Room to Outfit: First Attempt

One of my friends from High School (and one of my favorite bloggers) Paula from Two Ellie does an outfit to room. Which got me to thinking, why I don't I take a room and make outfit? Let this be a warning though. I love color, very rarely will you see me in all black so if you don't care for bold colors then stop here, if you are open to bright colors proceed.

The room I am starting with is a challenging one, but a favorite of mine from the best decor magazine ever, Domino. It is such a sad loss the magazine is no more. Someone folks have been kind and posted several of the old clippings on a flicker account if you want to browse some rooms.

So let's break it down in color first: Army green, Magenta/Hot Pink, Orange, Lime Green, Wood and Gold Accents. So here we go folks lets try to assemble an outfit.

Via Martin & OSA

Via Blue Fly

Via Esty

Via Avelle

Via Zappos

Via Pocket Go

Via Bluefly

Christmas Cards 2009

So this year I officially realized how crazy I am. Yes folks, a deep down voice kept telling me but I kept in denial until this past Thanksgiving weekend.

I made this year's Christmas cards again. And yet again they are a labor of love. I spent over $150 in supplies and 10 hours in labor on 60 cards, yes 60 cards. No wonder I could never make a living do it. Geezzzz, next time be a little more forceful to the word C-R-A-Z-Y; come across in terms I can understand. It made me realize I am getting older too, you know I was sitting in the floor a few hours at a time and could not understand why my muscles kept cramping up and my joints got stiff. Folks, it is because I'm not the spy chicken I was 10 years ago.

I made only 60 because I "lost" the other 20 pack of cards. Yeah you guessed it, Monday I found them in the back floor board of my car. What a blessing in disguise!

Weekend Rewind: Thanksgiving

Yes, Thanksgiving was a week ago. SSSSHHHHHH! I am just now getting around to downloading the few pictures from camera for the post though.

Thanksgiving was suppose to be a simple affair of the hubby and I eating a couple of cornish hens. Some how it ended up with me cooking until midnight the night before and getting up early the morning of Thanksgiving to finish preparing. We invited a few single Indian guys from the hubby's team at work to join us. This was their first Thanksgiving meal. Yes people; I made hens, dressing, greenbean casserole, mashed cauliflower, cinnamon apples, and trifle for dessert.

I also made a few things to munch on before hand. You know how it is standard in our tradition to arrive early when you have been invite over for a Thanksgiving fest? Well apparently it is our thing. We told our guests we would eat at 1:30. Well folks we said 1:30 we'd eat and our guests took that as they should arrive at 1:30. Oh well, lesson learned on my part.

My munchies spread was pretty at least, I made some pretty good crab dip:


And of course I had to come up with some sort of last minute center piece for our little table:


Over all though the day was great! We watched a movie after the meal and played Pictonary— I haven't played it in a VERY long time. The whole shebang made me realize how much I miss entertaining. I really enjoyed the day, even if I was surrounded by a bunch guys.

Weekend Rewind: Can You Hear Me Now?

This weekend was the end to a week of being "blessed" with strep throat. YYYYYYYYeeeeeeah boooooy, that was fun.

Nothing terribly exciting from the weekend other than we trashed AT&T like this week's turkey carcass. We took the bite of cancelling our cell phone service for iphones, yes you read that correctly. I. GAVE. UP. MY. iPHONE. I loved the phone but hated the service. The service only worked 7/10 times for me, and I am in the Silicon Valley folks. You know the centralized hub for technology. Never mind the horrible service I get when I visit somewheres like say Alabama.

So I did not jump onto the crackberry wagon like I thought I would, although the new purple curve was lovingly calling my name while the new motorola droid was ranting like R2D2. I nervously chose the droid phone. Why? Ultimately my husband, leader of the nerd herd, advised me to get the Droid. When I am lost I always look to him for answers. I have to admit I am extremely impressed with the phone. Had it for the weekend now and while it takes a little getting used to since you can run multiple apps at once I have to sat my impression is wow.

I'll post cool features and reviews as I find them! It is like a new romance, I'm finding out everything about it.

Featured from my closet: Steve Madden

Yes, I'll be the first to admit I have a shoe problem. It is only the tip of the iceberg of my problems. Today I am featuring Steve Madden shoes from my closet, 3 pairs of my favorite. My favorite line is the Steve Madden "luxe" collection; 9 out of 10 times I love a style of shoe from that line.

These are from the Luxe line, I pair the leopard print with tons of outfits to add an extra "ump" when I feel I too much black on.

These are from the Luxe line as well. I pair them often with my khaki cuffed slacks from Banana Republic and an orange top.

