2013: Year in Photos

For Christmas, the Sailor usually makes a Snapfish photo album with highlights of the past year. Somehow time escaped us though, and there's no album for 2013. So... here's how we improvise!

January 2013
 

We kicked off the New Year with a snow shoe hike with friends. And I started in a bright new direction professionally.

Making PETA Proud

As I mentioned previously, we did some serious shopping on Nantucket, which made Christmas gifts easy for the Sailor. I picked out 90% of my presents, and he didn't even have to wrap them! This year, Santa's sack was packed full of Fabulous Furs from The Lovely.

T'was the weekend before Christmas...

Today. I have a love-hate relationship with today. It's the winter solstice, which means there's less daylight today than any other day of the year. But after today, the days start getting longer...So happy for that and so happy for Saturday! It's Soda-Saturday (yes, I'm like a 5 year old!), and I'm baking cookies with Mom today.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus

C is for cookie

Whoops! Missed posting this yesterday. But it's certainly a case of "Better late than never!" Wednesday, December 18 was National Bake Cookies Day!

While I didn't bake any cookies yesterday (or get this post up on time), I'll be baking with my mom on Saturday. It was one of the things that we did together when I was growing up, and it usually ended with me losing interest oh, about half an hour into the "day" of planned baking...and poor mom was left deep in dough with dozens of cookies still to bake. 

Quick escapes

There's so much to do and so much stress around this time of year. Everyone can use a good laugh to brighten the mood... Don't forget-- it's the most wonderful time of the year!

#XMAS Jammies
So clever! I want to be part of this family!

Nantucket Noel

The Sailor and I spent a festive, fun-filled weekend in Nantucket celebrating Christmas Stroll. It was everything I imagined a charming New England Christmas should be and more! Christmas trees decorated by local organizations lined the cobblestone streets, and the shops competed in a window decorating contest. Santa arrived via boat, greeted by carolers in Victorian costumes, while the Town Crier wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Samantha Wills: Boho Luxe

I'll spare you from another gift guide from a blogger this week... Or consider it the gift guide pour moi. Either way, find pretty sparkly things to look at over at Samantha Wills. A girl can never have too many jewels. Love the designs. Love the designer's philosophy. Dear Santa...

'I LOVE THE CONCEPT OF BOHEMIAN LUXURY. A MIX OF RAW & POLISHED STONES WITH SILK, WOOD WITH FACETED JEWELS. I DESIGN THIS WAY FOR THE SW WOMAN. SHE IS MY MUSE. SHE IS CREATIVE. SHE IS STRONG. SHE IS ADVENTUROUS & MARCHES TO THE BEAT OF HER OWN DRUM. CHARTING A LIFE OF EXTRAORDINARY MOMENTS.' -SAMANTHA WILLS

Thanksgiving Sanity Savers

Despite the picture of perfection that Martha Stewart and Food & Wine magazine covers portray, hosting a holiday is no easy feat. And although I love to entertain, I am a little. bit. fussy. about the details. I have pretty high expectations of myself (admittedly, totally unrealistic expectations considering my lack of domestic abilities). But I've learned two things: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful; and some preparation can make it look (and feel) stress-free.

via Martha Stewart

Calling all Ballerinas and Princesses

Oh my! Looks like I just found my holiday attire! Doesn't get much more festive or feminine than this fancy tulle skirt. How would you style it?

Introducing...

...Lola! With heavy heart, I have accepted that my furry companion of thirteen years is most likely not going to return home. Both the Sailor and I had been struggling with the empty feeling in our house without Murph for the past month, and although he will never be replaced, we've opened our home and hearts to this sweet little girl...

 

Lola gets her name from our sushi restaurant, which happens to be in Nantucket. We've already made dinner reservations for Christmas Stroll weekend, and I'm counting down the days!

A Mini-Treasure Chest for Your Mind

Have you heard of a Little Free Library? I love this idea! The Little Free Library movement was started by a guy in Wisconsin, who put a box with books on a post in his yard with a sign "Free Books." The idea caught on, and in the three years that's passed, there have been more than 10,000 Little Free Libraries created around the world.

