The 17,923th version of . . .

the Pottery Barn jewelry frame! I know, I know, you've seen similar knock-offs everywhere, and when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere, but ya know, I do love my deep, dark reds:
Yep, I used a rich glossy red for my frame, and I love it. Also, I used twine instead of wire to make it a little more of a contrast between the rustic twine and the gloss of the red.

I love the bold contrast between my bathroom wall and the glossy frame. Now I'm painting a little pot I found with the same red spray paint, and it will hold my daily cosmetics. A little update for very little money.

A tale of two tops

I recently tried on two tops at Old Navy, both in my favorite color amongst their selection:

two tops by casa de berry featuring v neck tops

I was initially going in because of the top on the right, I was looking for something tunic-y. What a disappointment!

The top on the right was HUGE. I don't mean one size too big for me. I mean I tried on their smallest size - XS - and it was still huge. Everywhere. Believe me, I am NOT an XS. The top on the left fit at my usual size, M. It also fit well at the shoulders, sleeves, boobs, everywhere.

I understand they are different shapes, but still, the same size should have fit me in both shirts. The top on the right should have fit a little looser throughout the body but the shoulder/upper sleeve area should have still fit me well. It didn't.

I ended up getting the top on the left, in three colors. Plum, taupe, and black. Like I've said before, when I find something I like, I get it in a few colors.

Kitchen pretties

I almost forgot to post about this.
Or maybe I did and I can't remember?

How can that be? This was a big deal for me!
It only took me 6 1/2 years to decide what I wanted!

I finally found cute cabinet pulls and knobs I liked!
From Tarjay, wouldn't ya know it. I like how the oil-rubbed bronze finish accentuates the golden color of the wood.

That was my little news.

The fashion goal for the year

Last year was the year of the cardigan/outerwear. I got - both as gifts and purchases - some nice new cardies, sweaters, and even a peacoat. This year, I will be focusing on pretty tops and blouses. No more plain t-shirts here!

blouse pretties by casa de berry featuring v neck tops

Luckily, there seems to be an abundance of pretty tops, just in time for Spring and Summer!

Could it be?

After years of empire-waist nightmares, could a proper waist be back in style?

waist in bloom by casa de berry featuring strappy wedge sandals

I am digging these dresses from Old Navy. In fact, I think I might get one. Or rather, I might chase around the area for one because my Old Navy usually doesn't have the cute stuff on the website.

I am 5'1" and look 7 months pregnant when wearing empire-waist. I would love a cute little dress like this one to dress up and down in Spring and Summer. Sweet!

Winter Necessities

I find myself relying on a few trusted items to give me a boost when cold winter mornings - or evenings threaten to send me diving under my bed blankets. Also, a couple of things here, I am totally craving.

winter necessities by casa de berry featuring red coats

I have a red coat from Target that I just adore. The color is rich and saturated and the cut is impeccable and flattering. It is my go-to coat when there are going to be cameras around.

The boots were a gift from my darling husband, they are plain, no buckles or studs or anything weird, and I love them that way.

Can you believe I never wore hats until a year ago? I didn't think they looked good on me. Not that I am 100% convinced now but they keep me warm and cover bad hair days. I have half a dozen knit hats and next winter I'll probably buy my first non-knit hat.

Scarves, obviously. Given my fondness for v-necks, winter means that I keep hunting for something to cover my neck from chilly temps.

Tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier, an absolute must when my skin is hurting from the cold. The shade I wear is Sand, and it has SPF20.

Lip balm. I have about 25 tubes and pots all over my desk, purse, car, my husband's car, various coat pockets, etc. I think I'm getting my oldest hooked, he has started borrowing my lip balm :D

Now for the cravings - check out those gorgeous eye and cheek colors, they're from Sweet Libertine, a brand I found thanks to my friend Jen. I have a few eyeshadows, but I just heart this eye set. And the blush, from what I understand it's a great substitute for the famous Nars Orgasm blush. I've never bought Nars because I didn't want to spend that much, so this might be it for me.

What have you been relying on this winter?

Organizing: Menu Planning

I have been planning weekly menus for the past few months and I have to say it has made a difference. From the amount of money we spend to the quality of the food my family eats, it's a difference for the better.

I like to use AllRecipes because the reviews are real as opposed to a place like foodnetwork.com, where you have people praising the shit Sandra Lee "cooks" and Rachael Ray's "recipes". Come on.

Also, at AllRecipes, you select the recipes you want to cook and it creates a shopping list for you. Easy peasy. I recently made lasagna for the very first time - for a couple of foodie friends, no less - and it was pretty tasty, if I do say so myself.

My goal this year is to fine tune my menu planning process and try different cuisines. My husband loves Indian and Thai food so I will be trying some of those recipes this year. What are your favorite recipe sources?