The Verdict Is In

I just got back from the Sex and the City Movie and I must say, it did not disappoint. Get out there and watch it. You'll laugh, cry, and cheer. I love, love, loved it!

This Week's Quote

A friend sent this to me earlier in the week and I found it to be particularly fitting for my current state of mind.

"What do we leave behind when we cross each frontier? Each moment seems split in two; melancholy for what was left behind and the excitement of entering a new land."

Tagged!

The lovely Kylie, of Bandelle has tagged me. If you aren't familiar with her blog, you simply must read it soon! She is a fantastic jewelry designer and writes the most creative posts.

What I was doing 10 years ago:

I was just finishing my sophomore year of high school. I probably went to The Galleria and to the beach every weekend with my friend, Leah. I was boy crazy, but not in a sleazy way like so many girls. I was a total romantic and would be so into people, though it was seldom reciprocated. I still don't know why that was. I was probably like the girl version of Dawson from Dawson's creek. Mature, overly-analytical, melancholy, and borderline obsessive. Not in Fatal Attraction kind of way, but more of an "OMG! My life can't go on without him" kind of way. Wow, I think I've said too much. LOL!

Five things on my to-do list today:

Grade my students' final exams

File a bunch of papers

Pack up my classroom

Go to a farewell happy hour after work

Pick up husband's medicine

Snacks I enjoy:

I love ice cream, dried fruit, and anything sweet

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

There are so many things that I would do. First, I would buy first class tickets for my husband and I to travel the world. I would give a generous amount to our parents. I'm not sure if we would stay in Houston, but if we did, I'd buy a gorgeous house inside the loop somewhere. Maybe on North Boulevard or Sunset Boulevard. If we did not move away, I would definitely buy an apartment in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, a house in California, a place in Paris, and another house in San Miguel. I would also donate my time and money to charities benefiting children all over the world.

Places I have lived:

I hate this question because my answer is so lame. I am a Houston girl, born and raised. I've been here my entire life.

People I want to know more about:

I know a ton of you have been tagged lately, so please don't feel obligated to play along if you don't want to.

Caitlin of Dan and Caitlin

Erin of Elements of Style

Katie of HighLifeStyle

Courtney of In(side) the Loop

Paige of I *Heart* You

The Clock is Ticking...

I'm so excited!

One day until the premiere of Sex and the City which I have been awaiting with baited breath! Haven't you noticed, what with my gazillion posts about it?

Two more days of teaching!!!

Exactly one week until I leave for Spain!

The House of Mirrors

Epley's Master Bath features a mirrored chest from James Dawson Design, an antique Venetian mirror, and a silver glass lamp from High Fashion Home.

The May issue of Paper City features interior designer Lisa Epley's très chic townhouse. Now, if the house in The Woodlands I featured in the last post wasn't "me", then this is the antithesis. Epley's house sings to me. I absolutely adore the grey walls and high gloss, ebonized floors, no matter how impractical they may be. I love the use of chic, feminine details and the overall palette of black, white, and grey with the occasional punch of color.

You'll notice that Epley seems to love mirrors. When she moved out of her previous residence in River Oaks and into her new Upper Kirby townhouse, most of her furniture had to go, as it was too large for her new digs. Her collection of antique, gilded French mirrors, however, made the move with her. Along with the wall and floor mirrors, you'll notice mirrored chests and armoires, as well as some creative uses of mirrored surfaces. For her teenage daughter's room, Epley bought a couple of nightstands from IKEA and had them custom covered in mirrors. The kitchen back splash is also mirrored. I'm sure it is high-maintenance, but sometimes, life just calls for style over functionality and this house has it in spades.

Antique French gilt mirror, Zebra-skin bench from Shabby Slips, antique French demi-lune tables

An antique Italian sunburst mirror found in a Paris flea-market hangs over the carrara marble fireplace. Cocktail table from James Dawson Design, white denim sofas from The Joseph Company, 19th century gilded armchairs from a Paris flea market.

Louis-Philippe silver-leaf mirror and iron bistro table from a Paris flea market, antique black lacquered Chinese table from Eclectic Home

Mirrored ebony armoire from Shabby Slips, cocktail table from James Dawson Designs. The French-gilt floor lamp is another Paris flea market find.

Above Left: Epley's master bedroom features a 19th century starburst mirror, headboard by Hien Lam, glass cylinder lamps by Alcon Lighting, and antique Chinese lacquered chests from Wind Water Gallery in The Heights.

