a zest for fashion. lifestyle. & design

Monday, January 31, 2011

THIS & THAT



Here are a few odds and ends that I picked up yesterday while out running around!

1. A real antler shed from a deer (naturally so there is no harm to the animal).  The salesman at Wag N Wash said that these make great long lasting chew toys for doggies. $12.99 each
2. Proof that Lute was pretty happy with his new treat
3. A "Salt Pig" from Crate and Barrel to keep my sea salt on our kitchen island
4. Another pic of salt holder, I like it's clean/modern shape
5. Mane 'n Tail shampoo, this stuff has been around forever.  I have heard really great things about it & so I thought what the heck for $5.99 for a large bottle from Safeway it's worth a try.  I used it this morning and so far I really like it.


Thursday, January 27, 2011

VALENTINES DAY


DIY simple decorations


Cut out hearts to make your breakfast/dinner playful


A sweet LOVE message on your Valentines mirror with lipstick


A kiss of course


A given...sexy lingerie


A romantic bubble bath with candles & bubbly


A card to say I LOVE YOU


Photo credit: Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart, & Victoria Secret

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

IKEA PICKS






I know where I will be Saturday morning, fighting the crowds at IKEA.  I love the large grey wicker basket for under our entry way table & this simple off white coffee table is just what I need.  The basket is $59.99 & the coffee table is a smokin deal for $39.99.  I can buy both for $100.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70167124
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10065958

YOU DONT KNOW JACQUES


I have been getting TONS of compliments on my nail color & so I thought I would share it with you!  The picture doesn't do it justice because I took it with my blackberry and it makes it look brown.  I would say it is more of a grayish color.  It is by OPI & it's called "You don't know Jacques."

Friday, January 21, 2011

A+R




I stumbled upon A+R online & found some really unique pieces for our home!
Check it out http://aplusrstore.com/

1. I have been wanting a pretty carafe for my olive oil to display on our kitchen island and this one is hand blown and costs $22. 
2. I also LOVE the gold hand to put in our entry way to hold our keys. 
3. As for the cubed vase, I have been on a hunt for a piece just like this.  I like the pop of color and think it would look perfect on our dining room table, it also comes with a kit to grow the grass. 
4. Finally the white ceramic crinkled cups remind me of my college years yet these are a bit more sophisticated and fun!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

MY DAD'S CHILI


1 lb lean ground beef 90/10% fat, or ground turkey, or chicken
2 cans Rotel brand diced tomatoes Regular or Hot
1 small can diced green chile's
1 small can diced jalapenos
1 can Bush's chili beans in chile sauce
1/2 can drained kidney beans
1 green bell pepper diced
1 yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste

I put ours in a crock pot while I am at work so it cooks for 10 hours.  Sprinkle on top fresh cilantro, grated cheese, and sour cream or Greek plain yogurt for less fat/calories.  Serve with a warm tortilla and dinner is ready!  *This chili is on the spicier side so eat with caution!

Photo credit: cookinglight.com

PRODUCTS CONT......

I have really sensitive skin & so I have to be very careful as to what products I use.  I love this daily microfoliant from Dermalogica because it's powder consistency scrub is gentle yet it feels like it removes the dead skin cells without the rough sand feeling.
The best price I have found is at Amazon.com for $34.50, this will last you awhile
I use this night recovery cream by Olay Regenerist, it is supposed to give you a mini face lift every night!  I like it because it doesn't irritate my skin & it is not greasy.  It feels like a whipped silky cream and it leaves my face feeling refreshed.  I buy mine at Walgreens and I believe it rounds around $19 a jar.
http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/anti-aging-products/night-recovery-cream?pid=075609600647

This Vitamin E & Cuticle Oil by Sally Hansen is really amazing.  Vitamin E is always good for healing cuts and so I use this product on my cuticles and on my skin.  This is really gross but my husband lost a fingernail from dropping a huge piece of metal on his thumb when he was working as an Industrial Engineer about 6 years ago.  He went to the doctor and he really didn't offer much advice about how to get his nail to grow back so he went 6 years without a thumb nail (yuck).  I decided to try this oil on his thumb, & I put it on every night for about a month and his nail is now 100% healed like nothing ever happened.  I highly recommend it!
You can find this at your local drugstore.
http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=66

Monday, January 17, 2011

HEALTH & BODY


Love these single serving probiotic drinks by Yakult.  They help manage your digestive system & they taste great.  I buy them at Safeway or Whole Foods and they cost around $2.99 for a pack of 5.  For more nutritional information click here: http://www.yakultusa.com/Yakult/FAQs.php

I have also tried tons of protein bars and have several that I like but today I tried this one by Odwalla and I LOVE it!  I will definitely be grabing this protein bar when I am on the go or when I need a quick snack. This bar is full of vitamins A,C,& E and it is oh so good!  Found at Whole Foods for $1.19

MY PICK FOR BEST DRESSED- GOLDEN GLOBES

I love award season and I am obsessed with all of the amazing gowns on display on the red carpet.  Eva Longoria is my pick for the best dressed this year, she looked stunning in this black gown by Zac Posen!  The train is PERFECTION & the crystal broach adds just enough sparkle and interest.  Tony Parker eat your heart out!

RECENT PURCHASES


J BRAND Bell Bottom Jeans
TROUVE TEE

DOLCE VITA Ethel Boots

A pair of sleek bell bottoms is necessary for this spring season.  These bell bottoms in "pure" make you appear taller and leaner & who doesn't love that!  I also love this Trouve shirt for layering & it's loose fit is so comfortable.  Lastly, I have been wanting a pair of tall slightly over the knee boots in grey and I fell in love with these.

Purchase info.



http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1228992&pg=5132130

Monday, January 10, 2011

NUDE OBSESSION

This nude & gold bikini by LSpace is so amazing I can't wait to get one once they become available in March.  Not to mention it's great motivation for working out and burning those holiday calories away!   

Happy Monday!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

PARTY DRESS

So my 30th birthday is coming up and I want to find the perfect party dress to make myself feel better about getting OLD! I am kind of freaking out about leaving my twenties but looking forward to new adventures!
I found these two totally different looks for my inspiration!  The top nude colored dress is vintage and the gold sequined dress is by alice + olivia, one of my favorite designers!

Hope everyone had a great New Years!