Candace Rose

Anger, Fear and Violation

This morning I woke up to a horrible feeling that I've never felt before on my rural road, a feeling of anger, fear and violation. You see, we have NEVER had any problems here, nobody has ever robbed us, we kept car doors unlocked, and frankly lived as though nothing could ever happen to us. That was until I heard my brother screaming less than an hour ago that his commuter car had been broken into (they stole his radio), they opened my mom's glove box, and tried to touch my brother's raised truck. I guess it's a blessing I always lock my car. I got into this habit years ago, and it always alarmed my family, since we had never had anything like this happen.

Things are going through my head and I wonder why anyone could ever be so desperate that they'd want to rob and hurt others? I feel bad enough that they stole my brothers radio, but it infuriates me to know that they got into my mother's glove box. Were they looking for bank statements, social security numbers? How could anyone ever be so desperate to hurt others that they'd would take such drastic measures? Do they not care that there is an elderly woman in the house with dementia? Of course they don't care, they're selfish, insensitive beasts. I don't know why, but I had this weird sense that something bad was going to happen this week. I didn't know what, and I never expected this. I prayed for my family over and over before falling asleep last night. I guess I should be thankful we are all safe and sound.

Things are going to have to change around here, starting with this little lady, who seems to bark at everything she sees, hears or smells, but must have taken the night off...since she slept through it. I guess I shouldn't say such awful things about her, seeing as she would never allow anyone in our house. My thinking is they must have parked elsewhere, and hiked up our driveway?

It's too bad the hydrangeas in front of the house are having to come down today, since that harbored us from seeing or hearing anything. I may be small in stature, but my 7th grade Volleyball coach didn't nickname me - "short but mighty" for nothing. My message to the jkldjflakjdlfkjdslfjljd (morse code for something I should never type on my blog)- Come back, and you'll wish you never found our house.

Purple Grape Vineyard Time

I finally started editing some of the photos I took last weekend, when I went for my walk through the grape vineyards. There are many more to go, but I wanted to share what I've done so far! I have a million projects going at once (it's the gemini in me) and I just started working on my *NEW* etsy shop. If everything goes well, I will be opening it this week. I can't wait as I have been contemplating opening a shop with just my note cards for quite some time. I should have done this long ago, as I sell more cards outside of etsy, than anything else. It's time to stop questioning things and start moving on. The way I look at it, is I'll never know unless I try, right? :)

 Just listed this on etsy-- Purple Vineyard Grapes

Pink Dahlia Weekend

What are your plans for the weekend? Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a great one!

 

This pink dahlia photo was taken in one of my mom's gardens a few weeks ago when I was watering. Yes, I take my camera with me when I water, as I never know when I might miss out on a great shot like this one! A photographer can never be unprepared! =)

Oh and I'm Hooked On Fridays!

Before you go on vacation.....

With Labor day fast approaching, many folks will be traveling by air and on the highway for their last escape before fall and school starts. Vacation planning can be a struggle, from deciding where to go, which airline to take, and where to stay. How many of you take it for granted that your hotel room will resemble the photo in the publication you saw or the amenities featured will be readily available and at your service? Oyster Hotel Reviews has taken it upon themselves to do extensive research for vacationers. They've hired journalists to take undoctored photos, list amenities, and give unbiased reviews based on their finds- both good and bad. 

Let's say I'm planning a trip to Miami for my best friends birthday party. All I have to do is type in Miami, and it lists in categories, the best hotels, best value, best luxury, family friendly, most romantic, pet friendly, etc.  The next set of categories is based on areas, from downtown city life, to cool, calm, collected and working on my tan on the beach! There are a multitude of slide shows based on the best gyms, bathrooms, pools and other amenities of interest in the final category.

Well, I've narrowed it down and I've decided I want a pet friendly hotel since I plan on taking my dog, Lucy Goosie. After viewing a few photos, I love the look of The Westin Colonnade. It's breathtakingly gorgeous, and only $200 a night.

