A Castle in Heaven

Sweet friends, as you know, we are headed to Italy soon with my MIL & FIL, SIL & BIL, Opa (Grandpa), and 4 cousins who currently live in the Italian Alps.  I am BEYOND excited.  Like, I am practically so giddy that I've increased my consumption of vino in preparation.  It's my favorite place (hello PASTA, PIZZA and WINE) ever.  It's magical and glorious and beautiful.   

For the past month, we have been in full planning mode for this trip.  As you can imagine, getting 7 people over to Italy from America and then meeting up with 4 Italians was quite a challenge.  (Heck, now I know why travel agents still exist!)  But, once the flights were booked, we quickly turned our attention to a bigger question:

"Where the heck are all 11 of us going to stay?" 

After going 'round and 'round (get me off this carousel) searching for a villa that could accommodate all of us, my FIL just booked this beauty!  Yes, a Castle in Heaven!

Holy goodness--this castle/mansion/hopefully my future residence is a FAR cry from the dumps hostels I stayed at my first time in Italy.  I mean, really, look at this place!



I imagine as soon as I get there, I'll sprint to the top of those stairs (catch my breath) and start singing "The hills are alive, with the sound of music" as I hold out my arms (palms up to the sky) sweeping the landscape....

Oh wait, that song is referring to Austria.  What.ever.

Situated in the Chianti region, this villa has some breathtaking real estate (and some mind boggling wine).  I'm positive I'll get to explore most of the land on my daily runs (gotta try to keep those carbs & wine from going straight to my thighs).  There is also a tennis court, and I imagine we'll have one or two "friendly games" of tennis.  (We are all pretty good at tennis and anytime we get together, we do play.)  Most of the time, us "kids" get beat by my MIL & FIL.  Somehow, they manage to win even though my FIL is smoking a cigar...the whole time.  I gotta hand it to the old man---that's talent.  (Opps, forgot he might read this....let the "friendly" trash-talking begin.)    

Anyway, we have this bad boy for 7 days, which will give us just enough time to NOT WANT TO LEAVE.  It's centrally located so that we can take day trips and always return back to "home base".  I'll leave you now with a few more pictures of the beautiful villa........ 

Gotta Store my Cool Kicks

Friends, do you remember when I told you about my addiction to shoes and my storage solution back in this post?  Well, the Husband has yet to help me solve my problem (he's been busy, I forgive him).  As I was browsing around the furniture on Ballard Design's website, I discovered this beauty. 

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Amelia on Pinterest

I looked at the specs, and I'm 99.9% positive that it would fit perfectly on the wall next to my closet.  Then I saw the price-- $599 + s/h & tax.  I am also 99.9% positive that He will say "Oh Hell-to-the No" if I ask for it.  So, I've found a solution. 

Honey, will you please build me something that looks justlikethis for my shoes?  I'm sure you can do it!  Okay, compromise.  If you build it, I'll paint it.  (We already have the perfect paint color from when we redid the Hutch.)  Totally. Fair!

Logos- A definite GO!

Friends, I am soooooooooooo excited to tell you that Event Consignment has an official LOGO...well 3 logos actually! 

It was a really really hard decision because my graphic artist designed the same logos but in another color, and well, it was just really hard to decide which one I liked best.  So, I polled a few people and then slept on it, and now, I've committed.  EC's logos are here to stay.......

I imagine I'll use them for packaging and stickers and I can't wait to have them printed on thank you cards!

*****I'd like your help with something!  Which one do you think will be best for Event Consignment's Facebook page????  The 1st one or the 2nd one????  ******

Also, this is the last logo!  This is more for my letterhead! 

You like? 

(s)TORY time

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tory Burch.  Who doesn't?!  Since she arrived on the fashion scene, I think she's won over several of us girls!  Well, just as I was sitting here really focusing on work, I noticed a new email pop into my Inbox.  So, I clicked it open and this is what I found:

Wow!  How did Tory Burch know that I WAS LOOKING FOR THESE?  Well, not these exactly, but I've been on the hunt for a good pair of flats for my upcoming trip to Italy.  Thanks to this glorious email, I will look NO FURTHER.  But now I have a dilemma--actually 2 dilemmas....

Which pair, and how will I explain to my sweet, supportive, darling of a husband that I ABSOLUTELY need these???  I'm taking suggestions! 



Event Consignment, LLC

Sweet Friends, I've been keeping a little something from you.  It's near and very dear to my heart and I was afraid to share it with you until I had all my ducks in a row, but I simply cannot keep it hidden any longer. 

