I'm not sure what it is exactly, but i love everything about this outfit. The dress, the belt, the tights, the boots... and a fresh-faced beautiful girl to pull it all off. Perfection.
From: Nast Magazine
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2009 = Simplify
I've mentioned before that my "word" for 2009 is SIMPLIFY. To be completely honest, i haven't exactly been living up to it. Sure i've decluttered my apartment (somewhat), got rid of my cable (really missing my daily dose of Friends but i still think it's a good thing overall!), and attempted a shopping hiatus (key word: attempt). But i still feel like my physical and emotional life is so cluttered with stuff. Baggage. Excess. C'est la vie Americaine...
I first heard about Mary Carlomagno's book Secrets of Simplicity while flipping through the pages of one of my many magazines. Since then, my beloved Kimberly Wilson had done a podcast with her, and several other bloggers (like Holly from decor8) have jumped on her bandwagon. What better purchase is there for moi considering my theme for 2009 is to simplify? (Plus i received a $50 amazon gift certificate so it was like this purchase didn't count as shopping!) The book arrived this morning at work, and i can't WAIT to dive in! The beautiful matte finish cover, spiral binding, and cute tabs make for one of the most beautifully executed nonfiction/self-help books i've ever seen.
Spent the remainder of my gift certificate on Influence, the lovely coffee-table-esque book from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (how come no one ever says Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen?). I saw the twins on Oprah when this book was first released, and i've been wanting to get my hands on it every since. God i just LOVE books - don't you?? I'm dying to get the Kindle 2 in an effort to be a bit more eco-friendly about my reading (plus it's sooo great for traveling, n'est ce pas?). Does anyone have it? Any thoughts? It's a little too expensive for my taste. Plus i wish it came in a fun metallic pink, like the Nintendo DS (which i also secretly want but will not buy b/c i already own the regular pink version and let's be honest, i don't play with it that often)!
(Also? I totally miss my Amazon Prime membership. That thing spoiled me rotten!)
I first heard about Mary Carlomagno's book Secrets of Simplicity while flipping through the pages of one of my many magazines. Since then, my beloved Kimberly Wilson had done a podcast with her, and several other bloggers (like Holly from decor8) have jumped on her bandwagon. What better purchase is there for moi considering my theme for 2009 is to simplify? (Plus i received a $50 amazon gift certificate so it was like this purchase didn't count as shopping!) The book arrived this morning at work, and i can't WAIT to dive in! The beautiful matte finish cover, spiral binding, and cute tabs make for one of the most beautifully executed nonfiction/self-help books i've ever seen.
Spent the remainder of my gift certificate on Influence, the lovely coffee-table-esque book from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (how come no one ever says Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen?). I saw the twins on Oprah when this book was first released, and i've been wanting to get my hands on it every since. God i just LOVE books - don't you?? I'm dying to get the Kindle 2 in an effort to be a bit more eco-friendly about my reading (plus it's sooo great for traveling, n'est ce pas?). Does anyone have it? Any thoughts? It's a little too expensive for my taste. Plus i wish it came in a fun metallic pink, like the Nintendo DS (which i also secretly want but will not buy b/c i already own the regular pink version and let's be honest, i don't play with it that often)!
(Also? I totally miss my Amazon Prime membership. That thing spoiled me rotten!)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Monday!
Is that a contradiction? Eh, whatever, i'm determined to make it a happy Monday! The sun is shining, the skies are a lovely shade of blue, and i'm wearing my very cheery Trina Turk skirt that i had planned to wear for Easter service in Dallas but didn't due to the meteologist's LIES about there being awful thunderstorms all day yesterday. Hmph. Oh well - i did manage to lay out by the pool yesterday with this stack of new magazines i got in the mail on Saturday.
I just adore getting a batch of fresh magazines, don't you?? And at the subscription rates going these days (i got 24 months for something like $10!), it's saving me oodles of money at the check-out. I used to be such a sucker for buying magazines at the check-out stands of Target, Whole Foods, you name it. I know my Mom secretly hates that i read magazines, but i LOVE them and could never give them up.
Anyway, I did go to church last night with my cousin and thoroughly enjoyed it. It motivated me to really get on the ball about finding a good Women's Small Group that isn't full of either annoying "good"/uptight/socially awkward people OR the alternative, extra-fratty/even-more-annoying/"I'm Christian b/c it's cool" people. Gosh, if you took offense to that sentence, i am truly sorry but it's been so hard for me to find people at church with whom i can actually... gel. You know?
OK, new topic.
Woke up to this adorably sleepy face this morning!
