happy Monday, vol. 37

3 things that are making me happy lately ...
1. I went running on Saturday evening.  It was good to get out there and get the blood pumping. My muscles were complaining on Sunday, however!
2. I taught second-graders for three days last week and had lots of fun doing it. The most challenging part was teaching PE, since I am the most uncoordinated person ever and have no skills to impart to anyone in regards to physical dexterity. Nonetheless, I rustled up some games (what would I do without all of those resourceful teachers who post useful ideas on the Internet?) and the second-graders enjoyed them.
3. I received some pretty pieces of jewelry for Christmas, and am looking forward to featuring them on the blog soon! :)

favorites of 2012: outfits

I think I'm starting to get the hang of this getting dressed business! It was fun to go through my archives and pick out the looks that made me smile. 

Column 1: I dabbled in a few different looks: first, as a rockstar librarian, then as Francesca Lia Block's character Witch Baby.

Column 2: I experimented with accessories. I built an outfit around a gorgeous clutch,  enjoyed my first pair of pink shoes, paired a thrifted patterned Tignanello bag with my favorite statement necklace from eBay, and found a great everyday lip color.

Column 3: I learned that little tweaks can make a big difference. I figured out a simple way to do my hair, and coordinated my scarf, glasses and shoes.

Column 4: My love of cardigans and sweaters continued unabated. I made an unconventional twinset, paired red, houndstooth and sparkle, and figured out that my alter ego color is hot pink.

     If you blog, I'd like to see which of your outfits from 2012 is your favorite! Leave me a link in the comments if you like. :)

Haitian Beads giveaway: the winners!

     I am so pleased to present the three winners of my Haitian Beads giveaway!
     I used random.org to choose the winners and their prize. Winners have been contacted via e-mail.
     First up, congratulations to Erin of Plus Size Curves Ahead!, who won this orange, blue and cream bracelet.

Next, Megan of Feathers & Freckles won this dramatic necklace.

     Last but not least, Gracey of Fashion for Giants snagged this dark sparkly bracelet.

     Thank you to everyone who entered, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the winners style their prizes! :) Remember, if you didn't win but want your own Haitian Beads, check out their site and use the order form to get your own necklace, earrings or bracelet. They've expanded their bracelet offerings to include spiral and friendship versions, and also offer keychains, napkin rings, and lanyards.

{not a} suit

UK Style by French Connection tweed blazer, Sears

petite trousers, Banana Republic Factory Store

top, Calvin Klein Outlet

     I don't play with texture as much as I'd like, but I thought this was a fun way to combine textures in a rather monochromatic outfit. I wore this for the first day of my three-day stint teaching intersession. The pant has a very subtle herringbone pattern (which I tried to capture in the photo below, but not as clearly as I'd like) that plays nicely with the tweed and satin-like material of the shirt.

    Let me tell you, it's a little rough starting a work stint, no matter how short, the day after Christmas! Also, I've been sleeping in since school ended, so it was an even harder wake-up call.
    Despite the problems of waking up (I will never ever be a morning person), I've been having fun with the second-graders. We've read lots of great books, including Mo Willems' "Pigeon" books. They particularly enjoyed "The Pigeon Wants a Puppy," as most of them read it along with me and began talking to Pigeon.

       Random news: Don't schedule doctor's appointments for a couple of days after Christmas. You might be unpleasantly surprised by the number on the scale after stuffing yourself with holiday goodies ... Truth be told, I don't really remember how much I weighed before Christmas, since I don't weigh myself regularly, but the number did seem an itty-bit higher. This suspicion is confirmed by the fact that these pants fit a bit more snugly than I prefer. Guess I'll be joining the masses in resolving to eat more healthfully and exercise a bit more in 2013 ....

