Handmade and Vintage Love

I don't remember how I stumbled upon these two Etsy shops (probably Pinterest), but I am in love with both!

Diament Designs

 source

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Rachel Pfeffer Designs

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What are you crushing on for Valentine's Day? 

Totally awkward outfit post

It's my first outfit post and I am completely self conscious about it.  I love other peoples outfit posts so I am going to hide my shame and put it out there anyways.

Shirt-thrifted, belt-Pierre Cardin-thrifted
high waisted cords-Anthropologie, gold bangles-thrifted

Linking up here:

Spunky Chateau
Vintage Gwen
A Stylish Little Lady
The Letter 4
Little Pink Pocket
Southern Lovely
The Pleated Poppy
Silver Style

Patterns, Patterns, and Patterns

 I went through all my patterns Saturday night during a movie. 

 Look at that inspiration! Just waiting for me to pick out the right polyester from my stash.

my daughter was inspired too, she did this while I made breakfast Sunday morning.  I just love that stinker.  She is mama's girl. 

Guest Posting

Doing a little DIY over at Smmidge today.  Getting my hot glue on!  Come check it out if you know what's good for you! 

 I am a little crankypants.  Started a cleanse that requires me to give up caffeine for 16 days.  I give myself until the weekend before I snap.  I almost drop kicked a co-worker who was flaunting his soda.  Thinking this whole cleanse thing was a pretty stupid idea.  After the first day I gained a pound.  WTF?  Who gains weight on a cleanse?

Click here to see what I had for breakfast.   I want a cup of coffee followed by a diet coke. Mmmm, coffee.

Peace out,  Amy

Girls Night Out

Yup, girls night out and I had to swing into the thrift store for quick minute.  It was on the way to the bar, and I was ALONE!  It's been a long week.  My friend who works there could see it on my face.  She has 4 kids and knows mine fairly well.  She reminded me to soak up the quietness and enjoy my time.  I did. 

Bedtime at my house has been a nightmare.  My kids are nightowls and some nights it's 10:00 (or later) before they finally give in and fall asleep.  

Secretly, I went with the hopes that my husband would get the kids to bed and I would just come home instead.  He did.  My daughter was asleep by 7, my son by 8.  Seriously?  Beyond unfair.  You mothers understand.  We struggle every night and our husbands swoop in and the kids finally behave when we aren't there.  Not even right.  I went out anyways...my girls are good for the soul and I needed a break....and a beer...and a shot...and another beer.

I did score a few super finds though before I made my way out!

 3 Betsey Johnson sweaters for my littlest nightowl and biggest stinker!  $4 a piece!

 a little handknit cardi and a sweatshirt for her as well.  I don't think her behavior warrants any new clothes...but I couldn't resist.

 a prairie style dress for me...because I reward my own bad behavior.

 This picture doesn't do this 80s shirt justice.  It really is super cute.

 that collar goes around to the back  (think sailor style).

A great Saturday night.  A pieceful thrifting visit, some much needed cocktails...and home before 10 to watch a movie with my love.  

xoxo, Amy

Guest Post....Smmidge!

I am super excited to have Molly aka Smmidge over here sharing her fabulous style.   If you need a fashion boost follow her blog, she will not disappoint with her "Smmidge Style" posts and awesome DIY's.  I swear we are kindred spirits.  We met each other through Pinterest/blogging and our love for similar things.  

Let's see what amazing outfit she has put together for us today!

Hi!  I'm Molly Magill from smmidge and so happy to be guest posting for Green Eggs and Hamm today!  Like GEH, smmidge covers many lifestyle topics but today we are talking style.  I came across this shot of a sweatshirt with a party skirt and I couldn't get it out of my mind.  I love yellow and gray together, and how fun it is to dress down fancy fabrics or pieces, especially if you are like me and live a very casual life.  So I grabbed my silk taffeta skirt. . . yes I have had this one for a while, and no I haven't worn it that much. . . (it also just happens to be the same lovely yellow!) and the closest thing I have to sweatshirt and I was ready.  I could have been off to a party, a lunch, a shower, work, or a dinner date.  Insert moment and this idea will bring a little unexpected pizzazz!  Mix it up and have fun! Thanks again to Amy and Green Eggs and Hamm for having me!  xx - m.m.

silk taffeta skirt, J Crew circa 2007 - similar one here, and gray striped sweatshirt from Target, similar one here.

layer on the bracelets - all finishes and colors will work!

***

Ok, not only do I want the skirt and the shoes...but the calf muscles as well.  You can't tell me you didn't notice.  Thanks so much Molly for sharing your incredible style.  Seriously go check out her blog if you like fashion and DIY.  Amazing!

Happy Friday, Amy

*linking up smmidges awesome outfit post to check out the link parties!

Thrifting 101-Lesson #2 Shoes

Shoes shoes shoes!  Thinking outside or better yet...inside the (shoe) box. 

I have been thrifting for years and until recently never looked at shoes. I had these preconceived notions of grossness, and the chances of them having my size were slim to none (I wear a size 12...and before you go and judge my gigantor feet please keep in mind I am over 6 feet tall...now you can judge my giganticness in whole). 

Back to shoes.  I love them.  LOVE THEM.  My size is available at Nordstrom and Payless and that's pretty much it...with the exception of online.  It all started with wanting some loafers and oxfords.  I posted on them a while back, you can revisit it here and here.  One day I thought...why not look in the men's shoes?  

The selections are much smaller and neater, and I cannot tell you how many Allen Edmond's, Dr. Martens and Bass shoes I see there.  All three are so on trend right now, but fairly expensive retail.  So at least scope it out for your men/man or yourself and do something fun with them!  

Like this:  add some fancy shoestrings.

These were $8.98.  I added lace shoestrings and lace to the heel.  When I get bored with them I'm thinking gold spray paint and glitter!

Spray Paint

via

 The possibilites are endless!

If you have children you have even more of a reason to look at kids shoes.  My kids can grow out of shoes in 3 months.  Even worse, they can tear up a pair of shoes in a matter of minutes given the right conditions.  These are some of the shoes I have found for my own stinkers this past year.  

 Seriously?  Could you ever pass up Minnetonka Mocassins?  

 Converse are great for boys and girls.  Those black ones will be washed and put away for my daughter.  

 I also bought tap shoes...I had a lapse in good judgement...but she sure does like them.

 Dr. Martens

 Adidas Samba

 I couldn't say no.  My son however had no problem saying "no way"!

Ice Skates

Bottom line:  Don't forget the shoes!  Have an idea of the style you are after.  It makes it less daunting and easier to scan the racks.  Look for the shape and style first and think outside the box.  I have yet to pay over $10 a pair.  Kids shoes are typically $2-$5.  If you need inspiration go to Pinterest.  Nuff said.

Happy Thrifting!

xoxo, Amy

  

save 45% by purchasing Converse with the TeenScreen code below!  I love me converse! 

http://teenscreen.org/pacsun-coupons/

Come visit

I am over at Crazy Wonderful  guest posting for the fabulous and gorgeous Shelley for her new series "What's in my bag"!  Come on over and check it out!

If you don't know already, Shelley is a crafty ninja and always has some great tutorials on her blog.  She did this tie tutorial for a guest post over here and it has been floating around the internet everywhere.  

Crazy Wonderful

So come over, check out what's in my bag and show Shelley some love.  It's easy to do, you will adore her.

xoxo, Amy

Luck in the New Year

It is said that if you eat black eyed peas on New Year's day it will be bring you luck throughout the year.  I am not superstitious and don't believe in luck.  I do however love black eyed peas.  Below are two super easy recipes that involves mostly opening cans.  My dad, who got me started on the whole black eyed peas business would be mortified that I used canned peas.  I always do, and he always cringes when I tell him.  If you want to soak your beans overnight go for it.  I choose the easy way.

