Excellence is not an act, but a habit

Jacques Levine sandals

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:18 -0400

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...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:49:08 -0400

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.

Today

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:48:30 -0400

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.

Beauty buys

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:19:18 -0400

I thought I’d share three recent make-up purchases that I’m loving right now.

Dr. Jart Beauty Balm

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?

Kale, Caesar!

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:00:55 -0400

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!

Copy Cat Chic

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:31:37 -0400

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)

Studded Zara heels

Color-block Asos clutch

Loving lately

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:02:15 -0400

These Joie sandals

This Dolce Vita dress

Thinking about reading this next

New favorite piece

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:07:41 -0400

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!

Happy two-year wedding anniversary Loafers! You make me so...

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:10:00 -0400

Happy two-year wedding anniversary Loafers! You make me so happy.

Photo by Meredith Perdue. Hire her. You’re welcome.

Book Review

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:46:00 -0400

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.

Forget Flywheel, SoulCycle, and bikram…I’m going to...

Fri, 31 May 2013 09:57:55 -0400

Forget Flywheel, SoulCycle, and bikram…I’m going to give this Prancercise a try. #cutthenooseandgetloose

Happy Memorial Day weekend peeps. Please make sure to enjoy this...

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:29:45 -0400

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.

This post about five braid tutorials for summer caught my eye....

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:40:44 -0400

This post about five braid tutorials for summer caught my eye. I’m not exactly skilled at hair styling, but some of these look relatively simple and would amp up my typical side/low ponytail style.

Memorial Day sale at Furbish: This has been a PSA

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:15:19 -0400

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!

My life has come to this

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:07:56 -0400

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 Series

This 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.

Robust, 3-layer protection
Built-in screen protector
Port covers keep out dust, debris

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.

Craigslist Finds of the Week and an update

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:45:50 -0400

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

Pretty provincial mirror

Ming chair for $125

#Youtried

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:20:08 -0400

Woke up at 6:30, showered and ready in time for 7 a.m. conference call—Yeah!
Watered plants and tidied up the house while on conference call—Way to go!
Realize it’s 8 a.m. and you don’t have your work clothes on—Hurry the eff up and run around like a crazy person
Work bag, lunch bag, hot coffee, toast and iPhone in hand, attempt to lock front door. Hulk smash iPhone into brick front stoop, mid-conference call
Phone is definitely broken
Miss providing your update during said conference call because of smashed phone
Remember you have zero gas in your car and have to fuel up
Spill gas on skirt
Jam printer trying to scan in a mother f*&$#ing expense report. Walk away, whisper-screaming obscenities.
Find out your new phone won’t arrive until Tuesday

Dammit Thursday. Just dammit.

To the max

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:41:29 -0400

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!

Intern season

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:47:53 -0400

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.

Asos does Aztec

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:46:20 -0400

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.

Dress

Beach kimono (side note, had no idea about beach kimonos. Now I want, nay NEED one.)

Foil tank (LOVE)

Happy shopping!