There's no place like home

By Melanie

As the end of October approaches, I'm reminded that the holidays are just around the corner. I love the holiday season, especially when I get to go back home to Ohio. I recently booked my flight to visit for Thanksgiving. As much as I love California, it just doesn't feel like the holidays here so I always get excited when I get a chance to go back east to celebrate them.

I'm looking forward to the fall weather. The crispness in the air, the gorgeous fall leaves and dressing in the warm clothes.

So I'm doing a little shopping to get ready for the trip. First on my list is a chunky knit scarf.



source: www.lookbook.nu

I loves scarves. I've been wearing the lighter versions recently. It will be a treat to wear a warm wrap around one.

Boots are a must too. Aren't these so stylish?

source: www.lookbook.nu

I'm loving the platform trend although since I'm 5'9", can I really wear these? I don't want to tower over anyone.

What's your favorite fashions for the holidays?

Drops of rain

By Melanie
source: www.becauseimaddicted.net

Since it's been raining all week, I've stayed inside a lot of the evenings. I'm ready for some outdoor activity this weekend. Hopefully the weather will permit some fun in the sun. Maybe some hiking or bike riding?

Any plans for you?

Boo!

By Melanie

source: www.modelinia.com

I don't have confirmed plans yet for Halloween but I'm on the search for a great costume. I'm thinking about being a flapper. I love the swinging dresses and the hair accessories. Such a fun costume. Last year I was 80's Madonna/Britney Spears.

I'm loving this peacock feather hair accessory.

source: www.dirtyaddiction.com

And the feather head band. Wouldn't they both be a cool hair accessory for the costume?

source: lovmely via etsy

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

Pumpkin Patch

By Melanie

source: www.hiddengarments.cn

This weekend I'll be carving a pumpkin. I'm still deciding on whether to create a happy face pumpkin or a scary one.

What's your plans for the weekend?

Out and About in Santa Monica

By Melanie

One of my favorite cities is Santa Monica and I'm lucky because my sister just happens to live there. It has the perfect blend of a So Cal beach town mixed with the hustle and bustle of a big city. Best of both worlds. A few weeks ago, I drove up to visit from the OC.

We spent the morning relaxing on my sister's patio, catching up and drinking delicious lattes from the restaurant La Grande Orange.

The restaurant offers sit down dining as well as a take out area. It's cute inside and I love the design of the coffee to go cups. Great simple design and eco-friendly.

After our coffee fix we headed out to practice yoga and visit the farmer's market.

Later that day we went to lunch on Main Street. I just love the murals. South of the pier is really artsy. The street is lined with independent restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. It's a great street for a leisurely walk.

After lunch we hopped on our beach cruisers and went shopping at the new Santa Monica Place.

This is a great mall. It's outdoor with a lot of shopping options.

Of course being near the beach, we had to check out the sunset.

Just gorgeous.

At night we went to see the movie The Romantics. It didn't get that great of reviews but we liked it. This movie theater was pretty cool. It had couches instead of chairs!

What's one of your favorite cities?

Cool Prints

By Melanie

West Forty-Third Street (Yellow Cabs) by Joseph O. Holmes

I was perusing one of my favorite blogs over the weekend, A Cup of Jo, and blogger Joanna featured a cool new artist marketplace called 20x200 A Jen Beckman Project. I usually buy my art from Etsy or from small online galleries such as Charming Wall (where I bought a few prints from one of my favorite artists, Bailey Saliwanchik). 20x200 features a talented group of artists. I fell in love with the New York photographs by Joseph O. Holmes.

West Nineteenth Street (Yellow Dress) by Joseph O. Holmes

Central Park South by Joseph O. Holmes

source: photos via http://www.20x200.com/art/2010/09/central-park-south.html

Last October I was in NYC and now these photos make me miss it!

I think it's great that there are artist marketplaces like this to buy from. Where do you buy your art?

Master Plan

By Melanie

source: www.ruffledblog.com

Life is full of surprises. I'm always reevaluating my life goals and determining what steps will bring success and make me happy. I really do feel that a "life" plan is essential, but sometimes no matter how much planning is done, you never really know how things will turn out. When this happens, it's important to assess the situation and move forward.

This weekend is going to be beautiful here in So Cal. Earlier this week I was wearing boots and a jacket and now it's bikini weather. Crazy!

Well, I have some fun events planned. A birthday party to go to and hopefully I'll squeeze in some beach time.

How's your weekend looking?

Accessorize Your Work Space

By Melanie

I think one's surroundings and environment have a major impact on productivity. This is the primary reason that a clean, organized and aesthetically appealing work space is so important.

My favorite color palette for an office is white with a splash of color.

source: www.decorpad.com

Don't you love the crispness of the white color and the clean sleek lines of the desk? I could get so much work done in that office!

Although a desk that's practical is top priority, style should not suffer! My space needs to be useful and pretty. Why settle for anything less?

source: www.livingetc.com

To add functionality to my desk, I bought a magazine holder. It was a little plain so I decided to accessorize it. DIY time!
source: www.seejanework.com


I bought the pink simple holder above from Ikea and then accessorized it with flowers from forever 21.


A great way to turn something plain into something stylish!

Do you think an organized and aesthetically pleasing work space is important?