FRIDAY!

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, yesterday.  I truly had an enjoyable day off, pampering myself and enjoying a quiet afternoon with my pups.  I also had a nice lunch with my mother-in-law.  It's nice to be able to enjoy eating at my neighborhood restaurants.

One gift that I had to share with you, is this beautiful birthday card my sister made for me.  It's now available on her Etsy shop here, for anyone who wants to send a special greeting card.  I cherish all her cards because they mean so much.  I know all the time it took to add those little details.

Image credit:  Design by Occasion

Looking forward to more birthday celebrations over the weekend with friends.

Enjoy the weekend, everyone.

xo,

FRIDAY!!

image

What a week it has been!  Traveling to and from work this week was filled with delays and more delays.  But, I did have the opportunity for a night out this week - jazz night at Birdland in NYC.   I have always wanted to go to a jazz club in the city.  My father-in-law, a regular at Birdland, invited me for jazz night (yay)!  I jumped at the chance since it was within walking distance from Port Authority and it ended early.  We were entertained by David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band.  I was blown away with the talent!  I wish I knew how to play and instrument; especially because I am such a music lover.  I had a blast meeting some of the musicians.  Specifically, David Ostwald, Adrienne Cunningham and grammy winner Vince Giordano.

Guys . . . I am so happy the work week is at a close and the weekend is calling for warmer temperatures.  I'm so looking forward to Spring.  I have flower arrangements all over the house, in soft color tones.  I figured why not bring that spring-time feeling inside the house, since the outside temperatures are so cold.

I just had to share the image above.  There is flower shop near my job called Rose in Bloom.  They have some of the prettiest floral arrangements.  I swear, I could stay there for my entire lunch hour, coming up with floral designs I would love to put together.  The inspiration in a flower shop is just what I crave.  Now, how would you feel if I told you, they have a selection of roses that are naturally preserved in the prettiest vases and can last up to two years?  Pretty exciting right?  I have already picked out my favorite (above).  Buying flowers weekly can start to add up financially. Investing in a naturally preserved arrangement can be cost effective. To see the entire collection, click here.

Wishing everyone a great weekend and enjoy!

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Hi!  Sorry for the lack of posts this week.  I am taking a couple of days off of work to nurse my puppy, Quincy, who go neutered.  At the same time, I'm dog sitting - making sure my other dog doesn't go after Quincy's incision.  It has been exhausting with restless nights and long days.

On a brighter note, our master bedroom revamp is coming along nicely.  The wallpaper is up and it's GORGEOUS!!! I'm so in love.  I'm still waiting for a few items I purchased to come in the next couple of week.  One item I did order, an area rug, was delivered yesterday.  Ugh! I was disappointed when I set it up in our room.  It wasn't what I thought it would be.  This is why I don't like ordering online for large items.  It's such an inconvenience when I have to drive to the UPS store and ship it back.  Oh well, back to the drawing board.  It will be a few weeks before the room is complete.  I can't wait to share it with you.  I'll try to snap a sneak peek photo this weekend.  Be sure to check my camera roll on Instagram (joann3373).

In the meantime, for those of you still thinking of Valentine's Day gifts, here are a couple of simple but stunning ideas:

Just my style . . . flowers and a card.  And, how stunning are these!

Blush premium roses in acrylic box via Melissa Andre Events.
I want!

Or, the Ivory Petit Roses in Crystal Acrylic box 

"Ombre Hearts" greeting card via Design by Occasion

"LOVE" Valentine's Day Greeting Card via Design by Occasion

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Image via thenmindunleashed.org

TGIF!  This week went by pretty quick; even with a hectic work week.  With the Fall weather in the air, I'm pretty bummed the days are getting shorter and shorter and we are losing the daylight earlier.  I leave work pretty early in the morning (it's dark out) so, having to come home in the dark is not very cheerful. 

Any plans for the weekend?  I'm on the hunt for a dress to attend a Gala next week.  And, me and Mr. D. might be doing a little car shopping.  Our cars are pretty old and my car is rear wheel drive only.  And if this winter is any indication of last winter, I am definitely going to need an all wheel drive car or suv.

Wishing everyone a fab-u-lous weekend!

Here are some snapshots from this week, from my instagram (@joann3373).

Enjoying my mornings with a cup of joe and my magazine

Setting up our porch for Halloween/Thanksgiving

Cornstalks up!  More decorating to come

My crow in action (lol)!

Received my copy of Elements of Style by Erin Gates (via Amazon). Yay!

My Look on blog, Wardrobe Wednesday

Loving the free sample Aveda offers when you purchase online. Tried the Invati line and love it!

My black and white look (blouse and pants from Express);
with Chanel pumps (so comfortable); bag and perfume

 

So lucky to have attended the book signing of Erin Gates @ Elements of Style. 
Erin and her charming husband, Andrew are such nice people!
Aren't they an attractive couple?

Me and the lovely Erin Gates

Such a fun event!  How can you not love these two (even though they tower over me - lol)

Loving my signed copy of Elements of Style.  Halfway through the book. 
Stay tuned for my review.

xo,

FRIDAY . . . But Not a Happy One

Image via Ophra.com

Hello!  I hope everyone had a good week.  I received some upsetting news earlier this week.  A loved one has passed away and he will be missed.  We will be heading to South Jersey this weekend to attend the funeral services and burial.  Today, will be the first evening of his wake.

