{Dream Kitchen}

We moved into this house a year and half ago and I've had such a fun time decorating every room exactly the way we want it. I think because this is our first home, I went a little crazy and wanted to do EVERYTHING I had in mind! While I love creamy whites and calming neutrals, I also love very masculine severe decor. I love fresh new modern lines but get weak in the knees for unique vintage pieces. I have gotten very lucky with some rare finds on Craigslist but definitely have some very rigid rules as to which items I will NEVER buy used. I can find something I love and wouldn't change in every single room in the house. That is, except the kitchen.

You see, I've always loved, ADORED, sought-after, dreamt about, a white kitchen. White cabinets, marble countertops and sparkly stainless steel appliances. Our current kitchen couldn't be more opposite. We have deep cherry cabinets (i.e., masculine and severe), large pewter floor tile and cream countertops with gray tile detail. Let me clarify, I DO NOT hate my kitchen whatsoever. I actually really loved it when we first moved in. We looked for a bit for a home with white kitchen cabinets but around here, they're rarely done right. I've come to terms that if I ever want my dream kitchen, it will have to be born through a new home build or a kitchen renovation in our next home.

Crisp white cabinets and gorgeous marble countertops.

An oversized island for family and friends to gather around.

Pendant lighting.

A cozy banquette.

Last but not least, a ridiculously large and organized walk-in pantry.

Luckily, we don't plan for this home to be our forever home. So, for now, we're frantically saving for the next one in hopes to be able to build our kitchen exactly how we want! In the meantime, I'm pinning away and and patiently waiting for my dream kitchen.

xx, Shiela

{Health and Fitness Lately}

I've gotten a bit busy lately. So, my fitness routine has morphed a bit. I haven't had the time to make it to the gym or Bikram class as much so I've been doing a lot of my work outs at home. Here are some of the workouts I've been doing!

The weather has been gorgeous out, so I've been taking advantage and doing a little running. I run around our neighborhood and the long way around is about a mile.

I have 3 and 5 lb. free weights at home so I do arm routines in front of a mirror. 

Sample Routine: I use my free weights and do 3 reps of 15. 

Shoulder Press

Hammer Curls

Lateral Raises

Arm Flies

Tricep Curls

I've also been doing lunges! Walking lunges are my favorite. I add weights to make it more challenging and also do 3 reps of 15 for each type of lunge exercise. 

Of course, abs! Working out my abs is my biggest weakness. I often skip this. So, I'm committing to making sure to do my ab workout every single time. 

I hope this shows that you can squeeze in workouts even when you're busy! Working out is one of the things that so easy to set aside when life gets busy. As I get older, I know that this is something that I have to make a priority. I'm hoping to start going back to the gym on a regular basis. In the meantime, this works out for me.

xx, Shiela

{Style Crush: Kourtney Kardashian}

Kourtney is by far my favorite Kardashian - mainly because of her fashion sense. She can go from cool boho chic to a high end designer glamazon. Below are some of my favorite looks!

Effortless in an oversized white blazer and jeans and perfect top knot.

Fearless in these OTK boots!

Fab in his and hers blush.

Love the designer belt detail in this black and navy ensemble.

And of course, her pregnant style!

xx, Shiela