Eye of the Tiger

Happy Chinese New Year! 

2010 is the year of the Tiger and we're already seeing it in a big way! Tigers symbolize physical power, independence, bravery, and attention. Check out these recent finds that represent the spirit of the tiger! 

This imported crouching tiger rug is characterized by it's neutral colors, which go great in any room! Love it!

Anthropologie, $298

Tiger-eye earrings are a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection! These 14K gold fill earrings are strung with aquamarine and tiger eye stones. Beautiful!  

Anthropologie, $98

Fierce KORS by Michael Kors pumps!

Nordstroms, $260

"...That's OK, I Make Lamb!"

One of my all-time favorite movies is My Big Fat Greek Wedding! People don't really believe me, but this is REALLY my life! I have a very large Middle-Eastern family that bases it's existence on it's heritage, which includes frequent family gatherings, blaring Arabic music, and lots of food!! And if that didn't convince you that this movie is based on my life, my mother even calls me "Natoula"!

My favorite quote from this movie comes from Toula's crazy little aunt, Aunt Voula, who asks her niece's new American boyfriend to come over for dinner, hoping to convince him that she is the best cook in the family (another typical trait from the women in my family). Toula explains to her aunt that her boyfriend is a vegetarian and doesn't eat any meat. "What do you mean you don't eat no meat?!" In complete shock, the entire room stops and stares at the couple, however, Aunt Voula cuts the tension by saying, "Oh, it's ok, I make lamb." HAHAHA!

As disappointed as Aunt Voula would be at me for saying this, I think she would've understood that I won't be eating meat today. It's Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season. I'm not only giving up eating meat on Wednesdays and Fridays for the next 40 days, I'm also giving up fried foods. Yes, I said it, ALL fried foods. While I don't think of myself as a poor eater, I do enjoy my chips, fries, and chicken fingers every so often! I will have to think before ordering at a restaurant or shopping down the chips aisle at the grocery store, this act of penance and discipline is really alright by me!

Have you seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? What are you giving up for lent?

All You Need Is Love

It is that time of the year to celebrate your loved ones, and eat those cute little conversational hearts! Whether you're single, dating, or married, this holiday is all about the love! Here are just a few things that help me get into the Valentine's Day spirit, well besides those cute heart-shaped chocolates! 

Sometimes all it takes is a little color to brighten up your life, and with OPI's various new collections, you have plenty of options to choose from! These three colors are my personal picks for the season! They are perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day with that special someone! 

Great romantic movies can completely transform your mood, and sometimes even your beliefs on the idea of love in general! Movies surrounded by the theme of love such as "Romeo and Juliet", "The Notebook", and "He's Just Not That Into You" are true classics and some of my personal favorites! Arriving in theaters February 12th is "Valentine's Day". With an all-star cast, I would venture to say it is a definite must-see this Valentine's Day!

*Warning: Always watch romantic movies with a large box of tissues! 

Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, beats chocolates on Valentine's Day! Whether you go with Godiva, Ghiradelli, Peterbrooke's, or Nestle, chocolate steals the show everytime! 

Remember... Valentine's Day is just about love, because in the end, all you need IS love!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Tis' the Season to GIVE!

It's that time of year for Christmas tree decorating, cookie baking, and LOTS of holiday cheer, but many people this year are truly struggling to provide for themselves and their families. What better way to celebrate this year than to give to those who really need it!  This year, Matt and I decided to skip the gifts to eachother and donate to the kiddies at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. After an afternoon at Target and a cart filled with Crayola Crayons, Barbies, and Tonka Trucks, we were happier than we could have ever been receiving presents from one another! Do what you can to help people in need this year, whether it is donating your time, cans of soup, toys for children, or $5! For information on how you can give back to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, please visit http://www.choa.org, and download their wishlists!

Blowing Out the Candles

I wanted to thank everyone for all the warm birthday wishes and love I've received over the past few days! I have been so lucky and thankful for my friends and family, and am really grateful for every opportunity and obstacle that God has given to me. I've learned a lot this past year, but I think the one true realization that I've come to is that life is too short and precious to sweat the small stuff. This upcoming year, I hope to remember to be grateful and live life to the fullest, capturing and living in every moment, because we truly only have one life to live.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is truly my favorite holiday of the year, mainly because it is always filled with lots of love, family, football, and food! I am so thankful for so many things, but mostly for my amazing family, wonderful group of friends, and incredible boyfriend. I hope that everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving and remembers to give back to those in need. Check out the following opportunities available in Atlanta to do what you can to help others...

Hosea Feed the Hungry- volunteer or donate to their annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Turner Field by visiting HoseaFeedTheHungry.com.

Atlanta Red Cross- volunteer and donate your time to assist individuals and families who have been affected by the floods in Georgia by visiting AtlantaRedCross.org.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program- visit your local Simon Mall in the Atlanta area to provide new clothing and toys to children in need. For more information, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Habitat for Humanity- volunteer or donate towards helping families in need build a home by visiting www.habitat.org.

Happy Thanksgiving!