Bucket List

I know I promised to deliver a wonderful NYE dessert idea today, but after leaving work, rushing to the grocery store, rushing home to exfoliate, and rushing to my spray tan appointment, I finally realized that I should have picked up flour at the store. I hate when I forget things. I honestly swear I will post this awesome recipe with lots of NYE pictures on Monday. In replace of my forgetfulness I have decided to share some items on my bucket list. I believe that resolutions and bucket lists could go hand and hand, so here it goes:

1. Learn to speak Italian- My father is Italian plus I think the language is beautiful.

2. Learn to play the piano- The only problem, I'm not musically inclined.

3. Become a vegetarian for a year- CHECK! I decided to try this in August 2009 and have been a vegetarian ever since! Although, I have introduced fish back into my diet.

4. Run a marathon- I have completed two half-marathons within the past year and those were pretty rough.

5. Live in New York City- This is probably the most intimidating item on my bucket list. I am very much a people person and rarely like being alone. A move to NYC would most definitely be a huge step for me, but I think it would be life changing.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Crave and Save

During my journey looking for a faux fur vest I came across many different price ranges, which sparked my idea to try a crave and save post! Aren't these vests fun?! Although I can picture both of these items looking fabulous and cinched with a belt, the one on the right has a much prettier price tag, about $240 cheaper! That's three pairs of shoes! (see previous post discussing shoe obsession)

Crave: French Connection ‘Fancy’ Faux Fur Vest, $368, $276

Save: Victoria’s Secret Striped Faux Fur Vest, $78, $39

P.S. I have a divine New Year's Eve dessert idea I will try to post tomorrow! Seriously, it has to be the closest thing to heaven.

Walking Pretty

I know this is the second post about New Year's Eve, but I have seriously waited until the last second to put an outfit together. Typical me, but this year I am stressing for some reason. Last year I spent New Years weekend attending a concert and hibernating in a cabin, so a dress and heels were definitely not in the picture. I think I have found the dress I will wear, but now I must figure out the accessories. Here are a few shoe options I have been drooling over. I no doubt have a shoe obsession. It's so bad that if I had to choose between food and shoes I would probably pick shoes. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but incredibly close.

1. Steve Madden ‘Haylow’ Sandal, $89.95

2. Peep-toe Pump, $88

3. Tasseled Ankle-wrap Sandal, $98

New Year Outfit Ideas

The New Year is right around the corner and, like me, many women are fretting over what to wear for the big night. Well, I have come to the rescue with three outfit ideas that are perfect for wherever you decide to toast 2011! These outfits are nothing short of glamourous and sparkly, which if you've seen this post you know I'm beyond obsessed with glitter and sparkles.

1. Desert Luster Clutch, $34

2. Desperately Sequin Susan Dress, $90

3. Chinese Laundry 'Heart Beat' Pump,$89.95

4. Feather Trim Ribbon Necklace, $14.80

5. Express Lace-Inset Rouched Dress, $118

6. Stone Center Ring, $3.80

7. Joy Division Red One Shoulder Dress, $80

8. Steve Madden 'Glitsi' Sandal, $99.95

9. Elastic Jeweled Bracelet, $8.80

Holiday Events

We all know the holidays are cra-zy! Everyone at my house has been baking up a storm in order to get ready for our annual Christmas Eve cookie painting event. I apologize for the lack of posts, but here are a few pictures of what's been going on lately!

{I wasn't too thrilled about the snow}

I hope you and you're family had a wonderful holiday!

Flower Power

I have been searching for a more beautiful way to display some of my flower hairpins, rings and brooches and immediately I turned to Anthropologie. They never disappoint with their unique and vintage style. During my search I stumbled upon this beautiful Zinnia Thicket salad plate. Although, I am sure this plate would display a homemade meal wonderfully, I believe my accessories would look much better plated on this piece. And you want to know what's even better?! These plates, which come in four different styles, are only $12! I love a good deal!