Black eyed peas

*Disclaimer:  there are no rights or wrongs!  I have made this before with nothing but peas, rotel and diced ham.  I don't measure so bare with me.  

What I used today

• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1 can butter beans
• 1 can navy beans
• 1 can rotel
• 1/2 a can of corn ( I never use corn, I just had some extra so I threw it in)
• 1 can tex mex style diced tomatoes 
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 3 small sweet peppers chopped
• 1 pat butter
• enough olive oil to cover bottom of saucepan
• 1 ham hock-leftover from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner (you can also use diced ham)
• pepper to taste
• a dash of season salt
• a dash of celery salt
• hot sauce (optional)

1. throw in your pat of butter and olive oil in a large pan

2. get your pan hot enough so the butter is sizzling

3. put in your onion, garlic, peppers (or any other veggies you choose to use) and cook until they soften   or your onion turns opaque.

4. add your ham hock and turn it a couple of times (kind of like braising a piece of meat before slow cooking)

5. open all your cans and throw 'em in the pan.  

6. bring it to a boil then turn the heat down to low and simmer for about an hour.

7.  taste and season to your hearts desire 

make yourself some easy box corn bread muffins and add some shredded cheese to the batter!  Yum.

Next up: Cowboy Cavier

*disclaimer - I did not use butter beans even though it's in the picture!  And again, no rights or wrongs.  Add what you like and make it your own.

• 1 can black eyed peas
• 1 can corn
• 1 can rotel
• 1 can black beans
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 small garlic clove chopped
• 3 small sweet peppers chopped
• a few slices pickled jalapeno peppers chopped (I only add this to my bowl..the rest of the family can't hang)
• a bunch of chopped cilantro (I add this as I eat it, or else it won't last very long.  If you are making it for a party go ahead and add it)  tear off a handful and chop it up- depending on how well you like cilantro.
• 1/4-1/2 cup italian dressing

Mix it all together and put it in the fridge for a couple hours.  Eat with scoops tortilla chips.  Great delivery system.  Almost as good as using a spoon.

This is seriously so good.  My brother in law made it last summer and I can't get enough!  I found the actual recipe here.  It differs, but like I said, I'm not big on measuring!

Happy New Year!  Looks like mine is going to be a gas!  

xoxo, Amy

*Don't forget to check out the "i like to party" tab and come join the fun!

Fresh Start

I Hope everyone brought in the New Year right.  I went to dinner with a college friend and hit the casinos.  I don't think it counts if you don't gamble though!  Plus, getting home at 10:30 reassures me I am completely lame.  Anyways, I don't know about you but I am stoked about the New Year.  

• I am finally going to take the Dream Job E-Course from Red Velvet.  I opened my Etsy shop a year ago (a goal of mine for 2011), but now it's time to buckle down and get serious.  
• I ordered the Handmadeology 2.0 Bookkeeping Spreadsheet so I can be legit.  
• I have made my lists, wrote down my goals, and am ready to get busy.  
• I'm going to start a new series called Thrifting 101.  I can't wait to share my knowledge and some of the tricks I've learned over the many, many years of thrifting.  I hope you enjoy it!

It's always been hard for me to use outside sources for help.  I majored in Marketing and always feel like I should do this stuff myself (ie. spreadsheets, marketing, promoting).  Like, I know what needs to be done and have visions of doing it, but never seem to get it together.  Over the years (especially this last year) I have learned to let go of some of the control and look to real professionals who are doing it now.  It reminds of working out now...vs. working out in college.  It's a whole lot easier with a coach yelling profanities and chasing me around with a bullhorn.  I need that...but for business.   Wish me luck!

If you feel like doing some good this year head on over to Meet Me at Mikes and read about her Year of good things.  It's such a splendid idea.  We all need more Do Gooders!

Here's to the best year ever!

xoxo,

Amy