Cupcakes and Cashmere

Five Things

February 8th, 2013

heart nail polish

{I made little hearts using white nail polish + toothpicks}

There were good lessons to be learned this week. We had our fair share of disappointment – with some unfortunate house-hunting news (turns out, if you’re self-employed, it’s very difficult to get a loan) and a major business deal that fell through. I felt like curling up in a ball and not leaving the couch, but instead I focused on being grateful for what I do have. It was a conscious (and somewhat challenging) decision to change my perspective, but I’m so glad that I did. Have a great weekend.

alcohol placecards

{Dinner party place cards for tonight with each person’s favorite alcohol}

necklaces

 {Layering necklaces from my dad – the top was a gift he gave to my mom on their wedding day}

candied flowers

{Rainy day weekend activity: making pretty cupcakes topped with these edible flowers}

candlesticks

{I love these geode candlesticks that I purchased at SummerHouse in Mill Valley}

 

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  • Jessica

    Hi, I AM FROM BRAZIL I LOVE YOUR BLOG EVER I READ CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

  • http://turquoiseandteale.blogspot.com/ Ashley

    Sorry to hear about your week Emily. I’m self-employed and know how you’re feeling. Keep focusing on the positive and know that it’ll all work out. There just must be something better in the works :)

  • http://cocoanhoney.wordpress.com Heather

    Emily, you are great! I have been following your blog for a few years now and am constantly inspired by you beautiful photography, content, and you spirit.

    I’m glad you chose to be grateful for what you have because maybe something better is worth waiting for.

  • http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.co.uk/ Stacey

    Your nails are so cute!! I hope next week is a better week for you!

    xoxo
    Stacey

    http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.co.uk/

  • http://hollybdesigns.weebly.com Holly

    The necklaces on the bust are absolutely beautiful, the photo alone is great! Love the candlesticks as well. Keep smiling Emily, I’m sure good things are to come!

  • http://misspinkstyle.net Adela

    Sorry to hear your bag news. But remember Everything happens for a reason. I’m sure something much better is coming up. Remain positive :)
    Adela x

    misspinkstyle.net

  • http://www.sweetestsomethings.com Dina

    You have such a positive perspective, great 5 things!
    xo Dina
    http://www.sweetestsomethings.com

  • http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com Jennifer

    Those place cards are such a good idea!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

  • http://fitwithflash.blogspot.com Ami

    I’m self-employed as well. You should be good if you’ve got 3 years of taxes with your self-employement, but yes, it’s a b*itch to get a loan. My loan officer told me to not claim as many deductions (sucks to pay more by doing that) so that it will look like your business made more money at the end of the year… hope that helps. Good luck and chin up!

  • http://www.denimanddaydreamsblog.com Amanda

    I hate those weeks. Luckily, next week can only get better!

    I also love those nails! I will be doing that today for sure!
    xx
    Amanda
    http://www.denimanddaydreamsblog.com

  • http://cchicc3.wordpress.com/ Chelsea

    I did the same thing when painting my nails this week! Getting ready for Valentine’s day!

    http://cchicc3.wordpress.com/

  • http://poorlittleitgirl.com Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl

    Love those little hearts! I just painted my nails pink last night and this would be such a fun way to update the look…thanks!

    xoxo
    Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
    http://poorlittleitgirl.com

  • http://thedreambeaver.com Tatiana

    Life has its ups and downs, but remember that things always turn around. Remember that you are a true inspiration to us all!

  • http://thestylishcupcake.blogspot.no/ anita

    love it! you’re my favourite blog, I love it! Have a great weekend .)

  • http://www.asliceofglam.com Amberly

    Hope it gets better! :)

    Amberly
    http://www.asliceofglam.com

  • http://smartchicdietreadbooksandfly.blogspot.it FEDERICA

    …FERNET BRANCA…. remember me my old oncles in the country near Rome, Marina di S.Nicola, after a tired day of work they drink this !!LOS ANGELES RAINYTO ROME FROZEN BYE
    Federica smartchicdietreadbooksandfly.blogspot.it

  • Leslie G

    Long time reader here, but I have never commented before (hello!). I just wanted to sympathize with your difficulty in a getting a home loan, as we struggled a few years ago to get one as well. My husband is self-employed and getting a home loan was a nightmare. My biggest advice is to find a small, local bank who does home loans rather than a giant like Bank of America. You’ll get close, personal attention and someone you can meet in person (rather than an 9 digit extension number!) who can really pull for you.
    Good luck, it will work out for you!

  • http://www.essentjewels.wordpress.com essentjewels

    Emily, I am so sorry to hear about the deal that didn’t go through, my husband and I are also self employed, we had to save money, and my father-in-law lend us money to pay cash for the same reason, and we had to a budget which made it really hard to find something we liked.

    Stay positive and you will be rewarded.

  • Hannah

    I read your blog from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I absolutely love that you guys drink fernet! Here, there is a mint fernet too you should try!

  • http://maxandhiscoco.blogspot.com/ Siobhan

    Adore the heart nail polish design! Might have to try this for Valentine’s Day!

    xo
    http://maxandhiscoco.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.lilieslattesandlace.com Kendall

    Great 5 things, that last photo makes me so happy – it looks like spring! Keep your head up, lots of wonderful things to come I am sure :)
    xo K
    http://www.lilieslattesandlace.com

  • http://goldpaintblog.com Fran M

    Those candlesticks are on my wish list! I freelance for a company (quite possible THE company) that makes those. I have large votives and some custom drawer pulls, I highly recommend the votives!

