Leap Day!!

Happy Leap Day!! Shouldn't it be a holiday?

As a kid my dad would remind me that this was the only day a girl could propose to her boyfriend based on an old Irish tradition.  I remember giggling in my loft bed thinking he was crazy that girls should never do that.

However is it a crazy tradition?  Engagements, to me should be somewhat of a surprise & obviously a celebration.  However women get tired of waiting, men don't want to deal with the hoopla & I know many people who plan on getting married without a proposal.  You know like Big & Carrie, no romance, no celebration;

 “I guess its time we get married” “Yea I guess it is, ok” “Great, what’s for dinner?”

I have no doubt this can work for people but why wouldn’t you want the excitement of it all?  Too many people feel like marriage is just the next logical step & there's nothing wrong with thinking that.  However just because it's supposed to be whats next, doesn't mean its the right thing.  Shouldn't the man want to ask you in a grand or thoughtful way? 

If there is no excitement about getting engaged, will you be excited to plan the wedding, to actually get married?? I think the engagement can set the tone of the wedding & who wants to sit through a business lunch reception. 

Maybe the Irish have it right; if your boyfriend hasn’t proposed to you & you don't want to wait, why not use this day to break the norm.  Get excited, plan something fitting for your relationship.  What a great story to tell your friends today & grandchildren in the years to come. 

So ladies take the "leap" & pop the question.

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Never enough time

Right now I am really struggling to have time for everything in my life.  I know I am in control of my schedule but sometimes it just seems all out of my hands.  I am terrified I am letting people down personally & professionally yet I don't have energy to be 100 % in any aspect of life.  I have a million ideas, dreams & to do lists running through my mind that I can't keep up all the time.

I have talked before about making changes but somehow I just keep finding reasons why I can't follow through.  I am trying so hard to get past those feelings but it's hard to leave jobs you love & are comfortable with to possibly pursue my dreams of making Stella Jewelry successful.  Honestly, its hard concentrating on the normal everyday things I need to do.  Right now I am spending all my free time working on a Spring Collection & can't wait to launch it but due to other commitments I haven't got the time to meet my deadlines.

In effort to become more intentional with my time I am signing up for Teuxdeux, it seems like a great website/app to keep track of everything going on & what needs to be done.  I hope that I also can get a better grip on what I can do to make my free time more productive because to be honest right now I am so drained on the weekends I don't feel like doing anything. 

Has anyone used it or do you have any good advice on time management & pursuing your dreams while working full time?

D.C.

My week has been a complete whirlwind since Tuesday.  As I mentioned I went to D.C for a couple of days to complete my citizenship testing.  Thankfully I passed & now I just have to wait for an appointment to take my pledge.  

I have a longer blog to post about my Citizenship in the near future but today I wanted to  post a few pictures from my quick trip to the Capital.

To celebrate the passing of my test we stopped by Georgetown Cupcakes.  I have never seen their show & didn't go in there with high expectations.  Cupcakes often look better than they actually taste.  I have to say these were amazing, they were the perfect size, great flavor & the icing was light.  If you visit you must try the Cookie & Cream. 

We also stopped by World Market to stock up on some of my favorite English items then we popped in some fun stores like Kate Spade.   I really do love the Capital, its a great city & filled with so much culture, however I can't stand the traffic!!

When I returned to work I was greeted with patriotic treats & decorations.  I mean how sweet are they?  Thank you Beth & Tricia. 

  

Red Carpet ~ Oscars Edition

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I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by the Red Carpet tonight!  However, I knew someone had to wear one of the Elie Saab gowns I am obsessed with.  Berenice Bejo looked amazing in the long sleeved dress, I just wish her hair style was a little fuller & not so stiff.  I almost feel the same way about Guiliana Rancic, the look is so perfectly fitted with exquisite beading, yet her hair & make up are to severe.  

I think a side bun like this for either ladies would have lightened up the looks.

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What do you think?  Did you have a favorite from tonight?

I pledge allegiance

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This Wednesday I head to D.C. to complete my citizenship test, it is such a long time coming.  13 1/2r yrs to be exact.  I had a hard time leaving my life, friends & comfort zone to move here where honestly I have never 100 % felt complete.  However, I have had a great life here & look back on those years & can't help but be thankful for the opportunities that this country has given me.  I do wish sometimes I was not insecure in my twenties had taken full advantage of those options.  I am excited to know I that in the near future I can truly call both England & America home.

