cause this is thriller, thriller night

Happy Halloween! Today is the day of tricks and treats - hopefully more treats then tricks. Seeing little ones and not so little ones dressed in costumes. Halloween always brings back memories of my father who would take my sister and me trick or treating in costumes he made for us - my favorite has always been the Miss Piggy costume he crafted for my 3 year old self, with ears and a snout. My dad always wore a homemade devils hood, with a widow's peak and red horns. I am a bit nostalgic for homemade costumes this year as everyone seems to buy their kids costumes now a days. I hope that when I have my own little ones I can take the time to make them masquerades from scratch and love.

looking through a glass onion

A delicious treat, made from this gluten free pizza mix, an onion flat bread adapted from this recipe. I was in the mood to try some thing new, and stumbled across this bread and thought well this doesn't seem too difficult. Sometimes, trying new things cannot be too big of a process, and something simple will actually get done. I think regular pizza crust might be more crispy compared to the gluten free, but this was a nice treat with the caramelized onions, and I love fresh bread. I think when I make this again, it would be good to dip in tomato sauce as well - or might be tasty with a little pesto mixed in as well.

sing me to sleep

There's something about making up the bed each day, definitely something I need to do more often. I usually make the bed when I am expecting company, or on weekends when I am not rushing out the door to make it to work. I had friends over for dinner not too long ago (no, we didn't eat in the bedroom) but I felt like if I made my bed, the rest of the house would suddenly be clean. It didn't quite work that way, but once that first section of the apartment is picked up everything else just seems easier to do. I really liked how the bed came together once I was done, with the light blues and browns, and the mixed patterns - definitely give my room that extra pop.

put your head on my shoulder

I just can't get on board with that no-poo movement- the one where people have given up on using shampoo on a regular basis. I tend to look like I've rolled my head in butter without a good shampoo most days - it's a very rare occasion that I can get away with a day off from washing. One of my favorite daily shampoos is Head and Shoulders - Smooth and Silky. I never imagined that dandruff shampoo would top my list. One of the reasons I find this a great shampoo is that it really does tame the hair like it says it will, my hair is smoother, with a lot less work (meaning less time with the hair straightener). An added benefit is that this shampoo smells delicious as well - what's not to love about great looking, clean smelling hair?

daisy, daisy - give me your answer do

One of my favorite things to do is have friends over for dinner. This is beneficial for several reasons, including giving me a clear deadline on cleaning up the apartment, as well as getting to try some new recipes that have been on the list to make. Since we are in the heart of fall, I couldn't resist putting the table together with some garnishes. I had some perfectly fall colored place mats, that were striped on side, and plaid on the other, which allowed for some mixing and matching of patterns on the table. On a trip to a local bodega, I saw orange, yellow and red Gerber daisies- simply ideal autumn colors to bring the table all together. I also cannot get enough of fresh flowers in the house, such an easy way to brighten up space and my overall mood.

New York Mornings- Don't Let Me Down

I captured this gorgeous photo one early morning in October. I just thought it was a beautiful view of the city from the west, with the sun nice and bright on the water. This view definitely makes getting up early worth it.

lips like sugar

A handbag is empty unless you have at least five lip glosses, chap sticks, or lipsticks to choose from. Every time I inventory what I have in my bag, I seem to pull out an endless supply of products for my lips. This might lead you to think I'd have some self control when it comes to purchasing more. Clearly, this is not the case as I had to try out this cute three pack of lip balm from Sephora. I thought I would love the dark shade the best, but I absolutely adore the light pink. The cotton candy color is surprisingly complementary to my skin tone, and just give at subtle youthful color.

Of schoolgirl fantasy

This season I've taken a strong liking to shorter cardigans. For many years now the trend is to wear long cardigans that cover up some key assets. Now, I'll admit sometimes a longer top half of an outfit is 100% necessary, however the short sweater is making it's way back into my life. I am a fan of dividing your outfit into thirds- so that 1/3 is your top, and a skirt will cover the other 2/3 of your outfit. This look feels classic to me, and will probably be more permanent in my outfit choices.  I've found a few different sweaters so far - like this one from JCrew, that just seem to ease into my work wardrobe. I am reminded of old Catholic school uniforms, minus the plaid skirt, which should please my mother.

I don't know why all the trees change in the fall

Crisp apples and cinnamon all mixed together, nothing smells more like fall then an Autumn Wreath Yankee Candle. Almost a cross of baking apple pie from scratch and taking a walk through an orchard, this is one of those fragrances that just smells like homecoming. I love to warm up the house with welcoming scents, and this is one of the few seasonal candles I love having on hand for that purpose.

who's going to drive you home tonight

Driving shoes, completely unpractical, particularly when you drive a car maybe 3 times a year (strong maybe, I believe the last time I was behind the wheel a turkey was in the oven and feasting was about to commence).  I actually really wanted a pair of driving mocs to wear to work with pants, and for weekends to wear with jeans, pretty much a casual shoe that wasn't a pair of running shoes.  I also didn't want black mocs, as 75% of the shoes I own are black. I picked these grey shoes from Lands' End because they are a neutral color, but still have that fun feeling, and they feel like wearing a pair of your favorite slippers to work.

be beautiful in this skin

Winter is terror on the skin - cold weather and heating make for a very dry feeling, and unpleasant skin fel. One of my favorite products that can be used for almost anything you can think of is- Aquaphor. I got hooked on it during a visit to one of my favorite couples up in New England a few years back. It's something I've been known to call- nectar of the gods. I consider this a purse, bathroom, or desk must have. I've been known to carry the large container around if I run out of the more compact holders, because I hate not having it with me. I use Aquaphor as a chapstick, blister relief, and particularly in the winter to add a bit of moisture to the hands that get dry from all the handwashing I do to avoid getting sick.  I recommend everyone keep some on hand to keep skin smooth and soft during these cold months ahead.

