Ring Love

images courtesy of stone poetry jewelry

image courtesy of aurum handmade jewelry

Books Part II: The Challenge

This is a follow-up post to my blog from a few days ago. I have decided to do it. I am committing to read five books in 2011. You may think that number is a little wimpy. I call it attainable. I wanted to ease back into reading with a goal I could achieve. Lets face it, who wants to rekindle a love affair and fail miserably. Here's my line up. I have until December 31st to read all five, which I don't think should be an issue. Thanks for all the suggestions and wish me luck.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

This was sort of a no brainer and the first book that came to mind when I decided to do this project. I have owned this book for three years. And for three years I have made excuses not to read it. It just looks boring and as much as I hate to say it.....I totally judge books by their covers. My good friend, my sister-in-law and even my grandmother have recommended it countless times so I am giving in and reading it. I hope it lives up to all the hype.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Pretty much everyone I know has read this book and loved it. It was the number one book recommended to me. People actually give me a look of horror when they learn I have not yet read it. I imagine it being the equivalent to someone saying that haven't read Water for Elephants. Everyone has read that book. So here I am...jumping on the bandwagon.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

I think I started this book about four years ago. Life happened. We bought a house, moved and well, unpacking and decorating took over my life. This time I am reading the whole book because I remember loving what I read. Shameful admission: I am so embarrassed at having never finishing this book. That is so unlike me. I crave completion. So, what I did was just tell people I read it and loved it. You read it here first. I never finished this book.

A Widow for One Year by John Irving

My husband and Miss Marina Star both love John Irving. I decided to give it a whirl. I loved the movie The Door in the Floor (the screenplay is based on a portion of this book) so the book has to be great, right? Using the logic 'the book is always better than the movie.' How can I be disappointed.

Unbearable Lightness by Porita de Rossi

No story behind this pick. I am simply intrigued by her story and the bravery associated with sharing something so controversial and private.

Other contenders:

• The Sound and the Fury
• Anna Karenina
• One Hundred Years of Solitude
• Angela's Ashes

Window Shopping

I'm not much of a winder shopper. Meaning, I rarely buy something I've seen on display in a store window. However, I can really appreciate a well put together retail window. Two companies that are really doing it right and stepping out of the box are J. Crew and Anthropologie. I know you aren't shocked by my second pick. I saw one of my very favorite window displays about two years ago at J. Crew. They lined the inside windows with newspaper and made small square cut outs that you could peer through to see the clothing displays. It was so original and different and I so wished I had taken a picture to post. Here are a few really great displays using common things in unusual and creative ways.

Wooden Hangers & Ribbon

Clothespins & Thread

Clothespins

Zippers

One last picture for good measure. Ordered this dress and it arrived in the mail yesterday. It's even better in person. Looks great with my whiskey colored, riding boots & brown houndstooth tights.

Books

image courtesy of Book of Art

Reading is something I used to love doing. Reading made me love to write and in fact, made me a better writer. Reading for the sake of enjoyment is something I have completely stopped doing. I used to make time to sit down and enjoy a good book. I couldn't wait to get home and read whatever book I was in the middle of. Picking up a book is something I never do anymore. I'm not sure if it's because I am busier now then I have ever been. Or it is the amount of writing I do professionally that has made reading sound less desirable. Whatever it is, it's to blame for my "book funk." I could also attribute my lack of interest to having not read an absolutely amazing book in a long time. I've read some pretty good books, but nothing that left me wanting more. There is nothing better than finishing a book that leaves you thinking about it for days. Maybe I need to try Miss Marina Star's approach and set an annual goal for myself. Forcing myself back into the habit I used to love so much. Suggestions?

Chanel-ish Ballet Flats

I'll likely never own these......

so I guess I'll settle for these......

Jewels For Your Neck

Urban Outfitters has the greatest necklaces right now....

This is actually a locket. Makes it even more charming.

Black Booties

Nine West Platform Booties. Oh so pretty......and on sale!

A Warmer For My Neck

image courtesy of love & knit

Apparently, I need a scarf like this to cohabit in Oklahoma this week. It isn't exactly warm around these parts. This girl makes really great stuff and has fun style. I love the squirrel sweater above.

The King Is Dead

I previewed this album Sunday night. It left me with a smile on my face. I really love The Decemberists. I was left disappointed and mildly heartbroken when I listened to their last album and hated all but two songs. This is The Decemberists I know and love. The first song "Don't Carry It All" is my favorite. Check it out here.

I'm Over Winter

The new Anthro catalog showed up in my mail today. I flipped through it and imagined freezing cold, 20 degree wind wasn't blowing in my face and instead I was wearing one of these dresses while sipping wine outside on a restaurant patio.

A New Year, A New Look

What would I do without my very own personal, live-in designer? Mixed Handbag just got a bit of a face lift. It was time. About once a year I start bugging my husband to create me something new. I am a horrible client. He always manages to deliver and I can't thank him enough for all his patience. I can think of about 50 things he would rather be doing with this Sunday.

He really hit the nail on the head with this one. You see to me the a blog header needs to describe what the intent of the blog is and convey why you blog. He incorporated all my favorite things and generally what I tend to blog about. Travel, food, music, fashion and a little of me.

I vowed to blog more frequently in 2011 and I think this is a nice start. When you are comfy in a space you have created, you tend to want to be there more often. So enjoy fellow bloggers and followers and Happy 2011!

Functional, Yet Sassy Gloves

I got these gloves for Christmas. Well, actually mine are orange. (I detest the color purple.) I love these gloves! They are the perfect weight, have those stylish little ruffles and allow me to iPhone to my hearts content – all while keeping my hands nice and toasty.

Black & white

Love this dress......

.....to wear with these beauties.

Kate Spade Clutch

I adore this. I love the back of the purse and the little quote in pink.
"I loved her simply because I found her irresistible."