Friday, February 28, 2014

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Putting Things in Perspective

I talked about in the last post, SURPRISE,  about feeling overwhelmed lately. So I thought today's post can be about the things that make me smile or make me realize that there are bigger issues/hardships out there. I am not implying that I can't feel the way I feel, but that I shouldn't dwell on it as much, and just try to live each day as it should be, day-to-day. I hope these pictures  and words make you smile or think. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

SURPRISE!

This month has been super busy and a bit stressful, from the projects at work, trying to sell the loft, trying to purchase a home, packing and moving items into storage, Houston Rodeo about to kick off and the committee meetings obligations, classes starting this week for the PE (Professional Engineering) exam in April, and trying to be make time for Amos and myself. Deep Breathes....

Well my birthday was last week (right in the middle of all this stress) and I was home, which was nice since I missed it last year because I was offshore for work. Because I travel a lot for my work, I tend to miss holidays, birthdays, etc. so I don't really make a big deal for my birthday, but I never really did in the past anyways. So on Wednesday for my birthday Amos and I went to a local brewery that had a private event (~50 guest) and served a five course meal (that's right FIVE courses) and paired each dish with their beers. It was AMAZING and I will never ever forget that meal and experience; Amos got major points. So after Wednesday night, I went right back into go mode and another birthday behind me. 

On Saturday morning I was feeling a little down and overwhelmed by all of the stuff going on in my life, and not everything going as smoothly as I would like. So when Amos said that we were having a small dinner at a friends house I didn't think twice about it. I was ready to kick my feet up, drink some wine, and talk the night away; all while wearing what I woke up in, which included no makeup. When we showed up to the friends house with some other friends and went through the house to go to the backyard for some drinks we were out there two seconds when all of a sudden a large group of people came out and screamed S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E! All of our friends and family were there to celebrate my birthday and a close friend's birthday (who's birthday falls the day after mine). I have never been so surprised in my life and was truly overwhelmed by all of the love and work put into it. Amos wins again and got MAJOR points. The night was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday or evening.  

This all got me thinking that one day I would love to return the favor and do this for Amos. I don't know when or how, but I am determined to do it. Here are some cute ideas that I have seen so far.


Friday, February 21, 2014

Daryl & Laney's Kitchen Renovation

One of my longest and dearest friend's just renovated her kitchen in her home. Her husband and her bought a place together a few years together right after they got married.  Here are a few snapshots of them on their wedding day...they look gorgeous together. 


Thursday, February 20, 2014

A New Chapter - Selling the Loft

Hello y'all! I have some bitter sweet news to share with y'all...I am selling the loft. It has been a wonderful five years and I have had so many wonderful memories there. 

I remember when I was first looking to move out of my parent's house after living there for a year from graduating college. I was initially going to look for land and build a house over an hour outside of Houston, but my mom, being the wise woman that she is said, "What is a single 23 year old girl going to do by herself out in the middle of nowhere". So she suggested I look inside of the loop in Houston, where there are lots people and many things to do. We looked together online a bit, but then saw the Kirby Lofts downtown had listings and that they had an open house all next week. We popped in during lunch the next week and I fell in love with my unit right away. It was open, spacious, and had all the upgrades already; like stainless steel appliances, wood floors, granite, a huge bathroom, not to mention a private balcony facing Main Street. So I made an offer that day, and a month later it was all mine. 

Over these last five years the loft has been an amazing outlet of self expression through design and decorations; which has become a hidden passion of mine. On top of the fact that I got to go crazy with design ideas, I have had the opportunity to explore a city that I have grown to love. 

Being in the loop means you are within 10 minutes to amazing running and bike trails, parks that hold weekly events (Discovery Green and Market Square), access to old and new bars (Okra, La Carafe, Warren's Inn, Flying Saucer, Molly's Pub, etc.), live music (House of Blues, Toyota Center, Bayou Center, Warehouse Live, etc.), all the Houston sports centers (Toyota Center, Dynamo Stadium, Minute Maid Park, access to the rail to Reliant), dining (Guadalajara, Bombay Pizza, Hearsay, Vic & Anthonys, Mortons, House of Blues, access to the underground tunnels), and the theater, ballet, and opera are all within walking distance. Having the rail run right in front of the loft meant going to Reliant for the Houston Rodeo, going to Outdoor Miller for movies, concerts, and plays, going to the Museum district, and going to Midtown to meet up with friends for drinks and dinner without ever having to drive. I even get a weekly email telling me all the wonderful things going on downtown. I have got to experience all of these things, some numerous times, that I probably never would have if I didn't live right in the middle of it. 

I also got to host some incredible get togethers/parties at the loft, Halloween, New Year's, and special dinners immediately come to my mind. This was a way to share the space with old and new friends. More memories to always cherish.   

Tears will be shed for selling the loft (my home), but I will be very happy to hopefully move into a house (not too far away from the loft) and start with a clean design palette (anticipate lots of blog posts on this), but more importantly a new beginning and home with Amos. I am excited and nervous, but can't wait to see what this next chapter in our lives hold. 


