Friday, 26 April 2013

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story,

then begin by realizing that you are the author."

Houlahan

{Quote found here, image here}

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Skirts for Spring

With golden days and warmer temperatures, there are few things I love wearing more than a gorgeous skirt.

So girlish, delicate and feminine.

I love these midi length skirts for weekend brunches and spring weddings. But that cobalt coloured full midi skirt and the floral midi skirt with the slit would be stunning for an evening date!

For casual day wear or a sexy night out, I adore the sass of a shorter skirt. :)

Show off those legs!

Lastly, I am kind of obsessed with maxi length skirts. Not only are they effortless to wear, but they elongate the body in a wonderful way.

They will also forever remind me of my Mama, and maybe that's why I love them so. Growing up, she was always wearing the Laura Ashley full-length skirts that were so popular in the 90's.

Do you have a favorite item in your spring wardrobe, my dears?

All these beauties are from ASOS.
It's taking everything in me not to break my cash diet and purchase one myself!

Skirts listed in order of appearance:

ASOS Midi Skirt in Floral Jewel Print, ASOS Midi Skirt in Statement Floral Print,

ASOS Full Midi Skirt in Scuba, ASOS Full Midi Circle Skirt with Pockets,

ASOS Pencil Skirt in Floral Jacquard, Oh My Love Floral Midi Skirt,

ASOS Skater Skirt in Baroque Print, ASOS Mini Skirt with Colour Block Detail,

River Island Heart Printed Skater Skirt, Frock and Frill Scallop Edge Skirt,

ASOS Skater Skirt in Rib, ASOS CURVE Skater Skirt in Pansy Print,

ASOS Skater Skirt in Paisley Print, Mango Print Skater Skirt,

Vero Moda Mini Skirt with Mesh Overlay, Warehouse Scribble Print Maxi Skirt,

ASOS Maxi Skirt in Linen, Warehouse Tie Dye Maxi Skirt,

ASOS Maxi Skirt in Aztec Print, River Island Border Print Maxi Skirt,

River Island Drape Side Maxi Skirt, Love Maxi Skirt in Dip Dye

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

La vie en rose

Hey Lovelies, it's Wednesday!

You know what that means :)

Half-way through the work-week.

Wahoo!

In continuation of our series, take pleasure in this life,

I thought I'd let you in on my work-day mojo maker.

I've been logging a lot of time at my desk recently, and taken on a few extra responsibilities.

My mountain of paper work is slowly mounting each day, and there are many t's to cross and i's to dot.

Sometimes it's easy for me to get bogged down with the meticulous nature of it all,

and I desperately need something to spice it up.

Enter in,

French music....

Instantly I'm transported to a Parisian cafe and cobblestone streets,

and miraculously the stress in my shoulder blades begins to melt.

My thoughts clear, and my attention to detail is enhanced.

Work actually becomes quite enjoyable.

{Yes I just said that}

I've been a long time fan of such artists as Carla Bruni and Madeleine Peyroux.

And of course I love the quintessential La vie en rose, by Édith Piaf.

My love of French music has even extended itself to hip-hop and rap.

And on the recommendation of my good friend, I've been listening to a lot of Passi and Mc Solaar.

Some of my colleagues have raised an eye brow or two, but then before you know it,

they're grovvin to it too!

So without further ado,

I'll leave you with a handful of my absolute favorite tunes.

Enjoy!

P.S. Did any of you recognize that last song from somewhere? ;)

{Images}
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Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Cash diet.

Since Christina and I are both planning on traveling for one month this summer and are quickly remembering how expensive travel can be, we've been inspired to get financially organized.

We've been budgeting, scrimping, and saving.

And the weirdest thing, is that I've been enjoying the process, an insane amount.

Creating and adjusting a budget for myself has been making me giddy. What???

Part of this grand scheme, has been starting a cash diet. Everyone always says that cash is harder to part with than plastic, and it's also easier to visualize and realize the amount being spent as the cash pile dwindles.

Generally, every paycheck I divide my income between:

bills {rent, mobile, visa},

expenses {transit, gas},

savings {both for travel and long-term},

and then I give myself a portion of cash for everyday life that has to last until the next paycheck.

Before I started this project, I almost never carried cash. I also barely saved, because I figured it was more important to pay down debt {credit card & student loans} than to put money aside.

A financial advice article I read a short time ago set me straight. So, I'm saving, even if it's just small amounts every paycheck.

My dear friend Katie put it best, "You have to pay yourself too!"

And carrying cash and limiting myself to it, has been a surprisingly empowering experience.

Ah, the things we are capable of. :)

Plus, saving isn't so hard to do when dreaming of the adventures that will come because of it.

P.S. This expert's advice has been so helpful throughout the process. She offers a number of helpful resources and financial tips at her website and blog.

{Top image}

{Bottom image of a Soapstone Globe available at Anthropologie}