resolutions

*take my fucking vitamins and fish oil every morning. (it really shouldn't be that hard. but it is.)

*read more...everything. books. magazines (don't need help there) newspapers (need lots of help there)

*keep up with pilates. I was fortunate enough to teach private and group pilates lessons 3x day for the past 6 months. my abs have never been happier or more alive (NO, ABBIES, I WILL NOT DO ANOTHER TEASER.) anyways, I hope to keep them happy, even with a 9-5.

*work harder in my relationships (friendships, family, etc.) I don't do nearly enough legwork.

the rest are either personal/boring/probably not going to happen :) so no need to tell.

happy new year everyone!

tomorrow

Goodbye Fultonia! You will be missed.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! It's a WHITE Christmas here in Iowa (of course) so we're stuck inside all day...which is just fine with me.

photo via

revised babies

Here are some new and some revised Facebook button designs. Clearly, there is no shortage of gradient. These seem to fit the Earth's Best brand a bit better, and are a bit more interactive by offering the viewer an entry point to take them to the site (little arrows.) Once the page launches in a few weeks I will post the link.

*helveticalendar

Helvetica, when treated correctly, can produce some extremely powerful and clean design work. Now available is the Limited Edition 2010 Letterpress Calendar from Antonio Carusone of AisleOne. It features a calendar with the year printed in English, French, Italian and German (yes, Italian!) Of course, the type is set in Helvetica and each print is numbered and signed. While it's not what one would exactly call a utilitarian calendar, this would make amazing wall art with some matting and simple black frame.

Most importantly? Only 50 were made! GET THEM WHILE THEY'RE HOT (...they're HOT.)

*via acejet170

let it snow

photo via

on the move

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am supposed to be spending the next two days packing up my apartment for a big move, but with the snow falling outside I'm tempted to just pop open some red wine and keep searching the "domino files" for interior inspiration. It's exciting to know I'll finally have some design freedom in my next apartment (of course, it is finally nice to live in an apartment actually nice enough to decorate!)

Lately, I've been drawn to neutrals with lots of differing textures and natural elements. Above, soft white flowers add life to delicate metal, a lucite coffee table (look closely) makes books seem to float, raw wood feels at home on a sea grass mat and a fuzzy leopard pillow adds luxury to an aged leather chair.

photos: dominofiles

a little glitz

perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite glamour girl.

photos: j.crew, neiman marcus

what the PUG

ah look at this precious baby!!!!! I'm dying. Mulberry's princess collar coat will keep your pug (or other small mammal) warm and stylin' this winter. The coat is plush tan wool, complete with easy-to-fasten leather toggles and the Mulberry signature check accents.

PLUS, it's 50% off...doesn't $70 sound way better than $140? I don't even own a pet (yet) and am considering this an "investment." ha. Now, go spoil those pups!

what deux yeux have teux deux teuxday?

Teux Deux is a new online program designed to help you tackle that to-do list! (or teux deux list?) Designed by Swiss Miss and built by Fictive Kin, the site is incredibly easy to use and beautifully minimalist. I'm not sure if it will come to replace my beloved baby legal pads, but I'm sure the extra reminders couldn't hurt.

monday inspiration

and if tonight my soul may find her peace

in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,

and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower

then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.

— D.H. Lawrence

a new favorite

slow shutter photography

everything you haven't been watching
celebrate with cupcakes, cashmere and Coach

way to go Texas

to match those Chanel skis

instant ambience

photo: unknown, credit original photog

employed

I finally got a job that doesn't require yoga pants, medicine balls or isometric holds!

ski chic

...just add hot cocoa.

photo: instyle

pretty little things

an elegant on-trend bracelet and jewelry holder that's as beautiful as it is ingenious.

ps: how great is the color "soft pumpkin?"

photo: j.crew

boys boys boys

ugh...why is it so hard to buy for them!?! These corduroy TOMS shoes, however, are sturdy enough for outdoor wear and comfy enough to double as slippers — without being too "fashion-ey." Whether gifting for a boyfriend, brother, dad or pimp (what?), the man in your life will appreciate their practicality and philanthropy.

team kevin

don't forget, the Top Chef season finale is tonight! I've been watching this show since the first season, and this is definitely the most talented group of chefs they've had (besides Marcel of course...sadly I am a Marcel disciple.) but this season? Team Kevin all the way!

chilly

A permanent chill has finally set in and I am not happy about it. Can I please spend the day watching the snow fall while soaking in this amazing bathtub? I'm especially loving the antlers that double as a towel rack.

looks like today I'll have to settle for another (more delicious!) form of warmth...

bath: unknown

monday inspiration

...and a little pug!

nibble, nosh, nummy.

superb gift guide

be a hit at the party

truffles, say no more.

the new promo is a little scandalous

obsessed x2

'tis the season

want all of these, especially this.

warm and toasty

I could never do a post titled "warm and toasty" without featuring my beloved faux fur...so I didn't! As a native Iowan, I understand the importance and sheer necessity of having a great winter boot. Sorels are a great fashionable AND weather-proof replacement for the tired Ugg (don't worry, I still love you.) They come in three neutral colors; the black and cream being my personal favorites. HINT. HINT.

