Inspiration:: The Great Room

We have a "great room" in our house.  It's the family room and living room all rolled into one.  I'm wanting to do a little redecorating - SHOCKER!  My mood seems to be more of a shabby chic vibe with a modern twist.  This room doesn't get a lot of natural sunlight so I'm gravitating towards white with pops of color.

This little inspiration board include my current loves for the room.

What inspires me about these images:
1:: A white sofa with pops of color (image via)
2:: Striped wall would be so fun on the main wall in the room (image via)
3:: The zebra ottoman would be casual yet chic. (image via)
4:: Large mirror and Parsons desk would make the space look larger (image via)
5:: Gallery wall filled with family photos (image via)
6:: Windowed dutch door would bring in lots of light (image via)


Do you Pinterest?  Head over and check out my boards.  I'm always adding more and more inspiration.

Sweets:: Just Embrace Them

UPDATE BELOW!!!

I love sweets.  When I was visiting with my mom...I said to her - I really wish I didn't have such a sweet tooth.  Her response...Life would be so boring then.  SO TRUE MOM!

I've decided...I'm just going to embrace them...but in moderation.  I still do need to fit in my clothes. (haha)

As part of my 2012 Motto...She Decided to Start Living the Life She Imagined - I'll be trying a new recipe a week.  It might be something sweet, maybe something hearty, and hopefully something super yummy that the family will enjoy.

First up...Lowfat Pound Cake as seen on Bakers Royale's blog.  Doesn't it just look divine?  So here is the deal.  I'm going to post on Thursday mornings what I'm going to make.  And then Thursday night - I'm going to update the post with a picture of how mine turned out.


image via: Bakers Royale

OK - so I thought I had a bundt pan - but I must have gotten rid of it when we moved.  So I improvised and used two loaf pans.  I was watching the time because I wasn't sure if the timing would be different - bundt vs. loaf oh and 2 different size loaf pans.  One loak took about 50 minutes and the other took 70 minutes as the recipe called for.  (It's all a learning process.)

The batter...was really good.  Of course I had to taste test that. :)

Without further adu....it was REALLY good and enjoyed by the family.  I have to say I'm pretty impressed with myself.  (YAY me!)

My 2012 Motto

I'm sure that some of you will agree - we don't always live the life we imagined.  We get stuck just going through the motions.  Well - for me and as a family...we decided that we weren't going to do that.  I'll be posting through out the year, things that I've dreamed about and how they became reality.

What have you imagined for yourself?

image via:: RUE Magazine facebook page

City Crush :: San Francisco

Hey everyone!  I hope you all had a fantastic new year.  I spent time in Arizona soaking up the warm sun with family and friends.  It was a nice change from the cold of the bay area and it was an amazing time.

I'm starting a new series - "City Crush."  I'm picking one city a week and will showcase places to stay, where to eat, things to do and some fun finds.  I thought this would be appropriate because I'm constantly searching for the best destinations for my client at my day job.

So without further ado...first up is San Francisco.  I know - super appropriate because this is not only where I live, but a very popular destination.  I would love to know your thoughts and if you have a city that you are thinking about visiting - let me know and i'll add it to the City Crush list.

City Crush :: San Francisco

Places to Stay

Hotel Vitale, sits along the Embarcadero across from the Bay

The Clift Hotel, located in the heart of Union Square

Fairmont San Francisco, a historic beauty that sits atop Nob Hill

Where to Go

The Ferry Building, with loads of restaurants and farmers market

Union Square, a mini shopping mecca

Golden Gate Bridge, for a bike ride or stroll

Where to Eat

Perbacco, Italian that is out of this world 

Presido Social Club, comfort food and cocktails with a twist

Gotts Roadside, for the best burgers and milkshakes

Can't Miss Fun Finds

Smitten Ice Cream, so many unique flavors that one scoop won't be enough

Miette, a bakery that you will want to have at least one of everything

Blue Bottle Coffee, amazing and authentic coffee