Service Drive Flowers

Kyle found an unexpected place to take these pictures last night, with all the wild flowers, the service drive is really pretty right now. I actually want to get some of these flowers for my garden in my "future home". I saw an old lady who had them, and they looked pretty nice. I guess I will have to wait and see. So here is my second attempt at purple hair, and it still looks red. I even waited to wash it until after these pics so I could show you the color. I love how I have dirty hair and then I am wearing this beautiful dress that I stole from Lauren lol. 

I have also been neglecting makeup as of late. Just the basics, SPF, cover-up and mascara. I am too lazy to wear anything else and I am really tired of sweating it all off. I know it's gross but it's true. I really do like Summer a lot, but yesterday I felt so sick. My stomach was killing me all day and I think it is because at work they have the AC on high, and at home I do not have it and it is messing with me. I also came home and started my workout for this week (even though I wasn't feeling it) and I was doing okay, I mean, some of the moves are confusing as hell so I tried my best and there was one part where you are supposed to jump and spin and I fell on my arm twice because I am uncoordinated. So I gave up on the spin and just did a jumping jack instead. Either way, I worked up a good sweat and my legs felt like jello after so I hope it works. Brian, Kyles brother even brought over his old Ipod shuffle (which is the one I had before it died) and I am going to try to load it up with some awesome tunes asap.

I wore this dress in this post last week, and I forgot to include a pic of Lauren (how rude!) being as though it is her dress. So I kept it and now you can see how lovely she looked in it as well :)

Details

Dress-Lauren's

Sandals-American Eagle

Crowning Glory

Long weekend, no post! Well this has been a Summer of Summers so far. Lots of late nights, sleeping in late, and avoiding doing anything productive. Well at least this weekend was. I put the rest of the purple in my hair last Friday, although nobody can tell from these pics, then I headed out to the bar with a couple of friends. We played a few games of pool then headed back to the apartment to hangout with the neighbors. By then Kyle got home from work and the beer pong started. We didn't stop for a few hours and I slept in until 1am on Saturday. After slowly getting up, Kyle and I took Louie for a really long walk and checked out the Royal Oak Community gardens, which is on 11 mile. One of my friends from high school is a farmer for the gardens and even though there wasn't anyone out, the gardens looked great. After we got back, we went to Nikki's, a little Greek diner in Royal Oak, and Kyle took these pictures for me behind the building.

Sadly, I did not wear this outfit long. After we took these, we met up with friends and my neighbors and we all headed to a party that my co-worker Ricky was throwing at his friends house.  I was originally going to keep this on, but after I got home I felt too high maintenance and I wound up in a tank top, shorts and my trusty flannel. Which worked out for the best because we played "Fowling" which is bowing with a football, a lot of fun, but I am horrible at the game. We also waded in the pool and I got soaked but since it was so hot it was worth it. The only problem was that the party was over 20 miles away and we were dead tired by the time we got back. 

Sunday Kyle and I just had a marathon of Gilmore Girls and chilled out on the couch. But today after work I have to tackle our apartment, it has been neglected and abused. 

I have decided to grow out the hair color. I think it will look really strange for the first few months, but eventually it will look okay. I Kyle is excited to see the natural hair color come back out and I am too. I do have one last box of hair dye in case I hate it, but hopefully it won't come to that. I always feel more committed to projects when I state them in a blog post, I feel as if I have made a major declaration and then I have to commit to it. Speaking of, just a quick update on the weight-loss, I have lost a pound :D only 11 more to go!

Details
Dress, earrings & belt-Forever 21
Scarf-Thrifted
Boots-Bongo

So stay with me and i'll have it made

"No Rain" by Blind Melon was an extremely popular song the summer of my 15th year. 15 was a big year for me. I had both my first and last boyfriends that year. Brandon, aka "Hair dude" as we called him on account that his hair was tied up in twists and rubber bands, much like the guy from Korn, was a great kid. Our dates included trips to Taco Bell, my friend Meridith's house (her parents were never home, but we were too chicken shit to try anything so we mostly watched TV and ate chips) and hanging out at the local coffee shop, Java Hutt. As much as our contrasting personal styles actually made us the "cute strange couple", Brandon with his baggy jeans, skater shoes, long chain wallets and band T-shirts, me with my bleach blonde hair, flare jeans and my mother's vintage leather jacket, it was not made to last. Brandon was kind of creepy. He had an obsession with Orange Slice, and would keep all his empty bottles stashed in his room. Then he decided to keep my empty diet cherry pepsi bottles, and stand them next to his Slice bottles. He wrote all of his notes to me with words containing backwards "r''s because that is how Korn uses the letter "r" and every word that started with a "C", had a "K" instead. This really was harmless, but at 15 it creeped me out. Which really was a bummer because other than that he was really sweet. He was cute too, kind of looked like a dark-blonde Seth Green. After our 2 month stint, I called it off and then started a part-time job at the golden arches.

