Night Cap

Since I had such a rough day...
....And yes, I'm nice enough to share (you can thank me later).
Who doesn't love Adam Rodriguez..

Hmmmm.
Ok, all better.
Nite, nite ♥Elise♥

Monday Madness

Boy I could sure use some pampering. Monday kicked my butt!!!

♥♥Elise

Sweet Sunday

It's a breezy fall day here in NC. Nevertheless, I still got up fairly early....to enjoy a cup of tea on the balcony. Don't you just love Sundays;) I hope you are enjoying your weekend. ♥Elise

LOL! I would sooo wear this t-shirt.

Too Funny.

What do your "friends" say when your not around...

Have you ever wondered how your so-called friends talk to others about you? I have on occasion..but I never really made a big deal about it.

Well, last night I was catching up on the phone with a friend and after about an hour, my battery started to die. I told her I needed to let my phone charge and that I would call her back.

Her disabled and sometimes absent minded father was in the room at the time.

Well just as I was about to hang up, I realized she hadn't hung up her cell yet. I heard her say, "that was my friend Elise...you remember Elise, right dad?"

At that moment, I could have hung up the phone but I didn't. I wanted to know how my friend would describe me to her father.

She went on to tell her dad about my recent move to NC and my reason for moving to the Gulf Coast three years ago. She remembered things that I forgot we even discussed. I was amazed at how much she remembered over the course of our year-long friendship. I was also impressed that she didn't share any personal things about my life or my work-life.

I've been around her dad a couple of times but because of his illness, he was still having a tough time figuring out who I am.

My friend went on to tell him that I was really tall and exotic looking (exotic...who me!?!) I had to mute my phone because I thought that was hilarious. The funny part is that he then remembered who I was.

"Oh, the tall pretty black girl from Atlanta," he said.

"Yeah, yeah. That's her. That's Elise," my friend responded.

The interesting part was that my friend never used my race as a descriptive....and she only used my job because that's how me met.

The three things I remember her saying was that I was smart, fun and pretty.

I listened in about two minutes before hanging up. But I probably won't tell her that I eavesdropped on her conversation. And I probably will never do it again...the results could have been much different. I just think it's interesting to hear how people talk about you when your NOT around.

It let me know what kind of impression I have left on a woman whom I look up to.

My friend is extremely smart. She quotes scholars on a regular but can laugh about the simplest things. She is a gifted education teacher and is currently working on her doctorate. She hates living on the coast but moved back to help her mother care for her ailing father and for that, she showed how loyal and caring she is.

She reads all the time and doesn't have the Internet at home. She only goes online at work when she's checking email or sending newsletters to parents. Yet, she is cultured and up-to-speed on everything that's going on in the world. She's not the best when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex...but neither am I. We have the best conversations about politics even though she calls me a conservative democrat. HA!

I could go on and on...but that's what I would say about my friend behind her back. What would you say about yours? ♥Elise

It's Friday! Do you have your party dress?

Shopbop

Searching for sushi

I am determined to have sushi for lunch today! I have been hunting for a good sushi restaurant for days and I think I may have found one....will keep you posted. ♥Elise


UPDATE: So I didn't get to check out the sushi bar today for lunch. I didn't even get to sit down for lunch. Oh well, that's a typical day in my life. But I will get to that sushi bar soon!!!

Trashy...but cute!

If Glad isn't doing it for you, Try these trash bags on for size. I found them at StyleHive. They are 9.99 but I'm not sure if it's per bag or for a few. It's a bit much for me. But if you like it, I luv it. ~E

SASSY SPACES: I'll Remain Neutral

I luv luv luv neutral rooms. This one is almost perfect for me (I don't really care for the leather ottoman). But everything else is fab.

Did you catch the small details? The floor to ceiling curtains, the large mirror in the corner which gives the illusion of a larger space, how about the texture: from the couch to the rug to the light hardwoods! Gotta luv neutral colors. So chic!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

I can't deny that hispanic dishes are some of the most flavorful on earth. All of the herbs, spices, marinades, meats, beans, and vegetables...I can go on and on. This is a recipe I found created by B. Smith (whom I adore) and Lawry's. Of course, if you're anything like me, you may want to substitute the steak with chicken. Enjoy!

GRILLED SKIRT STEAK TOSTADAS

6 servingsPrep Time: 45 minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

• 1/4 cup PLUS 1 Tbsp. Lawry's(R) Mexican Chile & Lime Marinade With LimeJuice
• 3/4 lb. skirt steak, trimmed
• 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise, divided1 bag (4 oz.) baby watercress or baby spinach (about 6 cups looselypacked)
• 1 cup quartered grape or cherry tomatoes
• 3 large radishes, julienned (1/8- x 1/8- x 1-inch strips)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 tsp. Lawry's(R) Garlic Salt6 (5-in.) corn tostadas*1/2 cup shredded queso fresco or Monterrey Jack cheese (about 2 oz.)

In large resealable plastic bag, pour 1/4 cup Lawry's(R) Mexican Chile & Lime Marinade With Lime Juice over steak; turn to coat. Close bag and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons mayonnaise with remaining 1 tablespoon Marinade; set aside. In large bowl, combine watercress, tomatoes, radishes and onion; set aside.
Remove steak from Marinade, discarding Marinade. Grill steak, turning once, 8 minutes or to desired doneness; thinly slice and keep warm.

In medium microwave-safe bowl, coarsely mash black beans with remaining mayonnaise and Garlic Salt. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until warm. Evenly spread bean mixture on tostadas, then top with steak. Toss watercress mixture with mayonnaise mixture, then mound on tostadas. Sprinkle with cheese.

*SUBSTITUTION: To make your own tostadas, in small skillet, fry corn tortillas in oil, one at a time, turning once, until crisp; drain on paper towels. For more recipes visit http://www.lawrys.com/

♥Elise

SASSY SPACES: Bored? Add a Swing

nice.

Kelly Sweet "Raincoat"

I luv this song.

Words to Live By

I think that I'm going to order a couple of these prints to put throughout my space. They are cute, quirky and inspirational.

Want your own? Click here.

SASSY SPACES: It's Laundry Day!

These are the prettiest laundry rooms I've ever seen. Fresh flowers AND throw rugs: Why didn't I think of that!?! My new laundry room will soon get a mini-makeover. Who knows, maybe that will help me get some things done;) ♥Elise

Photo Courtesy: Canadian House and Home

Photo Courtesy: Michael Bevan

Celebrate the Queen in You

It's so easy for us to get caught up in the 'days work.' So much so, that we forget to celebrate the queens that we are.

It is not up to me or anyone else to make you feel special. It's up to you..

Live your best life TODAY. As women, we are nurturers and often times we get so wrapped up in taking care of others, that we forget to care for ourselves. Remember: You can't be of any good to anyone if you aren't taking care of yourself.

So today, and everyday, strap on your crown and wear it with pride as you become the best you YOU can be. ~E

SASSY SPACES: 4 Very Sexy Bedrooms

This one is my fav! I saved it in my file for inspiration. I am not a headboard girl. Instead, I love using artwork, rugs or other non-conventional ideas like the one above. This room has my name written all over it. Perfect!

I love the different textures going on in this room. While it's clearly a bachelor's bedroom, it is clean and sophisticated. The stacks of books on the side table and the black and white photo gives the space the personalization it needs.

How sexy is this space? The splashes of gold and the variety of textures on the bedding are priceless. There are so many wonderful details: Look at the gold wallpaper and the beading around the custom headboard. Nice. I also love the simple side table...and the placement of the lamp. While, the lamp is a bit masculine for my taste, it does not take away from the rooms luxurious appeal. This room is simply beautiful.

If it weren't for the Louboutins, gold clutch and beautiful artwork in the corner, I would have argued that this is a bachelor's room. However, a second (and much closer) look lets me see that there is SO much femininity in this space. From the crocheted throw.. to the satin throw pillows, this is beautiful yet cozy bedroom that I wouldn't mind having.

Courtesy: Living Etc

2009 Nobel Peace Price Winner

44 is snagging another huge accolade. It was announced that President Barack Obama is the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

The committee for the Nobel Foundation says, "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"

Congrats Mr. President!

FYI: The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 89 times to 119 Nobel Laureates between 1901 and 2008 – 96 times to individuals and 23 times to organizations.

Below are the winners of the honor of the past ten years...

2009 - Barack Obama
2008 - Martti Ahtisaari
2007 - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Al Gore
2006 - Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank
2005 - International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei
2004 - Wangari Maathai
2003 - Shirin Ebadi
2002 - Jimmy Carter
2001 - United Nations, Kofi Annan
2000 - Kim Dae-jung


For more info on the win visit http://www.nobelprize.org/

Iwudrockthehelloutoftheseboots...

...but not for $1600

All Things Pink..

Keeping up with the theme of breast cancer awareness, I wanted to celebrate all things pink.

Luv Life. ~E

Don't forget to tell someone you love to do their breast-self exam.

Closet Freak

First, let me say that I am thankful. I made it to my new home in one piece and I luv this new condo. BUT, was I drunk when I signed the paperwork. The closets are crap!

I have been shifting and moving and packing and unpacking all week and I still can't make it work. I am now stuck prioritizing outfits.

If I had a space like homegirl up there, there would be no need for this post. Built-ins are the best (if you have room for them).
Don't get me wrong, this thing is a haven for space. It is an open floor plan. However,
it seems as though closets and bathrooms were low on the priority list.

I haven't even addressed shoes. That will be a whole other monstrosity. I still have at least 6 boxes filled with shoes. Where, oh where will they go!?!?!

I am making a special trip to Ikea this weekend in hopes of finding some storage solutions. In the meantime, I welcome any and ALL ideas! ~E