5.14.2012

Happy Week!


Hello, Darlings!

I'm out of here this week.

My best friend is being married later in the week and we have basically turned the whole thing into a big celebration/vacation/destination party.  I have work for a couple of days and then I'll be jetting off. 

In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful week. 

Stay cool! 

And I'll see you next week.

xoxox - Tonya
Image:  Summers Day Dream by J.M. Barclay.

5.10.2012

The Weekly Bean


How's it going?

Paris Books

Just when you all thought I had every book there is to buy about Paris, I get a couple more!

A Literary Paris  is a lovely little book of essays which remind me of being there - something I really, really love. 

Over the years I have really come to enjoy travel books, especially ones about Paris that can make me feel as if I've been on a little visit.  Nothing is nicer than snuggling in my living room on Sunday morning with a good cup of coffee and a little trip to Paris.  


And then we have Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson (of Little Brown Pen fame).


Paris in Color is, in one word, GORGEOUS!!

I've been a big fan of Nichole's work for quite a while - as witnessed by one of her photos hanging prominently in my home...


If you haven't heard of it, check it out!  And if you have the book I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This Charming Closet


Last weekend The Boy and I went swimsuit shopping....

And before you start with me, he begged to go.  He's kind of lascivious....

Anyway, much to my surprise I was able to find not one, but TWO suits that I love with almost no tears, disgust or gnashing of teeth.

Seriously.

This was one of the winners, the Zaffiro Paisley V-Neck Halter from Tommy Bahama.

In person it looks more like a tankini than a one piece and the colors are just so vibrant and pretty. It also has a tummy control panel and some ruching which helps with my problem area. 

5.09.2012

Wednesday - Run Away Without Leaving Home


Soon.....

Image:  To Feel You Near by See Life Shine.

Around Here


I look forward to peonies every year!

And the time is now!

A Little Side Trip to Brazil

Ladies - Summer is upon us and with it's warmer temperatures and trips to the water and pool, many of us will be back in our bathing suits and considering the issue of bikini line control...

But most of that's really just bullshit and I'm just using this season and this excuse to talk about the subject of the brazilian bikini wax.

Now before all you people who haven't had one get all - you know - up in the air about it, let's take a moment, shall we?  (You people who've already been to Brazil - you'll know what I'm talkin' about.)

I first went to Brazil a few years back.  It was winter and I had the blahs and I wanted to challenge myself to go something that scared me a little, that pushed me a little out of my comfort zone - something that was at once relatively safe and yet frightened me.  Something that I would never do.

And I must have been reading a magazine or something because the subject of the brazilian bikini wax came to my mind. 

Now, up until that point, I figured the brazilian was something undertaken by porn stars, trollops and Gwyneth Paltrow.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that something about the idea of doing it revved me up inside a little bit.  It made me a little scared.  It made me a little apprehensive.  And it occurred to me that maybe that feeling of apprehension and 'sort of fear' might also be classified as excitement.


I wanted to see if I could do it!

So with trembling fingers I called my local spa and made an appointment and then did a little internet research on the topics of what to expect, how to prepare and possible supplies to lay in.

What I came up with was
  • Yes, it'll hurt.
  • No, it won't be that bad.
  • Take a few advil before you go.
  • Don't schedule it right before your period - when you're move sensitive to pain.
  • Balmex (or other diaper rash medicine) soothes your girl afterward.  
So off I went, expecting extreme pain, embarrassment, mortification and that I would be able to say I did it once and that I would never, ever do it again.

I was wrong.

It really doesn't hurt that much - although I will say that after the first time she was pissed off with me for a day and a half... But the balmex did help.

And it really wasn't that mortifying/embarrassing because if you've been to the gynecologist, there ain't a whole lot about this that will surprise you.

But I pretty much loved it from the start.

Now here's the hard part:  trying to explain what there is to love about it.

First, obviously, men love it.  Although I had mine for a long time before The Boy came along, the fact that he likes it and pretty much thumps his foot on the ground at the mere mention of the word 'Brazil' certainly doesn't hurt.

But more than that, most importantly, I love it. 

It makes me feel sexy.  It makes me feel neat and powerful and in control.  It makes me feel like I have a secret underneath all my lawyer clothes. 

It's been such a huge surprise. 

I've been after one of my friends to go try it for years.  Years, I tell you. 

Well, she finally went (with a certain amount of the expected trepidation) and after one trip she was firmly converted. 

I said "It's great, right?!?!?"  And she's like "YES!" 

But neither one of us can quite explain why. 

So if you're looking for a little challenge this spring, why not give it a go?  And if you can articulate more fully on just what, exactly, is so great about the brazilian, please do!

This Charming Closet


I'm kinda loving these pants from Talbots.....

But I feel guilty about it.

5.08.2012

Tuesday's Girl

"You don't always win your battles, but it's good to know you fought."
Lauren Bacall

Vote!


This Charming Closet


I have been STALKING this blouse at The Loft for weeks!!!

First, it's only available on line....

Second, it's available but not in my size.

Third, it's sold out.

Fourth, it's available again - but not in my size.

You get the gist.... but my mania was such that I kept going back - you know, just in case they had it again or something similar.

Well, last Thursday it was back and in my size!

YAY! 

Of course, I have somehow managed to purchase from the Loft during the 15 minutes per week that everything is not 40% off. 

I figured I had to strike while the iron was hot.  When I went back before typing up this post it was sold out again. 

5.07.2012

Happy Monday


Hey, guys!

Happy Monday? 

I don't know.  It's not so much that I'm down on Monday - I just wish the weekend was still going on.

Why is it that 2 days during the week seem to plod along and the weekend just flies? 

Mystery of life....

Basically, this weekend we kinda laid around the house and did not much. 

There was no stress, no rush, no urgency.  There was beautiful weather and patio time and a few mixed drinks. 

Good, huh? 

I think we're having a good week this week, at least I hope so. 

Thanks for coming by. 

Tonya
Image:  Tulips 4 by CaedmonM.

Sunday Morning


Coffee.

The Bee Charmer Loves Paris


Image:  Coral Pink Pastel Typography by Field Trip.

5.04.2012

Happy Weekend!


Happy Weekend, everyone!

Hope it's a great one!

xoxo - Tonya
Image:  Rose by JKPhotography.

5.03.2012

The Weekly Bean


He was trying to get me to give him a mixed drink...

He is so Welsh.

Around Here


Carrie Bradshaw sipped cocktails and smoked cigarettes while she wrote.

Last night, I drank Crown and Diet Coke and ate mini Goldfish....

This Charming Closet

Ok -

I totally have a girl crush on Emerson Fry.

Totally.  I would date her ass and I'm so all about boys usually....

And now Jane asked me to speak OUT about her dresses - so here goes.

First, I will say that I don't usually spend this much money on clothes.  I save it for bags and shoes.  


These dresses are different to me because they are such basic, well-made shifts - which is what I want and what I cannot find.  I cannot understand why it is so hard to find something so classic and simple.  So I'm taking what I can get and blowing the summer clothes budget on 2 dresses. 


As an aside, I also love that she pairs these things with pants - which isn't my normal thing but now I'm in love with it.  Maybe because I'm older?  I'm trying to 'evolve' my look.  And these dresses inspire me.


There are a few little things, though....

First, this stuff runs BIG.  I know - it's supposed to be big and roomy but there is roomy and then there is potato sack. 


I ordered the orange Mod in 'Small' and it's HUGE.  I mean HUGE.  After trying it on, I decided to return it but when I went to re-order in the extra small it was no longer available.

Since I love the dress, the fabric and the color I decided to keep it and have it tailored. 

When the white mod became available, I ordered it in extra small and it fits much better.  It's still roomy but in a good way.  I think it may be a tidge too big through the shoulders but I have that in almost every dress I buy.  I don't really consider myself an extra small and I even consulted Emerson's size chart before ordering the orange but it is just way too big. 


The other thing is the V slash neckline. 

Now - it looks great on this model but in real life it's WAY TOO LOW and my girls are on display. 

And not in a good way. 

I think it adds a lot to the dress to have just a *little* too much cleavage showing - after all, I plan to wear them for funzies and smoochy dinners with The Boy - but both these dresses just look like they're gaping open - so the tailor is going to have to tack them.   They have a little snap in the middle but even when I snapped them, the dresses gaped and you're just looking at the middle of the front of your bra. 

Not sexy, just exposed. 

So there is the review.  The dresses are great - they are classic and lined and well-made and the linen is lovely - but they run big in my opinion and the slash neck is *too* slashed. 

So if you are inclined, order away, darlings!  Just go down a size and prepare to tack it or wear a broach or something....

5.02.2012

Wednesday - Run Away Without Leaving Home



I'm a little embarrassed to say that I've never really been out West. 

I've been having these romantic notions for a while now that I'll run away from work for a couple of weeks, pack up the Beans and just drive West....  see where we end up. 

Image:  Wyoming by Humboltd Street Photography.

5.01.2012

Tuesday's Girl

"I did not want to be anything more.  I was entirely happy.  Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge.  At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great.  When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep."
Willa Cather 

Random Pretty Man


This week's Random Pretty Man is my sweet baby, Jesse L. Martin! 

Dadgum.....


This Charming Closet


Oh.

My.

Goodness.....

I want these shoes.
 
I have nowhere to wear them but DAMN!
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