{Please & Thank You: March 31st}

Okay everybody! Time again for a Question and Answer Post!!

This week, I've broken the questions into categories, as I seem to get questions on the same topic. Hope my answers are satisfying:)

Life:

Q: Are you still interested in acting/theater?
A: I will always love theater. Dancing and Singing are two of my passions in life, and that feeling I would get on stage is unlike anything I've ever experienced outside of the Theater. Unfortunately, the last few years have evolved my goals into something far from the life of an actor or musical theater performer. I'm so thankful to it, for broadening my imagination and giving me confidence in myself. Those two things, I will have the rest of my life.

Q: Do you have a HUGE Beanie Baby collection? {via abby from ThisMuch}
A: You're my sister, you should know!

Q: When are you going to do another video tutorial?
A: How about next Tuesday?!

Q: do you ever worry you'll regret your tattoos when your older?A: Nope. Part of my process of choosing what to get tattooed involves thinking to the future. I think about myself in 50 years. People will stare and I will smile. I think that as long as the art I get is my own and represents me, or my visions, then I can never regret them. I've met plenty of tattoo haters who change their views on tattooed people once talking to me. Kindness always outshines what a person looks like or dresses like. I feel if I can do that now, I'll never regret displaying my art on my skin.

Q: From your pictures you appear to have very pretty skin. What's your skin care regime?
A: Thank you so much!! I made a goal this year to have perfect skin and I've been working really diligently, so thank you! I do have a lot of uneven skin tones and scarring from misc. things from my past, but I'm working to reduce their viability.

My skin care regime:

--'Timewise' 3 -in- 1 cleanser (for normal to dry skin) by Mary Kay

I love this product. I started using it about 9 months ago and saw huge results in under a month. I wash my face 2-3 times a day with this.
--'Timewise' Age-Fighting Moisturizer (for normal to dry skin) by Mary Kay
Another great product. I've found that the majority of the reason my skin looked so bad was because it was so dry. I use this lotion for day and two applications at night. Also, I include my neck....that's a must!
--I also use Neutrogena's Microdermabrasion Kit. It comes with an applicator and Micro-Oxide Crystallized Cream, which I love. It removes all the dead skin cells and brings blood flow to the top layers of skin, leaving it glowing and baby soft. I use this 4-6 times a week for 2 minutes each time. It has instant rewards and I love it
--I've also found that water and vitamins really help the condition of one's skin. I take vitamins for skin and hair heath nightly. Arbonne has great vitamin packages for skincare. I'd highly suggest looking into it.

Q:What's your greatest fear?
A: Um...I hate crickets...and peewee herman. As for "what's your greatest fear about your life" I'd have to go with: Never being able to share my love with someone.

Q: What's your most favourite item of clothing and your favourite accessory?
A: I love love love this skirt, and my favorite accessories are my sunglasses!!! I quite literally have a pair that matches anything I put on. I'm currently on the hunt for some cat-eye sunglasses. They'll be perfect for all my vintage looks this summer

Love/Relationships:

Q: I have a big giant crush on you.
A: Well, thank you. Are you Johnny Depp?!?

Q: What do you look for in a guy? What would your dream date be?
A: I look for honesty and companionship. Someone who makes me laugh and who can look into my eyes. It's been really difficult for me to find a guy who wants an exclusive relationship instead of something casual. Chivalry is lacking in my Oregon town..
As far as a dream date, I think I'd rather have a real one than dream it up;) But really, I'm not sure. I'm simple and easily amused.

Smoking:

Q: If you have the gum and patches ready, why don't you quit?
A: Good Point. I suppose I have nothing to say that won't sound like an excuse. So here's my excuse: I like it. For now... and someone else bought me the gum and patches. Haha

Q: How long have you been smoking? and what brand?
A: I've been smoking for years. I think I first started "actually smoking" at age 14. I thought it was cool at first and smoked cloves (yukkkk). I've been smoking American Spirit Full Flavor/Organic cigarettes since I was 17.

