What I Bought - December 2014

1. J.Crew pop art rose tee - $20.99 (on sale - still available!)
2. J.Crew Donald Robertson tee - $20.99 (on sale - still available!)
3. Hulk fist bump tee - $11.19
4. Conair medium spiral rollers - $7.29
5. L'Oreal power volume 24H mascara - $6.99 (I'm not liking it at all - so don't bother with this one)

Total spent out of pocket = $67.45

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

Hey, just for fun let's see how much I've spent in 2014!

Total Spent Out of Pocket for 2014 = $1,126.76 (which averages $93.90 a month - less than last year)

January = $30

February = $112.99

March = $160.40

April = $66.10

May = $27.98

June = $0

July = $32.65

August = $64.40

September = $227.20

October = $337.59

November = $0

December = $67.45

Book Review - "The Martian" by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir (Kindle version is $3)

This book has had a lot of buzz around it because the guy who wrote it basically just had the story on his website, but the more and more people read it, the more and more people wanted it in a "book" form so he put it on Amazon for the lowest price and it took off from there.  To the best seller list and now a movie (currently filming).  It's about astronaut Mark Watney, part of a crew sent to Mars for a mission, but in a turn of events he was left stranded all alone on the planet.  Mark is lovable from the first line, he's a GREAT character, absolutely love him.  It's a book that follows his efforts to get back to Earth, which are harrowing and seemingly impossible yet his trials and tribulations will not let you put the book down.  Can you tell this is Mr. Weir's first book?  Yes.  Does that hinder the story?  No.  He has jammed so much research and science into this book you forget that it's just a novel.  He did such a great job.  It's the story of a dude with a great sense of humor and joie de vivre that just happens to take place on Mars.  I highly recommend this book!  It's one of the best stories I've read in a long time!

Footnote:  The movie is being directed by Ridley Scott and Mark is being played by Matt Damon.  I can't say I'm happy about either choice.  I'm nervous Scott is going to make it more about Mars than Mark and more deadly serious than optimistic.  I hope I'm wrong.

Book Review - "The EveryGirl's Guide to Life" by Maria Menounos

The EveryGirl's Guide to Life by Maria Menounos

Another book picked up on a whim at the library, I just love books like this, it takes me back to my adolescence, when I was trying to figure out who and what I should/could be.  Always on the lookout for tips and tricks about life.  It's like that old Ellen DeGeneres joke about adults asking kids what they want to be when they grow up - because the adults are looking for ideas.  I guess you never quite figure it out or maybe it's just me that hasn't.  Anyway, back to this book, it's really aimed at the older teen/young adult set so I didn't get too much out of it, just a few things here and there.  However if you have an older teen/college age/fresh out of college gal in your life then this would be a great gift!  She just gives very practical advice and encouraging words about being self sufficient, learning all you can and becoming highly organized.  Some of the technology she mentions is a bit dated and the "black book" she encourages you to start with all your vital information, etc (a good idea), I would add buying a fireproof safe to put that book in (and any other vital documents) and put the safe in a very secret place.  All in all a good book!

Book Review - "The Selby is in Your Place" by Todd Selby

The Selby is in Your Place by Todd Selby

I found this at the local second hand bookstore in the clearance section for $5 (it was pretty much brand new)!  So I had to grab it and check it out.  I'm glad I did.  Now granted, it's definitely a book with a hipster vibe (which can make one roll their eyes, myself included) but I could overlook all that and just enjoy peeking into people's homes and workspaces.  I just love stuff like that.  As a person in a creative field I'm used to be surrounded by stuff that inspires me.  Pinboards full of images, toys, fabrics, boxes overflowing with color chips, etc. so the clutter that is in some of these spaces I completely understand.  Do I love clutter, no, but I do understand how you really have to have stuff around you for reference.  These spaces aren't perfect, they are lived in and not polished up to unattainable.  That's the part I love about this book and I'm happy to add it to my interior design book collection.  If you don't find spaces like that inspiring or interesting (and if you hate clutter) then this isn't the book for you.  

Book Review - "Bright Bazaar" by Will Taylor

Bright Bazaar: Embracing Color for Make-You-Smile Style by Will Taylor

I checked this out of the library on a whim and I must say I LOVED it!  It's by a blogger who I've never heard of whose passion is color and injecting color into interior decorating.  I loved the color palette section where he highlights some favorite pairings and the inspiration for them as well as using them in your home.  The book is chock full of inspiring pictures and wonderful color!  One complaint is they do re-use photos in different sections, I wish he would have used more/different homes as examples.  But otherwise this would be a solid addition to any decorating book collection!

My Picks - Pre-Fall 2015

It's that time again, designers are presenting their Pre-Fall 2015 collections and as always, I'm pinning my favorite looks on my Pre-Fall 2015 Pinterest board (updating as the shows post).  Head over and check it out!

Pre-Fall 2015

Book Review - "A Story Lately Told" by Anjelica Huston

A Story Lately Told by Anjelica Huston

I've been hearing a lot about this memoir and was excited when I ran across a copy at the local library book sale!  It recounts her childhood in Ireland, London and then eventually in NYC as a young model.  Her life is fascinating, but I found her telling a bit scattered.  I honestly had a hard time keeping up with the cast of characters.  And I never understood if she actually finished school or not.  Her lineage is fascinating (granddaughter of Walter and daughter of John) but also created a bit of destiny for her in regards to being in movies.  When I finished the book, I was a bit "meh" and yet I still want to pick up part two to see what happens in Los Angeles.  As autobiographies go this was a solid 3 on a scale of 1-5.

What I Bought - November 2014

Modern House Number by Moderndwell on Etsy

I bought nothing this month.  Not even a lip gloss.  It was my birthday month and I didn't indulge! Though I did buy this indoor grill and a Pencil by FiftyThree (during their black Friday sale - love the app).  Not really style related, just functional stuff.  Party pooper!