Moving on up

My first night in my new home...I feel like I'm staying in a cluttered hotel sans the icky hotel smell. I'm exhausted but thrilled that I'm picking up internet (I know, I know, just for a little while). After a long day of moving, I am sitting on the couch in the kitchen with my two dogs who are equally as exhausted but can't relax b/c of all the new noises. How to relax:

If I had my teapot and mugs here, perhaps I would make some Valerian Root tea:

source: iHerb
Then a bath with the super soothing bath salt I received for my birthday. The spearmint/eucalymptus formula is great for sore muscles or if you're just feeling icky.

source: The Bubble Roome
Maybe a massage w/some "firming" oil?
Korres Geranium & Grapefruit Toning and Firming Massage Oil
source: Sephora
And then it's off to sleep in my new, light blue bedroom (if only it looked like this)...
source: LivingEtc
Any suggestions on how to relax?

Aviator wallet

I'm going to start the weekend w/this quirky, chic wallet from Linda's Stuff, a new favorite vintage shop on Ebay (this piece happens to be new). The cheeky bow and the mod aviation pattern are just too much...in a good way. If you get bored this weekend, check this shop out...it's amazingly well organized and has lots of designer named, affordable, pieces. Happy Weekend!

Victor Rolf Leather Red Aviation Wallet $49

Clawfoot bathtubs

One of the most exciting things about our new house is the claw foot bathtub. B and I practically jumped up and down the first time we saw it. After we move in this weekend, I have a feeling I'm going to need a nice, long soak.

Please note that amazing claw foot bathtub w/the metallic base!

White and aqua is such an uplifting combination.

Classic white and a lot of light...beautiful.Modern gray creates a super relaxing environment in this space.source: Livingetc
Oooooh I can't wait! I'm just going to have to get through the actual moving part (are you sensing how much I'm dreading this?)

Knock knees

So I had a moment this morning when I became quite hypersensitive about my walk. Has that ever happened to you, when you're walking along and all of a sudden you think to yourself, "do I walk funny? Is my butt sticking out? Am I walking on my tip toes, etc...?" Well, I don't know what did it, but as I approached my building, I noticed my reflection in the glass doors and it appeared as though my knees were coming together in an odd fashion. This got me quite worried, so on my way to the elevator, I stopped two super nice ladies on our janitorial staff and asked them if they would watch me strut my stuff. After my mini strut session was over, they assured me that, no, I do not have knock knees. Whew...well, now that's taken care of, I can move on w/my Friday.

Oh and instead of being at work, I'd like to go dancing...in these:

Seychelles Checks in the Mail T-Strap Pump $59.95 (from $80)
source: DSW
Happy Friday!!!

Flower power hour

I don't know if I'm ready, but I hope you're ready for this season's floral spring trend. Some people hate to wear lots of flower patterns, other love it; I'm kind of in the middle. If I'm going to wear something covered in flowers I prefer that it be structured (no chiffon, please) and paired with neutral accessories. Some of the floral patterns I've run across make me nervous, but since I'm wanting to wear more skirts, I thought I'd post some floral pieces I find bearable. I think w/this trend, it's safe to say, "less is more."

Edgy meets feminine:
Bow Rose Skirt $61
source: Pixie Market
Stylized floral in neutral colors:
Midnight Roses Pencil Skirt $59
source: Ann Taylor Loft
Here's an example of a playful pattern in a classic, structured shape.
Knee length tulip skirt $39 (on sale)
source: Newport News
Retro shape meets a modern color palette.
Retro-Full Skirt $59.50
source: The Limited
So where do you fall on the flower loving spectrum? Are you liking the floral pieces you're seeing in stores or do you wish flower power would stay in the 70's?

Nesting

I'd like to preface this post by saying I love birds...wait, let me rephrase that- I don't like birds as pets but I love bird motifs and imagery. I love them so much in fact, I have a pair of cranes tattooed on my arm. Recently, B and I were in a antique shop in Atlanta and I found a bird nest pin (gold nest, pearls, gold twig) that I bought for $6! This is my first bird's nest item, but since then, I keep running across other birds nests accessories and I feel an obsession coming on.

