I'm Thankful . . . .

I journaled this morning while listening to "Groove Theory" and in random order; I've listed 40 things that I am thankful for.   I hope that you will have a moment to reflect and journal a few of your own profound moments from 2012.   It definitely puts things into perspective, just wanted to share mines:

1. A warm home, curled up with a good book
2. Being an entrepreneur
3. Celebrations of Life – Good Parties
4. Chocolate (Nutrageous Bars, yum!)
5. Cocktails
6. Coconut ice cream from Busboy & Poets
7. Constant Inspiration
8. Creativity/passion
9. Dancing and singing off tune/beat
10. Determination
11. Discovering new things about the world/myself
12. Downy Fabric Softener/Perfume
13. Fashion & Home Décor Blogs
14. Foot Rubs/Reflexology
15. Giving To Others
16. GOD/Faith
17. Great conversation
18. Great music
19. Hot Green Tea or a Flavored Mocha/Latte
20. Health
21. Indie flicks – The Red Box
22. Italian & Thai Food
23. My blue warming blanket
24. My family, including the fat cat Scarlett Johansen Tidball
25. My job
26. Netflix/My DVR
27. Peace of Mind
28. Photography
29. President Obama
30. Quiet moments
31. Scenic drives/walks
32. Shoes
33. Soft cashmere
34. Sunrises/Sunsets
35. Supportive & sincere friends
36. Technology
37. The Color Yellow
38. Traveling
39. Vintage Anything!
40. Yoga

Feel free to share a few of your "thankful" moments with me.

Friday's Favorite Look • Poolside Chic

It's blazing hot in Washington, DC today - so our Friday's Favorite Look is "Pool Party" inspired.  Stay hydrated and fabulous this weekend!

My 2012 Summer Fun Bucket List

As a follow up to my earlier blog post this week {here}, I've compiled a list of random things I would love to do this Summer.  They are all pretty attainable, so I am looking forward to enjoying the next few weeks of "living in the moment."

 

1. Attend an African dance class
2. Be more spontaneous
3. Catch fireflies at night and then release them
4. Continue learning French
5. Create a family recipe
6. Create a few Fashion D.I.Y. pieces with friends {join us click here}
7. Create a “Live, Laugh, Love” scrapbook
8. Discover new “Reds + Whites” {wine that is . . .}
9. Divorce all electronics for a weekend {and Social Media}
10. Fly a kite on the Mall
11. Go on a nature hike with my Mom
12. Journal and meditate in the evenings
13. Jump double dutch
14. Learn to swim
15. Learn about another culture
16. Lie on the grass watching the clouds float across the sky, without a care in the world
17. Lodge at a quaint Bed and Breakfast on the Eastern Shore
18. Make fresh squeezed lemonade and frozen margarita pops for the girls
19. Make a fashion collage for my home office using high fashion bridal images
20. Master eating with chopsticks
21. Perfect by backhand swing and backhand slice {Tennis}
22. PJs and movie night with my Love
23. Play golf?  {Maybe} 
24. Play dress up
25. Randomly paint on canvas while listening to Jazz {Coltrane and Davis to be exact}
26. Ride a bike in the City
27. Sing karaoke in a seedy bar {smile}
28. Spend more time with family and friends
29. Take books to a children's hospital
30. Teach my daughter how to set a fancy table setting
31. Visit the Farmer’s Market and pick local fruit to make a salad
32. View the fireworks from a rooftop

 Have you created your Summer Bucket List - if not, what's stopping you?  

Photo source

D.I.Y. Summer Fashion Party

We are putting the final touches on our first annual D.I.Y. Summer Fashion Party scheduled on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 2p - 5p at the Bowie Library located at 15210 Annapolis Road- Bowie, Maryland!

 

  Join other fashionable D.I.Y. Gurus as they create unique fashions and revamp old accessories for a fraction of the cost effortlessly!  Interested in joining us? {http://lnkd.in/9ZYENa}

Photo Source

Summer Summer Summertime . . . . {2012 Summer Bucket List}

The long, lazy days of Summer are almost here . . . . 

In preparation of the dog days of Summer, I wanted to share with you a few highlights from my weekend.  I attended a birthday party for my 11 year old nephew and had such a great time.  We all played hopscotch, blew bubbles, ate Red Velvet Cupcakes, wrote our names with ice cream inspired sidewalk chalk, painted piggy banks, sang karaoke, played on the monkey bars and had a water gun battle {OK, well I didn’t participate but still got wet, an innocent casualty}.  

 

"Living in the moment" is my Summer motto and in between events and shoots, I’ve created a 2012 Summer Bucket List that I will share with you on Wednesday {a few of my selections are listed here} .  It took me a few days to compile a realistic bucket list and I'm very optimistic that I'll be able to scratch them all off by September. 

I hope that you find time to make a Summer Bucket List as well - wishing you positive light, love and sunshine! xo

Friday's Favorite Look - Something Sweet + Simple

Friday's Favorite Look - Compliments of Chanel

Attention all my NYC Natural Beauties - Munaluchi Bridal Magazine Wants You!!

Natural Beauties in the NYC area, enter Munaluchi Bridal Magazine Natural Beauty Contest. You may win a photo-shoot in the NYC area to be featured in a print edition of Munaluchi Bride + new beauty products from Carol's Daughter. Enter now! http://a.pgtb.me/c06P.  Only 2 days left to enter! Enter now or share with someone who should.

We are super excited because we worked with an amazing group of professionals to style the gorgeous natural bride that you see in the photo!

My Weekly Swoon - Glitter & Gold Nails

I heart the glitter and gold french manicure!  I'm on my way to the nail salon to recreate this look to rock for the rest of the week.  It's so cool how we can now express ourselves with fun nail designs and the current selection of nail lacquer colors are out of this world! Tell us, is there a particular nail design or lacquer color/brand you've been dying to try?  Are you inspired by pretty nails? 

