the new black...

(photo via)

... no spending or spending with extreme wisdom.

... finding inspiration in the most ordinary circumstances.

... living vicariously through one's blog.

... yellow & grey.

... opening up oneself to the creative flow.

~~~

personally, I'm loving the new black. You?

new heading...

Whadya think? I kind of like it... simple, chic. I feel like it may need a little something more... but for now it's fresh and new! Enjoy!



btw: I used a FREE FONT from Kevin & Amanda's site! (found via somewhere in my internet stumblings...) - head over there to check out their really awesome fonts!

Work it Wednesday: short shorts?

I'm thinking of adding some short shorts to my summer wardrobe. Let this be prefaced by me stating that I don't really "do" shorts... I could wear jeans all summer. Yes, it gets a bit warm, but then I don't have to be self conscious of my legs... right?

But short shorts are SO cute and they are hot, hot, hot this season. So, concessions may have to be made. Here's three ways to integrate short shorts into your wardrobe effortlessly...

short shorts three ways by Jill GG featuring American Eagle Outfitters shorts

Will you be sporting short shorts this summer?

aimless...

I'm aimlessly wandering the internet this morning instead of posting for you all lovelies here... I'm so sorry for that! I'll be back this afternoon with a "Work it Wednesday" for you! Won't it be fun to have it back!?!?

In the meantime, here's a fun little polaroid shot I took yesterday...



I just love strawberry season!

etsy update!

More cuffs up at etsy! Follow the link or the sidebar widget!

What's up internet?

Here's some upcoming sales and giveaways for you to check out!

Ideeli is giving away this sweet Flip Mino in their Make Mom Flip giveaway! If you are not a member - become one! This giveaway has a secret start... so become a member now so you will be notified when it begins!



Over at GILT you simply must check out the Voluspa sale this Wednesday (starting at noon)... you can get SUPER great prices on top of the line candles. These will make great Mother's Day gifts or buy a three pack to keep around the house as hostess gifts. If you can get your hands on the lilac scent you will not be disappointed... it smells so divine! Again, if you are not a member - become one!


Also starting TODAY at GILT is Heather Moore's jewelry collection... this is great Mother's Day gift opp too!

protect yourself...

A friend of mine recently asked me to dig in and see what the sun hat market looks like these days now that spring and summer are upon us. And I couldn't agree more... the sun can damage your skin and your eyes after intense and prolonged exposure.

So here's what I found...

For the casual gal who is kickin' around with friends or her kids, I'm loving this easy, no frills cap. It's made of light weight material and has a modest visor to block the sun's rays.

More Aldo...

If you want something a little more dramatic and flirty... I absolutely love this cotton floppy sun hat. Looks comfy and easy... but it is big on style and shade for your face!

More Spiegel...

For classic styling that will endure trends and time... this is your best option. The floppy straw hat... it is sweet and sincere and will be a great addition to your outfit whether you are hanging out on the beach or in the backyard.

More J.Crew...

How do you "sun hat"?

grey-yellow-white

With options like these... I think I could wear grey, white and yellow all season long.



You? (and can you even believe they are all from OLD NAVY?)

shameless plug: now that I think of it... kind of reminds me of my "fav" blog (I'm just saying.)

new desk set up and a question.

So I have moved my computer to different desks in different rooms in different set ups until my face is blue (it is as we speak, here).

There are two conclusions I have.
1) I can't make up my mind (even though that isn't really a conclusion, just a continuing question!)
2) I need a laptop. I already have one picked out, of course. Then I won't have to decide where my computer will go... it will go everywhere! Until the funding is approved for this by the "board" I will have to make do...

So anyway, this is my current set up. Subject to change at any moment...


I want to make some updates to these chairs:


They def need some updating, no? And this little corner of the room needs some color... I mostly have white and black furniture in this room... should I stick with the white and the black or go with one of the accent colors I have already (red, yellow)? [This picture, by the way is the other side of the room... in the first picture, you can kind of see it in the background... I want to make sure the whole room jives, if you know what I mean]



My initial thoughts are to paint the chair white and then a pop of color on the fabric for the seat cushion... but I don't want it to clash with the existing patterns and colors...

So - thoughts?

excerpt

This excerpt from Suite Francaise (by Irene Nemirovsky) was a good reminder of my "studies" of The Artist's Way... and also of the speech by Elizabeth Gilbert I posted recently. Good stuff.

(page 179)
"He wrote with a chewed-up pencil stub, in a little notebook which he hid against his heart. He felt he had to hurry: something inside him was making him anxious, was knocking on an invisible door. By writing, he opened that door, he gave life to something that wished to be born. Then suddenly, he would become discouraged, feel disheartened, weary. He was mad. What was he doing writing these stupid stories, letting himself be pampered by the farmer's wife, while his friends were in prison, his despairing parents thought he was dead, when the future was so uncertain, the past so bleak? But while he was thinking these thoughts, he saw one of the foals run joyously towards him with mischievous and tender eyes. He tried to work out how to describe that look, all the time feeling impatiently curious and oddly anxious. He couldn't find the words but he knew what the little horse must feel, how good the crisp, cool grass must taste, how annoying the flies were, the sense of pride and freedom when he raised his muzzle and ran and kicked. He quickly wrote down a few awkward, unfinished lines. They were no good, he hadn't captured the essence, but it would come; he closed the notebook and finally sat still, hands open in his lap, eyes closed, tired and happy."

another quick note...

I put the little pretties from earlier this week on etsy...

They are on the left sidebar! Check them out, if you do, that would be super-sweet of you!

the good life for less is on FACEBOOK!

Become a "fan" over at Facebook, would 'ya? you can find me simply under the name the good life for less.

So come on over for all you die-hard Facebookers... I'm one, I know there are others out there!

(for you technical among us who is familiar with facebook... do they offer widget? for my sidebar? duh! I can't figure it out!)

Fashion Friday... nature inspired!

I quickly snapped some pictures of our daffodils that are beginning to finally open their buds in the yard. I thought it would be fun to dream up some fashion inspired by their simple beauty.

If I were a daffodil... I wouldn't be caught in anything less than this:

daffodils... by Jill GG featuring Tory Burch shorts

If you happen to be a more "budget friendly" daffodil... I get you. Here are some less expensive options:

on creating...

It is exhilarating and scary and fun. I'm really enjoying the process, er, most of the time. These little cuffs have been my creative outlet over the past couple of days... I've been thinking of them for a while and have had fun seeing them come to fruition.


I may pop them on etsy seeing as now I have a billion of them hanging around.

real quick...

Remember how I said how great my community is?? Check this out, it just got cooler!



If you are an artist, know artisits... or have heard of some - introduce them to this new amazing project! I can't wait to see it all unfold right in my backyard!

a little window shopping...

This morning I had to stop by the mall to have my iphone looked at at the Apple store. Of course, there was some other "window" shopping involved! I just can't stop by the mall without popping into a few stores!

I decided to stop at Gap because their windows looked so fresh and spring-y. Now let me say this, I am a huge fan of the Gap, I know it has it's ups and downs... but for the most part they consistently deliver classic Americana fashion. Pieces you will own forever and that likely won't be "in" or "out" of style. But sometimes, for me, this makes the Gap a little boring.

Today I was pleasantly surprised by their selection and COLOR! They have tons of spring and classic pieces that I instantly fell in love with...

These two denim pieces are on my "to buy" list. I know I am a die hard sevens fan... but I loved the unique look of the cropped paint splattered jeans (I think they look a million times better in real life) and the straight leg pair were gorgeous in person! I am a straight leg fanatic right now!



How adorable is this top? With all the knitting I have been doing lately I bet I could recreate this crochet motif... kinda like my ruffled tank I made a couple weeks back, huh? I'll get back to you on that!

More Gap...

I loved the simplicity of this belt... for the summer with a white t-shirt and shorts or jeans, how cute would this be?

More Gap...

I don't think we need to talk about how cute this is. It just is. Cute.

More Gap...

GILT goes Green!

I am LOVING these "green" handbags by MATT & NAT at Gilt now... earth and budget friendly!




Use this invite to join GILT now!

funny thing...

It's a funny thing when you put things out into the universe or bring them to God, how they circle back at you.

~~~

Two weeks ago I was mulling over my thoughts on going back to work - and two people contacted me in one week about possible jobs (in a recession!?!?). It helped me think more critically about going back to work... setting boundaries for myself about what my future career would and wouldn't include.

~~~

Last week I was feeling a little down and out about silly material things and messages like Miss Aimee's Shopping Hiatus, the reminder that I am more valuable than "rubies" and then this pretty much sums it all up... any way, these messages kept reminding me to focus on what is important.


~~~

This week I am deeply immersed in The Artist's Way book club and have found amazing inspiration and encouragement as I work to "find" myself creatively along the way...

MakeUnderMyLife posted an amazing video of Elizabeth Gilbert speaking on separating oneself from the creative process that I just can not get out of my mind.

So if you do ONE thing for twenty minutes today... make it watching this quick video. It was so amazing! (thanks Jess!)



Do you find the universe speaking back to you when you most need it? Don't ignore it...

Q & A!

Kotori tagged me for a fun little get-to-know-you "q & a" - I like these questions because some of them are a little thought provoking. Hopefully you will enjoy getting to know me a bit more... here it goes!

What's your current obsession?
Knitting, which is nothing new, but I go through highs and lows with knitting and I am definitely on a high right now. Always yarn and needles in hand!


(photo via)

What's the favorite part of your day? (my own question)
I am not a morning person AT ALL... I struggle daily with getting out of bed. My husband puts a steaming hot latte on my bedside table before he leaves for work every morning. It's not only extremely thoughtful and sweet of him, but is great incentive to get up! My second favorite is snuggling with my kids and their books before bed. That I will miss SO much when they grow up. I'm just hoping they never grow out of that (I know they will though...)

What are you wearing today?
Sevens straight leg jeans, brown knee high Michael Kors boots, brown Gap blazer, cream scarf (from Limited, I think), and a Banana Republic Sweater. Lots of layers for one of the last cool days (hopefully!) of spring!

What would you like to learn to do?
Be more content. I am constantly working on this...

What's for dinner today?
I think I am going to make burgers with some sweet potato french fries and a spinach salad. Kid and adult friendly!

What's the last thing you bought?
Technically, I pumped gas this morning. But that's not so fun or interesting!

I just bought these gladiator sandals for myself and started working on my daughters spring/summer wardrobe - all from Target. (she is at that age where she grows out of everything so fast and a whole new wardrobe has to be purchased with change of seasons... fun, but expensive!) Here are a couple of the adorable things I found there...


What are you listening to right now?
I am obsessed with Slacker Radio right now... I love customizing channels and love that I can get it all on my iphone as well. I blogged some of my favs yesterday. For sure Cat Power is a stand-out fave for me right now.

What's your favorite weather?
Sunny and seventies I could live in pretty much everyday. But sometimes I like a cozy, rainy day.

What's your most challenging goal right now?
Being a working mom. I really want to work, but it is hard to find something that jives with being there for my kids. So for now that goal is one that is way far out in the future. But I still find my mind is always "working" on that one...

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
I am thankful to Kotori for tagging me - that was so thoughtful of her! Otherwise, I think she is one cool chick! I love her positive attitude on parenting and life and I also think she has a really inspired home!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Hands down, Paris. I just love it there and would love to offer my kids the opportunity of living in a foreign country for a short (or long!) time. I dream of them licking ice cream at the tuileries and playing with boats in the little ponds.


