The Indoor S'more

Here is a little way to add some remembrance of the warm summer to the cold winter months, indoor s'mores! Not only when you close your eyes and bite into this summertime sweet will you feel as if you are sitting around the campfire, it will also leave you craving for s'more! Bake them in the oven just as you would around a campfire or add some flair by using cereal instead of graham crackers or drizzling chocolate across the top.

 

 

Bring the outdoors in with my favorite treat!

Enjoy,

xoxo

 

A Toast of Red

Cheers to the new black of the season, wine red. This romantic color is perfect for the cold winter months. The deep red stands out among neutrals, being the perfect accent color, adding flair and elegance to any outfit. It is a perfect color to wear with winter still knocking at our door before the soft, chic colors of spring set in.

Use red wine as an accent color to any outfit. It adds a pop of color to an all black outfit. A deep red is also the perfect nail and lip color during these cold winter months.

 

 

It is the perfect color for special occasions as well! As the main focus this almost plum red, stands out among the crowd and can be paired with almost any neutral you already own.



 

Raise a glass and try adding a few elegant pieces of this color to your wardrobe!

A Clean Slate

Greetings! It is the middle of January and the cold front has settled in with no signs of leaving anytime soon. As those below zero temperatures diminish any chance of venturing outside, the indoors have become sanctuary.

 

As my hibernation instincts set in, I often feel bored and trapped. That is why I have been obsessed with crafting. My newest is with chalkboard paint! Below are examples of how this easy craft brings color, fun and organization into everyday life.

 

Create a slate above your desk or work station to jot down
notes or reminders.

Paint an old dresser or desk and label it by what each drawer
contains. It is an easy way to bring organization and fun to a
piece of furniture

Paint chalkboard paint on the inside of old frames to display
in your home or office. It isn't permanent so a different
quote or picture can be drawn with each new season.

Create chalkboard labels! It is perfect because as the contents inside
the jars change, you can change the name on the label as well.
Perfect for in the kitchen, bathroom, or on your home desk!

 



Pinspiration

Creativity strikes, often time, from the most unthinkable of places. Today's post is a collaboration of random pictures that have inspired me. Whether they ignite a spark in me to travel the world or ground me to simplicities that can be enjoyed in life, each photo pushes me to keep creating and dreaming.

The calming peacefulness of tropical blues

A reminder that life should never get too busy for a cup of

coffee and a good book

 

We live in a world awaiting to be adventured

 

Sometimes no plans make for the best plans



Clutch Me

Clutches are a great way to add a pop of color or texture to an outfit. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the necessities that need to be carried in them. It is a great accessory to grab on your way out the door, whether it be to a party, night on the town or work event, a cluth is the added bonus needed for any occasion.

 

Below are examples of how a clutch introduces just enough elegance glam to an outfit without taking away from the main focus, you!

 

The Standard Stripe

Horizontal or vertical, thick or thin, stripes are in! I love how stripes can give any outfit that classic look. It is an effortless way to twist an outfit by giving it a vintage feel. Try stripes on not only the top but also the bottom!

 

What are some of your favorite classic looks?

xoxo

Trail Blazer

There are many occasions in life where it is hard to know what type of clothing is appropiate. Never knowing when to dress up or dress down is usually the issue for me. My new trend is adding a simple black or tan blazer to an outfit. With jeans and a t-shirt a blazer adds the sense of being formal while still looking efortless. It is the perfect addition over a sports t-shirt at any sporting event and even with hair in a messy bun, over a dress, you are ready for a night out!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Even though my list doesn't include raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens or snowflakes that stay on my nose or eyelashes, my favorite things usually are successful in giving me a pick me up when life gets a little crazy.

 

Here are some of my favorite things from the past week:

A girls night out at our favorite Mongolian restaurant

 

Not only getting, a little retail therapy with Mr. Ralph Lauren, but also giving! 

 

 

Watching the Green Bay Packers defeat the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field last Saturday and expecting another win over the San Francisco 49ers tonight!

 

Thank You

A thank you goes out to my family, friends and boyfriend for always being there for me and supporting me on all of my ventures through life. Without any of you nothing, not even my list of favorite things, would make a dog bite, bee sting

 or life any better.

 

xoxoxo

 

The Academy Award goes to...

It is Oscar time again! The Academy presented the nominations for the 85th Academy Awards today. Many surprises, some snubs and of course the critiques are buzzing about what 2012 films will be presented with the coveted gold statue.

Without seeing all the films nominated, I am unable to make guesses on what nominees I think will win. Therefore, here are some of my favorite films from 2012 and the areas in which I present them winners.

