Finishing a Little Home Shopping

It may surprise you to find out that I don't like shopping in general. I like finding. No, strike that, I love finding at a great deal. In fact, my friends sometimes say, tell Elz what you want and she'll find it for less. (Except the elusive Bow Tied Beauty Boots. ebay has precious few of those). I've been trying to finish decorating my bedroom - Ha! I CAN keep part of my resolution. I've been on the look-out for curtains, bedding, and a rug to bring the room together.

I have curtains that are geometric and bold and make a statement, but after living with them for awhile, I think they make too much of a statement. So, I've been looking for something slightly more subdued but still with an impact. Right now, I'm loving these curtains from Anthropologie (be still my wallet).

Photo-Anthropologie

And this bedding set from Restoration Hardware (in gray or brown).

Photo-Restoration Hardware

I'm leaning toward the grays, which also matches my Modern Bird piece that I will show you soon. Anyone know how to save some money on the bedding and curtains? (Other than stalking eBay?) *Edited to remove all references to a company I initially wrote about that was kind of jerky and thought they could dictate my words in exchange for a discount code. No. Just no. That's all I'll say about that...for now.

Golden Globes Fashion Recap

Hollywood loves giving awards, doesn't it/they? I don't really love watching the shows, but I love watching the dresses! I missed the majority of the Golden Globes while I was traveling, but managed to catch most of the red carpet. Yea! In general, I thought the women looked great at the Globes, so finding my favorites was difficult.

I loved Eva Longoria's look. I know she's done a variation of this same dress (form fitting, long, mermaid hem) over and over but, why stop? She looks FANTASTIC. The cap sleeves and cut out gave the right amount of interest to her face and neck and the brooch at her waist really drew you in to her teeny tiny waist. I thought she looked perfect.

People seem divided over Natalie Portman's dress. Maybe it is a bit twee with the sweet rose. It would have worked better with a jeweled brooch or diamond neckline instead of the rose. But, I don't care. I think she looks happy. I love how she accessorized her outfit. I wish she would have worn her hair at least partly down. I think it would have balanced the outfit more and not made it so severe. A number of ladies had severe updos and could have used a little less hair "did" (Scarlett Johannson, I'm talking to you! Maybe she made one of those "massager" ads before coming to the Globes?!) Overall I really liked her outfit.
I loved Lea Michele's look. I loved that it was a light and airy pink color, but it had great structural elements on the side. In my opinion, you just can't go wrong with Oscar de la Renta. She was demure but noticeable. Well done. Also, her hair and make-up were spot on. The GLEE ladies all could have easily been included, everyone looked fabulous.

At first I was undecided about Anne Hathaway look. I LOVE her; we watch a lot of "The Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted" around here. And, normally she hits it straight out of the park. This look took me a little while for me to decide. But, I like it. First, she looks Fabulous. Amazing freaking fabulous. Second, she beat Angelina Jolie at her own game- sequined/pailettes (?) colored long sleeved gown with padded shoulders. Not a small accomplishment. Kudos, Anne (and Rachel Zoe!)...

There were two looks I really did not like. I was sad to see Michelle Williams wearing what can only be described as an Easter Prom dress. Terrible. You can't even call it a hippie throwback. It's just ugly. I love feminine details. But, her dress is bad. She has such a lovely look about her and is usually so confident in dressing with her own style. I wish we would have seen more of that. Or, maybe this is her style. In which case-me no likey.

Even more no likey. I get it, January. You have a rockin' bod. Put it away. Slutty is not sexy. But, you have pretty hair. The end.

Photos: Eva Longoria, Michelle Williams, January Jones- Evan Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; Lea Michele- Steve Granitz/Wire Image; Natalie Portman- Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Wishful Wednesday

Why I wish I had these Bow Tied Beauties

I think it’s well settled that I love Anthropologie. I love the way their store looks and inspires me (to buy-Ha!). I love that their clothes are unique enough that you don’t see everyone wearing them. I love their awesome customer service. What I do not love is the dedicated Anthropologie shopping contingent that makes sale items disappear just as soon as they go on sale. I missed one of my wish items and can’t stop thinking about it. These Bow Tied Beauty boots.

Boots for me are a tough sell. I have no problem buying cowboy boots. That purchase makes sense for a Texas gal. I also have a couple pairs of leather boots that I can wear with skirts & dresses in the fall. But, boots like this are hard for me to justify. We (usually) don’t get that cold. Where would I wear them? I can’t pay $$$ for them. Until this winter. Dang. It’s been COLD. My feet are freezing. Tomorrow I have client meetings in Santa Fe, New Mexico where it is -5 at night! And I have no real shoes to wear. Not Good. These perfect boots FINALLY went on sale a couple weeks ago. SOLD OUT before I could check the sale in the morning. I may have even resorted to calling Customer Service every few days to see if anyone, anywhere has returned a pair. No dice.

The worst part is that my usual Internet shopping has turned up nothing. I know the designer, Lucky Penny, but NOBODY else carries their shoes. I’ve checked Endless, 6pm, Amazon, Zappos, Nordstrom, Overstock, all the usual suspects, Nothing.

