A little while back I learned of this site called Tie Society, where you can trade ties in and out. Like Netflix…but for ties. Of course I wanted to try it out! They had so many options I was overwhelmed, but when I saw the skull & crossbones bow tie I knew that I would look cool in it. I would look sophisticated…but like I would cut you.
Real Look: Dangerously Dapper/Tie Society {Eric}
How to Take a Better Selfie! #yourewelcome {Sarajane.}
I’ve had many lovely people make the joke that they want advice on taking selfie’s. Everyday I think my hair or my make-up looks good, you better believe I will be taking a picture of it. Mostly it’s due to the fact that I took the time to do it and I want it documented. But, I like to think it’s some deep expression of my inner workings as an artist.
I mean Van Gogh did self-portraits.
Not to mention, there’s no greater feeling then meeting someone in person who you’re friends with through social media and having them say, “wow, you look way better online!”
You’re welcome.
Step One: Have a face.
Step Two: Bring Your Face Closer to the Camera
Step Three: Try out different angles for your face and choose the one you like best. {This could take a while.}
Step Four: Bring your chin out and down. {This will eliminate double chins and boring jaw lines.}
This…
Not this…
And definitely NOT this…
Step Five: Leave your mouth slightly open and don’t clench your jaw.
Wrong…
Right…
Step Six: Get bored and make silly faces for a while instead.
Step Seven: See what it looks like to add your hands in the frame.
Step Eight: Be aware of your eyes.
What not to do:
Angry eyes…
Sleepy eyes…
Dodgy Eyes…
If you’re going to look away, do it ethereally…
Step Nine: Use natural light. 
Step Ten: If you’re in the car taking selfies, make sure to turn the air on for that wind blown look. Other wise, you may look like your hair is eating your neck.
Step Eleven: Use a filter to brighten your skin tone. Then, crop it into a square. {Oh hey instagram!}
Step Twelve: Never, under any circumstances, allow people to see what you actually look like when you’re home alone.
Step Thirteen: Make sure to use tons of hashtags so that everyone in the world, not just those that follow you, can either like it or silently judge you from Asia.
#selfie #gpoy #myface #tellmeimpretty #seriouslydoyoulikemyface #hair
Step Fourteen: Do your best to come up with a more clever caption then “This is my face,” “Starting the day with a selfie, or “Thursday face.” {Note: Actual captions used by the author of this blog post.}
Step Fifteen: Remember, #sotd does not mean “Selfie of the Day” it means “Shoes of the Day” {*cough* Sarajane *cough*}
xoxo,
Sarajane.
Is Happiness a Choice? {Tyler}
Every now and then at The 20 Somethings we get requests from other websites, companies, and blogs to be a part of new projects or plug new products in exchange for all kinds of things. Recently, we were contacted by a website called Happify, a new project that is all about increasing brain fitness and helping individuals be an active part of the science of happiness. I took to Google to learn more about the website and see what folks were saying and stumble upon an interesting post from an individual who had been invited to Happify, but went on to rant and rave about how unrealistic it was because happiness isn’t a choice and it isn’t something you can change or manipulate.
To which I say, bullshit. Continue reading
Real Look: Librarian Chic! {Sarajane.}
I’m very fond of the look I like to call “Librarian Chic.” Taking something that could be a little frumpy and doing what I can to modernize it. In this case I was happy to do that with both the skirt and the glasses. In fact, I’m 90% sure my papaw has these glasses. Only his lenses are prescription. If you have a problem with my fake glasses, Eric has already handled that situation with this post.
Another thing I’m excited about with this look is that I got the skirt at a thrift store. Yup. I am a self-confessed thrift store avoider. It’s just not my thing. I know all of the many reasons why we should shop at them. But, I rarely find things that I like and end up feeling like I wasted time. But, in this case, I do feel very grateful! The other thing I love about this skirt is that it has pockets! Girls, can we all at the same time just say a big thank you for the pocketed skirt/dress trend. Our clothes never have enough pockets.
I wore this outfit to the Bob Dylan concert here in town and I don’t regret it.
The skirt was purchased at a thrift store. The shirt at Old Navy. The belt at Target. The shoes at Old Navy. The glasses at a vintage shop in Savannah, GA. The necklace was my first anniversary gift from Kyle!
XOXO,
Sarajane.
Borrow my Look:
Skirt: Similar Here $50
Belt: Similar Here $23
Shirt: Similar Here $24
Shoes: Similar Here $15
Review: Brown Bird {kyle}
I don’t usually go out by myself. I’m not the kind of person that can just go sit at the bar and start up conversations with strangers.
I’m a little awkward.
{If only I’d seen this first}
But this past Saturday Sarajane was out of town and I wanted to go see some music. I’ve been trying to make a point to see more live shows. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, but haven’t made a priority. In her attempts to make me into less of a crotchety old man, Sarajane has been trying to push me to get out and do more of the things that I like to do. It might seem strange to have to be pushed to do things that you like, but that’s my life. Continue reading
Posted in Notes
My Plea For A Slimming Pant {Eric}
I’ve heard it so many times, “I don’t wear skinny jeans ‘cause I just can’t fit into them.” Let me let you in on a secret…skinny jeans come in all sizes. I know you love to have some wiggle room, I know you love to have a flare at the bottom of those jeans, but let me break it to you in the nicest way that I know how…bitch, a flare is not in style!
Real Look: Orange You Glad Winter’s Over? {Eric}
Winter is long gone and summer is right around the corner! Currently I’m basking in the spring weather. Although sometimes chilly and rainy, I still love that the threat of snow is no more. Because a chill in the air could strike at any moment, I’m not comfortable leaving the house in just short sleeves. What if it rains? What if it gets cloudy and the sun never comes out again? What if that movie theater is as cold as the arctic? I’ll bet you’d want some long sleeves then! With that in mind I still have my light sweaters and cardigans lying around. It WAS just April 25th ya know, the perfect date!
I want to live. {Sarajane.}
Sometimes it seems as though all of the great writers are people who circled around those that really lived. They themselves were merely observers. Perhaps you can only be one or the other. If you’re truly living life to it’s fullest, could you have time to observe? If you’re busy observing then when will you truly live?
Is it too much to hope for both?
I want to live my life without regrets. To see the world, taste the depths of joy, and truly love – everyone and everything.
Why live if our only goal is to pile money in the bank and work, work, work, all day long.
That seems like a sad life to me. But, a necessary monotony?
I want to live. To breathe. To play.
And to write.
What do you want?
When was the last time you asked yourself?
xoxo,
Sarajane.
Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken {Eric}
I recently decided to improvise a recipe for General Tso’s Chicken. Tyler and I have tried a few recipes before and they aren’t EXACTLY how I like my General Tso’s. I like it spicy, sweet, and lots of sauce. Whether it’s pronounced general tows, or general sows, or whatever, it is one of my favorite chinese recipes. I know Tyler showed everyone a recipe for Hibachi Chicken, and in response here is my recipe for General Tso’s Chicken. Unfortunately I do not have pictures, but it is super easy and I swear I’ll upload pictures soon. Hope you enjoy!
This picture via google. My version isn’t as pretty but is OH SO much better.
Posted in Eric, Food & Drink
Warm Weather Cocktails {Tyler}
As soon as the sun comes out and temperature goes above 60 degrees, you can find me outside. No, not hiking or riding a bike or any of that crap. I’ll be on the patio (and in the garden…but for the purpose of this blog, let’s pretend I don’t do that). There’s little I love more than drinking a nice cocktail on a nice shady patio in warm weather. Be it a liquored up beverage, a light beer, or a nice glass of sweet wine – I love it all!
Well, since the weather has decided to actually give us spring around here – with the exception of today – I figured it’s the perfect time to do a rundown of some of my favorite warm weather cocktails. These are perfect for you to enjoy out or make for yourself at home. And they’ll last you from now until the leaves start to turn this fall.
I’m bringing back this oldie but goodie from last summer. I love the fresh and refreshing flavor of the lavender mixed with lemon and thyme. And it’s a gin martini – my favorite.
Now, here’s where you make the magic happen with the martini -
- Fill your favorite cocktail shaker with one cup crushed ice.
- Add three ounces gin (or two shots) – chilled.
- Add two ounces lavender simple syrup (or four tablespoons).
- Add the juice of one lemon.
- Add one sprig of fresh thyme.
- Shake until chilled and incorporated.
- Strain and serve with a sprig of thyme and a lemon twist.
Posted in Food & Drink, Tyler
