In the last few years, I have been brushing with your everyday, run of the mill toothbrush. This was the result of the Sonicare I had been using, deciding to stop working one day. Being that I had spent a significant amount of money on the thing and it just broke for no apparent reason, I was less than enthused about the prospect of buying another.

However, on a recent Amazon binge, I came across a more affordable option ($34.95 vs. $150+ I initially spent), and decided to give it a go...

Best decision ever! I feel like my mouth has been filthy for the last few years, and I don't quite know how I went back to a regular toothbrush. Never again!

What an incredible difference.

That's my anecdote/tip for the day. Hope you enjoyed it.

I'm in deep with the puzzles, it's true. I decided to go with some educational pizazz on this one, and I already feel smarter. Next time you go to buy a movie On Demand, do one of these instead. Thank me later for how freakin' smart you become...
However, do not contact me later when your back is killing you from hunching over a table. That's all you.

Yet another amazing Target find! I have recently gotten into slip on tennies (supes late to the game, I know), and I found an adorable pair from Target that I simply must share!

Women's Dedra Lace Slip-On, $24.99

After another banner weekend in Paso Robles, I am pleased to bring you the first in my wine posts from the research trip. The things I do for my readers! ;)

Up first, Viognier from Cass Winery. This is one of my very favorite spots in Paso, and I highly recommend going there for lunch and a tasting whenever you're in the area. Not only are the wines fantastic, but the staff is amazing and the space (indoor, but especially outdoor) is beyond compare. They have lights strung in a giant oak tree, surrounded by grapes and set up with tables underneath. The best part? TED'S TACO BAR! That's right, there is a taco bar under the stars (or sun), and it is amazing.

Their wine club is a steal at 6 bottles every 6 months for under $200, complete with invites to some killer parties.

Tonight I'm enjoying their 2014 Viognier. It's a crisp, sweet smelling wine that tastes of apricot without finishing too sweet. When people get Chardonnay, this is the alternative I always want. It's more robust than Sauvignon Blanc, but not as heavy and buttery as a Chardonnay (which I don't like...)

Do yourself a favor and check out casswines.com
#dbsobsessed for about 7 years now, and I am more impressed every time I visit.

Only those who are close to me know this, but I can be a bit of a hippie. 
It all comes from my Canyon Ranch obsession, and I am super into it.

I strongly believe that positive thinking and having an upbeat outlook on life can drastically improve your daily attitude. This is especially important when one has a terrible boss or roommate who is sucking the life force out of you. While I am not in either of those situations at the moment, I sure as hell have been, and have needed all the positive energy I could get my grubby little hands on.
One of the ways that I try to incorporate positive thinking into my routine is via visual queues, placed throughout my living space. Specifically, through placement of 'healing crystals' or 'fancy rocks'.

While I am no Spencer Pratt, and don't actually think that the crystal itself has any healing properties, I do think their presence (or that of any other object) can encourage positivity. What am I talking about? It's super simple and less weird than I have probably led you to believe thus far...

In a nutshell: Take something you find beautiful, and place several of them throughout your space. When purchasing and placing these items, think about the fact that you are choosing to affiliate these items with positive thinking. When you pass by them, possibly touch them and make a wish, or thank God (or whoever) for something you are grateful for. If you pray, it is excellent to use these as a visual reminder to say a prayer. It will become a habit!

I can't decide if I regret writing this because it sounds so weird... but I am just going to go with it... SEE?! LOOK HOW POSITIVE I AM BEING!! 

In any event, here they are:

Here are links to purchase some of my personal favorites:
Amethyst Quartz
Rose Quartz Pieces
Selenite Tower
Selenite Stick or Wand- some are more smooth and formed than this, but I like the rough cut for this shape
Tanzanite
Kyanite
Celestine

I also love ALL of these candles for reminding yourself to work to bring about each of the topics, into your life. Not casting spells, as some might with these... I use them with more of a DIY mentality.

One thing that I will always be #dbsobsessed with helping the people I know in promoting their work, ESPECIALLY when they are going out and starting a venture on their own. I know how important the support of your network is, and am sure I would not have the life I have now, were it not for the support I have received since starting DBS: Culinary-Minded Marketing.

With that in mind, I was thrilled to hear that a friend from my childhood in the amazing Wood River Valley, has a band, and that they will be releasing self-titled, debut album on April 14th, 2015.

