When God closes a door, he opens a dress

I am going through such a summer dress fad! There are so many beautiful dresses out there right now, some personal favorites from Betsey Johnson, had to share some that are on my summer dress wish list!

I'm really enjoying all of the floral and lace that's coming back, it's super feminine.

Love everything about this dress, the color, length and style!

Loving the lace and black and pink <3

Super chic and could be worn just about anywhere, would be perfect for a business casual get together with a chic blazer, an evening date, or a graduation!

Love these peep toe grace sandals from bebe

I am LOVING the new espadrille fad that's going on right now, I'm a total wedge fan and they would look great with any of the above dresses! This particular shoe is a MICHAEL by Michael Kors Junipur espadrille. 

Tomorrow Is Another Chardonnay

Gosh it has been entirely TOO long since I've updated... never happening again.

Long story short, the house didn't work out, all for the better. I now have a 2 bedroom dual master suite loft apartment in a wonderful community. So much space, 2 walk-in master closets and master bathrooms with french doors. Still planning on doing the same decorating scheme as before, I've already got the most important piece... the bar :)

The Lexington Mirrored Bar that was on my previous wish list! Looks great and such a good space keeper. 

 I'll update frequently with changes to the place as I make them, here's also some super chic apple green items on my wish list from Z Gallerie!

One thing I do have to say is I made the investment to get our microfiber alternative suede couch steam cleaned, I've been bummed lately that it hasn't been looking a fresh as when we first bough it, after getting it cleaned by Stanley Steemers it looks brand new, for only 230 dollars they steam cleaned and deodorized the entire couch, and all my pillows including the suede ones from my bedroom! Best deal, and the couch is looking newer, cleaner than ever! 

No Place Like Home

After house-hunting for well over 6-8 months, my boyfriend and I have finally been approved for our first home. We couldn't be more excited, I plan to renovate and decorate everything. I've already prepared lists and ideas for everything I'm going to do, and after I take pictures of the new house I'll document!

It's a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, granite counter top and stainless steel appliances. The entire house is a tuscan like tile.  Bedrooms are carpet but we're going to be upgrading that even before we move in. It also has a pool and side yard. It's a decorators dream, not too much "hard work" just the cosmetics!

After spending time in West Elm and Z Gallerie yesterday I made a list of some (A LOT) of items and ideas that I want in the new house!

This table is a definite, it totally utilizes the kitchen space with it's rectangular shape.

I love this futon for the office, we have a great desk from pier 1 but I need more furniture, I want it to be a comfortable area that's easy to study and do work in, I don't particularly like the grey color, I'll go for a beige/neutral.

I'm loving this duvet, especially for the price. The chocolate brown is so versatile and it'll look great with the suede paint on the walls. 

We have a great sectional, but I definitely want to get some new throw pillows after we get it steam cleaned. I like the idea of these colors, it'll bring out more of the couch rather than blend in.

I'm in love with these lacquer wood trays, I plan to get a bunch of them to put my jewelry, perfume and lotions on! 

I want to have lots of old photos like this in the bar area and kind of scattered throughout the house, I think it'll give the place a good cultural feel and will go good with the dining room that I plan to turn into a "lounge" area with lounge chairs, and a bar.

Love this Lexington  mirrored butler tray! it's perfect for putting all our alcohol goodies on.

That's it for now, as soon as we do a walk through on Sunday I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures, any ideas/thoughts are greatly appreciated! 

Very Hollywood

Michael Kors is obviously a favorite of mine, I have about a bajillion purses and love how comfortable his heels are, but today I made a new purchase since all my sample bottles have run out.  His Very Hollywood perfume. My boyfriend got it for my mother for Christmas, and it just smells fantastic. Not too heavy, spring and fresh like. Loving my purchase :)

Smokin Aces.

I had my first University test today at Arizona State. Definitely a change from the community college but I'm happy to say I Aced it! I thought I would share some helpful tips I use to study and prepare for my tests, projects and academics overall.

• Don't cram! Cramming is never ever effective, and if you absolutely must due to procrastination, read through the material once, then go over it again a couple hours later. It's proven that you can't retain information effectively when you attempt to learn material for over a few hours.
• Eat healthy, stimulating foods while studying, I know how easy it is to want to gorge on a basket of fries or pizza while studying cardio for a test, but it's not the best brain food and it'll make you tired and more prone to quitting early! Try eating chicken and rice, fruit, or even a simple PB&J. Mozzarella cheese sticks are also great to throw in your purse, they don't need to stay refrigerated for long periods of time and are filling,
• In between study breaks I've found it especially helpful to work out. During my nearly three hour break at school I get in a workout with some weights, it feels so great to clear the mind after learning some heavy material, and have a clean slate going into my next class.
• I find it especially hard to study right before I go to bed, I can never sleep and always feel restless. If you're a night studier, make sure you quit a good hour before you plan on going to sleep. Leave time for some night stretches or a hot bath. You'll feel relaxed and less anxious when you go to sleep.
• One word: Organization. I truly believe that the key to success is through organization. I've recently switched to bringing my laptop to class because I can neatly organize my notes in a word document and type faster than I write, then separate them into class folders. It lets me keep track of each class and each assignment. Although this strategy can't always work for everyone (for those who start web-surfing instead of listening to the lecture) for the self-disciplined, I recommend you try. 

Mrs. Draper

Currently getting into the first season of Mad Men. I will say that the first couple episodes were a little slow, needing to introduce all the characters and what not, but now it's getting more interesting as it's developing. The costumes are fabulous, and the directors are doing a great job of incorporating how times were back in the 1950's and 1960's. My personal favorite character, the one and only Betty Draper.

