Blogging In Stilettos

February 2, 2012

2012-02-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, it's February already! January went by WAY too fast.

I'm surrounded by a sea of keys today.

It took me an hour and a couple of broken nails, but now they are in organized piles waiting to get their pictures taken.

After two successful weekends of antique shopping I have an entire table of finds spilling over.

I'm not sure what's more fun... finding these amazing vintage pieces or being able to find them all new homes.

I'll be glued to my computer, listing these keys for the next few days.

This could take a while.

Happy February everyone!

January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

St. Augustine, Florida

How are those New Year's resolutions coming along?

It's only been five days and I've already had some setbacks. But! I've been sticking with The 5 StepSuccess Guide to New Years Resolutions that I shared with all of you on Tuesday to help me get back on track (again and again) and they are working!

Could it be? I'm using my own advice? Does that mean I'm actually listening to myself?

Gasp!

Every time I get off track I say to myself "resolutions can be restarted any day of the week at any waking hour". No more letting a whole day go to waste because of one hiccup.

I'm just going to keep saying it... 2012 is going to be an amazing year!

Hope you are all having lots of success with your resolutions.

Wish you the best,

The 5 Step Success Guide to New Years Resolutions

2012-01-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

1. Write Them Down- This one seems like a no-brainer but it's the first and most important step to reaching your New Years resolutions. Studies show that you are nine times more likely to succeed in reaching your goals if you write them down. Once you have your New Years resolutions jotted down, put them somewhere where you will come across them often. If they are private to you, keep them in a secret place such as your journal. If you what to display them proudly, tape them to your bathroom mirror or put them on the
refrigerator. Reading your resolutions on a regular basis will help you stay focused.

2. Set Realistic Goals- It's unrealistic to have toned arms by next Friday just as it's unrealistic to organize your entire house in one day or help save the world overnight. If you set unrealistic goals, you aren't going to reach the results you were hoping for. Give yourself time. New Years resolutions are all about time! They mark a brand new year of opportunities. Give yourself the time needed to reach your goals for the healthiest and most solid results.

3. Be Specific- The more specific you are with your New Years resolutions, the clearer your path to success will be. Writing down that you want to help others is great, but what does that mean exactly? How exactly are you going to help others? List specifics such as, give blood, volunteer at the animal shelter once a month, collect clothing donations from co-workers every two months or sign up for breast cancer walk. Those are just a few examples to show how much more focused you can be when you list specifics.

4. Set Up a Timeline- I don't know about you, but I am a master procrastinator. If I give myself a whole year to get something done I'll wait until the last possible minute to get started. First write down your ultimate goals. Then break them down. If your goal is to increase your annual income by a certain percent by the end of the year, then give yourself a timeline to accomplish that goal. For example, you could goal yourself to raise your income by a smaller percent every three months, that will add up to your ultimate goal at the end of the year. Take things step by step, don't overwhelm yourself and set smaller (broken down) goals that add up to your set resolution.

5. Don't Beat Yourself Up- Diets can be started (or restarted) any day of the week at any waking hour. They don't have to start Monday morning, bright and early after a weekend of "cheating". Same goes for every New Years resolution. If you get off track, get right back on track first chance you get. Don't beat yourself up when you slip up, just keep your eye on the ball and press toward your goal. Stay focused and don't compare your success to the success of others. We all define success differently. Stay positive, stay strong and stay determined.

December 3, 2012

2012-01-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello!

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year.

I had a blast with my family. We had a quiet Christmas with just the five of us.

New Year's Eve was pretty uneventful. Same as last year, but I'm a homebody and I enjoyed it.

I have three pages of New Year's resolutions to conquer this year. I got a little carried away. But there's no reason to limit myself. Right?

Lets see, what else...

Oh, we rescued a dog from ARNI last week. My dad's shop needed a new watch dog and he fits right in. I took him for a walk down at the pier yesterday. He loves riding in the truck (in the middle seat). He's an awesome dog.

It's about 30 degrees here in Florida today... and windy. Freezing! First cold day we've had this winter.

I am so excited about 2012! It's going to be an amazing year.

Hope you all have a great day and a great 2012,

December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

It's rare that I get three pictures in a row that I love, but here they are.

