Elie Saab: Haute Couture

I am totally in love with Elie Saab.  Every collection he's produced has been fabulous, in my opinion.  His most recent 2014 collection, which just debuted in Paris, has not let me down.  I can only dream of the day I'd have a chance to wear one of these beauts to a gala!

Wouldn't the white pearl jacket & skirt be just amazing to wear to work???
What about that little purple number?  I'd wear it as my Easter Sunday dress.  
Which is your favorite?

60 Day Beachbody Challenge

Raise your hand if you’ve never struggled with your weight…..anyone…anyone?  Didn’t think so.  It seems like as soon as I hit 27 (back in April) I’ve been putting on the lbs.  I DON’T know why, and it’s super frustrating.  I had to take action, and quick! 



 

Perhaps my weight gain is related to my Paris Vacation.....oops!

A little over a month ago, I began a 60 day weight loss challenge, affectionately called the BEACHBODY CHALLENGE, where I drink 1 Shakeology shake a day and pair it with a Turbo Fire workout video.  At first, I was a bit timid about committing to drinking 1 Shakeology a day, but now, I LOVE IT!  Sometimes, I have one for dinner too if I get home late from work. 

Shakeology is super healthy for you, chalk full of essential vitamins and power-foods.  I definitely feel more energized than ever.  (For serious, I had a cholesterol bump next to my eye that has been there for at least a year, and it’s completely gone.  I noticed it started going away when I began drinking Shakeology.)

Paul (my meat eating husband) has even started requesting a Shakeology shake daily too!  So, because we both love it so much, I became a Coach, so that I can share my love for the BEACHBODY CHALLENGE & Shakeology with all of my friends and family.  (On a family vacation, I made it for my FIL a few times too—and he enjoyed it.)

As far as the diet’s going, I’ve noticed I’m more toned than before.  I weight about what I did when I started, but I think that’s attributed to the fact that I’ve gained more muscle (and muscle weighs more than fat…and I’m only 1 month in.)  The Turbo Fire workouts came with a 90 day class schedule, so I have decided that instead of just doing the diet for 60 days, I’m going to do it for 90 because I’m loving it so much!

If you are interested in the BEACHBODY CHALLENGE or in trying Shakeology, click here to order it.  You can do a “Challenge Pack” which is for a workout program and a month’s worth of Shakeology, or you can just get Shakeology on its own.  If you have questions, I’m more than happy to give you my honest opinions and answers. 

I don’t mean to be all “sales-pitchy / infomercial” about this, but I really am happy with the results I’ve seen so far, and I’m not depriving myself—which makes this whole diet thing 100 times better.

Cheatin' on 7-Eleven with The Pearl Cup

Ya'll, about 15 seconds ago, I got my daily email from the Dallas Business Journal, and 1 of the headlines Made. My. Day.

"The Pearl Cup Coffee sets up shop in the AT&T Performing Arts Center."

Oh. My. Goodness,  I am so excited about this!  I work in 1 Arts Plaza, right across from the AT&T Performing Arts Center!  Do you know how easy it will be for me to pop in there?!

Let me clarify about cheating on 7-Eleven.  Here at 7-Eleven Headquarters, we have a strict "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" policy on outside coffee.  So, that means absolutely NO Starbucks or outside coffee.  Like, seriously, if you walk into the building with Starbucks, people instantly start staring and pointing.  While I do love our coffee (and the fact that we have a 7-Eleven convenience store right downstairs), I can't tell you how many times I've just wished for a coffee shop where I could run into at lunch and enjoy a Chia Tea Latte and people watch.  I've wished so many times that the Pearl Cup further in Downtown Dallas was within walking distance because they serve my favorite Chia Tea Latte. 

Technically, I'm not cheating on 7-Eleven because we don't offer Chia Tea Lattes.  So there, I already feel better about my future visits to Pearl Cup!

Dear Pearl Cup, thank you for being awesome and opening up in the Arts District.  I'll be seeing you soon!

