So, it has been awhile... yes. I just had an amazing trip to Austin. Don't get me wrong, I've been there plenty of times; but, this time was different. I desperately needed to get away...from work, men, myself. I rented an awesome, cozy yet modern, room at a bed and breakfast on Lake Travis called Roli's. Check the site out at www.rolisbb.com/blog/ I stayed in the green room because I really wanted a relaxing space and green seemed right (and it was less expensive!) 

The place is beautiful. Of course, when I got to Austin though, I had to go shopping... So, I started out on my favorite Austin street: South Congress. I love the eclectic boutiques, cool bars, chic restaurants, coffee shops, and people watching! First stop, Doc's Bar and Grill ( www.eatdrinkdocs.com) 

I enjoy conversations with random people, especially in the restaurant industry. I feel like I have this little secret that they don't know... and I do.. because I'm in the industry too. It's an odd thing, because so many people are part of the bar and restaurant industry so you think it would make it less special, but really you still feel like a part of some cool group, you almost wish there were a secret hand shake! haha! Next... on down the hill to South Congress Cafe for a Roses 75! It was this fantastic bubbly cocktail... if only I could remember what was in it!

What I was saying before about being inspired by the shops... there are such cute, hand made products from artists locally. I feel like you can only get these things in Austin, which I know isn't true! I recently said that I admire people who actually complete projects on the DIY pin board on pinterest... here's mine: https://pinterest.com/sgieseke/possible-diy-crafts/

This trip has inspired me to actually make birthday gifts for my two sisters and mom, since all of their birthdays are coming up! In my later posts, I'll show you my creations with some notes on my mistakes and what not. 

Anyhow, back to Austin. After shopping and eating, I went to check into my room. The drive was easy enough, even though the hills around the lake make me nervous... definitely don't feel like I drive a sports car when I try to accelerate up a steep hill! I spent the evening reading a great book and sipping some champagne. The next morning I met up with a good friend who took me out on his buddies' boat on Lake Austin.

Gorgeous. Picture this: Eight young men and women, bright bikinis, tattoos on the men, wind in the hair, speed boat, surrounded by cliffs that rise 40 feet into the air, trees and plants, beautiful houses, people knee boarding, and skrillex. I know what you're thinking... part of that doesn't sound fun (maybe the music and tattoos aren't your style) But I simply love how so many different things can bring me such happiness and a calm acceptance that I can handle whatever life gives me. It was such an amazing trip over all, I wish I had taken more pictures. Here is an idea though of what that day was like visually...

I ran across this gorgeous photo of mini cakes designed to look like a Tiffany box...

...and how could you not be inspired to throw a Tiffany blue themed party!? I immediately wanted to look up people who had thrown a lavish, stylish, Holly- inspired soiree, and first ran across this website www.thecandybrigade.com. (Click on the photo below to follow the link to their site). They have designed an absolutely amazing set up for a candy bar that is completely Tiffany blue! It's a great site to get ideas...or even better for those who love the idea of making cute signs, ribbons and the such, but don't want to take the time to do so... THEY MAKE IT ALL FOR YOU! And send it to your door! Brilliant! So, here are a few pictures... all pictures will be linked to their site, so go check it out!!

Pearls, up do, black dress, gloves, cigarette holder... check!

Everybody needs a sanctuary. Mine depends on the mood I am in, or what I'm really seeking. Starbucks is commonly the place I retreat to when I want to be productive and inspired... by all of those working people and the display of goodies at the front counter. Sometimes it's my bed... which I'll admit I don't want to leave if I'm feeling unmotivated or hungover. My yoga class, however, makes me want to make one of the following pictures come to life. To have this perfect space where I can read my trashy love novels, (hello harlequin, no shades of grey), get crumbs on the couch and have the sun light stream in. Fresh, open air, live plants, without any dust on them...sounds magical, huh?

What is your sanctuary? What are you escaping? If you could build your perfect tranquil space, what would be the most important factors? Please leave comments or pictures, and I'll repost them!

The magical, stylish, only-some-can-pull-it-off... or at least that's what I believe...hat!
Introduced to this hat by a sexy, stylish man a year and a half ago, I have gone through, or have 5. :)
They make an outfit, and I feel like they should be one of the focus points. With either skinny jeans or shorts... to balance the provocative, eye catching hat...and with a tank (its summer after all). Flats for day, heels for when your feeling racy.
Done.
Bam.

Wear it with confidence, otherwise it will look silly.

Pastels, summer fabrics, high heels and conservative, dramatic (if you can use those two works to describe the same object) accessories.