The Ultimate Dream List

It has been awhile! I tried my hand at making another blog, but I really love Purple Daisies, so I'll be making some adjustments over the weeks here on what I write. Nothing too dramatic, but I'll be a little less constrained.

Sometimes I like to think of what I would do if I had unlimited funds. Wouldn't that be fun? At least for a while. I had a dream once that I was able to go shopping anywhere I wanted and buy anything I liked. That prompted me to create my Ultimate Wish List board on Pinterest. Surely, I am not the only one who has done this. I would love to hear what your ultimate dream list is. Here is mine.

Monthly Spa Day 
I would go to a nice spa each month for a mani, pedi, facial, massage, and other body pamperings. The spa would have a nice changing room and sauna. I want a nice relaxing experience. I have been to The Apothecary Spa close to where I live, and I would love to be able to go regularly.

Fabulous Wardrobe

I don't spend a lot of money on clothes. I would rather put that money toward nice face products and make-up. I tend to shop - when I do shop for clothes - at Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger outlet store (great sales plus military discount), Target, and sometimes Macy's when they have awesome holiday sales. Plus, the Style & Co. brand of jeans fit me very well and are under $30. If I had the money, I would shop at Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Reiss, Ted Baker, Burberry, and unique boutiques. 

Diamond Earrings

My only diamonds I ever had are on my engagement and wedding rings. I would love to have a pair of solitaire diamond earrings that are one carat each. And having them from Tiffany & Co. would be the dream.

Jimmy Choo or LK Bennett Shoes

A nice pair of heels would be great. Jimmy Choo is by a woman, so they will feel great. Kate Middleton is a fan of LK Bennetts, so you know they are comfortable since she does all of those walk-abouts. 

Burberry Trench

In addition to the ultimate designer wardrobe from above, I would love a Burberry trench coat. It is the ultimate for me. I have wanted onefor years. I love Burberry, and witht he funds, I would have a killer amount of clothing and accessories from the label.

Louis Vuitton Luggage
LV started out making luggage in the 1850s, and the quality has endured ever since. I want some luggage. These pieces would never be checked; they would be carry-ons only. This is beauty.

Travel Love: Port Townsend

I love visiting different towns and cities, even if I've been there a few times already. That's the great thing about Washington state: there's so much to see and do. 

Port Townsend is on the Olympic Pennisula. It is one of two Victorian towns in the U.S. on the National Historic Registry. It's a beautiful seaside town. For me to get there, I have to take a ferry, which is a lot of fun. 

The historic district is right on the water, so I just walk onto the ferry then walk around town. The marina has a store that lets you bud your own kayak. 

The shops are very unique and quaint. 

There is a tea and spice store that makes me want to cook, and I hate to cook. Anything you want, they pretty much have. I reccomend the Early Grey creme tea. 

Many stores feature unique bath and body products. 

The latest addition is a Steampunk store. Poet Townsend is a must when you visit Washington state. 

Items Worth Trying

Sometimes you go to the store and see a product, and you wonder, "Is this any good?" You might notice that I love sharing products to you, the readers, when I find something I love. Sometimes I will read about them or decide to try it myself. Below are some of my favorite products I use. They are amazing and well worth trying.

1. Tree Hut Brazilian Nut Sugar Scrub - This body scrub is amazing. I typically use it about once a week, since I daily wash with a loofah. There are several fragrances available. It contains a lot of natural ingredients, and it's cruelty-free. I got mine at Wal-Mart.

2. Aveda Chamomile Shampoo - I love Aveda products. Their shampoos and conditioners are the only ones I'll use. I love pampering my hair. This shampoo smells amazing, and it's designed to enhance your natural color. I have brown hair with natural golden highlights, and this shampoo and conditioner have worked well to bring out the color. They have one for each color.

3. Victoria's Secret Pro Airbrush FX Perfecting Primer - Long name, but excellent product. This is the best primer I've ever owned. I also use it on my lids, and my eyeshadow never goops. It also has an SPF in it: bonus!

4. Too Faced Kabuki Brush - Every lady needs a kabuki brush. I use mine for face powder and for bronzer. It's soft and applies the right amount.

5. Neutrogena Body Oil - I had my doubts about this. I thought it would be slick and unappealing. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it absorbs into the skin very quickly and without a slickness to it. My skin feels so soft, and the oil smells so good. It's better than lotion.

6. Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub - We all need to exfoliate our lips, and Fabulips is a great choice. It goes on easily and washes off easily. Plus, it smells and tastes good.

Etsy Haul

Guess what?! I got a job!! Yeah! And, best of all, it's in my field! I'm finally working in a library. Now I can see my dream of being a full-time librarian being a real possibility. This was my first week at work, and I'm in love with the job! Hence, the long absence, again.

About two weeks ago, I decided to buy some jewelry from Etsy. I'm not sure if it's a coping mechanism for me while my husband's on deployment or what, but I've been finding some great items! I've been focusing more on unique jewelry, items that could be my signature pieces. My name means "Ash tree" in Old English, and since I love trees, I've been focusing on acquiring jewelry with tree themes. Here are some of my items I bought!

