Looking Up: Lighting

When I bought my house back in October, it came with some very basic, but doable lighting. Over the last few months, I've been adding artwork to my walls and (for lack of better words) making my house a home. My lighting seems to be less fitting more and more daily. Remember this little guy?

Mi Casa #boringlamp

Well it's still here, hanging above me as I type. It's rather bland to be honest, but until now it didn't really bother me. However, I've been seeing affordable pendants and DIY lighting that makes me think this update might be an easy one. Check these out.

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This lamp, believe it or not (!) is made from those paint stirring sticks that are free at Home Depot. Are you kidding me? People are so smart. 

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This weaved lamp is actually made from a flower basket (upside down) then weaved with a sisal rope that can be found at none other than... your local Home Depot. 

This lamp would probably cost me about $20.00 to make. Tops. You likey?

But then I think, "I love DIY, but do I want to add yet another project to my DIY list?" 

-"Yes, probably."

But these West Elm lamps have really got me asking that same question over and over. 

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Ah, the classic drum pendant. This guy would offset my square table with its soft chic look. 

Well hello there pretty. I love this. With an awesome Edison bulb to pair, this one is just lovely. But I wonder, would I need two? This one seems sort of small. If that's the case, how does the electrical work?  I think the last thing I can afford is an electrician (note to self: I gotta befriend one of those). Have any of you had experience with updating and adjusting your lighting? 

xoxo

The girl who was afraid to over-accessorize

Coco Chanel always said "put on all your accessories then take one off" ...... meaning less is more.


I have always been somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to accessorizing - making sure that what I'm seen as is me versus all the bright knick-knacks I've dressed myself up in. I've seen so many women over do themselves in rings, bracelts, necklaces and on top of that tons of make-up - that's just not me. However, lately I've been seeing amazing bold jewelry take way to even the most casual outfits and frankly, I'm crying out for help!

I recently discovered Kendi Everyday, where Kendi is now doing the 30 for 30 challenge. She took 30 articles of clothing/shoes and is mixing and matching just those pieces for 30 days (I'm dying to try this). She has the most adorable (and affordable) accessories that turn her fun outfits to a complete fashion statement.  These days I rock 1 of my 3 watches, a pair of silver hoops or some gold, beaded teardrop earrings depending on my metal-of-the-day (Kinda boring....). Check out a few of Kendi's outfits that inspire me to delve into accessorizing a little better.

 I wear a watch everyday, unless I'm at the gym. Adding in cute bangles is such a good idea and I'm so nervous to take this plunge without feeling like those gaudy women that Coco told us never to be. PS that belt is so adorable.

This outfit inspires me in so many ways. It's the perfect example that you can take two naturally opposing patterns, pair them together to make an adorable summery outfit. Note the cute long necklace and simple bangles to tie it all together. I die..

This is by far my hardest but most well-loved combo: the necklace duo. So many mornings I try this but feel as if it just doesn't go together. I think I'm going to try and stop buying so many clothes (my guy will love this) and try and start making my outfits look different by mixing and matching. I'm definitely considering doing a 30 for 30 challenge because I think it will teach me to appreciate what I have in my closet and take that step to accessorize my outfit to switch it up a bit. Happy Friday!

xoxo,

How To: Rock the Boyfriend Jean

The boyfriend cut. So slub chic its not even funny. This is one particular cut, however, has been toying with me for the last few months. How do I make these work without making myself look like a shapeless soccer mom or just plain old frumpy? I purchased myself a pair of cuffed boyfriend cut jeans and have been desperate to find a cute way to mix and match them. Here's what I've discovered thus far.

1. Dress 'em up

We can't be looking like our boyfriends ladies (see point #2) but we can rock this comfortable look with a sleek blazer or flowy dressy top.

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2. Do not literally wear your boyfriends jeans - no matter how skinny cute you are. (sorry Katie Holmes - you kind of look like a dude...)

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3. Tuck it in.. with a belt

She looks so adorable in her distressed boyfriends with that tiny cute yellow belt peeping out of her shirt.

Definitely digging the color combination. Check out Bex's adorable blog here. Whatta babe. 

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 4. Be confident. (my biggest problem)

Such great looks, I'm taking notes!

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These two ladies are following the rules at their finest! Defintely going to dress to impress tomorrow (maybe post a little pic just to let you know how I did)

Do you have a pair of boyfriend jeans? How do you wear them? I'd love to hear your input!

xoxo,

Living in: A Haboob

Feels like Arizona summers are a hot topic for me these days. This morning I had the pleasure of waking up to a yard covered in a thick layer of brown dust - so thick that my dogs footprints were visible. Last night, Phoenix experienced what may have been the largest Haboob in years. What is a Haboob? you ask. Let me explain.


A "Haboob" which originates from Arabic, is defined as: a type of intense sandstorm commonly observed in arid regions throughout the world.


Picture this:

all pictures via azcentral

A mile-high cloud of dust. Gross. Today we are left with the remnants of dust in the air, debris on the ground and thousands of black swimming pools. Never in my twenty something years of life have I experienced anything of such epic proportions. So who wants to move to Phoenix? It's only 109 today!


Catch you on the otherside of the Haboob


xoxo,

Picking my brain: the travel bug

I love to travel. It's something that's been passed down to me from my parents, who are world travelers themselves. I as a young child, I became accustomed to traveling a lot to visit my family in Europe for various holidays (although getting older I tend to get a bit of airplane anxiety, but that's another story for another time). Transitioning to adulthood, I realized the benefit travelling has on our perspective of life. I'd like to take credit for passing along the travel bug to my guy, who is by farrr my favorite travel companion. After seeing some of the world, I feel that I've become more open-minded to different mannerisms we inherit from our culture and I appreciate my way of life so much more (a little 4th of July patriotism). Other cultures and how we evolved to act the way we do is so fascinating. Our societal behaviors are on a constant strain of evolution, changing practically day-by-day. However, with media and the introduction of the internet, we have all become so close together. I can now see someone on the other side of the planet with the right software and a click of my mouse and yet we still hold on to those deeply rooted cultural values and norms (seriously, you'd think I was a sociology major!) 


Working in an office all day my inbox gets flooded with amazing travel deals from websites like living social, travel zoo, and Jetsetter. So many deals, so little vacation time... oh yah and money (that funny little thing)

My dream job (I tell my boyfriend this on a weekly basis) is to move to some exotic place and work in the tourism industry - beaches, fruity drinks, sun-kissed skin... I digress. Check out these amazing places that are currently topping my list of go-to's...

1. THAILAND
If you've read back a few months, you may have seen me mention my liking for Eastern/Buddhist culture art. PS - I'm addicted to Thai food. Plus, it's beautiful there! Yes pleaseee!

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2. SPAIN
History, art, architecture, delicious food... there are no words.
(oh and soccer!)

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3. NOR CAL
Just a hop skip and a jump away compared to the two destinations above! And yet, I yearn to go. Northern California has amazing food, wineries and let's not forget the Redwood Forest.

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Ah so beautiful... Can't wait to blog about these places when I actually visit them.

Happy 4th of July!

xoxo