TARGET + STARBUCKS = HEAVEN

My Target, in Watchung, NJ just opened a Starbucks inside the store. Yippee!!! My two loves!!

When I got to the counter, I ordered the "Double Chocolaty Chip", the barista said "Frap?" I said, "the one WITHOUT coffee." She said, "that's a Frappuccino". I said, "Oh, that's what it's called". She said, "Yeah". Then I said, "Yeah".  Hey, I didn't know, I don't drink coffee, but I like this drink, because it's like a chunky chocolate chip milkshake.

I was so excited that I drank it and forgot to take a picture of it...

LEATHER IS TRENDING PART 2

Leather is still trending. Three of the biggest names in music are seen here rocking leather shirts.

Justin Bieber                                                         Kendrick Lamar                                                            Kanye

You already know what I'm thinking. That's right Imma make my own "leather"shirt. While in Unique, I found a faux leather skirt, size 2X and I had a black shirt that I purchased from A.C. Moore for $3.33.

I'm going to replace the front panel of the shirt with the faux leather, so I cut along the seams and removed it, but I left the collar of the T-shirt and the sleeves.

First I cut one side of the skirt and then cut it in half. Then I used the front panel that I cut from the T-shirt as my pattern to cut the skirt and pinned the pattern to the faux leather skirt.

After I cut it, I pinned it inside out on the T-shirt, taking special care while pinning on the collar.

Guess what happened? Since I cut the skirt in half, it wasn't long enough, so I took the bottom half of the front panel to put at the bottom of the faux leather. I had to sew that together before I could sew the side seams.

After about an hour or so, I am happy with the finished product.

Here's how the collar turned out.

It was a little snug on me. I'll give it to my son, it'll hug his muscles.

BRITISH INVASION

Have you seen Downton Abbey? It is a British period drama series and it's absolutely "Brilliant". Season 4 will be premiering January 5, 2014 and I can't wait. I've already watched seasons 1 and 2, have yet to watch season 3.

I've been inspired by the British culture so much, that I'm helping my daughter decorate her room with a British theme. We went to IKEA and she purchased this large picture featuring their underground subway and I found this picture of the Tower Bridge at Unique for only $2.12.

Just the other day I found a nightstand at Unique for $4.99 that I'm going to paint red to resemble their infamous telephone booths.

Before I started, I put down plastic to protect my floor from the paint and I removed the door pulls.

I used some left over primer from when I painted my kitchen. Using primer gives you a blank slate to work with. I used the brush to put on the first coat of primer and then the roller for the second coat. 

*wait at least 30 minutes between each coat of primer*

I bought red spray paint from Home Depot, and I took this project outside. Spray painting this nightstand was easier and quicker than using a roller or brush. It took me less than 20 minutes. I left it outside to dry for about 2 hours and also because of the fumes.

I purchased gold door pulls from Home Depot for about $1.67 each to resemble the door knob on the booth. I'm thinking about writing "TELEPHONE" on the inset of the drawer to really pass for the booth. What do you think? Too much? Taking it too far? Or just leave it as is?

Voila!

When her room finally comes together, I'll update ya'll.

SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS

Ladies, have you seen the celebrities rocking the suede ankle boots and admired them from afar? Or do you already have a pair and I'm the only one late to this trend. I was a little leary whether or not I could pull off this look.

I found these suede Adele ankle boots online from Asos, but at almost $76. I only wanna dip my toes in the shallow end; not dive into the deep end. There's got to be a cheaper option.

Well. they done messed up now cuz, I picked these up at Forever 21. They were originally priced at $37.80, reduced to $18.99 and the final sale price $9.49. Now that's up my AL-LIZ-ZI-A.

(Translation: alley.) Shout out to Lil Scrappy!

Blouse-Alfred Dunner thrifted;
Pants-Zara thrifted; Belt-Ralph Lauren

Too equestrian looking? I shoulda scaled back a little, huh? See, I told you I was leary. Imma try again with some skinny leg jeans.

PANERA BREAD

Yesterday, I had a cheeseburger on an "everything" bagel with fries for lunch. I was kinda full but I knew I would be hungry later and didn't feel like cooking. My daughter suggested we go to Panera Bread.

 I said, "Ok, but Imma just get a salad".  Well, when I got there, they had a 1/2 salad 1/2 soup combo. I decided to get the onion soup and chicken caeser salad. Look how big the salad bowl is. Oh, they done messed up now! You will find me in Panera on the regular.

Look at the cheese and croutons in that soup! It was to die for. The french baguette. What!  Soooo good.

Plus, they have free WiFi!

DIY PERSONALIZED NECKLACES

Remember the first time you saw "Sex in the City" and wanted a necklace like just Carrie's? Either you didn't have money for it or if  you're younger, your mom said no! Well, let's make our own!

Is your name uncommon or common but spelled differently? No problem. That's the beauty of DIY, we can do whatever we want. Since, my daughter's middle name is uncommon, I decided to make one for her. 

I went to Wally World a.k.a.Walmart and picked up a pack of Alphabet Beads for $3.97 and a Necklace Kit for $3.00 that includes a chain, lobster claw clasps, toggle clasps, "O" rings, crimpers and wire.

This was so easy to make. I measured (2) 7 1/2 inch chains and laid out the letters with gold ball accents.

Thread the wire through the crimper and the chain link.

Fold the wire and go back through the crimper and use your pliers to flatten the crimper. This will prevent the wire from coming out.

Clip off the excess wire and thread your beads.

Once you have done that, repeat step one, thread wire through crimper and chain link, flatten crimper and clip off excess wire.

Now just use "O" rings to attach the lobster claw clasp.

I got carried away and made one for my friend Brittney and me. Since my name is so short, I added beads in between each letter.

So for about $7.00, I made three necklaces and have the materials to make many more. I think I'll make a bracelet next.