Three things 'round here: Eat, Be, Go

Three things I am super excited about these days...

Mini Kind Bars- Thanks to Courtney from Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life for blogging about these! I have become such a huge fan of Kind bars, especially since I found out about their Kind movement. Every month Kind supports a project with $10,000 to turn an idea to make the world a kinder place into reality. From rebuilding a firefighters home to mentoring youth to making fresh, healthy food available to inner city neighborhoods, the Kind movement is all about making the world a better place. Collective awwww! Vote for your favorite project here. Totally inspiring!

The Almond Coconut are deeevine! They're almost like an Almond Joy...minus the chocolate but even more delicious (how does that work???)

Country Couture

I'm not big on awards shows. Since I rarely watch t.v. or movies, the Emmys and Academy Awards don't mean much. But last night, the Sailor and I watched the CMAs, and I was definitely entertained by both the music and the fashion.

The best part of the show was when the cast of Duck Dynasty joined hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood for a rendition of Blurred Lines-- complete with Willie's version of twerking.

 http://youtu.be/PQhvg1NqqXc 

Design Crush: Diane Bergeron

I've been bitten by the design bug! The Sailor and I did lots of house projects this weekend, and I'm happy to report that the kitchen is finally coming together. We still have a couple of major items to address like, oh, the countertop, and lighting fixtures. But the floors and cabinets are done, and the painting is nearly complete. The big reveal will come soon, but here's a look at the before.

Cabinets minus the doors- we were in the painting prep stage

Witch-ful Thinking

Come home soon, Murph! 

Wednesday Wish List

This Milly skirt so perfectly styled by Blair of Atlantic Pacific

This Madewell sweater in ripe persimmon

Signorina

This anthro bench,  written about here and here

Now 20% off!!! Too bad the Sailor still thinks it's hideous

Spooky S'mores and More

It's been awhile, but I'm back! We recently had an all-consuming life event here at the homestead. My beloved 13 year old kit-cat, Murphy, escaped last week and hasn't returned.  I've put nearly every free moment and all of my energy into searching for him... without any success.

If he doesn't return home,
it won't be due to my lack of trying!

Three things...food fashion & fitness

Three things I am loving now...

Protein Pancake

So quick and easy to whip up in the morning- My pancake is finished cooking by the time the coffee brews! 

1 scoop of EAS Protein Powder
1/4 c. Bisquick Pancake and Waffle Mix
1/2 c. frozen berries

 Aran Sweater

I finally replaced my old, stained, stretched out Irish sweater with a new one just in time for the cold weather. Can't wait to wear it soon!

This blog post from Rosie Molinary

October 16 was Love Your Body Day -- a different perspective than the controversial "What's Your Excuse?" photo from fitness blogger and mom Maria Kang.

In the Bag: Field Goods

The Sailor and I generally eat pretty healthy meals. At least Monday through Friday. Lean and green are the guidelines when it comes to weeknight cooking.

Free printable

Weekend Highlights

Better late than never!

Friday Night Party Attire

Navy blazer, white oxford, green velvet pants and SPARKLE!

 

Saturday Baby Shower Feast

  Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Sunday Afternoon Sail 

If these walls could talk...

Wallpaper = No way. Outdated. That's all I thought... until I was introduced to Thibaut Wallpaper. This paper is unlike anything that used to hang everywhere in the house where I grew up. With a range of colors and patterns from historical reproductions to tropical flowers, it has limitless potential.

Wordless Wednesday

Ideal Autumn

Catching you up with some photos of what's been happening lately. I had a super-productive first weekend of autumn...Wish I was on a roll and could say that this weekend has been equally as productive! I have a busy Sunday Fun Day ahead of me, so I'm keeping this post short.

