Another little break

Hi lovelies! I'll be taking a little break again until the new year. Still home on vacation and my brain has turned to mush. I hope you all understand.

Happpppy New Year!

xoxo

Guest Post: Realistic New Year's Resolutions: 2012

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah, hailing from my blog Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget. A big thank you to Julia for having me today! Julia and I are sorority sisters from halfway across the country…add our love for blogging and you get an insta-friendship! We felt it was perfect timing to go over some New Years Resolutions, but not the same old resolutions that everyone makes EVERY year…

“I wanna lose 5 pounds.” “I’m gonna eat really healthy.” “I’m gonna find my future husband.” “I’m going to only drink on Fridays.”

No one ever keeps those resolutions up past February…let’s get real. So here are some resolutions you can ACTUALLY keep.

1.     Stop overspending.  If you buy one thing, you should make a rule that you need to get rid of something else. I always pay with cash, never a credit card. Save the credit card for big-purchase necessity items that you KNOW you will pay off. 

2.     Play outdoors.  Get outside, no matter where you live.  I know I don’t spend enough time with mother nature.

3.     Pay it forward.  Pay someone else a compliment every.single.day. and see how it makes you feel. 

4.     Quit tanning beds for GOOD.  I am guilty of a fake bake every now and then…but with one of my best friends just getting skin cancer, I’m quitting for good. Here is my favorite sunless tanner that doesn’t make you look like an oompa loompa:

5.     Eat breakfast.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. I find that when I eat a healthy breakfast, I’m less hungry at lunchtime. I keep a box of oatmeal at my work desk at all times. No excuses!

6.     Take more bubble baths.  Don’t knock it til you try it. Your favorite magazine, Mr. Bubble, candles, and a glass of red wine is the BEST way to spend some alone time, and my favorite way to unwind after work. You deserve it girl. 

Thanks again Julia! And I love new friends, so don't be a stranger everyone!

xoxo,

Hannah


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Thanks Hannah!! I love all of these -- especially to take more bubble baths. Be sure to check out my list of resolutions on her blog today! xo

life catch-up

Hello my lovelies! I know I've been M.I.A from the blogosphere lately, but I've been home in Chicago partaking in some much needed R&R. I've spent my days playing with the puppy, drinking too much wine, shopping, and sleeping in way too late.

Perfection.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Holiday, and took the time to enjoy your family and friends -- and some delicious food.

I took it upon myself to do the most intense wrapping I've ever done. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to wrapping presents, as I believe presentation is everything. I'm pretty excited with how my gifts turned out this year. What do you think?

On another note, I've consumed enough carbs and sweets to feed a small country. It's a serious issue. I'm writing this sitting on my bed in my Lululemon's because they still fit. HA. Time to go for a run.

However, I need a NYE outift. I'm taking it low key this year and spending it with my brother and his fiancee at their apartment. They're having a dinner party for some couples, and I know it will be the perfect evening. They weren't in town for Christmas this year, so I'm super excited to spend some time with them.

I hope they have tons of champagne flowing, and hors d'oeuvres. Maybe something like this...

Stay tuned for a guest post from Hannah tomorrow on realistic New Years Resolutions! She is such a sweetheart, and I know she'll have tons of great ideas for 2012. I'll be posting my realistic resolutions on her blog as well.

xoxo

P.S. I've also been listening to this song on repeat. Flashback to The O.C. Anyone?? Random, I know. But I miss Ryan and Marissa. So perfect.

Happy Holidays!

I'll be taking a bit of a blogging break (maybe...), so I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Thank you all for following along the Urban Slant these past few months -- it's been such a blessing to "get to know" (digitally, and some in person!) each of you.

 

work happiness

On average, I spend about 45 hours a week at work. That is more hours then I spend doing anything else -- besides sleeping. I'm sure most of you are like me, and your day job involves sitting in a lifeless cube. Well, this post is dedicated to the little ways that I made my cube feel like a home away from home. 

First, I put up a pretty kate spade wall calendar  to keep track of appointments, days off etc. It is bright and cheery and makes me smile. 

Second, I have a flag from my alma matter, SMU, hanging on a cube wall. Go mustangs! I also organized my pens in a pretty mug, and made sure I had a cute desk planner. Now that 2011 is coming to an end, I must find a new planner. Any suggestions?