She was probably tres confused as to why i was up so early. Well, I've re-started my Morning Pages a la Julia Cameron and "The Artist's Way". Yay! For those of you who are unfamiliar, Julia suggests waking up every morning and journaling 3 full pages of whatever-pops-into-your-head. I did them yesterday and this morning and it's amazing what a difference it's made in my general attitude/mood.
Am planning to pick up delicious Greek food next door for lunch and attend a wellness luncheon on "Laughter: the Physiological and Psychological Benefits". Should be tres interesting...
Happy Monday, darlings!
I just adore getting a batch of fresh magazines, don't you?? And at the subscription rates going these days (i got 24 months for something like $10!), it's saving me oodles of money at the check-out. I used to be such a sucker for buying magazines at the check-out stands of Target, Whole Foods, you name it. I know my Mom secretly hates that i read magazines, but i LOVE them and could never give them up.
Anyway, I did go to church last night with my cousin and thoroughly enjoyed it. It motivated me to really get on the ball about finding a good Women's Small Group that isn't full of either annoying "good"/uptight/socially awkward people OR the alternative, extra-fratty/even-more-annoying/"I'm Christian b/c it's cool" people. Gosh, if you took offense to that sentence, i am truly sorry but it's been so hard for me to find people at church with whom i can actually... gel. You know?
OK, new topic.
Woke up to this adorably sleepy face this morning!
She was probably tres confused as to why i was up so early. Well, I've re-started my Morning Pages a la Julia Cameron and "The Artist's Way". Yay! For those of you who are unfamiliar, Julia suggests waking up every morning and journaling 3 full pages of whatever-pops-into-your-head. I did them yesterday and this morning and it's amazing what a difference it's made in my general attitude/mood.
Am planning to pick up delicious Greek food next door for lunch and attend a wellness luncheon on "Laughter: the Physiological and Psychological Benefits". Should be tres interesting...
Happy Monday, darlings!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Lazy Saturday
Time: 2:14 p.m.
Location: Bed
(Just took this pic of Lola in bed w/ moi. So cute and cuddly!)
My plans to drive up to Dallas today to see my parents were thwarted as soon as i learned of the massive thunderstorms scheduled to make an appearance tomorrow. This would've been OK if they were limited to Dallas, but once i learned that they'd be in Waco, Temple, and Austin as well, i knew i had to make a change of plans. I really can't afford to not make it back to Austin tomorrow and so, alas, i am forced to spend Easter weekend here in Austin. I'm fine with it, but feeling a bit sad for my Mom who i think was really looking forward to spend some time with me. Poor Momma.
So instead of spending 3.5-4 hours on I-35, I am instead laying in bed, listening to some Aqualung, snuggling with Lola, and just generally being lazy. Am willing myself to get up and clean my apartment - it desperately needs it. I've also scheduled a much-needed massage for this evening. I adore getting massages in the evenings because then i'm all relaxed and have no other obligations than to eat a light dinner and pass out. Yummy.
Some exciting news i learned yesterday while strolling through the Domain (Austin's "high-end" outdoor shopping mall, AKA Dallas wanna-be):
Austin's getting a Zara!! This is absolutely the best news EVER as Zara is one of the few places that offers work-appropriate wear that doesn't make me want to kill myself. ;-) I foresee better-dressed workdays in the near future...
I may need a nap before i attack my apartment. (Just so you know i'm not a complete waste of human space, i did manage to wake up this morning and go to SPIN.) *Yawn* Alright Lola's eyes just shut, AND my kitty Puffin has just joined us on the bed. I'll just have a petite sleep...
:-)
xoxo,
C
Location: Bed
(Just took this pic of Lola in bed w/ moi. So cute and cuddly!)
My plans to drive up to Dallas today to see my parents were thwarted as soon as i learned of the massive thunderstorms scheduled to make an appearance tomorrow. This would've been OK if they were limited to Dallas, but once i learned that they'd be in Waco, Temple, and Austin as well, i knew i had to make a change of plans. I really can't afford to not make it back to Austin tomorrow and so, alas, i am forced to spend Easter weekend here in Austin. I'm fine with it, but feeling a bit sad for my Mom who i think was really looking forward to spend some time with me. Poor Momma.
So instead of spending 3.5-4 hours on I-35, I am instead laying in bed, listening to some Aqualung, snuggling with Lola, and just generally being lazy. Am willing myself to get up and clean my apartment - it desperately needs it. I've also scheduled a much-needed massage for this evening. I adore getting massages in the evenings because then i'm all relaxed and have no other obligations than to eat a light dinner and pass out. Yummy.