If you see a pair of these anywhere (8 or 8.5), let me know! Moral of the story- always buy the boots. Always.

Resolutions Schmesolutions

Remember how I was very resolved that I wasn't going to start any new projects? I was absolutely, really going to finish projects before starting anything new? Yeah, um, I suck at that. I have been good at working on existing projects and may have updates...soon(ish?). But, I've also been thinking. My husband and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year. I think that's a good reason to celebrate. So, I've been thinking about planning an anniversary party. Nothing too lavish, but a fun party for our friends and family. Of course, I've already made notes on the venue, decor, invitations, theme, it's a little out of control. I can't help it, I love planning parties. My question to you, what did you or would you want to do for your 10th Anniversary? Should I scrap the stress of a party and just plan a vacation? Find a nice piece of shiny sparkly for me? Hmm, decisions.

Friday Favorite- American Girl

We are an American Girl house.* For the past two years, our girls have steadily amassed four dolls and various pieces of clothing, accessories, etc. Last year we decided (OK, I decided and my husband went along with the idea) that it would be fun to surprise the girls with a post-Christmas trip to the American Girl Cafe and Store in Dallas. To say the visit was a huge hit is putting it mildly. I wish you could see their faces in the pictures I took. The American Girl people have thought of everything. There were doll seats at the table, a doll hair and earring salon, there was even a spot for the girls to place their dolls in the bathroom stalls. So cute. The store itself is massive and a bit daunting. Fortunately, I made reservations for lunch. If you decide to take your little girl to an American Girl Cafe, reservations are a must. The day we went, there was a huge line of people waiting to be seated (without reservations).

The Cafe is done in pinks and greens and is just the cutest thing. (Imagine a picture here, all my pictures from our lunch have the girls' faces in them-no posting.) My word. So adorable. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the wait staff was and how good the food tasted. Having lunch with my family at the American Girl Cafe is definitely a Friday Favorite. I should note that going to American Girl Cafe was NOT my husband's favorite. (Shocking that my hunting & fishing football watching husband didn't like the doll store, huh?!) However, if they had a bar, that might be a different story. He even said "If they charged me $25 for a beer, I'd probably pay it!"

*I made a decision years ago to choose the American Girl dolls over Barbie. Let me be clear-There's nothing wrong with letting your daughter have Barbie. It's just not what I want to give to my children. I think Barbie is an idealized version of what a woman "should" look like. I try to be selective in the female models I set out for my children. American Girl dolls, while expensive, stand for good values such as girl power, independence, compassion, and other worthwhile virtues. An added bonus is that the American Girl accessories aren't as small so you don't constantly step on teeny tiny high heels and sunglasses. My daughters have gotten a couple Barbie type of dolls and those dolls are cast aside pretty quickly. Watch out though, once you're on that American Girl mailing list, those catalogs are like crack to little girls.

**Not a paid or sponsored post in any way. I really do like the American Girl dolls. However, if American Girl wants to provide me with free dolls, doll stuff, or sponsorship, that would really come in handy. (Those doll accessories aren't cheap!)

The Finish Line

A New Year, A New Me?

Everyone is talking about resolutions. The gym is full of people. The refrigerator at work is full of salads. All the magazines are telling me how to lose weight, redecorate, a "New Me! a New You!" I know people who have made vision boards and inspiration boards and picked words to guide their year. I usually make a few lofty goals and then beat myself up if I don't stick to my promise to myself. This year I really thought about what I needed to do, what I wanted to accomplish, what would help me grow. It didn’t take long for me to come up with my answer. Instead of starting something new, I need to finish. I start LOTS of projects. I’m not finished decorating any room in my house yet. I wasn’t able to race in either of the two half marathons I signed up for last year. I have tons of scrapbook stuff for the girls and have only made 3 or 4 pages. Even at work, I end up starting way too many projects for my clients and then get stressed out because I have to finish them all in a short period of time. I need to FINISH. So, that’s my goal for the year. To finish. I intend to finish. I want to finish some decorating; finish a number of craft projects; and, of course, finish at least one race. I think if I can remember to finish what I am working on, it will help me START so much more.

Where We Were-Our Mini Tour of Texas

Wow. It feels like I've been gone from the Internet for weeks. I've been gone from "regular life" for some time too. It was a nice and needed break. We squeezed a lot out of the last week. After Christmas we embarked on a 900 mile tour of Texas including Great Wolf Lodge, the American Girl Store & Cafe, friends and family, and ending up in the Hill Country. Actually, ending up with two stomach viruses...but, who is counting?? I'll eventually update everything, but here are snippets of our Hill Country time.

We fed the sheep.

The girls loved all the baby sheep.

We toured the countryside. We looked for deer and found this baby on the property. Those deer move fast once they see you!
Of course, the girls did a craft or two.

Another given, s'more time with good friends.

Now, it's back to regular life and back to reality (name that song!). Hope your holiday time off was just as wonderful, but without any stomach illnesses.