  • http://www.webelieveinstyle.net Noemi

    The necklaces are simply lovely and the candlesticks very beautiful.

  • http://www.hardheartbeating.blogspot.com Heartbeat

    Beautiful pics! :)
    heartbeat blog

  • https://www.chealseeaaa.tumblr.com Chealsea Fuqua

    I hope you have a better week and a great weekend! I’ll keep you in my prayers about your house and business ventures as well! Happy wishes :)

  • http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com EVa

    Love the the nail art and beautiful flowers!xx

    ENTER MY GIVEAWAY
    http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com

  • Sarah

    those place cards! so clever!

  • http://vickiarcher.com Vicki Archer

    The candle sticks are great, and I love the place cards…I hope everything works out for you… xv

    http://vickiarcher.com

  • http://thegooddistrict.com Milagros Hill

    I need to be a better practitioner of this myself – but when set backs happen I find that a little volunteering will help me appreciate how blessed I truly am – and while the sting never feels great – I have found things do not work out for a reason – so hopefully something bigger and better is in store for you! Love your blog – read it EVERY DAY! You definitely inspire me – so thanks for being so honest!!!

  • http://lilylovelock.blogspot.com Domonique

    I love the idea of the heart manicure. I always use toothpicks, such a good little trick :)

    x

  • http://beautybymissash.blogspot.ca/ Ashley

    I am definitely doing my nails like that for Valentines Day! Love this xox

    My online beauty store: http://beautybymissash.blogspot.ca/

  • http://www.rachaelkatherine.com Rachael

    What a fun and cute idea for place cards! I’m sure your guests will love it too :) Sorry to hear it was a rough week for you. Good for you for thinking about the positives in your life. It’s extremely hard to do but I try to do the same in those instances. Hopefully things perk up for you next week!

    xo

    http://www.rachaelkatherine.com

  • Kelly

    That’s really sad about the loan, but it will happen in time. You are creative and obviously hard working, things will come together. Your blog and your book are fantastic. My little sister got me the book for my birthday and I have been inspired by your style ever since.

  • http://momwifebosslife.blogspot.ca kelly

    Beautiful cupcake topper and I love the candlesticks!

    xx Kelly

  • http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com gigi

    love the heart nail polish design! going to try that when I next paint my nails. the necklaces are beautiful so nice to have something with memories to it. xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

  • http://ishowedupinboots.com I Showed Up In Boots

    My favorite photo this week is the one with the candlesticks for sure!

    I am so sorry to hear about your house-hunting and business deal going through. However, I really do appreciate you sharing this kind of news with us. I feel that bloggers have become so unrelatable these days, with all of them at fashion week, traveling, receiving gifts, and leading these glamourous lives. So thank you for being real and being positive about what you do have. Something even better will come along the way and you will be thankful that the other opportunity did not follow through:)

    http://ishowedupinboots.com

  • http://thesistersinthecity.com Corbynn

    So cute that your dad gave that necklace to your mom on their wedding day!

    Corbynn
    thesistersinthecity.com

  • http://www.peachesandcake.com Meg @ Peaches and Cake

    Those geode candlesticks are fantastic! And I’m sure making flower-topped cupcakes will make you feel a whole lot better this weekend.

  • http://www.anightinnyc.blogspot.com olga

    stay positive sweetie!

    the candles are gorgeous

    http://www.anightinnyc.blogspot.com

  • http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/ pretty little things

    great heart mani — I wish I was skilled at doing my own nails! xo

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.fancyalterego.wordpress.com Heather P.

    Sorry to hear you week didn’t go well, but that’s great that you can find ways to get through it! I love that place card idea…and I’m sure your guests will too! Hope next week is way more awesome!

  • http://thefabulouslifeofanaturaldisaster.com/ abigailsterling

    Sorry you had a rough week – I’m glad you were able to look at the positives though. It’s hard to do, but worth it. LOVE the candle stick holders – totally awesome!! Have a good weekend :)

    x the fabulous life of a natural disaster

  • Clare

    Great, honest post – inspiring as always. Thankyou xx

  • http://herestohappinesses.blogspot.com/ Amie

    Bravo to you! Pulling up your boot-straps isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessity. One (or two) door closes & another one (or TWO!) opens!!
    PS. I am in love with those candlestick holders!!!

  • http://www.delolovesdesign.com Dee

    Love the candles sticks! They are stunning!

    http://www.delolovesdesign.com

  • http://www.kidchamp.net lauren

    the necklaces are beautiful (i especially love the top one) – your dad has great taste! i’m so sorry to hear about the loan disappointment; buying a home here in nyc took a lot out of me, too (i actually cried when we were finally approved). hang in there! (and say hello to rachel for me!)

  • http://www.sincerelyanna.com Anna

    I love your candle sticks and the place signs for your guests are really sweet, so personal!

  • http://www.thestylishhousewife.com jenn~the stylish housewife

    awwww, so sorry to hear that you have gotten some bad news lately. =( keep your chin up…EVERYTHING happens for a reason. we were told that our house fell through less than 24 hours before we were supposed to move in. and because of that, we ended up with our REAL dream home. =) and can i tell you how much i LOVE the alcohol place cards…SO cute! have a great weekend.

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

  • http://www.carpoolgoddess.com/ Carpool Goddess

    Your nails look so pretty! Clever girl.

  • http://www.erinscurrentlycoveting.com Erin

    Everything happens for a reason, maybe there’s something even better on the horizon. Gorgeous candle holders!

    xx,
    E
    Currently Coveting