Don't let your top half get jealous of those toasty toes. J. Crew chicly solves the cold ear dilemma, minus the nasty hat hair.

Let's ignore the fact that I want this skirt, those tights, the legwarmers AND the booties and just focus on the legwarmers. The sparkly charcoal is unexpected against a sheer black tight, and will add a much-needed layer of warmth while out and about at all those holiday parties.

woodsy charm

I love the sleek finish and modern lines on these hand-carved wooden bottle openers. The fish is perfect for the nature (and beer) lover in your life, or pairing the apple and snake would make a thoughtful gift for the intellectual or bibliophile (or both!) the owl & elephant? just plain adorable...especially those little talons!

photo velocityartanddesign

little bows and mistletoe

Kate Spade is a genius! the infamous Mistletoe hair clip and Bow studs are festive enough for any holiday hostess, and astonishingly affordable.

wine-OH!

for the wine lover in your life...the highly-regarded 2007 Talbott Logan Chardonnay.

"The 2007 Logan is 100% Monterey County Chardonnay and 100% barrel fermented in French oak (20% new). Aromatically exudes some guava but mostly enriched with butterscotch and toasted vanilla bean notes. On the palate, it offers pure tropical fruit, citrus, caramel and tapioca pudding. The finish is lengthy as its carried out with the perfect amount of acidity. This Chardonnay offers desirable complexity, clarity, and balance." — Shannon Sprentall B-21 Staff What does all that mean? It's delicious.

feathers in her hair

a refreshing change of pace from the mass-produced peacock headbands of last year. and best of all, it's inexpensive enough for gifting (for the fashionable bff perhaps?)

vie moderne

december

photo: lelove

all I want for christmas

...is this well-designed Typotheque planner and sketchbook; it's like my beloved quo and moleskine combined! I also like how it lists all international, multi-religious holidays (who doesn't need more reasons to celebrate? happy pesach!) PLUS, my favorite number is 10. looks like 2010 is going to be a great year.

sneak peek

seeing as how the trifecta of Angel hotness — referring to Gisele, Heidi and Adriana, of course — are all either massively preggers or still semi-massive new mamas, it looks like baby angel (how appropriate!) Miranda Kerr will be headlining the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Despite being an Adriana purist (I'd say she runs second only to Kanye in my celebrity-love roster, but then again I haven't read Twilight...yet) all I can say is that, Miranda...you're looking damn good.

Thanks Elle, for the preview. The full show will be aired to the public on December 1st, more info here.

photos: Elle

homemade toner

after years of using tea tree oil and witch hazel separately to control my unfathomably moody skin, I came to the genius (if I do say so myself) conclusion of combining the two. duh. the result is a tingly solution that controls both oil and bacteria.

21st Century Tea Tree Oil (I found it in the natural area of Hy-Vee) is my favorite brand of tea tree oil because it leaves a clean, non-oily finish on skin, but any brand of skin-friendly tea tree oil would work just as well. just unscrew the cap to your witch hazel and pour in about .75 fl oz. of the oil or about 1/3 of a small bottle. pour on a cotton pad and let your pores breathe!

birthday week

old age is catching up with me, and I will soon be 23. I would like to feast upon these very fashionable cupcakes...

while cozying up with this blazer....

and wearing this sweater/necklace combination. (beautiful.)

okay, so the chances of me celebrating with such luxuries is highly unlikely. rather, my birthday will probably include plenty of cheap pink champagne, some caterpillar rolls and a new pair of thigh high American Apparel stockings — and I wouldn't have it any other way. I guess the Chanel pearls and Louis Vuitton trunk will just have to wait until 24 :)

chanel, elizabeth and james, chanel

cozy

I would love to curl up inside this house all winter.

photo via acupofjo

november

photo: goforchris

black and gold

in light of today's mizzou and iowa games...another source of black and gold inspiration.

chloe susan boot

glow IN THE DARK

can't believe I watched the whole thing. okay, yes I can. and damn, I want it.

happy halloween!

pumpkins get graphic AND sexy (who knew?!) with some clever pantone carving and fishnet stockings.

pantone pumpkin: Joe Buckland via Veer

sexy pumpkins: unknown