Friday, November 23, 2018

The Christmas Decor Tag!

I started collecting Nutcrackers last year. I have two of these beauties which were my first and still are my favorite. 


Some of the ladies I follow on YouTube were doing this tag, so I thought I'd join in on the festivities. One of these days I will get around to going full-speed with my own YouTube channel but until then, I'll settle for right here on my blog.


1. When do you start decorating for Christmas?

After Thanksgiving. Black Friday weekend. But I keep an eye out for pieces all year long.

2. What style do you decorate your home for the holidays?

I'm very traditional when it comes to holiday decor. I will throw in a trend here or there but I prefer classic color schemes and themes. I enjoy vintage items mixed with newer finds that will still hold its charm for decades to come.

3. Favorite family Christmas tradition?

We always had a big party on Christmas Eve when I was growing up. Friends, family, and lots of laughter that always went very late.

4. Favorite place to buy Christmas decor?

Thrift shops/estate sales. I love the thrill of the hunt and finding high-quality pieces for pennies on the dollar. We have a lot of elderly people in Pittsburgh, so the secondary market is full of wonderful vintage and antique selections. As for traditional places, MacKenzie-Childs is my favorite brand to invest into collecting and I always have fun at Home Goods.

5. Favorite Christmas movie?

A Christmas Story and The Family Stone are my absolute favorites but every year I also have to watch Home Alone (love the soundtrack), Christmas Vacation and The Year Without a Santa Claus.

6. Egg Nog, Hot Coco or Apple Cider?

None of the above! I don't like warm beverages. If the cider was chilled, I might give it a try.

7. Do you leave chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies for Santa?

Whatever I have on hand.

8. Artificial tree or real tree?

Artificial for several reasons (mainly I like to leave it up for a couple months) but I'm starting to love the imperfection of a real tree.

9. Favorite holiday dessert to make?

Gingerbread!

10. Favorite type of Christmas cookie?

Gingerbread Men

11. Do you/family open any presents on Christmas Eve?

When we were growing up, we usually were given one from our parents and our extended family also exchanged gifts.

12. Do you decorate your tree yourself?

I have more than one. Yes.

13. Where do you spend Christmas Day?

For many years it was my Aunt Dolly's beautiful house but it varies.

14. Favorite Christmas smell?

A crackling fire.






Now Playing: "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday" by William Bell

Saturday, November 3, 2018

If I Were a ______, I'd Be ________.



It's been a long time since I've done any of my usual Q&A style posts. But I was out with my friends and our conversation led me into the mood to answer a few fill in the blanks. There might be a few repeat questions from several years ago but it could be interesting to see if any of my answers have changed. Here we go...

If I was a ______, I'd be _______.


1. Board Game: Scrabble

2. Musical Instrument: Piano

3. Flower: Hydrangea

4. Time of Day: Midnight into the early hours of the morning

5. Alcoholic Drink: Champagne or a Dry, Red Wine

6. Country: Ireland

7. Weather: Thunderstorm

8. Era/Decade: Renaissance or the Roaring 20s...hard to believe it's nearly here again

9. Genre of Music: Alternative Rock or Ambient/Downtempo

10. Room in the House: Bedroom or Library

11. Book: Anne of Green Gables

12. Holiday: Halloween

13. Day of the Week: Saturday

14. Sport: Football

15. Song: Truth by Alex Ebert

16. Article of Clothing: Oversized Turtleneck

17. Movie: Hocus Pocus or Clueless

18. Car: '69 Chevelle SS. Black on ecru

19. Planet: I only want the Moon...at least in this solar system

20.  Accessory: Hat

21. Animal: Himalayan Cat

22. Food: Pepper Jack Cheese

23. Art: Midsummer Eve by Edward Robert Hughes or Fetal Trapping in Northern California by Mark Ryden

24. Corner of the Internet: Conspiracy Boards

25. Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt












Now Playing: "Summer in November" by SiR

Friday, October 26, 2018

Ten Things: Fall To-Dos



1. Celebrate Halloween! Parties, movies, decor and more!
2. Have a weekend getaway with one of my best girlfriends
3. Listen to as much of my Fall Feels Spotify playlist as possible
4. Check out some stand-up comedy
5. See the leaves...take more walks in the park
6. Add a few fall home decor pieces to my collection
7. Take our annual Steelers away trip
8. Get a hair cut...it's way too long
9. Fall cleaning...declutter, sell and donate
10. Get a few work projects kicked off








