Current Obsession: Chalkboard Paint

Recently I've been redecorating my house and saw a Jonathan Adler mirror that I HAD to have. Unfortunately, it was going to set me back roughly $600.  Ouch! I would much rather buy a pair or two or three of shoes. As some of you know, I spend a bit of time trolling Etsy.com via the interwebz, and figured I could find a Jonathan Adler-esque mirror. Three million mirrors... not one scalloped mirror. But I did run into a lot of vintage mirrors and frames that had been turned into chalkboards. Unfortunately the size I wanted didn't exist. As a problem solver and an obsessive crafter, I decided to make one!!!

Obstacle #1: Find a mirror or frame. After keeping my eye out for a few months, I found a pretty good sized old mirror at a garage sale. Cheap, interesting, cool. Sold. 

Obstacle #2: Find chalkboard paint. (I'm sure some of you knew that this magical substance exists... but some of you may not.For those of you who didn't know, you can go to your local hardware or craft store and pick up a handy can of paint that will turn ANY surface into a chalk board.) I opted for the spray paint and it set me back a solid $5. 

Obstacle #3: Paint. 

So I did. And I love it. Now, my biggest issue... I want to paint everything with chalkboard paint!!!! Any ideas?

Agave Nectar of the Gods

Let it be known, I love agave nectar.

When my sister said to me three years ago "agave nectar is a common honey replacement in vegan households" I scoffed. A honey replacement. Please. Could never happen. 

Fast forward to about a year ago, I was house sitting for my parents. As always, I was looking for a snack. And as always, my mother's pantry is filled with nuts. (Some of you may or may not know, I'm allergic to nuts.) I did find one bag of healthy choice popcorn. Barf. But I needed something to munch. So, I grabbed four bowls and divided the popcorn amongst them. One bowl was kept plain, one with cocoa powder, one with Old Bay seasoning, and one with, whomp whomp, agave nectar. 

And at that moment, my life was changed. Yum! Within the next week, the honey at my house was gone and replaced by agave nectar. 

Agave nectar, if you haven't tried it, is light and sweet. It is less sticky than honey, doesn't give you that horrible throat scratch when you've had too much, and has a light fruity, vanilla taste at the very end. 

Try it with your tea or coffee, to sweeten cookies, or my favorite with goat cheese on crusty french bread. Yum! The best part, yes, it's vegan. No animals are harmed when it is made AND it comes from a plant, so you aren't destroying an animal's habitat and hard work, just to sweeten your biscuit. Yep, agave nectar is great on biscuits too! You've never tried it? You can thank me later.

I Don't Usually Smell Like Fish

This phrase was uttered to me the other day. With a completely straight face and completely earnest.

"I don't usually smell like fish."

But really, to make matters worse, is wasn't just a fish smell. There was a bit of salty body odor, as well.

Clearly, my new friend had been spending the day fishing and had yet to make it home to bathe. I realize sometimes you are in a rush to go places and people have busy lives, but honestly, if you know you smell that bad, take a shower before you go out in public.

You can smell yourself. You understand what body odor smells like... if you have been doing something strenuous, you've been working with something odoriferous, or it's been a little bit of time, shower. Please, I beg of you.

Bathe and you won't have to awkwardly say to someone "I don't usually smell like fish."

White Jeans... Let's Discuss

A summer staple for some, yet the bane of others' existence. 

Where do you stand on the issue?

Personally, I love a good pair of jeans in a modern cut (loved my white flairs in college). Currently I have a pair of white skinny jeans from your friend and yours, Michael Kors, which will be making an appearance all summer long. So, get excited. I'm a huge fan of pairing my white jeans with a draped top with a pop of color. Or with a black top and tons of turquoise jewelry. 

With white jeans, if they are poorly cut, they only accentuate your flaws. Also, as we know, lighter colors highlight, while dark tend to minimize things. From that, naturally you can conclude, unless your jeans fit well, they will not be attractive.Another thing to keep in mind, the thickness of the denim. White can be see through, so a thicker denim is obviously a wise choice. 

Don't settle for the first pair you find, chances are they won't fit perfectly and they will be too sheer.  But when you do find the perfect pair, and you are a white jeans fan, go for it.

What to Wear on a Date

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must date. We date, in hopes of one day, finding the right person. A partner, a companion, and who knows maybe even the parent of your child (if you so choose). No pressure, right? Actually, there isn't! A date is similar to an interview... but here's the thing, you are both interviewing each other. If you like each other, go out again. If you don't... don't. Simple as that. 

Since appearances are important, whether we like it or not... here are a few ideas of what you might want to wear on your date. 

Casual - The first few dates you will go on, will probably be casual, 'get to know you" sort of places. As you may or may not have guessed by now, I'm a fan of dresses. I think they are cute, flirty, and are appropriate for most every situation (plus that added air conditioning in the summer helps!) What's even better, dresses can be dressed up or down - so if you're going somewhere new and you're not sure how fancy you need to be, grab your "go to" dress. Add some fun accessories and heels or a statement necklace and some great flats. That way, regardless of the place you go, you'll be comfortable (and not too over or under dressed.) Other options, jeans and a fancy top - depending on your build, wear whatever is best suited for your body type. Obviously, you want to look your best, but also like you're not trying too hard. For guys, wear your favorite jeans and a cool concert t-shirt or a button down with the sleeves rolled-up. Flip flops or loafers, depending on what kind of guy you are. 

