Hey there....

Oh hi.  So I'm not going to pretend that I just forgot that I started a blog then a few months later decided I had had enough.  These past six weeks have been a whirlwind.  After six (seven...) months from when I moved to FL, I have finally landed on my feet in the full-time employment world.  Towards the end there, things were getting hairy.  Thoughts and movements towards looking for jobs in other cities and making another move were truly in the cards.  I was getting pretty desperate (honest moment) and can now only mention this because I seem to have found a great match for me in the job department.  This is my third week there and I really do like it.  This in itself is a blessing, because we were in an "any port in the storm" situation.  So to actually have found a job and actually like the work, and like the people.  I do feel like a lucky duck.  

So apologies for my online neglect.  More posts about food, fashion, and FL travel (I've been casing this state the past few weekends!) coming soon that I am excited to share my 2 dozen-plus readership.  

Image via My Pinterest.

Idiot Brother

Have you seen this movie?  I thought it looked amusing when I saw the previews, but never got my act together to see it in theaters.  Luckily it made it's way onto our Netflix queue and arrived last week.  We've been pretty 50/50 with some of our movie selections.  With my personal theory being if all the previews look horrible on the DVD before the feature, you're doomed.  Well this my friends was a complete success.  The movie has an incredible all-star ensemble cast that works so well together and the story is sweet, endearing, and witty.  I would recommend this movie whole-heartedly. 

About a brother with three very different sisters, they all love him and his simple, do-good attitude.  But his naivete doesn't always serve him best, and creates a tale of family complications, both funny and sad that is enjoyable to watch play out.  The cast of characters is fantastic and the settings of NYC, upstate New York (I think, maybe Vermont or New Hampshire) are great to see, and the storyline weaves everything together in a way that when the movie wraps up you feel a contentment that few movies bring these days.

All images via imb

A Repeat Marriage

I must share a happenstance recipe success.  This does not involve careful planning and inspiration, this involves two old classics, one that I did not even make, for a sum greater than it's parts.  Allow me to be more specific -

plus 

 equals 

I made Nestle's Toll House Recipe for chocolate chip cookies with the mini-morsels (I like these better myself) a few weeks ago.  When the batter was ready I opened up the freezer to get some ice for a drink, and I saw that lone sleeve of thin mints.  I put them in there because we all know that once a sleeve is opened, it does not linger, and some self-control is necessary.  So I plucked it right out of the sleeve, threw them in a freezer bag, crushing them with a rolling pin and threw the delicious crumbs in the batter.  Oh man.  I did not have dinner because of ensuing batter ingestion.  So ladylike.  I brought them to a Super Bowl Party and was smiling like the Cheshire Cat as I overheard people musing, "Have you had one of these cookies?!" to their friends.  Ultimate potluck personal success.  Ultimate deliciousness hands down.

Images 1, 2, 3.

Hey love

Happy vday to everyone.  I hope you get a little love today - may it be a phone call from your mom, a card from a friend, some flowers, or even treating yourself to a cappuccino instead of your normal coffee when you run out this afternoon.  xoxo

Images via my Pinterest.

Seeking studs

A few days ago the Valentine's Day email from one of my most favorite jewelry designers, Julia Failey, appeared in my inbox.  Julia and I went to the same college, but didn't overlap.  We met and started to hang out in Chicago, going to hot yoga and having pup park dates.  Her stuff is a-mazing, there is a good range of price points, and her eco-centric approach to design and craftsmanship makes each purchase a feel good one.  I received this necklace for Valentine's Day a few years ago and it is a staple for Saturdays (and other days too) ever since.   Julia also does ridiculous custom work, making many a man friend's engagement ring for his fiance to be.  She even made her sister's engagement ring - talk about special stuff.

Back to the email - it highlighted her stud earrings.  I am obsessed with stud earrings, I think they are timeless, can mix with a variety of looks and seasons and are just more chic than most danglies.  My opinion.  Here are some of her studs which I adore.  Is anyone who wants to get me a gift reading? Just kidding!  Kind of.

Meet Julia -

Now let me introduce you to some of her wonderful studs -

 

Her variations of classic pieces are incredible.  Hope you enjoy!

All images via Julia Failey.

Paper love for love day

I thought I would share some adorable cards I found for V-day, coming around the bend next Tuesday.  Single or spoken for, I love to send out cards to friends around this time, who doesn't like getting a "hi - thinking about you, miss you!" note in the middle of February?  Fun cards with a great new pink or red pen and maybe some snazzy stamps and I have a great Saturday afternoon activity.  I could seriously be a professional note writer - is that a thing? 

These cards are from some of my favorite paper spots.  Mr. Boddington has inventive messages with sweet visuals - they made the perfect pairs and chevron options.  I also love Snow & Graham, a Chicago paper company with wonderful products; they did the cupcake card.  I love their calendars, note cards - everything is done so well and creatively.  Kate Spade takes credit for a great box set of sealed with a kiss cards, the striped lining in the envelopes is an added bonus for sure.  Rifle Paper Co. a favorite among some bloggers I read, does such a a great job and is a Florida company - little current state pride here!  I sent out their postcards for Christmas this year, and they are credited with the adorable above postcards, the balloon card, and the candy hearts cards - all such lovely options.  Crane's did the simple but sweet xo card, a good staple to keep in your card drawer regardless of the time of year.  The hump card (sorry if you think is crude), and mac and cheese card (a personal fave) are from Kate's Paperie online.  I spent long lunches at Kate's, a NYC paper shop, wandering around when I worked near Columbus Circle and had to run out to get last minute extra invitations for an event for work.  I could spend hours in a paper store, I think they are such warm fun places to be.  We all have our vices.  xoxo

Will upgrade by 2015?

Honestly, I am kind of a Luddite.  Everybody prioritizes how they want to spend their monies, and for me, a new phone, a cool TV, etc does not really do it for me.  I'd rather splurge on clothes, home ware, etc.  I currently have a solider of a Blackberry from 2008 that was my friend's from her former job.  Hey, it gets the job done in having access to my email and sometimes googling maps for directions.  One day when due for an upgrade, or even getting someone's leftovers when they must upgrade to the latest greatest version, it would be great to get an iPhone.  The one thing I would love was a decent camera on my phone, other than that for now I'm OK to wait to load, for just about everything.

If I did get iPhone, as I'm not always so nice to my technology - being catapulted out of clutches and slipping out of my hands while juggling grocery bags - I would need a hard case. This tortoise shell hard case from Incase would be my top choice.  I think it's great looking and not too juvenile which some of the colored/patterend cases can be.  You like?

Images via Incase.