{Tutorial Tuesday: Spring Knit Hats}

Here we are again for another Tutorial Tuesday. This week it's all about spicing up those winter hats and making them new for spring! This season, many winter pieces are being seen incorporated in spring and summer wardrobes, so why not liven up your favorite cap!?

All you need is the following:

1 yard of ribbon 

winter knit hat {slouchy beanies are perfect for this!}

Step 1. 

Taking your knit hat in one hand and ribbon in the other, weave your ribbon in-and-out of the base stitches, all the way around your hat. Make sure you leave the ends of the ribbon out about 6" or more on each side. 

Step 2. Tie a bow bow with the excess ribbon. Place on your head, and look adorable!

Before:

After:

Hope you all enjoy!! Don't forget about tomorrow's Please & Thank You post, and ask your questions here.

xxoo chelseablanket

{Weekend Follow-Up}

This weekend, I headed north to Portland, OR. I visit almost every month and have good friends and family to see each time. This time 'round, I drove up with my mom to celebrate my sister's 25th birthday. Here are a few photos from my trip:

Sister dearest!

We spent Saturday morning in the Pearl District, my old neighborhood. The above photo is of my old apartment building. I miss it!

The tofu scramble I devoured, Cup & Saucer, NE Portland.

Dinner at oBa! with the birthday girl! She looked so beautiful.

Mom and I on the road home... we had the best time listening to Crosby, Still, Nash & Young. What a fun weekend!

xxoo chelseablanket

{Manic Monday: How-to wear the 'Little Black Dress'}

Hello!!! Welcome back to Monday. After a fun weekend spent in Portland, I had no time to do a special Fashion post as usual, so I'm doing it off one of the outfits I wore on my trip. I wore this outfit for my sister, Abby's {This Much} 25th birthday dinner.

This week's Manic Monday is all about how-to accessorize that little black dress! Black is fun, but accents are even better!

What I Wore:

I wore my long-sleeved black cocktail dress, and needed to add some colorful accents. I chose a vintage skinny red belt for a splash of color. My headscarf is pink with green and red flecks, so it was the obvious choice. For a purse, I chose my vintage black envelope clutch and selected some pointy-toed flats with bows on them to pick up my headscarf bow. Lastly, I added some green crystal drop earrings to complete the look.

Here we have 4 examples of little black dresses and how-to accessorize them:

1. Girly-Girl

I love the lace accents of this dress! It's so feminine, would look great all on it's own...BUT by adding a few sweet accents it pulls the whole look together. Since the dress has a high neck and lots of detailing around the top, I left the upper half alone and focused on the middle of the dress. I've chosen a pink rose diamond ring and a vintage black and pink sparrow clutch. Paired with sleek lady-like black pumps, the look pulls together perfectly!

2. Vintage Vixen

The classic Marilyn silhouette of this dress really pulled me in - it has the ability to be very sexy or subdued. I decided to go with the vintage vibe and create an all-around classy look. Considering the sweetheart neckline of this dress, I added a darling black & gold locket to enhance the open neckline. A great pair of vintage-inspired heels would look great on any-pair of legs wearing this dress. Finally, a clutch that picks up the gold, black and the tan accent we also see on the heel of the black pumps. Tres Chic!

3. Downtown Diva

I love the look of this dress. Accentuating all the positives, yet leaving mystery with the length. To accessorize this dress, I selected an amazing pair of teal stilettos with a metallic sheen. These shoes call for attention, as do the rest of the accent pieces. The dress detailing and shoe combo gave me a bit of an asian vibe, so I went with it. Pairing these gold fan earrings with the bamboo and drop-beaded bangles, the look pulls together perfectly. This outfit is very "look at me" and well deserved.

4. Lookbook Lovely

For all the city slickers out there, this is the perfect dress. Easily goes from day to night, and is very versatile. I paired the cowl-top dress with a fun pair of oxford heels and violet, sheer tights for a pop of color. The top of the dress is so flattering, that I chose a glitzy pair of black studded earrings to enhance the neckline. Last, a polished clutch with a weave texture. This outfit would be a perfect first-date-look!

