The Guest List

You know how girls' night can become girl's weekend? Yeah, that happens a lot. And when out of town friends surprise you for a few days? Well you'd best be prepared for those bunking buddings! Let's keep them all happy with a fab guest room and treats! Make it comfy with quirky pillows, bright toiletries, and unisex fragrances. Oh, and let's keep them amused and hydrated! I also like to keep small packages of sweets set aside as goodies for my lovely guests!

Comb / Barsoap / Khiel's Lavender / L'Occitane Verbena / Whale Vase / Tooth Brushes / Towels / Finish This Book / Candle / Pillow / Water Carafe 

See You in a Few...

I'm going on a super vacation with my family today. I'm leaving on a jet plane... really early - getting up with the chickens early - and getting the heck outta here! Can I get a woot, woot? So it'll be a while until I post live a few times a day again, but I've got some very cool posts all queued up just waiting to be read by you! I'm hoping you stop by and say hello to the blog every now and then while I'm offline. It gets lonely without me. :) 

I hope you have a fantastic next week and a half. Until then, ciao! 

P.S...Wonder what I pack for vacation? Check it out some of my essentials!

Good walking shoes.

A plane worthy pullover.

These basic tees...to die for.

Because a trip isn't complete without leggings.

The perfect sized tote for carry-on. Bonus, it's bright!

Fun shades for sunny weather.

An unexpected nail color!

I was skeptical about this book...but a page turning novel! It's so good.

Roller ball perfume. Fits in your carry on so you smell lovely after a long trip!

Photo via

{Gift Guide}...For Your Best Friend, MOM

If you're lucky like me, you have a mom who is Wonderwoman. My mom always knows when I have something on my mind, and readily knows how to fix it. She makes the best coffee & best treats. Try as I might, I will never achieve the same yummy taste of her cookies. Mom is smart as whip, musical, a fashionista and classic best pal. Without her, my life would be chaos. Here are some gift ideas for your marvelous mums. Make her feel special, loved and totally fantastic! Tell her how much she means to you! Thanks, Mom, for all you do! I love you! 

Scarf / Candle / Clutch / Tray / Keihl's Bath Sea Salts / Vase / Necklace / Bracelet / NARS / Book / Chocolate

{Splurge or Save}...Neon Sandals

Neon has been everywhere this season. I've talked about it a ton, because I'm obsessed! I can't get enough of it. It's fun, bold and simple. I asked for your thoughts on vacation kicks, and neon sandals might now be in the running. I adore these rad flats by Loeffler Randall. Nude, black and fluorescent make them versatile. Dress them up or down, you'll be bright & fantastic. If you don't feel like spending the big bucks, check out these amazing sandals by Aldo. They still have an ankle strap so they don't slip off. Instead of black and tan, the white makes them look clean & fresh! Either way, you'll be on trend and comfortable in these neon sandals! My new favorite summer item!

Splurge

Save

{I Adore My}...Swisspers!

I know that sounds weird, right? You read it and thought I meant slippers or something. Wrong! I actually really love my Swisspers. For the longest time I removed my make up with tissues. Every night, new tissue. I tried to conserve and stretch it out for maybe two days, but that's gross. Then...

I ran out of Kleenex! In my nail polish treasure chest, I had these cotton rounds for removing lacquer. I tried them out and voila! My makeup came off better than it ever had before! I don't know what it is, but Swisspers are more gentle on my eyelashes and lids, plus they remove so much more! I couldn't believe how clean my eyes look around the edges. No smudges! I recommend trying these out next time you're picking up floss. Bonus, they're cheap! 

Remember, one of the best beauty secrets: don't go to bed with your make up on!!! (Otherwise  you might look like this...)

