The Paper Pod

See it & Steal it

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:04:06 -0500

I own a lot of black clothing. A well cared for black garment can last many years, making it a timeless piece. Black pairs well with bold colors, it’s slimming and always creates a sophisticated look.

When I saw this outfit on Pinterest, I knew I’d be duplicating it. I don’t know about you but sometimes looking for inspiration on my fashion board makes me feel like I need to go shopping. I was stoked that I could effortless pull off a similar outfit with items I already own! Black and white is always a winning combination.

Sweater & Flats: Gap Outlet. Pants: Wet Seal. Necklace: WHBM.

Goodbye Sweets

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

Ash Wednesday was yesterday meaning the Lenten season is here once again.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always given something up for Lent. When I was younger I would give up soda, which was always a challenge. One year I gave up time and used it to do daily devotionals. Last year I gave up cookies-my preferred choice of baked goods.

This year, I tossed around the idea of giving up social media but I enjoy Facebook too much. I have too many family & friends who live far away- I don’t want to disconnect. Instead I decided to give myself a big challenge- give up sweets.

I don’t think I eat a lot of sugary snacks but I do eat them daily. I know I eat at least three (sometimes twelve) dark chocolate kisses AND dessert every night. My favorites are frozen yogurt or ice cream, reduced fat Oreos, and homemade brownies. I have no self-control when it comes to these sweets. I can crush a package of Oreos in 2 days and clear half a batch of brownies in a blink of an eye. And I never turn down ice cream. This will be a difficult.

Lent is time for prayer, penance and sacrifice. I was raised that giving something up is a sacrifice to prepare ourselves for Easter and allow us to reflect as Jesus might have during the forty days spent in the desert. Do I think giving up sugary sweet treats is going to bring me closer to God? Maybe. I might find myself praying more; this is going to take a lot of self-discipline and will power!

Do you practice giving something up for Lent?

February 22, 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:42:27 -0500

February 22, 2012

I’ve been Pinned!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:05 -0500

How was your weekend? Mine was too quick since, unlike my husband, I had to work on President’s Day. But I managed to cram as much fun filled stuff as possible into my two days off! On Sunday we met up with some friends for brunch. Such an adult thing to do, have brunch- don’t you think?

One of my friends is about a month away from having her first baby and unfortunately I wasn’t able to make her baby shower. So brunch was in order for sure. After we placed our orders, I had Brittany open her present. I couldn’t wait until after waffles.

I made Brittany’s baby three appliqued onesies. One with a mustache, since you know- ‘staches are all the rage. Another one with a tie, so baby Mason can be a fancy man. And one with the great State of Ohio so he can represent the DYT.

Turns out, Brit loved them as much as I did and uploaded a picture of the Ohio onesie to Pinterest! I’m shocked, thrilled and tinkled pink! Or I guess blue in this case?

What do you think, a new product line for Lilly Pea?

10 Little Toes listed today. And guess what?… That makes...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:43:26 -0500

10 Little Toes listed today.

And guess what?… That makes 100 items for sale in my shop!

Knit Layers

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:04:00 -0500

Perhaps it’s my inner 80’s child calling but when I saw leg warmers on clearance earlier this week I knew I needed to buy them.

I’m not really sure how you wear leg warmers. I really should have paid attention to the packaging before I took the tags off. Then it dawned me that I don’t even know what you wear leg warmers with.. only visions of Flashdance came to mind.

I decided to wear mine with a dress, leggings and heels. Only to realize 6 hours layers, I’m wearing a whole lot of sweater material.

Knitted scarf. Check.
Knitted dress. Check.
Knitted leggings. Check.
Knitted leg warmers. Check.

Guess what? I wasn’t cold at all!

Dress: Forever21. Leggings: TJ Maxx. Belt, leg warmers & shoes: Target. Brown bangle: Dots. Black bracelet: Kohls.

Sweetheart Failure

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Remember a few weeks ago when I announced my February race for the Runelation? Well apparently the stars were lined against me and that 5k. This was a Sweetheart Fail.

Failure #1:

The Sweetheart Shuffle was actually Sunday February 12 and not Saturday. Good thing I decided to check out the deats Thursday afternoon. Totally would have shown up on the wrong day. I even marked it on ALL my calendars incorrectly.