Some exciting news i learned yesterday while strolling through the Domain (Austin's "high-end" outdoor shopping mall, AKA Dallas wanna-be):
Austin's getting a Zara!! This is absolutely the best news EVER as Zara is one of the few places that offers work-appropriate wear that doesn't make me want to kill myself. ;-) I foresee better-dressed workdays in the near future...
I may need a nap before i attack my apartment. (Just so you know i'm not a complete waste of human space, i did manage to wake up this morning and go to SPIN.) *Yawn* Alright Lola's eyes just shut, AND my kitty Puffin has just joined us on the bed. I'll just have a petite sleep...
:-)
xoxo,
C
Friday, April 10, 2009
SHOES!!!
My Pour La Victoire "Felicia" shoes i received today in the mail... i'm in loooooove!
Steve Madden fringe shoes i found at TJ Maxx awhile back for practically nothing. (i forgot which designer inspired these knock-off's...) I heart TJ Maxx!
My shoe shelves (aka unbelievably cheap bookshelves from IKEA)!! (inspired by Juley @ Swank Heights)
That is all :-)
Steve Madden fringe shoes i found at TJ Maxx awhile back for practically nothing. (i forgot which designer inspired these knock-off's...) I heart TJ Maxx!
My shoe shelves (aka unbelievably cheap bookshelves from IKEA)!! (inspired by Juley @ Swank Heights)
That is all :-)
GOOD Friday
Bonjour, dear friends! Can you believe it's already Friday?? Of COURSE i'm beyond thrilled! This week flew by due to loads of new projects at work (love when that happens). Even had to get here early this morning so i could finish a memo (early on a Friday? never!). Another GREAT thing about this morning is that the staff at my firm put on an Appreciation Breakfast for the attorneys to thank us for "being the best" and "doing all that you do to keep us around." Basically my office has been going above and beyond trying to cut costs here and there, and the staff (and I!!) appreciate it because no one's been let go yet. I definitely don't deserve any of the thanks, but i most certainly enjoyed the deluxe breakfast buffet this morning! It reminded me (again) of just how lucky i am to be here.
There's nothing new with moi except that i'm driving up to Dallas tomorrow to spend Easter with my parents AND i scored Death Cab for Cutie tickets (they ROCK live!!) AND i just got my Pour La Victoire shoes (remember my slip during the shopping challenge) AND i'm hoping to wear my Trina Turk skirt i scored from a consignment shop to church this Sunday. Oh and here are some fun things to check out if you're bored. ;-)
1. A la Parisienne has weekly mini French lessons on her blog - so fun! One of these days i'm determined to get Rosetta Stone (um like the day $400 just falls in my lap), but until then i am loving these lessons. Find this week's here.
2. Found another DIY blogger who re-created those amazing studded-pocket-jeans you may have seen on Jak & Jil. Find her instructions here. Am definitely thinking about trying these myself, although I should probably learn how to sew first...
3. Is this not the best business card EVER for a dentist?? Note to self: Must find lawyer-version.
4. Both Kimberly and Nina are in the midst of a detox/cleanse. I'm tres impressed and thinking i need one of my own. But it's SO HARD!! Anyway, they both have fabulous blogs so check them out here and here!
Was planning on a #5, but my partner just dropped by to say he's peacing out which means...
i am TOO!! Have a WONDERFUL Easter, everyone!!!
xoxo,
C
P.S. Just found my #5, and it's NOT fun. THIS kind of sh*t does NOT MAKE ME PROUD TO BE A TEXAN.
There's nothing new with moi except that i'm driving up to Dallas tomorrow to spend Easter with my parents AND i scored Death Cab for Cutie tickets (they ROCK live!!) AND i just got my Pour La Victoire shoes (remember my slip during the shopping challenge) AND i'm hoping to wear my Trina Turk skirt i scored from a consignment shop to church this Sunday. Oh and here are some fun things to check out if you're bored. ;-)
1. A la Parisienne has weekly mini French lessons on her blog - so fun! One of these days i'm determined to get Rosetta Stone (um like the day $400 just falls in my lap), but until then i am loving these lessons. Find this week's here.
2. Found another DIY blogger who re-created those amazing studded-pocket-jeans you may have seen on Jak & Jil. Find her instructions here. Am definitely thinking about trying these myself, although I should probably learn how to sew first...
3. Is this not the best business card EVER for a dentist?? Note to self: Must find lawyer-version.
4. Both Kimberly and Nina are in the midst of a detox/cleanse. I'm tres impressed and thinking i need one of my own. But it's SO HARD!! Anyway, they both have fabulous blogs so check them out here and here!
