April Intentions

Honesty time.

I’ve been working my ass off. I’m tired, cranky, emotionally drained, physically exhausted, spent.

I absolutely adore my new job, and it’s been a wonderful constant in this mentally chaotic period. I’m my own worst critic, so if a day goes by where I haven’t worked out, eaten “perfectly”, accomplished everything on my to-do list and done it all with a megawatt smile, then I’ve failed somehow.

Not anymore.

April is a new month. I’m not one to set “goals” per se, but clearly what I’ve been doing hasn’t been working, so I figure it’s time for a change.

My goal for April?

Working on my relationships.

Starting with the one I have with myself.

My best NYC friend gave me a beautiful bracelet this week, along with this reminder:

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

xoxoxo

– Linds

 

 

Five Things Friday

Hi lovelies! <– how do you feel about “lovelies”? An instructor at my yoga studio uses it all the time, and I can’t decide how I feel about it. I’m gonna keep playing with it until I decide. 😉 

Anyways…clearly it’s Friday because my mind is all over the map. I started a new job this week (details to come!!!) and I’m completely in love with it. My coworkers, the office environment – I feel beyond lucky to have landed this role.

Time for some 5 things action. Thanks for hosting, Clare!

Five Things I Ate:

Final lost my Cronut virginity! I know I’m way late to the cronut game, and I guess it wasn’t technically a cronut, since it wasn’t from Dominique Ansel. Speaking of Dominique Ansel, can we talk about this for a second?

Cookie shots. Shut the front door. GENIUS.

Anyway, my boss brought this gorgeous box of faux-cronuts from Mille-feuille to work on my first day, and they were pretty insane. I practically inhaled the apple flavor.

So purdy.

Apple! I want this again and again and again.

I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately. So salty. So good.

Easy meal of the week: smoked salmon on Ezekiel toast with Alouette cheese, Brussels, sautéed greens & hummus sides.

Picked up these Dark Chocolate Coconut bites at the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival last weekend, and they’re perfect. The people at the Organic Living Superfoods booth were total sweethearts, so I had no problem forking over $3 for this baby bag of chocolate crack. Described as “The Healthy ‘Almond Joy’ with ‘Mounds of Flavor”, they totally hit the spot after lunch. Because I require chocolate after every meal. No exceptions.

Dairy free, gluten free, raw, vegan, organic – and incredible. Yes please.

I spent last weekend back in Boston for a last hurrah before the new job began. The weekend was filled with homemade food and plenty of restaurant visits. This meal at the East Coast Grill with my best friend Kira was a hodge-podge of appetizers – my favorite way to eat! Sharing is caring, people.

Tuna tacos, fries, and brussel sprouts with bacon. We’re nothing if not well-rounded!

With mandatory margaritas. Duh. Convenient that my brother is the bartender. I’m running out of funds!

A dinner at The Beehive was also on the agenda – unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the food, but it was spectacular. We started with the Mezze Platter (loaded with hot pita bread, hummus, baba ghanoush, some awesome beet spread, olives – basically everything good in this world). I had the sole for my entree, and it was great – but the star was probably my brother’s Beehive Cassoulet (braised lamb shank, duck confit, and garlic sausage).

Five Workouts: 

Monday: 60 minute Power Vinyasa Class

Tuesday: did a 10K on the treadmill and a little bit of the Stairmaster – I never knew I liked the Stairmaster! Recent discovery. My butt will (hopefully) thank me.

Mastering the stairs!

Wednesday: took it off – wine tasting and Chinese feast at work, and wasn’t going to pass that up!

Thursday: another Power Vinyasa class

Friday: 7 mile morning run. It wasn’t too brutally cold out, so it was nice to get off the treadmill and onto the street!

Weekend: planning a run and a yoga session, not sure in what order quite yet. Friends in town!

Five Posts I Love: 

Why Writers Are The Worst Procrastinators

If I Hadn’t Stopped Dieting – UGH I adore Carly. This was an emotional read for me.

Why I Prefer Being Single

Eating Healthy Most of the Time Is Good Enough

Thoughts on “Thin” (+ Simple Truth Recipe Reveal: Part III)

Five Things Making Me Happy: 

The new gig! And figuring out how to implement some ideas I have into my position.