They were all taken in California as I was making my way around town on my last day there for 2011.

I've been back in Florida since Saturday and am already missing Cali! It feels a bit like whiplash going from one place to another, but I love them both. See you again in 2012 Los Angeles!

December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

I should stop making promises about when I'm going to blog. What do you think?

Last week I finished a post with "Talk to you all tomorrow" and that was five days ago now? Wooops!

So to catch ya'll up, I'm back in Florida and here to stay for a few weeks until my next trip to California.

I normally don't admit when I'm having a tough few days emotionally, but we all have them right? I know I'm not alone so I thought I would go out on a limb and just announce it... These last few days have been awful!

I'm so thankful for my safe travels, thankful to be with all of my family now and thankful for the great Christmas we are going to have together.

Just wanted to be sure to say how thankful I am... I know how much I have to be thankful for! :)

But my goodness... I came this close ' ' to a complete breakdown. I'm categorizing last night's emotional plunge to just short of a complete breakdown (for the record).

Wheeew.

Well, now I'm in the perfect place to recover from whatever I need to recover from. I'm too emotional to figure that out just yet. Ha!

More (less emotional) blogging to come! Ooops. No more promises, no more promises (she says to herself).

December 15, 2011

2011-12-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

I took a drive around town today to take some last minute pictures before heading back to Florida. I was actually somewhat lost on Wilshire Blvd., trying to find my way to my favorite Beverly Hills park (without any help from the GPS I might add). I'm getting better and better at finding my way around!

You'd think after 4 years of living here on and off, that I'd know my way around by now, but I'm a bit directionally challenged. Ha! Ok, that's an understatement. So that, plus the fact that this city is enormous... can you blame me?

Anyway, I'm way off topic.

I could see this beautiful cathedral from a couple of miles away and knew I had to stop for some pictures. I was taking pictures from the sidewalk and when I turned around to head back to the car, its reflection in the building across the street caught my eye. I love how it's strong, powerful structure is warped and disfigured by the plates of glass.

I got plenty more of pictures of the cathedral itself, but wanted to share these with you first.

Talk to you all again tomorrow,

December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

I just love the little red shack behind these gulls sporting red beaks. What a perfect match of color, making for some great pictures. It's been a rainy day here in Cali so I thought I would share some more of my Santa Monica pictures taken on a much sunnier day.

This red food stand sits on the left hand side of the Santa Monica Pier, in sight of the ocean.

These were the only red beaked sea gulls I had seen all day. They were lined down a short wall, watching the skateboarders closely as they passed by.

Between the shack and the shore are swing sets and to the side, two men -with a small audience- play chess.

These were the last pictures I took of my day in Santa Monica, just as the sun was starting to set and I was making my way back to the car. They turned out to be my favorites.

Have a great Monday night,

December 11, 2011

2011-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Thankful for my and my family's health, happiness and safety and that we all had safe travels this week.

Thankful I got a flat tire at home and didn't get stuck on the side of the road. And thankful for AAA!

Thankful I made it to all of our appointments after the flat tire, which was a miracle in and of itself.

Thankful for this beautiful weather and the absence of heat.

Thankful God blessed me with a successful week of work.

Thankful for stumbling upon a great new website called (in) Courage and thankful for the positive community I now get to be apart of.

Thankful for a great end to the fall semester.

Thankful for a relaxing weekend to reboot.

Thankful for the week ahead.

Thankful for a beautiful life.

What are you thankful for this week?

December 9, 2011

2011-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Wheeew! It's been a crazy week. I'm getting a really good taste of motherhood, taking on the role of shofer for my sister. I think I've been to the gas station three times since Monday and I know every One Republic song by heart now. Pretty sure I could even list the songs in order.

So today I spent another hour at Best Buy waiting in line in the camera department. There was a line... in the camera department. But as you can tell, it was worth the wait and I got an adapter for my memory card! Yay!

These pictures are from last weekend. I spent the day in Santa Monica with my camera and there are many more pictures to come! I stopped at these birds on my way down the pier and actually had one sitting on my shoulder while I was snapping shots. Couldn't help but feel kinda bad for them, just sitting there with nothing to do. They looked invious of the sea gulls flying around.

