Ruffles can add pizzazz to anything...

Even on a pillow. Check out this simple tutorial via Kelly + Olive couretsy of Merrilee of Mermag.
{photo courtesy of Mermag via Kelly + Olive}

DIY..My oh My...

I found this wonderful tutorial on how to make your very own grosgrain chain necklace or "bands of bling bib" as it’s affectionately called, from the super de duper fantastically talented & Glamourai Blogger Kelly Framel {who is also featured in the November Issue of Lucky magazine}.

Kelly is not only amazing style wise, but she is also an phenomenal jewelry designer. Visit her Etsy store here.

I’m literally so pumped to do this project, I pray that mine looks as astonishing as Kelly’s! I’ll keep you posted!

{photo courtesy of Glamourai}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

I will be spending my weekend purging through “old” clothes/things and deciding:
a. What to Keep
b. What to Donate/Give Away
c. What to Throw Away

It should be interesting and fun filled? I think that I should invest in “spring cleaning” with each new season, living a cluttered life does not make me happy, it only jitters my nerves.

Here is a wonderful quote I found while perusing Flickr’s tribute to Domino Magazine by Michelle Adams, “if you surround yourself with things you love, then your home will make you happy”. I think that I’m going to recite this while I purge, remembering that I can be surrounded by things that I love but that they can be orderly!

{photo courtesy of Flickr}

New Dandies...

I have some new fun filled and wonderful blogs that I happened upon..they make my ♥ {heart} happy!

1. Loving.Living.Small
2. Smitten Kitchen
3. Making it Lovely

Be sure to check them it, it'll bring a smile to your face, and insight to your life in their own special way!

Farmer's Market

Today I had the great joy of going to a Farmer's Market in downtown DC. I was extremely excited and let me tell you that I had a ball. Fruit, cheeses, vegetables, flowers, gelato/sorbet, breads and meats galore..I couldn't contain myself. Well actually I did well because I walked away with only three peaches, four apples, and a loaf of bread!

It happens every Thursday from 3:00pm-7:00pm and trust me I will be there or be square!

Lonny Magazine...

Lonny Magazine {the name is a combination of London and New York} is a most wonderful gem of a magazine that I spotted over at Design *Sponge today. The magazine was founded by teamsters Editor in Chief, Michelle Adams, maven behind Rubie Green and Co-founder & photographer, Patrick Cline & has launched today!

It looks like this is going to be a wonderful treat to invest in & I really hope that it has beautiful longevity. This magazine seems to be an equivalent to our beloved but now gone Domino Magazine.

{photo via Little Willow}

I'm no Julia Childs..but I too like to cook...

So it’s now common knowledge that I like the cook, really like to cook, but don’t look for me on shows like Food Star, Iron Chef, Chopped and the list can truly go on. But since I do enjoy experimenting and trying to cook things that "whet my whistle", I think that I’m going to make a mini “cookbook” of all the recipes/things that I want to try out and then follow in the footsteps of Julie Powell {a la Julie and Julia} and keep a tiny log of how each "experiment" turns out.This should be fun and interesting and most of all non-disastrous . I’m excited.

Here is a small glimpse of some of the delectable treats I want to try my hand at:

*Vanilla Lemonade
*Macaroni and Cheese
*Lamb Chops
*Cream Cheese Pound Cake
*Cornish Hens

{photo via Design *Sponge}

Bubbling Brown Sugar....

I truly love bath and body products {smell goods is what I affectionately call them}. When you surf the net you happen upon tons and tons, loads upon loads of great finds.
Daily Candy peeked my interest in Flourish Bath & Body Products and I'm so glad they did! ! I went to the site and they have some wonderfully delightful products. My mouth honestly began to become a pool of liquid goo {sorry} when browsing through their plethora of goodies. I’m so excited that I think that I’m going to place an order today for the Brown Sugar Sugarcube Scrub...I so can't wait!!

{photo via Flourish Bath & Body}

To Honor and Cherish...

I think that weddings of course are beautiful in any season. In the Spring, you get to smell lovely fragrant flowers, in the Summer, the sun lends its grace and shines brightly, in the Fall, the changing autumn leaves gives us a magical show, and the Winter evokes a white somewhat mystical wonderland!

It seems as though family members and friends alike have chosen 2009 to be the year in which they embark upon a wonderful merriment of new beginnings & I have the pleasure of trying of not only celebrating and rejoicing with them, but also...trying to figure out what to wear. With a wedding happening this weekend and another in two weeks...I've only found one dress that may make it to at least one of the weddings {smile}.

Whelp here she is in her brightly colored top glory. It's beautiful I believe and think it would be most appropriate {although I will need something to cover my arms} for the brightly hued wedding ceremony in two weeks!

{photo courtesy of Anthropologie}

Ppppppound Cake.....

I happened upon the most drool worthy {food wise} site ever as I was looking for a pound cake recipe and man oh man, hubba hubba baby did I find one!

I honestly cannot WAIT to try this out!

I think that I'm going to peruse Smitten Kitchen's site for more delectable treats. I have my eye on the Carmelized Onion and Goat Cheese Cornbread......yum yum

{photos courtesy of Smitten Kitchen}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

As this work week comes to a close, I have a massive under taking to attend to this weekend: CLOSET CLEANING! My closet has been looking like doom lives in it for months now and it's very much unbearable. So I have determined that this weekend will be THEE weekend that I yank back control and restore order! Hear Hear!

So as you execute your plans for the weekend, prayerfully by Monday I will be singing a slightly more wonderful, relaxed and organized tune because my closet will indeed be cleaned!

As always, have a lovely weekend!!

*Update: Mission Closet Cleaning was succesful to say the least! I was thoroughly surprised at how many things I’ve thrown, stuffed and smashed into my little sliver of closet space. Now I can actually see the walls and the floor and I’m indeed pleased as punch. The next item on my list is to wallpaper and organize and pledge for it never to look horrible AGAIN!

Glee...

I'm actually pretty excited to begin watching the new show Glee on FOX. Wait, has this already begun airing and I'm just a tad bit late? {update: the pilot episode debuted in May} Well whichever, I'm still excited, perhaps it'll be worth rushing home to see..only time will tell. Episodes begin airing tomorrow night {9th}!

To watch the pilot episode, click here.

{photo courtesy of TV Guide}

Welcome Home...

Now who wouldn't want to come home and see this darling gem of a mat, waiting to greet you as you walk up to your door?! It's so fantastic, I think that I need it, I really do need it, I promise. And what also sweetens the deal is that it's only $12.99! Oh how sweet it is!

{photo courtesy of Ikea}

Hey...

This def. seems like a wonderful film that I wouldn't mind viewing and/or adding to my film collection. It gives a interesting aspect about how five women juggle many roles in their lives & their "struggle" with deciphering how to create a delicate balance between their passion and families.

For more information about this film/maker, click here.

Everyone Likes Something...

I have to admit it that I do like animal print. I’m drawn to it for some reason.

It’s on my shoes, luggage, clothing, jewelry, pillows and the list indeed goes on and on.
However, I must say I’m not a walking leopard, cheetah, or any other printed animal. I’d categorize myself as having “a tasteful love and appreciation for our printed furry friends.” Now the only thing that I have to mindful of is that when I’m in my Golden Twilight years, that I will not allow myself to be covered head to toe in prints, although my current nickname to my dear dear friends is none other than, you’ve guessed it, “Print.”

Yesterday my co-worker said, I have something for you and I’m going to bring it to work tomorrow. When she gave it to me this morning I couldn’t help but bowl over in laughter. It’s a sweet yet comical gift and I think that I’m going to use it as a reminder when I do reach those Golden Twilight years.

Thanks Erica.

Simple Silhouette...

I can’t even accurately express how long I’ve wanted to create a silhouette portrait. I think that’s so cool, creative and pretty darned nifty. I don’t have Photo Shop on my computer and I couldn’t imagine spending an arm and a leg to get it, so I placed this little longing in a little mental box of “things I want to do but can’t at the moment."

Well now’s the time to pluck it from the murky depths of my mental box. The Fab Miss B, created a nifty little instructional on how to create your very own custom silhouette portrait. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get started. I need to do one of me and of course one of Hampton the dog.

{photo courtesy of TheFab Miss B}

Twenties Girl...

There is nothing like grabbing a really good book and devouring the pages every chance that you get. Obviously that’s how I get whenever I’m able to put my precious little hands on anything by Sohpie Kinsella {the author of the fantastic Shophaholic series}.
Presently I’m reading her latest novel, Twenties Girl, and in true fashion, my heart beats with anticipation at the mere thought of being able to grab it and read! So far it's been truly fantastic.

Yum Yum to my Tum Tum...

If you haven’t noticed at this juncture, I love to eat and cook. I’m so amazed at the number of cookbooks, cooking websites and blogs and recipes that there are in this beautiful land of ours. The other weekend some of my gal pals and I were watching this marathon on the Food Network and I’m telling you, every segment made our mouths water and our hearts beat with glee at the site of numerous tasty dishes, one after another.

There is one site that I like to visit called The Pioneer Woman as it’s a joy to the eyes and stomach! Not only is it chock full of delicious treats and recipes, but it’s clearly a melting pot of just good things. I tried the recipe she provided for making Cheese Muffins last year for Thanksgiving, and my family members were clamoring for more! I tweaked the recipe a little bit and added a dollop of sour cream to the mixture and voila be still my beating heart.

Check out Pioneer Woman for more fantastic recipes. My next venture is to conquer her "The Best Lasagna Ever" and I have a feeling that it's truly going to be the BEST lasagna ever!

{photos courtesy of The Pioneer Woman}

There are Monkeys on My Glass...

And it's safe to say that I don't mind it not one bit!
I first eyed this wonderful glass in the September issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray. If you want to add a little bit of fun monkey business to your every day glassware you can order them here.

Pork Chops Make Jewlery...

I love rings of all shapes and sizes..hubba hubba. So the other day, I found this little gem darling when I was perusing Porkchop Rules. I liked it so much that I purchased it and I can't wait for it to arrive to my house, for me to unwrap it and ever so gently place it on one of my ten digits!

{photo courtesy of Porkchop Rules}

Happy 150th Post...

Blogging has def. brought an extra added beam of sunshine into my life. I get to comment on pretty things, beautiful & creative people, express thoughts & just share with the world. And by the looks of it, I've officially done it 150 times!

So thank you wonderful people for peeking into my thoughts and seeing the things that I like, what's impacted me and whats brought me joy. Thanks for your wonderful comments and hopefully I can keep this orb of sunshine going for a billion times 150!

{photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings}

What a Marvel Idea...

Since Hampton the dog has become quite the traveler, I think that I need to add these fantastic bowls to his travel bag.

They are described as being: “A must for every dog owner, portable Slurbabowls ensure you'll always have a container for your pet's food or water. Slip one into your pocket or handbag or attach it to a leash. Simply pop open the dog-shaped bowl - it holds up to two cups of food or water. Folds flat when your dog is done and can be reused. It's also recyclable - after a few uses, simply place it in your paper recycling bin.”

I think all signs point to, YES, I’ll take two please! The things you get for the pets you love!

{photo courtesy of Pop Deluxe}

Madewell 1937...

who said cowl necks and fringes don't go together? I love this top from Madewell 1937.

I've purchased a number of items from this store and I think it's safe to safe that.....i ♥ it very very much!

{photo courtesy of Madewell 1937}

Think Of The....

beautiful things that you can do with these!!!!


{photos courtesy of Think of The}

Sandwich Thieves Thwarted...

Ah the joys of packing your lunch and happily bringing it to work! No longer are you apart of the lunch crowd that hurriedly crowds the city streets filing into various food establishments while your lunch gets tossed and flung around as the preparers try to quickly fill their orders.

The pleasure of knowing that you have a hearty meal only steps away in the company frig, your mouth waters, your heart flutters with glee, you’re only moments away from enjoying your delectable treats…you inch closer to the frig, open the door and there, there right in front of you is your lunch bag, it’s like Christmas morning, you rush to your seat, desk already prepared to welcome your lavish homemade spread, you take out your beverage, chips, fruit, & your wallop of a sandwich only to find, wait, oh no, OH YES, only to find that there is a HUGE chunk missing! Missing? Yes, missing.

Do you:
a. sputter out words of utter dismay and confusion
b. send a company wide e-mail on the do’s and don’ts of sandwich thievery
c. eat it any way {good heavens NO}

d. purchase Anti-Theft Plastic Lunch Bags

I’m thinking that option d. would have been the perfect choice for my co-worker who actually opted for option b when this travesty happened to her.
Though disgusting yet comical to look at, I’m thinking that this actually might deter office sandwich thieves.

{photos courtesy of Think of The}

Pamela is the BEST...

I participated in the summer Swap hosted by the lovely Dionne {check out her blog, she’s awesome} & I recently received a fantastic gem of a treat in my mail & thank heavens they weren’t bills!

First, I’m so glad that I’m getting to know Pamela as she is a wonderfully, sweet, warm hearted, kind & talented person!! It’s really nice to meet nice people. My Pastor often says, “it’s nice to be nice & it’s especially nice when people are nice to you because they don’t have to be”, & I really find this to be true. In a society that can sometimes be peppered with chaos & turmoil, it’s a wonderful gift to come across people who don’t appear to be tainted or weathered by the world.

Pamela’s gem treat was filled with loads of goodies: Cupcake liners, napkins, sprinkles that I can’t wait to wrap my lips around, glorious stamps, a necklace from her awesome jewelry collection {she’s a designer you know} & a superb little note from her to me!!!

Pam, you’re the best and I’m so glad that we were paired & that we’re becoming friends!!!

♥ Is Out There...

This wedding photo literally left me speechless, teary eyed and filled with so MUCH happiness. This is how love is supposed to look! Congratulations to the beautiful bride and groom. May many marriages be as happy as your photos portray!

Click here for more photos of sheer joy, delight and the work of an awesome photographer!

{photo via Mika 78 and Chennergy}

Gobble Gobble...

I’m so excited to be off of work and heading home. I’m in the mood for some of Chef G. Garvin’s Pan Seared Turkey Chops. My taste buds are dancing with delight.

I think that I’ll pair the chops with my favorite, Cream of Mushroom mashed potatoes and something of the green vegetable variety {haven’t decided yet}. Oh and I can’t forget to cook up some of my little cornbread muffins. Oh I need to go home pronto!

Home Sweet Home...

Getting your place is a major deal whether it's an apartment or a house! It's a sweet sense of accomplishment, confirming of adulthood, and a huge balloon filled with responsibility confetti! It may be a little daunting at first but once you're settled in and you realize you have your own place to come home to, it's gets sweeter day by day by day.

So congratulations are def. in order to my DB!! I'm so happy for you and I think that a cactus is in order to place somewhere in your new abode!

Welcome to your Home Sweet Home {don't forget to wipe your feet}!

{photo courtesy of Bread and Butter}

French Toast...

Right now I'm having a taste for French Toast. I found this recipe and I'm eager to try it over the weekend perhaps. Just looking at it is making me drool, pardon me.

{photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma}

Oh What a Beautiful...

Morning! This song popped into my head today and I think that it's a fine and dandy way to start the day!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

As this work week comes to a very rapid close {yippee}, I’m waiting with batted breath for the weekend to begin. I’m so happy because I get a chance to:
a. spend a little bit of time with some of my girlfriends
b. eagerly anticipate sleeping late on Saturday {hallelujah}
c. have a very nice warm home cooked meal
d. not have to pack any luggage {my feet can stay firmly planted in my own state} can use my own bathroom and sleep in my own fluffy comfortable bed}
e. get a glimpse of my DB {Darling Beau} ♥

I hope that whatever you plan for the weekend, that it brings you some amount of joy & that it’s restful!
Until the next time….have an enjoyable weekend!

{photo courtesy of Kate Spade}

I Wish I Could Draw..

Today I came across a this wonderful blog, Much Love. She {Anna} has these simply wonderful drawings that she drew herself! The most I can draw are stick people and square houses {light heavy sigh}. I'm so glad that there are people who are able to draw, make it look so great and give people like me the opportunity to drool over their work.

Also, check out Much Love Etsy. She has some nice handmade little do-dads that I think need to be added to anyone's jewelry collection!

{photo courtesy of Much Love}

Mission Room Redecoration…Still

So my room has gradually come together & even though I would absolutely love to have acquired everything at one time, I’ve had to steadily pace myself with my room purchases. The things that I still need to purchase are, a velvet tufted headboard, curtains, another dresser {why did I think that I only needed one to hold my dear dear clothes}, a chair for my desk and now newly added to the list, curtain tie-backs. I spotted a really nice one that could easily be turned into a pair here.

