{Hello - My Name is Jessica and I'm Addicted to Pinterest}

Pinterest is 1. a virtual pinboard, 2. an inspirational board comprised of collections of favorite inspiration in the form of photos and imagery, and 3. a place to waste a lot of time (lol) - and I'm addicted. You know how you used to cut/tear pictures out of a magazine when you liked an idea? Or kept a mental list of places you wanted to visit? Well now Pinterest allows you to digitally capture any and everything that inspires you. Below are a few (out of the personal 1,000+ I've pinned) pins that I'm loving lately:

1. I love this Burberry coat and feel that it would be the BEST birthday present to myself if it wasn't so darn expensive...(pic be found on my 'Get Into My Closet' board)

2. I think these paper lanterns are amazing - and if I ever get married, they will definitely be used at the reception as our sendoff... (pic can be found on my 'Someday My Prince Will Come' board)

3. I believe this quote to the core - life is art... (pic can be found on my 'Word' board)

4. Roasted corn and goat cheese salad recipe....yummm... (pic and recipe can be found on my 'I'm a Foodie' board)

5. This is my dream car...so vintage and classy...(pic can be found on my 'Vintage Obsession' board)

6. There is something about this bathroom that I absolutely love - the tile, the mirror, the sinks....(pic can be found on my 'Rollin With the Home-ies' board)

Click here to follow me on Pinterest - and if you're on Pinterest, let me know how I can follow you (if I'm not already doing so)! Enjoy your day - and pin away!

{Have I Mentioned I Love Food Trucks}

My absolute favorite food in the world is french fries. It's the one thing that I can eat, and eat, and eat, and never get tired of (but as I'm on the road to healthy living, I've learned to control my portion sizes). As you know, I'm a little obsessed with food trucks, and visit them every time I'm in Durham. Click here for a list of all the food trucks (and reviews) available in the Durham, NC area. A dream of mine would be to open my own food truck, a gourmet french fry food truck, with homemade aioli and dipping sauces. It's something that I've been thinking of for quite some time, but not sure where to start...

Here's to dreaming!! And (insert clearing throat here) - Raleigh you need to get with the program and allow food trucks in the city...just sayin!

{Is It Fall Yet?}

Morning Peeps - hope you enjoyed your weekend! Mine was very nice and chill (minus me getting sick). Saturday I stayed in for the whole day (movies, take-out, and great company) and enjoyed the windy and rainy weather that we received from Hurricane Irene. Luckily - we didn't have to deal with any flooding or electric outages - but I know that there are many that did - so I'm sending good thoughts your way. One thing that the storm did for me (grey skies, winds, 70 degrees, the balcony door was open), was make me excited about the fall weather to come. Who else is tired of the extreme hot weather and is also ready for fall?

Happy Monday Peeps!!

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- If you want to check out the menu from Beasley's Chicken + Honey, click here
- 3 things a guy should want to change about his girl - word.
- The new online issue of Pure Green magazine is out - check out some of the yummy recipes they've included...
- Rosemary infused olive oil, dark chocolate, & salt popcorn - my oh my...
- You know the infamous wedding site The Knot, right? Well The Nest is a shelter mag that has just gone digital - check it out here.


Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{Layered Accessories}

Hey Peeps! I apologize for not posting yesterday. The night before, me and a few friends went to the Jill Scott concert, and when I woke up yesterday morning, I realized that I was no spring chicken anymore and went right back to sleep. I guess that means no more going out on a school night for me! (lol) The concert was AH-mazing, and other than enjoying the music (of course) I did a lot of people watching - peeping out the different outfits that everyone put together. There was one girl that had on an amazing cream romper/jumper (I wish I could show you a picture, but I accidentally left my phone at home so I wasn't able to take one) and paired it with some fab cognac heels and a bunch of layered jewelry - which brings me to my inspiration today. I'm a fan of layering my accessories - but it's the same ol' pieces everyday. The pics below are inspiring me to look for a few more pieces this weekend - first stop... flea market! What are your thoughts on layering jewelry - love it or hate it?

