reminiscing

When I was growing up, there was a local bookstore that was owned by a couple who lived in my neighborhood {one of whom is now in state government}. I loved that bookstore. After earning enough money from chores, I would collect my cash, grab my frequent reader card and ride my teal blue and white bike to the Little Professor bookstore to pick out a new book.

I still remember the smell of that store...pages upon pages of printed word. The paper, the ink. Sure, there are still the megachain bookstores that carry shelves of books - a much bigger collection than what was at Little Professor - but their book-y smell is tainted by lattes and cappuccinos and baked goods. Little Professor was old school. And wonderful.

I would pick out the latest Babysitter's Club or Sweet Valley High book and quickly gobble it up.

What made me think about my favorite bookstore? Sweet Valley Confidential, of course. The book takes a look at where Elizabeth and Jessica, the two main characters, and their friends are 10 years after high school. I've read mixed reviews on the book, but I think I'll still check it out.

Full disclosure, I loved the series so much, I even had the board game.

~via~

bag lady

~image via here~

So I came across this post over at Hey Little Birdie and thought - what a wonderful idea for an art wall - designer shopping bags!

I have an obsession with saving paper shopping bags {I use them for everything from lunch totes to carry-alls} and recently acquired a Louis Vuitton one {which carried my 30th birthday present to myself}. I know I have a Tiffany one hanging around, too, so I could absolutely recreate this wall as an ode to my shopping addiction passion.

There are so many more photos of this closet and the framed bags {as well as where to get the frames!} over at Moth Design.

drink up, buttercup

Have I mentioned that it's cold outside? Last night, the temperatures in the desert dropped to a bitter 30 degrees and I feel the need to drink something warm. My usual winter favorite is peppermint hot chocolate, but this year, I'm obsessed with the French caramel latte from Seattle Espresso.

{For those of you who don't know, I've been ardently opposed to coffee beverages for the whole of my 30 years, until about a month ago.}

I found some fun ways to enjoy your morning {or afternoon, or evening} hot beverage - or soup, if you're so inclined.

~via mxyplyzyk.com~

~via west elm~



~via target~



distinguished gentlemen 2.0

A created a list of my favorite older men here, but I was remiss in not including two of the originals. How could I have forgetten these two handsome men?



~jeffrey dean morgan~





~gerard butler~

Did you know you can see both of them in P.S. I Love You? The movie was so-so {the book was so much better} but it was worth the price of admission, thanks to these two.

distinguished gentlemen

I have always had a thing for older men. Maybe it's because they are typically established in their careers. Maybe it's because they have a plethora of life experiences. Maybe it's because they age well. Whatever the reason, I appreciate a handsome, sometimes salt-and-pepper haired older man.

~john slattery~



~hugh jackman~



~anthony bourdain~



But my favorite older gentlemen is my fiance. Isn't he handsome?

~sipping a cocktail from a pineapple on a recent trip to hawaii~

oh, sugar, sugar

Lately, and more so than usual, I've not been able to satisfy my sweet tooth! But I've sure tried...

~oh, trader joe's and your macarons~

~chocolate covered and peanut butter stuffed with a drizzle of caramel~

~sprinkles red velvet cupcake - sinfully delicious~

~i even tried natural sugar~

Good thing Tempe Town Lake is getting filled. I'm going to have to work double to work off these sweet treats.

spotted : a guilty pleasure

I am a fan of "Gossip Girl." True, last season was a little lackluster, but this season starts off in Paris - and how can that be bad?

I love the fantasy (or reality, depending on the size of your trust fund); I love the fashion; I love Chuck Bass (and all the clever things they can do with his name : Basstard, Motherchucker, Bassets). And I'm not the only one who counts the show as a guilty pleasure - my future husband, Mark, watches it with me, too - just as long as it's DVR'd so it doesn't conflict with Monday Night Football.

So far, this season's fashion doesn't disappoint. From flirty dresses, Carrie-esque styling, classic pieces and daytime sparkle, I'm in love and want to fly straight to New York or Paris for shopping spree.

Spoiler alert! If "Gossip Girl" is waiting for you on your DVR, come back to this post after you've watched it. Although, I think the fashion is just too delicious not to preview!

And we can't forget the guys of "Gossip Girl" - a quick homage to my favorite...

photos courtesy of here, here, here and here.