Happy Valentine's Day!

My favorite flower from my favorite man. :)

A Kendra Scott Surprise

I was surprised by the UPS man today because I couldn't remember what, if anything, I had purchased.  Upon opening the box I was reminded...

Ever since I discovered Kendra Scott's jewelry I have been snatching it up like a bandit.  So much so that I'm pretty sure Lars thinks I'm going crazy.  Any time there's a sale... any time he's taking me out somewhere special... any time I get a few extra dollars... you can find me buying Kendra Scott jewelry - earrings especially.  There is just something great about affordable jewelry that you can color customize yourself or simply drop by and pick up an already made creation.  (It's nice for me - she has a shop on South Congress in town.)  If you need a pop of color or need to add a little more oomph to an outfit, I highly recommend checking her stuff out.  It's fun knowing that another girl may have the same style of earrings/necklace/cuff you're wearing, but she sure doesn't have it in your same color combo.  Go treat yourself to some new jewelry, and have fun at the Color Bar!

Lighting How I Love You

Even as a little girl I was always fascinated by beautiful lighting - lamps, chandeliers... it didn't matter as long as it had fringe and/or crystals.  My tastes have changed a bit as grow older, but I am still drawn to gorgeous lighting.  I firmly believe that not just the light given off, but an intriguing light fixture can completely transform a room into something fabulous.  Take a look for yourself.

                                                  modern living room design by tel aviv architect Amitzi Architects

                                            traditional dining room design by new york interior designer AMI Designs

                              eclectic living room design by san francisco interior designer Lizette Marie Interior Design

                           contemporary dining room design by san francisco interior designer Lizette Marie Interior Design

Tuesday Travels

I grew up traveling with my family all around North and South America.  I still haven't made it overseas with my family, but I was able to spend a few weeks in Switzerland a while back on a study/teach abroad trip.  I've come to realize that I am someone who simply has the travel bug - I would gladly go someplace new every few weeks.  I didn't really know that people didn't share my intense love of travel until I married Lars.  He likes to go new places, but it stresses him out and he'd just as well spend his time at home.  I thought I was a semi-homebody until I married him... just like he thought he liked avocados until he married me. :)

A meadow outside of Lucerne, Switzerland

Just like I start planing my dinner right after I've eaten breakfast, I start planning our next adventure typically as soon as one ends - sooner than that sometimes.  My travel bug is currently gnawing away inside me, and I find myself planning a new vacation at least once a day - comparing costs and trying to decide where we should spend our precious vacation time next.  I've decided that Tuesdays on here are going to be dedicated to traveling, both domestically and internationally.  This way, maybe you can dream about your next getaway along with me.  Stay tuned, and sweet (travel) dreams everyone.

Parliament building, Victoria, B.C.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm excited for this Super Bowl weekend, not because of football (who's playing again?) but because of the food and the time with good friends.  Plus, does anybody watch for anything other than the commercials anyway?  I hope y'all have somewhere fun to go Sunday afternoon... maybe even somewhere where you could bring a fancy pizza!

Isn't it great?!  You can find the recipe on the Pillsbury website or just click the picture above.  Have a safe and fun weekend!

My Love of Paper

In this digital, paperless age I have a confession... I love paper.  I would rather print things out than view them on a screen, I love to write little notes on cards and stationary, and I can't bring myself to buy a Kindle because I love the way books feel in my hands.  Sometimes I think I was meant for a simpler time in history... Lars hit a home run this Christmas and bought me thank you cards and monogrammed cards from Crane (in addition to the multiple books he bought me).  I'm telling you, it will be an extremely sad day if our world ever truly goes paperless.

I recently came across sparrownestscript, a company that specializes in calligraphy and eco-friendly paper goods such as cards and other stationary.  I'm all about paper, but I'm never about waste so I was ecstatic to find Emily and her lovely designs.

I ordered a card just the other day and received it yesterday in the mail.  I could not be happier with the quality of not only her calligraphy, but also of the card itself.  You can even order custom designs or sayings, and such a beautiful card would be a wonderful thing to give with Valentine's day coming up.  Whether you're sending a "Hello Love" card or a "Hello Friend" card, I know your loved ones would be delighted to receive a card via "snail mail".  Sometimes when we take the time to slow down and do or send something "old-fashioned" we just might make someone's day.

The Magic Jacket

I love cardigans.  I'm not sure why, but I always have, and I feel a strange connection to Mr. Rogers because of it.  Cardigans can easily change the look of a simple shell, plus they're really easy to throw on over almost anything.  Not too long ago though, I managed to find a blazer that fit me perfectly, and my world has been turned upside down.  This simple blazer is lightweight, grey, and was on super sale from Gap, and I quickly came to realize that it's magic.  I can wear my comfy Saturday clothes (read: skinny jeans and a casual shirt) to work, and with the blazer on I always have at least one person tell me how nice I look.  It's seriously like the blazer puts some spell on everyone else, and they only see the nice looking tailored jacket... like I'm the only one who knows that I'm wearing jeans and a slouch shirt.

I feel like I've figured out this secret that I'm not supposed to know.  How is it that I've gone years ironing dress pants every night before work when I could have just thrown on jeans and a blazer this whole time?! Clearly I don't work for a high powered firm where suits are required, but I certainly can't go into the office or meet clients looking like schlub either.  It's like I've figured out the secret to being continually comfortable at work, and I am all about being comfortable.  There is nothing that kills your confidence more that being uncomfortable in your clothes - at least for me there isn't. A (now) normal day at the office:

Work Wear by awmc56 featuring a pinstripe jacket

I'm beginning to build up my blazer collection slowly but surely, and I can't wait until I run across a perfectly fitting blazer in a beautiful jewel tone like this:

Red Blazer Work Wear by awmc56 featuring embroidery jeans

Isn't it fabulous?!  If you don't own a blazer, or if you swear by cardigans like me, I highly recommend finding a blazer that you love that fits your personality - it might just change your life.