(photo via)

Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere with sun and a beach... I crave sun!

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A big Diet Coke with lots of ice! Ha! I "quit" drinking pop this past fall, but some days I still crave it around lunch time.

What would you like to get rid of?
Guilt. I am a guilt-monger. And guess what? It only drags ME down! No one else cares... so slowly I am working on overcoming it, but it's hard for me.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
I'd love to go meet my friend Jen for lunch. She lives in Seattle so I we don't get to "lunch" often... just her and me for some girl time would be really great!

Which language do you want to learn?
French, I know some. But I would love to be more fluent.

What did you dream of last night?
I have the craziest dreams. Always. Last night I dreamed of going to a gym that we are thinking about joining as a family and that they didn't have secure lockers and it was mayhem. Last week I dreamed they had gotten rid of their treadmills. I must be really milling this one over! It's going to be an investment for us... maybe that is why!

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in?
I just ADORE the greater Grand Rapids area. It felt like home to me the first night I slept here in my college dorm almost 14 years ago! It's a great place to raise a family and has really, truly, genuinely nice people. We live in a great neighborhood with great neighbors and we have lots of cultural activities close. And having Lake Michigan only 30 minutes away is the best!

What's your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Probably the blazer I am wearing now. It's old and comfy and worn in and just a classic easy piece.

What's your dream job?
Something that allows me to be creative and organized and involved, but that doesn't take away from my family. I really want to use my real estate sales person license that I got this past fall in some way. I always thought "flipping" houses would be fun, but the economy wouldn't support that in Michigan right now. I know "flipping" has been a bit trendy recently... but I think it can be a viable career if you know your stuff. The idea of the hunt, the transformation and the sell has a huge draw for me. In our previous home I organized and executed a large remodel project from start to end and really enjoyed it.

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
A date night for my husband and I. Dinner, movie and a babysitter. That's an easy one!

Fashion pet peeve?
Bad shoes! Fashion is more accessible now than ever. There is no reason to wear unflattering or falling apart shoes. Here are a couple of simple and stylish shoes that are under $25! See, no excuse!


Do you admire anyone's style?
I love Katie Holmes' style. She isn't afraid to take risks and she looks amazing every time she steps out.


(photo via)

Describe your personal style.
I would say a mix of classic and trend. I like to use my classic pieces as a foundation and mix in fun trendy items to keep the look up-to-date.

Who's fashion show would you want tickets to?
For sure Marc Jacobs. He has a lot of great pret-a-porter items that accentuate a woman's femininity but then also takes interesting risks which has made him the trend-setter that he is.

Who's closet would you want to raid?
I bet Gwenyth Paltrow has a rockin' set up. She exudes "cool" to me...