Small Sparrow by Iaonato

Tree necklace by Through the Eyes of the Mrs.

Acorn necklace by Roundabout

Leaf bracelet by Meital Toledo

Tree of Life pocket watch necklace by Villa Sorgenfrei

Staying Warm

Sometimes in the winter, it's just too cold to get all gussied up. You just want to wear comfy, warm clothes. I hear you on that one. In the past few days, I have just about gotten the warm and comfy look down. For years, during the winter I was never fully warm and comfortable; it was an either/or for me. My look has become a little more casual; either that or I'm now starting to focus on looking good while being comfortable. Fabrics I would have worn before are no longer allowed. It makes for a better frame of mind for me. Clothes are one of the ways I express myself, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I want to share with you my favorite ideas for being warm and comfortable. Bear in mind, the items below are not an outfit; rather, they are items I love for the Winter. Right about now, there are sales galore, so take advantage of it! I know I am with item #3; it goes on sale for 20% plus the 20% off coupon! Score!

1. Bear Paw Emma Boots
I just got this exact pair the other day on sale. In the past, I would never be caught dead in these. I didn't like the look of Uggs. Now that I live in Puget Sound, I feel differently. I don't tuck my pants into them; this helps to keep my legs even warmer. The soft, warm lining inside the whole boot is amazing. I can't believe how much I love them. When I wear them out and about, it's like I'm wearing house slippers.

2. Cuddl Duds Women's Climatesmart Long Legging
I can't go a winter without these. I never wear them by themselves; they always go under pants for added warmth. Other brands exist, so be on the look-out. I will give you a warning. Many times these run out quickly, so be sure you pick up some as soon as you see them. I'm probably going to grab another pair in the next few days.

3. The North Face Microvelour Pants
Where have these been my whole life?! I cannot wait to get these. They are made of fleece and super warm. I finally have a solution for my problem of not having warm pants to wear for outdoor activities.

4. Infinity Knit Scarf
I love scarves. A knit scarf provides so much warmth, and having it as an infinity creates a sleek look. If they are big enough, the infinity can also go over the shoulders.

5. Aloe Vera Snowflake Socks
Body heat leaves via the feet, so warm, thick socks will keep the heat in. With aloe vera socks, not only are you warm, you're also helping your feet be smooth and soft.

6. Dash Long Sleeve Fleece
I have a fleece shirt and love it. I got mine from Old Navy last year on the cheap. Fleece is so comfortable and very warm. I like to wear a shirt underneath to trap in the heat of my body. I highly recommend something like this. They are more flatteringly designed than before, so you can look cute and be warm.

7. Bound Seam Duffle Coat
Sometimes a comfortable coat that looks stylish is hard to find, especially if your wearing a lot of layers already. Many duffle coats are a bit roomier, so you can really bundle up and be comfortable. With a hood on top, your all set to be warm!

Birthday Haul

This past weekend was my birthday, and what did nature give me? A bladder infection. My first ever, and I thought I was going to die. I was laid up on the couch for a few days, hence, the lack of posts. Now fully recovered, I took my gift cards and went shopping today. I bought some items I've been wanting for a while. Earlier in the week, my sweet husband gave me a Kindle Touch 3G and Kindle cover.

I present to you my birthday haul!

1. Clinique Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream
2. Belkin Verve Tab Folio in Purple
3. Kindle Touch 3G
4. BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Hot Shot
5. Yankee Candle True Rose

I'll be doing a review on the lipgloss soon. I am very happy with everything I got and was given (except the infection)! It was a good birthday.

New Love: Tommy Hilfiger

I'm in Heaven. An hour from my home is a shopping outlet. It's not just any outlet; it's a swanky outlet. How swanky? Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Kate Spade to name a few. In this outlet, Seattle Premium Outlet, the stores are constantly having sales, and most places are factory outlets. That is so much fun for shopping, especially at Kate Spade! I love Kate Spade.

Today, I took a jaunt to the outlets for some winter clothes. After the big move, I've cleaned out my closet of clothes I hate or are too worn, which has left me with very little. I decided to stop at Tommy Hilfiger for kicks. I didn't think I would find anything. I've gained about 15 pounds from my normal weight, so shopping isn't so easy. I'm now considered a plus size. Stores at the mall or designer tend to run the smaller sizes and don't go into the XL+ sizes, which is where I am. I usually leave feeling discouraged. Today I decided to get it a try for fun. Tommy Hilfiger carries my size. And it's true to size! You know how some places will cut sizes smaller? Well, Hilfiger doesn't. I'm so happy and in love. If I had more money I would have spent every penny in there today.

Here are my purchases:

(My top is a beautiful pink; a pinky fuschia)

I'm so in love. I'm itching to go back and buy more. If I ever get a job, I'll be hitting up the place again!

Spartina 449 - Unique Style

I've been so obsessed with my Pinterest boards that I've been neglecting the blog. Anyway, I love local shops. I lean toward some eclectic styles. For me, I love something that is really me. When you are on a budget, you want your money to count for something, so having signature items you'll love instead of so-so items really make an impact and will keep you happy longer. The more you use an item, the more bang for the buck you get. I always take the cost of the item and divide by how many times I will actually use it. Once, I splurged on a pair of Chanel sunglasses. I wore them every day for over three years; I wore them out! A costly item at first, but I got my money's worth. I miss having a job.

For a fun look, I came across Spartina 449 in a local shop. I love it. It could be that they use a mermaid as their symbol (The Little Mermaid was my favorite as a child and is still a favorite), but their items are colorful and unique. They offer a unique online shopping experience: shopping by pattern or by shape. So fun. They are mostly an accessories company, but they are now starting to add clothing. Another great thing is a portion of their proceeds go to  the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization created to preserve and protect the island's (where they began) historical and cultural heritage.

I'm loving these. Especially for Fall. I wish Fall would hurry up and get here!

Mermaid Necklace - $24

Jewelry Roll - $49

Scarf - $22

Scarf - $22

Shoulder bag - $115

Wallet - $38

Five Things Friday

Well, I made it back to our new place in Puget Sound. I arrived late Wednesday night, actually early Thursday morning, and I've been working on boxes since. Mostly. Hopefully, it'll all be set and settled soon. I hate moving.

I've been loving some new things here recently. I'm kicking around the idea of starting a Friday segment called "Five Things Friday" in which I show you some things I'm loving or needing. Traveling always gets me inspired.

1. Signature Tree Necklace - I love trees, and I've been wanting a tree necklace. Not a medallion, but one shaped like a tree. My name means "ash tree" in Old English, so it would have a special meaning for me making it my signature.

2. Glimmery Aqua Nail Polish - This color reminds me of a mermaid's tail. I've always been fascinated by mermaids since I was little and saw The Little Mermaid; it's my favorite Disney movie as a child. Living by the ocean in cold waters has inspired me a bit, and this color is perfect. Plus, our new town has a mermaid statue downtown looking out over the ocean.

3. Tailored Blazer - I've worn this a lot as a suit, but now I'm wanting to experiment the jacket paired up with jeans. Very elegant. The elbow length sleeves are amazing; no pushing up required!

4. Sound Machine - I've missed my sound machine while it was in storage when we lived in San Diego (we were there temporarily, so we got a furnished place and put our belongings in storage). I am so excited to plug it in and listen to the rain or thunder at night. Oh, it's so soothing. If you wait until Christmas, Wal-Mart will have them for cheap and they're good.

5. Travel Pillow - I don't know how I've traveled without one for as long as I have. Not only is it good for the plane, it will be great in the car. I tend to let my head droop when I sleep while traveling, so this will keep my neck fine, plus it hides any unforeseen drooling.

April Showers

I'm not going to lie. I love rain! Love it! I love it best when I'm back home in Alabama because the rain and the trees are so beautiful together. I bought a pair of Sperry rain boots a few months ago while they were on sale at DSW, but I haven't been able to use them much since it doesn't rain often here in San Diego. I've discovered that rain boots are perfect for the beach, too. Who knew? What's so great about rain wear is that you can dress them up or be a bit whimsy in your style.

Since the April showers are upon many, and since I love rain so much, I've gathered some apparel that are perfect.

 From London Fog - $80

(I have a trench from London Fog and love it! Keeps the rain out and I have an Audrey Hepburn moment.)

The North Face  - $180

Sperry - $70

Hunter - $125

Target - $30

Burberry - $195

 
Target - $17

From London Fog - $25


Not sure how to wear them? Here's a little inspiration:

Smelling the Roses

This is just too good to not pass along to you! I love candles. If I'm not careful, I will buy way too many of them. I also love the smell of roses; it's one of my top favorite smells. Combine the candle with the roses and you have Heaven! I'm experiencing Heaven right now. Over the weekend, my husband and I went to the tiny town of Julian, California, which is about an hour from San Diego. I'll warn you: if you're used to lush mountains like the Smokies, you might not be impressed. However, it does offer an escape from the hectic city life, and you can pan for gold! It was a gold mining town, and it still celebrates its roots, which I love. Another hint: shops close up around 5 P.M. and so do many of the restaurants.

 Anyway, back to the candles! In one of the stores, The American Gardener (I think that's the name), they sale amazing lotions, candles, and soap. Many are made on site. The candles I love are from the E. Barrett & Co. line, which are made there. The candles are from soy and bee's wax. Why is that so amazing? When the wax is melting, you can use it as perfume! I'm using it like that now. I love it! The company also offers soaps and other smell goodies. The Wild Rose is what I'm loving. It's a nice, strong smell without being overpowering.

Old Navy Wants

I love me some inexpensive clothes! Who doesn't? I'm into simple designs and patterns, if any pattern, that is. Old Navy is having a sale on tees, so I want to stock up! I love the casual look, and tees can be dressed up or down. Some pants have also caught my eye. I also love how the store sizes clothing. Very comfy. Here are some items I want for my newish look.