{Splurge or Save}...Rosy Cheeks

One of my beauty favorites is blush. First of all, I just really love the color of blush and beige. So it makes sense that I love a beautiful rosy cheek on smooth porcelain skin. Blush makes you look like you just came in from the cold after ice skating, or got slightly burned just on your cheeks after a day in the garden. It's girly and natural looking. NARS blush is fantastic. They have great colors. This color has been voted as best blush! However, I'm young and totally skint. (Isn't that fun?! It's a good ol' british word for broke. It makes me feel less poor. :) I really love e.l.f for a beautiful, poppy blush. It's cheap and you can find it in every drugstore on the street corner! Splurge on NARS for when you're feeling decadent. Save on e.l.f when you're late for a date and you swing by CVS for mints. Only 3 buckaroos and you can keep it in your purse! Also, have you ever tried a blush color stick? This one is only a dollar! I might try it out.

Vacation Kicks

I've probably mentioned about a million times that I'm going to Florida with my fam at the end of June. It's been a pretty long year, so you can imagine why I'm so pumped. Since we're flying, I sadly can't really bring all my shoes (as much as I'd like too!) for every outfit. Here's what I'm wondering today...When you're on vacation, what do you put on your feet? We all know I like my chucks. I want to be comfortable whether I'm on the beach, shopping or trekking through the new Harry Potter Park. Any suggestions? I'd love your input! What's your favorite vacation shoe?

Birkenstocks: everyone tells me they're amazing and that their feet haven't been happier. But I think they look so ugly (sorry if you like them!) and have always said I'd go barefoot before wearing them. Should I convert and become a Birkenstock junkie?

Sperry Top Siders: They have the reputation of being ultra cute and comfortable at the same time. I think it's great they have a wedge alternative. Do you go barefoot with these? They look like your feet would get really warm. Are they breathable? Would they be good for a variety of situations?

Soludos Espadrilles: These look super comfy to me. They look so easy to slip on, but also protect your toes from rocks and rogue stroller wheels. But, they also look a little flimsy? Have yours ever fallen apart? I always think Rachel Bilson looks so chic when she wears Espadrilles. Would your feet hurt after a day on the pavement? They look great for the beach.

Keds: they are so similar to my beloved chucks, but have a little bit more femininity to them, which I really like. As you know, I've been debating over which ones to get (help!). With socks, would your feet get super gross after a day of walking? What about water rides and the beach? Do you go sans socks? I'm cool with that as long as I don't get blisters. I like how classic these are. 

TOMS: These have been all the rage lately. Especially after the one day with out shoes. I hate to say it, but I think the classic are kind of ugly. Not so much ugly, but cumbersome and boxy. I think the ballet shoes are cute and chic. They also have wedges. I love that this company has a great cause donating one pair for children for every pair you buy. Thoughts? Do they last? 

Cheers! Now I Know My ABCs...

As a fan of fonts, hot cocoa, tea, coffee and literacy, these have got to be my new favorite tea cups! Leave it to Anthropologie to have fantastic monogram mugs. Monograms have the reputation of being preppy. Now I'm not saying I'm going monogram all my sweaters and go golfing at the club (I don't even belong to a club and don't know how to golf!), but I do love these! Bonus: only 6 buckaroos! 

Would you get these monogramed for your family's last name, one for each of the family members, or get a bunch of randoms just for fun (and to confuse guests)?

{I Adore My}...Converse

     Traditionally, not the most fashionable foot ware, I have always loved my Converse. I remember lusting over every pair I saw in every store for years until one Christmas....I got a pair! They were beautiful & perfect. Black body, flawless white rubber toes, shiny sliver rivets. My dream shoe. As I grew older, they migrated farther and farther to the back of my closet until I forgot about them. I was more mature; wearing high heels and fancy flats, chucks were no longer acceptable. 

     I got to college and rediscovered my adoration for these much loved sneakers. Having to walk around exceptionally more than before, my tired feet gladly welcomed the beloved friends they used to wear. My feet were happy. I was happy. These chucks had been with me through many phases of my life. The year I wore plaid flannel shirts and ratty jeans, when my style consisted of preppy polos & dark flare jeans, the summer I painted in the sun everyday (hence the blue paint stain), the years of show choir, tossing off my sneakers for character shoes into the communal pile of street ware (this explains my name in Sharpie), even my adventure around Europe. 