Above Right: Epley's daughter's room provides a burst of color through bedding by Hien Lam. Mercury glass lamps from Z Gallerie, crystal chandelier from High Fashion Home, Sunburst mirror from Eclectic Home

The configuration of the kitchen was designed by Epley and features Calcutta gold marble counter tops and a mirrored back splash. It is painted in Sherwin Williams' Porpoise shade.

The roof-top garden features chairs from Home Source, wall-to-wall synthetic grass from Creative Flooring Resources, mirrors from Eclectic Home, and pillows from Neiman Marcus.

Lisa Epley on her roof-top garden wearing an organza and tulle skirt by Vanessa Riley of London. Sofas and cocktail table by West Elm, Greek key pillow by Hien Lam, Iron planters by James Dawson Design

HAR Candy

I saw this house on HAR about a month ago and finally decided to post about it since I kept going back to look at the listing. It is on the shore of Lake Woodlands, in The Woodlands, which is arguably the nicest suburb in Houston. It is probably the most affluent of the suburbs and has the most amenities. It is just really far from Houston.

I really like the house because it is unique, especially for a suburban home. From the outside, it looks like a grand New Orleans house and it has a great combination of period details with a modern twist on the inside. Though not very "me", I do like the serene color palette. You can see the MLS listing for the house here.

This Week's Quote

It's a patriotic one in honor of Memorial Day.

Happy Long Weekend!

Hope everyone enjoys the long Memorial Day Weekend! If you're in Houston, try not to melt. It's going to be one hot summer!

Look Ma, I'm on MTV!

Yesterday, I randomly decided to check Technorati to see if anyone new had linked to my blog. Well, lo and behold MTV's Remote Control Blog linked to my blog through the post that I did on Lauren Conrad's new house. You can see the MTV post here. I didn't know the Remote Control blog existed, but I thought it was pretty cool that they linked to La Dolce Vita. :) I realize that posting about this makes me about as cool as Heidi and Spencer, but whatever...I'll take what I can get!

Iconic Homes

Daisy Pink Cupcake recently did a very cool post on the homes of Hollywood Icons, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. It's so interesting to see the 1950's and 1960's designs. Check out Jayne's wall to wall and floor to ceiling pink shag carpet in the master bath. Yikes!

Not Always Right

A friend recently posted about Not Always Right, a hilarious blog that recounts ridiculous stories about dealing with general public. Check it out if you're in need of a good laugh.

Here's an excerpt:

"Who Needs Enemies When You Have Customers"

(A customer comes storming in a few days after a sale.)
Customer: “I want to speak to the person who sold me this!”

Me: “Actually, I believe that was me. I remember you.”

Customer: “No, it couldn't have been you! The girl I spoke with had long hair!”
(I wordlessly take my hair out of the ponytail.)

Customer: “No, she was prettier than you are. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Only Two More Weeks...

In exactly, two weeks, I will be leaving for Spain! I've only been to France and Italy, so I am really looking forward to experiencing Spain for the first time. I'm excited to be traveling with one of my best friends, but nervous about the fact that she and I will be accompanied by 8 students. Yikes! It will be fun! We will be visiting Madrid, Salamanca, Avila, and Segovia.

The Boys Are Back!

I'm currently loving Coldplay's new single, Violet Hill, as well as the video that goes with it. They never disappoint. We've seen them live twice now and are excited that they are coming back to Houston in November.


Violet Hill

SATC Movie Spoilers

The Sex and the City Movie comes out next Friday and I can't wait! Between the end of the school year, my upcoming trip, and this movie, I am anxious for the days to pass. I was just thinking that I will know so much about the movie going into it, yet I couldn't resist watching these spoilers this afternoon. Enjoy...or not. You may have more restraint than I do.

Goodbye, John Hughes

Graduation season is well under way and in a sense, I will be graduating as well. I graduated from high school in 2000 and then from college in 2004. I have spent the four years between college graduation and now teaching high school Spanish. First, at a very well-regarded public school in Houston and most recently at a fairly new school in the suburbs.

My experience as a teacher has been invaluable. I've learned so much about people, handling tricky situations, anticipating problems, etc. Teachers wear so many hats: educator, psychologist, mother, sister, friend, counselor, comedian, entertainer, life coach, and so on. I have nothing but the utmost respect for teachers. Well, at least those who are in the profession for the right reasons and not as a matter of convenience.