** Want to check out my other {not a} post? I created an unconventional twinset here.

one more way to wear a striped tee

     I think that I went a little overboard on accessorizing, although the photo was taken midway through the accessorizing process. Here's a tally of what I ended up wearing: 

• one pair of earrings
• two necklaces
• three bracelets
• three small silver rings

 Supersoft striped tee, Gap Factory Store, $2.97

Paper Crane sweater, Ross

 scrabble tile floral pendant and friendship necklace, gifted

    Yes, this is same striped shirt I featured yesterday. I promise that it has regular dates with the washing machine. ;) This sweater is another new favorite item. I have wanted an open-knit lightweight sweater for a while, but every one I saw was either too flimsy-looking (a.k.a. Snag City) or just not right. I've gotten a lot of use out of it this month, layering it over everything from a brightly patterned maxi dress to a plain black tank. 
    Does anyone else feel like we skidded through Christmas and are headed for 2013 at breakneck speed? I'm looking forward to 2013 - it's the Year of the Snake (my year!) according to the Chinese zodiac and I'll be graduating (and landing a job in my field - fingers crossed). 2013, I'm looking forward to your arrival but I wish I could have an extra day or two to recover from the whirlwind that was Christmas.  

Try-it-out (Wednesday): double stripes

Gap supersoft tee, Gap Factory Store, $2.97

Linda Allard Ellen Tracy silk wrap skirt, Goodwill

necklace, Forever 21

     This tee combines two things I cannot resist: stripes and a bargain. As much as I love stripes, I haven't doubled up on them yet, so this skirt was a fun pairing.

      One puzzling thing about this skirt is its construction. When I put it on so the flap is in front and the tie is at my right hip, there's a seam running down the center of the front flap. But when I tie it on the left, the flap is in the back and the front is seam-free. Every wrap skirt I've seen has the flap in the front, so I wear it that way. But it strikes me as strange that it'd be sewn with a seam running down the middle of the front ... although the pattern is matched up neatly, it's still an odd choice.
      Hope you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate the holiday! We enjoyed a lazy, quiet day at home and did some cooking. My sister always leaves before New Year's Day and misses out on the Japanese food we make for New Year's, so this year we had our New Year's chow early. We enjoyed nishime (a kind of stew or soup with chicken, bamboo shoots, carrots, seaweed, and more) and also made apple blondies for dessert.

new classic and conversation closers

Halogen petite ponte skirt, Nordstrom Rack, gift

embellished tank, Macy's

JJ Basics cardigan, passed down

     I've been having fun getting dressed lately - maybe it's because I feel so much more relaxed with nothing to do but enjoy winter break. Evidence: I wore my houndstooth skirt for the first time to get dinner with sis and a cousin last week. Since it's the holidays, I added a sparkly tank, pearl accessories, and red cardigan - but knotted the tank at the hip so it looks laid-back vs. stuffy.
      Random news: I've realized that telling people that I'm studying library sciences is a conversation closer. The average person just has no conception of what librarians really do (and no, I don't take classes in Advanced Shushing and Reshelving). At the most, I get a blank but pleasant look and an "Oh, that's nice." I need to think up a 10-second soundbite that makes my future profession accessible and interesting without sounding pedantic or snooty.

happy Monday, vol. 36

3 things that are making me happy lately ...
1. A weekend full of time with family and friends.

                                                                                           Source: amazon.com via Carrie on Pinterest

2. Time to read. I finished two books this week, which is a rarity when school is in session. One of the books I finished this week was Francesca Lia Block's "The Elementals." I took a YA lit class this summer, and chose to focus my author presentation on Block. Thus, I've caught up on her more recent work, such as "The Frenzy," "Pretty Dead," and "Pink Smog." This book outshone them all. While the first three aforementioned books had me worried that Block had lost her touch for weaving magic in urban settings, "The Elementals" reassured me that Block's skills as a writer have only grown. The main character is Ariel, a college freshman who is dealing with her friend Jeni's disappearance and her mother's fight against cancer. Ariel is lonely and adrift, and one day her drifting takes her to a beautiful house in the hills. Its inhabitants feed her delicious food, dress her in silk, and make her hunger for their company. But such enchantment always comes with a price ...
3. Sleep. Lots of sleep. :)

procrastinator through and through

striped knit shift, Gap

petite leggings with zipper detail, Macy's

D&Y scarf, Ross

Dr. Scholls Allycats boots, HauteLook

     Are Hawaii bloggers allowed to talk about the weather? Or do bloggers dealing with freezing temps and snow right now throw virtual rocks at them when they do? Well, here goes ... the weather for the last few days has been odd. At times, it's sunny with a friendly breeze, blue skies, and cotton-puff clouds. Five minutes later, the wind is whipping rain at you under a gray sky. When I was getting ready to leave the house, it was whipping rain, so I dressed accordingly.

