finer feelings

winter: revisited

2012-02-13T16:50:00.000-06:00

First off, because it's on the forefront of my mind, J. Hud absolutely blew me away last night. What did you guys think? I was in tears halfway through the song. She has such poise and sent chills up and down my spine with her rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You. Now back to the topic....

Has everyone else noticed all the blogs about spring fashion that have popped up so early in 2012? I love rushing seasons...I'm the girl that wears flip flops when it's 50 degrees in March and dons chunky sweaters and boots if it hits 75 in August. And I'm all for planning ahead, getting inspiration boards updated, stalking the Spring catalogs and keeping a shopping list of the next season's must-haves in your planner.... but there's still probably another month of winter in Kansas City. Just look what we woke up to this morning:

via Instagram @monicarosekc

As previously mentioned, I tend to leave the house in neutral and darkcolors, especially in the winter. This was true yet again this season, but I'mdetermined to give my wardrobe a whole new look to last through the end of winter and will transform in to spring, with a minimal amount of purchases. My strategy is to only add bright pieces to my closet... Here are some of my favorite finds:

H&M orange dress: $49.95

Wear it now: with a blazer and boots

In the spring: as shown, with espadrilles

Old Navy cap toe canvas ballet flats: $22.94

Wear it now: with your favorite skinny jeans and chunky sweater

In the spring: with shorts (preferably patterned) and a thin sweater

ASOS lace waisted dress: $35.81

Wear it now: with tights and ankle booties

In the spring: with a super bright cardi

kate spade new york julianna flats: $75

Wear it now: with opaque tights and a dress

In the spring: as a surprise pop of color under your maxi skirt

Gap colorblock button shoulder sweater: $44.95

Wear it now: with jeans and a patterned button-up shirt underneath

In the spring: with a mini skirt! Or I do like the white jeans Gap chose to style it with....

La Mer neon simple wrap watch: $88

Wear it now: peeking out from sweaters

In the spring: as a statement piece on a bare arm

Marc by Marc Jacobs bob's memphis trip pochette: $298

And in a perfect world I'd be able to afford this disgustingly adorable bag...... but hey - the rest of the pieces are all within a 20-something's discretionary (post-tax refund) budget.

That's all for today, I hope everyone had a great start to their work week!

weekend plans

2012-02-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

TGIF times a million! I am so excited for this weekend. I have zero plans other than cookie baking, and couldn't be more thrilled. I'm hoping to get some good cleaning/reorganizing in, write a bunch of blog posts (NYFW!), snuggle up with my Kindle, and celebrate a good friend's birthday via brunch on Sunday!

I think this Andy Warhol quote will be my motto for the next two days....

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Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Whatever they are, I hope you enjoy it!

pretty packaging

2012-02-08T12:39:00.003-06:00

Is everyone getting ready for Valentine's day? I love it. Always have, probably always will. I don't get so much in to the nice dinners and flowers. I just love the idea of celebrating the ones you love.

Last year I had quite the Valentine's day surprise.... I was working at my horrible ex-job when I got a call from the security desk saying I had a package. Blue Eyes isn't really the type for romantic surprises, so I was pretty perplexed. Once I got to the desk, I saw a beautiful plate full of heart-shaped sugar cookies, decorated perfectly with cute x's and o's, polka dots and a lot of purple! My sweet friend Stasia had made these delicious (and literally perfect looking) cookies and surprised me with the special delivery! I wish I still had the picture so you guys could see them... I just dug through my old tweets but apparently the old Blackberry (RIP) wasn't capable of doing that back then. Anyway, ramble ramble..... More on all this next week, but Stasia and I have a date to make the cookies this weekend, so you'll get to see what we come up with this year!

So now I'm trying to figure out how I want to package the cookies and other V-Day presents I have in store for some lucky loves. Here's what I'm thinking:

via

I'm madly crushing on this orange and pink wrapping paper from Paper Source.

via

This idea to use glassine envelopes for treats is adorable, just add stickers! Thanks Martha Stewart.

via

This is so simple and feminine, and all available at Hobby Lobby. Perfect for a mom or grandma's gift!

What are your plans for Valentine's day? Any exciting gifts you're giving or hoping to get?

happy february!

2012-02-01T13:29:00.000-06:00

A little image inspiration for this short (longer this year!) but sweet month.....

[All image sources found via Pinterest]

unfriends

2012-01-31T11:49:00.000-06:00

You might think by the title of this post that there is nothing fine about this subject. Don't get me wrong - losing friends is a sad occasion, whether it's from lack of communication or a big argument. Unless, of course, the friends you are losing are those people on Facebook that write about the weather, their day at work, political epiphanies, how super stressed they are and ask what they should make for dinner every night. You know who they are.... the over-sharers. Vom.com.

Only a few months ago I realized you can simply unsubscribe from said people, so they're still technically your "friend" but you don't see any of the jargon/games/bazillion pictures of their cat pop up on your feed. No feelings hurt, right? But did you know that now you can see who unfriends you? All you have to do is download the Unfriend Finder, which will tell you if anyone removes you from their friends, or deactivates their Facebook account. Try it out - it's really easy and could be interesting!

2012: the year of the reader?

2012-01-30T18:20:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday! Sorry I've been MIA lately, 2012 has been busy (but good!) so far. What's happened over the last few weeks? I turned 26, booked two international trips (!!!), bought a Kindle and met a friend's newborn daughter!

I held an internal debate whether or not to give in to the hype and get a Kindle for many months. I like to think of myself as an early adapter when it comes to most things, but to me, e-readers threatened to stunt the growth of my book collection (remember this post?). But after Cancun, where I finished a cumbersome 400 page hardback three days in to the trip, I realized there might be a certain convenience worth the $79 price tag of Amazon's gadget. (I was more than halfway through the book when we left for vacay... I'm not that fast of a reader!) Anyway, my mom was nice enough to let me download a book on her Kindle, and since then I've pretty much been hooked. I'll still buy classics and books I want to keep forever in hardback, but for book club and trendy fiction books, it's far easier to download the inexpensive e-book than buy it online, or wait for it to become available at the public library.

So what's on my list of books to read in 2012? So far I've finished "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet", I'm 33% through "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" and have "War Horse" and Ellen Degeneres' new book, "Seriously... I'm Kidding" in queue. On top of those I'd like to finish at least three classics, one biography and the last two books in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Not to mention the six book club books we'll pick this year... I'm so ready to be a big book worm in 2012!

Hannes Beer

doting on dots

2012-01-10T08:52:00.002-06:00

I'm not quite sure how this got started, but I am currently obsessed with polka dots. Maybe it's thanks to Kate Spade's "Larabee Road" Polka Dot China or maybe from Blair's recent posts over at Atlantic-Pacific. Regardless, this happy print can be found in lots of wonderful colors and styles right now.

All image sources can be found via my Pinterest

I'm loving these pieces currently available online. I think some polka dots might have to be present in my first purchase of the new year! I can't believe I've held out this long.... :)

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Happy Tuesday, hope you're having a great start to your week!!

grateful

2012-01-05T08:41:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year! I'm back after a long hiatus that was filled with a beachy Christmas in Cancun with the fam (and matching shirts to boot), NYE and getting back in to the swing of things at work.

You know the saying "Don't live in the past", and I try to honor that as much as possible, but this morning I couldn't help reminiscing on how wonderful of a year 2011 was. So for my first post of 2012, I just wanted to document a few of the things I'm most grateful for this past year. More on New Year's resolutions after I return from Dallas where I'll be watching the Wildcats dominate in the Cotton Bowl.

So here are a few of the things I am most grateful for that happened in 2011... other than the standard health, happiness, friends and family:

1. Travel

Wow did I get to jet set this past year! If I go chronologically, here were some of the more exciting

destinations:

Chicago, Breckenridge, Schenectady, Buenos Aires, Uruguay, Rio de Janeiro, San Antonio,
Miami, Napa Valley, Cancun. Whew!

Don't think this needs any explanation!!

3. New job

Better bosses, better PTO, working in the heart of downtown KC, and a healthy work/life balance.

