Pinterest Monthly: January 2014

I love this industrial window/door that flows into a warm, inviting breakfast nook. The contrast is so unpredictable and charming.

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Excited to see mules finally coming back in style! The backs of my feet are so bony that it makes wearing heels and other types of stiff shoes unbearable. These are a dream.

Speaking of dreamy things, this little picture has been gracing my iPhone screen. I love the way it makes everything pinkish.

My current favorite length and style of hair. What I try to achieve when I put some effort into the tresses. 

I'm all about a cable knit pillow, throw blanket, masculine table and chandelier. Elegant cozy is where it's at.

I love this idea of turning your signature (or a loved one's) into a piece of jewelry! I'm definitely considering using this Etsy seller.

It has been my mission to make it to Europe before I turn 30. My 28th is tomorrow and I'm getting my passport this week! My friends and I are planning to go this Spring! Hopefully, it will be just the first of many wonderful excursions. :)

If only I could buy this Chanel beauty or something like it while in Paris. Now that's out of this girl's price range but a girl can dream.

And on the subject of dreams, what better place to daydream than in an out of control shower like this. Actually, you could do a lot of things in there.

My inspirational quote of 2014!


















Now Playing: "I'll Be Your Lover, Too" by Van Morrison
*This song is so underappreciated. Like most of Van's music, I could listen to it for hours (and do).

Music Monday: Odessa

"I Will Be There"


I first heard this song in a Subaru commercial (props to whomever does their ads because they're always well done). After doing a bit of research, I was left with very little information on the artist. Odessa's voice is promising and I look forward to hearing more.

Odessa is an unsigned singer from Santa Rosa, California. Her debut single can be purchased here.

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Sun in Aquarius, January 20 - February 18

Aquarius is the sign of the Zodiac that I'm most closely attached. My Sun (February 1), Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are all in Aquarius. Because of these strong placements, I've always felt like a true Aquarian. A common misconception with Aquarius, because it is the sign of the Water Bearer, is that it's a Water sign; in actuality, Aquarius is an Air sign (along with Gemini and Libra). 

Those with Sun in Aquarius or heavy 11th house placement in their chart may possess the following characteristics:

• Progressive
• Intellectual
• Unique
• Independent
• Tech Savvy
• Futuristic
• Unusual
• Quirky
• Free Spirited
• Creative
• Talented
• Strange
• Undefinable
• Inventive
• Original
• Detached
• Influential
• Deep
• Wise
• Rebellious
• Educated
• Odd
• Peculiar
• Reasonable
• Unconventional
• Leader
• Individual
• Unpredictable
• Social
• Humanitarian
• Gentle
• Kind
• Persuasive
• Philosophical
• Informative
• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Sensible
• Rational
• Peaceful
• Introverted
• Thoughtful
• Scientific
• Positive
• Eccentric
• Artistic
• Unrealistic
• Friendly
• Honest
• Dreamers
• Idealistic
• Compassionate
• Understanding
• Forgiving
• Pioneering
• Intense
• Benevolent
• Analytic
• Contemplative
• Avant-Garde
• Genius
• Curious
• Meditative
• Stubborn
• Profound
• Weird
• Serious
• Modern
• Truth-Seekers
• Candid
• Aware
• Popular
• Pleasing
• Investigative
• Genuine
• Imaginative
• Visionary
• Stylish
• Intuitive
• Loving
• Utopian

Famous Sun in Aquarius':