I recently started my own company, Event Consignment, LLC, which is an online consignment shop for event decor!  I started the company because I saw a huge void in the market after I got married.  I'd bought all of this great decor stuff (candles, votives, backdrop fabric) that was used for 5 hours and then went under my bed at my mom's house.  I passed the votives around to several friends for their weddings, and then realized I needed to GET RID OF THEM.  But how?  There really was no great way, so I thought "why not create an online shop where other girls can buy my gently used votives for below retail costs?" 

As my idea evolved, I realized there were several girls like me---needing to get rid of their event decor.  With a current trend of hand-made weddings, several girls I knew had tons of vintage milk glass and china and TONS of mason jars that they wanted to get out of their new homes.  (Plus, making some money on that decor isn't so bad either for these newlyweds!)  I also found that it is very hard to collect mason jars and milk glass in mass quantities, and so many girls were looking for an online shop like mine---where they could get something in mass quantities with ease. 

Source: None via Amelia on Pinterest

I named the company Event Consignment because I didn't want to limit the decor to just "weddings".  People throw baby showers and bridal showers and luncheons every day and need these decor items.  I want to be a shop that offers a buying and selling solution to all. 

So, I took a leap and with my husband and family's support, started the company.  For the past month, I have been working with a graphic designer to get my logo just right, and we are almost there!  I've also been working with a social media and website design firm to get my ecommerce site up and running.  We've still got a lot of work to do, but I hope to have my facebook page up within the month!  I'm a little slow on the get-up because I am still working full time as well.  I hope that within a few years, the company will bring in enough income for me to stay home and have a baby.  (Fingers crossed I can grow my business!)

So, in the coming weeks and months, I'll be talking more and more about my new venture, Event Consignment.  I'm excited to share my "baby" with you.

**If you are interested in consigning your event decor, please let me know.  I am in the process of building up inventory so I can have a good catalog of product once the website goes live!  If you live in Dallas, I am happy to come check out your stuff personally!  **

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as this process evolves--and don't be afraid to tell your friends about my company as well! 

Happy Birthday Dad

Dad, Happy Birthday!  I hope you have a great day!  Thanks for all that you do for me.  Thanks for our weekly dinners at MiCocina, thanks for being "Dr. Phil", but most of all, thanks for your love and support! 

I'll never forget what you told me when I was telling you about how I was starting my company.  You said "Do you need some investors?" and I said, "No, I think I can handle the costs.  Why, do you want to invest in my company?"  Then you said, "Well yes.  I think any idea you have will be successful."

 

Restoration, I love Thee

It's no secret that I LOVE Restoration Hardware.  I mean, I walk into RH and get this feeling of euphoria.  I painted my bedroom RH's Slate color and then I painted the guest bathroom with their Stone color.
(I get lots of compliments on both of these colors.)

Then, I found the perfect chairs for our French table.  My MIL & FIL graciously bought them for us.  (Because, let's be honest, I may LOVE RH, but I'm not quite in their target income range.)

So, today, as I was sitting here working away, I get this email about a "Fall Lighting Event--take up to 25% off" from them.  Obviously, I tear myself away from work to look at the lighting.  Indulge me for just a minute, as I've picked out what I WOULD buy if I COULD. 



Source: restorationhardware.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Source: restorationhardware.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Source: restorationhardware.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Living Social Does it Again

Sweet Friends, I have a confession.  When I walk into Whole Foods or Central Market, I instantly feel healthier & skinnier.  Do you guys experience the "Healthy" effect too?  I mean, I just feel different than when I walk into a normal grocery store.  Just walking in makes me want to eat a salad instead of the pizza slice combo from Sam's!  Maybe it's the smell of organic veggies that does it, or maybe it's the fact that I paying more for everything.  I justify it by internally thinking I'm automatically healthier and skinnier.  Perhaps I'm not alone in this feeling because EVERY time I walk into either of these 2 stores, a million other girls are fighting over the salad bar too--like it's the best thing since sliced bread.   

At any rate, I am so excited about today's Living Social that I MUST share it with you! 

For just $10, you can get a $20 certificate to spend at Whole Foods!  I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to buy this?!

Follow the link below to get you yours!  And, it's good for 90 days.  So for my friend Miyan over in the Holy Land (Shout-out), you too can buy it because you'll be here in time to spend it. 

https://livingsocial.com/deals/123805?ref=personalized-link-box-26154349&rpi=26154349

 

Go ahead, experience the "Healthier, skinner" syndrome with me!