Next time you slip into that little black dress, make sure you add fun accessories!! It'll make all the difference.

Look for a Weekend Follow-Up post later today. Hope you all enjoy your Monday!

xxoo chelseablanket

{Outfit Post: March 25th}

Hello there! I figured since I'll be gone ALL weekend up in Portland, Oregon, I'd do one more post for you all. You all know what it's like to l-o-v-e one article of clothing more than any other!? Well, this is mine. I am in love with my abstract print skirt from Anthropologie.

Today my male coworkers had a conversation about it that went something like this: 

"It could be flowers. It could be a leopard in a paint store. ...It could be vomit?" I could care less what the pattern is, this is by far my favorite piece of clothing.

What's your favorite item of your wardrobe? 

I'll miss you all while I'm gone!! If you don't follow me on twitter, do so! I'll be updating with twitpics and fun anecdotes from my trip. Cannot wait to share pictures Monday. 

xxoo chelseablanket

{Trendy Thursday: Floral}

Everywhere I look, flowers are popping up here and there! Spring is finally upon us and no better way to celebrate it by introducing florals into your daily life. From prints to fresh bouquets, nothing could be sweeter than a little flower here and there.

1. Home Gardens

{how i wish i had a yard to plant my very own}

1, 2, 3, 4

2. Floral Accessories

{a subtle way to brighten any outfit}

Rose Fight Knuckle Ring, $34 at Free People

Flower Lace-Up Boot, $30 at Forever 21

Crochet Flower Stretch Headband, $10 at Free People

Dark Shadow Gloves, $10 at Modcloth

{I know these are outrageous, but I absolutely love them}

Floral Slouch Clog, $248 at Free People

3. Wildflower Walls

{perfect for any lover of 'the secret garden'}

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

4. Floral Stationary

{i want them all to write pretty things on}

1, 2, 3, 4

So there you have it, some spring indulgence to feast your eyes upon. Enjoy it while it lasts!

I'm off to Portland for the weekend and to celebrate my sister's 25th birthday. I'll be taking tons of photos and spending time with my favorite friends and family. Cannot wait to post a weekend follow-up post on Monday.

Enjoy the weekend darlings, I look forward to returning to you next week!

xxoo chelseablanket

{Please & Thank You: March 24th}

Hello birds & blokes! Time again for another formspring Q&A post: 

Q: Will you go out with me? Check Yes or No
A: That's not how to ask out a lady... c'mon!

Q: do you take your pictures of yourself? or does someone take them for you?
A: I take my own photos about 50% of the time. Occasionally I'll have a helpful assistant to snap a few photos, but if not, I make it work.

Q: what kind of computer do you use?
A: My personal home computer is a MacBook. My work computer is a 2GB Intel Mac HD Core 2 Duo.

Q: where can i get your life? I lovvvveeeeeeeeee you!
A: Trust me, you don't want it...but thank you. Ha, my life is so boring!!! I love you too!

Q: What is your favorite thing happening in guys fashion right now?
A: YAY!!!! I am absolutely in love with bow-ties. It takes a confident man to wear one, and I think that's always be attractive. Also, structured jackets with interesting collars are stirring up all over the runways for the summer/fall, and it's an awesome. They all seem to have a sense of vintage shape with futuristic elements incorporated. I dig Big time. Check out Burberry Prorsum, Gucci, Paul Smith and Dolce & Gabbana's Menswear Collections for Fall 2010. All AMAZING

Q: If you chose to eat meat again, what would your first carnivorous meal be?
A: I'm not really sure how to answer this question. Mostly because I never plan to eat meat again. It's become a moral belief as well as a conscious decision. I suppose if I HAD to eat meat, I'd have a BLT...when I was young I loved bacon. There you go.

Q: why did you leave boise?
A: I made a few big mistakes/decisions that forced me to leave. I've really made a lot of personal progress while living in Oregon, but I really, truly, terribly miss Boise and all the friends I made while there. It's a good life lesson learned that mistakes have consequences. I'm planning to visit this summer!!!

