Splish Splash

I love this clear umbrella by Totes (available at Target for $16) its the perfect accessory for whatever the weather brings. It is absolutely adorable!

New Trick

My sweet, Callie has officially mastered the command "shake". 

I am so proud of her. She is incredibly smart, she learned how to sit within the first week that I got her. 

 I know most people would assume that I was a "purse dog" kind of girl, but that is definitely not the case.I know she is a bit of a handful being a medium sized rambunctious puppy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She is definitely my love. And I am glad that I will have her with me when we finally make the move.

Attention Readers:

Yes, once again I have become a dead beat blogger...with no excuse but only to say that I have been working non-stop. I am on a new schedule working from 8-5:30 with Fridays off. Before it was 8:30-4:30 all week. And though I adore my Fridays off, I really liked those extra thirty minutes I got to sleep in during the week, and cutting a day from my schedule has seemed to have me working with no rest until the clock hits 5:30. Its an adjustment.

Then if you add the house into the mix it only makes things that more hectic. Which it seems that my closing date as been moved again. Let me tell you buying a short-sale as given me A LOT of patience and when I go to buy a home (YEARS YEARS from now) that is on the market, its will blow me away how fast it will go. I am still in need/searching for a roommate. Maybe there is a reason everything has been postponed over and over again. I just keep

Fridays have become my catch up day at home and my spend time with Callie, who I adore. So during the week, I get home after a longer day and have an exuberant puppy who desires my attention. Who I do not mind giving that attention, because she is so sweet.

Not only have I been a dead beat blogger, I've been a out of the loop with my friendships as well. Trying to get back into the groove of things now that I am feeling better. I love you guys! And I am looking forward to spending some time with the people I love this weekend.

Hopefully once I get moved and a little settled in with the this new schedule and all things will begin to fall into place. In the meantime, I may continue to neglect the blog until I can get a handle on everything else.

So long summer...

As fall is slowly being ushered in, you can feel it in the air. I say goodbye to my dear friend, Summer, who has treated me well this year. I will miss the sandals and cotton dresses. Long hot summer days, brought in by cool summer nights. Summer always feels like it gives you a free ticket to be a little irresponsible. I read a quote once that said "summer is when laziness finds respectability". I decided to celebrate the last day of summer with a green tea frap from Starbucks and by wearing my bright yellow sandals with a pair of white pants!

A Miracle Destroyed

I am a fan on Facebook of Pier Park and I follow the News Herald on Twitter, just in case stories like this come about that make me stop and reminisce about my days in Panama City. If you have ever been to Panama City Beach then you have either seen or visited Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Today, that landmark is no longer there. 'i know that it has become an eyesore in the past few years since it was closed down. However, for many of us it holds memories of when we were younger and before our responsibilities as adults set in. I think what makes me sad is that everytime I return to Panama City, a high-rise condo has taken the place I spent quality time. As each year passes I find it harder and and harder to find my way around town, as each visit because more far and few between. Thats life though. Things that were once glorious become ruins and are only left to be memories of those who were lucky enough to enjoy it during its golden years.

NYC Fashion Week: Day One (Monique Lhuillier)

There were a few designers that I just fell in love with their spring line, that I picked so many looks that I couldn't feature them in the "day" blog of Fashion Week. So I decided that they would get their own blog.  

Monique Lhuillier

Lhuillier was on to bolder ideas: sharply defined structure and the rich embellishment of those perennial fashion icons, the Masai of East Africa. She worked her ideas down two different paths, with full, almost New Look-esque skirts for cocktail hour on the one hand, and on the other—for high evening—breezily draped jersey gowns with rope belts, some dripping fringe.

-Style.com

Sigh...I have a new favorite way out of my reach designer. This collection was absolutely breath-taking. Each piece that I am featuring, I want NOW! Especially that little suit number. I could totally wear that now...or and that amazing print coat. Hello! Ok, off of my The Hills talking pattern. I think what really brings these pieces home for me, is the hat. It was a clever way to tie everything together. 

The black dress with gold detailing really reminds me of SJP in Sex and the City. I love it, and as much as I love the yellow dress, because I am petite long dresses and I don't get along so well. 

That is why I am digging the shorter version of that dress. Also, the black dress with the shrug....yes, I will take one of each of these please!!

NYC Fashion Week: Day One (Prabal Gurung)

There were a few designers that I just fell in love with their spring line, that I picked so many looks that I couldn't feature them in the "day" blog of Fashion Week. So I decided that they would get their own blog. 