      Buckles and zippers make me feel just a little like a rockstar ...

     
     Random news: Obviously, my subconscious is on a time delay, because for two nights straight this week I had very unpleasant dreams about frantically trying to finish final projects for school and missing the deadline. Either that, or my subconscious is a procrastinator like me ...
    One last reminder: my giveaway for a Haitian Beads necklace or bracelet ends tomorrow! As of Wednesday night, I've got four entries and three prizes ... so chances are pretty good that you'll win something pretty! Please check out the post and enter if you like what you see. :)
     

Try-it-out Tuesday: sparkly tomboy

  short necklace and Love Fire olive skinnies, Nordstrom Rack

long necklace, Forever 21

Ralph Lauren buttondown, Ross

      I love a good boy's buttondown, but sometimes their boxy shape and loose fit can be a little hard to style. Tucking them into a high-waisted pencil skirt can be a quick fix, but a little more formal than I like on a weekend. Doubling up on the necklaces and adding a slim-fitting pant is a more weekend-friendly option.This was perfect for a Sunday excursion to the outlet mall and some serious time in the fitting rooms.
      I picked up some great wardrobe staples at amazing prices during a trip to the Gap Factory Store: two bright cardigans (cobalt and yellow), one white buttondown, and a striped tee, all for a grand total of $53. I visited other stores and tried on things at each one, but exercised restraint and passed on things that didn't quite fit or I didn't love. It's easy to get carried away at the outlet mall in regards to impulse purchases, but I think I did really well this time. I did love a square-neck black dress in a very structured cotton at Banana Republic Factory Store, but the dry-clean-only care tag and $60-plus price deterred me.
       And not to be annoying, but ... you can win a Haitian Bead necklace or bracelet in my very first giveaway! As of Monday night, only two folks have entered -- so if you like what you see, please enter! It's beautiful jewelry for a beautiful cause. Giveaway closes Fri., 12/21.

happy Monday, vol. 35

3 things that are making me happy lately ...
1. My sis is home! Let the eating and catch-up time commence. :)

 Hope grows 

2. I'm holding my first giveaway, and am so excited to promote and support the amazing Haitian artisans who craft these necklaces and bracelets by hand. Bonus: an amazing, inspiring and eloquent interview with an old friend, Dorina Lazo Gilmore. Please enter: I've got one necklace and two bracelets up for grabs for three lucky folks! And if you feel inspired to do some Christmas shopping with haitianbeads.com, that would be a great way to support a worthy cause and get some pretty jewelry at the same time. That's what I call a win-win. Giveaway ends Friday, Dec. 21, so hop over to the post and enter! :)
3.  Baskin-Robbins chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake. Yum. I'm sure the day will come when my metabolism won't be up to handling such decadence, but until that day -- I'll enjoy every bite. :)

What's making you happy today? 

interview/giveaway {CLOSED}: Haitian Bead Project!

 Photo courtesy of Dorina Lazo Gilmore

     
     Today I am so pleased and thrilled to feature Dorina Lazo Gilmore (above, in the light blue tank top, front row) and the Haitian Bead Project! I knew Dorina "way back when" - when we both worked at a newspaper, she as a features reporter and I as a news copy editor; before she married her husband, Ericlee, and became mama to three beautiful little girls; before she became a children's picture book writer and shared her love of writing and books with the world. 

     To thank my readers, and to support this worthy project, I have purchased three jewelry items that I will be giving away to three winners!! Details are on the bottom ... but I hope you will read this post in its entirety. :)

  

Photo by Lisa Schmidt

 
1. Can you tell us a little about how the Haitian Bead Project began?
The Haitian Bead Project was birthed in summer 2011. The Haitian Director of our nonprofit organization, Peter Constantin, connected with a woman named Shelley Clay who started the ApParent Project in Port Au Prince. It turned out she and I also happened to be connected through a mutual college friend. She generously offered to train a few of the women from our ministry in making beads from recycled cardboard. She got them started and then they brought their skills to the northern mountains of Haiti to their hometown of Pignon. That same summer I was living in Pignon and began working with the women to show them how to make their beads into jewelry. Together we began to develop a small business so we could sell their products in the U.S. The vision was to start something that could help lift the women from their state of poverty.

