Spring FEVER

As I was driving home from work today,  I had the sun-roof open and my favorite song playing [currently Right Back Atcha Babe - Tim McGraw] -the distinct smell of spring was in the air and my mind started to wander and yearn for all things spring [and it didn't hurt that my car thermometer read 59 degrees].

One of my fondest childhood memories is spending my afternoons and weekends rolling around and skipping barefoot through the green grass of my parent's front yard, listening to the crickets and fireflies as the sun set.  Spring always stirs up these [nostalgic] memories and I get a feeling of ease and peace as the days start to grow longer, the leaves turn green and flowers bloom, and the world comes back to life.

Sooo... in honor of [or hoping for] an early spring, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite spring things!

The first thing I want to do when spring rolls around is brighten up the house!  Here a couple of ideas:

Yellow Loveseat - Anthropologie 

Use fresh citrus fruits as vase fillers, centerpieces, and slice up and use with floral arrangements!

After the house has a few spring touches, you must accessorize yourself ;)

1) go get a well deserved mani/pedi and step out with a new color.  My favorite for the spring: 

Essie - "Navigate Her"

Essie - "orange, it's obvious"

2) buy a new pair of spring sandals to show off that pedi!

Sam Edelman - GABLE in New Nude Leopard Flamingo

3) ANNNNNDDDD FINALLY.... go out and buy yourself a new bag :)

Tory Burch - Nylon Ella Tote (multiple colors avail.)

DEALS and STEALS

How great are these accessories?  And they are even better than what first meets the eye because they are all under $50.00!!

Leopard Ipad Case - J.Crew $24.99

vietafashion.com $47.00

colorful spring scarf - Urban Outfitters $24.00

[RAINY] DAY crafts

As the rain/slush began to fall in Philadelphia this week, I kept myself occupied [entertained] with some good ol' fashioned home crafts!

My first project: canisters for the kitchen with chalkboard labels [cute and easy organization].

What you will need:
* glass or acrylic canisters of your choice of size and shape
* chalkboard paint
* paint brush
* painters tape or a stencil
* chalk

How to:

* make sure canister are clean

* tape off desired area to paint

* paint with brush and let dry!

Finished Product:

* Wait at least an hour or two for paint to completely dry

* pull of tape

* label appropriate with chalk

* of course, fill the canisters up and enjoy!

Spring Smarts

I felt a bitter sting [and slightly offended] when I walked into Target earlier this week and swimsuits [primarily string bikinis] smacked me in the face.  Why do retailers think that in the dead of winter we need to be trying on [much less purchasing] barely there bathing suits and flip-flops?

I am all for a little bit of color and [spring] cheer during winter, but I think it is just plain mean that we are already forced to think about donning less clothing, eating and dieting for bikini season, and tanning [because who wants to see Snow White in her Daisy Dukes?].  I, for one, am not ready to expose any body parts to the world yet [no elbows, no knees here]!  

But..... just to give us all a glimpse into what will be a fabulous spring wardrobe, here are a couple of trends and pieces I am LOVING!

Patterns, Prints, Bold Colors are EVERYWHERE

Spring 2012 Hot Trend Alert! Colored Jeans by Madewell - $98.50

Classic Fit and Flare Dessau Dress - Anthropologie

for the HOME

It has been a [long] week of painting, cleaning, and decorating our new home here [Philly].  We have a little [make that a lot] more wall space in our house and I am on the hunt for a [relatively cheap] but stylist way to add some new decor [accessories].

Here are some cute ideas to add some [pizazz] to your home!  Have fun accessorizing!

Both of these courtesy of Kaboodle.com

adorable own soap dish! urbanoutfitters.com

flameless candles from pottery barn

peacock rug - horchow.com 

zebra print rug - horchow.com