State of mind

images from here and here

Making a home

image from here

It has been 5 months since I got the keys to my first owned apartment and in the ultimate test of patience and perseverance, today the renovation finally began. I met with the contractor this morning as he marked X's on walls that are coming down and smiled a stupid, toothy, Christmas day kind of grin when he reminded me that in six short weeks this would be my home.

I've been thinking a lot about home recently. I always knew it was a big deal to own something, but I never really thought about the fact that I was creating my home -  I have a place to house homeless friends, a crashpad for my brother when he's in town, a place to entertain, a place to make memories, a place that is mine. It's kind of an overwhelming feeling. 

I will share with you pictures over the next six weeks. In the meantime, I have to take care of some of the less fun details... like picking out faucets. I know some people love this stuff, but I am so useless with these kind of details. Wish me luck!

Happy Weekend

I got into work today and everyone is walking around with a huge cup of coffee and half asleep - after a summer of mostly four day work weeks, getting back in the grove of being in the office for five days has taken it out of all of us. BUT it's Friday and I'm looking forward to some R&R. In an attempt to try to take care of myself a little bit I have a yoga class scheduled for tomorrow and a massage on Sunday. Not bad huh? What are you up to this weekend?

Here are some things that caught my eye this week:


Stuff to listen to: Sam Smith covering Tracy Chapman's Fast car. Need I say more

Stuff to help you get a job (or get better at one): Tech is everywhere. Apple just announced the launch of a watch that is equal parts cool and intimidating for a person like me who would prefer not to be strapped to my technology (literally). Job boards these days are filled with tech jargon that I don't remotely understand. Enter this company which is intent on helping people embrace the digital age in the form of an education - to become more valuable in the job you have to get the job you want. I'm seriously considering signing up for the bootcamp.

Stuff to consider: This post has me seriously considering some tomboy perfumes

Stuff to get excited about: Next week this awesome collection launches at Target. So excited to see all the pieces that come out of this collaboration.

Stuff from one of my favorites: Emily Henderson is pretty much a rock star in my book and the new Domino Magazine has photos of her amazing new home in LA. Here is a behind the scenes video of the space. So cool.

State of mind

Wardrobe: Black is back

shirt, jeans, jacket, boots

One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the return of easy dressing weather... sounds weird right? But there is just something easy about throwing on jeans and some boots and being done. It just feels easier to be put together. I know I'm a New Yorker so this is a little bit predictable but the return of black to my wardrobe helps to!

Happy Weekend

This weekend is my step-father’s 70^th birthday. My mom, in her typical party planning fashion, has 50 of his friends and family coming to their house in the suburbs to celebrate. Hopefully the weather gods will be on our side and the predicted thunderstorm will find its way elsewhere.

Here are some things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff that’s full of inspiration: This online magazine is always chocked full of ideas to steal.

Stuff to read: I read an excerpt of this book in the New Yorker and can’t wait to get my hands on the full story. In the meantime, this one is pretty great too.

Stuff to make you want to get outside: This video has me day dreaming of outdoor adventure – and missing my paddleboard!

Stuff for your hands: I love this ring and when it starts to feel like fall, this is going on my nails

wilderness

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a piece of legislation that protects over 750 wilderness areas from human influence.

People often ask me how I found my love of the outdoors. While I was born in NYC and spent my first several years of life here, my parents quickly realized that suburban life would be a better choice for a family. My dad tells a great story about the first time he took me into the backyard at our new home, my little feet wedded to the flagstone pavers as I stared in wonderment at the grass in front of me. I was a child of concrete and this weird grassy business freaked me out.