{Photos courtesy of Urban Outfitters }

Something's Hiding In Here...

I have to somewhat confess that Something’s Hiding in Here makes me drool a little bit when I visit their website.

They {husband & wife team: Stephen & Shauna } are so creative that it just makes me want to quit my job and take a chance at doing something I love FULL TIME. It’s nice to see people having a job that they have pure affection for. It makes the days and life so much more fulfilling/rewarding & lets you walk around this earth with a big fat HUGE grin planted on your face!

Kudos and a rousing standing ovation round of applause to the folks at Something’s Hiding in Here!

{All photos are courtesy of Something’s Hiding in Here}

Fried Rice..Yes Please...

I ♥ to cook and try out new recipes, restaurants etc. In one of my old issues of Real Simple, there was a recipe on how to make Thai Fried Rice.

I put my own little twist on this dish and every time I make it, I love it to bits and try to add different ingredients!

My favorite ingredient add ins are:
*Crabmeat/Lobster meat
*Mushrooms
*Chicken
*Tons of eggs
*Garlic
*Onions

Try it out! It’s a great quick yet hearty meal! It’ll make your heart smile with delicious delight!

{Photo courtesy of Real Simple}

Can I Please...

Have the outside of my house look like Miles Redd’s and my living room look like his too? Please?! I wonder if I can have my people {me}, call his people and see what it would take for him to either:

a. move out and give me his place

or
b. become my very best friend and come decorate my place for a very tiny wee monetary fee that’s budget {mine} friendly.
{Photos courtesy of Miles Redd}

PJ Morton...

I like this song {Mountains and Molehills} and I really like the video. PJ Morton is a superb artist who has even more wonderful albums! He’s a passionate artists and loves to make good music.

Summer Loving...

So one of my cousins {Barney} & his beautiful bride to be {Pam} are getting married August 1st!! I’m so excited because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate another family member finding wonderful love & starting a fanciful new chapter in his life, being around my colorful & entertaining family, & it gives me an opportunity to head back to my home town {Chicago} during one of the greatest seasons to be there {Summer}.

I went to Anthropologie and came across a dress that is:
1. in my favorite color {Marigold} even though they are pitching it as Gold
2. in my size
3. just so absolutely darling to me
4. light & breezy with a def. feminine flare
5. ON SALE

Special thanks to my darling beau who has so graciously offered to get it for me because, since he can’t be there {sad face}, he still wants me to look pretty.

{photo courtesy of Anthropologie}

Finally..

I have finally finally mailed off {the crowd goes wild} my Summerly Swap package {the proof is the photo above}.

Pamela, thank you so much for your endearing patience. I promise that I’m normally good at getting things done on time. I really really hope that you like your package contents and that it was worth the very long wait. Please charge my head & my hectic schedule, and not my heart! {I will post pictures up shortly of the wonderful package that my Summerly Swap partner, Pamela sent to me…it was simply the BEST}!

I promise that the inside looks loads better than the outside :)

Turks & Caicos & Turkey Bacon...

If I ever were to recommend a wonderful place to go for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, it would def. be the island of Turks & Caicos!
I’m back everyone, refreshed, restored and guiltily ready to have another vacation {smile}! I had THEE best time ever! The water, the island, the people, the food, the weather, everything was absolutely as close to a perfect vacation that I think one could ever come close to!
It was such a delight that my gal pals and I are planning to head back next year and this time the guys can come. I’m so sure that everyone will have a wonderful time! Aside from relaxingly drifting out to sea on a small foamy floaty device and screaming NOOOO as I Michael Phelps {paddled} my way back to shore, this vacation get a serious thumbs up.
AND I was successful in getting a nice golden tan {I promise I used Sunscreen}..I look like delicious turkey bacon!
{Photo courtesy of Penelope Toop}

Vacation Time...

Hi everyone!!!

Well, the time has come for me to say that....I won't be blogging too much in the next few days because......I'M OFFICIALLY ON MY VACATION!!!!! Turks and Caicos here I come {I'm actually sitting in the Miami aiport waiting to board as we "speak"}.

I'll be back the week after next but if I can tear myself away from the sand & water, I'll peek in every now and again!!

In the meantime, have a wonderful 4th of July. Be safe, have fun and eat well!

Penelope Toop