Thursday, September 29, 2016

Two Movies Tonight

 
Looking for something to watch tonight? Time is precious and you don't want to spend time searching for a movie to only be disappointed with it in the end. So that's why I've brought you two movies for tonight. The movies I review here give you an idea of what's good to watch any time you want to quickly get a movie and start watching it. This week I'm giving you two movies that are totally worthy of your time. 

The First movie... Untraceable.
Special Agent Jennifer March (Diane Lane) lives and works in Portland. During the day she's a mom to her daughter but at night she works in the cyber crime division. Dealing with mainly identity theft and similar crimes her world changes when one night she gets an anonymous tip to a website called killwithme.com. A person is out in the world with a live feed to kill on the internet. He projects a life feed on the website and blocks anywhere from knowing where he is. As he increases from killing animals to humans, he kills his victims faster as more people are watching. The FBI urges people not to go to the website but that only fuels traffic to the site. As the murderer continues to stalk his victims, they begin to determine if the victims are chosen at random or for specific reasons.

This is definitely a thriller. At times I was scared watching it because I can't handle movies that scare me to death. It's also very graphic during one of the killings and I had to look away. The story is very realistic though and I thought it was a good movie. Give it a watch if you haven't already.

The Second movie... Apollo 13.

Ah, an oldie but a goodie. Apollo 13 recreates the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, the fateful space ship that was destined to never land on the moon. The three man crew had to figure out how to survive in space and return to Earth after disaster hit their space ship. Captivated by the unfolding story, the world watched for days mesmerized by every detail shared on the news. NASA had everyone working the problem on how to figure out how to get these three men back home. We had never lost anyone in space before and they weren't going to start now.

I love this movie. I'm a big lover of all things Space though! Anyone who loves science or even Tom Hanks would be entertained. If you've never watched this... please do! It's based on the book that was written by Jim Lovell who was the Commander on Apollo 13. Tom Hanks also did a great job with keeping it factual but entertaining.

Monday, September 26, 2016

It's Game Day!



Football season has started and tailgating is underway! We are season ticket holders for the Oakland Raiders and attend the majority of the home games. I think we'll be skipping their Christmas Eve game again this year but besides that we are at the games. We don't just attend them we tailgate at them and have a lot pass to do so. Our typical home game day timeline...

The night before we load up the car. We put our tent, grill, ice chest, chairs, charcoal, utensils, food that doesn't need refrigerated, paper towels etc. If we need it for the game it goes into the car the night before.

Game day...
5:15 a.m.- Wake up and get ready.
6:00 a.m.- Leave the house.
8:00 a.m.- In the line of traffic at the gates of the Oakland Coliseum.
8:15 a.m.- Park in our spot and immediately get the tent up.
8:30 a.m.- Get the grill heating up.
We grill out, eat some food. I people watch hardcore. Have you ever been to a Raiders game? These people are crazy! They come in costumes, they sell items in the parking lot, your tailgating neighbor asks for forks or foil etc. Anything goes during this time.

So what do we grill? Well hot dogs are a must. I love eating hot dogs off the grill. We will also do either chicken or a tri-tip. Sometimes we will do all three. It just depends on if we are expecting to see anyone we know during tailgating. First game of the season we did hot dogs and chicken.

If it's a 1:30 p.m. start time we have the tent and dismantlement done by 12:15. You've got to walk from the lot to the security lines and then fight the crowds to get into your seats. If you've ever been to an Oakland game then you know walking and maneuvering through the crowds can be tough! The lines for the concessions go out in to the walkway making it extremely difficult to make your way through the crowds.

Once we are in our seats, I try to stay there! We do love getting a Round Top pizza for the 3rd quarter. So one of us will face the crowds or we will get lucky and one of the guys walking around selling items will come near us with the Pizza. We usually get the cotton candy guy or the lemonade guy always coming down our row. During this time I'm people watching yet again. You never know what can happen in the crowd. Last week I watched two Raider fans actually get in an argument about them winning. After a touchdown one man ran down the isle and acted like he was going to punch the guy but ended up giving him a hug.
You just never know what you'll see at a Raiders Game!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Archive Rentals

