DAILY TARTE

2. Best Friend

Maxi Slit Dress from SHOPBOP

3. Mother in Law

Ginger Jar Matches set of 3

Source

4. Sister
Vince Oversized Sweater

5. Dad

Personalized Terry Velour Robe

6. Mom

ACQUA DI PARMA gift set

RECENT PURCHASE

2011-11-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

I just bought a LOVE print from Jen Ramos over at www.madebygirl.com

I have been a follower of her blog for awhile now, it is one of my favorites. She is super talented & has great style!

I chose the Grapefruit color LOVE print for $35. Right now she is offering 20% off when you enter HOLIDAY20 at checkout! I can't wait to frame it in a simple frame & hang in our bedroom.

THANKSGIVING GOODNESS

2011-11-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

1. Our front door with a Fall wreath made by my Mom

2. Every year I seem to get stuck with the Candied Yams with Marshmallows, they are a big hit!

Recipe courtesy of my Mother in Law

Photo credit : phamfatale.com

Recipe

Serves 30

9-10 Red Yams

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 stick of butter

1 tablespoon of ground gloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 bag of mini marshmallows

1. Pre-heat over to 350

2. Pierce yams with a fork to vent & stick (2-3) in microwave safe dish and cover with saran wrap.

3. You can use the potato button if your microwave has one or zap until soft to the touch, approx 6-7 mins, times will vary.

4. Once soft let cool to room temp, cut off ends & peel off skin, place in mixing bowl.

5. Add potatoes as they are done and mix in brown sugar, butter, salt, and ground cloves. I use my hand mixer to mash them up because I like a smoother texture.

6. Grease a 9x12 casserole dish and pour in mixture. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, take out pour marshmallows on top & turn oven to broil. Place dish back in for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly browned.

Serve & Enjoy!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

IN YOUR PANTRY

2011-11-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

I attended a girls night out cooking party on Friday & I picked up some pointers from an amazing Chef! Some of these items might come in handy this holiday season!

1. Season with Maldon Sea Salt, found at William Sonoma & Sur La Table around $10

Source; unknown

2. Bake with King Arthur's Flour $4.95

3. Cook with Academia Barilla Toscano Extra Virgin Olive Oil $25

4. Prepare with a Sil mat for baking from Crate & Barrel instead of parchment paper

WISH LIST

2011-11-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

For purchase information on any of these items click on the source link below each picture

1. Lucite and block Knife Set from West Elm

2. One of these statement books, like the TOM FORD one

3. Platinum colored faux fur throw

4. Jennifer Zeuner side cross bracelet

5. Girls on film cape

6. Urban's subtle leopard scarf $29

http://www.groupon.com/r/uu1267347

Source

AMERICAN APPAREL GROUPON

2011-11-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just bought a $50 Groupon for $100 worth of in store credit at American Apparel. I have a pretty good idea of what I am going to buy with it! Purchase to follow!

Or you might want to grab now for your holiday shopping!

THANKFUL FOR

2011-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

1. The grand opening of North Fattoria Italiana by our house

2. Family heirloom a flow blue turkey platter for Thanksgiving

3. Date night with my husband at the new AMC Cinema Suites

Huge recliners, a dirty martini, and dinner while watching the Rum Diary

4. Our winter lawn turned out awesome this year not sure what we did differently from last year

5. Shopping at the Borgata with My Mom & Sister, picked up these hair ties from Green with Ivy. Such a great gift for $15 and the packaging is super cute in a little flower pot. My sister and I spilt them and I still got 5 ties and a headband!

6. Our last pomegranate of the season from our backyard

HAUTELOOK

2011-11-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

If you are a member of Hautelook you probably received this email for $20 to Nordstrom Rack, AMAZE! Well I went today and I couldn't find anything so they put the $20 on a Nordstrom gift card for me so now I can use it at Nordy's too! There really is no catch and no limit on how much you have to spend. If you are not a member of Hautelook I suggest you join! Sign up HERE

ADD SPARKLE

2011-11-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Source: unknown

I have been looking for the perfect bib necklace to throw on with a white tee & jeans or that can be paired with a cocktail dress. I found this J.Crew Soliel necklace originally $98 and sold out, on Ebay for $35, it is exactly what I was looking for! Thank god I didn't have to bid and stalk this necklace like a crazy person, it had the "buy it now" option. Can't wait to get this in the mail!

Happy Shopping & Have a Great Weekend!

