Sarah: Spring Lovin'

[Clock wise from Top Left: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII]

Here are some things I'm loving on this fine spring day.

Sarah: Things I Like Lately

Watercolor Africa

We Are Each Other

Kitchen Supplies

Feet Embroidery

Wake ~N~ Make

Rectangles

Plant Life

Beards

Sarah: Christmas Wish List

I haven't made one of these suckers in a while and I've been asked by relatives what I want for Christmas, so here is my holiday wish list! Feel free to buy me any and all of the items on the list!

You should know though, there were a lot more clothes on here, but I went and sifted through to get the top picks.

1. Francis & I are getting iPhone's for Christmas (yay!)--but I'm huge klutz. I drop my phone weekly. I don't really care now, because my phone is crap. But when I get that iPhone, it's going to need some protection. And this my protection of choice.
2. I love the way this raw & natural diamond ring looks so rough & organic, yet completely feminine.
3. Such a cute & classic bag (that can, in the future, double as a diaper bag).
4. What a lovely, chic, printed blouse. I need more staples like this one in my closet.
5. I saw this movie a couple of months ago & it was so So SO good. I can only imagine how the novel originally set out the plot. I want to read it so badly.
6. Do you have eyes? Can you see these shoes? If you answered "yes" to both of those questions, then you understand why I want these.
7. I have become a sucker for peter pan collars & sparkly things. I don't know when it happened, but those preferences force me to like this sweater.
8. I love maps. I love typography. I love this map. I want it on my wall.
9. This coat makes me swoon. It's so simple & so lovely.
10. Oh my word. Pretty.
11. These sheets would coordinate with my bed sheet perfectly. And I like orange.
12. I have wanted these boots for over a year. One day...
13. A simple wishbone necklace. Something to wear everyday with anything & everything.

What do you want for Christmas?

Sarah: Visual List

I've been thinking a lot lately about these little visual lists that I throw together and how they might be sending the wrong message. I try (really hard) not to be a materialistic, consumer-driven, get-the-next-best-thing type of person. I attempt (poorly, I admit) to be frugal with my income. I try not to buy things I don't need and I don't want to place all of my value in the stuff that I have or clothes that I wear. I think it has become the nature of Americans to judge people based on what they have and not their character. And I by no means want to promote that kind of mindset by sharing these lists. However, I do enjoy window shopping and whenever I see something I like, I slide the photo right on over to desktop so that I can share it with you lovelies. But it doesn't mean that I'm running out to purchase these things, I just like to day dream about them AND they give me direction when I go to thrift stores. For example: I could probably find number two on this current list at a thrift store pretty easily (and cheaply!!), but now I have an idea of what I would like instead of wandering aimlessly through the store.

You might be asking yourself, "Where is this ranting disclaimer coming from?" Well, dear readers it's coming from the conviction I felt when I read this article. You should read it too. I hope it will change your understanding of the fashion world and help you realize your own motivations for shopping. 

Ok, with all that said...here are some things that have caught my eyes as I have perused the world wide web lately:

One: This dress is really similar to the other maxi dress (number 8) I showed you last time. I just really like the colors of the dress, and I think I like it more as a shorter dress than a maxi. What do you think?

Two: Since I saw this dress in the anthro catalogue, I have loved it. It seems so effortless and comfortable while still allowing the wearer to look good.

Three: Mmm. This little romper is too cute!

Four: I don't know about you, but I don't necessarily like lemonade. I like this saying better. 

Five: Did you know that hippos are my favorite animal? They have been since I was little. I think this would be a cute little planter to rest on a windowsill.

Six: I like stripes. I like tshirts. I like drapey necklines. This shirt indulges all of those preferences.

Seven: I'm not sure why I like this dress, because it isn't really my taste. But I do like it. I like the scalloped chest, I like the color, and I like its versatility.

Eight: Hahaha. This poster just makes me laugh. Just think about what the poster is really saying. Funny stuff.

Nine: Well hello, perfect autumn shirt! So lovely to meet your acquaintance. 

Ten: Even though this print kind of freaks me out, I still really like it for some reason...I think it would be nice for a baby/child's room.

Eleven: So small. So delicate. So geometric. I like.

Twelve: Embrace messy hair, apartment, dishes, job, children, life. You name it, you got it.

Do you like having a space in-between each line or not? I feel like it's too cluttered if each line of the list isn't spaced, but spacing each one makes the post super long. What do you prefer??

