Curly Q

My mom just bought me this, Conair You Curl, curling rod today. Some of my cousins use it and it looks wonderful, so I thought I'd give it a try. It's priced at $44.99 on the Conair website, but I'm sure you could find it cheaper on Amazon.

This is how it works, you wrap sections around and hold them in place with the narrow side facing down. It's a little more complicated than it looks and definitely requires a protective heat glove.

...and here's how it's supposed to turn out. I doubt that mine will look this good, but one can hope. I plan on attempting to use it for New Years Eve, so I'll post a picture of the results. Wish me luck!!

Kitchen Inspiration

Pointed spazzalato leather flats, $263

Deux Lux Corduroy Backpack, $30
AJ Morgan Women's Thelma Round Sunglasses, $20
Rug: Tile Jaipuri 6x9, $750
Chairs: Ikea HENRIKSDAL, $90
Vase: Ikea BLOMSTER, $25
Shelf: Ikea EKBY J, $23
Curtains: Ikea RITVA, $20

Plant: IKEA PS FEJ, $20
Wall Art - Decor: - At Home, $8.95
Table Plant: GRAPEFRUKT, $7.99
Glass Jars: SLOM, $2.99
Mug: IKEA 365+, $2.99
Dining Table: Ikea BJURSTA, $199
Amazon.com: Penguin Classics Hardcover Collection 15 Books..., $250
Industrial Metal Iron Glass Pendant Light Iron Lighting Kitchen Bar...
Blue-paint-color-swatch - Coastal Living-Color-Blue-White -...

This kitchen concept is lovely. I wanted to do another room design like my Around the House post, but this time with something light, airy, and a little eclectic. I love the table's light wood and the grey fabric on the chairs. The collection of books gives a whimsy pop of color that matches nicely with the light blue walls. And who doesn't love a nice piece of statement art? I know I do. Now what about you...What does your dream kitchen look like??

Watching The Ball Drop

Glitter Christmas Lipsy Dress, $90
Satin Trim Babydoll Tunic, $65
Embellished Chiffon Tunic..., $59
Womens Heels, $60
Betsey Johnson - Betsey Paris Bow Ring, $41
Mixed Bangle Pack, $14
Christmas Earrings, 3 EUR
cashmere scarf -Lands' End., $48

With New Years Eve just around the corner, it's about time we started looking for pretty dresses to wear. I've already purchased mine, it can be seen in my Black Friday post, and I can't be more excited about it. These dresses are equally fabulous. I chose three different ones, for a pretty, glamorous, or sexy look for the night. I selected the perfect accessories to go with all of them. What about you...do you have special plans or a special dress for New Years??

Absolutely Adele

I LOVE this girl, and can't wait until her new album, 21, to come out on February 22. Adele has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, it has a retro and sultry vibe that just gets me.

When Parents Text

The website, When Parents Text, is my new favorite. Sometimes it's a difficult transition for parents to learn new technology and keep up with their crazy kids. We might as well reap the benefits of their struggles. Check it out!!

p.s. shout out to my cousin Sara for telling me about it!

EXAMPLE #1:

MOM:	Can you please call me when you need to be picked up! Don’t do anything stupid! :-)8
ME:	What is that emoticon?
MOM:	bowtie man! He doesn’t do anything stupid

EXAMPLE #2:

MOM:	Hey! Check out the birthday greeting I put up on your brother’s FB!
ME:	Okay.
ME:	It just says, “Happy birthday!”
MOM:	Yeah. I though it would be nice.

EXAMPLE #3:

MOM:	Hi honey please stop using so much vodka for your pasta recipes we dont have any left XO mom

EXAMPLE #4:

MOM:	I’m on twitter now. I tweet all day!
MOM:	ooo laaa laaa, JLO is making chicken parm tonight. mmmm
ME:	I hope this is a joke.
MOM:	twitter me! everyone is following me everywhere

Floral Stripes

Striped jersey tank, $54
Splendid Lurex-flecked striped tank, $63
Overdyed Stripe Tee, $50
Lace Stripe Raglan Crop Tee, $49
J Crew - Drapey stripe tank - Warm Caramel, $38
Basic Stripe Pocket Blouse, $35
Black Spot and Floral Print Roll Sleeve Tee, 33 GBP
Mia Spaced Floral Brushed Top, $30
Daytrip Floral Print Crinkle Tank Top, $24
FULL TILT Floral Screen Womens Top, $22
Miso Floral Cropped Top, 20 GBP

Today, I wanted to add a pop of color into your lives. There's no easier way to do it than with a bright, fun top. These shirts spoke to me just begging to be worn. I think they are the perfect cure for the dreary winter blues that will be setting in any day now.

