My Hate-Love Relationship with Sunny FL and current Bikini Lust

I have to say that as of lately it has been so annoying to see everyone post cozy winter photos. There is something about living down here in the subtropics that really spoils the holidays for me.  One week we are in boots and coats and the next week we are running around in flip flops and tanks. It is ridiculous and it drives me insane!  That is living in Florida for you.  Today was actually in the 70's which is perfect beach weather in my eyes. However, it is not perfect for the fact that it is the first week in January. I was hoping to keep my winter wardrobe out a bit longer.  

Today I spent the day with my Mother in Palm Beach.  This is where the table turns and now you guys get to be jealous of me as I soaked up this amazingly warm weather. Yes I am going to rub it in with some of my photos!

This year the warmer weather has caused me to skip right over my winter wardrobe obsessions and I am already thinking of bikini season after seeing all of these sunbathers by the water today.  Isn't this just insanely beautiful?  The water was flat and glassy and the weather was just perfection.

I wanted to be sunbathing today with these people...

While wearing this colorful triangle bra bikini from Zimmerman. 

xx

Shannon

Christmas came a little early for me...

I have been in the process of decorating my living room over the last year or so, and while I'm sorry for not providing many status updates, please note that it has been a very slow process since I have been taking my time and not rushing through things like I normally do.  I wanted to wait until I had made more progress before I revealed anything, but I couldn't resist since I made some exciting progress today with the help of someone special over at Plum Cushion.   

After seeing Melanie's work in the home of Nicole Cohen, editor of Sketch 42 blog, I knew I had to have her make all of my custom pillows.  Our most recent project just arrived at my door step today and came straight out the box in time for the holiday's. 

Check out these matching beauties Melanie made sitting on top of my chairs.  She also made the custom brown cushions for my vintage chairs (a previous eBay find).

These fabulous pillows, in the famous La Fiorentina print, also arrived today shown above on my sofa.  And in case you are wondering, she also made the long yellow rectangle pillow using leftover fabric from my draperies. 

What excited me more than my lovely pillows, is the fact that she used my leftover Schumacher fabric to make Christmas stockings for me.  When I received them in the mail I screamed like a little girl. I am so thrilled with the personalized service I have received from her.  Thank you Mel! 

PS-  I promise to show more pics of my apartment in the near future.  I have some major purchases to make over the next month, which includes brass hardware for my custom curtains, a new dining set and a new area rug.  I can't wait to show more with you all. 

xx

Shannon 

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken

I have spent the last year experimenting with dieting and eating tricks to shed some unwanted weight. Maybe I haven't made the healthiest of food choices along the way, but now that I have met my weight loss goals, I am eager to also make some life changes to find balance with healthy eating and routine exercise. I am starting with the eating part first because I hate exercise and usually have to drag myself to the gym. I don't want to just be skinny; I want to be healthy and happy.

I thought I would try something new and share a healthy recipe that one of my girlfriends recently taught me how to make because I think it is the bees-knees and it so easy to make! Recipe sharing is so much fun. Yip-eee!

Ingredients List:

1 lb. Chicken

1 bag Spinach

Handful of Pine-Nuts

1 Lemon Half

16 oz container of Non-Fat Greek Style Yogurt

Naan Bread

Olive Oil

Oregano

1. Toast pine nuts in small skillet on medium-low heat.

 You want to make sure you move them around in the pan to ensure they brown evenly and do not burn.  When the nuts become fragrant and have a nice golden color they are done and you can remove the pan from the heat and sit them to the side to cool.

2. Cube chicken, place in skillet and brown in olive oil on medium heat.  

Cut chicken into cubes, place in skillet and brown in olive oil on medium heat until fully cooked. Half way through cooking, squeeze a lemon half over the chicken mixture.

3.  Baste Naan bread with olive oil and oregano

While the chicken is cooking you will want to pre-heat your oven on low broil and baste your Naan bread by brushing olive oil on it and using some oregano for seasoning.  I also used some garlic powder for extra flavor. Broil the Naan bread for 3-4 minutes or until desired crispness.

4. Add spinach and pine nuts to chicken mixture. 

Once your chicken is cooked thoroughly, toss in 3/4 bag of spinach and cook until it has melted down then mix in your toasted pine nuts and remove pan from heat so that it can cool.

5.  Combine the Greek Yogurt with the chicken mixture in a separate bowl.

Place the mixture in a separate bowl and stir in about 3/4 of a 16 oz container of non-fat Greek yogurt. I used the Chobani brand.

