Classically Chic: Live The Sparkling Life

Happy Friday! Enjoy the Weekend!

2012-02-10T08:14:00.000-06:00

Have a great weekend! And remember, .......

Inspiration for Moving Forward

2012-02-09T08:14:00.000-06:00

So many times we get stuck on the small things. We have planned and maneuvered and the small things are important to the end game. More often, there seems to be things that just emerge that has made the small things now the big things. It's very easy to get carried away with dealing with the small things in life and not focusing on the BIG picture. The picture that's not just beneficial to you but to everyone else. The big picture that is in reality, the reality. Today, I challenge you to focus on two things: (1) to hold nothing back in your quest for pursuing the big picture and (2) letting go of the game of see-saw.

Holding Nothing Back for the Big Picture

For much of my life I have found that hesitation, more than anything, has been the invisible hitch that has kept me from joy. I’ve found that the moment with all its meaning often moves on by the time I reconsider whether or not to enter it. I’m not saying we should always be impulsive. More to the point, I’ve discovered, over and over, that I usually know what I need to do but just deny it, and it is this small hesitation, this small resistance to enter what is real, that makes life feel neutral or out of reach.

To hold nothing back in pursuing or defending the big picture in every breath means staying committed to letting whatever we experience make its way in and letting whatever is in make its way out. Simply and profoundly, our very breath can serve as a reminder that life is only possible if the exchange of inner and outer is undisturbed. Letting things in, feeling their impact, and, in turn, letting things out, expressing cleanly what we feel, is a spiritual practice that rinses the mind and heart.

Challenging the Game of See-Saw

How often we are drawn into opposition with one another. Certainly, there are times that conflict is inevitable. There is only one parking space. There is only one donut left. There is only one shoe left on the rack. But most of the time, on the inner plane, there is plenty to go around, and it is more a game of see-saw: to keep myself up—or to keep my sense of how I see myself up—I somehow feel the need to put you down.

This only diverts me from my path and sucks all my energy into a battle that often doesn’t matter. In truth, no amount of rearranging the world will make us feel worthy. The only response to adversity or misunderstanding is to be more completely who we are—to share ourselves more. Otherwise, we are always reacting and countering, and never being. Just look to the flowers and trees. They do not suppress each other. Even when crowded, they show themselves and grow in all directions, and so make it to the light.

until next time...life life on the sunny side!

excerpts taken from inspire to belief

Tough Wednesday! That's What We'll Call It!

2012-02-08T09:32:00.000-06:00

Today is gearing up to be one tough day for me. Starting with another attack of my throat and overall body aches from the new, grueling cross fit workout I have tricked myself into, yet again. And now, I feel a little under the weather, again! And to add a little icing on my dear cake - I have face to face meets today, all while I feel like a train has pummeled into me. Want to know what's funny, I manage to round up a few throat soothers and what do they say, ready? "get back in there", "be resilient", "march forward", "go for it", "you've got it:", "it's all yours for the taking". And that was only the first wrapper. My oh my, what is happening here. Are these wrappers trying to knock me back into shape? We'll just have to see - you pep talking pieces of paper, we'll just have to see!.

until next time - have a great wednesday!

2012-02-07T09:57:00.000-06:00

Well, needless to say that Valentines day is a mere week away and I am hoping cupid's arrow will hit me right where it should land. This valentine's I will prepare myself to be absolutely aflutter with excitement and joy. smile... ES and SB... Enjoy the week and here's a little inspiration to hopefully assist with pushing you through the week!

Best Of: Etsy Fun Finds

2012-02-06T10:27:00.000-06:00

Every ~~once in a while~~ day I see inspiration in small lines and simple things. Things that seem complex but instead are really an inspiration for more creativity. Here are a few finds/artists via Elle that I love!

WHO: Nicole Balch, blogger and stationery designer, Making it Lovely

TOP SHOP: Robert Ryan, Etsy.com
“One of my favorite artists is Robert Ryan. He creates delicate illustrations with cut paper that are full of incredible detail. They're available in several different mediums, including screenprint, lasercut, ceramic tile, and even rolls of tape, so there's plenty to choose from to suit your personal style.”

PERSONAL PICKS: “I Miss Being a Small Girl” lasercut, $133; etsy.com.
“My Adventure” ceramic tile in blue/brown, $38;etsy.com.—“I used this to tell my husband we were expecting our first baby!”

WHO: Jaime Derringer, founding editor, Design Milk

TOP SHOP: Art by Dee Adams, Etsy.com
“One of my current faves is Dee Adams. I just love her artwork, specifically her Mid-Century Tweet Series, which features prints of colorful, graphic birds. In the current sea of midcentury-inspired art, her work is a standout.”

PERSONAL PICK: Mid-Century bird poster No. 2, $17.50; etsy.com

Happy Friday....

2012-02-03T10:40:00.000-06:00

The WOW! Factor - Ceilings!

