My Own Pheromone

It's ironic, I usually get a headache from the scent of most perfumes. However, I have finally found a scent that I cannot live without! Thankfully, Santa brought me my very own bottle of Chloé, as my sample from Nordstrom is almost empty!

Chloé Perfume

The powdery rose scent is very clean and totally feminine. The top notes are freesia, pink peony, and lychee - keeping the scent subtle and fresh. 

Growing Some Green

Another of my endless winter projects... creating and growing a cute little terrarium, like the one below. I recently bought the perfect spherical glass bowl (Crate and Barrel) and I am now researching plants - I'm thinking to include plants that are natural remedies to health concerns. Maybe even some herbs for homemade loose leaf teas! I have found many great websites that sell organic seeds at reasonable prices. I'm also contemplating creating laminated labels with the plant's scientific names - for another visual aesthetic. 

Clearly, with my limited planting abilities, the difficultly with this project is going to be keeping this little ecosystem alive. I'll post pictures of my progress. 

A few plants and their health benefits:

• Aloe vera- Anti-inflammatory, used for skin wounds and dryness
• Mint- Sedative, antispasmodic (useful for colds and flu), antimicrobial, beneficial to liver and digestion processes
• Chamomile- Insomnia, anxiety, wounds, burns, eczema, aids in stomach processes
• Lemon Balm- Eases pain, reduces stress, aids in indigestion and bloating
• Rose Hips- Immune functioning, strengthens vascular system, source of vitamin C, contains bioflavonoids
• Lavender- Treats respiratory problems, enhances circulation of blood, removes tension and calms nerves
• Fennel- Aids in anemia (source of iron), indigestion, constipation, natural diuretic 

Decadently Dressed

Slouchy cashmere, jewels dripping from your neck, knee high boots, nude-toned patent leather, metallics for your toes, and strategically placed sequences. All in  blush tones - for elegance and that understated, monochromatic look.

Here's my short list of purchases and desires to wear this holiday season...

Nude patent leather pumps

 'Vintage Deco Sunray' necklace by Lulu Frost

Cece leather ballet flats in pale oak

Sutton tall leather boots in camel

J. Crew sequin rows silk tee

Silk Taffeta Dress

Washed Crepe Jane Dress

Aveline Dress

Girl Crush

I recently saw a special sneak-preview of Black Swan in Columbus with my boyfriend. Natalie Portman's performance was absolutely Oscar worthy. This is a must see before the New Year.

This movie has clearly made her the "It" girl of 2011 already! This issue just arrived in my mailbox this afternoon -  can't wait to read it over the weekend. 

This is one of Ms. Portman's photos for the new Dior campaign. Dior has named the gorgoeus actress as the new face of Miss Dior Cherie. Debuting to the public in March 2011, prints ads will be shot by renowned fashion photographer, Tim Walker and the TV campaign by Sofia Coppola. 

Semi-Precious Stones

As usual, holiday gift shopping has turned me into a self-indulgent dreamer. And, Wendy Mink's beautiful pieces are truly not helping my situation. Maybe I'll buy one for my mother, one for my sister, and a few pieces for myself...

 Such understated glamour - and at such tempting prices.  

wendyminkjewerly.com

A votre santé!

Hard to believe that it is almost my 21st! I am now in the process of learning the 'art of the drink'. And... I think I am in way over my head. My list of drinks to taste is endless, I will keep you all informed of my progress. Here is the short list of bars and lounges where I plan to (okay, more like dream about) educate myself on wine and trendy cocktails. 

Hotel Biron: San Francisco 

(Specializes in vintage wine labels)

Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar at the Ivy Hotel: San Diego

Death and Co: East Village NYC  [433 East 3rd Street]

55 Degrees: Las Vegas

(They have over 2,000 wine labels!)

Wines are of particular interest to me...

History and Benefits:

Wine is one of the oldest beverages known to man. Written records dating back 4,000 years refer to the dietary and therapeutic uses of wine. The health effects of wine have now been confirmed in many studies and modern day research experiments. 

In moderation, wine appears to be more than just a beverage containing alcohol. Research studies indicate that drinking alcohol moderately (two to three glasses of wine per day) can help lower cholesterol, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and help us live longer.

(The chemical structure of certain antioxidants found in wine are pretty cool - I will spare you from those details, though. All you need to know is that said antioxidants may combat wrinkles!)

Organic Wines:

Organic wines are produced using organically grown grapes. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed on the vines or in the soil. Only mined minerals, natural extracts and derivatives can be applied. Strict rules govern the winemaking process and storage conditions of all imported and domestic wines that acquire certification. Organic winemakers are not allowed to use the various chemical substances commonly found in conventional wineries to make or modify their wines.

They've Done it So Right

I'm sitting in the window of a 'downtown' (more idealistic) coffee shop in Delaware, Ohio called  Beehive Books. It's snowing thick and heavy flakes on the people and cars outside - I'm glad to be inside sipping on orange spice tea sweetened with my favorite agave nectar.

As a take a break from paper writing, I am tempted to glance at my favorite decorating sites. Here are a few rooms that are just so good. 

I love the smaller, apartment-sized rooms. The monochromatic colors, and the utilization of natural lighting. And the patterned wood floors. For me, its about clean lines and useable living spaces that don't 'look' purposefully decorated.

And... did you notice... a washing machine in the kitchen? How truly practical!

And now, I return to writing of my term papers. 

The Month of Magic

The first day of the month and we had our first snow in Ohio! What perfect timing. I have always loved this month... the food to taste, the parties to partake, the gifts to give (and get!), the snowy winter wonderland. If I weren't in the middle of preparing for finals week maybe I would be feeling more of the magic too.

As expected, in the dorm room there's not much room for holiday cheer. I've never been into extreme decoration - it disrupts the flow of an already carefully planned space. I much more enjoy to have subtle, non-traditional decorations. I found a few tabletop decorations which, if I'm feeling crafty this weekend, would love to make!

These are so simple! Just rolled decorator paper, wallpaper, or scrapbook paper and topped with a bead. Such an easy mantle piece if you play with heights, patterns, and texture.

These are just made with plastic leaves (purchased at craft stores) placed and glued on a piece of conical-shaped cardboard. Paint and glitter added per taste. I would like to experiment with this - changing the color scheme to maybe brown or something else more unexpected. 

Happy December!

My Lady in Waiting

These fabulous paintings are done by Kate Morgan out of Columbus, Ohio. I am looking to purchase a new painting to add to my collection of 'painted ladies'. One day, in my  beautifully decorated house, I hope to have an entire wall of women. Currently I own two original paintings and one print. Kate's painting, which will be a birthday present from my dear old daddy, will be my third original painting. Many more to come!

This time last year...

I was in my favorite city. 

Looking at graduate schools right now and Columbia is the top choice (not a big surprise to those who know me)!

Don't fret, a more thorough post to come this weekend.

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Dreaming of Quito, Ecuador

I can't help but thinking of the future over my Thanksgiving break. Although college life is finally at a stand still for a week - I'm in the midst of grant writing for this summer. In June, if my grants come through (fingers- crossed!), I will be traveling to Ecuador to study abroad for a month. The trip will focus on healthcare policy in South America and the lives and health problems of the Andean population. 

I cannot wait for hands-on patient care and finally taking some medical spanish classes but...  I'm equally as excited that I will have lots of time off to take weekend trips and travel around South America (tourist-ing and shopping!).  My very first solo abroad experience. And, not to be the last! 

The above picture is a cathedral, La Iglesia de San Francisco that I hope to visit in person. This 16th century baroque church is currently undergoing a massive restoration and should be completed just in time for my visit!

La Iglesia de San Francisco is among the oldest and largest churches in Ecuador. I recently read that Spanish conquerors built it on the site of an Incan palace in 1535. Just look at all of the ornate gold leaf detailing! It inspires me for some beautiful holiday decorations and adornment of gold accessories . After all,  'Tis the season.