How Stella got my Groove Back

This past weekend, I went to a Stella and Dot jewelry party hosted by my friend Casey Fisher, and I just have to show you what I got! 

First, I needed a simple gold necklace that I can wear all the time.  This On the Mark Necklace looks like it would be distracting, but when I put it on, it went perfectly with my tan.  I also got  these Sun Disc Earrings   in gold!  They are perfect for everyday wear, and with my blonde hair, they add a simple, sophisticated touch.  



 Had my budget been limitless, I probably would have gotten these too....maybe next month I can go back for these plus more!   (Wouldn't they be the perfect accessories for my upcoming trip to Italy?



1. Amelia Drop Earrings
2. Infinity Charm Necklace
3. Clover Double Wrap Leather Bracelets
4. Jill CZ Hoop Earrings
5. Toujours Bracelet
6. Nugget Wrap Bracelets

If you like what you see, check out Casey's website and buy buy buy!  http://www.stelladot.com/sites/caseyfisher  

Proud to be an American

I remember it just like it was yesterday.  I was getting ready for school (sophmore) and my mom had the tv on.  She never allowed anyone to turn the tv on in the morning, but this morning was different.  I walked in and saw on tv a cloud of smoke over a building in New York.  My mom was crying.  I didn't realize at the time what was really going on. 

Fast forward to me at school and all the teachers had their tvs turned on.  A second plane hit the 2nd tower.  My mom later told me that she called the school to tell them she was coming to pick us up.  The principal assured her everything was okay and that we'd be safe at school. 

What a tragic sad day.  There are events in life that stand out--forever painted in my mind (i.e. the day my husband proposed to me, my wedding day, and of course, the day terrorists invaded our world and killed thousands and thousands of people.)

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I will reflect on all those who lost their lives.  I will reflect on those families left behind.  More importantly, I will reflect on the fact that those terrorists DID NOT take MY FREEDOM AWAY.

Taken at the Texas A&M red, white, and blue out.  So proud to have gone to such a patriot school.

(garlic) Buns in the Oven

Remember my Oven post from yesterday?  Well, my friend (and former boss...from way back in high school) left me some comments that I wanted to share with you all. 

Peter owns an Italian Restaurant here in Dallas, Alfonso's, that I worked at growing up.  I love all of their chicken dishes (especially the chicken franceses) and my husband and I frequently go there for the pizza.  Delicious!  And, their garlic rolls are to DIE for.  Sometimes, I go in and sit at the bar and eat a salad (with their amazing house dressing) and have a glass of wine and chat with the wait staff.  It's in my neighborhood, so I always see someone I know in there eating.  If you are in Dallas, I encourage you to visit Alfonso's.  (We even had our rehersal dinner there!)

Anyway, here is what Peter had to say about my oven search:

"A few hints: you want a double convection oven 30" wide. Kitchen aid??? not sure about that but you need a convection oven to evenly circulate the heat.

You already know about gas ranges. 6 burners if you have the space...Check the BTU; you want ALL burners to be 15000, not just one. I like Wolf -- that's what we use at the restaurant.  At home I use something else."

Wolf 48" Range

Thanks Peter for these helpful tips!  I hadn't even thought about making sure the oven was a convection oven.  And I will certainly search for a range with all burners at 15000 BTU.  I like Wolf ranges as well. 

Source: us-appliance.com via Amelia on Pinterest

So, now that I've given a plug for Alfonsos, do you think I can get a free 16" pizza?  (Half pepperoni & black olive, half canadian bacon & pinapple.)  I'll pick it up on my way home.  :) 

Or better yet, maybe you know of a great place that sells ovens & ranges and will extend me a "friends and family" discount.  We'll chat. 

Wrapped up in Ovens

In starting to think about our kitchen redo, I've already hit a road block......what kind of oven do I want. 

No, no, not JUST what brand, but what type.  Wall mounted or one that sits on the floor?  I know for sure the range needs to be gas.  Our house currently has a gas range and it's amazing.  We'll never go back to an electric range.  But, back to the TYPE...

If we go with wall mounted, do I want a double oven or a single? Or, do I want an oven / microwave combo?  And if we go with a wall mounted oven, we must then find a gas range as well.  Or, should we just go with an oven that sits on the floor that has a range on top?!

