Peace on Earth

Without a doubt my favorite ornament this Christmas

Burlap table cloth turned tree skirt

Not too shabby for my first tree

It's finally chunky sweater weather!!!!

Nothing like a pair of leather pants to dress up an old turtle-neck

The diamond earrings help too

Used my left over Christmas tree ornaments for our table center piece

It's starting to feel a lot more like Winter here in Texas. 'Tis the season for wool mittens, fuzzy scarves, chunky sweaters, electric blankets, hot coco, burgundy lipstick, snuggling, and when it's really cold I might even sleep in my socks. Who knows how long this 30 degree weather will last. In the meantime I will be making the most of this below freezing temperature. I'm the girl running around in twelve layers underneath my ski coat waiting for it to snow. 

To all those reading, may you be blessed this New Year!

Thanksgiving Brights

My apologies in advance; I'm too tired to put together any form of inspirational paragraph. The real world and an upper respiratory infection has gotten the best of me these past few days. I will say there is something exhilarating about sharing your feelings with the world when your on Hydrocodine. 

 These are a just few of my favorite things I experienced this Thanksgiving holiday. It all started when I began cleaning my apartment. I just couldn't stop. My inner Martha took over and before I knew it my base boards were bleach clean and I was reading home and garden looking for ideas for our Thanksgiving center piece.Then for fun I found a cool new way to create art with nails and thread. I'm still an adventurist. I promise. (after three glasses of wine I worked up the courage to snape my drain, good times.)  

Common Ground

When in doubt black and white

Common Grounds, where hipsters get their coffee

Everyone needs a piece of country western in their closet

Love this shabby patio decor 

This is my Bible to Management, seriously everyone in business should read this

It's November and work has never been busier, oh the joys of working retail. In effort to not loose my mind this holiday season I am committed to keeping my life s i m p l e.

s.stay healthy- take my vitamins everyday and drink plenty of water

i.in a hurry- rock a high bun, big earrings and black on black

m.make a family group text- I can keep in touch with everyone with the push of a button

p.pamper myself- take more bubble baths and get a mani/pedi when the budget allows

l.learn something new everyday- turn on Real Housewives of ATL and take notes on NeNe's fabulousness

e.energize- load up on espresso or other forms of caffeine all day every day

Where did October go?

Weather update: Yes, it is still 90 degrees here in Texas. 

Thanks to Twitter I discovered this new hipster coffee shop off Elm St.

My beautiful sister rocking the high bun

Fancy fashion magazines from Barnes and Noble, love

Halloween makeup I whipped up for one my beautiful friends

Photo Diary Austin

Always a good time at the Austin AIDS Walk!

Rebecca Havemeyer has hotter legs than me

You can still help me raise money visit http://www.asaustin.org/site/TR/Events/Walk?px=1239688&pg=personal&fr_id=1120

This past weekend I spent the day in Austin, TX and boy was it weird. But of course every time I saw a guy riding a horse downtown, a group of people dressed in Star Wars costumes, a recently tatted shirtless couple, and two guys with beards down to their knees, I didn't have my camera. Here are a few favorites from the shots that I did take at the Austin AIDS Walk and Senior Artist Keri B's Master Class at MAC Domain. 

Senior Artist Keri B, makeup and nail art extraordinaire

She's a head shot makeup genius

50% vintage

Dressing on a budget is no easy feat. I'm finally getting used to this real world budgeting thing. These days I'd rather splurge on organic veggie chips, boar's head turkey, Starbucks, and decorative pillows than purchase clothes I can't wear to work. Gosh, I'm getting old. 

In efforts to save a buck for my much needed expenses I have developed a habit of wearing outfits that are 50% cheaply vintage (or purchased at Marshalls, Ross or TJ Maxx). This way I can find creative ways of mixing and matching amazing pieces I already own, don't feel guilty about purchasing a pricey but worth while basic, and can incorporate cheap accessories or trendy staples. 

Necklace from a local thrift store, $20

Nothing like a pair of short motorcycle boots to dress down a dress

But why do heels always look so much better?

Black and beige are literally my favorite colors, I'm wild I know

When I'm Not Working...

...Or road tripping, I find myself hanging out at my local coffee shop, splurging on over priced candles from Bath & Body Works (black pepper bergamot is my favorite fall scent), pampering myself with a mani/pedi, and reading all of the books I meant to read during college. 

Currently reading The Four Agreements

OPI Thrill of Brazil is my signature red, perfect for every season

So zen

Texas September Summer

While the rest of the world begins to taste Autumn and all the pleasures that come with my favorite season, (layers, scarves, letting your roots grow out, boots and stockings, dark finger nail polish) I continue to sweat bullets in the great state of Texas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mother Nature for the September 90 degree weather. Not only I have I refused to put down the neon lipstick in honor of this extended Summer, I have committed to thoroughly merge the pleasures of both seasons (layers, high-waisted denim cutoffs, scarves, dark polish, boots, flowy skirts, tights and wedges, dark roots are already in affect) in posts to come until weather no longer permits. 

Road Trip Essentials

When working retail two days off together come as a rarity. So when that does happen I make it a point to go on as many adventures as possible. And so far my adventures include a trip to Dallas, where I experienced the most amazing mani/pedi of my life at Onyx Nail Bar (it might be because I was indulged with two complimentary alcoholic beverages), a short drive to Austin (Congress Ave. is where it's at!! Best antiquing ever) and my most recent trip to Houston and San Antonio to see the boyfriend and close friends. 

I've decided I can't road trip with out the following...

A comfy outfit dressed up with a burgundy lip 

Trendy hydration

ROBYN on repeat literally the entire way!

Professional Camera Time

At Ohio Valley Antique Mall 

They say every blogger needs a decent camera and not only am I committed to giving this blogging thing a real shot (no pun intended) the last time I bought a new camera Friends still had another season. I just spent half my paycheck on a Canon Rebel T3i. 

Office Face

Nothing makes me feel better than makeup. Now, that I am a young professional it is my civic duty to share my favorites for the office. 

Face and Body- an amazing long wearing foundation (sheer at first but that's why I like it with...)

Studio Fix Powder- full, full coverage, so smooth, love, love

Powder Blush- from MAC's Hey Sailor! collection

Rubenesque, Paint Pot- a soft golden cream shadow that also works as an amazing shadow primer

Lord it up, Pearlglide Liner- the most beautiful brown shimmer liner (even more amazing when smudged into a 

shadow)

Mineralize Concealer- finally! a concealer that doesn't crease under the eye

Viva Glam 5 Lipstick and Viva Glam 6 Lipglass- a natural berry tone (for days of high importance)

Viva Glam 2 Lipstick and Viva Glam 5 Lipglass- the perfect nude with a creamy pink undertone (for all the other days)

Inspired by Clutter

No matter how many times I clean and organize my room the simple truth is that I am inspired by clutter. Of course I look to Pinterest and other bloggers to help me become enthusiastic about reorganizing my clutter but when it comes to jewelry and shoes I’m helpless. No matter what I do I just can’t seem to keep my jewelry from piling up on my dresser and my shoes from piling up inches away from my shoe rack. This whole nine to six work day thing has turned me into a lazy bum.

And let’s face it in the real world no one lives in an art gallery. As my mother always says, “There are more important things in life than cleaning.”

I will boast about one area of my room I refuse to keep unkept, that’s my vanity. I’m not sure what it is about my ridiculously organized makeup station that makes my morning routine better than dancing on a cloud. 

Hi, my name is Jessie and I'm a MAC addict.