4. Starting finer feelings

Documenting current obsessions, ideas, desires and escapades. And for you, my lovely readers who

take time out of your day to read my stuff. Thank YOU.

5. FRYE boots

If you are a regular reader, you're not surprised these guys made the list.

6. Good music

Foster the People, The Black Keys, Florence + the Machine, and Spotify in the USA!

7. Zac Posen's fall 2011 collection

I mean it's pretty much perfection. If you forgot, shame on you (just kidding!) but here's a refresher.

8. K-State

Love. This. University. From our showing in March Madness (miss you Jacob Pullen!) to the ridiculous

football season we've had so far, and all of the wonderful people, culture and opportunities there, I'm

grateful every day I picked purple.

9. Frank's Buffalo sauce

If I could find a way to incorporate this in to every recipe, I would. Technically this has been around

long before 2011, but I used it a lot this year, so it makes the cut.

10. Glitter

Never since my drill team days have I seen so much glitter than I did in 2011, and I love it.

via

have yourself a merry christmas!

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-06:00

Hi readers, just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you and the holiday is filled with great food, fun memories and a kiss or two under the mistletoe!

I'll be back after vacation and will try to write a post or two of my experience in Cancun for Christmas!

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Christmas vacay announcement!

2011-12-15T10:08:00.000-06:00

It's only 10 DAYS until CHRISTMAS! Can you believe it? I can't, especially because I'm leaving for Cancun in six short days!! Yayyyyy!

I'm going with my immediate family: Mom, Dad and the little bro who is a Senior at K-State. I have not been to Cancun before, although I've been close by - Cozumel last year for a beautiful wedding and Playa del Carmen for high school spring break. I am SO excited and have been listening to Ella Fitzgerald's and Jimmy Buffet's versions of "Christmas Island" every morning for the past few weeks.

My mom has said for the last five or so years that she's wanted to skip Christmas decorating and gifts and the cold, and go somewhere remote. The first few years the dream destination was Australia. Then Mexico. And every year around Thanksgiving she'd say "maybe next year". So this fall when she was dreaming of Cancun again, my brother and I didn't take her too seriously. Hence why this vacation has completely snuck up on me - I kept thinking it would never happen! We have next to zero plans for eight days which is the opposite of previous family vacations where my energetic and over-prepared mom would have something scheduled every morning. That is a trip, not a vacation. All I plan to do is read, drink strawberry daiquiris and work on a tan (aka get more freckles and turn pink). I can't wait!!

Have you ever vacayed over Christmas? Do you think you'd ever want to?

high gloss high glam

2011-12-14T20:50:00.000-06:00

While pre-drinking before the bars a few weeks ago (wait - can every post start like this??) I was talking to a friend whose parents were just finishing redecorating their entire house. She was describing some of the big changes, and one really stuck with me; they painted all the doors (or maybe just all on the main floor?) high gloss black. So I've compiled some examples found on Pinterest, but may I say, pictures of high gloss black doors are pretty scarce on the internets. Maybe I'll just have to take a road trip to Sabetha and snap some photos of my friend's parents' glammed up house!

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tgif and nye outfit inspiration

2011-12-09T09:13:00.001-06:00

I'm so thrilled it's Friday! I found this adorable picture over at Blog Brunch and had to share. Obviously she is ready for a fabulous evening.

I used to dread New Year's Eve. Like I had 7 years of bad December 31st's. From the high school days where one year I spent midnight curled up on the couch with my best friend, both of us still in our dresses and full make up bawling because our boyfriends decided to kiss underclassmen when the ball dropped (losers!)... to college days where I would spend the holiday states apart from some boyfriend or the night's plans fell through. That is, until Blue Eyes came along and showed me not all guys are total A-holes on this hyped up holiday.... *sigh*.

So in years past I've just pulled something from my closet for the end-of-the-year party because 1. I didn't want to jinx myself buying something wonderful and having no where to go, and 2. I didn't look forward to it so after Christmas I didn't have time to find and purchase a great outfit. Not this year, though! We are going to a house party and I am so excited, and definitely in need of a new ensemble.

Here are some great options for a sparkly, exciting New Year's Eve, no matter what your plans are.

TFNC sequin dress

ASOS lace skater dress

Alice + Olivia alameda crepe dress

This one falls outside of the sparkly spectrum, but I love a bright dress among all the black and silver of New Year's!

Robert Rodriguez silk blend dress

Love those gold pants! Similar found here.

gift guide: the men

2011-12-07T08:18:00.001-06:00

First off, shout out to one of my favorite bloggers, Allyson at Mimosas in the Morning for this hump day motivation. My mom says this all the time whenever one of the cousins blurts out "I'm bored" in that whiny, high-pitched way little kids (and grown-ups who need more hobbies) do.

Now on to the subject of this post: finding a good gift for the men in our lives. I am a self-proclaimed boys' girl. Not a tomboy mind you. That ship sailed in 1st grade when I realized playing dress up was way better than playing any sport. I grew up surrounded by families with three boys in tow and and have a wonderful little brother; no sisters to steal my clothes and make up. I'd much rather watch football all day on Saturday and Sunday than watch a marathon of some Bravo or E! show, or Lifetime movies. Luckily I found some prime high school and college girlfriends along the way to share secrets and go shopping with, learn important life lessons from (like everything is better with a little cookie dough and champagne) and go on unforgettable trips with.

But back to the boys. They can be a real pain to shop for, don't you think? Blue Eyes is particularly difficult because he hates most anything to do with recent fashion (opposites attract, right?). All the men in my life buy whatever they want whenever they find it, so there's no point in asking for lists. So the key is to find items that they either don't know they want yet, or wouldn't spend money on for themselves. Here's a little guide (tailored mostly toward the boyfriend/brother/best guy friend) that will hopefully provide some help!

1. RHCP Live at Slane Castle DVD. There's not a better DVD to have on in the background for a party.

2. J. Crew cashmere socks

3. Lacoste Bordeaux aviator sunnies

4. Bakon vodka (perfect for bloody mary's!)

5. Lego Star Wars alarm clock. Judge me all you want but if you have a Yoda/Anakin/Darth fan in your life (like I do, what went wrong?), you'll be their hero with this gift.

6. Sperry Top Sider bahama chukka suede shoe

Top 5 Tuesday: lonny nov/dec issue

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Well this was again very difficult to narrow down my five favorite finds from this past issue of Lonny. And as promised, I'm a month late. So without further ~~adieu~~ narrative, here they are!

1. the luxe life

Celerie Kemble designs

OMG that chandelier!!! I will probably get excommunicated for saying this, but I really dislike chandeliers. I think they are gaudy and downright offensive in most living spaces. However; this 1970s Italian glass leaf chandelier is simply glamazing in a feminine, eclectic way. Now take your eyes away from the light fixture, and you'll see the table is set with my new favorite tableware: Goldware!

2. Jonathan Adler

needlepoint zodiac pillows

Lonny did a 10-page spread on Jonathan Adler for this issue. I've always loved his whimsy, happy and irreverent (his word, not mine!) style, and wanted to know more about who he is and how he tapped in to that fun-ness, oh and made *tons* of money off it. Well Lonny readers, most of those answers are in the mag! You'll get an inside look of his office, which I want to steal the cork wall idea for huge inspiration boards.

3. hints of peacock

I have a similar vase with peacock feather in my living room right now. It brings some height and texture to an otherwise neutral space. The chair is called Peacock chair, produced by Shi & Erhard. How cute would this be in a master bedroom, or even better, screened-in porch??

4. diy

Some of the beautiful pieces in this Manhattan living room definitely belong in the luxe life section, but the part of this space I want to focus on are the blinds. They are from Sears, and the owner (Lonny's features editor) used Gorilla Glue and brown velvet to make them one-of-a-kind. What a great idea.... this is going to Pinterest for future use.

5. really great quotes/advice

"Carrie Fisher says that what you hang on your bedroom walls is what you want for your life. Yikes. So I've made a concerted effort to surround myself with images that move and uplift me." - Robert Leleux, Lonny's features editor

Advice from Jonathan Adler. I will take it!!

gift guide: for the traveler

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Whether they're a beach bum or a snow bunny, your gift will be a hit with any of these presents. My personal favorite is of course the Frye boots, which I have been living in since I got them at the Nordstrom anniversary sale over the summer. They survived the concrete jungle of Buenos Aires, and five months later I still get compliments almost every time I wear them. They are the best wardrobe investment!!

