Do Something Good (and Do Fun Stuff) Part 2

Today I'm dedicating my blog to Do Fun Stuff which I talked about here. I could go on for days explaining the why's & how's but basically what you need to know is if you buy this album, you'll be helping a great cause and getting some cool music in return.  (If you really want to know the why's and how's read Ryan's post.) You can preview the songs below. And if you're feeling super awesome - you could tweet about it (use hash tag #dofunstuff) or share this link on Facebook. 

Thanks peeps. 

What's a good post title...

for a photo of Stylish Italian Men?

Photo by The Sartorialist

Yes, yes, yes.

The Quest for Happiness

  Photo via Luna Nueva

Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp. But which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. 

                                                                              -Nathaniel Hawthorne

Taking a little moment of reflection today. Deep breath and aaaahhhh....

Cardigan Calling

There's a chill in the air today and it won't be long before I'm reaching for cardigans on a daily basis. They're my go to piece for transitioning dresses, tanks, and skirts into fall appropriate outfits. (With a teeny closet that's important!) These budget friendly pieces will knock off the chill and look pretty doing it!

This chiffon trim cardigan by LC Lauren Conrad gives

a J.Crew look without the J.Crew price.

Every closet needs a mustard cardigan. 

"Really?" you ask. Really. It adds pizazz to fall's deep hues. 

Tip - olive based works well on most complexions.

Stripes get sophisticated with a touch of silk.

 Not just for layering...

Let this military inspired crop be the statement piece.

Feeling fancy? Go Embellished! 

Sparkly enough for night, comfy enough for day.

What are your favorite ways to transition?

Pancake Party

Who doesn't love a good theme party? For years I've dreamed of having a New Year's Day breakfast where everyone comes in their pajamas. I think I found my inspiration...

Photos by Our Labor of Love via Ashley Meaders

How do you like your pancakes? I go for peanut butter, banana and a tiny bit of syrup. Nom, nom.

Pantone / Product

Blu Bijoux Emerald Facet Bib Necklace - $60

Do Something Good (and Do Fun Stuff)

Let's get serious for a minute. I need your help because my favorite blogger on planet earth needs our help. Ryan at Pacing the Panic Room is doing something amazing and because we bloggers have have the ability to reach an insane amount of people we need to spread the word. If you don't know Ryan's work what rock have you been living under? Just kidding. But you've seriously been missing out. He documents his life (among other things) and most famously photographed his wife's pregnancy. Cue the awwww... (By the way, there are some really terrible knockoff's of Ryan's maternity series out there. When I see it I just cringe but alas, I'm not here to complain. Just know he was the original genius.)

Anyhoo, back to the point...
Ryan is spearheading an album for charity to raise money for Smith Magenis Syndrome - a rare genetic disorder that The Littlest Buddy (his stepson) was diagnosed with. Here's what you you can do to help:

1. Visit Ryan's blog and read this post - it will answer all your questions about the album launch on August 30th and tell you the ways you can help and why you should.

2. Be a twitter maniac today and spread the word using the hash tag #dofunstuff and gently begging Ellen to have a dance party on her show. Come up with your own kind plea or retweet mine.

3. Mark your calendar for August 30th - the day we will post/tweet/facebook about the album launch and share the goodness.

This is my most favorite thing about blogging - making online buddies, falling in love with their stories and being able to do something good with our voices. So come on guys, if you call yourself a friend (or even if you hate my guts) have a heart and help out!

Gorjana Jewelry

Striking enough to wear alone, simple enough to wear together - these pieces by Gorjana make great transitional pieces as fall quickly approaches. Pair them with flowy dresses and sandals  now, add tights and cardigans later.

  Feather Necklace - $60

  Studded Leather Wrap - $55

 Willow Bangle - $95

Happy Birthday Patrick Swayze

Today is Patrick's birthday and although he's no longer with us (*tears*) I'm still celebrating. Let's reminisce together, shall we? (This works better if you have "She's Like the Wind" playing in the background.)

  Photos via Google Images and People.com

If you can handle more tears, click through Patrick and Lisa's love story.

I highly recommend reading his book, 'The Time of My Life". Or better yet, listen to it on audiobook so you can hear his voice :) I must admit, I bought them both shortly after he passed and it took me months to finish only because I couldn't bear to get to the end. His strength and pure determination were amazing. 

Next up - I want to devour the full series of North and South.

Happy Birthday in Heaven Patrick!!

