So worth it...

Just finished a scoop of sweet cream ice cream and a waffle cone from Marble Slab. Why do I feel so bad even though it tastes so good;)

1st Lady Fab

Check out 1st Lady Michelle Obama....

She had a hula-hoop and double dutch contest on the White House lawn.

YBF

I'm lovin it! ♥Elise

Missing MJ

Listening to my Michael Jackson Greatest Hits CD. This is good music!

SASSY SPACES: Breakfast Anyone?

With a 2-yr-old nephew who loves leaving his mark, a sister who will never admit to the mess she makes AND clumsy friends... one thing I know I will never have...is a white kitchen!

Courtesy: Downandoutchic

Yes, most of my color pallet is eggshell but that's a far cry in my opinion from stark white. It still doesn't keep me from daydreaming about eating a stack of pancakes in a kitchen like this. ♥Elise

5 Reasons why I ♥♥♥♥ Chanel

This is the fall collection from Chanel. Shop.com has the complete line plus a number of other new colections. But I must admit, Chanel is always my fav. Slight changes...classic design with a modern edge.

I can't wait until Chanel fills my closet. For now....I will stick to my 10 year Chanel tradition that I can easily afford.....

Chanel No.5

♥Elise

Unit #M

As many of you may recall, I recently got a new condo in NC. It's only been a couple of weeks but you wouldn't believe some of the changes I have made. But there is still sooooo much I want to do!

So as I continue to re-design and re-decorate, I may need your help.

Be on the lookout for Unit #M.

♥Elise

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