The Dark Knight Rises: Best Visual Effects
This 2 hour and 45 minute movie kept my attention with superb special effects and dark, intense action scenes.

Skyfall: Best Villain
Javier Bardem portrays a chilling role as an ex-agent who only seeks revenge.

Savages: Most Attractive Cast... ever
Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are a dynamic trio. This movie filled with drugs, sex and war, a plot that can only be achieved with a cast this attractive.

The Hunger Games: Best Actress
Jennifer Lawrence shines as Katniss Everdeen as this New York Times bestselling novel is brought to life on the big screen.

Django Unchained: Best Supporting Actors (yes, plural)
Leonardo Dicaprio and Christoph Waltz not only have perfectly written characters but their representations are perfect to create humor, sarcasm and entertainment in this film.

21 Jump Street and Think Like a Man: Lighthearted and humorous
Both movies were funny, witty and the viewer is guaranteed a laugh.

The Hobbit: Best Picture
I wished it would never end.

Two Please

Lately I have been obsessed with cooking. Not the typical slaving over the kitchen kind of cooking, but where my group of friends, or my boyfriend and I, blast music, sip wine and everybody is busy in the kitchen, all hands on deck. The atmosphere is energetic and fun, creating enjoyment for all with a delicious ending.

 

Here some of my favorite dinners to make. They are simple but healthy meals that can be made in no time and on a budget. Most can be altered as well to fit every one's tastes!

 

Pasta: Easy to make just pick out your choice of noodles and sauce.
In addition put in your favorite meats and vegetables.

Stir Fry: Add your favorite protein, like chicken, steak or shrimp.
Throw in a varitey of vegetables and top it off with teriayki or soy sauce.

 

Pizza: Cheaper and healthier than ordering in.
Also a good way to use leftovers in a delicious way.
Create sauce and meat from the leftover pasta ingredients!

What are some of your favorite fast and easy dishes to make with friends?

 Cheers, xo

reNEWed Room

With the excitement of the holidays winding down and the new year in full swing, January can seem like a long cold month. It's back to school for me and many others, reality finally setting in. A good way to add variety into your life, is through some good ol' fashioned spring cleaning (yes, even though it is still technically winter). This is my favorite time of year to go out with the old and in with the new. These are some simple steps I took to add a little flair back into my surroundings.

Rearrange those apartments to give it a new and exciting feel (even if it is just moving the couch and TV to opposite ends of the room).

Create a DIY project, like easy wall art, welcoming a new feeling to the room.

Recover pillows! This is an easy solution to bring in different accent colors giving the room new feeling.

Clean out those closet. If clothes have been unworn get rid of them, plus with all those New Years resolutions in full swing they won't fit soon!

 

Now try one or all of these few simple suggestions to add some spice to your life post holiday season!

xo

Leading Ladies

Everyone has a certain actor, athlete or celebrity that they emulate. For whatever the reason, that person is studied and watched to hopefully bring some of their characteristics into everyday life. The obvious fact is no one can be better than you and personally I wouldn't want to be anyone but myself. That doesn't stop me though from taking tips from celebrities on how to dress, trendy hairstyles and the presenting oneself to society.

The first icon on my list, and my personal obsession, is Blake Lively. To me Blake Lively defines the essence of flawlessness. She has this ease about her that to me says she never truly tries when getting ready, her hair and fashion just happen. What makes Blake Lively iconic is her smile and attitude. They draw you in, filling a room, making her presence one to mimic.

 

 

Miranda Kerr is next on my list of stars that I personally find magnetic. Sure enough, she is a Victoria's Secret Model and wed to handsome husband Orlando Bloom, but through it all, her natural beauty shines. I take most of my makeup tips from her on how to look natural but polished.

 

 

Last but certainly not least is Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and my personal fashion icon. The way Kate holds herself in public is something of perfection. Whenever shopping I always try add statement pieces to mimic her elegant and sophisticated style.

Keep it Simple

The welcoming of 2013 brings with it the start of brand new resolutions, goals set aside every year with the hope of accomplishment. Usually I pick one grand aspiration and focus on it until it is achieved or it’s forgotten as easily as it was thought up. In the past I’ve chosen things like eliminating all sweets from my diet or losing some weight.

 

When the ball dropped at midnight and 2013 was officially in full swing, I realized that the people I have in my life were all I needed to make it great. This year my resolutions (yes plural) include things I can do to bring happiness to others and ways to enjoy living life.

1.       Laugh everyday

2.       Make dinner an event

3.       Volunteer every month

4.       De-clutter and donate

5.       Make more time with friends

6.       Love. With all I have.