2. What is your role with the Haitian Bead Project?
My role is to direct the project, providing training for the Haitian artisans and overseeing the U.S. business side of The Haitian Bead Project. I live in Haiti during the summer and provide encouragement to the leadership and training for the artisan groups while I am there. I have a personal relationship with each of our 57 artisans. My goal is to encourage their creativity, foster community among the group and build the business as a cooperative so the artisans can provide for themselves and their families. Throughout the rest of the year I am based in Fresno, California. My job then is to market and sell the jewelry in the U.S. as well as organize the extensive team of volunteers we have helping with the behind-the-scenes of the project. 

Photo courtesy of Anjie England

3.  How are the beads made? What products are available?
The beads are made by cutting recycled cardboard (like cereal and snack boxes) into long, triangular strips and then wrapping them around skewers to form a bead shape. Each bead is then glued and varnished to seal it, then dried in the sun. After the beads dry, they are formed into our jewelry and other products. Currently, we make a diversity of styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, lanyards, keychains, ornaments and eyeglass leashes.

4. I notice that you often talk about "a hand up vs. a handout." Can you explain?

Haiti has experienced some horrible natural disasters and much political strife in its history. More than 80 percent of the country is unemployed and living in poverty. Many groups have rushed into the country offering aid and handouts. This “relief,” of course, was needed immediately following the natural disasters but needs a more strategic plan for the long-term. The goal of our nonprofit organization, Christian Friendship Ministries, is to transform lives in Haiti. That means not just giving handouts and then creating an unhealthy sense of dependency on outside aid. We want to help Haitians develop useful and marketable skills that can offer them that “hand up” from a place of poverty. This approach looks at the whole person (spiritual, physical and emotional) and encourages a sense of dignity and responsibility as they work together to move on from a place of shame and poverty.

5. Can you tell us about the artisans who make the beads? How does participating in the project benefit individuals and the community?

After working with the women (and three men) for more than a year and a half now, I am beginning to see how this project is truly transforming lives. Women who once had to beg for food and money are now able to feed their children, send them to school, help their neighbors and give to their church. One of my good friends, Moise, has even saved enough money to start building a house for her little family. What pride and joy she had in showing me the construction of her little place. (Read more about Dorina's visit to Moise's home here.) The benefits are not only monetary. I see that these women are gaining confidence in their skills and themselves. They are cultivating their creativity. They are growing as individuals and gaining that sense of human dignity, which is even more vital than food and resources.

 Photo by Lisa Schmidt

6. How has your work in Haiti changed you? Your family? Your work as a writer?

My whole life purpose has changed as a result of serving in Haiti. I once dreamed of being a writer, publishing books and raising kids. Those are great dreams but they were all more focused on me and my own ambition. Now that I am involved in The Haitian Bead Project I have realized a greater dream that moves beyond myself into helping other women and families. I have a strong faith in God and I believe Haiti has changed me because it has helped me realize His will for my life and my need for Him each day. In my heart I will always be a storyteller. As I work with the artisans and volunteers in Haiti and the U.S. I am gathering stories and finding opportunities to share those stories. My kids are very much a part of the project as well. We take them to Haiti with us and they consider it home.

7. Speaking of writing - is a picture book on Haiti in the works? ;)

I have three children’s picture book manuscripts set in Haiti. I hope I can one day find publishers for them but I have to be patient because most of my energy goes into the business and raising my three girls.

8. And since this is a style blog ... You've always been stylish. How do you describe your style?

I have always been attracted to unique, colorful and handmade. I love clothes and jewelry that have a story, that speak of another culture or people or landscape. I’m currently addicted to gray and turquoise. Unless I’m running or working out, it’s rare to see me without my Haitian beads; I feel naked without them. ;)

9. Want to buy your own set of beads? (Hint: they are a great gift for those hard-to-shop-for folks on your holiday gift list!)
Visit haitianbeads.com's "Contact Us" page for details. 