I've always had a great rapport with most of my students and have found the career to be rewarding, but I have always yearned for something more. So, after four years of teaching high school, I will be "graduating" along with the class of 2008. Graduating from one profession to another. I've been very interested in real estate for as long as I can remember. It is something I've always wanted to do and the time finally feels right. I have secured a position as a realtor at a boutique company that specializes in high end properties and will begin this summer as soon as I obtain my license. I think it will be a great fit for me. I am both excited and nervous, but mostly eager to start my new career.

Seeing as how John Hughes is responsible for the greatest teen movies of the 80's, I am using him as my metaphor for my second high school experience. Monsieur Hughes, I bid you adieu, but don't you forget about me.

Style Icon: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway's style has come a long way since she first started out in Hollywood. She's had a few missteps along the way, but over all, her style is polished, classic, feminine, and elegant. I find her to be completely refreshing. She is beautiful, but her look is unique. I would be happy to raid her closet any day.

Anne wearing one of her favorite designers, Zac Posen

At a benefit for the Museum of Natural History in New York

Looking quite regal in a red Valentina gown at the 2008 Oscars

In another beautiful Valentino gown

Anne wearing the color du jour

Rocking a LBD at the premiere of her movie, Becoming Jane

I love this combination of navy and gold. This chic daytime look is from her upcoming movie, Bride Wars.

Wearing a classic, belted trench in Paris with boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri.

No Juicy sweats for Anne! Instead, she opts for Chanel at the airport.

Post-makeover look from The Devil Wears Prada

Another look from The Devil Wears Prada

I think I have mentioned that The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favorite movies. Here is a clip of the famous make-over scene.

Spotted: A Gossip Girl Wedding

The season finale of Gossip Girl airs Monday night. The show has taken a decidedly darker turn with the shenanigans of the awful Georgina, who for a little while, managed to bring out the old Serena. What will the finale have in store? Will Serena and Dan make up? Will Lilly and Bart Bass actually make it to the altar or will Rufus be there to sweep her away? XOXO ~LDV

Check out this video clip from the finale:







Images from People.com

This Week's Quote

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mother, wonderful mother-in-law, and all of my friends, both real and virtual, who are moms or moms-to-be.

Image via HouseMartin

San Francisco Decorator Showcase

While Fabian and I were in San Francisco, we were able to go to the SF Decorator Showcase. I had originally heard about it through More Ways to Waste Time and it was on the top of our list of things to do while on our vacation. It certainly did not disappoint! The showcase is set inside of a 16,000 square foot house in the tony Pacific Heights neighborhood. It was built in 1909 in anticipation of the arrival of the Queen of Romania a few years later during the Panama-Pacific Expo. The house currently belongs to the twenty-something, bachelor son of the owner of Paige Glass.

The house features countless rooms within its four stories, each of which was designed by a different designer. Every style you could possibly imagine is present in the house, which makes for an extremely interesting visit. There is literally, something for everyone. Our favorite rooms were the ones that were sleek, modern, and eclectic. We were only able to take a handful of pictures because photography is prohibited and there were people and docents everywhere! You can imagine my disappointment when I read the sign by the entrance proclaiming this. I just had to get pictures for my blog, so I recruited my hubby to do some sleuth-photography while I stood guard.

This picture does not do this room justice. This small gentleman's study is the very definition of masculinity and eclecticism.

My favorite room in the house. There were His and Hers Master Bedrooms. I, of course, liked his better. I love the cool, grey tones and the fact that the room is sleek and cozy all at once. Aside from the rooftop terrace, this room has the best views in the house.

Another View of the Room

The incredible view from His Master Bedroom

Sculptures looking out onto the city from the rooftop terrace. The terrace was jaw-dropping with its amazing views, summer kitchen, sculptures, and enough room for the best soiree ever.

Looking out onto Alcatraz

Another Fabulous View

This room was truly eclectic. It is a guest room on the third floor. It is masculine and playful and would probably belong to someone who is a slave to fashion.

Same room, different view

Desk vignette in the same room

Antique Mercury Light Fixture on top of the Desk

Flowers outside of the powder room by the entrance

Believe me, I wanted to take so many more pictures! There were at least 10-15 rooms that I was unable to photograph. If I had, they would have sent me to Alcatraz (see above)! The SF Decorator Showcase runs through May 26th, so if you happen to be in the area, I would highly recommend that you go. It is so much fun to see the work of all of these incredibly talented designers and it is all for a good cause. The money raised through this event benefits the scholarship fund at San Francisco University High School.

For pictures of many of the rooms I was unable to photograph, make sure to visit More Ways to Waste Time who was lucky enough to score an invite to the press preview for the showcase.