Color of the Week: Bronze

So, in honor of the Olympics, I thought I would feature bronze this week. I am all about winning the gold but it has already been color of the week! See my features on Red, White and Blue, Gold and Silver, with a sneak peek below.

Bronze

 Flats / Watch / Dress / Benefit Bronzer / Necklace / Bag

Red, White and Blue

Gold

Silver

My Week on Instagram

Just wanted to share a few of the fun pics from my birthday week. I had an amazing time with my friends-we rented a bed and breakfast, had yummy thyme sangria at an herb farm, visited wineries {that's us in the middle picture}, and later in the week I tried on {then ordered} Warby Parker frames, got the most beautiful scarf I had been coveting from my mom and dad {I still can't believe its actually mine} and was lucky enough to have my little brother join us for my birthday night, where he surprised me with beautiful yellow flowers. Just a perfect week, I feel like a lucky girl. Happy Monday all!

Find me on Instagram. 

Inspiration Board: Glam Dressing Room

I am not sure when it became okay for guys to have a man cave and the ladies, well, not so much. I was reading a post by Amanda at It's an Easy Life and she was explaining how she doesn't have much space for her lovely shoes, so she would like to display them...but her husband isn't really going for that idea. She has a great idea though (IMO), and it got me thinking about dressing rooms. Or, maybe in Amanda's case something for her shoes...or me and all my purses! This room could be any gals combo sitting room, dressing room, a place to read, an escape, while also storing jewelry, shoe and purse collections. It would have to be girly and cozy, with pink accents {at least in my case}. Ultimately, a mix of shabby chic and modern style or a hodge podge of everything I love and just perfect. These are a few of my favorite things...

Room 1 / Room 2 / Room 3 / Shabby Chic Chair / Chandelier / Gold Pouf / Room Divider / Floor Lamp / Audrey Art / Rug / Paris Map / Candle

Guest Post: Decorating with Leopard Print

I am a bit obsessed with leopard. Always have been, probably always will. It has been color of the week and I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to "my favorite color"! When Design Shuffle approached me about a leopard guest post, I was super excited. I hope you enjoy it-I'll be back tomorrow! And, thanks so much to Joanna and Design Shuffle!

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Hi, I'm Joanna. I write for Design Shuffle, a premier website and blog displaying interior designer's work and plenty of decorating ideas for die-hard design enthusiasts like me. I love chairs, chandeliers, bookcases and eclectic spaces. Today, I'm sharing a guest post focusing on leopard prints. Thanks Amber for letting me share with your readers!

This sophisticated space boasts touches of leopard print on the chairs and toss pillows. Simply gorgeous!



A leopard print sofa fits beautifully in a contemporary living room. The warm orange of the walls provides a lovely canvas for the room's furnishings.



A grand turquoise living room plays host to a pair of leopard covered chairs which are a perfect fit in this eclectic setting. Interior design ideas can certainly be garnered from this space.



This incredible home office features leopard print walls and chair which contrast prettily with the emerald desk. I would certainly be inspired to work in these chic surroundings.



A simple touch of leopard can go a long way as these velvety throw pillows show. Can't you just imagine curling up in this corner with a good book?



Chic and elegant, this bedroom design provides an oasis at the end of a long day. The leopard print headboard is subtle and perfect fit for the soft hues of the room.



A French bedroom gets a touch of personality from a leopard print carpet. The blue hues against the print are simply beautiful.



A winding staircase boasts a leopard print runner with stunning results. Doesn't it make you wonder where it leads?

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That's all I've got for now. Feel free to come by and visit Design Shuffle, where you can connect with top designers from New York to LA.

Today I Am Thirty-Something'ish

When someone asks me how old I am going to be this year or today, I keep saying a year younger. It isn't that I feel old, I literally just can't remember {a sign of getting old lol?!}. 

In my thirty-something'ish years, I have lived in six states and some amazing cities including Austin and San Francisco (both more than once!), traveled as far as Cartagena, Columbia to Innsbruck, Austria, walked on a glacier in Alaska, visited almost every Caribbean island (I *will* see you someday soon Turks & Caicos), worked and grown my public relations loving brain for over 10 years at some of the most amazing companies in the world, made many decisions without thinking {which equaled awesome learning experiences}, had my {faux} blonde hair turned green on many occasions {that was traumatic, right mom!} and been a thousand miles from nowhere a couple of times in a Jeep with my Yorkie, Harley {perfect moments in time}. 

I have had three wonderful furry companions that have defined these years in some way. My wonderful childhood dog Puffer and my best bud for 17 amazing years, Harley who I still think of and miss every darn day. And now, I am so fortunate to have my little love Lola, who came into my life through my Aunt Linda. She sweetly put up with being bullied by my little alpha Yorkie Harley until age three. Even though Lola eats my shoes and prefers lizards or birds to dog food, life without her would be boring. Through my dogs I have learned to be more responsible, patient and kind. And, with them love is in my life at every moment no matter where or what I am doing! 

