sunshine and summertime

Hello my lovely, faithful, ever-encouraging chickens!I GOT DRESSED!and took pictures... I didn't know how much I had missed it.I FINALLY got batteries for my camera and even though my tri-pod is AWOL, I propped my camera beauty on my Jeep and went bonkers.

I definitely was hankerin' for a taste of my old routine, and I got to skip work dress code today because DUH... IT'S SUMMER!I hope you guys excuse the car-as-a-tri-poddyness of these pictures and focus on my new favorite top in the world.  I never knew love would come in such a color, but it DOES!  My new best friend is named MK and I don't care who knows it.  Scored those shades by him at TJ Maxx too!

you can call me crazy eyes, if you want.

I will be spending my day drinking iced coffee, making up scavenger hunt riddles for 8 weeks of summer camp, & buying toys with someone else's money.

Don't hate me too much, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

A Whole Lotta Pinning Goin' On

via Pinterest

Hey Ya'll! It's ME... the merrymaker who is so happy this is the last week of school :) :) :)Seriously, I have never been so happy to greet summer with open arms.I can't wait until I can get back in to a routine that involves taking pictures of these amazing clothes I have been wearing.  First my batteries died, then my camera cord went AWOL, then I had no wi-fi, and now I am just too lazy.  GO figure!
Here's your daily dose of merrymaking:

These presh pups

Classy tea cups

I want this dress

Best floating candle ever.

Hope you enjoy the sharing of beautiful items from the interwebs.Is there any lovely things you have seen lately?I'd love for you to share them with me.XOXO little chickens.

Happy Weekend!

Happy weekend little chickens!

I will be without internet for most of it, so I hope to have a relaxing, book reading, restful weekend!

I just picked up the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!

I will be enjoying a few beverages and the book, hopefully by a friend's pool :)Have an amazing weekend!

Thirsty Thursday

As I trudge through the last 1.5 weeks of my real job before summer vacation begins-- I will be returning to my roots: sharing things I love, drinks I wish I were drinking (poolside), and products that I am obsessed with, and I hope to get dressed once or twice.  I hope you enjoy, little chickens.

Here's a beverage that I am super duper looking forward to making this (or any) Thursday evening:

Drink Recipe found here

Blackberry Bourbon Sour

For one drink... but let's be honest, you'll want to 5x this recipe :)

2 ounces high-quality bourbon whiskey (Tuthilltown, Makers Mark, or Bulleit)

2⁄3 ounces lemon juice 5 fresh blackberries, plus 3 for garnish 1 teaspoon superfine sugar (or simple syrup) Fresh mint

❶ In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, blackberries, and sugar. Shake well. As you shake, the blackberries will get mashed and flavor the drink.

Pour in glass, and garnish if you want... but I just drink my down! Enjoy!

current obsession: {cosmetics review}

I'm not the kind of girl to find an AMAZING product and keep it to myself.Thus, I want to share with you TWO of the amazing drugstore cosmetics items I have purchased and tried out in the past few weeks.

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1. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professionals Color Correcting PrimerI purchased the Green for Anti-Redness.$12.99 at Walgreens.
Description: Professional Color Correcting Primers glide on smoothly to immediately correct and improve the look of your complexion. 
Review:I have had serious issues with allergy hives and welps all over my face and neck, and I was desperate to find a product that would mask the redness without being too heavy.  The green tint of the primer not only covered up the red FLAWLESSLY, but it works as a great primer for keeping my makeup in place all day.  I was so surprised to get such great results because some of the online reviews spoke of a "Shrek" like glow. But, listen chickens, if you HAVE redness cause my blemishes or what-have-you, then the green tint is PERFECT.
Conclusion:You will have to wear a foundation or powder over it.  It is not a one step fix it, but if you have redness that has not been fixed by any other product, give it a chance. I hope you try it and have good results, let me know!

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2. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (w/ SPF 30)

I purchased the product at Walgreens, for $12.99 on sale, regular priced $16.99

Description: 

Clinically proven Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers work to naturally even out skin tone and immediately reflect light to bring out skin's natural radiance.

Review:

I have been out of tinted moisturizer for quite a while.  I used to use the Cover Girl product, but I believe it was discontinued.  In the summer months, I like the wear little makeup and the coverage of a tinted moisturizer is just enough coverage PLUS sun protection.  The Aveeno is everything I could have hoped for and more. The coverage is superb, and when I wear it on bare face, I don't have to wear foundation or powder.  We all know how important it is to wear SPF ALL the time, and this product makes it a one step #WIN.

Conclusion:

Don't forget how importnat it is to also apply sunscreen products to your neck as well.

The product is a bit steep, so check for a markdown for best deal!

I wear the primer under the moisturizer and have perfect color and coverage ALL day!