I hope you all had a great Presidents Day yesterday, perfect day to study American Civics for the test.  Now if only I could remember how many states there are?  Oh god now I'm nervous!!

P.S You can take the Citizenship test here.  Let me know if you would pass :)

Snowy Days

It's really hard for me to relax, I work all the time & when I am off I have a million things to do & think about.  However, when it comes to snow days I love it, I am pretty much forced to stay home.  They are the perfect days to stay warm & cozy on the couch or catch up on my to do lists.

Until I get cabin fever then I might stalk facebook all day because I am bored!!

What are you favorite snow day activities or do you hate snow days?

Lets Fly Away.....

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My list of dream vacations is endless.  There is so much beauty to enjoy & cultures to experience, I can't imagine a life without travel &Greece comes close to the top of the list. Gorgeous blue waters, amazing weather & interesting history to learn about.  Ill just ignore their awful economic situation right now!

For today's Friday Fancies, I was inspired not only by the gorgeous colors but also by European style.

  

Vacations really should be about relaxing, for filling life long dreams & creating memories.  However, photographs will last forever so your outfits are almost as important! To ensure I don't waste my time stressing about how I look I like to make sure I have great accessories along with layering & versatile pieces.

Light dresses are always perfect for Spring Vacations, they are easy to pack, comfortable while site seeing in sandals & can be dressed up with fab heels  for those endless nights of dancing & a few too many wines!  Aren't these color block heels perfect??

What are your favorite travel pieces?? 

p.s. hope on over to {longdistanceloving} to see the other looks!

Happy Valentines Day!!

I personally think we should celebrate love all year round as it truly is everywhere! However is always fun receiving roses, chocolates & diamonds right?

I hope you all have a great Valentines day & get spoiled!! 

During our Spring Photo shoot this weekend I couldn't help grabbing a cute vday picture! Which then prompted a quick sale on the remaining A/W stock!

catching up

I am so behind on blogging so here's a little random post!

How cute is this little Cheeky Monkey?

I need Adele's flawless skin!

Someone wore the Elie Saab gown!  Katie looks stunning! Not into the blue hair & roots though!

Is that Posh Spice Smiling?  I am obsessed with her A/W12 Collection, especially this perfect black dress!

Whitney, thank you for the memories!! Your music will always remind me of dancing as a child!

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Natural Beauty

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I don't think anything man made could ever compete with natural beauty!  I mean the colors in the Barrier reef waters are gorgeous & so inviting!! So inspiring when I am creating new jewelry.

Recently I have been very drawn to the accessory trend of using raw stones.  I almost prefer this look rather than a polished stone.

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The brightness of the the Blue Agate is stunning & would look wonderful with a coral dress.  I love that the sparkle from the Druzy earrings (middle) formed by a layer of crystals on top of another stone.  So glam.

An intention of mine for 2012 is to find a class where I can learn to dip stones & mold metals.  I have so many designs already in mind!

P.S Speaking of Jewelry!  We have a little sale going on right now!

Mr. Beckham

I mean how can this not be every woman's favorite Super Bowl Commercial??  That cheeky little smile at the end is perfect!!  Sigh Victoria is so lucky!!

Of course there were lots of other great & funny commercials!  Which was your favorite?

Todays the day

Tom's Ballet Flats are finally here!  I have been waiting for this day since November & have no patience when it comes to things I want but can't have yet, so you can imagine how excited I am!

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I am in love with the TOMS message of giving back & love supporting this company. 

Now I can't decide what color to buy! Story of my life I am never able to make important decisions!!

Fun blue for a pop of color, classic black or a lovely pink for spring??

Eliana Blue Suede Ballet Flats

Eliana Blue Suede Ballet Flats

 Eliana Blue Suede Ballet Flats

Which would you choose??

P.S.  The old lady in me with a bad ankle in me is super excited about these features :)

Hidden wedge for added height and support

Padded heel cushion

Two-layer insert with EVA foam and latex for plush comfort