Last year when I was planning my wedding, I would go over every detail with a fine tooth comb. I wanted our wedding to have a specific look and feel to it. I had a budget that was very strict and I was nervous I wasn’t going to be able to get what I wanted and needed. I would search local stores and companies for items I could afford and would fit into our theme. I also had to use multiple vendors to provide the things I needed. I had to use three different vendors for the rentals, the event design and floral. If I would have only known about Archive Rentals! I would have been able to incorporate so many more design elements and at a more affordable cost. I wouldn’t have had to deal with so many vendors either. Have you heard of them? Let me lighten your next event, party or wedding stress…


Archive Rentals provides wedding furniture rentals at an affordable cost. They offer an unparalleled collection of furnishings and accessories for gatherings of any size. It doesn’t have to be a wedding to use them! Aside from their vintage rentals they also offer Commercial and Home Staging, Seasonal, Holiday, Short-Term and Long-Term Installations and floral design. You can have both floral, décor and design services, under one roof, and on one invoice. That gives you both the convenience and confidence for your next event, party or wedding. Let’s be honest… who wants to stress on the day of their event? No one! Using one place for everything takes all the stress away. You only have to deal with one company.
Archive Rentals has team members that specialize in areas that maximize your event. Have an event that’s more than one day? The owners Regina Crosby and Kista Jon specialize in luxury, mult-day events and luxury destination weddings. They’ve got you covered?
Don’t even know where to start planning? Need some ideas for your next event or party? Have no fear Archive Rentals can even give you some rustic event rental ideas to help speed along the process. They can save you stress, money and time. Give them a call for your next event needs. The photos of their work speaks to their talents and abilities.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

4 Shows You Shouldn't Skip on Netflix

I am loving the British crime shows. I don't know what's going on over in England but I hope they continue to crank these shows out. They've had Luther, The Fall, Crossing Lines and countless others that are top notch! Marcella is about a woman who's spent the last decade being a housewife. Before she devoted her life to being a mother, Marcella use to be a detective with the London police. Now with her personal life is in turmoil and the kids growing up and gone she goes back to doing what she knows how to do... finding killers.
 
Hinterland is another show that takes place overseas in Wales. Hinterland follows Detective Tom Mathias who has recently just relocated from London to this far out of the way place in Wales known as Hinterland. On his new team he is paired with Rhys, a strong female detective who quickly becomes his right hand woman. As each case unfolds we begin to learn more and more about Tom. We begin to learn more about his closely guarded personal life. One thing for sure, Rhys and the other detectives can't get the information out of Tom about why he's working and living in Wales now. Each case brings us a little bit closer to Tom while he's out there looking for murderers.

We binged watched this show in a day and it's perfectly 80s. I love everything about it. I love the opening credits, the clothing, the music, the attitudes. It's the perfect television show and if you didn't know it you would think that it was actually made during the 1980s. Netflix just announced season two will be happening and I can't wait! My favorite characters from season one were Barbara and Dustin.
 
The show follows four young boys who come off a little nerdy to the rest of the world. When one of them goes missing on his ride home from hanging out the town and the boys begin to look for him. As things unfold, nothing appears quite like it should. The local police Chief Jim Hopper and the boys mother, Joyce begin to learn piece by piece that her son Will is out there and in serious danger. At the same time the three boys- Lucas, Dustin and Mike meet a young girl with a shaved head. She won't speak to them at first but they learn her name is Eleven and begin to call her El. They realize she's in some sort of trouble and hide her in Mike's basement. 
 
I don't want to give too much away but trust me... watch this show! If you see the preview and think that it's just some kid show, you are surely wrong! 
 
Longmire has been out for awhile now but I just recently discovered it. I had always thought it was about Lou Diamond Phillips because he's on the show square on Netflix but it turns out he's just a supporting character. I'm currently in season two and I'm loving it! Walt Longmire is about Sherriff Longmire in Wyoming. He's a man who's been Sherriff for years but recently his home life has gotten in the way of his job. Losing his wife to cancer took a toll on him. His daughter, a lawyer has moved back to town to help look after him. What she doesn't realize is he's ready to get back to work. Longmire goes back to work but he's got competition for his job now with one of his Officers vying for Sherriff in the next election- Branch Connelly. The election splits the town down the middle and since there is a large Cheyenne Indian Reservation that will also be voting, he's got to mend some fences with them.
 
This show is amazing. I love the scenery. It makes me want to visit Wyoming and see if that's really what it looks like.
 
So what are you watching on Netflix? Got any good referrals for me?
 