Create Inspiration

Last week I was feeling a little “under the weather”. Honestly, blogging was the last thing on my mind. BUT- I’m back, with a tip! We have all felt a little uninspired at some point in our lives; whether it be with our clothing, hair, makeup, jobs, or social life. When I start feeling this way I immediately pull out the latest issue of my favorite magazines and start looking for inspiration. There are many photos of celebrities out and about, frolicking in beautiful clothes, and tempting runway hair and make-up ideas that I am dying to try. Flip through the pages and find photos of trends you would like to attempt. Cut them out and make an inspiration board out of the photos. From your inspiration board re-create your favorite outfits, hairstyles, or make-up ideas! {I’ll post a picture of an inspiration board of mine soon}

Pretty in Pink

There is something extra special about a hand-written note that can brighten any day. Although I love hand-written notes, I rarely ever make the time to craft one. After searching for a planner at Barnes and Noble yesterday, I came across this beautiful stationary. I definitely fell in love with the vibrant pink peony on the front, of course! With the inside blank, this stationary would be perfect for social correspondence.

Fruit Cocktail

There are many things I miss about college, being just doors away from my best friends, going out on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, sharing clothes; but one thing I miss most are the socials. I love dressing up and fixing my hair and makeup, dancing the night away, and waking up the next morning talking about all the events that took place the night before. If I were able to get my friends together for another social, I would wear a dress similar to the one above. This Fruit Cocktail dress from LuLu's is so fun! The sweet color combination reminds me of summer, and the one-shoulder detail is one of my favorite trends. I'm also smitten over the skirt of the dress. It has great twirling ability- which is key when dancing, you know.

Double Trouble

Give your eyes a reason to cause a little trouble this Holiday season. NARS Trouble Maker eye set gives you every thing you need to create desirable eyes, which would look lovely at dinner parties, weddings, and of course, a New Year’s Eve celebration. This kit includes volumizing mascara in black, a shiny black liquid eyeliner pen, smudge proof eyeshadow base, and eye makeup remover to create your perfect eye look again and again. What else do you need?!

Tick Tock

After sharing one of my wish list items yesterday I decided to dedicate the next few blog posts to some of the other items on that list. I’ve never been one to wear a watch. My mother once gave me a watch that I truly loved, but on a hot summer day, unfortunately, I returned from the beach without it. I still kick myself for that, but Michael Kors has given me reason to wear a watch again. I am completely smitten with this watch. The masculine look reminds me of my grandfather and the gold watch he wore for years. I believe this item will be on the top of my wish list!

American Style

I must share with you one of the items on my wish list. I love equestrian boots, especially these tall riding boots by Halogen. They perfectly describe the classic American look, which makes me want to frolic in tight jeans and a plaid shirt! Since I don’t get to frolic too often, realistically, I see myself in these boots with a fitted tee and leggings, snuggled in a cabin in the mountains, hibernating for the winter!

Five Favorite Beauty Finds (for now)

My favorite beauty products tend to change according to the seasons. There are so many great products out there, but it's better to try them in small doses. Above, I have a few of my winter beauty favorites including exfoliation gloves, which are crucial during the dry winter months, and my favorite mask, which helps tame break-outs. Dermalogica's Oil Control Lotion is extremely lightweight for those who tend to have oily skin, and Jemma Kidd's belle du jour lipstick is the perfect nude color. Lastly, Miss Dior Cherie is a delightfully fresh fragrance I have just stumbled upon. I have been very faithful to Coco Chanel Mademoiselle for many years, so for me to branch out and try something new is a big step!

1. DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask $38



2. The Body Shop Bath Gloves $5



3. Jemma Kidd belle du jour Lipstick $16



4. Miss Dior Cherie $59



5. Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion $37

Manicures for Lunch

I sometimes believe my obsession for glitter and sparkles is a little over the top, but this time of year begs for the shine and metallic. Although, I would love to embellish all of my clothing with glittered beads and sparkles in some way, my everyday profession might find that a tad tacky. So I opt for glittered nails. Today on my lunch break I headed across the street to the nail salon to get my glitter fix. Here I used two coats of OPI Bogota Blackberry and one coat of Revlon Star followed by a clear top coat. Of course, you could use any base color to achieve your perfect holiday nails!

Infinity and Beyond

My new winter obsession: the infinity scarf.  During these cold days how can you not fall in love with the warm and bundled look? Although, I love the chunky knits, this cashmere scarf has caught my eye. The striped sequins and beautifully placed chiffon flower add flare to a dreary, winter day. You can find this Juicy Couture scarf at Nordstrom.

A New Beginning

Welcome to Peachy Peonies! I have wanted to begin a blog for quite some time now, not only to place my creative thoughts, but to share with others the things I love most. With the new year fast approaching why not start a new beginning early! Besides, who said resolutions had to begin on January 1. So I wish you happy reading and I hope you always 'Have fun. Dig Deep. Stretch. and Dream Big.'