6. Serve over 1/2 piece of Cooked Naan bread.

7. Enjoy!

Hopefully you guys liked this recipe as much as I did.  If you want me to start doing more posts like this give me a shout out!

xx, Shannon

A little of this and that

I hope everyone is having a nice week so far...

Playing around with messy "head band plaits" and winged eyeliner...

A few new necklaces I bought for fall...

My Zara leather leggings arrived!

Mid-Century Modern Table Styling To-Die-For

For those that follow Tia and Tamera's show on the style network you are probably already familiar with the recent wedding of Tamera Mowry and Adam Housley.  Tamera was recently pictured on the fall 2011 cover of Get Married Magazine, which includes a fabulous layout inside that feautures her with her hottie hubby.  The best part of this photoshoot is the amazing work of Vanessa Van Wieren, the creator of Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations.  They created the most beautiful table styling to portray what it would look like if the couple was home entertaining guests.  All I can say is BRAVO while drooling over the photos.

I cannot get over this oober chic White Warren Platner dining table and vintage brass barrel armchairs.  And the colors, oooh the colors, they really excite me.  I love all of these pretty little details and the bright and fun color palette.

Who would have ever thought to tie up these silk patterned dinner napkins with a chain and name card. 

The photography credits should not be overlooked.  You should check out Alexa Miller Photography.  I had never heard of her prior to today, however her work is stunning. 

xx, Shannon

My Bedroom Closet - The Saga Continues

So Saturday's post kept me obsessing over my closet and how I desperatly want to give it a mini diva make-over. 

Here a snapshot of my wee little closet.  It looks like a stuffed sasage in there.  Somehow I keep giving stuff away and the contents continue to grow (wonder why that is)?

After spending my weekend looking for lighting resources, I tried cranking out other creative ideas to dress up the space. I browsed through hours of organization and closet photo files and came up with a simple plan. First off, I don't really want to paint since I am renting, so I thought about finding some artwork, fabric or a mirror to frame that will go above the top shelf that will be showcased by a new lighting fixture.  Then I will finish it off with a small rug for the closet floor.  I also love the idea of adding a small bench in the closet, even though one will probably clutter my tiny space even more, to not only look pretty but to help me reach things on my top shelves. 

Since I have a space issue I also need to condense my clothing by purchasing smaller velvet no-slip hangers, and getting more of my shoes off of the floor since I step on them in the mornings while reaching for things.  I am also looking for some cool brass hooks to hang my belts and long necklaces on. 

I wanted to know if anyone has any other tips for organizing and semi-decorating a tiny closet. Help me!

xx, Shannon

My Bedroom Closet - Lighting Options

I think a lot of us women like to believe that our closets should be these beautiful magical places where we can put all of our fashion goodies on display. Unfortunately, every time I walk into my closet to get dressed I am so un-inspired because my closet is so boring.  Why can't I have a designer closet (insert sad diva face here)?!!  My closet is a very tiny beige walk-in so there isn't much I can do with it, but I figured I could start off with changing the builder basic lighting fixture to glam things up.  

There are so many lighting options out there so the desicion making process is a tad overwhelming.  Do I select a chandelier, pendant or flush mount fixture? Oh the choices...

 

OPTION 1

This DIY I came across is pretty freaking amazing not to mention it is fairly cheap in supplies.  How genius!

Can I also point out how coolio these gold stripes are?  

I would love an all gold closet! - SWOON!



 

OPTION 2

This little brass geometric guy is really bad ass.  It is the perfect size and $375.   

 

OPTION 3

Then there is this amazing small brass Hicks pendant for $420.  These have been seen everywhere lately but I am still in love.

OPTION 4

I thought about also going more traditional and doing a small brass chandelier with brightly colored or patterned mini shades.

OPTION 5

Last but not least, i stumbled on this little white midcentury bamboo style chandelier for only $148.  Loves!

So there you have it folks -five great options and I need to make up my mind now.  Stay tuned to see what I pick, but in the mean time I would love to know your thoughts on these options that I found.

xx Shannon

fall-ing for darkness

Some dark wardrobe staples I need for my transition into fall...

 

Loving black aviator glasses for a change

 Gucci

I refuse to ever get over the leather legging trend

Zara Leather Lamb Trousers

A big black leather bag with gold hardware

JCrew Rigby Tote

A black Moto Jacket paired with a sweet dress to soften up an edgy look

Black leather Jacket from ASOS



I want to jump on the cool slipper wagon

belle by Sigerson Morrrison pony flats