Brilliant Beauties

This is another Etsy post and for that, I'm sorry, but there's just so much good stuff on the site!! I'm spotlighting the Brilliance Found shop today. Their jewelry is to die for, and completely unique. I've never seen anything like some of the pieces in their collection. I could literally see myself wearing every piece. Check out some of my favorites.

Fred Flare

Have you heard about Fred Flare?? It's fantastic!! The quirk, variety, and tounge-in-cheek nature of the goods are endless. It is the perfect place to find a present for that one person who you know, but not well, and it's always a struggle to find them the right gift. Or for your best friend because you know she's the only one who fully appreciates faux bacon band aids. These are just a few things that I loved.

(p.s. they also have AMAZING clothes and accessories!)

A Very Little Download

Free Christmas Music!!!! Alternative versions of some oldies, and a few newbies to fall in love with. Click here to download the free album from Little Monster Studio. Enjoy! You're welcome... Love you too!

Swak-gger

I have a strong affinity for knit stocking hats. It probably started when my sister, Jill learned how to make them. She went a little crazy and probably made 60 in one year. So, needless to say, I have quite a few. Now I've taken to commissioning her to make special ones, and buying them elsewhere. I stumbled across Swakdesigns's page on Etsy, and fell in love. Check these out..

Priced: $32-$48

Couture Consultation

Old Navy Women Plus Denim-Look Leggings, $13
Dolce Vita Braeden, $131
Hobo International In The Bag Aubergine Summit Leather - Zappos.com..., $268
Mesh surround ring, 7.50 GBP
Boucles d’oreilles ajourées avec stras, $3.80
Barneys New York Solid Fringe Scarf, $295
BKE Skinny Belt, $11
Old Navy Mens Patterned Dress Shirts, $20

One Night in Tokyo Dress, $50
Soft Serenade Cardigan, $45
Tights for Every Occasion in Family Dinner, $15
Dolce Vita Braeden, $131

Two Tone Zip Top Satchel.Kania, $69
Peacock Feather Bracelet Cream, 9 GBP
FALLING LEAVES NECKLACE, $17

I was asked by a good friend to do a look incorporating these gorgeous grey boots. She is a teacher, so she wanted something that was work appropriate. I did one look that was casual. I love wearing men's dress shirts, especially when paired with a skinny belt. I chose ''jeggings'' for a more sleek look, but skinny jeans would suffice. The second option is a bit more dressy. Any casual little black dress with an oversized cardigan will do. I love the color of this one. I'm also seriously considering ordering the beautiful bracelet.

Comfy Casual

Bassike Circle organic cotton top, $75
Oversized Center Seam Vneck Top, $49
Cole Haan Women's Astrid Ballet Flat, $81
Tianni Zoe Satchel, $90
Disney Couture wooden stump ring, $36
FULL TILT Metal Teardrop Earrings, $3.97
Collection XIIX 'Manor - Paisley' Scarf, $58
black supersoft jegging, $48

Don't you just want to wear leggings and an oversized top everyday? I do. I love this outfit because it still maintains a sense of class. The scarf has several pops of color that enables it to go with virtually anything. The ring is from the Disney Couture collection. Who would have thought that a log stump could look so cool...

Burberry Brit

I have wanted this, Brit Eau de Toilette perfume for probably about two years now. The smell is powdery, slightly fruity, and completely lovely. I've even taken to getting free samples of it from the generous workers at Sephora. I have no idea why I never just broke down and bought it. It probably would be the perfect Christmas gift for this year (hint hint).

Hip Tunes

I have been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember. I love how listening to a song has the ability to effect your whole mood. It's almost therapeutic for me. Here are some current favorites.

Charmed, I'm Sure

Jackie cardigan - J.Crew, $62
J.Crew - Dot flouncette blouse (navy), $98
J.Crew Microspun pocket tank - bronzed twig, $35
LA Harley Jeans, $95
Frye Kira Low Top Sneakers, $118
Hive and Honey Vintage Charm Bracelet, $40
Natasha Accessories Feather-Detail Headband, $32

Will someone please donate this entire outfit to me? Yes? Okay, thank you!

Pretty Things

I'm taking a page from my sister's book here and doing an Etsy spotlight. Her blog, Fabulous Fabulous, features sellers from the wonderful website and I've found a few pieces of art that are too pretty not to share.

These prints of crochet covered stones from Knitalatte are beautiful. What an original concept, they give off such a beachy vibe. Perfect for a white and tan bathroom.

$12 for an 8x10

How adorable are these prints?? They are from Jenskelly's exotic birds series. I think they would look lovely in a nursery.

$15 for a 5x7

I have a version of this Keep Calm and Carry On print framed in my bedroom now. I loved how Memorydust, backed this one with an old dictionary page. It would look so stately in an office.

$7 for an 8x10

How about you.. What type of art do you like? Have you started cultivating you collection?