On the hunt for new sandals, I stumbled upon these lovelies from Jacques Levine:
At $140/pair they are on the pricey side, but given we have about 8 months of sandal weather in NC, I am okay with investing as long as the shoe is all leather/good quality. And…
What do you think? I’m loving both pairs- which one is your favorite?
If there’s one thing I know about Miley Cyrus songs..it’s that they are going to have a catchy beat and involve the word “party.” This one does not disappoint.
Earlier this week, I found out that I was “summoned” for jury duty today. Needless to say, I was enraged not excited about it.
But last night I called in, and they told me I wasn’t needed today!
Not only that, but we are going to do a walk-through of a house tonight. A real, grown-up house! On one hand, I’m really excited and optimistic. On the other hand I feel like…
So we’ll see what happens. I’ll keep you posted.
I thought I’d share three recent make-up purchases that I’m loving right now.
I read Bailey’s post raving about this stuff and was very curious after hearing such positive reviews. Two words: Miracle. Worker. I literally had two people come up to me yesterday and say “Have you done something different? You look amazing.” I completely owe that to the Beauty Balm because I was a hot mess otherwise yesterday. Think luminous (not shiny), even-toned skin that looks natural, not cakey. Yep.
To go with the new BB cream, I bought this beauty blender. The only other time I’ve seen this make-up tool was via the make-up artist on my wedding day who blended and primed my face to perfection. I’m still trying to get the hang of it, but I really like the smooth, even coverage it gives and that you can use it all over your face for fixing make-up mistakes and blending.
Full disclosure, I was in Target this weekend just picking up shiny things that caught my fancy. That’s how this eye shadow in “Eternal Sunshine” landed in my cart. Very pretty golden shimmer (not sparkles) that is perfect for the summertime.
What are some of your recent favorite beauty finds?
Aside from the fact I just made myself giggle from my pun use (I need to get out more..), I cannot wait to share this recipe with all of you!
I got this kale Caesar salad recipe from my girl Steph last week and couldn’t wait to try it out. We whipped it up for dinner last night with the addition of some fresh grape tomatoes from the farmer’s market and some boneless, skinless chicken thighs that I sauteed in some butter and lemon and let me just say…
Two tips:
1) Don’t skimp on making the croutons. If you don’t have the 45 minutes she suggests, put your oven on low broil after about 10 minutes and you’ll be set.
2) Buy anchovy paste (you can find it at Whole Foods and most other supermarkets) versus the canned anchovies. Less time, less mess, same great flavor.
Enjoy!
After seeing this outfit on Emily’s Cupcakes and Cashmere blog, I thought I would try to re-create it using less expensive options. Fashion blogger I am not, but I really like this look and wanted to find a way I could replicate it without say, dropping $900 on Valentino pumps.
Here’s the original:
Karen Walker Sunglasses, Elizabeth and James Blazer (similar here), J.Crew Button-down, Current Elliot Jeans, Valentino Heels, Clare Vivier Clutch
My suggestions:
Pilcro denim from Anthropologie (full disclosure, I have these jeans and I’m still trying to convince myself that I’m cool enough to wear distressed denim)
Camp pop-over from JCREW
Linen blazer from Zara (I have this in a brighter blue and I’m obsessed with it)
You all may remember my post a few weeks back about Shawlsmith London and their amazing scarves. Well, little old me was contacted by them and they sent me a scarf of my choice!
The scarf I ended up choosing is the Cotton Candy Stripe scarf in peach.
The linen material of the scarf is perfect for the evenings in the NC summertime and I love wearing it with sundresses, jeans..really everything. Very high quality and even prettier in person. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Shawlsmith London for all of their other pretty things!
This weekend, Loafers and I spent time down in Holden Beach to zone out after what was a hellacious 60+ hour week at work for both of us. The weather was gorgeous, and I spent the bulk of my days reading two really good books.
Holy. Cow. You think you had it rough growing up? Try living in a burned out train depot with snakes, buzzards, coyotes and a hoarder for a mother as roommates. Jeannette Walls weaves a sad and powerful tale about the lengths her siblings went to in order to survive and try to make their own fun while doing it. Hard to read in parts, but totally worth it.
