These Are Some of My Favorite Things

♥ While I am preparing to move in the next few months; the idea of purging unnecessary clutter is not only appealing from a packing perspective, but also having a more orderly home. This book seems to get rave reviews; and  friend gave it a personal recommendation. 

♥ I bought this in a hurry as I realized I had zero entertainment for my flight back to DC. So far, I actually really enjoy it. 

♥ I want one of these for myself, and like 10 more to give as gifts at Christmas. 

♥ The fun read on one of my favorite clothing store's site may be there to tell me I am going to make more money and therefore should buy more clothes!

♥ Amen that fall seems to be right around the corner (according to online shopping) and longer sleeves seems to be in full-swing. Hallelujah!

♥ I can't handle this news. I will forever, and always be just a 208 gal. 

♥ For the price, this is a great deal. Especially if you are like me and refuse to ski in the East. 

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

♥ I had no idea Hanes made such cute, simple clothing! Considering I favor solid colored cotton clothing as a work-from-home employee, I could totally get on board. They had an amazing hoodie that I wanted, but sadly it is gone- those dresses/tunics look awfully cozy though!

♥ I discovered Matthew Parker's work at the Del Ray art festival last summer and then went to purchase a Caps print for N. I love his work and would love to own more of his amazing pieces!

♥ Stamps are some of my favorite craft supplies to hoard. A few favorites right now are this versatile one, this cute one, and this scenery one.

♥ If I had a little one right now, these prints would be so adorable for a nursery. 

♥ There are some issues training the pup to stay off the couch. I wonder if this product works?

♥ Still so excited to have this back in my life. 

♥ My type of meditation. 

♥ IKEA is always been a favorite. I love that store. Once they released their paper product line here in the US, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Their latest items are making me want to go jump in the car right now. I want it. All. All. Of. It.

From Not-So-Much, to Singing Its Praises

A long time ago my sister had splurge on a bottle of Josie Maran Argan Oil and didn't gel with it at all. She gave it to me to try since she hadn't had any success with it and didn't want it to go to waste. The multi-purpose product was quickly utilized on the ends of my long locks as I was instantly convinced it was too heavy to go on my face.

I used to be fearful of anything "oily" or heavy since I was convinced that my skin problems were from being too oily, or too much product. After some heavy research on why my skin was being so problematic I decided to try the one thing I had been avoiding like the plague and started using more intense moisturizers that even had some "oily" components to them.

The one that won out and took my skin from dull, breaking out, and looking cake-y when I was wearing foundation was the Josie Mara Argan Oil. It was a radical difference! Glow-y, dewy, and makeup covered so much more effectively once my skin was appropriately hydrated!

The other upside besides it being crazy effective? One bottle lasted so so so long! So long in fact that I forgot to chalk my newly revitalized skin up to the product and made the poor decision to go with some drug store moisturizes. Within a month my skin was back to its former embarrassing state and I was puzzled as to its downfall. After trying multiple budget friendly option, I picked up another bottle of the magical Argan oil, and voila! My face is slowly recovering.

Don't turn your back on the things that work for your skin because I am convinced they are hard to come by!

I haven't tried any of the other Josie Maran products, but if anyone has please let me know!

What other products do you swear by?
 

Three Favorite Candles

I love having a few things around the apartment to make it feel a bit more feminine and "homey" and two of my favorites are candles and flowers. Both scented items- which with a new puppy who tends to smell like a salmon some days (its amazing how dirty they can get in the city!), helps mitigate some of the dog smells. While I understand that the expensive candles like dyptyque and other high end candles burn long and having some amazing scents- I am bit more about the affordable and somewhat long lasting candles. Here are three of my favorites:

1) Anemone by Illume (purchased via Furbish)

Illume doesn't carry the exact candle I bought two of (since I loved the smell and ceramic container so much) but the new enameled tumbler is beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on it! This candle has quite a lengthy burning time and the scent is glorious and really permeates a room. A bit earthly but still light and reminds me of something I'd smell in a very soothing spa. One of my more expensive candles, but the size and burning time make it worth it.

2) White Tea by Lit and Co.

