A blog of personal style, wonderful surprises, and chance encounters to encourage and inspire.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pinterest

Image found here
Are you as addicted as I am?  I'm pretty sure Pinterest took over my entire holiday weekend!  Oh well, maybe I'll get those Christmas decorations put up next weekend.  In the mean time, follow my pins here.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

H&M Holiday Finds

For years H&M has been one of my all-time favorite stores.  The only problem was, we don't have one in this part of Alabama, and for the longest, their items were not available for purchase online.  Well, times have changed and H&M is now among one of my favorite online perusees.  Here are some of my favs from their current collections...


H&M Holiday Finds


H M pocket dress
£25 - hm.com

H M smocked dress
£20 - hm.com

H M pleated skirt
£40 - hm.com

H M silk pleated skirt
£70 - hm.com

H&M wingtip shoes
£25 - hm.com

H M leather handbag
£20 - hm.com

H&M metal earrings
£3.99 - hm.com

Monday, November 21, 2011

2011 Gift Guide

I'm not sure if it's the Christmas Parties I am planning at work or if I'm just in the mood, but I cannot wait ONE MORE DAY for the holidays!  I'm not talking about Christmas Day necessarily, I just mean the Holiday Season in general.  It's been a pretty tough year here, so maybe it's just my heart's way of saying "We've made it through this year, now let's celebrate and begin another year with a fresh start."

This is the week of Thanksgiving, so I'm officially declaring it the holidays!  I am usually quite strict about no Christmas music or holiday gift considering until after Thanksgiving Day (the office start of the holiday season), but it's close enough.

So, with it officially the holiday season now, let's get started on those gifts!  I remember this gift guide last year, but I didn't really pay it much attention. But when I stumbled across it again this year, I new I had to give it a second look.  This is one of best gift guides I've seen! All the gifts are super cute and unique while staying very kind to the holiday budget (I mean who likes a gift guide that is so out of your price range that is is almost comical?!).

Set aside some time and study this years Gifted Magazine Holiday Gift Guide 2011.  And when you see an adorable gift, but not exactly sure who you should buy it for, feel free to think of me (I'm just sayin').


Monday, November 7, 2011

Kick the Door In

Need some Monday Motivation? Let me offer this.  I stumbled across this blog post from a High School friend of mine.  It is a letter that he wrote to his college self about being strong, persevering, pressing forward, and kicking the door in.  Check it out...

Kick the Door In

Hope you had a great Monday!

Auction Finds

You may not know this, but along with my full-time job, I have several side jobs.  I always have; I think I will know I have really made it in life when I only have one job (or maybe I will just know I've gotten really tired).  Anyway, one of my jobs has always been working at estate auctions.  No, I'm not the auctioneer.  If you've never been to a live auction, I suggest going as they are quite exciting.  Most of the time the items for sale in these auctions really aren't my style.  I mean, workshop tools, guns, and knives don't really do it for me.  However, the last few I've worked have had quite the mother-load of unique items, so I thought I would share...

Auction Crowd
We'll start things off with a quick view of the crowd anxiously awaiting the of the goods.

Vintage Typewriter
I LOVED this typewriter.  I mean, someone please put this in their gorgeous office, STAT!!

Polka Dot Lamp
I thought this lamp would look so cute in a little girls room.

Vintage Luggage Set
This was the most stunning set of vintage luggage. They had the complete set for sale and it was in stellar condition!

Wooden File Cabinet
This vintage wooden filing cabinet would look wonderful in a slightly girly office or in a bedroom as a night stand.

Gas Pump
Look at this AWESOME gas pump!!  Um, yes, that is my shadow in the picture, and no charge for the view of the garbage.

Blue Convertible
I have no idea what kind of car this is, but can you imagine going to the beach in this thing?!

Antique Orange Car
Do you watch Parenthood? If not, I suggest you start watching it immediately (well, immediately after reading my blog).  It's going to make you want to plan a family dinner. Anyway, this car reminds me of Amber's car. It also reminds of an old fashion taxi.  So cute!

Antique Car
Another great vintage car.  Love.

Antique Truck
Cute little vintage truck.

Antique Pontiac
This was the one I fell IN LOVE with.  While I was taking these photos the man who had just purchased this beauty noticed my interest and offered to let me drive it.  Trust me, it was just as fun as it seems.

Vintage Car
Gorgeous steering wheel.  I kept telling the man he should just give me the car, but he didn't quite agree with my logic.

Tweed Door
The inside of the door was Tweed!  See that little switch to the right? Yeah, those are the power window switches.  I mean, what's a vintage car without power windows?

Pontiac Dash
GORG!! My husband told me they stopped making the dashes like that as they were metal and caused quite a safety hazard in car accidents.  I mean, I think I might where a helmet if I got to look at that dashboard everyday.

Vintage Juke Box
How fun would it be to have a vintage juke box in a cozy family room with a wet bar?

Vintage Leather Chair
Last but not least, I just had to bring this guy home.  I apologize that it's not the best photo, but it was really an incredible find.  That buttoned leather, the nail head detail, the wooden arms...And you are going to flip out when I tell you the price - $10!!  Yes, that's right, I took that handsome chair home for only ten bucks! I'm pretty sure it was one of those rare moments when all the stars a-line just right to bring you the best luck. And to think, I wanted to sleep in that day.

I hope you enjoyed that little showing of my last couple of weekends.  Next time you see an ad for an auction, stop by.  You might just find the deal of a lifetime!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Lunch at Sweet Basil

My sister was in town last week and we decided to do lunch to catch up on the latest.  The Shoals Area is sprinkled with wonderful little cafe's and restaurants, so a lunch date always involves a tough decision.  Well, someone had to do it, so we decided on Sweet Basil Cafe.  This has been one of favorites for years, so we knew we were in for a treat.

Wine Selection

Sweet basil is combo of specialty grocery, gourmet catering, and hot lunch spot.  They have an delicious selection of specialty grocery items and unique wines. More often then not, if I am looking for something and can't seem to find it in the big box grocery store, I can find it here. 

Cooking oils, spices, and sauces

They also specialize in both onsite and carry out catering.  In fact, they were in the top running to cater my sister's wedding last month!  You can stop in and pick up something for your family for dinner or for a special occasion, or they can cater functions as big as a wedding or reunion.

Order lunch

While Sweet Basil dabbles in different things, they are most famous for their delicious lunch menu.  This is how it goes.  They have a menu of scrumptious dishes that they have all the time; these are the staples that everyone goes back for time and again.  In addition, they have a weekly menu that is based on local and seasonal produce. I almost always chose from this menu, and Thursday was no disappointment.

Turkey & Brie Sandwich

This sandwich was ridiculous! The Brie was the perfect amount of creaminess and that ciabatta bread was the perfect holder for all that goodness.  Kalamata olive spread provided the perfect amount of saltiness to counter the richness of the brie. Served with a greek orzo pasta, it was the perfect lunch date with my sister!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

How to Tie a Scarf

I can't tell you the number of times I've stood in front of mirror trying to create magic with the same tired scarf I've worn a thousand times.  Better yet, I really can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say, I just need someone to teach me to tie a scarf.  Well Girls, now's your chance.  Wendy's Lookbook (found via Shutterbean) has come to our rescue and posted this video.  Prepare to be amazed (and educated!).

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I Love a Good BOGO!

One thing about taking someone place at work is that you end up receiving all their emails.  Most of the time this is quite annoying as all the newsletters and advertisements your former cohort so graciously gave out their information to are now contacting you for the 50th time this week to tell you about a sale on banners.  Then, one night as you are about to go to bed, you check your work email and find Buy One Get One 50% off all Shoes and Handbags!!  Finally all those pesky emails have paid off! 

So here at the deetz...Target is having a great BOGO sale on shoes and handbags.  It includes men, women, and children's items in case you need to outfit other members of your family (or if you just need to not feel guilty about buying yourself yet another pair of fabulous shoes).  I read the rules and the only items not included are clearance items.  But really, who wants to waste a good BOGO on a clearance item?

Don't worry, I sacrificed for you and rounded up the top items I would invest in if I were planning to participate in said BOGO sale.  So, here we go...

Women's Merona® Meaghan Ruffled Flat Shoes - Pewter
This just seems like it would be perfect with jeans on the weekend or with dress pants for the office

Women's Merona® Mattie Cap-Toe Shoes - Leopard
I just can't say no to a good leopard flat.  I also love that these have just a little heal to dress them up a bit.

Women's Xhilaration® Sharon Oxfords - Brown
I know oxfords are really yesterday's news, but I'm just not over them.  I love them with a cute dress or with jeans on the weekends.

Women's Mossimo® Viviana Platform Pumps - Cheetah
I know it's another leopard, but really, can you say no?  I don't think so (especially for BOGO, I mean come on it's practically begging you to take them home).

Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Kessi Buckle Ankle Boots - Cognac
There is something that I LOVE about these.  I'm thinking maybe with skinny jeans and a cardigan for the weekend, but depending on where the top of the boot hits, they might look really cute with a dress and tights. Kind-of that opposites attract, feminine vs. masculine vibe.

Hipzbag - Brown Faux Leather Bag
Are you on board with the new fanny packs? But, I love how they call them Hipzbags instead of fanny packs like we don't know it really is the same thing we all had hated in the '90s.

Bueno Travel Bag - Steel Grey
I am crazy about the structure of this bag.  It reminds me of an old medicine bag. I also like that it is grey; such a great alternative to boring black or brown.

Mossimo Supply Co. Triple Buckle Saddle Bag - Tan
So, this is probably bigger than I would normally go for a cross-body bag, but I love the structure.  It just seems like the perfect thing to use while perusing a great flee market (or yard sale).

Xhilaration® Chain Evening Bag - Black
I am in love with this for night time.  Someone please where this with a cute dress to a concert!

So, that's it. As you can tell, there are some great contenders for the BOGO purchase.  Run, don't walk (as your fav will probably be sold out by the time you get there) to your nearest Target and get yourself a bargain! While your there, feel free to pick up one for me as well.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Stationary Love...

I love all things stationary and paper related. A new notebook, pad and pen set, notecards, you name it and I'm there!  I have been know to ravage the shelves of discount stores looking for the perfect note cards to send my clients or a close friend.

Today while doing my weekend blog catching-up over at Elements of Style and ran across this post, and I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing for a moment.  Rifle Paper Co. has the most gorgeous array of stationary and anything paper related.

I mean, I think I really need this in my kitchen.  

This makes me want to host a recipe party ASAP!

I'm pretty sure my scrappy work notes would stay much more organized on something like this!

How adorable would this be framed in a little girl's room?

Receiving this card could make even the worst of days seem brighter.

What a cute alternative to the traditional business card? It's like a social card!

In reality, my current stationary stash is the backs of old daily calendar pages and used envelopes, but a girl can dream (or suggest these as a perfect gift for herself, if anyone was looking for a suggestion). 

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Truly Cigars

A few weeks ago the big boss came into our office and invited everyone to drinks and cigars on him.  My office mates and I, not wanting to miss a once in a lifetime opportunity, jumped at the chance to spend some of his money and get a free drink in the process.  So, we closed up shop and met at Truly Cigars to receive our afternoon libations.

It was my first visit to the cigar shop/man-cave lounge, and I was pleasantly surprised!  I was expecting the smell of stale ciggies and old tobacco, but instead walked into the most wonderful, manly fragrance of expensive cigars and leather furniture.

Truly Cigars 011

How lucky were we!  It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hectic week of event planning.  Truly Cigars had an amazing selection of delectable cigars.  The staff even kind enough to show a DVD detailing the processing and production of their cigars.

Truly Cigars 001

I've never really been a cigar smoker.  I tried it in college once, and it was just too much to deal with.  There was the cutting and puffing, and more cutting and relighting.  So, I really didn't plan on having a smoke.  Well, the boss and the staff convinced me and I tried a delicious Vanilla Cigar.

Truly Cigars 003

And while I don't think cigar smoking will become my hobby anytime soon, it was a much more pleasant experience than in my college days.  The taste was what got me, the warm taste of vanilla on your lips, it was like flavored chap-stick,but better! (Please try not to be awe-struck by my precise description of flavored cigars).

Truly Cigars 010


In the end, it really was the gin that won me over, but if you smoke pipe tobacco or cigars, I highly recommend Truly Cigars.  Their unique vibe and excellent staff are what keeps everyone in our office looking forward to our next Friday night outing.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

365 Grateful 3/52

5.30.2011
So thankful for my wonderful Mom, Happy Birthday!

5.31.2011
I may have a small kitchen, but its productions are delicious!

6.1.2011
Lazy...Wednesday!!  How lucky am I? 

6.2.2011
That messy pile of papers and folders means I am needed at work (and yes, I do work on Sodoku all through the day, everyday).

6.3.2011
Menu Tasting for a client...I mean, it's a tough job but someone has to do it.

6.4.2011
Watermelon for  supper...Summertime bliss!

6.5.2011
(Iced) Coffee date with my husband.