I will post a picture of my manicure shortly! xo

 

Photo Source

{Save The Date - This Saturday!} Bloomingdale DC's Community Yard Sale

Out with the old, in with the new - in the heart of DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood . . . .

I've edited my closet over the Mother’s Day weekend and will be selling gently worn items  this Saturday at Bloomingdale DC's Community Day Yard Sale.  The Yard Sale will be held at  Crispus Attucks Park from 8a until 2p.  This private community park is between the unit blocks of U Streets and the 2000 blocks of North Capitol & 1st streets. 

Items for Sale:  Quality shoes {7.5/8}, accessories {trendy and vintage pieces}, handbags, beauty products, clothes (size 4 to 6), CD's and books.  As an incentive, for every $25 spent, you will be able to select a fabulous item from my "Fab & Free" goodie box.  Complimentary sweet treats at my table while they last. Credit cards accepted; however, cash is preferred. Don’t forget to bring your signature shopping tote and your girlfriends!

High fashion at fair prices. . . .

A Unique Shopping Experience - The Styleliner Graced DC !

Joey Wolffer, Curator and Founder of  The Styleliner, the world's first luxury treasure chest on wheels pulled up and valet parked at the W Hotel Washington, DC last night.  Ms. Joey (as I've coined her), has an eye for stylish finds and carefully selects her one-of-a-kind accessories from around the world.  

Who would have thought that a converted 27-foot potato chip truck could house such swoon worthy items!  This couture mobile walk in closet is loaded with a mix of both investment and trendy pieces and we captured a few of our faves below. Oh, and I visited P.O.V. Roof Terrace Lounge for my favorite signature cocktail, The Hemingway, fun times {wink}.

Have questions or want to contact Ms. Joey for a private viewing - check her out on Facebook!

(Day #2} 30 Day Summer Fashion Photo Challenge

Day #2 - A piece of clothing or jewelry that was a gift . . . .

Love this gold bib necklace!  It was a gift to myself while visiting Champagne, France last month.  It's so heavy, I feel like I am wearing an anchor{but fashion is uncomfortable, right}?

{Day #1} 30 Day Summer Fashion Photo Challenge

Yeaah, the first day of the Summer Fashion Photo Challenge and I'm excited!  Day #1 is your favorite blouse and I absolutely adore this versatile Ann Taylor silk top.  Yellow instantly makes me happy and it's the perfect color for Spring/Summer (and all other Seasons too!)

There's still time to join the challenge - don't be shy.

{Behind The Scene} Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of styling the models and hosting the 2nd Annual Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY.  This awe-inspiring bridal fashion event was a huge success and had a hint of romance, allure and old world glam.  The show showcased some of the hottest trends compliments of several of our favorite bridal boutiques and designers.   My assistant was able to snap a photo of me striking a pose with one of the models after the show.  Fun times behind the scenes playing bridal dress up with all the gorgeous gowns.  I'll be sure to share photos (professional - of course) once they become available.

Monday's Bridal Obsession - Spring 2013 Bridal Collection

Truly an unexpected twist in color, construction and appeal.  Would you wear this gown on your special day?

30 Day Summer Fashion Photo Challenge

Starting May 1st each of our daily posts will reflect one of the following daily challenges. These posts will be filled with eye candy we desire, swoon over, currently have, and some of our little known "fashion secrets."  This fashion challenge will cover areas such as clothing, inspiration, accessories and beauty.  Don't be shy, let's have some fun, shop your closet and allow your creativity to flow!

1. Your favorite blouse
2. A piece of clothing or jewelry that was a gift
3. A shirt that you haven’t worn yet
4. Your favorite lip stick
5. Your favorite pair of jeans
6. A pair of pants that aren’t jeans
7. A cute outfit
8. Textures, Color and Pattern Combo
9. A cute dress or skirt
10. A piece of jewelry that a Parent/Grandparent gave you
11. A piece of jewelry that everyone compliments you on
12. Your newest purchase
13. Your favorite pair of shoes
14. A piece of jewelry that you made
15. Something "Red"
16. An article of clothing/ accessory that you consider lucky
17. Wrist Candy
18. Something you only wear in the summer
19. A “pop” of color
20. Rock an animal print piece
21. Your favorite cocktail ring
22. A spring inspired handbag
23. A piece that resembles your favorite fashion icon
24. Ruffles or Lace
25. Your favorite pair of sun shades
26. A Fashion book
27. Your favorite mascara
28. Strike a pose!
29. Skincare product in your handbag
30. Favorite nail polish

If you are on Twitter/Instagram, feel free to post.  Please invite your fashion forward friends and use hashtag #SFCPhoto2012 {SFC2012 = Summer Fashion Challenge 2012}.

Are you ready, I'm looking forward to seeing amazing photos each day!

{Photo compliments of Vogue}

2012 Get Courageous Conference - Small Woman Owned Business & Exhibitor Opportunities

Are you a small business owner and would like to reach an audience that is locally and nationally?  If so, don't let the opportunity to become one of the exhibitors at the 2012 Get Courageous Conference pass you by.  This conference features amazing keynote speakers, a VIP luncheon, networking opportunities and a Cocktail Pampering  Soiree.  A wonderful opportunity to showcase your business and market your products and services to the fastest growing population of the business community—women. 

Contact us for details!

The Daily Swoon • Shoe Woo!

I scored these fabulous ceramic shoes which are earring/ring holders from Family Dollar yesterday.  I immediately fell in love with the detailing on the side of these sparkly pumps and consider them perfectly practical.  Two of my favorite cocktail rings now serve as shoe clips to add character and my grandmother gave me the earrings.  How do you display your favorite pieces?