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Last Day of the Giveaway & OOTD

Hi everyone…I just wanted to remind you that I am giving away a $25.00 Anthropologie Gift Card to one lucky reader. Simply follow the rules here, and you will be entered to win!  Today is the last day to enter the contest. 

Shirt: Anthropologie Gust of Grey Blouse 
Pants: Banana Republic Suiting Pants (old)
Shoes: Shoes: Gianni Bini High Road Heels
OXOX Natasha

DIY: Diaper Cake

Hi everyone…I hope that you are having a great week so far.  I mentioned earlier this week that I would post some instructions on how to make a diaper cake.  Unfortunately, I don’t have step by step pictures, but hopefully you'll find these instructions to be informative.  Below is a list of all of the ingredients that you will need to create a diaper cake.  

Ingredients:

60 Diapers: (depends on how big the cake is) I used one package of stage 2 diapers (the smaller the diaper, the more diapers you will need for the cake). You can use either white or patterned diapers.
• Ribbons: ½ or 1 inch wide and ¼ inch wide (any width is fine), patterned to fit the baby shower theme i.e. pastel blue or pink.
• 36-60 Small Rubber Bands (depending on how you want to “build” the cake)
• 1 Package of Large Rubber Bands
• 1 Roll of Double Sided Tape
• Scissors
• 2 Baby Bottles (8-oz.)
• A Large Piece of Cardboard or A Large Plastic Cake Platter
• Cake Decorations: artificial flowers, pacifiers, wash cloths, baby hygiene products, toys or any baby items that could fit on the cake. 

Instructions:

Step One: Roll Up Diapers

Take all of the diapers out of the package and roll each diaper up tightly, tucking in the tab design.  After you roll a diaper, then place a rubber band in the center. When finished, each diaper should look like a rolled up diploma.



Step Two: Prepare the Base

Cut out a circle or a rectangle from a cardboard box.  The cut out should be large enough to place your baby diaper cake on. Wrap it with paper or tin foil.  Or you can use a plastic cake platter or serving platter.  Securely tape both of the baby bottles together placing one on top of the other and remove the bottle cover and nipple.  Then secure the bottom bottle to the middle of the cardboard box or cake plate. 

Step Three:  Assemble the Bottom Layer of the Cake

Take a large rubber band around the baby bottle and gather a few of the rolled up diapers and stand up long ways, going around the baby bottle.  Gather more diapers and assemble the diapers around the first ring and secure the ring with a large rubber band.  This completes the second ring.  For the outer ring, gather a few more diapers and go around one last time and secure with a large rubber band.  This completes the third ring and the bottom layer of the cake.  Take the ribbon and go all the way around the entire layer.  Make sure the ribbon covers the rubber bands. Cut ribbon long enough to go around the bottom layer of the cake.  I used two types of ribbons because I couldn’t find a ribbon that said it’s a boy.


Step Four: Assemble the Top Layer of the Cake

To assemble the top layer place the diapers on top of the bottom layer.  For the first ring of the top layer, gather a few diapers and place them around the baby bottle.  Secure the first ring with a large rubber band. For the second ring, gather a few diapers around the first ring.  Secure the second with a large rubber band.  The top layer has only two rings. Gather ribbon around the entire top layer, making sure to cover the rubber bands. Cut the ribbon long enough to go around the top layer of the cake.

Step Five: Decorate Cake
 
Tuck flowers, pacifiers, wash cloths, baby hygiene products, and toys between the layers.  Secure the items with double sided tape.  Place some flowers inside the opening of the baby bottle and cover any spaces of the bottle with flowers.






Here are some pictures of two diaper cakes that I made recently: 


I hope that was helpful.  Please let me know if you have any questions.
OXOX Natasha
  

Fitness: Gate River Run 2011 Recap

I forgot to post my review of the Gate River Run 15k race that I ran a couple weeks ago, so here it is.

The morning of March 12, 2011 didn’t go exactly like I had planned.  My running partner and I decided to meet at 6:45am to head over to Jacksonville Fairgrounds to line up near the starting line.  I was little anxious the night before the race and didn’t get enough sleep. Unfortunately, my lack of sleep caused me to wake up a little late.  Okay…I was more than a little late.   I was so late that I didn’t have any time to eat breakfast.  Big mistake… this will never happen again. I’m not one of those runners who can run on an empty stomach.  Anyways since I was pressed for time, I headed to our agreed meeting point with hopes that I would find some food.   But, there wasn’t any food anywhere.  As the race started, I just hoped that I would make it through the 9.3 mile race without passing out. 

