Music Tuesdays

I think that no matter who the popular artists are, the new trends, and the cool radio stations, I always go back to a similar type of music. Of course, I enjoy listening to Lady GaGa or even Katy Perry while I am working out, but when I feel like truly listening to music, I always turn to my favorites.

I thought it would be fun to start a new weekly music post. I will be posting a variety of artists, from different countries in Europe and of course America. I really hope you enjoy this new idea - if not, just let me know and we will try something else :) 

  This week I chose Amy Macdonald. She is from Scotland, and I simply adore her music. Her first album This Is The Life, is one of the few that I can seriously listen to over and over, without skipping songs, or getting tired of the same music. She is amazingly talented, and writes some of the best lyrics I've heard. 

ENJOY AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!!!!!

Sunday Blog Crush

Hello Lovelies - how was everyone's weekend? Are you all watching the Emmys right now? I know I am :)

Who doesn't enjoy two hours of red carpet, drooling over beautiful gowns, making fun of the over the top silly outfits, and every other minute think: "OK, that's it, I'm done eating bad - I want her body!"

Come on, you  know you do it too! I'm a sucker for award shows, and the Emmys are my favorite because let' face it, I'm a TV junkie! Tonight, I'm rooting for Modern Family, Matthew Fox (LOST) and Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) - best actor in a drama series.  I really really hope one of those two win. They are DUE for an Emmy.

As far as my weekend, it was just perfect. We went to the Braves game on Friday night, Saturday was cleaning, lounge day followed by a "Back to College" party our friends had. It was basically your typical college party: jeans, and cute tops, solo cups to play Beer Pong and Flip Cup, cards drinking games, and good music. I have to say, it felt nice to go back in time for one night, forgetting about all of our "real world" responsibilities.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, and are ready for a new week ahead! Or, if you are like me, you are trying to stay up as reasonably late as I can because I do not want it to be Monday already!

Here is your Sunday blog crush. This week, I picked the blog of two sisters who share the love of interior design, fashion, amazing treats, organizing and more. Take a peak - you will love it!

 check it out here

 Have a wonderful evening!!!

 

I simply wanted to say Thank You to all my new followers/readers :) I really appreciate you taking the time to read my random little thoughts, and leaving sweet comments! 

It is definitely not easy to start a blog, much less get people to read it, and enjoy it enough to come back. 

So, with all my heart, Thank You for coming back, and I hope to make this blog even better as the time goes! 

This is so exciting!!! 

Good Night, my sweet ladies!!

Fill In The Blanks Friday

It is FINALLY Friday! I am so excited about our weekend, because we don't really have any plans, and I love that! Tonight, we are going to a Braves game, but nothing planned for Saturday or Sunday. It's been a good week. Lots of things happening in my life that I will share with you in the near future. 

Until then, I hope you enjoy this week's Fill In The Blanks Friday - I really liked it!

1.  The most adventurous thing I've ever done is       believe it or not, I went skydiving a few years ago. There were 16 of us who went, and I thought it would be a really cool experience. And I was right! To this day, it is the most amazing adrenaline rush I've ever had.  I remember worrying that that dropping feeling you get when riding a roller coaster, but it was completely different. I felt like I was floating the whole time, and it was just incredible. 


2.  If I were a pair of shoes I  would be    hmmm, I'd like to say that I would want to be a pair of beautiful fancy heels, but let's be honest - I'd rather be a pair of UGG boots. They are warm, comfy, and you can really wear them with anything...even to lay around at home sometimes - yep, that's me :)

3.  My preferred mode of digital communication is     texting. Over the years, I've realized that I just don't like to be on the phone. I like that I can do other things while I'm texting (of course, not driving ;) ) - it's just more convenient .

4.  I feel happiest when     I'm around mine or Michael's family. I'm such a mom and daddy's girl, and the older I get, the more I realize how valuable our times together are. 

5t.  A little dream I have for my life is    to be Rachel Zoe's assistant! hah..but really, I would have died for a job in fashion. Or working for a fashion magazine like ELLE or VOGUE - it would be amazing.
6.  The one modern convenience I could NOT do without is     my ipod. I mean, do you remember the time of disc mans?! I remember how inconvenient it was to work out with this thick band that held the thing around your waist, and just how stupid it looked! Ipods are seriously one of the best things ever invented!

