5 things . . .

We are in the process of finally getting our official office set up at home, which means it will be tons easier for me to edit real pictures (as compared to the "fake" ones from my iphone).  In the meantime, here are 5 random things:  

(1)  This video of Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum on Jimmy Kimmel after the Oscars is freaking hilarious.  Justin and I have been singing the song for the past week.  It's so catchy.  Oh, and watching Channing at the end isn't bad either. 

(2)  When searching the interwebs today for a mint green paint color, I some how stumbled on this amazing baby mobile.  I have no need for a baby mobile at this point, but if and when we get pregnant, this may be the first purchase I make.  She has all kinds of different breeds, but of course I'm partial to this one.  Riley and Zoey are in favor too!     

(here)

(3) We are going to New Orleans soon and a trip to Leotine Linens is definitely in order.  I won't be able to afford anything, but I can drool at all the eye candy anyway.  

Source: leontinelinens.com via Emily on Pinterest

(4)  This amazeballs print from Black Crow Studios is totally happening in our dining room.  I can't wait to have it stretched so we can get it up on the wall.    

(5) I have found some incredible things from Craigslist and a nearby estate sale.  I'll have a post with pictures of my finds, which include end tables, nightstands, a buffet, and a vintage chandelier.  Thank you, Craigslist!   

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! 

5 things . . .

Here's 5 things that went on around here this past weekend:

(1)  Some demo in my master closet.   There used to be built-in shelving unit, which wasn't the best way to store my shoes.  Justin offered to change things up to make it work better for me.  Of course, there will be a proper before and after post once it's complete.  But don't worry, the leopard carpet is staying.  Obvs. 

(2)  Enjoying some awesome coffee at a new place in town.  It's legit.  I can totally get on board with any place that sells coffee, sweets, and wine/beer. 

(3)  Picking out a color for the master bathroom.  I need to make up my mind.  Like yesterday. 

(4)  Drooling over this dress (but not the shoes). 

(anthro)

(5)  Spray painting an ikea bookshelf.  I picked up a pair of these to go in our formal living room.  Like the closet, I promise a proper post once they're all finished and styled pretty.  

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!

5 things . . .

5 totally random things . . .

(1)  I am loving the new Taylor Swift album.  That's right -- I'm 30 years old, and I like Taylor Swift. 

(2)  I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new when I say foxes are all the rage these days.  This shirt from anthro is pretty darn sweet.

(here)

(3)  I was in Scottsdale last week for work.  The chapstick provided by the Phoenician is amazing.  I am a bit of a snob when it comes to chapstick, so didn't have high hopes.  But I was wrong.  That stuff is legit.

The hotel wasn't so bad either . . .

(4)  Have you ever heard of the term "bun feet" before?  I had not either until today.  I chuckle whenever I say it though.  "Bun feet" are just a type of furniture legs for cabinets. 

(here)

Why do I care about them?  Because when we moved most of our furniture into storage back in February, the movers removed these legs/bun feet from our china cabinet.  Since the cabinet was in storage for the last 8 months, we never thought twice about it.  Now that we need to unpack our china, the stupid bun feet are no where to be found!  They are probably rolling around the back of a moving truck somewhere.  I need to find something that looks close to replace them and stain them to match.   

(5)  Since it's election day, if I may (and I may, since it's my blog), I will leave you with the following quote from John Wesley in 1774:

“I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them: (1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; (2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and (3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side."  

5 things . . .

Even though we're not moving until the renovations are complete, in honor of closing this week on our new home, I thought I would share the top 5 things I will not miss about living in our apartment:

(1)  Our high water bill.  It's actually more expensive here than it was at our previous home. 

(2)  Having to take the dogs out -- down the hall, down the stairs, and out to the back.  Justin does this task 98% of the time, but it is annoying -- and even more so now with 100+ degree weather.  We can't wait to let them run around off-leash in their new back yard!    

(3)  Smelling our neighbor's horrible fish dinners and mothball clothes.  Seriously, it's terrible. 

(4)  Having to go up several levels to park and then, usually because there are no close spaces, walking a ways to our apartment.  This is especially fun with groceries in tow.  I am pumped just thinking about being able to walk directly from my car in the garage into the house.   

(5)  Hearing every time that our upstairs neighbors walk around or use the restroom (and knowing that our downstairs neighbors likely have the same complaints about us).

-------------

On a more serious note, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.  My Great Aunt (who was probably closer to a grandma to me than a great aunt) passed away Monday morning.  She was a wonderful woman.  Here we are dancing a few years ago at my cousin's wedding:

 
Every birthday (mine and Justin's), Christmas, Easter, and our anniversary we would get a card from her, always with a thoughtful message (in her handwriting that was so hard to decipher).  I will certainly miss getting those cards and, of course, her kind heart.  While in the hospital recently, after suffering a stroke, she got out of her wheelchair to help push someone else's wheelchair.  That story pretty much exemplifies her life -- always helping out others.

We will actually have to close on our house remotely so we can attend her funeral.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly!

