Ray

Now Playing- Ray LaMontagne Empty

It's hauntingly beautiful, have a listen. 

More Moyna

Short and sweet, these Moyna beaded beauties take my breath away. Do do you have a favorite go-to clutch? 

Sayonara Summer

     In case you haven't noticed pumpkin spice latte's are back in town. Although in these here parts it is still much too warm outside to enjoy hot coffee. I was, however, able to enjoy some seriously glorious fall weather this past weekend though. Two guesses as to where I was.  Hint: it falls somewhere between west and way out west. Okay I'm bad with secrets, here we go. 

 

It was a bit gloomy this particular day but all the better to pile on layers and layers of sweaters. Somehow I missed photo op after photo op of all the beautiful leaves. Tell me, have you

traveled anywhere out of the ordinary lately? Share your photos and memories! I love travel tips, lets swap.  Best airline goes to JetBlue. 

Welcome to Autumn: "October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter."

-Nova Bair 

Acrylic Art

     If you've spent 5mins reading blogs or jumping from one to the next you've probably come across MadeByGirl brainchild of Jen Ramos. You see first and foremost she is an artist, an awe inspiring, wish I could paint like that bonafide arrrteest. And not only am I jealous of her talent but Im dying to get my hands on nearly all of her work. 

   Her work's good.
   I want. Seriously.
   As soon as these 8x10 beauties
   are back in stock Im buying.

Are you much of an art critic? Share with me your picks!

Band-aid Please

Net-a-Porter at Night

Have you heard of Venessa Arizaga? I hadn't until 20 minutes ago. Thank god for Net-a-Porter and insomnia. She's described the collection as psychedelic beauty, and that it certainly is. Have a look at two of my favorite pieces.

wait for it... ....the close up.

Verdict? They're fun and delicious in a non-edible way (duh)... I would definitely want to be rocking either and or both of these pieces on El Dia de los Mortes aka Day of the Dead. Enjoy!

Graduation Confirmation

       You see there's this little stipulation that for required classes you have to earn a C- or better in order to receive credit for completing the class. I was a little worried about cutting it close, thank you very much Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. This would have left me with no diploma and having to deal with one large headache as to how I'd fix/correct the situation. Turns out I'm in the clear and it's official, I've graduated!

Thanks for everything Tallahassee!
XoXo

Blogging Business

      I've been contemplating ordering a blog template for awhile. Welllll, today I did it. It's coming courtesy of one of my favorite bloggers! Can not wait to debut the new look.  Here's a peek at her work, can you guess which one I choose?

P.S my five favorite blogs in no particular order:
Young House Love
The Love List
Sheridan French
Breakfast at Toast
A Cup of Jo

Image via pinterest 

Hair Play, Fare Play

     Okay, I'm a wee bit behind the wheel on this first one.. feathers. They. are. everywhere. At first I wasn't so sure. Then I noticed them everywhere and really really wasn't so sure. Now I'm kind of indifferent. I like the look and the idea behind it. The execution however often leaves much to be desired. Maybe it's because some girls are getting their feathers on the cheap cheap, but really, if you are considering a DIY version made from craft feathers via Michaels, DONT do it. It's not a good look no matter how many times you tell yourself otherwise.

     Feathers done appropriately and styled correctly however are another story. I'm hooked. In fact if I had just a little bit more boho/hippie dippie/ free spiritedness in me I'd already be feathered out. These pictures are perfect examples of exactly how to look like a rockstar while following the trend.

Call me crazy but I almost see an Olsen twin here. Full shot image includes over sized bag, clothes, multiple scarves, a venti coffee, and sunglasses. 

Trendy feathers looking chic in an up do? I think so! Sorry no celebrity resemblance here to report on.

      If that wasn't enough, have you heard about tie dying the tips of your hair? It's wonderful and fun and fearless when done correctly. And you see these rare cases of beautifully colored ends invoke legitimate hair envy on my part. Because true story my friends, I'm a brunette. Not much color can be added to all this brown. Correction- not much color can be successfully and/or tastefully added. 

Exhibit Number One: This is why I will not be adding color to my hair.  Let it be known that any resemblance to a Jersey Shore cast member is never a good thing.  Ever. 

Exhibit Number Two: This is why if you are blessed with golden locks you should add color to them immediately. P.S is there anything Lauren Conrad can't do successfully? Oh, the MTV paradox. 

