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Friday Favorites #497

by Kaylah Stroup January 4, 2019
This post contains affiliate links. Check out our disclosure policy for more details.

!

(via )

What a fun idea these faux matches are. Each has an idea on it meant to *spark* creativity! (Also available here for a little bit less!) There’s even a version for romance, happiness and adventure!

(via Anthropologie)

Pizza prevails!

(via Pyknic)

Looove this pin!

(via heymoma shop)

Library card socks!

(via Out of Print)

Because I want to dress like a cozy skeleton all year long!

(via Wildfox)

Sharing a new favorite from my own home – this lamp from Gantri! This is actually my second one from them. They are 3D printed and I swear, they give off the coziest light. I also really enjoy the fact their lights are dimmable. I’m in loooove! (PS. If you purchase through that link, you get $20 off!)

(photo by me, lamp via Gantri)

I just discovered Tula Pink’s line of scissors in my most favorite color(s) of metal! I’m positively obsessed. I plan to treat myself to the shears after I reach a little sewing goal I set for myself. They’re just so dang beautiful.

(via Tula Pink)

Never enough face planters in this house!

(via Anthropologie)

Ah! !

(via )

Not only does ‘cool citrus basil‘ sound like it smells amazing but I really dig that packaging too!

(via Valkyrie Candle)

Link love…

  • I don’t actually wear red buuut I might make an exception for this dress. I mean, it’s striped. C’mon.
  • Take a hike!
  • Fancy beetle earrings! They’re so pretty! Plus there is a matching necklace.
  • Wouldn’t actually consider purchasing a $70 dog sweater but I sure do enjoy looking at the photos. Such a pretty pup. (Not going to lie, I would really love to see Klaus in that silly sweater!)
  • Linking to the Splitcam because it’s suuuuper cheap right now. It has fairly mixed reviews but with a little common sense, it shouldn’t give you any issues. I’ve always had great luck with mine.
  • Love love love this constellation dress!
  • I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable wearing this dress out of the house but I know for sure I’d feel reeeeeal fine wearing it around the house.

Happy Friday!
xoxo

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found on the beach

by Kaylah Stroup January 3, 2019

found on the beach

A colorful little something that brightened my cold, dreary winter day. Nothing more, nothing less.

Wendy Park found on the beach found on the beach

I lol-ed hard at that butt. It’s a G.I. Joe butt.

A quick found on the beach FAQ

  1. You found all of these in one trip?  Sadly, yes.
  2. What do you do with all after your done? Normally I toss it in the trash or recycle if appropriate. Sometimes I may take certain pieces with me if I think they’ll look cool in a future arrangement or if it’s something I collect. Toy soldiers & all other tiny plastic characters come home with me! I also collect plastic plants, leaves and flowers.
  3. Do you wear gloves when you pick all this trash up? No, I don’t. These are things that are washed up from the lake, not just left on shore. They’re no dirtier than the sand or water. That’s not to say I don’t sanitize my hands as soon as I get back in my car though…
  4. Are all of your beaches this gross? No, absolutely not. We have lots of gorgeous, clean and downright picturesque beaches along Lake Erie. This one in particular just seems to collect all the debris from the lake. I have yet to find another this bad in the area.

CHECK OUT MORE ‘FOUND ON THE BEACH” POSTS HERE!

If you like my ‘found on the beach’ collections – prints, phone cases, and more can be found here.

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8 favorite clothing purchases in 2018

by Kaylah Stroup January 2, 2019

▴ . For the past few years, I’ve been very into oversized cardigans. They’re basically my favorite way to make any outfit cozy. Despite owning many, this mustard colored one quickly moved into my top spot. It’s so incredibly soft! It looks great with dresses, and pairs easily with jeans and a t-shirt as well.

I purchased a medium and it fits comfortably loose. Medium is my normal size for a cardigan but I’d normally expect them to fit a bit more snug so if you’re looking for a tighter fit definitely size down. Cuddly fit? Get your normal size.

▴ Teva flatform sandals. Formerly a member of the cheap sandals club, these were the most expensive ones I had ever bought. I couldn’t understand why sandals should cost so much. I ended up splurging because I really love the style… and holy cow, my mind is 100% changed. These bad boys taught me that paying for a quality sandal is life changing. That sounds so dramatic but y’all, these are like walking on clouds! I can walk and walk and walk all day with zero pain or rubbing.

Can’t forget to mention the fact that they literally match everything. I can wear them with jeans, shorts, and even dresses and somehow they look perfect with every single outfit.

I wore them almost exclusively all summer, walked a ton and took them on lots of adventures. They show no real signs of wear other than the whites of the stripe on the side being a little dingy. I did see tutorials specifically on how to clean Tevas which I’ll have to give a shot! I definitely want to buy another pair this summer. Maybe these since they’re a tad dressier? Either way, I’m hooked. They’re worth the money!

▴ Bali Illusion-neckline underwire bra. I don’t think that I actually discovered this bra in 2018 but it is the year that I almost exclusively switched to it being my only bra. I love this bra so much that I own multiples in three different colors. (Only reason I don’t have more colors is that every time I want to buy a new one the price on the colored ones seems to be super-inflated compared to a black one)

What’s so great about this bra? Honestly, no idea. I can’t really figure out what makes this bra so perfect and comfortable but it’s so nice that I got rid of every other bra I owned aside from a few ‘fancy’ ones. It looks smooth under t-shirts, the straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and my boobs just fit in the cups really nicely. I don’t feel like I’m overflowing. It also doesn’t do that awful thing where it looks like it fits until you sit down and then the cups pop up.

I truly just love this bra!

▴ Double zip half moon purse. Large enough to hold the essentials but small enough I don’t carry unnecessary crap! Plus it’s super cute and affordable. Simple as that.

▴ Wild Meadow bell sleeve dress. I LOVE this dress. I was a bit hesitant to purchase it based on the one other review but I’m certainly glad I went for it (and for under $15 I really had no excuse not to!)

So, my first impression? It’s perfect! The material almost feels like swimsuit fabric except maybe not as heavy. It’s very comfortable. I actually really enjoy the material its made from because it doesn’t wrinkle very easily. Even sitting at my desk all day in it, it stays wrinkle free.

The fit is spot on. I bought a large, which is what I normally wear, and it fits exactly as I’d expect it. The length is great. I’m five foot seven and find that most dresses are a little short but this one is long enough that I feel comfortable wearing it anywhere.

If you’re not a fan of bell sleeves – this dress is basically the same thing but with different sleeves and a different pattern.

▴ Levi’s skinny jeans. Black high waist skinny jeans are kinda my thing. I’m very happy to have found this pair. They fit my body beautifully, don’t get baggy after wearing them all day, and don’t actually feel like wearing jeans. Don’t get me wrong they aren’t as comfy as leggings but they’re certainly the most comfortable pants I own!

▴ GOgroove camera bag. I love this camera bag so much I wrote a whole post dedicated to it. Read that here. A quick recap though – my all time favorite camera bag and trust me, I’ve owned a lot of them. It holds a ton yet remains comfortable to wear all day. Through my many adventures and the couple road trips its been on, it’s still clean and looking fresh.

One of the most important features it has is side camera access. Being able to grab my camera from the bag without taking the bag off is something I will never compromise on again. It’s just so convenient!

This bag is basically a steal! I highly highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a new camera bag. Be sure to check out my full review for more photos and details.

▴ Black overalls. The sizing options on these overalls nearly scared me away since they come in small, medium, large or extra large and for a pair of pants, I feel like that’s super vague. I suppose I buy pjs in sizes like that but I’m a heck of a lot more picky about how jeans fit than jammies. Since Amazon has super easy & free returns I just went for it. I really wanted a second pair of black overalls, okay? I chose large. I’m very happy with how they fit. If I were going for a tighter fit, I definitely could have pulled off a medium but I actually was looking for a pair with a more relaxed fit.

They’re roomy throughout the legs without looking oversized. The waist even has enough room to fit a bulky sweater without looking stuffed. I’m around five foot seven inches with a long torso and these fit perfectly lengthwise in my torso. Always an issue with overalls!!! The only real questionable thing is the length, which I already mentioned makes them a bit more suited for warm weather. Based on review photos though, if you’re shorter they’ll most likely be perfect on ya!

I am super excited to pair these with my Tevas when the weather warms up!

How about you? What were some of your favorite 2018 clothing purchases?
xoxo

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This year I…

by Kaylah Stroup December 31, 2018

found more four-leaf clovers than ever before.

ziplined for the first time ever (& then my dad + husband built one just in time for our wedding reception!)

continued to take really silly photos of Professor that make me howl with laughter.

took my first 50-mile bike ride (& felt so dang accomplished!)

