Wacky Wednesdays With Jenbiff

Forever the People's Princess

Recently I was lucky enough to travel to Foxwoods Casino in CT to see Diana: A Celebration exhibit with my boyfriend's mom, Lisa. If you weren't a fan of the late princess, you certainly will be after seeing this exhibit! Needless to say, it was amazing. And despite the fact that she passed when I was little, I understand and know how important she was not only to the fashion industry, but to the world. She was the People's Princess.

My favorite picture of her and the first picture in the exhibit (Photo Credit: Google Images)

The exhibit was small, but covered her whole life. The very first room was a giant picture of her and in a case in front of the picture is her family's crown. Holy diamonds! (I'll take two please!) I was so overwhelmed and in shock by how beautiful it was I had to just walk away and into the next room. I must have looked crazy to Lisa!

A young Diana Spencer (her maiden name) (Photo Credit: Google Images)

As you walk through, you get a small history of her family and her childhood. Then there are pictures of her and Prince Charles during their engagement and then -drum roll please- The Dress. You know the one I'm talking about.

One of the world's most famous dresses-it's a lot more beautiful in person! (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Yup, that one.

Once you've wandered around the HUGE case with her dress and full train, watched the small video of her walking into the church and viewed all the pictures and other memorabilia you may think that's the end of the exhibit. Silly reader...you're only half way through! As you continue on, naturally there was a room dedicated to a lot of her work. And then the inevitable.

By the time the hearse got to the graveyard it was practically buried in flowers (Photo Credit: Google Images)

The room that followed her charity work is probably the hardest room to walk through. A huge projection screen is playing a clip of Diana's funeral procession and blasting through the speakers: Candle In the Wind by Elton John. Just try to make it through that without crying a little. But if you are of strong will, turn to the wall facing the projection screen and read her brother's eulogy. Good Luck. Thankfully tissues are provided, just in case you all of a sudden "get something in your eye".

Even though this dress wasn't there, it just shows how stylish she was (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Just when you think that's all you can take, there is a room full of her gowns and dress suits. They are everything from ugly to stunning. But no amount of words can describe them! Go see them all, and everything else! The exhibit is open now until January 15th. (Click here to find out more about it).

So what are you waiting for? Go see the exhibit!


Quote of the Week: "This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"
Last Weeks Answer: More Than This by Vanessa Carlton

KM Explains it All!

Scrabble Anyone?


I was watching the CW show The Vampire Diaries a couple weeks ago and saw the character, Anna, wearing a Scrabble letter ring.  Trying to use the crafty portion of my brain I thought, "This would be wicked easy to replicate!" so I decided to give it a go.  I went to the craft store to see if they had any ring bases so that it would look like it was purchased at a store rather than a home project.  Unfortunately they didn't have any but I remembered that I had a ring at home that fell off the base and decided I'd use that instead.  I have noticed that ring bases are for sale online if you just Google it, but I'm far too impatient when I already have a project in mind.  Once I had that, all I needed was a letter from the Scrabble board game and I was good to go!

Anna and Jeremy from The Vampire Diaries with her Scrabble ring (image taken from google.com)

On the show, Anna has an "A," obviously for her name, so I decided to make a "K" for Kaley!

My supplies:  Scrabble game, Gorilla Super Glue (this stuff is magical!), and my ring base

I put a paper towel down so I wouldn't get any glue on the table then put just a few drops of glue on the ring base.

 I then centered the base on the back of the piece and waited for it to dry.

And VOILA!  A new accessory to add to my accessory catalog!  


Have any fun DIY projects that you've done?  Let me know!

Outfit Outtakes by Jen Bou

The Poncho

I've been loving the poncho and cape trend this season and it took me a while to find the perfect one. So believe me when I say I had to contain my excitement when I found this poncho at Marshalls for only $25! The look and weight of the fabric is light, not bulky (like others I've seen) and it proves to be a chic, yet cozy topper. Bonus factor....it has a hood!

Shirt: Old Navy

Bottoms: The Limited

Boots: Candies for Kohls (old)

Bag: Longchamp (gifted)

Are you digging the capes and ponchos?

The Gossip Corner with Stini

Happy Gobble Gobble Everyone!


Turkey Day is one of my fave holidays because I get to eat lots of yummy food and spend time with the people I love. This year's Thanksgiving was a bit different then in the past because my cousins, Jennifer and Lauren, and I had to make the dinner-preparation for the future. Now I never really truly appreciated all of the effort and hard work it takes to put on such a feast, kudos to my aunts and grandmother! 


This year we basically did a 24-hour cooking marathon that included tempers and at times ingredients flying haha. But we survived-yay! The thing that I really love to do on this holiday is to make my aunt's Triple Chocolate Pecan Pie, it tastes even better than it sounds. Usually we only make one but my Jennifer and I petitioned to have two pies so that there wouldn't be fights over who got a bigger slice of pie. 

Don't you just want to lick the screen?

Here's the recipe if you want to try and make it yourself.

One of our family traditions, that my grandfather started, is to go around the table and say what we are thankful for that year and why. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it brings all of the family together, unfortunately he passed away four years ago, and Turkey Day has never really been the same for me. 

Our last family photo with my grandfather

And yes we usually have 12-14 people to feed

Finally I wanted to share the outfit that I wore for this special occasion with you

 

Thanks Lauren for snapping these cute pics!

My Outfit-

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Tights: Ann Taylor

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Earrings/Rings: Tiffany & Co.

Necklace: Madewell

Apron: My Aunt Sue's

What are some of your family's traditions for Turkey Day? 

Thirsty Thursday's With Vicki

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Turkey Day guys! I guess I'm the lucky one out of the group, and I actually get to blog to you about Turkey Day on the actual day. Since my family tradition isn't much of a tradition, and changes every year I can just tell you about what I did this year.

As far as this year goes, we kept it VERY simple. And sometimes, I think simple is nice. Sometimes, I like big celebrations, which is why I swear my wedding when that day comes will be just like Kim Kardashians-Except I'll stay married for more than 75 days. 

I started off this holiday by going out last night, along with the rest of Westfield. Usually, I admit I hate seeing all my graduating class. But this year it felt different. I saw people I haven't seen in ages, and it actually felt good knowing we were on good terms. Knowing that things were in the past, and we were ready to  just move forward. It's scary to think people do actually grow up, especially those we least expect! For this holiday celebration we just went to two local bars in Westfield: Westwood and The Leaf. We also made it out to a town next to us called Southwick. It was crazy to see who I ran into: past flings, new flings,new friends and old friends. But all in all, great times.

whatsupandwhere.com

For actual Turkey Day, I started off watching the Macy's Day Parade with my family. After just a 5 hour sleep, I got up at 9 and watched the whole Parade. First time ever considering in the past I'd always get stuck going to the Westfield High School Football Turkey Day Game.  Scotty McCreary and Rodney Atkins were my favorite performances at the Parade (even though, they're lip singing was not very good!)

Scotty McCreary (American Idol Winner 2011)-Americanidol.wikia.com

For my Turkey Dinner, it was just my parents, my brother and myself. Very simple like I said. But relaxing, and included some much needed family time. I enjoyed your basic Turkey Dinner Meal: Turkey, gravy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and crescent rolls. All my favorites! 

Also, mom broke the big news. She was "for" a new dog!!! We've been waiting for her to say Yes, and looks like if it works out we will hopefully be getting a Labrador sometime this year!!!!

Some of my fave Turkey Dinner Foods!

As for dessert, we all went over to my cousins who live in Longmeadow, a few towns over from Westfield. It was great to catch up with family there, eat some sweets, and drink some wine! 

For 2011: I'm thankful that all the crazy storms that MA has experienced that my friends and family all were safe and managed to get through the tragedy's these storms brought. I'm so thankful for ALL my family and friends. I don't know where I'd be without them.

Damage from the storm

As for Turkey Day, I tried to dress very festive! See how I incorporated a dressy but trendy look for my Thanksgiving festivities: Fun prints, using the fall color purple, and booties!

Black Sweater: Forever 21
Printed Skirt: Free People (Caren & Co.)
Tights: Marks & Spencer's (London, England)
Black Booties: Kensie (Vince Camuto Outlet)
Necklace: Kohls
Belt: Primark (London, England)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope that you all had a wonderful Turkey Day. Gobble Gobble!

 

Wacky Wednesday's with Jenbiff

Turkey Day

With every holiday, every family has traditions. Thanksgiving is actually the one holiday where my family is a little more laid back. In the morning my parents, siblings, and I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Of course during commercials my parents run to check the turkey and other delicious treats they've spent the past few days cooking. Towards the end of the parade is when everyone is rushed in and out of the shower and everyone has to pitch in to clean the house before my family shows up around 3pm.

This year's logo for the Macy's Day Parade (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Of course once the parade is over the TV is taken over the Thanksgiving Day football games. And once my whole family is over we normally just hang out and catch up for a little until dinner is ready. Food-wise we are pretty traditional. There is of course the turkey, potatoes, carrots and stuffing. But then we add our own family recipes. My mom makes amazing sweat potatoes with cinnamon on top and also a to-die-for Spinach potatoes which are my favorite. I seriously never thought I'd like Spinach until I ate this.

Similar to my mom's Spinach potatoes, but obvs not as good. (Photo Credit: Google Images)

After dinner I run off to meet up with Ben and his family to celebrate with them. Their Thanksgiving is pretty low key too. It's nice to be able to hang out with all of my family because everyone knows how busy life can get. I love the low key feeling of Thanksgiving in my family. It's sort of like the calm before the storm because Christmas is never this calm.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Thanksgiving this year!


Quote of the Week: "And you think you'll be happy
if granted one more wish,
but the truth is
you'll never need more
you'll never need more
you'll never need more than this."
Last Weeks Answer: Marc Jacobs

KM Explains it All!

Turkey Day!


Thanksgiving is such an underrated holiday that I absolutely LOVE!  When else can you eat all the food you want and have no one call you a fatty?!  Not only that, but it is a holiday where you can look back and reflect on everything that you're thankful for.  This year I'm thankful for all the great friends I have that have been there for me during the bummer summer of 2011 and of course I'm thankful for my family.  Without them, I honestly don't know where I'd be.  I'm thankful for all the great opportunities that I've had and all the traveling that I've been able to do.  Three more continents and I'll have been to them all!  I'm thankful to the Foo Fighters for putting on an AMAZING show last week and for my mom finally caving and letting us get our puppy, Stella.  I'm thankful for more things than I could list here!


Now for a little family tradition...every year the radio, actually on a few different radio stations, they play Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant.  In my family it is a tradition to stop whatever we're doing so that we can sing and enjoy the song together.  If we don't sing along...well...there are consequences...my parents usually end up singing louder.  Anyone interested in having a listen just watch the video below or listen to the oldies radio stations around noon time on Thanksgiving!

Another tradition that I enforce is a dessert that my aunt makes.  She made it one year so the younger kids who don't enjoy the numerous pies that we usually have, would have something to else to eat.  I think I liked them better than the kids and now it is a must at our house.  These delicious must haves are candy turkeys and candy pilgrim hats.  Every year she says I don't remember how I made them last year but she never lets me down!

Hers usually have candy corn feet rather than a cookie stand

DELICIOUS chocolate marshmallows!

What are you thankful for this year?  Have any holiday traditions?  Let me know!

Outfit Outtakes by Jen Bou

The Holiday Before Christmas

Every year I get so excited for the Thanksgiving holiday, but get sort of bummed when people skip right over it to Christmas. While I love all of the holiday cheer and everything that goes along with it, it felt like this year the holidays started in September! 

There’s just something about gathering with family and friends, and eating a big home cooked meal that create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, not to mention having a few days to enjoy the time off from work. This year it seemed to approach rather quickly and amongst all of the Christmas and holiday craziness that has already started, I won’t be able to think about it until I have my Thanksgiving feast which will consist of a delicious turkey dinner accompanied with all the fixings. As of November 25^th, I plan on enjoying my extra day off and staying away from the swarms of people starting their Christmas shopping; however, I might do some online shopping to see if there are any good deals that I can scoop up!

Here's the outfit I plan on wearing for Thanksgiving.....

Top, tights, clutch{The Limited}; Shorts{TJ Maxx}; Shoes{Payless}

 If Thanksgiving wasn't at my house, I would be wearing the clutch too :)

Also, I would just like to give a shout out to all of the people who will be working in the stores that open at 12AM Thanksgiving evening/Friday morning. You people are saints!!! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And for everyone who will be out on Black Friday, happy shopping!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Will you be shopping on Black Friday?