Thank you, Dorina!  

And here are the three jewelry items up for grabs in the giveaway!

 

#1: bracelet with tones of olive, green and dark sparkle. This would be a great addition to your stack of bracelets.

 #2: bracelet with shades of orange, blue and cream. Perfect for brightening up any dreary winter day!

#3: This 25-inch necklace can be worn long or looped twice around your neck. The fire-red and black beads will spark compliments everywhere you go.

  Rules:

• Submit the Google form below to enter.
• Giveaway ends Fri., Dec. 21.
• Luck of the draw will determine which jewelry item you win!
• One entry per person.
• U.S. readers only (sorry, international folks!)
• Winners will be randomly selected.

etsy roundup: gift ideas for book lovers

     I've been doing quite a bit of my Christmas shopping on etsy, and have discovered a plethora of things for your favorite bookworm.
     These lacey chrysanthemum bookplates by JCBDesign Studio come in a set of 6, are self-adhesive, and at $8 would make a great stocking stuffer.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     If your bookworm has a favorite quote, why not put it on a bracelet for them? These leather bracelets from Cjohannesen are $29, come in several colors of leather, and can be customized.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     Words can also keep you warm ... and stylish. This Tea and Clover poem scarf is $24 and features an e.e. cummings quote.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     I adore anything letterpressed, and these bookmarks by littlethingsstudio are lovely - and affordable at $3. There are different quotes, but my favorite is this one with wise words from e.e. cummings.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     If your bookworm enjoys visiting the library, he or she will appreciate this sturdy, beautiful tote for carrying their borrowed treasures home. This $24 bag by Totes In Tow is completely reversible and sturdily constructed.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

     This All the Trimmings tote ($19) with an elegant map print also looks like it will make a perfect library book bag.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

A snack and a steaming mug of tea make a book even better ... OK, so this one is a bit of a stretch, but this mug by Julia Davey Ceramics was too cute to bypass!

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Try-it-out Tuesday: preppy artist

Michael Kors petite sweater, Macy's

Kenneth Cole Reaction boys' buttondown, Ross

pup necklace, gift

     I love that this bright pink sweater does not pick up any of the colors in this shirt. Matchy-matchy can be overrated sometimes, right? :)
     This buttondown is one of my all-time favorite purchases from Ross (besides the same ol' jeans that I just about live in). Who can be sad when wearing rainbow-colored stripes? This shirt also makes me feel like a artist, albeit a preppy one. I think I'd really prefer to be a bohemian artist, one of those ethereal beings who floats around in long gauzy skirts and a swirl of silk scarves, but I'd need to be a foot taller to pull off that look. So preppy it is.

 

happy Monday, vol. 34

3 things that are making me happy lately ...
1. The semester is OVER. Whew. It was a rough one, but everything got turned in.

2. I took a few hours to wander around one of my favorite places with my camera on Saturday. I couldn't think of a better way to kick off winter break.
3. And .... I'm 35 today! I'm looking forward to a low-key day at home, enjoying my favorite things (i.e., lying on the couch and reading a book and working on some long-neglected craft projects). Sounds like a perfect birthday to me.
What's making you happy today? :)

Try-it-out Tuesday: bright and floral

Michael Michael Kors petite sweater and Style & Co. petite dress, Macy's

  
      If I could have a color as an alter ego, it would be this shade of hot pink.
    In real life, I'm more of a navy blue or deep purple: quiet, reserved, preferring the background to the spotlight. Hot pink, on the other hand, is vivacious and comfortable being the center of attention. Combining it with the splashy floral print just makes me happy.

    I'm writing this on Monday afternoon, right after finishing and printing my term papers for Monday evening's digital librarianship class. My brain feels like mush. This is seriously the hardest semester I've had in the program. I was working down to the wire on Saturday morning to finish my portfolio, then I started working on Monday's assignment when I got home from class. While I look rather happy and perky in the above photo (taken last week, before the madness started), in reality I spent the whole weekend furiously working on my computer while wearing jeans and my comfiest black tee. My study aids included a bag of sour cream potato chips and a lot of cookies and chocolate. Two projects down, one more to go! :D
     But back to the clothes ... What color is your alter ego? I'd love to hear! :)