Oh My, Tory Burch

Y'all.  I about died when I saw these amazing heels from Tory Burch's 2013 NYFW Runway Show.

 

Source: suburbansparkle.blogspot.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Honey, I'd love these as a gift....hint hint, wink wink!

Lions and Tigers and Boots, Oh my!

Saw these and fell in love. 



Fendi Wuthering Heights Platform Ankle Boot



Do you like ankle boots, or ones that go to your knee?  I tend to prefer boots that go to my knee, but I could seriously consider adding these babes to my collection for fall!

JIMMY JIMMY CHOO(se) Me

It’s been a while since I’ve done a shoe post…what’s wrong with me?  Welp, the wait is over, because this morning, I got a sweet little email from Saks Fifth Avenue telling me all about Jimmy’s Fall Collection.  (That’s right, I’m on a first name with Jimmy Choo…)

Anyway, here are a few of my favorites that I’m adding to my wish list.  Ohhh HONEY, hint hint, wink wink. 

1. Metallic Glitter-Coated LeatherIngrid Sandals

2. Leather Ankle Boots

3. Vamp Glitter-Coated Leather & Metallic Leather Platform Sandals

4. Taffy Patent Leather Pumps

5. Archer Flannel and PatentLeather Pumps

6. Double-Band Patent Sandal

I promise they are worth it!  Every cent!  Really, they aren’t that expensive if you take into account the number of times I’ll wear them…..and plus, every woman deserves to have good shoes in her closet and on her feet!

PS- My first choice would be the Double-Band Patent Sandal (for work) and the Vamp Glitter-Coated Leather & Metallic Sandals (for my brother's wedding Black Tie events...).

Which pair is YOUR favorite?

Valentin-O-My Gosh

I have been in love with Valentino for a very long time.  I'll never forget the time I was in Las Vegas for work and as I was walking through the Bellagio, the amazing Valentino Fango Nappa Blossom Petale Handbag caught my eye. 

The leather is impeccable, and the quality, unmatched.  And at a $2,950 price tag, I carefully put it down and backed away slowly.  Sigh......  Sometimes I wish I would have let impulse take over and would have just bought it. 

Every time I walk through the Nordstrom Shoe department, I stop and linger over Valentino's fabulous collection.  Well, I recently ran across Valentino's Spring Collection, and well, excuse my while I pick my jaw up off the floor, it is AMAZING. 

May I share a few of my favorites with you?  I knew you'd say Yes!

Rockmance Nappa Leather Peep Toe Pumps

Aphrodite Straw Bag

Couture Bow Pearlized Patent Pumps

Rockstud Small Straw Tote Bag

Which one is your favorite?

Dress me Up!

So, I LOVE LOVE LOVE wearing dresses to work.  I think wearing a dress to work is so feminine and comfortable.  I mean, I sit at a desk all day, and to me, wearing a dress is way more comfy than a suit.  And, a lot of times, it's easy for me to throw a Suit Jacket on over the dress and off I go--dressed appropriately for the office!

I'm always on the hunt for another "office" dress to add to my collection, so when I got today's Saks Fifth Avenue email titled "The Dress", I had to take a look!  Here are some of my favorites; and if I had a huge shopping budget, I would buy them all!  Until then, I'll just view them from afar!

Calulla Lillibelle: Savannah Peplum Dress

Doo.Ri: Pleated Shirt Dress

 Elie Tahari: Adella Dress

 Nanette Lepore: Freshman Dress

 Theory: Cotton-Rich V-Neck Dress

 Martin Grant: Splash Dress

Oh Honey, would you mind if I bought a few?  I need them for my new role here in M&A!

Question: Which dress is your favorite?  Do you prefer to wear dresses or pants to work.  PS- if this is Hilary Clinton, we already know your answer: Pants suits.

Ole' Miss: Hotty Toddy

Well, it's official.  The Hubs and I are now Season ticket holders for Ole' Miss' 2012 Football Season!  Oh Oxford, how we've missed you and your southern charm! 