WILL DICKEY/The Times-Union--03/12/11--Runners start the 34th Annual Gate River Run Saturday morning, March 12, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida.   (The Florida Times-Union, Will Dickey)

I ran the first 3.1 miles with no problems, but the lack of food started to effect me greatly.  I lost my running buddy after 3.25miles, because I had to stop and try to restore some of my energy.  I tried to grab every type of food and drink I could get my hands on along the race course, but there wasn’t much food left.  I tried to maintain my speed and I motivated myself to keep running.  Besides running low on fuel, the most difficult part of the race was the last mile over the Hart Bridge.  The incline to the top of the bridge took a lot out of me, but once I got to the top I only had a half mile left mostly downhill.  The race course throughout San Marco was beautiful and the weather wasn’t too hot to run in the morning.  There were amazing local residents that handed out some food and drinks for the runners and local bands played music throughout the race.  Overall, the race was an enjoyable experience despite my rookie mistake.

I finished the Gate River Run with pretty good stats for my first time!  I finished in 1 hour and 45 minutes. I placed 499 out of 1072 in my age group and I placed 3234 overall.   I like to think that I would have done better if I ate some food in the morning, but I’m super happy with my results!  Here are some more stats about the race: there were 7377 male finishers, 7602 female finishers and 14979 total finishers. 

Here are some of my do’s based on my rookie mistakes for this year’s race:
DO eat a breakfast at least 2 hours before the race. 
DO sync your iPod and pick a playlist at least one day before the race. 
DO get to the stadium at least 30 minutes before the gun goes off.
DO stop at each water/Gatorade station or carry your own water with you. 
DO wear sunscreen/sunblock or wear a sun visor/baseball cap to block the sun.  
DO the Gate River Run again next year.
OXOX Natasha
*photo credit: Florida Times Union


miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} superman.  i'm watching superman iii right now and i haven’t seen it in years.  this is the one where superman turns mean, gets drunk and tries to kill his alter ego, kent.  i’ve always loved the superman series and in my opinion, christopher reeves is the one and only superman.   

{two} britney spears.  i have to admit, i’ve been a britney spears fan for some time now.   i don’t know about this new cd, but i can’t wait to hear it.  tomorrow, march 29th, britney will be performing in a special concert on good morning america in san francisco.  her album, femme fatale is set for release tomorrow!
*photo credit: ny daily news

{three} diaper cake.  a few weeks ago, my office hosted a surprise baby shower for one of my co-workers.   she was completely surprised.  i decided to make a diaper cake for her and i think it came out pretty okay.  have you ever made a diaper cake before?  if you are interested, i plan to add step by step instructions on how to make this cake under the diy section of my page later this week.


OXOX Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: White Eyelet and Lace

Happy Saturday Sunday everyone.  I hope that you all are having a wonderful weekend so far.  I drove down to Tampa to see my sister and my beautiful aunt.  Anyways, I’m sorry I’m late posting my Friday Fresh Picks to Follow, but here it is.   

Another fresh trend for the Spring 2011 season is vintage inspired eyelet and delicate lace designs.  There have been several recent Vogue magazines that featured a beautiful white eyelet dress by Dolce & Gabbana on the cover.  This Dolce & Gabbana dress is definitely a sign that white eyelet and lace will be seen in many retail stores this spring.  Here are my top 10 picks for the innocent look of eyelet and cotton lace.  Let me know if eyelet and lace works for you and let me know your favorite white delights.

*Image above is from FabSugar

1.  Lilly Pulitzer - Betsey Dress Eyelet…$278.00

2.  Laundry - Shelli Segal Eyelet Dress…$225.00

3.  Onda De Mar - Eyelet And Crochet Coverup…$134.00     

4.  J.Crew - Eyelet Tunic…$69.50

5.  Anthropologie - Florid Spectre Blouse…$168.00

6.  BCBGMAXAZRIA – Mikey One-Shoulder Eyelet Dress…$378.00

7.  Anthropologie – Canopy Lookout Dress…$128.00

8. Neiman Marcus - Lace-Insert Gauze Dress…$195

9.  Elizabeth and James - Eyelet Tokyo Silk Top…$295

10.  Anthropologie – Back Porch Blouse…$98.00
OXOX Natasha

In the Window: Behind the Scenes



I hope that everyone is having a good week so far.  I know I can’t wait until tomorrow.  I finally have this weekend off, so I plan to relax and visit some of my family in Tampa, FL.  Well, I wanted to share this video that I found on the feast.com about my favorite store, Anthropologie.  As you may know, Anthropologie was founded in 1992 and since then many women continue to flock to the store to find whimsical dresses, ladylike shirts and eclectic accessories.   Anthropologie is also renown for the store’s amazing and creative window displays.  You can always find the best execution of a merchandising concept or visual “story” at any of their stores.  I continue to be impressed by the visual team’s unique handmade displays. Check out this video (here) to learn about some of Anthropologie’s talented visual artists and to learn how they create the store’s amazing windows.