Q: how many tattoos do you have? where and what are they?
A: I have 10 tattoos. In order of oldest to newest:
1. My first I got when I was 18. It's the word "Freedom" on my front, low hip. It symbolizes the song Chicago by Sufjan Stevens that says "If I was crying in the van with my friends, it was for freedom from myself, from the land."
2. Next, is my rib piece. It was inspired by the song Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles and is a compass rose with skeleton keys with wings on them and North & South written above and below.
3. On to my neck I have 3 wooden birds. They are positioned from smallest at the nape of my neck to largest, just under my ear. People are intimidated to get neck tattoos, I love mine. They are only outlined...and I like them like that.
4. I have a piece inspired by Eisley on my left shoulder. It's a one-man-band essentially, and I got it in preparation for a difficult time of my life a few years ago. I got it to represent that the fire in my heart can not be overtaken by material things, nor destroyed by them.
5&6. I have bows on each of my hips. I hand drew each and I love them. They make me feel cute.
7. My left foot. The words "Let our passion bleed" from the Thrice song, T&C. The song is essentially saying that if you've lost all your dreams at least you have love. It's a prayer essentially.
8. My right foot. I have a severed hand with a lace cuff holding a thorny rose, and the hand is bleeding. It sounds gruesome but is actually very pretty. It's one of my favorite pieces.
9. My thigh piece that is in progress. In the end it will be the word 'Honesty' with a crown and scattered jewels and ribbon below it. I've come to appreciate honesty more than anything in life.

10. My in-progress sleeve. Most of you have seen it. It's a fawn/girl totem with lotus flowers and wooden waves. I have a feather floating on the inside of my upper arm. When finished (in May!), it will be down to my wrist. It's representing temptation and purity of heart. I'm so excited for it!!

Q: do you smoke? how much/often?
A: I do smoke, regrettably. Currently, I smoke about 4 cigarettes a day, more if I'm socializing. I do have a pack of Nicorette gum and patches waiting for me when I'm ready to quit.

Q: Are you single?
A: Yes, I am.

Thanks everyone for your questions! Happy Wednesday. Thank goodness the work week is half over! 

xxoo chelseablanket

{Trying New Things: Wednesday, March 24th}

Hello again birds and blokes! Time has come for an update on my March goal of Trying New Things. This is what I've been trying the last week:

1. Physical Fitness pt. 2

I have started running! Two days on, one day off, one mile each run. It's been really hard getting my lungs used to breathing {darn smoker lungs} but I've really been enjoying the exercise. I feel good, and healthy and have been craving more green foods, which is always encouraging. I've also been stretching and doing yoga each morning.. It feels so good to start each day with a peaceful mind.

2. Teaching Myself French

Easier said than done. While I did muddle in a French class durring my days at University, I barely scraped by with a passing grade, as my heart wasn't in it. However, watching all of Audrey Tautou's films has recently motivated me to quit being such a cynic and learn some conversational french. I picked up a french dictionary a few days ago, and will carry it around everywhere I go, trying to learn a few new words here and there. Obnoxious, I'm sure I will be:)

3. Going Country

I tend to say "I hate country music," however, I realize this is far too much of a generalization. I love good country music with fuses of folk and rock mixed in. This week, I bought 2 new albums while out thrifting, Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson. They've been great company through the starry evenings as I blog for you. I'm feeling that this summer, I'll be listening to a fair share of good country music.

4. The High Bun

As silly as it may seem, I have a weird-thing about wearing my hair up. I used to do it so often as a kid and my sister would tease me, that it's been a self-conscious tick I've had for years. However, the last week, I've been wearing my hair in a high bun! It's so fun and simple. I do think I'll wear this look into the ground.

5. Trying New Things

This week I cut my own hair.

This week I wished on a shooting star.

This week I spent more time in the kitchen.

This week I stayed up past my bedtime.
This week I started drinking Jasmine tea instead of coffee.
This week, I gave money to a bum..and he smiled.
This week, I'm going to spend quality time with family.

xxoo chelseablanket