2011: Plannin', Wishin' and Hopin'

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Plans/Wishes/Hopes for 2011:
  • Continue to pare down our possessions (clothes, kitchen items, decor, furniture) only keeping what we really love or need.
  • Sell our house and move north (either Portland or an agreed upon surrounding area).
  • Name, brand and build a side project I've been working on.
  • Pay off our only remaining debt.
  • Go wine tasting.
  • Take two trips aside from family visits (Harryland with my family being one of them). 
  • Take a cooking class.
  • Take a French class.
  • Buy a new camera and work on my photography skills.
  • Move the blog over to Wordpress and do the design myself.
  • Read more.
  • Stop talking about going vintage shopping and actually DO IT!
  • Save money for travel.
  • Save money for our future.
  • Save money.
  • Cook and eat organically and locally when possible.
  • Cook often! 
  • Frequent the Farmer's Market when it opens.
  • Find a neighborhood and apartment we really love.
  • Find a place to practice yoga once a week or so.
  • Walk. A lot.
  • Be a better wife.
  • Buy less and avoid impulse buys.
  • Only shop off my wish list.
  • Continue to build a wardrobe that reflects my personal style.
  • Pay less attention to trends.
  • Do more hosting/entertaining.
  • See a lot of movies.
  • Try to see friends at least once every week or two.
Just to name a few... what are you wishin' or hopin' for in 2011?

Happy New Year!

    2010: A Year in Review

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    Well, I kind of did a year-in-review summary in our Christmas Letter, so I'll try and keep this review, blog specific so there's not too much redundancy. Here goes!

    In January of last year, I was talking about myself, showing off the decorated corners of our new house (not much has changed since), drooling over my new desk, and beginning my love affair with Anthropologie.

    In February, I started doing Anthropologie reviews and attended an After-Hours party at the store, I learned to sew and made my very first dress, and I started to get introspective and talked about my dreams and the important things.

    March brought a great vacation in Montana, me dressing like a character from MadMen, my darling husband turning 24 and me hosting my first giveaway on the blog.

    In April, I was featured on the IFB Links A La Mode, wrote about Fictional Fashion, was inspired by the 40's, started delving into my quest to find my personal style, took another peek inside our home, found out one of my best friends was pregnant!, succumbed to my desire to look like Zooey Deschanel and cut bangs, and bought my very favorite Beda Dress.

    May began my obsession with Pushing Daisies, I showed you my style icons, talked about wanting to build a wardrobe and I again got thoughtful.

    June was super busy for me at work, but I found the time to post about my Dad, put together one of my favorite springtime outfits, got some fantastic photos taken by Bryan Rupp Photography and have my first official sponsor, talked about making your wishlist work for you, and saw the gorgeous Carrie Underwood in concert.

    July was just as busy as June with a work trip to Seattle and family vacation at the Lake, hosted my Very Merry Blog Birthday giveaway, served as a bridesmaid in Mandee's wedding, talked about my closet organization (or lack there of), went to the Lion King and took my first trip to Farm to Fork.

    August brought my 24th birthday, and my very first 30-for-30 challenge, Taylor and I took a trip up the coast and attended Rhiannon's wedding, was featured again on IFB's Links A La Mode as well as MTV Style, I talked about what Nancy Drew would wear, Stepped it Up with Kerrianne, and posted about how awesome redheads are.

    September brought more awesome sponsors: Moxie, Arbonne and RoastWeb, I cruised with Cruise,  I transferred my affections from Anthro to Emersonmade, I had French Envy, I went to Oktoberfest with some great friends, I worked as a styling assistant at Portland's Fashion's Night Out, we found a church, I talked about waiting for my story and I got a little honest.

    With October came our second wedding anniversary, I talked about tipping the scales and we went to see She & Him with some great friends.

    November was a relatively quiet month, where I sat at home and fell in love with France, renewed my passion for learning to cook, hosted a fantastic boots giveaway with Langstons, put on my Emerald Colored glasses and found the perfect trench coat.

    And finally, December brought more love for all things French, Christmas, my institution of Menu Mondays, my captivation with Chloe, and a year in products.

    It's been quite a year. Though this was probably one of the hardest years I've had in a while, just trying to figure a lot of things out and know how to plan for the future, God has shown me so much grace and patience! The last couple of months have found me feeling content, comforted and hopeful for the plans He has for me/us.

    And as always, I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who reads this little site. It's gone through quite the metamorphosis this year, from a personal site, to a style blog and back again, and back AGAIN! Thanks for holding on and growing with me and for all your sweet comments, questions and support! It's so lovely to be able to share my many interests and passions here and find others who share them too! I plan to post some of my goals for 2011 in the next couple of days, so stay tuned! :)

    Au revoir! And Happy New Year!

    Sponsor Krameymartin in 2011

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    Sponsor

    I had the opportunity to work with some fabulous companies in the last year. Companies who offered YOU (the readers) special discounts, promotions and giveaway opportunities. I'd really love to continue working with sponsors to make this blog bigger and better!

    Etsy shops, design companies, vintage shops, clothing companies and local boutiques, are just a few sponsors I'd love to be able to add to the list! Krameymartin has very affordable ad rates and once I complete the new design (a goal for early 2011) I'll have a special sponsor section and standard ad sizes. I'm very flexible about what sponsorship means too, so don't be afraid to contact me or visit the sponsorship page for more information! Looking forward to a great year with some fantastic sponsors!

    Au revoir!

    Emmanuelle Alt is With Us

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    Elbow Patch Blazer: Anthropologie | Tee: American Apparel | Marrakesh Jeans: MiH | Wedges: Cynthia Vincent for Target | Scarf, ring: Target | Earrings: Kate Spade

    As I was looking through Style.com's Tommy Ton's 2010 Best Dressed List, I came upon this photo of none other than the Fashion Director of Vogue Paris, Emanuelle Alt. I think I had downloaded this photo into my inspiration folder 2-3 separate times this year, so I decided to do a Google Image search and found a TON of great Emmanuelle outfits that fit into my style aesthetic. I thought I'd give this one a test run. What do we think?

    Also, in the last photo, in case you are wondering about my very odd expression...it had just started to precipitate and I assumed it was rain. Which is why I look mad. However, it was snow! And I am hoping for more and more of it. I'm not ready to be done with the holidays yet, and that means we need snow days! :)

    Happy Wednesday!

    2010: A Year in Products.

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    Makeup

    1. Too Faced, Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection, $35.
    2. Anastasia, Brow Powder Duo- Strawburn, $22.
    3. CoverGirl, Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner- Espresso, $5.
    4. CoverGirl, Lash Exact Mascara- Black/Brown, $5.
    5. Bare Escentuals, bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation, Fairly Medium, $28.
    6. NARS, Blush- Orgasm, $26.
    7. Tarte, LipSurgence Natural Matte Lipstain- Fiery, $24.
    8. Clinique, Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15, $17.50.
    9. Laura Mercier, Foundation Primer, $30.
    10. Laura Mercier, Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20- Nude, $42.
    11. Aveeno, Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $13.49.
    12. Rosebud Perfume Co., Rosebud Salve, $6.
    13. Philosophy, Hope in a Jar- For dry, sensitive skin, $38.
    14. Aveeno, Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads, $5.84.
    15. E.L.F., Professional Complete Set of Brushes, $12.
    16. Laura Mercier, Moisturizing Foundation- Warm Ivory, $42.
    17. Aveeno, Skin Brightening Daily Scrub, $5.84.

    I never considered myself high maintenance, but putting this product post together has me reconsidering that thought. Can you believe the amount of things I put on my face alone!? Yeesh! :) Actually, this has been a big year for me product/makeup-wise. I feel as if I've really found the best mix of colors and formulas for my skin tone and texture. On a daily basis, I usually wear the Clinique base, the LM tinted moisturizer and primer, the bareMinerals foundation, the blush and mascara and eyeliner. On special occasions, I sub out my LM tinted moisturizer for foundation, add some of the Tarte lipstain and some eyeshadow. As far as skincare goes, I use the Aveeno scrub when I wash my face in the shower, use the cleansing pads to remove makeup, apply the calming moisturizer morning and night, with a top layer of Hope in a Jar only at night. I also slather my lips in Rosebud Salve right before going to bed, as I'm bad about applying lip care during the day.

    Hair-Body

    1. EOS, Complete Care Hand and Body Lotion- Boost, $7.99.
    2. Yes to Carrots, Shower Gel, $8.99.
    3. John Freida, Brilliant Brunette Shampoo + Conditioner, $8.
    4. Essie, Red Noveau, $8.
    5. Chloé, Chloé, $110.
    6. Jason, Tea Tree Natural Deoderant, $3.
    7. L'Oreal, Elnett Satin Hairspray, $12.49.
    8. Ojon, Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, $24.
    9. Kiss My Face, Aloe Vera Whitening Toothpaste, $5.99.