7.  Music, movies, TV or books:  if I could only choose one to enjoy I would pick   BOOKS. I always enjoy a good book, and I feel like the more I read, the more I keep up with my writing, and vocabulary. I know - nerdy, but think about it! With all the technology around us, a lot of people don't read anymore. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!

Until I Have My Own

I don't have any children yet, but I am lucky to have the sweetest, smartest, most amazing little niece. Her name is Sara, and she is 3 and half years old. She is everything you'd want in a little girl, and more. She is girlie, cuddly, and yes, she is already obsessed with shoes and clothes. 

I'm not kidding. Ever since she was little, my mom has been buying her all kinds of outfits, and shoes. To the point that now, every time my mom says she has a surprise for her, Sara automatically thinks: SHOES! 

I love it. I mean, most kids get excited about toys, or candy. She gets excited about going to Target because she knows they have sparkly or as she says "princess" shoes! I mean, how can you resist?! 

Because she makes me smile so much, and she is the closest thing I have to a child right now, this post is for her. I hope she knows how much I love her, and how much happiness she has brought to our lives. 

I love you my sweet little princess :) 

I love you like a big chocolate chip ice cream sundae!!

Daily Beauty Routine

I don't know about you, but some of my favorite posts to read are beauty posts. I'm always curious to see what products women use in their daily routines, what are their favorite make-up items, and what they simply cannot live without. 

I got to think about my own daily routine, and realized that I actually have a pretty rigorous beauty routine that I haven't changed much over the years. 

First, let's begin with my face/skin. I have combination to oily skin, and it get's worse in the Georgia Summer heat. I swear by exfoliating scrubs, masks, and toners to try and tame the oil as much as possible. 

Everyday, mornings and evenings, I use the Clinique "3-Step Skin Type 3." I wash my face with the Liquid Facial Soap for oily skin, and usually use warm to cold water. I have noticed a difference in the oil since I've switched to cold water; and my skin is firmer. 

 Three days a week, I use St. Ives "Invigorating Apricot Scrub" to remove excess dirt/oil on my skin. I usually do it at night so that my skin has all night to heal from the harsher scrub beads. 

I usually proceed to the Clarifying Lotion (which should be used lightly, or else it will try out your skin); followed by the "Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel" - again for oily skin. I have used the 3-Step for 6 years, and to this day, no other products have made my skin as healthy as Clinique does. 

Of course, I developed quite the infatuation with Clinique products. About two years ago, I was introduced to another product I now can't live without. It is the "All About Eyes" Clinique eye cream. This cream is made to reduce puffiness, and dark circles - and guess what? It WORKS. I absolutely adore this little cream. 

There are many morning where I look at myself and wonder if I even went to sleep because my eyes are so puffy. I put a small amount of the cream after the 3-Step routine, and I'm good to go. Oh, and it works great as a prep before your concealer. 

Another Clinique product I have come to like is their "Youth Surge" night cream. OK, I know you're going to think I'm a little ahead of the game, but I have this theory that if I start using wrinkle cream at a young age, I will preserve my skin longer. I actually started using this cream when I turned 25. I felt like it was a good age, and kind of went along with my quarter-life crisis. Needless to say, I can't live without my night cream anymore. 

 

 And you know what? It works too. I have seen a few fine lines disappear over the last year, and my skin is a lot firmer.  OK OK, I know that I'm only 26, but still - This night cream honestly is great, and I strongly recommend it.

Make-Up 

When it comes to make-up, I'm not the adventurous kind at all. I like to have good and reliable products, but I also like to feel like my make-up looks as natural as possible. 

I was never a big fan of foundation, and for the longest time I simply did not wear it. I would put on my moisturizer, some blush, and I was good to go. Of course, as I got older, I couldn't really get with just blush anymore. 

 So, as the Sephora lover that I am, I felt like it was time to try something new, and just like that, I fell in love. I had heard about Bare Minerals in college, and I remember thinking, "wow, this sounds like a lot of work just to put on make-up."Which is why I was hesitant when the Sephora lady suggested I try the Bare Minerals Starter's Kit. 