Mother Bird Nest Necklace $37
source: Adorn Jewlery {per Lesley's recommendation}
Block Print Nest Towel $15
source: artgoodies
Empty Nest-Fine Art Photograph
source: buckscountyframes
Green Floral and Bird Nest Baby Bootie $17
source: laura's loft
All items available on Etsy.
Oh, and don't worry, I'm not going to go off and get a bird nest tattoo...a tea towel will suffice.

Outfit #2

Brunch downtown:

Rachel II 3/4 Sleeve Shirt $42

source: Hurley
Good Society Slim Leg Jeans $65 (on sale)source: Tobi

Vintage gray stud leather boots $69.99
source: Lulli Vintage

Fringe Knit Scarf $8.80
Source: Forever 21

Little Brown Postal Purse $26.50
source: Lulu's

Total: $212.29

Shoes and Milkshakes

Ok, so I'm feeling sentimental so you'll have to forgive me if I sound cheezy (it doesn't happen often, ok). So, I was feeling quite stressed today with work, the move, and my looming application to graduate school. I had a bad attitude when I got home and just couldn't seem to shake it. I had made a "date" with my mentee for tonight (we'll call her "T") and I was half hoping she'd call and cancel so I could mope around. Well, she didn't and before I went to pick her up I plastered a smile on my face b/c there's no way I was going to ruin our time together. Well, I didn't have anything fun planned and had lots of errands to do so she came along. A little bit of background on "T"-she's in this program b/c one or both of her parents are incarcerated (we haven't talked about it), she's 15 yrs old and due to have a baby in May. I was matched w/her do to my social work background, but even for a social worker, it's a heavy situation. Anyway, we went to Target and I saw a few things I really liked (I hate to post Target for the second time this week, but I can't help myself).

To narrow my finds, I'm going to post green things:
Windi Heeled Sandal -Olive $19.99
*This shoe is greener and more impressive in person

Merona Tote- Green $32.99Kya or Bella could rock this bandana:
Mossimo Retro Bandana $9.99
We found this fabulous green and white maternity shirt, but I can't find a photo of it:( Anyway I encouraged T to look around and choose something I could get her as a small gift. She decided she wanted a salted pretzel and a milkshake! No clothes, no jewlery, just some good ole' comfort food. We went to Chick-Fil-A to get a cookies and cream milkshake for T and a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake for myself. I couldn't wait to try it after Lesley over at Homemade Grits (I have been following her blog for a long time and it is quality) posted about it sometime ago.
source: Chick-Fil-A {via Homemade Grits}
Lesley has fabulous recommendations on just about everything and she was absolutley right about how heavenly this milkshake is...I mean heaven in my mouth good. Needless to say, T and I had a really good time. Spending time with her always puts things into perspective for me. I love that when I'm around her I have to watch what comes out of my mouth b/c it forces me to be more aware of my actions and I love that out of any material item she could have chosen, she chose a pretzel and a milkshake. I forced myself to be in a good mood and guess what? Now, I'm sincerely smiling.

Trunk Show...5 days only!

Olio United is a fabulous online shop out of Portland, Oregon that prides themselves on partnering w/"ethically responsible" designers. They want their customers to be aware of who and where their products are made and their motto is "Made with Love." The icing on the cake is the $5 flat shipping rate and NO sales tax! Currently, there is a great trunk show w/discounted items, but you only have 5 days to shop...here are my favorite pieces:

Sublet Alex Tee $38 (from $55)
Sublet Becca Flutter Top $57 (from $115)
Sublet Belinda Dress $109 (from $275)

source: Olio United
Ethically made clothing + Sale= Happy Christina.

Bedside table chair...yes table chair

A decent bedside table is essential (where else would I put my glasses at night?) I'm trying to think of affordable options for the new house. We currently have two Ikea tables which will work for now, but they're not really ideal, in fact, they're not ideal at all. This is an idea I haven't thought about: Chairs serving as bedside tables. I also hadn't thought about how mismatched tables would look.

