A little thought for the day

Sometimes, someone makes you smile... and suddenly your whole world gets brighter.

I've been thinking this all week, and it's stayed with me -- which is a great thing. So, I wanted to share it.

#2013Countdown: What are 12 things you love about year 2012?

I am a bit off-track with my #2013Countdown posts, but I do hope to catch up over the next week to squeeze them all in by the new year.

Again, I'm going to stick with bullets to make this easy and concise. I have to admit I am intimidated about trying to come up with 12 things I loved about this year.

Here goes nothing; 12 things I love(d) about 2012:

1. Devoting my summer to running. The heat never bothered me; I loved getting out there and pushing myself.
2. Skiing a New England high eight days last winter, despite the fact that snowfall was so low and conditions were far less than ideal. I braved the ice and spotty coverage, and I think I became a better skier for it.
3. Putting insecurities aside and hitting the club in Boston. These nights are some of my fondest memories. I especially loved getting dressed up and rocking high heels and short skirts.
4. Reconnecting with my favorite cover band. They have become some of my closest friends, and I love going to shows and hanging out. I reconnected with the dancer and live music lover in me.
5. Providence Restaurant Week. I attended both sessions this year and discovered some delightful new restaurants.
6. Finishing my first half marathon with a very respectable time. 
7. Beach and boat days. We had such a hot summer, and I took advantage spending as much time in the summer sun as I could. 
8. Following on #7, the best tan I've probably ever had. Between running, boating, spending afternoons at the beach, laying on the beach after losing my job and cruising the Caribbean, I owned a glowing tan.
9. Celebrating my birthday my way. It was a great week. Yes, a full week.
10. Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise. Any year I cruise, this is one of my favorite things about the year. I love being on the ocean and in warm, tropical places. I needed and loved this trip.
11. Running the annual sales meeting at my former company. The prep, the challenges, the planning, the relationships developed, the execution... I lived for every moment and loved it.
12. Disney World with my mom. It was so hot and so exhausting, but we had a great time, and I loved having dedicated mother-daughter time away from home. 

What did you love about your 2012?

Peeking into Houses

I have always loved exploring houses, whether they belong to family and friends or complete strangers present or past. There is something about peeking into rooms where people live their daily lives that fascinates me. I try to imagine how they use the rooms, what they do in there, who they spend the time with, what their decor inspiration was. Most of all, I think I like to imagine how I would live in that space.

So, when The Travel Belles asked today what my favorite museum is, I knew immediately.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

(Sorry for the awful picture quality.) This is The Breakers mansion in Newport, RI -- a place I visited many times throughout my childhood. As a kid, I always told my parents that someday I would live in The Breakers, not understanding the hold the Historical Society of Newport has on the place.

This was the summer "cottage" (yes, that is what these monstrousities were called) of the Vanderbilts back at the turn of the 20th century. They would travel from New York City up to Newport in the summer months to relax and socialize with all of their fellow New York elites. I can't remember how many rooms are in this residence, but suffice to say, it's a lot, including rooms with gold-leaf accents. Oh, and let's not forget the life-size doll house for the young Vanderbilts or the carriage house down the street. The myriad of acreage is astounding (what did they do without ride-on mowers, let along gas-powered mowers???), and the backyard overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, where the waves break on the rocks far below (hence The Breakers).

If you are ever in Newport, I highly recommend visiting The Breakers and a few of the other mansions down there. The admission can be pricey, but I like to think of it as my contribution to preserving these giant pieces of American history. They also did away with the live tours -- tour guides always have unique and interesting stories to share on their tours -- in favor of a self-guided audio tour, but still check it out.

While this is probably my favorite because it's so local, I love these types of museums anywhere I go. When I visited Key West, FL, for a day on a cruise, the one item on my must-see list was Heminway's house, and it was amazing.

Do you like to peek into other people's homes -- past or present -- and imagine how they live? What's your favorite museum?

It's time to shop!

Happy new year to all of you! I have been putting off posting for reasons unknown to me, but I'm trying to work my way back -- because writing is always part of my New Year's goals.

