deb said no

Cool As Ice

Yesterday, I was accused of bringing up Cool As Ice (yes, the Vanilla Ice movie) at every chance I get. Kind of like someone who knows a famous person and mentions it constantly. You're talking about Applebee's and all the sudden they're all, 'Oh, yeah, my friend Jenn Aniston loves Applebee's". Although I guess Cool As Ice probably isn't as cool as knowing a celebrity and I highly doubt Jenn Aniston likes Applebee's... but hopefully you get my point.

Anyway, this post is actually supposed to be about nail polish, not my weird obsession with so-bad-they're-good movies...

Left: Sally Hansen X-Treme Wear in White On and Nicole by OPI in I Pink I Love Him

Since sparkly nails are in right now, I decided to try out a glitter manicure. I personally think that they usually look best when the glitter and base are similar colours, so I went chose silver glitter on a white base.

Although my coworkers might say I chose this colour combination just so I had another excuse to bring up the Vanilla Ice movie, it was actually inspired by one of my other obsessions most of them just don't seem to get: snow. I wanted the effect of a sunny winter day where the snow seems to sparkle. Since it doesn't seem I'll be getting this in real life any time soon (damn you, global warming!) I'll have to settle for the manicure version.

Oh, and since we're talking about my obsessions, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post a picture of my favourite love of all: Maury. I took this as he helpfully stuck his face into my fame at the last second while I was trying to photograph the nail polish bottles. Thanks Maury!

The Price Is Right: NYC Lipstain

Guys, I'm in love. For reals. But don't go sending me congratulations or anything - it's with a lipstain, not a person.

I first heard about NYC's Smooch Proof 16HR Lipstain in Hannah's post over at xoJane. I'm usually kinda hesitant about lip colour as it tends to look weird on me and I hate wasting my money. Lucky for me, these suckers are under five bucks a piece... Which clearly meant I had to pick up two, right?

Neverending Nude (pictured in my ridiculous self-portrait below) is a "you-but-better" kind of shade, while Champagne Stain is a pretty, poppy red. These are crazy easy to apply and they last. Like, forever (real time: approximately six hours). As an added, super-fun bonus, they kind of look like Sharpies so you can freak your friends out when they think you're drawing on your face with a toxic marker (note: this actually happened).

(Can't do a post about lip colour without the ubiquitous duck face)

Depending on my mood, I'll either go for the matte Brenda Walsh look or add a little gloss for some added shine. One downside to the gloss: while it looks super pretty, it does seem to shorten the life of the lipstain. Consider yourselves warned.

My lip stain and I will be registered at The Bay and Home Outfitters. I probably won't take his last name...

How I Spent My Summer Vacation (or: Oh Yeah! I Have A Blog!)

I really slacked off on my blogging duties over the summer. In my defense, there’s just so much going on that it was hard to find time to sit in front of a computer and write (I mean, other than the eight hours a day I do that at my day job…) let alone think up some sweet blog posts and take pictures for them.

So what have I been up to all these non-blogging weeks? A surprising lot for someone so admittedly lazy, actually…

(Click below to see this rather lengthy post about my summer vacay!)

Etsy Seller Friday: Designed By Mere

When I decided to introduce Etsy Seller Fridays, I knew that the first seller I’d profile would be Designed By Mere. While I have the pleasure and privilege of being friends with Mere, I know that I’d still be a huge fan of her shop even if she were a stranger. Her work is just too good not to love! (much like the woman behind it… aww)

(Click through any of the images to see that item in her shop!)

Mere opened her Etsy shop in 2008, but has been designing wedding invitations since 2006. It’s no coincidence that she also got married in 2006 – her wedding invitations were among the first she designed. Since then, Mere has expanded her line to include thank you cards, personalized note cards, and (my favourite) Christmas cards.

What I find really remarkable about Mere's work - in particular the custom work she does - is how she's able to blend her aesthetic with your personal style to create something that's uniquely you, while still staying true to the Designed By Mere brand. That takes a lot of talent and - let's be honest - dedication. Luckily, Mere has both in spades!

But enough from me: let’s hear from Mere!

