A Feather Hair Accessory Experiment

Okay, here is a feather hair accessory I have somehow come into possession of (drat those pretty little impulse boxes by the register). I definitely like it on its own- it is very cute, but how to wear it in my hair and not look as though I am nesting a small family of birds. Hmmm…

This was a moment of opportunity to check and see how it would look, if you will. I had my hair in a french twist and a mass of curls to the side (from my previous post of a curly up do).

Just to test the waters, I tried placing the feathery clip in my hair to get a feel. Not so bad, definitely curious.

Personally, it could work but I think it competes with the curls too much here.. it is just unnecessary. I am determined to use the feathers, but in another style.

Simplicity works best when it comes to such bold accessories. I think a clean twist clasped by the feather accessory would look absolutely beautiful- almost like a vintage hat.

It is something I will be trying soon, but I wanted to give a little preview first and foremost.

More later- ciao!

Zyr, My Love Of Vodka

I *love* vodka, you must understand this before anything else. So when I say to you that Zyr is my favorite vodka, this is definitely saying something bold.

Its pretty blue bottle stands out from anywhere, and it is a gorgeous a bottle. Something very nice to see match its classy qualities; the presentation is much appreciated.

Russian vodka speaks of quality alone, but an inspection is always needed to see what sets it apart from the rest, and why Zyr particularly is so special.

9 : 5 : 3

Why will this suddenly have a meaning to you? Well let’s take a look by what they mean by this ratio.

9 Filtrations

5 Distillations

3 Tasting Tests

The results are absolutely amazing and incredibly smooth- dangerously smooth, in fact. It is a curious blend of winter wheat and rye- and the taste definitely is lovely.

I drink it neat or on the rocks, preferably on the rocks- it is best appreciated alone. It is such a smooth vodka and has just the perfect hint of a sweet finish. This is a yummy one and a must for any vodka and/or spirits lover.

I have yet to see someone who does not like it after having tasted it. Even those who generally do not prefer vodka (for usually they have not had it properly or have not had the right kinds).

Now, here is how it can be oh so extra dangerously smooth- if you choose to mix this vodka…

… you will devour your drinks faster than ever. It is so smooth it doesn’t feel like consuming alcohol at all when in the company of juices and other mixed drink combinations.

Now- it will definitely makes those drinks incredibly yummy and drinkable, if not refreshing, but for the true vodka lover on the rocks is the way to go here.

Should that stop you from ordering it in your mixed drinks? Never- do both depending on your mood. Tastes especially nice in a Basil8. Perhaps more on that one later.

Yum! I love it!

It is not available everywhere just yet, though you can find it available online. Be on the look out for it wherever you are- it is a wonderful and delightful treat.

Loving Tokyo Fashion

Well, I am at least loving this darling little dress I purchased from a Japanese boutique called Nonno. It’s terribly cute, and I love it. Describing it may sound like a disaster, but it totally works the way I see it. And you do have to see it to believe it.

Let’s look at this dress:

Brown with light blue polka dots, a blackbig bow belt, and white frilly poofy sleeves-bet you wouldn’t seek that out on your own now would you. Nor did I, however I am pleased with the find.

Its one of those moments where you wonder “why do I like this, do I like this, I think I do, I can’t stop looking at it” and while debating you end up falling in love with it.

Got to make a decision and move with it, that’s for sure especially with fashion. If you aren’t sure, no one else will be either.

So long as you love what you wear and wear what you love all is well by me.

I freaking love this bow belt, by the way. It has a little hook underneath so it is easy to match up with any other outfit, too. A black belt on a brown dress would never have been my first choice, but why not. This is how it came and was intended to be worn and I am quite enjoying it.

Glamorous Curls Twist Into A Fashionable Updo

So now that my hair is filled with all these magnificent curls, I thought I would have a bit more fun with it. Also, sometimes I don’t want to be drowning in my own hair, and an updo can be quite refreshing as well as glamorous.

So here I have swept my hair into a classic french twist, slightly more to one side so it is just a bit off center, and allowed the curls to just fall as they desired.

I touched up the curls and made some more defining, and also pinned a couple wherever I saw fit.

Its a bit messy but I kind of like that about curls, they are allowed to be. Its natural and playful. I love the way they move as you walk too- with just the right kind of bounce. Its fun.

