Head Over Pink Heels

happy monday

2012-02-27T19:33:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday! We're headed to California this week. Hoping for lots of sunshine and warm weather.

I'm excited to finally be able to spill the beans next week on a secret little project I've been working on. Its been so hard to keep it hush, hush - hence only having a few blog postings lately. : )

Oh and I can't not mention on this very special day - happy 30th anniversary to the most wonderful parents a girl could have! You've been such an incredible example of what a blessing marriage can be and all the greatness that stems from it. Love you both.

images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

happy valentine's

2012-02-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Ten years ago Jonathan and I celebrated our first Valentine's together at Maggiano's. What a beautiful life we've built together. I know this next chapter of our lives is going to be even more amazing.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

tgif

2012-02-10T18:56:00.000-06:00

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

happiness

2012-01-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

We kicked off the weekend with a movie night Friday - finally watched the first Harry Potter, now I've got to watch them all. Headed to buy my car tires today and get Jonathan's car aligned - what an exciting Saturday we have ahead of us. Hope your weekend is fabulous!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

dress-up

2012-01-23T20:27:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my incredibly wonderful family we're continuing the tradition of the annual summer vacation to Rosemary Beach. I'm so excited! I know it's because of my parents that we're getting to go - you're amazing and I love you.

We're also headed to California in March to see my husband's side of the family. Lots of fun to come.

I can't not mention that I have the most incredible granny, came home to a pot roast cooking in the oven and sparkling clean kitchen. Isn't she great! I love her so much.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

note to self

2012-01-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

Looking forward to resting, relaxing and celebrating Jonathan's birthday this weekend.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest .com/rachelyanez /

i think i can

2012-01-17T23:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my aunt Carrie's help we'll have tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and iris blooming come springtime.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

ready for spring

2012-01-12T17:40:00.002-06:00

I can't wait for warmer, spring days ahead, especially on this cold, blustery day. Sad to think we might not be making our annual family trip to Rosemary Beach in May. I look forward to going there every summer, it feels like home now.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

be green

2012-01-08T19:06:00.000-06:00

Ready for spring and everything to be green again.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

art

2012-01-07T11:12:00.001-06:00

Ugh. I need to find the strength to take down my Christmas decorations. I wish I had a fairy wand that I could snap and everything would be packed and neatly placed back into the attic. Oh well, until then I guess that magic wand is me. Have a great weekend!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

it's on my list

2012-01-05T19:28:00.000-06:00

I've stumbled upon a wonderful little jewel in uptown Dallas, On Consignment, it's a home consignment store with furniture stacked to the ceilings and if you look all the way up they've got chandeliers galore. I snagged myself a William Sonoma Home chair for a steal. It's perfect for Jonathan's office. I'm so excited, I finally found THE chair - we've been looking for almost three years now. Pictures to come. Now, all I need are the right curtains and rod and the office will be done! Although, is ever really done? : )

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

happy new year

2012-01-01T20:14:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez

cheers

2011-12-28T23:21:00.002-06:00

I got the cutest stuff for New Years Eve today at Target - I'm ready to ring in the New Year.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

don't give up

2011-12-26T20:57:00.000-06:00

We had the most wonderful Christmas. It was so relaxing and fun. We spent Christmas Eve at my in-laws and had a lovely Italian dinner, opened gifts and then snuggled up to watch the Help. At midnight we loaded up the car and three holiday hounds, Jonathan and I headed to my parents house for Christmas. We woke up that morning and opened gifts until almost two in the afternoon - we got so many great gifts. Christmas dinner was exceptionally good this year, my mom made the most incredible beef tenderloin. Of course Christmas wouldn't be complete at the Tomlinson house without watching Christmas Vacation, we've watched that movie together every year since I was a little kid. I just love the holidays.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

holly jolly

2011-12-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

it's christmas time

2011-12-19T18:46:00.000-06:00

I can't believe Christmas is only 6 days away. Almost all my presents are wrapped and under the tree, but I'm still waiting for a few to arrive on my porch. Hope they get here in time.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

hello again

2011-12-18T09:18:00.001-06:00

Yes, I've totally abandoned my blog over the last month. My last post was the day I'd found out I was pregnant, then exactly a week later had a miscarriage. I experienced the greatest joy and then the greatest loss. Some days are harder then others, but after seeing a new obygn I'm hopeful again. I've even found my Christmas spirit thanks to an incredible trip to New York City with my wonderful hubby. We had the most amazing time, the city really is magical this time of year.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

it's a wonderful life

2011-11-11T18:38:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful day today was!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

true happiness

2011-11-09T22:49:00.000-06:00

*images courtesy of http://pinterest .com/rachelyanez /

surprise!

