A pair of nude colored heels is a staple for any woman's wardrobe. They go with any outfit and can give a very classic and sophisticated feel. Not to mention they make your legs look a million miles long! :) Here are a few different styles of nude pumps and some of my favourite ways to wear them.
1. Forever21
2. Kristen Bell
3. Jessica Simpson
4. BCBG
5. Ralph Lauren
6. Christian Louboutin wedges
7. Nine West
8. Shock Boutique
9. Target (this is the pair I own and I LOVE them!)
10. L.A.M.B. Crepes
11. Steve Madden
12. Jimmy Choo
I had a completely different post planned for today. Then I read this article and watched this video......
Suddenly that blog I had planned seemed so trivial. When I see an injustice I can't just say "Oh that's horrible." and then move on. I have to do something. I have to act. I want to help. I want to inform others who may not be aware. It's like a part of my DNA. I can't just sit back and do nothing or walk away.
I have become actively involved in several global causes because of this passion to serve, to empower, to encourage. I thought it would be much better to share with you some of the groups I support and/or volunteer with that I believe bring positive solutions to some of the major issues we face every day in our world. Please be inspired to check out these non-profit organizations, get involved and be the change you wish to see in the world. Click on any of the images below to view their websites.
These are just a handful of the great groups out there who's goal is to help enrich the lives of others. There are many more I could list here. If you have any groups that you think make a great impact on our world please share them in the comments below. Thank you to all of those helping make a positive difference in the lives of others even if it is locally in your own town, or church or family. Bless you.
Casual, funky and sophisticated braids are a great way to bring style to your hair. There are so many different ways you can incorporate a simple braid into your hairstyle. It's a fun way to change up your everyday look without getting a new hair cut or changing the color. Braids are often simple, chic and fun to wear. My hair is finally getting to a length where I can try out some of these braided looks.
all photos found on google image- click for larger view
I have been on the search for the perfect wide-brimmed sun hat for summer, and more specifically for our upcoming cruise. There's something classy and feminine about these large bohemian-style floppy hats. The first image (top left) is what sparked my love for these adorable accessories. Unfortunately it is $80 from ASOS.com so unless it goes on major sale I will just have to find a more inexpensive dupe. All the other hats shown here were either found on Ebay or Google Images. Which one do you like best?
I live to give is definitely one of my frequent phrases. I sincerely enjoy helping others and doing things for people that might improve their quality of life...even for a moment. Why? Because there is nothing in this world I treasure more than people. Now, before some begin making assumptions...I am not attempting to portray myself as some saint, (I am far from it) but I can't and won't deny something that brings me a lot of joy in life. You know that elated feeling you get when you enjoy that thing you love? That's how I feel about giving. I simply love it.
I don't have a lot to give as far as money is concerned but whenever there is a sincere need I like to meet it when I can. Sometimes that just means being there to listen or to physically help someone or volunteering my abilities in some way. Giving to me means giving of yourself not just of your goods. If I could live simply off smiles, I would. Because I believe smiles are the heart's greatest reward.
No one has ever become poor by giving. ―Anne Frank
A giving heart gathers. ―Luke 6:38 It is in giving that we receive. ―St. Francis of Assisi
The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving. ―Albert Einstein
As many of you know...I love music. I'm always on the hunt for new songs and artists and I have an eclectic taste when it comes to the type of music I enjoy. I love everything from Jazz to Folk to Techno. As long as I can connect in some way to the song, even if it is instrumental, I don't care if it's popular or not...I will listen to it. I am definitely NOT a music snob.
I've never been able to pick a favourite song though. I've always just loved so many songs for so many different reasons and depending on my mood.. So I guess you could say I had a favourite song for every mood. But I recently discovered my all-time favourite song. It is called, You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham.
The combination of the lyrics with the images in this video just captures so much. What ultimately brought me to the realization that this is definitely my favourite song is the fact that if I could only sing one song, it would be this one. I hope you enjoy it too.
What's your favourite song? I'd love to give it a listen!
I went on the hunt for a cute doormat today with no luck. I found a few that I liked but they were all outrageously priced! Back home I have a doormat for nearly every holiday - definitely one for every season. I don't know why but I enjoy the idea of house guests being greeted by a cute doormat even before they are actually greeted by us. It's just that little something extra to personalize your place and make it feel more inviting. Jared thinks it's silly to own so many doormats and switch them out nearly every month. But it's something I just enjoy. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect "guest greeter" for our apartment here in Switzerland. Here are a few examples of the cute doormats that are out there so that maybe you'll have a better understanding of why I have a mini obsession with them! :)
There is something feminine, delicate and beautiful about lace. Especially vintage lace. It just reminds me of an era that is close to my heart. My Nana had lots of lace accents around her house on old furniture and such. She also had a few lace pieces in her wardrobe that I loved to play dress up in. I guess I've always been drawn to lace ever since I was a little girl.
I have seen a lot of vintage lace inspired items lately. Here are just a few examples....
Those closest to me know that I have an obsession with Ireland and it's culture as a whole. I'm a total Irish-wannabe! I have about a pinkie finger's worth of Irish in my background but I embrace it fully! :) I've had the opportunity to visit Ireland not once but twice and both experiences left me more in love with all things Irish.
During our visits we enjoyed a quaint Irish Bed and Breakfast called Avarest B&B (how cute is that name!) which to this day was the best breakfast I've EVER had. We also stayed one night in Dromoland Castle...yes...a CASTLE! Every girl and woman's dream right?! And both visits we had the same carriage driver that took us on a beautiful scenic ride through the countryside of Ireland. He had a true Irish name....Michael Joseph O'Sullivan and his eyes creased at the corners and sparkled as he gave a toothless smile and told witty Irish jokes. These are just a few of the highlights from our trip.
What do I love so much about Ireland? First of all I love the Irish people. I love their accents, their wit and their laid back attitude. There are so many things about their culture that I love - their food, their dance, their landscape, their convictions, their music...they have so many traditions and aspects of their culture that I admire and enjoy.
One of the more specific things I love about Ireland is, of course, clovers. I have so much clothing, jewelry, etc. with shamrocks due to my Irish obsession. This Irish symbol was first coined by Saint Patrick for the Holy Trinity. Most of us know the legend that 4 leaf clovers are considered to be lucky but I think few know that the 3-leaf clover was used to represent how The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit can be separate but also part of the same entity.
In addition to my collection of clovers, I also have jewelry with the traditional Celtic Knot design often found in Ireland and one of my favourite pieces of jewelry is the Claddagh ring I got during my first trip in Ireland.
The Celtic Knot is said to symbolize eternity because the lines, due to the way it is designed, typically seem to have no beginning and no end. It is probably the most identifiable type of Celtic Art.
The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).
Claddagh rings may be used as friendship, relationship, eternity, engagement, or wedding rings depending on the intention of wearer and, in the case of a gift, of the giver. There are three traditionally accepted ways of wearing the ring which may signal someone's relationship status:
1. When worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment.
2. On the same finger with the ring turned around, it suggests someone is romantically involved.
3. When the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger it means the person is married or engaged.
This is a photo of my Claddagh ring. I LOVE that the heart is an emerald and the crown is made of tiny diamonds.
Here are a few other traditional Irish things that I love and enjoy.....
1. Self portrait wearing the blue wool sweater and shamrock necklace I got during my first trip to Ireland. You can find these kinds of sweaters in almost every shop in Ireland.
2. Waterford Crystal vase I received from my parents. Little fact: Waterford crystal prides themselves on perfection. If there is even the slightest defect during the glass blowing process they will scrap it and start over. So every piece of crystal artwork from Waterford Crystal is absolute perfection. :) I recommend touring the Waterford Crystal factory if you are ever in Ireland...such a cool experience.
3. Traditional Irish dancers - we saw both professional performances and street dancers during our Irish visits. All of which were phenomenal and so fun to watch as they bounced around on their toes.
4. Harp is an Irish beer and I prefer it over Guinness
5. This will sound strange to some but I had the best tomato basil soup I've ever had in my life while in Ireland. My Mom and I always order tomato soup on the menu of any restaurant in hopes to find something that tastes like it. The closest we have found is the tomato soup from Mia Za's but it still isn't quite the same.
6. This is just one of the beautiful views you can find in Ireland. It's a photo of the Cliffs of Mohr taken during our first trip to Ireland.
Here are a few videos of Irish dance and music that I love.