I still have to finish out #reverb10, but I have a special post for you today that I'm very excited about. I have a discount code for 10% off at Overstock.com! Merry belated Christmas! Now you can finally cross off your own Christmas list, and that is just what I'm thinking of doing... ok, none of this was on my Christmas list, but these items are on my future to-buy list.

I got these lovely boots for Christmas from my Mom, and I heart them.

The only problem is I'm a girl who always wore her pants OVER her boots, but I love the emblem on the top of these ones, and I want to show it off! So, despite my best attempts to avoid them, I'm going to have to purchase some skinny jeans -- just.to.wear.with.these.boots. Maybe some leggings too.

Overstock to the rescue! These jeans are only $15.99!

There are a few things I'm thinking of switching up around the house too. The number one thing is replacing the area rug in our living room. I remember picking it out maybe five years ago for Jed's first apartment, then it moved to his second apartment and then to our house. So, it's old... and ivory... so it shows dirt. And I don't own a steam cleaner. I'm thinking something in a darker color might be better, like this fun rug, which would match our current decor.

We have tan couches right now, but Jed isn't crazy about them, and I think they are starting to look a little worn down. I would love to have a sectional in the living room, especially one with a chaise lounge attached. I found this couch on Overstock, and I think it's pretty much what I'm looking for; I love that it comes with an ottoman too.

Doesn't it look so comfy???? I can imagine myself napping and reading in that chaise now, and we wouldn't lose any seating from our sofa and loveseat combo now. Now if only I could get my living room to look that nice and put together!

Let's move on to the bedroom. I've been struggling to find the proper bedding for our beach-themed room. I have a color-block comforter now that's nearing the end of it's lifespan, and we have a lightweight sand-colored quilt for the summer. I would love to replace the comforter with something like this.

It's pretty, but it's not overtly beach-themed. Overstock actually has an awesome selection of bedding if you're looking for something different.

Finally, my friends have won the battle and convinced me to try camping, but we need a "home" within to camp. I couldn't believe it when I found this two-person Coleman tent on Overstock for $39.99! With shipping, that's still less than $50.

Now that you've put up with my shopping, here is the discount code: 121745. If you're interested in buying some electronics, you can use 202234 for free shipping on those items. I have to admit I have never purchased anything from Overstock, but I had a coworker who swore by them. When she has her son, she ordered a lot of his furniture and baby items from them. They have cheap shipping that covers EVERYTHING, and you really can't beat their prices!

Happy shopping, and let me know what you get!

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

{Images: Piperlime (first image) and Overstock (remaining images)}

High Five for Friday! And a lil Christmas...

Hi guys (well, I guess it should be gals since most of my readers are ladies)! I've been pretty lazy about blogging this week. It's not that I haven't had ideas (I have!); I just get so tired at night, and my brain seems to shut down on me. I'm really impressed and touched (for lack of a better word due to brain shutdown) that you are all still here! I haven't lost any friends. So, thanks for being loyal readers, I'm really grateful for all of you.

I don't know about you -- sound off in the comments if you'd like -- but I still make a Christmas list every year. It usually only goes to my mother, and sometimes my sister will buy off of it, but my mother requires it. I like making one; it ensures I'll get what I need/want every year because Mom's really good about going by the list and then throwing in some surprises. I think Jed will probably get a copy this year because we're actually doing real presents to each other -- as opposed to last year when we just splurged on a new entertainment system for the living room and called it our Christmas present.

So, it's getting to be that time, but I started thinking about my list weeks ago. I couldn't help it! Today's Friday Fives over at Beth's (click button above) is five things on your Christmas list this year. Fun!

Brown leather boots, like these Franco Sarto ones found at Zappos.com

L.L. Bean's Gore-Tex Insulated Mittens because my fingers get SO cold when I ski.

