Deals! Sheinside vs. Free People & Anthropologie

Ok, these dresses look the same to me...am I right? I've been looking at some summer dresses on the Free People site lately and found this Embroidered Fable Dress that is absolutely gorgeous -- but  for a $168??? No thanks. I'll get the one that looks exactly like it at Sheinside for $32.67! Sure, I bet it's not made as well and the material might be different, but really...they look pretty darn similar! Score! If you look at Sheinside's website you'll find many dresses that are strikingly similar to Free People and Anthroplogie...I mean almost identical. Cool huh? I see what you're doing Sheinside and I dig it! 

Oh and I also got this cute little jacket...I couldn't resist! 

If you are into finding fun deals, I did a post on Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats eons ago that cost $754...mine cost $19.37!  I found some look-alikes on Sammy Dress. Go check out these sites! They are perfect for switching up your wardrobe without spending a fortune. 

A week or two later...it came! A+++. Here is what the dress looks like! ^^^

Pictures: 1,2,3,4,5{collage}

Valentine's Day Ideas {Staying In or Going Out}

Are you staying-in or going-out for Valentine's Day? I put together a few ideas for both occasions! Dan and I are planning on staying home this year {just like our first year}. We're looking forward to playing some Bing Crosby and Gershwin records while we cook up some tasty cacio e pepe in our tiny kitchen. We can't wait to crack open a special bottle of Sicilian wine {that our friend Justin got us on his latest deployment -- thanks Justin}.

If you're looking for a fun sappy movie that both of you will enjoy, I would suggest Princess Bride -- it's pretty awesome. I bought my first box of Charbonnel et Walker Marc de Champagne Truffles for a Vday surprise. Ohhhh maw gawd. Officially hooked. Do you think Dan will notice that one is missing? The best chocolate I've ever had...literally fit for a Queen {of England that is}. They were Founded in 1875 and are one of Britain's oldest chocolatiers that are endorsed by the Royal Warrant as chocolate manufacturer to Her Majesty The Queen. Fun Fact.

^^^ For your night in ^^^

Diptyque Rose Candle  / West Elm Candle Snuffer /Portable Record Player /Charbonnel et Walker Marc de Champagne Pink Chocolate Truffles /Princess Bride /Eberjey Pajamas / Faux Fur Throws / Slouch Socks / Fresh Peonies /Vanilla Bubble Bath / Balconette Bra / Lace Panties /  Bodum Cups /  Incredibly Awesome Gold Foil Valentine Card / To My Valentine Card 

-OR-

^^^ For your night out ^^^

Dolce Gabbana Floral Dress / Topshop Blazer / Satin Cami / Elle Macpherson Panties / Black pumps / Black Clutch / Stackable Midi Rings / Le Métier de Beauté Liquid Eyeliner / Tom Ford Lipstick / Sexual Sugar Perfume by Michel Germain / AERIN gift sets kit / Tom Ford Nail Polish in Sugar Dune / Shop Godiva's Ultimate Chocolate Dessert Truffles Flight

Sometimes it's fun to get dressed up and find a fancy place for dinner! I really want to try The Bazaar, Bottega Louie or Red O. I also heard of a restaurant called Perch that is located on the 15th floor of a high-rise with 360 views of Downtown LA. That would be so dreamy. 

Love this dress and I've really been diggin' the faux fur lately...

This perfume ^^^ Sexual Sugar by  Michel Germain is a thumbs up. So yeah... the name is a tad strange, but it smells amazing! Who cares what it's called! I've only tried a sample of it, but I've got to go get a bottle. Here's how they describe it --> 

Wildberries and orange zest with notes of passion flower and jasmine. Heart notes of fresh roasted almonds, vanilla creme brulee and sandalwood.

And as usual...I'm excited about more chocolate {notice that I have chocolate involved in both scenarios}. I first read about these beautiful little treats on OhJoy. They sound divine. GODIVA Truffle Flight six truffles, placed in a tasting order that build in flavor and intensity.  Inspired by the finest desserts from around the world with flavors like birthday cake, pineapple hummingbird, cheesecake, red velvet,  lemon chiffon, Aztec spice, chocolate eclair, crème brulee, chocolate, lava cake, tiramisu and strawberry crème tarte etc. 

You pick the flight...

Well that sounds fun.

Happy soon to be Valentine's Day to you all! 

Bar Cart Bliss

Ahhhh I've been dying for a gold bar cart! Alas I cannot find one that I love that is in my very limited budget. I have no idea why they are so expensive!!!? $1200? Why!? So, I will continue my hunt for the perfect {and affordable} cart. I just love how they bring a refined vibe into your home. I guess if a bar cart could talk it would say, “Yeah. I like to party, but I be classy.” Plus it's a great way to display some of your favorite items… artsy glassware, flea market finds and pretty bottles etc. Daaaaarling, The styling opportunities are endless. It would be perfect for little get-togethers with friends. And the bar cart has been around since the mid-1930′s so you KNOW it’s not going out of style any time soon. Here are some carts from around the web + decorating inspiration!