Let me know if you try any of these products.

Happy hump day, chickens!

Peachy Keen

Happy Tuesday, chickys.  I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know Dani yesterday during the blog swap. If you missed it, check it out here.I have been in some sort of daze for the past few days.  I have had severe allergy issues, and have been foggy & uninspired.  I think it was last Thursday, my mom wanted to cheer me up and made me this maxi skirt.  IN THE BEST COLOR EVER! I call it 'peachy-orange-coral-ish', I felt like a mermaid princess.  And you know when four year olds tell you that your skirt is pretty, you're a winner.

{white sundress: target | maxi skirt: homemade | necklace: sister's | shoes: target | bangle: $1 fashion | belt:UO}

She's one talented lady, and I can't wait to exploit her skills some more.So, for those super amazing chickens who voiced concern about my brief blog silence, I am okay, sillies, just super lazy and itchy. I got my meds and I'm good to go.Hope you guys liked the threads today from last Thursday, I hope to get dressed today, too.FINGERS CROSSED.Have a massively awesome morning, noon, & night.

Blog Swap with The Daily Dani

Hello chickens! Here I am, Dani of The Daily Dani! I'm so pleased to be making an appearance here on Matters of Merrymaking! Bekah and I have become what we like to call BBFFs - Blogger BFFs! I asked her if she'd like to do a little blog swap, and to my delight, she was in! We decided we would both style outfits around our "swing tanks" and see what happened!

{Tank: F21 | Cardigan: Foregin Exchange | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Minnetonka | Necklace: Juicy Couture | Cuff: Luna}

I'm still loving this tank that I previously wore here. I'm not usually one to go matchy-matchy, but when you've got two pieces that are wildly neon pink, how can you resist? I also have a hard time keeping my Native American-inspired pieces out of any outfit, and I am in love with these 3-tiered fringe boots! Top it off with some random accessories, and you've got my style in a nutshell! :)

Bekah and I also brainstormed questions for each other to answer. Here goes!

BEKAH: Dani, many of your readers have graced you with the compliment of resembling Lauren Conrad, do you agree with the resemblance? Does her style influence you?

DANI: I must admit, this is pretty much my favorite compliment ever! I've loved LC since Laguna Beach, and I totally feel like I (and my style) have grown up with her (and her's)! While I have to admit, I have a hard time keeping my accessories, patterns, and color palette as classic as Lauren's, I definitely emulate her style! I love her Style book, I admire her ambition with what she's done with her Kohl's line and her recent Paper Crown collection! She is my #1 celebrity fashion role model!

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B: I know that for many bloggers their location plays a HUGE part in their outfit inspiration, do you think living in Orange County plays in to your daily wear?

D: I think my location has to! Firstly, weather plays a major role! As much as I may superficially complain about So Cal weather, I realistically can't complain! We get little rain, our temperatures rarely drop below the 50s, and we often have beautiful breezy summer days in the 70s and 80s to bask in. That said, I get the option of wearing a very mild version of a "seasional" wardrobe. There's rarely a day when a tank can't be worn with just a few layers thrown in! Also, living in Huntington Beach, I've grown up surrounded by surfer style! It's nice to be surrounded by a relaxed casual vibe anywhere I go - I never feel out of place in an open flat or sandal!

B:I know that I have a serious phobia of leaving the house without *some* makeup on, is there something you CANNOT leave the house without?

D: I don't leave the house without at least a bit of makeup, either! But I think my real answers for this question are more of an emotional security blanket! Firstly, I always wear the U-shaped silver ring that you can find on my finger in every one of my outfit posts! It belong to my Aunt Arline, who passed away last summer, I think of her every time I look at it, and I never leave the house without it. Second, I almost always wear my $12.80 Nordstrom BP menswear mixed metal watch! Nothing really sentimental about it, besides that I'm glad the battery is still alive, and that it matches everything perfectly! And third, I hate not wearing earrings! Usually, it's just my little $2 fake diamond studs, but I get super uncomfortable if I realize I forgot to put earrings in!

B:What are your must-have items for the soon-approaching summertime?

D: That's a great question, and now you've got me thinking! Let's see, I am pretty sure that I am in desperate need of a sleeveless chambray shirt! These choices from GAP are totally calling my name!

I'm also really interested in colored (PINK!) denim and flowy, Chloe-esque pleated skirts! American Apparel has both for me!

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B: Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?

D: This was hard for me to answer, because I truly love so many bloggers, and I hate picking favorites! But since you're forcing me, I guess I'll have to. ;) My can't-miss everyday blog reads are Cupcakes and Cashmere, i believe in unicorns., Kendi Everyday, and The Man Repeller.

Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere has my dream wardrobe - she has the perfect mix of trendy, classic, and feminine pieces that I would absolutely die for! She is making a big public impression in the fashion world for bloggers, too, and I consider her a great representation and role model for the rest of us!