Sarah's New Found Feminism

I have recently noticed that I am becoming much girlier. It's not that I wasn't a girl before, I have been since  birth, it's that my tastes and preferences are changing to more feminine things. I used to be the type of gal to wake up, throw on a pair of jeans and a tshirt, put my bed head in a ponytail and head out the door. Now, I think about what I want to wear, I (usually) do my hair, I paint my nails, I use hairspray. I have decided that I want to start wearing lipstick (and I'm on a journey to find the perfect shade). I want to learn how to do more hairstyles. I want to learn how to cook more and better meals. I think these little picture collages are a reflection of my new found feminism. 

1). I'm not sure if this dress would look good on me (it might make me look preggo or like a square), but I sure think it's nice.

2). I love this quote by itself. But cutting it out of paper makes it even more lovable.

3). I really like Oxfords. They're dressy and casual all at the same time. And I adore these Steve Madden oxfords. But who doesn't love Steve Madden?

4). People. This is literally (did you get that bolded, italicized action goin' on?) the most flattering dress I have ever tried on. I went to anthro after work and tried some stuff on. I almost died from this dress's cuteness. I want to wear it to our reception in UG. Too bad I don't have $168 sitting around.

5). These boots are so cute. I love that they're kind of plain, but they could go with a lot of different outfits. They also remind me of autumn : )

6). Again, I don't know if this would look good on me, but I love the concept. I love the colors and the print of bows on this dress!! Ahhh, I die.

7). I don't think I could ever actually buy this cookie jar because every time I would see it on my counter, it would just cause me to crave ice cream. But it's ca-ute!

8). This colorful, striped maxi dress could potentially make me look really wide because of the horizontal stripes, but I think it's darling. I first saw the dress on this blog and I fell in love with it. So lovely.

9). I want to use these straws whenever I drink anything. They make me happy.

10). I am in love with this little shirt dress. It seems really versatile and easy to pair with other things. I want to wear a big belt with it.

11). I am currently searching (in my own closet and beyond) for a perfect outfit to wear while traveling. Frank and I will be traveling for more than 24 hours when we go to UG, so I want to be comfortable. This skirt would be perfect, I think...

12). Coconuts. I have quite recently discovered that I like coconut flavored things. We currently have almond joy flavored coffee creamer, I just had the mocha coconut latte from Starbucks (delish!), and the other day I had the most delicious coconut flavored frozen yogurt (thanks for taking me out to lunch, Sally!!) at Red Mango in Schaumburg. Mmmm. So. Good.

13). This ring is just so simple and darling. It reminds me of my marriage vows and the fact that I am forever tied and sealed to my husband. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Recent Findings

These are some things that I've found recently. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

1). Necklace: I like this necklace and etsy shop. Unique, interesting, and pretty.

2). Me & We Print: Isn't this nice? This would be a wonderful anniversary gift to myself. hah.

3). Lovely Shirt: I love the details and delicacy of this shirt.

4). Tea Towels: Aren't these towels awesome? I want to start collecting some cool tea towels to add character to my kitchen...

5). Oh My Gosh Skirt: This skirt is going to be the death of me. I love it. I love the color, the detailing on the front, and the little apples. Love.

6). Colorful Painting: I love the cluster of colors of this painting.

7). Coral Shirt: I like the color and versatility of this shirt. I could dress it up and wear it out or run errands in it. 

8). Paper Bead Necklace: This necklace is so pretty. I adore the large paper beads, and when you buy a necklace from this organization, it helps women in Uganda. Uganda is near and dear to our hearts here on Sar & Kels.

9). Comfy (but SO cute) Shirt: I like the top of this shirt and the way the fabric falls. I think it would be quite flattering on a lot of different body types as well as SO cute : )

10). Safari Tank: I mainly love the yellow color and the plethora of pockets on this shirt.

11). Colorful Necklace: I could wear this necklace with all the coral colored clothing (notice the alliteration, there?) I'm going to buy.

12). Infinity Scarf: I don't have an infinity scarf. And I think this one is really pretty. I love the pattern on the fabric.

13). Knot Earrings: These simple, knotted, studded earrings are perfect for the lazy days when I still want to feel pretty.