Also for skiing (and everyday wear), L.L. Bean's Fitness Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover. I already have one of these in black, and I LOVE it -- the perfect second layer for skiing. P.S. Don't really want the green, I'd rather have brown, ivory, tidal blue or pacific blue... if you're wondering. :)

Yankee Candle Large Jar candles -- I like so many scents, but Sun & Sand might be my favorite.

Patriots Fleece Gloves -- I lost mine last year, and I miss them terribly. They were the perfect everyday glove; my knit ones just don't keep the cold out as well!

There you have it, the bulk of my Christmas list! I haven't really though of a lot that I need this year; I tend to keep my list to things I need but wouldn't necessarily buy for myself. Occasionally I'll throw in an extravagant want. The rest of my list is basically long underwear for skiing (didn't think you'd want to see a picture of that!), a gym membership and gift certificates for massages and places I shop (yeah, L.L. Bean and Yankee Candle are on that list too!).

What's making your Christmas list this year, friends? I'm curious! Maybe you'll inspire me to add a couple more items to mine that I didn't think of!

Perfect Picture of Summer

When I think of summer, several things come to mind every year, without fail. They paint the perfect picture of summer in my mind, and it just not the same without them. Here are my five perfect pictures of summer (let's count them as today's blessings too), as they came to mind:

Flip-flops. The quintessential summer footwear. I'll admit, I'm a bit of a flip-flop fashionista; I only buy  my flip-flops at J.Crew (because I love them), and I get at least one new pair each summer (even though my pair of three summers ago are still good because they're such high quality). I have different colors to match anything, and they do go with everything from jeans to a sundress to your favorite shorts. Every spring, my feet are anxious to get back into flip-flops.

The beach. Last summer, I think I only made it to the beach once, and I was so sad. I am a beach person. I love the beach. I would spend my three months of summer on the beach, exclusively, if I could.  For as long as I can remember, I've always had at least one beach day every summer, whether ocean or lake. The Zac Brown Band has it right in my mind: "toes in the water, a$$ in the sand."

Cookouts. I could probably eat hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and fish all summer. I also love experimenting with veggies on the grill (like the beautiful skewers above). Every summer I look forward to hosting a lil BBQ and attending tons at my friends' and families' houses. The smell of grilled meat, eating outside, potato salad, fresh fruit, hot summer days fading into cooler summer nights with fire pits and s'mores. Yummmm... and my fav cookout of the year coincides with my next item...

4th of July. It's my favorite holiday! The heat July brings, multiple cookouts in a weekend, the party atmosphere, fireworks and flags. This has become my favorite weekend of the summer because I have built a tradition around it full of all my favorite summer things.

Soaking up the sunshine. As summer draws near, this is what I yearn for the most -- that feeling of being barely clothed and the sun warming the surface of your skin. Even if you're wearing sunscreen, I can just feel my skin absorbing all of that good vitamin D. I love the freckle kisses the sun leaves behind on my cheeks and shoulders and the glow I have by this time of year from enjoying all the summer activities.

Feels nice, doesn't it? Paint me your perfect picture of summer!

{Fireworks via me, all other images via we heart it}

This post was inspired by:

Prompt 5.) What five images paint a perfect picture of summer to you? Put those five images together in a piece of writing.

What does forever young smell like?

I know, I come back to blogging, and I write two posts in one day! I had to share this though, and I wanted to catalog it for myself.

I just received a tiny sample of Philosophy's Eternal Grace fragrance in the mail today. I wish I had known I was going to love it, and I would have saved it for AFTER I showered today so I could wear it out!

Philosophy describes this scent as a timeless fragrance that is youthful and uplifting. I'm with them on the timeless, but I think it's more sophisticated and classic than youthful. I'm not one for citrus fragrances, but this one mixes well with the floral undertones, and it works on me!

I've never purchased a Philosophy product, but I just might have to snag this scent when it comes out! You can check out the collection on Philosophy's site.

{Image via Philosphy}

Change of plans!

I am in the market for a new bathing suit since the strap on my favorite bikini top broke, leaving me with just one suit -- a string bikini. 

