December 31, 2012

LAST MINUTE - SHOP YOUR CLOSET - NYE OUTFITS

Happy New Year's Eve, lovely readers!  Does New Year's Eve sneak up on you like it does me?  The Mr. and I don't really celebrate NYE in a big way, but even if we're at home with a few friends I like to feel somewhat festive.  If you didn't plan ahead (and you're going to be shopping your closet like me) head on over to Broadway+Thresher for my post on last minute outfit ideas.

Have a wonderful and safe evening.  
I hope your last minutes of 2012, and your first moments of 2013, are spent with someone or someones you love.


December 28, 2012

WHITE CHRISTMAS

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  We gave and received packages, and felt very blessed and lucky.  We were snowed in the day after Christmas, so we stayed in our pjs all day, drank wine, rented movies, and played games as a family.  It was so nice, and I have relaxed this week in a way I rarely ever do.  The blanket of snow outside makes everything feel more peaceful.





December 24, 2012

MUSIC MONDAY: CHRISTMAS EDITION


Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.
I'm a total nerd for all things Christmas, including Christmas music...
and I'll be finishing my present wrapping to the playlist below.
I hope you enjoy it.



I'm trying something knew for Music Monday, with the box above.
I'm hoping it will allow you to listen to the playlist directly from here, instead of having to login to Spotify?
You can click here to listen on Spotify if this was a horrible idea and isn't working ;)
Let me know what you think!

December 21, 2012

A LITTLE ON OUR LATELY (+ MY SISTER'S BIRTHDAY)

My sister is sharing her birthday with the Mayan Apocalypse this year.
It's after midnight and I'm still typing this, so I think we're all good.

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday, dear sister...
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Below is a little on life lately, according to my instagram (and a little of the Mr's).  
I hope you all have a wonderful almost-Christmas weekend!  
Safe travels!


December 20, 2012

THE PERFECT PUMP

Check out these suede peep toe slingback heels from American Apparel!  
I love all of the colors, and they're the perfect not-too-high heel height (3-1/2 inches).
What color is your favorite?

December 19, 2012

WEEKEND WEAR: MY DAD'S VEST

Hey there!  Did you enjoy Marni + James' playlists yesterday?  I love hearing about new bands and artists.  Hopefully you're enjoying this new feature as much as I am!

A few weeks ago when we were home I inherited stole this vest from my Dad.  It was getting a little too small for him, and he had just gotten a new one.  I remember this vest well.  One of my favorite pictures of my sister and me involves us wearing my Mom's boots and Dad's vests {the one below included}.  I'm a sentimental gal, so it makes me happy to have it.  And with the oddly warm weather we've been having - I'm sneaking in a few wears before the snow falls and my winter coat takes over.


Necklace:  Ax+Apple
Tee:  Fluxus "Funk Top"
Camo Shirt Jacket:  Old Navy Men's (sold out, but similar here)
Vest:  Dad's from the 70s  
Boots:  Shoemint
Watch:  Men's Timex
Bracelets:  These are the bracelets I always wear, so I'll just do this once! :) 
Vita Fede leather, Melinda Maria pyramid bangle, Alex + Ani St. Christopher bangle, 
two of my mom's from the 70s, a claddagh bracelet from my sister - via her trip to Ireland

December 17, 2012

MUSIC MONDAY with MARNI + JAMES



I'm happy to welcome my dear friends {and one of my favorite couples}, Marni + James, to the blog today.  Marni + James are both Ohio natives who now live in Brooklyn, and they wear a lot of black.  Below are their individual playlists.  Remember... it's not a competition, guys. {Who are we kidding, of course it is!}

Marni 
1.  Ryan Adams // Come Pick Me Up
2.  Jesse Malin // Brooklyn
3.  The Weakerthans // Aside
4.  Regina Spektor // That Time
5.  Ryan Adams // Hotel Chelsea Nights
6.  Heartless Bastards // All This Time
7.  Kings Of Leon // Manhattan
8.  The National // All The Wine
9.  Kings Of Leon // Notion
10.  A.A. Bondy // When The Devil's Loose
11.  Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit // Cigarettes and Wine
12.  The Avett Brothers // I And Love And You
13.  The Damnwells // I Will Keep The Bad Things From You


