Sunday, June 30, 2013

Pinterest Monthly: June 2013



Pastel Macarons with gold flakes. Almost too pretty to savor. 


This adorable little pooch. That fur and sweet face begs to be cuddled. 


Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada. I really want to visit this part of Canada. Not that far away!


Hot Tug. I saw one of these things on The Bachelorette. It made me laugh but now I want to go on one.
N' Luxe Owl Earrings. I've been really into owls lately. These jewels are fun to wear. Very cute. I love that owls represent wisdom and the night.


MacKenzie-Childs. I love this brand. I discovered it when the designer was featured on one of my favorite shows, Four Houses (TLC). I've been hunting down vintage pieces on eBay.


Ever since I was a little girl, I've always loved rocks. I used to visit a gemstone store and marvel at the pieces. My Mom also said I would get lost inside the geo section of the museum. My birthstone is Amethyst, so I'm naturally drawn to its beauty. I absolutely adore the idea of using geodes for home decor. When I get my own place, I'm definitely going to invest in these.
I need a new portable record player. I like the look of this model by Crosley.


Zara Studded Leather Bowling Bag. I broke my own "no more purses until Christmas" rule when I saw this marked down. It looks so pretty with my metallic gold wallet. I have a problem.


Rivka Friedman 18K Gold Clad East-West Gold Druzy Oval Ring. I love the look of rough stones and gold is my favorite. Excited to have this in my collection.

Keep Looking Up! I need to get a telescope. This Voyager Tabletop model fits the bill.

Conversation Chair by Old Hickory Tannery. Not only do I love the print but the shape of this piece of furniture is spectacular. The double seating is perfect.


This is an easy DIY that adds charm and dimension to any room. I especially like the idea of using a brooch or piece of jewelry that belonged to a relative or friend. Take an old frame, lay down some textiles and pin your bauble. 


Trophy Topper Wine Stoppers. I thought this was a brilliant way to repurpose old trophies. If you weren't victorious in your youth, most thrift shops or eBay have a plethora of old statues. 


Lyrics written on an old mirror. Literature and quotes are also endearing. Any excuse to display a personal touch. I'm a big fan of handwriting and hate to see it vanishing from our society.


Things Behind the Sun. I accidentally caught this movie when I was up late. I couldn't believe I had never heard of it before. Wonderful script, cinematography, acting and soundtrack. I highly suggest checking it out if you haven't already viewed it.


Man Up!: Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence by Ross Matthews. Lately, I've been on a major reading kick when it comes to design, style and metaphysical books but this little gem captured my full attention. Ross is hilarious and his writing style is immensely enjoyable. Memoirs have always been my favorite and this book is no exception to the rule.


The colors and expression. Blonde Lasagna's artwork is phenomenal. 


Lanterns. I think they're one of my favorite things in the world. I'm so drawn to their beauty. Lighting is such a key component in any home that somehow gets overlooked by far too many.


I've come to the conclusion that metallic gold is my favorite color. Now there's a fine line between ghetto gold and gilded elegance. I'm entranced by everything bronzed and beautiful. I need to find that stapler!


I fully support this idea! Brilliant! Where's the Kickstarter?!


Baby's Breath in a white pitcher. Simple and sophisticated- yes, baby's breath are in again.


This house is a dream.


Booze & Books. Because isn't that all you really need in life? (And that tufted leather couch!)


Stylish Tots.

This itty bitty horsie cardigan. I'd put that kid above in it. 


Men's Street Style. He pulls those jeans off quite well.


! Amen.





















Now Playing: "More Today Than Yesterday" by Spiral Starecase
*Their spelling, not mine.
*This is one of those songs that never fails to get stuck in my head.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Quoteworthy


