The Dollar Store

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Dollar Store Pumpkin Wreath image via granvillehouse.blogspot.com

As a kid, and even now, one of my favorite places to shop is the dollar store. It's always fun seeing what cool things you can find for cheap. Beware, though, because even though many dollar stores are stock full of the items that allow you to maximize your dollar, occasionally, you'll run into questionable things like food, and eyedrops.

After R showed me this shoe article from Yahoo, I've been obsessed with keeping up with their front page news section. Here is what I found a few days ago:

Birthday Gift Guide: Boyfriend

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Don't know what to get your significant other for his birthday? I didn't either, until I realized I had the ideas in front of me all along. In case anyone else ran into a similar problem, I decided to convert my thought process into a post. 

When looking for a gift for your significant other, consider the following:
  • What is his favorite thing to eat? If you can cook/bake this thing, you've already got half of a romantic night in, planned.
  • Does he have a favorite clothing brand? I read somewhere that guys don't like getting clothes because that's the job of a mother, but you have to remember that every guy is different. I ended up getting my boyfriend a shirt from his favorite brand, Obey, and he loved it.
  • A lot of guys enjoy receiving things they need. Does he shave? I recommend Jack Black's 'Beard Lube' via Nordstrom.
  • On a budget? A fun idea is to make him a card or scrapbook. Personalized coupons are always great too (ex message: "this coupon is good for a 30 minute back rub").
  • Tip: When conversations about materialistic items come up, take note whenever he says "I've been wanting ____ for a while", or anything up that alley. When you give him his gift, he'll be flattered that you listened, which is a gift in itself.
*An important thing to consider is the length of time you guys have been dating. If your relationship is fairly new, I wouldn't recommend making a scrapbook, as that can get very personal. For new relationships, stick to less serious things, like a home-made card, going out to a movie he's been wanting to see (your treat!), or a book/dvd.


Red Hot

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I've always been a sucker for red nail polish. It's the only color I wear year round, which explains why this shade dominates my nail polish collection. Here is a list of my best picks for each season:

  • 'Valentine' Revlon
  • 'Conquistadorable Color' OPI
  • 'Broadway Burgundy Frost' N.Y.C.,
  • 'Ruby Pumps' China Glaze

    • 'Big Apple Red' OPI
    • 'My Chihuahua Bites' OPI
    • 'Thimbleberry' Sinful Colors


      Ultimate Wish

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      It's 11:11 on 11/11/11. Make a wish, and ultimate wish.

      Outfit For Outfit

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      I have always adored Taylor Swift for her music... and style. At the CMA Awards earlier this week, she performed 'Ours' in a cozy cable knit sweater, jeans, and oxford shoes. I tracked down where she got her sweater from, and found that it was by Ralph Lauren (click on the link if you dare to see the price tag on that baby).

      This blog started on the foundation of trying to save college students, like myself, a little bit of money. I thought I'd go back to my roots, by putting together a "look for less" replica of Taylor's outfit from that night.

      sweater (link here): J.Crew $80 //jeggings (link here): AE $45 (Kind of pricey for AE, but they have sales all the time. I got my pair for $20) //oxfords: F21 $25

      Fremont Farmer's Market

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      Seattle is really lucky to have a lot of things: the Space needle, Kerry Park (as seen on Grey's Anatomy), The Original Starbucks, and amazing farmer's markets. This past weekend, I was able to visit the Fremont Farmer's Market for the first time. I couldn't have chosen a better way to spend my afternoon with friendly people, fresh flowers, vintage treasures, and the aroma of brick oven pizza and gyros.



      XO, SWEATshirt DRESSshirt

      P.S. A big congratulations to Taylor Swift for winning CMA Entertainer of the Year, for the 2nd time!

      Sparks Fly: A Nail Tutorial

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      While thinking about new ideas for this blog, I decided to combine what I do best, with what I love the most: painting my nails, and Taylor Swift. One of my favorite songs of hers is called 'Sparks Fly'. According to Taylor, it's about a forbidden love, with a whole lot of chemistry.

      After seeing her on tour, and listening to her songs more times than I can count (only because I love them so much!), I thought about how I could most accurately translate this song into nail art. This is what I came up with.

      WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Nail polish in gold, glitter, and black. The black nail polish should have a thin brush.

      STEPS:
      1. Paint your nails gold.

      2. For extra pizazz, add a coat of glitter polish. I used 'Only Gold For Me' from SEPHORA by OPI.

      3. Now for the fun part: the starbursts. Pick a point you want the lines to come out of. Similar to how you would draw the tail part of a check mark, with a quick swiping motion, make a hash mark. Tip: use minimal nail polish, as you want the tips of each line to be pointy and kind of faded.


      XO, SWEATshirt DRESSshirt

      Click here for the 'Better Than Revenge' nail tutorial.