in the shop

Something has been wrong with my macbook wireless airport, so I took it in to the Apple store to get it looked at today. Unfortunately, they have to send it in for repairs, and I won't have it for a whole week!  This means I'll be dependent on using Hunter's laptop when I can and posting may be light this coming week. Boo...

let them eat cake

Last night I couldn't fall asleep, so I randomly picked Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser from my bookshelf--where it's been sitting unread for the past three years after buying it when the movie came out in 2006. It's a lengthy biography, but I'm glad to finally have started it and am excited to keep reading--I love anything historical.

Starting the book makes me want to watch the movie again. I love the film and sometimes feel the urge to watch it just to indulge in the lavish colors, costumes and historical setting of the story. 

book image via B&N; movie stills via imdb

like candy

This picture has already been all around the blogosphere, but it's just too darn sweet not to post it.

from Vogue Korea found via Pretty Little Things

Pretty Shoe Tuesday

The abstract satin bow on these Kate Spade Gracious pumps is positively regal.

tempting

Working at J.Crew and having an employee discount only makes it more tempting to indulge in my favorites of the newest arrivals. 

Must--exert--self--control!!!

memorial day menu

For me, Memorial Day signals the start of summer and the season of grilling out! To celebrate, this menu sounds perfect for a classic Memorial Day picnic or party. Delish!

Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Barbecue Baked Beans

Mississippi Hush Puppies

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Family Potato Salad

Peach and Blueberry Parfaits

Lemony Spiked Sweet Tea

Berry Spritzers

Hush Puppies, Potato Salad and Blueberry-Peach Parfait recipes & images from Southern Living

All other recipes & images from Martha Stewart

honoring those who serve

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Thank you to those who have fought and are still fighting to protect our freedom!

image via MS

wall collage

I've been having trouble with my internet these past few days, as evidenced by my light posting. In a way, it was nice in that I finally set out to do things on my "to-do" list since the internet wasn't there to distract me.

I finally hung all my black and white photos on the empty wall in my bedroom. 

Plain and boring...

Using paper cutouts as guides...

Finished wall collage...

A few of the pieces I actually made myself, including the ponytail silhouette and the "betsy" word art.

smooth & shiny

This morning I tried out this Avocado Hair Mask treatment that I tore out of one of my mom's Better Homes & Gardens magazine. 

Although a bit messy, it was simple and easy. And my hair already feels softer and has more shine. 

Avocado Hair Treatment:

Half an avocado, mashed

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup sweet almond oil

Combine all the ingredients and mix well into a paste. Brush on wet hair, paying special attention to the ends, and let it sit a minimum of 30 minutes while you relax. Then shampoo and condition as usual.

hair mask recipe and photo from Better Homes & Gardens, May 2009. 

free Coldplay

If you're a big fan of Coldplay like I am, make sure you download their new live album for free. Yes, it's free! I'm totes digging the live versions of some of their best songs.

Get the live album, LeftRightLeftRightLeft, here.

behind the scenes

I love seeing people's workspaces and creative processes--what inspires them and motivates the creative aesthetic they produce. So I like how J.Crew is currently featuring a behind the scenes look at their designers.

And speaking of J.Crew, I was recently hired part time and start training on Monday. :)

hanging pictures

There is currently a huge stack of black and white photographs of all different sizes, all in varying black frames, sitting on my bedroom floor waiting to be hung on the wall. They've been sitting there for about a month, because I can't seem to decide how I want to arrange them. 

I could go with a symmetrical grid pattern:

Or install some thin shelves on which to set the frames:

Or randomly cluster the frames in varying sizes:

I think I'm going to end up going with something along the lines of the Lela Rose picture. I hope to have pictures of the final result soon!

image 1 from Southern Accents

images 2, 5 & 6 from Pottery Barn

images 3 & 4 via The Inspired Room

image 7 via The Brides Guide

image 8 via Little Green Notebook

image 9 via Habitually Chic

Pretty Shoe Tuesday

Since we're at the beach, and still in the spirit of Mother's Day, I let my mom pick today's pretty shoes. She chose these beaded thong sandals by Manolo Blahnik. Dressy, summery, glistening Manolos.

Good choice mom!

giant monogram

Today's daily craft from Martha Stewart is this giant monogram corkboard.

Seems like something I could make fairly easily and would be perfect near a desk. I'll eventually have to give it a try.

sea critters

For Mother's Day, I made my mom these napkins to use at the beach condo. I bought the cotton napkins and then embroidered each sea critter by hand.

I think they turned out pretty cute, especially since it was my first attempt at free hand embroidery. (The sea horse is my fave!) 

We'll put these to good use as we're all headed to the beach today!