• Justin Timberlake
• Jennifer Aniston
• James Dean
• Clark Gable
• Oprah Winfrey
• Sharon Tate
• Shakira
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Paris Hilton
• Bob Marley
• Ashton Kutcher
• Lauren Conrad
• Harry Styles
• Elijah Wood
• John Travolta
• Abraham Lincoln
• Michael Jordan
• Babe Ruth
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Portia de Rossi
• Sara Gilbert
• Christian Bale
• Christian Dior
• Paul Newman
• Bill Maher
• Yoko Ono
• Ed Sheeran
• Lisa Marie Presley
• Axl Rose
• Wayne Gretzky
• Farrah Fawcett
• Mischa Barton
• Christina Ricci
• Mia Farrow
• Jackson Pollock
• Norman Rockwell
• Chris Rock
• Nick Nolte
• Seth Green
• Garth Brooks
• John Belushi
• Ice T
• Buzz Aldrin
• Sheryl Crow
• Cat Power
• Vannesa Redgrave
• Molly Ringwald
• Linda Blair
• Elizabeth Banks
• Ayn Rand
• Thomas Edison
• Lewis Carroll
• Charles Darwin
• Charles Dickens
• James Joyce
• Virginia Woolf
• Mariska Hargitay
• Margaux Hemingway
• Doutzen Kroes
• Christie Brinkley
• Isla Fisher
• Janice Dickinson
• Denise Richards
• Ronald Reagan
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Zsa Zsa Gabor
• Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
• Emma Roberts
• Heather Graham
• Nick Carter
• Alice Cooper
• Jerry Springer

Now Playing: "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire

*Very much an Aquarius type of song!

Flick Pick: Endless Love

Here, we have a movie that my intuition tells me will either be very entertaining or so bad that it's actually good. Either way, I need to find myself a Valentine, get to the theater and see what this one is all about. I'm a sucker for a sexy little romance and what better love story plot is there than a good girl-bad guy scenario? So over-dramatic, so cliche, so perfect.














 Now Playing: "I Will Be There" by Odessa

Music Monday: Gregory Alan Isakov

"Amsterdam"


"Second Chances"


"The Stable Song"


"Astronaut"


"Honey, It's Alright"


"That Moon Song" (Live)


I initially came across "The Stable Song" while it was playing in a quaint little pub. I instantly fell in love with its charming sound. It was one of those songs that captured me to the point that I whipped out my cell phone for the sole purpose of tracking it down. Thank God for the Shazam app! I use it daily and am totally the girl with her device crazily pointed towards the speakers inside of stores attempting to find out what I'm hearing! Before I had this app, I dealt with the old school method of jotting down any lyrics I could decipher and later Googling them until something made sense. More often than not, I was left with nothing but frustration! Technology has definitely improved this facet of my life! After digging around a bit, I discovered that I had previously listened to the artist and had even included him in a monthly playlist; but I was pleasantly met with even more soulful, relaxing tunes to be heard from him.

Gregory Alan Isakov was born in South Africa and resides in Boulder, Colorado. His most recent album, The Weatherman, which is a beautiful collection of songs, can be purchased here.

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Chic & Thrifty: The Junk Hole Haul

Nestled between a busy road and a small creek notorious for flooding lay a place that I've jocularly referred to as "The Junk Hole" since I was a small girl. The Community Thrift Center is full of junk and it definitely gives off the hole in the wall vibe but it's also a goldmine for buried treasures. It's the ideal spot for scoring found objects, records for pennies and random odds and ends. Over the years, I've spent countless hours shuffling through its shelves and rummaging through the racks.

My family and I have adopted everything from Chanel scarfs to Christmas trees at this charming little establishment. There's not much you can't find at a place like this. The prices are among the best I've seen within the secondhand market in Pittsburgh. The odds are good but the goods are odd. And I like it like that.

Should you find yourself at Community Thrift on Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills, be sure to take note of the sales. It changes daily.  Pop some tags.

MY RECENT HAUL:

Items Purchased:

• Lamarthe Leather Handbag. Made in Italy. French brand. I spotted the craftsmanship on this beauty from a distance away. Upon closer inspection, she was in nearly perfect condition with the dust bag included (love the unicorn logo the brand uses- obviously, check out of the other items I got). When I was in grade school in the 90s, book bag style purses were all the rage. They're apparently making a strong comeback. This particular design isn't something I'd typically go for but for $15 (it was 50% off and retails for hundreds), the quality of the leather and unique designer was too good to pass up. 
• Chico's Exta-Long Wool Sweater Cardigan: This looks like it was never worn. Brand new condition (and it probably originally cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $200). It's difficult to find a really long sweater (this hits at about my calves). This style is perfect to throw on for extra warmth or to pair over leggings. I'm always cold so I get a lot of wear out of things like this around the house or if I'm going somewhere like the movies. I recently joked with some of my girlfriends that I must be getting old because some of the window displays at Chico's are starting to appeal to my style. Find it at the thrift store? All the better. 
• E.O. Brody Glass Co. Vintage Vase/Dish: My Mom has always been a fan of Depression glass and other unique pieces. Her love of this type of thing was definitely passed on to me. I've always had an appreciation for antiques but as I've gotten older, glassware has really stood out to me. I love glass like this for a number of different uses- alone on a shelf or table as a decorative piece, as a candle holder (a la Waverly and Irving), as a vase for floral arrangements or a candy dish. The smoky quartz color of this particular piece really caught my eye. I thought it was a bold neutral that would go nicely with a number of different interiors. 
• Records: For .49 an album, I'm happy to give these a new home. Charlie Rich, Behind Closed Doors (1973), Johnny Mathis, People (1969), Dionne Warwick, Dionne (1976), The Lettermen, A Song for Young Love (1962).
• Party Invitations: I love to have friends over for a movie night and thought these little invites were too cute not to snag. It'll give me an excuse to plan a little viewing party for something fun and use some of the new address labels that I recently got!
• Glowstick Bracelets: Speaking of parties, my birthday is a couple weeks away and I thought these might come in handy. I love a little glowstick action.
• Decorative Owl: Well, I brought this little handmade guy home with the idea in my mind that he was a votive candle holder. Well, my standard-sized votives were too big for his little head and the flame got his body a bit too heated for my liking. The battery operated votives were also too big. I have no idea what he's supposed to be. Maybe I'll store knickknacks in him or just keep him as a figurine. He would have looked so cute lit up. Disappointing. 
• Pittsburgh Magazine: I picked this issue up because it features the best homes of the year in Pittsburgh- notably, my favorite, The Farmhouse! I had all intentions of posting an in-depth blog about this property but never got around to it. Perhaps after reading the article, I'll have more inspiration. I'd love to have a party at this place (it would make for an incredibly romantic wedding reception venue). 
• Journal: I'm constantly jotting down notes- everything from ideas, lyrics, food I ate, to-do lists, and more. I pretty much collect journals. I love them and am quick to get my hands on good ones. Finding such a nice one that's unused and at the thrift store is definitely a score.
• Wine Wars: My Mom found this little game that's supposed to be educational. I thought it would be fun to have a little game night with a few bottles glasses and good times. Wine Parties are always a blast. I love the blind testing games and the conversation.
• Miami Psychic by Regina Milbourne. I love all things paranormal or psychic-inclined. I browsed through this title at the thrift store and admittedly, my first impressions were questionable but I gave it a go anyway. It seems a bit "trashtastic" but who doesn't love a good guilty pleasure read?
• Unicorn Bookends, Takahashi San Francisco: This was by far my favorite find! I was positively giddy when I came across these magical little creatures on a high shelf at the store. I've been on the lookout for ceramic unicorn bookends for the past year. The ones on eBay were a bit overpriced and the sets I saw on sites like One Kings Lane were way too steep. For $6, it wasn't the steal of the century but by comparison it was definitely a bargain and well worth the wait. I've always loved unicorns (for a couple different reasons), so these will be special to me for some time. I can't wait to display them!

Now Playing: "I Will Be Back One Day" by Lord Huron

Music Monday: James Vincent McMorrow

"Cavalier"


"Gold"


"Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree"


"Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak Cover)


"If I Had a Boat" (Live)


I first discovered James Vincent McMorrow a number of years ago from an Irish pen-pal. Yes, I am one of the few people in the world who still has pen-pals. After hearing "Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree", I was instantly hooked. A couple summers ago, I finally had the pleasure of hearing him live- & for free (thank you Allegheny County Parks)! It was an unforgettable summer night under the stars with a bottle of wine, one of my dearest friends and the beautiful music of McMorrow.

James Vincent McMorrow is a singer from Dublin, Ireland. His latest album, Post Tropical, can be purchased here. Be sure to check out the last few tracks. After "Cavalier", they're among my favorite!

