Dreams don't work...

Once upon a time I used to do this whole pinteresting Tuesday thing... and while I haven't done it in quite some time, I thought I'd share a few things that I'm absolutely loving lately... things that I'm dreaming about {what? It's not normal to dream about clothes? Hi, I'm Jackie... I do that. A lot.}

I love this outfit. I love the casualness that the graphic tee lends to the full skirt and heels.

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How refreshing does this watermelon juice look? I'm definitely going to be trying this soon... I was going to this morning, but couldn't find the energy. Maybe tomorrow...

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Display ideas for Nora & Jac have been on my brain lately... Next week I'll be setting up my first little booth at a new local artisians shop in Lancaster. {The Blank Slate} I was so, so thrilled when the owner, Katie, contacted me about bringing my goods in there. Mom and I have been brainstorming cute, inexpensive DIY's  for the display. I think it'll turn out pretty cute... p.s. if you're in Lancaster - be sure to stop in after the 3rd to do some shopping! ;)

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I love this. It's simple... and so very true.

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How delicious and healthy do these sound? I think they'll be on the menu soon...Mexican anything always, always sounds yummy.

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What have you been loving lately??

Happy Thursday, sweet cheeks!

I've come to realize...

Ohhh Thursday, I'm so glad I didn't wake up to a power outage this morning... I was really dreading it and almost expecting it. They were calling for one hell of a storm... but I just saw a pretty little lightening show and a few rumbles of thunder... and while I absolutely love a good summer storm. I DO NOT love one that takes my power with it for 6 days. I need that, ya know? I'd be a terrible Amish girl.

Anyways, I'm linking up with Holly today for I've come to realize....

That sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day.

That lately, I haven't had the motivation to blog.

That not blogging everyday is okay... the world will continue to go on.

That you'll never see eye to eye with everyone. 

That disagreements aren't always bad... it's good to look at the world through different eyes.

That I kinda think overalls should be a thing again... in short/cutoff form... 

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That I'm not sorry about the above thought... I think they have the potential to be adorable.

That I don't really like wine. I like to think I do. But gimme beer or whiskey.

That I'm happiest when I'm doing something creative and am grateful that my days are full of that. 

That being an Aunt is a really, really cool thing. 

That I'll always have a crush on Chuck, want to be Blair, and long for Serena's hair. 

Happy Thursday, pretties! Go over and link up with Holly!

Modern Day Classic Beauty.

While I adore Audrey Hepburn and classic beauties... Lauren Conrad has been and will always be one of the most fashionable, well dressed women in today's society. I can't remember a moment of her being on the "Worst Dressed List" - or hearing entertainment hosts say "What was she thinking?"

She always looks put together. Always. And when I saw that she's adorning the cover of July's Marie Claire - I silently squealed. Yes, I'm that girl who runs out to purchase a magazine just because her favorite fashionista is on the cover {LC and Jessica Simpson are my girl crushes, guys - I can't help it.}.

But seriously, let's talk about how insane she looks in this shoot...

All photos courtesy of Marie Claire.

I loved this because it was a bit more saucy than other shoots she has done. Her makeup looks flawless and her hair makes me long for my bangs again {stupid Ohio humidity}.

Do you have a girl crush, a favorite fashionista, a celebrity who's style you adore and would love to emulate?

I'm linking up with Shanna. Because really, how much more random could this post be???

Happy Wednesday, y'all. I'm crossing my fingers that the storms this afternoon aren't as bad as they're anticipating. I do not want to lose power for 6 days again. 

  

A little of this... a little of that...

On Saturday we went to the new Hollywood Casino for my brother's birthday. So. Much. Fun. None of us won anything exciting... but it was something different, and I'll tell ya what... people watching, at a casino... it just doesn't get better. Just a little of everything. 

I had no idea what to wear to a casino, so I went with a good go-to outfit... skinnies+wedges+blazer = can't go wrong. And let me take a second to talk about these skinnies... the major perk of being relatively pocket size... is that I can wear kids clothes. Well bottoms and shoes. At Target they had these pants in the women's dept for $30... or $14 in the girls section. You better bet your bum that I got the girls pants. And they fit quite well... a bit shorter than I had wanted, but I could rock it. Admittedly, a large majority of my sandals and flats are also from the kids section. I just see it as I have more options when shopping... and I love it. 