One of my best friends from high school coming to town and staying with me this weekend. Familiar face = comfort.

The weather forecast for this weekend. Winter, I’m so over you.

House of Cards! Never thought I’d be this into a political drama. But I can’t get enough of it. Scandal, I’m coming for you next.

Guilty pleasure pop. Namely Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, and Zedd. No shame.

What’s on your agenda for the weekend?

xoxo

Linds

Protein Persuasion

Hi loves!

The past couple of weeks have been a bit cray. I learned that I landed the job I’ve been vying (details to come soon!), and while I’m over-the-moon excited, I’m also nervous/terrified/sad to be leaving my old coworkers.

{via pinterest}

Along with this change, I’m still working on launching my jewelry site, maintaining my workout schedule and fitting in appointments, including my all-time favorite – the annual physical. SO fun.

I kid, I kid. Honestly, I love my doctor. She’s the first doctor I found all on my own since moving to NYC (I’m a big girl now!), and she’s phenomenal. I had a couple of things I wanted to talk to her about, but I’ll spare the intimate details. Needless to say, one of my main concerns is how freakin’ tired I’ve been lately.

I know I need more sleep – that’s a no-brainer. But it’s more than that. It’s a lethargy I just can’t seem to shake, and I had a hunch that it’s because I’ve upped my exercise without knowing how to recharge my batteries the correct way.

I’ve only really been a “runner” since this past summer, and have only been running longer distances (6-8 miles, 3-4x a week) for about 5 months (I think?). I’ve touched on this before, but I’m still not entirely sure if I’m fueling my body properly. In my mind, I eat plenty, but I haven’t really changed the amount I eat since my pre-running days. To be honest, changing up my diet scares me – I’m sure anyone who’s lost a significant amount of weight can relate. Once you fall into a maintenance routine, switching it up can bring up a lot of emotions and anxiety.

Will I gain weight back?

Will I undo all of my hard work?

While I rationally know that I SHOULD be adapting my diet to fuel my workouts, I wanted my doctor’s advice (read: approval) on the best way to do this.

So I told her straight up: “I’m tired. My body.is.exhausted. I’m running and I have no intention of stopping. It clears my head. I feel good (physically and mentally) DURING my runs and yoga sessions. I eat well. But sometimes, standing at the bottom of the subway stairs at 7:37 on a Tuesday morning, the thought of climbing said stairs makes me want to have a public temper tantrum. HALPPP!”

Her reply?

“Eat more protein, dammit!”

God, she’s cool.

Is this a sign, Whole Foods?! I’m taking it as one.

I’m not a numbers person, I’m a visual person. Start talking about grams of this and ounces of that, and my brain literally shuts down. Blame the English major in me.

It was such a relief when her recommendation was as simple as adding 3-4 extra servings of protein to my diet a week. The best part? No measuring! She simply said “meh, about the size of your palm, don’t worry about weighing anything. Just eat it!”

Not gonna fight with that!

I already eat protein at every meal, so I’ve simply focused on adding MORE. Oatmeal for breakfast? I’ve started stirring in a half a scoop of vanilla protein powder. SO delicious, and fuels me for longer.

Protein oats! And yes, that IS indeed coconut water in a champagne glass. I was feeling fancy.

Eggs for dinner? I’ve been making it a scramble with extra egg whites.

Sweet potato + eggs + sautéed kale + cheese = staple dinner. Doused in ketchup.

More excuses to eat tons of fish? Yes, please!

I sea food! Big ole tuna steak with quinoa & greens at Legal C Bar during a trip home to Beantown.

I’ve also been upping my quinoa, chicken, cottage cheese, salmon, hummus and Greek yogurt intake. These are a few of my favorite thingssss anyway, so to just eat more of them? Will do!

This all may seem pretty obvious, but it’s nice to hear it from someone else. Someone who knows what they’re talking about. I know that I can get really inside of my head when it comes to food and exercise routines, so it was a welcome conversation, and a change I know I can handle.

