And That's a Wrap

Well, Tiane and I made it!

365 photos in 2011.

Time for 2012. Are you ready? Pour a glass of bubbly and toast to a new year!

So Long, 2011

Just wanted to share a few shots from the last week of 2011 taken with my new camera (which I'm having so much fun learning to use). Here's to a safe and happy new year, filled with lots of adventures!


sesame crusted tuna from our sushi date


bright birthday flowers


ultra rich drinking chocolate from Pitango


cinnamon + dark chocolate gelato with mom


vintage shop in Fells Point


Sprinkles cupcakes


Christmas lights on the mantle


glittery snowflake table decorations


champagne flutes for Christmas morning mimosas


birthday dinner at Zengo


make a wish!

I'm ready for 2012!

And It's Just Like Honey

I figured with 2012 on the horizon, it was as good a time as any to change up my 'do a little bit. Today I decided not to cut all of my hair off, but instead, add some face-framing honey highlights. So far, I really like it. I think it brightens up my face a little, which is always good in the dreary winter months.

Fells Point Exploring

Today was my last day at home with my family before I flew back to Providence. My mom and I spent some time wandering around Fells Point, a quirky neighborhood near the inner harbor in Baltimore. I loved all of the little clothing boutiques and antique stores. We capped off our afternoon with Pitango gelato and drinking chocolate. I definitely want to come back and do some more exploring when the weather is warm!

Toro and Dental Floss

Spent a fun night in town at Kushi (amazing!) with old and new friends. The best part about having foodie friends is that they always know where to go for dinner! We never have the ongoing 'so where do you want to go' convos. Tiane is my walking Yelp app and I love how we sometimes end up on the most randomly hilarious topics of conversation.
Thanks for a fun night, girls!

New Year, New Ventures

I'm so excited about my new Lumix camera that arrived on Sunday (from Santa, of course). I spent some time this morning with my mom tinkering with the settings and testing out the features. I'm looking forward to finally learning how to really understand the basics of photography (and stop relying 100% on my iPhone) If anyone has any recommendations for blogs about photography basics, let me know!

Let the Birthday Celebrations Begin

Just got home from a fun pre-birthday dinner at Zengo in downtown DC. We shared a fun meal of Asian and Latin American-insired tapas. The meal ended on a sweet note, with churros and Mexican hot chocolate. It was delicious! I love birthdays, especially when they're stretched out for a whole week.

Merry Merry, Happy Happy

Hope you're enjoying a wonderful Christmas filled with loved ones and laughter!

Matching PJ's and Cookie Overload

After all, that's what Christmas Eve is all about, right?

Oh There's No Place Like Home

One of the best parts of coming home for the holidays is the constant roaring fire in the living room. It's just so cozy. I am so ready for vacation. Ten full days of doing whatever I want and, most importantly, not working!

I've Been Good, Promise

Think my supervisor is sending us subliminal messages about performance this year?

Kneading in Action

Excited for oodles of homemade Christmas cookies when I get home on Friday. The rolled out sugar sand tarts are a family favorite.

Subdued Nude

Have a look at my favorite polish combination of the moment. I love it because it goes with everything, but still has a little holiday glitz. What's your favorite shade right now?

Hairspiration

This is a little extreme as far as opposite tones, but I love the depth achieved with a lighter shade underneath. I'm thinking of making a big change in 2012 (short bob, anyone?), but not sure where to start.

Picture via Pinterest, originally from Sea of Shoes.

Smurfette

I've just been lounging around the house today in my new winter hat, which I kind of love. Fingers are crossed that I can pull off a fantasy football playoff win tonight!

Happy Chrismukkah

Our friends' annual party always makes me miss watching Seth Cohen and the OC! Anyone else remember that show?

Cutest Card Goes To

Tiane seriously sends out the best Christmas cards ever. I love all the personalized little details and illustrations she makes. Plus, the lottery ticket inside is an added bonus.

Thanks, Tiane, and have a very Happy Birthday!

Mad Men Affair

I attended a beautiful Christmas party tonight that took place in a converted bank in downtown Providence. The ornate venue could not have been more appropriate for the 50s Mad Men theme. I'm finally starting to feel some holiday spirit!

Cool Coal

I love when companies use creative details when marketing their products. I just bought this Coal hat when I was in Baltimore over the weekend and didn't realize until now that the inside tag was attached using a guitar pick. So clever!

Holiday Potluck

I whipped up a batch of these peanut butter blossoms for work tomorrow. They were so quick and easy to make and always remind me of my elementary school Christmas parties!

Clever Ceilings

I've noticed that more and more restaurants and shops are taking advantage of their ceiling space for decorating and displays. I particularly loved this idea from the Golden West Cafe in Baltimore that I visited today. They covered the girls' bathroom in little white lights and parasols, giving it a funky and colorful vibe. Wouldn't this look great in a den or entry way of a home?

A Tale of Two Teams

Spent today drinking mimosas and tailgating at FedEx field before the Redskins/Patriots' game. It was so much fun to be home and catch up with friends and it couldn't have been better December weather for a football game. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Glitz and Glamour

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with a family Christmas party and lots of sequins?

Oh Christmas Tree!

I always love coming across new ornaments to add to my collection.

Pinterest Pizza

Made yet another recipe off of Pinterest tonight. This time, it was bbq chicken pizza and it was delicious. I learned a great tip for shredding chicken breasts, too! All you have to do is put the warm cooked chicken into your KitchenAid stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and turn it on the medium speed (I did setting 4) and let it go for 30 seconds. Voila! Perfectly shredded restaurant-style chicken. I'm never using the two forks method again!

Swimsuit Envy

I cannot stop thinking about this pretty Mikoh swimsuit. I know it's just starting to get cold here, but I'm already wishing for a beach vacation!

Peppermint Swirls

I cannot get enough of this seasonal peppermint flavor. It tastes like candy canes!

Cocktail Bling

I finally found Essie's Cocktail Bling at my local Ulta. I have been looking for it everywhere and I scored the last bottle in stock. I also got a new topcoat that claims to dry in 30 seconds. We'll see about that.

Holiday Jewels

I piled on the bracelets to go out tonight. Some might say it's overdone, but I kind of love all the different textures and layers.

Best Buns

Currently obsessed with finding hair tutorials on Pinterest. My latest (and easiest) one is this sock bun. Google it and prepare to be amazed! It took me less than 30 seconds to do this bun that lasted all day.

Deck the Halls

My first new ornament of the season!

Black Friday Purchase

The only thing I bought on Black Friday was online. I finally broke down and joined StyleMint and couldn't be happier with my striped tee. I'm looking forward to seeing the December styles later this week. I think a ShoeMint subscription might be soon to follow!

Spring-Like Sunset

November temps hit 70 today! I can't believe it, but I'm definitely not complaining.

Fall Flowers

Pretty Thanksgiving tulips from M's mom.

Make a Wish

Meet my favorite part of the leftovers.

Brunchin'

Homemade baked spinach + egg cups. Nom nom nom.

Bird's the Word

I have to say that I'm so pleased with how well the turkey came out this year!
Hope you're having a great Thanksgiving!

Little Thanks

After seeing Taylor and Taylor's posts about the little things that they're thankful for, I had to join in and complete the Taylor trifecta (cheesy, I know)! So here are 27 little things I'm thankful for right now (in addition to the major players: my family, boyfriend, friends, and health)

- surprise letters and packages in the mail
- reading a text from one of my sisters and being able to picture exactly how they'd be saying it
- caramel apples
- Sunday morning coffee runs and grocery shopping
- being tucked in at night
- Coldplay's new album
- sushi dates
- witnessing a parent's reaction to their child saying their first word or taking their first step at work
- cozy winter sweaters, mittens, and hats
- holding hands
- finally listening to Christmas music
- furry earmuffs
- cinnamon raisin Ezekiel toast
- encouraging fantasy football messages from my dad
- personalized stationery
- words with friends
- new bracelets, especially when they're sparkly
- Bayou Bakery's French press coffee and beignets
- accomplishing a home diy project on my own
- neat handwriting
- heirloom tomatoes
- the Muppet movie
- Pinterest
- Chuck Bass
- peppermint Pinkberry
- trying a new recipe and having it turning out really well
- mulling spices

What are some of the little things you're thankful for this Thanksgiving?

image via we heart it

Movie Snacks

Between Monday's pigeon fiasco and tomorrow's Turkey feast, I'd say this candy goes along with the theme this week: birds!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Stocking the fridge for Thursday's festivities!