2012-02-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

We tend to underestimate the impact that a decorative ceiling can contribute to a room’s appearance. Every wall, furnishing and floor adds to the appeal of a space. And believe it or not, the foundation of a room’s character can be established by the ceiling’s design. With the various elements and details that are available for a ceiling, you are sure to find a style that matches your personality. Below are a few inspirations that can give your ceiling that “WOW” factor.

Happy Stationery..ING

2012-01-31T08:04:00.001-06:00

It's no secret (or, if it is then now you know) that I love stationery. My growing fascination with all things paper and ink is simply crazy. And, if you're like me, you probably love paper just as much as you love receiving great invites and stationery in the mail. I stumbled across Jaime from Joseph and Jaime Photography who's been working on showcasing the beauty of mailed paper correspondence. Jaime has a project called Send More Mail, where she collects packs of vintage Canadian stamps. She has partnered with stationer (Snap and Tumble) and calligrapher (Barbara Kua) for a beautiful stationery collaboration.

Tangerine Tangos in 2012 Weddings!

2012-01-30T08:03:00.000-06:00

This color palette is fun and feminine, and can also easily be elegant if you pair these flowers with floor length dresses, some strappy heels and a dramatic venue. If the colors alone don’t make you drool, how about serving some sherbet for your desert?

Honey of a Thousand Flowers

Design Inspiration

2012-01-26T07:39:00.000-06:00

loving this very soft, casually chic living space.

via apartmenttherapy

Ahem..I am the proud owner of..

2012-01-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

This amazingly, immaculate vintage typewriter. I acquired it over the weekend and I am in absolute awe. Stay tuned for updates on this vintage piece. There is a little hint below!

until next time...

Winter Lovelies

2012-01-23T07:33:00.000-06:00

For many of us winter means a few things, dry skin, runny noses, Uggs and attire similar to that of an Eskimo. And while I wouldn't want to brag, it was literally almost 80 degrees here in the Texas South, geezsch! Well, for most of us, winter can be a bit of a challenge staying fashionably fierce and warm at the same time, but when there’s a will there’s a way. Here are a few scarves that will keep you all bundled up and looking great!

Black and white with a pop of color...Missoni Zig Zag Scarf, $196, Farfetch.com

Classic, sophisticated and looks good with virtually everything. Burberry Giant Check Wool/Silk Gauze Scarf, $335, Stylebop.com

Peace, love and snowdays. Wildfox Imagine Scarf, $65,Netaporter.com

It's a chain, it's a scarf...whatever it is we love it. Chain link scarf, $18, Nastygal.com

until next time....

Great Letterpress Stationery!

2012-01-19T07:51:00.003-06:00

Just found these great, new letterpress goodies from Eva and Kirk at Sycamore Street Press. Eva and Kirk created a whole new collection for the year and they are amazing! Here are a few of my favorites below, but you can see the full new collection right here!

Harper's Bazaar Singapore!

2012-01-18T07:49:00.000-06:00

So, I'm loving the cover of the January issue of Harper's Bazaar Japan - Kimora Lee. A sultry Kimora Lee Simmons covers the latest Harper’s Bazaar Singapore January 2012, photographed by Gan styling was done by Kenneth Goh and Hair & Makeup credit goes to Greg.

What's Feathers Got To Do With It?

2012-01-16T08:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday Everyone! Over the weekend, while perusing one of my favorite stores I came across this amazing skirt that was adorned in feathers. So, I said to myself, "interesting, that's something I'd try!" Now, while I didn't get that amazing feathered skirt, (since one of my new years decision was to save more and invest more into Koby and Kylie Co., and I am sticking to it!), I did have to see what other designs there are that incorporated feathers. And looky, looky at what we found!

We're Loving These Oh So Cute Stationery!

2012-01-13T08:11:00.000-06:00

Stationery, oh so beautiful paper and ink you are! I now have this love affair for amazing paper and things. It makes me smile on those cloudy days and gives me hope on those dull days. The benefits of great stationery are amazing! I know I have mentioned on this blog about Koby and Kylie Co. (my latest stationery venture) and there is so much to come in 2012. I can't wait to share it all with you! But until then, have an amazing weekend and enjoy the stationery below by Tabletop Made.

Let's Tango, Tangerine Style!

2012-01-12T07:37:00.000-06:00

If you enjoy bright, happy colors in your home and on your body, you will be happy to hear that the Pantone has named Tangerine Tango the 2012 color of the year. Orange is often called the "social" color because it creates the feng-shui energy to promote energetic conversations and happiness in the home. We love the color and the many ways to get a piece of Tangerine Tango in your life this year.

until next time....

Wednesday's Word of Wisdom: How do you stay motivated?

2012-01-11T08:06:00.000-06:00

It is hardly a secret that the key to successfully accomplishing one goal after another is staying motivated. To get so many thing completed and all those goals accomplished, you have to stay motivated. I've been having some trouble staying motivated on certain areas in my life, so I wanted to share my recipe for motivation success - well, at least I hope it's successful!!

