Category Archives: Weekly Favorite

WEEKLY FAVORITE: Big Sunglasses

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You’ve got to love big, glamorous shades.

I never get tired of the style, no matter how life goes. Big sunglasses are glamorous and elegant no matter what the situation. Think Jackie O.

These Versace shades are my oldest pair, and they stopped making them! But there are still tons of pairs like this on the market.

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These are big, but still sized to a narrow face, which I have. When picking out sunglasses, it is very important to keep the proportions of your face in mind…

Some of my other sunglass tips are:

Large black or brown frames are ideal.

Make sure they go with your hair color.

Try and buy light & polarized lenses.

Keep them in their clamshell so they stay nice.

Now I want a hot pair of Chanel sunglasses. I can’t help my love of glamorous shades!

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What’s your favorite sunglass brand? What shape do you tend to go for?

Do share!

-Rose

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FAVORITE THINGS: Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!

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There is a new Trader Joe’s in my town!

And I couldn’t be happier about it. Especially in regards to COFFEE!

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Trader Joe’s has great coffee at the best prices I’ve ever seen.

I love my coffee strong and French pressed, and recently I discovered the perfect blend of dark roasts at my TJ’s.

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My younger sister actually introduced me to this coffee when I was in LA, and she always brought me a can as a gift when she visited. I am so happy that I can get it now!

If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, I highly recommend checking it out and picking up some Bay Blend for yourself. There is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning.

What’s your favorite type of coffee? Light and sweet? Or dark and strong?

Do share!

-Rose

WEEKLY FAVORITE: TV Guilty Pleasures

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I am a recent Netflix addict.

I installed Netflix onto my ipad mini, and little did I know it would take over my life.

So, since I spend far too much time marathoning shows lately, I figured this TV-centric post was in order!

Here are my top five favorite TV shows right now.

5. DA VINCI’S DEMONS

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This is set in Florence, and I got hooked on it on the tails of my trip to Italy. It has a great cast, and the plot is great. It’s all about old world Italy- the Medici’s in power, Da Vinci the genius, and the mystery of Florence’s brilliant population for centuries. There is a lot of gratuitous sex- to the point where I want more plot and less sex! But overall, this is a show I love to sink my teeth into.

4. NASHVILLE

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I know. It’s just ridiculous. It is pure eye candy, entertaining, soap opera awesome. Why I love it? Sit down with your bowl of ice cream (either some almond milk low-fat vanilla for a good day, or Ben & Jerry’s Americone dream when you’re going all out) and turn on Nashville and enjoy your Wednesday night. I even know some of the songs at this point!

3. SCANDAL

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Intense. Crazy story, but somehow hangs together. Good job Shondra Rhimes, the writer, for always keeping it going. I always wonder, Could this really happen? It’s about a secret, intriguing world that has me fascinated. And hey, my mom watches it, too!

2. THE GOOD WIFE

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It’s topical, and they really make use of what is going on. I’ve been watching for years now, and I absolutely love Julianna Margulies. Although I hate Christopher Noth as Peter- even though I adored him as Mr. Big! Man, he is not an easy man to like. If you’re a woman who’s ever been married, especially to a man like that, you really understand The Good Wife’s point of view. It’s funny and poignant, and a total must-watch!

…AND MY NUMBER ONE:

1. HOMELAND

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I watch this on Showtime that night, or ASAP so there are no spoilers for me out in the real world. There is moral ambiguity, politics, mystery, and GREAT acting. I love the cast, love the writing, and it keeps me both entertained and in suspense. It’s just so flippin good. Nobody is all good or all bad, and I love that complexity.

What are your favorite shows? Do share!

I loved House of Cards, too- don’t ask how quickly I watched the first season!

Happy watching.

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: Gold Jewelry

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I have three pieces of jewelry that I just adore. I’m sure you know what I mean- every time you reach into your jewelry box to slip on your favorites, you can’t help but smile. I try and make outfits work around them, instead of the other way around.

So here they are: my stand-outs!

