How to rock the rock look

It's nothing new- I love the rock look. Regardless of the current trends, it's something I lean towards when I build my wardrobe. I do get excited when I see it in the current trends, though! For one- I'll get less odd looks in public (giggle).  Well once again- leather, black, studs, and biker boots are filling the fall previews this year!

For those who have been wanting to give it a try.... it's easy! You can take a lot of what you already have, and just add a couple pieces!

First and foremost- find a good jacket.  A leather jacket is timeless, and it will last!  I've had mine for 6 years, and I love it!  Find one that fits your form well.

Here are a few starter clothes, with added rock pieces for a complete look.  I'm sure you have something similar in your wardrobe somewhere!

Leather, studs, and metallic. It's simple!  The key is to look effortless.  Grab a shirt, a jacket, and some edgy shoes and accessories and you're done! 

Still unsure?  Take a look at some of your favorite female rockers and piece outfits together that way!

I *love* Joan Jett.  Her rock look is classic.  Black on black, leather, jeans, studs (you name it)!

Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) has a little bit more to her look than black on black- but she always has that rocker edge!

Just have fun with it!
CLICK HERE to follow me on Polyvore

xo

SC

Hello Cutie!

I am always on the lookout for new accessories to add some flare to my wardrobe. I love to stack bracelets and wear several different rings.

Recently, my sister began making jewelry, and a lot of it caught my eye!  She made me a set that I absolutely love! And I wanted to share.  She took in the idea that I have a girly style as well as a rocker edge, and came up with a stack of bracelets that is totally fitting!

I love that the beads can be dressed up for a special night, yet they'd still look great with my leather jacket! This is a set of four- which would be priced around $15. ($12 if you take off the top string of pearls).  Oh- I should mention now, she'll soon be taking custom orders! I'll add her link to my page as soon as it's available!

With every rainbow-colored PRIDE bracelet she sells,  50% of the proceeds will go towards the HRC- Human Rights Campaign.    

"As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality.

Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues." -http://www.hrc.org/the-hrc-story/about-us

Braided bracelets are $2 per bracelet, or 3 for $5.  Again- I'll be adding her link to my side bar soon!

This one is a work in progress- another for my stack! EEE! (my squeal of excitement). The little spikes are just perfect for my style! 

So keep an eye out for the upcoming, handmade jewelry from Hello Cutie!

xo

SC

Speaking of alternative parents....

oye.. I can't believe I forgot to add this to my last post!

As much as my son loves his kid's music, mom gets awfully tired of the wheels on the bus.  They go around... and around... and around... we get it. They may be fun every so often, but for long trips, its not good to have an annoyed driver.

When my son was younger, my husband and I would just play our music in the car.  Punk, metal- you name it.  However, once he started talking and picking up words left and right, we decided to put most of our music on hold. At least until he's old enough to learn the difference between "good" and "bad" words.

After the millionth time listening to the wheels on the bus (as well as other kids songs) I started searching for an alternative.  I wanted something in the middle.  Something age appropriate, yet a little easier on the ears. After an extensive search, I found a solution!

Brats on the Beat

H'OH MY GOSH! Ramones music, for kids? It sounded too good to be true! But really, its not bad! It's a little bit like kidzbop- Adults singing along with kids (only way better).  My favorite song on the disc is of course a Ramones classic: Blitzkrieg Bop, performed by Jim Lindberg! The original lead singer of Pennywise! We play this in the car often.  My husband and I sing along while my son taps his feet!

We got our copy from Amazon.com! CLICK HERE to order it, and read some more reviews!

xo

SC

the positive side to alternative parents

When I use the word "alternative" throughout this post, I am speaking about those who are different from the norm.  Personally, my husband and I have a bit of a rocker edge; we like punk and metal, and we have tattoos and piercings. As I move throughout this post, this is the lifestyle I will focus on- but this ideal can be used with almost any "alternative" lifestyle.

dressed up for the Rolling Stones concert

Depending on where you live, as I've learned from talking to other mom's around the country, judgement against alternative parents can be harsh.  Where I live, it's hit or miss.  Some will accept you for who you are, while others will look down on you for the way you look.


In my experience, I have seen both sides.  I have been respected and disrespected for my tattoos, piercings, and rock style.  I have received negative looks and comments, especially when I'm out and about with my son.  You know the look I'm talking about- the look where you KNOW they are casting some sort of judgement in their head.  Usually, I smile and say hello, and continue my day.  They don't know me, and the stigma against those with tattoos and piercings is dated.

Halloween, 2011

 Halloween 2011. Yes, I was very pregnant! 

My husband was Slash, and I was a punk rocker. 

(80's costume party). Not Far from our real style!

There was a point where I began to hide this part of myself and cover my tattoos, especially around other moms.  For the first time, I feared judgement.  Not for my own sake, however, but for my son.  I was afraid that if a mom thought I was a bad influence that they would not allow their child to play with mine.  But eventually I realized that I was leading a poor example for my son.  What would this be saying to him?  To change who you are to please others?

No more.

While my style has matured, it still has a rock edge to it.  I love my leather jacket, my heavy eye liner, and my interesting shoes.  But besides clothing, the attitude is important too.  I don't care what people think.  I am who I am, and you can take it or leave it.

So, what are some positive aspects to having alternative parents?
*I by no means mean to say the following can't be taught by someone who is not "alternative"*

#1: Be Yourself

Be who you are, son.  Like what you like- and don't let anyone stop you.  Real friends will like you for who you are, and would never ask you to change.  Be an individual, and don't mold to what others feel you should be.

My hope is that he will look to us for this trait, and feel more comfortable in expressing himself.  I want him to be confident, and to have self worth, and to not let bullies get him down. I want him to have friends who are genuine, and I don't want him to feel pressured to dress or act a certain way.

My husband and I are not into gender roles.  My son loves to play with trucks and tools, but when he really liked another child's baby doll, we got him one as well.  He likes to help me brush my hair, and will snag my makeup brushes if I'm not careful.  He likes to listen to Rancid, the Ramones, and Psy! All in all, he has quite the personality, and he knows what he likes! He's even starting to pick out his clothes for the day (at 18 months old).  We want to keep this going throughout his life- allowing him to fully express himself.

#2: Respect the Differences of Others

I want to teach my son to have an open mind.  Perhaps because mom and dad are different from other locals, he'll be okay with differences.  I want him to understand that everyone has their own style, religion, morals, likes, dislikes (the list goes on).  On the flip side of #1, I don't want my son to pressure others to change to be more like him.  My husband and I are fairly open minded, and we would like to pass on that trait.



Alternative or not, we should all be teaching our children how to respect others, and respect themselves.

-
I'm sure I'll add to this idea in the future.  Please feel free to comment with your own experiences!
xo SC

Outdoor Living

I was recently chosen for an Influencer Program through CafeMom, where I was given a $75 giftcard to KMart and was asked to buy items for outdoor living- this could include decor, furniture, and/ or toys.  I was beyond excited to be chosen, and I had a great experience!

So- lets talk about my goodies!

These trucks just seemed perfect for the giant sandbox at our new home.  My son absolutely LOVES them! They move, dig, and dump just like the real thing! One is the Caterpillar Jr. Dump Truck and the other is a Caterpillar Jr. Backhoe!

Of course, I had to get my son a new ball! I chose a soccer ball this time.  I originally chose blue, but they were apparently sold out. However, the company gave me a phone call and let me select another color.  I was very impressed by their customer service!

I ordered the Just Kidz 15 Pc. Mega Beach Tote as well! We haven't used them yet, though.  We are taking Brayden to the ocean for the first time next week, so we're saving them for that!  The tote was what really caught my eye- because it will keep sand off my floor and out of my car! 

Last but not least, I selected two Garden Oasis Orwell 16'' Throw Pillows for the outdoor chairs we've had for a couple of years.  They add a nice pop of color, and they're outdoor pillows!

All in all, I had a wonderful experience with the influencer program, and for someone who had never shopped at Kmart, I was impressed! 

Until next time, 

xo

SC

new banner!

I created a new banner! what do you think of it?

here is the original image:

• The typewriter has been placed somewhere in the 1920's! My mother found it at a yard sale (for $10 believe it or not!) and snagged it for me to use as a photo prop.
• the white and blue book on top? well, it's a printed book with some of my photography work! 
• the flowers are fake, and from the dollar store (another decorating tip! cheap yet cute decor can be found there!)
• Lets talk about jewelry!  On my left hand: my wedding rings from Kay's, as well as a charm bracelet from Kay's.  The black pearl bracelet was a gift.  On my right hand: a snake ring from.... oh my.. I can't remember! (apologies). And a pink/ leopard print ring with diamond accents- also from Kay's!

I hope you enjoy the new look!

xo 

SC

decorating and organizing part 2

Hello!
I have been busy as a bee unpacking and rearranging things in my new apartment.  The move went smoothly- but unpacking and decorating is taking a bit longer than expected.  This is due, in part, to the heat wave and high humidity here this week! I've got a groove going though, and a couple rooms done. I thought I'd share my progress with you!  I'm going to combine decorating and organization this time, since they're starting to go hand in hand.

The Bedroom
well, our bedroom isn't complete yet, but my son's room is!  Most of these tips can be used in any room.

When choosing furniture pieces, look for things with storage! Anything with extra shelves, hooks, etc! Both of these wooden pieces were found at yard sales! (you never know what you'll find!)

Soft toys are being stored on and under this shelving piece.  I think I may get more bins for the top as well!

I decided to add this into his room, since we no longer have a "mudroom"/ entryway.  I put it at his level, so he can take down his shoes and coats (and he's learning how to put them back!)

Another great tip, don't waste any space! There was a very small amount of space between his bed and dresser, and I was able to squeeze in his milk-crate bookshelves mentioned in the other post! perfect fit!!

The moon pictures I posted before are now on his wall, as well as a few other pieces so far! I have more plans- but it's a start!

My husband is part Algonquin.  Even though it looks like my son is all Celtic, we wanted him to embrace the other side of his heritage.  Dream catchers are a great way to do that!  We got the small one at a local powwow while I was still pregnant, and the large one was brought home by my sister from her trip in Costa Rica!

I also wanted to add his bed set. cute, right?  He loves dinosaurs, and when we transformed his crib into a toddler bed, he picked this out! I plan to do more with the dinosaur theme as time goes on.

The kitchen

Make sure every space in your kitchen has a purpose.  One area for pots and pans, one for food, one for dishes, etc, etc.  Try to keep your counters clutter-free, especially if you don't have a lot of them!  We have a corner shelf (not quite set up yet) that will hold our toaster oven and microwave!  We put other small appliances like our bread maker and slow cooker under the sink.

The kitchen is a great place to add a theme.  Have fun with it!! We have decided on "Cafe Chase" as our kitchen theme, and I love it! 

We don't have nearly as many cupboards as we used to, so space for dishes/ etc is limited.  I thought, especially since it fits the theme, that we would hang our matching mugs! (and put the rest in storage).  We have a limited amount of cups, also- and the rest of those will go into storage as well.

Mugs will be cleaned and hung up as they are used!

To see more of my decorating as I unpack, as well as some other fun things, follow me on Instagram!  I'm constantly posting things from home!

CLICK HERE for my instagram! 

thanks for reading!

xo

SC