5 things . . .

Hope y'all had a wonderful Easter!  I have 5 totally random thoughts for your Monday . . .

1.  I can't get this image out of my head.  Isn't it gorgeous?  I love the drapes, the mirror, the gray settee, and the pretty pink peonies.  So lovely!    

Source: lonnymag.com via Emily on Pinterest

2.  I was in Anthropologie the other night (can you say trouble?) and picked up this shirt.  Yep, it's orange bicycles.  Love it and it's much more fun that my other button-ups I wear to work.  And in full disclosure, Justin picked this shirt out.  Anthro always has things in random places and Justin saw this and pointed it out to me.  He's a keeper.   

3.  As we were packing up our old house, I told Justin I wasn't going to bring any books to the apartment to decorate with because I knew we wouldn't have the same kind of storage/book shelves.  He told me he thought I should at least bring a few of them because "books make a house a home."  After laughing a little at him for making that comment, I told him I totally agreed and threw a few in a box.  You may have seen a couple of them here on the campaign dresser.

When we were at Anthro (see number 2), he found this book called "Books Make a Home"!  He joked that he authored it under a different name.  How funny is that?  We had a good laugh in Anthro about that.  I'm sure people wondered what was so funny about a book about books! 

4.  I didn't need a new dry shampoo, but I thought I would try one that was cheaper than my usual one to see how it would work.  I grabbed the Tresemme dry shampoo for normal hair.  I've only used it one time, but it definitely worked as I hoped.  I recently got bangs and like putting just a little bit of dry shampoo on them in the morning (even right after I've washed my hair).  The dry shampoo helps to keep them looking "fresher" throughout the day.

5.  I have a super special treat coming up this week.  My friend (and wonderful photographer), Carrie, came to take pictures of our old house before we moved.  As were were moving, I was so thankful I had a blog to look back at to see the house and the progress we made.  But I knew Carrie could capture our home in ways I never could -- hence her being a successful photographer!  Be sure to check out Sweet Louise Photography and her blog.  Not that you need any more encouragement to go check out her awesome work, but it also includes super cute babies and kiddos!  In the meantime though, here's a teaser:  

Such a fabulous shot of our old staircase, right?  Well there will be more where that came from thanks to Carrie!

5 things . . .

5 random things . . . 

1.  I'm reading the Happiness Project and the Marriage Plot.  I've asked myself why I've decided to read two books at the same time.  I really don't have a good answer for that -- maybe I'd be happier if I committed to less!  If you've read either of these books, what did you think?   

(photo: here)

(photo: here)

2.  Nine years ago this past Tuesday, Justin proposed to me.  We were in college at the time and he proposed in front of the Capitol building in Austin.  It's so fun to think back and remember the excitement of that night.    

3.  I apologize in advance to all of you who were good and made a new year's resolution to eat healthier, but it's not fair for me to keep this to myself.  Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream is amazing.  Try it.  You'll thank me (your thighs are a different story).   

(photo: here)

4.  I scored a super deal on a coat from Lands End.  Down in Texas, we don't have the need for a jacket like this except for maybe 1-2 days a year, so I hate to spend a lot of money something I'll hardly wear.  But I got this coat -- regularly $139 -- for $65 (and free shipping)!  It fits great and is super comfy and warm.  Perfect for some snow . . .  

(photo: lands end)

5.  On a related note, we're headed to Breckenridge soon (hence the reason for the jacket)!  Does anyone have any tips for places we have to see or things we have to do while we are there? 

Source: google.com via Emily on Pinterest

5 things . . .

Here are 5 things I would feel guilty about withholding from you any longer:

(1)  Anthropologie-inspired spray painted paper mache letters.  What a genius idea.  I am always amazed at what you can spray paint.  These would make a great gift!     

Source: 346living.com via Emily on Pinterest

(2)  Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies.  Make these.  Now.  They are super easy to make and are some of the best cookies I've had in a while.  Make sure you have a cold glass of milk handy.    

Source: divine-baking.com via Emily on Pinterest

(3)  Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner.  Seriously, I can't tell you how many eyeliners I've tried -- they all end up either fading away or smudged under my eyes or on my eyelids (or both).  I've even tried the fancy $18.00 ones that the folks at Sephora recommend (Too Faced and Urban Decay) with no luck. 

So while at Target the other night, I decided I would try Revlon ColorStay.  And for only $5.00, I wasn't going to be too bummed if it didn't work.  But it works perfectly!  I get home from work and my eyeliner is still exactly where it is supposed to be.  I've even been going up to Justin and having him look too so that he can be impressed!  Boy is he thrilled.  

(photo: target)

(4)  The Brazilian Peel (a glycolic acid facial peel -- not to be confused with the waxing)!  I splurged on it a couple months ago and will definitely buy again, especially with Sephora's Friends & Family Sale starting soon.  

I don't use it every week as recommended because that's just ridiculously expensive.  Instead, I use it about every 3 weeks.  It really does brighten my skin and makes it so soft.  I have super sensitive skin too and I've had no problems.
 

