awkward lessons

Today, I will give you tips on how to stand unbelievably awkward in your pictures.*

1. Use a neon green point and shoot camera on a tripod, with a self-timer.

2. Set it for 10 seconds.  Change positions and leg poses AT LEAST 5 times in that ten seconds.

It is really hard to pick which awkward pose you want, I know, but just think of all of the bloopers

you will get when you move at the exact time the picture is taken.

3.  Out of those five poses, make sure you always have your hands up, holding something.

Because nothing is more awkward than: "I don't know what to do with my hands."

4.  Gesture awkwardly towards an inanimate object.  I suggest a pile of tree branches, but really- 

be creative in your awkwardness.

5.  When in doubt, squint your eyes, smile big and flex your calf muscles- cause it's 100% awkward.

6. Lastly, be sure to cut your shoes out completely. IN EVERY PICTURE!

But only if you're in a hurry.

So there you go, chickens.

Go out there and make mama chicken proud!

 {be sure to catch me on twitter}

 there's always something awkward going on...

free compliments

dress: target

sweater: gap

belt: ross

shoes: target

necklace: dots

*DISCLAIMER:  the owner  of this blog does not take any liability in the supreme waste of time reading this post may cause.  Follow these steps at your own risk.

into the woods... sequin style

I am by no means a "nature-lover."

For one, I am allergic to fresh spring air.

My eyes, nose, ears, head, skin, everything just freaks out.

Don't worry- I'm medicating in preparation for the pollen outbreak.

But, there's nothing I can do about those blasted mosquitoes.

But, I am really good at pretending, right?

This skirt was the product of me wanting to incorporate more skirts in to my closet.

I own tons of dresses and jeans and tops, but my skirt collection was minimal.

I never say never....

to florals.

(take that, justin bieber!)

Bows make me happy.  This is a long, shark bite cut tank and I am learning truly how versatile it is!

READER QUESTION #1: 

Have you ever done a makeup tutorial?

I had a question on a couple posts ago about whether or not I have ever done a makeup tutorial.  I do love makeup, I buy it, I wear it... But, I have never done any tutorial, makeup or otherwise.  I'm such a silly person, I might have to break the ice with a few, casual vlogs before heading towards anything remotely instructional.  

READER QUESTION #2:  

What shades of lipstick do you wear?

My favorite lipsticks are as follows:  

Yves Saint Laurent lipstick, in Opium Red,

 seen on me here & here.

Revlon Lipstick, in Orange Flip, seen on me here.

I love lipstick, and besides these I have like A BAJILLION more in my purse.

Oh, do you see that curtsy?  

I'm a lady.

floral skirt: torrid.com

sequin bow tank top: LB

pink cardigan: Gap outlet

leopard shoes: american eagle

curly, mess of hair: mom & dad

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

One of my many loving and precious readers, whom I know and cherish in real life, wanted me to share with you my newest technological purchase.  

She saw the sparkles and promptly said, during dinner, 

"Oh, Bekah, you should totally blog about that!"

Here ya go, Brookie, this one is for you.

What can I say? I told you I liked

  sparkles.

|Paper Doll Project|

Through the genius innovation of one lovely little Suze at Miss Vinyl Ahoy, came her brainchild:

THE PAPER DOLL PROJECT

Every blogger who wanted to participate was randomly paired with another blogger, and we styled one another.  My lovely partner was Claire from A Monkey Fatshionisha.

I chose this black dress to be styled.  Claire loved my striped cardigan, so she styled it and the dress with the rest of the accessories.

If you want to see how I styled Claire for the day, watch for her post on her blog.

I love the vintage vibe from these heels.  I think it's the black and white and the heel shape that

 drew me to them.  They are from Payless a million years ago!

And you can't see my belt because it blends in, but I like to belt the dress, always.

 dress: ROSS

cardigan: LB

belt (it's black patent leather snakeskin): Dots

shoes: payless

shades: betsey johnson

lipstick: revlon, orange flip

necklace:  from a vendor at a crafts fair

 The wind was playing games with me.  

 Seriously, wind, you have a great sense of humor.

