2-28-14

It's the big day! No, not mine but rather one of my closest friends in the world. Between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding today I feel like the picture above describes what I have been up to lately (tons of primping). So without further ado I bring you my favorite links from this week.

Ok ok it's so bandwagon, but this little girl is so fierce and I adore her posing skills in the Hollywood inspired dresses she makes with her mom. 

Mardi Gras is in full swing, and since I can't get to New Orleans this barbeque shrimp (not like bbq sauce over shrimp) recipe will surely help fill the void.

Something I am trying to do is to develop an appreciation for art. You can check out this list of female artists here, or check out my new favorite.  

So the first two weeks of a health plan/diet are always the toughest and I'm really feeling the effects currently. This basically sums up my thoughts for the past few and next few days.

Today is the last day of the Bobbi Brown friends and family sale. With 20% off every order this is a perfect time to upgrade your makeup brushes.

It snowed TWICE this week, and frankly I am over it. You don't even want to know what I would do to set up camp here for a few days. 

Have a great weekend! xx

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This picture sums up everything I want to do right now. Crawl right back in bed and sleep. It's been one of those weeks where you can't see light at the end of the tunnel and you just wallow in your own crap for a few days. Bad skin, bad body image, and getting into a dress and being photographed tomorrow adds just that much more dread. Ok I'm done whining now.

I'm going to try to be positive and be thankful for all the good so while I feel bleh I'm also so excited that my dearest friend is marrying the guy of her dreams tomorrow. I'm really happy I get to be a part of their special day and I know I will have a great time. And with that said I already feel better.

xx

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Get Healthy

health journal // fitbit // water bottle // sneakers // lunch bag // ear buds // pure barre home workout

For me, getting healthy is all about finding things that help me stay motivated. I wish just looking better were enough, but I do so much negative self talk that purely superficial reasons go right our the window. So now that I am feeling semi-motivated I want to try and ride that wave while I have the opportunity.

I find that sometimes it's something as silly as a new water bottle or bright sneakers that really get me amped to test them out. Other things like packing my lunch, keeping an activity/food log, and tracking progress with my iPhone and FitBit keep morale high when I am on a health kick. But at the end of the day you have to find out what works for you. Right now, I am not comfortable in a big gym so home workouts and classes are my activity of choice. I think realizing this was huge in setting myself up for success. 

Whatever you do to get healthy and stay motivated, just make sure it works for YOU. Health trends come and go, but that's how so many of us go down that ugly yo-yo diet/exercise hole. I'd love to know how you stay motivated. Anything that really keeps you going?

2/21/14

This really is going to go down in history as one of the longest weeks in my twenty eight years! I think this is the first five day work week I have had in a month. I really needs this weekend. I'm hoping for a date night, an amazing brunch, and some extra sleep. So to get us all in the mood for the weekend here are some of my favorite links from around the web.

I have major wanderlust currently. We are planning a European vacation for late summer and I don't know where we are going, but this European hot spot is a mandatory stop along the way.

Style Me Pretty Living did the most gorgeous home tour in Chicago and the pictures are breathtaking. I would be delighted to move into a carbon copy of that home.

I am a purist when it comes to polish on my nails, but this fun hue caught my eye and has been tempting me to abandon my old ways.

I have been craving seafood like crazy lately! My cravings and desire for warmer temperatures had me gravitating towards these brown butter lobster rolls....drool worthy.

Statement necklaces, especially those with natural stones, are kind of my jam as of lately. I stumbled across this beauty from an awesome jewelry designer and am officially obsessed.

Who doesn't need a little inspirational quote action in their life?

A pomegranate sparkling wine slushie needs zero explanation.

Last but certainly not least, I have a new blog crush on Ashley Robertson of The Teacher Diva. If you haven't read her blog before I'll just say you're welcome now and you can thank me later.

What fun things are you up to this weekend? xx

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On My Radar

necklace // wrap // earrings // bracelets // clutch // keychains

I love love love love tassels and pom poms and well really any adornment that makes a piece just that much more special. My affinity for them probably has something to do with their classic styling, but either way tassels are getting a fresh reboot to become a part of every wardrobe.

Called In Sick

Yes, I called in sick. Pretty much ALL last week. I got the nastiest cold that sent me to reside on the couch since last Tuesday night. Being sick combined with moving the weekend before that, plus a snowstorm really sent me over the edge. I couldn't focus or concentrate so I decided to just lay low. Here are some things that kept me mildly sane during my time as a shut-in.

