Fab Find (Home Edition)

I haven't done a Fab Find in a very long time, but I did realize that a Fab Find is beyond a fashionable clothing/accessory/shoe! So this edition of Fab Find is the Home Edition, and now that I have purchased my new place there will probably be more Fab Find: Home Edition.

I love these appetizer plates from CB2 with a Chinese takeout box with the menu origami'd in to make the carton. How cute! The plate comes in three colors: orange - green - blue.  Though it doesn't really match anything that I am doing in my kitchen, for 2.95 a piece, you can't go wrong! CB2 also have matching clothspin chopsticks as well as other items to go along with appetizer plates to accompany having the perfect sushi party.

Let It Snow...

Well the Charlotte area was hit with a nice coating of snow (about five inches)! It is absolutely beautiful. Callie and I were outside playing in it this morning. Here are some pictures of what this weekend looks like for us! I may go out and make a snowman, expect more pictures to come! I played with some editing on these photos, so they all look a little different. Keeping myself entertained on this snowy day. 

The front yard

  

  

The pups playing in the snow

 

  

  

 

The Despair of a Shoe Lover

Its been almost two months and the only type of shoe I have been wearing is a flat. Sigh. Today is the first day I've gone without wearing my brace...now I am not going to make a habit of it, but I now know that I can get away with it and I can dust off my knee high flat boots! I never thought I would spend so much time in such shoes. If you sense a great deal of distaste for flats, you are correct.  However, I will admit they are growing on me...I just hate being short all the time. So instead of my typical high heel loving blog, I have decided to dedicate this one to all the cute flats out there! Kind of a wish list to grow my shoe collection to more than just a ton of high heels.

 Blowfish St. Lucia Peep Toe 

This flat make me happy - and I couldn't choose between these three colors! I adore the bow on the toe, a perfect accent to the peep toe and bright colors. 

JS by Jessica Abigail X Suede Ballet Flat

Once again the bright colors! I figured if I am going to be wearing flats I might as well make a statement in this suede ballet flat.  Then this shoe has a little something extra on the heel. An all around winner this flat is!

MIX NO. 6 Janet Flower Flats 

If you are going to wear a black flat...don't be boring about it! This black flat is accented with a perfect little teal flower, its the pop this otherwise boring shoe needs!

Mia Hepburn Reptile Flats 

I think why I was drawn to this shoe is because its the flat version of what I normally would wear as a high heel. The shoe also has this great reptile texture. Also is available in a variety of colors, which is great.

SM Stella Pointed Toe Ruffle Flats

Another brightly colored pointed toe flat. 

How could you not love the combination with a little ruffle? 

PODOLAK 

This is the perfect black dress flat! 

BLACKPOOL
Kind of plain with a zebra twist. I could defintely see myself purchasing these lovely shoes!

Nine West "Clora" Flats
Nine West, how I forget about you...but look how adorable these shoes are? A great giraffe meets geometric print. 

BC Footwear Thicker Than Water II Peep Toe Flat
Another peep toe flat with a great selection of color! 

REPORT 'Kimball' Flat

This flat is slipper like, though I think the flower is a bit much.This shoe looks super comfy, however I am afraid that any sort of weather would cause some damage - they look delicate.

Steve Madden 'Florale' Flat 

Leopard print and red a natural combination. 

Sam Edelman 'Calypso' Flat

I love this classic look, it reminds me of a Chanel bag.

Do the Dont's (Make a Scene)

Food Inc

Food is not my normal blog topic, and let me preface this by saying I am only an expert in eating. If you want a good foodie blog check out Don't Forget Dessert, it is my friend Jessie's blog. It is her blog that inspired me to watch the movie a week or so ago. And I have to agree with her, the part of about the chicken "farms" is hard to watch. It is very educational, it makes you sit back and really analyze the food we are putting into our bodies and what the food industry is pushing at us (more like in us). I am really encouraged to begin shopping in a more organic way and to think about what I am putting into my body. Though some cynics may we can't make a difference but I think we can. By asking for my locally grown and organic items in your grocery story. By sending letters to your states senator and signing petitions taking a stand against companies and problems in the food industry. I also found an article on the Top Ten Ways to Make a Difference, I am really going to look into each of these and see what ways I can participate in change.

The problem is, organic and healthy food in general is more expensive, so its hard to invest in eating healthier when its cheaper for some people to go to McDonald's. This issue is also addressed in the video. 

I would really like to start eating more organically and healthy, it definitely is a lifestyle change. But it can be done. Dedication is the key. Truly believing that there is another way of eating, commitment. It is going to take baby steps but I am hoping that my choices will not only help the local farmer but in the long run be a healthier lifestyle choice for myself.

Do the Dont's (Go Overboard)

From the Hanger to Decor

Tracy Reese's dress inspiration for home decor

Timeless

Timeless fashion of the 50's 

Clockwise - starting left

Christian Dior

1952 - Gray Suit 

Dior photographed by Walde Huth

Red Velvet Chanel Dress photographed in Paris

1955 - Dress 

Do the Don'ts (Take Off)

No Pain...No Gain

Knee update: No surgery is schedule until I complete another 4 weeks of physical therapy. Afterward the doctor will take an assessment of my knee. So until the next appointment I will be attending PT twice a week and doing my exercises every day in hopes that will strengthen/fix the damage done. Fingers crossed. Until then I will just endure the pain, Friday's therapy had me in tears!

Do the Don'ts (Be Loud)

ReUse

It is really important that we are conscience of how we use everyday items and that we also recycle when we can! Being green is not about a trend, its about treating the one earth we have with respect by thinking before acting. Before you throw something away stop and think "can this be recycled"?