You see, I knew I was going to get a job because I had the hook-up. My classmates older brother worked there and said he could get me a job. He even did my interview and soon became my boss because he was the shift manager most of the time I was there. I liked working with him. He always wore a leather jacket and blue sunglasses. At work, he didn't sport the normal McDonald's visor or hat, he wore a red and black red wings one, he stood out. He was extremely nice. Too nice, actually. 

You see, he had just gotten a new apartment with his dad, he was out of his mom's house and since his dad had a new girlfriend, he was never really around. Giving him full access to party all of the time with his friends and girlfriend. Soon the parties became all-nighters, and more and more people found out about this Parental-free paradise. It was heaven to any 18 year-old who had an older sister, over the age of 21 to buy you booze in exchange for a free Big Mac. It was hell for his girlfriend who was not 18 yet and still had a curfew. 

My boss came into work one day, not being the cheerful guy he normally was. He was nursing a wound, a nail he chewed practically off over a break-up. THE break-up. Not knowing what else to do, I offered my apologies. and mentioned that the "group" (everyone under the age of 30) wanted to hangout sometime when we didn't have to all be at work. I got a half-smile response that said "sure". I got to work. 

The girls picked a date and begged their parents, the guys got our shifts covered. We were taking a group trip to Cedar Point. 

I strolled into work that Saturday morning to meet my comrades,  Rafik, Cheryl, Dan, Mika, Abreanna, Hope, Erica, Chris, Serkia...where was my boss that needed the oober cheering up? He was behind the counter, boxing fries. Apparently, he was covering a shift for one of the other managers that was partaking in the festivities. Too nice. 

I was bummed. It didn't last long, I mean, fifty-something roller coasters and rides in a giant theme park is a pretty good reason to not stay bummed, but still...

At the end of the night, Hope and I were picking out some souvenirs to take home. I found a little booth that could stamp whatever you wanted into a bracelet, necklace or a key chain. I plucked a key chain from the pile and picked a design that had stars on it. I asked the girl to stamp it to my specifications and then grabbed a second key chain for my boss's brother, who also did not make the trip. I mean, I wanted him to know I was thinking of him, but I was too chicken-shit coward to really put it out there so his brother got one too. It was hot, it was summer, we drove home at 2am practically screaming Blind Melon lyrics the whole way, drunk with idiotic youth.

The next day I handed over my key-chains to the guy in the red wings hat. He smiled. A REAL smile too this time, and said "Thanks Sara". Then I had to leave because I was the reddest 15 year old in a 5 mile radius on account of uncontrollable blushing.

Two weeks later I answered my door. Outside was a red Dodge Omni sitting idle in front of the house, an even redder guy in a tight black shirt, khaki pants and blue sunglasses thrusted a handful of flowers in my hands. There was a card, it read "I hope these flowers are a good gift, in exchange for the coolest key chain I own". I plopped the flowers in a vase, grabbed my purse and ran outside, into the Omni and started a 8.9 year relationship with Kyle.

Thank you Kyle, for taking my pictures every single day and for being the best fiance in the world. And also the hottest guy to ever work at McDonalds. <3

Details

Top-Mudd

Shorts-F21

Belt-ae

Shoes-Payless

Bag-Meijers

So much for the afterglow

Last Thursday evening, a crazy storm ran through Michigan and knocked half of Royal Oak's power out. I was so glad that I had finished making dinner for Kyle and I by that point and that it was sitting in the oven to keep warm instead of out on the table. As much as I love taking outfit pictures outside and in the rain, I decided to take some inside. I was also donning this beautiful dress that I borrowed from Lauren and I didn't want to get it wet. So Kyle played around with some candles and took these.

Details
Dress-Borrowed from Lauren
Shirt-Hot Topic
Shoes-Payless

FNF: Art of a Sparrow

Well look who decided to do a Friday Night Feature! Indeed, and I have a treat for you lovelies. Meet Lauren of Sparrow and Urchin, fellow fashion blogger, my neighbor and friend. Most of you readers know that she has a fashion blog, and comes up with creative and adorable outfits and pictures that she posts regularly. You have seen her mentioned on this blog, along with a few photos, but did you know that she was an amazing artist? It is true my friends, and she was kind enough to share some of her work and answer a few questions for me tonight. So without further ado, Lauren!

