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

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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

Happy Birthday Daddy

The Clutch Manifesto

This is the manifesto of online mag Clutch. I luv it!
*******************************************************************************
-Smart is always sexy…
-Do it for yourself not someone else…
-Research is the key to a successful purchase…
-A girl should never leave home without her compact…
-Don’t be afraid to mix styles and colors…
-If he’s not into you…good…his loss
-Living and learning are life’s best teachers
-We dig men who recognize a mean shoe game..
-Staying involved in your community is essential…
-Diversity is what makes the world go round…
-Don’t date losers…pass them along to your enemies…
-The library is the hangout…
-Appearance is important…
-We live for good music and online shopping…
-We lead they follow…

Hopefully something will blossom as a result of this wet weather. Enjoy.

Beyonce talks Sasha Fierce, family and Kanye