The band: 
Moretta

The story:
What started as a simple, "Hey man, we both like hardcore... you wanna make some songs?" between Joe Paisley and Kc Marotta, quickly evolved into, "Dude, these are turning out damn good. We should probably keep going." The two of them went into the studio with the barebones goal of creating an album they would be truly proud to call their own. Once the album was complete, Moretta brought on Zach Wirchak (Guitar) and Conner Schneberger (Bass), both bringing outstanding musicianship to Moretta's core.

Moretta's debut album was recorded and produced at Rainbow Trout Studios in Spokane, WA by Bill Nieman and Joe Paisley and mastered by Grammy Award winner, 11 time RIAA Certified Gold and Platinum Recording recipient, Alan Sanderson.

In a genre that has become increasingly stagnant by imitation, Moretta finds their footing by refusing to let the genre define them. Every song meticulously crafted to deliver that special something listeners feen for. With choruses you'll catch yourself singing at work, blended tastefully with breakdowns you can't help but play along to on your steering wheel, Moretta truly brings it. 

Lyrically, they challenge you to look within to find purpose and meaning, urging you to no longer accept the lies being fed through news and religion; Moretta is asking you to think for yourself, find forgiveness, and take on your internal demons with strength.

The Sound:

Check them out, and if you like what you hear, purchase their album here, starting 4.14.15.

Knick-Knacks and tchotchkes get a bad wrap! I happen to be a fan of a little bit of old lady flair, IF it is done well. One of the greatest decorating compliments I get from people is not that they love all of the whimsical items I have in my home (they obvs say that though), but that they notice that I have managed to create a clutter-free look, while not skimping on the details!

Candles, framed pictures, small antique items and sculptures are all over my house, and I think they bring so much personality to the space. 

Here is a peek at my desk, which gives you a taste of what I like to do with my knick-knack collection!

Here is a rundown of what we have going on here:

• 'I'm Not Bossy' cross-stitch from Naughty Little Stitch on Etsy - I found this little treasure and knew I had to have it for my desk. At under $20, complete with frame, this is Old-Lady Chic at its finest.
• Nordstrom clearance vase with Pier 1 silk flowers. Some people will tell you that silk flowers are for actual old ladies. Those people suck. Unless you are stupid rich, and not only have someone to go out and get you fresh flowers, but also to tend to them and regularly replace them, then silk flowers can be a great option. This adds some height and fullness to the desk corner, and I love it.
• Turquoise lamp- picked this sucker up years ago at Home Goods. Always a great place for finding a lamp.

• Nate Berkus Dachshund Gold Tape Dispenser - blingy weiner dog desk accessory... I don't think we need much more of a description here.
  
• Candle- Any candle will do here. Just be sure that you choose something that works with not only the colors you are using, but the height of the objects it will be around. This one needs a good cleaning, but I actually work when sitting here, so that gets neglected sometimes!
• Wishkeeper- I picked this up at Canyon Ranch a couple of years ago and I love it so much. There are small leaf-shaped pieces of paper that come with it, and you write your goals/wishes on them, and place them inside. I not only do that, but I write the date they were met/came true on the pieces, and keep them inside. It is a great source of positive thinking, and a wonderful way to keep your goals in mind.

Like any good puppy parent, I have to have reminders of my child on my desk. Never mind the fact that he is sitting on my feet as I sit at the desk... These are two of my favorite Dog Lady items!

• Disclaimer, this was a gift: Austrian Bronze Dachshund on Two Pillows this little guy from Scully & Scully is the stuff Old Lady Chic knick-knack dreams are made of, and I love it.
• Tiny Mighty Instagram Frame from Photograph & Frame. My favorite San Francisco frame shop just opened a second location in Hayes Valley. This amazing store carries these fab frames that allow you to take your memories back from the online world. Remember framing photos? Yeah, you can still do that. You should still do that. If you need some inspiration for getting back into the frame game, head to Photograph & Frame (on Hayes or Chestnut). They have tons of options for custom or ready-made framing.

Next phase: Sassy Old Lady Chic.

• Framed Card- I got this card from a friend sending me a thank you note, and it was too amazing not to keep. So, I popped it into a frame I had laying around, and BOOM. There is a whole set of these cards, and I need them. Find them here.
• Yes, this was a gift too: Baccarat Paperweight- Nothing says Classy Old Lady Chic like a fancy AF paperweight. A nice balance to the framed F-Bomb, I love having this here.
• Williams-Sonoma Personal Embosser with Stand- I love this thing. As a bit of a bibliophile, I think it is really fun to be able to emboss all of the books in my library. I love the history of a book, and love getting books that were written in, long ago, when given to the recipient. I also love to give these as gifts to people who are big readers.

There you have it... #OldLadyChic
Now, go forth and collect knick-knacks!

This infographic is BAE.