Several years later when my parents got divorced my dad had to find something to do with his little girl every other weekend and so he rediscovered his love of camping. I am not going to sugar coat it, when I was young I threw more than a few fits about what have become affectionately known as my father’s death marches. The key characteristics of said hikes are that 1) he tells you it’s a short walk 2) no steep inclines and 3) you realize that it is in fact a VERY long hike and will take you up the sides of cliffs and by about mile 8 you want to kill him. But we did have some amazing adventures and I have the best memories of s’mores in the Wisconsin wilderness, isolated lakes in the Rockies, a pack of wild Buffalo in South Dakota, the breathtaking scenery in Glacier National Park and the climb up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia (although better was bouldering down). I think his love for the outdoors just simply rubbed off on me and now I have such an appreciation for those rare untouched areas – they give me such a sense of peace. 

End of summer

Summer has unofficially come to and end (although you wouldn't know it with the 90+ degree heat we're experiencing in NYC!). A colleague of mine came in to work today and the first thing she asked was whether we get Columbus Day off... the next three day weekend we can look forward to. While I will miss the lazy summer weekends and trips to the beach, fall always brings with it an amazing chance at renewal and a fresh start. For me, this fall brings with it a major renovation but also a chance to move into a dream apartment that I own! I've been thinking about adopting another dog as well and even a tattoo is on the list of maybe's for the fall.

Hideaways

I find a lot of peace in solitude... especially when that solitude means being surrounded by nature. These 12 AMAZING escapes are literally in the middle of nowhere and sprinkled across the globe. They are my idea of heaven

Happy (Labor Day) Weekend

I can't believe it's the unofficial end of summer!! I am off to the beach this weekend to soak up some sun and get out on my paddle board before long weekends are a thing of the past. As much as I am sorry to see summer go, I LOVE the fall and am so excited to get started on the renovation for my apartment (more on that soon), break out the big sweaters and see the leaves change. I hope all of you are relaxing and enjoying yourselves this weekend!

Stuff to visit: This hotel has long been on my list of places to visit. There is something so quintessentially American about the Adirondacks and the idea of staying in one of those cabins on the water and roasting marshmallows on a cool fall night... well that sounds like heaven

Stuff that happily ever after is made of: I have no idea if I'll ever get married, but if I ever do I absolutely love this idea of a small, relaxed ceremony on a beach with friends (p.s. my mother would kill me!)

Stuff to get you ready for fall: I love this brand. Check out all of the amazing accessories they have for fall.

state of mind

both images via pinterest

The future of higher ed

I recently read an article in The Atlantic about the future of college, in particular the Minerva Project. As the name suggests, it's still a work in progress, but Minerva is an accredited college trying to change the face of education. The classes are all online, but it differentiates itself from a Coursera or Kahn Academy by 1) not being free 2) limiting to 19 kids in a class and 3) having a technology platform that requires participants to be actively engaged in their classes. Minerva also has dorms - it's first in San Francisco - but the plan is to open them up around the world to allow students to not only take class but also to experience different environments and cultures.

The whole idea is kind of fascinating because if it works the whole notion of what a college education means could drastically change. It got me thinking about my college years at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I sat in a number of huge lectures (200+ kids) doodling in my notebook (yes, I went to college before everyone was bringing laptops to class) and only half paying attention. I can probably count on two hands the number of classes that had a real impact on me. My older and wiser self likes the idea that Minerva is really designed to get you to learn and think. It assumes that there is a great deal of information available to you on the internet that you can go find for yourself and focuses on teaching you the nuances that can't be googled. But if you had asked me whether I had that much focus at the age of 18, I would have said heck no! College for me was a place to grow-up, meet new people, decide the kind of person I wanted to be, test my judgment and my values. Sure I learned some things in the classroom, but I learned so much more from people who were interested and interesting. While I'm not sure that is worth the University price tag, I always thought Madison as a community gave me an incredible education. I worry that an online education eliminates that valuable piece. There are already a generation of young professionals who never pick up the phone at work to quickly solve a problem, instead they prefer the back and forth of a dozen emails - simply because they aren't used to communicating any other way. We are so wrapped up in making things more efficient as a society - utilizing technology to be faster and better - but at what cost? Learning how to communicate without the protection that technology provides is essential to us as a society. Let's not forget that.

Patagonia Bound

 

I have always kept a list of places I want to visit and things I want to do – a bucket list of sorts. On the travel list, the top three have always been hike on a glacier and explore Patagonia, road trip in a VW van around New Zealand and climb Kilimanjaro and go on a safari in Africa. Very specific, I know. This winter I get to check Patagonia off my list and I am SO excited. My dad, brother and I are embarking on an adventure with Backroads (my dad, not being a fly by the seat of your pants kinda guy, insisted that we let people who know what they are doing guide us. No faith!). Basically the trip is a group of strangers hiking 10-14 miles each day around the incredible terrain on the Argentinian side of Patagonia. The best part is that at the end of the day you get to rest and fill your belly in some of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen – including this place! The trip is booked, plane tickets purchased and a couple days after Christmas I am off. Can’t wait to share the experience. 

Happy weekend

image from here 

This has been one of those weeks where I woke up Wednesday and thought it was Friday, woke up Thursday and thought it was Friday... so basically a week full of disappointment. But now Friday is finally here! I've had one of those off weeks which I just didn't feel particularly motivated or engaged so I'm hoping to press the reset button this weekend and start fresh on Monday. Any fun plans for the weekend?

Stuff to help (if you work for or run a nonprofit): This strategy shop gives their strategic communications, website developing, social media wonder skills to deserving nonprofits for free. Awesome.

Stuff to get you healthy: Recently my eating habits have been abysmal – I blame the fully stocked kitchen at my job – and I’ve been trying to find a way to get back on track without going crazy (i,e. subsisting on liquids for days). This company has done the trick. Truth be told, I don’t follow it exactly and due to cost I only do breakfast and lunch, but that has been enough to get me back on track and I am grateful.  

Stuff to covet: There is nothing on this new site that I don't love, but what is most inspiring is the philosophy behind everything they sell.

Stuff that I'm trying: A couple of mornings this week I have thrown on a long necklace over my outfit and felt for some reason so much more put together. I'm thinking investing in a new long necklace might be a really good investment for fall. I like this one and this one.

Stuff to quench your thirst: I love all things with ginger so this drink is definitely going to get made this weekend

state of mind

images from pinterest

Wardrobe: Corporate style

dress, necklace, shoes, bag

There are occasions in my job when I have to leave the denim in the closet and actually look like I once again fit into the corporate world (after six years in a huge company I left to work at a nonprofit which is where I have been for the last six months). But I refuse to wear a suit and want there to be some sense of personality and approach-ability to my style. Since you can't really go wrong with simple black, the key is to make it a little more fun.

Life in Brooklyn

chocolate, pickles, coffee, boots, shirt, glasses, mason jar

There are so many jokes about Brooklyn stereotypes and moving there in a couple months has meant that I have started to get teased by Manhattan friends who are sure that hipsterville will swallow me whole. But truth is I can't really put up too much of a fight - after all I have a weak spot for good chocolate, pickles, local coffee and a soft plaid.

Inspiration

Kennedy Odede grew up in Kibera, Africa's largest urban slum, and lived the realities of extreme poverty. But Kennedy saw a way out and after receiving an education in the US he returned to Kibera and founded Shining Hope for Communities. What started as a school for girls turned into a movement to fight gender inequality and extreme poverty by linking tuition free schools for girls to access to social services for all. What he and his wife Jessica do is as inspiring as it courageous.... this is after all a big fight. But this video makes it easy to see where they find their inspiration. The faces of these girls (not to mention the dance moves!) brings a smile to my face.

Happy Weekend

image from here

I'm hoping this weekend to get some of the color back that I've lost in the last few weeks - whether at the beach or in the City, my plan is to be outdoors. What's your plan for the weekend?

A few things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff to make your tummy happy: I tried this yesterday for breakfast and think I could have eaten it for lunch and dinner too.

Stuff to make you laugh: As a soon to be Brooklyn transplant, I have come to learn some of the adjustments that I am going to need to make to my life like buying more flannel, using artisanal mustard oh and drinking wine out of mason jars (which my Manhattan friends swear they will never do). This video is a hilarious depiction of what it means to move to Brooklyn and leave your Manhattan friends behind.

Stuff that will make you want to explore: It's a toss up as to whether I'm more inspired by these images or the recommendations. What screams summer more than a secluded swimming hole?!

Stuff to covet: These beautiful bags are handmade in Nairobi, Kenya. Even more remarkable is the story of Zoe, the founder

Ponder

In an recent interview as part of the New York Public Library Live series, Malcolm Gladwell spoke about changing your mind in a way that stuck me:

"I feel I change my mind all the time. And I sort of feel that’s your responsibility as a person, as a human being — to constantly be updating your positions on as many things as possible. And if you don’t contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you’re not thinking."

He also had a few things to say on the subject of tolerance: 

"What we call tolerance in this country, and pat ourselves on the back for, is the lamest kind of tolerance. What we call tolerance in this country is when people who are unlike us want to be like us, and when we decide to accept someone who is not like us and wants to be like us, we pat ourselves on the back… So when gays want to be like us and get married, we finally get around and say, “Oh, isn’t that courageous of me, to accept gay people for finally wanting to be like us.”

Sorry — you don’t get points for accepting someone who wants to be just like you. You get points for accepting someone who doesn’'t want to be like you — that’s where the difficulty lies."

What I find most profound about these comments is that he said them. Articulating insecurities has such power if only to make you stop and think 

Coveting

I don’t have a lot of interesting furniture. Up until I bought this apartment in Brooklyn I have moved every 2-3 years since I left home and always bought furniture that was neutral enough that I could change the look and feel of each space. Very practical. But now that I am actually a homeowner (yay!), I want to mark the space with interesting things. Not to say I’m throwing out my crate & barrel couch or my west elm desk just yet, but I’ve been keeping an eye out for interesting extras that can give a sense of warmth and fun to the space. Here are some of the awesome places I’ve found:

For Rugs: Ok so Kulchi is an Australian and Moroccan based company, but man can they pick a rug. Some of the most beautiful I’ve seen

For Furniture: Greenhouse & Co. is Brooklyn based and has an amazing collection of vintage furniture (check out the plates too)

For Pillows: Beautiful and not crazy expensive. So basically perfect. 

For Extras: Leif is a great site to browse through for all the fun pieces that make a home. I found it looking for gifts and ended up wanting everything for my own space.

For Fun: I love these signs. I can’t quite figure out how to integrate one into my space, but I’m kind of obsessed so I’ve gotta find a way. 

State of mind

images from here and here

Wardrobe: Trying something new

jeans, tshirt, shoes

I have had kind of a wardrobe epiphany recently. I kinda like a little bit funky! I have always been super basic - grey, black, navy - absolutely the staples in my closet and probably always will by, but it's kind of fun to mix it up a little bit too. Printed jeans may have been so last season, but with my new revelation I'm not quite letting go of it yet. Funky denim paired with neutrals is such a fun way to spice up jeans and a tshirt.

Hard day

I'm sitting in the hospital for special surgery waiting for my mom's surgeon to come let me know that he has successfully replaced her knee. One thing to know about my mom is she's tough.  Her knee has been causing her so much pain for so long and she has just learned to live with it. I'm grateful she decided to get the surgery so she can have many more years on two good knees that will allow her to, among other things, play with her not yet conceived grandchildren (she tells me this is the ONLY reason she's getting the surgery lest I think the pain has actually gotten to her).