{8 More Days & Counting...}

In 8 days I'm going home to Ohio for a long weekend with the fam and full day at the best amusement park in the world - Cedar Point. I haven't been home in a long time, and the last 2 times I was there I was pretty sick - so I'm soooo looking forward to being there - the food, the drinks, the smells, the laughter...yep, can't wait. For long weekends like this, I'm definitely in need of a nice weekender bag - and found a few that I'm keeping my eye on:

{Where to find: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4}

{Happy Monday}

How many people actually say Happy Monday? You always hear TGIF, or Happy Hump-day - but no one is ever happy to see Monday. So this morning I've decided to have a different outlook, and instead of complaining, I plan to have a great week - full of going to the gym, enjoying Restaurant Week here in Raleigh, and going to the Jill Scott concert.

I apologize that this post is short today, but I lost power last night and based on the blinking alarm clock {luckily my internal alarm clock woke me up} - it's only been on for about an hour or so.

{Cute shoes right? Found here and here.}

Happy Monday Peeps!!

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Congratulations to my friend Cyn Kain for her beautiful new website. Cyn - I think it's absolutely amazing, it captures everything we know and love about you perfect.

- I was watching The Back-up Plan last weekend, and I so want these striped pj pants that Jennifer Lopez had on - they are Victoria Secrets, sold out, and I can't find them anywhere. ugh!

- I love all 3 of mine to pieces and pieces...word

- Perfect weekend 'fit

- Wow - I haven't had time lately to catch up on all my fave blogs - like Where Did U Get That - not only was she chosen to be a Cover Girl - but she got hitched - Yay Karen - congrats!!!

- Watermelon and Pineapple Slush - think I want to try this...you should too!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{Pulling from the archives: This Small Space}

HGTV used to have a show called This Small Space and I just loved how these people {mostly in NYC} came up with the most unique ways to maximize their small spaces. DigsDigs recently posted this lovely 500 square foot loft style apartment. The interior is just fabulous and the owners definitely maximized every inch of the space. The apartment is a opened space that really looks bigger than it is. What do you think about the neutral palate? Lately I've been into pattern and color - but I'm diggin the grays, silvers, and whites - definitely makes the space very cohesive. This apartment is an amazing example of how careful planning, and a good eye, can make any space {no matter the size} simply...marvelous. Check out the pics:

Makes me want to chuck it all and start all over....

{Gucci Menswear 2011 Fall Bags}

What is there not to love about Gucci's new Fall collection of bags for men. Now I only know a few men that would actually be comfortable wearing one of these, but I'll tell you what - I would rock the heck out of all of them! These oversized bags are perfect for going to work, the gym, or if you're simply planning to go away for the weekend. Which one is your favorite?

I'd take them all, but if I had to choose one - I'd pick the one in the middle/second row. Lovely!

{Society Social Magalog}

I briefly mentioned Society Social in my Friday Link Lovin last week, but wanted to showcase and give it a little more love today. Roxy of My Cup of Te recently decided to follow her dream to design a line of furniture of colorful chairs, bar carts (yes I said bar charts), and her own signature hostess dress. Her line, Society Social, will be launching this week. Instead of doing a regular printed catalog, she's done what she calls a Magalog (don't you love it)! So let's take a peak inside:

To check out all of the Society Social pieces, click here, go to pages 92-95. Then go back to the beginning to look at the rest of the eye-candy. Enjoy!

{Reader Question: Housewarming Gift Ideas}

I recently received the following question from a reader:
Q:

A good friend of mine and his partner just bought a new house and I'm looking for a fabulous housewarming gift for them. It isn't their first house, just a newer bigger place so it's not like they *need* anything so I'm stumped. I'm thinking some sort of fun accessory; Clock, picture?! I'm open to any ideas though...help!!! -Jen

A:

1. Voluspa Suede Blanc candle - I ADORE this candle! The description of "exotic yet refined blend of buttery leather and rich cedar" says it all. (*If you want to spend a little more and take the gift to the next level - add in a comfy throw, see #4)

2. Nambe Butterfly silver bowl - the perfect serving piece. (*Add a bag of tortilla chips and some homemade salsa - or even some pasta, homemade pesto, and a block of parmesan cheese to kick this gift up a notch.)

3. Housewarming bucket - fill it with practical items they'll need while settling into their new home - love this idea!

4. Oversized throw - along with the throw, add in a great coffee table book (see #6), tie a ribbon around it and attach a personalized message like "There’s nothing as cozy as a warm blanket and a good book. Wishing you nothing but happiness and warmth in your new home".

5. Nambe coasters - such an elegant yet unexpected coaster - I love how they stack up neatly into a twisting tower. (*Add a bottle of wine, and a couple of glasses for the perfect compliment.)

6. Decorate by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick - the perfect coffee table book that everyone who loves home decor should own!

7. Compost Bin - I know this may not be everyone's thing - but how can you deny giving something that in turn gives back to the earth. Don't worry it has an odor-absorbing filter.

8. Jonathan Adler Ceramic Dachshund Bookends - just a bit a whimsy, you've got to love Jonathan Adler, and everyone should have a least one piece in their homes. (*Add any of these coffee table books to get your guests started to a beautiful collection)

Jen - I hope this helps - enjoy your time at the party! I know whatever you decide to get, they'll love it because it came from you!

Keep the questions coming Peeps!

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Another magalog to swoon over - Society Social
- Watermelon lemonade slushy - looks refreshing
- Why do we close our eyes...word
- Loving this office - looks like stunning
- She is my inspiration - I'm printing and posting on my fridge and bathroom mirror!
- Now this is what you call a book club... I don't currently belong to one, but it kinda makes me want to start one :-)

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{StylePantry Chictopia}

So I'm a little obsessed with Folake's style on StylePantry. She definitely takes some fashion risks, and I love her courage to go completely out of the box. For example, look at the mix of plaids below...could you pull it off?

{Preparing the Fall Wardrobe}

Now that leather season is upon, I'm looking to enhance my fall wardrobe a little. The Tory Burch boots (shown below), while quite pricey, should really be mine. I'm thinking birthday present to myself (I have 2 months to save)! And that Kate Spade traveler bag reminds me of a bag that I left in Italy. I think purchasing this bag would be cheaper than going back to Italy, wouldn't you say? Doesn't cognac leather just scream fall? I can't wait!

{August Picks}

It's the beginning of the month and you know what that means - time for my August Picks!

1. I've been on a big smoothie kick lately (it's a great way to get a big boost of protein in the morning). I went to the grocery store last night and picked up all the ingredients to make this specific smoothie recipe. I'll be sure to provide a review!

2. I purchased a couple of these serving plates (although I'm going to use them as dinner plates) from IKEA over the weekend. Love them - should have purchased a few more!

3. My trainer is nuts - as in crazy - as in kicking my butt. Over the weekend (food-wise) I pretended that I didn't just hire a trainer last week, and boy did I pay for it last evening. One of the few things that I purchased this weekend was some new workout clothes - if you're gonna be all nasty and sweaty, you've gotta look good...right?

4. I really want this Diane von Furstenberg serving platter. Completely random, but I love it!

5. I just ordered this sketch book/journal. Along this journey of healthy living, I plan to keep a daily journal to keep me on track - in addition to having something to look back on to see how far I've come.

6. Loving this glass beverage bottle. Do I really need this? No. But I like it, and want it.

So what are your current must-haves?

{Happy Monday}

Morning Peeps! How was your weekend? I had a wonderful time in Charlotte and got back late last night. My apologies for the short post today - I'll be back in action tomorrow! I'm off to the doctor and preparing for a crazy busy day today - have a good one!!!

Loving this desk area from Jess over at Black.White.Yellow!