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This long chain cross necklace makes me feel elegant, hip, and stylish. I love the aesthetic. I bought it in Austin at the Physical Fit in Westlake to wear over sweaters and plain black dresses. It isn’t in your face, and I think a long necklace works well for me since I have a long torso. I love the long chain necklace with circles for the same reason. It works well on my shape, and it’s easy to pull off since I’m a tall lady.

My hoop earrings are an absolute essential, and if you don’t own hoops, go get some! You can never go wrong. These are a light pair, and they feel very me. I have big eyes and a lot of hair, so hoops work well on me. They’re fun, nice, and go with anything. I’m even wearing these in my LinkedIn picture, so they can be professional!

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This Cladagh ring is the second one I’ve had in my lifetime. I actually wore out the gold on the first one! I bought this 10 years ago at James Avery in Austin. It is a symbol of Irish heritage, and it can be worn to remember someone. It means love, loyalty, and friendship. These can be engagement or wedding rings, and there is a certain way to wear this ring. If you wear the heart on your left hand, with the heart pointing down (pointing down like pictured), it means you’re married. If you wear it on your right hand with the heart up, that means your heart is open, and you’re ready to find love. Heart down on the right hand means you’re seeing someone.

What are your favorite jewelry pieces?

Jewelry is a great gift, and a good piece can last a lifetime. I am wearing my Cladagh ring right now!

Have a great week,

-Rose

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: For You!

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The last day of the gift guide is arguably the most important…

GIFTS FOR YOU!

I curated a list of gifts that I think are perfect to pick up for yourself while you’re shopping this holiday season.

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Armani Makeup: As you have probably noticed, I am a huge fan of Armani make up. It’s a good counter to visit- and these pink products look so fresh, healthy, and glowy. I love to apply new make up this time of year, for a real pick me up.

Necklaces & Rings: Lately I am crazy about necklaces, and am on a total fun jewelry kick. I found the one pictured in Bryant Park via a jeweler in Brooklyn. I wear it with sweaters or dresses. Rings are also fun and really important- accessorize, people!

Decorative Trays: I love this color, and it is great in my red themed kitchen. I put my spoon on it after stirring my hazelnut flavored coconut creamer into my coffee in the morning. It’s not too big, so it’s not hogging the kitchen counter. A happy gift!

Sunglasses: Italian brands are the way to go with sunglasses. I love sunglasses, and can’t have enough pairs. They’re fun, full of style, and can really elevate an outfit. You even need them in the winter!

Scented Lotion: I love this Chanel No. 5 scented lotion, and in the holidays, you can buy a smaller version, which isn’t too expensive. It smells so nice all day!

What gifts have you picked up for yourself while holiday shopping? Or are you a perfect angel and only buy for others?

Let me know!!

Take care of yourself,

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: Winter Boots

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These are my favorites. I call them my…

Go-To Black Winter Shoe Boots!

I first bought these way back in 2006, on a December afternoon in the beloved Nordstrom’s shoe department. In shoe years, seven years is a long time! They are a great basic. Not only are they comfortable, but they look great with jeans or tights and skirts.

I mostly wear them when I travel, since they are easy to slip on and off. They have a stacked heel, but the platform in front makes them wearable on long days. Plus, since they’re leather, they are much easier to care for than suede (although I love suede). I get them professionally cleaned every few years, to keep the leather nice, and I’m about to have them resoled for the second time.

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As I said, they were a Nordstrom’s find. I love Nordstrom’s for shoes and highly recommend you go there for your stylish winter boot needs. I like their selection, service, and price range. You can find shoes that are really affordable, and ones that are seriously high end. But I must say, if you’re looking for really fancy, top tier brand shoes, head over to Neiman Marcus or Sak’s instead (better selection).

I love my little Go To Black Winter Shoe Boots. What are your favorite pair to pull out once the weather gets cold? Luckily I live in Austin, so my winter boots are these cute ones, instead of real snow boots!

Happy shoe shopping!

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: LA MER

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This is what you should put at the top of your Christmas List.

In case you were wondering what item will really change your life, and would make the perfect $285 stocking stuffer, this is it.

Creme De La Mer.

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This is more than a weekly favorite! It is one of my all time favorite products that I have gone back for again and again. I love the smell, the feel, and how it works. I use it as a moisturizing base under make up, since it’s smoothing and helps my make up go on smoother.

This cream is worth the money because it works so well. It is so rich that I don’t even like to use it in the summertime! The ingredients are great- natural and strong. A little bit goes a LONG way with La Mer.

I definitely think anyone who can afford this should buy this moisturizer. I also use the eye cream. I also think you should just stop by the La Mer counter and talk to the women working there. I do this all the time! I don’t think you should feel nervous or afraid approaching these cosmetic counters, since the people working there know a lot about their product and want to help! Sample some Creme De La Mer and see how you feel.

I have a feeling you’ll love it.

What are your favorites this week? Do share!

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: Moroccan Oil Hairspray

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Moroccan Argan Oil… Coconut Oil… Macadamia Nut Oil… Everywhere you look, there’s another new oil to put on your skin or hair, and another article about why this oil is the best.

Well, sucker that I usually am for marketing, I have not been totally taken by the oil trend.

However, I LOVE the smell of my new Moroccan Oil Hairspray.

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This is a new staple in my routine.

Here’s why:

-It’s not drying, which is so important for my aging hair.

-It has a medium hold, which is good for me. Despite the fact that I was born in New Jersey, I don’t like the aqua net shellac look!

-It smells amazing, like I said, and the bottle is pretty.

-There is a travel size available, which is great for plane trips.

-It holds my hair’s body when I take the time to curl the ends with a flat iron

Do you use hairspray? What hairspray have you heard good things about? Let me know!

-Rose

WEEKLY FAVORITE: Watches

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Watches are underrated, in my opinion.

They’re absolutely essential to any woman’s wardrobe, and yet we hardly talk about them! Mens’ watches are ubiquitous, with known brands and distinct styles. But women have to pick out watches based on taste, and sometimes it’s hard to know which are appropriate for a night out, or a business meeting, or a weekend shopping.

So here are my top three, each with their own unique purpose!

The dressy watch:

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Perfect for a glam night out, this wraparound watch that I bought in Italy is one of my go-to pieces when I want to feel dressed up.

The business watch:

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This Michael Kors watch is a great choice for a day at the office. It projects style and confidence.

The every day watch:

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My classic Anne Klein watch has several skinny chains that make up the strap, and this watch looks way fancier than what I paid for it. It looks great peeking out from under a long sleeve tee, or a casual button down.

Nordstroms, Nordstrom’s Rack, and Neiman Marcus are great places to buy watches. Nordstrom’s Rack has great watch deals for women, especially around the holidays!

Do you have a favorite watch? I want to know!

-Rose

Thursday Favorite: The Small Things

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I thought it might be good for the (my!) soul to reflect on the past week and recall my favorite moments, in a weekly update called “Thursday Favorite.” It’s a practice in gratitude, and a chance to look back in the short term (because it’s that long-term look back that can be crazy making!).

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This week has been eventful – good fortune is coming my way.  Yet, two smaller moments come to mind.

It really is the small stuff.

A phone call with an old friend – we had worked together years ago – covered all the important life topics –raising kids, forgiveness, generosity, and where to get good legal help when you need it.  I hung up feeling restored.

A perfectly ordinary walk home from the neighborhood coffee shop rendered me grateful.  For some reason as I approached my house with Mandy the lunatic dog perched on the fence eagerly awaiting my arrival, I was overcome with a tremendous sense of gratitude.  For the life I have and the life I have been able to live.  Even my tiny corner house looked especially cheerful and welcoming to me.  I felt not an ounce of scarcity.

(Here’s me with my lunatic in the backyard. Love my girl.)

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What are your favorite moments of the week? It’s always good to look back over the last few days and take a deep breath. Share your favorite bits of your week with me, please!!

-Rose