Getting the Itch

This cold weather and all the hype over the "S" word is causing me to itch.  Itch for warm weather and a return to my normal weekend routine.  There's very little I like about living in this northern town but spring Saturdays are refreshing and give me a little piece of southern, down-home comfort that I love.
It starts with a cup of this

Followed by a morning of lots of these

Then an afternoon spent at one of my all time favorite places, Eastern Market.

And it ends w. a little homemade

Anxiously awaiting the return of the sweet sunshine!
cBv

Wordless Wednesday = Just Plain Wrong

Z Gallerie Barking Dog Pencil Sharpener

Copy Cat

In my quest to find a {temporary} rug for our kitchen, until the hardwoods are installed in the very near future, I came across many rugs whose twin is living next door and for a fraction of the cost. 

Ballard's Braided Indoor/Outdoor Striped Rug
$65-699

JCPenney Shoreline Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Available in Black/White, Natural/White and others
$39-499

Ballard's Celia Indoor/Outdoor Rug
$39-99

 World Market's Chain Indoor/Outdoor Rug $32-384

Who knew Ballard's would be cheaper than World Market?!?!

Ballard's Giraffe Rug
$169-899

JCPenney's Giraffe Rug
$69-299

World Market Giraffe Rug
$112-607










I'm not really a betting woman {except at horse races, I do very well for myself} but I'm sure the same is true for many of the rugs at Pottery Barn, Tarjay, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, etc. Sewing class tonight, time to finish up the tote bag!

P.S. - have I mentioned how much I hate Blogger when I try to post pictures! Excuse all the empty space (that does not show up in draft mode).
cBv

Deal of the Day

It's ridiculously dreary here today so I'm lifting my spirits with a little online retail therapy.  I just stumbled upon a steal on the Tory Burch Sophie Wedge at Nordys.

This little thing has been all the rage this season and is currently 40% off making them $175.90.  They're also available in brown for that price.  You can buy them here.

Happy Shopping!

cBv

I Won the Jackpot!

Okay, so I didn't win the Mega Millions jackpot last night but I did win this piece of fabulousness!

Isn't it purdy?!?! The best part...I won this from one of Bon Bon Rose Girls' birthday giveaways last week.  It was one of my favorite things they were giving away and I won it!  I'm so excited and cannot wait to get it in the mail so I can try it out.  This beaut is from Natasha Grasso's collection.  Check her out, she has some amazing pieces.

Thanks Kristin & Megan for surprising me w. this gorgeous gift! My weekend is off to a superb start.

Happy Weekend!

cBv

Double Take

You're not going to believe what Target has gone and done.  While perusing through their new arrivals in shoes online I stumbled upon these













Say what?  Jack Rogers at Tarjay? No way.  Well, not exactly. Target's Merona brand has mimicked the infamous Navajo and for only $19.99!  They not only come in platinum but also in pink, brown and white.  I'm skeptic as I am head over heels w. my collection of Jacks and their solid wood soles as opposed to these rubber ones.  I highly doubt these are going to hold up like some of my wedding shoes that are going on their 5th season.

 











But I must give credit where credit is due and say that Merona did do a pretty darn good job in recreating an original.  Until you see the rubber soles you really can't tell {online} that these are Favajos.  You can check them out or buy a pair here.

And since I've piqued my own curiosity, if anyone does happen to purchase these I'd love to hear your feedback on them.
cBv

Channeling my Inner Veruca

This was me on Monday in Williams-Sonoma.

I felt like I was auditioning to be the next Veruca Salt.  Except instead of a golden ticket, golden egg-laying goose or an Oompa Loompa I want this:

Lucky for me, the store still has them in stock, unlike online. 

I know I can't bake cookies that will break when thrown against a brick wall yet but a day will come when they will.  And so, I'll need these.

Here's a sneak peak of my tote bag in progress. I can't believe I sewed this!