1.Roland Gold Cart /2.Gold Leafed Cart / 3. Brighton Gold Leaf Bamboo Bar Cart / 4.1950's Faux-Bamboo Bar Cart / 5.Wooden Crate & Barrel Bar Cart / 6. Lacy Bar Cart / 7.Tea Cart / 8.Worlds Away Gold Bar Cart /9. Crate and Barrel wheeled cart / 10. Threshold Wood and Brass Bar Cart /  Sur La Table glass decanter / Whiskey Ice Balls /Zara Home Drinkware / Striped Straws / Sur La Table Stainless Steel Straws / Seletti Glass Bottles / Golddust Bead Coral Wine Coaster / Book: The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited  

Pictures: HG, shopsocietysocial, restorationhardware

Domino Gold Bar Cart X Sun Burst Manhattan Chanel Bar Cart Chambord

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys In Life}

In an earlier post I talked about joie de vivre and the importance of finding the little things throughout your day that make you happy. I'm hoping I can get in the habit of sharing these with you on a weekly basis. Life seems that much sweeter when you're thankful for the small things that are happening all around you.

When you come across things that make you smile -- those "Ahhh life is good moments", write them down. Make a list of the things that you like to savor. It's a fun little project that will remind you about the simple pleasures in life.

 

 

 

{A tree with dark red leaves and pretty pink blossoms that is blooming down the street}

 

{Taking this guy for a stroll. Sometimes we'll walk to the park that overlooks the beach}

 

{A pretty note pad and pen}

 

{Taking my nanny baby out for doughnuts and chatting the afternoon away}

 

{My little pink pig soap that smells like roses. I keep it in this 14k gold plated dish that I found at a thrift store. Good find}

 

DIY Scented Hand Sanitizer

Well, this really isn't a difficult DIY project...we aren't making hand sanitizer from scratch or anything crazy like that. I just wanted to share with you something that I like to do my hand sanitizer. I work with kids all day and deal with a lot of colds, flus etc. I always keep a hand sanitizer in my car, ready to go for when I need it (or when they need it)! I love to spray a few squirts of my favorite perfume into my hand sanitizer and give it a good shake. After the smell of the alcohol wears off, your hands will be lightly scented with your favorite perfume. It's not a big fancy trick -- just a small, simple treat to add to your day.

 

My Bridal Showers

 

Here are some pictures from my bridal showers last summer. Not one, not two but three showers! I am one lucky lady. The first one was an afternoon lunch with my friends -- filled with funny games, beautiful handmade decorations and presents that would make you blush. I am so blessed to have such amazing gals in my life. Second was a neighborhood brunch with all the ladies from the hood, thrown by the lovely Susan and Tina. The fresh flowers were donated from gardens around the neighborhood and arraigned by the ladies and the famous Ernesto: King of Decor and Flowers. I have the best neighbors in the world. And the third shower was a wonderful family get-together hosted by my Aunt D with all of my Aunties, Mommala and cousins. I love you all so much. Thanks for all the love and support.



 

 

 

 

Gifts For Her

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Body Oil

This stuff is amazing! It's loaded with

Vitamin E oil and smells so good.

-- Leaves skin super hydrated and soft.

 

 

____________________________________

 

Hunter Original Tall Welly Boot

Classic Rain Boots that will go with any outfit.

 

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_________________________   Ambre Scented Oval By Diptyque This Scented Oval is great for perfuming small spaces like a closet or a drawer and it will make your clothes smell wonderful!There are many scents to choose from...all of which are yummy! Scent lasts approximately 3 months.       ___________________________________   Aspen Bay Capri Blue Jar Candle - Paris Aspen Bay Capri Blue has a whole line of candles that are absulutly amazing. I really like the Paris, Sheer Peony and Volcano scents.   ___________________________ Beautyblender Beautyblender is the most versatile make up tool you'll ever own. It's Washable, re-useable, recyclable and can be used with all types of makeup -- damp or dry. It's made from a latex-free, anti microbial foam to help fight bacteria.   ______________________________   Ready for Dessert: My Best Recipes by David Lebovitz Pastry chef David Lebovitz is an American born Chef who moved to France to persue his culinary dreams. He is known for creating desserts with bold and high-impact flavor. Lucky for us, this translates into showstopping sweets that bakers of all skill levels can master. In Ready for Dessert, elegant finales such as Gâteau Victoire, Black Currant Tea Crème Brûlée, and Anise-Orange Ice Cream Profiteroles. Yum!     ___________________________________   Harney & Sons Fine Teas Vanilla Comoro Tin - 20ct Sachets Creamy, Sweet and Smooth! You can't go wrong with that!     _________________________________________ Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream Facial Treatment Products I love this stuff! It really is magic -- all natural skin cream that makes your skin so soft. Check out the reviews on this baby! Women LOVE it!   __________________________________________ 3 Piece Mint Eco-Friendly Pencils This color is so cute!   ________________________________________   Taupe Cable Knit Socks These look so cozy!   __________________________________________   Jean Paul Gaultier x Guy de Jean Umbrellas Oooh so pretty. Loving the stripes!   ______________________________________ Cute Boots from American Eagle.