The Westin Colonnade- Oyster Hotel Reviews

Unfortunately after doing a bit of research, we will not be able to stay here, as the review states that contrary to what the hotel website says (dogs 45 lbs and under are permitted) dogs can only be 25 pounds or under. What would I have done had I gotten to Miami with my dog who weighs more than 25 pounds?

The journalist I interviewed from Oyster Hotel Reviews gave me a bit of background on the reviewers, what they review and whether changes have been made since creating this website.

Kelsey Blodgett whom I interviewed stated- "Our reporters all have impressive journalism backgrounds, and have worked at publications like the Village Voice, Forbes, and Money Magazine. They investigate every aspect of a property, including the architecture and interior design, and can assess how it compares to other similar hotels in the area. Although reporters take their own photos, we also have an experienced photo team that contributes to our photo coverage."

At this point and time, only hotels are reviewed, "but timeshares are covered, when the property is also a hotel." Changes have not been made based on their reviews, "but if If a hotel we say has worn rooms renovates them, we will note that change once we confirm it. We want our reviews to always be fresh and up to date, and to give properties credit for improving themselves" Blodgett states.

Based on my research, and the gorgeous photos- I am in love with and can't wait to visit Half Moon, Montego Bay, in Jamaica! 

Half Moon Bay Jamaica- Oyster

Hibiscus Pool at Half Moon Bay- Oyster

Imperial Suite at Half Moon Bay- Oyster

The Akbar Restaurant at the Half Moon Bay- Oyster

Seagrape Terrace at the Half Moon Bay- Oyster

Oh and don't worry, I've already mentioned I'd love to see reviews of you guessed it...my favorite hotel, The Viceroy!

On My List

Here are a few of my personal favorites based on what I saw on The Rachel Zoe Project. I should probably mention I've been waiting the entire year for this famed A list stylists show to return. Should I be embarrassed? ;)

As you can see, I share her adoration for wide leg trousers, Chanel, Missoni and seven inch heels.

Who knew Shopbop carried Vintage Chanel? 

Vintage Chanel Quilted Chain Bag- Shopbop

 

Dojo Stretch Jean- 7 For All Mankind - Shopbop

 

Mini Wave Stripe Dress- M Missoni- Shopbop

 

Tie Waist Cardigan- M Missoni- Shopbop

 

Ankle Cuff d'Orsay- Manolo Blahnik- Neiman Marcus

Surf Benefit

When one of my favorite bloggers, Jamie of the surf/beach related blog, Pineapple Luv (definite must see and read) mentioned she was curating a benefit in June for The Mattson's in San Diego, California, I knew I had to help. While I don't know them personally, my motto in life as well as in business is to always help anyone I can in need. It's how I was raised, and how I function to this day.

The benefit was held at SurfIndian a surf related art gallery in Pacific Beach, California. Though none of my photos are beach or surf related (not yet!) she was kind enough to accept my donation of "Turquoise Sunflower". As much as I wish I could have attended, I'm glad at least "a part" of me was there for such a wonderful cause.

  Thank you to Ms. Jamie who provided me with these photos! For more shots from the event, head on over to Pineapple Luv!

Shape Magazine Beauty Awards

Have you ever struggled to find a beauty product for your adult acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, dry skin, combination skin, oily skin, crows feet, under eye circles.....etc? I know I have, and it's taken me 28 years to be exact. Searching for products to help us feel better about our outward appearance shouldn't be that daunting and difficult.

In the September 2009 issue of Shape with Lauren Conrad on the cover, 5,000 readers, beauty editors, and beauty pros are making it easier for us, by unveiling their favorite beauty products (from May 2008- May 2009) with drugstore and department store pricing.

Best Body Moisturizers (Drugstore & Department Store)

 

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Body Lotion @ Drugstore.com

 

Sephora Brand Coconut Cream Body Butter- Sephora

For more award winners, be sure and get your copy of Shape magazine on newsstands today!

Perfect Today

viceroy hotel pool area, originally uploaded by wikstenmade.