"Life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
-Bill Hicks 1961-1994














Now Playing: "Can't Pretend" by Tom Odell

100 Questions That No One Asks


1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed.
2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? Yes.
3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? Out.
4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before? No but I want to.
5:Do you like to use post-it notes? Love notes but post-its aren't my favorite.
6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? No.
7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? Bear.
8:Do you have freckles? Yes.
9:Do you always smile for pictures? No.
10:What is your biggest pet peeve? Double negatives, no turning signals or people who smoke in confined spaces/large crowds.
11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk? Nah.
12:Have you ever peed in the woods? Yes.
13:What about pooped in the woods? No.
14:Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? Yes.
15:Do you chew your pens and pencils? Pens- sometimes.
16:How many people have you slept with this week? 0.
17:What size is your bed? Full.
18:What is your Song of the week? Anything from Daughn Gibson. "Lookin' Back on '99" works.
19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink? Yeah.
20:Do you still watch cartoons? Never really a big fan.
21:Whats your least favorite movie? Hmm... nothing specific but I just can't get into blockbuster super hero/comic book character type movies.
22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? A cemetery.
23:What do you drink with dinner? Diet Coke, Water, Wine, Beer...
24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Ranch or Cheese?
25:What is your favorite food? French Fries or Pizza.
26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love? Clueless, The Wizard of Oz, Before Sunrise/Sunset...
27:Last person you kissed/kissed you? No comment.
28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout? For a hot second I think I was a Brownie.
29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? That ship has sailed. Maybe when I was 20.
30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? The other day. I love to write notes.
31:Can you change the oil on a car? No.
32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket? No.
33:Ever ran out of gas? No.
34:Favorite kind of sandwich? Grilled Cheese.
35:Best thing to eat for breakfast? Cereal. Pancakes.
36:What is your usual bedtime? Dawn.
37:Are you lazy? Yes.
38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? Dinosaur, Pirate, Pumpkin, Mermaid...
39:What is your Chinese astrological sign? Ox.
40:How many languages can you speak? English and a bit of Spanish.
41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Yes. Too many. Elle, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Architectural Digest to name just a few.
42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs? Legos?
43:Are you stubborn? Little bit.
44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman? Letterman.
45:Ever watch soap operas? No.
46:Are you afraid of heights? Not particularly.
47:Do you sing in the car? Yes.
48:Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes.
49:Do you dance in the car? Yes.
50:Ever used a gun? No.
51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? A couple years ago.
52:Do you think musicals are cheesy? Yes.
53:Is Christmas stressful? Nah.
54:Ever eat a pierogi? No. I'm from Pittsburgh. I realize this is sacrilege.
55:Favorite type of fruit pie? Cherry? Apple?
56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Teacher, Magazine Editor, Model, Boutique Owner...
57:Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.
58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yes.
59:Take a vitamin daily? No.
60:Wear slippers? In the fall and winter.
61:Wear a bath robe? Yes.
62:What do you wear to bed? Not much.
63:First concert? Matchbox Twenty in Morgantown, WV. 2003-ish.
64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Target.
65:Nike or Adidas? Nike.
66:Cheetos Or Fritos? Um... too close to call. Cheetos are good but get messy.
67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Neither.
68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? No.
69:Ever take dance lessons? Yes.
70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Something requiring talent.
71:Can you curl your tongue? No.
72:Ever won a spelling bee? Yes.
73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes.
74:Own any record albums? Yes.
75:Own a record player? Yes.
76:Regularly burn incense? No but candles, yes.
77:Ever been in love? No.
78:Who would you like to see in concert? MGMT is still on the list.
79:What was the last concert you saw? The National at Stage AE.
80:Hot tea or cold tea? Cold.
81:Tea or coffee? Tea.
82:Sugar or snickerdoodles? Not sure what this means.
83:Can you swim well? No.
84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yes.
85:Are you patient? Very.
86:DJ or band, at a wedding? Both but a good band trumps a DJ.
87:Ever won a contest? Yes.
88:Ever have plastic surgery? No.
89:Which are better black or green olives? Neither.
90:Can you knit or crochet? No.
91:Best room for a fireplace? Living room.
92:Do you want to get married? Not yet.
93:If married, how long have you been married? N/A.
94:Who was your HS crush? Celebrity Crush- Jonathan Rhys Meyers
95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? No. I just do what I want.
96:Do you have kids? No.
97:Do you want kids? Yes but not for awhile.
98:Whats your favorite color? Light Metallic Gold.
99:Do you miss anyone right now? Yes.

100: Something that happened to you in middle school? I got the internet!












Now Playing: "Left Too Late" by Florrie

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Go Deep: Jack White & Conan O'Brien

"I often think that society is missing out on something right now; to think that anger and hostility are things that are in the violent realm of emotions- that they're all completely one hundred percent bad and should be avoided at all costs. I don't think that's true at all."
-Jack White



I found this conversation to be very enlightening. As a Catholic (albeit with strong Spiritualist beliefs and an open mind to all paths), I could relate to Jack and Conan's perspectives. I find Jack White to be one of the most intelligent people in the music industry. He has such a brilliant mind. I long to have and keep people like this in my life. Thought-provoking conversations with good friends (or total strangers) are vital.










Now Playing: "Lookin' Back on '99" by Daughn Gibson

Recently Purchased

RecentlyPurchased2



1. Amrita Singh Park Avenue Shoulder Bag.
I have this bag in black and decided to get the fun neon green shade for Summer. The color is striking. I got this on sale on HauteLook (like I seem to have gotten everything over the past couple of years). The construction of the bag is very good (especially for the price). I get lots of compliments and people think that it's genuine leather. The minor problem I have with the bag is the interior lining is a cheap nylon material. I prefer a cloth or leather lining but you get what you pay for. The major problem I have with the bag is it picks up the ink/dye transfer from everything and anything it comes in contact with- cotton, dirt, dust, invisible particles, etc. I've only worn this a few times but the back of it and the straps look like it's 15 years old! :( I'm trying to find a product I can spray on the bag to prevent this from happening (or find something that will wipe the grime off). Any suggestions would be much appreciated! This is a beautiful purse and I want to be able to wear it without looking like I took it on a field trip to the Steel Mill in 1963 and never changed bags again.

2. Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil.
Summer has that tendency of delivering hot weather. This miserable fact requires less clothing which in turns requires baring more skin. Enter this lovely product. After I shower and my skin is still damp, I apply this alone or mixed with my moisturizer to my entire body. Not only does it have aromatherapy benefits (also works well for the bath) but it leaves skin soft and toned.

3. Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Zodiac.
The name of this shadow definitely sold me but the color is stunning. If you have hazel or dark green eyes like me, this is the perfect shade for you! I like to use it over Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue to prevent fallout. What's nice about this product is you can softly apply it over a lighter shadow for added dimension (looks brilliant over MAC Retrospeck) or build it up on its own for a deeper, more sultry look.

4. Starbucks.
Not so noteworthy, huh? Wrong! I had my first drink from Starbucks EVER this month! I might have been the last 27-year-old girl in Pittsburgh to try something from the famous chain. Sure, I've been to the coffee giant before with friends but never ordered anything. I don't drink coffee. But I do like a refreshing beverage and if you tell me it'll give me added natural energy, I'll give it a shot. I definitely recommend the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher. At only 70 calories, it's a guilt-free pick-me-up.

5. DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandal.
I snagged a few of these on sale and I'm pretty happy with them. They're quite stylish for the price tag. They look much more expensive than they were and go with everything.

6. Kate Spade Earrings.
Also on sale, I hoarded quite a few pairs of these gems. I've received lots of compliments from admirers who  thought they were precious stones. Beautiful pieces for a steal!











Now Playing: Coast to Coast AM
*They're talking Kecksburg and UFOs!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Quoteworthy


"Life is the childhood of our immortality."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749-1832












Now Playing: "Harmonix" by Surfer Blood

Music Monday: The Boxer Rebellion



"Diamonds"


"New York"


"Keep Moving"


"You Belong to Me"


"Dream"


Based in London, The Boxer Rebellion is an international group hailing from both the United States, UK and Australia. Their latest album, Promises, can be purchased here.

Official
Facebook
Twitter









Friday, June 21, 2013

Sun in Cancer, June 21-July 22



My Ascendant is in Cancer and as the elements break down, I'm approximately 47% Water. I happen to relate strongly to this position in the Zodiac. If your Sun or Rising (Ascendant) is in Cancer or if you have strong placement in the 4th House, you may also relate to some of these traits and characteristics:
  • Feminine
  • Emotional
  • Nurturing
  • Motherly
  • Homebody
  • Moody
  • Sentimental
  • Compassionate
  • Caring
  • Relaxed
  • Romantic
  • Idealistic
  • Protective
  • Contradictory
  • Kind
  • Funny
  • Clingy
  • Sensitive
  • Intelligent
  • Intuitive
  • Loyal
  • Friendly
  • Solitary
  • Memory
  • Parents
  • Sweet
  • Psychic
  • Curveaceous
  • Night Owl
  • Devoted
  • Sensual
  • Passionate
  • Insecure
  • Manipulative
  • Food
  • Family
  • Roundness
  • Adaptable
  • Listener
  • Opinionated
  • Shy
  • Fragile
  • Temperamental
  • Distant
  • Powerful
  • Mysterious

