crown jewels...

In honor of the royal wedding, allow me to tell you how I celebrated.  Unfortunately I did not set my alarm to view the extravaganza... nor did I throw a tea party... nor did I pin on any extra appendages to the beautiful vintage cloche I may or may not be wearing.  Just because I didn't plan a celebration, doesn't mean I didn't celebrate at all.  I did make my over to Mae's  yesterday in which I decided to treat myself with the most perfect everyday piece.  A trip to Mae's will always make you feel like a princess - royal wedding or not.    

On another note... today is even more special because it's my Dad's birthday.  

Happy birthday Dad!  I don't know about you guys... but my dad hung the moon.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

1.. 2.. 3

{side note - I did DVR the all of the festivities}

best suit...

{here}

Tis that time of the year again... time for bathing suits.  It donned on me earlier today while deep in the midst of ab class and my tiny instructor belted out 3 little words of encouragement that every girl needs to hear when shaping up for the barely theres of summer - THINK SWIM SUITS.  Even though I was experiencing piercing pain in the abdominals, I did appreciate her mindset so I kept pushing.  {thanks itty bitty}  

While browsing through my favorite sites for a the perfect suit, I ran across the cute little numbers below that I think might just work.  The first 2 are the most practical for my lifestyle and body type.  If I'm in a suit then I'm probably at the river or laying out by the pool at my parents.  {1: not so glamorous, 2: backyard}  I also prefer separates because of the sizing... mixing and matching is key with this bod.  Also, because I don't have extravagant plans in which I would need the most adorable bathing suit on the block... I'm thinking the option #1 and #2 are best.  Cute and practical.

Now if I were off to an exotic island or found a friend with a yacht... I'd do something more like the beauties below.  Right???  Loving the vintage inspired pieces for the upcoming sultry season... please tell me a few of you will relish in the beauty of these femme cuts and shapes.   

1... 2... 3... 4... 5

tulip louise...

Hey kids... popping in to tell you about my cute little friend.  Meet Mrs Tulip Louise...  this little lady is making waves on the local fashion front thanks to her adorable fashion blog and cutting edge style.  She recently had a magnificent spread in At Home in Arkansas in which these looks were pulled...

Adore.  All of it.  

Mrs TL is a local phenomenon on the brink of celebrity status.  A - can I get your autograph next time we have coffee???  I guess we'll always have that teeny tiny little star...

{proud of you dear}

little...

{here}

Have I ever shared that I'm the oldest of six???  Yes 6.  My childhood was full of babysitting and running little ones from here to there.  Since I left the nest, the responsibilities of Big Sis have decreased tremendously... almost completely.  Little ones are getting older, they all speak their own language, and there's no need for the big sister.  Although, every once in a while the world comes crashing down on their precious little lives and yours truly comes to save the day.  These times are few and far between but when it happens my life stops for each of them.  When I see tears... I'm there to wipe those away and slap a smile on that cute little face.  

cherry bomb...

A couple of photos that caught my eye while perusing the blogosphere last night.  WWW and I had a little catching up to do.  {time well spent}  

Busy week ahead... lots to do and very little time.  Not to mention the weather has not been on my side the past couple of days!  Italy and I are deep in the trenches... she should be good to go in no time.  C is almost finished with the canoe... we may take it for a little ride this weekend.  {eek}  I'm headed to NYC to visit 2 very dear friends next week... can't wait!  Until then, work and I need a little quality time.  

1... 2... 3... 4

sans...

{here}

Sporting my rainy day best... post mid-day soak fest.  Needless to say, I slipped into my cozies and found myself completely inactive the rest of the day.  {ie... lazy}  There's something about enormous amounts of rain that make me want to do absolutely nothing.  Not as easy without internet/cable but still quite enjoyable.

 {cheers to the handy dandy man I get to call my bf... for channeling his inner electrician and fixing our little problem}   

hop...

Blessed.  Happy Easter... 

coffee date...

{here}

Good morning all!  I come to you this morning live... just to tell you what's on my mind on this beautiful Spring morning.

~ still in my pj's... snug as a bug

~ round 2 on the coffee already

~ painted my nails during my 1st cup

~ there's little to no movement during that time of the morning

~ better chance I won't mess them up

~ currently staring at my planner

~ she's so colorful {highlighters} 

~ i might be slightly ocd...???

~ i organize everything... everything

~ still i remain to be all over the place sometimes

~ mainly just my shoes, glasses of water, and lip balm

~ i swear pandora asks me if i'm still listening 27 times a day

~ going to buy a bean bag today

~ yes, i'm almost 27 years old and i want a bean bag

~ the office isn't furnished and i need something comfy for my bum

~ the floor isn't working

~ busy day ahead 

~ can't forget to hug a tree

~ maybe i'll just play with my flower garden instead

~ C's parents are too sweet... they got me a gardenia for my garden

~ i LOVE gardenias

~ wonder if the easter bunny will bring me anything this year

~ easter bunny... i've outgrown stuffed animals

~ i will never outgrow candy though

~ hmm... getting ancy

~ better get going

Have a wonderful weekend!  

special...

{weheartit}

Tonight is a very special night... I will be having a farewell dinner with Forever 21 corporate.  My previous boss ladies weren't able to make it in town prior to the end so we're going out for a belated celebratory dinner.  It may seem ironic but you would do the same... they are 2 lovely ladies I will never forget who fully support my decision.  

{blessed for their kind words and encouragement}  

Cheers to the grommet and the pearl... with love and lots of memories.

q & a...

Hmm... hmm... hello Wednesday.  

Lately, well since I left the work force, I've gotten many questions about my new lifestyle.  Allow me to answer a few of those for you on this used-to-be, ever-so-dreaded hump day.

Q:  How's fun-employment???

A:  Unbelievable... couldn't be happier!

{I credit this one}

Q:  What exactly do you do now???

A:  I spend a lot of time on my computer... a lot.  

{Personal styling, spin class, and the kitchen 

receive good bit of attention as well}

Q:  How does it feel to not make that 6:30 am commute?

A:  There are no words... 

Q:  How does it feel to be your own boss?

A:  Unbelievable... liberating.

Q:  Do you miss it... working?

A:  I could say I miss routine... but I'm creating my own.  I could also say that I miss the people because I do.  Other than that, NOPE.

Want to see what is headed my way in 5-10 days thanks to the old work place???

1... 2... 3... 4

Until tomorrow my friends...

{here, here}

to be there...

A snapshot from a concert a few weeks back... 

a night I will never forget.

musings...

It's funny how...

~ things change

~ dark circles magically disappear

~ i feel revived every single day

~ great weekends are... almost every weekend

~ i could do a little jig out of pure excitement that spring is here to stay

~ a glimpse of a tan makes you instantly feel more beautiful

~ a long, hot bath makes you feel so wonderful

~ there is always room for wine and chocolate after dinner

~ a new nail color can transform your entire attitude

~ flowers really are very sweet... even in the garden

~ i have so much to tell over dinner these days

~ i will sacrifice my femininity in many very few ways 

~ when there is a worm/bug/critter involved... you can find me headed in the opposite direction in a very unlady-like fashion... dead sprint

~ that {above} will never change

{pinterest}

see...

Tis the weekend my friends... let's go. 

{here}

booked solid...

I had a feeling this would eventually happen.  I've mentioned before that I have a hard time sitting still for any extended amount of time.  Because of my inability to do nothing, I have filled each day with the fully embraced have-to's and then the ever so lovely want-to's.  My planner fits perfectly in my handbag and I'm sure to cross everything off by the end of each day.  

{jak & jill}

boho...

There's nothing I love more than a loose, flowy ensemble... especially when my mind escapes and I mentally place myself in the midst of Coachella.  Unfortunately, I will not be taking part in the ultimate music festival but there's no reason I can't fully support my inner boho.  

{all images via topshop}

dandelion headband anyone???

teux-deux...

Getting a little dressed up today... just a little.  

Lots teux-deux on this lovely Tuesday.

{side note: my incredibly flexible schedule has allowed for a little more domestication than usual.  made this for dinner last night and we both ate it up.}

{yet another side note: might start riding this a little more since paying for gas makes me weak in the knees}

{unknown - here}

day lily...

{here}

Spent all day yesterday planting wonderful things... we now have a flower garden, a vegetable garden, and then the usual landscaping {which looks pretty amazing}.  It was nice getting my green thumb on all Sunday long... exhausting and rewarding at the same time.  I love it!  

man repeller...

{today I'm as giddy as the cutie above} 

While my sheer excitement of not having a job to go to today is something I want to share with the entire world... I'm also thrilled to share this lovely blogger with you.  Meet The Man Repeller... she's utterly hilarious and always adorable.  Please, if you haven't checked out her blog then run on over and scope it out.  You will not be disappointed!

Love right???  

ciao...

{here}

Saying farewell today... under bittersweet circumstances.  While I am thrilled for the next chapter of my life {eek}, I too remember the wonderful experience shared with many people throughout my time at Forever 21.  On another hand... I have a very special weekend planned with my sweet guy and I couldn't be more excited to get away, just the two of us.  Here's to... the closing of one door and the new revolving door headed my way.     

Have a wonderful weekend... as we are too. 

wrapping...

{here}

A few tips on tying scarves... quite possibly the best go-to guide if you're one to shy away from the easiest accessories imaginable. 

{this one's for you P... you're going to do great}

frill...

{here}

It's all in the details...

I've always been one to make things a little more interesting by adding an extra layer or two here and there.  Recently I've been addicted to a cream silk slip worn under any casual top for a tiny bit of pretty... along with a sheer lace slip I picked up at Target just a few weeks ago.   Intrigued yet confused???  Please... think replacing your casual basic underpinning with a little something fancy.  

{need assistance???  feel free to contact me for a personal styling session... it's a simple and painless process} 

quarter...

A few more as promised... 

1. Abita Strawberry Lager

2.  bathroom wall at my all-time favorite place to dine - Port of Call

3.  Intricate metal clutches at the French Market

4.  More metal beauties

... time well spent.

veranda...

A few photos from my relaxing stay in the bayou... beautiful sunshine, tasty spirits, and an assemblage of a few of my favorite people.

{stay tuned for a few pics from my trip to the Quarter}

crisp...

Beyond... the feeling I had when peeking through this editorial was nothing but pure bliss with a little thrill.  The soft silhouettes and crisp, clean palettes are what I choose for the perfect combination of femme and ease.  I'm looking for nothing more than just that to sport as we begin to creep towards summer.  

{Harper's Bazaar April 2011} 

home...

{unknown}

Patiently awaiting my arrival back in the comfort that is... Northwest Arkansas.  While my stay in New Orleans was everything and more... there's just something about coming home.   Thank you Dad and crew for such a fun weekend!  {I'll miss you dearly} 

I'll be back in full swing tomorrow as promised... have a beautiful day!