Finally, as you can see below, I included three of my favorite items. The first is a framed quote my sister gave me for Christmas last year. It is something I read on a daily basis, and it reminds me to stay calm, live in the moment, and pursue what I love. The second item is a mini Eiffel Tower. It reminds me of my studies abroad, and my happy place (which I will be returning to in February!) Third, I have a mini Lafco candle. It provides just the right amount of scent, and looks pretty too! 

What do you have at your desk? I'm always curious how people decorate bland grey cubes -- I'm open to any suggestions to spruce things up more. 

“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Life is simple. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportuniites only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream, and wear your passion.”

last minute gift guide: guest post {daily crush}

First, thank you for all the lovely comments on yesterday's post -- I'm feeling inspired just reading them!


Today I bring you a last minute gift guide from Katie of Daily Crush! She is the sweetest college senior I know (well in the blog world), and her spreads are always perfection. Good luck with your last semester -- I know you'll do fab. xo

Hi! My name is Katie Carlin and I am the author of Daily Crush! I am so thrilled that Julia asked me to guest post today on the Urban Slant. Julia and I are new blog friends and she has been so sweet! She has shared some great advice for the panicking, stressed out senior in college who fears never finding a job!  So today on the Urban Slant I am sharing with you some last minute gift ideas! If you are anything like me, you still have a few more purchases to make and are open to some ideas! Here are some of my current faves and I made sure they are all possible to get in time for Christmas. So whether you are looking for a hostess gift, a present for your mother, or you are looking to spoil yourself I hope you find something you love! 

1. J.Crew Homestead waffle leggings in stripe

2. C.Wonder bengal set

3. Starbucks gift card 

4. Kate Spade stationary

5. Tory Burch candle

6. Jagger Edge  Suede Fringe iPad Case

7. Nate Burkus Metallic Pouf

8. Retro Handset for iPhone/Blackberry and Smartphones - Limited Edition Gold

9. some yummy champagne!

10. Jeni's splendid holiday collection that can be shipped overnight anywhere in the US! De-lish!

Thanks so much Julia for having me!! 

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Amazing ideas, Katie! I'll definitely be taking you up on a few of these for some of my last minute purchases. xoxo

girls who inspire

Before I joined the blogosphere, I found myself bookmarking several blogs on a daily basis. I would marvel in their images and posts, and find myself feeling inspired to do what it is that I love.

Today's post is devoted to three of my current sources of inspiration. I'm sure you've heard of two of these, as they have been blowing up my blogroll lately -- and rightfully so!

The first comes from the very talented, and oh-so-sweet Tamra of Walks With Bella. She recently launched her event planning business, ever swoon, and while she has only launched a homepage and logo, I'm in love. Her attention to detail is evident in every blog post, and I cannot wait to see where her company takes her. I hope you all follow along and join her mailing list -- I know it will be an amazing journey.

The second source of inspiration comes from an extremely talented Dallas-based photographer. I first discovered her work when I worked alongside her husband at the Bush Center. You know those wedding/engagement photos that you see on Pinterest and you literally drool over? How do they capture the light? How did they capture the perfect angle?! How do they do it?!  Well, Jess Barfield has mastered the art of photography. Her pictures capture so much emotion and joy, it blows me away. You can see her passion in each photo, and it would be a dream to have her photograph my wedding one day (assuming I find my prince charming). I've posted some of my favorite photos below, and I hope you all look at her website for some jaw-dropping, gorgeous photos. And, if you're in the market for a photographer, look no further. She is perfection.

(all photos are from Jess Barfield Photography)

My most recent source of inspiration is from the blogging power duo that is Alaina and Danielle. They recently launched The Everygirl and I just know it will be a huge success. Before I started blogging, I read their blogs on a daily basis as they were always so full of advice, wisdom and beautiful editorials. I had the opportunity to meet up with them when they were on their secret NYC mission -- now I know what it was all for! According to their website, this is what The Everygirl is...

Whether she is searching for her dream job or a new city to call home;
is saving up for a down payment or a trip to Europe;
is learning to cook or speak another language,
she wants a little guidance. She wants to be inspired.