I like the contrast of this style- one side is completely smooth and controlled, the other is full of volume and massive curls.

If you wanted to, you could mix some of the curls on the other side as well, blend the two together. It is quite simple to do either way you like.

Here’s to more fun and style. Much love!

Lifestyle Luxury From An At Home Income & Someone Dear To Me

An answer to the old… “So what do you *do* anyway” question. What I do has more to do with why we do anything- to achieve the luxury of a certain lifestyle.

“A luxurious lifestyle” and “the comforts of home,” we may say the phrase casually but it does hold a meaning to us all. We all yearn for it and after all is said in done there is nothing as luxurious as having all the time you wish to spend in your very own little place. It is all about having your own quality time.

I don’t think I have formally introduced him so here he is, someone very dear to me and someone who has allowed me to live this lifestyle that I cherish.

He is my fiance, Timothy Black. Together through his experiences and knowledge we are able to live the lifestyle that we do. Oh, and by the way, neither of us work. And in case you are wondering, there was no inheritance or trust fund or anything of that sort involved! We don’t have any bosses, or schedules, or meetings.. we pretty much do whatever we want to each day, it’s really great.

Sometimes I think I take it for granted and don’t share enough about it to you, and I want to. Especially as it is something that is open to anyone who wants our lifestyle, too.

It doesn’t matter how much you earn if you work until you are so tired you have no time to yourself. There are more important things in life and nothing should keep that away from you.

Enjoying a great dinner with friends, Timothy is on the right and I am in the braids.

So we travel, and shop (he has a great eye for style, I seem to have rubbed off on him nicely), and eat, and drink wine, and spend time with family and make great new friends along the way. He is great at what he has created for the brilliant thing is that it is all from home. He shows those who want to discover an income at home how to do it and do it well, too. He is a great coach- he taught me and I couldn’t believe how easy it was, or how fun it could be especially when you are in control.

It brings me great new shoes, dresses, jewelry, spontaneous trips, and most importantly the time to do what I want when I want with the people I want.

It really rocks, lol.

For his birthday I took him skydiving in Lake Wales- what a great time. We were delayed a day though since there was a tornado warning or watch in effect- not something you want when you are jumping out of a plane! The next day was beautiful and I would do it again in an instant.

When I first met Timothy (over six years ago) and found out a bit about him, I also found out that he shouldn’t be alive by the opinions of many doctors. Getting into a relationship, that isn’t something you want to hear, let alone throwing him out of an airplane like this.

We’ve come a long way, and I wanted to share our story with you. I think it is important.

You can find out more about why he “shouldn’t be alive” and then visit http://www.concealedcash.com

And it is an amazing story, just take a look and see for yourself. You can also see how it is that we make a living at home and have the lifestyle that we do.

This is something I want available to you since it can improve your life no matter where you are.

Much Love and Best Regards,

Bombshell Beauty

Glamorous Waves And Curls

I have a lot of hair, as I have said many times before. I like to try all sorts of different techniques from my usual sleek straight look, playful to elegant updo styles, natural slight waves, to all out wild curls.

The all out giant waves and curls is nice from time to time- but definitely has its place and is used sparingly (as it can often be out of control).

On a more usual basis I like have my hair fall into curls at the end- smooth from the top and large waves at the bottom. Its a nice touch and tends to make the hair bounce as you walk. Just kind of makes you feel happy, too- it is a nice feeling when your hair moves just right.

I find it works best in my favor especially when the weather is wanting a battle- the mixture of smooth and curly waves isn’t destroyed by a drizzle or soak of humidity as much as the straight and smooth or all around curly styles are.

So, ha weather, take a look at this.

I like to play with the volume, too. Like with clothes, hair can compliment the style, flow, and movement of your wardrobe. It is extra nice when it all comes together so lovely.

Feather Fashion

Feathers and fashion, they can be a nice compliment to one another or an absolute mess. I think some well thought out and creatively placed feathers can come together lovely.

No one wants to look like they are wearing a chicken suit or are nesting birds in their hair, but again- a few subtle touches are beautiful and elegant.

I found this bracelet a while ago as part of a set. I loved the colors and softness on a bangle, and it would work well with most any outfit, especially those of browns and neutral shades.

Now, the set the shop had suggested with it would have been far too much for me. I think they were trying to hard to make it work- a chain link necklace draped in matching feathers, large earrings with the same…. yikes. Even those two pieces alone were enough to scream coo coo. But the bracelet was nice and simple- I think that is definitely key.

Most elegant and fashionable pieces are simple, which makes them so bold and beautiful. I am all for feathers- in small amounts and worn well.

Old Fashioned Glamour Awakens

Giorgio Armani defines classic elegance and beauty so wonderfully, and I am finding much inspiration from these looks and designs. It is very much old hollywood returned with a splash of fresh color and extra feminine softness.

The lines drop low and the fabric melts to the ground, looking as though it actually a part of the body itself. It just looks so lovely, and knowing Armani it definitely is. The photo here is from Francois Guillot, it realy captures the glamorous line well I think. Love the earings, too.

It reveals the feminine form beautifully and the colors are perfect. The hair is cute and i see what they are going for (great for the runway) but I don’t know I would do it now. Maybe keep the side swept but still with medium to long hair to blend into. Still, cute but feels kind of messy or off.

This one I like much better, hair wise at least. It looks a little fuller and connects more around (not just all the hair on the side, but it connects around the back, too, more complete). I will have to play around with it and see what I can create.

Mmm, pretty fashion- I love it. I love to see more of it and it delights me to see it on the runway. Glamorous!

Barbecue Capital Of TEXAS Is Lockhart

This is the reason we drove 150 miles west out of Houston; Kreuz. It is worth it every time. We had sat around the house with no power or water for a day when we and the neighbors began talking of warm food and instantly we all agreed to drive to Kreuz before they closed for the night (which meant we had to leave right away if we wanted any chance).

We made it in record time and enjoyed the magical experience of what is Kreuz. The smell of the building when you walk in is like nothing else- Oh how I love it!

The rub is perfect and the rule of the house is “No Fork No Sauce.”

It doesn’t need it either. (Sauce is thought to hide the lack of quality in a meat). It just melts and falls apart lovely- especially the fatty brisket pieces. So yum. (Shhh, secretly, this place is my favorite)

(Less photos though, simply because the meat did not last in front of us- too delicious. We had limited timing too!)

So the next day (Sunday, and Kreuz is not open) we visit Smitty’S, the rivalry of Kreuz. When it all began they were both Kreuz, and then a man by the name of Smitty’s joined the family in business. After the passing of the father, the children argued and eventually one kept the Kreuz name to a new building while the other kept the original building and called it Smitty’S.

Three of the number one barbecue best are all located very near each other, two being in Lockhart and the third being in Lulling (only minutes away really).

All three use the same technique of having a fire with the smoke traveling a slight distance to the meat- it requires much patience and attention and so very few continue this style of barbecue but the results go extremely far. It is well worth it.

Next, finally, is Monday’s visit to Lulling’s City Market. I cannot recall the name at the moment, but the editor or one of the writers for Gourmet Magazine named this their favorite meal ever (stating even though you would think it would be something fancy and expensive, the meat was so true and divine nothing has been better).

It comes very close to Kreuz in my opinion, VERY close. In fact I absolutely love them all. Just look at it in its divine beauty- oh so perfect. Yum!

This is barbecue done to perfection and with love. It is always the same people you see working at these places, too. I love that. They know and truly love what they do and do it extremely well.

They have been doing this for years and years, and it shows. Even the cash register has soaked in the smoke throughout the years, lol. What a lovely place to be.

Beautiful & Bold Betsey Shoes

Let’s talk about shoes, shall we. In my little spontaneous trip two of my purchases were Betsey Johnson Shoes.

There is no mistaking that bright pink box anywhere, or her shoes for that matter. They have a habit of standing out in their designs.

This is my new fun favorite little toy, the print is so bold and vibrant and the heel is simply devilish. Such a sultry little shoe- I love it.

It has just a subtle little peep toe opening in the front too, which gives it a unique little character.

A simple black dress certainly goes much further with this shoe. Little is necessary or otherwise it will compete. It is quite loud on its own (people have stopped me on the streets since I purchased them)!

Okay, now for the other pair- from red and black to black and white. Here we go.

This one is definitely younger in style and playful more than elegant. I love the black vinyl strap that wraps across the top- I think it is absolutely adorable!

Dots, little buckle, straps, open toe, and a high heel- how much fun is that? It’s precious and bold all together. What a delightful design!

Alright, more later. Much love and beautiful shoes, xx