*Original video shot by Amanda Martinez/NBCNewYork.com
OXOX Natasha

OOTD: Pulling It Together

I bought this sweater and shirt last month before my shopping ban started.  I originally bought the navy sweater, but then changed my mind and went for the mustard color.  I thought the contrast of the yellow against the polka dot shirt would look amazing and I think it does.  The Pulling It Together Sweater is a great twist on a staple cardigan. This cardigan fits true to size and the details are perfect.  The sweater is soft and light enough to wear during the spring and maybe the summer.  This sweater would work well over dresses, jeans or skirts. I wore mine under a suit jacket and it wasn’t bulky.  I love the antique brass buttons and the asymmetrical ruffled lapel – these details really gives a basic cardigan just the right touch.  I’ll plan to purchase the navy one again once it goes on sale.  Hopefully, it will go on sale around Easter, so I’ll be able to buy it.  What do you guys think about this sweater?  Do you love it or hate it?

Shirt: Anthropologie On The Agenda Shell
Sweater: Anthropologie Pulling It Together Sweater
Pants: Banana Republic Suiting Pants (old)
Shoes: Nine West Ballet Flats (old)
OXOX Natasha

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} my first giveaway.  i'm hosting my very first giveaway here on moody girl in style!  and i couldn't be more excited! i’m giving away a $25.00 anthropologie gift card to one lucky reader.  check here for more information.


{two} jamaica. some of my family just went jamaica this past weekend for a family wedding and i’m so jealous.  last summer my sister, my mom and i went to kingston and ocho rios with a few of our cousins and we had a blast.  until last year, i had not been down there since i was a little girl, so it was especially nice to go there as an adult.  my sister and i were able to meet and greet family members that we only heard stories about during our childhood.  my family is from jamaica, but unfortunately we don’t get to visit everyone often.  i’m hoping that i will be able to go down there again by next summer. 

{three} iphone or blackberry. do you have an iphone or a blackberry?  i currently have a palm centro, but i’m well overdue for an upgrade.  i would love to hear from you regarding what you love and hate about your cell phone.  i’m torn right now, but heavily leaning towards the iphone.   let me know what you think. 

My First Giveaway - $25.00 Anthropologie Gift Card (COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED)

I just posted my 100th post yesterday and I’m pretty pleased with myself.   When I first started blogging, I didn’t know how much I would actually blog or that I would continue to blog week after week.  With that being said, I have a treat for my wonderful readers.  I'm hosting my very first giveaway here on Moody Girl in Style! And I couldn't be more excited! I am giving away a $25.00 Anthropologie Gift Card to one lucky reader. Simply follow the rules below, and you will be entered to win!

Here are the Rules:
  1. YOU MUST be a public follower of Moody Girl in Style.
  2.  Leave a comment saying you are a public follower. Please leave your name and email so that I can contact you if you win.
  3. Also, in your comment, please let me know what your favorite thing is to read about on Moody Girl in Style.  Or if there is anything else you would like to see on my blog.  I truly welcome any suggestions!
  4. For an extra entry, blog about the contest and let me know with another comment.
  5. The contest ends on Thursday, March 31st.  The lucky winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) and will be announced on Saturday, April 2nd.  The winner will have 72 hours to reply & claim the prize once notified.
Good Luck everyone!

The giveaway consists of (1) one - $25 Anthropologie Gift Card.  This contest is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Anthropologie or its parent company, Urban Outfitters. This prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.

Fresh Picks to Follow: Honeysuckle


In the mornings, I usually get ready for work while the news is playing in the background.  To my surprise, one of yesterday’s news segments was all about the hot new color for spring called Honeysuckle.  My Fresh Picks to Follow for today is all about this new pop of color.  According to leading color guide Pantone, the 2011 color of the year is Honeysuckle (18-2120), a dynamic reddish pink, that will be define the mood of 2011 given its “uplifting” qualities.  This color is defined as the color for all seasons – “Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world” – Pantone.  Check out some of the fresh designs for Spring 2011 from fashion designers Peter Som, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe, Adam Lippe and Tracey Reese that were featured in the Wall Street Journal.  Also, check out Pantone's site to download a gorgeous PDF to download that is filled with color inspirations for the year.  Here are my 10 ten picks of this season’s enchanting hues of Honeysuckle.  What do you think about the color of the year?