She is The Everygirl.

This is for her.

I hope you all feel inspired by these amazing women, and continue on your path of doing what you love.

weekend recap: dallas edition

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had as fantastic a weekend as I did. I was in Dallas for a very special Christmas party, and I was able to see all my college besties, eat too much good food, and drink too much wine. It was great to get back to a city I fell in love with, and to enjoy warmer temperatures.

I started off by having lunch with my old co-worker from the Bush Center, and was able to see all the construction progress since I left -- wow! I was the marketing intern during my Senior year, and I'm in awe of all the progress. Such a joy to watch the center be built from the ground up.

Here is a picture of the hard hats that you have to wear when walking on the grounds. Fun Fact: my grandpa was CEO of the company that made them! Small world.

Friday night I ate at Tillman's (as discussed on Friday's post), and it was heavenly. I had truffled goat cheese tater tots (yes, they exist), and their burger. I'm still drooling over it. The decor was jazzed up a bit with Christmas ornaments - so pretty!

Saturday, I had lunch with my bestie and former boss, Emily. We ate at our favorite place - Coal Vines, where apparently Khloe and Lamar had recently dined at. Damn, we missed them. We enjoyed too much wine, and caught up. It was so great to see her. I miss her. Sigh.

After an afternoon of shopping at North Park -- which was NUTS, I put on my best for a special Christmas Tea at a very special location (with Godiva Truffles in hand). The hosts gave us special Cornbread mix and jam from Crawford, Texas -- can't wait to make this over Christmas!

I ended the weekend with my girlfriends at a Wine Bar in the West Village. We each had a flight of wine (and then some), and some of the best fondue ever.

As you can see, my weekend revolved around seeing best friends, indulging in Texas cuisines, and drinking too much wine -- all things that I love in this world.

How did you all spend your weekend? I leave you with some of the most insane Christmas lights I've ever seen.

This is all the same house in Dallas. Can you believe it?? It's all synched to music, too.

restaurant gorgeous-ness

Okay y'all (yes, I've been in Dallas less than 12 hours, and my fake twang is in full force), I'm dedicating an entire post to a restaurant. Before I left Dallas, I spent months (no joke) ensuring that I would go to all my favorite restaurants.  I had to make sure I indulged in all the fried food, mexican, and various comfort foods as humanly possible - while still fitting into my jeans.

Let's be honest. The first thing we (I) all think about when visiting somewhere is, "where should I eat?" And it is definitely the last thing you (I) think before you move somewhere, "what restaurants will I miss?" Or maybe it's just me. I'm hoping some of you bloggers will agree with me that food is the best way to experience a city.

Anyways, so where does this post come in. Well, my second to last meal was at the most amazingly gorgeous...

This is hands down the most beautiful restaurant I've ever been to. The decor is rustic with a touch of glamour. You don't feel like you're dining with the people next to you, and you don't feel like the restaurant is a cookie cutter of all others. It. Is. Gorgeous. 

I'm going to share some of the pictures, courtesy of their website, with you. You'll probably need a tissue to wipe the drool off your face after you're done looking. 

Now who wants to go with me? I'll be here tonight at 8pm sharp for some cocktails with my girlfriends, followed by a decadent dinner, and s'mores. I'm salivating just thinking about it. 

Epic gallery wall. With antlers? Sold.

I'd lounge here any day.

Yes, that is a black and white movie screen playing classic movies. AMAZING.

Holy gorgeous.

Love the rustic, minimalistic table setting.

The private dining room. Feels like an enchanted forest.

Walls lined with real trees. Birds and peacocks are hidden in them. 

Found a peacock. Or two.

Can you even handle this chandelier? I can't. Unreal.

Now onto the food...

Your starter is truffle popcorn and nuts. So. Good.

Trio of fries appetizer.

I'll be eating that mac n cheese. No question.

Homemade s'mores for dessert. You cook your own with a mini fire pit and flavored marshmallows. OMG.

I wish you all could experience Tillman's with me. I hope you get a little taste for what it's like through the pictures. It is so unreal. 

Happy Friday Y'all! (okay last time with y'all, I promise...)

This is me and how I feel about this restaurant at my graduation dinner. I'd give it 10 thumbs up if I could.