Only 1 more day til the weekend!!

cBv

A+ Listener

Some of you lovely ladies asked where the various clothes are from in this post.  I heard you, loud and clear, and have updated the post to include the links. 
Happy Shopping!

cBv

My Heart Aches

Yesterday a glimmer of hope appeared when the Children's Miracle Network Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh rescued a little more than 50 orphans from Haiti.  It was so exciting to learn that almost all of them had a family that was ready to adopt them with welcoming arms.  Then the next thing I know a 6.1 aftershock had hit.  My heart just aches for these people.  Right when they're starting to get back on their feet, boom, they're knocked down again. 
This detail burned a devastating picture in my mind this morning:

"We have run out of IVs and IV needles and IV fluids," said Dr. Mark Hyman of the medical relief organization Partners in Health. "We've run out of surgical supplies. We have to wash with vodka, and we have to operate with hacksaws because we don't have enough operating tools." (CNN.com)

Please pray for this country and the survivors, doctors and emergency teams that are working tirelessly to help those in need. And if you haven't donated yet please consider doing so.
On a bit of a happier note my tote bag (from sewing class) is coming together and is turning out to be super cute.  I'll post a sneak peak picture in a bit.  If all goes well I'll finish it next week.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Pray!
cBv

Let's Talk Clothes (and Weather and the Weekend)

Edited to include the 'where to buy' info.

Ahh, the 3 day weekend was just what I needed!  Saturday I got into the new year cleaning and organizing mode and accomplished quite a lot.  The hubs was sure to point out my random cleaning patterns. He made sure to draw specific attention to how I cleaned and organized the linen closet, coat closet and electrical closet with individually labeled plastic containers for everything.  He then reminded me that I made sure to clean and focus first on all the places no one sees except us!  Haha, well it made me happy!  I'll admit that when I clean, in order to keep myself engaged, I randomly clean something that I think is "fun" (like putting together a headband tub and an "all things mani/pedi" container).  In all reality my hubs should thank me because now I'll save him from looking for his razors in the "mani/pedi" container, ha!  I guess I have cleaning ADD.  I furthered my domestication diva skills by making homemade turkey chili on Sunday.  And it was divine.  It was a runny, gloomy Sunday so it was the perfect pick me up and football food.  I did 50 more loads of laundry and then rounded out the night w. an amazing sermon at church (leaving in the best mood and feeling so inspired) and a delish dinner at P.F. Changs.  I was so proud of myself for foregoing the orange chicken and instead getting the healthy choice, mahi mahi, which was a 1/3 of the calories.  Yesterday the hubs and I ventured to the mall (with every other Northern Virginian) to return a few things from Christmas and find a new coat for the Mr., which I'm proud to say after 1,549,384 shopping trips we suceeded.  Thank you Bloomies. On our way there, Xavier informed me just how gorgeous it was outside.

Yes peeps, you're reading that correctly, 60 degrees {and sunny} in VA yesterday!

We then hit the gym and came home for a scallop dinner.  The hubs then made my night, while ironing his clothes for work he asked me what I was going to wear and ironed mine (!!).  It was the sweetest thing and made me feel so loved.  It's all about the little things.

Check out these fabulous finds I stumbled upon while at the mall.  They will be making their way into my closet soon, very soon, especially since I just cleaned it out and made room.

INC Beaded Cardigan



I want this in the blush pink but couldn't find a pic, you get the idea.

Tarjay {Merona} Alex Pleated Top (also available in yellow, white & black)







Enzo Angiolini Mielee Pump


Snagged this at Tarjay for only $15!! 

Have a great week!
cBv

Fitness Friday

I'm joining Running In High Heels again for Fitness Friday. I'm so ready for the 3 day weekend!!! It's been a rough week where fitness is concerned.  They say not to focus on it, let it go and start fresh tomorrow, so although I was feeling really guilty about my almost non-existent fitness progress I let it go.  Here's an embarrassing peek into my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad fitness week.

Monday: went to the gym w. hubs, we did the ellipticals about 10 minutes and I had absolutely no energy so I stopped, then he stopped, then we left to go home and cook dinner and ended up eating Chipotle, yikes!!!!
Tuesday: no gym, sewing class
Wednesday: Restaurant week, went to Chima w. friends, no gym (ahhh!!!)
Thursday: went to the gym, did the elliptical 45 minutes (by myself (!))
Friday: St. Jude event, no gym
Saturday: GOING TO THE GYM!!!! before heading to Smith and Wollensky for dinner

Aside from the Chipotle and Chima, the rest of the time I did manage to eat healthy.  Next week will be better, I did so good last week!

