Places I'm Dying to Go: Switzerland

Being a sufferer of the constant travel bug, I'm always dreaming of exploring all that the world has to offer. One of the places I'm dying to go is Switzerland. I don't even know much about the country, but for some reason I've always wanted to go there just to frolic though a field. I know it sounds weird, but it just seems like the best place to go frolicking. Other than that, it would also be super cool to go skiing on the Swiss Alps.. I might need to practice a little since I'm terrified by anything steeper than a green slope right now! The country is also known for its chocolate and CHEESE!! I mean come on it's like the perfect place! Why don't I live there?

A Royal Dilemma

 The Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara

 The Durbar Tiara

 The Fringe Tiara

 The Spencer Family Tiara

The Girls of Britain and Ireland Tiara

Oh, what's a future queen to do... How will Kate ever decide which tiara to wear for her big day? Above are a few of her options, including The Fringe Tiara that Queen Elizabeth wore on her wedding day and The Spencer Family Tiara that Princess Diana wore on hers. 

She doesn't have to wear one at all... Sarah Ferguson (also a commoner) wore a crown of flowers in her hair until after the ceremony. Or she could even have a new tiara made just for her. Based on Kate the Great's style, I could see her doing something much more understated. I imagine her in a sleek, glamourous and elegant gown that has a lot of detailing with a smaller, less extravagant tiara... Or, maybe that's what I imagine myself in???


Since I can NOT WAIT to see what she ends up wearing, I plan on taking some sleepy time medicine around 4 this afternoon and setting my alarm for 1am so I don't have to wait 1 more second than I have to! Who is with me?!?!

Featured Artist: Virginia Patton

I took an art class every year of highschool and I remember my senior year pottery teacher telling me, "Leah, you need to remember to control the clay, don't let it control you." For some reason, though, I never could make that stupid clay do what I wanted it to do!!! Needless to say, I've accepted the fact that although I may be pretty creative, I am NOT artistic.


But somehow I've managed to surround myself with some crazy talented artistic friends. Maybe I'm hoping some of their abilities will rub off on me. Today, I'm featuring my friend, Virginia. Among her many talents, she designs some AWESOME jewelry that appeals to people of all ages. Above are just a few of her creations, including the bracelet that I just purchased (last picture) and LOVE! Her bracelets are my favorite, but she does it all, including headbands!!!


So for those of you who don't already know, you can find her stuff at Shoe Bar by Pieces in Fondren and on Etsy. Just search VLPatton1 under sellers. The bracelet I ordered was super affordable, high quality and arrived in just 2 days!!! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

OB-sessions: Maxis and Minis

I have been obsessed with this silk maxi since I first saw it in the Anthropologie catalogue. It finally went on sale and now is MINE! 

I've said it before.... I am so obsessed with minis with sleeves! I know I'm not supposed to be doing this much shopping, but I had to have an Easter dress! And this one was just so perfect. MINE!

***Please excuse the awkward poses. I've always had to model my new purchases when I get them home. Ed does what he can and took the pictures for me, but I know he thinks I am a huge freak.

Easter

Remembering the reason for the season...


"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Style Crush: Kate Middleton

Ok, like everyone else I can NOT WAIT for the Royal Wedding!!! I'm seriously considering pulling an all nighter so I can see it all live! This obsession has been deeply rooted in me by my mom. When I was a little girl I remember watching Princess Diana become a princess over and over again with her. 

And now.... Kate! I love her chic, sophisticated, timeless and oh so British style. What makes her even better is that she has always had this style. It hasn't just come from being in the spotlight. Even when she and Prince William first started dating she was already rocking those hats! I love that she is so confident in herself. And, that she still looks chic even dressed down (like in the third picture). 

I know a lot of people feel the same way, but of course I am DYING to see her wedding gown! I have a feeling Kate the Great won't disappoint...

The Loop

Being new to this city, I'm slowly learning my way around. So far, the only place I know how to go without using my phone gps is work... I know it's sad. The Loop (loop 101) has now become one of my favorite things. Scottsdale has way too many red lights and they are all always red!! No red lights on the loop, though. I jump on it and it spits me out only 2 miles from work. Plus, I love the view of the mountains! I leave at different times every day so they look completely different depending on the time. They're especially pretty early in the morning. But, this is what they look like at about 5pm on my way home.