My heavy turquoise necklace.  I love it.
Check out the other wonderful ladies and their partners that participated in the first ever:
Paper Doll Project partners!
Windy City Fashion and Doc Starr Chic
A Fashion Fixation and Snappy and Savvy
A Monkey Fatshionista and Matters of Merry Making
After My Fancyy and Style Within Reach
Closet Confections and Diary of a Chic Mommy
Made by Maison and Queen of Oz
Unusual Form and Curvy with Confidence
Fashion Momma in Training and Employed Panache
Better in Sepia and Silver Pool of Light Girl
The Brunette One and The Stylish Housewife
Mixed up Files of RNB and Hope and the Dress Code
Second Star Style and Effervescent Evelina
Pieces of Earth and The Average Girls Guide
Consumerism Killed My Soul and Fashion Frugality
Kate Olmstead and Lemon Drop Love
Oranges and Apples and Watch Me Dress
Skrush and Tart Lemon Drop
Lindsay Living and Elle Enchanted
Snappy Casual and Chasing Davies
Leaving the House in This and Sweet Laundry
Coffee and a Cardigan and Inner Cupcake
Stumble into Style and Image Envy
Miss Vinyl Ahoy and Ordinarily Urbane and Lori's Wardrobe
Thanks for coming by, my chickens.Have a wonderful day!

three little birds...

sat on my window, and they told me there's no need to worry.

(song of the day, find the video at the bottom of this post.)

IT'S MONDAY, AGAIN!  My spring break(s) are over, and the long haul process has begun.Graduation in May, birthday in June, summer camp planning: NOW!

Oh see those tan legs? I got myself a spray tan.  For those who are weary, it isn't scary at all!I got a mystic tan, where you stand in a booth- get sprayed- and it is heated to dry the spray tan.Pretty awesome, only took 10 minutes.  You get a deep, beautiful, sunless tan with no UV rays.Win, win. 

button-up: thriftedshorts:  ROSSscarf: thriftedbelt:  torrid.comshades:  betsey johnsonring: gifted from WISHshoes: american eagle

I love this scarf because it reminds me of a Monet painting.Scarf, shirt, AND clutch: ALL FROM GOODWILL :)

I hope you had the most wonderful weekend ever.  I had so many wonderful comments from readers, family and friends in person, through email, and in comments over the last few days.  Thanks so much to everyone who reads, responds, and really loves Matters of Merrymaking.

(i love you ALL)

song of the day :)

{bloopers and blog awards}

Taking my outfit pictures as often as I do, I often get a ton few of pictures that are less than perfect.

My timing is off.

I blink at the wrong moment.

I sneeze.

Sometimes the climate is against me and the wind blows me over.

All my other style bloggers can agree with me- you sure do get some crazy blooper pics.

Here are some of my recent failures, I wanted to share with you.

Because I love you.

and I have no shame.

Where is the rest of my head?

Wanna show me some of your bloopers?  Leave me the link in the comment box.

I was graciously awarded the VERSATILE BLOGGER award 

by the wonderfully classy, Amy from Candid Classic.

I am supposed to share seven facts about myself for my readers.

lucky you! :)

Thank you, Amy, for the nom!

Here are the facts about your favorite little merrymaker:

Guilty Pleasure: red wine, reality tv, online shopping 

Candy Bar:  reese's peanut butter cups 

Houseplant:  Moss covered spheres, like this.

Nail polish color:  ruby red + deep purple (winter) & tiffany blue + hot pink (summer)

Midnight Snack: honey roasted peanuts or hint of lime tostitos (yum)

Drugstore Essential: I love Olay moisturizing makeup remover wipes

Weird Habits: i can't do any homework until my house is clean, like OCD mixed with procrastination.

Pet Peeve: rude drivers, chipped nail polish, & racism/prejudice

My nominations for the versatile blogger award are these beautiful and stylish ladies:Ashley of The Shine ProjectMelissa of Write it in LipstickOomph at [Oomph]andAshley of I Believe in Unicorns
Have a beautiful Sunday! I will be enjoying brunch, half price mimosas and the Memphis flea market :)