Not only is Ashley of i believe in unicorns. stinkin' adorable, but if you've ever tweeted or commented with her, you know she is an absolute sweetheart! I love her outfit posts, tutorials, and incredible life (and love!) stories.

I think it's safe to say that any real-girl blogger will list Kendi as one of her favorites! She is gorgeous, overwhelmingly nice, incredibly innovative, and has impeccable style! In the least creepy way to put this possible, I am obsessed!

If you've never read The Man Repeller, be prepared to fall out of your chair laughing. She is HILARIOUS. She glorifies the trends that women love and men hate, in the most fashionable and clever way possible!

Thanks, Bekah, for giving me a special little place on Matters of Merrymaking to make an appearance! Chickens, head over to The Daily Dani to see Bekah's guest post on my blog! <3

paper doll project 2.0

Good morrow, little chickens.I am SO stinkin' excited to be participating in the second round of the Paper Doll Project.You can check out my last partner-styled round here.This round I was paired with the ever so classy and super stylish little lady, Kelsey.Her blog is Snappy Casual, and she is making BIG ole splashes in the bloggie land, and for obviously reasons.  I love her fab style and killer smile.Check her blog out... She is out of control awesome.
With the Paper Doll Project, the partners pick one item of clothing they would like styled by their respective partner.  I picked this white top, previously worn here.And here is the WHOLE OUTFIT (aka magic) styled by Miss Kelsey herself.

I'm really glad she wanted to pair the tribal-dyed maxi dress with the white top.  I wanted to belt this top but never got around to doing it before today! I love love it.

All in all, I am thrilled with how it turned out! I may need to consult Kelsey more often :)

Be sure to check out how I styled Kelsey today, by checking out Snappy Casual.

RUN! Don't walk.

Have a wonderful hump day.

EBEW: FLORALS

Before we get started... Let me just say: I LOVE FLORALS!!!!!!

Okay, there I said it.

Oh, and if you don't believe me: you can click here, here, here, here, here, or maybe here.

Okay- now that that is out of the wizzay:

1. Wearing florals for EBEW today... CHECK IT OUT.

2. Still learning how to master my camera (obviously)

3. I'm still awkward (see number 2)

This floral patterned skirt used to be a dress... then I wore it as a shirt... and now this baby is making it's floral skirt-over-dress debut.  Say hello to everyone, skirt!

I definitely liked it this way the best.  Grabbed my trusty teacher-approved cardigan as I walked out the door, for dress code's sake.  Also, I might not normally wear the blank tank under the green dress, but I'm sure you all know how that goes, ladies and lobsters.

As for my new job, I am slowly adjusting... setting the coffee timer before bed, leaving the house before 7am... you know- the usual grown up stuff.  

Thanks for the beautiful congrats you all bestowed on me yesterday!

I have the BEST blogger buddies and readers.

And for everyone visiting from the amazingly fabulous Everybody, Everywhere, I threw this following jewel of a pic in so you could enjoy a crash course in my what you can pretty much expect daily here at Matters of Merrymaking 

 ENJOY!

Thanks for coming by all of my chickens... check out some other lovely florals styled at EBEW.

pretty dresses & college degrees

This weekend, I received my Bachelor's Degree in History. It was such an amazing time of celebrations, tons of friends and family, and good cheer.  I ate great food, drank yummy drinks, and watched my Grizz beat OKC in OT! What what!

One of the best parts of the weekend? Well... besides getting my diploma, I GOT A NEW CAMERA!I had been using a Fujifilm little dinky dinky camera, but my sisters (I have the best sisters ever, have i mentioned that?) went in together and bought me a Canon Powershot! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!I can't wait to learn how to take it off AUTO, and learn how to work it in manual and go crazy!These pictures already look SO much better. And I finally have a camera that can take numerous shots in a row! Hallelujah! 

Now on to the most important part of this post... that DRESS, I mean, HELLO!

This is my second ASOS dress and it was chosen for this specific occasion.  I love it, the print, the shape... it's a little short-ish on me, but with flats it's totally summer approved! Two HUGE paws up from this tiger.  

And (below) as you can obviously tell I'm still working out some kinks in the timing of the new camera:

Thanks SO much to everyone who voiced concerned for me and my family upon hearing of the flooding in Memphis. It means SO much to me.  Fortunately, we live in one of the highest points in the city and are safe from the raging Mississippi, but there are areas in downtown Memphis and Arkansas that are flooding and my heart goes out to those who have to evacuate their homes.
Thanks again for thinking of me, little chickens.  I hope you all had the most wonderful weekend and to all of my mother lovers out there... you rock, and belated mother's day wishes to you and your moms, too!