So to start off my weekend I have The Hurt Locker, a bag of Hershey's Hugs and the house all to myself. Finally... a moment to relax. And as I say that, my phone is reminding me of all the e-mails I need to tend to. Guess I still have some work to do before my weekend begins.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

December 6, 2011

2011-12-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days since I've blogged... but wait... I have a good excuse! No, I really don't. Sorry.

I visited the Santa Monica Pier last week and got some fun pictures I wanted to share with all of you, but am having some setbacks.

So, my old computer has gone kaput and my new computer doesn't take my camera's memory card. It turns out the Geek Squad at Best Buy isn't as helpful as they seem. I've been there twice already.

Anyway, I WILL get the pictures up soon! Promise!

Will post again soon,

November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

Took a ride down Sunset Blvd. yesterday afternoon and came across this sign. Oh, how I love finding things like this!

I'm mean who wouldn't want to park here?

Enjoy your day!

November, 25 2011

2011-11-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving yesterday!

Ours was wonderful. It was yummy as always. After we ate everyone (except me) went to see the movie Hugo. I stayed home browsing Pinterest while sitting next to the warm fire. I think I’m addicted to Pinterest.

Today has been a lazy day. Lots of napping and snacking on leftovers. It was much more enjoyable to read about my friend’s Black Friday experiences than to experience it myself.

Did any of you brave the malls for Black Friday deals?

Until tomorrow,

November 24, 2011

2011-11-24T17:27:00.001-08:00

The Americana

There’s a post circulating on Facebook and Twitter asking the question “If you only have tomorrow, what you thanked God for today, what would you be left with?”

It’s an interesting thought. How often do we remember to thank God for everything he has given us?

Every night I thank God for my health, happiness and safety and for my family’s. I thank him for a day with no sorrow or loss.

This Thanksgiving…

I’m thankful for my family, thankful for being surrounded by people who love me and thankful for so much quality time with them.

I’m thankful for our health, our happiness and our safety.

I’m thankful for a job that I love, that allows me the freedom to travel.

I’m thankful for two beautiful horses, which I share many wonderful memories with and I’m thankful for their health. Any day the vet doesn’t have to be called is a blessed one!

I’m thankful for my fun, bicoastal life.

I’m thankful for the goals, hopes and dreams I have for myself that the people around me fully support.

I’m thankful for a roof over my head.

I’m thankful for life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2011

2011-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

I promised the Big Bear story so here it is. Enjoy!

We pulled into the lodge Friday afternoon in total shock. The “lodge” was unrecognizable, mixed in with other rundown buildings. The pool was nothing but a waterless sink hole.

“Come on in girls.” The manager said, covered from head to toe in paint and dust. We followed him to our room after listening to him tell us the ENTIRE history of the lodge.

The room smelled of musty air and a hint of mold. The sheets were… yellowish? Well, they were gross. Nuf said.

So, safety was our main concern. In examining the chain lock on the door I noticed the chain was about a foot too long. I was able to undo it from the outside of the room. That wouldn’t even matter if someone wanted to get into the room. The door was paper thin and a two year old could have put a hole in it.

Needless to say… we ran like the wind! Well, we actually casually walked to the car with the manager following us and telling us more about… I don’t remember… I was focused on getting out of there alive.

We thought that was the main part of town but… about a mile away we came around a turn in the road and realized why people like Big Bear so much. Beautiful!

Best Western looked like The Plaza compared to where we had just come from and we grabbed a room before it got too late. We had a great time, going to the zoo, playing in the snow, walking around the lake. It was a blast.

Note to self: When in doubt, look for a Best Western.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2011

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

We had a blast a Big Bear. Well, after we found a new place to stay, but I’ll tell that story tomorrow.

Friday we stopped at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA on the way to Big Bear. The Mission Inn is a beautiful historic mission built in 1876, turned hotel and spa. They had already covered the place in Christmas lights. Very festive!

We ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant just outside the mission. They have the BEST quesadillas.

The birds were hopping up on the table and begging for food. They were so cute.

After lunch we went antique shopping before getting back on the road for another two hours of driving.

I'll post pictures of the drive up there as well as the story of our rather crazy experiance tomorrow.