It’s also a great reason to make all of these protein-packed recipes I’ve had my eye on!

Vegan Peppermint Brownie Protein Muffins from Hummusapien

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Edamame from pumps & iron

Honey Chicken Salad with Grapes and Feta from Pinch of Yum

Bean Bowls with Poached Eggs from Sprouted Kitchen

Olivia Wilde’s Bomb-Diggity “Bolognese”  from FitSugar

Poached Eggs in White Wine from 101 Cookbooks

What are your favorite protein sources?

Can you relate – do you find it hard to switch up your dietary “normal”?

How to Dress when Mother Nature is Acting Like a Crazed Lunatic

Hi loves!

Here’s hoping your weekend was filled with football, beer, sporting cheer…ha, just kidding. I could care less about football. But congrats to all the Seahawks fans! I for one was more interested in this:

Puppy Bowl. Stopppp.

My weekend was filled with coffee dates in Brooklyn, a cozy dinner at a friend’s apartment in Manhattan, and working on some jewelry designs. A yoga class and a long run were thrown in, too. Saturday and Sunday was absolutely GLORIOUS outside (well, in the 40s – so it’s all relative), and I broke out my baby for some TLC:

my favorite toy came out to play!

Fast forward to Monday, which looked a little something like this:

The view from my office in the West Village. The background that you can’t see (not even a little, don’t even try) is the Hudson River. Hey there tundra!

So while my weekend look consisted of yoga pants, oversized sweaters and my favorite Frye boots, yesterday’s ‘fit was a bit more on the bundled side:

who needs to feel their face, anyway?

Growing up on the East Coast, I’ve learned a thing or two about adapting to the shitstorm that is Mother Nature’s hormonal rage. While I like snow, I HATE being cold. I could never live without seasons, but going from one extreme to the next on any given day definitely requires adapting, layering, and bundling to avoid pneumonia. Here are a few tricks of the snow-bunny trade (does that kinda sound sexual? anyone?) that I’ve picked up for dressing in a winter wonderland:

1. When your hands, feet, and head are cold – you’re screwed. 

While you might think you look silly in a beanie, frankly, when the real-feel temp is in the single digits, you gotta suck it up and cover.your.head! Don’t like hats? Rock a cute pair of earmuffs, or a headband! Or a snood! So many options, you’re bound to find something both cute and functional.

Cara Delevingne makes everything look cool, but especially these winter white ‘muffs.

While they’re not for the faint of heart, I’m loving neon beanies for adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral look.

Because I’m a big baby when it comes to cold, my incredible momma mailed me Costco-sized boxes of hand and toe warmers (yes, the kind people use for skiing) to always have on hand. While they look like maxi-pads, the toe warmers have saved my life on many a frigid morning in the office, and the hand warmers are perfect for outdoor runs.

Care packages from mom are the best! (She was also probably sick of hearing me complain about being cold…)

2. Invest in a coat that’s WARM, not just cute. 

I constantly see girls walking around in leather bomber jackets or wool coats that you can just tell lack a liner or any semblance of warmth underneath the oh-so-cute pastel shell and toggle clasps. Yes, you look adorable. But can you really enjoy looking so great when your mind can only focus on the complete lack of heat you’re retaining? A warm jacket is something you’ll have forever (if you pick a timeless color/cut), and it will get you through the most brutal months with all of your limbs still intact.

LOVE how she coordinates the scarf and coat – via Brooklyn Blonde

Camel will forever be a classic – via Atlantic-Pacific

Army green – one of my favorite neutrals!

I invested in this one from Madewell – definitely a splurge, but it’s so cozy, and the liner is removable so it can transition from Fall to Winter perfectly.

3. Don’t forget to layer below the belt! 😉

It’s easy to throw on long sleeves, a sweater (or three) and scarves. What’s easier to forget is keeping your gams cozy! I’m a huge fan of skirts and dresses, even in winter. I went through a period as a toddler where I completely refused to wear anything but skirts, and they had to go “wiggle-wiggle.” Bless my dear, dear mother for putting up with my 2-year-old antics and finding every pair of leggings under the sun to keep her stylishly stubborn daughter from getting hypothermia on the preschool playground.