Only after I decide this will we be able to move on to the types of ovens!  I've talked to several people, which means I've received a lot of "advice".  One couple told me to do a Kitchen Aid wall oven and a nice range--like a Viking or Wolf.  This couple told me that in their experience, Kitchen Aid wall ovens heat up quickly and cook food well.  They said that Vikings / Wolfs take a LONG time to heat up--like over an hour!  I can actually say that I've experienced this waiting period.  (But that was during a Viking cooking class that can be a WHOLE nother blog.)

If we go with an oven that sits on the floor, which brand?  I want a COOL range (that makes me look like an offical chef) but also an oven that heats up quickly. 

Ugh, sigh. 

Anyway, here are pictures to prove that this decision just isn't as easy as you'd think!  The wall ovens look great; the floor ovens look great.

 Floor Ovens

Wall Ovens

Or should I just do BOTH?

Oh the agony.......

Remember Whose You Are

I try to not get to "religious" on my blog because I want all readers to feel comfortable reading my posts.  However, I can't avoid talking about God as we approach the anniversary of  9/11.  That day forever changed America. 

One of my mom's clients, Sujo John, was in the 1st tower that was hit that day.  His wife worked in the 2nd tower that was hit.  Below is a video of his recounts of that day.  This day forever changed his life.   



After 9/11, Sujo John started a ministry to reach out to those who are looking for God.  I've meet him several times and it's an honor to say that I know him.  I've never met someone so passionate about sharing the love of Christ.  Sujo is widely known and respected--he's a mountain mover. 

My husband and I also donate to one of his ministries, You Can Free Us.  You Can Free Us is dedicated to helping women escape the sex trade in New Delhi, India.  I am very passionate about this cause because a majority of the time, these women are working in filthy conditions, barely making any money to survive, and with their children just a few feet away.  These women have given up all hope of a better life.

As we get closer to the anniversary of 9/11, I will continue to post this video of Sujo John.  It's an important reminder that it's never too late to change our course!

Relax

Happy Labor Day Sweet Friends!  The Hubby and I woke up early to a wonderful surprise---crisp, cool, fall weather!  Immediately, we popped on our running gear and went for a run!  We live in by a lake so it felt like the whole community was out biking, running, and walking.  It was WONDERFUL!  Hello Fall!

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy your day off.  Relax, enjoy the weather, and remember to give thanks to those who dedicate their lives to protect our freedom!

Source: recipegirl.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Enjoy this sangria with your friends on a patio!

Source: popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Go ahead, wear this to go hit up all the great sales!

 

Source: google.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Italia, Here I Come.....in Style

So, now that I've shared with you where I'll be going on our Family Vacation here, here, here, here and here, I need to start thinking about my wardrobe!  Obviously, I can't go to Italia looking frumpy and I most certainly can't wear tennis shoes while getting lost in the cities!  (Sneakers SCREAM American Tourist.)  I need to blend in as best as possible....and stand out all at the same time!  Let's face it, I've got some tough competition over there, so I've turned to Pinterest to help me find looks for the trip!

Source: net-a-porter.com via Amelia on Pinterest

I already have 75% of the items needed to pull off this outfit!  I plan on taking my black riding boots because they will keep me warm and are super comfortable.  And, I recently bought this great Theory Blazer which I can pair with skinny jeans or leggings to easily take me from day to night! 

(Confession, I originally bought it at Neiman Marcus for full price, and as soon as I got back to my desk, I searched for it online to see if I could get it cheaper.  Amazingly, Nordstrom had it 40% off!  Being the loyal Nordstrom shopper that I am, I ordered it from them and am taking back the one I originally bought from Neimans.)  

Source: oneofeachblog.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Of course, I must have something Leopard print to wear while in Italia!  I know it will be much too chilly to wear this great dress with these amazing loafers, but a girl can dream right?!!

Source: polyvore.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Once again, I could totally pull this look off with my riding boots and leggings or stockings.  Now....all I need is that dress!  This look could take me from shopping wandering the streets of Firenze (Florence) to a wonderful al fresco dinner on the Square!  Yes, I must do this outfit!

Source: None via Amelia on Pinterest

And I definitely need to rock this on the plane ride over to Italia!  Comfy and chic all at the same time!  And, I ALWAYS recommend flying with a scarf!  You can use it as a makeshift blanket if you get cold!

Source: polyvore.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Finally, this outfit is amazingly simple!  Boots?  Check!  Leggings?  Check!  Tortoise Shell Watch?  Check.  Denim shirt----hello shopping trip to J Crew!

Overall, I think I can keep my packing light if I stick to outfits that require my riding boots and leggings!  I can re-wear the my new blazer and just change it up by belting it or adding a scarf!

What do you think???