Tuesday, May 31, 2011

AE drop waist dress, Old Navy flip flops, Large faux diamond studs, James Avery charm necklace


Large faux diamond earrings, James Avery charm necklace

The winner of the BAMilla giveaway is...

The random number generator selected comment number 54:



Katarzyna said...




GFC follower (Goga)

gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend


It was a different kind of exciting than I had hoped for.  It started with a trip to the Zoo with Me, Rafe, Judah, and their friends Aiden and Liam.  It went well.  Kids were WELL BEHAVED (thank you God) and we had a great time.  Had a few adventures that included pee EVERYWHERE, screaming and biting, but overall, it was GREAT. I was exhausted. 

Later that night Jay and I had planed a nice date night.  Jay and I went to Cafe 501, a restaurant we had never been to before, and it was ahh-mazing!  We had amazing appetizers, wine, and Jays entree was good...mine...eh.  I am addicted the Iron Starr BBQ's Friday special, the MEATLOAF.  The manager at 501 used to work with Jay and came over before we were about to order and I asked him about the meatloaf, he highly recommended it so I was all smiles and drooling in meatloaf anticipation.  I decided, "MEATLOAF IT IS!"  All this said, It was not Iron Starr's meatloaf...I couldn't eat it AT ALL.  Gag.  I am sure it is good, but it was NOT what I wanted.  As soon as it came out, I took a bite and told Jay "I cant eat this pile of #$@%*&!."  We weren't going to send it back since we knew the manager and didn't want to be "THOSE PEOPLE", so Jay and I decided we would switch plates.  Jay got some salmon, I like salmon, he likes meatloaf, we would switch.  The manager came over RIGHT as were we about to trade plates and asked "How's that meatloaf?!"  I (already overtaken by numb-face cockeyed consequences of one glass of wine too many) shouted, "LOVE IT!" and proceeded to stare at my plate picking at the side of green beans.  The manager stayed at our table the ENTIRE dinner, talking; the meatloaf just sat.  He finally said, "you can tell me if you don't like the meatloaf" (giving me an out), I said (wide-eyed and overly excited) "NO IT'S GREAT!"  The meatloaf still...just...sat.  Jay piped in and told him "Oh, she eats like a bird."  Which, if you know me AT ALL, you know, this is UNTRUE.  I, again remind you, feeling the effects of the wine, offended and confused responded, "HAHA NO I EAT LIKE A HORSE!" (what does that even mean?  HOW THE HELL DOES A HORSE EAT??)  realizing by stupidity, "BUT...those appetizers sure were filling!"  The manager offered a dessert.  Jay told him that we were pretty full.  I said, "Oooooo, CHOCOLATE ANYTHING!  But, I am pretty full..." (the meatloaf still...sat).  We got the flourless chocolate cake, which is one of my favorite desserts, and I DEVOURED the whole thing.  We boxed the meatloaf.  Besides my FAIL of an entree, the dinner was wonderful and it was a great date.  

We met up with friends later, had a WONDERFUL time, then went and got the baby.  The other boys were going to spend the night at my moms and go to Sunday School with her the next morning.  We got Gianni and went home.  

I woke up WAY TOO EARLY the next morning to a HORRIBLE scream from Mr. Rocco's room...fixed his breakfast and grabbed him out of bed (my head pounding from my wine indulgence the night before).  He was BURNING UP.  I took his temperature, 101.9.  Normally, fevers don't bother me.  A fever is the body's way of killing an infection and it is BEST when the body can work it out on its own--HOWEVER, this past week, one by one, kids from the preschool from where I work had gone home with Strep.  Strep, very dangerous when left untended, is USUALLY something that strikes school aged children or the elderly.  Babies USUALLY don't get strep.  This being said, I figured it would be best to get it ruled out because of the potential danger it carries.  Gianni and I ate and headed to the ER.  OF COURSE, it was only a minor ear infection.  Dr. prescribed antibiotics.  In most scenarios, I am opposed to antibiotics.  Gianni was just getting over a bout of thrush and I knew antibiotics would just hinder his recovery of thrush and could make it worse.  Antibiotics are not even PROVEN to do anything for an ear-ache, kills ALL bacteria, including the good bacteria everyone needs to keep them well.  I talked to the Dr. and told him my thoughts.  He told me he had no problem with me skipping the antibiotics, to just do Tylenol and an antihistamine for the next few days and more than likely it would clear up; if not, I had an antibiotic prescription and could decide what to do if that time came.  The Dr. that I got at the ER was a European Dr.  He told me in Europe they don't treat earaches with antibiotics; instead, the rupture the eardrum not allowing there to be a home for an infection.  The ear drum grows back infection free and problem solved.  Interesting.  I am ready to move to Europe.  Anyway, this whole ordeal took a few hours.  