We only plan on going to the Texas and Texas A&M games this year, so if you want to buy tickets for the other 5 games, let me know!

You know what this means now.  I need to go shopping for my Football game wardrobe! 

A Work Of Art

While on our family vacation in Italy, I was busy doing major Window Shopping in Florence.  That place is a fashion mecca and I've always loved that the Italians are so fashion forward.  One night in particular, I walked past Miu Miu and was aw struck.  They had the most beautiful window display.  I turned to my father in law and said "You love spending hours in Museums broswing old pieces of art;  I don't need to go to museums for that.  The clothes displayed right here are what I call pieces of art."  He turned and said "You're right Amelia, these intricately made pieces are art--just a different type of art."  Then, he took my picture next to the display. 

I wish I had that picture to share with you....F, if you're reading this (while you are hunting with your dudes right now) can you send me that picture?

It's not every day that I find pieces of clothese that I consider "Art" , but when I do, I simply must share my joy with you.  I get emails from Barneys New York (a girl can dream, can't she?) and this morning's email wowed me. 

Look at this Givenchy Canvas Peplum Jacket! 

AMAZING!  This truly is a piece of art!  And, like any fine piece of art, you must pay up.  With a small price tag of $4,145, I will simply enjoy admiring it from afar. 

Designers from Givenchy, if you'd like to let me, I'd proudly wear this jacket around Dallas for you.  Think of it as free advertising.......

Beauty Products: My favs, round #1!

I consider getting ready for work a chore.  I mean really, I'd rather be dusting.  I spend an hour + every day doing the same thing--rushing around getting ready in order to get out of the door before 8 am. 

This morning, as I was sighing and lamenting about having to repeat this chore for the next five days (bad case of the Mondays) I decided that I would change my focus and look at the positives. 

Every day, I get to use some of my favorite products as I get ready.  Let me preface this by saying that I am not a crazy "beauty product" type of girl.  But when I find something I like, I really stick to it.  I thought it would be fun to share these products with you in the event that you are looking for a great "getting ready for work PICK ME UP".

1.  Shampoo: Big Sexy Hair Extra Big Volume Shampoo - I love the way it smells and it does wonders for my hair.  Plus, I can usually find it at Marshall's for like $10.

2.  Conditioner: Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Pure Volume Condition - I only use conditioner once a week, so I've literally had this same bottle since I was a senior in college---circa 2007 

3.  Body Scrub: Neutrogena Energizing Sugar Body Scrub - I use this once a week and I love the lemon fresh smell

4.  Body Wash:  Dove Body Wash for Dry Skin, Deep Moisture - I love this because I can buy it in a 3 pack at Sam's....and it smells great

5.  Face Wash: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleanser, Pink Grapefruit  & Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub, Pink Grapefruit - I use the Facial Cleanser at night before bed and the scrub in the mornings.  I LOVE the grapefruit smell.  It's extremely refreshing!

6.  Lotion: Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer Firming  - I've been using this lotion for years and I love that it gives a subtle tint to my skin--especially in the winter time.  I recommend using it only every few days though; using it every day creates a weird orange build up. 

Check back tomorrow! I'll be sharing my favorite make-up products with you! 

What are products you just can't live without in the morning?  I'd love to know!

Shopping for an Easter Outfit

It was always tradition growing up that every year, my mom would take my sister and me shopping to get a new outfit to wear to church on Easter Sunday.  It was probably one of my favorite weekends of the year..that and back-to-school shopping!  Well, even though my mom is no longer footing the bill for said shopping trip, I still make a point to get a new Easter outfit every year.  It's kind of like I'm saying to myself "Hello, Spring is here--time to add some color back into your wardrobe." 

My Husband has yet to understand the need for this kind of shopping spree (you know, you get a new outfit, new shoes, new accessories to go with the outfit...) but I am slowly trying to convert him.  Each year, I try to get him to get at least a new shirt, but most of the time, he says he "doesn't need a new Easter outfit."  His. Loss.