Prabal Gurung

Drapes a mean dress. It's the attention to detail that separates his one-shoulder cocktail frock from the next guy's. -Style.com

What I personally loved about this collection was the textures and femininity of the dresses. There was amazing structure and attention to detail. The pops of color, especially this almost colbalt blue is incredible. I find the over-sized structured bows, beautifully crafted. My favorite piece of this collection is the white one strap dress with the asymmetrical feathered bottom. LOVE!

NYC Fashion Week: Day One

As we all know, I love fashion! I know I am a few days behind to begin posting about NY Fashion Week, but no better time to start than now. I went through all the designers that hit the runway on September 10. I picked out my favorite pieces from each show to share with you. I am going to be quoting synopsis of each show by fashion editors/critics (mostly from style.com an extension of Vogue).

BCBG Max AxriaFloral patterns pop against contrasting swaths of solid color on dresses from the BCBG Max Azria Spring 2010 collection. -Washington Post

Jen Kao
 The collection is feminine, but still very structural. The clothes are free and draped, but still very complex in the way they are built. -Coutorture.com

L.A.M.B.
Spring found Stefani mixing African and eighties-pop references (think Bow Wow Wow and Bananarama) with some rock-chick edge, natch. Besides the requisite biker jacket (in white leather), there were lots of zippers and tarty (in a good way) off-the-shoulder dresses and tunics, and one very mini pleated kilt (can you say Harajuku girl?). Harem pants, washed-silk cargo pants, and diaper dresses added a softness and ease to the line and demonstrated that it does indeed have relevance beyond smoky, poorly lit music venues that smell of stale beer—and can stand on its own outside in the bright, daylight world. -Style.com

Organic by John Patrick
John Patrick boiled down his feelings on Organic Spring 2010 as follows: "Art for art's sake? Well, this is fashion for fashion's sake." John Patrick's unique, eco-focused approach stands out in an overly crowded fashion-week calendar. -Style.com


This collection made me drool. It was a perfect blend of mensware meets the girl next door. I think my next purchase is going to be a bow tie!


Then the was the additive of leather to soft pieces! Yum!

Vena Cava
Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock are tired of all things ripped, torn, and distressed. "It's nice to see somebody our age dress a little cleaner, with more elegance," Buhai said. To help make their point, they enlisted Tiffany & Co., Persol, and Robert Clergerie for their bangles, shades, and shoes, respectively. For the clothes, they took inspiration from the bright, graphic wall murals of South Africa's Ndebele tribe—but they didn't interpret the theme too literally.
-Style.com

Wayne

Wayne Lee focused on minimalism and draping. Ruched goddess minidresses with graphic cutouts and a major emphasis on the leg showcased her aptitude for working a single piece of fabric around the body—to sexy, insouciant effect—while more practical, everyday items like a paneled leather vest worn over a sheer, asymmetric silk charmeuse top would be appreciated by any woman with an eye for one-off basics (that is, by almost any savvy consumer these days).

-Style.com

I think what I enjoyed about this collection was the simplicity of the basic pieces. And taking a black blazer and pairing them with an amazing pair of yellow shorts. Basic can be brilliant.

Property Virgin: Update

So, I have been dishing money out left and right lately as the closing of the house is only 16 days away. On the 3rd the appraisal took place while I was out of town in Orlando, but we were not worried about it appraising considering I am purchasing it almost 20K under the tax value. On Saturday, was the semi-scary inspection. I was a little nervous about anything that I couldn't see, and if something was going to come up that would prevent me from moving forward. Thankfully, nothing bad came up. A few normal things - get the A/C serviced. Other small things, most that I was already aware of. I was able to get all of the measurements, look at remolding more realistically, and to start pricing everything I need.

I am getting so close, I cannot believe it. I guess I should start packing (I only have 2 boxes packed).

Academic Achievement

Last week (on Friday, September 4), my brother, Ryan, graduated from Full Sail University with a degree from their recording arts program. He has endured crazy hours (by crazy hours, I mean CRAZY he had labs at ALL hours some at 1 am) and intense classes to reach graduation. The school has this mad schedule, in order for the students to experience what it will be like to work in the recording arts industry. Not only did he make it to graduation, he exceeded the minimum expectations and was given the Advanced Achiever Award, he was voted not only by his peers but also by his professors (I do have video of his speech, and will post that ASAP, but there was some clicking sound going on with my camera, working on removing that). His speech was smart and clever, it wasn't just another typical graduation speech. I am extremely proud of my younger brother. I am excited to see where he will be going next with his knowledge and degree! Currently he is seeking to use his degree in the gaming industry!

Let This Day Be A Reminder....

To all those I love:

As today marks the anniversary of Sept. 11 I am reminded of the horror of that day. I begin to feel guilty for not giving thanks to God for everything He has so graciously given me. I am blessed beyond words to have each and everyone of you as apart of my life. This day makes me see that I don't tell the people in my life how much they mean to me enough. 9/11 was a tragic reminder that we aren't promised tomorrow. Each day is a precious gift and yesterday should never be a regret. Don't take for granted the time given to us. Sometimes it is the words that were never spoken that haunt us more than the words we wish we never said.Though we all have our different opinions of the war our country is currently involved in, that does not mean we should stop supporting the men and women who protect us each and every day!

I encourage all you to say "I love you" just one more time. When you hug, hold on just a little longer. Remember to go the extra mile, but know that sometimes its the little things in life that matter most. Such as a smile. A simple phone call to say hello can brighten anyone's day. Send a card just telling someone what they mean to you and what a blessing they are. It is about taking the time out to show the people you love how much they truly mean to you. Find the time. Love is spelled "T I M E". I know that I am guilty of lacking in these areas, so today I want you all to know that I love you and thank you for everything.

For all of my friends who are no longer just a 'hop, skip, and jump away' you are in my prayers. Thank you for everything you've done in my life and I continually hope that our friendship will prove distance isn't a factor but just an obstacle to overcome.

To all of my friends that are a part of my everyday life in Charlotte. Thank you for being there for me everyday! You have all been there during some of the most difficult times, and I can never express my gratitude to you. I love you all!

And I know I don't say it enough to of you: Thank you & I love you. Even when I fail to
pick up the phone when I think of you, say a prayer and hope that there is sunshine in your days.

We Remember

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." - President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Copy Kate

I am obsessed with all things Kate Spade. From the stationary to the china. Then came Kate's 2009 Fall line (who's home page is saying dress boldly)...and I am not only obsessing, I am down right trying to recreate each look (because I don't have a Park Ave bank account). Though I haven't done a perfect job at doing so just yet. I am determined to have look-alike pieces! How could you not want to? Some of my favorite things about this line are the colors...especially of the tights. Can I be so bold?
I've purchased a polka dot top. Still looking for a full polka dot dress. I also purchased a peach colored dress with a print. Finding the pieces is fun. Also, flipping through the pages of W, Vogue, and Lucky as they come in the mail knowing I can take these pieces and make them beyond what I see in the pictures of the fall Kate Spade line. Oh the inspiration....

A Moment of Silence

As we all know, I am a self proclaimed camera whore. Saturday evening a sad event took place. As I went to take pictures of my brother's graduation cake while we were celebrating at my Uncle Rusty & Aunt Debbie's house, you can imagine my horror when I saw that the screen of my camera was completely broken. Seriously beyond repair. And I have no idea how. We think maybe the housekeeping hit my bags with the vacuum.

I can still take pictures, and it will be like back in the day with FILM and not knowing what the picture will look like until I load it onto my computer. And I can't use my features...only the automatic!

I must say, that I am thankful that my screen wasn't broken until AFTER Ryan's graduation (which I promise will be one of the next posts). Though I am a bit bummed with all the house stuff coming up and closing on the 30th, that I don't have a fully functional camera to capture all the glorious moments. I guess instead of purchasing a GPS in October I will be purchasing a new camera, trust me if I purchase an new camera - I will be going ALL out!

Splurge...

For the holiday weekend, I was in Orlando for my brother's graduation from Full Sail University (that will be my next post). While I was there I did a bit of shopping with my MawMaw, always fun. On Saturday we hit up the mall for some labor day shopping deals...where I landed a deal too good to pass up on a 10-piece set of KitchenAid pots & pans! I decided to spend a bit more on the cookware than I originally planned because I knew that KitchenAid would last compared to a cheaper brand that I would probably have to replace a few years down the road. Why not make a good investment?

I realize I've been a deadbeat blogger, (sigh) and its been hard because I was in such a bad place due to my current circumstances and then I just got out of the habit of blogging. I also did not want my blog to reflect such a darkness that it scared any prospective readers away.
So hopefully (fingers crossed) I can keep thinking positively and moving forward.