     Although I wear them less often than before, they are still a staple in my foot ware collection. No shoe, whether it be a fabulous pump or a chic city flat, will ever compare to my black Chuck Taylors. 

Petrified

How cool are these petrified wood magnets from Anthropologie? Of course, you wouldn't want anything in your refrigerator to be petrified, but why not have these rad dudes to remind you of appointments? I wouldn't mind hanging up my grocery list with them!

Handy Bag

As you may know, I'm taking a small family vacation with my large family to Florida this summer! I'm so excited and can't wait to break out my bright neon bags. The only this is...I'm a terrible packer. Always have been, always will. So it's difficult bringing all the bags I want. However, I'm looking into getting some Baggu bags! They fold into super tiny pockets and take up zero room! They look ultra cool and chic. The Baggo bags come in great bold prints, electric hues and so many designs. Not to mention, they're really affordable. Backpacks, little pouches, totes, and more! Have you ever had a Baggu bag?

Quirky Kitchen Clips

These cute bow chip clips would make me feel less guilty about salty, greasy chips whom I love.

Photos via Urban Outfitters.

{I Adore My}...Scarves

If there is one thing I have an abundance of, it's scarves. They are seriously spilling out of closets & drawers; cascading from coat hooks & bed posts. Is that too much? "Everything in moderation," right? But let's be honest, we all have that one thing we can't get enough of. I could say I "collect" them, but I don't! I wear them! It's not excessive, it's expressive. Everyone I know buys me scarves for gifts. Heck, it's my thing! It's my thing to get scarves & it's my thing to give scarves. They're great gifts! Therefore, I conclude there is no such thing as too many scarves. Or too many hats, too many sweaters. We're Americans. We're just fulfilling the stereotype of massive consumerism. :) Just doing our job.

Here is Abby with only a portion of out scarf collection. Doesn't she look adorable?


What do you "collect" or love to buy? Is there one thing people know you love & always buy for you? Can you have too much of something?

Colorful Love...Castle and Things

Castle and Things is on fire when it comes to quirky & sweet products. Working with tons of color & neon, their products are statements. I love how they're whimsical & bright. It keeps your life from feeling drab & reminds you to be a little childish sometimes. Here are some examples of my favorite embroidery pieces. Would these be great present for Valentine's Day? Bonus: they're not all pinks & reds and totally adorable so they really work for every day life. Finally a V-Day present that can be used & enjoyed all year round! 

I Adore My...Keyper by Fossil

So...if you've been wondering what I got in my stocking for Christmas (which was over a month ago -  yikes!) here's a little peek. My lovely parents gave me these amazing Keyper Pouches by Fossil. I love them. They are so amazing! I use the largest one for all my cables and cords when I'm on the go. It has by iPhone cords, camera cord, earbuds, charger extension cord, external hard drive and more! The two little guys contain my essentials so I can easily switch handbags. Sometimes, I use them as a little clutch when I have a quick outing that doesn't require lots of supplies. I highly recommend these puppies! Durable, functional and totally rad. 

P.S...There are tons of designs and colors! I may be getting a few more patterns soon!

Stalk Me On....

Hello, all! This just in: you can now "stalk me" on Currently Obsessed! Track what products I'm loving. It's a totally great resource for you to get inspiration and get a sneak peek of my favorite things...

To stalk me, just follow the link. It's very simplistic, so get on it right away!

Bobble

So first, the bobble water bottle came out in stores. It actually freaked me out a bit. Perhaps because I didn't know what it was: bottle, bobble, bubble? But it's unique design and function had me come around. Coming in a variety of colors, it is pleasing to everyone. Then, the bobble jug was introduced. How crazy cool does it look!? Again, coming in so many colors, your head might spin, it looks great in every kitchen, office & guest room. 

Also, this is really great! A colorful & hip lunch box! Carry your bobble water bottle along with your snacks/lunch for an easy & compact on the go sustenance kit!