Anthropologie Inspired Pleated Bead Necklace {Tutorial}

July 31, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 8 Comments

***This tutorial was originally posted on Tatertots & Jello, but I realized this past week when I wore my necklace that I never shared it with you! So please enjoy one of my favorite projects I’ve made, my Anthropologie Inspired Pleated Bead Necklace!****

Pleated Bead Necklace

Fabric – Large Round Beads – Scissors – Thread – Needle

Cut a strip down the length of your fabric that is twice as wide as your beads. My beads were about 1/2 inch in diameter, so I cut my strip 1 inch thick.

Iron your strip in half.

Leaving a few inches at the end, fold strip into two pleats and stitch through. (My fabric was 42 inches, so I needed to leave a tail to attach another strip to tie off the necklace. If you are lucky enough to have a fabric from a longer bolt, you may want to leave more of a tail for tie off)

Feed bead onto needle and stitch through.

Add two more pleats to the other end of the bead and stitch through. Then stitch back through both sets of pleats and the bead.

Continue until you have desired number of beads. If you got lucky and have long enough fabric, you could stop here by simply tying off the ends. I was not so fortunate, so I had to add some on.

I simply knotted on additional strips of fabric to the tails of the beaded strip.

I LOVE my new Anthro necklace without the Anthro price tag! Perfect for dressing up a “getting stuff done today” outfit

Filed Under: Accessories, Tutorials

Un-uniforming

July 29, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 11 Comments

Prior to the other day, this dress had absurdly been reserved as my wedding uniform. Really? Such awesomeness needs to fly free!

Dress: Loft Outlet, Undershirt: Downeast Basics, Necklace: H&M, Sandals: Old Navy

This was the perfect outfit choice for chasing a toddler around the splash fountain and then enduring screaming (and subsequent rude lady snarking) at lunch. Oh yes, my timing was perfect….. cause a screaming toddler is definitely the perfect accessory for this outfit!

****Real Momma, Real Style will be pushed to TUESDAY next week for a special review and giveaway on Monday!****

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

RMRS Favorites {Yellow Edition}

July 28, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

You guys made me SO HAPPY with all the fun, bright colors and great outfits this week! I had such a hard time choosing my favorites, but a few of you jumped out at me with your bright yellow awesomeness

First up is Jenna from The Mommy Diaries. Not only is this her very first outfit post ever, but it’s the first time she’s belted a sweater! Way to go Jenna! You look adorable and are seriously awesome for just going for it! (She also rocks an amazing La Vie Petite skirt and made me die even more for mine to get here!)

Next up is Sara from House of Shoes in her out of control amazeballs vintage yellow dress from Mod Cloth. Yes, I’m drooling. I have quasi secretly stalked Sara for months and she has the greatest sense of style and really knows how to mix things up. This one my love, just might be my fav

The always awesome Nichelle of Vintage Wanna Bee showed her blind date (aahhhh!) whose hot with her amazing yellow headband. I think I need one of those!

And coming in as the #1 most viewed outfit this week is none other than Mrs. La Vie Petite herself Cori, bringing a whole new meaning to yellow being a happy color! Beautiful as always my love, beautiful!

Thank you all for linking up and continuing to provide us all with great inspiration. You guys rule!

Filed Under: RMRS, Style

Sole Motivation

July 28, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 9 Comments

I hate to admit it, but when it comes to working out I’m about as lazy as it gets.

I used to be a dancer. Hours upon hours of practice, chorographing, perfecting. I loved it…

But as my dance days came to a close, so did my workout habits. I’ve tried Curves, the gym, classes, Wii Fit, and EA Sports Active. Please, stab me in the eyeballs NOW! I’m an activity kinda girl, not a workout girl.

So when my brother told me that he came upon an extra pair of free Under Armor yet to be released shoes that just happen to be my size, my enthusiasm wasn’t exactly bubbling over….until I tried them on.