Since I cruise fairly regularly, I just need to have at least two suits to bring with me so I always have a dry one. Plus, I like to have the string suit for a day at the beach or tanning by the pool, then something a little more sporty and conservative for active water sports such a snorkeling, kayaking or jet skiing. (Has anyone tried to jet ski in a string bikini? It does not work at all!) So, I need to replace the sporty bathing suit.

These lovely ladies, whom I love, are hosting an awesome giveaway to celebrate their move to Wordpress and brand new blog design. If you haven't seen it, you should click their button above to visit because it's gorgeous.

I had never heard of this site before the BBR girls introduced me to it. Oh my gosh! I'm not one for overly conservative bathing suits, but these are gorgeous! And, since I'm looking for something a little more "stable," their tankinis certainly fit the bill. I'm having a hard time choosing just one! But, I've narrowed it down to two that really fit my style, and I might kinda be in love with.

Island Fever V-Neck Tankini, $54

This is shown with brown polka-dot bikini bottoms, but I would go with solid brown since I don't like mixing such a bold print with another print. Bonus: my string bikini is turquoise with brown wood beading along the trim, so I could mix and match!

Blue Aloha V-Neck Tankini, $54

Kristin posted this suit as one of the ones she would pick, and I have to agree with her. I love Hawaiian prints, and I don't normally go for red, but these red polka-dot bikini bottoms compliment the top so well. This suit would be a splurge for me, since it obviously isn't interchangeable with the suit I already have.

The Bon Bon Rose girls are giving away a $95 gift certificate to Hapari, which would cover the cost of one of these gorgeous tankinis and matching bottoms. So, head on over to check it out!

Three of my favorite women...

TOGETHER!!!

{Apology for the lack of pictures today. I am under the weather with allergies and just don't have the energy. This will be a short post though!}

Did any of you see The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday? If not, you missed a climax moment in my life. First, I must make some confessions so this makes sense.

1. Ever since My Best Friend's Wedding, I've loved Julia Roberts. It's borderline obsession. I've been trying to see all of her movies, and I can't count how many times I've watched and cried during Pretty Woman. She makes goofy smiles and big, out-of-control curly hair glamourous. For that, I thank her.
2. Ever since reading Basic Black by magazine wiz Cathie Black, I got hooked on Oprah. I subscribed to the magazine for two years, and since I heard she was ending her show, I've been watching her show. I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but to me, she is inspirational. She is beautiful. I believe she is a good soul. 
3. Ever since Eat, Pray, Love was dropped on my desk by a coworker, I've had the biggest girl crush on Elizabeth Gilbert. A lot of you are Twilight cult followers; well, I am an Eat, Pray, Love cult member. The book opened my eyes; Gilbert's writing reached into the depths of my heart and brought me with her. 

Yesterday, Oprah had Julia Roberts on her show to promote the Eat, Pray, Love moving coming out August 13 -- yes, it's already on my calendar because besides SATC2, it is my most-anticipated movie this year. I was giddy watching Julia interact with Oprah and talk about the film and her family life. She is so real. I could see a piece of all her characters in her during that interview because she brings a piece of her to all of her characters, I think.

I almost fell off the couch when Oprah introduced Liz Gilbert and she came out beaming with her adorable blond curls and enlightened eyes. The three of them sat together chit-chatting like old friends, and I WANTED TO BE THERE. If I could have saved the recording and watched it over and over, I would have. 

I think I'm going to have to re-read the book before the movie, and then I'm going to have to start reading Gilbert's next book, Committed.

So, for this Thankful Tuesday, I am thankful for Julia, Oprah and Liz... three women who inspire me to no end.

Thoughts, anyone? Are you looking forward to seeing Eat, Pray, Love? Have you read the book (or will you before seeing the movie)? Do you think I'm crazy for being gaga over Julia and Liz? (It's ok if you do.)

Fill in the blank Friday: Fashion

I'll admit I was intimated by this week's theme: fashion, but once I read Lauren's questions and answers, I got really excited. These are just really fun, so I hope you'll play along and link up to Lauren's blog. I'm also adding pictures because, well, you can't write about fashion without images, and I'm feeling generous on this gorgeous Friday (haha).