Being fully aware that you draw and paint, do you have a preference? And have you tried any other forms of art?
I guess drawing is my preference and oil painting. I painted in acrylics and on the computer but I like the real thing. While at school I took a lot of different classes, screen printing, glass blowing, wheel throwing, all which I love but as a side project to painting. They were good exercises to expand my abilities which in turn helped me with my illustrations. There is also of course sewing, I've been sewing since I can remember and have also incorporated in into some of my paintings. There are a few that I did embroidery right onto a painted canvas, and I'd like to explore that again in the future

Do you have a favorite piece that you have done/and why is it your favorite?
I think my favorite would have to be Snake Scarf, because it really was one of the first paintings I did where everything clicked, it just worked. I had found my voice. And others heard it. It was the painting that got me into the Society of Illustrators, and for that I love it.

What inspires you?

Everything? I don't know, I find inspiration in Animals, other artists, history, movies. Just really anything. As Da Vinci said, if you need inspiration, just look at a crack in the wall, you'll be able to create worlds with the lines created by that crack.

If you could classify your art as a "type", what would it be?Well it definitely is illustrative, but within that grouping I guess would be considered lowbrow or somewhat pop art. I've shown in galleries that are in the magazines Juxtapoz and Hi-Fructose, so I guess that type of art.

If you could paint/draw anywhere in the world, where would it be?

It would be everywhere. I never want to stop moving. But I would love to be back in Brazil or Japan. And of course I'd love to go see the artists I love in Europe.

Are there any famous (or local) artists that you admire?

Famous would be Waterhouse, NC Wyeth, Leyendecker, Rose O-neill, Tadema, and Mucha; all dead. Living would be Andrew Hem, Edward Kinsella, Sterling Hundley, Miss Van... oh sooo many. And local would be Glen Barr, Leyland Devito, Nancy Dendy, gosh all my CCS buddies

Do you do anything special to get into the mindset when you create art, or do you work as it comes natural?

I have to sit my butt down and force myself to draw, once I get to around three sketches it starts flowing. But art as a profession is really tough, you have to work hard to produce something.

Is there anything you are currently working on?

I have a two person show in September that I'm redoing some older paintings for and also new ones. I'm also going to do a limited screen print run as well. I have a lot to do!

Having a fashion blog and an art website that show of both of your many talents, can readers look forward to you incorporating more of your work into your blog?

I'd like to incorporate some art but I also have had an art blog for much longer and would like to keep that blog. So my fashion blog will still be more just my daily life with a little art in between, but my art blog will strictly be art.

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish as an artist? (Your biggest goal :D)

I have no clue. I want to be proud of what I've created. I also plan on attending grad school for art history/library of science to pursue a career in art conservation/ restoration and art curating. I'm both right and left brained so just art wouldn't fullfill my need for school and research. With that degree not only will I learn so much about the art I admire it will help me grow as a painter as well. And I will be able to make an important mark in our society, protecting the arts and promoting them.

I think with both of my loves together I will become the best artist/curator I can become.

I want to give a special thanks to Lauren for taking the time to answer these questions, and right now she has a pretty awesome giveaway going on at her blog at the moment. You can enter for a chance to win some beautiful prints of a few of her pieces of work, so head over there now and check it out! :D

For more info on Lauren's art, please visit: LaurenMoyer.com

Realm of mediocracy

I have never been one to exceed at anything in particular. I have too many interests to focus in on one alone and I tend to take on too many things at once so I never become fully exceptional at any of them. I love to read, I read a lot but in short bursts and I forget after awhile if I have read certain books or not. I love to cook, but I fail to follow any cookbooks or recipes and I tend to make the same things over and over only with slight variation. I like to exercise, but I fail to keep at it, and get disappointed easily. I love to paint my toenails but I do not have a steady hand. I love to write stories and poems, but they are mostly slap-stick and I fail to form plots or meaning. I don't mind though.  

I like that I don't dedicate all of my time and energy into one activity or passion because there are so many things out there to try. I like that I get frustrated when I burn stir-fry because then I can try again, and I am fully aware that I am human. What I like most of all, is that while people may know that I have many interests, they also know not to expect too much of me. When my friends come over and we are ready to go out and want me to do their makeup, I used to fear that I would mess it up so bad and they would get mad. Now I just make them aware that I am working out of a caboodle box and using wet n' wild, not the makeup counter at Macy's. When co-workers can tease me for reading Moby Dick and Buffy the Vampire slayer comics, I look at it as being well-rounded. When kyle comes home from work to feast on my "special", I know that he will be just as geeked eating macaroni with cheese and slices of hot-dogs instead of chicken Alfredo.

I think the best is my "fashion-sense". Enough people know about my blog and that I post outfit pictures regularly, but I love the fact that I can come into work, looking like the perfect little secretary in heels and a pretty skirt and then waltz in the next day in my Teenage Mutant ninja turtles T and know that I will be posting both outfits. They know I love clothes, but they never expect me to know what is in style. Like I said, they don't expect much of me, and I know that it sounds bad, but I love being the mediocre me that I am.