I remember going home, watching the instructions on the DVD, and thinking..."what did I get myself into?!?" I did try to replicate what the lady did on the video, and when I got done, I seriously thought "WOW." I  mean, my skin looked beautiful, and it didn't feel like I had any make-up on! I was immediately hooked. 

I use the Bare Minerals Matte Foundation for medium skin tone, followed by the "Warmth" aka blush/bronzer, and finish with the Mineral Vail as a "sealer." My skin looks great, and it never looks like I have much make-up on. 

As far as my eyes are concerned, I'm pretty basic: black mascara, dark brown eyeliner, and some shade of brown/taupe eye shadows. No matter how tired I am, I would NEVER leave my house without eyeliner on. I feel completely naked without it! 

I use Make-Up Forever's "Smoky Lash" mascara, and  yes, it costs $22.00 which is outrageous, but the result is SO worth it. Two coats, and I have the prettiest eyelashes. It lasts a long time, and I have yet to find a better one - so for now, I'm sticking to this little miracle. 

For my eye-liner, I use Revlon's "ColorStay" eyeliner in dark brown. It's waterproof, and I barely have to re-apply it throughout the day. It's fairly cheap, and seeing how quick I go through my eye liners, I definitely cannot afford to buy a $14-18 eyeliner every month.

  

As for eye shadows, I don't have any that I use in particular. I really like the ULTA brand shadows, and I always do the "buy 1 get 1 free" deal, and get different shades of browns. 

What do you think?! Too much for a daily routine? Hmmm I'd like to think that every girl/women enjoys taking care of themselves. 

What about you? What is your daily routine? Any particular products you can't live without? 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!! 

Sunday Blog Crush

Well here we are, Sunday evening, and it's almost Monday again. We had a great weekend filled with good dinners, lots of laughs with friends, and I even did a little bit of shopping today. We are finally relaxing, and about to watch an episode of "The Wire."  Michael and I have recently starting watching the series from season 1, and we are hooked! 

This week's Sunday Blog Crush is the blog of Olivia's adventures, random thoughts, and anything and everything that makes her happy. I love the spontaneity of her blog, and you can always look forward to great picture!

Check it out here

Have a great rest of the weekend! ENJOY!!!!!

Fill In The Blanks Friday!

    

1.  My favorite current TV show is    The Rachel Zoe Project. I am just OBSESSED with her! She is so amazingly stylish, and I love her personality. She has unbelievable taste in clothes, and watching her show is a constant treat, because you get to see some really amazing clothes, purses and shoes! 

2.  The TV character I can relate to most is    OK, you are not allowed to laugh, but it would be Kerri Russell in Felicity. I have to admit that I own all 4 seasons in DVD, and Felicity was my favorite show in high school. I loved her personality, and I could always relate to her dilemmas, awkwardness, and constant worrying/over-analyzing everything.

3.  My life is like (fill in with TV show and why)....     hmm that's a tough one. I'm not really sure to be honest.  A few years ago, I would have said Felicity, but nowadays...I'm afraid I don't really have a good answer to this one.

4.  My all time favorite TV show is   FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS! Coach Taylor is simply amazing. If you don't know the show, I strongly recommend it.

5.  A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is  haha this would have to be JERSEY SHORE! Michael and I seriously get excited for new episode each week, and are fully aware that it is one of the stupidest shows we've ever watched!

 

6.  My favorite TV couple is   Coach Eric and Tammy Taylor from Friday Night Lights. They are everything I hope to be with my husband one day. I am SO happy about their Emmy nominations this year.

7.  One TV episode I could watch over and over again is  OK..I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but the pilot from Friday Night Lights. The acting, the speeches and the emotions that were captured in the episode got me hooked.

 

I can't wait to read everyone's fill in the blanks today - what a fun topic! I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!  

 

Gossip Girl, The OH LA LA Version!

Umm, am I the only who is SUPER excited about the upcoming season of Gossip Girl??! I've been a huge fan since episode one, and have not missed one since (and yes, I own the DVDs and often watch old episodes when I get bored.) 

I am so excited for season 4, and to see how Blair does in her element of Ivy League at Columbia. Oh yea, I am 100% Team Blair! I know, I know...she is not always the nicest, but it's what makes her so exciting. She has a wardrobe to DIE for, and I love her and Chuck together. I really hope they get back together this season!

