Keeping With the Theme...

...of big buns seen here, here, and here.


I especially love how Nicole Richie rocked a big bun on her wedding day
AND
the messy bun with soft face-framing bangs. Love!

Chic Chignon

I was finally able to locate spin pins at Target this weekend and, inspired by Tiane's fabulous hair tutorial, set out to recreate her big bun. The result: this super-easy, slightly undone updo. It's a great alternative to my usual ponytail and the spin pins held on my first try. That never happens with my extra fine hair.

So, what do you think?

Cuddly Chocolate

Currently enjoying a hug mug full of hot cocoa on a chilly night!

Channeling Summer

There's nothing like starting the weekend with a pop of color!

New Year, New Reads

I've heard great things about this one!

Colossal Cup

Not a bad way to end a particularly bad day.

Enough with the snow already! Seriously.

New Beauty Bff

I received this magical elixir in my Christmas stocking and have been obsessively applying it twice a day ever since. It's a miracle product, especially for the type of dry, frigid winter we've been having in the Northeast.

Further proof that Oprah really does know everything.
Run out and stock up. Thank me later.

Confession

Sometimes, a cute coordinating outfit is all it takes to get me to the gym.
Shallow? Maybe. Productive? Indeed!

lululemon faded zap jacket
Nike free trainers

Special Delivery

I received a surprise package in the mail from my aunt in Pittsburgh yesterday and one of the goodies was this terrible towel. On most occasions, anything black and gold would be completely forbidden in my Patriots-loving abode, but since the Pats were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, we'll be cheering against the Jets this afternoon (technically not for the Steelers). Honestly, I just want to see Rex Ryan's heart ripped out and stomped on. Maybe next season I can actually cheer for my home team.

Thanks for all of the goodies, Paula!

Red Carpet Worthy

I'm completely smitten with the jade soma dress by Elizabeth and James! It's been all over the place lately, including on these lovely ladies.

Unexpected Snow Day Fun

one of the best flicks I've seen in a while!

Little Miss Literature

loved them then. love them still!

Pachyderm Paperclips

these little guys will instantly spruce up your desktop! get some here.

Party Paper

I love browsing through stationery stores, especially the sheets of handmade natural paper or individual pieces of gift wrap. I spotted this barrel of monkeys pattern and fell in love. Wouldn't it be a fun way to wrap up birthday toys or even use to decorate a festive table?

Midday Snack

blood orange swirled with original & topped with fruit. so good!

Shady Business

these new shades have been in serious rotation this weekend.

Soda Pop

old school bottles of flavored soda at Zeb's General Store in New Hampshire

Covered Bridge

Spotted this today on the cross country trail. Kind of reminded me of something out of a fairy tale!

Trail Blazer

I had such a great day on the cross-country trails at Bear Notch today! All of the fresh powder was amazing and it was bright and sunny out, a welcome change to yesterday's blizzard conditions. I especially love that I was able to skip my regular workout routine because 3+ hours of skiing up hills and down little slopes is pretty intense (especially getting up those steep inclines). I'm resting my muscles now and hoping to try out some new trails tomorrow.

Winter can be fun!

Bartlett Woods

Sparkly Riva Nails

inspired by tiane

Laundry List

I've been getting tons of use out of my new grocery checklists that Santa slipped into my stocking. They're pre-printed and separated into categories, so all I have to do is check off something once I'm out of it. No more milk? No problem, just put an X in the corresponding box. At the end of the week, tear off the list and take it with you to the store. Then you can hit every department (produce, dairy, frozen foods, etc.) and not forget that one pesky item or have to go up and down every aisle multiple times. Super convenient!

Get your own here.

Lazy Sundays

Today was so relaxing! I enjoyed a steaming mug of café au lait at one of my favorite neighborhood coffee shops and went to the movies to see True Grit. I was skeptical at first, but Jeff Bridges' performance alone was well worth it. I'm down to the final two chapters of The Help (such a great read!) and almost all of my Christmas decorations are packed away until next season. I tried out a new recipe for Asian-style chicken burgers with a spicy broccoli slaw (yum!) and finally beat my buddy Graham at a game of Words With Friends (he always manages to annihilate me). All in all it's been a great success! Who says January has to be filled with post-holiday blues?

I hope you've all enjoyed your weekends!

Snowy Hope Street

Take Me to Your Leader

he keeps me company at my desk

Eat More Sushi!

Currently Craving

swirly goodness

Misspelled Fortunes

bad omen or one in a million?

White Mountains' Majesty

10 days 'til our ski trip!

Make Takeout More Fun!

Wish Big!