Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A New Year









As if this past year wasn't chaotic enough, 2014 is going to be one long but also very exciting year for me. I will officially be done with school (hopefully for the rest of my life) and finally looking for a steady paycheck-which means there's an excellent chance I'll be moving for the third time. Let's hope it's a permanent move, so I can settle already. It may be a roller coaster of a year with writing my portfolio, confidently defending myself in front of a panel of professors, graduating and going from interview to interview, hoping for a permanent position as an official librarian. 

With a new year means starting the next chapter in my young adult life. Adding a little sparkle and boldness to my wardrobe, creating, establishing and finding the right style to match my body type and personality. As well as settling in and creating a comfortable and cozy home and finding the chef inside me are some of my biggest goals for this coming year.  Learning to be more aware, present and maintaining a well balanced lifestyle is something I view as being a solid foundation for a healthy individual. Staying fit, eating healthy but indulging in favorite recipes and the occasional treats, finding the right exercise for you, spending more time outdoors, traveling and learning about what spirituality means to you is something we should all think about.  What's in store for your year?

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Weekend Wrap Up...

 blush headpieces and statement jewelry.
 beauty bar essentials. 
 some gifts includes the most beautiful libraries 
in the world, chocolaty and cinnamon treats and 
kate spade candles and gold mugs. 
 a few more tree ornaments, biographies on 
strong women, magazine subscription and this 
mini little gadget :)
 decorations galore: loving my pottery barn 
ornaments sitting desk side. 
ending the holidays with a bang. 

(images via instagram)

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Open Your Eyes and Open Your Heart

"Discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes."
-Marcel Proust

Sometimes we let anger, sadness, depression, fear, rage and a flood of other emotion block our ability to be open, our ability to be curious about the world and everything in it. This year try to see beyond your troubles, beyond the people bringing you down and know you deserve to live your life to the fullest. Go out into the world with a new set of eyes and perhaps a broken heart to find that life will mend the pieces that are torn. 

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Janet Hill Gallery





Janet Hill's artwork has appeared everywhere from Tiffany and CoMatchbook MagazineDesign Sponge to bloggers like Oh Joy!. I've been a long time fan and the first piece of work I invest in for my home will be a few pieces from her collection. Do you have a favorite artist, share, suggest and let me know!! 

(images via janet hill) 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Perfect Fit





When it comes to flats, there's nothing more flattering and classic than Tory Burch's Reva Ballet Flats. No matter the occasion, whether for a casual outfit or a night out on the town, these Reva flats are timeless shoes and something every girl needs in her closet. Merry Christmas and treat yourself to something fun, feminine and ultra chic.

(images via tory burch) 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Weekend Wrap Up

 some sister sister time and last minute shopping.
 an adorable little calendar from a very sweet 
friend and loads of uplifting stickers.
 friday evenings are meant for late night cruises, with
 the windows rolled down, loud music and 
snapping photos around town. 
 nothing like going through my favorite holiday
i spy book huddled by the fire. 
 before passing out on the car ride home from vegas.
time with my guy and friends on a much needed
mini vacation. 

(images via instagram)

Friday, December 20, 2013

Friday Movies


When the holidays come around there's nothing I love more than bringing out delicious treats for appetizers, decorating the house, getting cozy and tuning into the Hallmark Channel for their cheesy Christmas Movies. They're relaxing, enjoyable and a big guilty pleasure. Do you have a particular favorite, I actually love Mrs. Miracle Comes to Town.

(image via) 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Drinks for the Season

Blackberry Meyer Lemon Gin & Tonic

Ingredients:
12 blackberries
20 fresh mint leaves
2 Meyer lemons (can sub. regular lemons)
1/4 cup simple syrup
12 ounces good quality gin
tonic water
ice

Directions:
1. Set out four high ball glasses.
2. Place 3 blackberries, 5 mint leaves, juice of ½ lemon, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup in each glass and muddle together.
3. Fill each glass with ice, followed by 3 ounces of gin. Top off each drink with tonic water, stir and serve.

(image and text via spoon fork bacon)

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Leading Ladies

Five Things You Must Know About Robin Emmons:

1. Graduated from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte with a degree in Political Science.

2. After helping her brother move into a mental health facility and learning of his malnutrition due to eating canned and sugary food, she decided to leave the finance world and focus on getting her brother better and properly nourished.

3. Saying goodbye to twenty years in finance, Robin made it her mission to feed communities where healthy food could be accessed for those struggling to afford a healthy lifestyle. 

4. Starting from the garden in her backyard, Robin now works with hundreds of volunteers on nine acres of land, helping, serving and educating the underserved populations throughout North Carolina. 

5. For more information or to make a donation, check out Sow Much Good.

(image via friday fellowship)

Monday, December 16, 2013

Weekend Wraup Up

 below forty degrees in the desert, this calls for 
serious layering-black, white and deep red.
 pretty wreaths to put up throughout the house.
 cool weather allows for hikes and working on 
some yoga poses. 
 let's try to make hiking routine this coming year.
 enjoying my FEED stocking, isn't it so pretty?
checking out the latest it spot, fresh juice bar.

(images via instagram)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Best Sugar Cookies You'll Ever Eat




Ingredients:
1 cup of butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 pound confectioner's sugar
5 tablespoons of water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon butter flavored extract

Directions: 
In a large bowl, mix together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir flour mixture into butter mixture until well blended using a sturdy spoon. Chill dough for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 4 to 6 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cookies from pan and cool on wire racks.

Using an electric mixer, beat shortening, confectioners sugar, water, salt, vanilla extract, and butter flavoring until fluffy. Frost cookies after they have cooled completely.



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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Anna Lee Dolls





When it comes to Christmas, my mother's house kind of looks like Disneyland. No, seriously my guy friends actually referred to my house as Disneyland all throughout high school during the holidays. One of the first things I remember as a little girl about Christmas, were the loads of children's Christmas books and her many dolls from the Anna Lee Collection. Everything from elves, carolers, angels and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. What are some of your earliest memories of the holidays? Do you remember or even know these dolls?!

(image via annalee)

Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Bernadette Marie: 1. Trained and completed two degrees, an AAS in Communication Design and BFA in Textile S...