So, I know Easter is still a month away, but with all the new Spring clothes making their way into stores, I can't help but want to start shopping for my Easter outfit!  I recently went into BCBG (Honey, it was an accident, I promise...I got lost and blacked out and next thing, I was at the mall....in the dressing room at BCBG)   and oh my, do they have an AMAZING Spring collection.  Like, I was beside myself...kid in a candy store style. 

To be completely honest, most years, I end up getting my Easter outfit from BCBG because they always have the best Spring stuff!  It's weird because the rest of the year, I don't even step foot in the store. 

So, I've put together a few potential Easter Outfits in hopes that you will give me some feedback because I simply can't decide which one to go with.....and there's only 1 Easter Sunday a year....so I only get to get 1 outfit.

1.  Emma Button-Down Silk Chiffon Blouse;
Scarlett Color Blocked Pencil Skirt 
2. Liberty Mixed-Fabric Blouse; Toni Pleated Skirt
3. Liberty Mixed-Fabric Blouse; Edna Sequined Pleated Skirt

1. Abree Relaxed Jacket
2. Ozzy Layer Jacket
3. Fabian Faux-Suede Vest

1. Lucea Color-Blocked Dress
2. Colette Color-Blocked Dress
3. Jacqueline Mixed-Laced Sheath Dress
4. Aidas Silk Color-Blocked Shift Dress

1. Foster Wood Platform Pump
2. Harlow Matte Sequined Envelope Clutch
3. Two-Toned Scarf
4. Bangles
5. Destin Espadrille Wedge Sandal
6. Izzy Oversized Sunglasses
7. Lespring Shoulder Bag

So, which outfit should I go with? Dress or Shirt + Blouse?  Should I add a jacket?  I already know I'm in love with the Destin Espadrille Wedge Sandals.

Did you grow up with a cool tradition like getting a special outfit?  Do you still practice that tradition?  What's your Easter Outfit inspiration?  DO TELL!

Mary Jane Love

Gosh, I think we all know that I'm a shoe addict!  I can't help it!  But, there's 1 style that I'm always drawn to- the Mary Jane. 

I love the strap that goes around your ankle because it helps keep your shoes on.  As a girl that loves to wear panty-hose pretty much every day during the winter, I appreciate this because I HATE slipping out of my shoes! 

I enjoy not having to worry about losing a shoe as I'm running down a flight of stairs (or running around period).  Cinderella could have used a pair of Glass Mary Jane Slippers---but then again, her prince might have never found her. 

Image via Tory Burch

Well, I've found my Prince Charming (so I don't have to worry about leaving a shoe or two behind) and now, I've found my next NEW pair of Mary Janes!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ones above.  My favorite part is the Ribbon latch!

OH NO!  They aren't on the Tory Burch website---can anyone help me figure out where they are from?!!!!  I must add these to my collection!

UPDATE:
Thank you Anonymous commenter for the lead.  (Next time, leave your name so I can give you full credit!) You can currently pre-order these in Navy from Saks! 

Perhaps they will debut the Camel color ones a little closer to Spring?  I can only dream.

Husband, since my birthday is in April and since you got me Tory Burch wedges last year, I think we should continue with this tradition.  I'll keep an eye out for these puppies in Camel, and I'll kindly post a link for you to follow to order them for me (in size 8).

Subscribe by Email

Blog Update:

Have you ever tried to "Follow" my blog by email?  Like, in the area on my blog page that says "Follow by Email"?  And after you typed in your email address, did you NEVER receive an email?

Well, I was just playing around with my site and realized an error with that feature!  If you ever put your email address in there, it was signing you up for another blog that I never post too. 

So, I just fixed it!  If you want to follow my blog by email, go ahead, enter your email address.  I promise it will work this time!

And, I promise to bring more posts on my Italy Trip.  I am just holding off until the New Year!

I hope you all have an amazing New Year!  Don't forget to eat your black eye peas!

Speaking of black eyed peas, every year, I make Black Eyed Pea Salsa.  It's the perfect dish to snack on while you try to cure your hangover.  You can make it a day in advance, so all you have to do on New Year's day is warm it up in the microwave!  I've included the recipe below, so try it out and let me what you think!



Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Ingredients:

·      1 cup rice

·      2 cans black eyed peas (drained)

·      1 can rotel tomatoes

·      1 tsp cumin

·      Cilantro

·      Lime juice

A word to the wise, I've tried making this recipe with spicy rotel, and it was not good......I love love love spicy food, but save yourself the trouble and go with regular rotel!

Directions:

1.      Cook rice according to instructions.  (I use my rice cooker!)

2.      Combine black eyed peas, rotel and cumin with rice in a saucepan and heat throughout.

3.      Add cilantro and lime juice.  Serve warm.

ARE YOU READY?

Hell, yes! Damn Right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who the hell are we, Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
OLE MISS BY DAMN!

Opps, normally, when we go to an OLE MISS football game, I cheer their school chant as loud as I can.  "Ole Miss by Damn". 

But, this year when we head to Oxford, MS, I will NOT be cheering on Ole Miss.  I'll be YELLING for my Aggies!  You see, A&M left the Big 12 Conference for the SEC, which makes the Hubs and me rivals.  I am super excited for next season and will pray every day until then that the Aggies get it together.

Dear Ags,
Please don't embarrass me this year.  Please beat some SEC teams so that all the "haters in Haterville" (thank you NeNe Leaks for that quote) will stop talking about how we are going to get stomped next year.

Also, I will be at the Bowl Game on Saturday.  Please beat Northwestern.  Pretty Please?!

Love,
Me

2012 Texas A&M Football Schedule
Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Sat, Sep 01	McNeese State	College Station	TBA
Sat, Sep 08	Florida *	College Station	TBA
Sat, Sep 15	SMU	Dallas, TX	TBA
Sat, Sep 22	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Sep 29	Arkansas *	TBA	TBA
Sat, Oct 06	Ole Miss *	Oxford, MS	TBA
Sat, Oct 13	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Oct 20	LSU *	College Station	TBA
Sat, Oct 27	Auburn *	Auburn, AL	TBA
Sat, Nov 03	Mississippi State *	Starkville, MS	TBA
Sat, Nov 10	Alabama *	Tuscaloosa, AL	TBA
Sat, Nov 17	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Nov 24	Missouri *	College Station	TBA
*Conference Games

Who Doesn't Love a Little GaGa

Have you heard about Barney's New York "Gaga's Workshop"?  Barney's has worked closely with Lady Gaga to design a range of exclusive, speical edition items which will be available for a limited time only at their "Gaga Workshop".  The workshop opens in 6 days, and for each of the 12 days leading up to the opening, Barney's has released (and will continue to release) a special "Gaga" product.

It's official, I'm "GaGa" for this "Diamond Teacup"!  But, at $65, I'll have to add it to my Christmas List and hope that Santa brings it! 

This teacup, with a "diamond" inside, honors the interview in which Gaga dropped a diamond-like rock into her cup and pulled it from her lips when she polished off her drink.

 I mean really, isn't it fabulous!  And what a conversation starter!  And technically, isn't it a piece of art?!  And since I want to begin to collect art, I need it!

Santa, (or anyone else who loves me and wants me to be happy), if you'd like to purchase this for me, just click right here!

Around My 'Hood - Cheers

So, remember watching episodes of "Cheers" and thinking "Man, when I get older, I hope there's a bar I can go to where everybody knows my name?"  Well, my friends, I am now proud to say that I've found that bar.  And no, it's not because I am at the bar a lot.  Everyone knows my name because it's in my 'hood---the 'hood I grew up in--so naturally, everyone I grew up frequents it. 

Friends, let me introduce you to Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House. 

Source: sidedish.dmagazine.com via Amelia on Pinterest

When I was growing up, this was a bar called the "Texas Trap".  There were no windows, and I'd always see bikers in the parking lot.  Boy what some windows can do for a place!

