Top of My List...

At home in the desert this week-- sorry for the lack of posts but I am having too much fun playing hooky from life to do anything productive. I did not pack a hat for my trip, so the 105 degrees of blazing sun have me pining for a fedora, panama or wide-brimmed topper. Any kind will do, but here are a few of my favorites from the web:

Another topic that seems to come up this time of year-- any new and amazing sunscreen finds? The Cetaphil SPF 50 facial sunscreen that I used last year did not cause any breakouts, but it did leave my face shinier than acceptable standards of dewiness allow... in my book anyway. Which is a crazy read-- but I digress. If you know of any sunscreens that leave a matte finish, especially in a humid climate, I am all ears! (And face)!

(Mini) Tour-de-Detroit: Architecture Edition

My fiance's brother was in town recently and we made sure to spoil him with the finest food and entertainment Detroit has to offer... We actually just went to a bunch of breweries, but A- that is the finest D-Town has to offer (kidding! or am I?) and B- that's all my future brother-in-law needed to relax and enjoy a much-needed vacation, so it worked out nicely.

 My favorite thing to do with visitors (besides get a beer... or six) is to show them all the statuesque architecture in our new city. Back home in the wild west, there aren't a lot of the antiqued, stately buildings that popped-up like weeds here in the automotive heyday, so the architecture is a novelty for me and some of my guests. Even when we don't have visitors, I will head downtown for an architecture pick-me-up whenever I am in a design rut or just need a little extra inspiration.

Here are a few photos of Detroit's fabulous facades:

I am cheating with the above picture from the gardens of the Cranbrook school because it is from last summer, but this phone picture isn't the best quality, so hopefully I can get better pictures this summer. I love the stonework detail from the school gardens (below) as well:

Above is the interior of the Grand Trunk Pub (a former railroad ticket office that is now a charming pub filled with Michigan-made brews). I love the vaulted ceilings and the tasty fried pickle spears, which is one more reason why I need a new wardrobe of stretchy pants...

Do you live in an amazing city or one like mine with a bad rap? What do you love about your town?

Well, Hello There!

The past few weeks have not been exceptionally productive for me, but they have sure been fun!! My good friend (her awesome blog here) made her first visit to D-Town and I am happy to report that she made it home alive! hehe. It was great to have her visit and I am already having withdrawals :( but no time to dwell on that because my fiancee's brother is flying in today for his first visit!

[Side note: I love how my visitors excitedly equate Detroit with 8 Mile and Eminem. 8 Mile is just a road and I have never seen Eminem, but if it entices visitors or gives me street cred, I am all for it!]

I have also been looking for a new job-ola, but no luck yet. I have been told it will take a while, (this isn't the most booming metropolis) but I feel like I could do a great job at something if I knew what the heck I wanted. Readers, how have you found your (current) calling? Trial and error? Mystic visions? Jail? Divine intervention? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

This is one of my most recent projects: 

I know the next big trend will be earrings, but I love me a statement bracelet and a DIY project!

Are you working on any DIY projects of your own? Any job/soul-searching tips? I hope everyone is having a great week!

Procrastinating Effectively!

I just got back from vacation and while I should be doing laundry, cleaning, and getting ready for work, I am checking emails instead. Not anything important, mind you, but all the fun stuff I didn't check on vay-cay. If you don't get regular emails from Barneys, click here to see their newest Givenchy bag. I love big bags and simple styling, but I am not sure about the washed leather.... Thoughts? Any new discoveries that you love or hate?

....OK, back to work! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things:

We all know the song- I won't even bother to quote it, but the cheesiness is relevant. Whenever I have a bad day, I gravitate towards the fun things/activities that cheer me up:

Reviewing the Spoils of Shopping!
I am trying to curb my love of retail therapy, so when I am down, I will rummage through my closet and find something that I haven't worn in a while. That way it feels new and guiltless. Or sometimes I will make a new outfit out of pieces I already own, or simply gaze admiringly at a great deal I snapped up. I got these little flower posts at Anthropologie a bit ago and love wearing them. Best part? $5!


Tasty Treats
I love cooking, (brace yourself for future photo-ops of making dinner), and love making desserts- thanks for the sweet-tooth, Mom- but sometimes a tasty drink and a snack can hit the spot. Should've had these Gin&Tonics with lime and pistachios on St. Patrick's Day in keeping with the color theme...


Vacations
Not well-traveled by any means, folks, but I love a fun get-away. Stress-free, sometimes impromptu, jaunts make me happy. I love driving as much as flying because although it takes longer, pictures on airplanes aren't usually very memorable. Or at least I will say this until I crash my car while snapping pics....


Jewels!
Most gals love a bit of sparkle, (hello, Anthro earrings!), and I like tinkering with the construction of pretty baubles. I haven't taken formal classes, but I have learned things here and there and make what I like. I usually give items to friends or wear them to work until I feel like making something new out of the parts... Below are two sets of simple/silly earrings I made for friends:



I will post some more jewelry photos of what I am envisioning for spring and summer wear next time :) Ever stop and think about the little things that make you happy? I guarantee it will brighten your day, and feel free to share!