New Home Decor Flash Sale site: Joss & Main

Finally!  Another site in the style of One Kings Lane!  I am loving the new flash sale site, Joss & Main and thought all of you ladies may want to check it out as well.

Click here to join and check out the awesome sales.  This week I'm loving the Trina Turk Residential home collection, especially the rugs for $109!

Mod Love: House of Harlow 1960

Until this month, I was never at all impressed by Nicole Ritchie.  Anyone who had a hand in the Simple Life and drove the wrong way down a highway was synonymous with useless to me.  I take all that back now that I discovered her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line.  I like the fun, pop art inspired pieces... and that you can find them really marked down online.

Here are some of my favorites:

I'm loving that turquoise and white zig zag necklace and would not mind receiving it for Valentine's Day... hint hint.

And the winner is...

I ended up with 35 entries in my spreadsheet for the giveaway and the winning line was #20, which belonged to Suzanne!  Her new cocktail ring will be in the mail on today.  Thanks so much to everyone who entered, please keep sharing this site with your friends and become a follower or Facebook fan.  I have big plans for year two if Cardigan Junkie!

Where are they now: Blossom

Don't forget to enter by midnight Central time tonight for a chance to win the cocktail ring from the Grayce by Molly Sims collection!

I don't have much time to write a big post tonight, but decided it would be fun to take 15 minutes and put together a quick Where are they now? post in response to a Twitter suggestion.  Here's an update on our favorite 90's hat-wearer, Blossom:

A lot has changed since 1995, but a few things remain the same: Blossom Russo likes layers and hats.  She's in her early 30's now, and recently moved back to her hometown to be with her family and raise her kids.  She and Vinnie actually did live happily ever after, and have two young daughters.  She and Six are still close, especially since Blossom helped her get sober in the late 90s, and run a business selling vintage clothes online.  Six got over her love of Joey Russo, and he only made it as far as AAA baseball before calling it quits because of a knee injury.  He now coaches high school baseball and is quite the ladies man among the young divorcees in town.  Whoa!

P.S. Was anyone else as in love with Vinnie as I was?  I remember getting a crush on him when he was Ted on Hey Dude and being excited that he moved to Blossom.  And I probably wasn't the only one to rock one of these hats around town...

Give it a read: Matchbook Magazine

Don't forget to enter to win a cocktail ring from the Grayce by Molly Sims collection!

It seems that ever since Lonny Magazine launched and began to build a voice in the publishing world, a whole crop of new online magazines burst onto the scene.  I'm thrilled that there's now a new channel for creative people to share fabulous things (for free!) and was excited to check out the newest addition to the online fold when it launched this week - Matchbook Magazine

Overall, I like the aesthetic and that the voice of the magazine doesn't seem too preachy or like it's trying to mimic things that are already out there.  There is a LOT of copy to read, which can be great if you've got time to spend, but overwhelming when you're just trying to browse.  I would have liked more features like the one below and some more interior photos. 

Even though I can't stand printouts in my day to day work life, I really miss turning the pages of magazines.   I hope start ups like Matchbook can stick around, but they'll never take the place of curling up on my couch with glossy pages of pretty pictures. 

And I hope they don't think we're going to start paying to look at PDFs - I'm talking to you, Southern Flourish. 

Things every girl needs: A classic watch

Don't forget to enter to win a cocktail ring from the Grayce by Molly Sims collection!

I am one of those people who feel naked without a watch.  I don't like using my phone as a clock and I think a classic timepiece almost always makes an outfit better.  With that in mind, here are some of my favorite options if you're in the market for a watch this year.

Citizen Silhouette (Eco Drive)

This is my exact watch and I love it.  It's solar powered and never needs a battery, lightweight, and not too fancy or too casual for anything I wear.

Fossil Stella Watch

Michele Double Wrap Calfskin Watch
An impossible dream, I know... sigh

MICHAEL Michael Kors Brown Leather Strap Watch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Patent Leather Watch

Reader Request: Warm, winter boots that aren't Ugg-ly

Don't forget to enter to win a Grayce by Molly Sims cocktail ring!

This week's reader request comes from my friend, Cassie, who just moved to the great white north of Oklahoma.  As a fellow Texan, she's still navigating the ins and outs of actual snow and freezing weather and needs some warm boots.  Like me, she's not a fan of Uggs and wants some other options.

I will admit this was difficult.  I found lots of great $298 options, but I cannot suggest those to my friend with a straight face.  I kept looking again today and I think I hit the jackpot.  A brand called Dav makes fleece-lined, waterproof boots that aren't bulky and are under $120!