Dressy - Chances are, getting dressed up won't be your first date (unless you're in high school and you're going to homecoming together... but none of you are in high school... that I know of.) You're getting a little more into dates... and it's time to make sure the person you're dating isn't a total farm animal. You'll go to a nicer restaurant and maybe a special event - what then? Obviously, you're not going to wear what you once considered perfect during your single days. Granted, you're still single, just not exactly the same way as you were before. This is a great time to pull out some of your favorite dresses, heels, and accessories. For guys, don't be afraid to wear a well fitting suit! If that's too much for you... a button down and dress pants will always be fine. Also, consider investing in a nice pair of loafers or driving shoes. You'd be surprised how quickly they dress an outfit up. 

Night Out - The trickiest date of them all when you are starting to date someone. Here are some questions to help you figure out what to wear. What kind of night out will it be? Have you been to this place before? Have any of your friends ever been there? The best thing to do, if you've never been to this place before is ask your date (if they suggested it.) Is it a dive bar or more of a lounge? For ladies: this is a great time to pull out your hot skinny jeans and a funky top that may or may not have been purchased at Urban Outfitters (or some place equally as "trendy" and possibly a little younger than how you might need to dress). If you are a dress kind of girl, don't wear your littlest "single girl" dress, but wear the one you like the best and feel awesome. (Hey, if the date doesn't work out... you might meet someone else! But hopefully it works.) If you're a guy, go for jeans or my personal favorite denim cut non-jeans - a vital addition to any closet.

With these suggestions in mind, you're on the right track. The most important thing, be comfortable. If you're uncomfortable, your fidgeting and discomfort will only rub off on your date and make them perceive that you make them uncomfortable... not exactly the best feeling to give a date, huh? Relax, be comfortable, and most importantly, have fun!

Denim Cut - Non Jeans

Do you have a pair or two? No? We're in a fight until you do. 

I, like everyone else, love jeans. They are comfy, they look great, go well with everything... and are so ubiquitous. Have you ever noticed when packing for a trip you want to feel like you have too many outfits that revolve around your jeans? Here is a great time for denim cut - non jeans to take come to the rescue. They fit as well as jeans and go with just as much. 

It doesn't matter if they are brushed cotton, khaki, twill, whatever... they can be any fabric. And they can be found at almost any store at almost any price point. It's a great alternative to the everyday monotony of looking like everyone else.

Letter to the Editor: Floral Shoes

Dear NattilyNatalie,

I've just purchased a pair of floral heels that I love! However, I would love some dos and don'ts on how to wear them. Is it okay to wear one of the colors in the print as a solid dress to pair with, or is that too matchy-matchy? If wearing with jeans, how to drew attention to them and what kind of top/accessories will help them pop?

Sincerely, 

Your Loyal Reader

Hey LR!

I LOVE floral shoes. Really, I love any shoe with a print. I love the challenge and then once you figure out your challenge, they suddenly become a vital part of your wardrobe.

With floral printed shoes (and other colorful patterns) squint your eyes. What is the color that pops out? Whatever that may be, that is the color is goes with best. You can wear it with a dress of that color and then a cardigan or little blazer of a very opposite color that "goes with it" Aim for bright -it's Spring, after all! The pops of color would be a great way to make sure it's not too matchy-matchy.

Here's the thing with floral printed shoes, they are so uber-girly, that you immediately need to toughen them up, so that they don't look like frilly fuss shoes.

For work: A pencil skirt, bright cardigan (maybe kelly green) buttoned and belted, some classic silver jewelry and your hair in a knotted funky bun. 40's sex kitten secretary is a great way to have fun with these shoes. 

For play: Skinny jeans or black pants (to keep the focus), a bright top (maybe neon yellow?), and a long strand (at least 22") of pearls, and a leather jacket. Lady like dressy, with some edge. 

Other outfit options to consider: A leather shift dress (get the juxtaposition between the sexy and tough of the leather and the sweet of the shoes); a black or navy romper with a stack of enameled bangles (dressy, yet playful); or a solid A-line skirt and a chambray button down, knotted at the waist (modern, classic Americana). 

Hope this gives you a few ideas to start with. With fun shoes, especially prints, the options are endless!

xoxo
N

Fun Date Ideas

Whether you just started dating or you've been married for years and years, date night is something I think is necessary to all relationships - and something I've seen my parents do almost weekly since I can remember. They're still together after 30+ years - so I'm fairly certain they are doing something right. It might not be ALL about date night, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it helps to take a little time to spend together - just the two of you. 

Dinner... movie... Blah Blah Blah. No thanks. Let's make it interesting. 

- Go to the local farmer's market together. You can buy each other thoughtful and yummy presents! You can pick up flowers, fresh veggies, and tons of other local goods. And don't even get me started on the people watching!
- Get active! Play mini golf, go bowling, go ice skating... something fun and exciting. It will get your blood pumping and whether you're terrible or the best ever, you'll be laughing the whole way. 
- Go to a local "point of interest". You may think these are just for tourists... but really, when was the last time you went to the local botanical garden? Never? It's a great place to explore and spend some time together. 
- Drive to the next town over and explore!
- Go to a grocery store that you don't normally visit, pick out food together and prepare a meal together at home.  
- Google: Local vineyards. Who doesn't love a wine tour? Bet you didn't know there are even a few near our tiny beach town. 
- A personal favorite of time... get friends together, everyone brings a dish and a bottle of wine. Eat, drink, and be merry. 
- A day at the beach or the park. Bring a blanket, lunch, some music, and a Frisbee. 
- Go to a theme park or the fair... Let your inner kid come out!
- Check out GroupOn or LivingSocial. They always have great activities you probably didn't know were even out there... and they are cheap! Kite Boarding? Beer School? It's all been available in the past week.
-  Take an art class together, painting, pottery, anything working with your hands. It will be fun and you'll have a little memento.

Don't be afraid to get creative. If you're an established couple, you might learn something new about your partner. If it's someone new, you'll learn very quickly what their comfort zone is and if it matches yours (or if it's something you want nothing to do with).