So I realize I've been a bit absent - Thursday evening after work I got a phone call that my roommate had been attacked by a pit bull while walking her dog. This dog chased her down and attacked her from behind. Very scary. So I spent all of Thursday night at the hospital with her. The dog had gotten her real good on both arms and her hip. But she made it out with a few stitches - no broken bones, or surgeries to speak of. And I'm happy to report that after resting for the past 4 days, she's getting back into the swing of things. 

I'm the absolute worst person to have around if there's blood. Like a lot of blood. I can not handle it. And for that I apologize to those around me for that. So I did my best at just being there for moral support. 

And with that I was having a bout with some swollen tonsils. I've finally gotten that under control, but the sore throat, wasn't making me want to do much of anything. 

Tea can cure all, I believe.

I was busy working on orders and a getting a few new fabrics actually in the shop... and my sewing machine decided to bite it. So I'm working on fixing that so I can get back to the list of orders I have. 

Such is life, right?!

Happy Tuesday, kids. Hope it's a good one!

Just keepin' it real...

Headband: Nora & Jac // Army Jacket: Marshall's {years ago} // Polka Dot dress:  Marshall's // Fringe Booties: Target

...i forgot my smile. I was obsessing about standing and sucking in.
...my legs are disgustingly pasty.
...i've been criticizing myself since taking these pictures.
...that's normal, right?
...there were 30 taken... I barely liked two.
...Rachel Zoe is MAJ. Yea, I've said that before. Probably last Wednesday night... while blogging.
...peanut butter Snickers are my new guilty pleasure.
...lime in my water trumps lemon. By a lot.
...i'm as obsessed with the way I package my items as I am with the items themselves. Normal? No?
...this week has felt way long.
...i haven't ran all week... and really, really planned on it. Tomorrow, after work, I will run... for Boston.
...have you?
...i'm all about pointless, list posts this week.
...so. tired. I think there's a cold trying to take over my body, but I'm trying to fight it.
...blow out bar. Who's been? I want to go. Like yesterday.
...i need to do some major organizing of my sewing area.
...i just hit 100 likes on my Facebook page. I think that deserves a giveaway... who's game?

Have a fabulous Thursday, lovelies. I hope to come back tomorrow with something more thought provoking.  Please cross your fingers for me.

Friday's Letters. Round 3.

Dear Friday - where the heck did you come from??? I swear just yesterday it was Monday...not that I'm complaining, but seriously - where'd the rest of my week go? Dear Spring - THANK YOU for making an appearance. I've been able to wear dresses, go for a run, not freeze my bum off, and have my window slightly cracked. Tric and I thank you. 

Dear JCrew dress - I really like you - but not with booties. You're too long for that business. But I tried... so that's worth something, right? Dear Bud light - you are totally hitting the spot right now. Beer and blogging... that's pretty legit. Dear Motivation - Loved that you kicked in and I got a good run and workout in. Please don't go away. Pretty, pretty please. Dear Hair - I'm thinking about spicing you up a little... maybe bleaching the bottoms and underneath and putting some light highlights in the top - keeping with the ombre - just freshening it up a bit... ala Lauren Conrad. 

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Dear all of you - have a wonderful weekend!!! 

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters and Casey. 

Leopard and a dose of Spring.

Red scarf: mall kiosk // Black sweater: Target // Leopard skinnies: Walmart // Black heels: Target {These also looked cute with a pair of flats... but I kinda loved the heels.

First things first, I give MAJOR props to you amazing fashion bloggers... because it's not easy. Putting the outfit together, styling the clothes, wearing the clothes... so easy. Could do it in my sleep. But the not feeling awkward while the camera is in your face... not cool. {Notice there aren't any face shots... I just looked silly. And needed makeup}.

Oh yea, you know how I got those polka dot skinnies at Walmart... I got these leopard ones then too. I love these pants. They don't fit exactly like a skinny in the calf/ankle area... more like a boyfriend jean. But I liked them a lot once they were cuffed. And they're so comfy. See kids, fashionable items can be found in the most unexpected places. 

Speaking of fashionable... I'm dying for spring. DYING. So, I made these pretties today...

They will be launched officially next week... but if you are interested in one. Leave me your email in the comments;)

Happy probably snowy, Tuesday!

