One Kings Lane

Has anyone ever used One Kings Lane? It's the same concept of Rue La La and Gilt - designer products at discount prices. Except instead of clothing, shoes, and accessories, it is home goods. There are always great pillows, candles, bathroom and kitchen accessories, and every now and then, coffee table books. Today they are featuring "Preppy Plates" and I'm obsessed with this tray. For one, it has a monogram, and that's perfection. I also love that its made of bamboo and the bright pink chevron. How perfect would this be on a coffee table holding a candle, vase of flowers, and other knick knacks? I'm kind of in love. If you love it as much as me, go to One Kings Lane and sign up for your share of discounted designer home goods.

Coffee Table Inspiration

My roommate and I have been needing a new coffee table since, well, forever. What we have now works, but I don't think it's necessarily something either of us are dying to continue with. You can imagine my delight when one of my favorite websites, The Everygirl, had a feature on styling coffee tables. I am more than inspired, and am determined to use their suggestions and put ideas into reality! I'll be out of town this weekend, but next week I am going to start on this DIY project. The tables are only $7.99 from IKEA, which is great. I love the use of color in the top photos - how great is the leather couch with brightly colored and patterned pillows? I already have several coffee table books, and with a couple purchases on Amazon, Etsy, and Anthropologie, I am certain we can have the coffee table of our dreams for under $50... at least that's my goal. I'll keep you updated on the progress with lots of pics to come!!!

Oh Happy Weekend

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and spent lots and lots of time outdoors and with family and friends. I had such a lovely weekend with two dear friends in town. Thursday night started the fun, with Ashley in town. We went to dinner with her Dad at Twist, where I expanded my food horizons a tiny bit (I ate seared tuna!) followed by a drink in Buckhead. It was so nice to see her and I can't wait to see her again this weekend in Indiana! 

Friday night Natalie came in town for the weekend to visit Courtney and I. It was just the best having her here, especially since I won't be seeing her in a couple weekends to celebrate two friends' wedding. We had a late dinner at Miller Union, a fun spot in Midtown, and spent hours just catching up and chatting about anything and everything. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and great friends. What could be better?!

The next day followed with a long walk in Chastain Park and more chatting. The weather was beautiful and I couldn't have asked for a better weekend for Natalie to see the city. We had lunch at OK Cafe in Buckhead and then ran errands to get ready for the Braves game! This was not only Natalie's first Braves game, but also mine. Some UVA friends got a spot to tailgate, and after a long, extended ride on the Marta, we finally made it. Best part about Braves games? It's not the 4th of July, but we all sure look the part. The game was great, we somehow managed to get in a box, and had a fun, fun time. The weekend definitely went by way too fast and I was sad to see Natalie go back to Dallas - I think we needed a few more days - but I can't wait to visit her and Kaitlyn after she moves to D.C. this summer! 

Patriotism at it's finest. USA!

Middle school again taking selfie pics? Guilty. 

Hope everyone has a great Monday and start to the week! 

Curling Wand

Y'all. I think I am in the midst of a life changing hair experience. I've heard on and off the magical workings of a curling wand, and have seen it do wonders to my friends hair for formals and whatnot in college. But I have incredibly stubborn hair when it comes to maintaining curl. The weather conditions have to be just right for it to even keep a subtle wave halfway through the night - no humidity whatsoever. And I absolutely cannot move around a lot. However, I saw a post on A Piece of Toast that mentioned a curling wand at Sephora and how wonderful it is. Although I certainly can't afford the $130 price tag on the one they recommended, I can afford Remington's $24.99 wand.

On a much needed trip to Target last night, I picked up the wand and started experimenting. I did burn my fingers a time or two and probably should have put on the protective glove, but the end result was close to what I want. I didn't put in hair spray, but my curls still held pretty well. I initially bought the 1 1/2-1 inch wand, but after using it again this morning, I think I am going to return it for the 1/2 - 1 inch wand. My curls have stuck all day and I'm sure with a little more patience and practice, they'll look perfect.

Have you ever used one of these before? What are your thoughts?

No Shopping for a Month

I'm doing it. I'm not going to buy anything for myself for a month.

I realize this is probably coming 40 days too late, as most people give something up during the season of Lent. Freshman year I told my Mom I was giving up Facebook for Lent, expecting her to be proud of me for giving up something very distracting and counterproductive. I got the opposite - she told me to get back on Facebook because as a Lutheran, I don't have to give anything up. So about 30 seconds later, I reactivated my account.

But this is for real. I really need to save my money, not spend it. I have more than enough clothes that I should really try to utilize different ways. The only things I'm REALLY wanting that I feel like would be an immediate asset to my wardrobe would be:

A pair of colorful pants for work, like these from J.Crew:

 

...And some colorful statement necklaces to add a pop of color to the neutrals in my closet

But I won't buy ANYTHING. So if you're feeling really generous or need a good birthday present for me.... follow these guidelines! Presents are always accepted :)

Happy Easter Weekend!

Wishful Wednesday

As the weather gets warmer and warmer, I can't help but wish for a new pair of neutral wedges. In my opinion, this kind of shoe is worth every bit of money spent. I wear them everywhere with everything because they are so versatile. Neutral wedges are like a Jack Rodger Navajo sandal, but with more height and oomph, perfect when you want to dress up a bit. These are a few options I have been wistfully looking at, and although the DVF and Tory Burch wedges are far out of my budget, the Dolce Vita, Franco Sarto, and BCBGeneration ones certainly could do. And maybe the Jack Rogers if I don't spend any money for a month! I can't decide which is my favorite, but I know as the summer months approach, I won't be able to hold out without investing in a new pair for Summer 2012!

Clockwise: Tory Burch 'Daniela' Sandal // DVF 'Opal' Wedge Sandal // Jack Rogers 'Marbella' Sandal // DV by Dolce Vita 'Onya' Sandal // Franco Sarto 'Slim' Sandal // BCBGeneration 'Candiss' Woven Sandal

Weekend wrap up

A day or two late, but better late than never! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend - I know that I did! I was in Oxford, MS for a quick weekend visit with Patrick, but I couldn't be happier I went. The weather was finally cooperative with no rain and just sun, sun sun! On Saturday I experienced my first Ole Miss baseball game - so different than anything I ever witnessed at Indiana. Around 10,000 fans came out for the game, including students (imagine that!!!). Granted, Ole Miss was playing the No. 1 team - Florida, who they beat, by the way! - so the crowds made sense, but I was assured that kind of attendance was a regular thing.

The best part about Ole Miss baseball games that students sit in the outfield and since it is technically "off campus", we could enjoy the game while having a couple brewskies. In the event of a home run, all the students throw their beer in the air, resulting in a very beer soaked me. But it was extremely hot, so although I had to shower again, I was a teensy bit refreshed!! On our walk home I saw Faulkner's house (at least that's what Patrick told me), and a million other gorgeous, old, Southern homes. 

That night Patrick and I had dinner at Boure, an Oxford favorite, followed by watching the Kansas-Ohio State Final Four game at The Library and listening and dancing to the Mustache Band. Paris snagged some stick on mustaches from the band, which naturally resulted in us pretending to be Anthony Davis. All in all, very good weekend and I was sad to see Sunday come.  

This week has been crazy so far at work, but I have some good blog posts lined up (at least I think so!) so stay tuned! Happy Easter week!