point your toes

For me, one of the most fun parts of getting a manicure/pedicure is picking out the nail color.  I am a total sucker for the names.  I have been known, on more than one occasion, to pick the color based on how much I love the name.  The more witty and fun, the more I love it.  

Well, OPI has really got me with this one.  As a former dancer and a prima ballerina at heart, I am dying to try their new collection which is coming out in April.  OPI has teamed up with the New York City Ballet to bring all of us dreamers this whimsical, feminine and oh so pretty collection of Spring polishes.  

With names like Barre My Soul, Don't Touch My Tutu and My Pointe Exactly...I'll be pointing my toes all the way to the nail salon for this one!  

keep calm

I don't know about you, but personally I am terribly sick of seeing those "Keep Calm and Carry On" prints.  They took off like wildfire and then they were everywhere all the time.  However, I saw a version of one the other day that I simply had to snap a picture of.

It was just an advertisement but it really struck a chord with me.  See, I've recently gone on some medication that makes me a little bit crazy.  I was on it a few years ago and I hated myself when I was taking it.  Now I'm back on it and am really terrified of becoming that crazy, hormonal lady again.

It's no secret that women are emotional.  Some more than others.  So, for myself and those of you that are reading this feeling a little ornery this morning, remember this....

I know I am going to BE strong and keep telling myself this.  

XO, 

Jessi 

the debate

When Spring 2006 rolled around, I found myself enjoying my first taste of LA Springtime.  The weather, always great, had a special crispness about it.  Then the girl scout cookies began to roll out.  Who doesn't love this time of year?  As I went to order some, I was looking and asking for the perennial favorite, "Carmel deLites."  However, they were no where to be found.  "Samoas" were what I saw in its place. The box looked the same, I was assured that the cookie was the same and that I just called it a funny name.

I wasn't happy about it because I don't have an affinity for Samoas, I like Carmel deLites.  I chalked it up to the Girl Scouts deciding they they would just change the name.

And then....a package came in the mail.  A care package from my mother-in-law arrived from Wisconsin last week and the Springtime debate for the last six years (the one in my head, I guess) has been settled.  It must be a regional thing.

Please forge the terrible picture, I was too excited for the taste test, I didn't even have time to focus my camera!  

Check it out.  They even look different.  My husband and I did a taste test, naturally, and found that the Samoas are a little more coconut-y and toasted.  While the Carmel deLites have way more carmel.

Now you know.

Carmel deLites or Samoas?  What's your pick?

inspiration everywhere

Over the weekend, I walked by this new stand in the Farmer's Market and noticed how adorable the decor and styling was.  And then I noticed something too cute for words.  Can you see those "wall hangings"?  Do you know what those are?  

Bundt pans!  Painted bundt pans.  

Too cute and clever for words.  This would be so easy and fun for either some kitchen decor for yourself...or of course I immediately styled an event (in my mind) around these fun little darlings!  How cute would this be for a dessert backdrop?  What a wonderful way to bring some color into an event, especially one for someone who loves to bake.  

Have you read The Baker Chick blog?  She pretty much rocks and is like a little sister to me.  She's getting married in August and if I was planning her bridal shower, you can bet that I'd be collecting and spray painting bundt pans until I was blue in the face!  

Inspiration is truly everywhere...what did you see this weekend that inspired you?