Details

Shirt & shorts-Thirfted

Shoes & purse-Target

Belt-F21

And now I know Spanish harlem are not just pretty words to say

This outfit is from last Friday night, I told you that I loved these shoes, lol. It was 82 degrees out, after being in the high 90's all week, and it felt cool. It is pretty sad when 82 feels cool! Well that is summer for you. I can't believe that I forgot about this vest, now I want to wear it with everything. Kyle and I have the habit of washing what is on the top of the pile so when all of it gets clean, it's like you get a whole new wardrobe back.

Here are some pics of Kyle, he matched the backdrop lol. I have to give him credit because he tends to take a lot of my pictures outside, while walking Louie. Louie is a handful to begin with so it can be quite challenging. 

 The can in his pocket is just precious. Anywho, I am off to gobble some Thai food and maybe hang out with my neighbors. I have a lot planed for the next two weeks so I want to see everyone :) 

PS-I adore this song.

Details:

dress-Kmart

Vest-Salvation Army

Shoes-Minnetonka

Pin-F21

Song "Mona Lisa's and mad hatters" by Elton John.

This ain't impossible

Oh yeah I FINALLY got to see my favorite band :D I had to go to Canada to do it. Kyle bought us tickets to the Roger's Bay Fest in Sarnia and we camped right in the park, it was awesome! I cannot believe that I have waited this long before seeing Weezer live, but it was worth the wait, they are amazing and so high-energy! They mostly stuck to faster songs, but they played plenty of songs from each of their albums. I heard everything from "El scorcho" to "Trippin' down the free way". Rivers even put on a wig and sang part of "poker face" which was really more funny than a good cover, but they did pretty well with a cover of MGMT. I screamed, I threw up my Weezer hands, I sang all of the lyrics until it felt like my voice was gone, and I jumped non-stop. The only thing that sucked was that I could not bring my camera in. Kyle tried to take some pics of the stage with his camera phone for me, but they didn't come out all that great, It does not matter too much, it's not like I am going to forget Weezer. Here are some pictures of our adventure in Sarnia.

After I was molesting my Weezer ticket, we found a pay phone! It is so funny how they were everywhere when I was in high school, but by the time I was in college, they were all gone. Kyle had to make a goofy face and pretend he was on the phone.

Then we got lost and had to stop for directions, we stopped at this restaurant that reminded me of Up North MI so much. It looks like one of those cheesy places in Mackinac City that we always stop in. They were pretty helpful, and soon we were on our way to the campsite, which was in the actual park. It was set up really easy, the parking lot was really close to camp, so we didn't have far to go.

 

Here is Kyle setting up the tent while I took pictures. I was nice and did help him after these pictures, we had it up in minutes, all those times camping in MI really have us pros at setting up tents.

Kyle relaxing in our tent in the 85 degree weather. The campsite was really small, but the park was so pretty. I wanted to jump in the water so bad! It was so clear and blue. Here are a few picks I took from the parking lot.

Then we found this! And of course we had to take a picture by it.  Kyle was so happy to have a whole weekend off, he usually works both Friday night and Sunday morning every single weekend. But he was happy as a clam in these pictures because he knew he had the morning off.

Kyle "Do the plane-pose!" Sorry I am wearing the same T-shirt again. But that is what happens when you always wash what is on the top of the pile. :P

We found a playground a little ways down the path and this awesome statue.

I found a whale. Then sat my fat butt on it, I remember there used to be a TON of these around when I was younger. I wonder what happened to them all? Did a bumch of grown adults like me break them by sitting on them?

Kyle liked the boat and did the "Jack! I am flying!" ....then he found the bigger boat and did it again.

Then... WEEZER!!! Okay, so a few local bands, Crash Karma, the awesome Sam Roberts, then WEEZER!!! XD

The rest of the night and the next morning were rough. People were up way past 5am, yelling and screaming. Then, we awoke at 8am because it was too hot in the tent to sleep anymore. We washed up and escaped the madness for some yummy breakfast before coming back to pack-up. Then we headed back to MI, where we were pulled over at the border (at random) for questioning. It took an hour, it was lame but I guess it is good to know that the state border patrol were doing their job.

We crossed at the Blue Water Bridge, and I had fun taking pictures of it. I will have to take some of the Ambassador sometime too, bridges are pretty cool to look at (at least to me).

"Pure Michigan" :) I am so grateful to Kyle for getting me these tickets and staying up all night with me for Weezer! I could not have asked for a better weekend, or concert. I love that boy so much <3

Song "I'm your daddy" by Weezer