Was planning on a #5, but my partner just dropped by to say he's peacing out which means...
i am TOO!! Have a WONDERFUL Easter, everyone!!!
xoxo,
C
P.S. Just found my #5, and it's NOT fun. THIS kind of sh*t does NOT MAKE ME PROUD TO BE A TEXAN.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Few Thoughts...
(B/c it's been a looooong afternoon, and i can't get my head to stop spinning long enough to write a proper post!)
1. Everyone went ga-ga over the Christian Louboutin sale on Gilt Group this morning, but i was beyond disappointed. Sure they had a select few black pumps, but for the most part, the shoes on sale were B-O-R-I-N-G. I want my first pair of Louboutin's (and yes, there WILL be a first pair...and hopefully many more!) to be FABULOUS, yo!
(P.S. My guy friend B's twitter status earlier : "Amazed by number of times I 've seen "Louboutin" on Twitter today. What I gather . . . on sale, causes crazy, and hurts productivity." Haha GUILTY!)
2. The Texas economy has been one of the last to be hit by the Recession (aka Depression Part Deux), but i'm finally starting to see the effects on small businesses here in Austin. Seventh Street Yoga now only has an online presence, and i'm still kicking myself for never taking a class there. The studio was beautiful, and i'm really sad for the owners. My fave lil pet shop "The Furr Factor" has a big FOR LEASE sign in its window, which is really sad b/c i used to take Lola there all the time when she was a puppy (further proof that when i stop shopping, the economy goes downhill!). Sad day...
3. Speaking of the "Recession", if things are so bad then why the heck was the giant flagship Whole Foods on 5th/Lamar BURSTING at the seams today?? Seriously, dude, that food ain't cheap, and even I have had to cut back on my Central Market/Whole Foods trips, but it seems that quality food is going to be the last thing to go on people's lists (which makes sense to me, but oh GOD, talk about major headache getting in and out of there on my lunch break!).
4. Am BEYOND excited that Jen Lancaster's fourth book, "Pretty In Plaid", will be released in just a few weeks!! If you haven't read any of her memoirs, i dare you to not laugh out loud. She's. Friggin. Hilarious.
5. How funny that just yesterday i tweeted about my obsession with Miroslava Mikheeva Duma and this morning, when i checked my dailies, i found that the lovable Garance and i were TOTALLY on the same page! (and yes i realize that it really isn't coincidence at all seeing as how fashion sites discuss her almost daily) I'm so impressed with this fashionista that i'm going to cut this list short and leave you with these stunning, inspiring images... (p.s. i want her hair!!)
1. Everyone went ga-ga over the Christian Louboutin sale on Gilt Group this morning, but i was beyond disappointed. Sure they had a select few black pumps, but for the most part, the shoes on sale were B-O-R-I-N-G. I want my first pair of Louboutin's (and yes, there WILL be a first pair...and hopefully many more!) to be FABULOUS, yo!
(P.S. My guy friend B's twitter status earlier : "Amazed by number of times I 've seen "Louboutin" on Twitter today. What I gather . . . on sale, causes crazy, and hurts productivity." Haha GUILTY!)
2. The Texas economy has been one of the last to be hit by the Recession (aka Depression Part Deux), but i'm finally starting to see the effects on small businesses here in Austin. Seventh Street Yoga now only has an online presence, and i'm still kicking myself for never taking a class there. The studio was beautiful, and i'm really sad for the owners. My fave lil pet shop "The Furr Factor" has a big FOR LEASE sign in its window, which is really sad b/c i used to take Lola there all the time when she was a puppy (further proof that when i stop shopping, the economy goes downhill!). Sad day...
3. Speaking of the "Recession", if things are so bad then why the heck was the giant flagship Whole Foods on 5th/Lamar BURSTING at the seams today?? Seriously, dude, that food ain't cheap, and even I have had to cut back on my Central Market/Whole Foods trips, but it seems that quality food is going to be the last thing to go on people's lists (which makes sense to me, but oh GOD, talk about major headache getting in and out of there on my lunch break!).
4. Am BEYOND excited that Jen Lancaster's fourth book, "Pretty In Plaid", will be released in just a few weeks!! If you haven't read any of her memoirs, i dare you to not laugh out loud. She's. Friggin. Hilarious.
5. How funny that just yesterday i tweeted about my obsession with Miroslava Mikheeva Duma and this morning, when i checked my dailies, i found that the lovable Garance and i were TOTALLY on the same page! (and yes i realize that it really isn't coincidence at all seeing as how fashion sites discuss her almost daily) I'm so impressed with this fashionista that i'm going to cut this list short and leave you with these stunning, inspiring images... (p.s. i want her hair!!)
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