Now Playing: "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison
*One of my all-time favorites.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Ten Things: Summer To-Dos

My friend's cabin is actually located in the mountain town of Normalville, PA; the things that happen there are anything but ordinary (very Twin Peaks). Many of us have seen UFOs among other anomalies. It's a beautifully odd place. 


1. Have a bit of boozy fun (beer/wine festivals, pub trivia, etc.)
2. Night swim
3. Take a road trip to do something I haven't done before
4. Visit an amusement park (Kennywood, Cedar Point, etc.)
5. Read something extraordinary (and try to write something at least mediocre)
6. Go to the mountains (cabin camping, golf, bonfire under the stars)
7. Catch a Bucco game at PNC Park
8. See as many concerts as possible
9. Have a funnel cake (and play carnival games) at a local festival or fair
10. Take kickboxing classes












Now Playing: "Hey Lover" by LL Cool J

Monday, June 25, 2018

Music Monday: Amen Dunes



It's been quite a long time since I've been compelled to share a Music Monday post but I have not stopped listening to the newest release from Amen Dunes. I was on Twitter the other night and by happenstance, I read a timely Pitchfork tweet of a live link to their show in Brooklyn. Instantly a fan. I had listened to a few of Amen Dunes' older songs many years ago but never truly connected until this week. Here are a few of their latest songs that I've had on repeat:

"Believe"


"Blue Rose"


"Skipping School"


"Dracula"





Damon McMahon is the mastermind behind New York's Amen Dunes. Their latest album, Freedom, is out now and can be purchased here.

Official
Twitter
Instagram










Flick Pick/Get Lit: Sharp Objects



I finally read Gillian Flynn's intriguing debut thriller, Sharp Objects, a few years ago. I couldn't put it down. When I learned that HBO was developing a limited series around the material, I was all in. The casting hits the spot and Jean-Marc Vallee (Big Little Lies) is directing. Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses; her range and ability to portray so many different types of characters is not credited highly enough. If you're a fan of dark thrillers with a female lead, I imagine you might be a fan of this project. I recommend checking out the book before the miniseries premieres on July 8th. It's a quick read and does not disappoint. If you enjoyed The Sinner, you will probably like this one as well.

















Now Playing: "Believe" by Amen Dunes

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Quoteworthy: Kate Spade 1962-2018


"In order to lead a fascinating life, one brimming with art, music, intrigue and romance, you must surround yourself with precisely those things." 
-Kate Spade














Now Playing: "Sweet Like Brandy" by Kwamie Liv

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

2017 Makeup No Buy: The Final Update

2017 Makeup No Buy Review



If you were following along with my 2017 makeup no buy, I apologize for leaving you hanging. About midway through the year, I went through a few personal challenges and makeup simply wasn't even on my radar. I purchased a few selective items during a sale here and there but overall, I added very little new product to my collection. I purged quite a bit as well. Overall, I was extremely pleased with my results. If I were grading my performance, I would say that I earned a solid B+. I am going to continue my no-buy into the new year with the same "rules" of only purchasing for special occasions, major sales or rare launches. My focus has completely shifted in recent months and I no longer have the desire to buy everything that catches my eye. I  simply don't need it. While my love and appreciation for beauty will always remain, there comes a time when you must take an inventory of your lifestyle and priorities and realize what you need is more important than what you want. I would rather put my money toward savings, books and travel. Collect moments, not things.



Products Featured Above:

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette

Etude House Universe Palette in Gold

ABH Subculture Palette

Urban Decay Eyeliner in Alkaline

MAC Holiday Lipstick

Too Faced Clover Eyeshadow Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eyeshadow Palette













Now Playing: "Praise You" by Jon Kenzie (Fatboy Slim Cover)

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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!