Dream Come True

Some of you may remember that I have a long-time wish to drive around in my own personal beat up truck. Preferably mint in color. That dream came true for me a few weeks ago. Let me introduce you to Stanley. He’s coming to a junkin trip near you!

That was my Grandpa’s nickname and this truck gives me a definitive grandpa vibe. I can’t wait to take a cruise in this beauty. He needs new breaks first… Meanwhile, it truly is a dream come true for me.

And, in case you missed it, here is a little blogger link up I did this August. (I reference an old truck in this post.) These are some great bloggers that you’ll want to follow!

Style from the Sticks

Hi there! It’s so great to meet all of you. I’m Holly Jirovsky and I blog at Style from the Sticks which is a fashion blog for busy moms on a shoestring budget.

A little about me- I live in Iowa with my husband and I’m a stay-at-home mom for three, almost four kids. I have an eight –year-old, a seven-year-old, a four-year-old and a new baby due in December. I have a background in the publishing and advertising industries and I love combining my two passions, fashion and writing.

While my blog is mainly fashion-related, I also dabble in home decor, lifestyle and parenting. I really enjoy being a part of Midwest Bloggers and having a network of local fabulous gals that I can go to ask questions and get together to learn more about blogging- in person.

As a busy mom, I know how easy it is to get stuck in the yoga pant rut. I create quick outfits for real life. I strive for affordability (keeping costs to less than $100), accessibility (these looks can be found your local mall, online or a thrift shop) and Photoshop free pictures. Thanks for letting me be a part of your weekend!

I’d love for you to follow me at: Facebook – Pinterest – Google + – Twitter – Instagram.

(I realized the Being Zhenya photo label and House of Turquoise got switched.)

House of Turquoise- I have to admit that I’m just as obsessed with the color turquoise as she is. And Erin and I share a love of white as well. Everything she pins on Pinterest is what I aspire my house to be.

Chic Street Style- I love the elegance of her outfits and the European flare she brings to the Midwest!

Urban Farmgirl- She had me at “hello” on her Pinterest board with a separate board just for old trucks. Someday I will get a chance to visit her shop.

Being Zhenya- I love thrifting and putting together outfits on a small budget. She inspires me to think out of the box.

Reminiscing

Last week was a doozy!  And I’m sorry for missing you all a few days there.  I will do better this week, I promise!

I was recently asked about my international travel experience from a company called Smartling, they are a language translation software company, and what I would recommend about traveling abroad, etc.

So this is a little off topic for me, but a nice way to end the summer. Can you believe this is the last day!!!?

I can’t say that I have tons of experience traveling abroad.  But I have taken a trip to France in the last five years!

Packing for that trip was stressful for me.  I didn’t want to show up looking like your average tourist.  But I had little experience for how real French people dress.  That left me staring at my closet unsure of what to take.

I ended up packing several skirts and also several pairs of shoes that went along with a color theme.  If you pack all of your items in the same color family, you can easily mix and match however you need to.  I rolled each item in my carry-on so I could fit as much as possible and the items weren’t so wrinkled.  And I never checked a bag so that I knew I would have what I needed when I arrived.

If I had to pack for the trip again, I wouldn’t change much except my shoes.  Find THE absolute most comfortable pair of shoes you can find for the daytime, while still remaining stylish.  Jogging sneakers or flip-flops are not a great way to make an impression and peg you for a tourist immediately.

Our trip was in June.  The weather was moderate temperatures and sunny days.  I was nervous about all I had heard about the French and their attitudes but was excited to travel internationally and to see the most beautiful city in the world.

Of course, part of that nervousness was the language barrier.  But many of the people spoke at least some English.  I do recall on the plane sitting by a Parisian couple who had just returned from a visit to the U.S. to see the Grand Canyon.  I was discussing with them what things to see in France and I asked about Notre Dame.  Here in the states, most people pronounce this- No-Ter Daim.  They had no idea what I was talking about because of my pronunciation. And when they figured out what I was referring to- No-Tre Dom, they laughed and laughed.

Sitting by this couple on the plane and interacting with them really helped me feel more confident about my travels.  They gave me tips on what to see and do, where to eat and what to expect.  I recommend engaging in some conversation if at all possible with some locals before you get to your travel destination.

I also really enjoyed eating out because in France, that is what you do for your evening entertainment.  It took several hours to eat a meal and that’s just not the case in the U.S.  It was nice to sit down after a long day of walking and touring and enjoy a meal and some company.  And while in France, I had to enjoy the wine.  But I also loved the fresh bakery items every morning.  Their pastries are so much lighter and less sweet than in the U.S.  And the chocolate is much, much better.

We only encountered rudeness a few times.  One of those times was the concierge of our hotel.  He was not very helpful when we were asking for directions.  Also, our taxi drive on the way back from the Eiffel Tower tried to scam us for more money.  I recommend walking as much as possible when in Paris.

We crammed in so much siteseeing in a week’s time that it was hard to enjoy it all.  Next time I visit France, I’d really like to spend the majority of my time in Paris, visiting places that I had to skip over the last time.

Overall, we had a successful trip. My recommendations are to give yourself time to relax and enjoy where you are.  And of course, look stylish doing it!

It’s Not You, It’s Me

I’ve been going through a very bad breakup.  And I wrote down my thoughts so you could understand.

Dear Black Furniture,

You and I have shared many years together.  The ups and downs of trying to keep you even remotely looking dusted was worth it in the beginning.  Our affair was sultry.  I craved you even though I knew that you were wrong for me.  And I knew that you had other lovers on the side.  But it didn’t stop me to succombing to your siren call.

I have seen the light.  I am now awakening to the understanding that you were wrong for me all along and that my innermostself desires all that is white and bright.  It’s not you, it’s me.  I’ve discovered that white fits me like jeans and a tshirt.  Does it need dusting?  Who can tell.  Does it play nicely with all of my other furniture friends.  Yes, yes it does.  And maybe it too is secretly having other hot and steamy relationships in my friend’s homes. But all I know is that right now it feels good.

Maybe some day you and I can be friends again.  Maybe I’ll be in need of the sophistication that you bring to a piece that no other color can.  But right now, I have to listen to the calling of my heart.  And that is white.

Muh.

Love,

Style from the Sticks

#homedecor #housedecor