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: I'm inspired by a lot of things! I love florals and nature (that's pretty evident in my line). I love crisp lines and simplicity. I follow stationery and wedding blogs to stay current. Most of all, though, I'm inspired by my clients and their vision. For example, I never thought I'd design an invitation featuring peacock feathers, but that was the bride's vision, and I love how it turned out (not in my shop yet, but will be soon!). I also never would have designed the Parisian Romance line if a bride hadn't wanted me to--look what I would have missed out on!

Q: You do a lot of custom work for weddings. Any advice on sticking to a wedding budget?

A: My advice for sticking to a wedding budget: know where you want to spend the big money, and look for ways to save on all the rest. Flower arrangements might be really important to you, so you find a less expensive venue. If you want amazing pictures from an expensive photographer, spend less on the meal. As with all budgets, it's all about figuring out what your priorities are.

People don't normally budget a lot for wedding invitations and coordinating stationery, because they tend to think of it as something that they can do themselves--and they can! But a beautifully designed stationery suite does not have to be expensive, plus you'll save yourself a lot of time and stress. I tell a lot of brides not to bother with extra costly things like fancy envelopes; they'll inevitably be thrown away, but guests will likely save the invitation.

Q: How do you find a bride’s personal style gets translated into her big day?

A: I think more and more, brides and grooms want their weddings to reflect who they are as individuals and as a couple. That's why there are so many wedding invitations out there! One of my brides was from Saskatchewan, but getting married here in Ontario. She wanted to bring a bit of home to her wedding, so she was using wheat in her flower arrangements and her invitation design. It's the little things like that that tell your guests more about who you are. When my husband's cousin got married just a couple of weeks ago, she and her husband really wanted the wedding to have a close community feel to it. Everyone walked in together during the processional for the ceremony, and we all ate together at a large table afterwards. It was really special, and reflected their appreciation for the support of family and friends and their desire to have that continued support throughout their marriage. I loved it. [Ed note: check out this post on Mere’s blog to see pictures from this very wedding!]

Q: What are your favourite items from your shop?

A: It's hard to pick a favourite, but I'm so partial to the Sweet Hydrangea and Dahlia design. I love the simplicity of this design--the clean lines, single colour... By far, it's the most popular invitation in my shop.

Q: Anything else we should know about you?

A: What else should you know about me? I love being challenged by my clients to design something I never thought I would--it's how I grow as a designer. Oh, and you should know that I love doing what I do! (wait, was that a plug for BlackBerry?)

 

Like what you see? Want to hear more from Mere? Check out her blog!

Want your Etsy shop to be featured for an upcoming Etsy Seller Friday? Contact me via email! (Note: Only sellers who ship to Canada will be profiled.)

TGIW

This was my outfit for last Wednesday (Day 23). This probably isn't a combination I would have thought of before 30 for 30, but it was actually really comfortable. I'll definitely wear the tunic with the skirt again, but I might either pair it with a different cardigan or - if it's not a work day and it's warm out - go without the extra layer. As much as I love that green sweater, something just didn't feel right combining it with the other pieces.

Speaking of Wednesdays, it's now my favourite day of the week. Sure Friday's great and all, but recently Wednesday nights have marked my weekly date with three of my favourite people: Mere, Devon, and baby Karis.

And how could I not love these visits? Look how cute:

Designed By Mere Giveaway!

You might remember a few months ago when I mentioned how much I love my stylish little note cards from Designed By Mere. Recently, Designed By Mere unveiled some new holiday cards for 2010, and they’re just as sweet.  I can’t wait for my order to arrive!

 

To help you get through the holiday season in style, I’ve teamed up with Designed By Mere for an awesome giveaway! One lucky winner will receive their choice of a box of Designed By Mere holiday cards.

To enter, visit Designed By Mere on etsy  and comment below with your email address and a link to your favourite holiday card(s). 

You will receive a bonus entry if you share this contest on your blog, Facebook or Twitter… just be sure to post a link to your blog post, Facebook profile or Twitter page in the comments below. You can enter up to five times throughout the week, simply by posting to your blog/Facebook/Twitter again and then adding another comment with the link and your email address.

Entries will be accepted until 9 pm EST on October 31.  This contest is open to residents of Canada and the U.S.  A winner will be chosen at random and announced in this post on November 1. The winner will also be contacted by email with additional information.

Good luck!

And the winner is.... HOODIE! I'll contact you by email to get your shipping information and card preference.  Congrats!