Oh and did I mention that the beginning of season 4 takes place in PARIS?! Now, that's what I call icing on the cake! Here is the first promo for the new season - Enjoy !! 

What about you? Team Blair or Team Serena?!

Sunday Blog Crush

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Ours was quite relaxing. We spent Saturday at Michael's parent's house, which is my home away from home. I also like to call it a "staycation", because his mom always spoils us with good treats and snacks, and I just feel so comfortable when I'm there. Their house is 45 minutes south of Atlanta, in one of the most beautiful suburbs of Georgia.

We stayed the night, and hung out with Michael's brother and his fiancee, and spent our evening looking through old pictures of the boys, laughing, and going crazy over how cute they used to be. 

 David & Betsy

I went over to my parents house when we got back this afternoon, and spent time with my mom and my babies, as we watched a "Cake Boss" marathon. We hadn't had a family weekend in a while, and I'm glad we did. It always makes me feel good. 

 Lola & Lucy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, onto your Sunday Blog Crush. This week, I chose a blog that is a collection of a fashion, decorations, pretty things, and random thoughts of Lindsay, at La Belle Vie.

check it out here

I like it a lot because it is simple, yet Lindsay always has something interesting to share with us. I really like blogs that don't have so much going on, such as sponsors, links, too many pictures, etc. It makes me feel like it is just me and the author, and I don't know, it's a little more personal. What do you think? 

Enjoy your Sunday evening, and have a great Monday!

Fill In The Blanks Friday!

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that there is no better feeling than Friday mornings, when you know it's the last day at work, that you get to sleep in tomorrow, and if you are me, Friday mornings mean "cheat breakfast!" 

I am sitting at work, drinking my Friday morning White Mocha from Starbucks, and counting down the hours till I'm off work! Today is extra special because M boo has decided to take me on a date night :) I love dates nights even more when they are unexpected. Boo suggested that I had a long week at work, and I could use a relaxing night at one of my favorite restaurants. When did I get so lucky?! 

Here is your "fill in the blanks" Friday! Enjoy!!  

1.  Birthdays are:    bittersweet. I don't know what it is, but I always get the Birthday blues. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I don't like to be the center of attention, and I get so shy. On the other hand, I LOVE other people's birthday, and will try my best to make them feel important on their special day!

2.  My favorite birthday memory was    when I turned 20. It doesn't seem like a big, but in France, 20 years old is a big deal (since we don't have the whole 21 y/o to drink etc..) My parents planned a surprise party at one of our favorite French restaurants in Atlanta, and invited all my friends, our family and close family friends. It was so much fun, and I got drunk with my dad for the first time ever! I also received a right hand ring from my parents, with 9 diamonds in the shape of a flower.. I haven't taken it off since. I was the most beautiful/meaningful gift I've ever received.

3.  A birthday tradition I (or my family) has is     my mom always makes our favorite meals, and no matter how old we are, birthday cake and candles :)

4.  If I had to choose one birthday meal to eat for the rest of my birthdays hence forward, I would choose   this is a tough one, but it would probably be my mom's breaded chicken with her homemade tomato pasta. simple, but to DIE for! oh and of course, chocolate mousse cake is a must!   

5.  My birthday is on     November 7th. Scorpio :)  .

6.  If I could take a birthday trip I would go     it's sound cliche, but I would pick New York City. I've never been, and I am DYING to go visit! Being from France, I've been lucky enough to travel around Europe, so NYC is definitely my top choice .

7.  The best gift I've ever received for my birthday was    I mentioned the ring my parents gave me, which was by far the most meaningful gift I've received. If had to pick the coolest/most fun gift, it would have to be my first Ipod. While in college, I was a nanny for the same family for 5 years, and a year after I starter working for them, they gave me a pink Ipod mini for my birthday. They used to see me carry my "disc man" around, and I think felt like it was time for an upgrade. I thought it was the coolest gift ever!

 

HAPPY FRIDAY, AND HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!!  

Daydreaming Of Pretty Things

This week is our busiest week of the month at work, because it is the end of the period, and this lovely accountant has to close the books, and audit the income statement before it can be released. Trust me, being an accountant is as boring, and unglamorous as people think; but somehow I enjoy it. 

I also have to admit that when I am really busy, I take small breaks to stay sane during the craziness around me. I usually catch up on blogs, check facebook (what?! you do it too!!), and of course, a lot of online window shopping. 