I've written about this candle and Lit & Co. before, but I can't get enough. I just can't. I have to ration my candles since I purchase in bulk and then drag them back to DC with me. And yes, while I know I can order online and have it shipped- I love the experience of going into their amazing downtown store when I am home and smelling things for myself before purchasing. My ultimate favorite still is the White Tea Scent. It is light, airy and makes your room smell refreshed and inviting. It isn't overpowering either; so I feel like it is something you could burn with guests over without the risk of turning off some one's nose. For the price, these are amazing candles. Other recommended scents: abalone, cabin in the woods, garden rose, and cotton tree. 

image via 

3) Pink Magnolia for Target ( by Illume)

Target. I mean. Target. There are always great things at Target and the candle isle is no exception. They have tons of great scents, but this one seems to win me over. Light, floral, and in a wonderful jar that when you are done with, can be turned into a lovely vase for roses and flowers. I've turned many a friends onto this scent because for the price (and with a coupon!) is so affordable and so lovely as an everyday candle. This one burns a little bit faster- but for the price point, you can't complain.

Does anyone have any favorite candles/scents I have to try? I am always looking for a new favorite and seasonal options!

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

♥ I found the most adorable Boise coasters that I framed for my office during Christmas. I just found LadyBugPress on etsy, and she has save the date coasters that are adorable.

♥ Sending flowers is always such an expensive and disappointing experience. You end up spending way more than you anticipated and then your gift usually arrives and looks nothing like what you ordered. Makes me interested to try the affordable and well rated Bouqs (Hint: Boyfriend, hint, hint).

♥ I've been trying to find the perfect new duvet or coverlet for our guest bedroom (my office) for months now. While these don't come in a color I am excited about for our room, I really loved them and the look. 

♥ I bought these today in an attempt to have some light colored pants in my wardrobe. They are some of the most comfy pants I have ever purchased. 

♥ Slurpees have long been a favorite treat of mine, but for some reasons the "7evs" near me gross me out. This neat trick looks like a fun way to get my frozen coke fill. 

♥ This might be my new go-to baby gift for friends who have new little ones. How much fun to have something personalized! 

Lit & Co.

Lit & Co.

I really like a good candle. However, I am really picky about scents. Most of them just don't do it for me and the ones that do usually are those $80 candles that I just can't fathom buying. I mentioned awhile back how much I loved my White Tea candle from Lit & Co.. Since then, I have continued to love the candle, and luckily, it has held up to my love by burning slowly and preserving what I have left of it. Granted, like all good things, it will come to an end, and I will have to replace it. I get a little sad when I look over while I am working and realize that it is getting down to its end. 

At Christmas this year, I wanted to share the love, so I purchased my aunt and cousin their own candles and they were a hit! Every time I think about heading to Boise, I know I will have to make a stop at Indie Made, an adorable little boutique downtown and grab another candle. Thank goodness KJ has an etsy shop where I can get my paws on some more candles. 

I love my white tea scent but I am also eager to try the grapefruit-mandarin, lemon verbena, woodland, bonfire, chai tea, linen and hazelnut vanilla! The candles make great gifts, the ones in the metal tins are just the cutest, but I also just saw that you can get a 12 month subscription too! Such a luxurious gift if you ask me!

So if you want to support a local Boisean and get your hands on a fantastic candle, I really suggest you check out Lit & Co. 

And guess what! This was not a sponsored post! I love these candles so much, and honestly was just looking at the store today, and thought I should share with all you readers!

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

►Apparently these bobby pins will make a huge difference when doing your hair.
►I am thinking these will have to made for some sort of winter get-to-gether.
►Make your own gift bags?!? Amazing! Now just to find the right type of paper and a big enough printer!
►I usually get drawn to a certain craft medium when I see something I just know I have to make. This blanket may having me taking up a new craft here soon.
►Not only do they make beautiful printed paper products, they also made a super great resource for wedding correspondence etiquette.
►Feeling in a funk or irritate by life? This is my new go-to for getting myself out of my head and changing my thoughts into something more productive.
►These amazing libraries make me want to travel, and spend some time browsing the stacks. (Also note that Seattle highlight!)
►I want some of these stamp sets. Namely the city and winter sets!

Posted with Blogsy

Temporary Wallpaper

After starting to set up my new "office" I quickly learned how hard it was to redecorate when you have a very bland canvas to work off of. It is almost like all those off white walls are too limitless. I remember when I was picking paint for my studio, how overwhelmed I was with options, and the idea that I had to live with my decision. Well....at least for awhile.

Now, I am finding myself in an opposite situation. Knowing that I've made the decision for my time in DC to be winding down, I don't want to do anything too permanent or two expensive since I am doing everything in my power to uproot myself out of DC and don't want to set any roots in, even if just decorating roots.

Paint is too much work, as I can attest from having to prime back the studio when I moved out (I even had to take an unexpected day off work to finish it was such a big job!), and as much as I would love to have a stripped wall again...