SnACK AttACK: BoHo and American Seasons

I'm no big fan of change. Maybe that's why it's so surprising that I tried not one, but two new restaurants when I was on Nantucket last weekend. If you've been following this blog for any length of time, you'll know that I think Nantucket has some world-class restaurants including my former favorite, Topper's at the Wauwinet, as well as The Galley, Lola 41, Straight Wharf and The Pearl, all detailed here. So given just a couple of nights, I was torn about where to go. Too many choices!

ACK: Stripes on the Horizon

I happened to be flipping through N magazine on Nantucket and spotted an ad for Peter Beaton. I've had a St. James pullover on my wish list for awhile, but the striped shirt in the ad caught my eye anyway. So the first stop on my (first of many) shopping excursion (s) was Peter Beaton's.

 

ACKommodations: The Chapman House

Greetings from Nantucket! When I made my travel plans, I knew that I wasn't going to stay at the White Elephant this time, so I did some research on the best B&Bs on the island. My first couple of choices were booked solid, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I finally stumbled upon and booked a room at the Chapman House, described as "retro chic with a hip flair."

I'm going bACK!

Happy Friday, Friends! The Sailor headed to Wisconsin for the Redskins- Packers game this morning, and I decided to treat myself to a long weekend in one of my favorite places. Tomorrow, I'm off to make the annual trip to Nantucket (Read about past adventures here: ACK: White Elephant, ACK: Loot, ACK: Gluttony).

Land of the free, home of the brave

Never forget. 

Choose Joy

For the past few months, I've been involved with Coaches v. Cancer and their signature Teeing Off on Cancer fundraiser, which was held last week. I met some people with big hearts who were really dedicated to the cause, and we pulled off what I thought was a successful event. We raised a bit of money for a great cause and had a lot of fun playing a gorgeous golf course at Saratoga National Golf Club (Well, I didn't play, but I DID get to drive the golf cart-- even better!)

 Saratoga National Golf Club

Latest Happenings, Fashion Finds and Tasty Treats

Keeping you up to speed...

Acupuncture
New experience this week- I had acupuncture for the first time! Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Eastern cultures to correct imbalances in qi or life force by using needles to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue.

I'm a huge believer that energy medicine (reiki especially) is effective in treating certain conditions, and respected health organizations like the WHO and NIH have affirmed that acupuncture can be helpful in treating headaches, lower back pain, muscle spasms and drug addiction, among other ailments.

Resolution

Can I please get a "do-over" on summer? I can hardly believe that it's almost Labor Day! I know, I know. That's what everyone says. Time flies when you're having fun. In reality though, I feel like I missed lots of the fun stuff that usually makes summer the best season.

Yee-Haw: Texas Talk

Hey, y'all! I know I've been neglecting my blog the past couple of weeks as a result of appointments for estimates to renovate the kitchen, travel for work, trying to fit in running and doing more yoga, and spending time in the evenings with the Sailor. So, there's a lot to catch up on!

Cead Mile Failte

Last week, Conde Nast Traveler released its list of most friendly and unfriendly cities. Albany ranked among the among the most unfriendly in the country and the world. Although Albany has some loyal defenders, you know what? I'm not one of them. I couldn't agree with the ranking more.

It's all good

Okay, so for any of you readers that live in hip, happening areas, this isn't going to be a big deal. But for the rest of us here in Smallbany, whoo-hoo! A new business just opened up, and we are SO in need of something like this place! All Good Things is a smoothie/juice bar, yoga studio and spa, and they also sell skincare products, fair-trade jewelry and all kinds of ... well, good things!

" All Good Things is a wellness facility that's main focus is to live a lifestyle of healthy eating, chemical free products, and improvement of the body and mind."

Lil' Reminder

Baby fever!

Not only is the Royal Baby due to arrive at any moment, but it seems that almost every week  day, one of my friends announces big news. The past two weekends, I've attended baby showers for little ones expected in August. I wish I had pictures to share, but I'm the worst when it comes to taking photos!

Life Lately

Catching you up on all the latest...

 Reading: The Postmistress