I’ve never spent the time, energy, or money into getting good workout clothes or shoes. Old t-shirts, Hubs’ painting shorts, and some sneakers I bought too soon after LJ was born that have never fit right and hurt my feet. Yeah, cause that’s going to motivate my booty into doing something.

Now, with my new light as a cloud, soft as fuzzy slippers, comfy as could be shoes, I have come to understand WHY people spend more than I do on workout wear. I’m actually excited to wear my shoes. Hold your breath… I WANT to go on a walk.

Probably as you are reading this, I’m out on a walk. My first walk in waaaaayyy too long. And I’m actually excited about it.

Filed Under: Life, Thoughts

Happy

July 27, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 12 Comments

Today, I woke up happy. No particular reason, just happy.

Happy that I that I’ve learned the art of bargain hunting, a talent I never used to have or care about.

Happy that I scored both this top and necklace on clearance, and I love them together.

Top: Anthro, Undershirt: Mod Bod, Jeans, Old Navy, Necklace: Charming Charlie, Shoes: Burlington

Happy that today we get to go meet our new little friend who just came into this world 2 weeks ago.

Happy that it’s 9:45 and we haven’t had a meltdown or time out yet today!

Happy that I made another imperfect skirt and I love it.

Happy that my perfect La Vie Petite skirt is on the way!

Happy that I’m really tired cause I stayed up to see Hubs, even for just a minute, when he got home from work super late.

Just happy

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

Spotted

July 26, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 10 Comments

Back to the back of the closet we go. This little dress has haunted me since the day of Ashley’s wedding…

Yeah, I kinda couldn’t hate it more after looking at the pictures. Too dark hair, sleeves hit a a funky spot making my arms look even more massive, and let’s not talk about the sunburn I got the next day setting up their reception that gave me funky tan lines for well over a year. We were not on speaking terms.

But, I press forward! Determined to either make everything I have wearable or it’s outta here!

Enter white button up, orangey tank, some sandals, and we have the perfect run around town/park dress! I’m gonna give credit to one Mr. LJ for my liking this dress more now. I previously didn’t have much of a waistline or shape….now I do!

Dress: BCBG Outlet eons ago, Tank/Shirt: Old Navy, Ring: Downtown, Sandals: Ann Taylor Outlet

Thanks LJ for my new, old dress, learning to use my camera remote, and my new favorite picture of us!

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

Real Momma, Real Style #23

July 25, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 19 Comments

I FINALLY did it! My poor, abandoned little sewing machine has been sitting in the corner, hardly used for a year. I’ve done a few projects lately (coasters and yet to be revealed fun), but nothing major. Well little friend, I say NO MORE!

Meet my very first “I actually made it all by myself and my Grammy didn’t have to rescue me” skirt! It’s a minor miracle that this baby made it to my roomie foreva’s bridal shower Saturday.

My college roomates. Love these girls!

I was up far past my bedtime trying to finish this thing the night before. Why, you ask? Hi, I’m Nina. I’m a former 5th grade teacher and apparently I can’t measure or do math.

Why? Cause my “finished” skirt was just a hair large. After taking it in 10 inches, we had a winner.

At least I didn’t put the bias tape around the hem until it fit. Live, learn, and make another skirt!

Shirt/Undershirt: Downeast Basics, Belt: F21, Skirt: Made by ME!, Shoes: Soda via Marshalls, Ring: Downtown

Besides the obvious awesomeness of seeing my favorite girls and rockin my new skirt, I saw this bad boy on the side of the road.

Pure awesomeness.

Last week’s most viewed outfit is…..

Peachy Keen from Modern Wivelyhood! You two look amazing and love that you didn’t plan this out. Classic!

Party Rules

Link up only outfit or clothing related posts.
Link back to this week’s party in your post.
Place the RMRS button somewhere on your blog. Not particular, just somewhere.
Vote for your favorite outfits using the “like” button!

Remember! The linky opens MONDAY, so link up early for the best chance at being featured!

