Thursday, December 30, 2010

2011 Bucket List

Throughout the year, I will say things like, "On, I've been meaning to try that restaurant" or "One day, I'm checking that museum out". Well, I've decided to start a bucket list for the upcoming year. If I get it down in writing, I figure we're one step closer to actually doing it! These are all things that I've not done or haven't done in a long time.

1. Have dinner at Primi Piatti and brunch at Corner Bistro
(not on the same day!)

2. Go to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on a Free Tuesday.

3. Attend a First Wednesday Art Walk.

4. Stay in a B&B in Amelia Island (we are planning this for March!!)

5. Spend a day wandering Chamblin Bookmine with J.

6. See a Jax Symphony performance. (Just bought tickets for a performance on Valentine's weekend!!)

7. Have a picnic in a park.

8. Ride the Mayport-Ft. George Island Ferry

9. Make a French themed meal for J (without meltdown).

10. Sunday Funday at The Lemon Bar


I'll be adding to this list, but I feel good about it so far!

Happy New Year! I'll be getting back on the OOTD posts after the 1st of the year!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

2nd Annual Cookie/Treat Swap



I invited a 15 or so friends and family for a cookie and treat swap. Everyone "swaps" a little differently, but our was everyone brings 3 dozen of one type of cookie or treat. Theorectically, you should leave with 3 dozen of a variety of items. Usually we end up with a bit more. Anyways, I actually remembered to take more pictures this year! I didn't get all the cookies, but most of them.

My friends and family have some mad baking skills!!! :)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Happenings

This holiday season is shaping up to be very busy! Between a trip to see our niece dance in the Nutcracker to my 2nd annual cookie party to an Eve of Eve dinner etc, I have been VERY slack about taking OOTD pics. Aside from some random pics, I can confidently say that OOTD's are on hiatus until the New Year.

I do want to share a fun outing I had with a good friend this past weekend. She lives near Amelia Island, so we took in the Amelia Island Holiday Home Tour. We toured 4 private homes, which were all gorgeous (of course). There was a mix of traditional and modern holiday decor. One of my favorite rooms was a dining room, decked out in black, white and plum with silver ornaments and white feathers. So crazy, but loved it. I also became obsessed with these wreaths that looked like they were made of small green leaves. I have been googling like a fool to try to find them! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any pictures in the homes.

After the home tour, we had a Victorian tea at The Bailey House, which used to be an inn. About 5 years ago, it was converted to a private residence. It is a quite impressive Victorian home. We had a delightful time at high tea, complete with the sweetest volunteers waiting on us. These ladies were so adorable! I would adopt all of them to be my grandma!!

Here is a picture of The Bailey House...



After tea, I convinced my friend to find the only store on the Island that sells Lilly and Vineyard Vines. It was the only time I wish I owned a Smartphone! We stopped at the Shoppes at Amelia Island Plantation. Cute stores, but no Lilly. Once I got home, I found The Cloister Collection and the address to it's location in Fernandina Beach (the city on Amelia). Oh well, maybe next time!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

Well, we survived 2 meals on Thanksgiving! It was a busy day, but fun to see so many loved ones in one day. Luckily our families live close by so we never have to drive far or fly to visit.

On Friday, J hung out with his friend C. They hit up the new tap room at Intuition Ale. J got one of his Christmas presents from me early, as I bought him a membership to Intuition Ale's Mug Club. Pretty unique present, in my opinion! They also played video game and generally did the whole male bonding thing! I headed up to Savannah for the day with C's girlfriend, KT. We had lunch at Mrs. Wilkes, which was the best Southern food I've never had. It was completely worth the line!! After lunch, we walked around some of the squares and shopped around the historic district. Some of the places we visited included:



One Fish Two Fish , which is next door to Mrs. Wilkes. Loved the seaside themed decor. I especially loved the etched wine glasses, with designs such as a starfish and compass. They also sold Sailcloth bags, which Kate of Nautical by Nature would have loved!



