...this and that...: June 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies: It's a Celebration!

As you read {view} today's post, I will be pool side sipping mojitio's on my staycation celebrating my baby sister's big 3-0. I thought I'd share a sassy little number that I found on Polyvore in honor of the exciting night life I will have over the next two evenings. The day's will be pool side and evenings will be out on the town...

I'm looking forward to celebrating and spending time with friends! What about you? Any fun weekend plans? Do tell...

Have a wonderful Friday! Don't forget to stop by Blonde Episodes for more Fashion Friday and {long distance loving} for more Friday's Fancies.

Oh, and don't forget to follow me on twitter and instagram to see all the fun stuff going on and the Wonderwoman themed decorations!!!

........ by rachel featuring wooden bangles

Thursday, June 28, 2012

This & That Thursday.

Hello. Hello. Hello.

Well, I must say that today my vacation "officially" begins! I've been off all week but, went into the office a few times, three to be exact. Sometimes - you just have to. Well, I didn't but, I did.

Anyhow, today I'm celebrating another birthday! Yippee! Woohoo! Today my baby sister is the BIG 3-0! Yep. She officially makes me old now...she's no longer under 3-0. However, to me age is just a number. My question to each of you is how old do you really feel? Now, I do know this might depend on the day and what is going on in your life but, it is the honest to goodness truth. Age is just a number.

The birthday celebration started this morning with a breakfast and really kick's off tonight at the birthday dinner and then out for cocktails. Tomorrow and Saturday it will be a staycation a local trendy hotel...pool cabana's...cocktails...friends...and nightlife! It will be a pretty rockin' good time. What a way to celebrate turning 3-0?! Ummm, did I forget to mention that originally my sister and I were suppose to be in Rome, Italy this week...but, obviously we are not. Any way...I won't even get started on that.

It will be a fabulous time this weekend. Oh, and I need to let you know that the theme is Wonderwoman! Pretty awesome, right? I think so. You see I am in charge of the decorations and dessert! No updates on the blog until after the party because someone periodically reads this here blog. However, if you follow me on twitter and instagram you will definitely see how it's all going.

Also, this evening a very special "bloggy" friend is having a fabulous fashion show {event}...in Washington, D.C. Meaghan from District Sparkle is having a G.L.A.M. {Giving Labels A Meaning} event this evening and designed cards for the event! You can also buy the cards here and here to support the cause if you aren't attending the event. There are 2 sets of cards for purchase - check them out and let me know what you think. Obviously, I can't be here and in D.C. at the same time so, I will be thinking good thoughts for her this evening and the event!!! I hope it raises a lot of money.

Have a wonderful day and I'll see you tomorrow for Fashion Friday and Friday's Fancies. Then I will be signing off for the weekend but, no worries...I will do a post next week on the particulars of my weekend fun and birthday celebration!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

A Birthday Shout Out!

Today's post is dedicated to a very special lady in my life...my bestie!

Brenna and I have known each other for many, many, many years and it has been an absolutely fabulous ride! To be exact, 17 years. Wow! It doesn't feel that long...or does it?!

It's truly a wonderful feeling to know that no matter what, through life's ups and downs,

you have someone there, your person (my person)! Oh and let me also add that she definitely keeps it "real" and "honest"...ALWAYS...no exceptions whatsoever. This is a quality about her that I truly love and admire, and it need not ever change, ever. Brenna, you are my Chelsea Handler (from This Means War) - you know what I'm talking about if you've seen the movie.

As you know I'm on vacation this week and was trying to work a surprise visit to Chicago today to "take" Brenna out to lunch, but, it just didn't quite happen.

Love you with all my heart and I hope you have a wonderful day! And I just had to share this clip...

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits.

It's officially Day #2 of my ~~vacation~~ staycation (well, sort of) and all I've done is work! Well, I'm doing a staycation at "home" for the first few days and then Thursday I am going elsewhere for my sister's 30th! Woohoo! I cannot believe that my little sis is turning the BIG 3-0!

You see I'm helping my brother-in-law out by taking care of the decorations and dessert. My sister requested a Wonderwoman theme!!! Oh my. And let me tell you it has been quite the challenge to find everything and pull it together but, I've managed to do just that! However, I did have a bit of help from my cousin, Amy. And we aren't quite done yet.

If you follow me on twitter you might have seen some of the Wonderwoman progress...

Alrighty, I need to head to bed early this evening because I have an early day at the office. Yes, I am going into the office...I've got some things to do. But, I'm hoping to be "in and out" - just a few hours.

Curious to know if anyone else has taken vacation, stayed home and felt like the not accomplishing anything at all...grrr...

Nighty nite.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Maniac Monday.

