Recently Purchased

Stone Houses: Traditional Homes of Pennsylvania's Bucks County and Brandywine Valley by Margaret Bye Richie
I've wanted this book for years. Having grown up and lived in a stone house for most of my life, I admire so much about this style of architecture. I also happen to have a small obsession with older houses in general. This is a hard book to find as it is out of print. There are even used copies on Amazon going for $2,000 and several others listed for hundreds. When I saw one for sale for a fair price with proceeds going to a local library in Mt. Lebanon, I jumped at the chance to finally add this to my collection.

Steelers vs. Dolphins Game Ticket
Our away trip this year will be to Miami. I'm admittedly not as excited as I usually get because I have been to Florida so many times but I've never been to this stadium. We didn't have many options this year as just about every opponent was located within a reasonable driving distance from Pittsburgh. Miami was the most exotic of our choices. At this point, I would happily go anywhere! I am looking forward to cocktails on the beach and late night dance parties. Our goal is to eventually make it to every NFL stadium in the league. As a group, I think we're about halfway there.

Stainless Steel Cold Cup Tumbler
I picked this up at the local Nordstrom Rack grand opening party. I have a similar bronze one from Starbucks that I constantly use so it's been a nice addition to have another version. It's listed as rose gold but it reminds me of copper. Love.

Kate Spade Stud Earrings Set
I also picked these up on sale at Nordstrom Rack. As much as I love to admire jewelry, I don't wear a lot of it. Stud earrings is usually where it begins and ends with me. I have amassed quite the collection. I lost count of how many Kate Spade pairs I own but I didn't have any black ones-- at least I don't think I did! Any girl from Pittsburgh could definitely get use out of these beauties. The stripes would especially look cute with Pirates gear. Completely justified.

Chanel Fall 2016 Eyeshadow Quad 268 Candeur et Experience
I have to give myself a slap on the wrist for this purchase. I am desperately trying to edit down my massive collection and stop buying more makeup but as a Chanel collector, this was too hard to resist. It is Chanel's first ever all matte palette and also the debut release from Lucia Pica. And those colors? It has my name written all over it. I was well-behaved and held off on getting another product (Illusion d'Ombre 128 Rouge Brûlé) from the collection but it has since sold out-- so disappointed. Lately, I haven't been wearing makeup much but am excited to play around with this when the time comes.

Tommy Hilfiger Baseball Cap
I'm a Tommy girl. It was the first perfume I remember wearing as a young girl (and I still think it smells good). Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with my childhood. While the resurgence of 90s fashion has been somewhat eyeroll-inducing (these kids weren't even alive to know how good that decade was!), I can get behind anything TH. I initially came across this hat on ebay but when I went to purchase, it was sold. When I found the exact style and color at an outlet store in New York (the only one there was), I immediately took it home with me. This hat was simply meant to be in my closet. I'm a hat lover and also take well to this shade of green. Kismet.










Now Playing: "Unless You Speak From Your Heart" by Porcelain Raft

September 2013 Playlist

1. "My Favorite Game" by The Cardigans, 1998.
2. "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac, 1982.
3. "Ms." by Alt-J, 2013.
4. "Moonchild" by M83, 2005.
5. "Eg anda" by Sigur Ros, 2012.
6. "Expecting to Fly" by Buffalo Springfield, 1967.
7. "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty, 1978.
8. "Knife" by Grizzly Bear, 2007.
9. "Spectrum" (Say My Name) by Florence + The Machine, 2011.
10. "Dancing On My Own" by Robyn, 2010.
11. "Strange Attractor" by Animal Kingdom, 2012.
12. "Wicked Game" by Washed Out, 2011.
13. "My Sweet Lord" by Jim James, 2009.
14. "I Go to the Barn Because I Like The..." by Band of Horses, 2006.
15. "10 Years Gone" by Led Zeppelin, 1975.
16. "Light Beam Rider" by Fly Golden Eagle, 2010.
17. "Do You Mind?" by The xx, 2009.
18. "All I Need" by Radiohead, 2007.
19. "Rave On Sad Songs" by Jason Collett, 2010.
20. "New Orleans" by Gary U.S. Bonds, 1960.
21. "Hell" by A$AP Rocky ft. Santigold, 2013.
22. "Baby I Need Your Loving" by The Four Tops, 1964.
23. "Tenuousness" by Andrew Bird, 2009.
24. "Mother and Child Reunion" by Paul Simon, 1972.
25. "This Is The Last Time" by The National, 2013.

Flashback Friday! 02-01-09

The Steelers win their 6th Super Bowl on my 23rd Birthday, February 1, 2009! Celebrating the big win on the North Shore! One of my most memorable birthdays ever! The entire city was on the streets going insane!

Wish List!

Things I'm currently coveting! I strongly believe that if you dare to dream and put positive energy into the Universe, things have an unbelievable way of finding you :)

YSL Large Belle du Jour Clutch

Vintage Shabby Chic Vanity with plenty of desk and drawer space for organizing my makeup collection!



Lexus SC 430. I'm in desperate need of a new car and I've best lusting after this beautiful baby for 10 years.



Diamond Stud Earrings. Goes with everything!



Walk-In Closet! I'm dying to convert my sister's old bedroom into my little sanctuary.



Travel! Some possible places I'd like to go in 2012:
-Visit my sister in Florida while she travel nurses
-Back to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or Voodoo
-Kentucky Derby
-Washington, DC
-New York City
-Lily Dale, NY
-Nashville to visit my friend Maggie/Steeler Game
-California Wine Country
-San Diego for the Steeler Game
-Lollapalooza or Austin City Limits

 Now Playing: "DLZ" by TV on the Radio

Style Spotlight: Beyonce. 2011 MTV VMAs.