Not only is it good for our environment to not buy water by the cases but its also good for our wallets. Why not invest in a permanent water bottle, paired with a water purifier?

Glass Water Bottle

Aluminum Water Bottle 

At the same time why not do the same thing for that Starbucks addiction?

Eco Coffee Cup

Having a party?  Know how bad styrofoam is bad for the environment, but who wants to do all those dishes?! Here are some GREAT alternatives that are biodegradable and easy on cleanup! 

Biodegradables!

Bamboo Lunch Plates

Instead of being asked plastic or paper, why don't you bring your own bag? Lots of stores are now offering reusable bags for purchase (less than a dollar a piece)!

I Am Not A Plastic Bag

There are so many websites/companies/creative people out there using the leftovers of products to make something else!

Potato Chip Coasters 

Recycled Jean Pencils

Flip Flop Door Mat

Then there is wearing reused materials! Also, don't forget vintage stores and consignment shops - that is just as good as taking an item and making it something new is giving it a new owner! 

Reclaimed T-Shirt Scarf

Tie Clutch 

Eclipse Sweater 

ReKnit 

Do the Don'ts (Be Bored)

Nail Biter

Callie likes to trim her own nails. Seriously she does this often.  She is a weirdo, but I love her!

Do the Don'ts (Talk to Strangers)

Ribbons of Color

"

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. 

But other times it's essential to take time off 

and make sure that your most important decision in the day 

simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."

-Douglas Pagels

Do the Don'ts (Be Late)

Starting NOW

I really haven't mentioned in my blog out-right that I had a knee injury back in December before Christmas. And due to that injury my overall mobility is down, I feel like such a bump on a leg. The most exercise I've been able to due to my recent physical therapy, but let me tell you that it is painful. However, I know that because I am not getting around as much and burning off calories from my overall natural energy that I have. The fact that knee surgery is looming (more details to come on Thursday) which only means less mobility.

Because of this I realize that I need to change my eating habits tremendously and it has to be done now - not waiting til Monday of next week. So officially it is Tuesday, January 19, so I start today. Ironically, as a reminder of my need to make changes I received an email from WebMD on 24 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting (because the truth of the matter all the things they listed were really lifestyle changes that need to happen in everyone's life). Now I am no expert or was I before my knee injury, I am  just someone who is recognizing a need to make changes. So the following tips are based off of the 24 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting by WebMD.

1. Time Your Meals - set a timer for 20 mins. and eat slower. Enjoy your food.
2. Sleep More
3. Serve More, Eat More Veggies - Serve/Eat three veggies with dinner tonight (this particular one will be hard for me).
4. Broth Soup - Makes you feel fuller with less calories.
5. Eat Whole Grain
6. Eyeball Your Skinny Clothes - Its all about motivation!
7. Skip the Bacon 
8. Build a Better Slice of Pizza - Choose veggies for the pizza instead of meat.
9. Cut Back on the Sugar
10. Use a Tall Thin Glass - You will drink 25-30% less (this is good to know, because I drink juice and love it but its normally loaded with sugar and I need to drink it in moderation). 
11. Sip Green Tea 
12. Slip Into A Yoga State of Mind
13. Eat at Home
14. Catch the "Eating Pause" - Put your fork down when you eat!
15. Chew Strong Mint Gum - When you have a craving, curve it!
16. Shrink Your Dishes - Use a smaller dinner plate
17. Get Food Portions Right 
18. Try the 80/20 Rule - Eat until you are 80% full.
19. Eat Out Your Way - *Split an entree *Order an appetizer as a meal *Put half the meal in a take-home bag  
20. Reach for Red Sauce 
21. Go Meatless More Often 
22. Burn 100 Calories More - *Walk 1 mile/20 minutes *Garden (pull weeds) for 20 minutes *Mow the lawn for 20 minutes *Clean house for 30 minutes *Jog for 10 minutes
23. Celebrate - When you make an accomplishment!

Now the important part is staying on top of these and many other things.

I will give you an update soon on how it is all going.

Do the Don'ts (Make a Mess)

I really enjoyed seeing the Juicy Couture ads during the fall season. It was bold and overboard which a fashion ad should be, or simply stated. This was perfectly executed for Juicy and the type of pieces that they design.

"Change is not an enemy to be feared. It is a wave to be surfed on." 

-Alan Cohen

If I were going....

to the Golden Globes this evening, these gowns would be one of the lucky ones to be adorned on me!

Clockwise - starting on left

Andrew Gn - Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection 

Marchesa - Resort 2010 Collection 

Badgley Mischka - Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection 

Clockwise - starting on left

Emanue Ungaro - Fall 2005 Ready-to-Wear (this is probably one of my favorite picks)

Andrew Gn - Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection 

Badgley Mischka - Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection 

Clockwise - starting on far left - this set of gowns is probably my favorite

Armani Prive` - Spring 2007 Couture Collection

Armani Prive` - Spring 2007 Couture Collection

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Armani Prive` - Spring 2007 Couture Collection (can you tell I fell in love with this collection?)

Clockwise - starting on left (I realize that these dresses could easily end up on the worst-dress list, but they are daring and bold and thats what I love about them!)

Marchesa - Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection (my favorite of the set)

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection 

Valentino - Fall 2007  Couture Collection

Which gown would you pick for me? 

Or what would you wear?

British Luxury

Its been a while...a long while...since I've done a fashion post. The house has consumed my thoughts. Every thought. Colors. Furniture. Projects. Decor. Weekend. So with that said, I figured it was time to spread some fashionable joy. Here are some photos of Emma Watson in the Burberry ads. She pulls it off so well, she is definitely a classic beauty which is what Burberry needs for their campaigns.