The Ohio Update

First, lets just say...never start a roadtrip on a holiday during rush hour..especially when there are a billion college campus in your area. Our eight hour trip turned into a almost a twelve hour trip.

Danny's family was so excited to see him, he hasn't been home in a year! We had Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmothers house with his Mom's family. Danny made the big "we're getting married" annoucement, which I thought went well. But apparently his grandmother wasn't too please...but Danny's Mom and step-Dad stuck up for us. I love those two. Atleast we have people on our side! Later that day we went to Danny's Dad's side of the family.

It has always been tradition in my family to see a movie on Thanksgiving night...I was so excited when we decided to take Kaleb to see a movie!

I didn't take part in Black Friday events, large crowds in stores is NOT my thing. HOWEVER! Danny's Mom and step-Dad picked up some awesome things for me and Danny! A flatware set, a quesedilia maker, electric skillet, spice rack and some other stuff! SO EXCITING!

Friday night we were supposed to get drinks with Danny's sister and some friends. But I KNEW it wouldn't happen. I knew Kaleb wouldn't want his Daddy to leave. Danny was a little dissapointed that he didn't get to go out, but it ended up being a good night. I loved seeing the two of them together and having fun.  Danny is a great Dad.

I made breakfast Saturday morning,  chocolate chip pancakes...Kaleb said he has never had them before! Which just showed me that Ohio really is under a giant rock! Then we took his to see Santa..such a cute picture!

Saturday night we went out with Danny's Dad for dinner. It literally took Danny the entire trip before he told his Dad we were getting married. I was a little upset that he didn't want to tell him, he alluded that his Dad "wouldn't even care." It hurt a little that someone might not care about something this big. But his Dad took it well, and didn't have anything negative to say. He was all over Danny though about the security clearance/graduation thing. It was very strange.

We left Ohio late Saturday night so we wouldn't hit traffic...a good idea because his Mom was in traffic ALL day yesterday.

Yesterday we were laaaaazy all day. And then went out for sushi to celebrate my birthday. I'm sad I won't get to see him for my birthday..or for the rest of the month for that matter. I won't see him again until December 23. The longest we have been apart. But atleast I'll see him for Christmas AND New Years!

Tomorrow is my 24th birthday and I'm flying home to Boston! SO SO excited!

On a Roll!

I've been on a roll lately with listing and renewing items - but not so much with blogging. Funny how the two seem to switch places from time to time eh? Well part of the problem was that I couldn't seem to log into byhand.me, which is where I create the spotlights that I use in my treasury blog and when I show of my latest listings on this blog. I finally thought to try clearing my browsing history and that let me access the site again! Woohoo! So your going to get TWO spotlights of my latest listings and such :D

Don't forget this is the last day to earn entries in my Top Commentators Contest for this month. How does that work? Simple, just read my posts and leave me comments! So if your behind on your reading, today's the day to catch up! I'll be announcing the winners tomorrow! Also, leave in your comment today which of the listings I'm showing is your favorite and you'll get an extra entry into the contest!

Oh yes - and don't forget - all my shops have free shipping through the end of December - worldwide!




H&M Picks Continued - Cute, flattering skirts under $35

Ahh, back to reality, work, and studying. This will probably be my only post this week, since I have a huge exam this weekend which I cannot wait to get over with. But I wanted to share these great skirts which I picked up a week or two ago before they are no longer in stores, in case any readers wanted to go check them out in person.

On a separate note, Black Friday this year was tres disappointing for me - I hope readers had better luck! At midnight last Thurs, I visited (with high hopes) this outlet mall which had a ton of stores that I love - Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Ann Taylor outlet, AT LOFT outlet, Banana Republic outlet, plus much more. Somehow I managed to walk away with just a few Snuggies. It's so hard to find small petite sizes during chaotic sales like Black Friday, especially at discount department stores where you need time to dig.

Anyways, without further delay, back to the skirts. I continue to be surprised by the crafstmanship and wearable designs of H&M Trend, which can be obtained at prices only marginally higher than their regular stuff. Unfortunately, I think this line can only be found at stores in major cities like NYC, Boston, and San Francisico.

