{healthy obsession} Bionic March 31, 2010

inally! After much anticipation, Christina Aguilera (who I am not-so-secretly obsessed with) will soon be releasing her first new album since “Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits” in 2008. Her fourth studio album, Bionic, is set for release on June 8, 2010!

She debuted her first single, “Not Myself Tonight,” yesterday on her iheartradio station, Christina Aguilera Radio (http://www.iheartradio.com/christina), an hour before any other station aired it. Produced by Polo Da Don, the single will be available on iTunes on April 13.

Aguilera describes the album as a unique mix of many genres and styles of music, “I was able to explore and create a fresh, sexy feel using both electronic and organic elements with subject matter ranging from playful to introspective.  I am so excited for my fans to hear the new sound. It is something I don’t think anyone will expect.” (http://www.christinaaguilera.com/)

Now all I can do is wait anxiously like a kid before Christmas until the full album is out on June 8th…

{guilty pleasure} DREAM Boutique in Fremont March 25, 2010

 

o matter how many times I convince myself I am perfectly capable of window shopping ONLY, I honestly can’t go in this store without leaving about $150 lighter!  They don’t call it “Dream” Boutique for nothing.  Located in Fremont, next to Jai Thai, Dream always has so many cute dresses, top, and skirts, and they are constantly adding to their selection.  The mannequins in the window always wear the most chic outfits, luring me inside.  A few of my recent purchases include:

DREAM Gray Belted Dress

DREAM Gray Dress with Pockets

DREAM Purple Jewel Dress

 Not only do they carry fashionable clothes, but I always forget (probably a good thing) to look at all the accessories!  DREAM carries handbags, shoes, jewelery, and even candles.  Plus, you can sign up for their “Customer Rewards Program” (just fill in a few things like your name and e-mail when you make your first purchase), and you get 5% off non-sale items regularly, and they send you e-mails on special occasions or after you make additional purchases with e-coupons for 20% another item.  Of course this just makes me want to walk right down there again and shop some more (yes, I know that is exactly what they are going for).  DREAM has two other stores across the street in Fremont,

Bliss Boutique (women’s fashion)

and

 

Finch & Sparrow (handbags, shoes, jewelery, and other unique accessories). 

 Whenever you make a purchase at one of these three boutiques, you get a discount at the other two for the rest of the day!  What more could you ask for (besides a sunny day and more money to spend)?

DREAM – 3427 Fremont Place N Seattle, WA 98103, 206.547.1211

http://dreamfremont.blogspot.com/

 

{healthy obsession} It’s a Party! March 10, 2010

ince lack of discretionary funds = lack of 24th birthday party in my paycheck-to-paycheck world right now, I decided to imagine what my fabulous party could have been (in my ideal world at least)… 

 No, turning 24 is not as wonderful as turning 21 or 16, or even 18 or 19 (hello Canada!), but my birthday is, and always will be, my favorite holiday of the year!  It is the one day of the year that is Mine.  I might share it with millions of other Pisces, but in my world it is only Mine.  And that deserves some crazy, colorful, Sarah-celebrating fun.  That being said, you are cordially invited to my “I Wish” Birthday Party…

The Cake:  Obviously Red Velvet, my new favorite flavor of cake ever (a little more mature and sophisticated that my other favorite, Rainbow Chip).  And what princess doesn’t deserve a Princess Cake?  This pillow cake from Mike’s Amazing Cakes (http://www.mikesamazingcakes.com/) in Redmond is perfect!

The Outfit:  What party is complete without a party dress?  None.  If you have ever met yours truly, you will know that the thought of getting all dressed up makes me giddy, especially if there is a party dress involved!  And high heels!  And basically anything sparkly, shiny, or bright!  My perfect little party dress is this D&G Lace Corset Dress from Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com), complete with sheer lace & a full, fun skirt. 

The Shoes:  Christian Louboutin always makes the most beautiful, perfect high heels!  Being 5’2”, I will jump at any chance to add a few inches (vertically), and when it is 4 3/4″, even better!  These to-die-for silver Christian Louboutin Poseidon Peep-Toe Pumps, also from Saks, would be fabulous for my party!

{guilty pleasure} Rue La La March 4, 2010

  

I have an addiction, and its called Rue La La.  

  

My morning routine: Wake up.  Brush my teeth.  Check Rue La La.  Some would call it a problem, I just call it smart shopping.  What could be better than an invite-only, designer-brand, two-day-only sale boutique?   Like I said, it is “invite only” but consider yourself invited, by me: 

 http://www.ruelala.com/invite/sfilicetti  

Believe it or not, my mom was the person to invite me after receiving an invite from a friend.  And I haven’t looked back since.  I never could have come close to affording many of my fabulous finds without the drastic discounts on these designer brands.  Some of the lovely things I have acquired through Rue La La’s two-day long private sale boutiques…  

 

CC SKYE Hinge Bracelet in Chocolate 

 L.A.M.B. “Zea” Booties in Gray  

MICHAEL Michael Kors ”Chrissi” in Black (my baby) 

  

Once you join, they update you every day about new boutiques opening, and what is coming up soon.  You can even have the site send you reminders when certain sales start!  But be careful, its addicting…  

{healthy obsession} Stratejoy February 20, 2010

here were a number of inspirations leading up to the start of this blog, including my amazing friend Jade, and the class she encouraged me to try: Stratejoy’s Lifestyle Design Workshop. 

It is only week three of four, but I can already say that I am starting to notice positive changes in my everyday behavior and thought process.  For the first time I have begun to look ahead instead of directly in front of me.  A few major realizations have come up along my Stratejoy journey, involving my personal and professional growth.  Molly has presented our class with such a refreshing way to tackle our “Quarterlife crisis” head on, turning it into an oppotunity for great change. 

The other women in my class have been a great source of inspiration as well.  Their honesty and openess is encouraging every week, and even though I have only been around them for a couple hours in the past few weeks, I feel very comforted knowing that I am not alone trying to answer the hard questions life is throwing at me at this age. 

If you are a 20 or 30 something woman looking for inspiration in the midst of your daily routine, unhappy with your job, need a reason to make that move, or are just looking for a general jumpstart in your life, this is your answer.  You will learn so much more about yourself than you expect, while at the same time finding the answer to those lingering questions you’ve been trying not to face.  If this blog isn’t proof that Stratejoy has made a wonderful difference in my life, then perhaps my next undertaking in life will be… I’ll keep you posted.

P.S.  If anyone wants any details on Stratejoy, don’t hesitate to ask me!

http://www.stratejoy.com/