BLISS

2011-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

While staying at the W Hotel last month I fell in love with the Bliss products in our room. When we checked out of course I grabbed all of the left over shampoos, face wash, lotion, etc...but I am fresh out now!

So I was excited when I found this giant bottle of Bliss lemon+sage body butter at Nordstrom Rack. I scored at $12 for this puppy, it retails for $50. I'm thinking I might go back and stock up for Christmas gifts.

I also highly recommend their fabulous foaming face wash. It has a light exfoliator to remove make-up, while still being gentle on your skin.

RECENT PURCHASES

2011-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

1. J.Crew poncho hoodie in black

originally $118, perfect to throw on with a white tank or tee, skinny jeans, & riding boots.

It runs big so the xxs-xs fits perfectly

On sale online for $49.99 but if you buy in store it is $29.99

2. From Barney's J Brand Mid Rise Skinny, there is not a lot of stretch in these so they keep there shape all day long!

Jeans $170

3. My BFF came in town last weekend & we traded tops. I guess BFF's usually have the same style & so it works out for us when we shop together because she lives in Seattle! She actually bought the J Brand skinnies too!

I got this J.Crew blouse in wreath from her for my Joie cream & black blouse.

Q&H

2011-11-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

QUICK & HEALTHY

I have to have an afternoon snack at work & here are a few of my picks

1. Lemon Perrier & Edamame

2. Yoplait Light Fat Free Blueberry Yogurt

3. Instead of Baked Lays chips I might grab these Wasabi Seaweed Snacks from TJ

4. When I need protein at lunch I will get this Lighter Side turkey sandwich from Einstein's on an everything bagel thin, only 270 calories and under $5

(I add sprouts to mine)

OUR WEEKEND

2011-10-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Champagne to celebrate my first real estate closing

The kitty litter dessert I made for a friends Halloween dinner party

My brother KJ who is leaving for the Navy in one week LOVE you to pieces

KJ offered to make me breakfast Saturday morning, sweet right?! He just literally started learning how to cook & got a little carried away with the ingredients...he put cinnamon, rosemary, asparagus, cheese, and coconut milk in my eggs...ugh I almost died. It made me laugh because when I was his age I made my Dad Diet Dr. Pepper chicken.

Scored this twice used white Kitchen Aid at an estate sale for $50, so in love with it

Sunday night Football & Chinese takeout

SHOE SHOPPING

2011-10-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Nordstrom.com

These are my most recent shoe purchases

1. Steve Madden boots with red zipper accent, these feel rugged/equestrian to me here

2. Sam Edeleman studded stilettos "Lorna", bought these for a wedding here

3. Via Spiga "Vanita" chunky heels in black, these are super comfortable. I plan on pairing with black tights & shorts for winter here

FEELS LIKE FALL

2011-10-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

Picked up these carmel apples for dessert tonight

For dinner I am making a white bean chicken chili

Recipe

5 cans chicken broth

3 chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces

1 can kidney beans drained & rinsed

1 four ounce can diced green chiles

1/2 four ounce can jalapenos(1 can if you like spicy)

All of these drained...

1 can black beans

1 can garbanzo beans

1 can white beans

1 can corn

tablespoon garlic

1 yellow onion diced

teaspoon cumin & cilantro

Saute chicken and onions in olive oil until cooked. Meanwhile open all of the cans and pour ingredients into a stock pot. When the chicken is done add it to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil takes about 10 minutes, then simmer for one hour.

Garnish with avocado, sour cream/greek yogurt, shredded cheese, & lime

Serve with tortilla crisps

Place tortillas on a baking sheet, brush them with a light coat of olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt & parmesan.

Bake at 350 until golden about 5-7 minutes

cut with pizza roller into squares and serve on the side of plated bowl.

MISC. MONDAY

2011-10-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

I bought the celestial coasters from Anthropologie in "milk & honey"

While Halloween shopping at Savers I found these old school neon Keds (never worn)for $3.99

My big splurge were these beauties, they are very Rachel Zoe meets Jackie O. The sales girl had me sold at "these are the last pair" they sold out immediately. So of course I had to have them.

Dinner at Ruth Chris with the family, before my brother leaves for the Navy in 2 weeks.

OVER THE WEEKEND

2011-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I made my first batch of limoncello

1. step one zest 10 lemons

2. Make 3 cups simple syrup (1 cup water to 1 cup sugar) boil until dissolved

3. Add entire bottle of vodka

Recipe here

I will post the finished product in 4 weeks!

I baked homemade pumpkin bread

Forgot to take a picture of loaves before I gave to my grandpa & mom, duh!

We planted 2 bougainvilleas & a Mexican lime tree

We also did our winter lawn, in AZ you have to spread seed & manure over your grass, it stinks!

Lots of home projects to do now that the weather is cooling down!

BIRTHDAY BRUNCH

2011-10-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

My Husbands Birthday is coming up and I want to do something different this year so I thought what about BRUNCH! The weather is just perfect this time of year and we can entertain outside. Invite our friends over for finger foods & cocktails and the men can watch football. Here are a few ideas I have so far.

BET Cups(bacon,egg,&toast)

Create your own Bloody Mary bar

Photo credit: Betty Crocker

Pull-apart cinnamon sugar pumpkin bread

Peach Bellini's

Photo credit Pinterest

Bithday inspired rice krispie treats

HALLOWEEN MASH UP

2011-10-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

1. Candy corn hurricanes

Source Pinterest

2. My favorite movie as a little girl, she gave me nightmares

3. Cutest baby costume a sushi roll

4. My Halloween project last year that is hanging in our front yard

5. The huge spider crawling up our house

6. Inside decor: EEK candles from last years post here & skull

7. My witches brew recipe & broomstick (picked up at JoAnn's)

WISH LIST

2011-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

1. Celestial Coasters

2. Statement necklace to pair with a basic tee

3. Still on the top of my list Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel

STUDDED

2011-10-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

This jacket is part feminine & part rocker! The pink color softens the hard look of the studs & I love the zipper details! You can shorten the jacket by un-zipping the bottom. Genius on so many levels, I think it's reasonable too at $155

I must have this for fall!

VOTE FOR ME!

2011-10-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

After a long weekend of dinner with friends at the Culinary Dropout, going to a comedy show, helping my sister in-law purchase a new condo, tailgating & going to the Cardinals game, etc.... I plopped down exhausted on the couch with my lap top last night to relax.
Only to find out my cousin had posted on my facebook a link to the Arizona Foothills Magazine "Most Fashionable in the Valley over 30", so I clicked the link and laughed with joy and a little bit of horror once I saw my name on the list. I was mostly concentrated on the "Over 30" part of it, once I got over those horrific words I had a good laugh and then decided what the hell if my name is on the list I will embrace it!
So if you have a chance today please vote! Kristin Van Leer Edwards

http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/best-of-our-valley-2012/voting/98.html

PACK YOUR BAGS- LOOK #1

2011-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Planning my outfits for our good friends wedding in LA next weekend.

Thinking of wearing this on the EARLY morning plane ride, it should be around 70 degrees when we arrive & you always want to be comfortable when traveling!!

Just purchased this shirt, J.CREW Boy Shirt

Black leggings

Ciao Bella riding boots

Ballet flats

Dolce Gabbana quilted bag to carry my magazines

Source: unknown

HAPPY FRIDAY!

ETIQUETTE AT THE TABLE

2011-09-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

As the holiday season is slowly approaching I thought that this might be a good post!

Error proof placemats for informal dining. It makes for a totally fun conversation piece & an easy clean up, just throw away!

Or refer to this picture to re-fresh your inner hostess

For a more formal dining setting use this as your bible

WEEKNIGHT COMFORT

2011-09-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

Fire roasted tomato soup

recipe

With a Parmesan crisp on top

recipe

Served with a grilled ham & cheese sandwich

FIRST DAY OF FALL

2011-09-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

1. Make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

2. Rock out in a fur coat

3. Wrap yourself in a scarf or pashmina

4. Break out your leather jacket

5. Sip a pumpkin spice latte

OUT OF THE HOUSE

2011-09-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

So this week I burned & cracked our crock pot(didn't know that was even possible), Matt broke our toaster oven trying to intentionally burn toast to send some message to a friend he beat in his fantasy draft(don't ask I don't get it), and now we are told we need a new vacuum! Ugh...so before any more damage could be done I decided to be on the safe side & leave the house. A little retail therapy was necessary!

Chambray shirt- Sandra Ingrish

2. MOTHER "curfew" jeans, the fit is amazing

3. J Crew Cafe Capri's in desert pink

to pair with my chambray shirt $19.99

4. J.CREW over dyed black matchstick denim

HAPPY FRIDAY!

BLUE COLLAR

2011-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

An easy classic look...A simple blue collared shirt, black jeggings, & pointed heels.

Photo credit: unknown via cocokelley.blogspot

I just bought this shirt from American Eagle for $29, enter promo code 20493061 for 20% off

Purchase here

HOMEMADE LIMONCELLO

2011-09-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Lately I have a growing love for homemade Limoncello & just recently I learned from a true Italian woman (the one & only Karen L.) that it's a fairly simple thing to make. Apparently the most important ingredient is patience (well and 140 proof Vodka), it takes about 45 days to make!

I got to thinking if I start now I could give my own homemade limoncello out as a Christmas gift to friends, family, & neighbors! I could package them in the Crate & Barrel bottles that I posted about previously here.

Fresh Limoncello sold in Capri Italy

SCORE

2011-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

I found the missing pieces for our

"work in progress"

I really scored...I found these 2 tables from Crate and Barrel on Craigslist for $160 total! They still sell them in their store currently for $1000.

I really like the clean lines of these tables & the glass top doesn't take away from the rug because you can still see it!

DEAR AMERICA!

2011-09-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

ZARA is finally online and available to all of us who have been patiently waiting here in the US.

Get your credit cards ready www.zara.com

A CLEAR DEAL

2011-09-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Purchase Here

I have been wanting some of these chairs around my dining table & the always fabulous TARGET has a pair for only $99, with free shipping!

BROWN NOSING

2011-09-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

1. I'm craving homemade pumpkin bread

2. Loving this leopard scarf from J.Crew

3. Waiting for these heels to go on SALE

4. Never in a million years would I think I would buy another Coach purse but I have fallen for the trend & now want the Classic Court Bag (a few available on ebay)

Source unknown

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

RANDOM LOVELIES

2011-08-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

1. Reece looks amazing, I love the pairing of the fur vest & plaid top

2. Traded in my empties at MAC for this lipstick "Pretty Please"

3. Excited for my Sade concert tickets to arrive

4. Picked up something new for dinner tonight, Pumpkin Gnocchi from World Market

WORK IN PROGRESS

2011-08-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

ROOM INSPIRATION

PILLOW INSPIRATION

OUR FAMILY ROOM (the work in progress)

ARRIVING ANY DAY...

OUR NEW INDIGO IKAT PILLOWS

Purchase info

NOW ALL WE NEED IS A COFFEE TABLE LIKE THIS...

Photo credit: unknown

TRAIL BLAZER

2011-08-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

1. School boy blazer

2. Something red

3. Polka dot blouse

4. Classic black pointy heels

5. Colored Cords

ALL THE TRENDS FOR THIS FALL....I can't wait!

BELT IT OUT

2011-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Must have in closet: A classic brown belt

Mine I bought today from Old Navy $15, I actually had to take it off the display manikin because it was the last one!

LEMON CHICKEN PITA

2011-08-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is a quick & easy weeknight dinner idea

What you will need
1 chicken breast
pita bread
tzatziki sauce (Trader Joe's)
shredded lettuce (bought shredded)
tomatoes diced
onion diced

Marinade
1 large lemon
olive oil
salt
lemon pepper
Mrs. Dash salt free chicken seasoning

Now what

preheat oven 350 degrees

squeeze all of lemon juice into pyrex baking dish, add olive oil approx 1/4 cup, place chicken in dish and coat both sides in juices, next sprinkle generous amount of lemon pepper on top, 3 dashes of salt, & Mrs. Dash. Let marinade in fridge for 10 minutes (will have a strong lemon flavor which will be balanced out once everything is added to the pita.)

Once ready to bake place in oven for 20 minutes. In the meantime prepare the pita toppings, dice tomatoes & onions etc...

Slice chicken into thin strips, zap pita bread in microwave for 30 seconds, add all the toppings, & serve!!

CARMEL COATED

2011-08-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

1. Carmel Vest for layering

2.Carmel Cone Light Ice Cream

Amazeballs

3. Vera Wang Lavendar Flats

Purchase info

Vest

Flats

POWER OF PINK

2011-08-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

1. Kate Spade Vase

1.Ralph Lauren Rope Belt

3. J.Crew Silk Planets bracelet

HAPPY CAMPER

2011-08-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Wish me luck I am going camping this weekend! I haven't pitched a tent since high school & I'm not exctly the camping type. I am going to rely on my inner girl scout skills! I hope that there is a little of this...

