Vinyl Obessed!!!

Not this kind of vinyl!!!!

This kind...

...and look at my new friend I just brought home!!

{images via google search}

I found her on Craigslist for such a great deal and she is FAB!

I went to Half Priced for the second time this week and picked up Ella, Dizzy, Miles, Sinatra, Etta, and even picked up some fun records for the boys. 

What a perfect way to end this rainy evening.

Jazz, wine, and the hubby!!

xoxo,

Ronita

Fabulous Book Finds

I had a coupon for Half Price Books and went today after work. I picked up two really fab fashion books!!!

(Soulstyle: Black Women Redefining the Color of Fashion by Duane Thomas)

I can't wait to crack them open. SoulStyle will make a great coffee table book!!

xoxo,

Ronita

Midnight Snack...and I shouldn't!!!

While browsing one of my all time favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere, I came across this absolutely delicious recipe for a Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. I just happened to have everything I needed right in my kitchen!!! Let me say!! It is amazing!!

{photo via Cupcakes and Cashmere}

Stand's Marshmallow Shakes
3 scoops vanilla ice cream (they use Laboratorio del Gelato)
1 tablespoon whole milk
I large dollop, er, Wookstock Water Buffalo Milk yogurt (For the 300 million of you that can't pick water buffalo milk yogurt up at your corner store, feel free to use a substitute yogurt—it's just there to add a little more liquid and balance out the sweetness of the ice cream a bit)
5 Kraft Jumbo Jef-Puffed marshmallows
Whipped cream
1) Toast marshamllows under a broiler, or, if you're frisky, over a flame until they just start to blacken evenly (the trick is to make sure it's evenly toasted and dark, but not turned to charcoal).
2) Put the milk, yogurt, and then ice cream in the blender. Blend carefully, just until you get a "donut"—when you see the shake holding to the sides of the blender with a hollow core.
3) Add three of the toasted marshmallows to the blender, and whirl it just until they're all broken up and distributed evenly. Be careful not to overblend it, making it too melty.
4) Pour shake into a glass, top with a dollop of whipped cream, break the last two marshmallows on top, and serve with an extra-wide straw.
5) Repeat if necessary. And it will probably be necessary

{recipe via}

I hope you try it and enjoy it like I did!!!

xoxo

Ronita

Budget DIY: My New Nightstand!!!

I purchased this old night stand off Craigslist for $5.00 and knew just what I wanted to do with it!! All of our bedroom funiture is a dark cherry wood so I wanted something that would lighten up my space a bit. This stand was an old Hunter Green color, with the perfect distress.

I headed to Walmart and got two cans of Ivory glossy spray paint for $6.00. I added a spray nozzle for $2.97.

Remember those Jeweler's Knobs I found at Anthro for $2.95/each !!!

I put it all together and now have a fabulous night stand, personal, feminine, and just plan fab all for under $20.00!!

I think I am starting to really enjoy DIY projects.

Next up: repurposing two small tables that I am going to make into little desks for my little men.  I purchased both tables for a total of $7.00 while out vintage shopping!!

Stay Tuned!!!

xoxo

Ronita

Eat, Pray, Love the MOVIE!!!

Finally!!!

I love this book and will for sure LOVE the movie!!!

xoxo

Ronita

Anthropologie Finds

After our St. Patty's Day happy hour, I asked the hubby to drop me off at Anthropologie. I wanted to witness their Spring line first hand. I so deeply love to take that store in space by space. There is so much detail in their visuals and the designs give me so many inspirations!! The trip around that store was sensational. As my hubby waited ever so patiently in the car, I took in all the nautical details, the ruffles, the jewels and of course that delicious smell. I usually end my trip in sale area to look for some fun baragains (my budget only allows for sale items to be purchased here usually).

 I couldn't have left empty handed (my hubby would beg to differ) so here are some of my sweet deals!!!

Weathered Wharf Measuring Spoons

These will be perfect for all the baking I do!! I usually always have trouble finding the right spoon.

 

TokyoMilk Petite Perfume Solide

This smells so feminine and will fit perfectly in my purse during the Spring. I also purchased the Satsuma from this line and it will be perfect for Summer!!

Jeweler's Knob

I purchased 4 of these beauties and one that had no match. My latest passion has been repurposing furniture. I will reveal my first project soon!!

And last but not least a fun pair of slacks noir for work!!

Needless to say. I had a great time and truly enjoyed my Anthro getaway!!

xoxo

Ronita

Green Beer Yumminess

The hubby and I had a great happy hour yesterday at a fun local pub. Intesresting but GREAT!!

xoxo

Ronita

Happy Saint Patrick's Day in Style

Although I have never really celebrated Saint Patrick's Day I think adding a hint of green (not all at once) in your attire is perfectly acceptable, especially in the SPRING!! Here are some of my top pics!

Find me on Polyvore

Tonight I will celebrate and treat my hubby to some green beer!!

xoxo

Ronita

Lonny Magazine Obsessed

Talk about FABULOUS!! This online publication is simply amazing!! Lonny gives great decor and design tips for the seasoned and newbies (like me)!! I'm so sad Domino Mag is no longer with us but I think I have found a mag to fill that void!!

http://www.lonnymag.com/

xoxo

Ronita

A little SPRING cleaning...the Fabulous WAY

This weekend I will be doing some more Spring cleaning. I look forward to completely emptying my car and cleaning it from inside out. I will dust and strip down all the beds, laundry, and sweep and mop the floors. I need to attack all those random stacks of paper, making sure they get filed away in their proper folders. I have to go through all the boy's clothes taking out "to small- and out of season" items. We will make a trip down to the Freestore to donate our unwanted items. Wipe down windows, clean under all beds, straighten our closets and attack the bathrooms...needless to say I need a little encouragement and inspiration!!!

Here are some of my Spring Cleaning Inspiration Items

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Here are some of the cleaners I love using

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Happy Friday!!!

xoxo

Ronita

ICE CREAM you SCREAM!!!

One of Cincinnati's little hidden gems...

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the ice cream bar

the candy bar

Beautiful original decor

{above photos via}

The boys and I went to this little lovely yesterday after my hubby and I got off work.  We were eager to get out of the house and celebrate our warm Spring like day. The ice cream served here is not only the BEST you will ever have but the atmosphere is so nostalgic!!! With elements that remain from when they first opened their doors in 1908 sculpted ceilings, Tiffany inspired light fixtures, tile floors, and beautiful fans, it sure beats Dairy Queen. A true cream parlor and the service was outstanding. I even left with some homemade marshmallow caramels and some of their delicious opera cream Easter eggs!! If you are ever in Cincinnati you have to check them out, Aglamesis Bros.

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

xoxo

Ronita

I WON and they are FAB

Thank you to the lovely Typhanie over at Shoebox Decor!!

I was the lucky winner of these absolutely gorgeous crystal amber napkin ring holder designed by Oleg Cassini!!

{pics via}

Check out her fabulous blog. She gives amazing ideas for decorating small spaces with such an eye for detail!!

Thank you Thank you Thank you

P.S. I am putting together a fun tablescape using these holders.

I will share those pictures soon!!

xoxo,

Ronita

Ronita’s Drunken Sangria

When I think about Sangria, memories of my warm summer days in Madrid come to mind. Yesterday, I started flipping through an album made up of my European vacation from June 2001. I had a funny flashback of one particular night out on the town with my group. I was so thirsty (the water was more expensive than alcohol) I kept drinking the Sangria like it was fruit punch!! An hour later I had to be carried back to my hotel room. I learned my lesson, even though you can't taste it (alcohol, that is-it's there).

Sangria is going to be my signature drink this spring. It is so easy to make and with all the yummy fruit coming up as it gets warmer, I will have many variations to try. This will be a sure hit at any gathering!

Here is the recipe for my DRUKEN SANGRIA…

1 bottle of white zinfandel
1 bottle of chardonnay

½ cup of rum or bourbon

¼ to ½ cup of sugar (optional)

Fruit

1 apple sliced thin

½ cup pineapple tibits with juice

½ cup of grapes sliced in half

½ cup of strawberries sliced in half

1 lime- half sliced thin and half squeezed into Sangria

Find a beautiful clear pitcher (I love seeing all the floating fruit). Mix all liquids together with sugar. Drop fruit into mixture. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour, if you have time make it the night before, so the fruit has time to diffuse into the wine and absorb some of the alcohol!!

Find some gorgeous glasses and pour over ice!!!

Note: you can make any variation of this recipe. But I found this one to be super yummy. Next time I will probably try with peaches and berries!!

Salud

xoxo,

Ronita

Wedding Guest Part I

Wedding Guest by mrsrjdean featuring Lipsy dresses

What better way to bring in Spring than to attend a wedding! The hubby and I have been invited to a fabulous Spring wedding at the end of this month. I have been trying to figure out what to wear and I think I found the dress!! It reminds me a lot of these dresses in that it is airy, light (color and fabric) and romantic!!! The best part is I got it at an incredible deal at H & M.

What are some of your favorite fashions to wear to weddings?

xoxo,

Ronita

Part II: the best wedding gifts...

Paris Again

Daydreaming about where I wouldn't mind traveling....

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Again...

This time with my hubby, enjoying the romance of the city, together!!

xoxo

Ronita

My DESK is screaming...SPRING!!!!

I bought my self some beautiful yellow daffodils, just like these, and they smell amazing!! I am trying to bring in SPRING!!!

Happy Tuesday!

{via}

xoxo,

Ronita