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

My Girl's Valentine's Day Brunch

On Friday for Valentine's Day I hosted a Valentine's Day Girls Brunch. It was a beautiful day and the temperatures were perfect; I couldn't have asked for a better day. I hosted it at a really cute restaurant called Tiny Boxwoods in Houston. It is a great place and it is right next to a flower shop. It was a first time for all of us and the atmosphere and food did not disappoint.  I did feel a little wierd at first bringing in my box of decorations, but after the stares became less and the girls showed up it was great. I decided to give little Valentine's Day gifts with girly nick-nacks and even gave cute tea cups, which added to the decor as well. Needless to say I will definitely be doing this annually and can't wait until next year. Enjoy this pictures!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day - Girls Brunch

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!! 

I'm going to get a little personal here and explain my feelings about the big V-Day. I didn't really date a lot when I was growing up in high school or college. I was very focused on school and extracurricular activities that I didn't really bother with it. Therefore, I missed out on a lot of potential Valentine's Day gifts or dinners from a boyfriend. I was not one of those girls that hated the holiday, I just didn't really celebrate it. Now being in a serious relationship I have gotten to experience some wonderful Valentine's Day celebrations; however I still have not forgotten those times I didn't get to celebrate and my married or non single friends got to...there was some envy there. 

As I was searching through Pinterest I came across this really cute picture of a girls brunch for Valentine's Day. I absolutely fell in love with this idea. This way single and even non single girls can all get together midday and just celebrate being with good friends; you still have the evening/night to do something with your honey. So today I am hosting my very first Valentine's Day Girl's Brunch. I hope to do this every year and just remind myself that this holiday is just not between you and a guy, but appreciate of all the loved ones in my life, single or not. Here is a website of some ideas to get you started. I will share pictures next week.


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him

I'm not going to lie, I struggle thinking of ideas to get Amos for Valentine's Day. I tried to make it unique and thoughtful, but there are always the go to stores like Fossil and J.Crew that make it a little bit easier. Here are some ideas...

The first item on the list is from The Mantry Company. This is a site that mails out a crate full of goodies that are themed and really directed towards male, but females can enjoy it too. For example, I got Amos one for Christmas this past year and everything in the crate was related to bacon: actual bacon, bacon flavored mayonnaise, all things bacon, it even came with a picture of Kevin Bacon. Here is a link to other past boxes. The other great thing is you can also do a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription. 

Monday, February 10, 2014

Terrarium Lust

On Saturday I walked into West Elm and loved their displays of terrarium's; they had a whole assortment. Since I live downtown there are not a ton of trees, there are some, but not a lot. That being said I wanted to bring more green into my living space. I fell in love with this one here, the gold one, and thought it would look great in the loft. Like Van Gogh went through his color periods, I feel like I am going through a major gold period. Hope you enjoy these pictures and ideas from West Elm


Friday, February 7, 2014

Favorite Beauty Products

I have been wearing makeup for a good five years now on a daily bases. It has been a long and interesting journey and a lot of ups and downs. As I continue to want to improve my application techniques and what products to get I do my research by buying beauty books, some of my favorites are Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual and Making Faces, pinterest is great, and watching youtube videos. One of my favorite makeup artist to watch is MakeupByEman. She has tons of videos and easy step by step instructions, plus she goes through all of her products she uses. Lately make daily makeup usages is as follows:

Foundation - Diorskin Nude Skin Glowing Liquid Foundation
I apply this with a foundation brush I do not use my hands...anymore. This coverage is amazing, a little truely goes a long way. 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Valentine Day Gift Ideas for Her - Part 2

I don't know about y'all, but I hate paying full price for stuff and love it when I get a good deal or the item goes on clearance. Here are a few more gift ideas for her for Valentine Day that I found on sale/clearance on two of my favorite shopping websites, Anthropologie and J. Crew Factory. I tried to stick mainly to accessories again since you don't have to worry about getting the right size, but I did sneak in a pair of shoes and one or two shirts that I thought looked sweet. If you want more ideas head on over to Part 1 gift ideas on the blog. 

Necklace from Anthropologie - On Sale

Clutch from Anthropologie - On Sale

Braclet from Anthropologie - On Sale
Clutch from Anthropologie - On Sale

Braclet from J.Crew Factory


Iphone Cover from J.Crew Factory

Braclet from J.Crew Factory

Shoes from J.Crew Factory

PJs from J.Crew Factory

Top from J.Crew Factory

Anchor Socks from J.Crew Factory

Hope y'all have a lovely day!

Signature photo Signiture_zps5dfab27f.jpg

Monday, February 3, 2014

Sweater Love!

Okay our weather here in Texas could not be crazier, it goes from 70 degrees with gorgeous blue skies to freezing ice conditions the very next day. And just when we thought this weather was over another cold front is coming in. This means that it is still sweater season at the moment. Over the weekend I stumbled across this website called, Goodnight Macaroon, and they have some of the cutest sweaters, with the layered look that is so huge right now. I got two (here and here) and am dying to get my hands on this one here, but it is sold out at the moment. Here are some pictures of my favorites on their website.  







Hope y'all have a lovely day!
Signature photo Signiture_zps5dfab27f.jpg