I'm headed home to Charlottesville tomorrow to check out a few venues for my sister's bridal shower and finalize some of the details w. my mom.  Looking forward to an extra day at home w. the hubs with no mandatory plans!!  I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!
cBv

P.S. - don't forget to check out day 5 of giveaways from the Bon Bon Rose Girls!

Praying for Haiti

Watching the news last night was absolutely devastating.  I can't imagine having my life turned upside down in a matter of seconds.  My heart goes out to all of the people whose lives were tragically uprooted from the earthquake.  As I'm sure you're aware there are many ways to donate.  In case you're looking for a good one, here are a couple.

Compassion
Red Cross

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psalm 46:1-3)

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18)

Keep this country in your prayers!  And be thankful for all that you have, we truly are blessed!
cBv

Which Way?!?!

A couple days before Christmas an amazing, once in a lifetime, dream opportunity was placed before me.  It came as a shock because it was bittersweet.  It meant someone else was moving on, which was a sad thing to see because the person + the opportunity ='d awesomeness, but it is what I've always wanted.  But I pretty much threw the idea out the window because the timing wasn't right and so I avoided the subject.  Then I talked to someone that knows alot on the subject and she kind of reassured my thoughts.  Fast forward to today and here I am mulling over the opportunity (nearly a month later) and trying to figure out what to do.  I'm so confused, yes this is what I've dreamed of, but I like my life how it is right now.  Things are finally starting to come together w. dreams that will most likely come true in a year or so which would throw a huge wrench in the opportunity.  I'm so confused!!  Basically I'm at a huge fork in the road between life plans and career plans.  They're both want I want; however, they don't really go together.  So do I put one on hold and chase my dreams or do I count my blessings for all I have and let the opportunity pass me by?  My biggest fear is regret.  I do. not. want. to. regret. letting this pass me by in 6 months and wishing I had taken the leap.   I guess it mainly comes down to the unknown.  It would bring so many little changes to my life while also bringing so many joys.  However, there's a lot of change and a lot of uncertainties.  So do I take a huge leap of faith and jump or just continue going through life, comfortable with everything?  Comfort or believing that God always provides?

I came across this quote when I was reading a devotional the other night...was this God's way of saying "do it"? Or was this a just a coincidence?  As a type A, control freak do I let go of the control over my life and hand it off to someone else?
Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable  -Sydney Harris
Oh to be a child again, when the biggest decision was what outfit Barbie should wear!
cBv

Just Another Tiresome Tuesday...

I've got nothing, except a long day of work ahead, but I did have a hot shower this morning!!  I have sewing class #2 tonight, hopefully we delve into the verb tense of "sewing" instead of talking about the noun.  The first project is a tote bag. 

I'm going to give it to my mom for mother's day since she gave me the classes for Christmas.  I figured she'd appreciate the sentimental value of my first sewing project. Depending on how atrocious simple the bags turns out, I may have it personalized with her initials to spruce it up.  Surprisingly, or at least to me, all the girls in my class are my age or younger!  I couldn't believe there wasn't any moms or nanas in there.  I'll keep you posted on how the bag turns out.

Here's what I'm looking forward to today:
- 5pm
- sewing class
- Biggest Loser (!!!)
I lead a very interesting life, I tell ya! 

P.S. - Did you see this?!?!  It's supposed to debut tomorrow.

Bon Bon Rose Girls are having another giveaway, or 3, today in celebration of their blog's birthday.  Check it out!
Happy Tuesday!
cBv

Good Stuff, Read Up!

Happy Monday bloghers!  My day started off crappy but has since turned itself around. : ) The hubs asked me what kind of mood I was in when I was waking up, I was thinking why in the heck is he asking me this?!?!, and then he dropped the bomb that we had no hot water.  UGHHHHHHH, have I mentioned I hate condo living?!?!  A cold shower is a surefire way to get me in a rotten mood.  Moving on, I didn't let it ruin my morning, afterall it's RESTAURANT WEEK!!  Then I opened up my dashboard and remembered that its Bon Bon Rose Girls birthday and to celebrate they're having an entire week of giveaways starting with 4 today!!!  If you haven't checked them out head over and sign yourself up to win something fabulous.

