Where In The World Is Miranda Leigh?

Hey guysssss

Bah. Can you believe that it has been almost half a month since I've posted anything? How neglected my poor blog has been. Well you see, two weekends ago I went on one of the best trips of my college life! Packed in a Yukon, 5 friends and I drove down to the Big Easy for...

Mardi Gras 2012!

Let's just say it took a little while to recover from all the fun. Counting the days until next year!

Pinteresting Wednesday

Oh man, this week has been so long! We had our Merchandising Career Expo at school today which meant lots of mingling mixed with a few free goodies. Zale Corp. gave out free studded earrings and Sally Beauty Supply gave us a pretty makeup tote filled to the brim with beauty products!! There are over 25 things in this bag ranging from hair masks and deep conditioning, facial moisturizer, pink and feather hair extensions, tweezerman tweezers, OPI Nail Polish, and sooo much more. Jealous much?

Leap Into Spring With Color!

 

Source: bradierenee.polyvore.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

Source: laurenconrad.com via Miranda on Pinterest

Source: sweetsouthernsunshine.tumblr.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

Source: l-e-v.tumblr.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

Source: causeweareyoung.tumblr.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

Source: allsassandshag.tumblr.com via Miranda on Pinterest

 

For more Spring Fashion inspiration,

Branding: JCP

Have you seen those recent commercials on TV with a bunch of random people screaming "NOOOO!" at coupons and signs that have various "__% off" on them? Chances are you have. If you're out of the loop, JC Penney is restructuring the company, including their pricing strategy by converting to what they call "Fair & Square" Every Day Low Pricing. The pricing will go like the photo below:

"Every Day Low" Pricing is the same strategy that Wal-Mart uses

The biggest of the changes JCP is making: Red, White & Blue price tags. Each price category will get separate tags. Also, you will notice instead of "$7.99", the prices will read "8", similar to Walmart.

• Everyday: Regular Prices - Since JCP typically used to carry their merchandise with 40% signs everywhere, they've basically just removed the 40% sign, and included this in their initial markup.


• Month-Long Values: Prices on sale for the entire month. Remember how you used to get all those coupons in the mail that you'd have to bring in, but only valid for certain days, weekends, or special hours? Now you get it for the entire month.


• Best Prices: Super clearance prices. Before, you'd see a sign marking items off to up 75%. This is basically what you'll be finding. However, these will be the lowest prices you'll see on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month (every payday).

Other changes coming to JCP:

• New Logo: Representing their "Fair & Square" pricing and resembling the American flag


• JCP Cash: JC Penney Cash that was previously allowed to be used in the same visit will no longer take place. Instead, the retailer will offer reward points. Once you reach 250 points you will be eligible for a coupon.


• Store Layout: Less in-store displays, more open concept. Departments will be comprised of small boutique looking areas with a service center called "Town Square"


• New Brands: Coming to a JCP near you, new brands will be introduced and some less popular (lower in sales) brands will be phased out. Among the new brands, a new Martha Stewart Collection. In fact, this has caused quite the controversy with MS & Macy's who was supposed to have an exclusivity contract with Macy's. She's now being sued (Read about it here).


• Refund Policy: Similar to Kohls, JCP will now offer a "No Questions Asked" Refund Policy.

Changes took place in stores on February 1st. However, the company does not plan to see an accurate increase in sales for 18 months while consumers adjust to the new JC Penney. (Read about all the changes to JCP here).

These changes come after former Apple VP, Ron Johnson took over as JCP's new CEO. Johnson was responsible for the concept of Apple's "Genius Bar". This should be interesting to see how the rest of the retail market follows or ignores the new branding strategy as well as how customers perceive the changes. What are your thoughts? Smart moves for the retailer? 

Eff, Marry, Kill (Volume 2)

I'm a little late on yesterday's link-up with Michelle and Heather for Eff, Marry, Kill...but better to be late than never right? So here I was, trying to think of a good theme because I had noticed in the last one that everyone had already done the ones I thought were really clever. Then it hit me, Late Night shows!

Okay, I was actually very surprised at my choice for Craig on this one given that he's wayyyy older than me. But hey, he has a very yummy Scottish accent and his show is rather funny.

Apologies, Mr. Fallon for cutting your head off a little in this photo. Isn't he just adorable? Plus, he cracks me up! Although, I didn't realize he was already 38. When did this happen?

