Dear Shopping Ban,

I’ve been REALLY good if I do say so myself. Not perfect, but pretty dang good & only 3 days left! There have been no “slut” shoe purchases (had I mentioned it’s the ‘summer of slut shoes’?), no impulse buys from the crackrack at Native (great little boutique in my village with a $20 rack outside at all times…danger!!) & most importantly NO overspending for the month! Radical. The few purchases I did make were on my li’l holiday to NYC for July 4 & Mel’s B’day :) Two new OPI colors for fun summer nails, a Striped Seamless Tube (in grey) from Free People, the Blouson Body Suit (in black-also FP) & a charm necklace…I couldn’t help myself.

I’m thinking about a ROUND 2: Extreme-Shopping-Ban-To-The-Max! For the month of August. Outside spending limited to dining out once/week (I need Best Fish Taco in Ensenada, KOGI or Blossom at least once/week), no pub crawling, no clothes, no shoes, no extra stuffs! Kinda just wanna see if I can do it… I’ll buy food, wine, beer at TJ’s or market & cook for myself. Toothbrushes, face lotion and ice creams at the market STILL ALLOWED! ;)

What I'm Listening To >>

Thought I’d share the playlist that’s been building up over the last month-ish of summer. Tons of great songs, some new finds, some old, some shared with me by other lovers of great tunes.

Create a MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I discovered 40 Day Dream & When My Time Comes on Little Radio. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are playing at Amoeba tonite.

I have to visit this the next time I’m in NYC. And Fly’s right - it’s great how excited he is!

(via Fly)

Safety + Style

I think french company Fire Design does it right when pairing safety and style - I love the crazy designs of their fire extinguishers! I’ve never had to put out a fire, but if I did I’d like to do it with pizazz.

(via yay!everyday)

Bachelor Living

Right now I live in a quaint bachelorette apartment with a kitchenette and half-bath. I’m hoping to upgrade to a studio this summer, but in the meantime I need to make some minor (free) changes to my tiny quarters. Here are some pictures/ideas I like for small spaces:

This is a great small space office idea. Keeping supplies accessible overhead and the workspace neat. (via Apt Therapy)

Next, I love this feature I found on NYT online called, Updating the Trundle Bed. I would love to build a floor to hide my bed under! I think my current place is a little too small, but it’s something to consider when I move. Click the photo below to see the audio slideshow.

Lastly, although it’s been years I still love this apartment:

I love the style, the colors, the femininity in all the vintage pieces…it’s just so very charming, comfy and warm.

I’ll keep you posted on the small changes I start making. I’m excited to get inventive!

Rolled Cuff

Lately I am LOVING this trend - on men & women. I love it with heels, sandals, barefoot, dressed up or down. It’s relaxed - and on the ladies above tomboy-chic. I like it.

These are my cuffs. The one on the right is my fav cuffer.

This weekend I’ll be hiking, biking, sunning & relaxing (not shopping) with all my favorite people. Happy weekend everyone!

Shopping Ban: Day 1

I’ve been doing this ‘stay up ‘til the wee hours and wake up late’ thing lately. Doesn’t allow for productive mornings when I’m waking at 8:30am and rushing to make my bus by 9:30am. I’ll get back in the swing soon - waking early, writing, working out, making lunch… Also I’ve been braiding my hair to give it those nice soft waves. Because I was running late today I wore them out in public :) It’s SO long now!! I love it.

Last nite I told my buddy about my shopping ban. He thought it was a good idea and told me stories of others he’s known to do the same thing - they were very happy at the end of their 30 days. Just like I will be I’m sure. I’m making my $3.30 latte a necessity today though - it’s going to be a busy one.

My friend also reminded me of another fun free thing to do and showed me this and this.

Shopping Ban + Fav Things = Raar

Inspired by a newly fav blogger and by my overwhelming desire to purchase ALL of my favorite things - I’ve issued a SHOPPING BAN for the next month. Sigh. Here are a few of them…Strappy Buckle Wedge, Slashed BF Tunic, Woolly Wally One, USB Speaker, Navajo Rug!!! as seen here (via for you, for me), and Sexy Ruffle Dress….just to name a few.

But it’s all going to be ok - because not all my favorite things cost a single dime. Like this, this and especially this for veggies and people watching on Sundays.

Here’s to a 30 day wallet lockdown.

Lemon Balm and Verbena Mojito

Summer has come and my absolute favorite summer drink is a mojito. I came across this version today. Come by over the weekend for one or two… ;)

Lemon Balm and Verbena Mojito

Serves 1

2-3 leaves of lemon balm
2-3 leaves of lemon verbena
2 ounces lime juice, freshly squeezed (usually the juice of 1-2 limes)
2 teaspoons fine granulated sugar (or more to taste)
Crushed ice
2 ounces simple syrup
2 ounces white rum (for example, Bacardi white rum) [I had to use gold rum since that’s what we had on hand.]
4 ounces Ginger Beer
1 sprig of lemon balm or lemon verbena

Into a long, tall glass, place the lemon balm and lemon verbena leaves. Sprinkle the sugar on the leaves. Taking a muddler or a wooden spoon, grind the mint leaves into the sugar. The granulated sugar will act as an abrasive to release the juice in the leaves. Add the lime juice. Then add crushed ice to fill the glass to about three-quarters full. Add the rum. Add the ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish the drink with a sprig of lemon balm, lemon verbena and a slice of lime.

(via Whisk: A Food Blog)

Woolly Pocket Garden

I’ve been thinking of buying a hanging plant, but who needs that when you can have this:

I am not as skilled as my mother or my Grandma Ruth when it comes to gardening, but I think I could handle bringing this little bit of life into my quaint urban space. I’ll take a Woolly Wally One & a Wee Woolly please.

{via the haystack needle}

Mermaid Matchbook

I absolutely LOVE matchbooks. LOVE THEM. I pick up one at every restaurant, store & hotel that I go to. Thank to my darling Mel for turning me on to doing this.

via Oh Joy! Designed by the amazing restaurant and food packaging designer Louise Fili.

Paper Flowers

I was browsing NY Magazine a few days ago & across this wedding. I absolutely love the orchid curtains created by their designer. After googling a bit I came across this paper flower pattern - I’m going to visit Paper Goose this weekend to find the perfect paper! Stay tuned for the result!