I had to think if some other options. Enter temporary wallpaper. Or renters wallpaper. There are some really amazing versions out there that are like big stickers, and can even be removed and relocated, which is amazing. These are certainly not cheap, but truly are the renters dream.

Some of my favorite options that I found: 

• Tempaper
• Hygge & West
  
• Swag Paper
• Chasing Paper
  

The antler paper by chasing paper is hands down my favorite, I would do a wall, room, hallway, ANYTHING, in a heartbeat with that pattern!

These all seem to be some of the easiest to apply and remove, but there is a more mainstream product that seems to get some recognition as well.

Sherwin Williams has a line of " easy change" papers that aren't supposed to destroy your walls when it is time to take it down. Curious to see some of their patterns available (their website really sucks) I headed to a local SW to see what I could find out.
They do have a decent selection of prints. I liked some, but was turned off by most of them. I also found out that there seems to be some water involved in removing the paper...makes me a tad wary. Also, after hearing about the "reasonable" cost, I was a bit surprised to find that they really are not much more affordable in comparison to some more niche brands. Since I went and pilfered through about 20 books of wallpaper designs, I'll share with you some of my favorite so you can decide if it is an option without having to trek out to your own SW.

Loved this one. Simple silver pattern.

This one also really spoke to me. Feminine  but not girls so I think you could get a dude to sign up for it in a bedroom.

Love the color and a geometric. The print was pretty small, so might be best on a smaller wall surface.

This one would was the perfect size for a larger wall, without being too busy.

So if your looking for a [temporary] change in your apartment, these wallpaper options may be just what you need! I am for sure going to be trying this once I am westward and settled into someplace that I really want to be a home.

Has anyone found any other vendors or options for similar products? Or has anyone tried the SW option? I couldn't find a lot of info on anyone who has used it before!

Posted with Blogsy

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

Phew! It has been awhile since we've done of these around here! I feel like I have a million things that have caught my eye since the last Favorite Things post, so I'll give it a shot to capture them all for your enjoyment! I apologize since I would love to source where I hear about some of these, but I can not remember most of the sources!

- I want to be married to a man who writes a song for me. May sure you have a kleenex for that one!

- Photos that show how things used to be always capture my eye. 

- The sorority girl in me runs deep and I get really amazed when I see beautiful houses like this and this absurd renovation. 

-I am still loving all thing Royal Baby, and I've been secretly wishing I wore nail polish simply for these. 

-Whole Foods is great, but also makes me laugh, so when this started floating around I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

- My love of IKEA is no secret, and when this finally hits US stores, I will certainly be carting out armloads to stash with my multitude of paper products. 

-On my love of paper products, this store is calling my name. I could do some purchasing damage. 

-Good thoughts on dating a man vs. a boy. 

-I've gone to two anthros to buy this, and haven't found it at either. I may be developing an unhealthy obsession on looking at it everyday. 

- When I was home I bought myself a Lit & Co. candle (the white tea scent) and I am obsessed! It makes my "office" smell amazing. 

- On my "funemployment", even while it was an epic failure, I focused on tackling some things that fit into this list pretty well. Really focusing on my gmail inbox these days.  

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

► My love for Idaho is no secret and this sweet print of my beloved hometown captures how fantastic Boise really is. (All of these city prints are so great!)
► We are on a paletas kick- making about 1 batch a day and having a dedicated drawer in our freezer for them right now! These amazing ones from Joy are out of control good!
► I have to nerd out on HR stuff every once in awhile since I've been surrounded with it for almost 8 years now (EIGHT YEARS! Wowza!). I am always intrigued by perfecting the interview (on both sides), and I loved the concept behind this method of interviewing. 
► I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to one of my all-time favorite books-turned-movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Anyone else get the chills I get when I hear the "Don't be silly. Everyone wants this" line? 
►I had to borrow this link from Cup of Jo, since we all know my feelings about this age of social media and how I feel we are losing touch with the most important aspect to our existence.
►With my goal of getting more crafty, now that I have more space, I would love this stamp, which will also be versatile as I hopefully move back to the Best Coast.
►Summer is in full-force here, humidity included, so naturally all I am thinking about is cold weather and skiing. Initial research for a hopeful European ski vacation started here today.
►These bracelets would make such perfect on-the-fly gifts for girlfriends. Modern day friendship bracelets.

Birthday Week

We are now into the countdown of my actual birthday week. Idontwannatalkaboutit.

These final days of the even numbered year for me are bitter sweet. I wish I'd done things differently. Made bolder moves. Bigger, better decisions. Taken more risks. But couldawouldashulda right? Better to just focus on my annual birthday wish list. We left off with number 7 from the initial installment.

8) Toms Wedges

The linen Tom's wedge is the perfect wedge for summer. How much more versatile can you get!?!

9) Real Simple Magazine Subscription

I lucked out with some extra airline miles that got turned into a plethora of magazines. Real Simple is always one of my favorites and I miss getting this in my mailbox each month. I am also not opposed to Martha Stewart Living if anyone is feeling generous.

10) SHRM Membership

After getting my certification last year, I am now having to focus on re-certifying and maintaining my PHR credentials. This requires a lot of continuing education, and much of this is offered through SHRM. Having my membership fee covered would be amazing!  

11) Apple Wireless Keyboard

My ipad is so amazing. I love that thing. It is light, compact, and just plain cool. While I do blog on it, I certainly can type a lot faster on normal keyboard. The wireless keyboard would solve that problem (and with an ailing computer on my hands) would make my ipad just that more functional.  

12) An External Hard Drive

I am wracking up a lot of photos between the big girl camera and the iphone(s), and ipads in my life. Considering I still haven't been able to rescue the photos from my last old computer, and with my current one on the fritz, I would prefer to get all my "valuables" stored so I'll have them going forward.

13) Kate Spade Twirl or SJP's Lovely or Just A Signature Scent

 

I feel like it is an adult thing to have a signature scent. Nothing crazy, just a light everyday scent that is pleasant, adult and feminine.

 

14) Idaho Necklace from Alter Designs

I ordered a necklace for the BF's cousins graduation from medical school and I loved it. They are teeny tiny, which I love. With this, I could always keep Idaho close to my heart.

15) A Silhouehette Die- Cutting Machine

A crafters dream. A DREAM! Granted I don't have a tone of time to craft these days but I would consider this an investment in my crafting career. Lust. It is the Kitchen-Aid Mixers of crafting supplies.

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

It is Thursday people. THURSDAY. Did I mention I love 4 day weeks. Even more...I love 4 day weeks back-to-back.

Unconventional stuffed animals that seems perfect for an urban living space.

A pet lion that is really a poodle? I want!

A made-up boyfriend that cracks me up. Or the new state of dating and courtship.

Figuring out your boss and their personality.  

Being able to see something that has been something we can only feel. Pretty awesome.

Lack of Focus Monday

I am realllllly struggling to get myself together today. My pit stop to grab coffee signalled "one of those days", complete with a someone cutting in line, a guy who wouldn't get off his phone and beating the temptation to also order a donut due to sheer sadness that is it Monday. So how about a list of good stuff?

I want one of these state stamps, or one for every state I have lived in.

Alexis Russell rings? One of each please!

A reminder of how to keep the negative out and the positive in!

Would love to buy these for all of my friends.

Baby Panda at the National Zoo! Looks like I'll be making a trip soon to see the little bundle of joy AND then new sea lion exhibit.

I'm trying to give up twitter, but apparently I am not the only one who doesn't seem to think I could give up my Pintrest account.

Hang in there Monday-goers, we are half way through and only 4 days more till the next weekend!

Love It.

1) Siggi's Icelandic style Skyr (aka really yummy yogurt)

2) Nutella

When do I not love Nutella? Well, never. But this mini one came in a FREE snack pack I got on the plane last week. So good!

3) The latest photo of my niece.

Adorbs and I know you all secretly wish she was your niece. Back off. I saw her first.

4) Thinking about winter as the weather starts to get a bit nicer in DC and when I will get to use these:

Thanks again Mom & Dad for my birthday present!


5) These new loves. I love me some Toms, but my Saltwaters have a very special place in my heart

Never to Early to Start Thinking About 26

Or maybe it is.

26 is right around the corner for me. Gulp. Seeing these numbers tick away each year is certainly a bit terrifying but thrilling at the same time. To start off this years thoughts on being another year older, I will share some of my (extravagant) and (not expecting) mixed with the more practical birthday gifts! (Always fun for a girl to dream!)

So me and Kate. We are tight. She designs. I lust. It is a good relationship. This bag is no exception.

here

Kelle Hampton is one of my favorite bloggers and I can't wait to get my hands on this book she just published.

And for something to read this new book on. And to blog with. To fly with. To entertain myself with on lazy Saturdays. I will say this... I still really really really want an iPad.

In CO this winter I skied on the Volkl Kenjas one day. Ask the bf...I would hardly take them off at the end of the day. They were a really fun ski and I would love to have a new pair of skis (particularly if getting off this coast happens in the next year!)

I would love a mico lens for my camera that I got last year. My lens purchase/gift for Turkey was the best thing I could have spent money on and I would love to keep building  the number of lenses I have over the years.

Martha Stewart Glitter Paint. I have a lot of projects I want to do with this stuff! Did you know you can put it on glass, dishwasher and drinking safe?! I would be making every one's Christmas gifts this year with this!

For now...I think that will do. Now to go panic that I don't own any metaphorical big girl pants for the big 2-6!

Moments By iPhone

Christmas Ornament Diplay Rack @ IKEA--Purple Wall in My Apartment with Tiny Ornaments--Chicken on a Chain, My Office Bull--A Cup Of Tea in My Turkish Tea Glass--The DC Inspection Station, felt like just yesterday I did that--Jay-Z being Dramatic-- Idaho State Society's STOMP--Christmas Lights in My Window with Nibblet

Metal Chicken Sighting

About a month ago Miss Sara sent me a link to a hilarious blog post. (Sara is the queen of keeping me up to date on great blogs so my reading doesn't get stale!). I was at work when I read TheBloggess's story about her discovering and delivery of a giant metal chicken. You have to go read her story (I still cry laughing I find it so funny) and then make sure you read the first follow-up. And then finally- her latest installation about the metal chicken.

Well last weekend we were out on the the Eastern Shore in MD getting some crabs (post soon about MD blue crabs, their lungs, and really having to work for your meal) and we saw this guy:

Look familiar?

Sara- I almost bought him for you. Sadly I don't think I would have been forgive if I would have suggested strapping him to the top of the car.

A Greener Clean and Other TV Goodness

I should probaly never have gotten cable. It was a luxury that due to a year end special I was able to afford on my budget. I love coming home from home from work, flopping on the couch and watching an episode of House Hunters, Say Yes to the Dress, The Bachelor/ette, etc. Obviously this can get very out of control if I am feeling lazy. Today was massive lazy afternoon. (I did have a productive morning prepping for some things I have upcoming this week). But then I took a quick nap and it all went downhill from there.

So in honor of my wasted hours this afternoon I figured I could turn it into some sort of productivity and write about a few things that have caught my eye on TV lately.

First off. I always thought the Beggin Strips commercials for those rediculous bacon shapped dog treats where hilarious. (The poodle loves those things). They recently came out with a new version of the Bacon! commercial and there is a poodle. Must share.

 Second, I have seen the commecial for the new Scotch-Brite Greener Clean sponges. I have started looking for them in the grocery story and Target and I have yet to seen them. I can't wait to try them out! Made with natural and recycled fibers these seem like a great thing to incorporate into my household as I seem to have a clean/new sponge fetish since I have to hand wash every single on of my dishes. Check out the products here. If anyone finds these let me know where!

Found @ hiphomeowner.com

Last, but certainly not least, since I could watch (and laugh) this a million times in the new Geico commerical. Hopefully this brings back some childhood memories and makes some of you laugh.

Network Keys

Its been awhile since I have posted any sort of keyspiration these days. But I have hit the jackpot for form and functionality with this find.

by AMT:

"The Key to Love, Success, and All your Photos, Files and Music"

USB Keys.

Something practical combined with something I love.

Not cheap, but buy it here. Oh and get one for me...pretty please?

Staub and a Dinner Failure

I recently just added a Staub cast iron grill pan to my kitchen line-up. She is a beaut! Cobalt blue, shiny, non-stick surface and heavy enough for me to seriously injure and intruder if that were to ever be and issue.




We took her for a spin tonight and besides the evident fact that my cooking skills are so below where they should be (can anyone say yucky fish for dinner?) she worked great! I currently have a flank steak going through the final stages of marination in my fridge right now which I will attempt later this week.

Honestly though…why can’t I cook? I can bake. Just about anything. But cook. No. Absolutely not. This is not just a problem for me, but think about the poor soul who marries me and finds out I can only put cupcakes, baklava, cookies, and cheesecake on the table?  Pretty sure if  when I go back to school I will starve to death since I won’t live in ADPi and have Sandi to cook my meals, leave “late plates”, or access to the kitchenette!

I also tend to have really negative experiences cooking fish. I just get so discouraged when I make something that gives me the yucks! It is a waste of money and then I also get all nervous about  cooking again—and heave forbid I would actually cook for someone! Gasp.
How did you all learn to cook? How have you gotten over your mental blocks of “I have no idea what I am doing with this pot and pan!”

oh. Is that right? You all love to cook? I am just abnormal? oh. ok. What’s new.
But really people…my default two chicken dishes and pasta are just not going to cut it anymore.