NYE Inspiration: Sparkle & Shine

Chanel | Alice+Olivia | Hostess with the Mostess | The Coveteur

Gearing up for New Year's Eve and finding inspiration in the sparkles above:)

Hope you're all having a good week!

Sparkly Pick-Me-Ups

1. Bye Bye Bluebird tumblr | 2. Confetti Design Shop | 3. via Glitter Guide | 4. Janine Basil etsy

How was your holiday weekend, friends?? Was it just me or did it fly by?! I had a wonderful time with the family with lots of laughs, as always! Looking forward to another weekend of holiday fun. Here are a few sparkly pick-me-ups in preparation for New Year's Eve:)

Would love to hear about your holiday weekend!

Wishing you all a lovely holiday season!!

{DIY} Last Minute Gifts

So how crazy are the crowds & lines out there?? Wowza! We're working on some last minute preps, but just wanted to share a few fun DIYs from around the web:) Hope you're all enjoying the holiday season and finding some time to relax, as well!

1. German Pepper Cookies via Sweet Paul
2. Artisan Earrings via Interestosity
3. DIY Candle Holder via Fossil Life Style Blog

Unleashed

Video via Bergdorf Goodman 5th/58th Blog

The dog lover in me smiled from ear to ear when I first saw this holiday video by Bergdorf Goodman. Appropriately titled, "Unleashed," they literally allowed a pack of dogs to roam free in the store! Additionally, the project was in conjunction with the Human Society of New York.

Watch out for the 'lil guy below...he's quite the star of the show!

Hope you all enjoyed the weekend!

Quirky Travels

Images: Flight001

Flight001 is a favorite stop for fun gear to spruce up your travels. Plus, a site I'll be stalking for gifts for my jetsetting friends/family. Caught up with a friend this weekend and we're both itching to travel, but work commitments prevail...for now.

These tags & passport covers will be a fun stocking stuffer for my family (We love to travel! Thanks to my dad for passing on the bug). I'm especially loving the "Without this I'm nothing" passport cover LOL! How true...

QOTD

A good friend posted this quote on facebook the other day. I was feeling discouraged with a new project at work, on top of other personal problems that have been bringing me down. Initially, I was up for the challenge and ecstatic. Setbacks and unforeseen circumstances caused much frustration and tension. I was close to throwing in the towel after a stressful few weeks.

My friend's post came at such a perfect time (almost serendipitous? I've always wanted to use that word tee-hee). I'm grateful for moments like this. Moments that just slap you back to reality and somehow uplifts you to push on forward, whatever the circumstances.

Alternative Trees

Hi everyone! If you celebrated Thanksgiving, did you have a good one? I had a wonderful (way too short) time with my family & over ate, as usual haha! Black Friday shopping started at midnight this year and yes, it was INSANE. We were dead tired by 9 AM, but so worth it! Lol More on that later.

Switching back to work mode is always difficult following a holiday and even more challenging when you're ill. Really tried to fight it during work since I'm avoiding taking sick days. I was planning to share pictures of my weekend on this post, but I just don't have the energy to edit the pics.

Instead, how fabulous are these DIYs from CB2's inspiring blog?? Have you guys started your holiday decorating?:)

Images: CB2

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! To my US friends, hope you are enjoying this time with your loved ones:)

I'm thankful for all of you & for new friendships here on the blogosphere!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pre T-Day

A SB eggnog latte that got me through a very long day | This blazer's pink lining was an instant pick me up for a work outfit | Quirky rings at Target | Leaves are finally changing colors out here lol Taken on a beautiful and warm day! | Zoya "Edyta" - much more beautiful in person! Turns into shades of gold, olive & hunter green | Delish Baba cake via Panera

It's nearly Thanksgiving?! How?!:) As I mentioned yesterday, I'm having quite the stressful week, but thankful for today's short work day! Quick rant: work was awful this morning, but I'm attempting to keep my head up and not allow the day's discouragements set the tone of the holiday weekend. It's just one of those days where everything seems to go wrong...

On that note, above are a few phone snapshots of tiny pick-me ups that's getting me through this week. Why am I still on my laptop?? Haha! I need to scurry on out of here and join the masses for some last minute groceries...Lines are going to be craazzyy.

To my US friends, how are your preparations going? How is everyone's week?

{Craving} Polka Dots

Hope you all had a great weekend! Did you do anything fun? I started some Thanksgiving prep, but was interrupted by work:( Looks like I'll be scrambling late Wednesday afternoon since this short week is brimming with more work.

As you can tell from previous posts, the last two months have been stressful both personally and professionally. I'll spare you guys all the details, but thank goodness for this awesome blogosphere! It's always a welcome break from reality to divulge in anything inspirational and creative (i.e. Anything by Tim Walker blows me away & this polka dot room is no exception!).

I'm going through a polka dot phase at the moment lol Can anyone point me to a flowy polka dot blouse like the ones above? (Within a reasonable price *wink*)

Images: 1. Natalie Off Duty | 2. Tim Walker via Pinterest | 3. Fashion Week Street Style via ELLE | 4. Glamour

Friday Laughs: Awkward Family Photos

Images: Awkward Family Photos
I stumbled upon the site, Awkward Family Photos, last night and was doubled over with laughter. Just the remedy I needed to cure the blues. No joke...these are ACTUAL submitted family photos! LOL Gotta give them props for creativity!

Check out more awkwardness here for some Friday laughs! Enjoy the weekend!

{Holiday Gifting} Paloma's Nest

Images: Paloma's Nest
I discovered a new favorite site through Hank+Hunt last week and just had to share! Austin, Texas based Caroline Colom Vasquez is the talented artist and designer behind Paloma's Nest. I'm loving the stylish simplicity of these handcrafted loveliness with a wide range of customizable gifts for weddings, birthdays or any occasion, really.

I'm sure many of you guys know at least one person who has everything they need/want, hence a headache to shop for lol I know quite a few and each birthday and holiday season has me scrambling for ideas! The above items caught my eye including these customizable cuff links and "where we met/where you were born" ornaments. I'm also a huge fan of the these wooden bracelets stamped with positive affirmations: "You are loved"/"I Can Change the World"/"Grace+Courage."

Custom Good Egg via Paloma's Nest

Paloma's Nest may have come to my holiday shopping rescue this year (and in years to come, as well haha!). How do you guys shop for the one person who has everything? Would love to hear your ideas:)

Glittery Pick-Me-Ups

I'm still in disbelief that Thanksgiving is next week! Didn't we just begin November?! With the holiday decor and music surfacing in stores, I'm starting to feel that holiday giddiness & cheer. This includes a month long obsession with anything that glitters and sparkles.

Exhibit A: I nearly purchased these vibrant Dorothy-esque ruby slippers from the Tar-jay kids department. No joke, I stood for nearly five minutes staring at my feet while while doing that familiar tug of war in my mind - Do I really need these?? Ladies, you know what I mean, ya?;)

How is your holiday shopping going?

Images: 1. Koala Fascinator via Luna on the Moon (etsy) | 2. Rox in the City | 3. Cake Picks via Modern Crush (etsy) | 4. Where Did U Get That

QOTD

Quote of the Day (QOTD)

Just a little bit of inspiration I stumbled upon while shopping this past weekend. I was in a bit of a funk and it came just at the right time. Hope you're all having a good week!

Interior Inspiration: Shenae Grimes' WeHo Pad

Images: Refinery29

Doesn't she look gorgeous in the last photo??

The lovely Shenae Grime was recently featured on Refinery29. Any 90210 fans out there? Funny thing is that I never got into the original show while growing up, but somehow the current spin-off is a guilty pleasure (along with a string of CWTV shows...I'm looking at you Vampire Diaries).

I love Shenae's eclectic decor and can't seem to take my eyes off the wall of dream catchers. Check out the accompanying interview, as well. Gotta love this girl and her down to earth nature!

Weekend Blurbs

'Lil sis and I had a sudden urge for Mexican fare this weekend. We decided to go all out and even had our first taste of Mexican hot chocolate. It was quite amazing and just the right amount of sweetness. We made not so authentic tostadas (haha!), but it was still delish. 'Lil sis is usually a reluctant cook, but she made most of the meal much to my surprise (no complaints here lol).

Since we were going "all out", I fit in a small/easy DIY inspired by Alexandra's Joys. Check out her adorable version with colored tissue paper here. This fiesta for two was just what we needed to wind down following a stressful week. Btw, anyone else thrown off by the time change??

Have a great start to the week!

Marcus Ohlsson for Velvet

Images: Kori Richardson by Marcus Ohlsson for Velvet November 2011 via Fashion Gone Rogue

There is finally some semblance of fall weather out here. I miss the warmth, but it's kinda nice to finally break out the sweaters and boots:) I was quite captivated by this editorial and the stunning photography! Plus, it's the perfect compliment to our somewhat gloomy weather.

I'm off to stay warm and cozy while watching reruns of Six Degrees (Why do you cancel good shows ABC?!). Hello there, Jay Hernandez...

Have a great weekend!

Halloween DIY

1. Better Homes and Gardens | 2. Sweet Paul | 3. Hostess with the Mostess

Once again, I am down to last minute preparations for Halloween with no costume in tow. Eeps! My frantic Monday set the week's tone and phew, I'm just glad the weekend is here. While looking for a bit of inspiration, I found these fairly easy and affordable Halloween DIYs. So much creativity in the blogosphere!

A little sneak peek into an organization project...I have forgotten my love for stamping in my youth;)

How are your preparations coming along? Do you have your costume in order?

Manic Monday

Hello! Sorry for yet another disappearing act! Lately, I've been a bit swamped hence the sporadic posts. I'm hoping to be a better blogger this week;) How were your weekends? I had quite the frantic start to the week today. I suppose it's just one of those Mondays:) I'm relieved that the day is over and I'm now relaxing and blogging from the patio. I'm attempting to soak in as much of the beautiful weather as I can before actual Fall weather arrives in So Cal.

To keep my mind off the day's events, above are a few fun snapshots with my phone from the past week...

1.) I missed out on the Missoni for Target madness (my local store was nearly cleaned out!) and only managed to snag some platters. On a recent visit to see friends, I was quite excited to find this sweater skirt at their local store! OK, confession...it's from the kid's department, but the XL fits just like a woman's XS (and cheaper *wink*)! Plus, no indecency to be weary of since the skirt is as long as the adult version;)

2). A refreshing scent for an instant pick-me-up.

3.) Guacamole=Refreshing comfort food on a warm day.

4.) Loved the new painted staircase at one of my favorite shopping haunts, Madewell.

5.) Seriously too many temptations at the H&M sale. Love the color & ruffles of this top! Just $7!!

6) Today, I received a box of apples from a friend with an orchard. Made my Monday a little brighter! What a sweetie pie!

How do you cope with a manic Monday?

{Craving} Autumn Hues

Hope everyone had a great week! I was fortunate to have a shorter week due to Columbus Day (weekend pics coming soon), but battled with a bug that's making its rounds. Perhaps it's the weather change? We're having quite the October heat wave out here! No complaints, though, I'm not ready for the cold;) Ironically, I've been craving autumn hues in burgundy and maroon. I think I need the above H&M heels in my life...

Stay healthy & Happy Friday, friends!

Images: 1. ZARA | 2. Shelterness.com | 3. We Heart It | 4. H&M Conscious Collection

Lovely Links Friday

Happy Friday, everyone! Just a few lovely links I ran across this week...

1. RUE Magazine's anniversary issue is out! Lots of interior design loveliness to devour. I'm feeling inspired to start beautifying my new space only a month later lol

2. The amazing Elsie of A Beautiful Mess shared this delicious recipe for salted caramel hot chocolate.

3. Lauren Conrad and her team at The Beauty Department provided this step by step tutorial for a chic 1920s do. More Halloween hair inspiration to come!

4. Last but not least, a favorite quote to share...

RIP Steve Jobs

Thank you for sharing your vision & creativity.

Images: RUE Magazine Anniversary Issue | A Beautiful Mess | The Beauty Department

Colorful Pick-me-ups: Fashion Week Edition

Looks like fall has decided to show itself here in So Cal. Temperatures have dropped drastically compared to yesterday's shorts and flip-flops weather. I actually had to bundle up! Anything below 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) is much too cold for this wimpy California girl haha

Here are a few colorful images from Fashion Week to battle the gloomy weather outside. How great is the yellow catwalk from Sonia Rykiel's show??

Images: Style.com | FabSugar | ELLE | Vogue.com

Blog Crush: Garance Dore

Images: Elle

I've been a fan of Garance Dore's blog for some time now and was quite excited to see a glimpse of her closet and Manhattan apartment on Elle! I heart her down to earth and lighthearted entries, accompanied with stunning fashion photography, of course. This lovely lady does it all from photography to illustrations.

I'm completely envious of her well curated accessories & clothing, as well. Just take a look here...Um, Jealous!

Who's your latest blog crush?

Weekend Blurbs

Weekend.Outfit | American Flavour shorts, Nordstrom BP belt & Express button down

It was quite warm this weekend, yet 'lil sis and I were craving French onion soup of all things! I adapted this recipe from How Sweet It Is (ah-mah-zing food blog, by the by). We used low sodium vegetable stock and subbed agave syrup for brown sugar. I know, I know, veggie French onion soup?! It's not too shabby;)

I try my best to eat healthy during the week, but when the weekend rolls around...gotta splurge a little! We broke a sweat while eating our soup and had to crank up the AC. Completely worth it! Haha

What's your go-to comfort food? Hope you guys had a great weekend!

{Craving} Simplicity

After a frantic week, I'm craving for simplicity and lots of sleep! Another apology for the delay in replying to comments, but I have not forgotten you guys:) Thank you so much for visiting despite the sporadic posts. I enjoy reading each and every comment!

Have a wonderful & relaxing weekend!

Images: Steve Jobs circa 1982 via Apartment Therapy | That Kind of A Woman | La Boheme Design Blog | Bambi Northwood-Blyth via Fashion Gone Rogue | Simplicity Photography

Nail Art DIYs via Refinery 29

Image: Refinery 29

Just saw these beautiful nail art on Refinery 29 last night and just had to share! They're quite simple to do with pictorial step by step instructions. I'm quite taken by the ombre nails above!

It's All In the Details

'

A few details I'm obsessing over...seems like there's something new to obsess every week! Lol

1. Lucy Laucht's clever accessorizing!

2.-3. A blazer and sweater with elbow patches have been on my wish list for quite sometime. Great DIY by The Polka Dot Umbrella here. It's for her little boy's sweater, but could apply to an adult version, as well!

4. Leather sleeves! Obsessed, OBSESSED with Emma Watson's Burberry trench here since last year! So bummed I missed out on Topshop's wallet friendly version. This piece by Claudie Pierlot above is just as lovely!

Images: 1. Lucy Laucht | 2. Rugby Style Blog | 3. The Pastel Prince | 4. Claudie Pierlot Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 Collection