Go out with a Bang.

This weekend I made an exciting change in my hairstyle, I got bangs. It's been forever since I've had them, and I'm totally excited. They make even a simple pony tail or bun look totally chic! Here are some fashionistas who totally rock the bangs, and my new do :)

And yours truly ;)

Relax.

So after a long weekend of too much fun and a dreadful case of the Mondays, I'm unwinding with a good book, hot shower, tea, and a facial masque. While squeezing out the last bit of my masque, I remembered a useful tip I read in Cosmo a few months back.

We all know how annoying it is when you're getting down to the very last drop of your moisturizer or mask. You know, that amount you just can't seem to get out of the damn tube before you buy another bottle. Here's a useful tip, cut the top of the tube with some scissors and store the tub in a plastic bag after cutting it open, guaranteed you have about 3 more days usage out of that moisturizer or mask.

My mask  of choice? Dermalogica's Sebum Clearing Masque. It's cooling, refreshing and works wonders on your skin.

Vroom Vroom Vroom

Eventually after Jerel and I get settled into our new house, I've decided it's time for an upgrade in vehicles.  Although my 2007 Sentra has treated me wonderfully, I'm really eyeing the new Prius. Being a supply chain major, I've gotta represent efficiency right? This is definitely on my Wish List for the 2011 year, hopefully by Christmas! Toyota Prius

One too many.

After a night of celebrating with champagne and pinot grigio, my head is not feeling so great. I thought I would share some tips that have helped me prevent, and get through those hangovers we all dread.

• First, chug a giant glass of water (Or even better a Gatorade) and pop two IB Profen before you go to bed, the IB Profen will reduce swelling and clearly you need water to hydrate. Gatorade is good to drink because of all the electrolytes in it, when you drink you're dehydrating salt and nutrients that water can't give back to you. I can't even say how much Gatorade and IB Profen have helped my morning after feeling from a crazy night.
• Secondly, resist the urge to gorge on a giant breakfast, eat fruits and something light like toast or an egg white. Stuffing your face with McDonald's breakfast is only going to make you feel more awful, and by eating fruits and veggies you're gaining back lost nutrients and water.
• Thirdly, always keep these items on you when staying out. Sunglasses, eye make-up remover, and a toothbrush. I always keep them in my purse and I can't say how helpful they are when taking that long walk of shame to your car.
• Another thing that helps me is getting in a good work out, and a nap. I know, I know, the last thing we want to do when we're hung over is work out. But sweating out all those toxins give you the best feeling, and you've worked off those calories. If you're hurting too much to hit the treadmill, sit in the hot tub or sauna.

Something Sweet

With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought I would introduce one of my new favorite recipes introduced by my good friend Kelsey. They're chocolate crackle cookies and oh so delicious. The recipe is pretty generic anywhere you look, but Martha Stewart is my personal favorite.

Here is a picture of our very own crackle cookies :) 

Cloud 9

Decorating and home-improvement is my all time favorite hobby (besides make-up of course). Here's a home-improvement tip that I live by everyday. 

• Sheets: The luxurious part of our day is always jumping into a clean, fresh bed after a long hard day at work. I'm a sheet washing junkie, I wash my sheets every week. Not only does it help me sleep, but having clean sheets helps prevent breakouts. When you sleep you sweat and produce oils, and if you never wash your sheets.. that's a lot of oil. Have two sets and rotate every week. Keep a nice storage container with a few fabric softeners inside to store the sheets your not using. When it's time to change, throw the set that has been stored for the week in the dryer for even just a minute, they'll smell fresh from the fabric softener and wrinkle-free. :) My sheet of choice, Charter Club Bedding

Substance.

As Lo says, I want to start my blog off with some "substance".

One thing I'll frequently update on is make-up tips and facts that I live and abide by. Not only do tips I've learned over the years help my finances, they help me get the most out of my make up!

I am make-up fanatic, I personally believe that good quality make-up is important. One reason being because in my teenage years I suffered from moderate acne. When I made the switch from generic store brand make up to Chanel my face significantly improved. Not that it's completely necessary to indulge in pricy make up, but I can say for me it was worth the switch. My skin looks better, but everything I buy I have for at least 6 months to a year, and absolutely love!

Here's one trick I've learned from the many fashion magazines I read.

• Mascara: Not only is it expensive, but it's one of the quintessential make-up necessities that us ladies cannot go without. Whether it's use is for a night out on the town, or a hangover cover-up for work.

When your mascara tends to dry out run the brush briefly under some water. It will bring back the moisture in the tube, and make it as good as new. You can do it as often as your mascara dries out, it won't hurt the product or brush. It will save you money, and more importantly help you get the most out of your mascara!  I've tried a lot of different mascaras, if you're looking for an affordable everyday mascara Maybelline's Great Lash is the way to go. If you're looking to indulge in a posh, glamourous and also my personal favorite, Chanel's Inimitable Intense will not disappoint. Not only have I had my first tube of Inimitable Intense for over 6 months, it's also one of Chanel's top selling product.

The start of it all..

Hello friends,

Excited to say, I've been inspired by my best friend Lo Lovell to start my very own blog. I'm always thinking of different ideas for school, food, fashion, make-up, and home improvement that I can never keep track of enough in my personal agenda. So think this will be a perfect collection of all my thoughts, and everyone is invited to follow :)