A lot of you may know that for the past few weeks, we’ve been busy renovating a house in Old Town Scottsdale. Now when hubby and I purchased said house, I knew we were gutting it. I did not realize, however, gutting it meant down to the studs!

If you follow me on Instagram you’ve probably seen part of the transformation already. And I’m excited to share a bit of it with you guys here. I’m no interior designer or home expert by any means, but it’s been a fun and stressful project, to say the least. Plus, there’s some pretty big takeaway we’ve learned throughout the way.

My biggest concern from the get-go was picking out the right paint colors. Your interior paint, after all, really makes a huge difference in your home. And for that, we enlisted the help of Ellinor Ellefson of Elle Interiors to help out. She’s been featured in HGTV, Phoenix Home & Garden and received the ”Best of Houzz 2013″ award in the category “Customer satisfaction and design.”

For the main color to be used throughout the whole house, my request was grey, but not too grey. “Grey is the new beige”, she said and I couldn’t agree more. But it’s not without its obstacles: I wanted our home to feel modern yet still welcoming. Clean, but not hospital stark. Here was some of my inspiration and the paint color we chose:

For the dining room, I wanted something that still flowed with the main color of the home but felt separate in a way. I also wanted something that would match with the much more bold and dramatic space I envisioned this room would someday become.

Our Master Suite was a totally different story. As much as I love the cool greys, dark woods and contemporary feel of a home, I wanted our bedroom to feel warm and welcoming. A place that’s soft, embracing and peaceful.Vanilla may at first sound bland, but when layered in lots of beautiful textures, I think it’s quite lovely.

Picking the right paint color truly makes a world of difference and definitely lays the groundwork on picking out the rest of the items for your home renos!

For more of our Home Reno Reveal, tune in next week!

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*Please note, the images used were solely for inspiration of paint color options and may or may not reflect the actual color in the photo.   

Photos: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

This past weekend, we celebrated one of my best friend’s birthday with a couple’s dinner at Distrito at The Saguaro. (Don’t mind me being the only one looking at the other camera!)

That isn’t to say the past few weekends have been uneventful; I realize all has been quiet on the blogging front for a bit. Besides the fact that I’ve been busy sending the magazine I manage to print and updating my website (shameless plug to mozy on over and stay tuned for more!) I must confess that sometimes, I just feel over it. I find myself not wanting to share things if the photos aren’t good enough. I find myself a little less “there” at events or out with friends if I’m busy Instagramming. And I find myself drained at the end of the day to write…more than I’m already doing so on a daily basis. Especially when it comes to sharing something fresh, new. It’s a constant battle really; pour hours into a post that may get zero response. Pour not enough effort in and you hate yourself for it.

So where is this coming from? I was questioned by a reader for the last Giveaway I hosted…and it really got to me. To be fair, she was totally upfront and nice about it. But the questioning made me wonder why I would bother to do it again? I did not get compensated for this particular giveaway, so the time I put into writing the post, promoting it, choosing a winner, etc. is all…just because. I don’t really get anything out of it. So to be made feel like I owed someone something, really just made me not want to do it again.

I welcome criticism on my blog. In fact, I get a little thrill when someone disagrees and we can share our opinions in a healthy way. My blog post on Trash the Dress photoshoots has gotten a ton of comments about people agreeing or disagreeing about the trend and it’s great! But I didn’t start a blog to feel like….a slave to it. And sometimes, that’s how it feels. Guilt if I don’t post, guilt if I didn’t photoshop enough, and now guilt about a misinterpretation? It’s just more than I need.

I am not a photographer, a graphic designer, a YouTube video star or a model. That’s not even why I started this blog. I’m just a writer. Sometimes, I do fun things that are neat to share. Sometimes, I get free stuff that’s neat to share. And sometimes, I meet some fascinating people who are totally inspiring and whose interviews are also neat to share. That’s it. It’s also great to shine the spotlight on those that are doing cool things in the community.

So, if that’s cool with you…maybe I’ll be seeing you around for more….

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• 1 1⁄4 ounce of tequila
• 1 1⁄4 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
• 3⁄4 ounce of grenadine
• Ice and soda water
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Preparation:

1. Add ice to a Collins glass.
2. Pour tequila and orange juice over ice.
3. Pour in grenadine, it will settle at the bottom.
4. Top with soda water
5. Add orange slice and cherry for garnish.
6. Enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

Recipe by The Westin Phoenix Downtown Hotel 

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There is so much to say about my recent trip to Moscow, Russia, that a weekend update just won’t cover it. (I suppose that’s why I tend to write magazine articles about these things since short just isn’t my forté!)

It was funny to both my hubby and I the impression everyone had of this city before we went: “Is it safe to travel there?” “What is there to see?” and “Why don’t you just go to Mexico?” were seriously some of the questions we got. Well, let me just say this: the city is beautiful, rich in history, style and culture. And although there is a time and place for a nice beach vacay, nothing (in my opinion) beats an exotic trip to a far-off locale.