1. Patagonia down sweater vest

2. Rainbow leather sandals

3. Fuji instax mini 50S camera (produces credit card-sized photos in a few seconds!)

4. Frye Melissa button back zip boots

5. Lodis athena dylan zip iPad case (love this in rose gold)

6. LeSportsac weekender

gift guide: for the fabulous

2011-12-01T14:19:00.001-06:00

We all know her. The really fabulous friend/sister/aunt/Barbie who has just about everything and therefore is ridiculously hard to shop for. I have a few of these women in my life. One is my mother, whose personality doppelgänger is Martha Stewart and who routinely shows up in clothes I've been sale stalking online. I know, it's tough. You should feel semi-sorry for me.

Anyway enough about my really great mom. The point is that she and many other women are intimidating to impress come Christmas gifting time. Hopefully this little guide helps you (or the people who have you on their gift list!):

1. ALDO buschur leopard pony slipper shoes

2. J. Crew glitter iPhone case

3. Elizabeth and James fairway sunglasses

4. Vogue: The Covers coffee table book

5. Elizabeth Gillett gold sequin archer infinity scarf

6. kate spade new york spade hinge bangle

oh hello

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

via

not all accordion lovers look like this guy

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

via

The whole accordion look really snuck up on me this winter. It all started with this picture (below, not above!) from the fabulous Bee at Atlantic-Pacific.

Obviously the entire outfit is stunning, but the skirt is to die. So I have been looking for some accordion options for my own closet. Here's what I've found so far - some are within the budget and most are way outside, but it can't hurt for some inspiration!

INC accordion pleated maxi

Halston Heritage pleated skirt

ASOS contrast pleated midi

Alice + Olivia Shannon skirt

Now....... off to Spotify some polka!

so clutch

2011-11-29T09:09:00.001-06:00

How great is this polka dot clutch from Anthropologie? It just exudes "I'm fun and cute and ready for a night on the town", or "I like brunching". Which speaking of.... I need more in my life at the moment. For some reason the winter takes the brunch out of me. Need to change that, stat. Happy Tuesday loves!

Anthropologie polka rounds clutch

diy: ornament wreath

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

Who else gets the creative bug over the holiday season? Hobby Lobby was having a huge sale on their Christmas decorations last week, so I decided to make an ornament wreath like the ones I have been obsessed with on Pinterest lately.

I wish I would've taken more pictures of the process, but I was way too wrapped up in hot glue gun string to grab my iPhone. Here's a picture of the final product, a silver and gold wreath with a little K-State purple sprinkled in.

All you need is a large styrofoam wreath (found in the gardening section), about 100 ornaments of 3 different sizes, a hot glue gun, and ribbon to hang the wreath afterwards. I glued the 4 large silver balls first and then started filling in. I like that the ornaments have a bunch of different textures: some look like disco balls, some are matte and others are glittery!

breakfast of champions

2011-11-27T20:06:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I am sufficiently stuffed, but was somehow still in the cooking mood, so I whipped up these bacon & cheese croissants with the limited ingredients I had in the fridge. They are so easy, reheat deliciously, and can be enjoyed on the go, which is important for me since I am not a morning person by nature.

All you need is a can of croissant biscuits, cheese singles, and 6-8 slices of bacon. Here's how to make these super simple breakfast rolls:

Preheat the oven according to the croissant can instructions.

Separate the dough and split the cheese singles in half.

Cook the bacon to your liking. Is there anything better than the noise of bacon cooking? Love.

Cut the cooked bacon in to small pieces and sprinkle on top of each croissant triangle.

Roll 'em up! Stick them in the oven for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!! I have 2 for breakfast each morning and just reheat them in the convection oven.

attire inspiration: Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000-06:00

I can hardly wait to assist my Mom in making the creme de la creme of my Thanksgiving meal: Gravy! (I don't trust myself to make it all by myself just yet). I looooove Turkey Day and have so much to be thankful for this year.

Our family friends have a huge turkey smoke out at their house the night before Thanksgiving, where people I've known since I was in diapers show up year after year for the Chili cooking contest and warm rum cider. This is also where I fret about what to wear: do I go trendy over warmth? Do I go Midwest fashion over my latest fashion-forward piece? I typically play it safe even though these are the parents that have had my back forever and supported me in everything I do, and my friends who will still be my friends even if I show up in red long underwear (or a faux fur vest).

Here's my classic fall wardrobe inspiration for tonight and tomorrow:

~all images via my Pinterest~

This will probably be my last post until after the holiday, so I hope you all have an absolutely lovely and fine Thanksgiving!

welcome to Kansas City: H&M

2011-11-17T09:15:00.001-06:00

Kansas City finally has it's own H&M! It's located in the heart of the Plaza, which is walking distance from my apartment! Woo hoo!

Here are some looks I'm currently crushing on. Can't wait to get in the store and try these beauties on!

I know, you don't see any Versace for H&M pieces here. They are just so not me. I am not a big print/color girl.... my thought is my red hair is loud enough as it is, so blacks and neutrals (with a few jewel tones here and there) are my best look!

trip highlights: napa wino weekend

2011-11-16T12:52:00.001-06:00

Happy hump day readers! As promised, here is the recap of my wonderful weekend getaway to Napa with my girlfriends!! If you are not at all interested in reviews of places to eat, wineries to visit or the other lovely amenities Napa has to offer, skip down to the pics..... But fair warning, you should be interested. Napa is amazing!

First item up for discussion: The Vineyards

We trekked to nine wineries over our three-day stay. My favorites were the ones tucked away in the mountains where the GPS lady would say our destination was only 6 miles away, but it took 25 minutes to get there due to the windy roads hugging the cliffs. Of course there wasn't a single vineyard that was less than enjoyable, but my two favorites were Barnett Vineyards and Outpost Wines. These had the best views, excellent ambiance and my favorite Pinot Noir and Grenache, respectively.

The other *wonderful* wineries we visited were Cade, Alpha Omega, Cliff Lede, Hess, Robert Mondavi, Grgich Hills and Darioush. I could seriously write an entire post about each of these experiences they were so great.... well except Cliff Lede, where I was more than a bit hazy after 3 wineries and a visit to Pancha's (make sure you have cash and have decent knowledge of Dire Straits for this little gem!). So I guess I need to go back to give Cliff Lede a real chance next time.

Here's the view from Barrnett Vineyards:

Can you believe this gorgeousness???

Second item: f00d!

Like I said in my previous post, we had all of our tasting fees waived, and did I mention we had all of our accommodations taken care of, too? Seriously, my friend is a big shit in the wine industry. So we decided to spend all our funds saved up for the trip on food!

My no-contest favorite meal was at Redd, where I enjoyed scallops, fried bone marrow (that was a first) and the most amazing steamed pork buns I could have ever imagined. For real. We all enjoyed the pork buns more than our expensive entrees.

Other restaurants on the must-visit list were Mustards Grill and Bistro Jeanty. Both fabulous for foodies and non-foodies alike. I unfortunately fall in the non-foodie category since I'm on the picky side, but I'm trying to get better!!

OK, third item: Pictures!! Enjoy :)

at Outpost

K-S-U!

We all met thanks to Chi Omega, whose mascot is the owl. Hootie hoo!

Barrel room at Mondavi

via my Instagram (monicarosekc)

Darioush

We had so much fun!!!

gifting

2011-11-11T10:11:00.001-06:00

Have I mentioned what a lovely time I had in Napa? I am completely spoiled, though. Since we went with a sommelier who is an assistant buyer at one of the largest wine stores in Kansas, we enjoyed some very special treatment. I'm talking about private lunch prepared by the executive chef at Hess, private tasting rooms and all of our tasting fees waived.

So us lucky girls who got to join in the fun decided we need to thank our wine-o friend for bringing us along. We just ordered these champagne flutes for her, how great are they? I think they're the perfect gift for a hostess with the mostest or a newlywed couple. They say "Cheers" in six different languages!

via

lucky 11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:01:00.001-06:00

I think this art piece is so wonderful. Forget about all the crap and remember......

