pink and gold

I grew up taking ballet from the time I was three all the way through high school.  I wanted to be a ballerina when I was little.  There was something magical about the elegance and gracefulness of the dancers telling a story.  It was like being transported to another world full of wonder and glamour.  {anyone up for attending the Nutcracker with me in December??}

Clearly, I didn't grow up to be a ballerina, but I continue to be inspired by the same things I loved about ballet when I was younger, but in a more sophisticated way.  I always tend to gravitate to those soft, calming colors of ballet pink and and the bright, shiny gold, similar to the stage lights.  In fact, those are the colors I chose to decorate with in my current apartment.

Ballets are a comfort thing for me.  The colors make me feel at home.  And I was in need of a bit of comfort today.  So I started browsing ballerina photos...which gravitated towards home inspiration photos. {cannot redecorate my apartment...using the same colors.  hold me accountable, please?}

Just wanted to pass a few along {you're welcome for narrowing them down!} and I even used some of the below as my own inspiration:

from modern home furniture

from this tumblr

from running in cute heels blog

glitter guide tumblr

glitter guide tumblr

 

ruffled blog

sic 'em bears!

my favorite football game of the year is finally here!

baylor vs. texas!

so excited to have it here in austin this year -- makes tailgating just a little more fun. :)

i'm wearing my green and gold around town today and looking forward to my bears beating the boyfriend's longhorns tomorrow!

and below are a couple of photos from last year's game in waco.  unfortunately, no photos from inside the stadium...couldn't bust out the camera in the monsoon that decided to hang around pretty much the entire game.  luckily that won't be the case this year!

happy weekend!

with scott

oh hey, lindsay and courtney!

weekend recap

This weekend was nothing short of boring!

Friday night we rushed to Georgetown for Scott's roommate's sister's wedding. {mouthful, much?}

And by rushed I mean 5pm Austin traffic which was worse than usual thanks to those going north to Dallas and those coming in for ACL...

But it was beautiful!  A perfect, outdoor, sunsetting Texas-in-the-fall wedding.

me and Scott before the ceremony

with Scott's roommate + girlfriend

{and I'm pretty sure I need a haircut after seeing this photo...}

Saturday was a day full of football!  We spent the morning with good friends watching the TX/OU game {sigh...} 

Then I ran off to go finish getting ready for Scott's birthday fiesta!  I wish I had a little more time during the week to be able to make a little cuter {oh, pinterest}, but it turned out to be a success--and the chili bar was a hit!  We had a great group of about 10 people including those above and enjoyed food, football, games and pinata!

Only bummer of the night was the Baylor/TCU game.  {It was an absolutely horrible weekend for Texas football...}

Sorry about the dark photos -- who doesn't put a light in the living room of an apartment?  This was one of those parties where I wish I had taken more photos...

Scott with Rachel and Maggie -- it's like pulling teeth to get him to take a serious photo.  Keeps things entertaining.

Sunday was a lazy, lazy day with more football watching.  Can't get any better than that!

Happy Monday!

happy friday!

We made it to Friday!

And between ACL and TX/OU, it's a busy, busy weekend here in Texas.

This year, I'm skipping TX/OU and spending the weekend here.  I'm looking forward to attending a wedding tonight, throwing a little birthday/football watch party for the boyfriend on Saturday {and hopefully seeing some college friends in town for ACL!} and spending all day Sunday relaxing and watching more football.

Have a great one!

And just for fun:  I'm loving these DYI glitter pumpkins from Monograms and Manicures.  Perfect, girly decor for fall!  Maybe I'll add this to my weekend to-do list!

Zara Home

One of my favorite European clothing stores, Zara, finally launched their home collection here in the USA!  I'm loving the variety of styles to choose from--everything from elegant and classic to funky animal prints.  The best part?  It's affordable!  Here's a couple of my favorites that I'm currently lusting over:  

New Milano Bedding with Costa Throw

Sequin Pillow

Cube Tumbler

Wooster Table -- would also make a great bar!

*all photos from Zara Home

It's Christmas in Texas....

This weekend is the most exciting weekend of the year for Texans -- FOOTBALL SEASON BEGINS!

I love me some football, but what I get most excited about is being able to dress up in your school colors and show support for your favorite team!  Living in Austin, it's a little harder to show my Baylor spirit--but believe me, it's there.  I've been known to have them change the channel at the tailgate just to watch the Baylor game...

Since I'm spending the weekend tailgating here, I put together my favorite, affordable (yet still summery since it's going to be around 100 on Saturday...) picks for a University of Texas football weekend:

Dress on sale at Nordstrom

Pair with some brown flat sandals and some fun gold bangles and layered necklaces.

Dress from Blithe Boutique -- owned by lifelong friends of mine!

This would be cute with some brown cowboy boots and some simple gold jewelry.

Dress from Sideline Sweetie

This one would be great with boots or sandals.  Keep the jewelry simple to balance out the pattern.

One of my favorite places to look for fun, big jewelry for football season is Kendra Scott.  You can choose colors for any school, and best of all, she has a big Labor Day sale happening now!  I love pairing her colored jewelry with white tops and denim bottoms.  And with the final weekend to wear a lot of white--that is a great option, too!

Happy First Football Weekend and Sic 'Em Bears!  (I still can't bring myself to say Hook 'Em if I'm attending a UT game...you're welcome Baylor friends.)

Your Afternoon Break

Here's a fun website for you to play around with when you need a quick work break:


This is a translation to a language many people haven't heard before if you're not from Texas.  Just start typing!


YER WERLCERM

Team U.S.A.

As if you need a reminder, but the Summer Olympics begin next Friday!  Scott kindly reminded today (and just about everyday -- he may be the most excited American in the country) that opening ceremonies are just over a week away.  And you bet we'll be watching.


Since the Summer Olympics only happen ever four years, it's a great reason to celebrate!  Putting a small get together is easy - especially since it's still July and you can pull back out your 4th of July decorations.  You can also DIY any of these.  Cover your table with a red or blue tablecloth and use some white serving ware and you'll be in the Olympic spirit in no time:

Sources:
Sparkly Stars via Glitter Guide
Pom-Pom Centerpieces via Martha Stewart
Carnation Balls via Country Living
Striped Straws for Cocktails via CraftsbyJilly
Food Tents via Wait Till Your Father Gets Home




Food and drinks are a must.  This get together is another perfect time to grill some hot dogs and hamburgers.  But don't forget the best part -- cocktails and dessert:

Sources:
Layered Drinks via She Knows
Patriotic Margaritas via Betty Crocker
White Sangria via Punch Bowl
Red, White and Blue Strawberries via Tip Junkie
Flag Cookies via Too Stinkin Cute
Jello Shooters via Craftsaholics Anonymous 




I'm most looking forward to the Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming and Gymnastics (I may or may not have shed a tear during the gym trials...) 


Let's go Team USA!

I'm dreaming....

This past weekend, my parents came to visit.  And we had a BLAST!


One night, after a bottle...or three...of wine, I couldn't help but think of my trip to Italy five years ago.  It was absolutely one of the most magical places I have ever seen.  So much history took place there -- and the architecture was absolutely magnificent (and older than our own country which just blew my mind!)


That trip to Italy only lasted a week.  While it was one of the best weeks I've ever had, there is still so much I want to go back and see--mostly some Italian vineyards and the Italian coast.


Since it's summertime, beach photos are all over Pinterest.  But it's the Italian ones that keep catching my eye.  Enjoy!  I also threw in some of my own from my study abroad trip.  Brittany may hurt me for posting some of these - HA!


Saving up money for an Italian vacation in the next couple of years.  Until then, I'll continue to daydream about Italian vineyards and beaches.  Maybe this will inspire a little get together to bring some Italy to Texas...

 *via The Quirky Traveler*

*via Food and Wine Travel* 

photo by Greg Gibb* 

me and B in Siena

me and B at Pisa

*photo by Amanda*

me and B in Vactican City

*photo by Scotty Graham*

Nicely Noted

....and I'm back!


After reading blogs for the last couple of years, I finally decided to take the leap and start a blog...again.


Not sure what direction to head, but at least it will be fun figuring it out.


I decided today would be the day to start again--probably because I came across this on Camille Styles' blog yesterday and I just had to share it with the world.


How GENIUS is Nicely Noted??  Who wouldn't want to receive letterpress notecards--with stamps!--every month?  The art of handwritten letters seems to be dying among all the new technology, but what a fun way to start bringing it back!  There's nothing better than sending a spontaneous handwritten letter.  It's thoughtful and personal--and a simple way to brighten someone's day.


My love for this site may possibly have something to do with my obsession with all things paper and stationery.  I mean, come on...just look at these cards!

But now I know what to request as a birthday gift...


*photos by Kate Lesueur*