skulls. Not in a weird gothic or (God forbid) Ed Hardy sort of way, but more in a Alexander McQueen sort of way. And with the color orange being so popular this season, when I came across these carved stone skulls I knew I had to have them.

I figured they might be a bit, I don't know, tacky as a necklace, but as a double wrap bracelet mixed with an extra large box chain they are pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

For the less adventurous I also made a black version, you know gotta please the masses.

Until next time.....

What to do with Catholic Characters?

What to do with Catholic Characters? Not a question often asked in everyday life, but one I had to ask myself about a month ago.

You see, my paternal grandmother was a major Catholic, and when I say major I mean statues around the house, go to church everyday kind of Catholic, which was cool and all, but not as much my thing. She died a few years ago, and when she did I was given a number of saint charms and Catholic iconery pieces. Like most people facing this situation I let the saints go marching right into a jewelry box, where they hung out for two years.

One day, dealing with a bit of Catholic guilt, I thought rather then keeping them in a box and forgetting I had them, I decided they needed to come out of hiding. So I strung those little saints on stainless steel cord from my local hardware store and made, what I consider, one of my cooler pieces. 

As you can imagine, based on the fact the pieces have sentimental value this necklace is not for sale, but I thought I present this little DIY idea in case you too were facing some Catholic guilt. Hit me up if you too want to do this yourself or want me to do it for you.

Until next time......