Linking up with Lauren, Alisa, Shanna, and Lindsey!

Polka dots and green. {What I wore}

Jacket: Marshall's {years ago} // Lace shirt: XXI // Polka Dot skinnies: Walmart // Green booties: Charlotte Russe

Notice the little flowers coming up... spring's coming, spring's coming, spring's coming... right?!

I'm legit obsessed with these pants and booties. Like I never want to take either of them off. 

Sunglasses: some random store at Polaris Mall. They were screaming my name. Obviously.

Bracelet: a gift from my Momma... or I borrowed it from her. ;)

I have been searching for a pair of polka dot skinnies for a few months now... and they have been surprisingly hard to come by. Especially when you factor in that I wanted them to actually fit well, not break the bank, and to be denim color. So you can imagine my shock when I randomly come across these babies in Walmart of all places. I was grocery shopping, minding my own business, took a little browse through the clothing {not expecting to find anything} and I find these. On clearance. With zippers at the ankle. And they fit well. Sold. 

It's so awkward being in front of the camera. I haven't been doing photography for very long, but I feel much more comfortable behind the camera. Where I'm control. But... the sun was shining and I'm loving these pants so... I couldn't miss out on the opportunity to snap a few pictures. 

And after seeing these photos I realized a few things -- that I should take my hands outta my pockets, I need to wash my hair {it's really not dirty, but I have a lot of product in it}, and actually do something with it, and I'm still unsure of the lace shirt. I keep trying to wear it... and never really love it. Eh, ya win some ya lose some, right?!

Well, sweet cheeks - I'm off to catch the finale of Pretty Little Liars... I have a whole theory about this show... even though I'm kinda over it now. They are dragging it on too long and adding too many random people and events. I just don't love it anymore... but I still must see how it plays out.

I'm linking up with... Shanna for Random Wednesday // Lindsey for What I wore Wednesday // Lauren for Style Sessions // and Alisa for Diaries of a Bargainista.

Happy Wednesday, sweet checks!

A few pretties on this cold, snowy day...

You know when you're too grumpy or pms-y to write anything nice, inspiring, or creative?

That's me today...

So I'll leave you with what I've been pinning lately... because that's my happy place... where I find inspiration to be creative.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? You should! {jacmaries}

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Isn't this color combo just amazing?

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I think next week I'll change it up from smoothies to these Strawberry Shortcake Muffins for breakfast!

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Leopard and purple. I'm in love with this combination. Now I won't be trying it with winter  clothes... but spring?! Yes, please.

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I need this.

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I've become obsessed with quinoa lately. And this recipe sounds delish. It'll be on the menu next week!

So my post has made me a little happier just looking at the pretties... I'm linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday.


Happy hump day, snowcats! {I don't know... I've got snow on the brain...}

This is what we woke up to this morning in Ohio. It can go away now. Words can't express how over the snow I am right now.

Friday Letters...

Dear Ohio - that little ice storm? Yea, not so cool. I think winter has overstayed it's welcome. So you can just bring spring anytime now. 

Dear Beautiful Creatures - You are just the book I've been looking for. I haven't been able to get into a book in so long. Thank you for that. I can't wait to read more... 

Dear Life - you've been real funny lately {and I don't mean funny in the "haha" sense}. Causing too much drama, making me question my strength and patience, however, I'm so glad that things are blowing over. That this all may be fixable. 

Dear Walmart - These coral/orange jeggings I bought yesterday... totally digging them. So comfy and bright! Who'd have thought they came from you!

Dear Harper - I am so glad I got to spend most of my weekend last weekend making you smile and being silly with you. I love seeing you grow and discover the world already. I can't wait to spend more precious moments with you. I didn't know I could love something that wasn't mine so much. 

Dear Nora & Jac supporters - You are amazing. I'm so grateful for the support and love I have gotten in the last two months. I'm working on some new stuff for spring and I'm hopeful that you'll love it just as much as you loved the cowls!

Dear Yoga - I'm so glad we finally got to spend some time together last night. I had been needing that for quite awhile and I feel so much better. I'm pretty sure we will meet again tonight! 

And dear new followers - thank you. It's tough building a blog again, but you all make it so worthwhile. 

I'm linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters. 

Happy Friday, pumpkins!