DC2 Design Interior and Cafe - a fun, modern Marie Antoinette meets Southern traditions style store. Not everything would be my style, per se, however you can't help but be inspired by the style!


The Paris Market - Another fun place for style inspiration and shopping! I wish I had taken a picture of the amazing holiday decor. This place is a must see for any gal who has an affection for French design.

On Saturday, I visited with my parents. I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I visit my parents every Saturday morning (unless we are out of town). My dad got really sick a few years ago and while he is better now, I make sure to see him and my mom as much as I can. It was been really great. On this particular Saturday, I danced with my dad to the oldies station. Yup, love them!! J and I had plans to go out with friends Saturday night, but I was feeling really worn out. I opted to stay home and finally watched Sex and the City 2. Well, it was silly in parts, serious in others. Glad I saw it but don't think it's one I need to own.

So here we are on Sunday. J is making pizza (yum!) and I plan to test out a rugelach recipe for my cookie party in a few weeks. I may decorate our tree too! It's finally chilly in Northeast Florida, so maybe it is time :)

Happy Sunday :)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I apologize for the blogging absence. This time of the year is busy! But I did want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Our day will be spent having two meals: Thanksgiving lunch with my family (as my mom has to work tonight) and Thanksgiving dinner with J's family and their friends. Trying to come up with an eating plan so I don't explode by tonight is challenging. There is bound to be delicious dishes at both meals, so I'll have to practice some restraint!

As for the rest of the long weekend, I'm going to Savannah tomorrow with a good friend for some lunch and shopping. For the weekend, we are celebrating a friend's birthday, watching football and decorating the tree!

Hope you all have a great holiday!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Boston recap

This will be a fashionless and long post. Consider yourself warned! Instead, just wanted to let y'all know we are back from Boston,. We had a great, but way too short, vacation. We haven't uploaded the pics from our SLR, so I only have a few from my little camera.

Thursday

We arrived and headed to the apartment we rented in the North End. This was our first experience utilizing HomeAway.com. It was a very positive experience! Fun fact: our apartment was on the same block where the nun back robber scene was filmed in "The Town". The "bank" is actually a laundrymat!! Here is a pic of inside the apartment.



As I am a super planner, we already knew where we were having dinner while on vacation. On Thursday, we ate at No 9 Park in Beacon Hill. We had a great table, overlooking Boston Common. The meal and the restaurant as a whole was incredibly refined and decadent.



Friday

We spent the morning in Plymouth at the Plimoth Plantation. We enjoyed interacting with the folks at the Plantation. We also loved seeing all the animals and the vegetable gardens!

Thanks to KBelle at A Yankee Belle, we had a lunch recommendation. We had delicious lobster rolls at the Blue Eyed Crab



Friday evening, we headed back to Boston and jumped on the Green line to travel to my cousin's house. We had a fabulous time with the whole family, which includes 3 kids (11 year old, 8 year old and 3 year old).

Saturday

We booked a food tour of the North End. It was very informative and fun! Not only was the food tastings great, the storekeepers were all fabulous! Here are some pictures from our tour.


Lovely Italian cookies at Maria's Pastry


Meats and Cheeses at Monica's Mercado

After the food tour, we decided to walk through the Boston Common to the Public Gardens. We ended up walking much further--all the way down Bolyston and back up on Newbury. J mapped the route and we had walked around 4 miles by the time we got back to our apartment. Here is a little snapshot, taken while we took a short break in the Common.



We headed to Cambridge for dinner. After a pre-dinner beer at Miracle of Science, we had a lovely dinner at Rendezvous in Central Square.

Sunday

We got up early and enjoyed cappuccino and cannolis at Caffe Graffiti. We walked around the area around Faneuil Hall. We visited the Holocaust Memorial, which was amazing.


Entrance to the Holocaust Memorial

We had lunch in Quincy Market with a good friend of mine and her family who live in Maine. After a fun lunch of laughs and catching up, J and I headed back up to Cambridge. This time, we made it up to Harvard Square. Being the dork I am, we found Widener Library. Anyone else love the movie "With Honors"? This is the library where Joe Pesci lived in the basement.