I find the name fitting because the hubs and I love to meet our good friends up there.  It's local, it's laid back, and it's not pretentious.  At. All.  Come as you are!  Last Sunday, we biked up there (for exercise, duh) and sat all sweaty on their great patio.  It was awesome.  As one of my friends put it, "@ Goodfriend.  Who needs Uptown?"  My thoughts exactly! 

Last night, we made the mistake of going up to Goodfriend just to say hello to one of our favorite couples, and ended up staying way to late.  It was worth it though.

Also, I ran into several friends that I hadn't seen in ages (some that I've grown up with since Kindergaten), so it was great to catch up with them as well.

I highly recommend visiting Goodfriend soon!  It's a great escape from city life!  Sit at the great Horse-shoe shaped bar, try the current beer on tap, and enjoy the company! 

Source: sidedish.dmagazine.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Also, get to know the bartenders!  They are from the area too!

So, if you look close enough, the guy sitting behind Dax's (bartender) right shoulder is kind of a big deal here in Dallas.  That is Tim Rogers, editor for D Magazine. 

Try it out and let me know what you think!  You never know who you'll run into up there.

Struggling with an Injury

So, if you actually *know* me, and I've talked to you in the past 6 months, you've probably hear me talk about not being able to run because my left knee starts hurting at about a mile in.  Sparking any memories of this coming out of my mouth??

My love of running began back when I was a Senior in high school.  On my lunch breaks, I'd go run a mile.  I remember how proud of myself I was once I was able to run 2 miles!  My love of running continued and by my Junior year, I'd run 6 miles 6 days a week, and 8 miles on the other day.....just because.  To be completely honest, while I liked running, I liked the way running made my legs looked more. 

My brother and I before a race. 

About to go for a final run in Sweden
--Junior year of college

Since graduating from college, I will admit that my running has fallen off.  I still loved to go run the lake on Saturday mornings (9 miles), but I wouldn't force myself to go run every day.  I was falling out of love with running.  This made me sad, but I was okay with it. 

When my husband and I bought our house close to the lake, I was so excited to really pick up my running again!  I'd run all over the neighborhood with my Springer Spaniel!  (No kidding, she would smile the whole time.)  One day back in early May, the hubs and I went for a run, just to the lake (probably 3 miles there and back) but once we got to the lake, it was so beautiful, we decided to just continue running around it.  That day, we ran 12 miles---it felt good.  It felt so good, in fact, that I went back to the lake that Wednesday after work to run another 9.  About mile 8, something happened, and I had a horrible pain on the outside of my left leg.  My Springer and I limped back to the car. 

Ever since then, I've not been able to run more than a mile without my leg hurting.  It was quite depressing.  I got angry.  "I'd just fallen back in love with running and now I am dealing with an injury!  No fair!" 

Well, after staying off of it for 6 months, I decided to run in the neighborhood Elementary's 5k.  (I am, afterall, really competitive, and I wanted to run with my husband so bad--and take home a medal!)  So, I ran it.  Fast.  And of course, about mile 1, my leg started to hurt.  But I couldn't stop; little kids were passing me and I didn't want them to think I was a quitter.  So, I kept on and finished (came in 2nd in my age group by the way), but I couldn't walk after that.  I had a horrible pain and I realized I'd done something bad...real bad.

Immediately, I made an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon, and met with him yesterday.  I was preparing myself for the whole "Ma'am, you are never going to be able to run again.  You will only be able to swim for exercise."  But, then, a glimmer of hope came when he told me what was going on.

I am suffering from IT Band Syndrome. 

The IT band runs from the hip to the knee.

I won't go into the nitty-gritty--go here for more info on it--but apparently, a lot of women my age suffer from it. 

I start physical therapy next week for it and I hope and pray that it heals fast.  I'm ready to get back out to the trails.  Please say a little prayer for me as well! 

I just texted my best friend and told her that as soon as I recover from this, I am running a marathon (with the proper trainning of course).

Dear legs and IT band, I promise to not take you for granted ever again.  Just please, please get better.