My dear friend Millie, who is like family to me, lost her father, Robert Grote.  Although he was sick; in pain and suffering, losing a loved one is never an easy thing.  He was a great man; soft spoken with a sweet smile; funny and crazy!  One memory I have of  "Bobby"; he always walked around the house with his hand held radio; he loved that radio.  He also loved his family and they love him. 

And, while I'm looking forward to seeing my other "family" and goddaughter, I hate that it's under these conditions.  Which got me thinking . . . we get so wrapped up in our day to day lives, weeks, months and years go by before spending any time with the people we care about.  We make excuses for making the trip . . . whatever they may be.  Why (Jo Ann)?

We all know, at some point in our lives, it will be out time to go.  For some, it's sooner than later; expected or sudden.  Some have experienced death and "saw the light" but came back.  Some are afraid of the unexpected and some embrace it.  Where we go, we all have our beliefs.  But, that discussion is too deep; even for me.

Here's an article I read on Ophra.com, entitled, "5 Things the Dying Want Us to Know". 

Do you remember that movie, "Ghost"? I always think about that movie (with Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg).  I think there is some truth to that movie (or so I believe). 

Life is mystery to be lived . . .

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Want to shout it from the rooftops . . . THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!!

I'm so relieved to have made it through the work week (with a bad back and all).  Happy to report, I am finally getting some relief.  And, for as much pain I was in, I pushed through the crazy work week.  I find myself sighing a lot to help me get through the stressful day (lol).

Any plans for the weekend?  Mr. D and I are just going to hang with our local Jersey friends, for a dinner night out.  Should be fun!  I'm looking forward to socializing and enjoying an evening out.  The remainder of the weekend, I'm going to take it easy, and work on my "to do list for Fall".  Sad to think the summer is winding down and the holidays are around the corner.

To end the work week, here are some of my snapshots on instagram (@joann3373).

My Sunday blooms - pink roses and eucalyptus

Polka dot towel in Clearwater - West Elm

Monday's post - Inspiration Color of the Week:  Gold

Inspiration Color of the Week:  Gold (Fashion Look)

Wardrobe Wednesday

9/11 Remembrance  (image source).  Will never forget that day.  Worked downtown and saw the twin towers come down in front of my eyes.  Remember that warm summer day, walking home from NYC to Brooklyn, with thousands of others, trying to get home to be with their loved ones.

Accent pieces from my new home office

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Image credit:  MundanalRuido Photography via Etsy

Happy Friday everyone.  Glad the weekend is here so I can rest and take it easy.  I've been suffering with back pain this week and struggling to deal with this agonizing pain.  A visit to the doctor is on the agenda today.  Unfortunately, I know it's not going to be a quick fix; just need to stick it out and hope for some relief. 

And, on top of that, Mr. D, is not feeling well.  Not sure if he has a virus or food poisoning but we are both out of commission (lol). 

Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.

To end the work week, here are some of my snapshots on instagram (@joann3373).

Blooms for the bedroom, next to our wedding photo (yes, we're on train tracks!)

Floral arrangement I created for my coffee table

My floral arrangement created by yours truly, for the Labor Day weekend

Yummy desserts from Financier

Pairing my Pretty Ballerinas (no longer available but beautiful selections found here) 
with my Jimmy Choo bag (purchased 8-9 years ago)

Some of the craziest books found at Urban Outfitters; good for a few laughs.

Loving this pink colored sweater from Urban Outfitters.  You can find it online here

xo,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

 

Dolce Chic/Candace Rose Photography (Etsy)

 

I can't believe this weekend is Labor Day!  Where did the summer months go?  I can start to see the changes happening in our garden . . . all is quiet and blooming has commenced.  Sometimes I wish I was like nature . . . hybernate until Spring (lol). 

 

This weekend I'll be spending time with friends and enjoying the last of the outdoor BBQ's and gatherings.  

 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

 

To end the work week, here are some of my snapshots on instagram (@joann3373).

 

 

Love early mornings . . .sunshine flooding through my living room

 

Early morning skies.  Prepping for my End of Summer Garden Party

 

One of the pink roses I purchased for my flower arrangements. 
Calling this one, strawberries and cream

One of the flower arrangements I created

Inspiration Color of the Week
Accessories for the Home

Inspiration Color of the Week
Fashion Looks

Iced capuccino from Financier my friend, Annie recommended.
My new addiction!

 

Sneak peek of my Garden Party.  Birdcages decorated with lace and gold beading

Arranging the hot air balloon. 
Thanks for my hubby for spray painting the netting in gold (like I wanted)

  

Table styling shot from my End of Summer Garden Party

One of the dishes I prepared for the End of Summer Garden Party. 

In honor of National Dog Day!
 Penny resting her head on the table to get a closer view of the food (lol)

Another dog of instagram to celebrate National Dog Day!

From Wednesday's blog, Wardbrobe Wednesday

xo,