Happy Friday! I am testing out new names for my weekend links post so you may notice that right off the bat. Just like blogging, it's always trial and error. What I thought I liked, sounded right, or looked good changes all the time. I am still finding my "blog mojo" if you will so bear with me!

This is my last weekend before the big move, and while I feel like I should be stressing I feel very calm (so not like me). So in the spirit of being cool, calm, and collected I will spare you packing details and move on to some links.

Nine year old me died and went to heaven when I saw my favorite childhood show's leading men have this awesome reunion with Andy Cohen.

I know I shouldn't but I compare myself to other bloggers all the time and thought I was the only one who was getting less comments these days, but Design Sponge really nailed it with her post on the current blog climate.

Wouldn't this custom map be the most amazing gift for your special someone, bestie, or family member? I love how Evelyn Henson's colorful art becomes a very personal memento.

You know what I love? Brunch. You know what kind of brunch really amps me up? Mexican brunch. I have had brunch on the brain all week, especially coming up with things I can make at home. These huevos rancheros look to ahMAZING and I'm looking forward to attempting them.

Oh that clever Mrs. Lilien has done it again, only this time it's with DIY teeth whitening! 

Tuckernuck has some fantastic finds, but this dress takes the cake. I am obsessed and have to make it mine somehow.

Have a great weekend, see you all next week! xx

{iamge via}

Signature Scents

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

I'm not very adventurous when it comes to new scents. I like to stick to my go to old standards (Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey) and don't veer off those very often. But lately, I have been dying to get a new signature scent that I will love as much as Jo. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black has me really intrigued but might me too masculine for me. I really love grapefruit and as on of the main scents in Tory Burch's scent I think it could be a match. Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay... no need to elaborate.  

While all these bottles are stunning and would look lovely on any surface (hello AERIN!), I need to fine one that works for everyday that I love and Danny doesn't hate. He has very strong opinions about my dry shampoo and may or may not tell me I smell like a new diaper. I will most likely over think and flip flop on my decisions, but I think I am leaning toward the timeless classic scent of gardenia barring any complications. If you have any favorites you would be willing to share I would love to hear from you!

Best of Pinterest 1/29/14

Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite pins of recent with you all! I have been on a real pinning kick lately and with that has come some major board organization and creation. There are some great images, projects, recipes and quotes that really inspire me when I am not always feeling the flow of creative juices.

To see all of these pins, and more check out my Pinterest boards here. I'd love to check yours out too! Leave me a message or tweet me your page info so we can be Pin Pals!

1-24-14

Brrr it's been one cold week in DC. I'm typically a fan of winter, but this arctic chill has me dreaming of a warm destination equipped with a plush lounge chair for soaking up rays.

One of my resolutions this year was to get and stay on a vitamin regimen, but honestly have no clue where to start. This vitamin and supplement cheat sheet from Goop has already debunked some of my confusion.

I am moving into a new apartment next month and have started thinking about what to put on those lovely uber-white rental walls. As a native Marylander, I love this blue crab watercolor print by Laura Tevey.

While trolling Instagram I came across an awesome agate cuff from a company called Gussied.

I need this top, it's everything.

I always loved the idea of a signature cocktail, but I'm pretty fickle and change my mind all the time on what I prefer to drink. However, if I were to pick one it would surely be this (sub gin for vodka in my case). 

Love the idea of a homemade roast chicken, but want it to make it a million times easier? Me too. I think I definitely need to try this crockpot lemon garlic chicken.

Have an amazing weekend!

{image via}

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7


How is it only Wednesday? This week seems to be dragging, but these colorful items on my radar will put a little pep in any step.

It's hard to me to think of warmer temperatures with snow and arctic blasts, but this gorgeous clutch and coral nail polish are getting me excited for spring. I am always searching for the perfect multi-purpose striped shirt and I think I may have found it. These cleansing towelettes not only leave my face feeling clean, but the scent and cool feeling of them are the perfect pick me up. I may be the last one to the party, but I simply have to have a pair of these Kendra Scott earrings. I seem to be missing quite a few thongs recently (maybe the dryer ate them?) so I need to pick up some of my faves. Last but certainly not least, I am obsessed with this long pearl and tassel necklace from Gold and Gray. I would eat ramen for a month just to have this pretty around my neck.

Blog Round Up

If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for great new blogs to read. While the world of blogging is somewhat over saturated, there are tons of really well done blogs that I look at daily that not only entertain and inform, but also inspire me. Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite blogs and bloggers.

Waiting on Martha. Mandy may be the nicest well known blogger out there. She always tweets back, and is most gracious when receiving compliments. WOM has fabulous curated content and gorgeous pictures from the writer's many styled shoots. Bonus points: she has an online shop full of amazing goodies!

Mrs. Lilien. This MRS really knows how to live a styled life, but never takes herself too seriously. She is funny, glamorous, and has some really awesome beauty DIYS. Mrs. Lilien will keep you in the know, and laughing the whole time she does it.

Nicole's Guide to Style. Nicole has a knack for beautiful home decor items, fun accessories, and great investment pieces (for your closet and makeup bag). I get a lot of inspiration for decorating my spaces from this lady.

Style Me Swanky. I came across Megan's blog by chance, and I am really glad I did. Out of the many blogs I read, Megan's blog strikes me as very relatable. When I read it, I feel like I'm reading the work of one of my friends. Oh did I also mention she blogs in and around my favorite city? Reading about my dream location, Charleston makes everything more enjoyable!

