Hearts Are Floating For...Leather Chairs

For months, we've been eyeing and testing out pricey leather chairs for our living room. We needed something else, other than the floor, for when we have guests over to visit. Also, it would make a cozy place to sit and read. And arguably the dark, rich leather just works so nicely with the woods and earthy greens throughout our home. Only problem...cats with sharp nails plus very expensive furniture do not mix.

Our dream chair:

Pottery Barn's Manhattan Leather Club Chair - $1,955.00

Then while shopping at Target, I spotted this:

Nolan Bonded Leather Club Chair - $199.00

(We scored it on sale for $149.00!)

Now here it lives very happily in its new home. And Daisy and Bella haven't even taken any notice - yet!

Hearts Are Floating For...Autumn Birchboxes 2012

I haven't had much time to spend on my blog now that I'm working full-time again. I really do hate neglecting it so I will try to update more often! I saved up my last three Birchboxes for an autumn roundup of goodies. Check them out!

September's theme is "The September Issue" inspired by the coveted fall editions of fashion magazines. The month's box contained an inspiration of fall beauty trends.

* BVLGARI | Mon Jasmin Noir

* Color Club | Birchbox Custom Polish in Put a Pin In It

* twistband | Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie

* Vasanti | Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

* WEI to Go | Sleep Over Kit

*The Brush Guard | Brush Guard Variety Kit

In October, Birchbox teamed up with goop. If you haven't already discovered goop.com, I highly recommend that you check it out. It's curated by Gwyneth Paltrow and includes everything from food to beauty to travel.

* Caudalie | Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

* EVE LOM | Cleanser and Muslin Cloth

* Jouer | Lip Enhancer

* Orofluido | Beauty Elixir

* Kusmi Tea | Detox and Euphoria Teas

* LUNA | LemonZest

In November, Birchbox supports The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that encourages actors, artists, designers, and musicians to dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling various medical conditions. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this month's box is all about "giving thanks, giving back, and giving treats."

* Atelier Cologne | Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue

* Miracle Skin Transformer | Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector

* Oscar Blandi | Pronto Texture & Volume Spray

* stila | all over shimmer liquid luminizer

* Chuao Chocolatier | 7-pack Assorted ChocoPod

P.S. I was given a 3-month Birchbox gift subscription last Christmas by my sister-in-law. It has been one of my favorite gifts ever. I would highly recommend it as a gift idea for any beauty product loving guy or girl in your life. (Yes, there is a Birchbox Man too!) 

Hearts Are Floating For...Owl Cupcakes

Every month at work, two people are selected to battle in a food challenge. We each sample the two creations and vote on the best. But of course, having only two types of food is not enough so everyone brings in a supporting dish. This month's theme was "Spooky Food" in honor of Halloween. Since this was my first month on the job I felt a lot of pressure to make my contribution a success. I finally settled on these Owl Cupcakes and they were a huge hit.

I cheated by using a box mix but I heard no complaints.

Added chocolate frosting.

For the eyes, I split Oreos in half and added a brown Reese's Pieces. 

Getting ready to assemble the cupcakes.

Added the Oreos and an orange Reese's Pieces for the nose...and there you have it...owls.