Failure #2:

See red dot? See blue dot? That’s how far OUT of the way I was at 11:55am on Sunday. Although it was awesome for me to look up all the race stuff on Thursday (and even write it all down- including directions-in my planner), it did me little good when I typed in “Middletown YMCA” into my iphone Sunday morning. When the directions came up I thought “that doesn’t look right” and searched for Greater Miami Valley YMCA Middletown. Brought up the same location so we went with it. As we drove past the correct exit my stomach did a little knot and I said to Adam “I swear, that’s the exit we want- but the phone says otherwise”. I mean in my phones defense it did take me to a YMCA, just not the one I wanted.

We had plans to head to Ikea after the race because I had some items to return. At this point we were 15-20 minutes too far south from the race that was about to start and 5-10 minutes north from Ikea. Ikea won. I was bummed.

But my weekend was a complete loss!

Since the Sweetheart Shuffle was Sunday, I still joined in on the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold on Saturday. Printed my bib, threw on my sneaks and hit the treadmill. I completed 5 miles at an even 10 mile pace. I am not sure the last time I ran 5 miles so I know I needed to push myself. Anytime I would hear my inner voice whine about my legs being tired or that I was hot, I thought of Sherry. I thought of what goal she set to accomplish the morning she went missing. I thought about what races she might have wanted to do this year. I thought about her husband and children. I thought about her friends and family. I thought about her small community. I thought about everyone else who was running today for Sherry. And then told my legs they weren’t allowed to be tired.

Now to pick my March race.. I would really love to do some sort of St Pat’s Day race. We’re planning to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland since it’s a Saturday. I haven’t been able to locate a scheduled race in the Cleveland area. Which I guess make sense since everyone is Irish in Cleveland on St Patrick’s day. Who’s going to do a 5k when there is green beer to drink and shenanigans happening downtown?

February 15, 2012

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:04:48 -0500

February 15, 2012

The Outstanding Husband Birthday Card

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:45:48 -0500

The Outstanding Husband Birthday Card

Top 5 Spotlight: Leas Letters

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Name: Leas Letters

Web: leasletters.etsy.com

About the shop: I sell handmade greeting cards and other paper goods for all occasions

What’s your story, how did you get started?

I started selling cards to support my paper addiction. I had a shoebox full of cards and nothing to do with them. I started listing items on ETSY and it grew from there. I really do this for stress relief. I have a full time job, family and elderly parent that lives with me so paper crafting is my “me” time.

What’s your muse?

Paper inspires me. All of the patterns and designs scream out to me ʺcreateʺ.

What are your favorite materials when creating?

Paper, paer and more paper. Also, I love my ATG tape gun. Couldn’t craft without that one.

What are your goals?

I would like to have more ETSY sales and do two shows a year to start. I’d like to meet other paper artists and craft together. I think that would be a lot of fun.

Any advice to share?

I’ve learned that your stuff can not look like everyone elses. That is one reason I don’t have a die cutting machine. I don’t want to have the same cut outs as everyone else. Also, you have to love what you create.

Want to be featured as a Top 5 Spotlight? Fill out the simple form for crafters or bloggers. Or email me at lillypeadesigns@gmail.com!

Love tags are back in the shop!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Love tags are back in the shop!

February 8, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:05 -0500

February 8, 2012

Hugs and Kisses

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:09:31 -0500

Hugs and Kisses

Kickin' it in red!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Happy Friday!

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but I’ve been trying to add more fashion posts up in hurrr. I think I’m more into ~~buying~~ collecting clothes then fashion itself but one things for sure I love piecing together outfits.

Since most runway looks make me nervous..

*Source

Like what’s going on here? I’m totally clueless.

…Thank goodness there are awesome fashion bloggers out there that make a bit more sense to me. If you haven’t visited Kendi Everyday, you really should. She’s adorable, even when she’s sick- which is where I pulled inspiration for this outfit.

Blazer & Bangles: Kohls. Vest: The Loft Outlet. Blouse & Shoes: Forever21. Pants: NY&Co Outlet.