May be one of my top 10 favorite books. Cleverly written, on-point cultural observations and a twisty plot. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times and tearing up at the sweet relationship between this mother and her daughter. Here’s one choice quote from Bernadette:
“My heart started racing, not the bad kind of heart racing, like, I’m going to die. But the good kind of heart racing, like, Hello, can I help you with something? If not, please step aside because I’m about to kick the shit out of life.”
I read this book in 12 hours and got a terrible sunburn because I refused to leave the beach until I finished it.
Happy Memorial Day weekend peeps. Please make sure to enjoy this new jam as you get down with your bad selves over the three-day weekend.
Extra extra! Furbish is offering 15% off throughout Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to some very generous friends and a generous husband, I stocked up on some amazing Furb goodies over my birthday a few weeks ago. Some of my favorites included:
This candle- smells like the beach. It’s amazing.
You guys- these napkins are my new obsession. I used them with our blue willow plates this week and started salivating—not over the turkey burgers, but over the striped deliciousness happening on my table.
Pretty print for just $30!
You might be thinking to yourself? Why the hell do I need a fabric garland? To that I say…why the hell not. I love the gypset touch that this little guy adds to my bar cart and I think you will, too!
Well, it’s time to face the facts..I am the Black Widow of technology. iPhones crumble at my hands. Laptops stop working, inexplicably. Don’t get me started on iPads.
The new iPhone arrived today and I went ahead and purchased an Otterbox (so embarrassing) from Amazon. Here’s the product description:
Defender SeriesThis is the case you need if you want to be careless, work in harsh conditions, are tough on technology, anticipate heavy use or are just plain clumsy. Enjoy your adventures, whatever they may be without worry of damaging your device along the way. This case is practically indestructible.
I highlighted the terms most applicable to me.
Try not to judge me too hard when you see me ‘gramming with my sweet case. Honestly? I’m just glad I’m back on the grid.
Hey y’all,
Sorry the posts have been few and far between lately. A busy schedule and lack of inspiration are to blame—but I hope to pick things up again soon. On another note, we finished House of Cards and…I was kind of let down? I thought the finale was going to be more dramatic but instead was kind of a snoozefest. Regardless, I’ll be watching Season 2 to see what unfolds.
Here are a few fun finds from Craigslist Raleigh-Durham to brighten your Tuesday:
Cool looking bamboo entry table for $25
Ming chair for $125
Dammit Thursday. Just dammit.
I’m a huge fan of maxi skirts in warmer weather. The blue one I bought from JCREW last year is starting to unravel after so many repeated wears. Here are a few fun, casual maxis that I have my eye on:
My friend Meg has this skirt and I’m obsessed with it. Buy it here.
Super cute aztec print here.
Embrace your inner hippie with this great tie dye skirt for $40!
Our summer intern arrived yesterday, all shiny and fresh and..young. Like junior in college young. After a brief discussion, I asked her a question and she responded “Yes, ma’am.”
Commence Botox sequence.
Anyone else having a tribal moment like me? Beads. Eagle heads. Gold. I can’t get enough. Luckily, Asos has a variety of aztec-inspired pieces to satisfy all of my cravings.
Beach kimono (side note, had no idea about beach kimonos. Now I want, nay NEED one.)
Foil tank (LOVE)
Happy shopping!
On repeat this week. Happy pre-Friday people!
Hey y’all- No posting for me this week, as I’ve been/will be traveling for play (ORL) and work (BOS.) Have a great one!
Started watching House of Cards last night. Two episodes in and I’m addicted. If you need to find me over the next two weeks (or however long it takes me to tear through 17 more episodes), I’ll be glued to the couch devouring the rest of this series.
Has anyone else been in Target lately and walked around squealing over everything besides me? I MEAN. I spent way too much time in there yesterday touching everything in sight with the brand “Threshold” on it and may or may not have aggressively snatched two Mossimo straw totes before anyone else had a chance to see them. If you aren’t already following Target Does It Again on Tumblr/Instagram, get on it now. Those girls know what is up. In fact, after I saw the aforementioned straw tote on their Instagram feed, I decided to make my trip.
