Thankful.

It's not November.
It's not even close to Turkey Time.
In fact, the thought of eating stuffing during the sweltering heat makes me want to retch.

BUT, I am feeling especially thankful.

I feel like I spend so much of my time worrying about all of the things that I DON'T have.
I don't have a brand-new car.
I don't own my own house.
I can't afford to buy designer shoes and bags.

But how much time do I spend thinking about all of the things that I DO have?
Probably not enough.

As someone who dedicates their entire blog to trivial material objects like makeup and fashion, I might not be the obvious authority on the topic of thankfulness.But I am making a concerted effort to examine my life for what it actually is, rather than the things I buy to try to mask it.

Today, I spent some time at the local soup kitchen, serving food to those who don't have the means to serve themselves.
They ate the food that was given to them with no qualms about how posh the food was, or the fact that it was served on plastic trays.
They didn't hesitate to take seconds, and they all told me "Thank you."
As I watched an old couple with tears in my eyes, who ate there together, I felt so sad for them that they had to resort to taking their meals from strangers for free.
But then I thought about it. They have each other, they have food, and they don't seem to feel sorry for themselves.

Obviously, I surround myself with mostly people who have cars, houses, and plenty of material objects, which may alter my views about what is "normal" for people to have. But in reality, many people are struggling to have clothes, shoes, and food.

I have clothes, shoes, food, a car, someone who I love deeply, and a great family and friends.

So next time I look in the cabinet for some food, and all I see is a can of soup, I'm going to feel pretty damn fortunate.

Presh.

All I can say is that this makes my ovaries ache.

Welcome to the world, Baby Guthrie....

Motivation.

Some days, I just don't feel motivated. I don't feel like my career is going in the direction I want it to, and some days I would rather be at home reading a book than working.

But on those days, I try and remind myself aobut the things in life that I really am working toward.

There are things that I can't afford now, but in my lifetime I'd like to be able to own them.

Today I'll share with you some of the things that give me motivation and inspiration to work.


1. The Rolex Datejust

The Rolex Datejust has long been a status symbol. But for me, I am really interested in buying pieces that I will be able to have for years, and know that their quality will not diminish. I love this watch, and it definitely "motivates" me to work a littl harder each day. Especially since they run about $6000. Yikes!

2. Christian Louboutins



neimanmarcus.com

 I would pretty much give my left leg for a pair of Christian Louboutins. Would that cut the price in half since I would only need to buy one shoe? Hmmm....
These shoes are incredibly designed and crafted and are just about the sexiest thing since sliced bread.
You know what I mean.
Coming in at a steep $895, these shoes might force me to work a little overtime.

3. Yukon Hybrid

This is my dream car. I love that it's big enough to lug around kids, skis, etc. but it still has hybrid technology. Plus, they're a dream to drive.

It may seem silly or materialistic to use objects to motivate me to get things done. But I think that it's important to have aspirations and goals, no matter how trivial they might be. If it helps me excel at my job or in my personal life, I think that is just fine.

Rolexes and Range Rovers,

Kelly

Addictions

One of my trusty, faithful followers has asked me to update my blog. And so it shall be.
(There are only like 4 of you out there, so hopefully you know who you are.)

It is (almost) officially summer and I am SO ready for some pool time.
Too bad I have this minor limitation called "Rent" that forces me to spend time in an air-conditioned prison from 9 to 5 every day.

Anywho- let's get to it!

1. Summer Bags:
I usually buy myself a nice new bag about once a year. Last year I bought myself a silver and white tote from Coach that I'm still using and am still in love with.
This year, I might follow the same path and grab something like this:

coach.com



I love the gold detailing and the gorgeous brown trim....

Which leads me to my next addiction...

2. Gold Jewelry
Lately I've been wearing lots and lots of gold jewelry....
My everyday staple has been the Lotus Necklace from Dogeared....

shopstyle.com

I love that it's so delicate, yet the gold tone really works well with tanned skin (which I don't have. YET.)
I usually pair it with another gold necklace or two and pop in some gold and diamond stud earrings or earrings similar to these:



shopstyle.com

I'm aiming to get a great gold watch to go with my gold jewelry- any suggestions?

3. Nude Nails
Now, for me this is generally a trend that I follow every summer. My fingernails are usually a variation on a nude shade during the warm months, mostly because I think that they go with everything and they really help bring out a tan.

I've tried all kinds of "nudes" and I have some favorites:

OPI- Matched Luggage

To me, this is the perfect nude nail polish. It's not too "pinky" and it's truly a great color that makes your tan really pop.



Essie- Allure

I find this color very similar to OPI's Bubble Bath, which is a well-known cult favorite worn daily by Giada De Laurentiis. It's got pink undertones and is a really soft and feminine color.

4. Messy Side Braids

Although side braids aren't for everyone, and they're a little difficult to pull off if you have heavily layed hair (like I do) or short hair, they can be a fabulous and beachy summer hairstyle.

To me, when I think of this look, it's epitomized by these two styles:

The look seems effortless, and if a few pieces fall out, the look only improves. I think I'll be working on perfecting this style this summer. If you're like me and you hair isn't quite long enough to pull this off, try putting a few clip-in extensions in to add a little bit of length to your hair.

5. Last but not least, the booze.
For those of you who know me, you know I love the booze. No really.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons, simply because the drink options seem limitless.

One of my favorite summery drinks is the Michelada

ricardosolar.com

 This drink, made with beer, tomato juice, hot sauce, worcestershire, soy sauce, lime, and salt, is one of the best things about sitting outside on a summer evening. Yum.

Mojitos

Mojitos are a bright and refreshing way to get your daily dose of Vitamin C. Mint contains vitamin c right? No? Oh well.
They're a bright and refreshing way to get your daily dose of booze.

Made with mint leaves, cane sugar, white rum, club soda, and lime, they are one of my favorite things to make at home. They're a little bit labor intensive, but totally worth it.


All this talk about cocktails and Coach has made me ready for Happy Hour!!
Until next time!!

I'd Kill for a Genetic Mutation......

Ok, not any genetic mutation, but specifically this one:

The genetic mutation that gave Elizabeth Taylor her incredibly enviable "double eyelashes".
That's right. She got not one, but two rows of killer lashes on each eye to bat at men everywhere.

She even was told on a film set to go and wash off her mascara, because she appeared to be wearing too much makeup..... Even though she had no mascara on.

Sigh.

Alas, I am limited to the scope of my own pathetic eyelashes, which look more like a few straggly hairs sticking out from my eyelids.........

In loving memory of Liz and Lashes....

Obsessed.

I have a creeping suspicion that I am writing this blog as more of a "journal" than a blog... as in, I may be the only one reading this. As in it's like that thing when you go back and read your old journal entries that you wrote in the 4th grade about the kid who sat next to you but had pimples but you still thought he was cute but you were to embarassed to tell anyone but your journal? Tap tap, is this thing on?

Anyway, I'll continue to write about things that mean lots to me and little to anyone else until someone begs me to stop.

First up:

Roly Poly Mad Men-esque tumblers. I ordered a set of 5 (obviously the ones pictured aren't mine, since there are 7) off of Ebay for a killer deal.
I can't wait to drink a nice swig of scotch out of one of them while I smoke a cigarette and ponder my latest marital infidelities.
Or maybe it's more like I can't wait to sip orange soda out of one of them while I wear my dorky glasses and play computer games on my laptop. Poh-tay-toe, poh-tot-toe.

Number two:

 John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray. What a mouthful.
This product may be the miracle in a bottle that I've been looking for.
I've been using it for about 3 weeks now, spraying it on my roots before I blow dry my hair, and my hair is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter. Even my ultra-oblivious boyfriend noticed. It's THAT good.

I may even be able to postpone my monthly salon trip for a few more weeks. (Who am I kidding? I let my roots turn a Tawny Kitaen shade of disgusting before I step foot in the hair parlor).

Three:

Blackglama Mink Ads.

Maybe because I am "inheriting" two Blackglama minks, or maybe because the iconic ads feature so many of my beauty and fashion icons, such as Brigitte Bardot, Lucille Ball and Sophia Loren.

Who knows? I really just want to lounge around in my Cruella De Ville style mink, drinking orange soda out of my roly poly glass.

Don't judge me.

Cuatro:

The Pioneer Woman.

She is a blogger, who is much funnier than the likes of lil-old-me, who hosts the site thepioneerwoman.com
She has killer recipes, a hunky husband, and takes incredible photos. What's not to love?

Fiver:

Photo: West Elm

Patterned Rugs. They are totally awesome. Radical. Boss.

Rugs can give such a pop of interest in a room, especially for pattern-phobes like me who forget to incorporate patterns of any sort until the end of decorating a room, when I realize I need something like a zebra rug to incorporate into the space.



Photo: West Elm

I even love this Trellis bath mat from West Elm... sort of like Greek Key pattern. But different.


Six



Photo: Z Gallerie


I love this desk so much. So much that I could ALMOST justify to myself and my checking account spending $475 on it. ALMOST. Maybe for my birthday..... hint hint...


Well that's all for today... I'm sure I'm obsessed with many more things, like eating the filling out of Oreos and then throwing the outside away. But I will save that for another day....


Onward and Upward. Or Over and Out. Or Open and Ornery.


Latest Obsessions

I (more or less) have decided to do a "latest obsessions" post once a month....
Obviously I can't fit everything that I"m obsessed with in one blog post, but I can try. :)


1. Cool Lighting

overstock.com

I can totally see this one going over a kitchen table, or even in an entry way.

overstock.com

This one would be perfect for over a bar area.

overstock.com

This one would look awesome over a dining room table.

Can't wait until I have my own place to put this kind of stuff!!



2. Oversized Sweaters

To me, this is the perfect winter clothing trend. Wearing an oversized sweater with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans, paired with heels or thigh-high boots is the perfect way to look casual while still showing off your shape with fitted pants.

Here are some celebrities who pull this look off:

Ok, so this woman can do no wrong, but Kim Karashian looks effortlessly glamorous in her chunky oversized sweater.

Another Kardashian sister, Kourtney, pulls this look off well by adding a zebra print style into the mix.

This sweater, by Express (which I also own) is a perfect way to work this look- the wide neck also allows for a sexy off-the shoulder option.


That's all for now..... Check back soon to see what else I become obsessed with.