No Complaints Here :)

My local "Borders" bookstore is going out of business. Normally, I would be complaining about this. However, I am not complaining for two reasons:

1- Everything is at least 30% off- so I bought my very first cookbook and will now be attempting to explore cooking (posts on THAT to come later!)

2- I stumbled upon and thumbed through this incredibly inspiring book:

Buy the book here

 The premise behind this book is that we spend too much of our time and energy focusing on the negative: complaining, criticizing and gossiping. Mr. Bowen's big message is, "Our thoughts create our lives and our words dictate what we are thinking."
So by taking complaints, criticism and gossip out of the equation we talk more about things we do want in life instead of the things we don't want. It seems like a happier and more productive way to live!

Although it is a fabulously simple and inspiring idea, it wasn't actually something Mr. Bowen said that truly struck a chord with me, but rather a quote he included from philosopher Earl Nightingale:
  
"We are all self-made, but only the successful will admit it"

WOW! This really resonates with me, I love it! So, with that said...I have decided to take Mr. Bowen's challenge: 21 days without complaining, criticizing or gossiping.

Here's how it works:

• Take a bracelet, rubberband etc (Official bracelets are available for purchase here but you can easily use something you have already and save some $) and do your best not to complain, criticize or gossip.
• WHEN you c,c or g (because you will, he estimates 4-8 months on average before you can successfully go 21 days without it) move the bracelet to your other wrist and start over immediately on your 21 day journey.

That's it! Easy, right? Hahaha yeah right! We'll see :) I am taking this journey starting now! Let me know if you take it too and how it works out for you!

xo C

Palm Springs Chic with a Traditional Twist

Palm Springs Hotel Lobby

So I have been obsessing over what I call "Palm Springs Chic" for the past few months! I have this vision of an era of elegance- with the "Rat Pack" sitting at a *gold* dining set in sunny Palm Springs, sipping on martinis near the pool of their country club. They are surrounded by Palm trees, Hollywood elegance and "Mad Men" fashion.

Researching for a bit and it's official- what I adore is "Hollywood Regency!" I love the luxury and sophistication of that Dean Martin era. This is somewhat of what is going on in my head!

L O V E epitome of style

Beautiful Jayne Mansfield

The Beverly Hills Hotel OBSESSED

Perfect palate Italian glasses

via Jonathan Adler

Awesome Poster- can't find artist!

Luscious Green Pillow: Z Gallerie

Whimsical Birdcage: Z Gallerie

Classic White and Gold Trunks: Z Gallerie

via Supreme Design

I am convinced that I will somehow be able to transform my 1920's Spanish style apartment into this fantasy that is floating around my mind. Step one was re-doing my $25 garage sale coffee table from an elegant but boring *black and gold* to what I feel is a *pastel Palm Springs peachy coral* Since I'm new to the blogging game I failed at taking before and after pics- boo!- but I will be be posting the finished product in the next few days.

PS- since this is my first entry I'm learning and after I snagged these pics I lost the original sites they came from to link to or give credit. Oops! If I have omitted something you know the origin of please let me know! xo C