Photo Overload and Other Updates

Ever misplace your camera adapter for over two months (eeeek!)? Good, me neither! Here are some extremely overdue photos from the holidays and my trip home. 

Downtown Salem, Massachusetts.

Freshly roasted coffee beans ready to be ground. I can almost smell them just from looking at this picture!

Raisin-studded brioche from Seven Stars sliced for French toast.

Thistle + tulips from the Thanksgiving table.

Orange + dark chocolate chip scones sliced and ready to go into the oven. These made a great take-home favor at a Christmas get together with friends.

Our Christmas tree that we tagged and cut down from a local tree farm. I miss the holiday decorations!

My favorite vintage ornament from the 1950s that was gifted to my by my grandma.

Santa's suit + matching sparkly nails.

Newest s'more obsession from Brooklyn's S'more Bakery.

My family's hand-stitched stockings lined up on the mantle.

Colorful wrapping paper + glittery ornaments.

The best ombré birthday cake ever (made by Tiane's talented sorority sister). 

Fun joint birthday celebration with Tiane and Alex.

The decadent oreo in a blanket cookie from Bakeshop.

Spiky NYE decorations on my mom's table.

Lighter-than-air homemade doughnuts for brunch on New Year's Day.

Colorful tassel garland hanging over my Washington, DC poster in the guest room.

So that's what's been going around in these parts over the past few months. I can't believe Christmas has come and gone once again and I'm another year older. I actually forget how old I am sometimes now. If that's what happens when you're officially 'old' then I'm there! I have been hard at work on my 30 before 30 list. There are some simple things I'd like to accomplish (ahem, getting the courage to chop my hair) and of course some loftier goals (like take a trip outside of the country and brush up on my French skills). I think 2013 came so fast that I haven't had enough time to fully process all that went on in 2012. I'm still working on reflecting on last year's resolutions and building from there. I hope you all had a great end to the year and that 2013 is starting out strong for you!  

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Peppermint Swirls

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

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!

Make a Wish

Meet my favorite part of the leftovers.

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

A Few of My Favorite Things

Stocking the fridge for Thursday's festivities!