How stunning is this photo!!! Can I please move in? If it was up to me, my bedroom would resemble the Viceroy patio, with the gorgeous black and white striped umbrellas to the beautiful cabana tents (only with a roof overhead.) Kelly Wearstler is a design genius!!!

Here's my dilemma- I'd love to find curtains that resemble the tents. Does anyone know where I can find anything similar?

Thank you! Have a wonderful Saturday!

A Garden Affair

Happy Friday to ya! What are your plans this weekend?

I'm participating in Hooked On Houses Hooked On Friday's...and this is what I'm hooked on. Hanging out in the sunshine reading Traditional Home and getting ideas for my bedroom! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, whatever you end up doing!

 

 

Just listed this on etsy just recently- A Garden Affair

Exclusive SF Boutique To Host Pop-Up Shop

Heading to San Francisco any time soon? Be sure to check out Carrot SF in the historic Jackson square neighborhood, as they will be carrying Phi's ready-to-wear line and accessories, in their exclusive Phi Pop-Up shop. Highly acclaimed Creative director, Andreas Melbot who held the title of Senior Designer with Hall of fame fashion designers, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein before heading to Phi to hold the same position, designed this exquisite fall collection. 

Inspired by Richard Lindner's iconic paintings, the collection includes body conscious pieces in traditional fall colors of black, charcoal and navy with rich materials of stretch flannel, stretch silk georgette, crepe wool gabardine, luxurious leather and shearling. Carrots will be carrying the exclusive Phi line the entire season, starting September 1st.

A few featured pieces-

 

 

On My List

I've heard fall is right around the corner, but with temps projected to be well over 100 around here, I'm not buying it. No sir! Here are a few of my summer super hot wants!

If I have to wear clothes, I might as well sport some hot shorts!

 

Current/Elliott- The Boyfriend Shorts With Studs- Shopbop

 

Tylie Malibu- Women's Black Loose Jersey Tank- Shop Kitson

My personal favorite go to sandals, as they coordinate well with everything!

 

Bernardo Miami Sandals- Zappos

It's going to be too hot to carry a purse, this little card holder is all I'd need ;)

 

Porte-cartes simple- Louis Vuitton

Somebody PINCH Me. Please!

If you followed many of my posts on my previous blog, Dolce Chic you knew that I started taking wallpaper down in January, yes January! Removing wallpaper that's been stuck to the walls for close to three decades is not the easiest task in the world, in fact it's grueling, and induces headaches. It doesn't come down in one pull, it comes down in layers. The seams were my least favorite part as they turned gummy. The texture began coming off in spots, and in a few places it looked as though all that was left was cardboard. I don't think that was supposed to happen? Sunday evening, I finally took the last of what I could remove down, and I haven't looked back since!!!

The painter is coming in about 8 hours....yahoo! I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, as there are still gummy places. I'm sure it'll look as pretty as possible under the circumstances. I varied through emotions today, at times I was very excited while other times I was giddy and nervous. Is my room finally going to actually look like a bedroom? A few years ago I removed my carpet, and acid stained the concrete....I mean my MAMA acid stained the concrete. I should also mention that if you plan on completing this task, you should wear a mask as you are pouring acid onto the concrete. Nobody told my mom the process, and no she didn't wear a mask. She ran out of the room gasping for air. Sorry Mom!

That's me though, I am always looking for projects. When my mom and I went to a street fair in Lodi last year we found the most amazing bed, ever! It's rot iron and is from the 1800's (Many photos posted on my old blog.) We've talked about possibly painting it turquoise, but I don't know if I'm up for the challenge? Painting is not my forte, but I think it would look gorgeous! Who knows? I'm always biting off more than I can chew....I guess that's how I roll :)

I've been pondering whether or notI should divulge what I plan on doing to the room, but then again I guess I should leave some things a surprise until the bedspread (eek!) arrives! My newest piece of antique furniture will be delivered tomorrow (amazing deal btw...pays to have good friends)! I feel like a kid waiting to go on a trip, or get a new pair of shoes. I've never been the most patient person in the world when it comes to what I want, but this has been a long time in the making. I am so excited, and I just cannot hide it. AHHHHH! Ok, Candi...don't hyperventilate <----What I've been telling myself all day!