2011-11-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

I had the most wonderful birthday ever! Came home Friday to my sister on the couch, surprise! Walked into the living room Saturday night filled with friends and family (in Halloween costumes), surprise again! Arrived at work to a cube filled with goodies and went to lunch with co-workers to celebrate and my husband was there, surprise surprise! I'm just so thankful to be surrounded by the most amazing people. I love you all!

*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

birthday wish

2011-10-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

our fortune cookies at dinner tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

trick or treat

2011-10-23T18:35:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and I were looking at pictures on my iPad last night and we came across a picture of a crocheted Hobbes. Had he just kept flipping through I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but he looked up at me with a huge grin on his face. He then proceeded to tell me he had found a lady on Etsy to make one for our child's first toy. Tears just streamed down my face. He said he was going to save it and give it to me when we found out we were pregnant. Since it takes four weeks to make I'm hoping it will be our good luck charm. I have the most wonderful husband in the world, I love him so much!
*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/trick-or-treat/

interior envy

2011-10-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

How gorgeous are these interiors?
*images courtesy of http://www.davidprincephotography .com/

you are my sunshine

2011-10-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Its been a little bit of a whirlwind lately, but I'm just going to keep my head up and smile. Oh and this sunshine print from Etsy would make a fabulous birthday gift for someone (wink, wink).
*images courtesy of pinterest and etsy.

all i really want

2011-10-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we had visiting with Jonathan's Aunt and Uncle in from California. They gave us the most beautiful pair of crystal candlesticks - I love them!

For everyone that asked for the spinach artichoke dip I made here it is:
2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
3 garlic cloves, crushed
14 oz jar or artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
1/2 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
Tortilla chips or crackers or french bread sliced

Preheat oven to 350. Combine 1-1/5 cups of mozzarella cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and next five ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well-blended (I use my KitchenAid mixer and it works flawlessly on speed 2 for a couple of minutes). Spoon mixture into a 1-1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers or french bread sliced.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

in good company

2011-09-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

Busy getting the house ready for Jonathan's aunt and uncle to visit this weekend.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

the day i married the love of my life

2011-09-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

Three years ago from yesterday I married the love of my life. What an amazing life we have created together. He's the most wonderful man in the world and I'm so in love with him.

Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me such a beautiful wedding.
*images courtesy of http://jennymartellphotography.com/newblog/

live colorfully

2011-09-22T19:14:00.000-05:00

Loving this cooler weather and wishing my allergies did too - don't they know I have an anniversary to be celebrating this weekend?!

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

lavender and honey

2011-09-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

Not feeling too well. Hoping the infamous sinus infection goes away in time for me and my hubby to celebrate our anniversary this weekend.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

where there is love

2011-09-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

top of the rock

2011-09-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

Love these shots taken on top of the rock. Makes me even more excited for our trip to NY in December. We got an amazing deal on the W Hotel and a great deal on tickets to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (thanks Travelzoo!). Now I just need to start shopping for cute outfits to bring with me! I'm kind of liking, ok loving the faux fur for fall. I've already got a jacket picked out at Nordstrom - can't decide between cream and black. I'll need some fabulous accessories to keep me warm too...just in case anyone needs birthday present ideas.

*images courtesy of http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/

missoni mission

2011-09-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to get my hands on several Missoni items today: cardigan, socks, picture frame and candles. Yes, it took going to three Target's to get just that small amount, but I'm thrilled with what I got. I'm impressed by the quality too. I usually wear a small (sometimes an xsmall), but I was able to get a girls xl cardigan and it fits great. I can hardly wait to see everything my mom has, she went first thing this morning and was able to get a ton. Not to mention a few things for me. She's the best!