This may come out harsh, but...oh well. For some reason, I have a very strong disliking feeling for George Lopez. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I find him extremely obnoxious to listen to, his jokes are not funny, and his George Lopez show is horrible! So when TBS came out with his own late night show, all I could think to describe how I felt was "UGGHHHH". George, I'm sure you are a very nice person in real life....but thank you, TBS for canceling your late night show after two seasons! It prevents me from accidently stumbling upon your show at 10pm and have a surge of "URRRGH" feelings as I quickly change the channel.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with my picks? Was I too harsh on George? (Maybe, but he just really bugs me!). Let me know in the comments!

Thursday 13: Loving Yourself

This week's link-up with Annelise at Aunie Sauce is all about love. Valentines Day is just around the corner, which also happens to be my parent's 31st wedding anniversary! How sweet.

Typically, there are 3 different Valentines Day people: The people who hate it, the people who love it, and the people who don't really care. I'm always on the fence about Valentines Day because generally, I never have a valentine and even when I do nothing special ever comes of the day. I'm still optimistic though that one day I'll get to celebrate with a wonderful man...but until then it's just one more day I can celebrate loving myself (something that I more often than not struggle with, as I'm sure many other women do).

With all that said, this week's topic: Loving Yourself

[caption id="attachment_1755" align="aligncenter" width="339" caption="{Photo, Back when I had short hair}"][/caption]

13 Things I Love About Myself

1. My passion for entertaining, fashion and decorating


2. My hair. I've always had rather beautiful hair, curly or straight, long or short.


3. My random dance parties I have by myself -- Pump up the volume to some Girl Talk songs and dance around in my living room


4. My tiny little wrists and forearms. I know that probably sounds odd, but I've always been so proud of them! haha


5. My quest to bring classy back - a trait that is far too under-appreciated these days in society


6. My clear skin. I've always taken this for granted and frequently sleep in my makeup, but typically (with the occasional fluke) wake up to a clear complexion.


7. My super awesome swagger. I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty hood :p


8. My height. I've always been super tall! In the 3rd grade I was already 5 foot 1. I used to hate towering over people because I just wanted to be the cute, little girl..but as I've grown older I really like the fact that I'm tall.


9. My courage to speak my mind and stick up for what I believe in -- though it can sometimes get me into trouble


10. My green eyes. When I'm all done up they really pop!


11. My inability to give up on people. It's a blessing and a curse really. I have the hardest time kicking people out of my life.


12. My creative brain that never stops dreaming up the next crafty project I want to do, space I want to decorate, or outfit I dream of having!


13. My determination to find success, even if it may take me a little longer to get there. (Graduation August 2012 woop!)

I encourage all the lovely single gals out there to spend this Valentines Day showering yourself with love and appreciation for the beautiful woman you are. Often times we are so critical of ourselves and overlook the best parts of ourselves! Xo.

By the way, I've been featured on Kristen's Blog, Graphics Design Student!

Check it out here 

Pinteresting Wednesday

Somehow I managed to forget to post this link-up last week. Apologies! This semester is in full swing & I have been feeling the effects with multiple papers per week. Now, enough excuses...

Swooning over leopard. Rwar.

[caption id="attachment_1728" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="Bold colored skirt with leopard belt"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1729" align="aligncenter" width="285" caption="Ray-Ban Wayfarers in Leopard "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1730" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Black cardigan with Leopard scarf"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1731" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Leopard Wallpaper "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1732" align="aligncenter" width="264" caption="Leopard Peep-Toe Pumps"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1733" align="aligncenter" width="292" caption="Green & Leopard"][/caption]

 For more fashion inspiartion

Etiquette: Dining like a Royal

Have you ever attended an event where there are more utensils and plates on the table than you've ever seen? Maybe you've been on a cruise and noticed you have three options for a simple spoon, and two options for a fork. The following is a simple guide to help you navigate the dining table at special occassions:

• When you first sit down at the table, immediately put the napkin in your lap or let the waiter do it (I do this wherever I'm eating regardless if it's formal. It's just good manners!)


• When in doubt, start on the outside working your way to the inner most utensils. Fork and spoon at the top of your place setting is for dessert only.


• Never overly reach across the table for things such as butter, salt & pepper or bread. Always politely ask for it to be passed.


• Elbows are not to be rested on the table. While we're at it for that matter, sit up straight!


• Generally, finger-foods are: Bread, Corn on the Cob, Hors D'oeuvres, Chips, Cookies, and Sandwiches/Fries


• When taking a break from the meal, cross utensils on the plate. If stepping away from the table, leave your napkin on the chair and your fork not quite crossed over the knife.


• When finished with the meal in its entirety, knife and fork should be parallel to each other in the 11 o'clock position. Wait for host to loosely place napkin on the table and do the same. This will signal when everyone is finished.

For more help navigating the place setting, follow this diagram:

Remember these tips the next time you're at a dining event and you'll be sure to look like an experienced formal diner.