We got in the car to leave the ER, and my phone rang.  It was my mom.  Judah was crying on the other end saying his throat hurt (my boys say this when they are about to vomit, it is the best way for them to describe the feeling of GAGGING).  I told my mom to kiss his throat (a kiss fixes everything for Judah man) and go on to Sunday school, it would be fine.  A call came about 15 minutes later.  Judah had vomited ALL OVER himself and his dearly beloved Rabid the Dog (a little rabbit looking dog that he LOVES).  He was so upset that Rabid was FILTHY.  My mom said they were on their way to our house.  A call came 5 minutes later, Judah had vomited ALL in the car...all over Rabid again.  Yet again, he was FURIOUS that Rabid was FILTHY.  They got to the house, I cleaned up the mess, took Judah's temperature, 101.9.  I gave him some Tylenol, and he proceeded to run around like a crazy maniac...clearly NOT SICK.  

The weekend continued on this way with a few more exciting adventures.  A dead bird in the house (which was secretly brought in and cared for...thank you lover of animals-RAFE).  

Last night we had some friends over and had a marathon of Game of Throwns, one of my new favorite HBO shows.  The weekend was good over-all...but I need another weekend just to relax.  I have a soccer game tonight...I am hoping to take my exhausted body and wreak havoc on others; that always makes me feeling good :)

Zoo trip
Old Navy tube top, AE shorts, Old Navy flip flops, Forever 21 flower earrings

Forever 21 flower earrings
Mommy and Rafe at the Zoo

Judah, Rafe, Aiden and Liam, my wonderful zoo buddies!

 Date night :)
Comfortissimo (giveaway???) dress, Forever 21 sandals, Large hoops

V and Jay, date night :)

I proceeded to swim and wear my bathing suit the rest of the weekend.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Blue Seven Oklahoma Tshirt (I took advantage of Tshirt day this morning...woke up a liiiiittle late...UGH), Gap blue legging cropped jeans, Large hoop earrings, Old Navy flip flops

I felt like I looked like junk.  I really have come to love dressing nicely :)

Oklahoma Tee

Thursday, May 26, 2011

VS Pink top, ReRock jeans, TOMs, Target earrings

Target earrings

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Gap top, Blue Seven LTB jeans, Abercrombie belt, JCrew flip flops, Target earrings

Target earrings

Abercrombie belt

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

 Gap top, AE jeans, Old Navy flip flops, Target earrings

Gap top zipper detail on back

 Gap top button detail on sleeve

 Target earrings

Monday, May 23, 2011

BAMilla GIVEAWAY!!!

Growing up, my uncle Tony owned and operated a screen printing business, a business now run by my uncle Frank.  I always thought it was neat to know someone who could make me and my friends t-shirts, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect screen printing to become such a hip, innovative part of the fashion world.  I've become more and more interested in screen printing, but thus far I've only come across a dress here or a shirt there.  I haven't yet seen someone consistently putting several pieces together to create a collection or brand.  Well, until I found BAMilla...shirts, koozies, pilllows, and pants – the world is your canvas! Through BAMilla you can put your favorite design on virtually anything, or let BAMilla help you hand-craft the perfect product.  Four color, micro-registered printing means options and guaranteed consistency. You can let your imagination run wild!


