Joy Journal

Back in February one of my dearest friends gifted me a beautiful box of treats from Simone LeBlanc. Amongst all the treats was a simple gold and white journal with the word "gratitude" on the cover. This journal has sat empty on my nightstand until I heard the commencement speech Sheryl Sandberg recently gave at UC Berkeley. While the entire address was really moving, one part truly resonated with me and inspired me to take her advice on, I was confident it would help me during a difficult time I was going through. The exercise she reccommended was to journal three things every night before bed that brought you happiness that day. For me some days those bits of happiness were big celebrations like my husbands hard work being recognized in a wonderful way and other days it may be a simple joy where fitting into your skinny jeans feels like a big win. Other mentions have even been a mere free sample of champagne gummy bears while walking past my favorite candy store. Whatever it is that brought a smile to your face you should write it down every single night. Not only is it a nice way to close out the day on a positive note, I truly believe it has helped me sleep better going to bed with happy thoughts. I know it's easy to dwell on the things that go wrong every single day but if you dig deep I am confident you can find something in each day to jot down that you are grateful for. To help get your journey started I did a little round up of my favorite journals/notebooks. Hope it brings you the same results of joy it has done for me. 

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine 

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Fringe Benefits

I have made a few purchases this winter that are items I find myself constantly going into the closet to grab time & time again. One of them is this black fringe poncho that I picked up during the holiday stroll on Nantucket at the Blue Beetle, the other is this cozy cardigan that is super warm and has a fun oversized safety pin that helps keep it closed when it's chilly. I noticed that these two items have some fun fringe elements in common and keep finding myself drawn to this little embellishment on other pieces. So I put together some fringed favorites to help add a little added flare to basic pieces like a comfy poncho to a classic clutch or even a great suede boot. 

The Gift Closet

While shopping in Boston's hip South End neighborhood one day, one of my dear friends mom mentioned an idea of a gift closet in a home where you could keep a few trinkets on hand to gift to friends and family as small special occasions took place. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop for a gift that is perfect for each individual recipient but I thought this was a genius idea for small gestures and was so excited to put together a little round up of some ideas I had. All the items below are under $25 and suit all different tiny celebrations in life or just a simple sign of kindness to someone who may need a pick me up. To make the gift a bit more personal to the receiver just add a thoughtful card {my favorite part of a gift} and some chic gift wrap {which is always excellent to have on hand as well}.

one - Is there anything that smells better then fresh basil on a home cooked meal? I absolutely love it in everything from cocktails to savory dishes and beyond. This seed kit {also available in mint & rosemary} is such a great gift for the home chef or gardener. It also perfectly pairs with this petite vintage planter or these colorful mini vases that are $8!

two - Candles are always a great go to gift for new homes or just because your thinking of them. I love giving them with a cute pack of matches {this scent is my favorite & always burning in our home}.

three - Bringing flowers to a party just from the market also brings work to the recipient. Add an affordable vase that only needs a few buds to make a great gift. Also love this trio of a similar style.

four - The packaging along on this gift is reason to give to someone a little bit of luxury for $20.

five - A new home gift can be something small & budget friendly. These adorable mason jar salt & pepper shakers are under $10. I also love the mini oil & vinegar set too, crazy for $3! 

six - Newly engaged gal? This pretty pink dish is a great place to store her new sparkler when she isn't wearing it. Also available in a square shape.

seven - A set of coasters tied in simple ribbon are always nice to bring when someone is hosting you for dinner and we all know it goes great with wine! A wine tote and or trivet also is a great option.

eight - Terrariums are my kinda plant, low maintenance & look great. These work in so many rooms to an outdoor deck for a little living decor. 

nine - Someone have a new home or new car? How about a chic key chain to hang those new keys on!

Fringe Benefits

Hey everyone...so sorry for the late post, blogging from NYC this week and the internet access at our hotel has been quite the challenge. Let's just say I am having flashbacks to this and have lost my my mind quite a few times since Monday trying to put together blog posts. Any who, walking around NYC has been quite inspirational for content. The women here are oh so fashionable and have me spotting tons of on point trends. Fringe is a big one that I first noticed it on the street style muse Olivia Palermo at NYFW this past September. She basically kills it overtime with incorporating trends without being over the top. So while I have yet to try this look out for myself {I keep seeing this movie in my mind when I think of wearing a fringe outfit}, I am definitely loving it on others. A little round up on some stylish fringe looks are below, as always at all different price points!




sandals {more sizes & colors here} // gloves // skirt // wrap {can you believe this is only $50!} // ring {25% off} // sweater {also love this tank, not shown} // booties {under $100 & more colors available} // tote {obsessed - reminds me of a modern version of this one from one of my favorite movies} // dress {perfect for dancing the night away or double duty for a chic flapper costume} // necklace // clutch // belt {wear over this skirt or this dress}

Did you fabulous people see there is a sale going on over at J.Crew with a ton of new arrivals? Save 25% off with code SHOPNOW or 30% off if your a card holder with code CARDTREAT. I definitely will be starting my Christmas shopping with theses awesome savings!

Neutral Territory

Come warmer weather it's always fun to wear more color. Yet as I type this in the midst of switching seasons of my closet I notice my closet is filled with tons of neutral colored clothes. Some may find this a wee bit boring but for me, I never tire of classic beiges paired with white or black. It always feel crisp & clean to me. 

cardigan // sunglasses // tech case // top // soap dish // tote // shoes // ring // necklace // dress