Excellence is not an act, but a habit

Over the weekend, I spotted a beautiful porthole mirror at a local home store. Here it is:

I love the studded detail with the mirror and it’s nautical feel. I did a little research and found out that they are quite the stylish home accessory. Here are some examples of them in rooms:

I’m really digging this look and I’m scouring eBay for the perfect one for our bedroom. I think I’m either going to nestle it behind my bedside lamp to reflect the light or perhaps even over our bed depending on the size. What do you think of porthole lamps?

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I’d like to introduce a new feature to the blog, which is also coincidentally one of my favorite past-times: Treating. Your.Self. Have a bad day at work? Why don’t you treat yourself to a new lip color? Having a “fat” day? Buy shoes! Just downright feel like you deserve it? You. Do. 

For this edition of Treat Yourself Tuesdays, I’d like to feature the Pour la Victoire Satchel. Let’s admire, shall we?

She’s pretty right? Well, she’s also comes with a diva price tag, so for now we’ll just sit back and admire. You can find her on Piperlime if you are a moneybags and can swing the $350 price tag. Hope you’ve enjoyed this new edition to the blog! Now go ahead…treat yourself.

Can any of you guys help me? I’ve watched videos, read stuff online but I don’t think it’s working….any help would be much appreciated!

I want those of you in the Raleigh-Durham area to know about an upcoming concert on March 1 at Lincoln Theater. Four local bands will be battling it out that Thursday in a competition for the chance to play on the main stage for the Band Together concert this summer. The proceeds of the event will go to Urban Ministries, a local non-profit dedicated to providing healthcare, employment assistance and food assistance to individuals and families living in poverty in Wake County. I went on a tour there recently and was so impressed with the caliber of people working there (the majority of whom are volunteers!) and the extremely hard work the organization does on behalf of those less fortunate.

You can learn more about the event, the bands performing and buy tickets to the concert by clicking this link. Let me know if you get tickets! And don’t forget, if you do come, to bring canned goods to donate to Urban Ministries! You can donate cans to the band of your choice- the band with the most cans at the end of the night gets an extra vote in judging!

This concert is my public service project as part of my Leadership Raleigh experience and I’m really excited to see it all come together. I hope you guys can make it!

Yayyy for a happy season finale!

My mother makes a MEAN peach crumble in the summertime, but this pear and cranberry option looks particularly tasty for the wintry season we’re in right now. My God.

I read a really great blog post the other day from one of my favorite home decor blogs, Matters of Style. It was about how little things can make really big impacts to a room and instantly elevate your look and design. This post was about decorating with plants. What a great and inexpensive way to style your home! The author of the post found several beautiful potted trees and plants from Ikea for $19.99 each. Here are few more photos that I’m keeping in my inspiration files:

I found this amazing eBay seller out of Korea…yes, probably a little sketch but they process payment through PayPal which has proved to be quite protective of the consumer so I’m okay with it. I just scored a white bubble necklace (retail $150) for $20 and a cute little pink bracelet for $8.99 (normally $32.50)! I’m crossing my fingers they get here before Vegas…

I think Nick Olsen said it best when he said:

“I have a taste for luxury, and luxury has a taste for me.” 

Not sure about that last bit, but I sure as hell find a way to pick out the most expensive items while out shopping- whether that be at Home Goods or at a boutique or even Forever 21 (dirty laundry…aired.) These items are currently at the top of my “God I would love to have these but it would mean we wouldn’t pay bills/rent for a few weeks/month but is that a huge deal..I know it is but still?” list:

Karen Walker sunglasses (these are probably going to happen- I’ll just have to sell some plasma.)

Blush leather jacket from Zara

Bedside lamps from Furbish Studio

A new pair of Zara flats for spring arrived (and yes, that’s how I like to rock my pants):

I saw a band called Reptar at King’s Barcade. Some of you may remember that name from Bobby Pickles/Rugrats days. I know I did.

Mom and dad came to town and we took them to Big Boss for the monthly brewery tour. We weren’t the only ones with the idea.

Took mom to Furbish, aka the Promised Land, to show her the shiny, pretty things. One of those things included this bed set-up (and headboard shape!)

I bought a blush blazer from H&M and complemented it with a silk leopard scarf. It’s either chic or a knock-off look from the set of Designing Women circa 1994. Jury is still out.

Hey guys,

Sorry for being off the blogging game for a bit. I’m back. I’ve been recovering from a new trainer who killed me last night and I’ve been busy bidding on JCREW knock-offs with a vendor out of Korea…more on that later.

Meanwhile, have you seen Drive? This guy is in it:

My God. Really intense movie and really really good. The Gos is definitely #1 in my 5 after seeing him so vulnerable and so bad ass at the same time. Side note: Kinda wish Drive’s soundtrack just played out loud while I went about my daily activities. I would feel awesome/hard core 24/7. I’d do a lot of this:

Valentine’s Day is officially a week away, so I wanted to put out some ideas out there. Most of these items are less than $40 and a really fun way to celebrate the lovely lady in your life. What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? 

Note: Click the images for sources