After working up an appetite from walking around and from Harvard Square down to Central Square, we stopped by Miracle of Science again to catch some football games before dinner.

Dinner was at Craigie on Main. AMAZING!!! We sat in the bar area, just so I could order this:


Yes, that is the Craigie on Main burger on the cover of Bon Appetit's September 2010 issue. It really was that gorgeous and delicious!!

Boston was really just a fantastic location for our short vacation. The city is charming. The weather was beautiful. The food was outstanding. I'm already dreaming of our next vacation! We are thinking of staying in the South, maybe Asheville. :)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Tuesday, 11/2 and Wednesday 11/3

Only a week till our vacation!! I can't wait! I've already begun to pack!!

Tuesday's outfit



My hair had a mind of its on in this pic!

Cardi: Bealls
Shirt: Merona
Skirt: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center
Shoes: Naturalizer
Bracelet: Premier

Wednesday's outfit



Sorry for the blurriness! I really thought I learned how to take these pics :)

Shirt: Ross, (Old!)
Skirt: Talbots
Shoes; Jessica Simpson
Cardi: (not pictured) Merona

Monday, November 1, 2010

Monday 11.1

I bought this dress before I started my shopping diet. It's just been so hot here that I couldn't wear it!



Dress: Ross
Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center
Earrings: Kohl's
Headband: My b/w feather one

Oh, and look who I found....



Shirt: J Crew
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Clark's Desert Boots

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Holiday Season

Tomorrow is November 1st. While some would consider Thanksgiving the beginning of the holiday season, I start a little earlier. Now, I'm not putting out my Christmas tree or any other decorations...yet. But I have started by:

(1) Starting Christmas Shopping

(2) Planning my holiday cookie swap party (invitations received, sending out this week!)

(3) Picking a holiday home tour (Pretty sure, it will be the tour in Amelia Island)

All of the above require funds. In order to ensure I have enough to fund these fun activities, I decided to put myself on a shopping diet for the rest of the year. Anyone who reads this blogs knows I love to shop--while it is bargain shopping, it is still shopping!

I've put the following plan in place to help curtail my urge to swipe (my debit card!).

(1) Unsubscribe from blogs that focus on shopping. I'm still reading all the OOTD blogs, as they help me rethink how to remix items in my wardrobe. However, ones that focus on current sales and what they are buying--I'm taking a temporary break.

(2) Unsubscribe from blogs by those who have a way bigger budget than me. Truth: these blogs sometimes make me feel less than..know what I mean? Rather than make myself feel bad that I can't buy (insert lovely but pricey item here), I will focus on other items. Plus eliminating this influence makes it easier to not shop!

(3) Unsubscribe from shopping related emails. This includes: Ruelala, Gilt, Haute, One Kings Lane, 6pm, Old Navy, Gap, Lands End, LL Bean, Vineyard Vines, Shop Style, Ballard Designs Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, AND all my eBay saved searches (Lilly Pulitizer, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic). The less I know about a sale, the better off I will be!

(4) Start a running program (figures it will make me too tired to shop)

(5) No shopping during my lunch break (this is where I did the most damage)

(6) Limit dinners out -- keep it to meeting friends for a drink or other lower costs activities.

I love the holidays! But I don't want to go into debt over it. I plan to buy all presents in cash, which is why I have already started (hurts less when I spread it out).

Are you already thinking about the holidays?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Tuesday 10.26 and Wednesday 10.27

Tuesday's outfit

I can't believe the weather is back to summer temps! So, this dress was a light and breezy choice!



Dress: Ruby Road, Dillard's
Shoes: Bandolino
Earrings: Forever XXI

Close up of my earrings



Wednesday's outfit

This skirt was hiding in my closet. I've had it for like 5 years, something like that? It's very comfortable and I love the swing of it.
Also, cracking up that Andie and I both wore purple and aqua today!!



