Monday Wake-Up Call

Monday is here and another week is ahead of us.  Mondays are so tough... I always feel like I need a major wake-up call on Mondays. So, what's better than a bright collage of pink "stuff" to wake you up on a Monday? :) I've been noticing a lot of bright colors pop up these days and my favorite is of course, bright pink.  I am shamelessly a girly girl who loves pink.  At the same time, I've always chosen to wear lots of black as you can hardly ever go wrong with black and it's easy to match.  As I get older (past mid thirties!), I am more interested in colors than ever before and this bright pink trend really hits the spot!  

In clockwise order:  Ginnifer Goodwin in Roksanda Ilincic "Margot" lantern sleeve dress;  Clair Danes in Narciso Rodriguez;  Beyonce in Michael Kors cashmere sweater and patchwork Echo maxi skirt;  Bobbi Brown blush; Chanel lipstick and lipgloss; Essie; and JCrew Raindrop Lace top

Weekend - whatcha up to?

I love that feeling of relief and excitement on a Thursday night when I know the weekend is about to start a day away.  I always have a list of to-do's and want-to-do's.  This weekend - I'm focusing on the want-to-do's.  I have a facial appointment at Day Spa by Zsuzsanna, in Wayne, PA. This place is da bomb!  I had the most relaxing, healing and state of the art facial at Zsuzsanna before I got married.  And the price is really reasonable especially considering the amazing service you receive.  I am also planning on reading this book, The Red Book by Deborah Copaken Kogan, which I started earlier this month but kinda put aside to watch bad TV.  I'm also excited to watch HBO Girls on Sunday night (good TV :)) after eating yummy buckwheat pancakes made by my husband.  I love eating breakfast for dinner! Basically, I'm going to try to relax as much as possible.  I love those kind of weekends.  Now, only if the weather would cooperate...

Snack Time

Almost every day, around 3:30 p.m. or so, I get that feeling of "I'm not hungry but I need something to nosh on".  Now, when I was much younger, I snacked on Tastykakes, Crunch bars,  mozzarella sticks, french fries, etc. etc. I will confess that I was severely addicted to Crunch bars and believe it or not, I ate them with whipped cream; yup, really. I ate all that and still weighed like ZERO.  My metabolism has not been the same since I entered the wonderful decade of 30s.  My stomach has also become more sensitive and all of a sudden, I seem to be allergic to so many things.  So, I have to be careful as to what I snack on.  Over the past couple of years, I've come to rely on these healthy and tasty snacks.  What are your go-to snacks?  (Healthy or unhealthy!)

In clockwise order:  A handful of almonds (I hear these are really healthy :)); Divine dark chocolate (a little bit of this never hurt any body!); Activia light yogurt (only 70 calories!); A big heaping table spoon of peanut butter (extra crunchy, please!); steamed edamame w/ a sprinkle of kosher salt; Kashi Honey Toasted Oat Cereal (only 6 grams of sugar per serving).  

Pillow Talk

Do you heart throw pillows?  I love how a couple of throw pillows around the house makes so much difference to your space.  I'm learning to mix and match patterns and colors without getting to matchy matchy.  Here are some pillows I've been eyeing for some time (waiting for that magic word:  SALE)

In clockwise order:  Crate and Barrel (2x); Z Gallerie; World Market 

Random Mix

For some time, I've been eyeing a couple of prints.  There's really no common theme or connection among them.  But can't a girl just get a random mix of prints?  I imagine framing them in white frames and hanging them up on the wall along the stairs leading up to our loft.  Or if you have a long hall way, having a mix of colorful prints is always fun.   (Check out one of my absolute favorite blogs YoungHouseLove.com).  

In clockwise order:  etsy (no longer available); MadeByGirl; etsy for the rest  (Btw, I recited E. E. Cummings' "I carry your heart with me" during my wedding - it's such a lovely poem).  

Easy Ts

I am not a big fan of statement tshirts. But there are some tshirts that are really expressive without being all "look at me!!".  It's a bonus when they are really soft, breezy and comfortable in texture.  And remember, you can always dress them up with a well tailored blazer, skinny jeans and some killer hot heels; OR you can dress them down with your boyfriend/husband's flannel plaid shirt, black leggings, and Hunter boots.  Here are some easy Ts that currently excite my heart.   

In clockwise order:  Commes Des Garcons (via Jcrew); Free People Tee - Totally Tape; 291 Light After Darkness Asymmetric Tee; Zara "Lovely Imperfect" Linen T-Shirt

Celeb Crush

There are those girls who always look so darn cute and pretty. And they also seem to be genuinely nice too. So, you can't really hate on them! Michelle Williams is one of them - doesn't she just seem so nice and innately stylish?  Whose your celeb crush? 

Fitness Plan

I will brag for a second.  I used to work out regularly - at least 5 times a week.  I elliptical-ed, I did countless sit-ups, ran 8k's, 10k's, half's and ultimately even a marathon (ONCE).  I have however, gotten a little lazy, blaming work for the most part.  But SERIOUSLY,  the summer will be here in no time and I really really want to wear my bikinis and shorts without feeling too self-conscious.  SO, I'm going to try to amp up my workout routine a little bit by getting to the gym at least 3 times during the week and definitely the weekend.  Here are some of my favorite workout routines.  What do you do to get into or stay in shape?

In clockwise order:  running 45 mins - 1 hr; 1hour spin class; 1 hour step-aerobic class with weights; 90 minutes of bikram yoga. 

Weekend - whatcha up to?

This weekend, I am attending a dear colleague/friend's wedding.  I am beyond excited for her and her husband-to-be. Btw, do you cry at other people's weddings? I do. So, when it came to mine last year, it was inevitable that I'd shed a tear or two. But I must say, oh so proudly, that I was not a crying emotional mess! After all, I had my make-up to worry about!! Here's a little look into my wedding day 1.28.11 - it was one wintry and magical day I'll forever treasure in my heart. (do i hear a collective "awwwwwww...."? :)) Have a great weekend!!

Vacation Outfit

This summer, I am going on a little weekend trip with my MOH to Berkshires.  We plan on going strawberry picking, watching Diana Krall perform at the Tanglewood Music Festival, and drinking lots of wine.  I don't know about you but when I go on a vacation, I like to look cute.  I gotta think about those pictures I'll be taking!  That said, I gotta be comfortable too.  What do you think of this outfit?

In clockwise order:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran; AG Adriano Goldschmied Circle Domain Shirt; Jcrew Cutler and Gross; ASOS Denham Hooded Parka; Chan Luu Taupe and Gray Thread 5 Wrap Bracelet; Bronx Inca

Being Repinned feels cool!

Do you Pinterest?  I do.  And when I get those emails letting me know that so and so liked or repinned my pins, I'm so thrilled!!!  All of a sudden, I feel like a really popular girl, you know? Haha :)  Here's a pin that garnered many likes and repins. 
This room belongs to an interior decorator, Meredith Heron from Toronto.  Thank you Meredith for making me feel oh-so popular.  Don't you just love how she mixes and matches all those different patterns and colors ?!!

The Classic Four

Every season, there's always a half dozen or so "must have" bags.  I drool over those bags as I walk aimlessly through the handbag areas of Bloomingdales, Nordstrom,Neiman Marcus and etc. Ahhh...  I console myself by telling myself that they are all a part of a fad, trend, and I'll get over them.  But I have what I call "The Classic Four" I'd love to see in my closet and I KNOW I will never tire of. I'd love to know what you consider as your Classic Four!

In clockwise order: Coach Classic Leather Stewardess Bag; Louis Vuitton Never Full Bag; Hermes Grace Kelly Bag; Chanel Quilted Lamb

Zara Zara Zara

Is it me or has Zara been just getting better and better with each season?
There is many a reason why the Middleton sisters heart this brand so much.
The Zara dresses are so pretty, feminine, and they fit so well (perhaps, it's the Euro sizing!).
Here are some of my to-die-for faves of this season!

Perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

Add a white blazer to this and bang! Perfectness!

Again, add any color blazer to this outfit and you'll get another look out of this lovely dress!

starry starry night~

Wear this with a traditional trench coat to tone down the neon glow.

Perfect for an outdoor concert like Coachella

Ooh la la - so french! Such a great weekend top. 

Changing it up

You know how sometimes you are so content with something you don't feel the need to change anything?  As the saying goes, "why fix it if it ain't broke?"  That's how I felt about the decor of my bathroom.  But is it so wrong if I just got really tired of the same ole' thing?  My blue and beige striped shower curtain and white bath mats just seemed so old and tired all of a sudden. So, here's a little arrangement I'd like to see in my bathroom. All from West Elm (yup, I love me some West Elm!!). 

Spring Fever

I've got a bad case of spring fever (and allergies, unfortunately!). I'm craving all sorts of bright lovely things, whether it be food, fashion and... um, MORE fashion!!

Of course, another cute number from Mr. Marc Jacobs.

For me as soon as I get me an IPhone!

Ms. Kate Spade always has the right colors.

So darn cute! Ms. Kate Spade again.

Mango's my favorite.  What's yours?