There’s a way to keep rocking dresses in the dead of winter, and it’s all about the tights/socks combo. On particularly cold days, I’ll wear tights under fleece-lined leggings or jeans, and I’ve been known to wear multiple pairs of tights at once. I love the look of thigh-high socks with tights and boots. I know there’s a risk-factor of channeling a Catholic schoolgirl, but as evidenced by this xoJane article, it can be done!

{via pinterest}

{via pinterest}

{via free people}

4. Slip on a pair of these. Because they will change your life. And you’ll look damn sexy.

Because slippers that you can microwave > lingerie

What are your tips and tricks for staying warm in glacial temps? What’s your favorite season to dress for?

xo,

Linds

Saturday Epiphanies

Cheersssss to the freakin’ weekend!

I woke up this morning after a solid night’s sleep (the first in far too long), and while I have to work tomorrow, I’m grateful for this Saturday. Plans include yoga, coffee with a friend, then dinner at another friend’s apartment. She’s making chicken pot pie and baklava, so I’m looking forward to some comfort food! I’m on veggie duty and planning on bringing balsamic roasted brussel sprouts and this salad. I made it on Christmas Eve and it was a HUGE hit. Here’s hoping for a repeat success.

It’s amazing what a full night’s sleep can do for your thought process! Rather than grumbling/talking to myself/speaking in tongues while bumping into things while attempting to make myself presentable for work, I came to a few realizations:

1. Dating is hard. It sucks, really. Especially when you have the urge to slap a guy upside the head and scream “WHO BEAT YOU WITH A STUPID STICK?!?!?” – yea, no fun. But you know what makes it better? Waking up to motivational quotes like this from your mom.

#PREACH

Yup. I feel much better.

2. Sometimes watching reruns of shows you’ve seen 23098440 times is far more entertaining than picking something new. Sex and the City and Girls reruns ruled my Friday night while I worked on a few pieces of jewelry (hoping to launch my site soon!). Party animal.

This may be because I have commitment issues and the thought of investing 2 hours in a movie I might not like is scary…that’s the saddest sentence ever. But true! I suck with decisions. And sometimes it’s nice to not fix what’s not broken – right?!

3. Sushi is damn good comfort food.

winner winner fishy dinner

4. I know I’ve said it before, but here’s the (mildly embarrassing) proof that I have an absolutely insane number of pictures of Bloody Mary’s saved on my phone. WHO AM I?

The hunt for perfection is no easy task. It’s all for the greater good.

On the bright side, I do remember where each of these was taken! Clockwise from top left – Jimmy’s, Berry Park, East Coast Grill, Mrs. Kim’s….ehhh, just kidding, no idea where the last one is from.

5. Why did no one think of putting these two smokeshows together sooner? BRILLIANT.

Can’t Remember to Forget You = ultimate girl crushes united.

What are your weekend plans? And your weekend comfort foods? 

xo

Linds

Five Things Friday

TGIF!!! This week has had its ups and downs, but I have a good feeling about the coming weeks – and hopefully some exciting news. 😉

I adore Clare‘s blog, so I’m jumping on the Five Things Friday bandwagon – finally! Hurrrr we go.

Five Things I Ate: 

I snatched up this Chuao Chocolatier Maple Bacon chocolate bar at Whole Foods the other day, and it’s by far the best thing I’ve put in my mouth lately (insert innuendo here). It’s a weird savory twist on milk chocolate, and I’m usually a dark chocolate gal. Get it. Do it. Double dog dare you.

“Crisp bites of bacon drizzled with delicate maple sweetness and a sprinkle of bonfire smoked sea salt, bathed in milk chocolate.” Get in me.

Green Juice from Juice Generation. This lil’ beauty only cost $8+ tax – what a bargain! Efff who am I for spending that much on juice!?!? My body was aching for greens and sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And to rationalize, it’s probably better for me than an $8 cocktail? HA. Kidding. Nothing is better than a cocktail.

The size of this straw may be slightly excessive. This was the Supa Dupa Greens (spinach, kale, apple, parsley, cucumber, romaine, celery, lemon). I could practically hear my immune system thanking me.