I tried to stay away. I really did. But boredom got the best of me. I turned on MTV around 10 pm and was surprised to see how beautiful the VMA stage was. I really loved the way it looked- very futuristic and sleek. I didn't pay much attention to the show itself but the buzz on twitter was Beyonce's pregnancy. I missed the red carpet coverage but thanks to the magic and instant gratification that is the internet, I was able to see the infamous pictures. I'm not a particularly big fan of Beyonce but I have to say, she looked STUNNING tonight. I adored her orange Lanvin gown (I want, I want!). The hair and makeup also looked flawless. She's got that pregnancy glow and it's working for her! Sadly, there wasn't an ounce of sartorial competition (aside from Wiz Khalifa's Steelers hat) that I noticed. Beyonce easily gets my golden hanger award- BEST DRESSED by a long shot!

Now Playing: "Snow On the Sahara" by Anggun

Everything We Do, We Do It Big!

Congratulations to Hines Ward and Steeler Nation for securing the huge win on Dancing With the Stars! I'm not a big fan of the show but I definitely tuned in last night. Even though we didn't take home the Lombardi this year, it was nice to see Steeler Nation come together to bring the Mirror Ball to the 'Burgh! Hines is a fantastic dancer and his partner is phenomenal but it just goes to show the power of the black & gold! Pittsburgh really is the City of Champions and I'm once again so proud of my hometown!

Super Steelers!

Last night, my Steelers fell to the Green Bay Packers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. It was an exciting game but it didn't end the way Steeler fans would have wanted. But I wasn't as heartbroken as you might imagine. I am a die hard Black & Gold girl but I was content with the result. I've cried when the Steelers lost many an AFC championship game but this loss felt easier. The Steelers were never supposed to make it to the big stage this year, but they did. I have been so spoiled as a Pittsburgh sports fan- especially during my 20s. I know the Steelers will be back to the Super Bowl and this shortcoming should gives us movtivation for next year.

One complaint I do have is with the host city of Dallas & FOX. They couldn't help that the weather sucked but they weren't prepared to deal with it. They sold 2,000 tickets to people who paid big bucks to be there- only to turn them away at the gates because the stadium could not accomodate them. WHO DOES THAT?! FOX's cameras are ridiculously bad, that stupid robot needs to go and how about trying to get a scoreboard graphic that's large enough to actually read? Oh, and try showing the FANS at the game rather than your republican agenda George Bush & company or lame celebrities. There were practically no close-up shots of fan reactions. It was an awful production.

If the Steelers had to lose, I'm glad it was to an organization like the Green Bay Packers. If the Steelers weren't in the game, I would have cheered for the Pack. Afterall, their head coach is a Pittsburgher! I think we played a tremendous second half but unfortunately gave the Packers 3 of their touchdowns from turnovers. I hope that there isn't a lockout in the NFL next season- I have plans to travel to the west coast for the first time for an away game! We will keeping knockin' on 7's door until the Lombardi trophy comes back to Pittsburgh! I'm proud to be a Steeler fan & I always will be! HERE WE GO!


Now Playing: "Pittsburgh Steelers Stairway to Seven" by Rich Banks

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCKIN' ON 7'S DOOR!

My beloved Steelers just beat the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game! We are heading to our third Super Bowl in just the last 6 seasons! We've been to more AFC Championships (15) than any other team (8-7 record) and will be playing in our 8th Super Bowl come February 6th. The only bowl we lost was to DALLAS! It would be sweet revenge to win an unprecedented 7th title in their house!

My lucky nail polish! "Licorice" by Essie (Black), "Lets Meet" by Sinful Colors (Yellow)
This time, we'll be playing one of the other legendary teams in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers! I have nothing but respect for the pack (so far) and I think this is going to be a classic! My birthday is on the 1st so I may be going to Dallas if I can score a good package! Regardless of the outcome, I feel so spoiled to be a Pittsburgh sports fan. In my 25 years, this will be the fourth Super Bowl (2-1) I will watch my team play in. The last time we won was on my 23rd birthday! What an amazing gift that was! The pearl & diamond ring I have on in the photo above was my gift on my birthday. I call it my "Super Bowl" ring, lol. I've also seen my other team, the Penguins go to four Stanley Cup finals (3-1). There are countless other accolades to mention but I don't want to brag. In the wise words of Wiz Khalifa, YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS ;)

With that, GOD LOVES PITTSBURGH! DOUBLE YOI!


Now Playing: "Steelers Fight Song (Pittsburgh's Goin' to the Super Bowl)"

PLAYOFFS!

The Terrible Towel!

In less than an hour, my beloved Steelers will host the dirty birds...cough, the Baltimore Ravens! The winner will head to the AFC Championship either at New England or here in Pittsburgh (depending on the outcomes). It has been a great season and I'm looking forward to this matchup!

To show my Steeler spirit, I painted my nails black- I wasn't in the mood to paint them yellow or gold this week. I chose Essie's Licorice which is a beautiful, opaque black. Below are a couple snapshots from my webcam. Licorice only took 2 coats but it was opaque after just 1! I first heard about this polish in a magazine. Makeup creator and icon, Bobbi Brown listed it as her favorite!

Licorice by Essie

Licorice by Essie

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!


Now Playing: "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa