Courage to Change

Why is it that I always want what I can't have? Today I REALLY want to have a little family. It seems like everything I'm reading/seeing/hearing today has to do with being married and in love and having a family. Harumph. I know it'll happen when it's supposed to happen, and that there are many reasons that I don't have a family right now, but dammit! I'm ready! Not to pop out a kid today, but, you know, like start down that road with someone who wants to share in the journey. I guess being newly alone has been hitting me hard this week. Boo! hiss!

So, instead of focusing on what I want but can't control, I'll try to focus on the things that I can make happen. Let's just start with making something happen today. And then tomorrow will be a new day.

Today, I will change my health. Today, I strive to hike for my physical health, read for my mental health, and watch TV for my emotional health ;)

Today, I will:

"God, give us grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other."

~Niebuhr's Serenity Prayer

Love,

Photo courtesy of pinterest.

Home Dec-ROAR!

So I'm not much of a pat-myself-on-the-back kind of gal, but I just HAVE to share my achievement. Yesterday, in a half hour, I hung these shelves ALL BY MYSELF!!! This might seem like a small fete, but I've never really done anything like this before. I can use a drill, yes. I can paint and DIY, yes. But use anchors and drill holes and stuff? Ohhhhh hell no. But you know what? I don't have a man around the house anymore to do this sort of thing, so I have to grow and be the modern can-do woman. I am woman, hear me roar! I'm every woman! I will survive! Insert other woman-power song titles here ______ ;) (I bought the shelves for like $15 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond if you're interested.)

My dad would be so proud of how straight these shelves are. And, it was NOT easy to do.

On a slightly related note: I was watching "How I Met Your Mother" last night on my DVR and heard this great quote, "Sometimes things have to fall apart to make room for something else." I needed that, HIMYM. Thanks!

Love,

Oscar Recap

Here's a photo recap of my Classy Oscar Party:

Making chocolate chip pancakes. One oober large pancake + peanut butter = delicious!

Red carpet table-scape! Salmon toasts and some "movie" tickets for decoration.

Presentation of the pancakes with a side of syrup.

Thanks to the usual suspects for making an appearance and for bringing the yum. Carissa's Andie's brownies were to die for, Suzie's healthier nachos were delicious, and Bonnie's bling was perfect!

What did you think of the Oscar's? My main take-away: Watch more movies!!!

Love,

Classy (Not Trashy) Oscar Party

I decided Wednesday to throw an Oscar party this weekend. I'm super excited because I haven't really thrown many last-minute parties, and I think this may be my favorite way to have guests. There's less time to be stressed about what to eat (we're doing a potluck style), how to decorate (I'm borrowing a red table cloth and using what I already have), and what to do (I printed out pre-made Oscar bingo and ballots).

Like most of my decorating, cooking, fashion, and traveling trends, I get more excitement and pleasure out of "making it work." Give me a few ingredients a la Top Chef style and my creative juiced flow. Side note: Once my mom gave my sister and I a $100 to do something nice while Jen was visiting me in Pittsburgh where I was studying for my MFA. We ended up taking it as a challenge to make that $100 last as long as possible. We ended up going to dinner, watching a movie, having drinks, generally enjoying the entire weekend on one $100 bill. Rachel Ray's vacation on a dime, eat your heart out!

Anyway, so for this last-minute party challenge, I've decided to make a few "classy" bites, print out the afore-mentioned Oscar-related games, and decorate with what I already have.
I'll take pics of the event, but here's what I'm planning for food:

Salmon toasts. I already have the smoked salmon and bread, but I will have to buy the cream cheese.

Mini pancake dessert. I'm going to make silver-dollar-sized pancakes, stuff them with peanut butter, and drizzle with syrup. All of which I already have here. No stress.

I think I'm really going to enjoy this relaxed party atmosphere ;) The red carpet starts at 4pm Pacific. Enjoy!

Love,

Photos courtesy of Kimba's Kitchen and A Side of Peanut Butter.

In-Spa-Ration

Suzie (my roommate and butt buddy while my condo's being tented for termites) and I went to this fabulous spa in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. It's called Anatomy. I'm not sure I could afford the regular prices, but Suzie had a Groupon that she gifted me so I got a mini facial. Faboo! :)


Anyway, the point isn't that the spa was great. The point, dear friends, is that the decor was to die for and I went a little stalker on Anatomy so that I could post a few pics on here for you! (Again, please excuse the blurriness. I'm working with my phone camera and I was trying to be 007 about it, so I couldn't get some of them to focus.)

Beautiful metal and crystal lamp. Suzie fell in love and has been researching where she can buy it (Z Gallery for over $250 clams YIKES), make it (plastic crystals from JoAnns or Michaels and old lamp from Good Will?), or make do with something that will give the same flavor (eurostylelighting.com). Will let you know what she ends up with!

Can't get over how cute this mirrored table is. I didn't even think I LIKED mirrored furniture!

This faux peacock is so graceful. Just enough umph for your room without having it look like you have a weird thing for birds.

Love love love these. Isn't this the cutest idea for a little planter in your bathroom? Succulents need very little attention, but look great all year long. And the shells are just genius.

Love,

Oh P.S. They had a eight-week old puppy tumbling around the host area. Adorable.
Inspiration from Anatomy Day Spa & Boutique.

Blog Love: Crush Luxe

Just wanted to pass along this great Web site that I came across a while back. Genevieve of Crush Luxe hunts down some great designer sunglasses, bags, and clothes for adults and kids. I can't afford the regular price of a Badgley Miscka purse, but I could afford them at her price!

Catch her deals here!

Love,

Investment Piece: New Couch!!

I have made a big move in my decision to start buying investment pieces: I have bought a new couch! I went to HomeGoods on Monday on a whim and saw this blue beauty for $299 (not including tax). Can you believe that?! It's comfy, it's cute, it's mine! Luckily, I was able to find a mover to bring it in my condo the very next day. Unfortunately, my condo building is being tented for termites which meant I was only able to enjoy My Boy Blue for one single day. I sure am looking forward to getting back inside on Friday to snuggle into this guy:

PS. I picked up that lime green ottoman for $10 on craigslist. A deal's a deal, right?! Hoping to have my girls over for an Oscar party this Sunday where I can introduce my new "investment" to the masses (fyi, great Oscar party ideas here). Happy hunting!

Love,