Thrifty (not thirsty) Thursday

So, the packages have arrived: my new Jonathon Adler "happy" books and the pink plastic, cuckoo clock. The books truly are eye candy. Bright, bold, graphic, light hearted and yes, happy. It would be almost impossible to be moody in a Jonathon Adler room. I have been loving this sort of mod mixed with "traditional" thing for a while now and these books just reinforce that. Soon, I will have new spaces to adorn and I do think this is the route I'm taking. I'm inspired, baby, yeah...
As for the clock, love it. It was $8.99 for goodness sake. I could, and just might, design a room around the whimsy of this simple, single clock.  

Cute.
Also, I'm sharing some thrift store fabulous finds today. This, practically brand new, garment bag was at the Salvation Army for $4.99. 

 I had to bribe Ellie with McDonalds to go back for it, but it was worth it. She and I are off to Manhattan this weekend, so the timing couldn't be better. 
I also practically stole a Banana Republic black trench coat at $4.50 and a sassy pair of Clarks slip ons for $2.50. (Do you know what Clarks shoes cost new?) Please, I beg of you, go to your local thrift stores. Everyone, including Mother Earth, benefits from this type of shopping. Here, I even waxed poetic about it once.
That'll do it for today...
For those of you that look forward to a little Thirsty Thursday, I will leave you with this:
personally, my favorite adult beverage is a single, albeit generous, glass of a good, oaky Chardonnay. If you enjoy that too, try La Crema,  Kendall Jackson, J. Lohr or the yummiest I have had, Talbot. There you go...
Happy almost weekend!

Tips-y Tuesday

Simple, money saving tip today...who can't use that, right? Well, feel free to correct me if I am wrong, BUT...next time you go get a car wash, try skipping the super one and opt for the $5 basic. Tell me if you notice a difference. 
May lightning strike me down, I have never seen a difference. All of the assorted light up signs as you mosey through even light up. My car looks exactly the same as the pricier versions each and every time.
Yes, I know the super variety comes with another free wash, but...let's do the math. The super starts at $11.99 for 2 washes...the fancy pants plus is $16.99 for 3...
I'm just saying...
(saving $$ is tres chic.)

Simply, Saturday

It's here! Karley's new store launched yesterday and it's full of vintage wonderfulness...
Please visit Loubird's Nest for perfectly shabby linens, china and kitchenware. Here's a sample of her inventory:

For a grand opening 15% off discount, enter code "Nest" at checkout! Happy shopping, and happy Saturday. Miss Lulu and I are off to the theater for a little "Lion King." Chandelierious? Oh yes.

Tips-y Tuesday

Happy Tips-y Tuesday, sunshines. Look at these books! They are FANTASTIC . I just ordered them for myself because I need something beautiful and inspiring to look at. Who doesn't?
 Yes. I can see it now: Me, curled up on a fabulous chair with a drape-y, cozy throw, a cup of tea, sun (please, dear God) streaming in through the window, leisurely turning the crisp pages of these vibrant books....sigh.
Hey, a girl can dream....
I am adding these to the Be Chandelierious boutique immediately!

  

  
Just the covers of these "Happy" books by Jonathon Adler make me feel warm and fuzzy. They even look happy. Here's to some happy for us us all.

Simply, Sunday...

The sun's shining and after months of dreary, weary winter, that's enough to put a smile on my face. So, this Simply, Sunday I'm going to share some other, albeit random, things that also put a smile on my face. Have a little look-see:


The Who's Tommy coming to Blackfriars Theatre next month. I am so proud to be a part of this cast! It's gonna rock. Come.

My friend Karley of Chic & Green and Loubird Handmade has a new site coming soon: Loubird's Nest, selling vintage home decor. I'm really excited about this! 

How about this silly hot pink, acrylic cuckoo clock I am obsessed with? This will be mine...oh, yes, it will...

....and last but not least, a little pluggeroo of my own....

 Don't forget Be Chandelierious  & Chandelierious Kids, too! Happy sunny Sunday!                

Thirsty Thursday, St. Patrick's Style

Happy St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns! I have a special,  and yes, green treat for you today that is NOT green beer. Switch it up today! This one sounds yummy, right? Like a spiked shamrock shake. Nice...


