MyAgenda 2013

Although I am usually up to date with the newest technology, there is one area of my life that will forever remain archaic...my planner! Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the simplicity of all things digital and the ability to sync your mobile, tablet, and computer altogether. However, I am a list girl. Not a digital list girl, but a handwritten (I'm going to add it to the list even though I've already done it so I have one more thing to cross off) list girl...and my planner let's me do just that!

I am however VERY particular about my planner. I used to swear by one that Neiman Marcus put out in November, but once they stopped I had to hunt for a new planner that was just as cute (yes, this is very important) and efficient. Thus I bring you the MyAgenda, and for all my mommy friends they have the same stylish options in the MomAgenda (OCGoodmama this has your name all over it).

My new planner is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so in anticipation I thought I would share how stinkin' cute it is!

all images via MomAgenda

I hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday...we are officially one day closer to the 3-day weekend!



jonathan adler sunnies

I totally adore me some Jonathan Adler. His gidgets and gadgets always have me swooning and somehow convince me that if I buy just one more pillow or one more tray my house will be perfect. Side note, the employees at the Jonathan Adler store in Fashion Island have a serious complex about themselves. I mean seriously, get over yourself...you work at a retail store not the white house.

Due to this little fact I am now all about stopping Jonathan Adler online now, and this week the website has me lusting over these adorable sunglasses case. I mean seriously, does it get any cuter than this?!?

All of the above cases can be purchased online here! These would seriously make the perfect birthday gift, or if you are like me and believe in gifts for every holiday (yes, Martin Luther King Day counts as a holiday), then this would make for a lovely Labor Day gift. Just saying!

new for the night

Most of you know about my previous obsession with Rent the Runway. For those of you who are new to this amazing idea...you basically go online and choose from hundreds of designer dresses. Once you select a dress you pick how long you want to rent it for, proceed with the rental transaction, and voila...it shows up on your doorstep in PERFECT condition!

Well this obsession has been slightly tweaked with the recent launch of New for the Night. New for the Night is exactly like Rent the Runway but is based in Texas, so of course I am slightly partial to the southern company. Plus the prices on New for the Night are slightly less expensive. They are however still building up their collection of dresses so please be patient in the meantime!

all images via New for the Night

long sleeve perfection

For years I have been on the hunt for the perfect long sleeve shirt. It seems like the weirdest thing to be picky about but somehow I've convinced myself that the perfect long sleeve T will make or break my fall/winter. Well folks, after about 4 years of searching I am thrilled to announce that I've found not 1 but 2 of these shirts.

Both shirts are part of the pure collection at Gap. Normally I'm not a huge fan of Gap but this collection consists of all jersey apparel which feels heavnely! The Pure Crew shirt is the perfect go-to...it can be layered well or worn as is. It is the perfect length and yes...I've purchased it in all available colors! The Longline Tunic is the perfect long sleeve T for leggings. I mean what is more classic/easy/simple then a long sleeve T, leggings, and boots! Enough said, I cannot wait for fall!

Gap Pure Crew

Gap Pure Longline Tunic

PS - Gap has 25% off online right now and free shipping over $50. Order now!

kisses from katie

So I've officially been on a 6 month hiatus from blogging....oy vey! However, I recently received a brand new Macbook Pro for my birthday (thanks mom and dad) and have become inspired to blog again. This blog post is not what I had intended for my entry back into the blogging world but I couldn't help but share Kisses from Katie!

During my hiatus I have been a reading machine. In the 8 months so far this year I have already read more than I have in the last 5 years combined (embarassing I know). This book is by far...without a doubt...my favorite. Yes, this beats the Hunger Games, Love Does, and all my Sophie Kinsella beach reads!

Quick synopsis of the book, "What would cause an eighteen-year-old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disobey and disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because they think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person and didn’t even speak the language?

A passion to follow Jesus.

Katie Davis left over Christmas break of her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people of Uganda and the needs she saw that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting thirteen children in Uganda and has established a ministry, Amazima, that feeds and sends hundreds more to school while teaching them the Word of Jesus Christ.