Famous Sun in Cancers:
  • Princess Diana
  • Prince William
  • Tom Cruise
  • Pamela Anderson
  • Lindsay Lohan
  • George W. Bush
  • Tom Hanks
  • Tobey Maguire
  • Courtney Love
  • Liv Tyler
  • Charlotte Gainsbourg
  • 50 Cent
  • Jessica Simpson
  • Nikola Tesla
  • Khloe Kardashian
  • Michael Phelps
  • Ringo Starr
  • Richard Branson
  • Henry VIII
  • John Cusack
  • Jack White
  • O.J. Simpson
  • Sofia Vergara
  • Ernest Hemingway
  • Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  • Julian Assange
  • Giorgio Armani
  • Will Ferrell
  • Helen Keller
  • Kevin Bacon
  • Chris Cornell
  • Hunter S. Thompson
  • Brian Austin Green
  • Chris Isaak
  • Pablo Neruda
  • Bill Cosby
  • Rembrandt
  • Solange Knowles
  • George Orwell
  • Pierre Cardin
  • Lizzie Borden
  • Nancy Reagan
  • Kathy Bates
  • Henry David Thoreau
  • Jerry Hall
  • Derek Jeter
  • Ashley Tisdale
  • Shelley Duvall
Note: If you'd like to discover your natal placements for free, visit this site and enter your date, time and place of birth.












Now Playing: "House of Cards" by Radiohead
*Definitely a Cancerian tune.

25 Random Things... I Love About Summer

Midsummer Eve by Edward Robert Hughes, c. 1908. One of my favorite paintings.

Perhaps I'm in the minority but Summer has never been my favorite season. I often joke that the Sun hates me. I'm somewhat allergic to its rays. As a very fair-skinned redhead, I burn extremely fast. Because of this fact, it's easy to feel left out when your friends and family can spend hours basking in the sunlight. But outcast tendencies aside, there is always a silver lining. Here are a few things I love about the Summer months...

1. Lightning Bugs. I'm a girlie girl. For me to like a bug of any kind is noteworthy. These magical creatures are among the few insects that I truly appreciate. With such short lifespans, I can't help but believe that they're put on this Earth for the beauty that they emit. When I start noticing lightning bugs (or fireflies as they are more commonly referred) in June, it's a cyclical comfort.
2. Longer Days. For someone who doesn't particularly like the Sun and is a night owl, this is a bit of a contradiction. But because I usually wake up much later than "normal" people, it's nice to be able to get up and still enjoy the daylight hours. Who doesn't like a sunset?
3. Ice Cream. French Vanilla is my favorite flavor.
4. Miniature Golf. Love this game.
5. Night Swimming.
6. Driving with the windows down and the music up.
7. The noticeable shift in temperature. On Summer nights when the cool air rolls in, it's a lovely reprieve. I loathe a heat wave but I live for a cold front.
8. Movies. Lots of great films are released in the Summer. A nice way to beat the heat on a hot afternoon.
9. Fireworks. Where I live, there's never a shortage of sparklers.
10. Summer Reading. Sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book.
11. Sunglasses. I wear these all year 'round but they're a definite necessity during Summer.
12. Concerts. There's always a good show to see.
13. Festivals and Fairs.
14. Flea Markets, Garage Sales.
15. Iced Tea/Lemonade/Seasonal Beer... Anything with a refreshing kick.
16. Summer Nights. There's magic in the air. Star Gazing is always nice.
17. Weddings. Cliche to get married during this season but I can't knock tradition.
18. Parties. Bring on the jello shots!
19. Bonfires. One of my favorite things. Camping can be fun.
20. Thunderstorms. Lightning. Rain.
21. Vacations/Weekend Getaways. Trips to the amusement park (Kennywood forever!).
22. The smell of fresh cut grass.
23. Flowers.
24. Late evening walks in the park.
25. Memories.












Now Playing: "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" by Led Zeppelin
*Leave you when the Summer comes a-rollin...

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Luxe Living: Outside... Your Comfort Zone





















I'm from an area that experiences each of the four seasons. When the warmer weather arrives, it's nice to enjoy a bit of outdoor living. Making the outside a place that is comforting should be an enjoyable project. An inviting fire pit, comfy furniture (color is a nice option), some lanterns and candles, a few pieces of interesting tableware and perhaps a pool (don't forget the music!)... things to be inspired by.













Now Playing: "Sugar Babe" by Stephen Stills
*How do turtles talk to one another?

Blog Archive

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!