Birthday Wants and Wishes

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I turn 20 in 11 days, but who's counting? Not me...Okay so maybe a little. I really like birthdays. I like other people's birthdays almost as much as my own. It is a day dedicated to you where you get all the attention and no one can judge you for it. For others, I love planning something special or getting the perfect gift for someone to make their day great!
Last year to ensure I had a great birthday I made my own cake. My control freak came out because I wanted it to make sure it was exactly what I wanted. It didn't turn out quite as planned so I will be redeeming myself by attempting to recreate one of Momofuku's birthday cakes. Cross your fingers it turns out!
I also like to give just a few ideas on things I would enjoy for my birthday. Let's be honest, nothing is more awkward than opening a present and having to fake you like it. Maybe that was a little bratty, but if someone asks you what you want and you don't give them any ideas that is bound to happen. Below is a little round up of what I've been wishing for. When I started listing things off to my mom the other day I think she thought I sounded like Eloise in "Eloise at Christmastime," when she unrolls her almost 100 item long christmas list and keeps adding to it. Like Eloise says, "I think it's nice to give people options!"

birthday

So maybe my list is all a little random, but I like random. 
1. After learning some of the basic tricks in Photoshop this past semester I would love to have the program in my computer to do graphic design work and really develop my blog. 
2. I am usually against Michael Kors watches because it seems like everyone and their dog has one of his watches on their wrist, but this light tan thin leather strap watch is exactly what I have been looking for. 
3. This one can be blamed on my mother. Around christmas she sent me a picture of these monogrammed converse...so stinking cute! I thought I wanted to get pink high tops and monogram them, but I don't think I could pull it off. I love the idea of preppy navy converse with a big white script monogram. Size 7;)
4. This may be the most random on the list, but it is honestly what i want the most! This little guy froths your milk so you can turn your everyday coffee into a foamy latte!
5. and 6. I need y'alls help. Which one?? I have been on the hunt for an iPad case but I can't decide.
Again these are all just ideas, but it's nice to give people options right?
xo annie

My Favorite New Photo App

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Have you heard? The lovely sisters Elsie and Emma, who write A Beautiful Mess blog, now have their very own photo editing app! The "Beautiful Mess" girls always have the cutest pictures on their blog and are known to edit and style with a vintage and whimsical feel. This is exactly what the app provides. There are various filters, borders, text and doodles you can add to your pictures. 

I woke up yesterday and the first thing I did was download the app. I have had so much fun adding text and boarders to my pictures. It gives them a little something extra that is so fun! Once you edit your picture it instantly saves to your camera roll or allows you to easily share to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or email!

Here are some of Elsie and Emma's examples!

images via A Beautiful Mess
Here are a couple of my edited pictures. 

#Abeautifulmess is now available in the app store for iphone, ipod touch and ipad. You have to have at least iOS 6 and wifi to download it. It does cost $0.99 but it is so worth it.

xo annie

DIY: T-shirt turban

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I am loving the turban headband trend that is happening right now. It seems like it started a couple seasons ago but is coming back strong for spring and summer. They are the perfect thing to cover up my days old washed hair ...anyway this is the easiest DIY on how you can make your own! All you need is an old t-shirt and a pair of scissors. No sewing involved!

Step 1.

Grab and old t-shirt you don't mind cutting up. I had this random tank top a t-shirt company gave me as a free sample that worked perfectly. A size small or medium shirt will probably work best for this. Larges tend to just get wider which could make your headband too big for your head. This is something you will have to play around with.

Step 2.

Cut the seam off the bottom of your shirt.

Step 3.

Cut about 2 1/2 inch strips. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like. I was able to get three strips out of this shirt. You only need one strip per headband, but this way you can have multiples or share with friends.

Step 4. 

Take a strip and twist it once to make a figure 8.

 Step 5. 

Twist it one more time.

Step 6.

Fold the figure 8 in half.

Step 7. 

Put the two ends together with the knot at the top and you have your turban! Easy as that!

Step 8.

Voila! You just made a turban headband and you get to enjoy this really awkward selfie of me!

Annie

Bites of My Life

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School ended, summer started, had a wonderful weekend at home and reunited with friends. Yesterday was the perfect end to the week. I loved celebrating my wonderful mother. After church we had the best brunch I've ever had, let me correct myself, the best brunch we have all ever had. I went for the green eggs and ham. A combination of baked spinach and artichoke herbed eggs topped with prosciutto and parmesan. Life changing. We then let our food coma pass as we watched The Great Gatsby. I highly recommend it. The day was then finished off with burgers on the back porch and a round of bocce ball. It was just one of those perfect days.

{Bites from my camera roll}
-first baked item in my new place
-sharing goodies with friends
-best meal I've ever eaten. not kidding which is a bold statement
-seeing Gatsby in style, La-Z-Boy style
Can't wait for the warm weather this week and enjoying time by the pool before work starts up!
But most importantly, to start this week is my friend Betsy's birthday! Happy birthday Bets, Goodtime, Beatsy, Bslag, Bagel etc. 
an ice cream cake for my ice cream loving friend!
image via pinterest
xo annie