Five Things Friday

At long last, it's Friday!  I have lots of random thoughts banging around in my head, and can't wait for a couple of days with my family.  And since you all come here regularly to read my random thoughts, here are five of them:

1. I just finished reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling and really enjoyed it.  I read it in three sittings, and it (obviously) was a really quick, funny book.  I felt like it was really similar to Tina Fey's book, which I also enjoyed, and made television writing sound pretty awesome.  Has anyone else read it?

2. I think I am on to something when I combine a patterned dress, cardigan, belt, and wedge sandals or flats.  I got four random compliments on my outfit on Wednesday, and had one (male) coworker tell me "I like when girls dress like you - pretty but not fancy."  I think it's the cardigan that makes it all seem very approachable.  Here's are some similar outfits, if you'd like to recreate:

dress and cardigan by cardiganjunkie featuring a paisley print dress

3. Tonight I'm making this cake for my family - hopefully it turns out!  The recipe looks incredibly easy, and the frosting is made of marshmallow cream and cool whip, so there's no question that I'll like it!  (Click through Pinterest for the recipe)

Source: easybaked.net via Haley on Pinterest

4. I've been listening to the free BBC podcasts that accompany this book  and they are SO interesting (to a history nerd like me).  I'm just amazed at how an object can survive 1000 years or more, and can't wait to visit ancient Roman sites in May.  This new fancy hardback version of the book with a gorgeous green and gold cover just jumped to the top of my wish list.

Source: betterworldbooks.com via Haley on Pinterest

5. I impulse bought some Candie's leopard wedge heels on eBay for $10 this month, and they are officially my new favorite shoes.  I wear them with everything and can't imagine not having them.  I was really determined to find a pair with the wedge covered in leopard, and not just the upper part.  You should get some too - seriously!  this pair  on Amazon is the closest option I've seen that isn't over $200 - only $18.99!

 

That's all, folks!  Have a great weekend!

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The one that got away...

I heart Nordstrom Rack.  It's close to my office, and I often stop in for a quick lap around the store to see what's available that week.  However, on Monday I did something dumb. 

I have been on the lookout for a good crossbody purse that's not too big or too small to take on my trip this summer (and everywhere else).  While cutting through the handbag section, I spied a Kate Spade Fanfare Brette purse in leopard patent leather for $119.  I carried it around for a few minutes, then decided that I did not need it right now and put it back.   Immediately, an old man grabbed it and ran to his wife saying "I got it!"

It turns out the leopard is hard to find for under $199, even on eBay.  And now I want it back.

vacation purses by cardiganjunkie featuring genuine leather handbags

After much internet searching, I'm not finding many other options that I like as much.  Whatever shall I do? 

Help me out - I need some leads!

Reader Request: 3 Week Packing List

Good morning!  Hopefully everyone is having a good week so far.  Mine is kicking my butt, and I'm looking forward to my family coming to visit this weekend (for a fun-filled day at the shooting range, because we're Texan).  I'm also counting the weeks until our 12 day Italian vacation, and this week's reader request email was really timely.

Maryam, of the awesome blog Pamplemousse 1983, is about to spend three weeks traveling through Belgium and Israel!  I'm really excited for her, and was happy to help out with some packing ideas since the weather will range from cold to warm and she doesn't want to bring 10 pairs of pants and 21 shirts.

Here's what I'd pack, based on the items Maryam already plans to bring and enjoys wearing:

Packing for Maryam by cardiganjunkie featuring a jean jacket

I stuck to a palette of black, blues, pinks, leopard, and stripes since it allows almost every piece to be worn with 2+ others, alone or in layers.  I also took a realistic approach to shoes and only included 4 pairs - one pair of boots Maryam already loves, some sneakers for touristing all day, and 2 pairs of cute flats.  The scarves will also mix things up a bit without adding bulk to her suitcase, and a versatile statement necklace will dress things up as well.

Hopefully I can restrain myself this much when my own vacation comes around!  If you'd like so submit a request, send me an email.  I have openings starting late next month.

Happy Wednesday!

DIY Inkblot Artwork

This Saturday, I found myself with some spare time in the afternoon and decided that it has been too long since my last art project.  I was recently inspired to try my hand at some inkblot art after being inspired by Mondo's collection on Project Runway All Stars (so glad he won!) and a few other paintings I've seen in magazines and on Pinterest.

Source: picktainment.com via Haley on Pinterest

Source: newyork.timeout.com via Haley on Pinterest

Source: matchbookmag.tumblr.com via Haley on Pinterest

Source: aulitfinelinens.com via Haley on Pinterest

And since I'm cheap and ambitious, I got a yard of white denim at Hobby Lobby and two small bottles of acrylic paint and went to town.  Here's how it turned out:

I will be honest and say that some of my creations look like I just made a mess.  I'll definitely do this again, but will try to keep my paint more contained so that the resulting images are more frame-friendly.  I also want to layer different colors into the design like that amazing wallpaper above.

All in all, it was a good use of $10 and only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish.  I think this would be really fun to do with kids, and will generate a set of unique pieces for an area where you've got lots of wall space to fill.  Like my poor little guest room.

So... is anyone inspired to give it a shot?