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Also, a sincere thank you to our Veterans for their service. U-S-A!!!

beauty stash: hand creams

2011-11-09T13:29:00.000-06:00

Hello lovely readers and happy hump day!

I promise I will get some Napa adventure pictures up soon, but until the girls get their photos on Shutterfly, I am stuck with only my pics and a desire to not have wine again for a few more days....

This is rando but are anyone's hands crazy dry already this season? I know it's not just a Kansas-weather thing either, because it all started when I was in California. I even had a dream my finger nails were cracking right down the middle the other night (much like the United States is - wtf with all the earthquakes in OK and KS over the past week???).

I'm addicted to L'Occitane's travel sized hand creams. Best stocking stuffer a girl can ask for! The only problem is I run out of them really quickly because the lavender scent is so wonderful I keep applying when I don't really need to.

L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Trio

So this year I'm going to try a new, unscented hand cream to test my loyalty to L'Occitane. It's never good to get stuck in a rut, am I right? So here are a few carry-on sized moisture providers I'm eyeing this winter....

C.O. Bigelow Chapped Hands Remedy

Kiehl's Unusually Rich But Not Greasy At All Hand Cream

That's all for now! If you have a tried and true hand lotion let me know....

leaving.... on a jet plane (again)

2011-11-03T10:07:00.000-05:00

I have some really exciting (and quickly approaching) news I have forgotten to share: I am going to Napa Valley this weekend! Actually... I'm leaving in 4 short hours and still have some packing to do - ah!

Confession #1: I love wine. Like I drink it 5 nights a week.

Confession #2: I am an overpacker.

I'm going with three wonderful friends, one who just happens to be a certified sommelier. Coolest job ever. With her help, I plan on learning a lot more about wine, enjoy the beautiful scenery, laugh a ton with a wine buzz, indulge in delicious meals and make some unforgettable memories with my unforgettable friends! Ohmygoodness so excited.

Here's what I've packed so far.... the weather is supposed to be in the 50s which just might be my favorite weather to dress for!

This is going to look like a promotion for J. Crew......

J. Crew Dream Alexie sweater

I got this sweater monogrammed! I was hoping for a large letter (thinking Laverne's signature sweaters from Laverne & Shirley) but it ended up being teeny tiny. Still cute, just understated.

J. Crew skinny jeans

Best jeans of my LIFE!!!

Frye Melissa Button boot

Also included are lots of scarves, my favorite Banana tan jacket, lots of black for going out at night (including this beauty from Michael Stars) and more jewelry than I'll ever be able to wear. Gotta be prepared!

OK - off to pack some more. Have a wonderful weekend everyone, pictures of Napa when I get back! PS: If there's anywhere we need to go - let me know!

motivation

2011-10-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

I'm feeding my ears some love on this hump day, where I have found myself in need of a little extra motivation.

Here's what's been helping me through the morning so far....

Kelly Rowland - Motivation (duh!)
Aloe Blacc - I Need a Dollar (his voice = silk)
Madonna feat. Lil Wayne - Revolver (great work out song)
Jay-Z, Kanye West, Otis Redding - Otis
Adele - Right as Rain
Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining (love this video!!)
Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
White Stripes - Icky Thump (oh Jack, how I love thee)
fun. feat. Janelle Monae - We Are Young
Penguin Prison - Don't F*ck With My Money (such a silly song)

via

Top 5 Tuesday: Old Navy finds

2011-10-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning readers, and happy Tuesday!

When was the last time you felt like you got some really trendy pieces at a bargain? Last night I went in to Old Navy for the first time in.... oh let's say 18 months-ish. I'm not exactly sure why the hiatus, but regardless I went there's a 25% off coupon right now (gets me every time). I was really impressed with the selection of chic garments at reasonable prices, and the quality was better than I remembered. Most importantly, I recognized a lot of the trends I've been drooling over from the fall runway shows, Pinterest, blogs and expensive department stores.

So in honor of my luck tonight (I spent under $100, saved over $40, and left with 6 items!) I'm highlighting five of my favorite finds I saw at the store or coveted online.

1. faux fur vest

ON: Thank you for letting me channel my inner Rachel Zoe at an affordable price!! This unfortunately was not in the store tonight, but I am ordering it online as I type this...

2. bold colors

You'll find lots of jewel tones at your local Old Navy right now. I bought this purple cable knit sweater to wear while cheering on the undefeated K-State Wildcats when the weather cools off.

*shameless school spirit plug* Go State - Beat OU!!! 7-0 baby!

3. hello chambray

I'm so excited to finally own an affordable chambray button-down! Big, BIG smile on my face! This will be part of my fall uniform. Word.

4. they sell boots?

They sell boots. Cute ones.

5. color blocking

This sweater goes with everything. And it reminds me of Gonzo.... in a good way.

It goes without saying that I had a very enjoyable time at Old Navy last night! Did I miss any other great finds there? Don't forget - the 25% coupon is good through October 30th!!

trench lust

2011-10-21T13:51:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the day I finally did it.... I broke out the trench from the coat closet. Once that closet gets opened for the season, there's no turning back. After a beautiful and long fall (that never happens) it's finally starting to feel like your typical October here in the metro.

I have an affinity for outerwear. During a conversation with the ladies in Blue Eyes' family last football season, I asked which type of accessory they couldn't live without: shoes, jewelry, outerwear, or handbags. 2 votes shoes, 1 vote jewelry. I of course said outerwear, which based on their reaction was unexpected. Let's be real here, I love all those categories. But I love coats and jackets the most! If you were to peek in to the coat closet at my apartment, you would understand. My stuff takes up 75% of the space (sorry roomie!!!). And I've already brought home two new additions this season - a faux-leather & shearling jacket and a Cole Haan puffer.

PS Lucky is having a flash sale on.... guess what... a Tulle TRENCH today! Just enter "luckydaily5" at checkout for half off. It's like I have ESPN or something.....

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned and get to wear some fabulous coats out on the town!

treat time

2011-10-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

You guys.... I just had the most yummy treat, and if I were trick-or-treating this year I would want my bag completely stuffed with these little nuggets deliciousness!!!

You see, every day around 3:30 I need my sugar fix and there is a much too convenient (and always full) dish of candy at the office. My favorite is SweetTarts, but today, right on the top of the pile, was a Snickers Peanut Butter square just asking to be plucked. After one bite, I knew my afternoon routine would change to be more satisfying, albeit significantly more caloric.

Seriously, if you haven't yet, I strongly suggest you try these! You might get mad at me because they are impossible to stop thinking about once you've sunk your teeth in to the caramel peanut butter joy! I'm off to find another one.......

weekend recap and chambray love

2011-10-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

Wow this past weekend flew by.... How about yours?

I watched Horrible Bosses (loved it), went to a baby shower and gifted this sweet blankie (Mom-to-be and I were Chi-O's together at K-State, gotta rep the owl!) and had a wonderful time at a wedding Saturday night. There was even a productive trip to Home Depot yesterday. I felt like a real grown up waking up early and being productive from not poisoning myself with booze all weekend. With that said, I'm sure I'll be back to my normal ways next weekend.....

One item on my weekend to do list I didn't get to check off was a trip to Forever21 to find a chambray top. I have been loving all the different looks you can get from this one simple (and so 90s) blouse. I can't wait to get one in my closet!

Under a comfy & cute elbow patch sweater.

All by itself - with jeans!

As a quasi-jacket.

Tucked and buttoned.

Paired with neon. So unexpected but totally works.

*all images are from my Pinterest, where sources can be found!

beauty

2011-10-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Happy hump day friends! I have been pretty busy at work (hence the lack of posts) but promise to be back in action soon. But for now, a nice little thought to get ya through the rest of the afternoon.....

via

rest in peace

2011-10-05T20:19:00.001-05:00

What a loss.... Thinking of his wife and four children. You'll be missed.

via

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me." - Steve Jobs

Top 5 Tuesday: lonny sept/oct issue

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lonny .... need I say more? One of the best decor mags out there, and even though I wish I could afford it in print, they made it super easy to clip and save and reference their lovely finds. (thank you for that!!)

Between all the print magazines I subscribe to (Vanity Fair, Lucky, Elle Decor, K-State Alumni Association) I sometimes forget to indulge in the newest Lonny until the second month in *case in point*. So here are my five favorite looks from this past issue. It was so tough to only pick five, I might have to have a supplemental T5T next week!!

1. glam, eclectic

inside architect Carlo Mollino's Italian apartment

It's no secret I love blue and white (hello fabulous floor!), the gold door is super glammy but not overly extravagant, and the use of books (obsession #1) is unexpected.

2. neutral, tranquil

What's not to love about this calming neutral color palette? I keep seeing friends repin similar interiors on Pinterest and agree that the whites, grays, beiges and tans go beautifully together. I can't get enough of the giraffe pillows!

3. fun, whimsy

I have a mirrored wall in my apartment and love the spaciousness and how it opens a room. Small details like the seashell-backed chairs, rug pattern and vintage dandelion chandelier make this room so interesting. There's probably 50 other cool funky things to be discovered in this one picture.

4. shiny, bold

Lacquered wall in peacock tone (obsession #2) makes this oak secretary pop, where it easily could have been hidden with a more muted color behind it. Love everything about this.

5. adventurous, vibrant

Can you believe this wallpaper came from SkyMall? For serious! I love that bathroom visitors can reminisce where they've traveled, and what's next, while washing up. The mirror is perfection. I'm thinking Blue Eyes would love this in the bathroom. I fly next week, I'll definitely be checking out SkyMall!

being social

2011-10-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Monday!

I'm finally on the bloglovin' and twitter train... it would be lovely if you'd follow me! I'll follow ya back :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Twitter: Follow @finerfeelingskc

via

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I am in a battle with my eyelids this morning, thank goodness for Spotify!!

brisket and chicken and pork, oh my!

2011-09-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow marks the 32nd Annual American Royal Barbecue! The American Royal Association is a not-for-profit organization that has been a staple in Kansas City's culture for the past 112 years. Over that time, they have kept the rodeo alive and mastered the art of throwing a really fun party.

In most of the city's mind, the main event is the barbecue on Friday night. Tents are reserved months in advance and teams like "Red, White and Cue" and "Always Rubbin' Something" compete in more than 10 categories, including Best Party! I so wish I had these boots to wear tomorrow! So adorbs.

kiboots

So that's what I've got going on over the weekend (plus a K-State game - BEAT BAYLOR!!). What are your plans?

oh my gilt

2011-09-28T12:31:00.001-05:00

Props to Alexandra Wilson of Gilt Groupe. Just one day after I told myself to hold off on any more impulse online shopping through the rest of September (yes I realize it's only 2 more days, I have a problem!!), I get an email from Gilt with two words I can't ignore: Kate. Spade.

The only item of Mrs. Spade's I've been able to afford has been her cute & chic stationary. Well those days of ogling my friends' Kate Spade accessories and wishing for my own are over.... in keeping with the trend of the last few posts (I must be in some sort of subliminal shoe OCD zone), I am going to be the proud owner of these beauties!!

Kate Spade Fierce peep toe flat

They'll be great for the holidays, don't you think? Do you own anything Kate Spade? What's your favorite?

happy anny Stuart Weitzman!

2011-09-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Stuart Weitzman is celebrating their 25th anniversary. For the occasion, they have released a special edition "Heritage" platform. Beautiful!

I have one pair of Stuart Weitzman's thanks to Ellen DeGeneres. I was in the audience (front row what what) a few years back and it just so happened that the taping was for her birthday! Along with many other favors, each audience member received a $200 gift card to Zappos! I know, disgustingly lucky. Instead of buying a few pairs of cute shoes, I splurged and got a fabulous pair of snake skin platforms. Three years later I am still loving them! Can't wait to get another pair... someday :)

lucky booties

2011-09-21T11:37:00.001-05:00

How cute are these suede booties? And guess what..... Today they're only $15.50!! Just go to lulu's, enter the code "luckydaily3" (thanks Lucky Mag!) and these super cute - and vegan friendly - booties are on their way at half price! Amazingness. I'm having a hard time getting over what a great deal this is!

Qupid Oxford Lace Up Booties

Top 5 Tuesday: peacock hues

2011-09-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

I'm going to rotate these polishes all fall long! Beautiful jewel tones that are office appropriate yet super trendy and fun. Love. Them. All. What shades are you going to don this season?

1. Jade

OPI Jade is the New Black via

2. Plum

Essie Smokin Hot via

3. Cobalt

Butter London Blagger via

4. Gold

Orly Nite Owl via

5. Turquoise

Butter London Thames via

NYFW: flower power

2011-09-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

"You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way."

- Walter Hagen

All too often I find myself running around like a chicken with my head cut off (and thanks to Blue Eyes' mom, I am now aware that this actually happens - creepy). It's so important to remember to stop, say No sometimes, and have some quality "me" time. For me, that's snuggling up in a blanket with hot chocolate (or red wine), a good book/Vanity Fair in hand, and my phone left in the car. :)

Since this quote mentions flowers, I just have to highlight the beautiful and exciting floral pieces from last week's New York Fashion Week. Here are my faves:

Oscar de la Renta via

Diane Von Furstenberg via

Peter Som via

Rachel Roy via

thought for the day

2011-09-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

This week I'm in San Antonio for a work conference. If you've never been to one of these before, there is always a keynote speaker to kick off the event, and by 6pm 50% of the attendees are wasted and being completely politically incorrect. Since I'm not actively trying to lose my job, I'll focus on the first part of that description and remain in the boring 50% of the audience.

This morning, our keynote speaker was Vicki Hitzges. I usually don't get too excited over these speeches, but I liked Vicki's message today and thought I'd share with everyone.

"People reach out to people who reach out."

Simple, right? But a great mantra to remember when heading in to the office, meeting someone new, trying to decide if you have enough time to call your best friend, or going to an interview.

On a totally unrelated note - has anyone gone to Target yet to stock up on the Missoni goodies? I heard their site crashed earlier this morning already. I can't decide if this jumpsuit can be pulled off without looking like a clown. Hopefully they have it in stock when I get back to KC on Thursday.... how fun is this??

missoni for target jumpsuit

Well, off to some information sessions about finance and state laws - yippee.

have a rockin weekend

2011-09-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

Tina Fineburg

Michael Kors is just the greatest, happiest guy around! Here he is with the Rockettes (in their new outfits) in front of his NYC flagship store for FNO last night. Love the sneakers, Mr. Kors.

TGIF - I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

happy FNO

2011-09-08T11:24:00.001-05:00

Hello and Happy FNO day to you!

In case you're not so familiar with it, this is the third year of Fashion's Night Out, a global event celebrating fall and fashion which was originally created to jump start our flailing economy. Ok yes we're still flailing like Dee on It's Always Sunny, but at least we know how to throw a decent event.... right?

This year is the first time Kansas City is participating! I will be present at the Country Club Plaza event, but there are also FNO happenings at Power & Light and Zona Rosa. Pictures to follow next week.

Shout out to my German readers - there are two FNO's for you: Berlin (Sept. 8) and Dusseldorf (Sept. 9)!

a-ladys-findings.tumblr.com

sparkle and shine sweater time

2011-09-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love sparkles? I don't know, but I'll tell you who really does love them: the drag queen that works at the check out counter at the neighborhood grocery store. I go to her aisle on every visit because she is a hoot. She's ginormous (6'3''+, built like a linebacker) and you can see her eyes from 20 yards away thanks to her iridescent shimmer shadow. I'll call her Shimmer because I don't recall her wearing a nametag..... She always wears long-sleeve lace tops under her hunter green work polo and her hair looks like Jackie O's, but red. She's fantastic.

Back to the point. Yesterday at the grocery store, I was wearing the Banana Republic sequin sweater below, when Shimmer looks over from her screen and caresses my shoulder, going on about how she loooves sequins. So this post is for Shimmer and all her fabulousness, and anyone else who digs a little (or a lot) of sparkle in their sweaters.

Vince sequin tee

Dolman sleeves give this look a more casual feel.

banana republic sequin-shoulder pullover

This is what Shimmer loved so much. I must agree with her - and in a great color!

TopShop zigzag jumper

Sequins AND chevron?! I know a lot of people who would love to get their hands on this!

michael stars sequin raglan

Just bought this off Gilt in black.... 60 seconds ago. #shoppingproblem

thought for the day

2011-09-02T09:29:00.003-05:00

“I must have books everywhere. They’re the soul of a room — they reveal the taste, the interests, and the secrets of whoever lives there." - Diane Von Furstenberg

I saw this quote Monday from belle maison (amazing blog!). I read it, liked it, and moved along with my day. Then I went to dinner at Urban Table, a wonderful new restaurant in Prairie Village, with my dear high school friends on Tuesday. After delicious bruschetta, a few glasses of wine, lots of laughter and discussing our bucket lists (more on that later), we were each presented with our bills - in a book! Not just random paper backs, either. These were first and second generation classics, five of the six I'm embarrassed to say I'd never heard of.

I'm not going to sit here and say I'm an old soul or a reading machine, although I'd really like to be both. But there's something about books that make a home, party or purse 1,000 times more interesting. You just can't do that with a Kindle. So yet again, DVF is right on point. Love her.

Books don't have to be displayed in the typical fashion, either. I love these examples of books being used as decor, in anything but a bookshelf.

houzz.com

Stacked books make a table.

prettychicblog.dk

Wedding decor. Need to keep this in mind if I ever get a fiance.....

havenandhome.blogspot.com

Stacked in the fireplace.

Maydecemeberhome.blogspot.com

Floating bookshelves. The referenced blog gives a DIY tutorial. So cute and practical for apartment dwellers.

Top 5 Tues.... er Wednesday: fall fashion. The affordable version.

2011-08-31T14:32:00.001-05:00

Happy hump day readers! As promised last week, I've found some of this season's most sought after trends at a deliciously affordable price. There's enough leftover in your purse for a Pumpkin Spice latte to really get you in the mood!

Speaking of purses, I am drooling over this mustard yellow bag:

Tory Burch bombe burch tote

Unfortunately, said bag does not fit in with this post's theme, but a girl can dream.

Back to the affordable fall trends!

1. maxi skirts + big sweaters

Hive & Honey cabled cocoon poncho $69

Old Navy pleated maxi skirt $30

2. technicolor blocking

J. Crew Silk Lucina blouse $98

J. Crew No. 2 pencil skirt $120

3. lace

BR Monogram lace sheath dress $198

4. winter white

GUESS double-breasted trench $158

5. floral

H&M floral shorts $25

How about the cute floral corduroy shorts paired with this blazer to transcend in to fall?

forever 21 notched lapel jacket $30

What fashion steals/deals are making their way to your closet this season?

Happy birthday to the KING!

2011-08-29T16:53:00.000-05:00

of Pop music, that is. Oh MJ, has it really only been over two years since you left us? I remember exactly where I was when I found out: sitting in a depressing cube at my first full-time job out of college where the walls, carpet, and furniture were all gray and everyone was oppressed by our evil CEO.... I cried at my computer screen a little when I read the news, and unfortunately that didn't go unnoticed. But my co-workers had no idea how many hours I had spent in my high school years watching, memorizing, learning and teaching Michael's moves. Don't EVEN get me started on the Katy Perry debacle. She's great, but let's please not try to compare her work to Michael's.

Anyway (sorry for the rant, holy Monday!) who has played Michael Jackson's The Experience on Wii? Oh my, it is a treat. Not only are the dance moves relatively close to the originals, but it is a work out! My friend brings it over to book club every other month and we all have a blast taking turns dancing and watching each other attempt to keep up with the Michael avatar. By the end of one song, I'm sweaty. By the end of three, I will undoubtedly be sore the next day. Plus I probably burn 500 calories from laughing, especially during the Russian part of Black or White.

So in honor of Michael's birthday, I wanted to share with you all what is, in my humble opinion, the three best MJ videos:

1. Thriller (it's the long one, sit back and enjoy)

2. Dirty Diana

The closest I'll ever get to seeing him in concert...... Plus I freaking love his outfit.

3. Billie Jean

Again with the outfit - how prep!

That was nearly impossible to narrow down, but there you have it! What's your favorite Michael Jackson video?

have a sparkly weekend!

2011-08-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

TGIF party people! Who has fun weekend plans? I'm going to a pre-season NFL game tonight (go CHIEFS) and attending a house warming party tomorrow. Way to go grown-up married friends.

So, in honor of my exciting weekend, I am going to get a mani like this:

alllaqueredup.tumblr.com

I can't wait to get my hands on the new, super sparkly OPI Muppet collection (or the collection on my nails, more like) but I highly doubt my little mani/pedi joint has those yet. So until then, I'm going to go with a nude shade with an overlay of glittery fun!

What's on your nails right now?

Thank you, Steve!

2011-08-25T12:54:00.002-05:00

I couldn't quite decide how to take the news of Steve Jobs' resignation as Apple CEO last night. Mostly I was sad to see the end of his reign. I'd go as far to say that he is the most influential creative visionary in modern Information Technology. Can you imagine where we'd be without the iPod, iPad, and MacBook? Our computers would still be all black and bulky. I guess I'd be listening to music from a Zune? Or maybe even still a Discman.... oh my.

Anyway, as I was thinking about Mr. Jobs today, I realized I should pay some sort of homage to him for his dedication of advancing technology. But I didn't know how to do that. Then I started looking at pictures of him and realized His Apple-ness has quite the uniform. So I've decided to create a "how to" homage.... how to dress like Steve Jobs. Maybe it will unleash some crazy creative juices. Or maybe you'll just have to save it for Casual Friday.....

Three Dots turtleneck

7 For All Mankind Roxanne jeans

zappos.com

Steve Jobs, TIME Magazine

Don't forget to go sans belt! But in all seriousness Mr. Jobs - thank you for all you've done!!!

i want to ride......

2011-08-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

this bicycle!

Missoni for Target

Only 3 more weeks until the Missoni collection hits Target stores! Are you planning on being part of the madness on September 13th?

spotted: the perfect office dress

2011-08-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

I haven't found a dress that balances chic modesty and flattering details, with more color options than just LBD, as well as this piece of perfection ~~in a long time~~ ever.

J. Crew origiami sheath dress

Bad news alert: If you want to purchase this little number online in morning fog (shown) or dark charcoal, most sizes are back-ordered until DECEMBER. Time to practice some patience.... or go J. Crew store hopping. I'm going to do the latter even though that means paying retail - Totally worth it.

Top 5 Tuesday: fall fashion

2011-08-23T09:03:00.017-05:00

It's about that time to celebrate the best fashion season of them all, FALL! I'm over the heat of the summer and for anyone in Kansas City, this recent cooler weather and rain has really got me drooling over these exciting fall trends.

1. maxi skirts + big sweaters

splenderosa.blogspot.com

This is Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire. She is Sr. Fashion Editor for a reason.... how lovely.

2. techinicolor blocking

Gucci

Pairing bright pinks with orange and jade is so not me, but I'm going to do my best to find some great colorful statement piece steals, so I won't have severe buyer's remorse if I don't wear them again after this season.

However this little pop of color is just perfect. Cole Haan = best classics with a hint of genius.

Cole Haan Stephanie Air Oxford Pump

3. lace

Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung

I love it - especially in black this season.

4. winter white

Burberry

I guess this is always a fall trend.... so even more reason to make sure it made the Top 5!

5. floral

Erdem

Paired with dark tights and perhaps those Cole Haan's above, this is a perfect work-to-evening outfit for fall.

What are your favorites? Have you already purchased your Fall 2011 must-haves? Coming soon.... these trends within a 20-something's price range!

inspiration: anyway

2011-08-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

A wonderful sentiment for this Monday morning.....

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you;

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, someone could destroy overnight;

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it will never be enough;

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and your God;

It was never between you and them anyway."

