Cheeky Bev Naps

I love them all, but my favorite is "I love not camping" - that is so me. Available at Z Gallerie for $5.95 per set of 20.

Not So Sneaky

I have been spending an inappropriate amount of time on Craig's List the last couple of days. Seriously. I have a problem. My friend Hayley and I have been constantly emailing each other our awesome CL finds. And she has a job! Anyway, yesterday I scored a cute, cute, cute little credenza/sideboard piece for $60. I am going to work my magic on it and I will post pics when it is restored and glamorous.

It was too big for me to sneak into the garage on my own, so I had to get help from the Hubs. He was not pleased. Not because he had to help me move it, but because I once again purchased something that I do not need. Bah Humbug!

I have learned my lesson: next time I'll get my neighbor to help me :)

Cool Rugs

Just for fun. All available at overstock.com at fabulous prices.

Best Top Coat Ever

I HATE painting my own nails, really because I am impatient and I hate waiting for them to dry. I always seem to mess them up. Not any more! This top coat dries your nails completely in about 15 minutes. I use a base coat and 2 coats of color underneath, so you know this stuff is good! The bonus is that it is super shiny too. I love OPI!

Bravo Samsonite!

I was in the mall the other day and passed by the Samsonite store. I had to do a double take when I saw this awesome luggage. This is part of the Samsonite Black Label line and there is even a collection by Alexander McQueen. I never imagined Samsonite could be so cool. Great, just another thing for me to want!

Seriously?

This is Whitney Thompson, the winner of America's Next Top Model, correction: the "plus-size" winner of America's Next Top Model. She is a size 10.

Since when is size 10 a plus size???

Considering the average size in this country is 14, I think the wrong message is being sent by labeling size 10 as plus size. I think they mean well by showing that a woman who is not stick skinny is beautiful and can be a model. But really, is size 10 the new 24?

I am disgusted.

Design Depression - Please Help!

I must preface this post with: "I really don't mean to sound ungrateful"

Now that we got that out of the way... A few years ago my Husband (fiancee at the time) and I were very lucky to be chosen to be part of a new show on HGTV called My First Place. It was a very exciting and fun experience. HGTV gave us a designer and 3k to decorate any room of our choice in our first house. We chose our formal living/dining room, we figured, 2 birds one stone.
We both loved the room, and I cried on camera like a total moron. As time goes by, I like this room less and less. In fact, it is making me a little ill. I am not sure if it is just the normal "I'm getting tired of looking at this shat" or if it really sucked to begin with, but I was caught up in the moment.

So my dilemma is this, how can I change/update this room to make it look better without upsetting the Husband. You see, he is very frugal and practical, and I AM NOT. He would think I am crazy for wanting to change this room. To me, it feels cluttered and dark. I would love to get some outside opinions from the insightful blog world. Here are the ground rules:

1. Paint color stays - that was a bitch to paint, and I aint doin it again!
2. Window treatments stay - this will be too obvious and hard to justify to the hubs.

3. Painting stays - it was done by Moi, so if you hate it keep that to yourself - I'm fragile

That's it! Any and all advice is welcome!

Best Yogurt Ever

This yogurt is so good that it has caused me to become a hoarder. The first time I tried the passion orange pineapple yogurt from Safeway, I was in love. My husband loved it too and requested that I only buy this flavor going forward. I went back to Safeway, a place that I normally don't shop at because the prices are a little too high compared to Walmart Supercenter (please don't hate me for shopping the so called "evil" corporation, it is a matter of economics and convenience) and low and behold, no passion orange pineapple yogurt. The shelf was completely empty. I was a bit p*ssed off because that was the only item I went there to buy and the store is a bit out of the way. I even had a clerk check the back for me with no luck.

The next time I went to Safeway, they had 3 containers of passion orange pineapple yogurt, so I snatched them up and had the clerk, again, check the back. No more. WTF? Obviously, people like this yogurt and are buying it, why don't they order more??? It looks like Safeway needs a little lesson in JIT, ya think?