1) Find the Good Reasons

Anything you do, no matter how simple, has a number of good reasons behind it. Not all the tasks have the good reasons to do them seen at first sight, but if you take just a few moments to analyse them, you will easily spot something good.

2) Make it fun

When it comes to motivation, attitude is everything. Different people may have completely opposite feelings towards the same task: some will hate it, others will love it. Why do you think this happens? It’s simple: some of us find ways to make anything interesting and fun to do!

3) Take different approach

When something doesn’t feel right, it’s always a good time to take a moment and look at the whole task looking for a different approach.You may be doing everything correctly and most efficiently, but such an approach isn’t necessarily the most motivating one. Quite often you can find a number of obvious tweaks to your current approach which will both change your experience and open up new possibilities.

4) Recognize your successes

Everything you may be working on can be easily split into smaller parts and stages. For most goals, it is quite natural to split the process of accomplishing them into smaller tasks and milestones. The idea is that, once you bite off small pieces, it's always easier to see where you've succeeded and this gives you motivation to keep going.

5) Reward Yourself

This is a trick everyone likes: rewarding yourself is always pleasant. I’m happy to confirm that this is also one of the easiest and at the same time most powerful ways to stay motivated! Feeling down about doing something? Dread the idea of working on some task? Hate the whole idea of working? You’re not alone in that, I’m telling you! Right from the beginning, agree on some deliverables which will justify yourself getting rewarded. As soon as you get one of the agreed results, take time to reward yourself in some way.

until next time....

Turban DO or Turban DON'T

2012-01-10T08:05:00.000-06:00

Turbans have been a hot commodity on the runway. Traditionally worn in the Middle East and in Africa, turbans have been a spectacle in modern day fashion sporadically throughout the last century. Iconic celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy donned them in the 1970′s, and now they’ve made a come back in prints, colors, and styles of all kinds. Thoughts?

have a great day! until next time!

Monday's Crazy Weather: Great Start to the Week?

2012-01-09T08:06:00.000-06:00

So, I have been crazy, silly sick for the past week. And, to add a side note to the preceding statement, I must say, "I HATE being sick". I know, who loves being sick, right? Well, my hate for being sick is borderline obsessive compulsive. I become really nutty if I feel an inkling that I will be sick - so you can imagine my frustration (this is an understatement) when I became sick. I am recovering today and the weekend has done wonders for me, while not 100%, I am glad I feel at least able to go and make a dent on my mountainous loads of work. So today of all days, I was quite disappointed to see that we are slated for showers upon showers. With that being said, I plan to shrug of the potential gross day we will have with great inspiration and perseverance. I am loving this look - and today I am all about prints, pinks and tigers! Grrrrrr!!@

until next time....happy monday!!!

Wednesday's Quote of the Day: Because I Need It!

2012-01-04T13:48:00.001-06:00

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to get up and continue that counts."
Winston Churchill

It's 2012! Happy New Year: Designing a Mint Life

2012-01-03T13:51:00.000-06:00

Well, it's that time of the year, the time of year when resolutions are top priorities and we attempt to design a minted life. This year, which is totally unlike me, I decided to make no resolutions. I made those at the end of last year and as long as I continue on that path, my 2012 should be a minted year. And to be very honest, I think it's going to be a tough year, but I am fully prepared to take it on - one day at a time. I am also fully prepared to put living a minted life at the top of my list.

Today and everyday is going to be the best day ever!

until next time...

and then there is the day after Christmas...

2011-12-26T12:31:00.000-06:00

The day labelled "boxing day" where I'm from. I love the day after Christmas; the day I get to eat lots of leftovers, watch movies, read a book or two and maybe hit the mall - if I dare! I hope everyone is having a family-filled, amazing holiday and getting prepped for the new year and new ideas! I came across these photo shots from onestowatch and loved them! Wishing my holiday tables were this hot!!!

until next time.....

My Holiday Decoration Gone Awry!

2011-12-21T08:22:00.000-06:00

So, I have finally decided that with only four days left, I will not be getting a tree - I will be doing a few non-traditional things. Yes, yes, I know - that's not in holiday cheer but I think it's perfectly fine. I received this gorgeous ornament from a friend and I will use it, it's a must. I'm going for simplicity and less to take down come January. Hope you guys are having a magnificent holiday season!

Nacho Aguayo Spring 2012 Campaign

2011-12-20T07:28:00.001-06:00

I know, it's not even Christmas yet but I had to go there, I had to pull this Spring collection. Actually, around these parts of Texas we don't really know what winter looks like, since it's still 80 degrees over here. And in the spirit of still feeling Spring, I wanted these pieces. I love the structured lines - very Jackie O, with all the color. The line, called "Spanish Allure" gives us the a new face Paula Folch, who fronts the spring 2012 campaign from the Madrid based label, Nacho Aguayo. The Spanish designer offers a selection of colorful prints for the new season with ladylike hemlines and silhouettes.

Photos by FGSunsetSTUDIO.