Extra Special February Run

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

Hey guess what? It’s February. Month 2 of 12 in my Runelation. And this month’s race is extra special.

About two weeks ago I bated my pretty eyes at the husband and said “do you want to do a Valentine’s 5k with me?” There was some hesitation when I told him the race is outside but his final decision was “that sounds like fun”. Maybe he’s hopping on the Runelation train with me?

There are two Sweetheart Shuffle’s happening within a comfortable driving distance from our house. Since my January race was in Troy, I opted to register for the Sweetheart Shuffle in Middletown. I registered us as a “twosome”.. maybe we need some funny-make-me-wanna-gag swag for this event? Like matching oversized sweatshirts of two kittens kissing with hearts circling above.

(please click picture for source)

While it is super sweet to run a Valentine’s race with my main squeeze that’s not why this race is extra special…

A few months ago I started reading Shut Up and Run’s blog because Kimi told me she is hilarious. (I concur.) However, earlier this month as I was catching up with my Google Reader subscriptions Beth posted that her cousin and friend went missing during an early morning run. 5 days later Beth learned that her cousin was never coming home. You may read more about Sherry Arnold here if you’d like. What happened to Sherry is terrible, evil and devastating. There is more I could say about this heinous act of selfishness but I won’t.

SUAR’s readers (including myself) flooded her inbox with prayers, support and warm words. When Beth mentioned having a virtual run for Sherry, we all sent cheers of encouragement. While we cannot change what has happened, we can let good prevail and honor a life that was taken too soon.

Please join me on Saturday February 11, 2012 for a Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold. If you’re not a runner pick your favorite activity (cycle, walk, hike, rollerblade, swim, dance) and dedicate it to Sherry, to Beth and the rest of their family and friends.

February Goals: Crafty

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:01:27 -0500

Before I jump in on my goals to tackle this month, let’s recap how I did last month!

January definitely tested me. We had a small house fire (caution, be careful with gas torches), we both spent a week sick, we lost some siding off our house when it was windy like crazy, and unfortunately some close people passed away. There will always be highs and lows in life- and thankfully January blessed us with some of those too! I ran my first race with my husband, scored not one but FOUR invitation orders, had a handful of awesome date nights with friends, and I tackled my monthly goals head on!

January goals:

Organize the closets. Done!
Design a daily schedule. Done! Accept I’m still working on following it ;)
Run 15 miles (total, not at once). I ran 13, and finished the last two miles this morning
Wear more lipstick. I’ve worn lipstick at least once a week, that’s more than last month!

January goals for Lilly Pea/The Paper Pod

One new listing a week. I think I missed the week I was sick but I know I listed three new designs and relisted a ton!
Site updates: New profile picture & reorganize tabs, headers, and tags. Check, check, check and check. Awesome!

Most of my February goals are all crafty, or at least feel pretty crafty to me. Here’s what I want to accomplish

My goals for February:

Finish the gym makeover.
Complete the 1^st year photo book of Adam and I (only 5 years later..)

Goals for Fitness

Run 20 miles- and make at least one of them a 5miler.
Take on fABruary as I’m calling it.

Goals for For LPD/Paper Pod

Complete the custom orders I have due
One new listing a week.
Consider adding a “races” tab to the top..

How was your January? Did complete any goals? What do you hope to accomplish this month?

February 1, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:02:06 -0500

February 1, 2012

Hazelnut Donuts

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:37:00 -0500

I was busy Pinning one day when I came across this recipe for baked chocolate donuts. Drooled on the keyboard a little too. Kidding! But I did run to Target later to pick up a donut pan.

Turns out we didn’t have all the ingredients we needed so we improvised a little bit.

I only used half whole wheat flour and used white for the rest.

For the frosting we substituted the heavy whipping cream for our fat free hazelnut creamer. We also didn’t have any bittersweet chocolate so I used dark chocolate chips instead. This combination made for a killer frosting. For realz.

And I didn’t have chocolate sprinkles, so I hand shaved Hershey kisses. They weren’t the same as that candy crunch. Actually I’m not even sure they were noticeable.

Over baked the first batch and I think our wheat flour has gone bad (is that possible?) but overall we thought they were good. We can’t wait to bake another batch!

