Happy Heart

Check out a few things that are making my heart happy lately.


These are sure some inviting doors to walk through on a Monday morning.
Practicing what I love most makes me so full.
Hey world, meet my new friends.  The one on the right, his name is Pin Man.
The most beautiful snow I ever did see, mainly because it was above 45 degrees when this picture was taken. NYC - redefining a heat wave one above freezing day at a time.
Don't be fooled, it's still winter despite these pretty blooms.

Photography 1(01)

After getting a DSLR camera for Christmas and being so excited about it, I quickly realized that I knew absolutely nothing about how to work it.  I had this vision in my head that if you get a nice camera you will automatically be able to take nice pictures.  I was particularly interested in this so that I could upgrade from iPhone pictures to higher quality photos that I could come to cherish down the road.  This idea quickly crumbled after I realized that you clicking away won't result in much.  I decided to enroll in a photography class and learn the basics.  Check out the interesting techniques we learned in class three tonight!  Stay tuned for more quality photos coming your way.



Now, I am by no means a professional.. but this does look pretty cool if I do say so myself.  So excited to learn more tricks and techniques.  Warmer weather couldn't be more welcome now that I have a camera to see the city through.  I am constantly day dreaming of heat and the sun and vitamin D and can't wait to take this bad boy out for a spin through Central Park!

M I A

Been trying to do this a little more, by making sure that I am always doing things that I love.  2014 has been a year of dreaming and scheming so far and taking time to learn and to get back to what makes me smile big and worry less.

Pops of Pink

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I am generally not a pink fan - I usually go for colors in the blue and green families.  However, lately I have been seeing so many beautifully styled rooms that feature pops of pink.  When picking out bedding or furniture for my space I try and go with neutral items.  I am a sucker for a clean all white room with a few accents here and there.  Working color in is so easy when you have a blank slate, yet I still try and choose subdued colors.  These bright shades of pink that I have been seeing everywhere lately have me humming a different design tune. I am thinking next time I want to redecorate, I might just consider working this ultra-femme color into the palette - especially if I can get my hands on that gin print.

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Steal Deal

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If you have been swooning over all things Etta like I have, and are tired of grabbing knockoffs instead of the high priced real thing, then listen up.  J. Crew is having an additional 40% off of sale items event, and yes this includes these Etta's, oh and these, and these, and these. Heaven.  I have been  wanting the calf hair leopard Etta's for just about forever now, and I finally got them for a steal.  Just use promo code FUNSALE at checkout to get an additional 40% knocked off.  

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Seeing Spots

Y'all, I have seriously been spot obsessed after stumbling across a few of these images on Pinterest.  Seriously, who wouldn't love these sweet and neutral spots on walls, on chairs, on pillows, on everything.  Whether you refer to these dots as Dalmatian, White Snow Leopard, or just plain polka dots, you can't go wrong.  Animal print is the best neutral around.  It fits right into any space while packing a punch.
If you aren't ready to go all out spots, it is great to bring this print in with a piece of furniture, pillows, or a framed print.  It's the perfect accent to almost anything.  I especially like the mix of spots and gold-- but maybe that's because you can't screw up if gold is involved!

Check out my favorite spotted inspiration images over on my Pinterest board. Would you be bold enough to choose spots this year?

See Ya Later 2013

2013 has been one for the books.  This has been a year of change and growth and finding myself in places I never imagined I would be!  Here's my year in a nutshell--

Christmas with my man.

First trip to D.C. and I got this close to the White House.

Met my all time favorite blogger.

Found a new favorite pizza spot that I love enjoying with friends, new and old.

Family came for Thanksgiving, I am a lucky girl!

NYC fashion show, brought to you by Joel and J Crew.

Moved down the street from this place, how lucky did I get?

Reunited with my original NYC partner in crime along with my current one.

Had a fun family weekend at Alabama, RTR!

Have been figuring out how to brave the cold.  It's only going to get worse.

Enjoyed sushi at our new city spot. Repeat after me, BYOB.

Spent two fab weeks in Europe, thanks Grammie!

Explored The Met with this guy on one of his visits.

Had some July 4th visitors and had some fun on the fire escape!

Gambled... A little too much.

GRADUATED!

Spent my birthday pool side.

Took my first calligraphy class and fell in love.

Said goodbye to my sweet beemer.

Attended my very last formal with the best date!

Just one of many road trips.  Hello from Bama!

Spring break couples cruise with my favorite people.

Sister loving on bid day. Kappa's it!

Celebrated Valentines in style at the Four Seasons.

It doesn't get any better than spending 365 days with people who fire and fill you up.  I can say without a doubt that this year I was truly inspired by those around me to take advantage of every day and every moment.  So thanks to all of you for making 2013 the best yet, and here's to 2014 and all that is ahead!