I know this surgery is routine, but that doesn't stop an only daughter from worrying. Seeing your mother on a gurney, hooked up to machines and IVs is never fun, but sitting in the waiting room alone is the worst. It is the single loneliest feeling I've ever had. There is a long road of recovery ahead, but for now I just want to know she's ok.

obsessions

I have a new obsession... stand-up paddleboarding! It is definitely a fad and I would be lying if I didn't admit that seeing people like Jennifer Aniston paddling around with her perfect body did not inspire me just a tiny bit. BUT it lives up to the hype (how often can you say that?!). It's an incredible workout while also being such an awesome and relaxing activity - that said, only relaxing if the waters are calm. If it's choppy and/or you're against the current get ready to work hard. My favorite time to go is at sunset. On a clear day it's the most magnificent time to be on a board, alone in the water. Have you ever tried it? I hear you can rent boards in the Hudson but I'm not so sure about about that...

Scenes from the weekend

In between a handful of family obligations I managed to escape the City for a night and get out to the beach. I watched the sun set on Friday and got up early Saturday to take a run on the beach (I'm really getting into this running thing!), took the paddleboard out for a quick trip around the bay and then got in my car and came home. In my 20s I always thought of myself as relatively extroverted, but what I'm finding in my 30s is that peace and solitude is what I really crave. I've learned to take advantage of those moments that I can go somewhere, be by myself and clear my head. This weekend was one of those...

Music: New Finds

It's rare that I stumble across an album that I'm willing to listen all the way through (or these days that I am actually willing to purchase instead of listening to on spotify), but Deep Below Heaven is just one of those albums. Melaena Cadiz's voice is a perfect blend of soulful and folk and leaves you mesmerized. Check it out.

Gotta start somewhere

Today is the day. I finally got over my fear and intimidation and went running! It's something I've wanted to do for a long time (i.e. four months ago when I bought those snazzy running shoes), but could never quite muster up the courage. I have always cared too much what other people think and it seemed to me that everyone jogging around Manhattan was in perfect shape (total fallacy I know, but we see what we want to see right?) and I had no business huffing and puffing among them. Not to mention the idea of wearing teeny tiny shorts and a tight, moisture-wicking shirt pretty much freaks me out. But the desire to feel strong and fit won out although not without some struggle. I laid out my mid-length shorts and my normal person tshirt next to my running shoes last night, got up this morning and chickened out. I decided instead to walk my dog along the path that I wanted to run. It's the 2.5 mile bridle path around the reservoir in Central Park. Seemed like a reasonable start and it turned out walking around it and actually taking the time to notice that there were people of all shapes, sizes and abilities out there trying to get in or stay in shape put my mind at ease. So this afternoon during lunch (I am office-less for a few days and working from home) I put back on my running shoes and did it! Granted it was sort of a run/walk combo (did I mention I am in terrible shape?), but I probably ran as much as I walked which is something! I read somewhere what it takes three weeks to form a habit. I don't know if this is the start of one, but I sure hope so. I feel strong, healthy and like I deserve a really good lunch.

apartment inspiration

If you've been reading along about the trials and tribulations of co-op renovations in NYC, well there is some update (albeit not much of one). The landmark commission has approved the plans and now it's onto the building department. I have prepared myself for homelessness as it doesn't look like work will begin before August. UGH! (doesn't really adequately describe my frustration). But as the approvals have moved forward I have tried to refocus and really put together in my head what this place is going to look like.... it's really a personal journey to create your home from scratch. Pretty crazy actually. 

Here is the latest inspiration board:

state of mind

image from here and here

Happy (July 4th) Weekend

It's a rainy day here in the Berkshires, but so happy and grateful to be with my family on July 4th. We tend to celebrate our independence with food and at the moment (aka way too early) my mom and uncle are out buying as many baby back ribs as they can get their hands on. Ahh family traditions. I hope you are somewhere celebrating with better weather!

Choosing a white

In an effort to do something as the plans for my apartment renovation are being stalled by approvals, I bought a bunch of white paint and headed to my new place in Brooklyn to see if I could pick a color for the walls. Looking an paint swatches in the store I was convinced that 3 out of the 4 were actually exactly the same color and someone had clearly made a mistake, but sure enough as soon as I got the paint on the walls they looked completely different. How do people choose?! I brought along my decorator-savvy mother for advice (although really she just laughed at me the whole time). All four look completely different depending on light, where you stand... it's insane. At the moment my favorite is somewhere between white dove and cloud white, but think I'm going to need to by another round of tiny paint cans and tiny roller brushes and go through this exercise again. Ugh

Happy Weekend

This weekend I'm Washington D.C. bound to visit my dad and brother. My brother has just returned from a year in Japan and I could not be more excited to hear all about his incredible adventures before he heads back for his senior year of college. I'm excited to get outside, go on a hike and catch up with family.

What are you up to this weekend?

Stuff that is so true: I love this advice from a New Yorker

Stuff to make you think: Great words of wisdom from a MacArthur Genius (so it has to be true!)

Stuff to read: The new issue of Kinfolk is packed and ready to go for the train ride to DC.

Stuff to wear: Chance Co. just came out with a new collection in all the perfect colors for summer

image via pinterest

Wardrobe: First Date

I've been going on a lot of first dates recently. After finally succumbing the world of online dating I feel like that takes up a lot of my time. I do a lot of after work drinks and since work is casual for me I'm trying to find some kind of comfortable balance. Black and white is always a hit and throwing some brown in there takes it down a notch. What do you wear on a first date?

pants, shirt, shoes, bracelets

Music: New Finds

I love finding new music. I think it's one of my favorite things. I usually walk to work in the morning and the right music makes the chaos of NYC's morning commute fade away. Yesterday Lonny's June issue came out and in it is an article about husband and wife duo Tim and Nicki Bluhm. I generally liked their San Francisco vibe and am a fan of folk music so immediately got on iTunes to check them out. Nicki Bluhm and the Gamblers, which was released about a year ago, is AMAZING. I'm listening right now as I head out the door.

state of mind

I am a feminist

The statistics are staggering (see below). I think sometimes we forget about gender inequality. Feminism became an ugly word somewhere along the way and as a result people (men and women) have swept the conversation under the rug and ignored the problem. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In provided some fodder for the conversation, but let’s be honest, hearing about the plight of women from a woman who is COO of Facebook, with a husband who is a CEO, and clearly not facing the challenges of your average woman seemed a bit silly.

Last weekend in an opinion piece for the New York Times, Charles Blow provided a new angle on the conversation around feminism. His call to action was for men to stand up as well; that discrimination doesn’t just require those being discriminated against to fight, it requires those doing the discriminating to recognize their bias and stand up as well. I think this is a conversation worth having. Women and men need to recognize the realities of the situation and DO something about it. Wear the feminist label proudly. 

a place to sit

As I sit in anticipation of starting work on my new apartment, I can't really do anything except continue to devour all things decor (This month's House Beautiful had some really great stuff!). Anyway, not being anything resembling a decorator myself and being committed to putting this apartment together on my own, I have been learning a few things. Namely that if I am going to stick with a neutral palate, texture is key. Ok, no problem... I can do that. Enter my search for the perfect leather chair. I haven't any clue about style just yet, but I do definitely want that worn saddle color. Beat up it just looks so beautiful. Here are a few options I came across this weekend:

Chairs from here, here and here

Happy Weekend

It's amazing how quickly a summer schedule can fill up. I looked at my calendar yesterday and realized that there is not a free weekend in sight with the exception of this one. So my plan is to get a stack of magazines, a good book and some new music, sit outside and relax. How nice does that sound?! (of course laundry and cleaning will probably have to be added to that list too, but I've got all weekend to do it so no biggy). Hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Here are some things that caught my eye this week:

Stuff to inspire your style: I am loving the new series on Cup of Jo 'beauty uniform' and especially loving all things Kendra Smoot

Stuff for your feet: Love these shoes for summer.

