Anchorage: A Recap of Epic Proportions.

First Friday may have been over a week ago, but a few things have kept me away from posting a recap:

• I bought a gently-used desk, and was finally able to organize my home office.

The walls are still a little bare, but I love that my home office is organized!

• I went on a Kenai Fjords Whale Watching Tour in Seward with friends.

On a boat! I saw humpback whales, a gray whale, porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and a puffin.
Wearing:The North Face 'K' Rain Trench (Nordstrom), 
Zella 'Barely Flare Booty' Pants (Nordstrom), and Nike Kids' gloves (Burlington).
Barely shown: previously photographed green H&M sweater, circa 2012.

• I baked gluten-free, honey & chocolate-chip drop cookies for Hubs.

My mother was a pastry chef, so I grew up baking from scratch.

• I've been working on my fitness. I've lost 15+ pounds since the beginning of 2013. When Hubs gets home, we're going to the gym!

• I've been getting crafty with paint & glitter.

I love buying wood crafts from Michael's & making them my own!

• Blogger has been having issues with their image uploader. It's such a waste of time to try to write a post when the photos aren't uploading correctly.

All right, so as for Blush: I went to their First Friday event solo, as I got off from work at 7 and the event was ending at 8. When I arrived, I was barely greeted. I was only told of the 20% discount on the Splendid merchandise when I asked for a fitting room. There wasn't any music playing in the store, so while in the fitting room, I listened to the sales girls' gossip about, well, other girls.

The entire experience was strange, as I usually enjoy shopping at the boutique. Maybe I hit them up on an off-night.

One things I have to say about Splendid: their merchandise is always extremely soft!
Wearing: Splendid's Bellini Jacket, Vince Camuto Skinny Ankle Pants (JBER Military Exchange), 
and Audrey Hepburn/Breakfast at Tiffany's tee (Wet Seal, circa 2009).

The owner of the shop was very helpful, and I asked her what types of events the shop had coming up. In June, Blush is celebrating its store's anniversary, so I may post about that in the future.

Adorn Yourself.

As a child, my #1 ambition was to be Holly Golightly from the Paramount Pictures flick Breakfast at Tiffany's. While I didn't understand the plot concept, I knew Miss Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, was always decked out in the most fabulous jewelry...what more could a little girl ask for?

As someone that loves accessories but doesn't have an endless wad of cash, I'm constantly looking for great jewelry pieces. Whether it's costume or genuine, with or without precious or synthetic stones, I spend as much time at the jewelry counter as I do anywhere else in a store. I tend to find a few accessories worthwhile, and then start to elimintate pieces by how they may compliment my wardrobe. Usually my attention's caught by colors and the shine. I'm a sucker for all things natural, but lately I've purchased more quirky finds that suit my personality as well. As you should never over-accessorize an outfit, I never purchase anything I feel is too gaudy.

These gems are just a few of simple pieces that can make your outfit pop. The sixth piece, from the NOVICA by National Geographic Store, is my favorite, as it is handmade and one-of-a-kind!

Betsey Johnson 'Girlie Charms' Bracelet--$150 at Nordstrom.com; Heart Bird Skull Necklace--$8 at WetSeal.com and select stores; Heart Locket Necklace--$12.50 at Aeropostale.com and select stores (currently all online jewelry is buy 1 get 1 FREE); Turquoise Toggle Chip Bracelet--$25.00 at KVKDesigns.com; Blue Burst Cuff Bracelet--$14.95 at KVKDesigns.com; Cedar Bracelet, "Sunset Cloud" by Gerard Terrien--$52.95 at NOVICA.com; 14 K Gold Dolphin Hoop Earrings--$125 at JewelryCentral.com; Sterling Silver Red Crystal Flower Earrings--$11.97 at Overstock.com; Sterling Silver Heart-shaped Amethyst Earrings--$15.99 at Overstock.com.