Another thing about being in a brand new city is that the chances of passing someone I know driving down the road are much lower here. Which means that my car singing has reached a whole new level. I'm sure these Arizonians think I'm crazy. So, the song of the week (I know I'm going to get made fun of for this) is Pia Toscano's version of Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me. Yes, I downloaded a song from American Idol. But she is just SO GOOD! If you download the full recorded version of this song you will see what I mean. And you'll be able to picture me driving down The Loop pretending I'm on American Idol singing along...

Tutus & Tuques

Last night Ed's sister invited me to go with her to a Tutus & Tuques party. When I learned the story behind these parties I knew I had to share. It's such a fun idea! The parties got started by this lady who was touched by the story of a 5 year old little girl fighting cancer. The little girl's mom has a website and blog called Pray for Kate where she shares their struggles and asks for prayers. Be sure you haven't just put on fresh mascara before visiting this site. 


When the creator of Tutus and Tuques heard about Kate's story she was inspired to create these parties to benefit local children's hospitals everywhere. Anyone can get a group together to do it. All you do is contact Tutus and Tuques and let them know how many people you have and they will send you a box of all the supplies you need. I didn't know what tuques were, but they are knitted hats and are for the little boys and of course the tutus are for the little girls. The girl hosting the party last night hosts them regularly and alternates between tutus and tuques. Last night we made tutus and they were so easy to make and soooooo cute! All attendees are asked to donate $5-$10 just to help pay for all the supplies and keep the Tutus and Tuques parties going. Afterwards, the host or whoever volunteers takes the tutus and tuques to their local children's hospital. 


On top of it being a really good cause, it was a lot of fun and a good way to meet new people. If you are interested in hosting, just go to the website Tutus and Tuques and it will tell you everything you need to know. This would be such a fun and affordable way to benefit Blair E. Batson!

Treasure Hunting

Yesterday, I took advantage of my Friday afternoon off and did some treasure hunting after work. One of the FP girls told me a few places I should look and I fell in love with one of them, The Antique Trove. They had SO much cool stuff and most of it was super cheap. What I desperately need next is a coffee table, a table cloth and chairs for my dining table and curtains. I feel like those things need to be purchased first to determine what accessories would work best.  


But of course, what I fall in love with are things that I really don't need. I loved the bar cart in the third picture, but what am I going to do with that?!? It was only $35 though!!!! And, I think I have an obsession with lamps. As you can see, there were so many to choose from (most of which were under $75) I couldn't even narrow them down to even think about buying just one. So, I decided to wait and try to picture which ones would look best with all of my other stuff. Opinions are welcome (especially from all of my design friends out there)!

A Day Off

Yesterday was my first day off since starting work and I took full advantage. I laid poolside with my frozen cocktail for a few hours, of course got too much sun and spent the rest of the day chillaxing and getting some quality Leah Time. I tried not to let all of my relaxation get interrupted by my new biggest fear....

Everyone knows that I HATE bugs. Up until now the bugs that I most feared were wasps, bees, spiders and roaches. But, now I live in a place where the ultimate bug exists.... SCORPIONS!!! Ed thinks I'm ridiculous because he has lived here his whole life and has never even seen one, but I've already met someone who knows someone that got stung and their whole arm went numb! Supposedly they only live in newly or non-developed areas, but that didn't stop me from freaking out every time I thought I felt something on my leg at the pool yesterday....

A Walk in the Park

Yesterday was my first store refresh at work and it went really well! We had to be there at 6am, so by the time I got off I felt like I had hit a wall. But, Ed came over with his dog, Lily and insisted that we go on a walk and explore my area. Once he dragged me out of the apartment I was glad we did. We walked around the apartment complex and over to a park across the street, threw the ball around for Lily and took in the pretty view of the mountains. Ed thinks it's funny how obsessed I am with them. But just look at how pretty they are! I may even let him talk me into a hike soon!


For tonight, Phoenix is experiencing some rare weather... 42 and rainy! Arizonians are as bad as LA people when it comes to rain. Everyone is freaking out and have lost their ability to drive. They're also blaming me for bringing the rain with me from Mississippi. Anyway, since the weather is yuck we just got some take out and are about to settle in for a movie night. Lucky for me, Ed brought over my new tv unit, so we're not going to have to watch it with the tv on the floor!

OB-sessions/Good Buys

 Since Kate Hudson's fringe bag (as shown in the original OB-sessions post) isn't available anymore I have been on the hunt for a substitute. I saw this one online at Free People a few weeks ago and was interested, but fell in love when I saw it in person. It is so cute (and only $68!!!!!). MINE!