It's the Slutty Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

I love Halloween. Next to Christmas, it's my favourite day of the year. The reason?  I really love dressing up in a costume.  Seriously.  I will find any occasion.  Costume party? Great! Theme day at work? You bet! Random Friday that a couple coworkers and I deem 90's day? Awesome!

I have a couple of rules, though:

1. I do not abide by the Halloween slut rule.
2. I must make my own costume, either by finding pieces I can put together or physically constructing it myself. I refuse to buy a packaged costume. I'm stubborn like that.

The stakes are extra high this year because I've won the costume contest at work two years in a row (full disclosure: one of those years I was merely involved in the winning group costume, but that still counts, right?). 

Here was last year's costume. Sorry about the poor-quality, but it was the only full-body shot, and I don't want anybody to be P.O.'d.

 
Seeing as we had our costume contest at work a couple days before Halloween, I got some interesting looks at Starbucks that morning. Could have been because I kept asking if their coffee had large talons.

Two years ago, the gang and I transformed ourselves into the cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 (the classic version, of course).  I was hoping that Color Me Badd might stop by the Peach Pit for a surprise performance, but alas, they were already booked.

 
(Thanks to our resident media guru for his Photoshop wizardry with the logo, house and of course Joe E. Tata. Click on the image to see the full-size version in all its glory.)

I have my work costume all thought out (and mostly put together, minus a few pieces).  However, I'm totally stuck for what to wear to my costume party on Saturday.  Yes, just like those brides you love to hate on Rich Bride, Poor Bride, I want not one but two outfits for my big day(s).

For inspiration, I looked back at some of the great costumes my friends have put together in the past. Here are just a few...

Shark Week and Lindsay Bluth (which don't necessarily have to go together...)
Calendar + Sharks.  It's so simple that it's kind of genius.... and got quite a laugh when he came through the door.  And what Arrested Development fan doesn't remember the Slut Shirt episode? Bonus points to Allison for actually making that shirt.

Trailer Park Boys
These costumes were put together almost entirely from Value Village finds.  And Marco's goatee was drawn-on with dark brown eye pencil.

Where's Waldo
Very cute costume.  The only problem is that everyone came up to Nicole all night saying, "Found you!" Side note: she didn't know male Waldo - we just ran into him at the party, thus resulting in 33% more "I found Waldo!" jokes.

Showgirl and her (skeezy?) manager
Viga and Joe are the King and Queen of couples' costumes.  This one was my favourite. Joe really worked that fake mustache.

So You Think You Can Dance Reject
I laugh every time I look at this picture.  I thought that the mascara tears were a nice touch. Not to mention those sweet tie-dyed socks.

I was also really impressed with the Halloween costume posts that Jessica of What I Wore has put together.  Check them out for some additional inspiration:

Twiggy
Edie Sedgwick 
Little Edie Beale (more on her right here at debsaidno)
Karl Lagerfield
Frankenstein and his bride
Mad Hatter

Still feeling stuck? Just follow my Jersey Shore style rules and go as Snooki. As hoodieruns would say, "easy peasy lemon squeezy!"

Share your costume ideas with me in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter!

I Love Olive (and anagrams)

 [Source]

I was lucky enough to be treated to a belated birthday evening last night, which included a viewing of Easy A (with a side of popcorn and M&Ms, of course).  It's pretty much my new favourite movie.

And really, what's not to love? It's so cute and clever! (much like Emma Stone herself)

 

 

My personal fave:

If you haven't seen it: go.  NOW! GO! You're wasting time! If you have, share your favourite bits with me in the comments.

PS: I totally want those sunglasses from the banner pic.  I might skip the A-emblazoned bustier, though.

 

Loving: South Park

Now that I'm back at home without cable, I'm back to streaming things online.  I was chatting with my friend (and future short-term roomie!) Barb, and I asked her what episode of South Park was the best (because I'm clearly too indecisive to pick one myself).

I didn't just get a single episode response.  Barb helpfully made a list (divided by season!) of all of the best episodes.  Some might say re-posting her list is a lazy way to blog... but that's okay with me. I'll just be over here watching the episodes on the Comedy Network.

PS: I made that South Park version of me (and Maury!) using this handy tool.  Have fun!