     So that's it guys, how's your hair looking these days? Have you tried any of these new looks? Maybe you dabbled in the ombre trend? What does your hair care plan consist of?  Sticking to easy low maintenance routines, air dry, brush optional? That's my deal most days! Spill please so we can talk about it.

August Fortune

      Incase you haven't noticed... it is August...ALREADY! Gahhh. How'd it happen? Can someone please explain how and why time goes by so very quickly. Really, I would very much like an explanation! Here's what is on my mind as of late. You know with graduation and what to do with THE RESTTTT of my life looming ahead.

      Do you work well under pressure? Or maybe it stresses you the heck out? Generally I like working under pressure. You know, like waiting until the last minute to begin studying. But lately, it's not working for me, hehehe, both figuratively and literally. Well those are my thoughts and questions. 

Here's to August and the rest of sweet summer!

Moving Mayhem

     Days until I have to hand over the key to my apartment... 2.5. Number of boxes I have packed... 3.  Years I've spent here... 2. Thats 730 days, 4 full semesters, 2 football seasons, and a few cars. While here I've raised one rambunctious puppy who is now a year and a half old, painted 4 pieces of furniture, and decorated for nearly every holiday there is. Lots of memories in this here house, and I will certainly miss calling it home. But what I will take away from it most is the friends I've made. The complete stranger roommates whom I took a chance on and moved in with. Over the course of the past two years they have warmed their way into my heart and I am forever thankful for that.

     Okay this post is starting to get a little bit to sappy. I've got boxes to pack still people! What kind of mover and shaker are you? Sappy and sentimental? Gun's a blaze ready for what's to come? Or maybe you prefer to close your eyes, hire a moving company, and let the men work.  What ever your style is I think we can all agree on one thing, moving is stressful. So much so that I think I could use some ice cream to help me distress.

      
        Oh and because it's was so hard to pick my favorite football promo clip here are a few more for good measure. Enjoy! Is it weird that I get super giddy and excited watching these? Nope, I'm just a diehard fan after all.  

Savannah Summer

     There I go again with those wonderful title alliterations. I've never been a frequent poster but lately Bloggers really taken a back seat. I so sorry to all my avid readers, hehehe wait, I'm pretty much my only reader. But I digress... Summers been all to short. Really can you believe it's almost over? I was in walmart the other day and they already had school supply list out! CRAAAZY.

      I had a birthday this month, it was stressful. Between school ending, having to pack up and move back home, and this overwhelming feeling of having to have my life all figured out I wasn't really in the celebrating mood. AT ALL.  This is what I felt like, no joke.

      Despite all this, my mom drove up to visit me for the weekend and we took a road trip to Savannah. It was beyond beautiful. Since moving to Tallahassee four years ago I've slowly but surely fallen in love with the south, red clay hills, magnolias and live oaks, moss, football, and sweet tea. Savannah just solidified my love for life in the south. We drove up on Saturday morning, stopping for breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe, if you have one in your area and have yet to go, do it. Everything, and I repeat everything is delish! 

      We stayed at The Gastonian, charming doesn't even begin to describe it. For starters how about breakfast made in house every morning, wine, teas, and hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon, and dessert in the evening. This wouldn't have been the weekend to start a diet. The room we stayed in had exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and a claw foot tub. Heaven? Yep. Basically the entire weekend was wonderful, hands down our favorite meal was at Circa 1875. Have you heard about the arm party trend? Well this was a party in my mouth. Pictures to follow if my mom can figure out how to send them to me. We've already tried once, I received 35 thumbnail sized images. Awesome. 

       Anyone else making last minute vacation plans or celebrating a birthday? Hope everyone's able to enjoy the last few weeks of summer! 

Justice and the American Way

     We all have our opinions of todays verdict, for the sake of not delving into a semi-political rant I'll leave it at this...

 "Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere". MLK

Equal and Equality

     With the fourth just around the corner I couldn't help but start doing a little recon work for an aptly themed post. Which then of course brought me to focusing on more than just red, white, and blue. So for a moment lets think about all we have to be thankful for as a nation.

And because a post about patriotism surely is not complete without an honest Abe appearance, take it away wise one...

      Homefront update: tube of mascara fell to the floor sometime during the day, Elizabeth found it. It didn't stand a chance. On the upside she managed to color in a few of her grays. What has your little one (2 or 4 legs) destroyed recently? Anyone else check this website? It's good for a few laughs. 