                                 Leprechaun Martini
*2 oz. vodka
*1.5 oz. Irish Cream
*.5 oz. Creme de menthe
Chocolate Syrup
Swirl chocolate syrup inside a well chilled martini glass. Combine ingredients over ice in a martini shaker, shake well and strain into glass. Enjoy!

Cheers! Now, go find some gold at the end of the rainbow...and be careful out there.

Life. Sigh...

 Sometimes life's circumstances grab you by the hand, don't let go, and all you can do is go with it. Go with the flow, the saying goes. Sometimes the birthday GNO's, trips to the gym and frivolous shopping with gift cards burning a hole in your pocket, will just have to wait. Dinner and brunch with loved ones was about as rip-roaring as it got this past "birthday weekend". My bod told me, "slow her down, mama." And I listened, keeping it simple. This week hasn't been much different with my little one being just plain sick. Lots of cuddling, tlc, warm baths and ibuprofen... not so much blogging. And, that's ok. 
Spring is around the corner, I can feel it in my bones, and with that comes many new things: new  chandelierious decor projects, new experiences and new beginnings. In the meantime, deep breath...Om, om, ommm.....

(ps. Happy St. Patrick's day! Special Thirsty Thursday coming up later!)

Thirsty Thursday

It's the Thirsty Thursday before my my birthday. (Yes, ehem, I will be turning 27 on Sunday, ehem....) Anyway, the yummiest martini I have ever had is a very simple one, and one I think I will partake of during my special GNO birthday celebration on Saturday.
The Chocolate Martini. There are many versions out there, but my favorite one is the crystal clear one from Tapas 177 Lounge on St. Paul St. in the city of Rochester. I love it there! I love the ambiance, the exposed brick walls, the music, the food...and yes, this little martini is quite enjoyable, as well.
Theirs is a basic 3 ingredient cocktail:


*Skyy Vodka
 *Creme de Cacao
 *a single Rolo candy drop.  


Delish. I can taste it already. Warning: these are strong! If you go and want more than one, better have yourself a good D.D.! But, if you're trying out the recipe on your own, you can tweak the strength to your liking.

Enjoy & cheers...

Tips-y Tuesday: T-Burg Style.

Tip: Try out T-Burg. 
The town of Trumansburg is charming. Like, walk up and down Main Street popping in and out of thrift shops, used book stores, chocolatiers, specialty boutiques and restaurants, charming. One place we loved in particular was a store called Sundrees.

 If you live in the Rochester area, picture a smaller Parkleigh, and that's what you'll find. From the exposed brick walls to the colorful, eclectic variety of wares, this is a boutique worth stopping into. Look at some of the goodies:

High heeled, cowboy styled rainboots? Yes, please.

Loving these aprons in vintage inspired fabrics. Whether you actually use an apron or not, a collection of these make for some sweet home decor.

These darling cards are made with old (unused) hankies! Fab.
And no, I shan't leave out the aforementioned chocolatier. 

Why, yes, those are chocolate covered kiwi. Yum. Available at Life's So Sweet Chocolates.
Next time you find yourself driving Rt. 96, slow down through Trumansburg...it's worth a stop.

Simply Saturday

This morning I would love to share a different set of pictures from my short trip to Trumansburg, NY last weekend.  Taughannock Falls State Park is a mile or two up the road from the Juniper Hills B&B. We stopped on our way home to just take a quick look at the falls....and what a sight, indeed. Even the cold, snowy, gray weather can't stop the beauty of Mother Nature.

Just....gorgeous. (no bad puns intended)

Thirsty Thursday

In lieu of an adult beverage on this Thirsty Thursday (lest I be labeled a lush), I am posting a recipe for something I have always loved. Something that is the epitome of comfort food and yumminess in my eyes: 
The Strawberry Milkshake.

Yum.

Is there anything prettier in pink and plain old, down home delicious? I think not.

                     The Ultimate Strawberry Milkshake

* 1 pound strawberries, halved (3 cups)

*1 pint vanilla ice cream

*1/2 cup milk

*2 tablespoons of sugar

Makes 4 cups

Puree all ingredients in blender, with a pinch of salt, until smooth. Props to Epicurious.

Mmmmm.......