1.  One fashion trend I really regret is grunge. Oh, what were we thinking? Why was this deemed attractive and cool? The bagginess, the Berkenstocks, the t-shirts... awful! Ok, I still wear Doc Martens on occasion...

2.  The one thing that always completes any outfit is  shoes. I never feel dressed without shoes, and I'll actually build outfits around a particular pair of shoes I feel like wearing.

3.  I would describe my personal style as  casual classic. Think Audrey Hepburn... because that's what I think when I get dressed in the morning.

4.  My fashion muse is  Reese Witherspoon. She, in my opinion, is our modern-day Audrey Hepburn. I don't think I've ever seen her wearing something I wouldn't wear. She always looks so comfortable yet put-together.

5.  If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be   a timelessly classic gown. I can't pick just one designer because I like pieces by so many of them, but a classic gown is the one thing I would really shell out the money for, since I would get so much wear out of it.

6.  I would love to raid the wardrobe of  Reese Witherspoon. Could I just take her entire closet? Especially that outfit on the right above (white pants and blue shirt with flip-flops))! Please and thank you.


7.  Today I am wearing  (oh my, I'm so embarrassed!) my pajamas -- light flannel pants and a college t-shirt. I'm working from home and cleaning the house after, so no time or point in showering, yet. If Jed and I go out tonight, I'll put on some jeans and maybe one of my cute new Gap tops since it's warm today .




See? Wasn't that fun? 


So what's on the agenda for this weekend, friends? I'm hoping you all have as nice of weather as we are having here in the Ocean State -- it's teasing with 80 degrees, and the sun is shining brightly.


On my agenda: cleaning the house (that's a given on any weekend), enjoying the lovely weather outdoors, watching a movie with Jed (either at home or in a theater), having Dad visit, change the oil in my car, hang out with friends, cook lamb chops for the first time, and witness the Lost finale with old roommates in their "new" apartment.


Happy Friday! 




{Images via Google Images... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

I might be falling back in love with you.

I'm talking, of course, about The Gap. I mentioned on Friday that I was going shopping with my mom at The Gap on Saturday to spruce up my spring/summer wardrobe. I might have gone a little crazy, so thank goodness everything was 50% off! I think my mother, my sister and I bought almost $900 worth of clothes! My generous mother gave me these lovely items as an early birthday present. Yay! 

So, I liked The Gap, maybe even loved it, while I worked there, between 1998 and 2004, then our love affair quickly ended when they went all trendy on me. Now, though, we might be getting back together. Their clothes fit me again, and I actually found jeans I like! Whooohooo!

Enough chit-chat, let's get to the clothes! 

Shirred floral knit tank, $24.50

I got this color and one with a coral-red background and slate blue flowers.

Floral cardigan, $49.50

Love this, and I can't wait to wear it to work with...

Lace-trimmed cami, $15

This cami that really makes the flowers in the cardigan pop. These are great, want one in every color.

Pocket pique polo, $24.50

This is one of the most comfortable polos I've ever worn, and the color was amazingly flattering. There are millions of colors, and I might have to get another one...

Rugby striped jersey polo, $24.50

This one was also super comfy, and lightweight for hot summer days on the golf course. I couldn't find the color I got online; mine looks like this, but instead of gray stripes, they are light blue.

Open cardigan, $49.50

This is the PERFECT cardigan, love the gray. There are several great colors.
(I also got the tank under the cardigan -- it has crochet lace straps and a cinched waist -- in navy.)

Medium tint wash sexy boot jeans, $59.50

I've tried this style jean twice before over the past couple years, and they never fit well. Gap finally got it right, and these fit like a dream. I might be back in Gap jeans because...

Saturated dark wash sexy boot jeans, $69.50

I also got them in this wash! LOL. The stretch in these is incredible, and they are perfect for a girls' night out with a dressy top.

