orange you glad

image source: ruffled

image source: flickr

image source: eyeshadow lipstick

image source: gen goodman sohr

image source: Three Potato Four

I really like the color orange. It's so happy, bright and energetic. (Although, as a Techsan, I'm not really allowed to venture into the burnt orange territory. It's a definite no-no.) And it's during this time of year that you can't help but fall in love with the color even more. Here's hoping you add a splash of orange to your life, even if it is just buying a quart of orange juice.

1.Nasty Gal Blood Orange Blouse $38
2. Topshop Orange Brushed Bangle $12.50
3. Vestique Brickhouse Dress $42
4. Newport News Jacquard Blouse $15.99
5. Fireworks Orange Quartz/Pearl Earrings $75
6. Newport News Silky Girlfriend Blazer $84
7. Zara Girls Stars Printed Shirt $35.90
8. Zara Girls Pinafore Dress $39.90
9. Anthropologie AG Stevie Cords $168
10. Timex Unisex Weekender Watch $30

safety net

Question: Is it crazy to go out and buy the same exact boots you already have in fear that something might happen to the current pair and you'll need a backup?

image source: ae.com

See, I bought the same exact pair of boots, but from Target two years ago and I really, really feel deeply passionate about them. Like I look forward to cold weather just because of these boots. They look great on a casual day with leggings or skinny jeans and a big sweater or a simple T and a blazer. My current pair are doing ok, but they're getting a little scuffy on the wedge part, so I worry that once they're too worn, I'll need a replacement and no other boot is going to be adequate enough. 

Plus, a similar thing happened with a pair of nude pumps that I adored. They went with every trouser pant and they were a decent heel height for work. Well, out here in West Texas we have some rough terrain, so the heels became badly scuffed and torn and I had no choice, but to retire them. It was a sad day for me.

Alright, so what do you think? Yes, go for it OR just hope the day my boots are too worn to wear an equally lovely pair will magically appear?

prints charming

I'm pretty particular when I decide to add a piece to my wardrobe. One rule I impose on myself when shopping is to avoid only buying solid color pieces, especially when it comes to blouses and dresses.  Luckily for me, there's been an ample supply of printed tops out there to choose from. What I really like about these prints is from a distance you can't quite decipher what the tiny print is until you're up closer.  You may think it's irregular spots from afar but the closer you get you discover it's tiny bows or a bird or a horse. All in all, it makes a charming addition to your closet!

1. Forever 21 Butterfly Bows Top $15.80
2. Old Navy Butterfly Keyhole Top $27.50
3. ModCloth I Purr-fer Coffee Top $44.99
4. Zara Bird Shirt $59.90
5. Forever 21 Starry Chiffon Blouse $19.80
6. Zara Dog-Print Blouse $79.90
7. Banana Republic Heritage Bird-Print Blouse $79.50
8. ModCloth Stallion Stampede Top $59.99
9. Lulu's Zebra Top $30

fair warning

Image Source: bhg.com

TWO MONTHS! We're talking shopping, decorating, wrapping, holiday parties, desserts, cocktails, holiday meals, Christmas cards, party dresses and the list goes on and on. Are you ready?

come and knock on my door

Image Source: unknown (if you know the source, please help me identify it.)

Image Source: flickr

Image Source: Fresh Home Ideas

Image Source: google

Image Source: unknown (please help me identify it.)

Wouldn't it be nice if you could live in a neighborhood where every house greeted you with a cheery door? Ok, perhaps that's just my dream. But I do think in my lifetime I'm probably going to constantly paint and repaint my front door in various colors until I've crossed off all my favorites. It'll be my own personal bucket list of door colors. And while I'm single I should probably start with a pink door that only me and my little lady would appreciate.

signs of life

Just wanted to share a few of my most recent snapshots.

TL: my daughter's marker art posted on the fridge with classic magnetic letters
TR: me borrowing my daughter's birthday girl crown to capture me on my birthday last week
BL: my birthday meal at the point where I declared I was full
BR: my daughter playing with her watering can, an end of summer sale purchase

  

TL: my daughter's homecoming mum hair clip, a gift from a boy in her class. Are mums just a Texas thing?
TR: my mother's crafted this little turtleneck for my daughter to show her Texas Tech team spirit
BL: taken while waiting for the homecoming parade to begin
BR: my little gal running out to grab some candy thrown from the parade floats


Hope everyone has a relaxing fall weekend!

lyrical art

photo by Troy House, art by Matthew Heller

I've had this image saved in my files for a while now.  I like the striped wingback chairs, the tufting on the sofa, the stacks of books, but mostly I really appreciate the art. It seems so simple, but has a big impact. The words are made up of lyrics from Bryan Adam's song Heaven. 

So having had this image engrained in my head, I was completely surprised when I happened to catch said interior on television the other night. While watching the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, there was a scene where makeup artist Joey is in a New York hotel room styling Molly Sims for an event and there in the background was my inspiration file: the tufted sofa, the chairs, and the art! Just curious, does anyone know what hotel it is?

coats for tots

1. Target Circo Peacoat 2. Target Pink Platinum Peacoat 3. Target Circo Peacoat

4. Old Navy Peacoat  5. Old Navy Babydoll 6. Old Navy Marled Tweed

7. Gap Bowtie Coat  8. Gap Textural Dress Coat  9. Gap Neon Tweed

10. The Children's Place Ruffle Coat  11. The Children's Place Dressy Coat

With the cold creeping in, it's my mommy duty to outfit my three year old daughter in some suitable outerwear. While it's important that she keeps warm, I also want something stylish. Granted, these aren't really the kind of coats where she can run outside and play in. Nonetheless, at these prices I don't consider it a huge deal if she dirties them up a bit. (But really, once the cold arrives, we're not the kind to go out and play anyway. Mommy is kind of a wuss when it comes to the cold.)

a chill in the air

Image source: Ralph Lauren.

Image source: flickr.

Image source: I'm Not Lost, Just Wandering.

This morning in West Texas we were met with a 37 degree low, just nature's little reminder that fall is indeed here. The plus side for fall is that cozy feeling you get from a comfy bed and wearing a chunky scarf and knitted socks. A hot cup of coffee doesn't hurt either.

laundry day

The family returned yesterday from a quick weekend trip that included visiting with my brother and sister-in-law, some shopping and a football game at my alma mater. While it's always fun to get away, trying to get back into the groove of the week can be challenging and at the top of my to do list I have a mean pile of laundry giving me the stink eye (pun intended).

The laundry rooms below would make the whole experience that much sweeter.

image source:Pinterest

image source: I Heart Organizing

image source: La Dolce Vita

I think the number one thing we can all add to our laundry rooms to elevate the cheerfulness factor is a rug. It really seems to make the space in the rooms above.

Happy laundering, people!

friday fantasy fashion

In the small town I live the night life isn't exactly exciting or glamorous. If you're wearing heels it's considered dressy. And though tonight I'm glad to be home with my little girl, sometimes I wish I had somewhere to go where I could put on a dress that really wows the crowd.

image source: The Glitter Guide tumbler

I mean, talk about YOWZA!

you say it's your birthday

it's my birthday too!

I can't think of a cuter way to wish someone a happy birthday than with a geronimo balloon. They're whimsical, fun and could be used for any celebration or milestone - birthdays, anniversarys, weddings, new baby, promotions - or just because!

 

image source: ritzy bee and geronimo balloons

And not only is it my birthday, but the birth of this here blog, where you'll find all my musings on the lighter subjects in life - interiors, fashion, entertaining, child essentials (and non-essentials) - pretty much anything that delights my fancy.