*images courtesy of Target

orange crush

2011-09-12T23:25:00.000-05:00

I have to say my granny is an amazing woman. I'm so thankful for her and I'm incredibly proud to be her granddaughter. She always has been and forever will be a treasure to me. The moments we shared around the kitchen table this evening will remain in my heart.

I was excited to finally find the perfect jute rug for my living room this weekend...drum roll please...the jute boucle rug in platinum from West Elm. It's fabulous and the color is perfect. Pictures to come.

I'm looking for those antique silver frames for my bedroom. Anyone know where they're from or where I can find similar ones? Help!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

happy birthday madison

2011-09-10T00:42:00.000-05:00

Happy 20th Birthday Madison! Hope your birthday is WONDERFUL. Love you!

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/

just lovely

2011-09-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

I'm so rested and relaxed after this long weekend (wish it would last just a little longer though). The weather is so lovely. I want to find a spot outside to have a cup of coffee and a chocolate croissant to soak it all in.

I have a new favorite product! As of yesterday I'm the proud owner of a Shark Vac Then Steam. It's amazing for hard wood floors and it works great on our travertine floors too. It's so light weight and has made cleaning our hard wood floor stairs a breeze. Oh and did I mention it's on sale right now at Best Buy. It doesn't work on carpets or have attachments, so it's not a replacement for my Dyson, but by having the two my life just got easier!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

what i love most

2011-09-02T18:07:00.000-05:00

TGIF! We're headed to a hibachi restaurant with my in-laws to kickoff the long weekend. Then yoga tomorrow morning and getting stuff done around the house in the afternoon. I'm also hoping to get to West Elm - I want everything in their new fall catalog.

So excited for the forecast. In the eighties during the day and in the sixties at night. Pinch me I must be dreaming, I've forgotten what less than a hundred feels like. : )

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

stars and stripes

2011-09-01T22:52:00.000-05:00

Ready for the long holiday weekend. Happy Labor Day!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

sister, sister

2011-08-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Just hugged my sister goodbye. She's headed back to Rhode Island to start her sophomore year of college. What a fun summer we had together. I'll miss her terribly, but can't wait for our trip at Thanksgiving when I'll see her again (and hopefully with some exciting news!).
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/pin/121218114/

life is beautiful

2011-08-24T19:49:00.000-05:00

Love these shots from Stephanie Rausser - they just remind me that it will all be worth it in the end. I can't help, but smile!
*images courtesy of http://www.stephanierausser.com/

i believe in pink

2011-08-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

Totally feel like that girl today, I'm ready for the weekend.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/ and http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

fear not

2011-08-21T23:49:00.002-05:00

Just the inspiration I needed!

What a wonderful weekend. Dinner and a movie with the Tomlinson family on Friday. Top Golf Saturday night with the Yanez Family. Then had a fabulous dinner tonight at Nick and Sams for restaurant week with my mom, dad and Jonathan. I'd highly recommend it, especially the beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and the strawberry caviar champagne cocktail (yes, it's $24, but it's totally worth it!). The food is delicious and the atmosphere is incredible. Thanks for the toast mom, it was so sweet - happy tears.
Jonathan and I are officially TTC! Am I scared/nervous? Tremendously. Am I beyond elated and smiling ear to ear? Most definitely. Can't wait for what the next step of our life together will bring us.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

ready for fall

2011-08-19T19:08:00.001-05:00

I can't wait for fall. I'm so over the nonstop 100 degree weather and no rain. Until then I'll stay inside and keep reading What to Expect Before Your Expecting, which I thought was going to help soothe my fear of doctors, needles and labor, but that's not the case. Just have to keep telling myself babies are born everyday. COURAGE. And I just have to say my hubby is so wonderful - he's reading the book with me, started exercising with me, helping me around the house - I fall more and more in love him everyday.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/ and http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

pudgy little toes

2011-08-16T21:33:00.001-05:00

Jonathan and I have spent the last several nights talking for hours about what we see for our future - I'm excited and terrified at the same time, but we both want a baby next year. I've ordered the book What to Expect Before You're Expecting. What a leap. I can't wait to be a mom, I've just got to overcome being scared of needles and labor. I especially can't wait for Jonathan to be a dad, he's going to be amazing.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

totally addicted

2011-08-15T18:02:00.000-05:00

Just a few things from my pinterest boards. I'm totally addicted. It's a collection of everything I love kept online and not cluttered in my home. Plus, I have one place to store everything I want to remember.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

2011-08-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

Well it WAS a wonderful weekend. We celebrated Jonathan's promotion on Friday with our family at Splitsville and celebrated Terri's Birthday on Saturday with a wine tasting and a wonderful dinner. Then at 5 o' clock on Sunday all of sudden I thought it feels really warm. Well, our AC apparently is sick of this heat too and went on strike. Hoping and praying it gets fixed soon and isn't too costly. Keep your fingers crossed.
Meanwhile I'm totally addicted Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/.

i heart lonny magazine

2011-08-04T19:14:00.000-05:00

Just discovered http://www.lonnymag.com/home and I'm in love!

christmas time in new york

2011-08-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and I are planning a trip to New York at Christmas time. I'm so excited. He has never been and its been almost ten years since I was last there. I've always wanted to go around Christmas since seeing Home Alone 2 when I was kid. I would love suggestions on where to stay, where to eat and where to go. New York here we come!
*images courtesy of http://www.katespade.com/

eat, drink and be married

2011-07-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that my little brother is getting married tomorrow. I'm so happy for him and Mary. Marriage is such a blessing and I fall more and more in love with Jonathan as each day passes. He has been my husband for almost three years, but he has been my best friend for 11 years now. People like to tell you that they hope you're forever as happy as you were the day you got married, but I hope for Chance and Mary to be happier and happier as their lives grow together.
*images courtesy of http://www.aaronsnowphotography.com/

around the world

2011-07-28T22:17:00.000-05:00

Just gorgeous! Please take me away to here and buy me that fabulous hat.
*images courtesy of http://blog.lonnymag.com/

a shore thing

2011-07-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! I just love Sarah Richardson's cottage and yes I'm tad bit jealous too - wish I had my own island with a house to decorate on it. Well until that day arrives I'll just keep working on my first home. : )
*images courtesy of http://sarahrichardsondesign.com/

my great grandmother

2011-07-24T09:46:00.001-05:00

A week ago today my great grandmother decided she was ready to reunite with my great granddad in heaven. She lived 92 wonderful years. I will miss her laugh, her scrumptious cooking, her famous white elephant gift at Christmas time and most of all, of course, I will miss her. She had an incredible impact on all lives. I love you great grandma and you will forever be in my heart!

*images courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

pops of color

2011-07-13T20:17:00.000-05:00

Love these rooms, they remind me of summer.

*images courtesy of http://sarahrichardsondesign.com

hello sunshine

2011-07-12T20:37:00.001-05:00

I came home to a wonderful surprise last night. I had told myself if and when I got promoted to Art Director I was going to buy myself the Kate Spade Hello Sunshine purse. I wanted it the second I saw it - it's Kate Spade, it's adorable and it's my nickname, Sunshine. Well, since my promotion life as I know it has been hectic, but the greatest man on Earth, who I'm so fortunate to be married to, ordered it for me. I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you Love of My Life.

*images courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive, http://www.katespade.com, http://www.housebeautiful.com/ and http://sarahrichardsondesign.com/.

happy birthday mom

2011-07-03T23:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom - you're truly remarkable! I love you.

*images courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

happily ever after

2011-07-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

I did it! I threw a beautiful shower (if I do say so myself) for my brother and soon-to-be sister in-law. It was worth all the blood, sweat and tears.

*images courtesy of my wonderful husband, who put up with my OCD while preparing for the shower - I love you!

once upon

2011-07-01T07:39:00.001-05:00

It's 6:30AM and I'm awake on my day off - it must be because I'm so excited for the couple shower tomorrow. I've got much to do and I'm going to have to jump start my day with Starbucks (yes, I know I'm suppose to cut back on the caffeine, but who are we kidding - how else do I get it all done?!).

*images courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

30a style

2011-06-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Just a peek into the new 30A Style coffee-table book - it's gorgeous and has tons of great ideas!

Just a week away from the shower and I'm spending my weekend finishing the decorations, cleaning house and running around town to find those last minute touches. Wish me luck - I've got a lot to do and not much time!

*images courtesy of http://www.30astylebook.com/

work hard

2011-06-21T19:18:00.000-05:00

I've worked incredibly hard these past couple of years and I was beyond thrilled yesterday when I got the wonderful news of my first big promotion!