Most of all, I have had the best friends and family that anyone could ask for. Thank you to my parents for ensuring I have had a happy thirty-something'ish years. I have never met two people that would do anything for anyone else-even if it has meant sacrificing. Thank you for teaching me how to love unconditionally. 

This year, I promise myself to continue to live this Abraham Lincoln quote! Happy birthday to me and thank you for reading along...it has been amazing over these past few months to meet so many new friends through blogging. :)

Color of the Week: Silver

It's a bit funny thinking back on when I didn't like silver because it didn't "go with" gold. I even went through a silver only phase when I had braces. Now I am all grown up {maybe} and definitely okay blending the two. When I get a bar cart, I just know it will be gold and I am going to fill it up with silver accents, maybe something like these painted Kerr jars or these vintage silver banded glasses.

Dress / Pillow / Jars / Nails / Sandals / Collar  / Barware

5 Things I Read This Weekend

How many times have you gotten the "free" glass with purchase at theme parks or restaurants, only to take it home and put it in your cabinet {never to be seen again or better yet, sold it at a yard sale for 25 cents}? Well, on the Sugar & Cloth blog, she has a brilliant idea for repurposing those glasses. See the post here.

I am constantly in awe of the pretty visuals on the Fresh Exchange blog. This post in particular, called Art to Outfit is one of my favorites. It features a beautiful painting, then translates the colors into a bold outfit.

The Beauty Department is one of my go-to sites for hair or makeup tips and tutorials that I have used over and over again. Last week they posted a DIY that's sure to be one of my all time favorites: using a contact case for makeup touch ups. I am doing this as soon as I find a leopard print contact case! Get that tutorial here. And, check out my other favorite DIY from them that I actually tried, the headband holder. Find it here.

If you were anything like me as a kid, you loved popsicles. I remember chasing the ice cream man every summer! I ran across this recipe for strawberry margarita popsicles and really, who needs the ice cream man when you have these. Find the recipe here.

I love tips on getting a "look for less" and on the Note to Self blog, it is a regular feature with Hers/Mine. See my one of my favorites featuring Ashley Olsen here.

That's my five, did you run across anything that you loved and is share worthy? If so, please share it with me in comments-I love finding new blogs! Have a great week!

That's a Margarita!

Sometimes you have to admit when you are wrong. I didn't think it was possible for a low-cal margarita to be good at all. Living in Texas, the margarita is practically our state drink, so I am picky! Well, I was wrong. Skinny Girl Margaritas taste amazing and are very smooth. At first, the name seemed a little too gimmicky cheesy so I wasn't interested in even trying it. Well, I ran across the brand on Instagram {social media FTW} and decided to go ahead and give it a try. The timing couldn't be more perfect, since TODAY I am kicking off my birthday WEEK {real "day" on the 25th} and I am allowing myself a break from my sugar-free summer! Whew hew to sugar, y'all!

Anyway, I am just too excited for this weekend-a couple of my girlfriends are coming in town-we have rented a bed and breakfast and have planned dinners, nights out and winery tours on Saturday! So, in addition to Skinny Girl Margaritas...I will be enjoying some fantastic Texas wine and maybe even a steak {I *love* birthday week lol}.

Cheers to Friday everyone-hope you have a great weekend!

I *Heart* Hearts

I have been admiring J Crew heart sweaters for some time now. Unfortunately merino wool and I aren't friends, meaning no J Crew heart sweater for me. So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled yesterday when I discovered that Old Navy has come out with their own version in cotton here. Although it is not the beautiful turquoise color (above), gray and pink will do! I do love everything with hearts.

Turquoise Sweater / Heart Earrings / iPhone Case / State Heart Pillow / Tote

The Colors of a Peach

We are well into peach season in the Texas Hill Country and as I wrote in my post about watermelon, I am completely inspired by the colors of beautiful ripe fruits. Right now I am loving the various shades of orange, peach and maroon. They even make me think a little of fall (since we are mid-July is that so bad?!). I do love summer but fall is definitely my favorite season...oh how I am missing my toes being the color of Essie Wicked polish, which the Alexander McQueen skull flats remind me a little of!

Floral Top / Dress / Shorts / Clutch / Sunglasses / Nail Polish / Flats / Purse / Wedges / Painted Journal /  Skull Flat / Pillow 

My New Favorite Thing: Missoni for Havaianas

Remember the Target Missoni debacle? I do, only because I was one of the insane totally normal fans up until 4 a.m. ordering everything I wanted, only to have my order cancelled days later because their system crashed. Don't worry, I still got that darn throw I wanted so bad {even though I ended up purchasing it on eBay}!

Well, the Missoni for Havaianas launch seems to be much more calm. I picked these cute flip flops up at Nordstrom. And, I didn't even have to run down an isle fighting for them OR stay up all night. The color is too cute and I adore the pattern. I guess I should thank Lola for chewing up my Tory Burch flip flops or I wouldn't have needed these. Find the Missoni for Havaianas flip flops here!

