Bringing Cubby Back

image via flickr

We were all introduced to cubbies in elementary, those little squares that we called our own. Stuffed to the brim and labeled with our name, it held all our childhood necessities like lunchboxes, nap time blankets, and Velcro tie shoes. It was a simple way to keep items in the right place, and instantly we learned about organization. It would be years before we incorporated that word into our vocabulary or even fully understood its meaning, and thank goodness for that. Ignorance is bliss.

In my own home, my entry way nook has wicker baskets for shoes and magazine files for incoming and outgoing mail. They're simple storage ideas that have helped my clutter stay where it should be. Besides, there's something nostalgic about having my own cubby... once again.

Here's some other great ways storage cubbyholes can be incorporated into your own home. All courtesy of flickr.

found here, here, and here

Site to Love: Nasty Gal

I'm always looking for new sites to shop, and Nasty Gal is my latest discovery. Let's just say in one visit, I'm hooked. With a nod to punk style, it's got it's fare share of studded items, which is reason enough to love it. However, if punk isn't exactly your style choice, the site has a lot more to offer. Look past those studs and leather leggings, for cardigans with a twist and dolman sleeved tees for layering.

Here's some of the items I added to my wishlist from my last visit.

Charcoal Blazer
Silver Chained Bracelet
Beaded Sweater Dress
Studded Heel

Like Mom Used To Make

There's nothing like a homemade chicken soup to aid a cold, and that's exactly what I needed with all my sniffling and sneezing these past few days. Without the luxury of a Mom at home, I had to venture out on my own with this one. This particular recipe is Caldo de Pollo, a Mexican style chicken soup with an assortment of veggies, chicken, cilantro and a spritz of lime. It's hearty, delicious, and simple to make, even while on cold medicine.

I used a mix of a family recipe and this one for the specific cooking instructions.

*Start off by bringing your chicken to a boil. I used 6 drumsticks. Make sure there is enough water to cover the chicken. Add more, if needed, to keep it covered.
*Add a quartered onion and a couple pieces of garlic to the water.
*When chicken is cooked, remove onion and garlic.
*Add all chopped veggies. Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and corn. Add any that you love. Cabbage is traditionally used, but I left it out of mine.
* Add 1/4 cup of rice.
* Add Knorr Caldo de Pollo seasoning & salt to taste.
*Bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes (or until veggies are cooked).
* Add cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Squeeze some lime on top.
* Eat and enjoy!

In other news, congratulations nfmgirl! You are the winner of my first giveaway! I'll be emailing you to get your address so we can get the item out to you a.s.a.p! Last but not least, special thanks to AllModern.com.

Hello Moto

We might all desire the Balenciaga Motorcycle Jacket, but rent takes priority for the majority of us. Well, at least it should. That's why the fashion world invented Forever 21. Lucky for us, the budget friendly go-to company has us covered with different twists on the classic biker jacket.

Find them all here: Twill Moto, Belted Jacket, Classic Zippered, Quilted

$30 vs.$2,600? I'll take that any day. Which style is your first pick?

Inspired by Water and Sky

Every year like clockwork, Pantone unveils their color of the year. That one shade that will make a big splash in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and beauty. Ladies and Gentlemen... drum roll please...2010's color of the year goes to Turquoise. The press release describes the meaning of the color as, "... believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky."

image via flickr

So refreshing and calming, no? It's inspiring me to book a Caribbean cruise right now! While it should be a couple weeks before we start seeing a lot of the color in spring shipments, I eagerly await the chance to dress, accessorize, and paint my nails in the color of 2010. How about you?


Full Pantone press release here, if you are interested.

All Modern Giveaway

Nearly three months have passed since moving into our new apartment, and the next key step is to personalize. Little knick-knacks and accessories may take years to fully accumulate, but I'd say we've got a nice little collection started.

While we recently purchased some dining room furniture, I would have loved to know about AllModern.com's sister site Dining Rooms Direct. It's a great resource ranging from breakfast nooks to barstools. Now, if you are in my boat and need accessories, AllModern.com is a great resource for modern and decorative home accents. Which is why, I'm very happy to announce my first giveaway is with them!

One lucky reader will receive this CAKE Node Bowl from the site. My hope is that, whether you use it as a fruit bowl, dining room furniture accent piece, or whatever your heart desires, it adds a finishing touch to your own home. But wait! You have to enter first...

Just leave a comment and your email address by January 8th 2010 8pm Pacific Time. For additional entries, you can twitter about the giveaway. Just make sure you leave me an additional comment explaining that you have done so.

Details of the giveaway go something like this...
1. You have to be a follower via Google Friend Connect. Meaning your little picture should pop up on the right. Please, make sure you are there.
2. This is for U.S and Canadian residents only.

Thanks All Modern! If you're interested, be sure to check out All Modern Pet and All Modern Baby for tons of other great items for your little ones, animal or human. :)

See Ya 2009

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a blast ringing in 2010. For those of you that might have had a bit too much bubbly and aren't feeling 100% today, what's a better way to recoup than by watching a great movie? I've compiled a list of some of my favorites of this past year, so grab some popcorn or your favorite hangover remedy and enjoy. Whether you want a love story, documentary, action or comedy, I've got you covered.







Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday for my first giveaway!