The Best of Big D

Each year, D Magazine votes for The Best of Big D. This is a list of the favorite restaurants, shops, bars, etc. in Dallas. The people of Dallas vote for their favorites, and those with the highest amount of votes win the Best of Big D award and proudly display it in their business. It's quite an honor. I'm excited to see that the best home decor shop IMO in Dallas won! The shop is Vintage Living by Lisa Luby Ryan. Her entire store is done in neutrals with a French touch to it. Every time I go in there, I consider refusing to ever leave. The place is amazing and absolutely deserves this award. Here is a glimpse into the store:

D Magazine Online

Don't you just want to curl up in that bed and read a good book? That lush bedding is calling my name. 

Vintage Living

Gorgeous, right? My only complaint is that the store has very limited business hours. You either have to make an appointment or be a stay at home wife to make it there during business hours. If I could just convince Lisa to extend her business hours back, maybe I could make it back in there some time, and hopefully soon!

What I'm Wishing For...

It's been a little over a year since I bought and moved into my first house. I love the house, but am ready to make it look like I didn't just move in add some personal touches. There are a few specific pieces I would LOVE to own and put in the house. I just have to convince my soon-to-be husband he loves them too. :)

1. First, I would love a bed. Everyone should have a bed, right? The master bedroom really doesn't need a whole lot, but a bed would make a big difference. Restoration Hardware has a few beds I would love to own. It's probably a good thing that I can't pick just one. That way, my man can have the final say. It will eventually be his bed too. Here are my favorites:

St. James Bed Without Footboard in Antiqued Natural 

Chesterfield Upholstered Sleigh Bed via Houzz

Keyhole Arch bed 

Adler Tufted Platform Bed

2. I would love to replace the Target clearance bar stools in the kitchen. I have been wanting these bar stools for a year. D hates them, but I am not giving up. Hopefully, he will someday see the beauty in them. I even told him he can pick the color. :)

Madeleine Bar Stool

They can also be found at Ballard Designs:

Constance Bar Stool

3. The chandeliers need updating. I would love this one for the breakfast nook...

Mariestad 6 Light Chandelier

...or I would also take this in the 12 Light version and replace the outdated chandelier in the dining room.

For now, I will just keep dreaming about them.

**UPDATE: Thanks to Shades of Light and Kevin & Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage, I have to add another wish to my list!

The Wooden Wine Barrel from Shades of Light 

I love the rope detailing Kevin & Layla added to theirs:

See their post about it here. (Or if you just want to follow their sweet blog and/or look at beautiful pictures of their cottage style home.)

Name Those Shoes

Can anyone please name these shoes? Seriously, I want to know what they are so I can wear them on my wedding day. :) 

Even a brand would be helpful...

New Fresh Scent = Smells Like Bug Spray

As a very pale girl, I am a big fan of self tanner. Huge fan. Without this stuff, I would be pasty pale 24/7/365. One great self tanner that I have been using for years is this stuff:

L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Gelee

This stuff works after one use (much more after two), doesn't streak, and doesn't rub off on my clothes. Because of this, I often put it on in the morning and wear it all day. It is awesome. Despite the fact that L'Oreal advertises its Sublime line as "sub-leam," which really bugs me, they may not be able to get the name right, but they got the product right. If you are into self tanner, or have never tried it, but need a little color, try it.

Despite all my raving, there is one small problem. They recently "improved" the product by adding a "New Fresh Scent" which they print on the bottle as if it is a benefit of the product. The problem is, this new fresh scent smells exactly like the bug spray I used as a kid. Pretty gross, I know, but it actually repelled bugs. As well as people. Just like always, I put it on this morning without thinking to smell this "new fresh scent" first. Now I get to smell like bug repellent all day.

To sum it up, if you buy this stuff, make sure you do not get the "fresh scent" one. At least it is clearly marked on the bottle so I can avoid this again. I may have to find a new self tanner.