Color of the Week: Robin's Egg Blue

This is one of my favorite accent colors in my home-my velvet bedding and living room curtains are both shades of this blue. Although I don't have any of the color in my wardrobe, this tuxedo jacket is making me long for a cool San Francisco summer!

Dress / Bedroom / Mason Jar Vase / Ring / Tuxedo Jacket / Address Book

Recipe: Healthy Fish Tacos

I have probably mentioned {more than a few times} that I am focusing this summer on getting healthier, which means totally changing my summer habits. Goodbye margaritas and queso! It actually hasn't been that bad though and has made me get a bit more creative when cooking some of my favorites, like fish tacos. This recipe is a no oil and no sugar meal, with little to no carbs. I thought I would share it because it is so darn easy to make and is incredibly tasty!

Ingredients:

Fresh Tilapia Filets

Whole Green Leaf Lettuce

Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Walden Farms Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Pre-Made Pico De Gallo*

Spices for the Tilapia:

Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Garlic Powder - 1 tsp

Salt (I use Real Salt brand) - 1 tsp

Pepper - 1/2 tsp

Cayenne Pepper Powder - 1/4 tsp 

1. Mix your spices for the Tilapia (this spice recipe serves four), then sprinkle lightly to medium on both sides of the fish. I usually go ahead and double or triple the spice recipe so I can have plenty on hand for multiple uses. I originally picked up this spice combo from a baked tilapia recipe with olive oil-it is fantastic, find it here.

2. Heat your George Forman grill or similar to 375 degrees to preheat, then cook the tilapia for 6 minutes. Then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. I love cooking on the George Foreman grill because it is easy and quick.

3. Once fish is done, make taco using cleaned leaf lettuce as the "taco shell" and add pico de gallo, then drizzle with Walden Farms Chipotle Ranch. If you haven't had Walden Farms, I highly suggest the brand-their dressings are calorie, sugar and gluten free. Their Balsamic Vinaigrette and Sesame Ginger are fantastic on salads, and although I am not a big fan of their creamy dressings, the chipotle ranch is really good on these tacos. I also then drizzle with Frank's Red Hot for a kick of spice. If you don't use Frank's, make sure your hot sauce is sugar and carb free, if you are going for the healthier version!

*I also sometimes make my own version of pico de gallo if time permits using finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes and onion, with garlic powder, salt, pepper and lemon.

4. Enjoy!

If you make the tacos or alter them adding some new ingredients, please share-I would love your thoughts! And, got a healthy dish you can share with me? Please link to it in comments-I would love to try something new!

(Edit 7/17/2012: tonight I added a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese on my fish tacos-I highly recommend it if you can spare the extra calories! Adds a nice flavor into the mix)

We Will Rock You

Since I did a sweet girly Etsy treasury list recently, I thought I would balance it out with a roundup a bit more punk...spike iPhone case anyone? I gotta say I like it, especially that too cute Motley Crue onesie.

See the list here. And, in the same theme, see my rock inspired rustic glam earrings here and spike bracelet here.

My Current Obsession: Bar Carts

Maybe it is the Mad Men effect, but I am totally digging bar carts. They look extra special when paired with beautiful art and accessories-it really makes a statement! I hope in my next home to have space for one of these. And, here is a great How-To from Glitter Guide on putting together the perfect bar cart. I think mine will start with vintage champagne glasses!

Outdoor Bar Cart / Gold / Silver / Gold & White / Orange Metal 

Color of the Week: Best of Edition

I was looking back through some of my past color of the week features and couldn't help but put together a best-of edition this week featuring my top five favorites. These are colors that I am still loving: mint green, neon pink, orange, turquoise and kelly green. What is your color of the moment?

Watch / Satchel / Shorts / Chandelier / Coin Purse

5 Things I Read This Weekend

I am a big fan of Kendi Everyday and was delighted to get a peek into her bag here! I already ordered the Anthropologie notebook she uses, of course.

I have had The Happiness Project sitting on my desk for a while and, although I am reading 11/22/63, I am starting it THIS week. This blog post titled 30 Traits Happy People Have in Common (found through The Simply Luxurious Life) inspired me to stop putting it off.

Although I have already decided which headboard is mine in the future, I couldn't help but love this headboard DIY using pegboard from the Sugar & Cloth blog. Although I probably wouldn't use it as a headboard, it has my mind churning about how I can use pegboard!

Wondering what to do with those vintage brooches you have in your jewelry box? The tatertots & jello blog has a fantastic DIY on framing brooches on burlap. Super cute.

So, my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks {yay!!} and some girlfriends have planned to come visit, so I am already outfit and hair planning! For Saturday at the vineyards I am thinking a topknot or fishtail. Usually I use a hair donut when styling my topknot but I am liking the look of a less structured topknot, so I have been researching tutorials and these are my favorites so far: ballerina bun or messy top knot and fishtail. I will be trying them out over the next week and will share a pic if they look good.

Did you read anything fun you would like to share? I would love to hear from you!

Sunday Inspiration

Loving this message...Society6.com has some of the best typography artwork. I think I could fill my rooms with word art!

Typography Artwork