Our Life: Coming Soon

A few of you (Tamara) may have wondered if something else was contributing to my blog hiatus. You were right. The Petersen's are happy to announce baby #2 will be making an entrance in Mid-September. 

target maternity dress - $27

thrifted heels - $9

hair tutorial + clip-in bangs

 

Here are a few other maternity dresses I have my eye on (all under $40):

 

3/4-Sleeve Draped Empire Dress 

Maternity Exclusive Midi Dress 

Maternity Ponte-Knit Dress (best deal)

Short-Sleeve Zip-Front Dress 

Short-Sleeve Colorblock Ponte Dress 

Skater Dress In Floral Print 

Jersey Tee Dress (I ordered this one!)

Inspired: Gap for Spring

I was pleasantly surprised to see the latest looks from gap for spring. I especially love that floral dress over the button up.

Don't forget today is the last day to get 30% off at the gap family brands. 

Here are a few sweet things from Gap:

Shrunken boyfriend printed shirt

Leather ballet flats 

French bulldog T 

Stripey tie-waist skirt

Eyelet shirt

Enter SPRINGAIR at checkout.

Sale: Gap & Old Navy 30% Off

Currently the Gap family brands are offering 30% off all purchases. This is one of my favorite sales all year long. Many good deals are to be had. Here are a few things I have my eye on.

1 - Striped Jersey Pencil Skirt- $16.05 (Orig. $22.94)
2 - Plus Skinny Belt 2-Pack - $6.98 (Orig. $19.94)
3 - Striped Sequin T  - $17.49 (Orig. $29.95)
4 - Floral-Jersey Infinity Scarf - $9.06 (Orig. $12.94)
5 - Printed Chambray Shirt - $13.65 (Orig. $24.94)
6 - The Rockstar Micro-Dot Skinny Jeans - $11.89 (Orig. $34.50)

Make sure to enter SPRINGAIR at checkout to get the 30% discount. The deal ends tomorrow, so don't wait too long before you pull the trigger on your purchases!

Sponsor: Pretty Kitten's Kitchen

Please take a moment to check out my newest sponsor, Pretty Kitten's Kitchen.

Kristyn is not only a unfussy foodie who makes yummy foodstuffs, she is a dear friend of mine. She mixes in her fabulous sense of humor in every recipe post she writes.

{Noodles & Co. Mac and Cheese | No-Knead Crusty Bread | Blackberry Lemonade Bars with Hazelnut Shortbread Crust}

Spied: Mauve Bauble Statement Necklace

I saw this pretty lady and just had to share.

What About Bauble? Necklace in Rich Mauve - Modcloth - $21.99

I think both the color and shape are lovely, don't you?

Here are a few other pretty statement necklaces (all under $13!)

Deco Gemstone Statement Necklace

Fit for a Queen Statement Necklace

Secret Garden Statement Necklace

Daisy Chain Statement Necklace

Floral Bib Necklace

Inspired: J.Crew for Spring

I do not generally pine for spring. Not because I don't like spring (it's amazing) but in this neck of the woods spring last about 7.4 seconds and we rush right on to the hot & humid summer.

What I am excited for are springy styles. Pinks, pastels, and prints, oh my!

I'm especially loving the sheen & structure J.Crew is showing. And how about that striped wrap pencil skirt? So chic.

Our Life: Blogging Hiatus is Over

I hope you can all excuse my recent absence. My time has been full of a lot more of this, and a lot less of my face shoved in my lap top - it's been lovely.

My little break started at the beginning of February. I received a call from the Architecture firm that has been giving me contract work for the last year. Things are slow & they don't currently need my help. At first I was sort of devastated. It is the closest I have ever coming to being let go from a job & it really got me down. But then I found it liberating.

I have spent the better part of the last year so busy I didn't know what to do with myself. I have been working 20+ hours a week, blogging, and I am in charge of the women's organization (Relief Society) at my church. And of course, somehow I was trying to squeeze parenting Tate & keeping up with running the house & making meals too. That phone call felt like a big release.

I have taken this time to get my bearings, be a more involved parent, & a more present wife. And now I am happy to be back to blogging.

I want you all to know how much your sweetly concerned emails, tweets, & comments mean to me. You are all why I write this blog. Thanks for being amazing.

J.Crew Factory: 40% Off

J.Crew Factory online was just the best idea. I don't live near outlets anymore, and having access to the slightly less expensive variations on J.Crew is a very good thing. It's even better when they offer an additional 40% off their sale items. Here are my favorite finds:

1 - Chambray Popover - $26.70 (Orig. $68.00)
2 - Printed Pencil Skirt in Stretch Cotton - $35.70 (Orig. $85.00)
3 - Factory Stripe Knit Pocket Blazer - $29.70 (Orig. $98.00)
4 - Fireball Stud Earrings - $11.70 (Orig. $22.50)
5 - Skinny Calf Hair Belt - $14.70 (Orig. $39.50)
6 - Factory Skimmer Pant - $26.70 (Orig. $59.50)
7 - Printed Scoopneck Blouse - $20.99 (Orig. $78.00)
8 - Boatneck Tie-Waist Dress - $11.70 (Orig. $59.50)
9 - Classic Crewneck Cardigan in Leopard - $14.99 (Orig. $74.50)

Don't forget to enter MOREPLEASE at check out to get the discount.