Today is Day #1 of my vacation. AND it's going to be a little hectic, details to come. Bright and early I am heading to the office - a few last minute things I need to complete. Plus, I have an eye doctor appointment close to work...so, it's convenient. Anyhow, I'll be heading back on one more time this week. Yes, I'm dedicated!

I'm pretty excited about this week - a lot is going on. Woohoo! I'm on vacay... And I have a "stay-cation" planned for later this week...more details to come!

OH, and most importantly I have a few Blondie's Shop orders I have to complete and the G.L.A.M.: Giving Labels A Meaning order was sent via FedEx today to the fabulous Meaghan of District Sparkle! :)

Have a great day! And stay posted for random updates.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies: Color Blocking.

Color Blocking. Ummm, not sure if it's for me. However, just this week my mind was completely changed. Completely. I saw Victoria Beckham and a color block dress from her new line. And I AM IN LOVE -- in every way, shape and form. Doesn't she look fabulous?! It's official I have a celebrity style crush...on Victoria Beckham.

I do not own a single piece of clothing that qualifies as "color blocking". Nada. Nothing. Zip. However, I'm quite sure I could pull it off with Victoria's dress...what do you think?

Attention Fashion Fairy: I'd like ONE of each please! Stat. Thank you.

Happy Friday everyone! Today at 5:30 p.m. my vacation starts --- YIPPEE!!! More details to come...

Don't forget to hop on over and see Fashion Friday by Blonde Episodes and Friday's Fancies by {long distance loving}.

...this & that... Celebrity Style Crush by heatherpranitis featuring gold stud earrings

Thursday, June 21, 2012

...this & that... Thursday: My Faves.

Let's switch things up! A little something different is in order today. Wouldn't it be fun to see what my ~~daily~~ weekly reads are...? Now, don't fret...if you are not on the list - this doesn't mean I don't read you - just not daily. This is an ever changing list, and it changes about every two months or so.

One of the best parts about the blogs I read "regularly" most of them have a little bit of ...this & a little bit of that... For me, I like to mix things up. I don't want to read the same old, same old - you know what I mean? I like to be inspired, encouraged, challenged. And it is all too cool when I get to read something thought provoking!

Now, I do have several blogs that do in-fact read daily simply due the fact that I receive them via email. Some, I have to physically go there and that typically happens once a week and scour the blog for the juicy bits! ...without further ado...

Blonde Episodes -- love all Kori's post, but am especially fond of her old Hollywood posts.
transient travels -- Susan's travel posts abroad and out & about town are amazing!
The Simply Luxurious Life -- all of it -- LOVE the newsletter! Did you notice BlondiesShop on the header a few weeks ago...? This here blog has a little bit of everything.
vmac + cheese -- I think me listing it here says it all...
Let it be Beautiful -- what's not to love about Ashlyn's posts?!
{long distance loving} -- love {av}'s updates and Friday's Fancies for sure!
Makeunder My Life: Jess Constable -- love wish I knew wednesday.
Blonde Episodes -- a daily read that I love in every way, shape and form!
Hi Sugarplum! -- Cassie amazes me regularly with her interior design, DIY and travel posts!
IHeart Oganizing -- Jen's organizing is beyond amazing.
District Sparkle -- I absolutely adore Meaghan and G.L.A.M.!
Design Darling -- all of it -- Mackenzie is an amazing woman and it is refreshing and inspiring to read her real-life thoughts, worries, etc.!
The Average Girls Guide -- love all of it, but especially love The Vent Sesh series!
The Girl with the Blue Bow -- music -- I'm a new follower here but absolutely adore Christianna!
MadebyGirl -- artwork updates and random real-life stuff!
The Alternative Wife -- every post is uplifting and I love the dreamy pictures.
small shop [a brand styling studio] -- all of it.
The Every Girl -- this has to be my must-have go to spot, period.

..this & that... tidbits:

I've followed Blonde Episodes and transient travels since the beggining of my blogging endeavor. The blogging world in my opinion is pretty awesome - did you know I am close personal friends with Kori from Blonde Episodes? I haven't had any recent trips to Cali to visit her...and I miss her dearly! We have sooo much fun when we are together. For now, we make do with texting and facebook! It's funny, I know.

What's your favorite blogs? Your daily reads? Your weekly reads? By the way, who has "twitter" relationships with your faves...?! I do, I do! ...more on that next time... And I'm quite positive I left out a few of my daily/weekly reads off the list.

Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Wanderlust Wednesday.

{via here}

Sometimes "me" time is needed. It's important that each of us do this. Period, no exceptions.

Today, I want to forgot about my growing to-do list. I want to focus on my mind, body and soul. A morning run would be mighty nice, complete with a fabulous playlist. Let's add some weights and stretching. My zen time if you will.