Please note that fantastic mirror and the fact that the mantle is being used as a headboard.

I'm interested in the decision to turn the books under the mantle around so the spines aren't seen. A color choice, perhaps?
The mismatched tables really work here, but perhaps it's because there's so much to look at, your eye isn't drawn to it automatically.source (above three): Apartment Therapy
So what do you think? Could you live w/out drawers beside your bed?

Earth friendly doggie

Next weekend, B and I are moving into a house with out a yard. This is an issue because we own two fairly large dogs who are used to a fence and an area to play. The dogs are also used to having a regular area to poop. Yes, I said it...poop. If you have a dog, you know what I mean. If you have a big dog, you really know what I mean. Dogs like structure and they form habits, much like people. Where you do your business is important for all of us (don't shake your head, you know it's true). Anyway, I'm going to need to purchase a few supplies to make this transition easier. This is a very real part of being a dog owner so if you don't like it, stick w/a cat.

Some dog waste bags perhaps?
Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags $6
source: Earthdoggy {via Barkability check this blog out!}

Dispensers so you don't have to walk w/a stinky bag and get funny looks from runners and cyclists (been there done that).
Dog waste dispenser w/biodegradable bags $12

Fun dog leashes to motivate me to walk more... not that I'm going to have a choice.
Deauville Dog Leash $22 (made w/100% certified recycled plastic)And don't forget the treats for when they behave!
All Natural Dog Biscuits $12

source (all products): Earthdoggy
Now if those dog biscuits only had some sedatives in them, they'd be perfect (I mean, earth friendly, of course:)

Tub chair or chair tub?

This bath tub chaise caught my eye (I mean really, who's eye wouldn't it catch?) We are in the market for a new sofa and this would be a good conversation piece, I'm just not sure how comfortable it would be. Wait, let me back up, it doesn't look comfortable at all, but it's really stinking cool...

source: Re-Nest

Look-there's even a little arm rest, or is it a head rest? Oh, I'm so confused.

Bling it up (for less)

I'm liking the jewelery line by Erickson Beamon currently at Target. It's definitely loud, but very pretty and it makes me want to dress up for a fancy cocktail party. One piece, say a large ring, would bring a little bit of glamor to a simple outfit. Below are my favorite pieces, currently in stores:

Layered Flower Purple Pendant $49.99

Jeweled Dome Ring $29.99

Rose and Chain Earrings-Pink $19.99
Jeweled White Cluster Small Pendant Necklace $39.99
These pieces are reminiscent of vintage costume jewelery and they're very wearable (all things in moderation please). Yay for Target!

has-beens?

I'm hurting after a full day of work and a night of painting, so I have no idea why I'm thinking about shoes, but here I am, so I'll indulge for a minute. The shoe that's been on my mind is the Swedish Hasbeen. Does it get any more bohemian than this quintessential shoe? Durable, comfortable, and increasingly stylish, I may have to invest (someday). I use the word invest b/c these shoes will cost you a pretty penny ($160-$240), but they look so comfortable and they make me want to go to an outdoor concert or blow bubbles... something wholesome.

They come in a large variety of style and colors. Below are my favorites:


source: Free People




source: Endless
So what do you think...yay or nay?

Updated jean skirt

You know what I haven't worn in quite a while...a jean skirt. I think I'd like to try it out again b/c they seem so versatile and, with the right one, can be dressed up or down. There's something very young and fresh about this piece of clothing, but it can be tricky especially if you're opting for a denim mini (which I am not). To narrow down my search, I'm only posting ones that I could wear to work:
Denim pencil skirt $69
source: Banana Republic
Belted Denim pencil skirt $69
source: Ann Taylor
Concrete Ocean Skirt $88
source: Anthropologie
ELLE Denim Tulip Skirt $29.99 (on sale)
source: Kohls
If I had one of these, I could get away with wearing denim during the week and not just on Friday...oh Friday you are so far away.