*image courtesy of http://matchbookmag.com/blog/paper-goods/sugar-paper-giveaway/

paper flowers

2011-06-19T23:20:00.000-05:00

I've spent my weekend making dozens of paper flowers for the couple shower I'm hosting in two weeks. They've turned out so cute and I can't wait to see how it all comes together.

*images courtesy of http://nonsensesensibility.com/blog/ and http://mixtapesandcupcakes.com/

sunshine and seashells

2011-06-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

I love the summertime.

*images courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive

then and now

2011-06-13T21:52:00.001-05:00

when we first bought the house

out with the marble in with the quartz

new tile setting

painting the inside of the fireplace

jonathan adding the fireglass

ta-da!

then last but not least the finishing touches

I finally found the finishing touch to my fireplace this weekend - the hand blown glass vase sitting on the mantle. One of our many projects complete!

I also got the last piece of furniture I needed for the living room, an accent chair (thank you Pottery Barn floor sample clearance!). I got the last accessory I needed to finish the bookcase too. Almost another room to check off the list as soon as I can find the perfect jute rug. Pictures to come.

*images courtesy of my camera phone - explains a lot, right?

kitchen inspiration

2011-06-10T19:25:00.000-05:00

I think these kitchens will be the inspiration for mine, which will hopefully be redone some time in the near future. Meanwhile I'm headed out to dinner at Javier's with my wonderful hubby. Happy Friday!

*images courtesy of unknown

marley turns three

2011-06-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe Marley turns three today. It's amazing how these little creatures become such a special part of your life. Happy Birthday Wonder Dog!

*image courtesy of Marley standing still for only a brief second - he wanted to play with his red ball.

go mavs!

2011-06-07T19:36:00.000-05:00

Lets go Mavericks, lets go!

ahh...life on 30a

2011-06-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

What another wonderful summer vacation we had at Rosemary Beach. I drank the best Sangria at La Crema, ate an exquisite dinner at Onano, tasted some fantastic new wines at The Courtyard & Wild Olives, saw a shooting star, rented a tandem bike and despite the abnormally hot and humid temperatures the water was exceptionally beautiful this year.

*image courtesy of http://ysvoice.tumblr.com/

doggone adorable

2011-05-28T01:08:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

* image courtesy of http://reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com/

stripes and more stripes

2011-05-26T20:23:00.001-05:00

Love how stripes have been incorporated into these rooms. Think I just might have to have them in the playroom some how.

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

it's beach time

2011-05-25T20:51:00.001-05:00

I'm ready for vacation! Wish I had this cute outfit to take with me.

*image courtesy of http://www.shopruche.com/

southern charm

2011-05-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

I heart this lookbook - the location, the photography, the model, the styling, the hair, the makeup are all incredible. Reminds me of the summers we'd go on the road with my dad to Louisiana and Mississippi. While he worked his accounts my mom would always have the most whimsical places to take us to, including to play in gigantic trees like these. Wonderful memories.

*image courtesy of http://shopruche.com/

blackberry farm

2011-05-18T20:18:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful and unique setting for a wedding.

I'm so excited Madison comes home from Rhode Island today after her first year away at college and I'm the lucky girl who gets to pick her up from the airport. Now if I can just stay awake until midnight.

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

couch potato

2011-05-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

Well I caught Jonathan's bug and you'd think after lying on the couch all weekend I'd be recovered, but I'm still down for the count. I've watched a lot of HGTV while trying to feel better and I just love this dining room from Sarah's House. I've been looking for a bench seat like the one shown above to put with my kitchen table and chairs, but I want to have it in a linen or twill fabric. I'd also love to use that wallpaper on an accent wall somewhere in my house too. Keep an eye out for me!

*image courtesy of http://www.hgtv.ca/sarahshouse/tips.aspx?sectionID=61&postID=8972

tea time

2011-05-13T23:32:00.000-05:00

New recipe to try.

Ingredients:

4 hibiscus tea bags

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

4 cups boiling water

2 cups apple juice

2 cups cold water

Ice cubes, for serving

Mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

In a large heatproof pitcher, combine tea bags, mint leaves, and boiling water; steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and mint. Add apple juice and cold water; refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with sprigs of mint, if desired.

*image courtesy of http://www.marthastewart.com/

cheerful design

2011-05-10T22:00:00.001-05:00

Love how cheerful these rooms are. I've been thinking I want a jute rug for my living room and this just affirms it...I'm on the hunt.

A wonderful photographer who is near and dear to me, Jonny (Donut) Carroll, is going take pictures this weekend of what we've done so far to the house, so excited! Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, my poor hubby is sick with a throat infection, hope he feels better soon!

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

spring fever

2011-05-09T22:15:00.001-05:00

I've got spring fever, vacation fever...I just want to be away from the office and outside. Not long until I'm lying on the beach reading a good book. Think I'll make myself a vacation paper chain, the vacation countdown begins! Oh and I'll be needing everything Kate Spade has in her stores right now for it.

*image courtesy of http://www.katespade.com

happy mothers day

2011-05-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms in this world!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom in-law. You're an incredible mom who raised the most amazing man that I'm so fortunate to be married to.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom. You're a wonderful mom, my best friend and the loveliest woman on earth. I have some very big shoes to fill one day.

I love you both very much!

*image courtesy of Kate Spade

happy friday

2011-05-06T19:11:00.001-05:00

I'm headed out to find a patio to soak in this beautiful weather and enjoy a cocktail.

Doesn't this sound good? Think I'll make this for my brother and soon to be sister-in-laws wedding shower.
Sparkling Strawberry Mimosa
2 oz. Frozen Sliced Strawberries in Syrup, partially thawed
2 oz. Orange Juice
4 oz. Chilled Champagne
Combine sliced berries and juice in blender and blend until smooth. Pour over ice into a parfait glass. Fill with champagne and garnish with a whole strawberry and an orange slice.

*image courtesy of http://www.architecturaldigest.com/

the inspiration

2011-05-05T22:48:00.000-05:00

I'm often asked where my ideas come from and what's my style - where do I start?

I'm inspired most by Rosemary Beach (my home away from home for one week every summer), but I also get inspiration from places my husband and I travel to (the Palm Beach Ritz Carlton is immaculate), HGTV (Sarah Richardson and Candice Olson are my favorites), magazines (Veranda and Architectural Digest to name a few), local shops (Gray Living, Mary Cates & Co, Blue Print... the list goes on and on), and last but certainly not least my mom (the visionary).

Unfortunately my inspiration usually comes with a large price tag, so I'm always running around town trying to find something similar for less (so thankful to have the Wisteria outlet in Dallas). My aunt Cj gave us the greatest advice when we first bought our house two years ago - take your time finding/saving for the pieces you love. Our house is an ongoing project.

So, what's my style? Contemporary. Rosemary Beach meets Park Avenue.

*images courtesy of http://traceryinteriors.com/

my hero

2011-05-03T19:53:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my amazing husband and my incredible dad the new appliances are installed. I say it all the time and I'll say it again I have the BEST family. My dad is my hero. He's there whenever I need him. He's loyal. He's caring, but he can also tell you the things that are hard to hear. He's creative. He's a very successful businessman, but he's also a handyman. He's addicted to sugar. He's a loving husband (and has been for over 29 years). He's my dad and because of him and the values he's instilled upon me I'm living a wonderful life (and addicted to sweets!).

Now to figure out what I'm going to cook in my new oven...maybe a cake.

*image courtesy of Bella Foster

hello sunshine

2011-05-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

I love the color yellow and on this unusually cold and dreary day in Dallas I thought these rooms by Sarah Richardson (one of my interior design heroes) had just the perfect amount of Vitamin D. Happy Monday!

*image courtesy of http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/

i'm head over pink heels

2011-04-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

Rachel, aka Sunshine, lives in Dallas, is married to the Love of my Life Jonathan, has three fur babies Macy, Milo and Marley, works as an Art Director, visits Rosemary Beach every summer, believes anything can be cured with a Tart’s Cupcake and Champagne, loves Kate Spade and Peonies, reads anything Sophie Kinsella writes, spends most Saturdays trying to find that perfect something for the house, cherishes her family and friends, has a bucket list a mile long, hopes to run a creative business one day, thinks love is in the details and aspires to be like the most exquisite woman she knows, her mom.

*image courtesy of http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/archive/2011/3