My top pick are the Equestrian Stretch Knee-high Boots. They look like normal riding boots, but have a cozy looking lining and will be great for snow since they're made of rubber.  I think they'd look cute with leggings or jeans and at $115, cost much less than similar styles.

Another option, if you don't want black, is the Quilted English Knee High Boot that comes in Champagne and Gunmetal.  It also has a fleece lining and is made of rubber, and is only $85.

The third option I found is made by a company called Khombu, and they specialize in "after ski wear".  These boots look like suede, but are not bulky and supposedly waterproof and warm. 

And now I am seriously regretting my plain rubber Wellies. 

Giveaway! Grayce by Molly Sims cocktail ring

It's been a while since I've hosted a giveaway and since Tuesday will be my 1 year Blog-iversary (wow!) I want to celebrate by giving something back to all of you ladies who come here each day and read what I have to say.

This week I have an awesome gold cocktail ring with coral jewel from the Grayce by Molly Sims collection.  It's a size 7, and you could buy it here or simply leave a comment and have a chance at winning it for free!  Originally, the ring was $95 but I happened to get it for free thanks to a Gilt.com account credit.

Here's the rules:

Each entry to win gets you one line in my spreadsheet.  To get an entry you can:

• Leave a comment on this post by midnight Central time on Friday, January 28 with some way to contact you if you're the winner.  You don't have to create any sort of account, just select Name/Url or Anonymous from the dropdown box and you're all set.
• Follow me via Google Friend connect (see right).  I'd really like to see that number grow - it seems like it's been at 80 forever! Be sure to let me know via email or a comment that you did this!
• Like me on Facebook (see right).  Again, let me know via email or comment that you did this!
• Follow me on Twitter (see right).  Same holds true - let me know you did and you'll get another entry
• Add me to your blog roll.  Let me know that you did via email or comment and provide a link to your blog.

I'll pick a winner using Random.org after all entries are received by midnight on Friday and announce the winner on Monday morning.  Good luck!

Thank you! (And 7 things...)

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my little blog and all of you who read it?  It's grown to become so much more than I ever expected it to be in 12 months.  I've gotten some lovely emails from several readers, some of which are blogging awards!  I'm so flattered to have been chosen among your winners.

Thank you very much to Amy Shops the Web and CurlieGirlie03 !  Both of these ladies know how to spot a deal and you should check them out.

Part of one award requires that I post 7 things about myself, and since I rarely write about my life beyond decorating and buying clothes, I'll give it a go:

1. I've had a dachshund every day since I was in 2nd grade and my little man Charlie makes me so happy.  I got him in college and when I think about him getting old I start crying.  My husband and I also have a 2 year old boxer/pointer mix named Maggie that we rescued from the SPCA, and she is 60 lbs of pure happy energy.

2. I'm a very proud graduate of Texas A&M University, but a lot of people act surprised when they learn that. 

3. I am a huge history nerd.  I wanted to major in it, but decided on something more vocational (Marketing) and instead spend lots of time reading historical fiction and browsing for antiques online.

4. McDonald's soft serve ice cream cones are my weakness.  I don't care that it's mostly chemicals.

5. High end stores make me laugh, like in a way that's not appropriate.  I parked my car at Barney's last week and had to walk by the shoes really fast because the idea of $700 ballet flats is just so ridiculous to me that I will giggle.  Please do not take offense, I can't help it. 

6. I no longer discuss politics with family or Facebook, but for those who are curious, I stand just left of moderate.

7. I rehearse important conversations in my car and probably look like a crazy person to anyone that glances my way.  Other times, I get really into my singing and miss the exit for my office. 

And finally, I'm supposed to pass along the awards.  For that, I ask that you take a look at the blogs listed on the right and check them out!

Fabric Panel Fantasy

I've mentioned before that I have a big empty space in my living room and another in my dining area, and need a cheap but stylish way to fill it.  Lately, I've been playing with the idea of framing panels of fabric or wallpaper to get a look like this (courtesy of Maison 21):

So far, my first place candidate is vintage plume fabric from Dwell Studio in jade framed with dark wood trim from the cabinet department of Home Depot (cheap!).

I think it would look amazing.  Until then, I'm saving my pennies!

If money were no object...

I know there are lots of people for whom $100 isn't a lot of money.  I wish I were one of them, and until I am, I will hope and dream that the items below will become drastically discounted.  In the meantime, I'll make fantasy mood boards for you ladies to look at.

Curtains, Mirror: Ballard Designs
Headboard, End table: West Elm
Bedding, Rug: Dwell Studio
Dresser, Lamp, Art: Crate and Barrel
Lighting: Murray Feiss

Spring 2011 - Cardigan-tastic!

In looking through the new spring collections at my favorite stores, it's clear that the cardigan is going to be even bigger this year than in 2010.  Good thing I have 18 of them!  I'm swooning over the looks below, all of which can be recreated with basic pieces and popped with fun jewelry and shoes.  I'm excited that the whole "these are my husband's clothes and I'm going on a safari" look seems to be gone and people will be getting dressed once more.

cardiganjunkie.com is live!

Big news (to me)!  As of today, you can get to this blog by going to www.cardiganjunkie.com rather than typing the entire blogspot address.  Thank you to my wonderful husband for buying me a domain and setting it up. 

I can't decide... again

Who knew finding prints to hang in a bathroom could lead to so much time spent clicking around on Etsy?  Now I can't decide and this is where you come in.  Here's what you need to know:

• Pale blue walls
• Very dark cherry (almost espresso) cabinets
• Gray/white granite countertop
• Pale gray shower curtain
• Need to put something between two mirrors and above the toilet
• I want it to be playful and fun, but not too girly
• I hate french looking signs that say "Bath"

And here are the candidates:

Rachel Austin Notecards

Erinjaneshop Prints

Silhouette Blue Personalized Prints

Set of 6 Tree Prints by Bucks County 

Help please.  Or more suggestions.  What are your favorite shops for modern, affordable prints?

Cardigan + Dress = Deceptively Skinny

I've mentioned in passing once before that one of my favorite new silhouettes to wear is a cardigan over a dress with a belt.  The open cardigan creates a vertical line down the front of the dress that fools the eye and makes you look thinner, plus you look semi dressed up but not like you tried really hard.  The look works with boots and flats (or heels, I guess) and you can add tights to make it winter-friendly.

Here are some outfits that you could put together now (pretty much everything shown is available now):

At Work: Banana Republic dress, Old Navy Cardigan, Nine West shoes

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Lands End Canvas dress, Old Navy cardigan, Corso Como boots

Church or Bridal Shower:  J.Crew dress and cardigan, Nine West shoes, Belt by Peacocks (UK)

Meeting the Parents: Banana Republic dress, Gap ruffle cardigan, Armani Exchange belt, Seychelles sandal

Eat like a Texan: Taco Soup

I know I don't usually write about food, and this is not about to turn into a cooking blog of any kind, but I wanted to share the recipe I've got cooking right now.  Most every Texas kid I know grew up eating some kind of Taco Soup.  Our family's recipe is super easy and takes no talent and very little preparation to make.  It's definitely going to stay in the dinner rotation until I'm an old lady because it makes me feel like a kid every time I eat it.

1 - 1.25 lbs ground beef (I substitute ground turkey and it still tastes great)
1-2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 can ranch style beans
1 can diced tomatoes (I use 2 if I'm using more meat)
1 can corn
1 can cream style corn
1 packet taco seasoning
Chili powder and cumin, if you like more spice
Grated cheddar cheese and sour cream (to garnish)

Brown the meat with the onion and bell peppers and drain the grease.  In a large pot, add all canned ingredients (don't drain them) and the taco seasoning and then dump in your meat mixture and stir.  Simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Serve topped with cheese and sour cream.

You can also make this in the crock pot if you cook your meat ahead of time.  Just combine everything and then cook on high for 4 hrs or low for about 7.  

This is certainly not health food, but there are far worse things you could be eating.  I like to eat the leftovers with tortilla chips like frito pie, since the soup is almost as thick as chili.

Enjoy!

Where are they now: Punky Brewster

It's Thursday night and I'm in a silly mood again, which means another Where are they now post!  This time I wanted to give my take on what one of my favorite 80's tv characters would be doing now if she were real.  Here's a little update on Penelope "Punky" Brewster

Punky (who now goes by Penny, so she could get a job) is in her early 30's and living in Chicago.  She works as a social worker helping kids in foster care and has an amateur photography business on the side.  Henry died 8 years ago (he wasn't in good health back in '86) and left her his apartment and the proceeds from the sale of his photo studio, so she is able to travel and offer a place for her best friend Cherie to live as well.  She dates a lot, but isn't ready to settle down just yet.  Her style is still very colorful (at least 3 in every outfit) and she's not afraid to look different from everyone else, but she does it in a tamer way now that she's an adult. 

P.S.  When verifying how to spell Cherie on Wikipedia, I learned that I watched the entire series in syndication after it had already aired and been canceled on NBC. 

New Inspiration Photos in the Facebook album!

As you know, I'm always collecting photos of rooms that I like so that I can get ideas when I am shopping or use items I already have in new ways.  Check out my Facebook album for the whole collection, including lots of new photos I've collected this fall and winter.

And while you're there, "Like" me and get blog posts in your feed and follow me on Twitter.

Now here are some of my favorite new rooms: