just go ahead, let your hair down

Happy Friday and weekend dear readers! I am very glad it's the weekend again - even though it was a short week at work, it was a long one too. This is the first weekend in a while I am actually home for the entire duration. I am looking forward to not traveling (even though I love getting to visit people). It's a fairly low key weekend right now, so far just plans to get drinks after work on Friday, and head to my first hockey game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. I get to cheer the Bruins on in person, which I haven't done in a about 6 years. I am also debating if I want to take a trip to the flower show at Macy's on Saturday (and maybe buy some new earrings), just to see some of the pretty spring blooms. What are you doing this weekend? Are you on the move or having a nice low key rest?

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getting to know all about you

Cliffs of Moher in February 2011

Five things you may or may not know about me:

1) I am terrified of snakes - I have been ever since I was a little girl. When I was really young, my parents didn't want to scare me about one being in the backyard, and tried to spell their words in front of me- I asked them pointblank where the snake was, they then realized that spelling was no longer an option.

2) I regret not studying aboard in college - I will always wish I took that opportunity when I had the chance. I think this is why I am fully willing to spend money to travel to just about anywhere when the opportunity presents itself.

3) I love original 90210, so much so I can usually find a way to reference it in conversation. Ten years, more episodes then your average show- we can discuss/debate who was better for Kelly after all- Brandon or Dylan ( McKay came back in the end...).

4) I wish I was better about cleaning - however I do better under pressure - so when people are suppose to come over my apartment will be spotless. I need to be better about those unexpected times people end up coming over, so that the apartment is always at least in swing by shape.

5) My favorite time of my work day is my walk from the train station to my office, I love those 15 minutes of freedom and fresh air before settling in to my work. It's a great way to clear my head and have time to myself. The only times I skip this walk is when it's pouring- being soggy at work is not my idea of a good day.

streetlights...people

I took this photo of the Empire State Building from 42nd Street near Bryant Park. It was a gorgeously warm day, and everyone was out and about enjoying the weather. I just love seeing how a nice day brings everyone out of their hiding - walkers, bikers, strollers- it's like the city exploded with people who've been inside for far too long just itching to be outside as long as possible.

but the breeze does feel nice

Tiny details on this J Crew dress make it something a little extra- I love the buttons on the back that look old fashioned- anyone else remember reading Caddie Woodlawn? I remember that the cousin came to visit the family from the big city and she talked about how fashionable buttons were. I bought this in red, just because I usually go for greens and blues- but wanted something with a little more zing. The neckline is modest enough to pair it with flats and a cardigan for work, also allowing for a casual look with sandals and a jean jacket. Is it time for summer yet?

Mad Men Monday

Last night was the season premier of one of my favorite shows - Mad Men. Every time I watch the show it makes me want to drink a gimlet and have a nice long smoke. One of the things I like about this show is time passes between each season, so it's not a direct pick up of where you left off - it's time to catch up with all your old favorites, the ones you love and the ones you love to hate. I am not sure how I feel about Don and Megan- he seems like a happier person, but somehow it just doesn't fit. Maybe she'll grow on me but for now, I feel like she's Don's wife and that's how everyone in the office is going to view her, despite the fact she's probably a lot smarter then I am giving her credit for. It was good to see the kids early on though- glad to know that Don's thinking of his family. I also want to know more about what was going on with Sally- did anything happen with Glen since we last saw them? I know this is going to sound crazy, but despite how annoying Pete is- he's still one of my favorites on the show. I felt badly that Roger was trying to take his clients, or at least showing up to his meetings without an invitation. In true Pete form though, his plight for a bigger office was a bit of a childish manner. In the end, he did get what he wanted - even if Harry had to be bribed by Roger. Joan is truly meant to be in the office- I completely understood why she was missing her job- a place where she is in control and makes things run smoothly. Next week, I am hoping that we get to see Betty and what's going on with her- is she still nuts?

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gonna surprise them all

I took an extended weekend this week, I just felt like all I was doing lately was working with not much life balance in there. I also had a sense that after taking a 24 hour trip to Vermont I would need another day to just unwind and get done things around my apartment.  Why a quick trip to the north? One of my best friends turned 30, and a surprise party was thrown for him. It had been a really long time since I had made the journey up to Vermont- almost two years now, and had been that long since I had visited this group of friends. The weekend was so much fun, we caught up just like old times and I got to see the house he and his wife bought last summer. He was completely surprised too, which means another successful surprise party for another friend (I swear everyone is having a surprise 30th birthday party this year). It also made me a bit nostalgic for Vermont, where open space and trees are much more abundant then around the city.  I promised to visit again soon, when I could stay a bit longer and visit some of the old stomping ground from our college days.
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wearin' baubles, bangles and beads

Spring colors are everywhere - even in jewelry.  I couldn't resist picking up this necklace on a trip the mall when I was visiting Massachusetts last week. The multiple colors really drew me in as a piece that I could wear with just about every single item in my wardrobe - which means it has so much shelf life. This gives the perfect little pop to spring looks.

seen another sunset on my own

At my office I've become the one that everyone checks out the nail polish on a regular basis- probably because I am borderline crazy and do my nails about three times a week. I like to do my nails in like the last half hour before I go to bed - it's relaxing to sit still and do nothing while the nails dry watching a little bit of TV. I just bought a new essie polish- called Merino Cool- which is this gorgeous grey- purple color that I can see myself wearing all the time. It's just purple enough for that girly feel, but neutral enough to be appropriate for the boardroom.  I might have to stock on this one.

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under a sky that is grey on sand that is grey

Grey - the color of rain is one of my favorites, particularly in warmer weather. It's another one of those neutrals I love. When was looking at the online sale at J Crew, I found this adorable grey stripped cardigan. I couldn't resist, as I started to think about getting to wear it all summer long at both the office and on those cool summer nights on roof top bars. I want to pair this with black and white, or even possibly with another grey and white striped tee - mixing a little bit of the same while keeping it different.

deep in the heart of Texas

Finally getting around to uploading some of my photos from my trip to Austin - granted I had a few posts before going, and I did write about the marathon very shortly after returning. Here's some highlights:

The endless shelves of cowboy boots at Allen's. They are so pretty- each one was gorgeously made and were fun to try on during a rainy afternoon.

A picture of cattle- I don't believe these are longhorns. I saw this at Stack Burger in Austin, and loved the decor of the whole place. Part of the wall was decorated with hay bales - but it was hipster cool not cowpoke in style.

Sometimes I wish I lived in an air-stream- particularly one complete with cupcakes. This is a must stop for the foodies in your travel party.

This photo makes me laugh- only because my friends convinced two young children to play Bocce with them while waiting for our table at the Salt Lick. The kids got tired of us way faster for making them play an organized game, rather then just running around the grounds.

 I really was trying to capture the twinkle lights that were outside in the trees- it looked way more magical in my head then it does in the picture- however I sill really love this photo despite it's shortcomings.

Longhorns and Christmas lights- I loved the craziness of this collage - just something fun and very Texas in my mind. Plus it sparkled!

based on a novel

Pretty cocktails usually just put me a happy mood (cocktails in general, I guess they don't have to be pretty). I recently was taken to this great spot called Bars and Books over on First Avenue. It felt like you were having drinks in an old fashioned library which also shows James Bond movies- which is pretty much up to speed with my nerd girl fantasies (books and libations- perfect match any day of the week). I can't wait to go back for an evening of conversation in a very cool location.

baby, you're my lucky day

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I love this holiday - not just for the vast amounts of drinking, but really because I love seeing people dress in the same color. Seeing seas of green everywhere you go it kind of cool, particularly since almost everyone gets into this holiday. It's also particularly fun to hear the bagpipers and see all the firefighters marching in the parades. Most years it's usually one of those really warm days that means spring is on its way.