 

Katie Lee Joel's home (Domino Magazine) My favorite flowers btw! :)

Living Etc

Living Bedroom- Living Etc

Tranquil Retreat- Living Etc

Calm Refuge- Living Etc

Salvaged Style- Living Etc

Colour Boost-Living Etc 

Silk Style- Living Etc

Notice any hints? ;) Have a great Tuesday! xoxo

Discount at ShopRuche, you say?

Good morning, happy Monday to ya! Know what makes me happy? Good clothes/earrings, great prices, and additional discounts! ShopRuche has been kind enough to offer the readers of Candace Rose a 10% discount in their online boutique. Not only is the website beautiful, it's incredibly easy to navigate. If you're in a hurry, feel free to search by size, new arrival, or other category. Your discount can be redeemed by entering "candacerose" at the time of purchase. Hurry, as this offer is valid until the end of September!

Here are a few of my absolute favorites!

Eggplant Ruffle Sweater Dress

With short hair, big earrings are a MUST!

Brass Paisley Teardrop Earrings

The next two are sold out in all but size large. Love them! Act quick :)

Turquoise Turtleneck Organic Dress

 

Monsieur Tillier Chiffon Tank

Love this color!

 

Ruffle Halter Tank in Daffodil

Teal Crochet Scarf

Rounded Leaf Filigree Brass Earrings

What do you think?

On Friday evening I started working on some cards for one of the shops that carries my photo note cards, when I started thinking, I should really start making some sample Christmas cards. I have yet to take them to her shop, nor have I listed them on etsy. That's where you come in, my faithful readers :) I've started editing a few, and wanted to show you what I've been working on. Here are two of the photos, I plan on turning into Xmas cards, and possibly selling as prints. Hope you're having a great Sunday! =)

 

 

Vintage Ornaments from throughout the years!

Shoutout El Dorado Hills!

Today was a good day. I had the chance to spend a relaxing day with my bff aka Mama. We went up to El Dorado Hills (California) to get my car serviced, and let's just say if you have a Mercedes and live in the Sac/Tahoe area, Von Housen (Mercedes of El Dorado Hills) is where it's at! They do an amazing job, are extremely personable, and to top it off the dealership is absolutely gorgeous! I kid you not, it appears as though you're walking through a beautiful winery, not a car dealership.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz El Dorado Hills

There are so many gorgeous boutiques in the El Dorado Hills Town Center, the first one we went into was Posh Punkins. I have never seen so many cute outfits for babies in all my days. They had the most adorable Juicy outfits/bathing suits for little ladies, and True Religion jeans. Our friend, Aimee's baby is going to be spoiled come Christmas! 

I'd been in Uptown Girl (love the song and movie btw) but it had been a few years. I've been wanting to go back for a while, and I am so glad I did. Not only does owner, Brie have the poshest clothing, she is a sweetheart! I found the cutest dress by La Made, which I am going to be wearing the rest of the summer, and with tights and boots come winter. I think I'm finally joining the tights bandwagon! :) I have yet to wear it, but found this photo via Nordstrom. The dress retails for $68 there, but I bought it for $42, yes $42. Her prices are reasonable, and she sponsors events every few months. I can't wait to go back!!!

 

Lunch was spent at Strings, they have the best salad on earth! I could eat about 12 bowls in one sitting :) We ate outside with a stunning pond and waterfall as the backdrop. A flock of Canadian Honkers flew over, which was quite upsetting as my camera was resting in my purse! Oh well, next time!!!

Before I bid you all adieu, I can't forget about the Nugget Market. This is seriously the prettiest grocery store in the world. It has to be. How many grocery stores have angels carved on the exterior?

Have a wonderful weekend :) How do you plan on spending it? I'm working on photo cards for a shop I'll tell you more about next week!