If Marni seems familiar, it's because she's been a L+R Style Muse {or I suppose there might be numerous other reasons... like you're reading this because you're friends with her}.  If you haven't seen her Style Muse post, you can check it out here.  A little about the playlist theme, from Marni, "The beginning of the list includes songs I saw performed in concerts here in NYC before I lived here.  Others are songs that have played a part in my New York story.  For example, "Hotel Chelsea Nights" is an older song, but represents my decision to finally move to NYC after my visit here when I stayed in the Chelsea Hotel.

Click here to listen to Marni's fabulous playlist.


>>>>   <<<<

James
1.  Ty Segall // Thank God for Sinners
2.  The Men // Animal
3.  Call Of The Wild // Choked Out
4.  Metz // Get Off
5.  Thee Oh Sees // Wax Face
6.  FIDLAR // No Ass
7.  The Orwells // Painted Faces and Long Hair
8.  Dinosaur Jr. // Watch the Corners
9.  Jeff The Brotherhood // Staring At The Wall
10.  Japandroids // The Nights of Wine and Roses
11.  King Tuff // Stranger

Since James hasn't been a Style Muse on L+R before {although he really should be}, which means you're just meeting him, here is a little about the bearded man...  I went to college with him, but we didn't become friends until we both lived in Chicago. He knows more about fashion than me, more about music than I could ever dream to know, and is the biggest Rick Owens fan in the world.  He is a digital producer / project manager in the advertising industry... I sort of know what that means, and I know it is cool.

Click here to listen to James' playlist, consisting of "all tracks that were released this year and will rock your face off."

Thank you, Marni + James!

December 15, 2012

IT'S A B+T KIND OF DAY

Hello, friends. Today I'm blogging over at Broadway+Thresher again.  So, I'm going to ask you to click here, and head on over there.  I promise it will be worth it.  And just in case you're on the fence about it, below are four of the fourteen gloves you'll find at B+T.  Now you have to click over because you're curious.  Right?  Many thanks!

one // two // three // four

December 14, 2012

THESE THINGS // THIS WEEK {NO. 11}


Happy Friday, folks.  Have a wonderful weekend!
These are the things I am loving this week.


This flannel from She Inside.  I might have to finally take the leap and place an order after the holidays.  
{I can't be shopping for myself right now, when Christmas is around the corner!}  
I know I've asked this a few times before, but have any of you ever ordered from there?


I love the way this Timex watch looks just a little bit vintage.


These Peppermint Patty brownies... I mean, do I need to say more?

This retro 50's radio is available in many colors, and MP3 compatible, but it will cost you a pretty penny!


I adore this little Cuddlesome Fox from Anthropologie.  
Not going to lie, I sort of want him for myself.


I wish these hooks from Pottery Barn weren't quite so pricey...


These Embossed Copper Moscow Mule Mugs are on the Mr. and my wishlist for sure.


One of my favorite style pins this week... original source here.  
And she's wearing a pom pom beanie!

I'm loving these metal tipped heels via Free People.


Nine West has some cool tees {and boots, and bags} in their Vintage America Collection.


This made me smile.
May you have such a fabulous weekend that you don't even care when Monday rears its head.


>>> I don't normally post on weekends, but tomorrow Broadway+Thresher will be sharing a blog I did for them!  
There will be a link from L+R, so hopefully you'll stop by tomorrow!


December 13, 2012

A FUR HAT

I am loving these fur hats...
They're popping up on street style sites, and on fashion bloggers everywhere.

I want to buy one, fly to New York, and just walk around wearing it.
I'll take the boots in this first image, too.
Please and thank you.