1. H&M "Trend" black / gray paneled high-waisted skirt. Size 2, $34.99.

At first glance, this looked just like a basic work skirt to me. Upon closer examination, however, I noticed it was actually quite trendy with lots of flattering details. This skirt has a banded waist with contrasting belt loops, contrasting side panels, pleated front panel, front pockets, and two back contrasting mock-pockets. Fully lined. The end result? An optical illusion that makes the wearer look like she has a small waist and curvy behind. Since I have minimal natural curves, I'm not complaining.


The key to the curvy illusion is the contrast side panels coupled with a very narrow bottom opening. Since there was so much going on at the bottom of this skirt, I paired it with a plain black tee and a thin black belt. I just adore the front pockets:

Click "Read More" for more skirts.



2. H&M "Trend" black / metallic cream skirt with piping detail. Size 2, $34.99.

All my photos don't do this skirt justice! For some reason, the lovely creamy champagne color of the skirt does not come out at all in the photos. I typically stay away from shiny or metallic materials in large quantities, but I thought this skirt was done well. The texture of the cream material is difficult to describe - a mix between jacquard and satin. I love the piping detail and elastic waist band with tiny ruffles. Oh, fully lined as well. This skirt is seriously so comfortable on because of the elastic waist (generously sized and not restrictive at all, unlike my elastic waist belt!).

I was at a loss about what to pair this with. The skirt really is a statement piece, but a plain tee on top didn't look right. I think a soft, black fitted sweater would be best, which remains high priority on my to-get list.

Paired with tights and black heels, this is currently work appropriate for me at my business-casual dress client. The metallic looks so festive in person, yet not glaringly metallic.

For cocktail or other nighttime settings, I switched up the top. The pattern of the piping reminded me of corsets for some reason, so I dug out the closest thing I had to a corset.

Tank top with structured bust from Forever 21, size S, $10.

3. Satiny pencil skirt with zipper detail. Sz 2, $24.99.
As evident by the price point, this is the one skirt I got that was not H&M Trend. The crafstmanship is noticeably poorer, but this skirt is still very cute and will last for at least a handful of wears. The zippers are cute (one is mock, one is the actual closure) and the satin is stretchy and curve-hugging, but I can tell it may pill and snag easily. It's also unlined so anything worn underneath or tucked in shows up clearly (still hunting for the perfect shapewear).

Note the ridiculous little bulges and creases around the tummy area caused by the tucked-in blouse. To make matters worse the blouse I chose has buttons, which are showing clearly. Paired with H&M cotton sleeveless top and Forever 21 necklace:

The key is probably to wear a smooth, fitted top. I was able to tuck in this tank with minimal fabric lines. Paired with the same corset tank from above:


While on my skirt shopping spree, I also picked up a fuzzy sweater from the juniors department. I loathe the quality of H&M's "Divided" line, but sometimes they do have cute stuff. Although the material of this sweater was iffy, it looked so cozy I couldn't resist.

I usually avoid shoulder details like the plague, but the fit on this was not too bad. Unfortunately, the material was indeed terrible - crazy itchy and constantly shedding. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a similar sweater in a soft cashmere knit with better-looking buttons.

While I was admiring the fit, my boyfriend strolled by muttering about how I looked just like Shredder. I had no idea who "Shredder" was, but I had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't a petite fashion icon. A quick Google search yielded my answer:
Shredder --> Me
Apparently it's some villain from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We do have the same tastes, from the shoulder spikes down to the black waist-cinching belt. Priced exorbitantly at $29.95, the decision to return this one was easy.

I will also be returning the above skirts since I decided to keep the tweed mini, but nevertheless I wanted to showcase how pretty and well-fitting they were. Deciding which one to keep was so tough. H&M, keep up the good work with the Trend line!

H&M Picks Continued - Cute, flattering skirts under $35

Ahh, back to reality, work, and studying. This will probably be my only post this week, since I have a huge exam this weekend which I cannot wait to get over with. But I wanted to share these great skirts which I picked up a week or two ago before they are no longer in stores, in case any readers wanted to go check them out in person.

On a separate note, Black Friday this year was tres disappointing for me - I hope readers had better luck! At midnight last Thurs, I visited (with high hopes) this outlet mall which had a ton of stores that I love - Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Ann Taylor outlet, AT LOFT outlet, Banana Republic outlet, plus much more. Somehow I managed to walk away with just a few Snuggies. It's so hard to find small petite sizes during chaotic sales like Black Friday, especially at discount department stores where you need time to dig.

Anyways, without further delay, back to the skirts. I continue to be surprised by the crafstmanship and wearable designs of H&M Trend, which can be obtained at prices only marginally higher than their regular stuff. Unfortunately, I think this line can only be found at stores in major cities like NYC, Boston, and San Francisico.

1. H&M "Trend" black / gray paneled high-waisted skirt. Size 2, $34.99.

At first glance, this looked just like a basic work skirt to me. Upon closer examination, however, I noticed it was actually quite trendy with lots of flattering details. This skirt has a banded waist with contrasting belt loops, contrasting side panels, pleated front panel, front pockets, and two back contrasting mock-pockets. Fully lined. The end result? An optical illusion that makes the wearer look like she has a small waist and curvy behind. Since I have minimal natural curves, I'm not complaining.


The key to the curvy illusion is the contrast side panels coupled with a very narrow bottom opening. Since there was so much going on at the bottom of this skirt, I paired it with a plain black tee and a thin black belt. I just adore the front pockets:

Click "Read More" for more skirts.



2. H&M "Trend" black / metallic cream skirt with piping detail. Size 2, $34.99.

All my photos don't do this skirt justice! For some reason, the lovely creamy champagne color of the skirt does not come out at all in the photos. I typically stay away from shiny or metallic materials in large quantities, but I thought this skirt was done well. The texture of the cream material is difficult to describe - a mix between jacquard and satin. I love the piping detail and elastic waist band with tiny ruffles. Oh, fully lined as well. This skirt is seriously so comfortable on because of the elastic waist (generously sized and not restrictive at all, unlike my elastic waist belt!).

I was at a loss about what to pair this with. The skirt really is a statement piece, but a plain tee on top didn't look right. I think a soft, black fitted sweater would be best, which remains high priority on my to-get list.

Paired with tights and black heels, this is currently work appropriate for me at my business-casual dress client. The metallic looks so festive in person, yet not glaringly metallic.

For cocktail or other nighttime settings, I switched up the top. The pattern of the piping reminded me of corsets for some reason, so I dug out the closest thing I had to a corset.

Tank top with structured bust from Forever 21, size S, $10.

3. Satiny pencil skirt with zipper detail. Sz 2, $24.99.
As evident by the price point, this is the one skirt I got that was not H&M Trend. The crafstmanship is noticeably poorer, but this skirt is still very cute and will last for at least a handful of wears. The zippers are cute (one is mock, one is the actual closure) and the satin is stretchy and curve-hugging, but I can tell it may pill and snag easily. It's also unlined so anything worn underneath or tucked in shows up clearly (still hunting for the perfect shapewear).

Note the ridiculous little bulges and creases around the tummy area caused by the tucked-in blouse. To make matters worse the blouse I chose has buttons, which are showing clearly. Paired with H&M cotton sleeveless top and Forever 21 necklace:

The key is probably to wear a smooth, fitted top. I was able to tuck in this tank with minimal fabric lines. Paired with the same corset tank from above:


While on my skirt shopping spree, I also picked up a fuzzy sweater from the juniors department. I loathe the quality of H&M's "Divided" line, but sometimes they do have cute stuff. Although the material of this sweater was iffy, it looked so cozy I couldn't resist.

I usually avoid shoulder details like the plague, but the fit on this was not too bad. Unfortunately, the material was indeed terrible - crazy itchy and constantly shedding. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a similar sweater in a soft cashmere knit with better-looking buttons.

While I was admiring the fit, my boyfriend strolled by muttering about how I looked just like Shredder. I had no idea who "Shredder" was, but I had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't a petite fashion icon. A quick Google search yielded my answer:
Shredder --> Me
Apparently it's some villain from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We do have the same tastes, from the shoulder spikes down to the black waist-cinching belt. Priced exorbitantly at $29.95, the decision to return this one was easy.

I will also be returning the above skirts since I decided to keep the tweed mini, but nevertheless I wanted to showcase how pretty and well-fitting they were. Deciding which one to keep was so tough. H&M, keep up the good work with the Trend line!

Cyber Monday Sale, Exciting News and Winner of Giveaway...

Cyber Monday Sale Today
25% off regular prices on everything in the shop to my readers!
Please use code "Cyber" in message to seller to receive credit!
For use in my Etsy shop....find link to shop to the left.

Other exciting news...
One of my tatted lavender sachets made the front page today! It was in a treasury I posted about over the weekend.


In addition to that, my button garland was featured in The Storque over the weekend!

Click here to read the article!


And now for the winner of Dana's sterling earrings......
Drum roll, please........

Random.org pulled number 3 out of 99. The third comment is by none other than KreatedByKelly! Congrats, Kelly, I will be in touch today :)

Tomorrow is the launch of another giveway, so be sure to come back....


Ribbitt...

or the Frog Queen? As soon as I took this Moss Koi bracelet bar out of the kiln I had decided it was mine...but to be fair I did put it on my website for a day just in case someone (who isn't on a bead diet) REALLY wanted it. Since it wasn't claimed today I decided that it had a purpose other than just to join my excessive bead stash. You see, like many others out there, I have a problem with hoarding beads. I think most of the time it comes from the fear that I will use something fantastic (and one of a kind) and then change my mind, have to rip it all apart, start from scratch, and maybe still not find the perfect creation for it. This time however, things fell in place (well, grand scheme-wise, not ease of designing-wise... the whole strand of beads slid onto my carpet on three separate occasions!) and I actually used one of my hoard beads! I was the lucky winner of one of Lorelei's Green Girl Studio giveaways several months ago and received a goodie bag of GGS pewter froggy beads.They were so darn cute I had all but decided that they would simply sit on my jewelry table where I could admire them and not have to commit to a design. Until...I pulled the Koi bracelet bar out of the kiln...it just called for a frog and a little blingy kapow (...at least as blingy kapow as I get...I know, sad excuse for super sparkle but what can I say? I'm a khaki pants kind of girl!).
Now, for anyone who might have had their eye on the Moss bracelet bar...let this be a lesson to you...snooze and I might just come up with a design for the component you had your eye on! (well... ok... I'll make another one for you if you want it... but you'll have to wait for another glaze firing... so next time just thumb your nose at the bead diet and go for the instant gratification!)

Busy with Giveaway, Treasuries and Black Friday Weekend!

I was pleased to find I was in two treasuries (one was twice) and an alternate for another treasury. Check them out!

I was in this one twice...the ring and the yellow tatted sachet.


My lavender wands made this treasury.


And, of course, don't forget that this is your last chance to get in on the Giveaway. It ends tomorrow morning.....click on the picture to enter!

Hope you are having a great weekend! I will see you Monday Morning!

Live and Die in LA

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(Urban Outfitters Dress, Jeffrey Campbell Alexa Wedges)

Did you guys have a Happy Thanksgiving?
Mine was the usual: KFC with the family since we don't like turkey and that's our lame tradition....
I've always envied those with a big happy family like my boyfriend's.
I come from a somewhat of a broken home although both of my parents are super loving and probably are the best parents who are also extremely stylish. lol
To be honest, I hate Thanksgiving. I hate any special holidays where you spend eating delicious food with your family because my sister and I only had each other when we were growing up and it was so boring. Nothing to do, no big meal to eat. Although we always had awesome friends who gave us leftovers. This year being Carol(thank you. We love you Carol. Your mom's the best cook!) Normally it's Sam aka Ham Shin who gives us his leftovers that he got from church..

My dad's brother passed away. Now our small family is even smaller. I went to a funeral for the first time and saw a dead person for the first time too. It was weird and sad. The fact that they're were only six of us was the saddest part. RIP 큰삼촌..
I don't mean to write such a depressing entry but for those haters out there, and who think I'm a spoiled rich girl, now you know, I don't have it all.

On a brighter note, I watched Ninja Assasin, and omg, it was such a good fight movie. I watched it with my sister and 5 of my highschool homies including Ham Shin, and all the guys hated the movie but my sister and I loved it. I think they're just jealous. They have to be. Rain is so hot in this movie. I think I want to be a ninja. I do qualify since I'm part Japanese. hehe

Aimeeways you guys, have a great week & a happy and warm December!
Love,
Aimee