Greek Islands

(Image via oh joy!)

How wonderful would a trip to the Greek Islands be? It's been a dream destination of mine for as long as I can remember.

(Image courtesy Travel Destination Photos)

I'll keep dreaming as HBO's endlessly repetitive showings of Mamma Mia continue to taunt me.

At least Pierce Brosnan's rocking rendition of ABBA's "S.O.S." won't be stuck in my head for weeks (sarcasm)....

(Image courtesy Row Three)

Oh, who am I kidding? Mamma Mia rocks.

Thank you very much

THXTHXTHX is a hilarious blog from Leah Dieterich that features nothing but scans of handwritten daily thank you notes to, well, everything. What good manners!

The blog described by its creator as "a daily exercise in gratitude." It reminds me of my dear friend K who always remembers to say "thank you" with a note.

Here are a few that made me smile.

(All images courtesy THXTHXTHX)

Bald Head Island

At long last, here are a few photos from our getaway to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. A long standing favorite location of S's fam, this island, accessible only by ferry, was heavenly.

This steamy little spot (not too far from Wilmington) doesn't allow cars. Everyone zooms around on golf carts and bikes. What a wonderful escape from noisy NYC...

We spent sunny days on breezy beaches, rode bikes under gnarled tree branches draped with Spanish moss, relaxed on porches and enjoyed a few cocktails. We miss the island and the wonderful company already.

East Beach

Dunes at sunset

Old Baldy

Back porch view

The marsh

Wee little crabs

Pretty trees

Sigh.

Happy Birthday, Poppy Seed!

(Image courtesy of WAHM Talk Radio)

Today is a very special day. Sending loads of birthday love to the world's sweetest Daddy.

Enjoy your day, Clark W. Griswold. XOXO

Mad love

(Image courtesy Time)

How intriguing does this book all about Richard Burton and Liz Taylor's tumultuous love affair look? The drama, the passion, the...diamonds!

(Image courtesy Amazon)

The authors reconstruct one of Hollywood's most famous topsy turvy romances through Burton's own love letters (one of which Liz still keeps in her bedside table) as well as interviews with the Grand Dame herself.

(Image courtesy The Telegraph)

Burton's nicknames for Taylor included "Dearest Scrupelshrumpilstilskin," "Twit Twaddle," and my personal favorite "My Lumps."

Check out this Vanity Fair article for more details. Can't wait to read!

Treats for your tresses

It's almost time for a trip to the salon to spruce up these tired summer locks. Until that next paycheck gets deposited, here's a quick list of tried and true helpers to keep the hair in order.

1. Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo

(Image courtesy Folica)

This might be the best shampoo ever (as it should be for nearly $30 a bottle). It has the power to transform dry, frizzed dos into satiny, silky styles after only one wash. The problem? I'm almost always compelled to use a tiny amount in an effort to preserve the bottle which drastically cuts down its effectiveness.

2. Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner

(Image courtesy Mecca Cosmetica)

Stop the presses. This conditioner is too legit to quit. Not only does it smell divine, but a tiny dab forces even my wonky locks to lay down. Bonus? It also makes hair super shiny...and tangles? Gone!

3. Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nutrition Oil

(Image courtesy Hair Treatment Shampoo)

Intense indeed! This rad oil is a miracle worker. Simply add a little to your scalp and massage through once a week before you shower. Proceed to shampoo and condition as normal and prepare to be amazed. A super conditioned, manageable mane awaits, and while you may smell like lemons for two days after, the results are more than worth it. Also, this little bottle lasts for years.

I'm really digging the long, multi tonal, voluminous styles the models in Chloe's Fall 2010 show had going on. This style paired with pale coral lips? Even better.

(Images courtesy Feedage and Style.com)

Monday.

(Image courtesy Flickr)

This rainy New York Monday hits like a load of bricks following a lovely sun-filled week away. In an attempt to stop mourning the end of vacation (details to come soon!), I've set my sights on Fall's impending arrival to keep a little pep in my step.

Crisp cool breezes, changing leaves, apple cider...ahhh. A change in weather means necessary wardrobe updates are in order. Jackets, booties, sweaters, glasses...oh my!

Isn't this babe from Marie Clarie France's September issue a dish? Fall fashion inspiration found.


Now all I need is my own set of back-up dancers...

(All images courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue)