Dooley Day Off

Growing up my husband loathed school like most kids. So every now and then his mom would surprise him with a "Dooley Day Off" where they would take the day to themselves and do things that made them happy. For him, it usually meant sleeping in, getting time to work on his hobbies and pretty much just be at leisure for one whole glorious day. So yesterday when my husband came home from work with the good news that the project that brought us to NYC had wrapped up, he also told me that Friday would be a "Dooley Day". So today we are taking today off to go enjoy our last weekend in NYC. Have a great weekend everyone!

Color Crush - Blush

Anyone else dreaming of Spring? I can't believe I am going to admit it but I am getting so tired of my all black wardrobe and am longing to add some color back into my life {who am I writing such things}. Whether it be something for the home or the closet, I am in that moment of the winter where everything is just blah! While blush is hardly a daring color to incorporate into your style, I am still a huge fan of it. This feminine hue pairs oh so well with darker tones like black, navy and gray and while I reach for this color more in the warmer months it can work year round and has been huge in outwear this winter. A little round up of my blush colored favorites are below.

Style & Real Estate - Renters Paradise

My husband and I have had a lot of experience renting homes. We rent the same home every year on Nantucket, we rent our apartment in Boston & currently am living in a rental in New York City. Until we find our forever home we love the lessons we learn with each property we rent from. What appliances we love & hate, what design features works for us & what doesn't and so on. So when we were planning our next adventure, I was intrigued to check out Air BNB. I read lots of reviews, talked with friends who loved their experience abroad & stateside as well as conducted my own research for a stellar property that could intrigue me enough to give up the hotel luxuries and conveniences that are oh so dreamy while traveling. So when I saw the The Adobe Creative Suite based in Los Angeles, I was quickly intrigued by it's affordable nightly rate, stylish interiors and excellent location. Wouldn't this be such a fun place for a getaway on the West Coast where you can live like a local for a few days? 

Saving Face

As blizzard Juno is doing her business outside, I am reminded of how horrifically dry my skin has been this winter.  I have been increasing my daily water intake to work on my skin from the inside out yet I have yet to see an improvement. So I naturally turn to products striving for a quick fix to keep my face and body hydrated. After all, no one wants dry scaly skin, it's so not cute. Below are a few favorites for tending to dry skin head to toe.


one - we may not have a tub in Boston but here in NYC I have been indulging in endless bubble baths, this foaming gel is also epsom salt which is so great for the skin, drawing out toxins, healing bruises and sore muscles.
two - this is by far my favorite drugstore beauty find, I can't live without them. I switched from the nighttime formula to the hydrating one and love the moisturized feel my skin has after removing my daily makeup.
three - instead of using an abrasive scrub, I have been using this gentle peeling gel to remove all dead skin from my face to my neck, it's really incredible what it removes. I use it along with the entire anti aging set from the same brand, it's the bees knees.
four - Remember my favorite lip gloss? Well she also makes an incredible clear gloss for the softest lips.
five - It's a tad embarrassing to admit but my heels get incredibly dry and painful. I use this product at night and then put on socks to trap the moisture in. It's amazing how it can work it's magic overnight. I have also heard good things about this foot peel but have yet to try them.
six - This tasty scrub leaves lips smooth and supple.
seven - Remember this instagram? Well I am now totally addicted to these masks. After I removed the "scary mask" my skin felt incredibly hydrated, firm and youthful.
eight - I am usually a big fan of this daily moisturizer but I also like to change things up every now and then to reboot my skin. I was especially keen on it with it's anti-aging formula. Not shown is my  body moisturizer which was recommended by my dermatologist.

You can shop the post with the links above or any the images below!

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#SpeakSoon

I am a major sucker for good packaging. You could pretty much wrap a muddy twig in something beautiful and I will likely buy it. So when I saw the gorgeous labels of Speak Wines, I was instantly lured in to discover more about the wine behind the artistic bottles. The company was started over what else? A glass of wine. Combine that with their genuine love of sweet sayings and style and you have a fabulous formula for a great product. What I am really loving is that while the packaging sure is easy on the eyes, they really do focus on the wine being stellar and at a friendly price point. I just ordered a case and will happily reporting back my findings. In the meantime I also put together a little round up of my favorite entertaining pieces that go coordinate brilliantly with the beauties above. 

cheese board // brass wine bucket // bottle stoppers // cheese knives // corkscrew {free monogramming} // wine markers // wine bottle coaster // table runner // wine bags // monogram cocktail napkins // wine aerator // wine glasses & carafe set // gilded bar stand

Unlimited

I have to admit, my first experience with Rent The Runway wasn't a good one. When I am met with a poor first go with a place or a service, I am always hesitant to give it another try..but upon seeing their new service called Unlimited I think a second chance may be due. Unlimited is a new program where you pay $49/month and get to build your wardrobe from thousands of fashionable items. You pick your top three items from your "virtual closet" that get mailed right to your door. When you are done with the clothes, you ship them back & pick your next trio. Bonus - if you love them, you can buy them at a discount! Sounds like a win win right? I am curious to give the service a try, I have already built my "queue" with a few favorites and put together a cute little weekend look with those items below. Have a great weekend everyone!



