Coffee Table Books

"There's so much more to a book than just the reading." - Maurice Sendak

Coffee table books are something that I really love. I enjoy collecting different books on various topics. Whether it is fashion, comics, art or home decor - we have many books I love displaying in our home. We love adding new books into our collection. Book shopping is one of my favorite hobbies, and reading them make me so happy. Occasionally, I will rotate our centerpiece book on our coffee table - it immediately gives the table a brand new look! Also, a coffee table book is always a conversation starter! I like to decorate our table with candles, flowers, and many of our favorite books.

Today, I'm sharing three tips on how you can jazz up your coffee table, giving it a whole new look, while expressing your wonderful personality!

Choose books you love

There are so many books out there with various topics. Select books that you enjoy and describe your personality. For us, fashion, comics, home decor, wine, and food are some our favorite book topics. I love vintage books and ones that are passed down to me from my Grandmother. Always, display a book that best describes who you are and what makes you the happiest.

Select a book that's bold

They say never judge a book by its cover, but that's not the case for a coffee table book. For this type of book, I like selecting a book that is striking and bold - one that grabs a person's attention. It's so much fun to discuss a book with guests in our home. Be sure to select a book that fits the size of your coffee table and doesn't overwhelm the piece.

Stack your books

As my collection has grown I like to stack my books to give the table a new look. Also, you can leverage different knick knacks or a bouquet of fresh flowers with the books. I love using a tray to organize the items as well, so that they are neat. Create a wonderful display you'll love and enjoy looking at!

What are your some of your favorite coffee table books?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

The A-List

"Life is too short not to celebrate nice moments!" - Jurgen Klopp

Enjoying the most delicious cheeses, and pairing them with the perfect wines at Tinto Wine & Cheese!

My lovely hibiscus plants are finally blooming on our front porch! 

Two glasses of Merlot from Rosemont Vineyards.

A gorgeous bouquet of flowers from a dear friend in celebration of my promotion.

A surprise gift from my sweet husband.

The most lovely wine wall at Mermaid Winery, in Downtown Norfolk.

One of the most delicious glasses of red wine at a new favorite restaurant, The Buthcer's Son.

Happy Friday everyone! It has been super busy lately, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. We are gearing up for Father's Day, and finalizing summer plans with friends and family.

It is an exciting time for us. G and I are settling into our new jobs, while making sure we balance time together.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

What's new with you guys?!

XO, Analise

Graduation

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Graduation day can come with a series of mixed feelings. You are excited, relieved, happy, and sad - a whirlwind of emotions. It is an amazing time and also, a very scary time - a major transition is happening! Also, while you have just achieved a huge milestone, there are so many more to come ahead.

Today I'm sharing my best advice for recent college and upcoming high school graduates.

Make a plan. It is super important to have a plan in place. Whether you are going to college, or hopping straight into the workforce - define a path that's best for you. For me, after high school, I went to an university and immediately knew what my major would be. After college, I had a job waiting for me in the career field of my choice. I've always been super organized and knew exactly what I wanted. Making plans have really helped me navigate my path and hone in on what was important for me. Your plan doesn't have to be perfect (and will change whether you like it or not), but it should be outlined in order for you to reach your goals.

Know who you are. It is really important to know what you like and who you are. Determine what your values are, and the things you enjoy. Knowing these key pieces will help you navigate your journey so much easier. Of course, your taste and style will change and evolve, but it is important to never stray away from who you are. Staying true, and being consistent in all areas of your life will carry you very far.

Nothing will be easy. There will always be challenges, and you will be tested, but know that those moments are temporary - even though they feel like an eternity. Stay strong in moments of adversity and take every situation as a learning experience. Know that every moment you encounter is strengthening and building your character.

Keep in touch. It's so important to keep the friendships and relationships you made while in school. You don't have to speak to them each and every day, but try super hard to stay connected. Whether it's a school reunion, social media, or attending a friend's wedding - it's essential to keep those bonds. Some of my closest friendships are the ones from college, and they absolutely mean the world to me.

It's okay to fail. Failing is not the end of the world, and through those times you learn so much. Some of my biggest failures, turned out to be my greatest blessings. I'm an absolute better woman learning what worked and didn't work so well for me. Also, the doors that are often closed aren't always meant for you - and that is totally fine. Take the time to explore, research, and understand what's the best fit and makes the most sense for you. It is absolutely worth it to take a few risks!

Congrats grad and good luck!

XO, Analise

Perfect Perfume

"A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting." - Christian Dior

One of my favorite things is a new bottle of perfume. Over the years I've curated a small collection, and love adding to it throughout the year.

Today, I am sharing my new fragrances from my collection.

Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Sueded Cologne - This fragrance is simply amazing. The notes of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower, wonderfully blend together over the blush suede. I adore this scent and think it is the perfect compliment to any woman wearing it.

kai Rose Eau de Parfum - I've featured kai before on my previous post entitled Signature Scents, but this one is a stunner. kai released a rose perfume and I absolutely love it. Roses are one of my favorite flowers, and this fragrance nails it right on the head. Also, kai has a parfum oil too!

Lollia BREATHE Eau de Parfum - I lucked out and found the fragrance, at a local shop I frequent in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The boutique let me try out the scent, and I immediately fell in love with it. I grabbed a bottle and didn't look back! This fragrance has notes of peony & white lily. It is light but lasts all day and absolutely smells amazing. It's one of the best sellers from Lollia, and it is a total show stopper.

elizabethW Vetiver Eau de Parfum - I fell in love this fragrance because of my Grandmother. She was wearing it one day and I absolutely adored it. So, she gifted me this perfume one year for Christmas, and it is the best. This fragrance encompasses heavy vetiver while balanced with light citrus tones and hints of bergamot. It's simply wonderful and one of my favorites for more reasons than one.

Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum - Chloé is one of my favorite brands for perfume. I wore the Love Story scent on my wedding day, and was anxious to get another fragrance from this brand. Nomade is amazing and has notes of oakmoss, mirabelle plum, and freesia. Also, it is a unisex fragrance, and is so unqiue!

Have you added any new fragrances to your collection? If so, which ones?

XO, Analise