Lately, I've just been ready for the fall weather to arrive. Living in the South this year has not been pleasant: mid to high 90s everyday, combined with humidity, and not one good hair day since early June. Let me tell ya, I cannot wait for the first morning when I walk out my apartment, and feel a cool crisp breeze outside. 

Of course, thinking about Fall got me thinking about fall shopping! It's pretty much my version of back-to-school shopping; minus the homework :) 

I have my eyes on a couple of things that I would like this fall. I know that I need a new black purse, a new pair of flats, and a couple of work pants. I'm also out of my fall/winter perfume. 

 I can't wait for fall, the smell of pumpkin spice, scarves, and the Holidays around the corner. But, till then, here is a preview of my fall wish list! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Classic Q - Hillier" Hobo - Obsessed!!

Tory Burch Reva Flats - DIE!!

L'artisan Parfumeur, timless "Mure et Musc" sent -my all time favorite
 

What about you? Any ideas for your Fall wish list?!

In Transit ?

From the moment we start school, until we graduate college, we live our lives in "school years time" You know, from September to June, with the long awaited Summer break. 

I never really thought about this until the first summer after my college graduation. To be fair, I had a month off before starting an internship at a CPA firm, which helped me ease in to this new life, without a summer break. 

At first, it wasn't so bad, because I felt so grown up, I was working, and was excited about being an adult. And then, it hit me: there was no more light at the end of the tunnel. 

I know it's a weird way of looking at it, but since then, summer doesn't feel right to me anymore. I feel like I'm in "transit" from the moment kids are out of school, until the end of August. I have this feeling as if I am constantly missing out on something, because I am at work all day long.

I miss my TV shows, college football, the cool weather, but mostly, the feeling that my life is back to it's normal routine. I don't even know if I'm making sense, but it's just a silly feeling! 

Needless to say, I am loving the fact that kids are going back to school, that we are so close to college football kick offs, that my TV shows are starting back soon, but most importantly, I will feel "normal" again at work...because, well summer is over, so this is where I should be! 

Haha I don't even think this post makes any sense, but I'm OK with that. I think we can all agree with the fact that we all have random thoughts at times; but who knows, maybe some of us are actually thinking the same things?!

What do you think about living in actual calender years rather than school years?! 

I guess once I have children, I will live on a school year calendar basis again. Or maybe, just maybe, I still have not accepted the fact that I am now a grown up :)

Cupcake Disaster

You know when you are craving something for days, even weeks, and you FINALLY decide to satisfy your craving? It might sound silly, but I had a craving for a cupcakes for about 2 weeks. 

I don't know what it was, because I don't even eat cupcakes on a regular basis; but last week, I just HAD to get one. I know, I could have easily baked half a dozen. But I wanted a "gourmet" cupcakes. A pretty, fun, out of the ordinary cupcake (ok am I weird?!)

I happened to see a flyer laying around in our break room at work; for this new little cupcake shop not even a mile away. I looked up the shop, and was salivating just reading about all the flavors. I was SO excited! 

It's Friday afternoon, I get off work at 4pm, and go straight to the shop. I won't name the shop because my goal is not to bad mouth the place. I get there, immediately, I am disappointed. Quiet place, no cute decorations, and about 5 different flavors left. 

I take a good look, read about the ingredients, and finally decide to play it safe and get the "Milk Chocolate Explosion." At $3.00 a cupcake, it is as big as you would expect. Big cake, and about 3 inches of icing standing on it. Needless to say, it was HEAVY. 

 Not as good as it looks

I get home, get comfy on the couch, put on The Real Housewives of D.C. recorded the night before, and start eating my cupcake. I decide to remove the ridiculous amount of icing, and simply pick at it each time I take a bite. 

Verdict: NOT GOOD AT ALL :(

The cupcake tasted worst than any I've ever had. Icing had that chemical taste, the white cake was very blend, and I could not even finish it. 

What a disappointment! Why am I telling you all this?! Well, simply because it made me realize that I should have just gone to the store, picked up a cupcake mix, and made my own. 

Of course, I am not saying that all cupcake shops are not good, but you know what I mean. 

Lesson Learned? It is better to rely on ourselves sometimes :)