Bee Charming

I love these Bee Charming bracelets, found on Max & Chloe.

Stockholm Streestyle

It's Christmas Eve!

And I still need to shop!













Sarah Kaye; Chris Everard

Christmas Wish

What is your Christmas wish? Sometimes I feel so uncertain, while at other times I know exactly what I want, but feel almost paralyzed when taking steps to go after it. Obviously, I am not talking about a Christmas wish that is tangible, I am talking about what you wish for in your life- the big things. Events happen, that make you stop and think. At times there are things I wish I would have said, but I didn't. There are also moments when I probably would have behaved differently, but fear got in the way. The point is we can't go back. All we have is now. All we have is this present moment.

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake..." -Francis Bacon, Sr.
So... Forgive. Love. Be thankful. Appreciate your friends and family. Don't be afraid to take a risk. Get to know yourself, love yourself, follow your heart, and be kind... to yourself and to others.

I don't usually fall in love with a star's style...
But Rachel Bilson is quite the exception. From her collaborations with designers such as DKNY to having her own Q&A section, "Ask Rachel," in InStyle Magazine, the starlet has become known for more than her acting. Her knowledge of fashion and her own unique style seems to be taking center stage, and I think she is adorable... from her street-style to the red carpet she never misses. She knows what works and although she isn't afraid to be fun and adventurous- she never looks like she is trying to hard.


A few style tips from Rachel:
-Make dressing fun everyday. Be creative by mixing vintage, luxe, and cheap-chic lines.
-Create a palette. Pick two colors as your base, then add bright ones.
-Seek out young designer lines, which offer individuality to create a signature style.
InStyle Magazine, August 2008

Giant Kiss Sugar Cookies

Image and Recipe: Country Living

I love the idea of giving these Giant Kiss Cookies during the holidays. The basic sugar cookie dough is flavored with cocoa, which also provides color. Choose high-quality cocoa for the best flavor results. A heaping tablespoon of dough is molded around a Hershey's Kiss to create the signature shape. Chill 20 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape. Wrap the baked (and completely cooled) cookies in foil paper, and place messages inside.
Sugar Cookie Recipe: Click Here

One of my favorite authors...

One of my favorite authors is Emily Giffin. Yes, I absolutely think that she is a delightful writer. When I read "Something Borrowed," I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Her depictions of characters come off the page and take you into a different world other than your own. She allows you to fall in love with the characters and root for them, no matter what the circumstances are... upon finishing "Something Borrowed," I then read "Something Blue," which to my surprise, was equally complex and heart-warming.

If you need a good, relaxing, fun read... Emily Giffin exceeds Chick-Lit...
It's just life.
Shit Happens and Emily Giffin is pretty darn good at getting through it.

Style.com
Stella McCartney: Resort 2010 Collection
Anouck Lepère

Having a Snack at Ozark Natural Foods!

The artwork displayed above is Hanna Mesraty's. She is a part of the Granny Crochet Collaborative, which is an organization driven to motivate crafting experiences in community settings. Her pieces are both playful and imaginative (her hats are really cute). Other artists on display include Micah Szabo and Amber Secrest. Go by Ozark Natural Foods, check them out and have a snack!


The sweater I am wearing, as well as the cuff are both from By Request- another one of my favorite boutiques! It is also located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Yes, I have lived in Denver, New York, and now Dallas... and two of my favorite places to shop (Lola's & By Request) are in Arkansas...
Monica Terminella, the owner of By Request, has a wonderful presence in the store. Her clothes and jewelry radiate a sense of style that is both comfortable and luxurious.

By Request is located on 24 East Meadow Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Sea of Shoes

Lots of Love and Blessings sent to Jane Aldridge who is the creator of Sea of Shoes. I had the opportunity to meet her and her mom, Judy last week and they both couldn't have been sweeter.
I have been following Jane's blog for quite some time now and she continues to do her thing... her way... and I hope she continues doing it for a very long time.
Many thanks to Guess, Harper's Bazaar and of course Jane and her mom! My mom wished she could haven been there! She always says that they seem like cool people to know... and she's right!

What I love about the Holidays...

Images via Country Living

Mary Ruffle

A Perfect Holiday Cocktail

It has been awhile since I've had a really good cocktail. They have either been too sweet, too tangy, too pink, or just plain intolerable to drink...
It wasn't until last week, when I had the pleasure of hanging out with my old editor, Holly Crawford, and photographer Julie Soefer, at the Ritz-Carlton's Rattlesnake Bar here in Dallas, Texas that my usual order of wine seemed boring. Since, it had been years since I had gotten a drink with Holly, the last time was at the Ritz in New York... I knew this occasion called for a cocktail. With a quick glance I decided on Fearing's French Fizz and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The hints of pear and apple paired with the champagne boasted the perfect mixture- not too sweet, not too tangy and not too pink...
This week my mission is to acquire all the ingredients for this French Fizz cocktail and sip it well into the New Year.