This video is of the cutest Irish dancer I've ever seen! :)
Here are two of my favourite Irish artists - Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
This was probably my longest blog post ever, but as you can see there are so many wonderful things about the Irish and I could go on for days sharing stories about this wonderful country and its culture!
I just enjoyed another beautiful sunset here in Switzerland and it was my inspiration for today's "Things I Love" blog post. I don't get up early enough to enjoy the sunrise (I love my sleep) but each evening I make sure to go to the balcony and enjoy the beautiful colors and breathtaking magic of every sunset.
I love that no two sunsets are ever the same. I can be in the exact same spot every evening for months and will never see the same exact sunset. I think that's AMAZING! There is something so captivating about sunsets for me. It's definitely something I look forward to each evening.
I've seen my share of lovely sunsets over the years. Jared and I used to sit on the dock near my old apartment in Indy and watch the sunset when we were dating. It was (and still is) one of our favourite spots. We saw many sunsets there together. Here is a photo I took of us sitting on the dock one of those evenings.
Another favourite was the evening I captured this photo. It was taken from our balcony in Switzerland. The photo has not been altered. This was the actual view I saw with my own eyes that night. I'm so thankful for cameras that can capture beautiful moments like this so we can cherish them forever.
Here are a few other sunset photos I found that capture the awe and beauty of this natural phenomenon. Enjoy!
Spring is so close I can feel it. Signs of the new season are literally springing up everywhere I look. Soon the weather will be cool but comfortable as opposed to chilly and tolerable. I'll be able to move into lighter and brighter fashion once spring finally arrives. Warm colors look best on my skin tone but I still love the bright, cool colors of the spring season.
Here are a few fashion items I found inspired by spring....
1. Mint flower charm from Forever21
2. Floral coin purse from Forever21
3. Floral scarf from Old Navy
4. Green silk blouse from Polyvore
5. Yellow halter dress (google images)
6. Colorful panel bangles from Forever21
7. Fuschia patent leather heels by RSVP Evelyn
8. China Glaze nail polish in Spontaneous
Aside from the fact that cupcakes are sweet and yummy I think the reason I love cupcakes is because they are reserved for special occasions like birthdays, holidays or other special events which makes them...well...special! :) I'm not the only one who loves these little mini cakes though. They are very popular right now. You can get so creative with designing them and people are more and more having cupcakes instead of cakes for weddings and birthdays, etc.
I made these panda cupcakes for Jared's birthday a few years ago. I thought they were adorable! :)
Here are a few cute and creative cupcakes and cupcake inspired items.
I love to cook and try new recipes. Cooking, for me, is somewhat relaxing because while I'm cooking, I have to focus all of my attention on what I'm doing so it gives my mind a brief break from anything else going on in my life. The only part about cooking I don't like is cleaning up afterward.
I have quite a collection of recipe books back home, I brought a few with me when we moved but not many. I rely a lot on the internet for new recipe ideas. If you have a favourite dish would you please leave the recipe below or email it to me I would LOVE to try it out - and maybe I'll even blog a review about it later! :)
Here are a few easy and delicious dishes I never get tired of.....
I love homemade soups. One of my recent favourites is Vegetable Tortellini. It's SO easy. Just add veggies (like zucchini, carrots, celery, tomatoes etc.) and a little EVOO in a pot and cook on medium heat until veggies become crisp tender then add chicken broth or bouillion cubes with equal water. Add the tortellini and some salt and pepper for flavor and you have a great recipe for homemade hearty soup.
A tasty and easy dessert/snack I enjoy making (and eating) are Rice Krispies Treats. They are super easy to make, they are one of the healthier dessert options, and the recipe makes plenty for sharing! :)
As you can probably gather I like quick and healthy meals. If you have any recipe suggestions please share them with me! They don't necessarily have to be quick and healthy but it would be a bonus if they are! :)
During my extended travels I have seen and photographed many castles. I've even had the opportunity to stay overnight in a few. I think inside every woman there is still a little girl who dreams of living in a castle. Perhaps because of all the storybooks and Disney movies. As an adult I have grown to have a great appreciation for these stone fortresses. The history of each castle owner, the rich interior design and the overall beautiful architecture. Every castle is unique but was built for the sole purpose of protection. I am always fascinated by the different castle layouts and how many of them have secret rooms or passage ways. The large rooms and endless courtyards...so many stories that could be told if only walls could speak and trees could talk.
Here are a few of the castles I've toured and/or slept in over the years.
This first photograph is of Dromoland Castle in Ireland. This is one of the castles that have been turned into a hotel and the first in which I have stayed. I was so giddy the whole time. The bed was enormous, the interior was just as you'd expect - rich fabrics and vintage pieces. It was like a dream.
This next photo is of Birr Castle. It is also located in Ireland and is one of my favourites. As you can see it looks like it is right out of a storybook. The castle grounds were just as spectacular.
Another castle that I had the pleasure of staying over night in was located in Scotland. I can't remember the name of it though. My mind is already beginning to slip............
Bunratty is another Irish castle and what made this one memorable was that we ate a traditional medievel dinner there that included giant turkey legs, eating without utensils and pitchers of "mead" which we later learned was sweetened honey wine. We found out because my dad got a little tipsy from it. He thought it was "kool-aid" according to him! HAHA I have video evidence somewhere of him after drinking the mead as well as my mom's experience with "snuff" (it's not chewing tobacco, but similar in color) - which to this day I don't know what it's true purpose is nor how I convinced my mom to try it. I think they may have hidden it in a secret location or possibly even destroyed it but I can assure you that the contents of that tape are PRICELESS! :)
This is the famousChâteau de Chillon in Switzerland. It is one of the most breathtaking castles I've seen and I think that is largely because it sits directly off of Lake Geneva and has a gorgeous view of The Alps! It's been closed both times we have tried to tour it but hopefully we'll get the chance to go inside it soon.
I'll be able to add another castle to my list of experiences after tomorrow. Jared's company dinner party will be held at another castle here in Switzerland called Château de la Sarraz, pictured below. I'm so excited! :) I'll be sure to share details and photos after the event!
Everyone has their own way of relaxing when life becomes stressful. I like to relax by lighting candles and enjoying a bubble bath. The combination of the two provides an instant calming effect on me. I like to put on soothing, often instrumental music as well. It helps to sort of rejuvenate my body and mind. I definitely recommend you try it on those days when life gets overwhelming. Taking care of yourself sometimes means taking some time out FOR yourself.
Here are a few of my favourite candle scents. I could have gone on for days but I kept it to five. ;)
Sun and Sand - Yankee Candle
I've had just as many (if not more) guys comment on how good this one smells! It has that smell of a tropical vacation. Not so much like tanning lotion, but just open air and sunshine.
Frosted Cupcake - Bath & Body Works
This smells ridiculously delicious! I have to remind myself it is a candle sometimes! ;) *enhales deeply*
Glistening Snow - Glade
Unique scent...very subtle and VERY good! It smells just how I imagine a home should smell in the winter...a mix of pine,cinnamon, lavender and tangerine. This is a definite favourite amongst friends.
Clean Linen - Glade
It literally smells like clean clothes. So fresh. So good. I love the plug in of this scent. It fills the whole house with the illusion that you have been doing laundry all day! :)
Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy Collection - B&B
Very soothing scent. Soft and relaxing. PERFECT for bubble baths! :)
I'm always amazed at just how much candles can smell exactly like the thing they are emulating. Some of them smell good enough to eat! :) What are your favourite candle scents? What do you do to help you relax?
Jared and I met on a cruise back in 2003. It was my first cruise and I have been on two since then - all of which have been amazing! Each adventure was on a different cruise ship. The first was named the Enchantment of the Seas and I LOVE that this is the name of the cruise ship where I met my husband! :)
Enchantment of the Seas
The second ship was named Liberty of the Seas and was even more extravagant - it had an ice skating rink, a climbing wall, multiple pools...you name it, it had it!
Liberty of the Seas
The third ship was the Emerald Princess and what made this ship unique to the others I had been on was it had a huge outdoor movie screen where you could watch movies under the stars just like in the old days of drive-ins...only we watched them under the stars in the middle of the ocean! :)
Emerald Princess
I have never been disappointed by any of the cruises I've been on. So needless to say I am more than excited for our upcoming 11 day Mediterranean cruise to celebrate our 11/11/11 anniversary this November. This will be the first Mediterranean cruise for both of us and I think this is the first cruise where I am more excited about the destinations than I am about the cruise itself. We will enjoy Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Israel! All of which will be firsts for us (except Italy). The cruise ship name is Costa Pacifica and according to the website has a music theme. The entire ship is decorated with music inspiration, it has a small recording studio for any aspiring musicians (I wish my brother were coming!!), there of course, will be musical/theater performance each night and if this ship is anything like the others it will be all around memorable!
Costa Pacifica
Cruises, in my opinion, are the best way to travel! You get to see so many places and you don't have to stress or worry about carrying around your luggage from place to place or hotel to hotel...cruises are floating hotels and transportation! You also don't have to worry about food...all meals are included and these meals are GOURMET! The food is one of the best parts! :) And you can eat 24/7 if you want...I don't advise it, but you can! ;) Cruises are like an all inclusive resort...there is endless entertainment on the ship... swimming... sunbathing... theater shows... dancing... shopping... you name it... they have it! Our particular package includes land tours as well. You just can't beat all that you get for the price and convenience! What I'm trying to say is that if you haven't gone on a cruise...you totally should! :)
I'll be anxiously counting down until our November cruise. Literally...I have a facebook countdown! ;) I'll also be sharing lots of photos and stories once our cruise finally transpires! Have I mentioned I'm excited?
There's something about a warm cup of hot cocoa that can bring a sweet calming effect. It doesn't matter what my mood is...hot chocolate can make any day better. It's the perfect drink for these cold winter months. I also like to use hot chocolate to hide the taste of liquid cold medicine because well....Mary Poppins was right. A spoonful (or in my case, a cup full) of sugar really does help the medicine go down! That and the 8-year-old in me is fiercely stubborn about taking medicine. Oh, and in case you didn't know - Swiss hot chocolate is where it's at! :)
Here are a few others who appreciate a good cup of hot cocoa....
I grew up as a "dainty tomboy". I loved ninja turtles, building outdoor forts, sci-fi and action movies and most of my friends were (and still are) primarily boys but I also love(d) getting dressed up for special occasions, Disney princesses and shopping. There is definitely a girly side to me. The older I get the more I embrace this girly side. :)
One thing I have always loved is purses and handbags! I remember for my 20th birthday my parents bought me my first designer handbag - light blue signature Coach purse with white leather trim. I was SO excited! The first designer bag I bought for myself was for my 21st birthday it was a small purple signature Coach purse with suede trim. I still have both of these purses and have since added quite a few new ones to my collection. I am not a purse snob though. While I LOVE designer handbags, I love purses in general and I don't care what the brand is, as long as it is cute! :)
I think my love for purses came about because it is the one fashion item that you don't have to worry about trying on and it not fitting. Jeans, shoes, swim suits...everything else has to fit just right and when clothing doesn't fit, it can be somewhat depressing (I know you ladies understand!). With purses, it doesn't have to fit your body shape, it just has to look cute with your outfit and a great purse can really make a statement. Not to mention purses are useful! I don't know how guys get by with just a wallet! ;)
Here are a few of the designer handbags I have my eye on and some I currently have in my collection. If you notice I love bows, ruffles and feminine details on purses. I also tend to gravitate towards classic styles that won't fade out with trends. The classier the better! :)
click image for larger view
I've listed below the designer and the style of each handbag for easier searching.
1. VALENTINO side bow zip top satchel in brown leather
2. PRADA with white bow detail
3. MICHAEL KORS lattington medium satchel in purple
4. EIGHT SEASONS cream handbag with flower detail (talented etsy seller)
5. ELITE berynice crossbody in taupe with zipper detail
6. KORET third avenue medium tote in black
7. MELIE BIANCO ruffled bow satchel in taupe (can now be found at Target.com)
8. CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER zee zee top satchel in gunmetal
9. NZLBAGS green knit shoulder bag with brown silk bow (another talented etsy seller)
10. COACH colette leather perforated OP art tote in gold/bronze
11. TORY BURCH black patent leather satchel
12. MIU MIU side bow in taupe
13. CHANEL signature quilted white on black (currently in my collection)
14. LOUIS VUITTON white multicolor with bow (currently in my collection)
15. COACH sutton signature in purple (first handbag I ever purchased, currently in my collection)
16. DOLCE & GABBANA bronze and brown stripe bucket bag (currently in my collection)
