I know I promised this yesterday, but Jon and I had an engagement dinner Saturday night for some great friends of ours (pics to come).  The happiness was swelling, the laughter was abundant, and the drinks were flowing.  Less eloquently, I was hungover and exhausted the day after(Sunday).  It’s my first blogging blip and and I’m certain it will not be my last.  Alas, here are some of my favorite recent acquisitions, where to get them, and my current lusts.

The first is a long awaited, two years in the works, WORK OF ART by Grace Bonney of Design Sponge (one of my favorite blogs of all time).  This is a beautiful hardcover book full of DIY projects, before and afters, entertaining ideas and much much more.  The website is clean and easy to navigate but the book is really something to behold.  I can not wait to finish bookmarking my pages and get a real start on our condo.

I picked this book up in Anthropologie about a million times, but the roughly $50 price tag was just too much to justify given the extensive and thorough website.  It’s been recently discounted on the Antrho website to $35 but I got it for a steal on Amazon for $16.50.

Speaking of steals, I bought this scarf at one of the most up and coming clothing stores in the country…Target.   I saw it from about 30 feet away and it was love at first sight. They have it in a few other patterns and shades in store.  Here’s what is great about this scarf.  I could make you touch it, tell you it was form Michael Kors, and you would envy and believe me.  I got it for $15 and it’s PERFECT for my upcoming Hawaii trip.  It’s worn, soft, beachy and perfect.

Speaking of my upcoming trip – I’m constantly on the hunt for cute and reasonable accessories to brighten up an otherwise plain outfit.  The scarf was one and this recent steal from Anthropologie is another.  I bought these earrings in one color (Hawaii appropriate turquoise) a few weeks ago and went back for the other color (gold and diamond) right before new years because of the great price.  I couldn’t find them on the website but I know there’s still some in the store.  I paid about $14.00 per pair.

Another recent Antrhopologie steal was this adorable little clutch.  Well I’m making it a clutch – I believe it’s actually meant to be a make-up bag.  Whatever it is, it’s incredibly well made with beautiful detailing and the perfect size.  Again, I can’t find it on the website to link it for you, but I know they had quite a few for sale in store in both blue and red.  I got it at an additional 20% off sale price last weekend for around $17.00.

Finally, my last steal to mention.  I’ve been on the hunt for one of these since Jon and I got engaged.  I have to give my mom props because she found it first and bought the dog version for my Aunt Megan for Christmas.  It is a bedside jewelry dish and it is whimsical, adorable and only $10.00 (!) at Anthropologie.  I love mine.  Aside from serving a practical purpose (aka not giving Jon a heart attack by placing my rings on the edge of my bathroom sink) it is a subtle and sweet accessory to a room.

Even with all of those recent purchases (steals!) what is life without a couple of lusts.  Here are my current two:

Can’t get off the Hawaii planning train – it’s where my brain lives.  This coverup is perfect for jumping from beach to boat and back:

Jon and I were out for Sushi Friday night and this was playing on all the T.V’s.  It reminded me of my Grandpa Pete as it stars his favorite band.

Sacha Baron Cohen NEEDS to play Freddie Mercury in a movie.  He’s PERFECT!  Great voice, great band, GREAT classic music DVD.