Here is a little bit about BAMilla:

BAMilla is an Asheville based screen printing and design shop that officially launched in September 2010. As a business I design and print for other people, as well as doing my own designs. All of the items on Etsy are my own designs and printed by me.
BAMilla is dedicated to creating unique designs for inspired people, printing on socially responsible clothing using eco friendly inks, and bringing a product that will not disappoint with wash or wear. 
I hope you get a kick out of the designs, can't wait to see you wearing one, or putting one over your tv. Seize the blank spaces.


















  • White Tshirt with hand screenprinted Birds and Exploding Star
  • Colorful Ryan Sheffield Koozies
  • Orange Phoenix screenprint on Bright Yellow Tshirt
  • Soft Black Tshirt with hand screenprinted Red Heart Applique
  • Purple Octopus on Coral Yoga top
  • 100 original Beer Koozie Wedding Favors unique to you and your partner
  • Giraffe printed on soft Grey long sleeve shirt
  • Blue Grizzly Bear hand screenprint on Black Dress
  • Grizzly Bear Black Sweatshirt - hand screen printed
  • 50 Custom Wedding Koozies - Get your Favor on
  • SALE White Hoody Dress hand screenprinted with Forrest Green Bark Motif
  • Lotus Flower screenprint on Red Yoga Pants
















THANK YOU to BAMilla for sponsoring our giveaway!
Bamilla is offering the winner of this giveaway the Holy Gorilla Dress!











Here is how you enter:
(THE FIRST ENTRY IS REQUIRED)


1.  Follow me through Google Friend Connect.  Leave a comment on this post letting my know that you follow through google friend and provide me with your email address. (one entry)

(THESE ENTRIES ARE OPTIONAL)

2.  Get a friend to follow 'my big girl pants' through Google Friend Connect.  Leave me a comment with the name of the person you recruited and provide with me your email address. (one entry)
3.  Subscribe to my blog via email.  Leave me a comment saying that you have subscribed via email and provide me with your email address.

4.  Follow me on twitter @VanessaIaquinta and tweet this giveaway! Make sure you tag me and leave a comment (with your email) telling me you tweeted this giveaway! You can tweet EVERYDAY and it will count as a new entry EVERYDAY!!!  DO IT!

5.  "Like" BAMilla on Facebook (HERE).  Leave me a comment telling me you "like" BAMilla on FB and provide me with your email address.

6.  Post this giveaway on FB, make sure you tag me andBAMilla (Friend me HERE). Leave a comment letting my know you posted it on FB and provide me with your email address.
7.  Go to BAMilla Etsy store and "heart" your favorite item AND her store.  Leave me a comment telling me item you heart and provide me with your email address. (one entry)

8.  BUY something from BAMilla. Leave me a comment telling me you made a purchase and provide me with your email address.  (5 entries--this means, if you purchase something, you must leave me 5 separate comments in order to earn your 5 entries.)

This giveaway will end May 30th at 11:59pm

Artfully Urban GIVEAWAY!!!


Early on I posted about my fashion muses--it included Debbie Harry, Mary Tyler Moore, and Twiggy.  I AM IN LOVE WITH VINTAGE FASHION.  In the past I was hesitant when it came to wearing vintage clothing.  I was afraid I would look....dated. Thankfully, I have overcome that fear and am able to wear vintage confidently and cooly :)  

I found an article on Glamour.com about the do's and don't of wearing vintage.  Here are a few tips:

Don’t wear vintage head to toe

Yes, the Mad Men style is in. Yes, this is a cute, runway-worthy look. (And yes, that ’60s fur coat is faux.) But if you hit the streets in Betty Draper-esque dress, coat, hair and heels, folks might think you’re in costume for Halloween.

Do dress around one dramatic piece

Take one head-turning vintage find—in this case, a glamorous faux-leopard coat—and use simple black clothes and accessories to make it wearably low-key.

Do give thrift-store buys a mini-makeover

Replacing the buttons can totally change the look of a vintage coat or dress. We added tortoise buttons and a shiny patent belt to this semi-boring denim dress, which turned it into a flirty little number in no time flat.

Do mix old with new

For the perfect date-night look, pair an edgy retro jacket with a flirty dress and heels. When he compliments your casually sexy look, it’ll be the ideal opportunity to drop the timeless “Oh, this old thing?” line.

Don’t be afraid of the frumpy stuff

Pinch your nose and give the old-lady section of your local second-hand store a good look: Some of those tweedy two-piece suits can be fashion gold. The trick is not to wear the librarian-worthy skirt and jacket together.
Recently, I found a store that takes vintage fashion to the next level.  They hand select ideal vintage clothing, revamp and recycle to create an original and fashion forward vintage item for their customers.  
ARTFULLY URBAN



Here is a little about Artfully Urban:

Artfully Urban is an online art and revamped clothing store, for the imaginative people who display a fun and quirky sense of style in their day-to-day life. All of the clothing on this website is truly one-of-a-kind, and hand selected based on the want of the consumers, the visual appeal of the thrift shop finds and/or materials, and the condition of the clothing. All of the art on this site is original, handcrafted, and innovative. The art would be a great addition to any home or office.

*To learn more about me, my art, and my revamped clothing please check out my site www.artfullyurban.com
*Thank you for checking out my store=)!!

eVilo and eIram by Artfully Urban: a place to find amazing revamped clothing, and art by me. Also check out www.artfullyurban.com to see more examples of my work and to contact me about doing a personalized piece just for you.


Artfully Urban sent me the Sheer Color Block Silk Top







AND the Slouchy Batwing Mini-dress (HANDMADE BY ARTFULLY URBAN!!!)













THANK YOU to Artfully Urban for sponsoring the giveaway!  Artfully Urban is offering the winner of this giveaway any item $40.00 or under!  Hooray!







  • Princess layered tulle sheer maxi wrap skirt XS/S
  • Torn, tattered, and bleached revamped vintage high low top XS/S/M
  • Revamped Safari Jungle Wild animal print high low top XS/S/M
  • Vintage Jungle Safari wild animals tie front crop top XS/S/M
  • Red 80s Revamped business secretary mini dress S/M
  • 70s hot pink paisley flamenco style dress S
  • AMAZING Vintage shades of purple high low jacket S/M
  • 80s BOLD yellow batwing crop sleeve jacket top M
  • Sweet princess Vintage Victorian style bouclé  jacket XS
  • Vintage red three quarter sleeve button up XS/S/M
  • Flower Child hippie 70s crotchet see-through top XS/S
  • Woven sparkle and leather batwing top S/M


















Here is how you enter:
(THE FIRST ENTRY IS REQUIRED)


1.  Follow me through Google Friend Connect.  Leave a comment on this post letting my know that you follow through google friend and provide me with your email address. (one entry)

(THESE ENTRIES ARE OPTIONAL)

2.  Get a friend to follow 'my big girl pants' through Google Friend Connect.  Leave me a comment with the name of the person you recruited and provide with me your email address. (one entry)
3.  Subscribe to my blog via email.  Leave me a comment saying that you have subscribed via email and provide me with your email address.

4.  Follow Artfully Urban on twitter (HERE).  Leave me a comment telling me you follow Artfully Urban on Twitter and provide me with your email address.

5.  Follow me on twitter @VanessaIaquinta and tweet this giveaway! Make sure you tag me and Artfully Urban and leave a comment (with your email) telling me you tweeted this giveaway! You can tweet EVERYDAY and it will count as a new entry EVERYDAY!!!  DO IT!

6.  "Like" Artfully Urban on Facebook (HERE).  Leave me a comment telling me you "like" Artfully Urban on FB and provide me with your email address.

7.  Post this giveaway on FB, make sure you tag me andArtfully Urban (Friend me HERE). Leave a comment letting my know you posted it on FB and provide me with your email address.

8.  Go to Artfully Urban and tell me what you would choose if you won;  Leave me a comment telling me what you would choose if you win and provide me with your email address. (one entry)
9.  Go to Artfully Urban Etsy store and "heart" your favorite item AND her store.  Leave me a comment telling me item you heart and provide me with your email address. (one entry)

10.  BUY something from Artfully Urban. Leave me a comment telling me you made a purchase and provide me with your email address.  (5 entries--this means, if you purchase something, you must leave me 5 separate comments in order to earn your 5 entries.)

This giveaway will end June 7th at 11:59pm