03.30.11

Such Is My Life.

For some reason, as luck would have it, whenever I get something new that I am really excited about, disaster strikes.  I get a new car, it gets scratched. I bought a new pair of earrings out in LA, they were stolen out of my luggage. The list of terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things goes on and on.  
This little baby was no exception.
A few months ago, I bought this rug on Overstock.com for our foyer.

 I had a brilliant idea to have it monogrammed to spruce it up.

(Nobody’s fault, just coincidence) No more than 3 minutes after laying it down, Mike and our friend Dave wheeled an 800 lb. TV that we were getting rid of RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF MY RUG.  Argh!  I just about died.  Here are the results.

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People tell me that the lines will “work themselves out.”  Does anybody have any suggestions?

03.28.11

The Bangles.

I am absolutely in love with these bangles from Janna Conner.    I have one that combines two of my favorite things- hot pink and butterflies. They make such a great gift.  A few years ago I gave one to my friend Aimee for her birthday. It was the most beautiful shade of blue with Canadian Maple leaves.  (Yes, she is Canadian.)  
With all of these vibrant colors, how can you resist.  Get one for yourself today!

03.24.11

La Cucina Italiana

I love to cook.  In fact, when I was a little girl, it was my dream to own a restaurant.  I even received a partial scholarship to Johnson and Wales Culinary Academy.  My parents talked me into attending a  “normal” four-year University (thank you Mom and Dad), on the condition that if I still had the burning desire, they would send me to culinary school in Italy after graduation.
After working in various eateries throughout college, the dream became less and less appealing.  They sexiness of owning a restaurant was overshadowed by the seven-day schedule, long nights, and various personnel issues.  Luckily, before my mom passed away, we were able to enjoy a week at Casa Ombuto Culinary School in Tuscany.  This is a memory that I will have for a lifetime, and one that I would like to someday share with my girls.
So, for now I try to enjoy cooking at home.  As my husband will tell you, it doesn’t happen nearly as much as any of us would like, but with two kids, a full time job, a husband and this little blog I hardly have time to order take out.  When I do have the opportunity to cook, or when we have guests over I love looking for new ideas.  I recently stumbled upon La Cucina Italiana— and I was so excited to share it with all of you.    Here were some favorites:
Roasted Lamb (How perfect is this for Easter???)

03.23.11

Spring Has Sprung.

Looking out my window at all of the people enjoying this gorgeous weather inspired me to post these images.  Hopefully there are some of you who ARE on the outside looking in, instead of those of us on the inside looking out!
Images via weheartit.com, flickr

03.22.11

Recession-Proof Style

As some of you know, I am now a contributor for I AM Modern Magazine, and I had to share with you some of the bargains that I put together for my first piece.
Below are some steals and deals that I found at two local stores (I actually own the coral dress from Forever 21 and it’s perfect.  Not too short, as many of their dresses tend to be.  Here are two looks that won’t break the bank.  The first one is from Forever 21– the entire outfit is under $100!

1. Ruffle Dress– $19.80
2. Bangles– $5.80
3. Sunglasses– $5.80
4. Belt– $8.80
5. Earrings– $3.80
6. Peeptoe Wedge- $23.80
7. Date Night Bag– $20.80
Next we have a look put together at JCPenney… perfect for day or night.  This whole look will cost you a total of $139.95!

1. Flower Earrings– $14.99
2. Olliff Clutch– $29.99
3. Ruffle Dress- $39.99 (in stores only.)
4. Chip Bracelet- $14.99

With all of the inexpensive options out there, you don’t need to have a million bucks to look like it!

03.21.11

Girl Crush: India Hicks.

 I have long admired the style of India Hicks.   This model, designer and entrepreneur is a mom to four (that’s right) FOUR kids. She makes Island Chic look so friggin’ effortless.

   There are so many reasons to adore this style icon.  Let’s start at the beginning…..
India is the daughter of the famed British designer David Hicks and her mother, Pamela Hicks is the daughter to the Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma.  She is the Goddaughter of Prince Charles and served as one of Princess Diana’s flower girls.  Born in London, India was named in honor of her Grandfather- Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy to India, who is responsible for giving India Independence in 1947.  Hence, her name.
She’s had a successful modeling career with the likes of W magazine and Ralph Lauren.  
 In 2006 she partnered up with Crabtree and Evelyn to launch her own collection of fragrances.  She has since published many design books and even hosted Bravo’s Top Design in 2008, which she sites as a “weird and wonderful experience.”

India moved to the Bahamas and resides there with her partner, David Flint Wood and their four children, Felix, Amory, Conrad and Domino.  They have renovated several Bahamian Bungalows.

I love these shots… BEFORE…. 
 …and AFTER.  

Some of these properties are rented out to the public.  You can live a day in the life of India Hicks here.

03.18.11

Cross My Heart..

Cross-body bags came back with a vengeance last fall, and they are sticking around for Spring.  These super-versatile bags work well for moms, students as well as those of us who just carry around a lot of sh$t.
Here are some bags to cross your heart with this spring:
1. Messenger Bag– $225
2. Melissa Satchel– $365
3. Franny Tote– $358
4. Tellie Leather Bag– $1,175
5. Totally Turnlock Lucy– $373.50
6. Back in the Saddle– $59.99
7. Holdall Bag– $80
8. Robinson Satchel– $550