I also got hit by a car while riding my bike. Luckily, I walked away with just some scrapes.

got my ears pierced!

got married in a ghost town!

(above photo by Madeline Barr)

fell in love with baking and started cooking actual dinners regularly!

took an epic family vacation that will most likely never ever be topped, and finally crossed off some road trip greats (like Cadillac Ranch!)

watched my animals become more and more comfortable with each other.
(…only took six whole years!!!)  On top of that, I also caught Squid and Professor cuddling by themselves for the first time ever.

poked around lots of abandoned places (because Jeff was shooting for his first book!)

reunited an old photo album found in an auction box with its family! (read more on that here!)

got back into painting my nails.

started growing tiny avocado trees.

traveled coast to coast, from Portland to Portland, with my husband.

explored lots of neat cemeteries including The Burying Point, Thurber Cemetery, Boothill Graveyard, and so many others.

rekindled a relationship with my first love, my sewing machine.

spent lots of time on the beach searching for treasure.

Plus oh so much more!
xoxo

For the past few years, I’ve been doing a “This year I…” post.
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 + 2017.
If you do a “This year I…” post, leave a link in the comments. I’d love to check it out.

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Friday Favorite #496

by Kaylah Stroup December 28, 2018
This post contains affiliate links. Check out our disclosure policy for more details.

This candle sounds like it smells heavenly.

(via Urban Outfitters)

Eeep! Loving this cute little notepad.

(via Amazon)

Something cute for your 2019 planner – animal paper clips! They’re available in basically every animal you can think of!

(via Amazon)

Um… this stapler!? So darn pretty!

(via Amazon)

Oooh! This calendar!

(via Urban Outfitters)

These shoes are so funky and fun! They’d be real cute paired with black overalls and a striped top! (I own + love both those pieces I linked, in case you’re curious!!)

(via Steve Madden)

This notebook is GORGEOUS!

(via Urban Outfitters)

Just spotted that this dress is way cheaper than when I bought it! Its one of my favorites. Fits super well and can be paired with just about anything.

(dress via Amazon, photo is mine)

How cute are earrings!?

(via )

Because the new year is always a good excuse to buy cute notepads…

(via Amazon)

I am all about this outfit. It looks put together yet super cozy.

(via Lou & Grey)

Link love…

  • are a cold weather essential.
  • LOVE this slip!
  • This bra is soooo cute. The fabric reminds me of a shiny beetle.
  • On the subject of pretty underthings – this bodysuit!!!
  • My favorite short rain boots finally bit the dust after like six years so I’m on the hunt for a new pair. How cute are these ones with puppies in sweaters!? I also really like these because they’d probably match more of my clothes.
  • Space inspired washi tape? Yes, please! Aaaand planet sticky notes!

Happy Friday!
xoxo

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a few of my favorite face masks – part 2

by Kaylah Stroup December 26, 2018

Back in January of this year, I shared a post featuring a few of my favorite face masks. Check that out here. Doing masks together is still one of my mine and Jeff’s favorite little rituals. It’s relaxing and with the dry winter air, our faces need all the extra love they can get.

A few more of my favorite face masks, in no particular order…

▴ Palate Polish Bio Cellulose Kombucha Sheet Mask. This is, without a doubt, the best sheet mask I have ever used. First of all, it actually stuck to my face! Sure, most sheet masks stay relative well but they always have weird gaps around your nose and don’t really stay on around your jaw but just take a look at this bad boy below! It’s actually stuck on my face!

Once removed, the mask left my face so incredibly soft, smooth, and glowy. I have never experienced results so dramatic as I did with this. If you were looking for a mask to do before a special event – this is it! Need even more reasons to buy? The mask is compostable, vegan, never tested on animals and from a woman run company!

Palate Polish sheet mask

▴ L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Scrub. First things first, this isn’t a mask. As the name states, it’s a scrub. Since it’s something special I don’t use every single day, I’m going to go ahead and group it in with masks.

At just around five dollars, this is the cheapest product on this list but don’t let that fool you. It’s incredible. The container is fairly small but after five uses I still have over half left. I will definitely be repurchasing once I run out. It makes my face feel smooth and refreshed. Its what I reach for when my face is feeling rough and dull from the dry winter air. It also smells very very tasty and washed off easily!

If you have dry lips, this scrub can also be used on your lips! When I use it I actually just massage my whole face, including my lips with it.