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Quoteworthy

“It was three o'clock in the morning – the wisest and most accursed hour of the clock. But sometimes it sets us free.”
-L.M. Montgomery 1874-1942













Now Playing: "Still" by jj

Quoteworthy

"Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future."
-Deepak Chopra









Now Playing: "Young Fathers" by Typhoon

Luxe Living: The Winter Home

One of my favorite things to do is spend the weekend away in the mountains. A dream of mine is to have a beautiful vacation home among the woods.














Now Playing: "Cavalier" by James Vincent McMorrow

Go Deep: Shia LaBeouf, the Nymphomaniac Interview

Perhaps it's because he shares the same exact birthday with one of my best friends so I know our Gemini-Aquarius compatibility is on point, or maybe it's because I grew up watching him on Even Stevens, but Shia LaBeouf just does it for me. 

“The first info we got — and I’ll never forget this because my entire team reacted with such fear — the first request from the production end, not Lars, was for pictures of my penis. Lars goes, ‘Send him the letter. The letter was, ‘Are you game?’ I guess the first test was, ‘Let’s time how long it takes this motherfucker to send his dick over the Internet.’ It was like 20 minutes; they were like, ‘All right, kid’s ready.’”

Now Playing: "Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin

Nail Me: Winter 2014 Polish Picks

Top Row:

Marc Jacobs Gatsby: This is the polish that I have on right now. I love the name and was impressed with the formula- smooth and speedy drying time. I initially thought it might be too similar to Butter London Fairy Lights but this is much more subdued; where Fairy Lights is pink, Gatsby is far more silver and cool toned.

Essie Chinchilly: This is one of the polishes I get the most compliments on. It's a perfect neutral for winter and will match just about anything you're wearing. On-trend and flattering.

Tom Ford Bordeaux Lust: I don't own this polish (nor anything from Tom Ford's beauty line) but I have been anxious to try it out. I don't recommend splurging on an expensive brand without doing a bit of research but if you were to get one color from the line, I would suggest a shade like this or a vibrant red. Wine colored polishes are some of my favorites for fall and winter. They're a must-have for February and Valentine's Day.

Essie Going Incognito: One of my favorite greens. This is a rich, jewel tone that is flattering against my coloring. It's nice to have on hand around March when St. Patrick's Day is approaching and Spring is on its way.

Chanel Magic: I opted against putting this in my collection (that still might change but I'm trying to be strong). I love the name but I just couldn't justify another blue when I already have similar alternatives in shades like OPI Dating A Royal. But if you're looking for a beautiful blue with a spectacular name, search no further. This is gorgeous for the winter but can easily be worn all year long.

Bottom Row:

Butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Top Coat: I scored this in a holiday value set that was marked down. I really like the formula. It gives my bottle of Seche Vite a break. Sometimes it's nice to just let your nails go bare and a good top coat is all that you need.

OPI My Private Jet: There are two formulas and the original is far superior. I had to hunt mine down online. The subtle glitter is mesmerizing but the color of the base still remains calm.

Julep Nicolette: I couldn't find a picture of this particular color but anything in the grey family is what I'm selecting. Essie Power Clutch is a darker option.

Michael Kors Sexy: This is a red that I don't personally own but the few Michael Kors polishes that I do have, I'm very impressed with. The packaging is so sleek and elegant. Every woman needs a classic red in a fabulous bottle and this fits the bill. Dior Diorific from last year's holiday collection was another great one.

OPI Nail Envy Base Coat: I've been loving this base coat. It creates the smoothest foundation for my polish. I love the way it helps the varnish glide while strengthening my nails. It's also quite glossy on its own.

Now Playing: "Baby" by Donnie and Joe Emerson
*I think this might be one of my favorite songs of all time. I need to get it on vinyl!

Music Monday: Maverick Sabre

"Let Me Go"


"Let Me Go" Live


"I Need"


"These Days"


"I Used To Have It All"


Maverick Sabre is an Irish-English artist from London. His debut album, Lonely Are The Brave, can be purchased here.

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Quoteworthy

"Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things: air, sleep, dreams, sea, the sky- all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it."
-Cesare Pavese 1908-1950














Now Playing: "Let Her Go" by Peer Kusiv (Passenger Remix)