I also stopped at Old Navy to return my favorite maxi dress on which one of the straps snapped. I'm severely disappointed because I loved that dress. It was perfect in every way. I picked up a couple bright-colored v-neck cotton t-shirts for summer, along with a new maxi dress.

Surplice drawstring maxi dress, $29.50

This dress is no where near as great as the one I returned, and it might go back once I try it on. We'll see. I'm going to try to hunt sale racks for the dress that got destroyed.

There are still a couple items I have on my Gap wish list.

Colored linen blend shorts, $34.50

I didn't try these on, but I have a pair like them from Old Navy and my sister got them and likes them. I have a pair of khaki shorts that are too short for an old gal like me, so I'll replace them with these.

Hip slung easy flare pants, $49.50

I am IN LOVE with these pants. The brushed cotton is super soft, and they fit perfectly. They had them in white in my size, but since I already have white pants, I'm holding out for the khaki. If I can't get those, I may just end up with another pair of white pants!

So there you have it, my big shopping spree. Every so often I treat myself to some nice things in a big shopping trip, and I guess this was it! Thanks Mom for my lovely new clothes! I can't wait to wear them. There's so much more that caught my eye, so I may be back!

{All images via gap.com}

Wishful Wednesday: Regret

'I wish' .... I hadn't thrown 
my blue blanket away!!

via

Linus and I were soulmates when I was a child: we both carried our blue blankets wherever we went, and we both sucked our fingers (him his thumb, me the index and middle fingers on my right hand). Linus was lost without his blue blanket, and so was I. My blanket was the same shade of blue that Linus' wasI slept with it every night, I cuddled with it while watching TV, and I carried it with me always. I think my mother had to fight with me not to bring it to kindergarten.

Then, a sad day came. The day that my childhood desires got the best of me. I was out shopping with my mother, and I saw the most fabulous pillow I've ever seen. It was a "people pillow" -- a small square pillow with the likeness of a girl on it in a little dress with her two feet dangling from the bottom of the pillow in satin black Mary Jane shoes and white ruffle ankle socks.

I stopped my mother in her tracks to show her this amazing pillow. I told her it would be perfect for me to take in the car to lay on and that I really wanted it. She told me no, as mothers often do when something catches their child's eye in a store.

I begged and begged and begged. I would be good for the rest of the day, I promised. I wouldn't ask for anything else.

And, then, my mother presented me a deal I should never have considered.

"I'll buy you the people pillow if you promise that, when we get home, you'll throw away blue blanket."

Whoa. I remember standing in the aisle pondering this for a moment. "Ok," I told my mother, as I snatched my new people pillow off the shelf and happily carried it home.

Ah, but when we got home, I realized the weight of my decision. I realized my mother was dead serious. She went into my room and took blue blanket to throw it away.

This is one of my most traumatic memories: I was standing in the doorway between our kitchen and dining room while my mother held blue blanket over the kitchen trash can. I was clutching my people pillow while giant crocodile tears streamed down my face. I screamed. I pleaded. I sobbed. I begged. I grabbed for my blanket. None of it changed my mother's mind; my beloved, tattered blue blanket was going in the trash.

I still can't believe my mother went through with it. Perhaps my favorite blanket disgusted her in its over-worn, over-loved state. Perhaps she was determined to teach me about accepting the consequences of my decisions. I don't know. She never told me. When I bring up my awful memories of that day, she doesn't seem to remember all that drama.

All I know is I sold out my blue blanket. I regret that early decision because people pillow never took my blanket's place. Sure, it was comfy to lay on in the car. Sure I could rub her satin shoes like I rubbed (off) the satin trim on my blue blanket. But, people pillow stayed in the car. She didn't come to bed with me. She didn't cuddle with me while I watched TV, and she didn't go wherever I went. Oh... and she was PINK.

{I have no idea how I ended up with a blue blanket as a baby, since I was a girl. I had that blanket since as long as I can remember, so someone bought it for me as a baby. But, my favorite color was, and still is, blue.}

Friend-Making Monday: 5 Things

It's Friend Makin Monday! This week's question: List 5 things {aside from the obvious} that you love.