Take Care,

November 18, 2011

2011-11-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

We are packed and heading to Big Bear this morning!

The Florida grown side of my brain is telling me it couldn’t possibly be that cold up there, but my handy weather app is warning me otherwise. What to do?

I’m going to tuff it out in my sweater until I give in and have to reach for my three layer coat. I’m just stubborn like that.

I had notes all over the house reminding me not to forget my camera. I’ve got it!

Spent an hour and a half in Barns and Nobel yesterday looking for the perfect book to read by the fire this weekend. I didn’t have the best of luck so I have brought an arm full of magazines.

Ok. We’re off!

Have a great weekend,

November 17, 2011

2011-11-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone.

Last night we had chocolate chip cookies, watched Elf and decorated the tree. I think it turned out pretty darn good.

We bought twice as much décor as it could ever hold so I have some bags of bulbs and garland to take back to the store today.

I’m also headed to Barns and Nobel this morning to pick out a new book to take along for our Big Bear trip this weekend. Any suggestions?

Oh. Have I even mentioned Big Bear yet?

We are headed up there this weekend and hear it’s going to be nice and cold. It’s about a 2 ½ hour drive from Los Angeles. It’s my first time visiting and I’m REALLY hoping the roads have guardrails! I’ve been having nightmares about it being like Malibu canyon. Eeek!

Headed out the door. Hope ya'll have a great day!

November 16, 2011

2011-11-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

I was walking around outside this morning and saw this dead vine wrapped around some wires. Thought it was cool :)

Anyway.

My mother, sister and I raided Michael’s craft store last night and ended up with two baskets full of decorations for our tree.

There are a lot of firsts for our family this year. It’s our first year celebrating Thanksgiving in California. It’s our first year putting up the tree before Thanksgiving and it’s our first time to ever have a fake tree.

Yes, in a post last week I said we NEVER put up a tree before Thanksgiving. My family made a liar out of me.

Since we will all be together next week, we wanted to have the tree up. And of course, no one is selling real trees yet.

We are decorating tonight while we watch my sister’s favorite Christmas movie Elf.

Will post pictures of the finished product!

November 15, 2011

2011-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

The garage sale was a success!

Our next door neighbor brought over some stuff to add to the sale, and she and her boys kept us company for a while.

You won’t believe who stopped by! Jean Smart! It was hard for us to keep our cool, but I think we did ok.

We sold all but four boxes worth of clothes that got dropped off at Good Will yesterday.

Our neighbor’s husband made us chai lattes on Sunday, just before we packed up what didn’t sell. They were such a big hit that we walked to the market afterwards to buy the mix he used.

We had one more celeb sighting while at the market. Ashley Tisdale was there with her boy friend.

Thankfully it held off til the weekend was over, but yesterday an awful cold kept me in bed all day. I’m still feeling pretty sick today as well, but it’s almost all cleared up.

It’s rare that I get sick and I’m thankful this only happens once in a blue moon.

Hope everyone’s weekend was as great as ours!

November 10, 2011

2011-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Beverly Hills sure has its own version of exercise.

I visited Will Rogers Memorial Park this morning for some reading and brain racking.

There were people swinging sticks around, a man wobbling around on his tip toes and a woman doing loud breathing exercises as she circled the park. She sure wasn’t adding to the quiet atmosphere. I unfortunately became her time keeper. My phone was handily sitting next to me, which of course is an open invitation ask what time it is, over… and over.

Afterwards I had lunch with my mother at California Pizza Kitchen on Beverly Drive. We were outa there in a hurry when a party of fifteen moms and kids came in. It got loud and crazy real fast.

Now for some time around the house, working and doing some last minute things for the garage sale tomorrow.

Until tomorrow,

November 9, 2011

2011-11-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hello all.

I’ll avoid talking about this amazing California weather today seeing as how it’s getting a bit redundant.

A little off topic but how do ya’ll like the new show Last Man Standing with Tim Allen? I’m luvin it. Definitely my favorite new comedy this season.

I’m also addicted to Pan Am. It’s inspired me to learn French. We’ll see if that actually happens :)

The New Girl, Two Broke Girls and Suburgatory didn’t quite make my favorites list. I also REALLY tried to like the new show Whitney. I mean, it’s my name! They all fell short for me, but I hear lots of people really like The New Girl.