Lastly featured are these bronze ones. I recently acquired them from DSW for a steal of only $15... Yes ladies! Scan the clearance racks at DSW often, as you will find a treasure. I have a bronze belt I wear with these then Ic an easily pair it with about any outfit. My favorite has been my royal blue banana republic knit dress. The dress is now 3 sizes too big so it has gone into storage. While I am on cloud nine about losing all this weight it is sad to lose some of my favorite piece. I am thinking I might take some to a tailor and see if there is any hope in taking them down.

What I Love: Victoria Secret Flannel PJs

Yes, I said it. I love Flannel PJs. I know men must think they are the most unattractive things to wear to bed but hey they are comfy dang it.

I fell in love with these several years ago. The PJs are soft, warm, and breathe easily. Not to mention they come in great patterns and colors! They only offer them in the fall and winter. During the spring they go to clearance, which is a good time to hoard a few sets back if you like all of the colors and patterns.

If you are looking for a set of christmas morning PJs I think the pink and green reindeer would be too cute to pass up!

Wish List: All Grayed Out

I know many folks are obsessed with the all black look. Me? I more a lover of color but I'll make the exception for gray. Lately I have been DRAWN to things that are gray.

It all started a few weeks ago with a Michael Kors Gray Leather Jacket from Off 5th Saks. It is very similar to the one picture from Macy's, however it is gray. Saks doesn't have my size but I am secret coveting the jacket still. Okay maybe it is not such a secret, none the less I still REALLY want the jacket, it has kind of become a silly obesssion— I stalk the gray ones that aren't in my size as often as I can just to be sure I can't stuff my busom in it. Maybe Santa can track it down at another Saks for me...

Tick-tock, Tick-tock. The very first Christmas present I ever go from my wonderful husband was a citizen watch, I loved that thing. Unforuntaely it just stopped working. It sure would be nice if he got it fixed for me. While I'd really prefer to have my same watch just repaired I could always wish for a new one like this burberry one. I have seen it in magazines everywhere but finding it in stores has been hard to see in person.


I come with lots of crap, or rather I carry a lot of crap. So it would always be lovely if Santa brought me that gray coach bag the hubby and I spied in Macy's the other night. I didn't get to hold it as it was behind glass so I did not get the style name. I can't seem to find it anywhere online, the one pictured is similar but the one I saw and would like is wider and squattier.


And of course a new bag goes perfectly with a new wallet, it was sitting next to this wallet which went perfectly with the bag. Since I already have the wallet in black I know it would work perfectly for me!



To finish off my all grayed out look I would love these booties from Charles David. I adore these and I normally prefer knee high boots, but these are just per-fec-to!

Weekend Rewind: Ray Lamontagne

So I know I am late posting this but this past weekend was great. Saturday I got up early went to dance class, went to the spa, rand errands, and cleaned. Then on Sunday we took a trip out to half moon bay with the top down for an early dinner. We had a feast for the first time in a really long time. We enjoyed steamed clams, gumbo, stuffed prawns, lattes, and a few bites of cheesecake. It was an official date as afterward we headed in the the city, aka San Francisco.

The grand occasion was Ray Lamontagne. I was lucky to score 9th row seats to the sold out Ray Lamontagne show (thanks to my wonderful friend Nate and GM at our company). My hubby was ecstatic— It was a solo show with Ray and his multiple guitar changes. While the show was a few notches in excitement below what I am used, it was worth every moment to see how much my hubby enjoyed it. Nothing pleases me more than being able to make him happy. I love you honey, you are my best friend!

A Holiday Party

Next week the start of Tree Lighting ceremonies begins at local shopping areas here in the SV. Which I immediatly thought to myself, holiday parties! Yes as December approaches quickly your mailbox and inbox are liable to fill with invitations to parties , in which you have nothing to wear.

While many of you probably prefer nice slacks and "dressy" top I prefer to get all glizted up. LITERALLY!

If I had to buy a dress tonight I would choose one of these four:

Via Jessica McClintock

Via David's Bridal

Via BCBG

Via Banana Republic

I love red dresses and the holidays are a perfect time to wear them! But with such formal occasions you must dress to impress, so lets not forget about shoes. This year I am delighted that glitter and sequin shoes are in style. These are the ultimate girly-girl shoes that will be the talk of the party. For those with luxurious tastes and wallets to match, choose these shoes:

Via Barneys New York

If you are like me and have a smaller budget search around, deals like these are to be found. Sometimes in the least obvious places.

Via 5000styles.com

Wish List: MoreTough, Less Fru-Fru

Me tough? That sounds like a joke. No, I don't mind getting my hands dirty when needed, but a tough girl exterior is not me. Tattoos are really beautiful art, I could never commit to a work of art like that for the rest of my life though. A simple stud in the nose is rather interesting, a look I don't think my good girl attitude could get away with— ever. But non the less I don't know any woman that doesn't secretly desire to be a little more edgy and rough around the edges.

My wish list this week will consist of things to help me be more "tough" on the exterior.

Via apple.com

First I need a new iPod Nano to capture video of me executing this new tough exterior. Not to mention it would make my workouts and runs much easier than using my iPhone. I have to workout if I am ever going to get any slightly defined muscles for my new less fru-fru look.

Via RockandRepulic.com

Who doesn't love a great pair of jeans? I recently have found a new love, his name is Rock and Republic. Kid me all you must, but these jeans feel like they were destined to be part of me. The denim is so soft and comfortable to wear all day long, and needless to say make my confidence level boost to exceedingly high levels. I hope Santa brings me some more R&R jeans. Some like these would add a little hint of toughness to my wardrobe and yet still fru-fru enough for me.

Via Ninewest.com

I typically wear 3-5 inch stilleto high heel boots, pointed toe or with some feminine detail. These Nine West boots are more distressed and would add that "rough around the edges" feel to my wardrobe.

Via Cycletrader.com

The ultimate, by no means expected gift, would have to be a Harley Davidson VRSC. Yes folks my hubby thinks we should start riding Harleys together for quality time. This whole idea is the inspiration for adding some "toughness" to my exterior. I can't pull off the bike if I am too polished. I have never even been on a bike so I would imagine motorcycle classes would be a great first step. I can visually see myself on a Harley, but still don't know if I am bad ass enough to pull it off.

What I Love: Tea

Being from the south I grew up on that sugar water we all call sweet tea. If you have never had it and do try it don't be surprised to pull away and say "boy that is SWEET".


I have given up the sweet tea since it is non existent outside of the south. Needless to say it aint exactly on my diet either. But in lieu of it I have begun to drink Liptons diet Citrus Green Tea. That is pretty darn tasty ladies and gents.


Something that once seemed weird, but which I now love, is hot tea. A little splenda and a some Red Safari Spice Celestial Tea and all is right in the world again— at least until the cup is gone.

Busy as a Bee

Yes I have been neglecting my blog yet once again. I have been just as busy as a beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee though ya'll!

I am still continuing on my Medi diet. I am down over 32 lbs now, I still can't believe it when I look in the mirror. I have been going to Planet Beach still— tanning, getting facials, doing hydration and massage beds, and mystic of course too!

This past weekend I started taking a dance class to add some interest to my work out routine. I never thought I'd workout 6 days a week but here I am. I have started running and love it, although I do get bored quickly. Oh and the guilt if I am too busy and miss 1 day of my routine. I try to make up for it later.

I'll post as often as I can. As we head into the holiday I feel my schedule will be busy as usual.

A Cottage for Two

I absolutely adore older homes. This one has stolen my heart, begging me for me to add my special touch. But yes folks almost a million dollars for a 2 bedroom home is more than just a bit pricey, it is so far beyond my reach. Doesn't mean I can't have a simple dream about it though!

First I would have it painted probably a deep taupe mushroom color, red front door, off white trim, have the front wrought iron sand blasted and painted navy or white. Looking at the interior photos there is a lot of character inside the house I would leave. One thing that must go though in my opinion would be the cabinets. I want to see some bead board in there as well with an extra large farm sink in the kitchen. Oh only if......

Wish List: Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I sure do hope Santa accepts requests via blogs these days. I have across several items that I would love to find in my stocking Christmas morning.

Burberry Sampler

My favorite fall/winter scent to wear is Burberry Brit, and my new Favorite springtime scent is Burberry weekend. I have tons of other fragrances but these two are my favorites. I think this sampler pack of Burberry perfumes would make a nice addition to a stocking.

Eye Shadows and Blushes

Eye Shadows

Buxom Lips

Earlier this week you all found out I love Bare Minerals. Which is why I think some of the sample kits from them would be wonderful this holiday season. A girl can never have too many shades of shadow nor too much plump for her pucker.

Ear Buds

iphone case

And what fabulous smelling and great looking diva wouldn't like to have a new iphone case with some coordinating ear buds.

A Perfect Outfit from JCrew

Today I put together this entire outfit from JCrew's website. I love the deep purple paired with cool grey and adding a bit of warmth with winter white. I am a real girly-girly often times so the velvet shoes with the overstated flower suit me perfectly!

I am still losing weight with my diet so until I get to a weight I can maintain I will not purchase items like these— only in my head with my monopoly money for now.

Want the items for yourself?

Cashmere Sweater, Earrings, Bracelet, Pants, Velvet Blazer, leather gloves, shoes