Shirt: Ross
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Bandolino (3 days in a row!)
Necklace: Forever XXI
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Close up of my accessories

Monday, October 25, 2010

Monday 10.25

On Friday, I stopped by the new Forever XXI at the Town Center. I only buy accessories at XXI--they have a great variety and of course, they are super cheap! I picked up a peacock headband for $4.80, quite the deal!



Skirt: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center
Shirt: Mossimo, Target
Cardi: Bealls
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Premier

Close up of headband

Friday, October 22, 2010

Friday 10.22

This whole outfit was planned around my new feather headband, purchased yesterday in San Marco during Affair in the Square--a neighborhood wine tasting/party. The event was fun and I even won a $50 gift certificate to a great restaurant! (www.bistrox.com)



Dress: Ross
Cardi: Bealls
Necklace: Premier
Tights: Nine West Anne Klein, Ross
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Headband: Olive


Here is a closeup of my headband!



Off to meet one of my best friends for a little drink. Happy Friday!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday 10.19



Debuting my new skirt from Talbots!

Skirt: Talbots, on clearance for $38
Shirt and Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklaces: I'm actually wearing 2 necklaces. One from Forever XXI and the other Liz Clairborne

Monday, October 18, 2010

Teal Monday and the beginning of the shopping moratorium

The Jaguars vs. Titans is tonight's Monday Night Football game! There was lots of Teal at work today--honestly there was a lot of teal everywhere today! Here is my work appropriate Jaguar fan outfit:



Cardi: Bealls
Top: H&M
Skirt, Merona (Target) via eBay
Shoes: Black wedges by Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Also, J and I have started our shopping moratorium. Christmas is only a few months away. We usually stop buying for ourselves around this time of year, so we can Christmas shop for each other. Being the planner than I am, I've already started my shopping. In fact, I bought something for J today. Obviously, I won't be sharing it on here :)

Happy Monday and Go Jags!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Hodgepodge

It's been a busy week. We've been at my in-laws, watching their doggie and house. I forgot my camera at home so no OOTD's.

However, I do have some fun stuff to share. I met Tricia of Tricia Loves Makeup on Friday! I hired her to take me make-up shopping and let me tell you, it was awesome! I always struggle with picking out the right products, whether it be right for my skin or the right color. While store associates are typically helpful, I wanted an "independent" opinion. Tricia is just the person for the job! She evaluated what I currently had, which wasn't much. We hit up 3 different shops. While I love all that we got, my favorite was definitely this:



Fluidliner in Macroviolet

I definitely needed help finding a neutral lipstick. I would always end up buying something entirely too light for my skintone. I'm very happy with what Tricia found for me:



Sephora Lip Attitude - Glamour: Color- Natural Rose

Tricia is a lot of fun and very talented. I look forward to hanging out with her again soon!

Aside from my makeup haul, I picked up a new to me shirt from a local consignment store. I also checked out the Talbot's sale. I'm very excited to wear my find:



The color of the denim is lighter than I'm used to. Suggestions on what to wear this with would be appreciated :)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thursday 10.7



I bought this jacket in the spring from JC Penney's. Inspired by the great deals that Andie finds at JC Penney's, I've started shopping there a lot more. This jacket was on the clearance rack. After all the discounts, it only cost around $10. It is a mid weight fabri, fully lined, 3/4 sleeves, perfect for Florida fall. I wasn't sure what type of necklace to wear, so please let me know your suggestions!

Jacket: East 5th, JC Penneys
Shirt: Mossimo, Target
Pants: NY&Co
Bracelet: Premier
Shoes: Bandolino

In other clothing news, J got one of those Red Cards from J Crew. He was able to buy:

- 5 Button Down shirts
- 1 Henley
- 1 sweater
- 1 polo
- 1 t shirt

All already on sale plus the extra 25% off came to around $160. Amazing deals. Combined with his few items from Lands End Canvas and LL Bean signature, he is done for fall and winter!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The week so far...

>


Sorry I haven't been posting! I've been taking my OOTD pictures, but haven't had a chance to throw them up on here!

Here we go!