Look For Less: D'Orsay Flats

I spotted this loo for less and had to share.

Jenni Kayne D'Orsay Flats - Farfetch -  $450.00
D'Orsay Pointed Toe Flats - Forever 21 - $19.80

What do you think? Something you would wear?

Our Life: Tate Gets Stitches

We had a rude awakening this weekend - literally. As Tate was on his way to crawl in our bed (something he does every night) he tripped and hit the bridge of his nose on the cheap metal bed frame that holds the box spring.

It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. Head wounds bleed so much and at first I couldn't tell what the source was. I put pressure on it immediately while Steve rushed around getting ready to the hospital - which is when my body decided it was too much and almost gave out on me. My hearing went and my muscle pressure followed. It was all I could do to stay conscious. Somehow we made it to the car & rushed to the small local emergency room. We were the only people waiting (our first good luck). They stitched him up quickly and we were on our way home an hour later.

He is handling it like a champ, but I still get teary eyed thinking about that perfect face with a scar.

I know it's cliche, but parenting really is like having your heart walking around in the world. This kid is the best thing to ever happen to us, and I am just so relieved it wasn't something worse.

We'll be taking this week slow, but don't forget that today is a great day to find good deals in the retail world.

Uber Chic Studio: Custom iPhone Cases

I'm really excited to tell you about a project I have been working on for a few weeks. I will be selling custom iPhone cases in my new shop, Uber Chic Studio.

I have a few designs ready to go, and a few really exciting ones in the works. If you are in the market for a new case, have a look around!

1 - Hello Love
2 - Grey Pin Dot
3 - Floral Monogram
4 - Navy Dots & Heart
5 - Hearts
6 - Spotted & Frame
7 - Horse & Banner
8 - Hello Bunting

My favorite part is the colors and text will be completely customizable and the cases will be manufactured on an individual basis. If you are interested in one of our designs for a device not listed, please let me know. We would be happy to design a case for your Samsung Galaxy S3, Kindle Fire, Apple iPad, iPhone 3, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5 or iPod Touch 4G.

And because I love you all so much, enter UBERCHIC10 at checkout to receive a 10% discount. 

Which is your favorite?

DIY: Heart Project Round Up

With Valentine's Day approaching, I am feeling an extra pull toward hearts (I am loving hearts anyway, but V-Day is a great excuse!)

I have rounded up 9 of my very favorite easy heart themed DIY project tutorials.

1 - Sequin Heart Shirt via Say Yes to Hoboken
2 - Painted Heart Bag via V and Co.
3 - Felted Heart Sweater via Say Yes to Hoboken
4 - Suede Shoulder Heart Patches via A Subtle Revelry
5 - Cross Stitch Heart Sweater - Me
6 - Heart Print Jeans via My Little Secret
7 - Make Your Own Heart Sweater via A Beautiful Mess
8 - Felted Wool Heart Elbow Patch via Honestly WTF
9 - Lace Heart Cardigan via Sincerely Kinsey

Have you attempted any of these? I am totally fascinated by the felted projects (3 & 8).

Spied: Asos Floral Wiggle Dress

I'm a huge fan of Asos dresses. I am especially fond of the wiggle style dress. The vintage inspired cut reminds me of something Jackie Kennedy would wear. I was so excited to see that two of my favorite prints are on sale right now.

Wiggle Dress In Floral Print | Wiggle Dress In Spot Print - $39.58 (Orig. $73.88)

ASOS has quite a few modest dresses under $50 right now.
Here are a few good ones:

Midi Dress With Back Detail And Belt 

Wiggle Dress In Lace 

Midi Dress With Ballet Wrap 

Wiggle Dress In Color Block With Belt 

River Island Chelsea Girl Lace Dress With Belt 

As always, I am super impressed with ASOS's selection.
Don't forget they offer free shipping on everything. 

Inspired: J.Crew First Look at Spring

January is a mighty strange time for fashion inspiration. After the holidays are over, all the retail companies gear up for spring. But seeing as there will be snow on the ground for several months more, it gets tricky. Even in my sub tropical climate, January & February are the chilliest months and are better suited to boots and sweaters than sandals and shorts.

This, in no way, changes my excitement for bright hues & spring styles. Here are the latest inspiration looks over at J.Crew.

That polka dot blouse? Forget about it!

Since we are talking J.Crew, I should mention that they are offering 30% off of their clearance section with coupon code STYLEFIND. Here are a few notable finds (all under $30):

Boy shirt in colorblock oxford

Café capri in wool

Circle lace top

Peplum stripe top

Tissue turtleneck tee

Sale: J.Crew Extra 30% Off

J.Crew is having a killer sale right now. Some of my very favorite things are on sale. I mean, look at the sequin tee!

1 - Memo dress in Super 120s - $69.99 (Orig. $188)
2 - Schoolboy blazer in velvet - $55.95 (Orig. $178)
3 - Jackie pullover - $27.99 (Orig. $65)
4 - Sequin stripe tee - $20.99 (Orig. $128)
5 - Tippi sweater in polka dot - $27.99 (Orig. $89.50)
6 - Abstract diamond three-quarter sleeve top - $24.15 (Orig. $49.50)
7 - Perfect-fit mixed-tape cardigan - $20.99 (Orig. $49.50)
8 - Patent leather square-buckle belt - $10.49 (Orig. $39.50)
9 - Mirrored floral tee - $24.15 (Orig. $49.50)

So many pretty things, so many good prices. Make sure to use coupon code STYLEFIND to get the extra 30% off. 

Look for Less: J.Crew Jewel Teardrop Earrings

Long time reader, Tamara, sent me this fabulous look for less over the break.

Jewel Teardrop Earrings - J.Crew
Tang Floral Drops - Bauble Bar

The listed price at the Bauble Bar is $24, but if when you sign up for your first order, they give you $10 off.

I think these would be a pretty fabulous addition to a jewelry collection. Would you wear them?

Spied: Contrast Trim Button Front Cardigan

Did you all have a fabulous holiday? I sure hope so. I laid low and it was refreshing to have the break.

I was doing some shopping over the break and saw this adorable sweater and wanted to share.

Button-Front Stretch Cardis - Old Navy - $24.94

I think the green is especially fetching. It totally reminds me of this sweater from Kate Spade.

Wish List: Christmas Edition

This post may be a wee late. But better late than never, right?

The first thing on my list was a new haircut. (Check.)

Here are a few things I'd love to get or give as a gift for Christmas: 

 

These cards.

This skirt.

This book.

This necklace.

This case.

This handset.

This lense.

We are flying home to Utah for Christmas and I am just so excited.

Have the Happiest of Holidays.

DIY: Heart Elbow Patch Sweater

I was have been coveting this heart elbow patch sweater for a few months. I finally decided to use a little of my leftover vinyl and do something about it. I cut out two heart shaped pieces and hand stitched them onto the sweater. Easy peasy.

  grey sweater / ross - $7 | similar here (half off) | here | and here

pearl cluster necklace | similar here | here

plaid button up / c/o downeast basics | similar here | and here 

thrifted red pencil skirt - $2.50 | similar here | here (best deal) | and here

payless heels - gift | similar here | and here (on sale) 

  clip-in bangs

Sale: J.Crew 30% off + Free Shipping

J.Crew has a killer sale going on right now. Take 30% off & get free shipping until Midnight. Here are my favorite things (including lots of great gift ideas)

1 - Skinny covered-buckle belt - $10.49 (orig. $45.00)
2 - Matchstick cord - $39.99 (orig. $89.50)
3 - Printed case for iPhone 4 - $14.00 (orig. $25.00)
4 - Jackie shell - $20.99 (orig. $48.00)
5 - Café capri in colorblock - $27.99 (orig. $138.00)
6 - Chunky cable-knit tights - $11.89 (orig. $26.50)
7 - Café capri in wool - $24.49 (orig. $128.00)
8 - Metallic woven belt - $24.15 (orig. $34.50)
9 - Lexa dress in silk taffeta - $48.99 (orig. $265.00)
10 - No. 2 pencil skirt in corkscrew tweed - $41.99 (orig. $138.00)
11 - Wool-angora Glittens - $15.75 (orig. $29.50)
12 - Matchstick jean in garment-dyed denim - $34.99 (orig. $125.00)

Make sure to enter WISHLIST at checkout for the discount and free shipping!

Recipe: Lemon Chess Pie

I'm not one to post a lot of recipes (as in I have never posted a recipe in the 4 years I have been writing this blog), but I have one I wanted to share.

On our roadtrip to this summer, we happened upon a cafe in a small town called Warrenton, NC. We had buttermilk chess pie for dessert and my husband thought he had died and gone to heaven.

I've been attempting to make a suitable version of the pie this fall. After a few attempts and variations, I found the thing that made it sing for me was a little lemon (isn't lemon the yummiest?)

Lemon Chess Pie
(adapted from I Believe I Can Fry & The Food Network)

Ingredients:
1 unbaked pie crust
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 Tbsp cornmeal
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup lemon juice(I used fresh)
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten

Prebake pie shell according to package directions.

Whisk together sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Stir in the butter, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar and vanilla. Mix well, then stir in the eggs. Pour mixture into prebaked pie crust.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes, removing the foil after 30 minutes. Remove from oven when the filling is set (meaning it doesn't wiggle when you move it).

You should let it cool, and then eat it out of the pan like I did.