Gift of Time

Birthday gift to myself--the gift of more time. How does one accomplish such a task? Well, for me the first step is letting go of the long hair! I've had enough of the 2 1/2 hours needed to wash, blow dry and flat iron my hair each time I wash it (who has that kind of time, especially for hair)! So, I did a bit of research and decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love. One of the teachers at the boys daycare did this a few years ago and I thought it was the neatest thing. It requires a ponytail at least 10 inches long so it can be processed and turned into a wig. I admit, it took me a bit of time to make the appointment, but I'm so glad I did it! I've needed a change for sometime and with some twisting of my stylists arm (she loves long, curly hair because she doesn't have to fix it everyday), but I finally convinced her to put my hair into 2 ponytails and cut it off. It was liberating! I will work to get some better pics, but here it is. Happy Birthday to me!!

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A Nice Bob

OK, what do you think of Jessica Alba's new bob? I really like it and I'm SO READY for a hair style change--I think this could be my new style! Now, if I can just muster up the courage to (1) find a new salon, (2) make an appointment, and (3) actually go to the appointment I'll be proud of myself. Ray thinks this style is really cute but suggested a straighter too so my curls won't cause me fits for a few months (I shouldn't share with him the cost of such services, should I?) Resolution #1 for 2011: Just do it (original, I know)!!

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nadeau--furniture with a SOUL

I'm in LOVE! I finally found a furniture store that GETS me!! On a recent "exploring" trip for furniture to place in our sitting room, I discovered a wonderful store, nadeau--furniture with a soul, in Homewood. It is an amazingly DE-LISH store full of the most well-made, hand crafted, and unique pieces of furniture! However, just trying to choose one, or two, pieces will post a challenge but I can say, their prices are FANTASTIC so maybe I'll just have to buy several! Check out these wonderful pieces and see for yourself why I instantly fell in love.....

Gray Distressed Open-Air Armoire--$512 Washed Blue & Brown Distressed Buffet Server-$466 Red Cupboard Display Cabinet--$512

Distressed Buffet w/Hand Carved Details--$653

Natural Yellow Breakfront--$909

The pictures truly do not do these items justice. They are substantial and sturdy. I'd suggest adding this store to your list of great places to shop--I am! Pin It

Style Crush

I have been in a MAJOR personal style slump for quiet some time. It seems to take me a million hours to get ready in the morning because I can't find anything to wear. My hair is too long and needs some major help. And, even though I put makeup on I still look colorless and tired. So, I have decided it is time for a change. I began looking for some style inspiration so I could give myself a makeover. Well, I have to admit that I have a serious style crush on Princess Letizia of Spain. Why, you ask? Ah, let me show you.

Princess Letizia is amazingly stylish! Her style is effortless and classic. Yes, I realize she has a team of people that enable her to pull this off but, I'm gonna attempt to borrow some of her style ideas and see if I can just come close to her effortlessness. (No, I will not match the boys to my outfits--that would be a bit much for a mere pheasant such as myself!)

I am drawn to her simplistic and put together look. I LOVE the peep-toe snakeskin pumps and pencil skirt. Funny thing I realized is that I don't even own a pencil skirt! I plan to add one to my wardrobe this season (I believe I have the shoes under control).

How stylish and beautiful is this look? A simple white dress but how super stylish that it has one shoulder instead of two. Yet another stylish item I don't own--the one shoulder shirt or dress. And the styled ponytail-- now that's a hairstyle I can get on board with!

See how her style is so amazing yet not overdone. I'm crushing! Belted coats, gray, skirts and scarfs! Black (something I have TOO much of), a classic suit but in red which is FABULOUS (I need a new suit) and the shoes--love them all!

Dresses--I admit I do not wear enough of them but I do LOVE a good dress! And, a belted one is even better (it may help me look skinner)! Yet again, a piece I will be adding to my wardrobe!

So, with my new style inspiration I'm determined to change it up a bit this season. I plan to start with a closet clean-out and a trip to the salon--wish me luck!

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Homework

One of our weekly assignments in my design class was to gather pictures from magazines of rooms we like so we could discover our design style. I keep a folder on my laptop of house ideas so this was a simple task for me. I just picked a few I really like and printed them out. Because I wanted to search for new inspiration, I took to the Internet for some more pictures to add to my file. I think I know what my design style is but I can't wait to see what our instructor tells me. Below are a few images of rooms I LOVE--can you see my design style?

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