When I saw the mint shagreen lamp shade, I thought I was looking at a mirage. A sweet, sweet mirage. What’s that? There’s another one of you and you are each $19.99? It was time for those two to find a home.
Here they are in place (sorry don’t know how to fix this crooked picture..) I couldn’t be more pleased! They don’t appear to be sold online, hence the lack of a link.
Go forth friends and conquer Target- you won’t regret it.
Side note: It appears that the apostrophe for the title of this post has dropped off when visiting this blog from outside of Tumblr. I don’t know how to fix it, but I don’t want y’all to think I’m an idiot.
The Glitter Guide featured Hanna Seabrook’s home this week and I’m obsessed with everything in it. Hanna is the blogger and creator behind Gadabout, a graphic design/stationery studio based in Charleston. I’m convinced that there is something in the water there that makes the women who live in Charleston the perfect blend of quirky, pretty, creative and fun. I want to go to there.
Her home is polished, warm and inviting with personal touches in every gorgeous nook and cranny. I’m filing these photos as inspiration for my current place and beyond!
This Mara Hoffman printed vinyl bag:
This may be a “treat yourself to an early birthday present” special. It’s been that sort of week.
Rams Head brass bucket for $25
Robert Abbey desk lamp for a steal
Gorgeous bachelors chest for $285
This looks a wee bit victorian, but I think with an updated paint color (emerald green?) or fresh coat of glossy black and switching out the mirror with some cool wall paper (ie: the tortoise like Bailey McCarthy used in her bar area) this could be a really cool piece that would serve a variety of purposes.
Paint these and push them together for a new coffee table!
Okay I’m obsessed with this piece. Granted you’d need a HUGE space for this, but the goat skin + color is TO DIE. $180
Today is Loafers’ birthday—and what a birthday celebration we had yesterday! After several weeks of planning, agonizing over things like flatware and several grocery store trips, yesterday was the day of the birthday brunch.
Updated entry vignette with some fresh magnolia cuttings and hyacinth- my new favorite flower—a fresh, lovely scent hits you right when you walk in the door!
The food served at the brunch was a combination of pre-made items (Costco egg white quiches were a lifesaver…as were the freshly baked Bojangles biscuits) and a breakfast casserole courtesy of Everyday Italian star Giada DeLaurentis accompanied by carrot cake muffins with a spicy glaze for the birthday boy (carrot cake is his fave, second to coconut and I wasn’t prepared to delve into that.)
Thanks to all of our lovely friends who came out to celebrate John!
My latest obsession is the blog, Waiting on Martha and her related shop, Shop Waiting on Martha.
Waiting on Martha’s founder and curator, Mandy Kellogg Rye, lives by one mantra, “Life should be lived beautifully every single day.” Drawn to the “finer things” at an early age, her mother taught her how to appreciate beauty while her father taught her how to create beauty.
Mandy has some beautiful and fine things available on her website, and I enjoy reading her blog every morning. Check out some of the goodies she has her in store:
If you told me two years ago that getting a new rug would bring me joy and excitement, I’d probably roll my eyes at you while I pawed through a pile of sequins and shift dresses. But alas, life changes and so do we.
So, the rug. It was inspired by this post by Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook.
I was hesitant to order a rug sight unseen, but the price was ridiculously cheap so I thought I would give it a go. And then started doubting myself as the days turned into weeks before the rug arrived. You can see it here on the Rugs USA website- doesn’t look too impressive.
I should have trusted Jenny (who was the first person who turned me on to Gray Line Linen a year and a half ago.)
The rug arrived yesterday and I’m very pleased. It’s super soft and adds a neutral, elegant touch to our living room. It’s not antique, but it looks kind of like it and for $144 vs. the antique rugs that run in the THOUSANDS of dollars, I’ll take it. Check it out:
Small victories for Wednesday. A few notes on Rugs USA:
-They have excellent customer service online (believe me, I used it…)
-Your rug won’t arrive for 8-10 business days and you get a shipping confirmation tracking number on the day that your rug actually arrives. Which is…kind of unnecessary.
-Rugs USA runs great deals all the time. Just be prepared that while shipping is free to get the rug to you, if you do decide to return it, you will have to pay shipping (which can run from $50-$100+)
I found out about these scarves through one of my favorite daily reads, Look Linger Love. Warmer weather in the South is accompanied by cooler temperatures indoors with A/C, making layers a requirement. I always have a scarf or cardigan in my bag, and I would love to add a piece from Shawlsmith London to my collection. For less than $100, they make a stylish and budget-friendly statement. Check them out here—(click photo for link):
(My fave)
If I were to brainstorm a potential memoir title, it would probably go something like this:
As such, I like to balance said “seriousness about meals” with a fairly rigorous workout schedule. Yesterday, I made the mistake of doing bootcamp in the morning followed by a new TRX class in the evening. Big. Mistake.
Have you ever done TRX? My muscles LITERALLY burned off and I dumped what appeared to be a gallon of sweat on the floor beneath me while I scream whispered the worst swear words I could muster amidst the blinding pain. Wearing heels was a terrible idea today. I JUST CAN’T.
I’m in the midst of planning a semi-massive brunch for my husband’s birthday…
Amidst the panic and table setting brainstorms, I stumbled across a gorgeous set of bamboo flatware from Neiman Marcus for a mere $35
This flatware can translate from easy to elegant. It’s especially a steal when you compare it to Juliska’s bamboo flatware set for $150 a place setting (LOL..no)
Thought I’d share this fun find with all of you!
Here are some of my latest and greatest online frugal finds for the home—I found a few of these items via other great blogs such as Copy Cat Chic and Sadie and Stella. Happy shopping!
Ah-mazing gilt mirror from Kirkland’s
Hurricane from Target
This hoof table reminds me of others (for way more) by Oly
This Target pillow is very similar to the “Fiorentina” fabric by David Hicks.
This stool from Home Depot is a dead ringer for one from Horchow.
Greek key bedding from Overstock for less than $100
Metal stool/ side table from Target
That acronym stands for “What the hell JC Penney?” If you read a bunch of interior design blogs like me, you’ve heard about the amazing home decor partnerships that JC Penney is touting as part of its relaunch campaign. The stuff is INCREDIBLE and the prices are insanely good. Take a look at some of my faves (click photo for link):
What are your thoughts? Have you seen anything you like? Or been into one of the new JCP stores? I’d love to hear!
I did some spring cleaning over the weekend and found a few items that need a new home. This is the first ever Excellence as a Habit blog sale—suggested prices are underneath each item. If you find a piece you’re interested in, please email me at excellenceasahabit@gmail.com.
A Hollywood Regency ming side table. This is solid wood and could probably stand a fresh coat of paint. The measurements are approximately 20” wide, 17.5” tall and 19.5” deep. $45 Local Pick-up Only
Vintage white ice bucket with lucite handle. Excellent condition. $20 local pick-up or shipping can be arranged but will be an extra cost to buyer.
Burlap ottoman with Union Jack. It is in great shape except for one seam at one of the corners. If you’re handy or have a good tailor, this should be an easy fix. $40 local pick-up only.
Pretty chinoiserie vase. $15 local pick-up or shipping can be arranged but will be an extra cost to buyer.
Industrial wire basket. Great for storing magazines or other small items. $10 local pick-up only.
If you saw an item that you’d like to have in your home, please email me at excellenceasahabit@gmail.com. Thanks!
Struggling for cocktail conversation? Want to stay up-to-date with current events but don’t have time to read the newspaper? Do you just want to look smart?
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It’s that time of year- hemlines start climbing, sleeves come off and bathing suits are dusted off. #Yikes. I thought I’d share my playlist with all of you so we can suffer get in shape together this season. Enjoy!
Y’all Forever 21 is kinda killing it right now. Check out some of the recent finds I’ve tagged on their website:
Navy/black trapeze bag
Mint sandals!
A twist on chambray shirts
Comfy and cute skirt for spring and summer
This ombre sweater would make a great beach cover-up
I’m usually not a fan of the high-lo top, but this print has me reconsidering my position.
These sandals- I die. The peacock green/blue is fab and I love the heel height! A must.
Reaction upon seeing initial bonus amount during discussion with boss a month ago:
How you feel the day that the bonus will hit your bank account:
Your reaction after you see said initial bonus amount with taxes deducted in your bank account:
Dammit to hell.