Stuff to make you smile: President of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, went above and beyond to celebrate the Foundations 30 years of partnership with Ballet Hispanico - just watch. (P.S. I think this especially entertaining if you work for a nonprofit - if only all Foundations were this much fun!).

Stuff to help you remember: The extraordinary Maya Angelou passed away this week at the age of 86. With her passing we have lost a beautiful, powerful voice that has forever inspired so many.

Stuff to help keep your suntan: I swear by this stuff.

image from here

Wardrobe: Weekend Brunch

dress, scarf, shoes

state of mind

images from here and here

Apartment Update & Inspiration

It's been awhile since I've posted about my apartment so I just wanted to give a quick update... that basically nothing is happening. GRRR. The plans were sent to the Board for approval and the first plans were rejected - something about the lighting, the door to a bedroom and air conditioning units. Having addressed all those concerns round 2 was submitted last week and now it's back to the waiting game. At this point I'm just hoping the apartment will be livable by the end of summer so I'm not homeless when my lease runs out. I watch HGTV as much as the next girl so I feel like I should be mentally prepared for this, but this is tough... and we haven't even knocked down a wall yet!

In the meantime a few spaces that have kept me inspired...

Image from here

Image from here

Image from here

scenes from the weekend

When I was a kid my family (my mom and her six siblings) used to rent a house in West Hampton (aka the ugly step child of the otherwise fancy Hamptons). I was pretty young, but I have some very vivid memories from that house (the horribly embarrassing videos my grandfather took also help - thank goodness nobody has VHS anymore!)... I remember running around in a bathing suit and socks, I remember the family outside at sunset eating fresh clams, I remember running away from my dad as he chased me around the house with Coppertone. We stopped going out there when I was about 6 or 7 and I hadn't been back since.  That is until this summer... Everything about being back out there made me smile. How can you not be happy watching those sunsets?!

Happy (Memorial Day) Weekend

Hooray for a long weekend and the official start of summer! I am beach bound and weather permitting hoping to get out on the water (surf, kayak, paddleboard... anything) for what I'm hoping will be a beautiful weekend! What are your plans for the weekend?

Here are a few ideas to help you gear up for Memorial Day weekend and a few others that caught my eye this week:

Stuff to help us remember: I think this tradition at Arlington cemetery is such a beautiful way to honor our lost soldiers.

Stuff to make you hungry: Fantastic ideas to spruce up your holiday BBQ menu. Apple ginger cranberry cocktail anyone?!

Stuff to help you pack: No matter your plans, here are some super cute outfit ideas for the long weekend.

Stuff for your home: I've always loved the idea of big art. Something that fills a space in a meaningful way. This site has some incredible photographs that can be printed in a variety of sizes.

image from here

State of mind

images from here and here

Wardrobe: Date Night

I once dated a guy who, after about four months of dating, asked me why I never really dressed up to go out. Ouch. But he had a point. I would throw on wedges with my jeans and button down or a shirt dress with my flats, but that's about as good as it got. Being back in the dating pool, I have kept his comment in the back of my head and tried to figure out a way not to sacrifice comfort when putting in a little extra effort. This outfit is a happy medium - although I would probably not wear it til the second date.

Dress, shoes, earrings

on the road again

When I was a kid, my dad used to take me out to Wisconsin to visit his family and we would drive up to door county, trailer in tow, and camp for the weekend. There was nothing comfortable about it - If I remember right the table actually folded down and became the bed where me and my three cousins slept - but I loved it.

Enter the modern and slightly fancier version of our excursion: You can now rent an Airstream (in LA or Las Vegas), fully stocked, hitched to a GMC Denali and ready to go courtesy of Airstream 2 GO.

A road trip with an Airstream on the west coast would be such a fun vacation with friends!