Delightful Surprise

I just found this on one of my dearest friend's Tumbler. Definitely made my evening!

Love you, Jess. Xo

Defining Moments

What was one of the most defining moments of your life, perhaps a moment that changed you forever, a moment that took you down a different course, anything?

College, Freshman Year

College has taught me a great deal about life, learning, love, friendships and professionalism; But I'll never forget my freshman year of college.

You see, I had the option of two choices for college: a private university in the same city I grew up in, or a university where I didn't know a soul. So I packed my bags and moved on up to the place where I didn't know anyone. A fresh start you might say. During my senior year of high school I had lost about 50lbs, so when I first arrived at the dorms I was booming with confidence and eagerly/anxiously awaiting all the beautiful friendships I was soon to make. Sure enough, within the first few weeks I had made friends with my sweet roommate, my comical RA, my now-bestie, and several others that would take a long list to throw a shout-out to (I love you guys)! We were a family. We laughed, played, studied, cried and grew up together, experiencing everything new for the first time. 

Why was all of this a defining moment?

Because I learned a great deal about who I am when I'm at my best, and can refer back to this time in my life when I'm at a crossroads or during a rough time.

Xo.

Friday Favorites

February is here!

Where did January go? Honestly I can't even believe it's already Friday again. This week has been full of case papers for my Advanced Merchandising Applications class, and today I'm meeting with my career adviser to help me fine-tweek my resume so that I can start applying for internships! Ahh! So exciting!

 ***

Favorite Clutch:

[caption id="attachment_1662" align="aligncenter" width="318" caption="Kate Spade, "All Aboard" Clutch."][/caption]

 Favorite Shot:

[caption id="attachment_1663" align="aligncenter" width="365" caption="Jolly Rancher Vodka -- Click for the recipe!"][/caption]

 Favorite Valentine's Day Treat:

[caption id="attachment_1664" align="aligncenter" width="192" caption="Chocolate Covered Pretzels -- Part of 101 Gifts for Under $5"][/caption]

 Favorite Nails:

[caption id="attachment_1665" align="aligncenter" width="284" caption="Nautical Nails"][/caption]

 Favorite Western-Inspired Outfit:

Favorite Craft:

[caption id="attachment_1668" align="aligncenter" width="242" caption="Yarn Covered Letters! I made my own spelling "Bonjour". I'll be posting the tutorial soon"][/caption]

 Have a lovely weekend, Xo.

Thursday 13: Yes/No

My, oh my! Where have the days gone? I haven't posted since last Friday? Oops. Miranda's been a little busy this week but she promises to post some super-awesome stuff very soon! Linking up today with Annelise again from AunieSauce 

1. Are you afraid of anything? Yes - Lizards, crickets (you can't predict where they're going!),  clowns (Somehow I watched the movie, It, when I was really young & my room was full of clowns!)


2. Do you believe in karma? Oh yeah. Karma is what gets me through the rough times...knowing that what comes around, goes around.


3. Do you sing in front of others? Um, not so much..maybe in the car, or at karaoke after a little liquid courage!


4. Do you only buy certain brands? Which? Not so much, I have my favorites, but I like to mix it up. Many of my favorite brands I can't exactly afford on my college budget.


5. Do you judge based on appearances? Yes & No. I'm a people-watcher and a fashion major, so I'm always very aware of what people are wearing and I'll make observations, but I don't necessarily judge people based on their appearance.


6. Do you have a picky appetite? I have a broad palette. Some days I'm really enjoying my healthy smoothies and cooking super healthy, always loving Mexican, Thai and Sushi, and I can never get enough of anything sweet.


7. Do you have allergies? Nothing too severe. I get seasonal snuffles and a stuffy nose if there's a bunch of dust around, but that's about it.


8. Do you always use your turn signal? For the most part. On occasion I'm lazy and choose not to use it, i'll realize it and call myself out. (Ever seen the Jenna Marbles video, "What Girls Do In The Car"? That's me, though a little less vulgar haha)


9. Do you ever not wear underwear? Merp. Laundry day?


10. Have you been fired? Guilty. It's alright though because not only was I unhappy with the company I was working for, I was probably going to quit anyways. Although it sucked, I was pretty much relieved.


11. Have you been in a car accident? Yes, but nothing very serious. Thankfully!


12. Have you been in a fight? Surprisingly no. Being a Leo + my super awesome Viking blood = 1 Hot Temper when you get me going.


13. Do you make your bed every day? Haha! That's funny. I only make it if I'm having several guests over or something..or if I've just changed the sheets.

That's it folks! Tune in next week for *love yourself* theme :)