And now, the fashion…

{Xinhua/Jiang Kehong}

I took it as a big sign that I so happened to be in Russia during Moscow Fashion Week and experienced a ridiculous amount of F’Envy. That’s Fur-Envy, the term we made up for my constant head-turning and gawking at the unfairly stylish and attractive women traipsing through the city in high-heeled boots and gorgeous leather bags in tow. They were sophisticated, elegant and damnit I’d kill for a fur coat now.

{Photos: GUM}

The sites to see were spectacular; I could spend an entire afternoon just staring at St. Basil’s. But aside from the touristy things, there’s quite the scene in Moscow. And to give you fair warning, it’s quite an expensive one at that. GUM at the Red Square was built at the turn of the 19th century and during the Soviet Union, the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party. Now, it houses more than 200 luxury brands like Christian Dior,  Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and more. (Still the upper echelons of society, you might say.)

Just across the street is TSUM, another ultra-luxurious shopping center. If you’ve ever shopped at Printemps in Paris, you’ll know exactly what to expect at TSUM, which is essentially a luxury department store on steroids housing all of your favorite high-end brands. Don’t like stocking up on Burberry Baby clothes? Kick up your heels and hang out in their Veuve Clicquot lounge. You could easily go broke here, so might as well bring in your pooch and just drink some Champagne. (Yes, there was a couple doing just that. It was quite cliché)

{View from the top: Ritz-Carlton, Moscow}

Now that you’ve shopped for the very best, wind down at O2 Lounge, the rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow with gorgeous views of Red Square. You should stop by, even if it’s just for a cocktail. And if you’re itching for clothes you can actually shop for don’t worry, there’s a Zara on every corner.

How such a glamorous, and luxury travel destination could have a reputation as anything but is beyond me. We’ll be going back someday. Definitely love.

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The Scottsdale Culinary Festival is one of my favorite Arizona events and Friday night’s Eat, Drink & Be Pretty party is always a highlight! This “see and be scene” event is always flowing with food, fashion and plenty of drinks. You’ll be able to sample gourmet bites from more than 20 of the Valley’s best restaurants, enjoy some wine tasting and, as always, watch a spring fashion show. Be prepared to dress to the nines for this one ladies; this cocktail party is one you’ll want to look your best for.

I’m so convinced you’ll love Eat, Drink & Be Pretty, I’ve partnered with the lovely people at Scottsdale Culinary Festival to give away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment below and tell me: what would you wear to this event? You can win even more entries daily by entering the Rafflecopter giveaway below and be sure to share with your friends! Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easter Sunday is right around the corner! And although I won’t be in town to celebrate with my family, these gorgeous Easter tablescapes are definitely inspiring. Especially if you are sans-children like us and wanting to put together a lovely, elegant Easter brunch or dinner. Just take a peek at these beautiful, Easter tablescape ideas!

{Photos:1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10}

What are your Easter plans? Are you thinking of hosting a Sunday Brunch?

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{Fun at Disney World}

{Great food with great friends}

{A beautiful Gender Reveal party}

This weekend, we sauntered off for an impromptu trip to Orlando. We decided Monday afternoon we’d leave Wednesday for a quick, warm getaway before our frosty trip to Moscow. We spent some time at Disney World (my hubby’s first visit!) and got to visit with friends, too. And though I’ve seen all the hot photos on Pinterest on Gender Reveal parties, it was our first time attending one. It was such a fun time and really special to be a part of such an intimiate moment; I can see why they’re becoming such a hot trend.

In the meantime, it’s nice to be home for a few days (and out of the humidity) before the big Russian adventure begins!

What were you up to this weekend? Have you ever been to a Gender Reveal party? 

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{Photo: Flickr}

Packing like a Pro. Who wouldn’t want their luggage to be utter, organized bliss?

I’m jetset again this month with a quick trip to Florida this weekend, followed by our big trip to Moscow so packing is on the brain at the moment. If you’re one for whom the idea of packing brings on waves of panic and anxiety, check out these super easy packing tips and secrets to packing like a Pro.

Packing Cubes

Before my recent trip to Canada, I stumbled upon eBags Packing Cubes and I have no idea how I’ve lived so long without them! They’re lightweight, have heavy duty zippers and great at keeping your suitcase organized. You’ll never have to deal with fishing through your entire suitcase for one item hidden at the bottom again. Need a sweater? Take out the cube filled with sweaters! Need a swimsuit? Don’t rummage through all your clothes, take out the cube with swimsuits in it! I’m addicted to these things now and even use them when I’m not traveling. I use a Large Packing Cube to store my leggings and two small packing cubes to keep my swimsuits organized in my dresser. Trust once you’ve tried these, you’ll wonder how you survived any trip without them.

Pre-Packed Makeup

Filing up your toiletry bag isn’t just time consuming, doing it last minute makes it so easy to leave things behind. That’s why I have a pre-packed bag with my favorite travel-sized items, ready to go. I keep my favorite beauty travel products in my Mini Kittour Jetsetter so all I have to do is grab and go!

Stuff Your Hats

I love hats but boy are they a PIA to travel with! For my St. Lucia honeymoon, I wanted to take big, glamorous summer hats for days spent by the beach but was worried they’d flatten out and lose all their shape. Solution? Stuff them just like they do at the store! I used cardboard from shoe boxes to first line around the bag and then, stuffed them with rolled tops. You need to use every nook and cranny available so might as well fill your actual hat with some of your clothes! Plus, it helps your hat retain its shape, too.

Keep it Simple

It can be oh-so-tempting to try and stuff your entire wardrobe in your suitcase. But just don’t. You won’t have any room left to bring goodies back and will end up wrinkling more clothes than needed! Pack according to outfits instead of at random and remember to keep it simple. I like to stick to a color scheme so all your shoes, accessories and bags match. For more on this, check out my guide on how to pack for anything. 

What are your favorite packing tips and tricks?

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Food, friends and fun…is there any better way to spend the weekend?

This past weekend, we headed to the Phoenix Art Museum for one of my favorite culinary events in the Valley, the Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic. If you’re at all into food festivals, Devoured is one not to miss. In fact, tickets sold out weeks prior to the event! It’s two days of eating, drinking and enjoying the showcase of the best Arizona restaurants and when I say “the best” I mean more than 75 of truly the most exciting restaurants in town. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, sample that restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to and indulge in a few favorites. Local wineries and brewers were on tap for the event too as well as hourly chef demonstration from locals like Chef Jeremy Pachecho of Lon’s at the Hermosa and Chef Brian Malarkey of Searsucker (also two of the most popular booths at the event). Some grey skies and a bit of rain didn’t stop us from having a good time! If you haven’t checked it out before, be sure to plan in advance for this event next year.

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Ever since Suzy Menke’s story, “The Circus of Fashion”, came out in T Magazine, there’s been a lot of chatter in the blogosophere. Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller posted her own thoughtful response and there have been a million others since then. Many of them quite thought-provoking on the continuing commentary of, “What the heck is a fashion blogger anyway?”.

A lot of these articles attack bloggers for accepting freebies. The rationale being, why would we want to look at someone post pretty pictures of themselves with the expensive clothes they were gifted and call that their honest opinion? Well, I can’t speak for every blogger out there but I can speak for my own experience, both in the editorial world and in the blogosphere.

Bloggers are not journalists and not all journalists are bloggers. But bloggers, unlike journalists, are typically running their own publication. Unfortunately, that costs money. It costs me money to run this site, to run giveaways and plenty of time (which is plenty of money not earned elsewhere) to keep this blog alive. So how can someone (who isn’t rich) spend hours producing all of this content for free? Well, they can’t. Unless of course they’re personally making a financial investment that never makes a return and that, my friends, is just not good business sense.

So just like magazines, bloggers have acquired advertisers and sponsors. Magazines pay for their writers and editors from advertisers and despite what many around the web are saying, it is quite naiive to assume that these advertisers do not influence the magazine’s content from time to time. Open up an issue of Allure, ladies, and I guarantee you the entire editorial staff received boatloads of free beauty products to test out, review and then write about for their readers. The difference is the FTC has now regulated that bloggers be transparent about these free gifts, and many are still drawing up their own lines of what to accept and what not to. So it unfortunately becomes up to you, the reader, to decide who is sharing a genuine opinion based on a gift and who is just repeating what they were paid to say.

Sponsorships are in no way as evil as everyone makes them out to be. This morning, I read a post on Refinery 29 about how Tiffany & Co. dropped $750,000 last year for Anne Hathaway to wear their jewels at the Oscars. OK, this may seem a bit over-the-top for the rest of us. And rightfully so. Maybe, after all, such a giant brand doesn’t really need the additional exposure? But what about the little guy?

Photo: EvilBeetGossip

I, for one, can say that not only do I never work with a brand I wouldn’t personally go out and pay for, but I also never, ever would recommend something here I didn’t truly believe in. And a lot of the times, what I try and give the spotlight to is the little guy. Yes, we all know if you buy the latest Marc Jacobs bag or Christian Louboutin shoes you’re super stylish. But what about that unknown boutique around the corner hiding some seriously stylish threads? Where do people go for local info on the hottest things in town that are from a real person’s perspective, not just a magazine? I love it when a local, or even national brand, reaches out with a cool pitch that deserves to be featured, why not? That was the point of publishing to begin with; to show people all of the cool things happening. It’s really that simple.

Last year, I was lucky enough to have parts of my wedding sponsored. And aside from the obvious perks which I will not deny and am not ashamed of, the primary reason I did it was to showcase all of these amazing, talented, local people that just needed a bit of the spotlight. When it comes to weddings or fashion, I know what it’s like to be seduced by The Big Guy; the ultra-glamorous over-the-top booth at the bridal show just must be the people with the best goods, right? But you know what? That’s not always the case. The florist I worked with for my wedding, Community Florist, did not have a crazy-sexy booth at the bridal show. She also doesn’t have the fanciest of websites and as a smaller, local store, may have been overlooked by myself or other Arizona brides. But you know what? The blooms she put together for my wedding were fantastic! I’ve written about her First Friday DIY workshops and her talent in creating gorgeous wedding floral arrangements not because of an agreement, but because she deserves it. And that, my friends, has always been what publishing is about; showing something new and exciting to your readers, whenever possible.

What do you think?? Sound off below! 

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