Don't Sweat the Accessories

So am all for working out, I think it’s great to get the blood pumping, get the ol’ ticker moving,  but I do have one problem with some girls who get their sweat on.

Photo of the Ridgefield Fitness Club by Green Revolution.

 Whether running, jumping or climbing trees, there is no need for heavy accessories.  I find it hard to believe you have absolutely no other place to wear those chandelier earrings or those chunky layered bangles.  I can’t speak for everyone when I say this but let’s face it there is no need to look like a Real Housewife when you are at the gym.  Many of you might be thinking you have your reasons, allow me to throw all of those out. 

My Future is so Bright

It's a beautiful day.  Not a cloud in the sky with the sun shining full force.  Usually this is a great thing, but last week my sunglasses broke.  Now I am squinting my way around town, and that has to change (I am too young for crow's feet).

These sunglasses lasted me a few years, but sadly, it's time for them to retire.

Most of the time I love shopping, but I find shopping for sunglasses to be as difficult as shopping for jeans.  So many factors are to be taken into account.  A person needs to think about trends, versatility, style and frame and face shape.  I can't help you on your personal style or what color frames would be best for you, but I will help you in regards to finding your face shape and give you some suggestions.

One More Project with Dad (Part 3)

And now for the final installment:

As I mentioned, the original top of the nightstand was a little too far gone. During the cleaning process I had to remove the top layer. This exposed some very blond wood that didn't match at all.

This just wouldn't do, so it had to go.

My original plan was to use a piece of leather to cover the top; unfortunately the piece of leather was too small. I had to think outside the box again. I went through a few possible scenarios, like fitting another piece of wood on top or using a frame to control the piece, but in a moment of genius/desperation,  I decided to try something risky.

One More Project with my Dad (Part 2)

The nightstands are well on their way and I love them already.  Now to the details so you can do this too, if you are so inclined.

Cross your fingers, this is going surprisingly well.

One More Project with my Dad (Part 1)

I decided to take on a project.
My dad had two old nightstands; they aren't anything special.  They are tired, old, spattered with paint and I love them.  He hated to throw things away so he used them for years.  At first during college, then in my parents first home, after the family's big move they became a staple in the garage for his tools.  Now they sit idle in the basement of our home and have become my obsession. 

This guy could make anything work, let's see if it's genetic.
Circa: 1994

My father passed away a few months ago and for some reason these dirty old nightstands are tethered to my memory of him.  My dad picked them out years ago and this leads me to believe a part of his spirit, his personality, his beautiful aura is attached to them.  I decided he and I would have one more project together.  One he started decades before I was born and has left me to finish.

So here is the story of how his treasure and my tears will make the most amazing pieces of furniture I will ever own.

What's up your @$$?

I recently went out to lunch with a dear friend and she said something that struck a nerve with me...partially because I had never heard the phrase. 

We were talking about mutual friend and she was saying how this person had everything going for her.  From the job, to the guy, to the family life, "it was like she had a horse shoe up her @$$".

courtesy: www.getskinnyjeans.com

This phrase, while pretty hilarious, got me thinking... what do each of us have up our @$$?

Nailed It!

"You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression"

Recently this adage has really been ringing true.  I have been meeting with a lot of people to talk about how I can work with them on some upcoming projects.  This has led to me notice how important every detail of a person's appearance really does matter, including nails. 

I couldn't find a long stem rose like in all those sketchy/amazing nail salons, so this is what you get.

When I want to turn up the interest on my digits, I have a couple easy nail tricks which allow me to seem carefully put together with a little bit of an edge.  They are surprisingly easy with a little patience and a steady hand.

I Can Rule Out Professional Painter

I've been obsessed with making my new home more "me" since I moved.  Naturally, I started with my room.  Most design shows say the easiest/cheapest way to customize a room is to paint.  To that I say, cheapest, yes; easiest, no.

Making my house a home

While doing a completely sub-par paint job, I did come up with a few fun tricks to cover my mistakes.

Driving Me Crazy

For the past decade, I have lived in a metropolitan area. Spending most of my time in Chicago and Washington DC has granted me certain luxuries, many of which are not availableto me any more.

Having made the decision to move a while ago,  I knew there would be an adjustment period. I would have to  make new friends, learn a new grocery store, and figure out where all my stuff would go.  But all of these seem inconsequential compared to my biggest challenge: driving.

Because Everyone Loves Cupcakes!

Spring has sprung and invitations are flying for garden parties, spring soiree and fresh air fetes, and a girl can't arrive empty handed. 

I'm pleased to share with you the perfect homemade spring cupcake. With less than 100 calories and little sugar you can enjoy every bite without guilt...not to mention this cupcake has the consistency of angel food cake, holding up to the great outdoors.

I picked up the recipe for the "Sunshine Cupcake" on diabetic living online...

The Sunshine Cupcake

Here Comes Peter "CottonSale"

We are just a few days away from one of my FAVORITE holidays of the year...EASTER!
This bunny-laden holiday didn't break into the top three by chance; it scored big in a number of categories ranging from bringing some of the people I love most in the world together, to the fact that I binge on so  many marshmallow chicks "Colonel" Sanders" himself would tell me to pump the brakes on the poultry punishment (thanks dad).

Super Food Stuffed Peppers

My first shared adventure is in cooking.  I'll be honest, I am decent in the kitchen, but not so great online...hence I started off easy.

                                                                                            (Doesn't look too shabby)

Because I really don't know...

Welcome to Lc knows. 
It's an ironic name because I actually have no idea, and that's where you come in.
I don't know about you, but over the past 12 months my life has been turned, twisted, tortured & triumpant.  All this had lead me to believe that I have no idea what to do with my life.  A lot of very wise people have given me the exact same piece of advice...
"FOLLOW YOUR PASSION,"
which I would happily do, if only I knew what that was.

So, I am asking for your help in finding my passion.
Using this space, I will be trying different genres of life style based activities, including fashion, home decorating, cooking and even just fun rants about what's going on in my life.  I will be depending on you to let me know what you think.  What was I good at?  Would you wear the styles I piece together? Do you like the the furniture I design?  Did you try the recipe I created?  Am I as funny as I think I am?

Through this adventure I hope we can figure out what I should do with my life and maybe you'll learn something about yourself in the process.