▴ Charcoal Peel-Off Mask. Not even going to play it cool, this is my favorite mask ever! I’d been on the hunt for a really nice peel off mask like this for a while. They were really popular there for a minute and that lead to a lot of them being on the market – which also meant there were a lot that maybe weren’t that great. Searching through reviews was daunting. It seemed like half the reviews were fake (super positive) and the others were complaining that their faces were basically being ripped off when they removed the mask.

ANYWAY, I decided to just take a chance and try this one out. My first time using it the results were incredible. When I peeled off the mask it had blackheads and tons of dead skin attached. I couldn’t believe it. I sent pictures to Jeff immediately! Of course, each time after that it’s had less and less but I’m obviously going to take that as a good sign.

I don’t apply this mask to my whole face just my chin, nose and forehead. It definitely does a great job pulling off anything that shouldn’t be there but still, it doesn’t hurt to remove. My one word of advice is to use this mask after a hot shower since your pores will be open.

charcoal peel off maskcharcoal peel off mask

Pretty gross, huh? I’m including it though because that’s exactly the kind of photo that sells me on a face mask.

▴ Aztec Secret Clay Mask. This was probably the number one mask people recommended to me after my first post on face masks. It’s one of the most popular masks out there right now, and with good reason! It leaves my face feeling clean, and smooth although I definitely wouldn’t use this in the morning since it leaves my face red for a little bit.

My one complaint about this is just what a bother it is to rinse off. It’s no harder than any other clay mask I’ve ever tried but masks like this always take a bit more elbow work to remove. I’ve become a big big fan of peel off and sheet masks lately for this exact reason.

The good news is, this mask is perfect for spot treating. If you have a zit that you feel might make an appearance in the next few days, this mask will basically stop it in its tracks.

▴ Freeman Sweet Tea and Lemon Peel-Off Mask. I’m a big fan of all of the masks I’ve tried from Freeman so far. (This is my third. Read about the first two in this post.) As I mentioned above, I really love peel off masks. This one is definitely a bit more gentle than the charcoal one I raved about earlier in the post. It doesn’t get as many blackheads out and is much easier to remove. That being said because it is more gentle, I apply it to my whole face instead of just problem areas like my chin. It leaves my skin feeling so soft!

a few of my favorite face masks

Have you discovered any great new face masks lately? I’m especially fond of anything super moisturising this time of the year!
xoxo

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Friday Favorites #495

by Kaylah Stroup December 21, 2018
This post contains affiliate links. Check out our disclosure policy for more details.

Love love love this desert species tapestry!

(via Urban Outfitters)

This is probably the first year ever I haven’t already posted one thousand planners already. Couldn’t resist sharing this one!

(via Bloom)

Look at this planter!! While we’re on the subject of plant related items – this watering can is drool worthy!

(via West Elm)

A dress I recently bought + love! You can get a peek at it in this photo I posted on Instagram. This dress by the same brand is also adorable! Just all things black and white, okay!?

(via Wild Meadow)

I recently bought a new back patch for my jean jacket and now I’m patch obsessed all over again. I’m way into these teeth patches. (I bought this three eyed cat patch. It looks even more awesome in person!)

(via Tooth x Nail)

Love love love this dress covered in bats. Items like this are my favorite, where the print is something not everyone could pull off but it goes mostly undetected unless you’re looking close.

(via Sourpuss)

I’ve got this sleek black, white, and gray kitchen but I’m in love with this rainbow flatware. I mean technically it would stay in the drawer unless it was in use so it wouldn’t break up my color scheme…

(via Cambridge Silversmiths)

Loving this sweatshirt and key chain by Pyknic! They have so many great food themed items.

(via Pyknic)

This print! So pretty.

(via Mathilde Aubier)

30 challenges for 30 days!

(via Urban Outfitters)

Just stumbled across this tote at a waaaay better price than what I bought it for. I just love that grid pattern so so so much!

(via Amazon)

This mug! Fennec Design seriously has the best designs!

(via Fennec Design)

Link love…

  • !!
  • Have any of y’all ever tried this foot peel? The review photos are both super intriguing and the worst things I have ever seen. I keep going back and forth on whether or not I want to give it a try. I definitely want super soft feet but I’m not sure I can stomach them looking that gross while the product works.
  • A cactus doormat.
  • I’m just crushing on overalls all the time. They all just fit so differently so even though I already have two black pairs, I still want those.
  • It’s a knife sharpener shaped like a shark!
  • Sushi socks!
  • Such a ! Just my style.
  • I’m LIVING for . I honestly have no reason to own a dress this fancy but maybe you do!?

