Babe on a Budget: Striped Cover Up

Although its the middle of winter, for some reason I've had summer on the brain. Perhaps I'm just wishing I was in the middle of a sun-drenched tropical resort soaking up the rays. Nevertheless, I've been scoping out the fun summer clothing that's been arriving in all the stores lately. And while I love a great designer piece, some things I think its better not to splurge. Here are a few looks for a babe on a budget.

JCrew Striped Cover UP / Francesca's Beach Cover Up

Jcrew Polka Dot Shirt / Francescas Polka Dot Shirt

Jcrew Bobble Necklace / Francescas Block Necklace

Happy Monday! DIY Gradient Bulletin Board

Start your week off with a fun and easy DIY project! Accessorize your workspace with a colorful gradient bulletin board, all you need is a few simple things...

• a covered workspace
• a cork board (with a frame or without)
• 2 square head paint brushes
• painters tape (if your cork board has a frame)
• long ruler or yard stick and pencil
• a plastic plate to mix color
• 2 shades of your choice of color of acrylic paint ex) teal and green
• white acrylic paint
• bowl of water  

1. Tape the frame of the cork board so not to get paint on it.

2. Measure the width (the long side) of the cork board and divide by 4, then mark each 4th on the paint tape.  Next, measure the height (the short side) and divide by 2, then mark the middle of the long side. Repeat on all four sides.

3. Take your long ruler match up the opposite sides and draw a straight line across the board with a pencil.

4. Pick your favorite color out of the two, this will be your dominant color. Make a few splotches of on the plate for mixing.

5. Start at the top left square, paint with the color straight from the bottle.  For the next box, add 3-4 squirts of white to make a lighter shade of teal. Continue this method for the 3rd and 4th square, if the shades aren't light enough add more white until you can see a difference. Make sure to keep the colors separate, don't add onto the previous color because you need to make enough to add a 2nd coat, so the color is even when it dries.  

 3. For the second row of color, use the same mixtures from the top row but add 1-2 squirts of green to each color to change the shades just slightly. 

4. Paint the coordinating colors on the opposite site of the first row. Again, make enough mixture for 2 layers.

 5. Once complete let dry with the painters tape on for 1 hour.

6. Once dry you can add your push-pins and Voilà! Hang on your wall in your kitchen or next to your desk and you've got a pretty bulletin board!

What's Your Style...Ski Bunny, Ski Lodger or Sporty Skier?

Recently I was asking around to see if any of my friends wanted to plan a fun ski weekend for my birthday, and one of my friends told me that she doesn't like skiing as much as she likes sitting in the lodge and sipping on some fun drinks! She's definitely a "Ski Lodger", personally I love skiing but I also love lodging... and compared to others, I'm not the super adventurous skier who likes to get crazy on jumps and go on black diamond runs. I like to spend part of the day skiing and the rest mingling. The ski season just makes me excited. There's something about the cold weather, fresh air, and warm coffee in the morning when its snowing that makes me want to bundle up. So what's your ski style... Ski Bunny, Ski Lodger or Sporty Skier? ...me?...I'm a little bit of all three.

ShopBop Coat with fur collar  / Mara Hoffman Pullover / Eugenia Kim Fur Earmuffs / ASOS Fake Fur Snood / UGG Bow fur Gloves  / Sorel Fur Boot

J. Crew anchor scarf / BB Dakota Berkeley Fair Isle Red Sweater /  Kohls Fleet street Puffer Jacket / Sorel Black with pink laces  / Kate Spade Stripe Gloves / TopShop Earmuffs / Jcrew Fair Isle Leggings

J.crew Hunter Jacket /  North Face Down Vest / TopShop Stripe Gloves / Goggles / Roxy Fleece Headband /  Jcrew Zig Zag Scarf / Red Hunter Boots

Follow my Blog with Bloglovin!

Hey friends and followers, I just joined Bloglovin! If you use it like I do to follow all your favorite blogs and see the latest posts all in one place, please add my blog to your follow list! Just click on this link that takes you to my bloglovin profile, then "follow", thanks!!

 Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Happy Holidays.... Love, The Malins

Last year was the first year I sent out a Holiday Card separate from family, perhaps because it was the year I got engaged and felt like I had a reason to share some wonderful news. I always looked at Holiday cards as something you do as you get older when you have your own family, and now that I am married and have my own family I am excited to start our own traditions and Holiday Cards! Our holiday card this year is courtesy of Tiny Prints, one of my favorite go-to online stationary printers for invitations, cards, and more!

A lot of online retailers have been offering some great deals for holiday cards with free shipping, and just in time for the Holidays! Hurry and you can save on your holiday cards with these great deals!

Tiny Prints up to 25% off all Holiday Cards and free shipping, Code: dec25sw

At Minted.com you get 15% off and Free Shipping on all Holiday orders of $100+  

with code: FROST15

Enjoy 15% off at Hello!Lucky with code: LUCKYDECEMBER

Up to 30% off Holiday Cards at Shutterfly and free shipping on orders of $50+ 

with code: SHIP50

They are also offering up tp 40% off on photo books!

Super Girly Holiday Gift Guide...

Sequin Bag Red Valentino / Leather Bow Gloves Mango / Drop Earrings Kate Spade / Bow Keychain Jcrew / Bow Ring Madewell / Navy Blue Bow Belt Lilly Pulitzer / Glitter Bow Clutch Nordstroms / Bow Necklace Shopbop / Bow Socks jcrew / Bow Watch Kate Spade / Red Patent Leather Bow Wallet Kate Spade /

Dreaming of Paris today...

 

photo credit