Friday, February 28, 2014

Happy Friday - Oscar weekend!

Photot: The Godfather

Yeah! It's the Oscars this weekend! You know my top two favorite pastimes are reading and watching movies so this is one of my favorite weekends of the year! Can't wait.
 
I love watching E!'s Live on the Red Carpet first, then the show. In honor of Oscar weekend, I thought I'd leave you with a little picture from one of my favorite movies of all time.
 
I don't know how many times I've seen Godfather I and II, but they never get old. I think I love them more the more I see them. I watch them every year during AMC's "Thanksgiving with your Godfather" marathon on TV. So many favorite lines. If you have children old enough to see the movies, why don't you introduce them to Michael Corleoni and his family? It might start a life-long love affair with the art of film. It did for me.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Sketchbook delight

Photo: shopalisaburke.com

Check out this beautiful sketchbook. I'm thinking about taking this online sketchbook class on Portland artist Alisa Burke's website.  She has a great little selection of online art classes. The sketchbook class is $50 for 5 weeks.

I'm not particularly crafty, and I have terrible fine-motor skills (which is why I can't paint my nails/toes, can't do my hair, can't do makeup, etc. etc.). So I think this is a good way to have a little fun, de-stress, think outside the box and use a part of my brain that I rarely use, and end up with a finished product that I think can be considered a little work of art. Check out the rest of Alisa's classes on her website and check out her blog, which is awesome.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Watchful eyes

Photo: blissinateacup
 
I love to read - magazines, books, web stuff, fiction, non-fiction, whatever. But I really like to read books that I can hold in my hand. And I love bookmarks, especially these from blissinateacup.com. $10 each. The series is called "Watchful Eyes." Each wooden bookmark features a favorite woman writer or thinker, illustrated with the writer's image and her name printed on the bottom. Made with recycled maple, oak, cherry, mahogany and walnut. I think I'd like Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte looking back at me while I read my next book. 18 authors and thinkers to choose from, but if you'd like a bookmark with a writer that you don't see listed on their website, you can email them for a custom order at no extra cost. 


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Favorite spring 2014 top from Hollister

Photo: Hollister
 
If I were 15, I'd be wearing this top this spring. $19.95 at Hollister. Love the grey with lace at shoulders. So cool.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Puppy love


We've got a new family member, Luna Lovegood (shout out to all you Harry Potter fans).  9 weeks old. Basset hound/terrier mix. Never had a dog before so it's all new and a little stressful right now. Pretty much like having a newborn in the house. She's adorable and very sweet. Any puppy or dog tips? Please send my way!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Time flies...

Photo: pbs

...when you're watching Downton Abbey. The short 8 episode season 4 ends tonight at 9pm EST with a 1.5 hour finale. Really looking forward to seeing Cora's brother, Harold (played by Paul Giamatti) make his first appearance at Downtown.  And I hope Lady Mary chooses Lord Gillingham over Charles Blake. Either way, I'm not happy I have to wait until next January to get my Sunday night Downton fix.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Tres jolie

Photo: herriottgrace

I like mustard; I don't LOVE mustard, but I like it. But I LOVE this mustard jar and cork top. I don't know what it is but looking at it reminds me of Les Miserables.

Pommery mustard with cognac. Gorgeous black ceramic jar, with gold wax. $18 at herriottgrace. Made in France. Of course.

I haven't tasted the mustard, but I'm sure it's great. And I know I'll love it just as much when the jar is empty, and I can use it to store stuff.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Happy Friday

Credit: npr

If you're in Miami this weekend, you might want to check out B.J. Novak at Coral Gables Congregational Church on Saturday night. If you buy his new book, One More Thing, at Books & Books ($24.95), it gets you the book and 2 tickets to his stand-up performance at Coral Gables Congregational.
 
You might remember Novak as Ryan in NBC's "The Office." His book is a collection of short stories. I haven't read it yet but it's next on my list. It's gotten rave reviews. The audiobook is read by Mindy Kaling, Jason Schwartzman, Lena Dunham, Rainn Wilson, Emma Thompson and other fantastic actors. Sounds good to me.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Amelia's in Gainesville

Photo: visitgainesville.com

I was in Gainesville this past weekend and had dinner at Amelia's. Solid Italian restaurant. I ate there last year for the first time, and it was just as good this time around.

Very good, traditional Italian food; moderate prices. Charming and quaint, with a cozy atmosphere. Call to reserve cause they're always full.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Clarisonic Mia 2

 

On the recommendation of my facialist Pamela Bond (best facialist in Miami, by the way), I purchased the Clarisonic Mia 2 over two years ago, and it's probably the best thing I've done for my skin. I use it once a day, morning or night, whichever I'm in the mood for. It's fully waterproof so you can use it in the shower, which is what I do.

 
It's not cheap - $125 at skinstore.com, but they always have a 20% coupon and free shipping, so that's where I bought it. Comes in a variety of colors. I like white the best.
 
You'll notice the difference in just a few days - smoother, softer, more toned skin with smaller pores and fewer blackheads. And waaaaay less breakouts. So worth it.

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Stringing you along


Photo: visualnews

You guys know I love clothes from the '60's and '70's. Well, I also love string art (or pin and thread art) from the late 1960's and early 1970's. I remember I had a string art craft kit when I was little. I just loved the colorful string and beautiful geometric designs and patterns you could make.
 
If you like string art too, you need to check out Adrian Esparza’s piece “Wake and Wonder” now showing at the "Americana" exhibition at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. Absolutely stunning and takes string art to a whole new level. You will be seriously impressed.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day

Photo: FourSistersInns

This is probably one of the best places to spend Valentine's Day -  Maison Fleurie in Napa Valley, Yountville, California. My husband and I stayed here a couple of days during our honeymoon over 18 years ago, and it's still getting rave reviews.

Maison Fleurie is one of fifteen properties run by the Four Sisters Inns. The Four Sisters Inns gets its name from Shelley Post (Four Sisters president) and her three sisters. Post is the last of the sisters to work in the business.

We stayed at three of their inns during our honeymoon. Each of the 15 Four Sisters Inns has its own personality. Maison Fleurie was my favorite, I think. Made out of stone and brick, it's the oldest hotel in Yountville and Napa Valley, built in 1873. French Country decor in a stunning Napa Valley setting, with the feel of a Jane Austen book. Kill me now.
 
And Yountville is one of the best places in Napa. Maison Fleurie's location is crazy-good. Excellent restaurants within walking distance (Redd, Bouchon and Bottega) and a few others just a short drive away (Mustard's Grill & Tra Vigne). If you weren't able to go this Valentine's, treat yourself next Valentine's. It's worth waiting for.

P.S. - I don't have a fireplace in my house, but I think I need to have two wingback chairs like these cream canvas upholstered ones in Maison Fleurie's sitting room. Beautiful.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Tory Burch Spring 2014 line

Photo: toryburch.tumblr

Fashion Week is about to wrap up in NYC. We got to see what designers are sending our way for Fall 2014. However, spring isn't even here yet, so you need to check out Tory Burch's Spring 2014 ready to wear line. Amazing. Has lots of late 1960's, early 19070's  inspiration in it - my favorite clothing eras. The prints, the silhouettes, the accessories, the shoes - A+.  I don't know who her creative team is, but they nailed it.

The sketch here is one of Tory's own that inspired one of the looks in her spring line.  Reminds me of some of the dresses my mom wore in the early '70's, but with a fresh twist.

Pin this stuff to your Tory Burch pinterest board (if you don't have one, you should). Good for inspiration to put together your spring 2014 looks or just to cry over because they're so darn beautiful.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

One crunchy board


Credit: backcountry.com

I really like the board the U.S. Olympic team's Jamie Anderson used to tear up the inaugural Olympic Snowboard Slopestyle competition and win her gold. But if I were snowboarding in Sochi right now, this is the snowboard I'd be riding - Nikita's "Sideway Sista." It's $379.95 at backcountry.com.

I've always loved snowboard designs, as well as skateboards and surfboards. I like using them as art, either hung on a wall or propped up against a wall. The "Sideway Sista" would look amazing hung on a crisp, white wall. The design just makes me smile. And how cool is the name? You gotta love snowboarder/skateboarder/surfer lingo - it's happy talk. By the way, "crunchy" means cool, as in, "that is one crunchy blog."


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

This one's a keeper

Credit: JCrew

The J. Crew Keeper Chambray shirt. Probably my favorite shirt that I own. It's true what J. Crew says in its description of the shirt: "For the times when you rip apart your closet in a panic because you 'don't have anything to wear.' " Exactly. You can where this shirt ANYWHERE. Dressed up or down. Looks particularly fresh against black, like in this picture.   Nice and faded so it looks naturally sun-bleached.

I think I wear it at least twice a week. I even got a hole in the back shoulder seam on this one, and my mom sewed it up for me. Can't get rid of it. Wish I could wear it everyday.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Move it

Credit: BestBuy
 
In my eternal quest to get fit and move more (since I'm sitting in front of a computer all day for my job), I got Jawbones' new UP24 activity tracker wristband to keep track of my steps throughout the day. So happy with it. Ever since December 25 when I started wearing it, I have most definitely been walking more and sitting around less.
 
It comes in 3 sizes so it's nice and comfy as it coils around your wrist. Comes in two colors: persimmon and onyx. I chose persimmon. Love it and get asked about it all the time cause it looks so nice on the wrist. Not a lot of people know it's a pedometer. Also tracks your sleep (or lack thereof). $149.99 at bestbuy, jawbone, target and other retailers.
 
Get this one over the old version because the new one syncs to your iOS device via an app so you have instant readings and feedback. If you're looking for a way to exercise and move more without having to carve out time in your day for it, the sleek  UP24 wristband is the way to go. And if you're style-conscious in any way, I think it's the only way to go.

 

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Weleda Skin Food


Credit: Vitacost

You are what your skin eats. So here's some really good organic food for it. Weleda Skin Food. One of my favorite organic beauty products.  This stuff is awesome for your feet, dry elbows, and cuticles. I even put it sometimes on the tips of my hair. Weleda says it can be used on chapped lips and on your face, but I use Vaseline for my lips and other stuff (post to come) on my face, but you can certainly give it a try.
 
No artificial fragrances in this (I don't wear perfumes and don't like any sort of artificial smells in my beauty products, detergents, etc.). The scent comes from natural oils, not floral or sweet, just healthy. For some of you, it might take some getting use to. 

Love the non-plastic tube packaging, the color, and the name. Really love that it contains organic pansy extract, chamomille, calendula and a precious essential mix of lavender, rosemary and sweet orange oil. How can you not love something with organic pansy extract? 
 
Skin Food is not greasy. It doesn't have a lot of glide to it because it's thicker than most moisturizers that contain silicone. Skin Food doesn't contain any form of silicone, dyes or any other synthetic. It does include acohol, though.
 
This stuff will last you a long time. I bought  a 2.5 oz tube during December 2012, and I still have about 1/3 of the tube left. The cream is so concentrated and thick, you just need a little pea size for each use. Available at vitacost.com, Whole Foods and I think even Target has it. Well worth it.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

The perfect a-line denim skirt


(Credit: ASOS)

My favorite style era is by far the 1970's (with a little late 60's thrown in). I guess it's because those were my childhood years. I think my favorite piece of clothing of all time is the denim a-line skirt. Makes me happy every time I see one and takes me straight back to when I was a little girl.

The fit is always so forgiving (very important at my age) and comfy. Yet the style is fresh and modern, and at the same time classic. And it's just so versatile. You can dress it up, dress it down, or anywhere in between. Wear it to work with a nice blouse and nice shoes, or wear it on the weekends with flip flops and a tee.

This one by A.P.C. is  lovely. I especially like the two flap pockets at the front. Also the inverted pleat at the back. Nice details. It was on sale at asos.com for $115.74. Not sure if it's still available but had to show it to you so you knew what the perfect a-line denim skirt looked like.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Happy Friday

Credit: Essie


I stopped wearing nail polish on my hands about two years ago (topic of another post I'll do). Still wear it on my feet, though. Essie is my favorite. Always has the best colors. Check out their Resort 2014 colors. Peach - Resort Fling; Purple - Under the Twilight; Blue - Find Me An Oasis; and Beige - Cocktails & Coconuts. Highly recommend.
 
Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Hope you're having a nice day






Don't you love being able to take a walk outside in the middle of winter, whenever you want? Well, if you woke up today in Miami, you can certainly do that. However, my dear, cool, stylish friend Michelle, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, can't. She texted me these pics of what it was like outside yesterday morning in Ann Arbor while driving her daughter to school. Yes, it looks pretty, but not so pretty when you're there in the early morning. She said it took a little over three times as long to get her kids to school.

We really take our amazing weather here in Miami for granted. Some complain because we don't have snow; others because we don't see the change of seasons. Most people can't believe we have this stunning, tropical setting pretty much all year long. So lucky. Count your blessings.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Nordstrom Melinda Maria "Frankie" ring

Credit: Nordstrom

I love turquoise. Always have. The color has an uplifting and calming quality to it that makes me happy when I look at it. I think if I had to buy one ring to last me through summer 2014 it would be this one. The "Frankie" cluster ring by Melinda Maria. Check out her line at Nordstrom and on her website. Beautiful, interesting pieces.
 
The prices are not crazy-high for fashion jewelry. This one is $140. I think it's the perfect summer ring. It's got that Native American Indian feel from the teardrop turquoise stones, but then it's amped up a little with the emerald-cut cubic zirconias. The gold-plated band has a pretty texture to it, which gives it more of an organic feel. Just a beautiful statement ring. I'd wear this probably every day on my right hand. Not sure which finger, though. What do you think?

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Welcoming February

I've always liked front-door wreaths. They create such a welcoming feeling, even before you've walked in through the front door. It's such an easy, inexpensive way to change things up on your front porch for the different seasons/holidays. The one I have on our door right now was crazy cheap - Target clearance find. I've had it for about 5-6 years. Still haven't gotten sick of it. It's a little spindly and scrawny, just how I like my wreaths (and Christmas trees, too, for that matter). I like the way the red berries pop against the sky blue door. And if you think they're a little too country, you thought wrong. A nice, sleek modern door looks even better when it has an organic-looking wreath juxtaposed against it. Right now, I'm really liking the wreaths you can find on etsy.com. Check them out; you'll see what I'm talking about.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Grand Budapest Hotel


Credit: imdb

I really like Wes Anderson's movies. Loved Darjeeling Limited. Loved Moonrise Kingdom.

He's got a new one coming out March 7, 2014 - Grand Budapest Hotel. The trailer looks pretty good, the cast, too. But what I'm really, really loving is the poster for the movie. This would look amazing somewhere in my house. Love the pink hotel, the color of the fonts for the type, just beautiful. It's got that shabby chic, slightly faded, worn look that I love. Would look great in a room with some crisp, white modern pieces for the contrast

If you're into art, decorating, styling, etc., check out the movie. Anderson's attention in his films to the set's details are incredible. I'm sure the movie is gonna be a feast for the eyes. Bon appetit!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Summer lovin'

Credit: Pottery Barn

I love beach chic decor, coastal living decor, surfer style decor or however else you want to call it. So let me introduce you to the Pottery Barn Beachcomber basket. So organically beautiful. So handy around the house. Countless uses. If you want to lighten the look of your house for the upcoming months, seagrass is a beautiful and inexpensive way to go. The Beachcomber goes with every decor style. This one in particular is always showcased in home decor magazines - the Canadian House & Home (one of my current favorites), Elle Decor, etc. It's regularly $128 and on sale now for $103.

Made from sustainable natural fibers, the hand-woven, chunky, natural seagrass basket is perfect for storing blankets, toys, shoes, really anything. But if you don't want to fork out the $103, head on over to TJMaxx or Homegoods - you'll be able to find almost exactly the same thing. Especially this time of year (at least here in Florida), where TJMaxx/Homegoods are already rolling out all their spring/summer items. One is good, but two or three around the house looks even better. 

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Seriously safe, seriously chic

Credit: healthygoods


Have you stopped buying bottled water yet? No? You probably should. If you're like me, you probably don't want to carry around just any old container for your water. So get the one I have - Seriously Safe's stainless steel one by EnviroClean. Sleek, smooth brushed stainless steel. Very environmentally friendly. Keeps liquids sooooo cold. Looks great in your car, on your desk, in your bag. Runs about $8-9 on amazon or healthygoods. Pays for itself in just a few days if you buy bottled water. And you'll look good drinking from it. Sold!