Filed Under: RMRS, Style

Shorts and Stripes

July 22, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 11 Comments

I figure shorts will need to make an appearance once or twice this summer. I can’t very well take the kid to the park in a skirt every time! But if I’m doing shorts, I’m doing them with a bang!

In all previous summers, shorts simply mean grabbing some random t-shirt out of a drawer and slapping it on. I actually packed for my cousin’s wedding in Montana last summer by grabbing all my shorts, a few shirts, and figured I’d just match them up as I went. ZERO outfit planning. Oh how things have changed!

Tank/Shorts/Sandals: Old Navy (I really gotta branch out), Undershirt: Downeast Basics, Necklace: F21, Ring: Charming Charlie

I even did my hair! I went for a slightly less dressy version of the poofy ponytail that I did for Harry himself. I think this is the longest my hair has ever been. While it’s much hotter than I’m used to, I’m loving all the options I have now!

And in today’s breaking news: LJ gets a run for his money as title holder of “World’s Whitest Person” with the discovery of Nina’s un-holy white legs. Dang, get out your sunglasses ladies!

Filed Under: Outfits, Style

Pay It Forward {Shine Project}

July 21, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 4 Comments

You may or may not have heard of the incredible Ashley of The Shine Project by now.

I’ve been quietly stalking Ashley for months now. Yes, I admit it, I’m a lurker too. Ashley is on a mission to change the world, and as a former teacher myself, her latest project is so near and dear to my heart that I HAD to come out of the shadows and help Ashley SHINE.

Here to explain Change 4 Change, is none other than Ms. Ashley herself. Take it away babe!

Have you ever had a nagging feeling that you needed to DO something?

But it seemed so hard, that you just didn’t think you could…

I’m Ashley and I created The Shine Project to change the world.

Ya, I said it! I want to change the world. Given the challenge, I know I can’t do it alone, but I know that it needs to be done. One person at a time.

I created The Shine Project to motivate people to go after their dreams, while serving others around them.

I make these necklaces so we can have a daily reminder to SHINE. $1 from each necklace goes into the SHINE Scholarship Fund which will be given to an inner city school student in January 2012.

This brings us to my next project. The project that requires a lot more help than I can give. In October of this year, I am throwing a HUGE fundraising event. It’s a silent auction sponsored by San Tan Ford, and all proceeds will be going to the scholarship fund. If you have any items that you would be willing to donate, you can email me at ashley.theshineproject@gmail.com.

To lead up to the event, today I am revealing THESE:

CHANGE for CHANGE jars! Throw your leftover change for the next three months in a CHANGE jar, and send the money to the fund in October. My goal is to get 100 people to pledge to raise $100 by October… That’s $10,000! Imagine how many lives will be affected by that. This money will help students afford college that otherwise would not have been able to afford it. If you would like to start your own CHANGE jar, or pledge, please email me… You can find more details on my blog as well. http://www.ashlemieux.blogspot.com/

And go ahead, let the world see you SHINE.

HOW AMAZING IS SHE??? I have worked in schools where many students are lucky just to make it out of high school, let alone go on to college. I truly feel that we are so blessed to live in this country, to have the opportunity to not only make ourselves better, but to better the lives of those around us.

I’ve signed up to join Change 4 Change, now YOU should too! It’s never too late to join, and Ashley needs 35 more people to join to reach her goal. So take a moment, empty your junk drawer, couch cushions, stack on top of your dryer, and SHINE.

P.S. Head over to Miss Mommy for a chance to win your own SHINE NECKLACE!

Filed Under: Blogging, Guest Posts, Life, Thoughts

K.I.S.S.

July 20, 2011 By Nina @ Momma Go Round 12 Comments

Lately, I find myself over thinking things. Add another layer. Do something way different. Bring in more color. Yada yada yada.

It’s summer, in LA, so it’s hot as heck out here. While I would love to pile on a cardigan with a cute belt, or bust out some of my awesome jackets, I like not sweating to death.

So in honor of the heat, and my mental state, I present my K.I.S.S. outfit and post. Less talking, less thinking, more pictures. The end.