    I've put a lot of work into pairing down the amount of hair and body products I buy this year, as I'm guilty of using a 1/4 of a bottle and then losing interest. I've found a few all-natural products that I really love and also a dry shampoo that I couldn't live without. This EOS body lotion is the best lotion I've EVER used, so light and silky. Any Essie red polish usually works for me and I pretty much stick to shades of red as it goes with most of my wardrobe. My husband bought me this Chloé perfume for Christmas and I am obsessed. Such a lovely, classic scent. I've been pretty content with my product choices this year, but who knows what 2011 will bring!

    What does your makeup drawer look like? Your medicine cabinet? I always love to learn about new products! :)

    Menu Monday.

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    Menu-Plan-Monday

    I've never really participated in Menu Plan Monday, but since I made a meal plan for the week and I have been doing so lately, I thought it might be fun to jump on the bandwagon. It's a short week, so this isn't a full plan, but this is what we'll be eating this week!

    Monday
    Grilled Steak with Wine Sauce
    Mashed Potatoes (Mamie's Version)

    Tuesday
    Chicken Au Champagne
    Orange Salad

    Wednesday
    [Wedding]

    Thursday
    [No work]
    -Breakfast: Pancackes with Bob's Red Mill Mix, Eggs
    -Lunch: Ratatouille, Portland French Bakery Bread
    -Dinner: Leftovers

    Friday/Saturday/Sunday
    Family Christmases (eating at their houses)

    Ahoy mate!

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    Sweater: J.Crew | The Stripe: Emersonmade | Jeans: 7FAM | Boots: Dolce Vita | Earrings: Kate Spade | Ring: Target

    It's back to work for me today, but not for my darling husband who I forced asked to take my photos this morning. He's getting pretty good at shooting my outfits, perhaps by the time I get my new camera he'll be a pro! :) I've really been enjoying my clothes lately. That may sound funny, but ever since I went through my closet and got rid of some pieces that just weren't "me," invested in a few great basic pieces (like this sweater) I have loved getting dressed in the morning. Knowing that what you pull out of the closet 1) looks good on you and 2) goes nicely with almost everything else in your closet is a recipe for a feel-good outfit six out of seven days a week! I'm loving it!

    I'm still working on my Christmas update, just so many things to cover, but I promise I'll have it up soon. Until then, have a happy day after, day after Christmas! Au revoir!

    Eleven Pipers.

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    Blazer, cords, sweater: J.Crew | Scarf: Postalaparia | Boots: Hunter | Ring: Target

    Today, on the very eve of Christmas, I am lucky enough to be featured as the Eleventh Day of Christmas, over on Tara's blog. Go check it out! Such a great idea for a feature! Anyway, this is the outfit I wore to provide her with some lovely photos to work with.

    We arrived home (in Spokane) on the eighteenth and have been having so much darned fun, I haven't even given this blog a second thought. Summaries and photos to come, but for now, I'm just going to say have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and go hang out with your own friends and family! :) Au revoir!

    Merry Christmas, darlings.

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    Emerald Cascade Blouse: Anthropologie | Blazer: J.Crew | Jeans: 7FAM | Wedges: Cynthia Vincent for Target | Earrings: Kate Spade

    You guys. It's my last day of work until December 27. I am so happy I could scream. And dance. Because no offense work, but I need a break. We've been slaving over the new website and like my co-worker said in her Christmas letter, she's having dreams of HTML tags and CSS script instead of sugar plum fairies. And that just ain't right! Speaking of my lovely co-worker, she's been taking my outfit photos lately and I loved today's so much, I just had to post a million. So sorry for that, but yay! for her skills.

    Usually I take pride in dressing like a complete scrub on Fridays, but it's been a long, hard week and I felt like finishing it off feeling good about myself. I yet again donned my favorite winter purchase- this jacket, one of my very favorite blouses and my go-to earrings. I think I need another pair of these. And I'm feeling great! And green. Which is a good thing, obviously. Anyway...tomorrow begins our week-long Christmas vacation at my parent's and I CANNOT WAIT.

    What are your plans for Christmas? Do tell!

    Finding the bright spot.

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    Vermillion Flurry Blouse: Anthropologie | Marrakesh Jeans: MiH | Wedges: Cynthia Vincent for Target | Earrings: Kate Spade | Flower: From our wedding

    It's a beautiful sunny day here in Oregon after almost two solid weeks of pounding rain and even a tornado. But for some reason, despite the bright sun and my bright blouse, I'm still feeling a little glum. Could be the fact that I got rear-ended at a stop sign this morning, or that it's been a long, emotional week or even that I had a bad hair day. :) However, I'm really really trying to keep my chin up and have some perspective because our Christmas vacation starts in two days, and two days is no time at all!

    Another positive is that when I put these jeans on this morning, and as I'm sitting in them now, there is much more room in them then the last time I wore them! I've been making a huge effort to cook at home rather than eat out, use raw, organic foods and reduce my portions to a healthier size, and it's paying off! So hooray for that!

    How are your days going?

    Tornado Day.

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    Blazer, Dress, Scarf: J.Crew | Boots: Steve Madden | Ring: Target

    There was a tornado in a small town pretty close to our house today. I had no idea because I was in the basement at our office, working on the website all day. We did notice the black sky-to sun-to black sky again action that was going on. Crazy pants.

    I've been wearing this blazer and scarf (together most times) every chance I can get lately. I'm going to go ahead a claim best winter purchases. 

    A Very Martin Christmas.

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    Dear Friends and Family (and blog readers),

    Since I just addressed 4,700 (not really) Christmas cards, I figured I'd better sit down and actually write the letter that is promised on the back of said cards. So...here it is!

    To start off on a positive note (ha!), this year has been one of the most difficult years of my/our life/lives. I totally had my "quarter life crisis," spending many sleepless nights trying to figure out what to do, who to be and where to go from here. And Taylor has had his share of panic moments, too. I mean, you spend however many years in school looking ahead and making plans and then you graduate and there's really no more structure. It's been quite a year of ups and downs, but I finally feel like I've figured some things out. Nothing concrete, mind you, I've simply decided that it's time I truly give my life over to the One who gave it to me. And you know, I've been pretty content ever since I came to that (genius) revelation. Go me. :)

    I'm still working at the school employees union, we're still in our house in Keizer and Taylor is still breaking records and recruiting some of the best and brightest high schoolers George Fox has ever seen. He's also helping out with the guy's team this season, which makes us a house divided when Whitworth comes to town (where my brother plays)! We've found a new church, Mosaic, in NE Portland, which we absolutely LOVE. We've decided to put our house up for sale as we're hoping to move into the NE neighborhood to be closer to church and our friends. And like my Mom mentioned in her Christmas letter, we now have a guest bed and we'd love to have you come visit us! :) Portland is a beautiful city and we love to show it off.

    A few other things that happened this year...we celebrated our second anniversary in October,  we saw The Lion King and She & Him, we had the pleasure of enjoying two fantastic friends weddings (Mandee & Ryan and Bill & Rhi), we both celebrated our 24th birthdays, we welcomed the first baby in our group of friends, I was featured on MTV Style, we spent a couple weekends in downtown Portland, I got to style a fashion show (Portland Fashion's Night Out), we spent a week at the lake, we both traveled for work and we enjoyed lots of good times with our incredible friends and families. It has been a hard year, but it has been a great year and we are so thankful for the roof over our heads, the paychecks in the bank and the love and the support of all of you!

    In the coming year we're hoping to continue to get more involved at church, move up to Portland, watch lots of our brother's basketball, take a trip to Florida (Harryland) with my family and discover further God's plan for our lives.

    We hope you have a Merry Christmas and know that you're in our thoughts and prayers always!

    Love,
    Me & Taylor

    Snapshots from a weekend.

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    Indian Village
    Fab Four Christmas Fondue

    1. Our third-prize-winning, non-gingerbread Indian Village.
    2.  Fab Four Christmas date.

    More on both of these later, but in the meantime...what have you been up to?

    Captivated by Chloe.

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    Chloe

    I informed Taylor today that Chloé is quickly becoming one of my favorite design houses, edging even closer to Chanel than I ever thought possible. He was riveted by this information, obviously, and I was inspired to go on the hunt for some pieces that would get me the looks I love but can't afford. Chic, silky blouses and trousers with simple jewelry and a great shoe. Where do I sign up?

    What designers are you inspired by the most?

    1. Asos, Pussybow Short Sleeve Blouse, $44.82.
    2. J.Crew, Wool Crepe Cropped Pant in City Fit, $69.99.
    3. Kate Spade, Round Earrings, $55.00.
    4. Madewell, Telegraph Trousers, $59.50.
    5. Forever 21, Braided Skinny Belt, $3.80.
    6. Urban Outfitters, Pins and Needles Jeweled Stripe Silk Tee, $59.00.
    7. Steve Madden, Women's Daybreak Wedge Sandal, $59.78.

    Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum.

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    Field Game Cardigan: Anthropologie | Dress, Belt: J.Crew | Tights: Hue | Boots: Steve Madden | Earrings: Nordstrom

    Though I knew I had a Christmas party to attend tonight for Taylor's work, I didn't purposely dress in festive colors. Nor did I choose to participate in their annual ugly sweater contest as I am morally opposed to the promotion of wearing ugly clothing. :) I did however, wear this cute sweater and I did get to act as judge for the charades/play-doh molding game, which is right where I like to be. Involved but out of the competition. And since we're not having a party at work this year, I got my fill of Christmas party games. Crazy how quickly December is flying by already.

    Anyway, this dress was a recent eBay purchase. I tried it on in the store when it was on the sale rack and liked it, but didn't find it worthy of $90. Then, a few weeks later, I saw it on a sales associate and felt an instant pang of regret. You see, I haven't actually owned a LBD in a long time. For shame, I know. So, I tracked this sucker down on eBay and got it for a great deal. It's a great combination of tailored and casual and I think it will prove to be rather season-less, since it's sleeveless. I've already worn it twice this week and I have high hopes for outfits to come.

    What do you wear to your spouses Christmas party?

    Have you checked out my blog sale? New items added! Click here to shop!

    Shop Krameymartin for the holidays!

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    ShopKrameymartin

    Hunter.

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    Silk Ribbons Blouse: Emersonmade | Sweater, Skirt: J.Crew | Tights: c/o We Love Colors | Boots: Hunter

    I haven't been taking a lot of outfit photos lately, as I'm sure you've noticed. But I have been coming up with some great outfits, if I do say so myself. Despite forgetting to iron this skirt, I'm feeling pretty good about this one too. I just knew the moment We Love Colors sent me these Hunter Green tights, I would pair them with my wellies. And they are perfect! These tights are thick, nice, a great color and have a thick waistband which helps cut down on any midsection suffocation. Thanks WLC!

    In my ever-continuing quest for the perfect wardrobe, I've been obsessed with simple, chic blouses and sweaters, paired with jeans and boots. It's kind of become my winter wardrobe. What are your go-to's for winter?

    Grownup Christmas List.

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    I don't really have the makings of a great Christmas shopping post this year, as all I'm asking for is a camera of my own. And a pair of vintage men's pajamas. But other than that, a whole lot of nothing. You know, besides my gigantic, ongoing wishlist. And some daylight after 5 p.m. so I can actually take some outfit photos. But, since I oh-so-cleverly came up with the title, I guess I'd better write just a little more than that.

    If there were a few other things that I could ask for, no holds barred, they would be:
    • Someone to buy our house
    • My Papa to be around to share the holiday with us
    • The perfect, affordable apartment in Portland
    • The ability to get a more fuel-efficient automobile
    • Success for both my two brothers and two brothers-in-law this basketball season
    • Some future traveling opportunities
    • An opportunity for Taylor to continue his education
    • To recreate the Gryffindor Common Room in my house someday (The above photo is a Christmas card from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire crew. I love it)
    • Some clear direction from on God's will for my life
    But all these things would just be the cherry on top of a season full of two amazing families that I am lucky enough to be a part of. Oh, and the blog got a lovely little French face lift, thanks to my latest bout of inspiration. Come on over and check it out. Vive la France!

    Inspirations.

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    Various sources, sorry that's all I know.

    I'll be working in the field Thursday, so here's some lovely inspirations of mine...for you! :) Au revoir!

    Almost Wordless Wednesday.

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    Oh-Christmas-Tree

    Things that are bringing a smile to my face today: friends over for dinner, the French Women series, the incredibly delicious Prosciutto and English Cheddar omlette I made last night and our Christmas tree!

    And...dwelling on all things France.
     

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