(photo: sephora)

(5)  Shellac.  Specifically, the color Rock Royalty.  I've been a Shellac fan for sometime now and this color is going to be one of my go to darker colors.  Shellac is a gel manicure that lasts 14+ days with no chips, which is especially key with dark colors.  In the picture, the color almost looks metallic-y, but it's not.  My nails are just super shiny after coming home from the nail place.

And how funny is Riley?  He saw me holding my phone taking a picture, and I swear he thought I was taking it of him!  Too cute.

Have you discovered anything that's too good not to share?

5 things . . .

Here are 5 Fall related things that I'm loving . . .

I feel slightly ridiculous posting about Fall when it is still in the 90s here, but maybe it will help cool things down a little! 

(1) Scarves (and stripes).

Source: weardrobe.com via Emily on Pinterest

(2) Dark nail colors.

Source: polishchanges.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

(3) Sweaters. Bonus points if they have elbow patches.

(photo: nordstrom)

(4) Almost anything in the color burgundy (including wines from there).

Source: issuu.com via Emily on Pinterest

But it's not all fashion related . . .

(5) Using up some of the canned pumpkin in my reserves.

Source: lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Happy October, friends!

5 things . . .

5 things I'm currently digging . . .

1.  That Sarah 101 will air on HGTV in the US starting July 9th!

(photo: here)

2.  These J. Crew flats. 

3.  This song by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

4.  This shirt from Nordstrom.  (If you order it, get one size smaller than what you usually wear.)

5. These Stabilo 88 pens.  They are life-changing.  

5 things . . .

5 things I am loving right now . . .

1. This living room.   There's a lot of goodness going on in this room (gallery walls, lamps, mirrored side tables, pouf, fab rug, sunburst mirror, etc.).  I don't even miss curtains.

(photo: decorpad)

2.  This bag.  I think my hillier needs a big sister.

(photo: neimans)

3.  Jeans for Japan.  If we made a donation at work, we could wear jeans 2 days a week this week and next.  I don't know what it is, but it makes me so happy in the morning to throw on jeans rather than a suit (and it's for a good cause too!).

(photo: nordstrom)

4.  That we just booked tickets to San Diego!   

5.  The Instagram (and Hipstamatic) app on my Iphone.

5 things . . .

Here are 5 random things:   

(1)  First things first . . . hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!   We ran a bunch of errands on Saturday (and I was at the office for most of Sunday).  More details to come on what we purchased, but it includes:  (1) things for finishing the kitchen pantry and organizing the master closet from Container Store; (2) fun things for the downstairs guest bathroom from West Elm; (3) items to get our office better organized from Container Store and Anthro; and (4) this blazer from Banana Republic (it's sweatshirt material and super comfy, yet still looks polished.  I may be slightly obsessed with it.)

(photo: BR)

(2)  Remember the gorgeous chandy from the Guild Shop?

I decided to run over during lunch last week to check it out again.  Thankfully it was still there and was $40 cheaper than the price earlier in the week!  Score!  So it came home with me.  The chandy is not hung yet because it needs some maintenance first (nothing too major, just new phen sockets and some replacement prisms).  As soon as it's hung, I will share pics.  I actually decided to hang it some place other than the entry way -- more on that later.

(3) A big thanks to my friend Megan from Honey We're Home for featuring my Ikea cabinet makeover on her blog.   

Megan also featured Elsa's bedroom makeover, which is just fabulous.  (Love the yellow chevron in Megan's header and Elsa's drapes!) 

Her office is also amazing.  Check out Elsa's blog, Casa Greer, for all the details.

(4)  I now have over 200 followers!  Yippee!  Is it nerdy for me to be so excited?  Thank you to everyone who follows along!  On a related note, I recently updated my "about me" tab.  (I just noticed that I am wearing a white sweater and a green top/dress in both the picture on the about me page and my profile picture.  I do wear other things, I promise.)      

(5)  I apologize for the lack of posts late last week.  We had a pretty big case come up at work, so was a little busy dealing with that.  And sorry in advance if the posts are a little light this week too as a result.  

Have a wonderful Monday!

5 things . . .

(It has sure been a while since I have done a 5 things list!)  Here are 5 things I am thankful for . . .

1.  My case settled!  I am kind of sad to see it go, but it does mean that I will have more time to take care of other things that I've had to put on the back burner for far too long.  So be on the look out for some home project updates.  But the fun won't start until next week because I have a big motion that's due next Wednesday.  If all goes as planned, I hope to take next Thursday and Friday off (knock on wood).

2.  The new Boden catalog.  There are so many fun things!  

  (photo: boden)

3.  That there is an all new episode of Community tonight on NBC.  Well hello there Jeff Winger.   

(photo: nbc)

4.  This chicken enchilada recipe.  It's so tasty.  Now if only I could find a way to get Chuy's or Cyclone Anaya's margaritas delivered.

5.  My sweet dogs.  Here is a picture of Riley laying upside down under my desk chair.  Puppy perfection. 

Happy Friday!