Sunday, September 18, 2016

PlumbTile

2015 was a big year for us. We built a house and got married all in the same year. We built our house from the ground up and every detail was done especially for this home. Now a little over a year later and our wedding complete, I’m thinking about our tile and fixtures. We didn’t have a lot of our fixtures put in when we had our house built because we knew we would choose ones our builder couldn’t provide. That’s where PlumbTile comes to the rescue! Have you heard of them?  They’ve got everything!



Since 1978, PlumbTile has provided products that reflect elegance, luxury, quality and functionality. They focus on Bath, Kitchen Fixtures, Designer Hardware, Tile & Stone and Lighting. If you are looking to do your bath and kitchen tile they have everything you could possible want in designs. They also offer Zucchetti faucets which are some of the coolest, designer faucets you could have in your home. They aren’t just faucets their designer features that people compliment and ask where you got them. I mean just look at them…

Those two are just the tip of the iceberg on what Zucchetti and PlumbTile have to offer. And before you ask it’s a low price guarantee. They also offer free shipping and no sales tax outside of California. You have nothing to worry about with PlumbTile because they are an authorized retailer.  
We have been really thinking of redoing our floors. The tile that we chose for our downstairs was an upgrade but we aren’t in love with it. We have been thinking of doing a hardwood tile. PlumbTile has the perfect Porcelanosa tile it’s exactly what we have been looking for and it would look great in our home.


This is the Porcelanosa- Tavola Mogano Fno 8 inch x 47 inch tile. I just love the color! But I’m a little torn between it and the Porcelanosa- Little Oxford Acero 7 inch x 26 inch tile.
Which would you choose?
Before you start your next home project think of PlumbTile. They offer so many different products in different styles you won’t even need to leave your home to order.  It’s all just a few clicks or a phone call away!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Fall in San Francisco

Sacramento is still in full summer weather mode. After having multiple weeks in a row where the weather is in the high 90s, I'll be happy to finally see a dip in the temperature. When we escaped to San Francisco, I took note the night before that the high of the day was going to be 68 degrees. Ahhh.... finally some relief.

I had been waiting to wear my fall clothing so much that when I saw the temperatures were dropping in the bay, I got out my sweater and ankle boots and hit the city. The wind is always making me feel chilled when I'm there so I went fully prepared this time. While I still don't miss the snow from my east coast winters, I am fully happy to embrace the fall when it comes to California.

One thing I love about SF, there are so many colorful walls and murals. This one can be found outside of City Light Books. If you walk around the city, the homes and walls give you so many pops of color.
Sweater- H&M, Leggings- Forever 21, Top- Stitch Fix, Boots- Indigo, Bag- Brahmin.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

City Light Books

When my best friend came to town we headed to San Francisco to spend one of our days in the city. One of her must sees was the famous City Light Books.
 



What pure excitement on my friend's face looks like...

City Light Books is an official historic landmark. Located in the heart of San Francisco at North Beach and Chinatown, you'll find this independent bookstore-publisher combination. Both the store and publishers became widely famous for the publishing and the obscenity trial over the published book Howl and other Poems.

The Bookstore specializes in fiction and poetry, cultural studies, world history and politics. The store spans over three stories and offers everything from paperbacks to hard covers. You can even score buttons and postcards from this land mark.
 
If you are in the city check out this landmark. You might just find yourself getting inspired to write your own novel.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Farbod Barsum

I’m a collector of handbags. Since I can remember, I’ve always been holding a purse. As a young kid I’d have my little toys, candies and chapstick in my purse. Now that I’m older  I’ve got my wallet and phone inside my bag. Handbags have come and gone but one thing has remained constant… my love of a quality hand bag. So when I came across Farbod Barsum it was a match made in heaven. Have you heard of them? Well if not let me introduce you to the amazing world of Exotic Handbags.

Farbod Barsum was founded in 2010 and represents the Ultimate in Couture Exotic Skin Handbags and Accessories. They are committed to quality, luxury and refinement. The attention to detail and understanding the complexity of working with exotic skins gives their bags a definitive edge. All of the skins used are registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and meet the strict compliance with the international requirements of CITES. They are a Beverly Hills based design house manufacturing their product in the United States. In this day and age I love a company that makes their products right here in the U.S.A.
Farbod Barsum himself hand selects the materials that are going to be used on each product. Aside from being handmade by master artisans, the elements incorporated in the pieces garner this attention as well. Custom hardware is hand cast and polished one piece at a time. Farbod Barsum is a pioneer when it comes to working with these exotics. His designs were the first to mix multiple exotics on one bag and incorporate Swarovski Crystals and feathers on exotics.  If you haven’t seen any of the Farbod Barsum collection then you are missing out. His products have garnished attention from International Royalty, celebrities and socialites.
Here are two of my favorite pieces from their collection....
1. Ostrich Purse.
This bag is so versatile and just the perfect size for carrying when you are out running errands, going to the movies and doing just about any night time activity.

