Friday, September 28, 2012

It's Black and White


Black and White is a trend for fall of 2012.  How do you wear yours?

Phillip Lim Shadow Stripe Dress

Kate Spade Nicky coat 

Emporio Armani loafers

Fold over the tote to make a clutch


Kenneth Cole Peplum Belt

Patterson J. Kincade Revolve Clothing

Have a fabulous weekend.  See you on Monday.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Terrariums and Succulents

I was doing some shopping earlier this week and noticed a theme in store decor.

Restoration Hardware


Club Monaco
Another use for Mason Jars!!

Club Monaco

Crate and Barrel
All of the stores used faux plants.  The Crate and Barrel image is of faux plants for purchase.




Terrariums and Live Plants

Terrariums and Live Plants by spiralstyle on Polyvore
Glass Terrariums / Succulents / Cacti / Open-Face Terrariums

Mini-garden terrarium from Vivaterra

Instructions for how to make a live terrarium can be found here.

Are you inspired?  
Faux or Live?






Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Perfect Pumps

Some stylists include nude pumps as one of the ten items that should be in every woman's wardrobe.I've been searching for the perfect nude pumps for about 2 years.  I didn't want a platform or peep toe or sling back.  I didn't really want patent leather or suede either.  Some nude colors were too yellow, some too pink and other too brown.

The "Harrietta" Pump Via Spiga 

And these are just right.  

The color is very neutral and the heel is perfect.  The leather is very soft and the fit is extremely comfortable.

They are also available in this gorgeous color as well as black.  

Are these on your list?

What would be the other nine items?  Here are some of the items I found on stylists lists.
Trench coat
Dark wash jeans
White shirt
Long sleeve stripedtee
Black suit
Pencil Skirt
Red flats
Little black dress
A great handbag
Leopard print scarf
A good watch



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ginger Snap Cookies


As soon as there is a nip in the air I start to crave Ginger Snap Cookies.

These are a favorite with little bits of chewy, crystallized ginger in the cookies.

These cookies are really crunchy with a nice spice.

I may have to try THIS RECIPE for ginger snaps.  Joyofbaking gives lots of tips on how to customize the cookies to your taste.  You can make them as spicy, ginger-y, or robust with molasses as you wish.  Just make sure your spices are fresh.  

Do you have a ginger snap fetish?  What brand or recipe do you like?



Are You Registered?


Today is National Voter Registration Day.
Are you registered?  Have you moved and need to register in your new location?  The presidential election is 7 weeks from today.  You could easily register online or look for a local registration event.  


Are you going to be out of town for the election?  Request an absentee ballot.  

Maybe you know a college student that won't be home to vote, or an elderly person who can't leave home to cast their vote, they are eligible for an absentee ballot as are military personnel serving away from their home voting precinct.  These are the circumstances that allow for absentee ballots in Michigan:
  • age 60 years old or older
  • unable to vote without assistance at the polls
  • expecting to be out of town on election day
  • in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
  • unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
  • appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.
Check with your state's Secretary of State webpage for information regarding obtaining an absentee ballot.  


Monday, September 24, 2012

Exercise Inspiration for a Monday

Is your exercise routine in a rut? 



I've just added TRX training as a workout option.  This training method uses a suspension trainer of adjustable straps and the weight of your body to develop strength, balance,  flexibility and core stability simultaneously.  There are over 100 exercises you can perform with this device.  


We've got a TRX in our home gym but I'm taking classes to learn how to use it on my own. It is a real challenge to be stable while part of your body is suspended.  It helps develop your core strength no matter what exercise you are doing or muscle group you are working.  

Stil not motivated?

Click here for the Top 100 WORKOUT SONGS OF THE '90s


image



Anyone can go for a walk!!



Happy Monday


Friday, September 21, 2012

Final Farewell to Summer...

...but not until 10:49 am EDTon September 22.

Goodbye to dinner on the deck,

fresh food from the garden,

an outdoor swim.

Bring on autumn.  I'm ready to be wowed by the beauty of the season.

Have a delightful weekend











Thursday, September 20, 2012

J.Crew Allie Dress

I am smitten by this dress from J. Crew.  I can't wait to get to a store to try it on.


J. Crew Allie Dress 

I'm already imagining the shoes I might want to wear with the dress.  
Shoes for Allie dress


Cole Haan suede shoes / Stuart Weitzman peep toe pumps / Stuart Weitzman pumps / Stuart Weitzman pumps


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Autumn Arrangements: Pinterest Picks

Some midweek inspiration.  Have a lovely day.

                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                                     Source: bios.weddingbee.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


















                                              Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest


                                             Source: marthastewart.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                       Source: centsationalgirl.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Save Memories: Digitalize Slides

In the not so distant past, using film was the way to capture images!  Remember that?

Yesterday I mentioned that I was now using my old film cameras as bookends.  I've got two digital cameras and more often than not, I use the camera on my iPhone.

As young parents, hubby and I took copious amounts of photos and we used a film that could be developed as slides or prints.  I have 4 boxes or carefully edited and noted slides of our family.  It has been at least a decade since anyone in our family has view the slides projected onto a screen.

I did some research and realized I could have slides digitalized for a very reasonable fee.  I decided this would make wonderful anniversary gift for hubby, who was the primary photo taker and therefor absent in most of the captured images.

I edited our accumulated slides to 320.  I chose a company, FotoBridge, to digitalized the slides. I requested a directory of numbered thumbnail images to correspond with the DVD of the digitalized images.  This makes finding the image you want very easy.  The turn around from door to door was about two weeks and they returned the slides in the same order that they were mailed to the lab.

Now I can print photos from the slides and create albums and do all the things you normally do with digitalized photos on your computer.  

If you or anyone in your family has a plethora of slides gathering dust, consider digitalizing the slides so that you can remember all the occasions that called for a photo way back when.  



Monday, September 17, 2012

Monday Musings

Welcome back, dear ones, from what I hope was a lovely weekend.  It was beautiful weather here with a hint of autumn now appearing on leaves.

I picked up these "pumpkin on a stick" at the Farmers' Market.  I just Googled what they are called, and Pumpkin on a Stick is the name?!  It is actually an ornamental eggplant.  

I attended an Antique Market in Ann Arbor and could not leave without this antique seltzer bottle.  I was attracted to the color.  

Another item that caught my eye was decorative pillows made from Persian rugs.  These are actually much softer than Kilim fabric pillows.

I was doing a major clean and organize on Friday.  I came across two old cameras, the kind that use film.  I was perturbed that I had missed these for the hazardous waste day in our town last weekend.  I could have taken them there for disposal.  These cameras are heavy...then it dawned on me, I'm always looking for bookends, why not use the cameras as bookends.  

                                 Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Be AWESOME today!

Friday, September 14, 2012

Happy Weekend

I'm ready for the weekend, how about you?  

I've been busy in my studio and added some new jewelry designs to my shop.
Actually, this one is only available upon request.



Earrings in this collection to follow shortly.

Do you have fun plans for the weekend?  I plan on going to an Antique Market and the Farmers' Market.  We've got a retirement party for a good friend.  

Have a refreshing weekend.  See you on Monday!