What's your favorite Patrick memory?? Do tell!!

Animal Attraction

Designer Mika draws inspiration from animals for her line, Mika Organic. How fresh and hip is the butterfly top? The incorporation of antenna's as straps is pure genius. And the details of the horses mane - spectacular!
See more here.

Faith Hill True

Isn't Faith just the prettiest? When her 1st fragrance launched last fall I bought it right away and it didn't disappoint. I can't wait to get a whiff of this one!

Happy Friday the 13th

 Photo by Birdseye Photography available on Etsy

Are any of you suffering from paraskevidekatriaphobia today? Some polls suggest that fear of Friday the 13th may be the number one superstition in America. I just think that's sad :) Personally, I find it it reason to celebrate! It's no secret that this is my favorite day. Thirteen is my lucky number and when it falls on a Friday...even better. I'm not sure why I gravitate toward unlucky things...Do you have any quirky personality traits?

Placeholder Post

I spent the past weekend in New York attending Blogher '10. (I meant to post about it before I left but life has just been a little too hectic. The load is not lightening up any either as I'm headed to LA in the morning...) Being busy is good but it's still busy :)

I snapped this picture from my blackberry on my way to the conference Saturday morning. Times Square was relatively calm at that point and the sun and breeze were just perfect. (How is it that this country girl has a heart that feels so at home in the city?) BlogHer was amazing - I met tons many wonderful people and was so inspired by the stories, successes and dreams! Hopefully by  the end of the week I'll have some recaps and photo's to share.

In the meantime, here's a placeholder post while I'm gone (with a few fun NY & LA links!)

Funniest marriage advice I've ever read

Fabulous French party decor

12 items to always pack - I need more 'Holy-crap-that's-awesome-blouses' in my closet...

NYC Wayfarer's!

Cute or Rude? 

Gorgeous Los Angeles prints

This LA wedding had an In & Out burger stand!

A totally sweet subway token bangle

I was obsessed with these rooftop sculptures in NYC

And if you missed it...Blogher '10 coverage

Fabric Gift Wrap

How fun is this reusable fabric gift wrap??  I wheelie like it *giggle*
Many more to see at Chewing the Cud.

Grocery Store Photoshoot

This couple shot their engagement photos at a grocery store. I just love their vibe!

By Oh, Darling Photography.

Totally 80's Trolley Party

Wow. Words can't even describe what an amazing time I had at our double birthday 80's trolley party. The pictures might look ridiculous, our costumes were borderline hideous and our photo booth was like something straight out of the eighties, but seriously, this party made me have a moment.

You know how everyone says that you should look around at your wedding and soak it all in?  My experience this weekend was similar to that. Somehow, in the midst of 35 people crammed on a trolley, cruising down Lake Shore Drive with the windows open, beer splashing, stereo blasting "Livin' on a Prayer" I was able to have a moment. I looked around at all these people and was suddenly so grateful. Knowing they were here for us, to celebrate our birthday meant so much. And the planner in me was thrilled they were all having an excellent time. But most importantly, these people were completely carefree, totally enjoying the moment.  Life is hard, you know? Daily routines are mundane, commutes are stressful, work is hectic. So it's great to have an excuse to dress like an idiot and let loose, don't ya think?


Thanks to everyone who participated!

P.S. That should be it for the personal posts for a while. All my big life events happen around the same time! Thanks for letting me share :)

Plum Polish

Speaking of Sephora...I can't get enough of coral nail polish this summer, but according the the beauty insider catalog I got in the mail, plum is the shade for fall.

Image via Sephora 

I can dig it! Try 'Just a Little Dangerous' from the Sephora by OPI Collection.

Sephora Launches Mobile Shopping

Sephora announced the launch of SephoraMobile shopping today. With features like placing orders from your phone, purchase history, and GPS to the closest store, you'll have no excuse to be out of that favorite lip gloss.

Technology amazes me! So fellow shoppers, have you ventured into the world of purchasing from your smartphone yet??

August Desktop Calendar

A new month means a new desktop calendar. Simple numbers, pretty font and circles with swirls - fun! This one come from invitation designer Marit Hanson and all sizes are available here.

Happy August everyone!

Lucky Number 7

7 years ago I said 'I do' to him in front of family & friends

5 years later I said it again in front of Elvis

 

Both times I thought I loved him as much as I possibly could but at lucky number seven... that just seems like crazy talk. Happy Anniversary sweet husband!