Kisses from Katie invites readers on a journey of radical love down the red dirt roads of Uganda. You’ll laugh and cry with Katie as she follows Jesus into the impossible and finds joy and beauty beneath the dust. Katie and her children delight in saying yes to the people God places in front of them and challenge readers to do the same, changing the world one person at a time."

I'm almost done with this marvelous, life-changing book but couldn't wait to finish before sharing. This book will leave you inspired to change the world and will give you goosebumps with every turn of the page. God is so good and his ways are beyong unfathomable!

a LOVEly tuesday

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope each and every one of you feel extra special and more than loved on this wonderful Tuesday! This pretty much sums up my day...

a yummy valentine latte
homemade chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting

giraffe manor

Although I'd like to think that I am ahead of the game on this well kept secret, perhaps I am behind the times. Regardless, I have just discovered my dream vacation...GIRAFFE MANOR...OBSESSED! This amazing gem is located just outside Nairobi and for a small price (wink wink) you can spend your days, and daily activities for that matter, engaging with one of the earths most beautiful creatures.

As quoted on their website, "Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest and is only 20 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. Built in the 1930s, this luxury boutique hotel has maintained all the charm of the era and is now famous for its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe. Giraffe Manor offers you an unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with them vying for your attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even your bedroom window."

All the images below have been taken from their website but I couldn't help sharing. I mean...OMG...I DIE! Please take me to giraffe heaven now! Pretty please!

be my valentine

Last night I put the finishing touches on my super cheesy valentine care packages! While I love sharing this romantic holiday with that special someone, I can't help but remind my friends and family just how much I love them on this holiday as well!


So this morning these lovely care packages were signed, sealed, and mailed off to a few special recipients!


The preparation continues this weekend with a trip to the farmers market to pick up some fresh strawberries. From there I will be making chocolate cupcakes with fresh strawberry frosting as well as chocolate covered strawberries...yum!

milly for sperry

It’s no secret that I love me a good Milly dress or coat and my feeling for Sperrys hardly differs. So to my surprise the two have joined forces to give us the best of both collections. May I present to you Milly for Sperry! OMG! They always say, a girl can dream…and now I say, a girls dreams can come true!

image source here

image source here

JCrew has also teamed up with Sperry as well to form their own line. While I do adore some of the shoes below I must admit that I’m slightly more partial to the Milly line…my heart is smiling very big today!

image source here

girls in white dresses

Those of you who have talked to me recently know that it's no secret I am obsessed with reading right now. And those of you who I haven't seen in weeks...well you can blame my books. Reading is taking over every spare minute I have and to be honest...I absolutely love it!

My family will be the first to tell you that I've never been a huge reader. In fact, each year one of my resolutions is to read more. Well for the first time this goal is becoming a reality!
We are just beginning February and I'm already on my 4th book which I'm 100% certain is more than I read in the entire year of 2011!

The year started off with Girls In White Dresses...accompanied by the Maui sun and a cocktail in hand (take me back please)! This witty book truly captures the point I am at in my life...constant wedding which of course means endless showers, lots of pregger friends which of course means more showers (love you Sara and Jac), and the never ending drama that comes with dating and parents who are dying for you to get married! It perfectly outlines the hysterical friendships and family dynamics that we deal with in our mid-twenties to thirties and to be honest I probably wouldn't have it any other way!

As for now, well the Hunger Game series has sucked me in. Like I'll skip dinner and screen all phone calls sucked me in. OBSESSED!!! I'm slightly worried about having withdrawls once I reach the end. What ever will i read next!?!

farmers market

Last weekend my folks came into town so we wandered the UCI farmers market on Saturday morning! For months I've been reading the fabulous reviews about this farmers market on Yelp and to my surprise I was not disappointed. Not only are the pickings incredible but the prices are beyond fantastic. This is sure to be the highlight of each Saturday to come and the perfect way to start the weekends!

