denim in the springtime

dress- Orchid Grey's blog shop, necklace- Kitty Cait's etsy shop, flats and cardigan- forever 21

It has been a busy two weeks for me friends!  I have yet to upload my pictures from spring break, but as I was going through them I realized I was a very poor blogger in terms of documenting my travels!  Not only did I not take any pictures while I was in San Francisco/Bay Area, I also didn't take any outfit pictures!  I guess I was just having so much fun that it just slipped my mind! :D  However, the weather was gorgeous the day before I left home to go back to school, so I convinced my sister to take a few pictures so that I would have at least one outfit post from spring break.

Thanks to my sis Nikki for taking these pictures!

When I purchased this dress from Julie's blog shop, I definitely had spring on the mind!  I bought it right before spring break and I couldn't wait to where it exactly like I've done here- with bare legs!  I think this dress is really versatile though and I can't wait to style it up a bunch of different ways.

Also, you may have noticed that things look different around here- that's because I changed about the layout again!  I needed to bring some color, something lighter to the page.  And I've added easy navigation buttons to the top of the page, as well as an about me page.  I would love to hear what you guys think! =)

Hope everyone has a marvelous Sunday!

the packages came!

Since several of my packages came this weekend, I thought I would show you guys what I've purchased recently!

Boots

I bought these boots from Wanted Shoes on Tuesday and they arrived on Friday- I mean, talk about fast shipping!  Not only was shipping free, but these were also on sale, so I got them for $40!  I purchased them to replace my favorite boots which broke over winter break and I think I made a good choice.  The knee-high length is great and the boots are sooo comfortable.  At first, I wasn't too keen on the finish of the boots, which looks sort of like crinkled leather, but it is definitely growing on me and I figure as I wear them that sheen will fade.  Also, they have a sort of western feel which is different for me and which I like. 

I bought both of these items from Cait's etsy shop.  I discovered her blog and shop through Pay it Forward 2011 (I am one of her recipients) and I'm so glad that I did because she makes/sells the cutest stuff!  I can't wait to wear my purchases and you should definitely check out her shop!

This last picture is more of a teaser because I don't want to give away too much!  I've decided what I'm going to make for my Pay it Forward 2011 participants and the yarn I've chosen finally arrived today. I've been itching to get started, so off I go!  Hope you guys are having a good weekend! :)

On Nnenna's Needles #3 + A Special Guest

Hello Everyone,

Please meet my very good friend, Ms. Moebius Cowl.

Moebius Cowl

Her job is of the utmost importance.  She keeps my neck, and sometimes my ears, warm and toasty, so as to prevent these crucial body parts from falling off in the brutal cold.  She has been my especial friend ever since I was reminded of winter's true force with the snowstorm last week....

Today, she made a new friend, Ms. Penny Pouch, sent by the lovely Cait of Kitty Cait.

gift from Kitty Cait for Pay It Forward 2011

Ms. Moebius Cowl met Ms. Penny Pouch in the Post Office and liked her from the moment she emerged from her packaging.  They are so delighted that they can keep each other company every day in Ms. Nnenna's purse!  Not to mention that Ms. Penny Pouch came with some a lovely note :)

Ms. Nnenna and Ms. Moebius Cowl would like to give a big thank you and hug to Cait because they love their new little friend! :D  Also, you should check out Cait's etsy shop because she has many pretty things and maybe you too can make a new friend!

P.S. I am not crazy or anything, just felt like writing this post a little differently today.  Hehe, hope you like!

Pay it Forward 2011

Graphic made by Rai at Blargle Fargle

Here's that exciting project that I mentioned earlier: Pay it Forward 2011!  I discovered this lovely idea on Blargle Fargle and I'm participating on Cait's blog.  The rules for participation are really easy!  The first five people to comment on this post will receive something handmade by me (most likely something knitted, see this post for an example).  The original rules say that you'll receive your item sometime before 2011 ends, but I'd like to shorten the timeline and say that you'll get your item sometime before I graduate (May 2011).  If you are one of the five participating you then carry on the chain by posting this project on your blog and by blogging about your item once you receive it!  I am oh so excited about this!!  This is open to readers anywhere and if you want to participate, please comment and leave your email address so that I can contact you.  Ready, set, GO! :)

The Crafty Five: (edited to add Jamie because I'm completely blind and didn't see her first comment!)
1. Nina from Nina Says Hello
2. Kathleen from Inspirafashion
3. Kel from Life as Kel Knows It
4. Jamie from BlogRedhead
5. Elisa from I'm Not a Baby Doll

P.S. I've made a couple little blog changes!

1. I'm now on twitter!  It took me forever to join, but now I'm in!  I'm so totally new to this, so I have no idea what I'm doing, but send me a tweet/follow me at @starcrossedsmil (like my blog name, but minus the 'e' cuz twitter cut me off at 15 characters)!

2. Added my email address on the sidebar, so feel free to email me if you have any questions! :)

3. I also created a blogroll on my sidebar, the blogs and bloggers that I go to or chat with daily.  If you're not on there right now, don't worry because I'm going to update it all the time!