Happy Holidays!
Here are the ingredients:
Fearing’s French Fizz
Grey Goose La Poire
St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Champagne

I really Love... my J.Crew Cardigan

Since the moment I tried on this J.Crew cardigan, I haven't really taken it off. The rich yellow color and the ruffles add a touch of girly playfulness that makes for a great addition to just about any outfit...
I also bought the cardigan in light pink...
Thank you J.Crew!
I believe I am in love.

To find the Cardigan click HERE!

Old Soul, New Heart

Old Soul, New Heart

Need to accessorize?
Old Soul, New Heart has great items to dress up any outfit. Whether you are hitting an office party or going on a holidate, these accessories are perfect for adding just a little something extra...

You can see more items on their website just click on Old Soul, New Heart

Bundled up Just Right

Altamira

I Love hats! I don't really look good in them, but I love them... especially if they have a pom-pom on top.
Gap has some great ones in stores now!

Don't walk... Run

Images via Cupcakes take the Cake

A new bakery has opened up in Fayetteville, Arkansas and it isn't any ole' bakery... It's a cupcake bakery!

I thought that all of those summers in New York with access to some of the best cupcakes in the world, might have spoiled me a little, but Bliss just might take the cake!

I will let you know! They are open from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday from 9:00am to 9:00pm.

Cupcakes anyone? Let's go please!


Bliss Cupcake Cafe
112 W. Center St.
Fayetteville, AR 72701

A Sweet Gift Idea

I absolutely love Philosophy's winter gift sets. The products are always inspired by something sweet and the packaging itself is enough to lift me out of any winter blues and send me right into the holiday spirit. From their melting marshmallow lip gloss to the delicious scents coming from their Bake Shoppe, Philosophy is an indulgence that won't expand your waistline and will leave you relaxed and happy!
You can check out more of their products online by visiting Philosophy's website.

The Sartorialist

Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you... Because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl

I Heart Anthropologie

Image via Cashmere and Cupcakes Thank you! I heart you too!

I have always loved Anthropologie. There is something cozy, foreign, soft, feminine, and inspiring not only about their clothes, but the feeling of the store as well. From their off-beat kitchenware to their wonderful books on fashion...life... Audrey Hephburn... Vogue...
Anthropologie has it all and now they are expanding their location sites internationally. They have opened their first store in London and amongst many other endeavors they are also working on a new side project titled "the Anthropologist."
The collaboration includes three extremely creative, talented, and inspiring individuals: David Eustace, Andrew Zuckerman, and Jane Campion.

When I first saw these collections I thought about three things: The Journey, Trust, and Love.

Polish My Mood

I love getting mani/pedis, but I also love painting my nails myself, either way I just love pretty toes and fingernails!
My Favorite place in New York was a few blocks away from my apartment- ASpa located on... I believe it is 17th and Irving. It had every great nail polish I could ever imagine. Essie, OPI, whatever I was in the mood for I could find!
I believe this began my love for Essie products. Right now I am wearing "Pink Glove Service" which is a completely clear polish with just a little touch of pink to enhance the natural color of the nail.

When choosing a polish, people often ask about "what's in style," well... I say forget "what's in style" -go with your mood. I always pay attention to the names of the polishes as well as what the color "says."
Bright Pinks can be so playful, reds can also be playful or formal, a light pink like madamoiselle is great for any occasion. Other light pinks such as "Cute as A Button" and "Hard to Get" are great to have on hand. I also love the berry color of "Swept off my feet..." and the deep cherry of "Clutch me if you Can."

Those are just a few of my all time favorites. Have fun with the colors and don't be afraid to try something new... If you are feeling Bold go Bold, if you are feeling flirty go flirty...

Trust your instinct!

1. Mademoiselle 2. Formal Affair 3. Cute as a Button 4. Swept off my Feet 5. Pink Glove Service

You can find them all on Essie's website.

A little bit of Loovin'

Hanging with Addie today! The day Addie came into my life was a very Good day. I got her my senior year of college and had to live without her for almost a year in New York...

A really good book for doggie Lovers: The Art of Racing in the Rain... Seriously, one of the best books... Addie is my Enzo

Those Braids!

Altamira

Finding OZ

So I finished the wonderful story of Breakfast with Buddha and now I am off to the "Land of Oz," with Evan I. Scwartz's book "Finding Oz: How Frank L. Baum Discovered the Great American Story."


"Finding Oz is a guided tour to the invention of that quintessentially American dreamscape, the Land of Oz, written with heart, brains, nerve--- and a touch of Magic." -Gregory Maguire author of Wicked