jacket, scarf & earrings all Unlimited by Rent The Runway // silk tee // flats // tote // sunglasses // denim

Decorate Your Desk

One of the biggest luxuries {besides the elevator & the glorious garbage shoot} I have had in NYC is having my own desk to work from. Back in Boston I am all too often invading my husbands home office area with miscellaneous crap that I am sure irritates him beyond measure. So I always find myself working from the couch, the bed or the coffee table which doesn't allow for a tidy or an inspiring work day. So as we search for our next home, I am dreaming of a proper desk area for me and my man. While I know my "paper free" guy will avoid andy & all desk accoutrement, I however will quickly fall prey to pretty desk accessories like the gilded beauties below to make for a stylish workspace.


desk planner // desk tackle box // desk lamp // candle // weekday matches // polka dot file // striped file // frame // antique scissors // metallic stapler // letter opener // agate business card holder // crystal pen // bookends // campaign desk // chair 

Restaurant Crush

Pinterest is a wonderful thing, it's always a great source for inspiration from entertaining to fashion to home to amazing recipes. I personally love using it as a place to keep tabs on things I want to revisit such as future travel plans. So when I saw a pin of a beautiful gold, black & white restaurant in I was quickly intrigued to find out more. Anahi is a Argentinian restaurant located in the Le Marais district of Paris that boasts a beautifully rustic gilded interior. Formerly a butcher shop this restaurant has been taken over by a group that plans on renovating up to 40 restaurants in the area into chic dining hot spots. This will definitely be on my list of places to visit, the next time I am in Paris.

I read the designer mixed gold leaf into the grout to achieve this look - genius!

images via Remodelista

Pattern Play

I am a big fan of solids in my wardrobe. I hardly ever gravitate towards a pattern but always love them when they are on others. However, I recently looked in my closet and was totally bored with every single thing I owned and I think adding some fun prints are a great way to put a little oomph into your outfits. I have been collecting a few of my favorite patterened pieces that I am debating on welcoming into the closet. Some even pair well with one another like that subtle cobalt print shirt and that artistic floral clutch. However, nothing beats my favorite patterned leopard shoes that go with everything! What is your favorite way to wear prints?

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Gift Guide - Valentines Day

Happy Monday friends! I am home with the Mr. who isn't feeling so great so I have been planning a little Valentines day getaway for us to cheer him up. While last years valentines events included bowling with some of my favorite couples, this year we are heading to Woodstock, VT to indulge in a little country living, spa time, winter activities and great food. So since Valentines Day is less then a month away it's Gift Guide time. This year I based my little round up on all things related to the mushy gushy stuff of hearts, flowers, love and romance. There is a little something for every member of your family and even more treats below in the slideshow of valentine themed presents.



one - a beautiful set of love poems
two - everyone needs a back up charger, love this one & this one
three - this cute pajama set is perfect for valentines day and the warmer months
four - jazz up the bar cart with this cute mustache bottle opener
five - espadrilles are so on trend for the spring & this colorful pair will be a cheery addition to your footwear rotation
six - the prettiest card for your special someone
seven - skincare is pretty important & this pretty set helps keep a youthful glow
eight - who doesn't love cookies...need I say more
nine - J.Crew always kills it with the cutest kids clothing, this sparkle & stripe tee is no exception
ten - sleeping in just got a bit more stylish with these fun eye masks
eleven - sweet throw pillow
twelve - some saucy heads & tails cufflinks
thirteen - his and hers love letter trays are great for catching daily mail, keys and change

More Valentine Gifts Below!

Color Crush - Black & White

I have a bit of an obsession with the color combination of black and white, whether it be in my home, my wardrobe or even my puppies, these two shades are always a favorite. My b&w pinterest board is always a constant go to for outfit inspiration and when I am unsure of what to wear I know I will always smartly dress in this classic combo. So I wanted to share a little round up of my favorite black & white items from accessories, home to clothing!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Boomf - Magical Marshmallows

I've said it many times before...Instagram is by far my favorite social media platform. Something about being able to share a moment, a mood or just a piece of your day to me is so fun and interesting. I personally love getting glimpses of peoples travels, adventures and style. I am constantly inspired by the content on there and love that my own photos have captured some of my favorite moments in my own life {like this sweet pup playing hide & seek}. So when I saw you can print your Instagram's onto sweet treats with Boomf I was instantly intrigued. If you are lucky enough to be in the UK, you can even choose to have them printed more then just marshmallows...cupcakes & macarons are also available at the very fun retail shop Selfridges. For $25 the marshmallows are available for delivery to the US through Boomf and setting up is easy with a simple download from Facebook, Instagram or your computer. Oh & did I tell you the guy behind the company is the brother of the always stylish Duchess Kate? Yep...looks like good ideas run in the family. I can't wait to get started on my custom set and will be sure to share them on Instagram! 

images via Boomf Facebook