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Pssst if you still need to do last minute Christmas shopping check out these gift guides;
▴ Plant Lovers Gift Guide
▴ 30+ gifts for your ~weird friend (+150 more finds here!)
▴ Enamel pin gift guide (+ 2017 version)

 

 

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Two Guns, AZ

by Kaylah Stroup December 19, 2018

Two Guns ruins

Just over six months ago I got married on top of the building shown above. *cue tears* There couldn’t be a more perfect way for Jeff and I celebrate six months of marriage than to visit our favorite spots in the desert and, most importantly, the one we tied the knot at.

A brief history – since the beginning of our relationship Jeff and I have been making annual trips to the desert. Our very first trip was super soon after we started dating and we both consider it to be a major piece of our story and credit it for us falling in love. Although we definitely had a big fight that trip, we learned that we traveled well together. (Long story short on that fight, I got a migraine but refused to admit I didn’t feel well and ended up being a big butthead.) Also on that epic roadtrip back in 2014, we discovered Two Guns!

It was right on the way to where we were heading except we were majorly crunched for time. We had reservations and had to check into our hotel before the front office closed for the night. But Two Guns!!!! It looked amazing. We had to stop, there was no two ways about it. Jeff and I agreed we’d only spend ten minutes there so we both got out of the car and literally ran from building to building snapping photos like crazy. The ten minutes were up in no time at all. We got back to the car gasping for breath and full of adrenaline. My pictures weren’t that great but it’s honestly one of my favorite memories from that whole trip.

We obviously had no idea that four years later we’d be back in the same spot with our closest friends and family exchanging vows.

On our anniversary trip, just a few weeks back, we spent the night at Twin Arrows Casino (the same hotel we also stayed at the night before our wedding) and woke up bright and early to catch Two Guns right at sunrise. To be fair, we were still on Ohio time and woke up far before the sun started to make its appearance. We lazily watched a movie and a half in the big cozy hotel bed before heading out into the desert. I was convinced it’ll still be too dark to explore but as soon as we parked the car at Two Guns we were greeted with the most beautiful golden sunshine.

It was incredible.

Our first few visits to Two Guns we mostly concentrated on the abandoned buildings nearest to the highway. We actually didn’t even realize there were ruins out further on that first visit. Now, those ruins are my favorite. Although we got married on top of one of the buildings out furthest, I had never really had the chance to photograph the area. I was little preoccupied on the last time I was there.

We had the whole place to ourselves, as is always the case. We wandered around, poked in structures we hadn’t been in before, and took a handful of photos together that I’ll treasure forever. It was a little bit weird being there without everyone else but it was so much fun to reminisce.

Two Guns, Arizona ghost town of Two Guns, Arizona

Visiting Two Guns for the fourth time was super special. I find something new to love about this place after each visit. It really is just a bunch of old ruins in the middle of the desert but it’s such a huge piece of our history together.

I’m half worried it’ll just continue to decay and soon become even less recognizable. The ruins were graffiti free on our last visit, now they’re starting to be covered in tags. I’m also partially worried that someone will purchase the land and make it somewhere we can’t continue to visit every few years. (Although, I would hope after being married there I’ve kind of been grandfathered in and can visit anytime if I just show off our wedding photos. Hehe!)

A few related posts –
Two Guns + The Apache Death Cave
That time I got married in a ghost town (the wedding post!)
Twin Arrows + Two Guns
Six month anniversary!

Until next time, Two Guns!
xoxo

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the little things

by Kaylah Stroup December 18, 2018

Sometimes you wake up at 5:15 AM, far before the winter sun rises, just so you can poke around abandoned buildings an hour away from home with your pals.

Maybe you don’t stay long because hunters are nearby and you don’t want to accidently get shot or because it’s a small town and you can tell people are watching.

But it’s worth it, even when you spend more time in the car than out taking photos.

Check out more posts about abandoned places here & if you’re still not satisfied – check out my husband’s book, Abandoned Cleveland.  😉

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About Me

About Me

Hello!

I'm Kaylah! Renovating a 150-year-old home in Northeast Ohio. Likely found in my garden.

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THE DAINTY SQUID
  • blog
    • all the posts!
    • stroup mansion
    • some of my favorite posts
    • plants + gardening
    • beauty, fashion + hair
    • reviews
    • window shopping
    • explore everywhere
  • about me
  • contact
  • shop