Season 1: Meh, if I HAD to pick It would be Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride but season 1 isn't anything to write home about.

Season 2: Gnomes - meh

Season 3: Sexual Harassment Panda - there's nothing like sitting in a meeting at work about the code of conduct and humming the Sexual Harassment Panda song in your head.

Season 4: The Tooth Fairy Tats 2000 - meh

Season 5: Butters' Very Own Episode - My co-worker once told me that every episode with Butters makes her laugh so hard that she pees a little...

Season 6: Professor Chaos/Simpsons Already Did It - see above.

Season 7: Fatt Butt and Pancake Head - Every time I make Tacos for my boyfriend I comment "mmm. taco flavoured kiiiisses?"
Casa Bonita - Cartman at his best
All About Mormans - It is scary because it is true.

Season 8: Good Times With Weapons - Anime?
Something Wall-Mart Comes This Way - makes me think of Guelph

Season 9: Die Hippie Die - Dirty Hippies (also makes me think of Guelph)
Ginger Kids - whenever I see a ginger or day-walker I think of this episode.
Trapped in the Closet - :)
Marjorine - Ever been a 10 year old girl?

Season 10: Smug Alert - "Thaaaaanks"
Make Love Not Warcraft - The opening scene gets me every time.

Season 11: With Apologies to Jessie Jackson - kiss it
Fantastic Easter Special - when I was at the Vatican I kept saying hippitus-hoppitus in my head through the whole tour.
Night of the Living Homeless - Chaaaange - Gerald Broflovski's assimulation and Glenn's property value/Randy's reaction is HILARIOUS
Le Petit Tourette - If I could say "titty sprinkles" on national television, I would be soooo happy
Guitar Queer-O - My brother had the same initial reaction as Randy. "I can play that for real"
The List - pretty good.

Season 12: Overlogging - How I felt without the internet for 3 weeks.
Elementary School Musical - I used to take a bus from work every day that passed Lawrence East then Lawrence West and I always sang (in my head), "East side, west side, whatever side that you're on. As long as we care about each other we can still have some fun."
Ungroundable - Dirty Vampires/Clamato Juice!


Season 13: The Coon - Who IS Mysterion?
Margaritaville - I know someone who has one of those...
Fishsticks - Are you a gay fish?
Butters Bottom Bitch - Recently I actually asked my boyfriend if the girls posting on his facebook knew that I was his bottom bitch.
The F Word - SO true.

Season 14: Medicinal Fried Chicken - The reactions from the women crack me up every time
You have 0 Friends - Facebook!

Loving: Plus-size Fashion Blogs

I scoured the internet to find (what I consider to be) the four best plus-size blogs.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I have been! I cannot say enough good things about these wonderful ladies and their blogs. All four of them have my love and respect for helping women of all shapes and sizes appreciate their bodies. Every size is beautiful!

Saks in the City

I found out about Sakina's blog thanks to a great feature on her in the summer issue of LouLou magazine, where they helped readers recreate one of her many awesome looks. She has wonderful taste, and I am currently coveting approximately 8 billion of the pieces she's worn. Added bonus: I get to practice my (very rusty) French because each of her posts is in both French and English.  C'est fantastique!

Young, Fat, and Fabulous

Gabi seems like she's pretty much the cutest person ever.  The combination of her amazing style and sweet personality makes her blog an absolute delight to read. It's a good mix between her own outfits (which are always adorable) and great tips about plus-size clothing lines. Oh, and did I mention that she rocks a swimsuit like nobody's business??

Fatshionable

My favourite thing about Jay's blog is definitely her confidence. She takes (and nails, might I add) fashion risks that I wish I had the guts to try. Beaded hat and vibrant pink lip? Why not! Scarf as a top? You bet! Luckily her confidence is quite infectious, particularly because she consistently reminds her readers to love their shape and try something new.

Musings of a Fatshionista

Christina seems to have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of plus-size lines, which she shares with readers in clever, well-written posts that pretty much always crack me up at some point (in a good way, trust).  Case in point: the girl used the word "smized" in one of her posts. Anyone who can quote the Tyra is pretty much my hero. Thanks to her blog, I have a (very, very long) list of shops I need to visit as soon as my self-imposed (but much-needed) ban on clothes shopping is over.