2. Genuine Snakeskin Handbags.

This Leela Bronze Clutch is perfection. This clutch is perfect for going out, parties, dinner dates and just wanting to treat yourself to carrying something fabulous.

Now that I've shared two of my favorite Farbod Barsum handbags go to their website and see which ones you love best. You might just never go back to normal handbags again.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Fabric Christmas

I am still going strong on hand crafting ornaments. I'm my own little factory. Fabric Christmas is going strong! My most current designs have been for the upcoming Halloween holiday. I've been creating and debuting Halloween themed ornaments that really make Halloween trees pop with extra color! You know the best part about all of it? I'm loving what I do. It's fun for me to sit there and create these little works of art. I love designing each one and picking the patterns and colors, choosing which ribbons go with what. It's been fun. I only wish I could produce more. They each take time to create. I  have all of these ideas and designs in my head but my fingers can't work fast enough.

Last week I had a bulk order. I had nine ornaments that needed to get shipped out the day after labor day. I didn't leave my house for two days. All I did was create those ornaments. Luckily, 5 out of the 9 were ones that I had already been made or I wouldn't have been able to mail the box out. I mean a girl has to eat! I had things that needed to be done and by the end of the night my little fingers were feeling stiff.

Take a look at a few of the latest ornaments I've created...






I've opened up my ornaments to custom orders so if you see something that you'd like let me know. The holidays are getting closer and closer and if you see something you'd like to buy or have made don't wait! I'd also love it if you'd come follow me on instagram and facebook! I post regularly on both social media sites and mention upcoming ornaments and designs. You can even go through every ornament I've ever made in the photo gallery.

Thanks for all of your support!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Two Movies For Tonight


Looking for something to watch tonight? Time is precious and you don't want to spend time searching for a movie to only be disappointed with it in the end. So that's why I've brought you two movies for tonight. The movies I review here give you an idea of what's good to watch any time you want to quickly get a movie and start watching it. This week I'm giving you two movies that are totally worthy of your time. 

The first movie... In the Heart of the Sea.

I was a little skeptical of watching this movie. I thought it was going to be just another version of the overdone Moby Dick story. Once I started watching it, I realized that it wasn't going to be just another Moby Dick. It was entertaining and made me want to brush up on my knowledge of the actual Moby Dick story. In the Heart of the Sea takes place in 1820 and focuses on the sinking of an American Whaling ship named the Essex. It's the event that inspired the story for Moby Dick. As the viewer we get to see Herman Melville the author hear the story that lead to the writing of his famous story.

While I thought the movie was entertaining it wasn't one that I would get sit around and watch anytime I saw it on television. The movie is long and at certain sections it feels very drawn out. I mean we get it... it's a large whale. We get that your starving and dying of thirst. But I really did enjoy watching the movie. It was entertaining. I thought the ending was a little weak but the story line all together was very good.
 
The second movie... The Gift.

I'm going to preface this whole review of The Gift by saying that I am NOT a fan of scary movies. I get scared easily and I usually sit out on any scary movies. I can barely watch the first Scream movie and the original Halloween during the Halloween season. So when my husband turned this movie on I knew that it was going to be tough to watch it.

There was a few sections that I was squinting my eyes and scrolling through my instagram feed to get my mind off the movie (yep, the movie was still playing). It's definitely got a few jump out of your seat moments. There's a few moments that I felt were predictable but that could be because I sat and overanalyzed the movie because I was scared!

Simon and Robyn move out of the big city and back to Simon's hometown. Within the first few days of being back in town, he runs into someone he went to high school with, Gordon. Simon doesn't remember Gordon but Gordon has never forgot Simon. Gordon immediately wants to be best friends with Simon and his wife Robyn. He begins to come around and leave gifts for them at their new home. Simon is creeped out by it and Robyn thinks that Gordon is socially awkward. As time goes on they both believe they need space from Gordon. The only person who doesn't think so is Gordon.

Have you seen either of these movies? What did you think?

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

September Stitch Fix

Another month, another box! My September Stitch Fix box is here! This is my 18th fix! I can't believe I've received 18 of these in the mail! This month around I asked my stylist to send me a few specific items. I wanted to see a jean jacket, some dark jeans, fall clothing and some ankle booties or black flats. I've now learned to be very specific in my stylist notes! Before I show you my fix here's a little information on how it works....
 

Start by filling out your style profile. You will complete questions on sizing, pricing, preferences, colors, etc. You can also write notes about likes and dislikes. Make sure to link your fashion board on Pinterest so your stylist can see what you like. This really helps! The notes to your stylist can really help determine what you get in your box. Take the time to write your stylist a note! I feel that's one of the most important things to getting the items you really want to see in your fixes.

Next, order your first fix! You will be charged a $20.00 styling fee however, if you keep any item [one or more] you will be credited back the $20.00 towards that purchase. I always recommend keeping at least one item or you are essentially giving away $20.00 and getting nothing in return. You will receive 5 items (made up of clothing, jewelry, and handbags). I personally never want jewelry in my fix so I just always let my stylist know! If you refer a friend you get credit so your styling fee could potentially be free.

When your box arrives decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back (in the pre-paid postage envelope)! You have 3 business days  from receiving your fix to decide so use this time to try everything on and see what works best for you. Go out of your comfort zone! This is what makes Stitch Fix fun! It's like being a celebrity and getting clothing sent to you! I've chosen to receive monthly fixes but remember it is in no way a subscription service and you are able to decide when you want another fix, whether that be in 6 months or 2 years from your first fix! As always, if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments section below. To save some cash on future fixes they offer an awesome referral package, if you use my referral link I'll get to bypass the styling fee at least once!
 
Let's get started! Remember - If you see anything that you like below, feel free to pin it and/or ask your stylist in the notes section of your next fix for something similar!

1. Dee Elle. Syrah Open Drape Cardigan. Size Small.

I love the dark color and the fabric is so soft. It feels like one of those channel blankets.
 
2. Éclair Pip Crew Neck Blouse. Size Small.

This top is almost identical to the one that came in last month's box. This top has a lot of detail from the pattern to the lace. I don't like the fact that it's see thru though... I had to wear a camisole underneath of it and sometimes I get frustrated with that during the day.
 
3. Leo & Nicole. Ardie Cable Front Pullover. Size Small.

I love this sweater. It's soft, warm and the perfect color blend.
 
4. Pistola. Isobel Skinny Jean. Size

I love these jeans. They are so soft they almost feel like a jegging but their not. The dark wash is also a shade that I don't have in my current wardrobe.
 
5. Nine West. Anastagia Flats. Black. Size 6.
There's a reason why I don't have them on. I'm a size 6 in shoes but this 6 wasn't fitting. They were too big and the straps were too large for my feet. I also felt like they were something I would see on a 6 year old in church. No thank you. These are a return for me.
So there's my September Stitch Fix. What would you keep and what would you return?
 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Top August Outfits

In August I came up with some outfits to beat the summer heat. At the same time I didn't want to be freezing in my office. I go from one extreme to the other. It's freezing in my office literally they had the thermostat at 55 degrees last week and then outside it's an oven at 90 degrees. Plus I'm ready for fall, I feel my winter wardrobe runs circles around my summer items. While I don't always post my outfits here, I do on instagram.

These were my top 5 Outfits posted in August on Instagram.
 
1. Printed top and jeans.
This top was actually in my August stitch fix box and the jeans are from American Eagle.
 
2. Blush Dress.
This dress is from H&M and under $20.00. It comes in a variety of colors. Best feature... it has pockets! I love a dress or skirt with pockets. My sweater is from Forever 21 but is last season. They do have a similar one this season.

3. Stripes.
This top is from my latest Stitch Fix box. It's lightweight but the sleeves keep you warm.

4. Going Beige.

This dress came from Forever 21. It has an exposed zipper on the back. It feels like a sweater dress but it's thinner and not as clingy.

5. Geo Pants.

This entire outfit was in my last stitch fix box. I love these pants. They feel like butter on my skin. I've actually worn them 2 or 3 times in the month that I've owned them.

Transitioning into fall and winter clothing is here! What outfits are you pulling out of your closet now that we are in September? Also... is anyone else's office freezing like mine?