A lot of these are spring and summer focused since that is where my mind is right now.

1. Travel, especially cruising! I really think this is where my current passion lies at the moment. I dream of travel, think of travel, plan travel in my head, look forward to traveling... it used to be very self-centered, but now I even want to help my friends, family and coworkers plan their travel adventures!

2. Beach decor. If I could decorate my entire house with this theme, I totally would! I've condensed it down to just our master bedroom, but I keep finding such cute stuff that the bedroom is filling up! I'd love to extend the theme into the living room as well. Maybe some day. I just find it so peaceful, and it reminds me of my #1 love of traveling to beachy locations!

3. Fresh-cut flowers. I know so many people think buying fresh-cut flowers is wasteful because they just die, but I love having them in the house! I'd have a vase of flowers in every room if I could! I especially like bright-colored blooms like these ones!

4. Spending lovely spring and fall days in Boston. Every time the weather is in the uppper 60's and sunny, I dream of just roaming the streets of Boston. I took it for granted when I was in college and could walk around the city every day, and now I miss it so much! Morning, afternoon, evening, doesn't matter. Spring and fall is when Boston shines.

5. The perfect day at a beautiful beach. I know we have the beach theme above too, but I love the ocean, what can I say? This picture is of Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda, which is one of my favorite beaches that I have ever been to. The sand and water were so perfect, and all of the rock formations add visual and exploratory interest. Nothing soothes me more than the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

Ok, now it's your turn! Head over to Amber's blog to link up, and tell me five things that you love!

All pictures are my own except for the fresh-cut flowers and the beach decor.

Thankful Tuesday: Being girly

I'm wrapping my three thankfuls this Tuesday into one: I'm thankful that I went out shopping Sunday and indulged my girly side. I desperately needed a couple girly items, and I decided it was high time I treated myself! 

First up, Ulta -- my new favorite beauty supply store. I was on a mission to grab three things: a new bronzer, some bright coral O.P.I. polish for my spring toes and an eye-shadow brush (I'm sick of those stupid applicators that come with my shadows). I'm not posting a picture of the brushes because they are just brushes, but these other things are so fun!

Physician's Formula Sunny Buddy, $11.50

Let's talk about how cute this compact is! I heart the sunflower, and the powder actually contains sunflower extract! 

O.P.I. Hong Kong Sunrise, Do You Lilac It?, Cozu-Melted in the Sun, $8.50

So, I got my coral, which I came home and promptly painted on my toes. And, I got the lilac I've been admiring, and a neutral pink that sparkles! Ulta was running a sale: buy two O.P.I. polishes, get one free. I couldn't resist! 

I also breezed through the fragrance section to try Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker (one of you whose blog I read recommended it; I think you wore it on your wedding day). At first, I wasn't crazy about it, but it did last for the rest of the day, and it really grew on me. I think I might invest in it once I deplete my expansive fragrance collection -- I tend to collect perfume since I love it so much!

Next I walked next door (how convenient!) to DSW. I desperately needed new black pumps for work; my old ones are Naturalizers that I adore; they are so comfortable, cute and classic, but after five years, they need to be replaced. I found a stunning pair of Nine West pumps, but I need to return them for a larger size, so I'm going to post those later. 

Also on the list was potentially some cute flats and a new pair of formal silver shoes, since mine are ready for the trash. I allowed myself to shop the regular section for work-appropriate shoes, but for fun and formal shoes, I only shopped clearance, and I didn't find anything that fit well enough. So, I'm holding off; I'll rebuild the shoe wardrobe slowly. I did find these cuties though, which I wore to work today!

Chinese Laundry, $36

I have to say these shoes are super comfortable, adorable and sharp-looking... all for $36! I cannot wait for warmer weather when I can wear these with my dresses and capris! They also looked great with my jeans when I tried them on yesterday! 

I was glowing when I got home yesterday. Retail therapy mission accomplished!