I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a bit better!

~~~

Now the rules of this tag:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.

2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about. Here's mine:

Sweet & Low
Magchunk
Wide Open Spaces
Simply Seleta
Makeundermylife
I'm Over It
Haley Kathryn Designs

score!

I just scored these super cute (and comfy!) gladiator sandals at Target for $9.00 on sale!


Of course when I bought them, it was sunny and seventy degrees... now it is rainy and barely fifty degrees! So once I can actually wear them... I'll get an action shot!

Have you picked up any gladiators yet this season? They are going to be the "it" shoe for sure... but I'll be honest that I did have a bit of hesitation. I'll have to see how they integrate into my wardrobe!

Fueling the flame...

These are fuel to my creative flame these days...

I just CAN NOT get enough of Cat Power lately...


Yes, this is from Twilight movie (yes I did watch it this weekend)... but still, regardless, I love.


And can't get enough of this guy either... he's a little dreamy. But I am, ahem, married.



What "fuels" you?

The Artist's Way...

I recently joined in on The Artist's Way book club that Wide Open Spaces is hosting...



I have heard such amazing things about the book, but never jumped in. Now that I stay home with my kids, I have found that creativity is a great outlet for my energy. One thing to call my own amongst the craziness of preschool aged kids.

I really enjoyed Chapter One and found a lot of her statements about "shadowing" to be true in my life... it's likely one reason I am drawn to the blogging community where creativity runs rampant and also that I have a personal draw to entrepreneurs. I always love to hear their stories, relish in the accomplishments and sometimes be a tad jealous (there, I said it).

I haven't been great with my morning notes... but I do find the mental "flush" is great for my spirits on the days that I do accomplish them. So I am striving to do better with those. As for the artist date: I have decided that will be my "create" time. Time I set aside during the week to let creativity flow with no boundaries. No patterns, no right, no wrong, no projects. Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time in "artist date" mode and was very pleased with the outcome! More to come on that...



In closing I'll share two of my favorite quotes/excerpts:

"We must accept that this creative pulse within us is God's creative pulse itself." - JOSEPH CHILTON PEARCE

"Every blade of grass has it's Angel that bends over it and whispers "Grow, grow." - THE TALMUD

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." -JOSEPH CHILTON PEARCE

These are the statements I will use to remind myself of my creative-worth over the next couple of days.

~~~

How about you... are you reading it?

new current look up...

featuring this little number for a steal... isn't it swoon worthy?

More Adam...

Shopstyle features more great deals... so use the link to find even more ADAM items at a deep discount.

~~~

ps. GILT is featuring ADAM in their FINAL SALE going on now... so stop on by there too. (use this invite)

Dinner on the deck!

When temps rise I crave eating outside... Al fresco if you will.

This meal was waaay cheaper than eating at your favorite outdoor
establishment and assembled in minutes!

Bell's Oberon & Oranges: $9.00 (6 pack)
French Bread Pizza: $5.00 (or less...)
Spinach Salad with Berries: $4.00

Now THAT is the good life for less!

Cheers and happy weekend!

Me... Sporting my TOMS!

It's such a beautiful day here! I've been playing outside in my TOMS
all day.

I am wearing mine with cuffed jeans, a black tank and a black cardi.
Effortless!

Hooked On: TOMS!

I know I've mentioned it a few times before... but when a company makes a great product and also has a great philosophy behind that product, well, it's hard not to love them.

Toms Shoes is one of the coolest shoe companies out there! For every pair of shoes you purchase... they donate a pair to a child that doesn't have any shoes! Every time I wear mine, I love to imagine the little boy or girl that is wearing the pair that I donated... isn't that a nice thought? That we are somehow connected though have never met.

Right now they are running a spring special that features 10% off your order. And with the temps on the rise, TOMS are the perfect kickin' around shoe out there! Use the link to access the special... in the meantime, check out these fun styles!

10% off TOMS Shoes, Use Code "SpringTOMS"







~~~

For more of what the internet is Hooked On... check out Hooked On Houses today!

I heart mobile blogging...

... Because I am posting from bed.

I had a little mole removed that was a suprisingly painful and
embarassing procedure. I blacked-out after receiving between 2-4
stitches. I don't know how many exactly. I couldn't even look.

How wimpy am I?

So I've got my legs up for the day and my husband is helping with the
kids.

I'll be reading this:

Work it Wednesday!

Work it Wednesday is baaaack! Have you missed it? I have...

Today's featured item is the black obi belt. I have seen these popping up in around the internet and fashion mags. I don't own one, because honestly I haven't seen them in the stores to even try on (if you know of an easily accessible one... LET ME KNOW!)

I really like the look though... they are a bit fashion forward. And a touch "serious" (think Victoria Beckham)... but let's see if we can't seamlessly integrate it into a wardrobe, shall we?

obi belt by Jill GG featuring Forever21 jeans

From completing this little exercise it seems as if an obi belt (at least for me personally) is best "dressed down" - that takes away the severity and makes it fun and flirty!

How about you? Would you wear an obi belt?