14). Life is an Ocean: I like the faded, nautical feel of this shirt. Andfor some reason, it reminds me of Titanic. And if something reminds me of the talented Kate Winslet and steamy Leo DiCaprio, it makes its way onto my want list.

-Sar

Cravings

Today was a good day. I hung out with Erin and went swimming for the first time this summer. I initially headed to Palatine (where Kels' parents live and where Erin lives) so that Erin and I could go swimming in her apartment complex's pool. Unfortunately, her pool was closed for cleaning. So we went over to the neighboring apartment complex's pool so that someone would let us in, but no one would let us in! We made eye contact with one woman in particular and I tried to mime with my hands that we forgot our key. She didn't care. She looked away. Erin and I walked like 15 minutes to this pool, we were sweating and this woman wouldn't let us in to the pool. Lame. Then I remembered that there is a community pool in Kelsey's parents' neighborhood. Erin and I got in my car, and headed over to Kelsey's parents' house. On the way we planned all the fun ways we could prank the woman who wouldn't let us in. I'm pretty sure there were water balloons and jello involved. We got to the community pool and literally walked right in. Afterwards, we stopped in to say hi to Kelsey's parents, but only Scotty (her little bro) was home. So, Hi Sally and Todd! I was at your house today! 

It was a lovely day filled with conversation, sunshine, pools, and running stop signs (oops).

Take a gander at my recent cravings. Some women crave french fries, others crave chocolate. I crave clothes and art. If you feel the Spirit moving you to buy me one of the following items (or all of them--who am I to draw limitations on the Holy Spirit?), I promise, I will not complain.

1). Kickass skirt: Isn't it awesome? I love the colors and the fabric seems thin and comfortable.

2). Braided Hair Print: I love prints. Does anyone know how to screen print? Will you teach me?

3). Pearl Ring: I like simplicity and I like pearls. This is a good combination of both.

4). Bird skirt: I like the contrast of the burnt orange and the blue birds.

5). Scarf: Versatile and lovely. I want to wear this with everything.

6). Awesome Coffee Cup: I just recently discovered that I like tea. What a better way to celebrate that than to buy a new mug to hold the tea?

7). Cool Dress: I love the pattern, airiness, and cowl neck. Love.

8). Grey Skirt: I guess I have a thing for skirts? I like this one a lot.

9). Owl with Glasses: In 3rd grade we did a project where we had to look through owl pellets to figure out their diet. It was gross, but I've liked owls since then.

10). JUST KIDDING: This is a classic example of what NOT to buy. No one should ever, EVER buy these. Who thought sequin, skin-tight, short shorts would be a good idea? Let me tell you this: It is not a good idea. DO. NOT. BUY. THESE. SHORTS.

11). St Augustine Quote: I love this quote and the background. I want this on my wall.

-Sar

Current Obsessions

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The following are things that I currently love (they're in no particular order, as I try not to play favorites with my favorites):

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1). Ohio Necklace: My love for Ohio has not decreased at all since I've moved to Illinois. If anything, it has probably increased.  I'd love to have this necklace with a small house or heart imprint over Norwalk.

2). Melon Necklace: Isn't this necklace adorable? I want to wear it with every single outfit I have.

3). Alexi Murdoch: Have you heard this guy's music? Ohmygoodness, it's so good.

4). The Gap: Alright, guys. Confession time. I might have a problem working at Gap. This whole employee discount thing is not good for my checkbook. I went (again) to Gap today to see if they had any jeans on sale. They did. I bought some. Shhh, don't my husband.

5). Apothecary: I love this. 'Nuff said.

6). Bee Beard Print: This print is lovely and I want to hang it on my wall forever.

7). Desk Lamp Fabric: This fabric is unique and funny. I want to make a wallet or something out of it.

8). Away We Go: Have you seen this movie? Well, you should. It's funny and real and it has an excellent soundtrack (Alexi Murdoch does most of it). I have watched it like 3 times in the past 2 weeks. 

9). Chevron Necklace: I would wear this everyday. every. single. day. 

10). Glow Globe: I have always wanted one of these. I love to travel, I love globes, I love light. This is perfect for me.

11). Drift Embroidery: I love the idea of having embroidery as home decor. I fully intend on making this myself.

12). Sunglasses: My husband generally loathes big framed sunglasses. But I adore them. They take me back to a different, simpler, carefree time.

Feel free to buy me anything from this list and I will love you forever.

Have a happy Wednesday!

-Sar