Campfire Smores

Cozy sleeping quarters

Ice cold Stella's w/lemon slices

Source unknown

AZ Mountain Sunsets

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2011-08-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of Missoni but their pieces are a bit high for my budget. So I am really excited about their collaboration with Target, get ready to rumble on September 13th because I am guessing people will be lined up! There will be over 400 pieces from clothing, to bedding, home decor, & possibly a beach cruiser like the one pictured below!

COLOR WHEEL

2011-08-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Classic pieces for every wardrobe...all year round from J.CREW

Photo credit: http://www.jcrew.com/

The fruit inside 22 strawberries, 1 1/3 bananas, 1 3/4 apples, & a hint of orange

Skinny Belts

Here

Cafe Capri Wool Pants

Here

PB UPDATE

2011-08-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well we survived our Pure Barre class last Friday. It is such an amazing workout, my muscles were on fire... I think I mouthed OMG to Katie 10 times! This workout will definitely lift your booty, tone your thighs, strengthen your abs, & turn you into a lean lady! I bought a month unlimited membership so more to come...
FYI come prepared in yoga pants (no shorts) and socks!

Here are the tools you use in class

Katie doing her ballerina impression

They have super cute clothes & accessories, we bought these Pure Vida bracelets after class that we call our BFF bracelet's

(Kelli this includes you since you have one)!

PURE BARRE

2011-07-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Going to attempt the ballet inspired workout at Pure Barre tonight with my BFF Katie who is in town visiting from Seattle. I will let you know how it goes!

Check out their website http://www.purebarre.com/

AFTER HOURS

2011-07-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

So I have been a pretty loyal customer to Oily of Olay's "Regenerist " night recovery cream as posted previously here, and I still really love it. However, while browsing my favorite beauty websites one insider said that Neutrogena's NEW Rapid Wrinkle Repair really worked for her. Being that I just ran out of my night cream I decided to give this one a try. I bought mine at Walgreen's for $21.99. I will let you know if I see/feel any results, I'm hoping to look 21 by next week!

MAKE A WISH

2011-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

DONATE $20 to the make a wish foundation and receive a free Latisse starter kit. It's a win win situation, I made my donation this morning!
http://www.latissewisheschallenge.com/

CAN'T COMMIT

2011-07-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have the HARDEST time finding artwork that I like & that works with our style. I like these pieces below but there are so many great artists in the world that I just can't commit.

This painting made me smile because it's titled "Miss February" found here

Love the colors in this one found here

These 2 are on Gilt Groupe today & remind me of my trip to Russia here

This one is called "Telephone" & it would look great over a vanity or in my closet because it's so feminine. seen here

This one is fairly popular but I just love it, I wish I was in this picture! here

NIGHT IN

2011-07-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been really busy with work, family, and friends! Last night while Matt was away at softball, I had a girls night in well with Lute but he loves girly time!

When I got home I was excited to see my West Elm Zig Zag rug waiting for me at the door & I absolutely looove it!

I made myself a simple egg drop soup for dinner, it's always nice to have a night off from cooking

I love fresh flowers around the house, I was so excited when Matt brought home a dozen roses for me. They are beautiful & smell amazing!

Poor Boo Boo he is so depressed that we can't play outside, he stared at me with his puppy eyes while I watched...

I did my laundry and started to get organized for my trip to Denver this weekend for my BFF's baby shower

FLOWER CHILD

2011-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

These pictures inspired me, they have a romantic 70's vibe. A dear friend of mine just got engaged (you know who you are Stecyk) & I immediately thought of her possible outdoor wedding in the Hampton's somewhere. The messy piecey hair looks so feminine and romantic with the floral halo and side accents. I just loooove it!

Photo credit: here

SUMMER SCORE

2011-07-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Every summer I watch and wait until these Adirondack chairs go on clearance at JOANN'S Fabric store. They are regularly $90 a chair but if you wait until mid-summer they mark them down 70% off which means they are $25 each. You do have to assemble and paint but they are easy to put together and very durable because they are cedar. We have 2 black ones on our front porch HIS & HERS, that we sit in all year round. We have a long front porch so we have been wanting to add more seating for friends & family so I picked up 2 more today! Hurry supplies limited

Photo credit: adirondackchairs.com

REVOLVE PICKS

2011-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Every month I allow myself to do a little shopping, nothing crazy ok just a little retail therapy! I window/internet shop as a hobby so I find TONS of things to swoon over. My rule of thumb is to wait a week and see what still sticks out in my mind as a MUST HAVE. Here are a few things that I like from Revolveclothing.com

BUSY BEE

2011-07-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy showing properties to one of my most entertaining clients by far, he definitely keeps me on my toes and very busy. I have been spending lots of time showing him & his wife properties here.