Stripes Around My Shoulders

Sweaters are one of my favorite things about cool weather, nothings better then getting a few new extra soft ones each autumn. I love this striped one from Banana Republic - it's long and looks great with leggings or jeans, and the elbow patches are a great extra detail.  I am reminded of college professors with the leather elbow patch houndstooth jackets - which is a distinguished look I've enjoyed since the 80's. This is one of those sweaters that could be worn at both work or on the weekends.

Copper - you'll never be gold

I have started hauling my laptop home on a regular basis, something I loath doing, but sometimes becomes a necessity. I wanted a new bag that could fit my computer as well as my lunch and still be fashionable for fall and winter. I found this very large bag, with a great handle from one of my favorite places to shop, Banana Republic.  It fits everything I need it to, and then some, and it's a great copper color that looks great as a neutral to carry my work life to and from home each day.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

Eventually I was going to have to quote The Sound of Music, particularly in a blog about my favorite things. I received a necklace in the adorable little brown package, and it was tied with strings... couldn't have been more adorable. The little white stripe looks hand painted on the box, and it certainly adds some detail to a plain wrapper. This makes me want to paint boxes for Christmas gifts this year, just to give each present under the tree a more personal touch, as well as giving me a place to be creative.

Downtown, waiting for you tonight

Nail envy - I am a frequent suffer of having manicure envy, since every time I get my nails done, I am lucky if it lasts 3 days before the chips start. I tend to looks like the 6 year old who painted her nails, and than started to peel it off. One of my friends had what I could only assume was a very good salon mani, since there were no chips or divots. You can imagine my surprise when I found out she had done her nails at home without a professional assisting her. The secret was a good nail polish- particulary the brand Essie. I picked up these two on a recent run to Target- the darker shade is "downtown brown" which has a nice red undertone, and the pink color is call "in stitches". I can't wait to wear both of these shades this fall, and have a great manicure without having weekly trips to the salon.

spin me right round

One of the most recognizable buildings- The Guggenhiem in New York. I snapped this photo on an unseasonably warm weekend in October, where t shirts and shorts were the norm instead of sweaters and jeans. Unfortunately, the museum was installing the next exhibition, so the rotunda was closed (which is the best part of this building). This is becoming one of my regular places to visit in the city, I love to wander the floors and then head to Central Park to enjoy the outdoors. There's nothing like relaxing on the great lawn with a cup of coffee after a trip to see some unusual works of art.

c is for cookie

When your gluten free, oreos are no longer an option, and baking from scratch is not always the simplest (the variety of flours needed is immense). Tate's Bake Shop offers some great gluten free items, including several types of cookies. I love the chocolate chip ones, and a bag can last about 2 weeks in my apartment (I am not sure why the self control, but hey I'll take it).

ribbon with a bow on it

Pretty new underwear, and there's nothing wrong with showing it once in a while. I love girlie details like lace and bows, with the comfort of cotton.  These frilly ones are from Honeydew - a company with a lot of options including some retro looks from the sixties, and animal prints (yes, animal print- expect me to post something about animal print, whenever the opportunity arises).  I personally think matching sets are a necessity for every lingerie chest - they make the wearer feel amazing - and shows that you take the time to look your best from head to toe.

I'm looking for a heartbeat

I go through jewelery phases a lot were I need to buy lots of a particular type, and currently I am on a necklace kick.  I found this very cute piece from Cath Kidston while in the UK. I actually really thought the back of the necklace was something I had been looking for, though I do love the blue background with the pink flower, the detail on backing makes this more versatile for every day wear. The gold heart will definitely get a lot of wear as on of those little delicate items great for date nights or even at the office. The blue side seems like a great addition for a casual weekend outfits for outings that include brunch and long walks while leaf peeping.

Don't be a fly in my Martini, baby

A weekday treat this week, martinis with one of my closest friends at Tao. Definitely a New York hot spot, with a great bar and giant buddahs - and of course delish cocktails. I couldn't resist taking a photo of the cocktails (and animal print umbrella in the background). This seemed like the perfect way to welcome the first truly fall feeling day in the city.

laughing in the purple rain

Purple is the color of royalty- and my new shoes from Marks & Spencer. I didn't get to see much of London, unfortunately, I was in the office for the most part. Though the long hours certainly did not stop me from doing a tiny bit of shopping while across the pond. I found these babies in the shoe department for the low cost of £15 (about $24 USD), and well it was decided that my life in the States needed these imports. I can't wait to pair them with a smart outfit for work, or my skinny black pants.