December 12, 2012

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

I love soup.  In the fall and winter months, I think I could eat it every day.  Yesterday I made this creamy potato soup for dinner, and it was oh-so yummy!  (Winter Warmer beer was the perfect combo.)  I've never made soup before, and I have to say - I was quite proud of myself.  I'm not usually the cook in our little family, but I am most definitely going to start trying more often.  I got this recipe from my mother-in-law over the weekend, and now I am sharing it with you!


>> POTATO SOUP <<

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onions
3/4 cup diced cooked ham (I used bacon)
3 1/4 cups water
2 Tbsp chicken bouillon granules (I used 4 cubes)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp ground black pepper (I used 3/4 tsp)
5 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Directions:
1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham (I left out the ham) and water in a stockpot.  Bring to boil.  Then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 - 15 minutes.  Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper.

2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low-medium heat.  Whisk in flour with a fork, stirring constantly until thick - about 1 minute.  Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form, until all of the milk has been added.  Continue stirring over low-medium heat until thick - about 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through.  Serve immediately.


*Just a few notes...
Instead of ham - I cooked about 4 to 5 strips of bacon, ripped them into little pieces, and added the bacon when I was adding the milk mixture (step #3). 

Also, my timing was a bit off on having the milk mixture ready, so the potatoes had been in the stock pot for almost 20 minutes by the time I added the mixture and finished the soup.  I was worried they would be a bit mushy, but they were really tender and good!

Lastly, when all was said and done I felt like the soup was a bit thick (probably because I cooked it for longer than I was supposed to), so I added about 1/2 cup more water, which made it more the consistency I wanted.  One of the things I like about this recipe is that you an add more or less of something, and it still tastes great!  It's sort of hard to mess up (which is good for me!).

December 10, 2012

MUSIC MONDAY with GRAHAM EASON NOLAN

1. Lana Del Rey // Blue Velvet
2. Dee Dee Warwick // Foolish Fool
3. Fleetwood Mac // Everywhere
4. Hot Chip // Loot at Where We Are
5. Ducktails // Letter of Intent 
6. Kleerup // Until We Bleed
7. Grimes // Be a Body
8. Spank Rock // Car Song
9. Something A La Mode // 5 AM
10. Capital Cities // Safe and Sound
11. Metronomy // Everything Goes My Way
12. The Head and the Heart // Rivers and Roads
13. Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers // Bird On a Wire


I'm happy to welcome my good friend, Graham, to the blog today!  A little about this handsome fella I've known since college...
He is an advertising professional by day, and a comedian / writer by night {plus weekends}.  He enjoys comic books + super heroes - and is quite fabulous at drawing them.  He often changes his hair color and style - and it is always the coolest.  He lives in New York City, but has also lived in Chicago {when I did} and Los Angeles.  We bonded over our love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer... then later, Alias.  He has an affinity for the band Garbage, has quite the collection of sunglasses, and if you can't find him dancing - you will most likely find him singing karaoke.

I am loving the playlist Graham created for us.  Listen and enjoy!  
Also, you can {and should} click here, here, and here to see Graham's standup.
Thanks, Graham!

December 7, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER

Happy Friday, friends!  

When I create these gift guides, I really try to make them practical.  We've all seen the holiday gift guide with the $100 candle.  {In fact, I love this graphic, by Kristina Mordokhovitch, that pokes a little fun at those extravagant gift guides.}  That being said, if some of the items I've chosen are still a little north of your budget - hopefully it will at least spark ideas, or you can find a less pricey version!

For the ladies in your life...



1. because she got excited when she heard Mr. Coffee + Keurig teamed up {yep, that'd be me}, Mr. Coffee Keurig $99
2. since her heart belongs to her home state, Kris Nations State Pride Necklace $48 / 3. she deserves a little luxury, Vintage Pajama Set $85 / 4. I have these, and love them. Who wouldn't? Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug $6
5. the best slippers I've ever owned... plus in case you need to run outside - they have a rubber sole, Minnetonka "Chrissy" Slipper $45 / 6. Support a small shop owner - Crocheted Infinity Scarf via Etsy {this particular one $79}
7. to keep all of her lip-glosses from getting lost in the bottom of her purse, Baggu Small Leather Pouch $20
8.  Alex and Ani have wonderful, meaningful, jewelry.  This is one of my favorites - the patron saint of travel and protection,  St. Christopher Expandable Bangle $28 / 9. available in seven colors, Anthropologie Polished Planes Earrings $37
10. for your fashionista friend, 100 Years of Fashion Coffee Table Book $40 + for the cook, What Katie Ate Cook Book $40
11. for work or play, this will hold everything she needs for the day, BLVD Monogrammed Sunday Tote - $143 at Ladybird

December 6, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM

Have you started your Christmas shopping?  I hate to say - we haven't.  Time just snuck right up on us. This morning I made our list of folks to buy for, and started writing down gift ideas.  So, at least I've sort of started?

If not these exact items, I hope this gift guide will help spark ideas for the men in your life.  And if you're really stumped, cologne is always a winner.

Click here to see past gift guides. 



1. because everyone likes to try new things, Cigar Box Sample Set $45 - Portland General Store
2. get him the liquor to go with it, Whiskey Stones $19.99 / 3. so he can use his phone, Thinsulate Convertible Glove $29
4. upgrade those earbuds, V-MODA Headphones $99 on Amazon / 5. classic and cool, Timex Original Easy Reader $65
6. the hoodie he'll have forever, and it's made in the USA, American Giant Hoodie $79
7. he'll use it every time he travels, Need Supply Dopp Kit $52 + Navy Maptote Dopp Kit $28
8. a boot and tennis shoe in one, Converse Chuck Taylor "Hiker" $70 {you can also create your own here.} 
9. pricey, but it will last a lifetime, Filson Duffel Bag $225

December 5, 2012

ON THE HUNT: POM POM BEANIE

I have enough winter hats, but most of them are old-ish, and most of them I didn't even "love" when they were purchased.  I need to update my collection.  The hats I have were mostly bought out of necessity, but these days hats are another accessory.    

I finally got myself a black slouchy beanie... you know, the one you can get at any drug store.  Boyfriend beanie? Hipster beanie? Whatever you call it, you know that one.  I got mine at Target, and the Mr. and I plan to share it.  Now, I'm on the hunt for one with a giant pom pom.  Can you believe something we used to wear when we were kids is now "trendy"?  I mean, I'm not one to jump on all the trends, but this one - I like.  They're just fun and playful in the best way.  {The Mr. said he used to make his mom cut the pom pom off his hats when he was little.}  

I think number three and number six are my favorites, but I also wouldn't mind having a solid one like seven or nine.  What are your favorites?



one. Target // two. Asos // three. Asos // four. Gap // five. Nordstrom // six. Target
seven. Style Inch // eight. Topshop // nine. Topshop // ten. Asos // eleven. Forever 21


I would also like to wish my wonderful dad the happiest of birthdays!!!
Happy Birthday, Dad!  
We love you so very much.

December 4, 2012

OUTFIT POSTS ARE SCARY

Hey all!  So, I promised personal style posts would be back... I know it took me six months {oops!}, but I keep my promises.  You have been saying you missed them, and I appreciate that you want to see my outfits!  Or at least you're just being nice. 

I talked about my fears of being in front of the camera here... and here, too.  I'm pretty critical of myself, and when I used to just snap photos with my iphone - I just felt a little less vulnerable. BUT, since there is no longer a full length mirror with good lighting {because I'm not at the store anymore}, I can't hide behind my iphone.  So, it is just me... in front of the camera... trying not to be hard on myself...while I teach my Mr. the basics of our DSLR. 

This one was very impromptu on the way to brunch one morning.  Not the most exciting outfit in the world, but hey - I'm trying to get back on the horse.  Or something like that. 

{my real smile}

{my silly - I feel awkward posing - smile}

White + Warren cardigan / American Apparel tri-blend vneck tee / Levi's Curve ID jeans / 
Urban Outfitters necklace / Elizabeth Gillet scarf / Matisse "Prospector" boots