Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Affordable Luxuries

I, myself, am extremely credit-crunched right now. I'm scraping by to say the least, and while there are some days my three meals all happen to match and my social life suffers, there are some "little luxuries" I tell myself are a must:
Good sheets

Pure Beech® Sateen Sheet Set, 100% Modal, 250 Thread CountPure Beech Satten Sheet Set 
From Bed,Bath & Beyond. These sheets are seriously of the chain. Some may laugh at the 250 thread count, but don't be fooled these 100% cotton sateen will having you signing their praises and you might catch yourself in an explicit....."Holy SHEET!"  Only $79.99 ! Modal Jersey is another great great fabric choice for sheets. I have a set and omg. Thats it.
Candles, Candles, Candles. They just make me smile. There's a small boutique up in Healdsburg, CA that is alllll candles and that store is a little piece of heaven. La Farmicista. Anyyyways, I am a HUGE sucker for Henri Bendel Candles, my all-time favorite being Tuberose. $30 retail, but hit up some google searches to find lots of places to get them cheaper. :D
If you just can't justify spending double digits on something you will eventually light on fire, check out Mrs.Meyers Clean Day Candle in Basil! Only $9.99 !



Fresh flowers are an absolute in the affordable luxuries column. There is no excuse for not having fresh flowers in your home. They add that unexpected pop of color, and instantly add glam. Whatever flowers do for you, they're a must. And talk about affordability, while orchids may not always be in your price range like this one from Gifted Basket in San Francisco, many can be free...(*hint, take a walk around your neighborhood, I am in no way implying you steal, ask before you cut!) 
Dendrobium Orchid
view larger image



Organic Fruits and Veggies . I know it sounds funny, but it adds up. And being vegetarian, I love indulging in some really high quality produce. It also helps me feel better and I love preparing a meal I know is sourced locally and organically.


Manicures. $10 and your hands will be a whole lot happier with you. There's just something about them that feels so luxurious and relaxing even when you're in a crowded salon during your lunch break. Pop in your head phones, but keep an eye on your lady to back sure she's not trimming back your cuticles too much! Ouch!

Well, that's my short list of affordable luxuries for today, I of course, could go on and on, but I'll save it for another day when I'm strapped for cash.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Hit List

Leather Jacket
$1,765 - marni.com
More jackets »

michael kors watch
$315 - littleburgundyshoes.com
More Michael Kors watches »

VIRSERUM
$20 - ikea.com


Thursday, August 19, 2010

A Sweet, Cupcakey Day in Austin

1 of a few Hey Cupcake! trailers, they also have a store front on Burnet St.
Somedays, all I want is a cupcake....or a dozen! Austin is known for its quirky eateries and the cupcake biz here is booming. Hey Cupcake! is a local favorite, with a few locations ala trailer set-up. Which is just one of the many things I adore about Austin.  How could you resist a cupcake coming from this trailer!!? Cupcakes are $2.75, here is a menu.

Another is Polkadots Cupcake Factory  . They have a large and interestingly yummy variety of cuppies to choose from. They also do custom cakes and cookies, if you're in the market for something really fancy.They're located at 28th and Rio Grande, near the UT campus.
 Polkadots Cupcake Factory
fav, chocolate mint

You had me at a chocolate mint cupcake! They also have a "cupcake happy hour" on Tuesdays where cupcakes are just $2.


While these places are great for when I'm truly craving something decent and indulgent, I don't know if my wallet will hold up. Not saying they are not worth $2.75, I would get far more than just one! So for the times when I'm needing to satisfy my sweet-tooth I can turn to this little gem from Borders....
Cupcakes! by Elinor Klivans $16.95 at Borders.

I was not paid/or compensated by any of the companies mentioned here btw, just like to support the local!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Point-Shot Camera Suggestions

I'm in the market for a new camera, (desperately!!) since my iphone decides to delete my photos and my point-shot camera is about 4 years old and I don't have the cord to it anymore. I'm struggling, I know.

I want something that will take quality pictures, is easy to use and of course, looks cute. I am open to any and all suggestions on favorites!!
Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue)
This one by Canon is pretty, $170


Thanks a bunch. Happy Monday!

Nikon Coolpix S3000 12 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Green)
Nikon coolpix, Amazon didn't have a price? But I'm loving the green!! 
Olympus SP-800UZ 14MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0 inch LCD
I'm wondering if I need a slightly more heavy-duty one? Olympus $300 
 Please, I'm cameraless.....oops, I meant clueless!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Workaholics meet chic functionality

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/10-27-08dwell1.jpg
Apartment Therapy

Sunday is another workday for me. While I don't have one yet, Someday I'll have an home office to call my own, but for now I'll just steal others for inspiration. Workspaces to me can be some of the most beautifully functionally spaces in a home, if done correctly.
When not planned and let out to pasture so to speak, they can become little devil rooms in an otherwise perfect home.
RoomEnvy.wordpress.com

Idealhomemagazine.co.uk 


www.paloma81.blogspot.com

Friday, August 13, 2010

I want it....

NOW!
Noah Floor Lamp
Noah Floor Lamp $725

From LOFT in Austin, Tx.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Oh Excitment

Remember Todd Oldham? And his great partnership with Target a little while back? Well, I spend a lot of time in Borders, reading...never really buying. (Part-time retail barely pays the bills let alone my incessant need for books).
http://www.bvfonts.com/snackyzine/img/handmademodern.jpg
Todd Oldham: Handmade Modern 
But I did find a little gem in the mound of Bargain Books that Borders is always offering up. Talk about a steal.
After it being priced at $4.99, I whipped out my Borders Rewards Card, (I never said I don't splurge on my daily coffee at Seattles Best. *side note: I was a little devastated to find out Seattle's best was in fact owned by Starbucks. They really do have quite the coffee Monopoly.) Anyways,
$3.50.
Excellent find. Colorful pictures, easy to follow instructions, and exact measurements. It even includes a list of each project in the back with the cuts, tools etc.
http://www.toddoldhamstudio.com/studioblog/uploaded_images/PAGE-102-for-blog-745388.jpg
This Is going to be a Definite Future Project!!!
I can't wait to get started on another project using this book!!!
http://www.whorange.net/.a/6a00e5506da997883301156f7e8e40970c-800wi