Lizard King

    That just might be a reference to Mr. Hendrix, I also may or may not have a father who lived through WoodStock... or I could just be referring to my four legged daughter. I've had a few of these pictures sitting in my phone gallery for nearly a year. It's time I share them.

This was the day I brought the baby home.  My roommate has small child like size 5 feet. Little Liz fit in her rainboot with room to spare. I wish I had more puppy pictures, sad face.

We've gone through several exploratory phases, pulling the toilet paper as far as we can ranks right up there with jumping into the bath tub, water or no water. My lizard is a spunky one, that's for sure.

This last one is more recent.


We may be little but that doesn't stop us from enjoying toys of all sizes. Yes, Elizabeth somehow is able to sink her teeth into full size tennis balls. She looks like a stuffed pig when she carries it around. (mental image: pig with apple in mouth on table at royal feast)







I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the "lower animals" (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man.  I find the result humiliating to me.  
Mark Twain, Letters from the Earth, 1907

Calypso Crazy

      Perhaps you've heard... Calypso St. Barth just did a fabulous collection for Target. I grabbed a few pieces for myself. But wait it gets better, currently the designer is having a summer sample sale- meaning you can get gorgeous items from their website for more than 50% off!! Take for example this beautiful dress...

Same dress different color combinations. 

Original Price: $295, Sample Sale Price: $114

And that my friends is a sale worth sampling! 

Tell me, any other sales out there I need to know about? I know I'm not the only one who LOOOVES a good deal/steal! Hope everyone has a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend for themselves. P.S I'm suppose to be studying right now...not happening. 

This is Not a Moist Towelette

     It's nearly midnight of course now is not only the correct time to be searching and drooling over beach towels but blogging about it as well. Okay in a dream world I'd stock the pool house/cabana (dream world, remember?) full of these Hermes beauties.

Exhibit 1.

  
     Unfortunately this is not my fantasy world and there is no rationalizing a $530 ( yes, you read that right. 5 100 dollar bills + 3 10 dollar bills) beach towel. None what so ever. I've tried thinking of a million excuses. I live in Florida, I'll use it a lot. Nope.  I have however convinced myself that a $65 beach towel is far more posable and yet still a luxury.  Because we all know Targets got plenty of towels to take home for $12.99. Behold my newest obsession.

Exhibit 2.

     These Chance Co. towels are too fun, seriously, who doesn't love a little printed attitude, RESERVED. How's that for a message? and SPF 10,000? Really, I'm in love with a beach towel, and because I had to know, La Piscine means the pool... in french, how chic.  Yep, you sure did guess it, La Plage means the beach in french, things just sound infinitely cooler in french. And now that it is well past midnight I am off to sleep. This post originated after seeing this on matchbook. I couldn't stop looking at the pictures. P.S good thing I looked over the original post, we almost just had two posts on the same subject with the same title. no bueno. Is there anything you're coveting this summer? Towels? A Panama hat? New swimsuits? Tell me and tell me all of it. 

Fathers Day Find

     Father's Day is coming up and yesterday I found the perfect card. It's no surprise I'm an etsy fan. Remember this post? Well it's happened again. I found something I had to have.  Enter the beautiful shop of Wit and Whistle

     I know the fam. will get a kick out of it, especially because we have an on going joke that goes something like this...

For yeeeears and yeeeears I'd ask my parents who they loved more, It was incomprehensible to me that like they always said, they loved my sister and I equal. I even took it so far as to state that I know you've loved me longer, since of course, I'm older. Once I told them (at age 4) that the years before my sissy arrived were the "best four years of my life".  It's okay though I can proudly say that today 17 years after her arrival I've accepted her as part of our family. Just kidding, I accepted the fact that she was staying somewhere around year 10. Needless to say I love my sis and my whole family for that matter.  

     Now I just need to pick out a gift. What are you getting your dads? Golf clubs? Grilling things? Boy toys? Spill.

Paradise Preview

I need to stop coming up with these title alliterations, their getting cornier and cornier.

With that being said. I'm a bubble bath girl, so much so that bubbles or not I'd still take a bath over a shower any day. Nothing and I mean nothing beats relaxing in the tub after a looooong day. Siting and soaking some how seems to make the world and all your troubles fade away.

With out further ado, and in honor of my favorite hygiene ritual: Bathrooms that will make the staunchest shower lover weak in the knees.  

Welcome to my lake house, do you need to shower after a day out doors?
I've got the perfect place for you to do so.

Claw foot tub- check, Wide plank floors- check,
Make shift ladder for storrage- check. 

Okay pretend daughter it's bath time then bed

Um, hello? Grown up heavenly bathroom of my dreams?
 I've found you.

There you have it, a peak into my crazy make believe bath obsessed brain.

Images found off pinterest.  

Better in Blue

1. 2.

    

      Todays post started out as another Heat inspiration outfit, which led to too many sites and too many choices. Before I knew it these beauties are what I had my eyes on. So much for team spirit. I have these awesome shoes in kelly green. I love them very much. The earrings, however, I do not currently own and at almost 200 buck-a-roo's they're slightly expensive. Maybe I can sneak my mom's credit card when she's not looking. Just kidding I would never do that. Actually, in all truth, I have it written down and stored on my computer for "emergencies". The green version of these where indeed an emergency. Did I really just confess to that? Yikes.
    
    Also, Please ignore the first 1. and 2. inside my pretty picture box as those were the original links which now don't work due to multiple edits on my little computer. One day I'll have this down to the science that it is.

     Hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend and continues to enjoy the few hours that are left of it. Confession numero dos of the day, this is my last semester at school, final 11 credit hours. Schedule equals class on Tuesdays and Thursday only. I have four day weekends every week, please don't hate me.  

Heat Chic

The Miami Heat are in the NBA Finals and hate as you might but I for one am excited! Incase you find yourself invited to watch the trifecta kick some booty here's some outfit inspiration. All items except for the t-shirt are from net-a-porter, t-shirt is from NBAstore. Please forgive me for not saving the original links. This is my first time doing this, I'm stillllll learning and working out kinks. 

Is anyone else rooting for the Heat or maybe the Mavs? Nothing like a little friendly competition! Or maybe you've created outfits for sporting events in the past, do share, i'd love to hear all about it! 

Memories for Memorial Day

     Besides officially being able to wear white, we have so much to be thankful for this wonderful weekend. Thank your red white and blue stars that we live where we live! May this weekend bring you all rest and relaxation.  I plan on taking a trip to a local state garden with the pup for some fresh air and a leisurely stroll. What are you all planning and preparing for? Here's hoping for great weather and even greater memories with those we love!

...and now for your viewing pleasure an artfully curated collection of red, white, and blue.

Burn, Baby, Burn

I've contemplated at great length whether I agree or disagree with this sentiment, 

     Today the verdicts in and I've decided to whole heartedly embrace it. May the bridges I burn light the way. And, so it goes. May I continually keep my little feet moving towards happiness. It's not ignoring the past but acknowledging that it did not work. There's a lesson to be learned here I just haven't fully wrapped my head around it yet. Other than to say the past is the past and with any luck it'll help deliver you to your future. 

     On a lighter note, here's another image I've had saved for a while. I had head lice as a child and after sitting through hours upon hours of searching for lice I vowed to never brush my hair again. Of course this hasn't exactly worked out, but,  it is a rare occasion that I pick up a hair brush. For years my mom referred to it as the dumpster diver look, a la Mary Kate and Ashley with their huuuuge bags, 2 sizes to large clothes, and, well, messy hair. 

I happen to like it, it makes life easier. So there mom, take that! 

Pretty Pencils

     Alright ladies and gentlemen time to get rid of all those unsightly plastic (read, not earth friendly) mechanical pencils. Today I found an answer to all our written word needs. Drum roll pleaseeeee, welcome the wonderful company that is Paper Pastries. They have a fabulous etsy shop, where I ordered my babies from and an even more fabulous  blog featuring a larger selection of all their products. So what am I eagerly awaiting to show up in my mailbox you ask? These babies,

      How ridiculously fun are these pencils?! Maybe it's the geek in me but I really am super excited about these.  I've got one more semester left at school and I plan to use them ALOT! Here are a few other fun options. Planning ahead for Valentines Day 2012? Got a friend that's a pro in the kitchen? These will be just what you've been looking for. 

Did anyone out there already know about this super fun/creative company? Hope I'm not the last to find out! P.S looks like recently their kitchen themed pencil set has been featured in House Beautiful and a few other large scale magazines. How exciting for them! Are there more small businesses out there like this I'm missing out on? Please share. 

Harry, Scary

In honor of THE BIGGEST WEDDING OF THE YEAR...

All joking aside, I am very excited to watch this modern day fairy tale take center stage in a few short hours. Soon to be Princess Kate is so naturally beautiful, girl just seems to have it ALL and then some! I've shed tears watching the countless specials being broadcast nonstop, I'm sure tomorrow will be no different. Is anyone else planning on watching? I've heard stories of girls having watch parties! 

Forget 2012, Toemageddon is Upon Us!

Confession- once upon a time I use to read Perez religiously.  I've since backed off and frequent the site now only occasionally. But, when I do make time to read Perez I always check out whats going on with his sister site, cocoperez. Similar concept except less rumors and gossip, more she/he wore this content. So, when I came across this post, featuring queen Jenna, I my curiosity got the best of me. For those of you who are not already in the know on this HUGE gigantic news worthy topic (can you sense the sarcasm).... apparently a J.Crew mailer came out last week featuring Jenna and her 5 year old son. Except his toe nails were painted pink. Ohhh the outrage! Can you believe it?! Come on people, get over it. Stop analyzing every little thing and trying to make everything some sort of a political statement.

This John Stewart clip summarizes the entire incident perfectly in my opinion. It's a bit long, almost 6 minuets, but well worth it, and as always Jon brings the laughs by the bucket load.






P.S what about those Trident commercials where the big sister puts make up on the little brother, and then when mom asks what are you guys doing she responds brushing our teeth. Why hasn't this ad caused as much outrage?

Just my two cents. Does anyone agree with me, or maybe you think the pink polish was in poor taste? Whatever your opinion I'd love to hear your side!

Wise Words

I have a strong admiration for all things that embody Americana, needless to say I like Mark Twain a lot, a lot. I think this quote is wonderful. Im a worry wart- personally, this helps me worry less and smile more, and smiles are always a welcomed thing. Image via Tumblir. 

Music Music Mondays

     Today culminated in a spontaneous trip to Target. Oh Target how I love thee. First a quick review of todays treasures. 1) A gorgeous gorgeous blue/navy blue paisley print bandeau bikini... it gets even better , the combined price for both top and bottom... $25 + tax. Score! 2) Blue and white thick vertical striped beach/pool towel. Price? $6.99 Definitely taking this baby in to get embroidered. Kelly green? Yellow? Orange? Can't decide. Scratch the orange... NEVER NEVER EVER will I sport gaytor colors! 3) and 4) Adele's CD 21 and the Mumford and Sons CD Sigh No More. Oh music to my ears, literally! So much for a quick run down, could have left the tangent on school spirit out I suppose. But lets talk music.

     I've read numerous posts from some of my favorite blogs (thelovelist, I'm talking about you here baby!) about these two artist recently, and they constantly receive rave reviews. Plus, through in one stellar Grammy performance and I'm game. So true to form I tip my hat to them as everyone before me has. Such a welcome change from whats on the radio these days. Honest, and pure, talent. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a little Ke$ha every now and then, but, primarily because I once read that she aced her SAT! Can you imagine? A 1600, coming from that girl! Just goes to show you, can't judge a book by its cover.  What else is everyone listening to these days? I would love to hear suggestions, recommendations, and things to stay far far away from, or of course you could tell me all about the  fabulous items you've recently brought home!

P.S.- I searched high and low, unfortunately target.com strikes out today because they seem to only have every other beach towel and bathing suit they carry in store listed except mine!! Err, go figure! Minus 1 for your target! I expected more out of you.

XO,
Jenn

Made

Two things: Madewell, Emersonmade. If I could I would buy everything they offer.

Announcement, Announcement

     Some of my very favorite blogs share a few things in common. One of these things being a personal element, you know, things like family happenings, babies, dogs anything that could be categorized as warm and mushy.  So today I announce the introduction of my four legged +1. Her name is Elizabeth Grace. She is roughly 5 1/2 lbs. Do not let her small stature fool you, she is one tough cookie. She can hang with the big guys like its nobodies business. Literally! My amazing roommates have a 60 lb pit bull. Lizzy isn't phased. She'll jump in her big sisters mouth and bite her cheeks without a care in the world. Sometimes I call her Lizzard, she is a world class lizzard hunter. Our housekeeper at home associates names with famous people and thus has taken to calling her Elizabeth Taylor or just Taylor. I am positive she has never watched an episode of SATC in her life, unless of course they've recently starting playing a translated version on Telemundo. Fate. Liz is my cuddle buddy when no one else is there.  Coming soon, some of our adventures in puppy land, because with this little one and her large and in charge sis it's never a dull moment.

oh I love my lizzard sooooo much, she can always make me smile.