Here are a glimpes of the amazingness that I get to fill my belly with all week. This week is filled with blood orange grapefruit juice, parsnip and apple soup, and watercress with heirloom tomatoes and burrata cheese! Try not to be too jealous!

here to stay

So I know, I have once again been a terrible blogger and am truly sorry for abandoning y'all! To be honest, I think I am going through a blog identity crisis. Don't get me wrong...I love my blog...and I love my loyal followers. However, lately I have felt a transition coming on in my interests for 2012. While I will always write about design and fashion I feel like I am looking to turn my blog into a 'catch all' outlet. Lately I've been wanted to write book reviews and share cooking recipes. I've struggled with the idea of abandoning DapperDwelling and starting from fresh, but am please to announce that after some wise advice DapperDwelling is here to stay. So please join me on this journey as I broaden my subjects and build my up my blogging community!

To start us off I thought I would share the recipe of a delicious meal that I made last night. Although I have always been a relatively healthy eater, this year has me craving new grains, fresh veggies, and innovative meals. So here you have it folks...

1 cup quinoa (red or white)
2 cups water
2 sweet potatoes
½ sweet yellow onion
10 brussel sprouts
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pine nuts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Bring water to bowl in medium pan and stir in quinoa. Reduce heat down to low and cover for 10 minutes.

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes (I used white sweet potatoes) into bite size cubes. Clean and quarter the brussel sprouts and finely chop the onion. Add all veggies to a baking dish. Coat with olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper. Place baking dish in preheated over and cooking for 30 minutes.

In a small pan, lightly toast pine nuts until golden brown.

Once all components are done mix the quinoa, veggies, pine nuts, and cranberries together in a large bowl.

ENJOY! You are now one step closer to feeding your body a nutritious meal that will make you feel like a million bucks!

perfect for you

My sweet friend Becca posted this on her blog and I couldn't help but share! Happy Sunday sweet friends!

pony up

Those of you who know me well know that I have a lot of pride for my SMU Mustangs! This year I am once again reminded of how far our football program has come, and am certain that we are going to continue climbing the BCS ladder in the years to come!

So on this Compass Bowl Game day all I have to say is...GO MUSTANGS...PONY UP...MAKE ME PROUD!

run for ruby

This morning I will be attending the first annual Run for Ruby! As many of you remember (from emails, facebook posts, and texts) the Taylor family lost their sweet baby Ruby Jane last August while waiting for her to receive a liver transplant. It was a devastating time and an unbearable loss for everyone, but through lots of prayer and encouragement the Taylor's started The Ruby Jane Foundation in order for Ruby's legacy to live on. The foundation's focus is to bring awareness to organ donation, and as part of that they are hosting a Run for Ruby each year in honor of Ruby's birthday (which was on Thursday)!



This is such an incredible story of strength, grace, and God's divine plan! So today (and every day) we remember you Ruby as we run in your memory! I have been looking forward to this day for months and am excited to be attending with my sweet friend Alex! Please keep the Taylor's in your prayers today as I'm sure this day is bitter sweet for their family.

Side note, for those of you who are not familiar with the Taylor family and Ruby's story you can read about it here!

pick your chevron

Right now I am all about the chevron pattern! I mean it is quite simply the most perfect pattern out there. The chevron is classy, chic, and a little funky all at once. It can fit in an elegant home, a newborn nursery, or even a fresh kitchen. Truly....most versatile pattern on earth.

I know I have a lot of opinions, and I appreciate y'all hanging in there with me as I push my opinions on each of you. With that said, I think everyone needs at least one chevron statement piece in their home. Below I have listed a few of my favorites but by all means don't let me limit you. The chevron is the limit here....think....rugs, plates, chargers, lamps, curtains, and even towels. You name it and I'm sure it exists. Here are a few of my personal favs!

The navy classic chevron accent pillow

The perfect neutral accent wall
The perfect bedroom dresser decor (this is a must replicate ASAP project)!
And of course the ever so chic wooden floors (although consider this as an accent wall treatment...fab)!

little reminders

As I go into the new year, I wanted to post some of my favorite sayings, quotes, and inspirational reminders. Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down with things that don't matter, but this year I am going to try harder to be less stressed and more easy going.....two things that I am constantly working at. These little reminders always make me smile and remind me that life is good and God is great!