~Mother Teresa

Etsy, cheriheaton

Disclosure: This is just one of many variations of this poem which was reportedly found written on a wall in Mother Teresa's home in Calcutta.

fine hair mini miracles

2011-08-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

I have struggled with thin, body-less hair all my life. My mom says I need to curl it in order for it to look good, but who wants to spend all that time with a curling iron or rollers in the morning? Not me. Not a morning person.

So, I've been lazy and worn it long and straight (and stringy) for the majority of the last 10 years. I teased my hair to new heights in college; for some reason this was considered OK for the better part of my 4.5 glorious years at K-State. Looking back, I was dangerously close to this look:

NOT OK!! No offense to Drew, she's beautiful no matter what but yikes, imagine this with straight red hair. I'm sure this bouffant look will come circling its way back in style, but for now, this is unacceptable.

Recently, I've found some really fast and easy tricks I thought I'd share with everyone who has hair troubles like mine....

1. My favorite is the following video from Lucky. It's a step-by-step tutorial on how to easily and quickly get beautiful bouncy hair. I just used this trick last weekend for a wedding and was thrilled with the turnout!

2. This next video provides easy instructions on how to do a waterfall braid on yourself. If you can french braid, you'll have no problem picking this up. I've been wearing this look most weekends, especially after completing #1.

3. Lastly, for those mornings I hit snooze 4-5 times, the Katniss braid. Named after the bad ass protagonist in The Hunger Games (obsessed). Wearing it now and all the time here.

On an unrelated note, happy last few hours of hump day! I personally can't wait for the weekend....

Top 5 Tuesday: bloggers

2011-08-16T17:50:00.000-05:00

For this week's Top 5 Tuesday, I wanted to give a shout out to some great blogs I read.... thank you for your funny stories, interesting views, delicious recipes, spot-on fashion sense and inspiration!

1. Pretty in Pink

2. Grilled Cheese Social

3. belle maison

4. Decorating Obsessed

5. Corporette

fall obsession: burlap

2011-08-16T12:20:00.001-05:00

I am a big fan of the oatmeal / tan / greige color scheme, and have noticed lately that burlap has been blowing up on Pinterest. I like this A LOT. Not only for wedding decor (which is so romantic in a "I'm more laid back than silk and lace" way) but in furniture, decor and accessories too! Here are some recent favorites:

TOMS $54

Louis XIII inspired burlap chair. Restoration Hardware.

Burlap seahorse pillow from www.domestically-speaking.com

Alexander Wang Adele clutch

album l.o.v.e.

2011-08-10T18:29:00.000-05:00

I've already mentioned this band briefly a while ago, but I am so in love with them, they deserve their own post.

These guys are brilliant......

You've probably heard their first single "Pumped Up Kicks", released early in 2010 but just now hitting major radio stations. If you like the happy, catchy.... alright, addicting music with the interesting (read: dark) lyrics of Kicks, the entire album will be a thrilling experience for you.

Seriously, I like the whole thing. I can't remember the last time that happened. Not even old faithful The Black Keys do that to me. They're so awesome Weezer did a cover of Pumped Up Kicks at Lollapalooza last weekend. When Rivers Cuomo sings your song at Lolla, you've pretty much made it.

And to look past their musicality, they give back to the community. Just announced today, they are kicking off "Foster The Future" in partnership with The Do Good Bus. They'll work with a charity in each city on their North American tour and spend some time volunteering there. *Sigh*

Embarrassing story time: FTP came to Kansas City for a 7am acoustic show. My favorite radio station in town was putting it on: first come, first serve. Blue Eyes & I were PUMPED to see them (excuse the pun, it was intended). So excited in fact, that we woke up at 4:30 on a Tuesday morning, fully ready to play hooky from work for a few hours, drove to the Firefly Lounge, and parked in the empty lot. What? Were we that big of fans? Or do these early morning shows really not pull in a crowd? Something was seriously wrong.... so we pull up the radio station's website on the Blackberry and sure enough, the concert is at 7am on FRIDAY. I was so excited to see them perform I forgot to listen to the ad long enough to figure out when they were playing. And apparently Blue Eyes believes everything I say, which in most cases is good except when I pull a ditz move like that. As if that isn't bad enough, the worst part is by the time Friday morning came around, I missed the concert. Effff!

Next time, Mark Foster & co, I will make it to hear your music. Come back to KC soon please!

Happy Birthday MK!

2011-08-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

Today is the birthday of the wonderful Michael Kors: King of classic American style, and my favorite judge on Project Runway. In honor of his wonderfulness' birthday, here's some of my favorite pieces from his Fall 2011 and Resort 2012 collections. *Happy Birthday Michael Kors!*

Fall 2011 Platinum cape and Smoke shift

She looks like a winter goddess/bad ass in those boots.

Brown runway watch

How beautiful is this watch? Brown stainless steel?! I'm going to have to check that out in person stat...

Buckled Motorcycle Jacket

I love shearling, but not to worry - this jacket is made of all faux sheepskin & shearling. No animals hurt here!

Resort 2012 gold jacket

Hello fabulous. This screams "Welcome to my spring cocktail party at the Hamptons."

i found the land of milk & honey

2011-08-09T07:35:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Lucky Magazine (avid reader since issue #1), I have recently discovered a gem of a website. Shoe lovers: get excited. It's called milk & honey shoes, and simply stated, you create your own shoes at a fraction of Louboutin, Choo, and Blahnik's prices - without sacrificing quality.

I love chunky heels for work, but have a horrible time finding them in stores, especially in the color I want and within my budget. But I do really like these:

Diane Von Furstenberg Roxanne Pump

Prada Pilgrim Buckle Pump

Being a red head, I never wear pink, but how great would those Prada's be with a neutral outfit? Love.

Anyway, milk & honey shoes lets you create a pair of completely custom digs with your choice of toe, heel, height, embellishments, and TONS of different fabrics. I'm designing a pair of chunky heel loafers as I write this blog. You can check out the creators' story here. Plus, it's really fun to pretend you're a designer making final decisions on your line of shoes!

Negligent

2011-08-04T13:06:00.000-05:00

So it has been more than a month since my last post.... What have I been doing, you ask?

Well, I went to South America. Buenos Aires (Big Apple for Evita fans), Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro to be exact. Here are some pics, you all ~~should~~ need to go!

Our view from the apartment in Buenos Aires, Palermo neighborhood

La Boca neighborhood in BA, this is the most "traditional" tourist area. I compared it to a much better version of the Midwest's Branson, MO. Lots of tango shows here.

This is what I ate a gigantic steak on. Love it.

Blue Eyes taking a stroll in Uruguay.

At the pier in Colonia de Sacramento, Uruguay

Beautiful Ipanema Beach

Copa, Copacabana......

Had to go see the Big Guy in Rio. Breathtaking.

After the trip, I bought a car. And the day job got crazy busy. That's what I've been up to. So, Sorry I'm Not Sorry I have been negligent, I'M BACK!

Green vases

2011-06-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

Last month, my roommate and I hosted a little Kentucky Derby party. Our goal was to make it more domestic than our typical parties (where our decorations consist of beer bottles and various assortment of leftover holiday napkins), but to do so on a budget.

My favorite thing that came out of the Derby party (other than our delicious mint juleps) was our green idea to reuse wine bottles and empty mason alfredo sauce jars as the vases for the flowers. Next time I'll take better pics...

I think this will become a staple for our future parties/showers!

Top Five Tuesday - Summer Edition

2011-06-21T12:40:00.000-05:00

My top 5 favorite summer 2011 trends:

1. Nautical

calypso-celle.com

2. Maxi skirts

Victoria's Secret

3. Retro inspired sunnies

TOMS, Nordstrom

4. Pops of Neon

luckymag.com

5. Printed shorts

J Crew

Here's to you, Dad

2011-06-17T09:28:00.000-05:00

What is everyone doing for Father's Day weekend? We are heading to my dad's happy place, the Lake of the Ozarks, to hopefully bask in the sun but at the very least, drink bloody marys and play board games.

So in honor of my very wonderful father, I'd like to share with you all our father/daughter song..... this is not a joke. It's just how awesome my dad is... :)

Vacay announcement!

2011-06-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

Exactly one month from today, I will be embarking on a South American adventure!!! And to make it extra sweet, I'll be with the man in my life (we'll call him Blue Eyes)... I simply cannot wait to see these sites:

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Aahhhhh! Now, time to fill out my Visa form and get cookin' on where to stay.....

Chalk it up

2011-06-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

I am your typical oldest child, type A list-maker, task crosser-outer with an affinity for pretty, creative and eclectic things. Basically, I have a constant right brain/left brain battle. Examples: My planner is meticulously kept, but I write in purple felt pens and don't follow the lines. I have tons of cool ideas for projects that are stowed away in a small filing box in my linen closet.

Lately I've really been digging the flexibility and function of chalkboards. If I didn't live in a rental, you can bet I'd be going to Home Depot for chalkboard paint this week. Here are some of my recent favorites:

Mary Kate McDevitt via Studio Sweet Studio

Pottery Barn

Apartment2024

500 Days of Summer

Top Five Tuesday: summertime

2011-05-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

It's officially summer! Well maybe not technically, but who wants to wait until June 21st anyway??

What are your favorite things to do during this wonderful season?? Here are my Top 5:

1. Weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks (especially 4th of July!)

2. Walking around the Country Club Plaza.

3. Vacations.... Big announcement in 9 days!

4. Lazy ~~Thursday~~ weekday evenings sitting on porches sipping wine, with or without company. :)

5. Family reunions, hot dogs, linen shorts, wedding season, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, grilled corn on the cob, gingham, frozen margaritas, aviators, backyard games, Tom Petty, Jalapeno Kettle chips, reading outside and flip flops.

OK, I couldn't keep everything I love about summer to a list of 5, but I bet you can't either!

Memorial Weekend Must-Haves

2011-05-27T11:55:00.001-05:00

Hello lovelies! And Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope you all have something wonderful planned, even if it's just kicking back and enjoying some you time.

I am off to the Lake of the Ozarks in t-minus 4 hours. My parents have a beautiful house there (beautiful in the sense that it can sleep 15 people and always has a stocked fridge... not in the white carpet, immaculate interior way) which I frequent almost every weekend during the summer.

Here's what I'm packing...

And a playlist of course:

Foster the People - Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)
Queen - Bicycle Race

Phil Vassar - Six Pack Summer
Spoon - The Way We Get By
The Secret Handshake - Summer of 98
Steve Reynolds - Dear Rose
Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Minor Thing
Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
Mungo Jerry - In the Summertime
Noisettes - Never Forget You

Kanrocksas Countdown

2011-05-26T09:01:00.000-05:00

Over the past 4 years, I have been promising to check something specific off my bucket list: Attend a summer music festival. Bonnoroo. Lollapalooza. Sasquatch. They've all been on the summer to-do list, but for whatever reason (weddings, "saving money", lake trips, slacking) I am always disappointed come Labor Day weekend and I realize I've failed yet again.

But THIS YEAR, something AMAZING has happened. Now I love Kansas City, but not in a hundred years did I think we would get our own music festival! But that's just the case! Last month, my Twitter feed started blowing up about something called Kanrocksas. Sounded to me like something real country - woof. After further research, it it is a rock/indie music festival featuring one of my ~~current~~ all-time favorite bands! (Yes I'm link happy today.)

Yes it's at a speedway instead of a field (which we have plenty of here in the KS/MO area) BUT the great news is this just might put KC on the map for progressive music. Which may lead to more shows over more weekends, instead of suffering through work on a Tuesday morning after a huge Monday night concert because your city isn't a big deal enough to have a weekend show.

Hope to see you, the Black Keys, Muse, GirlTalk, Fitz and the Tantrums, and many more the weekend of August 5th! Woo hoo!

Update: Get in my Closet

2011-05-16T12:34:00.002-05:00

Here's why I love Banana Republic.... The day after I post about their clutch I saw in the store but couldn't fork over $100 for without starving myself for a week, they send a 35% off all full-priced items email, plus free shipping. Love. Destiny. Needless to say, said handbag is now en route to my closet. I have an impulse shopping problem, and I like it.

Get in my closet

2011-05-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

How lovely is this little clutch? It needs to go to so many summer events and weddings with me.... don't you think?

Banana Republic

Wall space

2011-05-10T12:39:00.001-05:00

If I had an office, these 5 pieces from Etsy (see caption for specific sellers) would be purchased and mounted without hesitation.

thebigharumph

CitrusTree

TypePosters

lisaweedn

dazeychic

Top Five Tuesday: cheese

2011-05-03T11:50:00.001-05:00

Today's topic makes me smile.... CHEESE! My favorite place in KC to taste test and purchase delicious wedges of salty, creamy, nutty cheese is The Better Cheddar. It's a cheese palace, and even offers flavored soda in cute glass bottles - an unexpectedly delicious pairing with just about any cheese. But let's be real here, I don't get the same satisfaction out of those yummy bottles that I do from a good glass of Pinot Noir in my over-sized Riedel glassware. There's just something about wine and cheese...

Top 5 favorite cheeses. No crackers necessary.

1. Port Salut: Creamy and mild semi-soft cow's milk cheese. Simply divine. I'm going to have to make this quiche recipe stat.
2. Parrano: Lesser-known cousin of the popular Gouda, this cheese is harder and saltier and a major crowd-pleaser.
3. Gorgonzola Dolce: Blues aren't for everyone, but this cheese is milder and softer than a typical blue cheese. I love it spread over toasted French bread or in a cream sauce over gnocchi.
4. Gruyere: This one I came about late in the game; it is nutty, smooth and gone before I know it. My favorite is picking the melted gooey pieces off the side of my French Onion soup bowl.
5. Smoked Gouda: Smoky (obviously), semi-hard yellow cheese that most people are familiar with and enjoy.

Port Salut deliciousness

Easter basket

2011-04-25T14:58:00.002-05:00

When does one become too old for Easter baskets? This year, the Easter bunny left me a Neti Pot in my basket under the white tree at my parents' house. Consider two hints taken: 1) my allergic reaction to seasonal changes is unattractive and distracting 2) gone are the days of cute purses, jewelry or household items being gifted on Easter for this 25 year old.

Walgreens

UPDATE: Although I am averse to the feeling of getting water up my nose - this natural remedy for congestion works like a dream. Thanks Easter bunny!

Cocktail rings

2011-04-21T14:48:00.001-05:00

First and foremost, anything that I can wear that has the word "cocktail" associated with it is already a winner in my book. Plus I die for big statement rings.... like these Ariella Collection gems:

Nordstrom

Top 5 Tuesday: artists

2011-04-19T10:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Today's topic: My Top 5 favorite bands/artists currently. I won't commit to "all-time" favorites because, well, I'm just sort of a commitment-phob in the music department. You never know what artist is going to redefine the industry (in a good way) next...

1. The Black Keys
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Michael Jackson
4. Spoon (the namesake of this blog is inspired by a Spoon song)
5. The White Stripes (super sad about this)

I know, no women on here, except Meg White, whom I have dressed up as for Halloween. No one knew who I was (Meg nor Monica) because apparently Meg White isn't as popular as I thought, and hiding my red hair under a black wig proved to be a great incognito trick. Halloween 2008 fail.

Rain City

2011-04-15T16:55:00.004-05:00

On this dreary cold day in KC, I am wishing I brought my headphones to work so I could listen to these songs on repeat:

v Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood

v Aqualung – Brighter than Sunshine

v Blind Melon – No Rain

v Bon Iver – Blood Bank

v Sneaker Pimps – 6 Underground

v Turin Brakes – Rain City

v Zero 7 – Somersault

v Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine

v Ray LaMontagne – Let it be Me

Lenten promise

2011-04-13T13:24:00.002-05:00

Writing the first post on my first blog has been a little more nerve-wracking than I expected. So without further delay for something witty to pop in to my head, I'm going to write about how I broke my Lenten promise. Before you judge.... Look at these amazing shoes:

DSW

I went a full five weeks with no online shopping. Then I saw a tweet from the sales-from-heaven retail hub @ShopItToMe... 78% off Sergio Rossi right in time for wedding season?? Yes please.

Next year, I think I'll add something positive to my life instead of taking something innately good (but bad for my bank account) away.