So last week, when I went to Safeway (just for GD yogurt) I was fully expecting to once again be disappointed and angry. As I came around the corner to the dairy case, I could feel my blood pressure starting to rise a little, was this going to be the day that I gave the Manager a piece of my mind? Just as I was going over in my head all the things I was going say, there they were, a fully stocked row of passion orange pineapple yogurt. It felt like Christmas! I was so happy.

I bought Every. Single. Container.

So, now I'm a hoarder, but I have yogurt for the next 2 weeks! Seriously, you gotta try it.

Sangria!

I love making Sangria for guests because 1) it is delicioso 2) you make it in batches, so you are not constantly playing bartender 3) it is very easy and looks pretty in the pitcher. I think I might get this book from Amazon to get some new recipe ideas. Sangria is awesome because you can pretty much make any concoction you like, white wine, red wine, any fruit, any juice - whatever. Here is my signature recipe (Sneaky Sangria):

1 orange, sliced into rings

2 limes, sliced into rings

1 bottle Sangria wine - yes the cheap stuff with the handle, its like $10 for a gallon

1 cup O.J.

1 can Fresca

I put the fruit, O.J. and Fresca in a big pitcher with ice, then fill it the rest of the way with the wine. The jug of wine will make many batches. Very refreshing and it tastes grrrreat! Cheers!

Feeling Beachy

I have a yummy little vay-kay coming up in June and I need a new swim suit. Here are a few that I like, but I need good support/coverage on the top. I think the halter has worked best in the past (because you can hoist em up), but I am not a swimwear or breast engineering expert. If anyone knows better, please do share.


Deco by Jets $194

Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid by Kristi Grinna $138

Zest by Jets $150

Worth Ave, Palm Beach by Kristi Grinna $111

Design Dream Vacation

One of my favorite design magazines, Veranda, is hosting a design tour in Venice. Five days of architecture, design, art, parties, great food and wine, and a luxurious stay at the Hotel Danieli. Sounds like a great time. For information call Dynamica Travel at 212-370-1528.

Hey Jozette!

I was so excited to learn about polyvore.com from Jozette at Regardez Moi this morning, I just had to check it out! This site is so cool. Jozette, I made you another birthday party option, just for fun. Hope you like it!

Grecian Satin Dress, Forever21 $24.80
Very Noeud Slingbacks, Christian Louboutin $795
Pink Tourmaline Ring, Vera Wang $3100
14k gold-plated Chandelier Earrings, Banana Republic $29
Lace Cuff, Nordstrom $148
Popcorn Clutch, ynotshop.com $?

I'm a Fatty

So, I am returning a pair a very cute Trouser Jeans that I purchased at Banana Republic-somehow they shrank just hanging in my closet before I had the chance to wear them, and I am NOT buying a bigger size! I have already paid the bill, so I will need to either exchange or get a credit to my Banana account. Since I am all about instant gratification, I vote for exchange... but what shall I get? I think fluffy people are safe with accessories, right? Here are some fun options.

Window Earrings $32
Basketweave Cuff $39

Mother-of-Pearl Earrings $34

Bamboo Silk Clutch $79

No Reservations Here

Anthony Bourdain, if you are out there, I love your show and I love you.

I just had to get that off of my chest. If you like travel, food, and sarcastic, sexy, older men, then this show is for you.

Watch it on the Travel Channel Mondays at 10pm ET.

Medallion Bowls

I want these bowls from Target. They are so cute and have, in my opinion, the perfect bowl shape. I do not need these bowls, but I really love them. Maybe I will buy them when I am gainfully employed again.

Best Beach Towels Ever

Missoni beach towels: You complete me.

Peep These

Today I went shopping for some new shoes for a job interview. This is what I found. No, I will not be wearing them to an interview, but they were too cute to pass up. Turquoise and peach Nine West canvas peep toe wedges $19.99 at T.J. Maxx. God I love that store!

Today on Oprah: Sex And The City Cast

Fire up your DVR! The Sex and the City Cast will be on Oprah today, including Mr. Big! I cannot wait to see it! I am getting a little scared that I will be disappointed with the movie because I am building it up so much in my mind. I think I am going to start convincing myself that it will suck. Maybe that will help?