Turquoise and Teale. Ashley is a fellow Southern Blog Society member. Just like Megan's blog, I find I can relate well to her and her content. Ashley blogs about things I would blog about, and has a similar set of interests as I do. I love checking out new recipes and what's currently on her "radar."

I do follow a ton of other blogs, and I think they are all great in their own rite. Blogs serve as platforms for inspiration, dialogue, and help me to create better content for my own blog. I love coming across new blogs so if you have any that you particularly like please please send them my way!

{image via}

TGIF! This week has thankfully flown by, but being out of town for work has me craving my weekend at home. 

I keep seeing commercials for a new show from Bravo about Charleston, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I am REALLY looking forward to it.

Since skincare was one of my resolutions I started looking into ways to better care for my skin at home. I am really looking forward to trying this at home peel from Mrs. Lilien. I like the idea of all natural ingredients with major potency. 

We have had some seriously gross weather, I'm talking cold and rainy. The chill and rain makes me want something comforting other than soup and I'm pretty sure this shepherd's pie would do the trick.

Sometimes I think I should have it all figured out by now, or at least my path/purpose. After reading this quote, I felt a little better about my lack of direction.

Last weekend I got hooked and Netflix binged on The Following and season two starts this Sunday! If you are looking for a new show (albeit sometimes a little violent) I highly recommend it.

Last but not least, the quality of my sleep has left something to be desired if you will. I am definitely going to try this short nighttime yoga routine for better sleep. It can't hurt, and anything make those z's count a little more is just fine in my book.

Have a great weekend!

{image via}

Gilded Glory

Target is literally killing it these days in terms of their home decor. The Threshold and Nate Berkus lines have really upped the anty in terms of style, function, and budget. Pictured above are some of my favorite items in gold tones that would jazz up any space!

Since this was my first week back to work in a VERY long time, I need this weekend more than ever! Here are some things on my radar for the weekend.

I just finished this book, and although it was really disturbing I couldn't put it down. I'm looking for another book that will grab my attention just as quickly, and thinking this one should be next.

Rather than fight the resolutioners at my building's gym, I think I could pop in this baby and get acclimated back into working out. I am also going to try out this "lazy tv workout" that can be done in front of the couch... pathetic or genius?

I'm in a food rut and NEED to try some new, hopefully light recipes. I'm thinking this and this would be great places to start. 

There is a lot of great content out there on starting off the new year, but none hit home for me as much as Mandy's post did. She really hits the nail on the head for those of us with delayed starts to the year. 

I really want to save more in general. Eating in and not shopping as much will definitely help, but this neat little saving schedule for putting aside a little extra each week has an awesome year end result!

Wellness can be a really daunting challenge, but I think I will start by going over these rules again to remind myself that it doesn't have to be a huge obstacle.

While we all scour the internet, blogs, and Pinterest for inspiration I thought I could add my two cents with this quote that resonated with me.

Have a great weekend!

{image via}

A Very Bad Habit

I have a really bad habit. It's been going on my entire life, and although I've wanted to improve upon it for many years I simply haven't. My terrible habit is that I am horrible at taking care of my skin, especially my face. I go to sleep without washing my face or taking my makeup off, pick at blemishes, and probably overuse my Clarisonic. In short, my skin looks dull and very "meh." 

Keeping all of this in mind I went in search of some solution to brighten up my skin and improve it's overall appearance without breaking the bank. While searching on Pinterest, I cam across the Bare Escentuals 7-Day Skin Detox Mineral Brightening Peel and immediately looked into it. What appeals to me is that I use Bare Minerals already so I know how gentle it can be on my sensitive, crappy skin. Also, the $75 price point seemed fairly reasonable compared to high-end products running over $160. I picked the set up over the weekend, and can't wait to try it out (hopefully I'll report back good things!). 

I am really to amp up my skin care regimen so if anyone has suggestions on products they love please send them my way!

Ok, Lets Talk

First, let me apologize for going M.I.A for the past two months. I could tell you the various reasons I did, but that's not too important other than to say that I was overwhelmed in general and couldn't give the blog the time it needed. I thought no one would notice my absence from the blogging world, but thanks to a little pep talk from a reader I didn't know I had (thank you Lauren Ross) I feel like I am ready to get back at it.

The next order of business is to say Happy 2014! I like to take the first week or so of the year to figure out my goals and resolutions for the year. Like many bloggers out there I came up with a huge list of things I would like to improve, change, or do in the new year. I haven't felt especially motivated, but maybe the blog will be just the right tool to help me stay focused and accountable for what I want to achieve. So today I wanted to share some things I have on my 2014 agenda, and I would love to hear some of your goals and resolutions too!

Work on my posture! This is no joke. I am legitimately worried of becoming a hunchback due to my desk job and am seriously considering one of these.

Pick up a creative hobby/ do more DIYs and craft projects like this one. I would really like to learn how to sew and I'd also like to try my hand at calligraphy (I'm thinking of getting one of these fun kits to try it out).

I want to get healthy. Yes this is repetative. Yes everyone wants this too. But I am at the point where I need to do it. I'm not happy about the way I look in pictures and I think it would do be a world of good to get some confidence back. I'd like to get back into a routine of working out, eating right, and cooking at home.

Be a better friend. I want to spend more time working on the friendships I have and making those last. We all get caught up, but a few minutes can most definitely be found to reconnect. I'd also like to make new friends, but that proves to be challenging the older I get.

What are your hopes for the new year? 

image via