When I get a free moment I would love to try this recipe, bloody mary inspired skirt steak. Details here

I also want to make a trip to MAC and trade in my empty containers for this pretty pink shade called Saint Germain

(Inspired by My Mom)

I need a relaxing mani/pedi, I like this lavender color for my fingers!

Photo credit: unknown, smittenkitchen.com, maccosmetics.com, unknown

RECENT PURCHASES

2011-07-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

LAST CHANCE

NORDSTROM OUTLET

Make+Model Tassled Scarf

Unavailable

Hudson "Hampton" cuffed denim shorts

See here

FOREVER 21

Tribal Cropped Tank

See here

Lavender denim hot shorts
See here

WEEKEND STAYCATION

2011-06-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

We are staying in town this 4th of July which is a total bummer because it is predicted to reach 115 degrees...HOLY HOTNESS! So to stay cool we booked a last minute staycation at the Montelucia Resort. Supposedly there are rafts and a DJ at the pool, should be quite the scene. I can't wait to float on my raft while sipping a cocktail & working on my tan (not my face mom, I have my hat and sunscreen) ! Hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

See more here

WHY DIDN"T I THINK OF THAT

2011-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Kilim has been around my world for many years. My Mom being an interior decorator, we had Kilim rugs and pillows in our Mountain home in Colorado and in our Spanish Territorial home here in AZ. So why didn't I think to add kilim to cowboy boots, they blow my mind! Check them out at KIBOOTS & COBRA SOCIETY
These will be a MUST for FALL 2011

KVL

2011-06-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

I NEED this initial necklace from Max & Chloe, it's a necessity! I'm thinking about ordering one with my maiden name initials so I have a keepsake to carry on my family's name since I am the last one. It's so great right?! I love it paired with pearls below, it is the perfect layering piece. This necklace is available in gold, rose gold, and silver. Purchase here

Photo credit: http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

LUNCHBOX

2011-06-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

It is beyond HOT here in AZ and nothing sounds good for lunch these days because I am full from drinking sooo much water & I dread getting in my car to grab something. However, at Whole Foods today I came across these Asian garden rolls with peanut sauce and they were so refreshing & healthy too. I also put in the freezer a Naked Smoothie for an afternoon snack in lieu of a protien bar. It is nice to find something else to add to my fairly routine lunch choices. I will definitely do this lunch again & again!

TIME TO CHILL

2011-06-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

How cool does the SKY bottle look in a block of ice with flowers and fruit.

Here is the how to DIY

Photo credit: Vanilla Fringe

VA VA VA VOOM

2011-06-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm really digging this orange dress on Jamie Chung. The plunging neckline is very flattering and I also like her coordinating lipstick. The dress is back in stock for $299 & comes in black, white, and hot pink. Purcahse here

Photo credit: Singer22

NUDE ESPADRILLES

2011-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Espadrilles are BACK IN STYLE these days & they are literally everywhere. The trick is finding the right pair! I like simple nude espadrilles because they go with everything and the neutral color makes your legs look longer always a bonus! I own these wedges that I bought last year and never wore until now!

*Apparently guys think they are hot shoes, the same goes for white bikinis, & white pants?!? I will never understand the man's brain!

Mine are Enzo Angiolini purchased last year

Jimmy Choo Found here

Michael Kors Found here

COLOR ME RAD

2011-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this dress! I just contacted the nice girls at Hallelu and they just got this back in stock & will be putting it back on their website today! I am sooo ordering this, only $53!

*Got my dress in the mail and it's exactly what I expected... I love it! Runs true to size

Bright colors are so in for summer and the pictures above inspired me to brighten up my accessories and wardrobe!

Photo credit: http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-friendship-bracelet/ , unknown, http://www.shophallelu.com/shop, http://www.sincerelyjules.com/

RECYCLE

2011-06-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

What a simple and pretty floral arrangement. Use the tomatoes to make a family style Italian dinner and use the can as the centerpiece, Genius!

Photo credit: source: http://www.designspongeonline.com/

GIDDY FOR SUMMER

2011-06-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

These Blu Moon Heart Shaped Shades just scream summer to me or maybe it's the giant pin-wheel lolipop that reminds me of fireworks & celebrating the 4th of July in San Diego with friends. Only $22 and they come in red, black, & purple. Seen here

GILT TASTE

2011-06-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Im so excited for the new TASTE category on GILT GROUPE'S website. If you aren't a member you absolutely must join it's the best! Sign up here

Here are a few things that I would love to try!

Chef's blend Mushroom Mix

Bourbon Barrel Matured Maple Syrup

Anywhere Champagne Flutes

Olive Oil Cake with Orange

Assorted Cheese Spread

Truffle Honey, Yum

Dried Sausage Assortment

WEEKEND PROJECTS

2011-06-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Project #1 is to make these Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos, the perfect Sunday dinner with the family. This recipe received the highest reviews! Recipe found here

Project #2 is a bit more challenging!
There are so many inspiring blogs out there and I recently came across this one http://gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com/. I liked this particular DIY because I am currently waiting for my West Elm Zig Zag rug that is on back order until August, posted previously here.
Danika bought 6 striped IKEA rugs for $4.99 each and sewed them together to create this bold striped rug for her kids playroom. For a total of $30 I think it might be worth the effort and the savings of $470!! Check out her final product here

CRYSTAL CLEAR

2011-06-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I bought 2 of these glass bottles, fill them with sparkling & flat water & leave on the dining table when entertaining...

From Crate & Barrel $3.95 ea.

Purchase here

Photo credit: http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/

BARGAIN FINDS

2011-06-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Ikea Sea-saw table $39.99 Found here

I want to put this behind our sofa with frames & a lamp

Pottery Barn Kids Depot Light can be used in any room $89

Found here

Target's set of 2 Black & Tan outdoor pillows $29.99

These are similar to Pottery Barn's but 1/2 the cost Found here

CB2's Weekender Bench Indoor/Outdoor on SALE $149

I would like as a coffee table

Purchase here

SUMMER LOVE BRAIDS

2011-06-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Seen here

PASTA TRICK

2011-06-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

With summer comes... less clothing! To prepare myself & the hubby I try and choose healthier yet satisfying dinners. A trick I picked up from http://www.andeelayne.blogspot.com/ suggested that you lightly saute spinach in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt...then fill the bottom of your bowl with it therefore needing less pasta to fill up!

LAYER 1

Starting from the bottom I had organic spinach, whole grain pasta, Trader Joe's marinara, chopped spinach/fontina chicken sausages also from Trader Joe's, and lastly sprinkled with fresh basil and parmesan. Served with lemon Perrier instead of wine YUMMY!

LAYER 2

LAYER 3

LAYER 4

LAYER 5

LAYER 6

DINNER SERVED

X MARKS THE SPOT

2011-06-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

1. Tried on these wedges by Halogen, they are on my wish list & they are on sale now. Click here

2. White tanks are a staple for summer and I like the criss crossing detail in the back, Click here

3. This Tavik Palm Beach bikini is perfect for your next pool party or beach vacation, love the colors and the cut of the top, Click here

Phote credit: Nordstrom.com, Songofstyle.com, RevolveClothing.com, & Nastygal.com

KEYS< PHONE< WALLET

2011-06-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

Love this welcome rug from Urban Outfitters for only $18. What a great reminder for those forgetful people running out the door! Purchase here

Photo credit: copycatchic.com

RECENT PURCHASE

2011-05-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

Just bought 2 of these West Elm pillow covers off of Ebay. I have been on the hunt for the perfect pillows for our house and I fell in love with these. I like the modern orange pattern on top & the gold and white ikat on the bottom it's the perfect mix, plus it's made of silk to dress things up a bit. The gold tones will make my newly painted gold stool really POP! There are 3 more left if any of you want one. I will take a picture and review them once i get them.

Purchase from Ebay here

*Nice pillows but they can be found on West Elm's SALE section of their website and unfortunately I think I am sending mine back I don't like them with the color of our couch.

AZTEC WARRIOR

2011-05-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

1. This is my favorite bright & perfect for a summer vacay

2. This top is a bit more casual & I like the cherry red color

3. This maxi is under $100 and is tribal chic

Purchase info HERE

4. The most affordable option, it's light & has a great rope accent

5. I had to add this one from TopShop