Obviously, I'm not at the point in my life where I can splurge $420 on a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses (also shown in the original OB-sessions post). So, I freaked out when I saw this just as cute pair also at Free People for only $18! MINE!

The Sheila Fajl ring I originally posted was very similar to this one and cost over $200. This one is on sale at Anthropologie for $70! Soon to be MINE!!!

Ahhh... How I love retail therapy.

Fiesta Night!

Today was my second day at work and so far I'm loving it! All of the girls are young, really cool and super laid back. However, last night I closed and then I opened this morning so I was exhausted when I left work this afternoon. Luckily, I have the best boyfriend ever! I came home to him waiting for me outside my apartment with all the makings of a mexican fiesta including margaritas! Mmmmm!!! He knows how to keep me happy! I had to take a picture of his "quesadilla"... It's actually 2 quesadillas in 1. I was pretty impressed. 


So, we had our fiesta night and watched American Idol. As far as American Idol goes, I may not be watching it anymore after tonight... Pia was one of my current top 3 picks and now she is gone and the freakin country gangster boy is still there?? Ugh! I don't get it.

Getting Settled

I LOVE my new apartment! There's not much to it right now, but here are a few in-progress photos....

This is the view of the living and dining rooms when you walk in. Obviously, I have some shopping to do. The first things on my list are a tv stand, coffee table, side tables, table cloth and chairs for the dining table Ed's sister gave me and drapes to cover those yucky vertical blinds.

I wanted to have a cute little moment right when you walk in. The table was Muna's she got back in the 70's. Love it! I still haven't hung anything, so Audrey is just having to lean right now.

The view from the dining room into the living room. Remember the rug? I'm so happy I got it! I'm thinking a big cool mirror for above the sofa and I said before, I'm in desperate need of tables! 

Turn around and find my patio. Ed's family surprised me with the chairs when I got here :) It drastically cools down here in the mornings and evenings, so I am really going to enjoy those!

Here is my bedroom which also has a sliding door out to the patio. My mom got me this bedding a few years ago and my sister gave me the bed and sheets. 

This dresser was also Muna's, but from the 50's. It needs another coat of paint and as you can see, I haven't attached the mirror to it yet. The white milk glass vase was my great grandmother's. I need to get some fresh flowers to put in it.

I'm enjoying all the space that comes with having my very own place. I have a coat closet, too where I put all of my sweaters and coats that I'll probably only be able to wear for about a month here.

Bathroom.. Not a whole lot to it.

I love that the bathroom attaches to the living room and bedroom.

So, as you can see things are coming along and I'm getting settled in pretty quickly. I got so lucky that I had so many people wanting to get rid of stuff right before my move. Not sure what I would have done without it! I'll post more pictures after I do some shopping in the next couple of weeks.

Another Begins!

Ahh... The cable guy came today, so I'm finally reconnected to the world! It has been an extremely long past couple of days, but I am finally here and unpacked! Turns out, all of my anxieties about the move were for nothing. I couldn't have asked for a smoother trip!

Ed arrived on Saturday and helped me load the uhaul along with my mom and sister. Everything fit just right!

I was really sad when we first left. It was hard to get excited because I was more focused on what I was leaving than what I was getting. I cried for a bit and Ed was getting a little worried. I took this picture because I knew it was the last time I would see so much pretty green for a while. 

Crossing the river... Bye bye Mississippi :(

After an hour or so I started feeling better and getting excited. That's when the car singing started. I know what you are all thinking... Poor Ed. But, he was a trooper. There were a few songs that he got pretty tired of hearing because I played them over and over. My favorite song of the whole trip was Here Comes the Sun. I think it may be the best road trip song ever. We stayed pretty entertained until we passed Fort Worth and got to West Texas. It's flat as can be and has nothing to look at. MOST.BORING.DRIVE.EVER.

Atleast we ran into some windmills. I don't know why, but I just think they are so cool! Especially when there are so many of them. This part of the drive almost made me feel like we were on another planet.

We stopped for the night in Midland, TX and had a nice little dinner at a very "Texas" restaurant. The mashed potatoes were so good I got some extra to go so I could have them again.

The next day, we set out again and finally made it to Arizona! I think they could use a better welcome sign, but that's just me.

And, a few long hours later we made it to my apartment. I was so excited!

Everyone is asking for more pictures of the apartment and they are coming soon. For now, I have to go drop off the uhaul and do a practice run to my new job so I know where I'm going tomorrow. Can't wait to pick up some pizza on our way back and have my first tv lounge night with Ed in my new home!!!