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when the lights go out in the city

Boston is always adventurous- there was a major power outage on Tuesday night due to a fire a few blocks from the office and my hotel, sending the area into the darkness. I took this photo from my hotel room (no power there either) of the rest of the city in the distance from Boston Common. The park is actually right in front and it's so dark since none of the streetlights were on. It's definitely neat to see whole area dark, when it's usually as light as day out even in the middle of the night.

cinnamon girl

Coffee- so good, and so necessary. Over the weekend I was brought to Bourbon Coffee for a tasty treat- a cinnamon latte, this was one of those too good not to photograph treats. I was quite pleased to find out there is one of these coffee shops in New York - which means I'll be taking a field trip here soon.

all I've got is a photograph

I am in the market for a new camera - I am ready to stop only taking pictures with my iphone (trust me that I love that convenience of having one device in my purse). I'd like to step up my game on the pictures I take, and post well- mostly to this blog. I've been eyeing the Sony Power Shot - primarily because it looks easy to use (I am  not at the point of those beautiful shutter professional grade digital cameras), though I've been reading a lot (A LOT) about people who love their Holgas - a very cute non-digital camera dating back to the 1980's. Part of me wants to bite the dust and get both and start taking lots of fun photos (and probably making all sorts of gifts for friends out of the pictures- calendar, mug- anyone?). Do you have a camera you love? What would you recommend for my first camera purchase in about five years?

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hanginaround this town

Spring is in the air - heck it really is starting to feel like those really cold days are visions of next fall. I know it's not true but when it's warm enough in March to not need a coat you get a little excited for summer. I am pretty psyched up about this upcoming weekend and week. I am spending about 10 days in my former city of Boston- doing a little bit of everything- work - play - friends - family. It might be a bit weird but it's fun to get to see the office people and your best friends all in the same week, and sometimes I go a bit stir crazy if it's just a full week of relaxation when I visit Massachusetts because I lived there so long. I will always love getting to go home again - it's familiar but new every single time.

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love to love you baby

So this little shirt according to the description on the website is "love you", however when I first read it I though "you love". I thought it was really interesting how I interpreted how to read the top- since one's a nice little term of endearment for someone else, and the way I looked at it was something you do. What about you, do you see this shirt as an action of you loving, or loving someone?

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my little sugar

Last week was full of gluten free treats at work- a cupcake from The Little Cakes (slowly becoming my favorite cupcakes in New York) and a macaron from  Bouchon Bakery. Both are things I very rarely treat myself with, so imagine my surprise when both showed up at my desk last week.  I am truly very lucky to have people who think of me (and my allergy needs) when bringing little treats to work - both totally made my week just that much sunnier!

I put a spell on you

It's not a secret that I loved every single thing about Harry Potter and his adventures. I was old when the books became popular- and I remember that when I had mono my good friend took me to see one of the movies in the theater, even though it was not her first choice of movies (thank you - I'll always remember that day!). I thought this was so funny, because it's true every single fan of Harry Potter who heard that J.K. Rowling is writing a new book, that we are hoping to hear the tales of the wizard boy as a grown up. Could this be true? It would make me so happy if her book brings us back to Harry, Ron and Hermoine.

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night's a perfect shade of dark blue

The New England girl in me loves the color navy - I love looking like I should be thinking about boating, or drinks on the porch at the beach. This is a great dress for work, or date night - definitely a great one for so many different things. Banana Republic continues to come through for me when it comes to updating my work wardrobe.  I paired this with a pair of pumps and some simple silver jewelry - the print makes such a statement on its own, muted accessories are a match made in heaven.

thank you for friday

Happy weekend readers. Hope you all have something fun planned to enjoy some time away from work and responsibilities.  I am hoping to enjoy some coffee and see some friends, and do a bit of reading ( currently on the bedside table - One Flight Up- by Susan Fales-Hill). I am also planning to get organized and finally get my blog post together about my trip to Austin. What are you doing this weekend? Any fun plans?

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we'll see the sun- march on

March is that awkward month between winter and spring, where all you want it to be is warm yet that chill is lingering like a bad habit. In like a lion, out like a lamb - I remember learning that from Mrs. Harvey in first grade (we made calendars in which each day we decorated by either drawing a lamb or a lion, I was partial  to the cotton ball lambs). I was a little sad there wasn't more snow this year, I love those days when the world becomes still with wonder and the stillness bad weather brings. Though March means warmer days, daffodils, green beer, and Cadbury Mini-Eggs. I am looking forward to more sunshine, not having to wear tights, and frolicking outside.

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