Monday, 10/4

The first cool morning we've had in forever! I really wanted to wear tights with this but I couldn't find my favorite pair (cry!), so bare legged I went. This dress was picked because---well, I indulged a bit too much this weekend (see wedding post) and felt I needed something very loose!



Dress: Ross
Shoes: Antonio Melanie
Earrings: Premier

Tuesday, 10/5

J and I went to a Moet & Chandon champagne and sparking wine tasting at TPC Sawgrass. It was amazing! We tried 3 delicious champagnes and sparklings. Our table was quite lively, an yes, we were the youngest ones in the room. However we learned a lot and tasted great beverages!



Dress: Merona, Target
Cardi: Lands End Canvas
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, TJ Maxx
Necklace: Premier

Wednesday, 10/6

This is my way of trying out the gray and camel color combo I've been seeing in the fashion blogesphere. Baby toe in the water, testing it out!



Sweater: St. Johns Bay?, JC Penney's
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Naturalizer

Have a great Wednesday!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Wedding Weekend



We attended an amazing wedding yesterday at the Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass. Some of the highlights...

- 3 different musical entertainment (harpist on first floor, guitarist on 2nd floor lobby playing Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, etc, and 6 piece band in the main reception room)
- Incredible food, including passed sushi and mini beef wellington during cocktail hour; antipasta bar, beef tenderloin, fish and pasta stations for dinner; Italian cookie buffet for dessert; passed sirloin sliders and fries after a few hours of dancing.
-Premium beverages to include top shelf liquors, champagnes and wines; top shelf cordial bar for dessert (Frangelia, Grand Marnier, Cognac, Kaluha, etc etc)
-Photobooth!



-Hand-rolled cigar station (J and I shared one, hey, carpe diem!)
-Incredible floral displays



We were also invited to the rehearsal dinner, which was held at a private beach club. We could not have asked for a more perfect night weather wise. Cool breeze, band (yes a band at a rehearsal dinner!) playing, great food , and wonderful time with family and friends!

Needless to say, today was dedicated to relaxing! I woke up much too early for a Sunday (6:30am) and cleaned. Then I went to brunch with 2 friends to celebrate a birthday. Now, just watching football and enjoying this lovely Sunday!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Friday 10.1

J and I went to a rehearsal dinner at a lovely private beach club here in NE Florida. The weather could not have been better for a party by the sea! Here's what we wore:



Blazer: J Crew
Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Tie: The Tie Bar
Chinos: J Crew
Shoes: Desert Boots, Clark's



Dress: Ruby Road, Dillard's
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Poofed Hair: Inspired by too much Jersey Shore lol

We're off to the wedding in an hour so I'll update with more pictures tomorrow!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

New Suit

J has been getting some fun stuff lately, so I've got more to share on his wardrobe!

This is what he will be wearing to a wedding this Saturday...Are those Gator colors I see?? :)



Also, he got the following card from Brooks Brothers today in the mail...I wonder if this will be a growing trend? Lands End Canvas does this too...



Well , I lied. I do have one fun thing to share...new shoes from the Dillard's clearance center. These are the black patent leather twins to my camel flats.



I'm off tomorrow and can't wait to enjoy being a lady of leisure!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Invitation Help...

I hosted a Holiday cookie swap last year and it was a great success! Lots of fun and lots of cookies! I'm already planning for this year's party. I've picked a date and have emailed friends for current mailing addresses. Now I need to pick some invitations. Knowing that my blogging friends have great taste, I'm asking for your help!

Here are some of the invites I'm considering...



Choice #1: http://www.polkadotdesign.com/Polka-Dot-Design-Digital/PDDD-NP58HC9007/



Choice #2: http://www.tinyprints.com/product/8080/flat_holiday_party_invitations_icing.html



Choice #3: http://www.peartreegreetings.com/Holiday-Cards/Christmas-Party-Invitations/2775-5956FC-Sweet-Treats--Holiday-Party-Invitation.pro

Let me know what you think! Also, if you have any other recommendations, please let me know!