new obsession

I just discovered the Hollywood Makeover section of InStyle's website. You upload a photo of yourself and then get to make various transformations to your look - everything from hair style and color, lipstick, blush, eyeliner, etc. You can even adjust the intensity of your makeup. Brilliant! The best thing about it is it tells you which make-up product you have added to your look. I was lazy and just used a random photo of myself, and therefore wasn't able to try out some of the shorter hair styles or up-dos. Next time I'll be sure to use a photo where my hair is in a ponytail. Here are some of my creations for a good laugh!

these boots are made for walking

This weekend Charlotte got a ton of snow. Laugh all you want Northerners; it was a lot for this city! Yesterday I made the mistake of venturing out in my flat-soled riding boots. Big mistake. I almost busted my butt half a dozen times. So today, I’m going to battle the ice, slush and snow in my favorite rain boots by Chooka. I discovered these at the Atlanta gift show two or three years ago. Most of their designs are bold and outrageous, so these boots aren’t for the faint of heart! I own the turquoise and polka dot ones seen below. These boots really are made for walking…especially in inclement weather!

put a ring on it

Call me self-loving, but I can’t get enough of products with my name or initials on them. While piddling around the internet last night, I happened upon the most adorable rings by Catbird. Usually I prefer big bold jewelry, but there is something about these subtle little rings that I absolutely adore. They are delicate and sweet (and HANDMADE, wow!). What a great gift! At $88 apiece, they won’t break the bank. But, if you’re like me, you’ll want two or three to stack…which brings the price tag up quite a bit. The entire alphabet is available, as well as a cute little heart. Order them here, or check out some of the other awesome items Catbird has to offer.

     

paperwink

As you will learn, I am in love with ALL things paper and stationery. This week I ordered the most fabulous custom address label stamp from the lovely ladies at Paperwink. This was somewhat of a momentous occasion, as this is an address stamp for my very FIRST house. So, a lot of thought went into finding the perfect stamp. I fell in love when I found Paperwink's website. So cute! And affordable...their stamps run between $18 and $25. After checking out all their designs, I decided on the Metro (first picture below). It is clean and classic and perfect. Can’t wait to start stamping!

Thanks Tara and Darcey!

Paperwink also offers personalized invitations and stationery, so be sure to check them out!

andrew spear

I can’t think of a better way to make my leap into the blog world than by posting about one of my favorite artists. I met Andrew Spear a few years ago while working at Sam Flax Art & Design in Orlando. Super cool guy. The city is peppered with Andrew’s art. He seems to be Orlando Weekly’s go-to illustrator. His murals decorate multiple walls around town. And, if you’re lucky enough, you might even own one of his originals.

Here is a photo from Andrew’s most recent show at Bold Hype Gallery. I am utterly OBSESSED with this mural.

For my birthday last month, my fabulous mother commissioned Andrew to do a piece for me! It just arrived this week, and I love it! I’ll post pics of it when I get a chance to take some. Check out more of Andrew’s work on his website.