All Pinned Up

I've been trying to grow my hair out for a few years, and I'm starting to get a little restless. I've done the bangs, no bangs, highlights, and I'm currently rocking ombre. While I would love to experiment with updos, quite frankly, I have no updo skills. Seriously. I can eff up a sock bun. Lucky for me, a few months ago, I ran into a hairstyle so simple, even I can do it....

Source: bellasugar.com via cleshopaholic on Pinterest

Source: bellasugar.com via cleshopaholic on Pinterest

Bobby pins!!!!  Seriously, how much easier can this get?!?! For a more dramatic look, just line up a few of them in a row! Best of all, this past weekend, I found these at Target!

 How awesome are these?! Adorable, completely on trend for spring with the bright colors, and best of all each set was under $5!!!! 

Listening Now: Jessie Ware

I'm a day late on this, and for that, I apologize. Monday, I started to come down with one of the worst cold/cough/sore throat situations that I've had in a while. I got home from work Monday, and fell asleep at 7 pm on the couch. I woke up just long enough to make it into bed, and pretty much slept all day yesterday. So while I had an incredibly boring sick day, the good news is that I'm feeling a whole lot better today!!!


This week, I'm bringing you yet another artist from across the pond, whose sound I absolutely ADORE. Her 2012 album Devotion hasn't been released in the U.S. yet (but is available as an import on Amazon), but take my word for it that when it is eventually released, it will be absolutely HUGE! So, without much further ado, I bring to you...

JESSIE WARE!!!



 and because I feel bad that I was tardy this week, a BONUS Jessie Ware


 

We Jumped Back Two Spaces (The JBB 2013 recap)

This year was my third consecutive year in attendance of Jump Back Ball at PlayhouseSquare. Each year, Jump Back Ball teaches me important lessons.
In 2011 I learned: Don't drink gin all night. Nothing good will come of it.
In 2012 I learned: Don't wear heels higher than 3 inches. Platforms are great.
In 2013 I learned: NEVER wear a dress with a train.

With that, let's get to the bit that everyone is waiting for, the pictures....

This series was taken on stage, which was decorated in the theme of Candyland. I HATE using flash, so these pictures were taken in the natural light of the theatre...

The stage....

With Jessika, Michelle, and Allison

Sean and Matt (possibly the best dressed couple of the night), Jessika and Dave, your truly with N (I LOVE that he rocked a polka dot shirt)

Jen and Michelle 

L to R: (sorry, I don't know who this is!), Lisa, Tabitha, and Michelle

With Ginenne and Alexa 

Jessika, Lindsay, Joe G, Sean and Matt 

At some point N decided to try on Sean's glasses. I think he looks very dapper!!

For those who are curious, I wore an ABS dress, acquired on bluefly.com. My little clutch came  from India, and I'm wearing the earrings I wore when N and I got married. My bracelet is Prabal Gurung for Target, and even though you can barely see it, I'm wearing the Rebecca Minkoff pave ring that I first blogged about here.

Overall, it was yet another FABULOUS night at Playhouse Square. Major dress trends were sequins (LOTS AND LOTS OF SPARKLES!!), black and red. There were a few people in costume, but I would say that of the 3 years I've attended, this year probably had the fewest people who dressed the theme. Makeup wise, there were some great bold lips, and of course, no shortage of false eyelashes (myself included).



And at the end of the night, with a good buzz, and tired feet, N and I cabbed it home to this....

Can't wait to do this all over again next year!!!!!


Disclosure: As a blogger for Jump Back Ball I received one complimentary ticket to attend the event, and purchased a second one for N. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Happening THIS Weekend (I'm VERY excited)

Its FINALLY here!!! After what seems like an eternity of waiting, Jump Back Ball is FINALLY happening this Saturday!! I have my outfit planned-- the only other thing I have to do is decide which pair of shoes I'm going with (I have two equally comfortable pairs) and how much arm candy I'm going to wear (restraint is overrated).

That said, if you missed out on tickets to Jump Back Ball (or if its just not your thing), there's another awesome event happening this weekend-- Ripple Fest. Hosted by the Foundation for Community Betterment at the 78th St. Studios, the night features some of the City's most beloved and talented comedians (Factory of Sadness? Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video?) and musicians. The fun begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday, and presale tickets, available until 6 pm tonight are ONLY $18!!!! Tickets and more info available HERE!!!

And last, but certainly NOT least, this Sunday is THE OSCARS, and at 7pm, for the first time ever (I'm so excited!!!) I will be joining NewsChannel5 anchor Chris Flanagan and Q102 host Jen Toohey to live chat OSCAR FASHIONS!!!!!!!!!!! As you might have noticed from my all Red Carpet tweets this Awards Season, I absolutely ADORE the Red Carpet, and never shy away from sharing my opinion, so I hope that you will join in the fun (but lets keep it classy)!!

Recent Home Accents

If you were to take a look at some of my recent home decor acquisitions.....

... you might have the (correct) impression that I'm an animal lover...

Recovering from Downton Abbey

I've previously blogged about my obsession with Downton Abbey, and Season 3 did nothing to dim my enthusiasm. I'm not going to give anything away about the season, but suffice it to say, there were MANY EXHAUSTING EMOTIONAL ups and downs. For those of you who watched the entire season, you know exactly what I mean....

If the season left you wanting more, albeit with a little levity, I invite you to read Agent Gates and the Secret Adventures of Devonton Abbey (note: its available in kindle format as well!)

I only just started the book, and I absolutely LURVE it so far!! Of course, there is the added appeal of it being a comic book, which makes it an even faster read!! If you do pick it up, let me know what you think! Maybe we can even do a book club meet up (aka excuse to drink wine)?!

Listening Now: My Number

Happy Monday/Tuesday for all those of you who were off for Presidents Day!!! This week, I'm very VERY excited to bring you new music by Foals. Hailing from Oxford, England, this group released its very first album in 2008. Their most recent album, Holy Fire was released just this past Tuesday, and to celebrate, I bring you- My Number




If you like this song, and decide to check out the whole album (which is really great, btw), AND decide that you might want to see Foals live, I have great news for you!! They will be performing in Cleveland on May 13th, at the House of Blues!!! Tickets available right here.

My Valentine's Day Wish For You...

Sorry this is a little late in the day, but I just got back from a trip to my alma mater, which is also where N and I first met. So, in the spirit of love, my wish for you today is that you spend it with people who bring you...

Source: welovetypography.com via Nicolas on Pinterest

Listening Now: Kemosabe by Everything Everything

I absolutely ADORE this song-- I think its the synthesizers and vaguely 80s feel that really REALLY appeals to me. Everything Everything is a British indie band (shocking! Me loving Brit music?! Inconceivable!! LOL) that released its debut album in 2010.

Kemosabe is off their newest EP Cough Cough, released just last week! I have to be honest- I had to look up the meaning of "Kemosabe" and while it may not spell romance, I think its sorta fitting given that its Valentine's week. So while I absolutely encourage you swooning over your significant other this week, I hope you will take a moment to appreciate those trusted friends in your life as well!

XO and ENJOY!!


 

Smooches & Pooches

Right around Valentine's Day each year, Secondhand Mutts partners up with another animal rescue to host its annual bowling event: Smooches and Pooches held at Madison Square Lanes. This year, \ Secondhand Mutts has partnered with The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs. Sanctuary shares a very special place in my heart because one of the Sanctuary Volunteers (a wonderful woman named Elaine) was Clair's foster mom before we got her!!

If you enjoy bowling, and/or pooches, you can be a part of this wonderful event on Friday, February 15th, 2013, by putting together a team of 4 to 6 people to bowl your heart out! Admission/Donation per person is $20 and that includes bowling, shoes, pizza, sweet treats and a very fun time! Of course, there will be adoptable dogs on site, all of whom will be very willing to give you smooches!!!

The doors open at 6:30 PM, the first game is at 7 PM, there wil be an intermission at 9 PM and the next game starts at 9:30 PM.

Registration is required in advance...a limited number of lanes will be available until they are sold out - first come, first serve. Note that this is a child-friendly event, so bring your kids if you like!!

REGISTRATION FORM LINK:
http://fs25.formsite.com/secondhandmutts/form5/index.html

You may also request a registration form via email by contacting Secondhand Mutts at rescue@secondhandmutts.org. You may then fax your completed registration form to 216-373-4902.

Madison Square Lanes is located in Lakewood just west of Warren Road where Westwood/Hilliard and Madison intersect. Parking is available in the bowling alley lot off Hilliard, the lot off Madison and the church lot off Rosewood Avenue one street west of Westwood. Madison Square Lanes is CASH ONLY for the bar and snack bar. An ATM is on site.

I have been to this event for the past three years and I can attest that it is a BLAST!!!!

Spread the love...please share!

Shop Local: LINGG (Valentine's Day Ideas for CLE men)

Over the holidays, I made my first ever trip to LINGG-- an independently owned jewelry shop and art gallery, located on Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere. Its not a very big jewelry store, but has a completely unique collection of jewelry, at a range of prices. Heidi and Beth travel to New York multiple times a year on buying trips, so you can be assured that you are seeing some of the newest jewelry lines and styles available. They also work with local artists, so its a well rounded out collection.

On my very first visit, I completely fell in love with this bracelet, and lucky for me it was on sale!!  Needless to say, it came home with me.

I visited again a couple of weeks ago, and there are many, many items priced under $100 that are perfect for Valentine's Day, as you can below:

In addition to jewelry, LINGG also carries a selection of bags and even some clothing, so  you should definitely go check it out!! 

Listening Now: The February playlist!

Happy February, everyone! Its a short month, and one that brings us just that much closer to Spring!! And of course, a new month = new playlist!!! So, without much further ado (song -- artist)...

1. Genesis -- Grimes
2. Take Her form You -- Dev
3. Giving Me a Chance -- Gotye
4. Roc The Life -- Rita Ora
5. Radioactive -- Rita Ora (I can't help it, I'm really enjoying these two songs)
6. Notorious -- The Saturdays
7. Closer -- Tegan and Sara
8. Love Lost -- The Temper Trap
9. All You Need Is Love -- Grade Potter
10. What Do You Take Me For? -- Pixie Lott
11. Looking Hot (Jonas Quant Remix) -- No Doubt
12. Taking in Water -- Jessie Ware
13. Breathe Me (Mylo Remix) -- Sia
14. All Of Me -- Tanlines
15. One Night -- Timeflies

ENJOY!!