Ombre Christmas

I know it's a little early but as the consummate planner, I like to think ahead for this year's holiday decor. I came across this fabulous Ombre Christmas Tree and fell in adore!

Ombre Christmas Tree

HOW. DARLING. IS. THAT?

Last year, I had a Champagne Gold Christmas tree and it was just stunning! And while I have no qualms about putting it up again this year, I am thinking of switching it up, especially since I almost can't resist this fashionable tree.

Sweets For My Sweets

I decorated a couple of cakes this weekend in class.. One for my hubby and the other for my daughter.

"Love Birds"

"The Poppies"

I may have found a new hobby. It satisfies my creative side and strangely helps prevent sugar cravings. Win - Win!

Great Adventures!

August is my birthday month and I've decided to do something fun every week.

The first week (well, July 31st, actually) I went to my first Beyonce concert.

 

She was FABULOUS and she KILLED it!

I have always wanted to learn how to make sugar gum paste flowers, so I took a class.

The class was alot of fun. I plan to make more sugar flowers... I must master it.

Hot air ballooning has been on my "To Do" list FOREVER... did it this past weekend!

I was so scared when the balloon started to go up in the air.. but once I calmed down, I really enjoyed the ride. 

It provided me with such a clarity and at that moment, I decided to add more adventure and enjoyable experiences to my life. 

Paint It Pretty

I've finally got around to painting the bathroom. I no linger cringe at this:

I can't believed I lived with it for so long. BLEH!

I still have a few finishing touches.. like steam the sheer panel and add new towels and accessories. 

Amazing what a little paint can do.

They Are Almost Here!!

I'm absolutely smitten that my Ram's Head bases are on their way home to me!

OMG!!! So excited!!

My babies being wrapped with care.

I just can't WAIT to see them in person, finally.

Happy Easter!

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                                           Have a wonderful holiday!

Buzzin' for Springtime

Spring is right around the corner, gently making it's way to my neck of the woods. I'm loving the long sunshine-y days and flowers are beginning to bud.. it's fantastic!

I came across this super cute item at World Market and it makes me even more anxious for Springtime!

Beehive Measuring Cups

Too freakin' cute!

Solid Gold

I've realized that I'm still having a luxuriously gold moment.. not only in my home but in my closet.

I had planned to buy some gold jeans last year but kept wavering.. now I want them.. BAD!!!

 

So cute! I love how toned down they look in the pic..a looser fit and worn casually with a white tee and light camel cardigan. LOVE!!

I would also love to add to my wardrobe.. a gold jacket. How super chic does Blake look?

Do you have any metallic gold pieces in your wardrobe? Plan to add any?

Safari Chic

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I love the warmth and serenity of this room. It has a very natural, Safari vibe yet it's tastefully done. I adore the dual panthers mirror in the setting area. RAWR!

Living Room Inspiration

I haven't posted any updates to the house in a long while but they are coming. The first on deck will be my new office space that will house my greatest decor love to date. I'm so excited to finally have my own office space, bloggin' on my lap gets old really quick but I digress.

Lately, I have been loving adding more warmth to my home by way of beautiful wood. I have ALOT of white in my house and the luxuriousness of beautiful wood anchors the spaces and also provides visual interests, especially an older piece.

So, I totally was floored when I saw this image of a wood fireplace:

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How absolutely GORGEOUS is this fireplace??!! I am swooning so freakin' hard at this fireplace design.

I wonder if my living room mantle is real wood and if so, can I strip it and stain it? I already black marble on that fireplace.. I think with a little or a lot of elbow grease, I can have something equally fabulous!

This is how my current fireplace looks.. I painted it a glossy black. You can't see it from this photo but trust me, it's glossy and black. Do you think a revealing the wood on the fireplace would be fabulous?

My do-list is never ending.. I plan to remove the mirrored console and add a more seating and maybe drapes to the French doors leading to the side porch. I need to finally get around to getting an area rug, some art and more lighting in that room, it's screaming for a chandelier. *le sigh*

Sometimes I feel that my living room is overwhelming and I need to edit it down a bit. Add a little bit more Traditional.. I do love the core pieces.. the sofa, piano and coffee table.. oh and the drapes. They are boss! But maybe there's room for changing everything else. What do you think? Any suggestions?

Wishing You The Most Romantic Valentine's Day Yet!

Come On Spring!

I don't know about you but I'm really over Winter. I'm ready for warmer, sandal wearing, sunshine-y days.

Rachel Zoe Valerie

I would LIVE in these shoes for Spring and Summer! Snakeskin is my favorite exotic skin and the neutral colors makes rockability infinite.

Leather and Luxe

Smith Boyd

I LOVE this space.. sans the "pillow" on the wall.. what is that? Wall pillow aside.. everything about this sitting area is divine. I love the glam textures of the tufted bench and the pleated arm chair, the warmth and interest of the brass coffee table and the anchoring of the space with the dark leather sofa. It's a perfect mix of feminine and masculine, very chic.

One Month Down

I've been M.I.A for a few weeks due to my hectic life and contest prep. I feel like I never just have time to sit and relax anymore.. I'm always rushing from one place to another. In addition to my already busy schedule, my contest prep training has me absolutely, positively EXHAUSTED!!

However, I'm staying the course and excited to see the changes my body has made already. I'm getting stronger, leaning out nicely and finally my stomach is on board with my meal plan. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more my body changes over the next four weeks.

I must admit that my training is challenging not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I knew the physical aspect would be but never factored in my mental and emotional states at any given time. It's at those times that I love my inner control freak and I dictate to my body that we are going to KEEP GOING!

Despite my exhaustion, limited culinary options and muscles threatening to revolt, the curiosity of what could be, what I can sculpt my body into... is far greater than my desire to quit. I'm DOIN' the damn thing!

What I'm Loving!

Taylor Gold Headphones

SO loving these stylish and glamorously gold headphones. DOPE!

Time To Get Fit (again)

I, like many others, have decided to work on my fitness in the new year. What better time to start with a clean slate and palate than New Year's?

But this year, I've decided to really challenge myself, mind body and spirit. I'm training for this:

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A Bikini Fitness Competition!! YIKES!!

Yup, I just started training with a new trainer that specializes in competition prep and OMG it is tough!! More tough than anything I've endeavored to date! I swear when he added 150lbs to my leg press and had me do 4 sets of 20 reps.. tears sprang out of my eyes!!

BUT, it was the most exhilarating feeling because I did it. I DID IT! I was proud of myself and want to have that exhausting yet exhilarating feeling over and over again.

So, now my life is all about eating schedules, measuring food, protein shakes, weight training and cardio and while challenging at times, I'm learning a lot about myself in the process.

My show will be in April (16 weeks) and I plan to check in time to time to show my progress. I hope you will check back and cheer me on.

Wishing You A Fabulous New Year!

Another wonderful, clean slate opportunity to chase your ambitions, get rid of inhibitions, to embrace and nuture your dreams... to persevere, thrive.. explore and surprise yourself.

 

 

Make this year YOUR year and make it LEGENDARY!