It’s been frigid in NYC – ultimate soup weather. I made a batch of Shrimp, Mushroom & Soba Noodle Soup (adapted from this recipe via Cookin’ Canuck), and it turned out INCREDIBLE. Soba soup for the soul. To be honest, I made this last week – but it was too yummy not to share.

souper douper (I’m such a geek)

To continue the soup kick, I made a big pot of Quinoa Chili. I think it’s even better as leftovers! Used this recipe from Cooking Classy, but omitted the green chiles (I forgot them at the store – does it still count as chili?) and the cilantro (I was poor). It still tastes fantastic! And I have leftovers for years. #singlegirlproblems

Chili chili bang bang

Also from a bit back, but this was so.effin.good. Brunch with my friend Matt at Mrs. Kim’s in Greenpoint. We both got the Crabcakes Benedict – me with the Hollandaise on the side. Is it just me, or does Hollandaise creep anyone else out? It’s so…yellow. And gelatinous (mental note – adding “gelatinous” to the list of words I despite, right next to “moist” and “hankering”).

Never have I had a food coma this intense. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Naturally, washed down with a Kimchi Bloody Mary. Because who would I be without booze at brunch?

The amount of Bloody Mary pictures on my phone is only mildly alarming.

Five Workouts: 

Monday: 8 mile run. Felt SO good. Blistering cold outside, but I’d rather freeze my butt off than be in a 5 mile radius of a treadmill.

Tuesday: Power Vinyasa Class

Wednesday: SoulCycle! Wayyy to expensive to do regularly, but my best friend and I splurge and take a class once a month. This was #JanSoul.

Thursday: Power Vinyasa Class

Friday: Planning a run.

Five Posts I Loved: 

St-st-started –> BEYOND excited Kailey of Snackface fame is back in action!

The Big, Long Second Trimester Post –> Is it weird that I love reading about pregnancy? (Calm down, mom.)

Confessions of a Blogger

Is Food an Addiction?

When You Should Eat Junk Food!

Five Things Making Me Happy: 

The idea of sleeping in on Saturday. My sleeping schedule has been all kinds of wonky – Saturday, get here already!

I’m taking a jewelry class that starts in February! It’s at the School of Visual Arts, and I’m beyond excited. Taking this class and launching a Big Cartel shop are two big goals of mine.

The fact that I can feel myself getting stronger in my yoga practice. It’s been a long time coming, but I can finally feel how far my body has come.

Chocolate. Hey, blame it on the hormones.

Paolo Nutini. These Streets has been on repeat in my brain all week, and I don’t hate it.

What’s been the highlight of your week?

xo

Linds

Currently

I feel like my brain’s been all over the map lately – there’s no way January is almost over!  In an attempt to reinstate some semblance of order, here are a few things that made my month.

A long overdue visit from my high school best friend

Kira’s train arrived pretty late on Thursday night, so we opted to sleep in on Friday and then do what we do best – brunch!!

I dragged her Juliette, my new favorite spot in Williamsburg, for an un-freaking-believable brunch. By far one of the best meals I’ve had lately.

I went with the Eggs “Forestiere” (sourdough garlic toast, wild mushrooms, creamed Tuscan kale, artichokes & fried farm eggs)

Kira went with the Warm French Green Lentil Salade (with brunoise root veggies, persillade & bruleed goat cheese) – it looked gorgeous, but not quite enough food for brunch!

The atmosphere at Juliette is French bistro mixed with a garden escape. Since it was a Friday, we managed to snag a table in the foliage-filled atrium. Such great ambiance for hours upon hours of girl talk.

Post-brunch manicures… yolo?

4 mimosas (each – duh) later, we were giggly and eager for a girly treat. PSA – be careful what nail polish you choose out after generous amounts of champagne. Within minutes of spotting the nail art, we went for glitter and cherry-infused decals. But hey, they made us happy! And while they make look a little Katy Perry-ish, who doesn’t love Katy? And naturally, our matching tattoos and Catbird rings. Cuz we’re cheeseballs.

Beers and Jenga at Spritzenhaus #gamefaces #soserious

my babe!

Catching up on movies, books & TV

I finally saw ‘American Hustle’! While some parts were definitely slowwwww, I enjoyed it. For me, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence were the shining stars. JLaw is brilliant, period. Spirit animal forever.

I also just finished Dave Eggers’ new novel The Circle, and LOVED it. I couldn’t put it down for the first 2/3, and while I didn’t love the ending, it was a quick, compelling read that really forces you to think about how much technology and social media have overtaken our lives.

While I had major issues with Season 2 of ‘Girls’, Season 3 is bringing it. Hannah’s version of OCD really resonates with my own, and Lena’s ability to highlight a different aspect of the disease than what’s typically shown in the media is really comforting.

What are your favorite reads/shows lately? Can you believe it’s February already?!

xo

Linds

New Year, New Goal – Cook More!

I’ve been dealing with some personal stuff lately that isn’t the easiest to talk about – but soon, I promise! I’ll be ready soon!

With the arrival of the New Year, I wanted to get off to a fresh start, but the past week was tough. So an unexpected visit from my mom was exactly the cure for my winter blues.

Ain’t she a beaut?!

My mom and I have been through everything together. While our relationship is far from picture-perfect (does picture-perfect even exist?), she’s my everything. My most natural reflex in any given situation involving intense emotions (be it happiness, sadness, guilt) is to call her. Even better? After a particularly hard week, to have her show up from Boston on my doorstep in Brooklyn, armed with a bottle of wine and a hug.

I learned my deep love and appreciation for food from her. She’s probably the best cook I know. My brothers and I grew up eating healthy meals loaded with fish, brown rice, veggies – and plenty of buttah!

While she was here, we tried out some new restaurants, and also cooked. Cooking with my mom is like therapy. Just watching her do her thing in the kitchen makes me feel at ease, and I’d like to think I’ve picked up on some of her natural skills in the kitchen.

My mom’s Spinach & Gruyère Quiche with wilted kale, roasted tomatoes & mandatory Mimosas

Bass (caught by us on Cape Cod this summer!) & Veggies

Her visit made me remember how much I miss the food shopping and cooking that goes into a nourishing meal. While my New Year’s Resolutions in the past have involved weight loss, a better exercise regiment, less worrying, more “me” time, this year’s is simpler – cook more.

I feel better when I cook. I like knowing what I’m eating, and I like preparing food. It makes me happy. But I also love the restaurant experience – never really knowing what you’re gonna get. It’s a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and a lot of deliciousness.

(No surprise that my favorite Christmas presents were the Bible and my #1 celebrity crush’s book.)

I’m excited to get back in the kitchen and play around with ingredients, recipes and flavors. Food is fun – and I need to remember that.

What are your go-to recipes for winter – let’s talk comfort food!

What inspired you to learn how to cook?

x

Linds

Sunday Sentiments

I’m currently tucked away in a corner in my favorite coffee shop/wine bar, Milk & Roses. Today has been low key. I often need to remind myself that it’s okay to slow it down and have a day that’s not packed to the brim with work and socializing. While I’m starting to embrace the side of myself that loves to be alone, I struggle with the fear of missing out. When I’m relaxing, reading a book, catching up on blogs or just Pinterest-ing an hour away, I often feel a nagging sense of guilt that I should be doing something more productive. But ultimately, I know that these things are as vital to my mental health as anything – and it’s when I accept this fact that I can truly relax.

Guys, winter is here. Waking up this morning to the sound of brutally cold winds whipping across my skylight was rough. I had a long run planned for today, and I knew I’d feel crappy if I didn’t at least attempt it. But this was, without a doubt, the first time this season that I struggled hardcore with getting my butt out the door and pounding the pavement.

But….I did it! Bundled up in layers upon layers, I conquered 8.4 miles, though I’m still having a bit of trouble feeling my feet. Whatevs, the sensation will come back. I’m a bit nervous for what will happen to my motivation once it becomes truly terrible outside, but finishing what I set out to do (despite the wind pushing me to tears at times) was a great feeling.

This week, I’m heading back to my home state of Massachusetts for Thanksgiving and family time. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends, home-cooked meals and cuddling with my dog. I can’t believe the holidays are officially upon us. Summer seems like yesterday, and I think I’m still in denial that leaving my apartment with bare legs is no longer an option.

But there are plenty of things to be thankful for this year, and much I am looking forward to. This week, I was grateful for:

It being (kinda, sorta, maybe) socially acceptable to break out the Christmas music. My Spotify playlist is brimming with holiday cheer, and my favorites are eclectic to say the least.

1. Dragonette – Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message)
2. Rod Stewart & CeeLo Green – Merry Christmas, Baby
3. Wham! – Last Christmas
4. Norah Jones & Willie Nelson – Baby It’s Cold Outside
5. Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
6. Michael Buble – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Also, this. Because…well, duh. 

Being able to see this cuddlebug soon

Rango #mainman

Being able to wear the biggest sweaters imaginable with leggings and boots and still have it be ‘fashionable’ – because damn it, it’s cold.

{images via pinterest & late afternoon}

Parenthood. I’m not much of a TV watcher, but this show has sucked me in. Do yourself a favor and watch it!

What are you thankful for this week?

x

Linds

8 Things Every Happy Woman Should Have

This list of 8 Things Every Happy Woman Should Have has been floating around for quite some time, but I only recently stumbled upon it on my daily fix of Cupcakes and Cashmere. After reading Emily’s list, I felt the urge to write down my own. It really does help hone in on the little things in life that shape who we are as women. So here goes…

Eight Things Every Happy Woman Should Have 

1. A go-to drink… depends on the occasion and the company, but I do have my go-to’s. While it may seem cheesy, Cosmopolitans with my mom are a standby. I love most wine, though tend to go for whites over reds. I love rich seasonal beers and IPA. And no sushi dinner is complete without a lychee martini.
   

   Punk’n Beer. Delish, but mostly, I just bought this because my mom’s nickname for me growing up was Pumpkin.Shrimp Cocktail Bloody Mary at Williamsburg’s Le Barricou. Get inside me. (Bloody Mary > Mimosa)Cucumber Rose (check out dem baby rosebuds!) Gin & Tonic at Cata

2. A go-to Karaoke Song… ummm, no. Karoake really isn’t on my bucket list. I feel awkward enough most of the time without adding a microphone to the mix. But if I had to choose, I’d probably go for Queen. Of the ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ variety. Duh.

1. A uniform… I love mixing girly dresses with biker boots and layers of jewelry – dresses, boots and chunky sweaters are the basis of my wardrobe. I think I love jewelry more than clothes, so my accessory stash is a bit excessive. Layers of jewelry over a simple tee, jeans and an oversized cardigan is my ultimate lazy-but-cute standby. Mixing mostly neutrals with one pop of color never fails. I’m also a fan of socks over tights in the winter -I think it might be the 8-year survivor of a Catholic all-girls school aspect of my personality peeking out?
   

   {via brooklyn blonde}                 {via polienne}{via pinterest}

2. A hair stylist they love… still working on this one! Any NYC suggestions for long-haired blondies?
3. An exercise routine… I used to be a die-hard gym fanatic, without realizing that I had fallen into a rut. Now I’m running more than ever, something I never thought I’d enjoy. Yet I’ve found it to be the one time of the day when I’m truly focused on the present. Yoga 2-3 times a week and running 3-4 a week is my new routine, and it feels good as hell to not be trapped in a sterile gym as often. 
   

   how convenient that my yoga studio & the wine shop are neighbors!

4. A hobby… making jewelry has always been a hobby that I’ve wanted to turn into something more, and I finally bit the bullet and signed up for a beadwork class at SVA for next semester. I’d love to turn a hobby into something viable and really hone my skills.
5. A best friend… I’m lucky enough to have wonderful women in my life. My best friend from high school, from college, and from my “adult” life are three completely different individuals, but they each understand me to my core. I couldn’t live without them.
6. A healthy sense of self… I’m getting there. I have good days and bad days, but I feel like I’m coming into my own. That’s what your twenties are for, right?
   

   {via pinterest}

x

Linds