So which shows are all of you liking this season?

Talk to ya’ll tomorrow!

November 8, 2011

2011-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving plans are already underway. This year will be the first that we’ll be celebrating in CA.

A nearby neighbor has already decorated for Christmas. It’s like presidential campaigns, people starting earlier and earlier.

Being from Florida, a state with one season (Hot), I drag out every holiday. No Christmas tree until after we eat Thanksgiving dinner! Yep, we buy the tree on Thanksgiving Day… AFTER we eat ;) Ok, ok, maybe we jump the gun a bit too.

The house is being turned upside-down as we get ready for our garage sale this weekend. It’s amazing what one household can accumulate.

Alright, it’s back to lugging boxes down the stairs and out to the garage.

Take care,

November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful morning.

These lemons are just about ready to become lemonade. Here’s hoping they hurry up before it gets cold out and they freeze.

It rained (and hailed) all day yesterday, leaving us clear blue skies and warm weather today.

Last night we braved the weather and went to the Soup Plantation (the west coast version of Sweet Tomato). So yummy!

Ok, I need to brag a little and I’m about to name drop…

I tweeted Josh Charles this morning telling him how much I liked The Good Wife last night AND he tweeted back! How cool is that?!

Made. My. Day. :]

Anyway...

Lounging around and working today. Who knew it was possible to do both at the same time.

Hope you all have a beautiful day!

November 5, 2011

2011-11-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmm :) Breakfast at Coffee Bean this morning.

My toes just about froze off last night so a walk to breakfast in the warm sun was much needed.

I was too sleepy to get myself to an early flea market today. Better luck tomorrow.

Headed to the Burbank Equestrian Center in a little while to watch the Paso Fino horse show. Never been to one and am curious about it.

Oh, I almost forgot… I’m the newest addition to a travel blog, snagging the job just yesterday. I am writing bold, blatant, brutally candid articles about cities I have visited that I didn’t necessarily like.

Eeeeek! Not the most fun loving, free spirited travel blog.

There are so many cities I love and adore so this is definitely going to be a challenge. Hopefully my experiences will help other travelers get the best out of their trips.

Alrighty! I’m off (with my camera in hand) to enjoy a lazy Saturday.

Have a good one,

October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

$18 for a pumpkin?!

I was planning on buying 10 pumpkins today for carving.

Nevermind!

Snapped some cute pics though :)

We have 1,000 pieces of candy to hand out tomorrow night.

Prepared for lots of kids.

We’ve got orange lights wrapped around our front staircase.

Black spider webs in the trees and bushes.

Now, those are going to be fun to get down.

If I can find pumpkins tomorrow I’ll be so happy!

How about $3 pumpkins?

Sounds good to me :)

Happy Halloween,

October 29, 2011

2011-10-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

It was a beautiful Saturday here in California.

I went back to the Burbank Equestrian Center this morning.

Got to watch William Shatner show a couple of his horses.

Star struck!

Spent lunch time arguing with my two computers.

Yes two.

I got a new one for my birthday but can't seem to let the crummy old one go.

My plan... Use it til it crashes.

It's a good plan for now, but I'm not going to be very happy when I lose my files.

Why will I lose my files you ask?

Because I keep forgetting to back it up.

Fingers crossed I overcome my procrastination before it's too late.

Anyhoo...

Sitting, reading a book at a new park I found today.

I needed some relaxation time before the day was up.

I also have the new October Veranda magazine with me.

To die for!

Well I'm going to get back to my reading... Talk to ya'll tomorrow!

October 28, 2011

2011-10-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Happy to be back in California!

Could have done without the 5 hour plane ride, but it was worth it.

You know the guy who cuts in front of you to get his bag at baggage claim?

Yep. He was there.

I love watching my bag go around one more time, just for fun.

But he always seems to have some place more important to be than me.

So after getting about 3 hours of sleep last night, I was up bright and early this morning.

Drove down to the Burbank Equestrian Center to snap some shots of the reining horses.

William Shatner was there watching his horses show.

Very cool!

It’s been almost two years since I have been to a horse show and I have missed it.

Going back again tomorrow.

With a fully charged camera this time.

I only have myself to blame for not charging the battery.

Will I ever learn?

Talk to you tomorrow,

October 26, 2011

2011-10-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

I've gotten very cozy with the act of sleeping in.

Truthfully, I haven't seen a sunrise a a while.

So.

I was on my way to pick up my mother and sister from the airport last Wednesday and stopped by St. Augustine.

Just in time for the sunrise!

I had it all planned out... I brought a book to read, a pile of magazines and my camera.

It was so cold (for Florida that is), that I sat there shaking with my camera in hand.

Reading was no longer an option... I was focused on keeping warm.

As you can see, I hung in there long enough to get some shots.

It was a beautiful start to the day.

I got my reading done a little later.

While sitting in Orlando.

July 28, 2011

2011-07-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Don't know what I would do without this horse in my life. He was everything I had ever wanted in my first horse and more. I hope I have many more amazing years with him :)

July 27, 2011

2011-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so turning 24 wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Celebrating in Nashville, TN probably helped soften the blow.

My family and I spent the 19th hanging around town and then took a drive down Natchez Trace. We ended the day at Loveless Hotel Cafe. Such a great laid back day.

So I'm back in Florida now... just in time for the hottest part of the year! Yippee!

July 17, 2011

2011-07-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

We visited The Hermitage yesterday. It's been years since I have been there.

Of course, I was instantly drawn to the horses in the front pasture.

Not to worry... I didn't interupt their nap. Only the one looked up at me before falling asleep.

I must have been one of many that day who wanted to take pictures of them.

We had a great time. Nothing had changed since I had been there last. I felt like a kid again.

July 2011 Vacation To Tennessee (Part 3)

2011-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as we were on our way to visit an aunt we hadn't seen in years, we stopped at my grandmother's grave and walked around the graveyard.

Just up the hill from her grave site are these beautifully aged headstones, marking graves 100s of years old.

July 2011 Vacation To Tennessee (Part 2)

2011-07-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day at the Franklin Antique Mall again. I think we have everything in its place now and it looks great!

On our way to Loveless Cafe yesterday we passed this beautiful field of sunflowers. I jumped out and ran across the road to snap some pics. I quickly learned how much bees like sunflowers. They were everywhere! So... note to self... don't ever plant sunflowers. I am deathly afraid of bees and wasps... and dirt dobbers! Oh how I hate dirt dobbers :{

So anyway, they were absolutely beautiful, but thanx to my super duper camera I was able to admire them from a distance.

July 2011 Vacation To Tennessee (Part 1)

2011-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

I'm in Tennessee for the first time in over 6 yrs this week! My mother, sister and I drove up here on Sunday (pulling a U-Haul trailer full of antiques), to start an antique booth at the Franklin Antique Mall. So far all we have been doing is unboxing, and tagging all of our antiques.

Wednesday my dad flew in to meet us and drive back to Florida with us. We visited Centennial Park, and I got some pics of the wildlife :) Ok, they r'nt all that wild... but it makes them fun to feed bread to.

July 1st 2011

2011-07-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

wow, it has been forever since i have blogged! i can't believe it is July already. it's my birthday month and i am dreading turning a year older :{ i know, i know... i'm only turning 24, but oh how i wish i was still 18 sometimes. and next year i'll be 25! 25!!!

ok, let's change the subject to a less depressing one :) i've been in California for the last few weeks enjoying this amazing weather. i hear almost daily how hot it is in Florida. thankfully the rain has put out most of the fires we were having there. so i'm taking it all in, knowing i'll be getting back just in time for the hottest part of the year and will not have escaped the summer heat completely.

as if i havn't been away from home long enough, i'm only spending a wk back before i head off to Tennessee! i havn't been to Tennessee in 6 or 7 yrs and i am so excited to go back :) trust me... there will be lots of blogging while i am there! i'm going to be taking pics of everything!