After my snazzy morning workout I'd love to sip a cup of coffee with a dollop of cream and read. Nothing else, just read. No interruptions please. At least for a few hours...

What about you...? If you could have a few hours of "me" time today how would you spend it?

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tuesday Tidbits: Time.

{via pinterest}

Time. Sometimes it just escapes me. I'm not really sure where the time goes. Do you?

I've been crazy busy. This what happens every time I get ready to go no vacation. I'm a planner and have been planning, but sometimes things just come up, unexpected things. Anyhow, I'm dealing with it and they are being added to my ever growing to-do list.

My back is feeling better, however, due to my "lack" of free time I have been unable to run or lift. Not cool at all. I love how I feel after my workout sessions. Tomorrow I will workout no matter what. Laundry and workout, period. No exceptions.

I haven't had a lot of time to read lately because I've been so busy. But, that's what happens right? Right. That means all of the blogs I follow - haven't been read lately. It's sad isn't it? It is to me. I'm devoting several hours of my stay-cation to "catching-up" on my favorite blogs. And my summer book reading list will just have wait patiently...I'm sure Mr. Grey and Ms. Steele won't mind and they will be rather pleased that I read them as time permits. I've just started book 2. Hmmm, can you guess what I'm reading?

Laters baby.

Note: I just couldn't resist.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Movie Review Monday.

Rock of Ages was an absolutely fabulous movie! And my Mom agrees as well.

The covers were phenomenal. First, I am a Poison fan. Second, I loved every song in the movie. Let me give you a list of a few the groups songs that were in the movie. Poison. Def Lepard. Styx. Journey. REO Speedwagon. Foreigner. Twisted Sister. And a pleasant surprise was More than Words by Extreme.

Seriously, there what not a single song that I didn't know all the words too. And I did actually sing along to a few. At one point, I leaned over and told my Mom if they start seeing Looked What the Cat Dragged In by Poison I will be standing to sing and dance complete with air-guitar. But, I didn't. Oh, and quite a few people around us were singing along as well.

Tom Cruise nailed the part of Stacee Jaxx. I did not think of Maverick one single time. Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti and Catherine Zeta-Jones were great as well. Someone that did stand out was the acting and voice of Diego Boneta. And how can you not love Julianne Hough? Malin Akerman was pretty great as well. I was pleasantly surprised to see and hear to Mary J. Blige, wow! However, Tom Cruise by far blew me out of the water. Seriously, I was extremely optimistic about seeing the movie because I was unsure how Stacee was going to be.

The set design, costumes, hair and makeup were dead-on in my opinion. I really like when I see a movie and it is "period" correct.

Now, don't get me wrong the movie was a bit over the top in a few parts and it was funny, laugh-out-loud in several parts. All of this "made" the movie. I loved it! And I will be going again to see it. Yes, I liked it that much.

Oh, and I tried to pick-up two copies of the Soundtrack for Mom and I after the movie and believe it or not Target was already sold out of it. Mom will be on the hunt for it this week.

Did you see it? What did you think? Whose performance stood out to you the most? What cover did you enjoy best? By the way, did everyone enjoy seeing The Great Gatsby trailer? I simply cannot wait for that to come out. I'm actually going to re-read the book and watch the original movie before the new one is released.

Have a great Monday!

Motivation Monday.

{via pinterest}

My back no longer hurts. Thank goodness. I tweaked it about 2-weeks ago "while" working out at the gym and then aggervated it at when I lifted a box. Not a good move, especially, considering I was on a roll with my workout regime.

Tomorrow, I'm back at it. WOOHOO! I will do a 12-minute run with 3-minute cool down, lift weights, and do this little number... Looks pretty good, right? Anyone else jump starting their workout regime tomorrow?

Have a great day!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

A Sneak Peak.

I'm giving you a sneak peak of a project I've been working on...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies: Rebel.

Rebel. Each of us has a little "rebel" in us...right? That rebel can make us any number of things...and inspire us along the way...and help us take a walk on the wild side.

I highly recommend you view yesterday's, short and sweet, 2-part inspiration before scrolling down: Rebel theme song, Rebel rules.

Sometimes, you just need to step outside of that comfortable comfort zone and let the rebel slip out...

The rebel is definitely helping me step outside of my comfort zone...

Today's look is black, sexy, rebel. I paired a one shoulder sequin cocktail dress with an absolutely ah-mazing pair of Louboutin heels. For the ultimate rebel look I went with a smokey eye, nude lips, and bold lashes.

I'm definitely feeling... Sexy. Beautiful. Rebel. What a combination, right?!

For more fashion stop by Fashion Friday and Friday's Fancies. Have a fabulous Friday!