The Random Eleven

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:33:36 -0500

Kimi tagged me in her 11 Random Facts post! Ready to play?

The Rules:

Post these rules
You must post 11 random things about yourself
Answer the questions set for you in their post
Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them
No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people!

11 Random Facts About Me:

I set my alarm a half hour earlier than I want to get up because I like the “5 more minute” game too much.
I don’t wear a lot of makeup unless I’m gettin’ fancy.
I piece together a week or so worth of outfits at a time.
We have 16x20 prints of magnified fracture surfaces from titanium samples hanging in our living room.
I’m terrible at painting.
My “To Do” lists are out of control. There is always a list within a list (if not within a list), it always seems to be revolving and never ending.
I do my best thinking in silence.
I really like to dance and sing. I frequently do these actions around the house. I hate musicals though.
I’m very “Type A” when it comes to organizing, planning, and keeping records.
I kiss my husband when he drops me off at work, when he picks me up from work and before I go to bed religiously.
My day is not complete unless I have dessert.

11 Questions From Kimi:

How old were you when you got your first kiss? 12 w/ braces. It was awkward.
Coke or Pepsi? Coke!
Your favorite pair of shoes? Currently, my riding boots (either pair)
How old were you when you first realized you were awesome? Honestly, sometime during my mid- twenties. It took me a long time to figure out being yourself is way more cool than being what others think of you.
Favorite TV show of ALL TIME? You can only choose 1! Friends.
What do you call a winter hat? I call them just hats, even if some of you tell me you were a toboggan on your head.
Do you use a calculator or do it in your head? If it’s not 2+2, please hand me a calculator. And yes, I 100% know that’s sad.
If you had to pick a blogger from the internet to be your neighbor who would it be and why? Creeper Alert because I’m sure she doesn’t read my blog, but I’d pick Kristin. I ask my husband to reproduce about 80% of her recipes, I heart almost every item on her Friday Favorites and I think she’s on my wave length when it comes to workin’ on yo fitness.
Favorite toothpaste? Crest Pro Health is what I use, not sure it’s my favorite though.
How do you take your coffee? With some fat-free hazlenut Coffee- Mate, please!
Crushed, cubed or no ice? If it’s a glass of water or a cocktail I’ll take cubed. Anything else, I’ll pass.

11 Questions for the lucky bloggers below:

What’s your least favorite chore?
Do you take daily vitamins?
Name one crafty project you want to tackle.
What’s one food item you couldn’t give up?
If you could have a shopping spree at any retailer, who would you choose?
What super power do you wish you had?
What famous person do people say you resemble?
What’s one of your fitness goals for 2012?
Cookies or cupcakes?
What trendy word do you wish people would stop using?
What is your favorite holiday?

People I’m taggin’. Once again, pay no attention to the creeper alert:

Brights, Polka Dots, & Stripes!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:06 -0500

A real winter storm has yet to hit Dayton this season and the random warm days have me longing for spring. The current nautical theme in bright colors and bold stripes I’m seeing all over the fashion industry is not helping. The looks are fresh with the perfect pop of color.

I’m really excited for the arrival of warmer weather this year!

CAUTION: MAY CAUSE DROOLING

First and foremost I really want a pair of bright green pants. I’ve tried to purchase a few times but my size was sold out. I’m not giving up yet!

But if I can’t find a pair of green pants, my second choice to is pink. Be bright or pale, I think they are so fun!

I’m really drawn to the green and pink hues so if pant shopping is a total bust there’s always this green skirt:

Or this pink maxi:

Or this awesome green blouse:

Speaking of blouses, this yellow polka dot one is so playful:

And this top takes the guess work out of mixing prints!

Before I move on to the dresses (which are my ultimate favorite garments to wear) I have to make note of how much I love this skinny stripe mini:

Now the dresses. Oh how I love thee. This yellow stripe dress says “hello, spring”:

I’m not really a big fan of colored block garments but I love the combination of bright red and pink with the light tan bottom on this dress:

And if I ever allow myself to splurge on a dress from Anthro.. this rugby stripe number is my current pick. Wowzers.

*Please click pictures for source.

Do you have a spring lust list?