This week I’ll be laying poolside on vacation. Posting will return next Monday. I hope you scan back at old posts in the meantime! xo

In case you’re new to reading my site, you might not know that I have a full time job in event production. It is 100% my dream job and I am so lucky to have a challenging but rewarding career so young in my life. One of the main aspects of my job is continually exploring new design inspiration to use at events. Florals, lighting, fonts, and DIY (Do It Yourself) pieces all go into an event and lucky for me, I am always on the hunt for more via mags, blogs, pretty much any where and everywhere.

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Last week, I came across Anthropologie’s new facebook album sharing their 2011 Earth Day retail designs. The storefronts, windows, and decor were all made up of corks. Yes, wine corks! The eco-chic idea was too adorable to not share and if you’re DIY savvy, a nice little weekend project to put on your plate.

Anthropologie shared that cork is 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. After the April artwork, Anthropologie will send the corks to Cork ReHarvest to transform into new items such as flooring, paper pulp, cork bobbers and much more. Aside from the gorgeous design, I love the fact that Anthropologie is using it’s store status for good. Reusing items rather than producing week long graphics for a window, bringing awareness to a good cause, as well as donating to create new out of old.

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After collecting corks, use either markers or dye you can color the corks to any thing you want. A simple twine, carabiner, and wire construction can create a day project out of corks to make a chic kitchen chandelier. If it’s a little too out of your DIY realm, take the corks and hot glue them to a large canvas to create a beautiful design like the moon, or wheel-like shapes above. I love the idea of using your old corks for kitchen crafts and this project would make the perfect decor for a new apartment!

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Head over to Anthropologie’s facebook to learn more about their project and see more of their designs. I hope these photos inspired you as much as they did me!

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All photos from Anthropologie’s facebook.

I’m 100% not embarrassed to admit that I’m a huge nerd. Ever since I was younger I loved reading. I never had profound reading choices, Archie Comics in elementary school, Gossip Girl books in middle school, Jodi Piccoult books in high school and of course, the Twilight books in college. I have my biography or two here and there, my literary moments of worth, but mainly my ultimate guilty pleasure in life is chick-lit. For those of you who aren’t familiar, it’s chick literature. A large printed, short lasting easy read that is normally based around a “real-life” girl in fantasy situations. A struggling single girl in NY who gets discovered to be the next big PR Director of a fashion company, then meets the man of her dreams with a 3-carat ring, closet of Louboutins, and weekend trips to exotic locale. Basically, a chick flick in 250-page form.

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I have never turned down or off a chick flick in my life, and I have never not finished a chick-lit book. And to connect the two, any time I hear of a new book being turned into a movie I rush to read the book prior to movie opening. Devil Wears Prada, any Nicolas Sparks, Eat Pray Love and now… Something Borrowed.

After seeing the trailer featuring Kate Hudson, the ultimate chick-flick queen, I knew I had to read the book immediately. The story revolves around Rachel, the stereotypical “shy” brunette, who lets her boisterous blonde friend Darcy take the lead in life. Rachel decides to matters into her own hands and stand up for herself despite Darcy’s dominant matter. The adorable tale of friendship, true love, and deceit made this an easy read. If you’re like me and have no control of yourself to actually put the book down, this is a one day read.

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For a little extra fun, here’s the trailer for the upcoming movie… but promise me you’ll read the book first. It’s always better!!

I borrowed Something Borrowed from a friend, and I suggest you to pass the book along to friends for a quick and fun beach read!

The Spring 2011 runways were filled with the California cool look. Crochet in minis to maxis, accents to accessories, classically colorless or eye-popping and bright, the look can work for anyone. Growing up in San Francisco, I fell in love with crochet the day I bought my first tasseled tote on Haight St. But with designers transforming the boho look, the trend is just as appropriate on the beach as it is at the office.

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For a casual look, tank tops, maxis, and mini dresses look beach chic. Skip the sheer crochet unless you’re covering up on the beach, but layering a basic white tank or slip under any piece brings the look from sand to sidewalk. To rock this trend at the office, stick to more classic covered silhouettes like Rachel Roy’s. A work-appropriate knee length sheath gives a trendy twist to a traditional shape. If you’re hesitant to strut in the sheer style, ease into the trend with a crocheted purse, headband, or belt.

Jen Kao and Catharine Malandrino, Spring 2011 RTW.

Vivienne Tam, Spring 2011 RTW.

Rachel Roy and ADAM, Spring 2011 RTW.

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To take this trend from runway to real way, Lulu’s.com has the look for a fraction of the cost. Maxis to minis, you can rock this runway look on even the tightest budget. All the pieces below retail for under $100 with the same chic style the designers created. Spring 2011 is all about the casual cool look, and nothing says California goddess like the slouchy, throw-it-on and go appeal of crochet.

BB Dakota Ivory Lace Dress, Dear Unicorn White Dress, Upper Float Crocheted Dress

Sweetwater Beige Maxi Dress, Free Bird Ivory Top

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I’ve already purchased a piece or two for Spring and can’t wait for the temps to be high enough to style the sweet look without a sweater. Will you be wearing crochet this season?!

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All images via Style.com

This year for Lent I decided to forgo the usual “give up all sugar, diet coke, and cheese” for a more substantial goal that would actually be a benefit rather than accepting the reality that 40 days without a bite of chocolate would make me go insane. I decided to give up “laziness.” Um, yeah. By this I mean, I’ll walk the extra few blocks rather than take the subway, I’ll take the stairs rather than the escalator, and the bigger commitment- I’ll go to the gym four times per week. After Taylor of Sterling Style posted about how she motivates herself, I thought I’d do the same!

1. Cute workout gear will help to make you feel more confident at the gym.

Lululemon is absolutely the most famous of workout gear. Yoga capris, fitted pants, tanks and tees with fabric to help your body stay cool. Prices range around $50 per top, and $100 per pant. Find these pieces here.

This week I went on a Forever 21 Activewear spree and bought up all the colors they had. Tops around $10, and pants around $20 give you the financial freedom to buy more. If you’re anything like me, the gym is still a place to look your best so wearing the same old sorority tee & faded stretch pants can get old after day 3. See their activewear here.

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2. An amazing playlist can push you that much harder during a daily workout.

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My top 10:

– Kanye West: Power

– Ellie Goulding: Lights (Bassnectar remix)

– 2AM Club: Faster Babe

- Red Hot Chili Peppers: Suck My Kiss

- Fergie: London Bridge

- Jimmy Eat World: Sweetness

- Kid Cudi & Steve Aoki- Pursuit of Happiness (Remix)

- Passion Pit: Sleepyhead (Neo Tokyo Remix)

- Daft Punk: Harder, Better, Faster Stronger

- Taking Back Sunday: You’re So Last Summer

Let’s be real, any Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Britney that is high energy will do too!

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3. Never leave home without your gear.

I never go to the gym without a water bottle with room temperature water, this is better for your body than ice cold water. A few months ago I was given an iPod shuffle which has been amazing. To clip it on and not dealing with the flying cord all over the place. If you cannot buy a new music device, just purchase an armband to slide your device into and it’ll also fit a debit card and key if you need a place to put it! I’m lucky enough to have a gym in my building, but if you have to travel to the gym invest in an adorable bag to keep everything in– target and lululemon have great options. Don’t forget your headband to push back flyaways!

Lululemon, lululemon, and Forever 21. (I also love the Goody 5 pack headbands at the drugstore!)d

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4. Have a partner.

Personally, I love working out with another person but it can be difficult finding a time that works for both of you to work out together. Instead, find someone in your circle of friends or at work who also has an interest in fitness and keep track with them. Having encouragement to make that extra effort after work will give you the push to keep your goal in mind. A group of people at my office have a little twitter hashtag that they “check in” with after a workout (#GetRight #GetTight). It’s almost an accountability factor but without the lecture if you miss a night or two.

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5. Set a goal.

I don’t like setting weight goals, but setting any goal can help you stay motivated. Either increasing your workout time each week, your reps, your frequency, the resistance of the elliptical. Pushing your body a little bit more each week helps your body stay fresh rather than hitting a plateau. Switching up your exercise or activity is a great way to add a new excitement to a workout- if you normally do the elliptical, do a workout DVD or take a class, if you normally do free weights, take heavy water bottles and do your workout outside. Add a twist to keep your body on it’s toes.

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The last thing I suggest is to reward yourself. Whether it’s a square of dark chocolate, a glass of red wine, or a new purchase giving yourself a little treat is more incentive to completing your goal. Plan bigger rewards after bigger accomplishments, i.e. a new pair of wedges after your 4th week, or a new purse when you fit into your “skinny” jeans. It’s all about having fun with every situation, and I hope you’ve learned a new way to twist up your everyday routine! Comment below with a goal you’d like to set for yourself (and let me know the reward you choose for once you’ve completed it!)