House of Cards season 2. Wow... Just wow! It came and went so fast that I think I need to re-watch it. If you have never seen the Netflix series I cannot recommend it enough!

I am really feeling all these comfy/slouchy tees and lightweight sweaters that are out there lately. This one from Vince is a little pricey, but looks like it would go with absolutely everything.

Have you heard of Reece & Blaire yet? I found them via Instagram and became obsessed with their Kerr necklace. I didn't win their giveaway (I never win those sadly) but had to make that necklace mine!

This pin is so much more than a collage, it really is a blue print for a classic wardrobe. And it doesn't hurt that it is inspired by French women's wardrobes either (always elegant and timeless).

I love a good top knot, like really really love one. I really admire women than pull them off and look so cute while doing so. I don't really think I pull it off, but this tutorial on the perfect no fuss top knot makes it look simple enough.

Have a great week! xx

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Red

polish // bra // lip pencil // flats // bag // skirt // bracelet


For me, Valentines day is not a big deal. Sure I like getting flowers, but we go out so much as it is that what I really look forward to is a date night in and being as low-key as possible. I also implemented a no gifts policy last year because stressing over what to get your significant other takes all the fun out of the event. This year we are making homemade pizza and binge watching season two of House of Cards (which conveniently becomes available Friday!). So instead of doing a Valentine's Day wish list, I rounded up some pretty things in red that I would love to make mine. 

What are you up to this Valentine's Day? 

xx

2/7/14

Moving weekend is upon us (cue the AHHHHs, the blood/sweat/tears,and the overwhelming joy and challenge of cohabitation)! I am off to NYC for work and get home just in time to sleep before we schlep our crap from our respective apartments to our new home. So please pardon the brevity of this edition of The Weekender, because next time we meet it will be from my brand new digs!

Emily posted this link to a very poignant, hilarious, and true cartoon about people who create content and the process of creating. While I may not blog full time, pretty much all bloggers can relate to the proverbial shit-storm we can go through trying to produce great stuff for the internet.

I need to get off my butt, and I LOVE barre but going as often as I need to for results is more dough than I am prepared to part with for the time being. I am thinking of purchasing this to help me keep up with workouts at home... zero excuses, am I right?

Did you know "zoodles" are a thing? Yea, me neither. I am a carb feind and I know that the key to losing some el-bees is getting that addiction under control. I think calling zucchini strings a good swap for noodles is going a little bit too far, but I do think I could get behind some delish shrimp scampi atop of zucchini. 

Keep this in mind always, and practice it regularly.

I figured something out about myself this week: I love a good pom pom. With that knowledge you can see why I am swooning over these curtains. Sheer, stripes, pom poms... what more could a girl want?

Have a great weekend everyone!

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zzzz....

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 


I have never put effort into what I wear to bed, ever. I wear old sorority and fraternity tshirts, crappy old boxers, and yoga pants for pajamas. But isn't there something classy about a pulled together sleepwear look? Tim Gunn always says dress with purpose, and why shouldn't dressing for bed be any different (is that's your thing). 

Personally, I would pick that gorgeous silk sleep shirt over everything else on there. Maybe it's the menswear feel or the luxurious fabric, but it caught my eye last month and hasn't left my mind yet.

tunic // cuff // lip scrub // body cream // necklace // flats // tote // polish


Happy Hump Day! What a stressful week! I am moving on Sunday and have a work trip before then, so I am sort of losing my mind as I try to pack up my things. I am trying to focus on all the positives that come with this move (moving in with my boyfriend, bigger place, no more roommates etc.) so while I am stressed, I am thrilled!

All this gross back and forth weather has me wishing for spring. There is no way I can't buy that lightweight merino tunic. It would look awesome with white jeans and that gorgeous leather tote (thanks Ashley for introducing us to this brand). These oversized bow flats are so sweet, I just know I would wear them to death. What's not to love about Essie's latest resort collection colors? The answer is nothing. 

Have y'all heard about BB Body Cream? Apparently it's just like the product for your face but makes your legs look ahhh-mazing! I hear it can be hard to come by and has been flying off the shelves. Speaking of things that need a little TLC, my lips are in crappy shape and I sure wouldn't mind prettying them up with this grapefruit lip exfoliator. 

I am searching high and low for a great longer necklace and I think this little Valerie Nahmani beauty might just be the one. The monogram tortoise cuff needs zero explanation because it's tortoise...and monogrammed. End of story.