1.  Nanette Lepore - Rain or Shine Dress…$648.00

2. Banana Republic - Gemma Wrap Dress…$98.00

3. French Connection – Renoir Explorer Top…$78.00

4. AK Anne Klein - Ruffle Front Blouse…$ 51.90 (Was $79.00)

5. Valentino – Stretch Cady Dress…$2,590.00

6. Etsy - Honeysuckle Pink Silk Scarf…$48.00

7. OPI Classic Shades Nail Lacquer - Conquistadorable Color…$8.00

8. Chinese Laundry - Bog Rubber Boot…$47.20 (was $59.00)

9. Kate Spade – New York Kylie Tweed Skirt…$295.00

10. Lara Lewis – Estate Earrings…$29.00

Moody Girl Eats: Ginger and Cilantro Baked Tilapia

I'm proud to say that I cooked twice this week.  I made tacos on Sunday, which wasn’t anything fancy.  I just used the normal taco seasoning packet from Taco Bell.  And today I made this delicious tilapia meal.  I wanted to make a fish dish for tomorrow because of the Lenten season.  I bought a couple bags of frozen tilapia, so I’ll be very creative over the next few weeks.  I found this recipe on Kitchn and I knew I had to make it.  It’s a really simple recipe with some exotic flavors.  Here is the recipe below along with some pictures that I took along the process.  I really enjoyed making and eating this dish and I would definitely make it again.  Bon Appétit!

**I may have used a little more soy sauce than the recipe calls for, so that’s why my sauce looks a little darker.  I served the fish over jasmine rice and it was amazing.  I will make this again in the near future. 

Ginger and Cilantro Baked Tilapia
serves 2, or 1 with leftovers for lunch

2 large tilapia fillets (or similar thin white fish) - about 3/4 lb
1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
3 garlic cloves
1 inch grated ginger (1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup white wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Scallions, chopped for garnish
Extra cilantro, to garnish

Heat the oven to 475F. Pat the fish dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in a glass baking dish.

Chop the pepper and garlic, and grate the ginger. Put in a small food processor with the soy sauce, white wine, sesame oil, and cilantro. Whir until blended. Pour the sauce over the fish, rubbing it in a little. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through. It will be very moist and gelatinous, still.

Serve immediately over rice, garnished with scallions and cilantro.

March Wish List – Top 3

I just realized that I never posted my top 3 items for the month of March.  Obviously, I won’t be making any purchases this month, but I wanted to post them nonetheless.   I bought a bunch of clothes last month for my birthday, so hopefully all of my clothes will keep me content until Easter.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed!  

Here are my top 3 items for the month of March that I can’t live without.  What are your must have items this month?  Let me know!

                     Fountain Of Youth Dress              Back Porch Blouse                    Decade-By-Decade Skirt

Fluttering Obi

I wore this beautiful dress last Saturday after my 15k race.   I was super tired and in a rush, so I didn’t have a chance to accessorize my outfit.  The next time I wear the dress, I’ll have to find some of really cute earrings.  My favorite part of my dress was the belt, but you can barely see it.  For some reason the belt was attached to the back of the dress.  I later realized that I should have tried to remove the sash and bring it to the front of the dress.   Anthropologie had a pretty decent sale today…check it out here.  Surprisingly, there were lots of tops and lots of shoes.  There are many sale items that love and a handful of them are on my wish list.  However, I have to stick to my Lenten sacrifice and pass on today’s sale.   Oh boy, this shopping ban is going to be harder than I thought.   


Dress: Anthropologie Fluttering Obi Dress
Boots: Jessica Simpson Anne Boots

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} japan.  my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of japan as they recover from this devastating tragedy.  a disaster like this truly makes you appreciate everything that you have in your life.   i recently made a donation to the red cross because it’s so important that we do all we can to help out.  i wish i could do more.  those who are interested in contributing to the relief efforts for the japan earthquake and pacific tsunami, can donate online here to the red cross. People can also text “redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by this disaster.

{two} running.  i ran my 15k this past saturday and i will post more about it later.  i had a lot of fun during the gate river run and i’m already thinking about the next race.  if you know of any cool races in florida, please let me know.    

{three} the bachelor. so today is the finale of the bachelor.  i can’t wait to see who brad is going to pick tonight.  i would like to see him with chantel o, but i think that he’s going to end up with emily.  we’ll see if i’m right.  tune into abc at 8pm tonight for the bachelor conclusion.

{four} decorate anthropologie style. do you wish you could live in an anthropologie store? now you can.  anthro is opening a new decorator concept that will focus on products such as curtains, furniture, hardware, lighting, rugs and wallpaper. the new concept will debut on march 24, 2011 in 12 of the company’s existing locations.  also, check out the website on march 17th for the new launch of the “for the decorator” section.  i can’t to see what they have in store.

{five} free shipping. anthropologie is offering complimentary standard shipping for anthro members only.  to take advantage of this offer, you have to link your anthro id number to an anthropologie.com account.  and the free shipping applies to all orders over $150.00.  this offer expires on march 31, 2011.  if you are interested in setting up an anthro id number, you can set it up here.

(images: anthropologie and red cross)

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