Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fall Style - Part II

Falls Fashion


A few items I've recently bought, and a few items I'm considering...

  1. Swung by Banana Republic this weekend and found a navy stripe dress, sleeve length falls right above the elbow, exposed back zipper on the SALE rack. Score! (But I can't find a link to it...it's more navy with thinner white stripes)
  2. BR was also having a 40% off all full priced items deal so I grabbed this gold lace tank that also has an exposed back zipper. (It doesn't wash me out like it does on this model...)
  3. I drooled over this bulldog sweater at J.Crew. Just couldn't bring myself to pay the full ticket price. Maybe if it was a Beabull like Tuck I would have bit the bullet. :)
  4. Burgundy sweater = love. Sadly they were out of my size at J.Crew this weekend. (I'm sure J does not find this so sad).
  5. I am in desperate need of some nice cognac boots! I cannot find any within my price range though. For example, this gorgeous Lanvin pair from polyvore are a steal at $1,350....ugh. 
  6. Leopard flats add so much to an outfit. I found a pair at Zara with a red bow and just love them. Comfortable yet stylish, my kind of shoe! (the flats in the picture are from Madewell)


Since this post, I've also picked up a navy cardigan that I've worn with Kelley green ankle pants, and was THIS close to buying a collared sweater at J.Crew but second guessed it.

Have you done any fall shopping? I need to stop! (after the boots that is...)

Oh, and Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Cleaning Up

In case you hadn't noticed, October went by a little too quickly. Seriously, I'm pretty sure we got back from Morocco like 2 weeks ago, no?

And somehow with the time flying, I also ended up taking 4 weeks off from any form of physical activity. I can't believe it. I know we've been busy but I really can't use that as an excuse. Working out just didn't happen.

I started contemplating an online bootcamp since reading a review of Fitmixer Bootcamp here. The last session was sold out so I joined the waiting list to hear about the next one. That e-mail came through 2 weeks ago. Phew!

And then, something else happened.....here. Yep, I've been following Julie's blog for a while and had read about her experience with the first 2 rounds of Best Body Bootcamp. I was definitely interested. Instead of trying my luck in her giveaway I went straight to the source. I decided that between the price difference and the fact that I really wasn't ready to give up meals for protein shakes, I would give Best Body Bootcamp a try first.


So that's it. It's time to clean my act up and get back to the gym. This week is the first week of bootcamp and I'm loving it. Well, I'm kind of hating it because 4 weeks of no strength training is kicking my a$$ right now. But I'm really excited to see where I end up in 8 weeks. Total beach babe for sure. :)

The workouts include supersets, interval workouts, steady cardio workouts, and plank intervals so far. This is my first time doing both supersets and intervals. The supersets are tough! Like I'm panting, sweating, heart racing kind of tough. But I am so determined to get strong. And J has been joining me for runs on the steady cardio days so I really can't complain.

Lastly, something that tends to go hand in hand for us is eating healthier when we're working out. Why ruin all your hard work?!

So thank you Julie & Tina for getting this girl back at it! I sure did need the motivation, and am so excited to see what the next 7 weeks bring!


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Birchbox: September & October


Of course I'm behind on this review....


Let's start with September:



  • Color Club Birchbox custom nail polish
  • Jouer Matte Moisture Tint
  • Kate Spade Twirl Perfume
  • Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip
  • twistband lace hair tie
  • Hollywood fashion tap


So let's see, I've used the Jouer moisture tint, the kate spade perfume, and the soy body whip. The moisture tint was nice and blended in great but I hardly ever use skin makeup so I don't see myself investing in this one.

I did LOVE the perfume though. And J did too which is a score really. I've been using the same perfume since freshman year of college so I've been debating trying something new. This is definitely the frontrunner.

And the soy body whip - the scent is poppy which is strong. But it is nice. I keep it on my nightstand to moisturize before bed. No complaints!

I've heard great things about the hair ties - in that they do not leave an elastic line in your hair. But why such a bright elastic? I can't see myself ever wearing this to work really and I tend to keep a black elastic on my wrist or in my wallet. We'll see. Maybe I'll give it a try one weekend.


And for October:



  • Jouer lip enhancer
  • Kiehl's Rose Artica Eye cream
  • Illume Red Cedar Candle
  • Supergoop City Sunscreen serum
  • Luna bar in Lemonzest


So this month I opted for the GOOP box put together by Gwyneth Paltrow. To be honest, when I first opened this box, I wasn't that impressed. This is what I saw -

The candle scent is not my style, and I really could care less about the Luna bar. Sorry Gwyneth...

But, I've since started using the Kiehl's eye cream and Jouer lip enhancer every night and am loving them both. The eyecream is thick so I've been sticking to my normal eye cream during the day and putting on this treat overnight. And the lip enhancer has me waking up with super soft lips.

I already use a daily moisturizer with SPF so I don't see myself using the city sunscreen anytime soon. I'll be placing those into my travel toiletry bag for future use.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Restoration Hardware Finds


Thank you Restoration Hardware for sending me your newest catalog. I'm sure the mailman was not pleased the day this 700 page catalog was put in the mail! So what did I do Sunday while J was at the Pats game? Well I did finally get to the gym, and then spent my day drooling over the most recent issue of House Beautiful and yes, flipping through RH. Oh, with HGTV on in the background. Ha! 

I don't think you can disagree when I say that RH knows how to make beautiful furniture. Yes, it's expensive and mostly out of my price range, but it doesn't hurt to look right? Here are a few items I would purchase if I was redecorating, and had won the lottery. 


Restoration Hardware Finds


1 - Shelter Headboard - isn't this gorgeous? Who doesn't love an neutral upholstered headboard? And this one my friends, is a steal in terms of RH pricing.

2 - Strand Mirrored Desk - I just love the look of mirrored furniture. Captures light in a room but also disappears into it at times too. J would never use a mirrored desk but I would love to have my own desk in our next home. J will have a complete home office, but all I'll need is a desk. So if it's going to be in the main living area, shouldn't it at least by pretty to look at?

3 - Victorian Hotel Pendant (in polished nickel) - I have loved this chandelier since the first time J & I saw it at RH about 2 years ago. It is simply stunning in person. Even J loved it. I have yet to find something similar to copycat this chandelier but I'm also not sure I could ever justify spending more than $1,000 on a ceiling light. Not yet at least...ha!

4 - Brudges Adjustable Linen Desk Chair - how amazing is this chair?! This was one of the first things that really caught my eye in the catalog. I love the look of linen, and having the option to adjust the back is pure genius. Everyone needs to lean back once and a while when sitting at a desk. 

5 - Vienne French Four Poster Bed - I have been dreaming of a canopy bed in our next home for a while now. They are such a statement. I realize they only work in certain rooms but I would love to incorporate one into our next home - whether it be the master bedroom or a guest room.


What's on your furniture wishlist?

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday: Anniversary Dinner

Well, we have no more weddings this year so I'm changing Wednesday to Fashion. From time to time I'll do a What I Wore Wednesday. Other times it will be what I'm currently loving, wishlists, etc.

What I Wore to our Anniversary Dinner:
Dress: H&M
Shoes: Bandolino (via DSW)
Watch: Michael Kors
Earrings: Express (really old)



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Travel Tuesday: Newport, RI

Weekend getaways can be so relaxing. I am definitely fan of weekends away.

This past weekend J & I headed south to Newport, RI to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. We've found getting away for the weekend to be our style rather than gifts. Year 1: Colorado (just realized I haven't recapped that trip yet. I'm on it). Year 2: Ludlow, Vermont.

We left right after work Friday, hit some traffic on the way down - no surprise there - and were at the hotel by 7. It was freezing here in New England Friday! And down on the water, omg so cold and windy. We stayed at the Pearls Boutique Hotel right downtown and I would certainly recommend it.

Thank goodness our room was so cozy. The fireplace was awesome. We don't have a fireplace in the city and my parents haven't had one since we moved back in the '90's so I totally forgot how nice they are. The hotel put a duraflame in our room while we grabbed dinner but left it for us to light. We only lit one end of it so it burned slowly all night. It was pretty cool to wake up to a still burning fire. (Rather Downton Abbey-esque if you ask me.)


Up and out pretty early! After breakfast prepared by the chef at the hotel, we headed out to the Cliff Walk. We'd heard great things but needed to see for ourselves. And oh man were we not disappointed! It was certainly cool out but gorgeous in the sun.

 What a view.
 We put an offer in on this small cottage while we were down there. Figured why not.
Our original mission was to grab coffee after the cliff walk. When that fell through we headed for the next best things, sugar and booze.
 Outdoor bar, on the water, sun shining, bloody mary. Life is good.
 Well, to our surprise there was a Seafood Festival going on! A fresh Octoberfest from the Sam Adams table, don't mind if I do!
 A little clam chowder taste test. Same as the picture of the signs, left chowder was Clarke Cook House, right Wharf Pub. I bought the Wharf Pub one after seeing that it was award winning. It also weighed twice as much as the Clarke Cook House one so I thought I had the win in the bag. I was so wrong. Although I don't normally like thin chowders Clarke Cook House won by a landslide. Not sure what award the Wharf Pub won but it was not great. 
 $1 oysters, $5 for half dozen littlenecks. Unbelievable. They were out of oysters by the time we got around to them and we were told they had gone through 1,600 of them. Crazy!
 The littlenecks were delicious. So fresh.
 Such a beautiful harbor. And such a beautiful day!

 After plenty of day drinking and seafood tasting, we headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap before getting ready for our anniversary dinner.

A preview of what I wore
 Boo for blurriness. 

 Dinner was at 22 Bowen's Wine Bar and Grille. And it was fantastic. Without fail I get filet mignon at a steak restaurant. I always consider getting a different cut but never do. At this point I think of my consistency as a true taste test. And this filet was one of the best I've had so far. I know everyone says filet has no taste compared with other cuts but this was soooo tasty. It could have been the scoop of House butter on top of it but whatever, it was GOOD. Oh and so was the side of truffle mac n cheese we got. J & I both agreed it was the best mac n cheese we've had to date. I must attempt that one! What is that picture to the right you ask? That would be our surprise anniversary vanilla creme brulee after a few bites. Oops! Also amazing. If you find yourself in Newport and are looking for a nice meal, head to 22 Bowen's.

We had a fantastic weekend away. Just what we both needed after a few long, sad weeks. We were discussing where we should spend anniversary #4 next year. We're liking the driving distance so far, appreciating the beautiful fall weather New England has to offer. Any recommendations?


Friday, October 12, 2012

Our Wedding: Party Pics

One of my greatest memories of our wedding revolves around the dance floor. It was packed!

Before the party pics I wanted to share this. These two lovebirds were laughing at each others jokes before they even knew each other! Crazy, right?!


On to our wedding party!


Our junior bridesmaids and flower girls. Beautiful girls!


 I have never seen my mom laugh like this! 

 We were all shocked when my dad got in the middle of the dance circle. So much fun!

My in-laws are such great dancers! 

 J&A!

What a great memory this is. You can see my Nona in shock in the background. My dad was never a big dancer until then.

These guys are killin it! My father-in-law didn't stop dancing the entire night. I just love that man.

 Even the guys were singing! :)

How amazing is this picture?!! 

Like I said, we had a GREAT party! Can we do it again? :)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

3 Years, Cheers!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Husband. 

To the man who drives me to work daily, even though it's walking distance. 

To the man who makes me breakfast in bed at times, coffee on weekends, and takes Tucker out so I can sleep in. 

To the man who keeps my wine glass full.

Who takes me to open houses even though we're not quite ready to move and entertains my dreams of the perfect future home.

Who will travel with me near and far, just so we can experience it together.

Who "believes" every one of my shopping excuses.

To my, God willing, future, baby daddy.

To the man I look forward to spending the rest of my life with, happy anniversary. 

I love you.


(I know, I lied yesterday. But I promise you, party pics tomorrow!)

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