Remembering Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

as i'm sure you have all heard, Elizabeth Taylor passed away here in Los Angeles this morning from complications due to congestive heart failure.

she was one of the last great screen legends of the golden era of cinema. her famous beauty and fiery personality are sure to live on.

she won two Oscars, had 37 other wins and 16 other nominations throughout her career and starred in big hits like Lassie Come Home, National Velvet and Cleopatra (among many others).

she will be missed.

beverly hills

2011-03-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

so sad to be leaving for Florida next wk. while i have missed home i will miss California so much more. hope to be back soon!

country roads

2011-03-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

we drove thru Orange, CA yesterday on our way to Laguna. there's no way we could be that close to Country Roads Antiques and not stop in for a visit :)
it's hard to pick a favorite, but i just looove this room! wouldn't you just love to jump in that bed... it looks so cozy.

i'm having so much fun with my new TiltShift add... can't u tell ;)

one of the many rows of antiques. i could decorate my whole house, two or 3 times over, lol.beautiful vintage clothes and linens.

this booth is full of the best industrial finds.

Judy Garland

2011-03-05T08:46:00.001-08:00

got the chance to walk thru Judy Garlands old house yesterday. afterwards we went to CiCi's for breakfast and then into LA for some shopping. we r headed to Laguna Beach today... stopping by the Mission Inn and a great antique store in the area while we r there.

February 21, 2011

2011-02-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

had dinner at paradise cove in Malibu on saturday night. first time visiting the cove and eating at the beach cafe.

it was a cloudy day but i managed to get a couple of pics before the sun set.
great seafood... goin back soon for a beach day!

February 15, 2011

2011-02-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Spent saturday afternoon at the Santa Monica pier with some friends visiting us from Florida.

Patrick Dempsey was there filming while we were having lunch. for once i actually had my camera with me!

January 27, 2011

2011-01-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." -Oprah Winfrey

January 24, 2011

2011-01-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

"How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself. So always think positively." -Norman Vincent Peale

January 23, 2011

2011-01-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

"Don't count the days- make the days count." -Unknown

January 19, 2011

2011-01-19T12:24:00.001-08:00

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

antique shopping

2011-01-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

found some great stuff at the flea market this morning! it's warming up here in CA, with just a little snow left on the mountains.

January 14, 2011

2011-01-14T11:00:00.001-08:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

"There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors." -Adrienne Rich

January 10, 2011

2011-01-10T07:03:00.001-08:00

Storm clouds are rolling in and here to stay for the next couple of days.

Only one lonely bird (still here on winter vacation) was out this morning, grabbing some breakfast before it was time to take shelter from the rain. this is my kind of weather.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it’s July! This year is flying by… and just as I predicted, it is turning out to be a GREAT year!

We were on our way to Orange, CA yesterday when we stopped to see the Crystal Cathedral.

It’s interesting to see this modern day version of a cathedral. The architecture displays such a unique representation of this day and age.

Our twenty first century minds translate the ideas of strength, beauty and reverence in such a different way.

Although I prefer gothic style cathedrals with stained glass and hand-carved detailing, I enjoyed seeing the Crystal Cathedral in person.

Hope you all have a great 4th of July!

May 11, 2010

2010-05-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of my first trip to Santa Anita. I had been wanting to go for a while and had no idea it was only a 15min drive from where we live.
We ate breakfast and watched the horses being schooled...

Then we took a ride around the grounds. I realized I am paying too much for board.

Then we headed back to watch some races...

This is Chantal Sutherland and Joe Talamo...

May 5, 2010

2010-05-05T16:02:00.001-07:00

"The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt

May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T16:23:00.001-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."- Marianne Williamson

August 2, 2009

2009-08-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Blogging in Stilettos!

My name is Whitney Bryson.

A little bit about me...

I was born and raised in Central Florida. I now live the bi-coastal life, dividing my time between Florida, California and Tennessee.

I am a writer, photographer, jewelry designer and entrepreneur.

I spend my free time with my horses. After showing horses off and on for about 10 years, I am now enjoying the simplicity of the laid back Equestrian life.

I started my first small business in 2005 while in my freshman year of college. In 2008 I quit my day job and officially began working from home full time.

Since then much has changed. I am self employed and loving it. I spend more time on a plane than I'd like. California has become a second home, and I have fallen in love with photography and writing.

I hope you enjoy following me through my exciting, jetlagged life.

Thank you for stopping by,