My weekend was relaxing and fun.  On a whim, Saturday afternoon I headed down to the RIC to see one of my best friends, catch up and do some shopping at my favorite Richmond stores that DC deprives me of. 

I was so proud of myself, I only spent $19!!! Big spender, I know!  It was so much fun and made me really miss Richmond. Yesterday I hit up the gym, after a 2 day reprive, and then went to church and ran some errands.  Did anyone do anything exciting?!?! 

I hope y'all have a good week!
cBv

Fitness and Fun Friday

Happy Friday!! First off, Brittney at Running in High Heels is hosting Fitness Fridays starting today!  She's keeping all of us, that set health and fitness goals, accountable and on track by devoting each Friday to Fitness Fridays.  And to kick it off she's hosting a fabulous giveaway.  Head over to her blog and check it out!  I'm pretty excited about this because it will be one more checkpoint to keep me focused and help me achieve my fitness goals.  Plus I'm excited to see what other tips, ideas and yummy but healthy recipes I can add to my daily routine.

And since it's Friday I thought today was a great day to share the first and fabulous award I received!!

Southern Cinderella is too sweet, she passed along the Chic award to me earlier this week! Thank you Lindsay!! And as the story goes, I'm passing it onto these amazing bloghers:

Barefoot in the Park

A Classy, Southern Bride

Bon Bon Rose Girl (Kristin)

Serenity Now

Enjoy lovely ladies!  I'm off to enjoy a relaxing weekend.  For the first time in I don't know how long we actually have nothing to do and it feels good! Cheers to a fabulous, snowy weekend!

cBv

Did you see this?!?!

I really hate to give an ounce of attention to anything Jon & Kate but did you see Kate Gosselin's new do? It caught me off guard and I'm not sure I like the extensions.  They don't see to look au naturale to me.  What do you think?!?!

Image: people.com

On a much more serious note, I'm in handbag HELL!  And I need a change. stat. 

My problem is I c.a.n.n.o.t. find a new bag that I love or even like to save my life.  I've looked all over and still nothing.  I'm always hearing, "oh I found the cutest bag" or "I got a great Italian leather bag" from TJ Maxx.  This has so not ever happened to me.   So I need your help!  Any ideas or suggestions are completely welcome.  I'm looking for something that I can use in the spring and summer that will work with almost everything I wear.  Although I have a lot of bags, I'm not one to change everyday to match my outfit.  I was really hoping that Kate, no not Gosselin, would come through for me but she's got nothing, yet.  I'm open to anything in a decent price range that I can carry over my shoulder and is durable. I must say Longchamp has delivered on the durability part.  But not even offering every color in the rainbow can keep me.  I need a change. So help a girl out.  What are your favorite bags for spring and summer?
cBv

Excuse the Ugliness!

As I'm sure some of you that have been following for a bit have noticed, my blog the past couple of days has been all outta whack in beauty.  That's because I screwed up the html code ATC is getting a new look!  I'm eager to get this blog's appearance back to supermodel standards so stay tuned!!  Thanks for hanging in there regardless of the lackluster appearance!

I'll be back in a bit for today's real post!
cBv

Ladylike? I think not!

What was she thinking?!?!

cBv

Dreaming in Pink and Green...and the Rest of the Preppy Spring Rainbow

Happy New Year!  I hope y'all had a fabulous New Years full of love, laughter and fabulous friends.  Our ski trip was amazing except for the short cut that ended up turning our hour drive into a 2 hour trek!  We also forgave the resort's spa for being completely booked and not allowing my sis and I to be pampered.  The trip made for some great memories and was a great start to 2010.  Pics coming once I get them from my sis (my camera was MIA). 


I know its only the first week of January but the frigid temps have me day dreaming of the sun, sand and summer!  I'll think I'll be adding these TDF pieces to my wardrobe.

Lilly Worth Shift






















Image: Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Petula Maxi Dress

Image: Lilly Pulitzer

Canvas (the new J. Crew-esque line from Lands' End) Paisley Bikini






















Image: Canvas by Lands' End

Tory Burch Miller Thong









Image: Nordstrom

Ann Taylor Loft Ink Dot Shorts

Image: Ann Taylor Loft

What new spring must haves are you adding to your wardrobe? The new year is bringing ATC a new look.  Check back for the big reveal!

cBv