monogram love

There's something about finding anything with my initial on it, it just makes me feel like I get a bit of personalization and I love it. I upgraded my iPhone back in November and I was so sad to lose my monogrammed case that I instantly ordered a case from Etsy with a J on it, just so I wouldn't not have to live without a J on the back of my phone. A bit obsessive? Absolutely, but that's what makes me who I am. Shortly after Christmas my mother and I took a trip to Marshall's (P.S. Marshall's and T.J. Maxx seem to be better in New England then down in the tri-state from what I've found), and when scoping out the holiday sale items I found cocktail napkins with a J on them. I had to have them - like any reasonable person. I used the napkins for my birthday and look forward to bringing them out again the future. 

do you birchbox?

Six months ago, I stumbled across Birchbox, and on a whim I signed up to receive a monthly little box with makeup samples and lifestyle products. I love this concept (why did I not think of this concept?), each month a cute box with fun things to try and potentially buy makes it way to me, and I get to enjoy products I’d be nervous about just buying full sized just to try out. I’ve definitely had some successful finds during my time so far with Birchbox – I now really prefer a BB crème over foundation, and my skin feels so good. I also love that it’s not always beauty products, I’ve tried teas, chocolates, Lara bars to hair ties, baggies, it’s never certain what this little box of mystery will contain. I do feel like every month it’s like Santa has dropped by with extra treats to feed my girly habits.

my phone r-ringing

There’s definitely a trend of iphone love for my friends and I – and cases are now pretty much are clothing for your mobile device. I found this super cute case from Minnie & Emma, which allowed me to personalize with my first initial (they have tons of cute cases for anyone looking for something different). I love how preppy and completely girly the new case is – with lilac and white stripes and my J in a hot pink. I no longer need to worry about any guys mistaking my phone for their’s.

working 9 to 5

J Crew got me again, at least this time I have a little self control and this beautiful attache has only made its way on to my want list, and not right into my closet (not sure how long that's going to last). I love the idea of carrying my laptop around in this fashionable number- it's so sleek. I also love the white with the black and gold accents. This is one way to make a good impression in the boardroom.

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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your hair it's everywhere

I recently decided to try solid shampoo and conditioner- mainly because I was intrigued by the concept of not having tons of plastic bottles in the bathroom. I also do have a desire to be more environmentally friendly, so the idea of using bar shampoo is just another way to reduce my carbon footprint. I picked up both the solid shampoo and conditioner from Lush on my way home from work a few weeks ago and I'll probably never look back to bottled shampoos again. The smell is absolutely heavenly- and lasts all day in my bathroom which is pretty amazing (think about the fact that I shower by 6:45 in the morning, and go to bed around 11 each night). My hair also feels so manageable and soft, it's not drying like you would think from a soap like product- these little guys pack quite a moisture rich punch.

I'm cuddling close to blankets and sheets

My bedroom was overdue for an update- usually, when I move to a new apartment I like to change the bedspread and give my new room a completely new feeling. I've been in my current place about 10 months now, so I was really holding back on the purchase. Blue is almost always the color I choose for just about everything, so I really surprised myself when was drawn to the red and white quilt from West Elm. I love the pattern and how there's a bit of a mix and match of the red and whites (the shams match the reverse of the quilt). Since I freeze in the winter, I also picked a grey duvet cover to cover my well loved down comforter - I like the way the white pops off the darker color. I can't wait for summer though when I can remove the down comforter and just enjoy the light weight quilt. At least for now though the combination is warm enough on those cold winter nights.

hearts on fire

These are gorgeous and rustic candle holders that remind of the birch trees near my childhood home.  They  would make a lovely center piece or just great to light up a non-working fire place. The candle holders create a warmness and softness, and definitely would be a beautiful accent in many a home.

I want to thank you

December is a time to remember those who help us out through out the year. I don't often give gifts outside of friends and family, but this year I wanted to send a colleague a thank you for all the times she's gone above and beyond the call of duty. I find that coworker presents are extremely difficult to tackle- people are unique and you don't always know what their favorite treats or things are (really everyone should blog about what they like- it would make gift giving a snap). After a bit of snooping, or what I would call covert affairs of having my boss email her boss, I discovered that brownies are a favorite baked good. Armed with some good information, I was able to send Dancing Deer Brownies with confidence that the treat would truly be welcomed. Hopefully she enjoys them as much as I have appreciated all she has done for me.

walk me out in the morning dew

I stumbled upon this great moisturizer when I earned a free sample at Sephora - I love to get the mini sizes to in order try out some of the products that maybe I wouldn't even look at when at the store. Benefit's Total Moisture is truly one of those products that makes your skin look so good- and it doesn't cause me to break out. My skin looks and feels worlds better since using this product- feeling smoother and softer. The lotion also has that clean smell that I flip over (in my mind heaven smells like fresh laundry).

gypsies never get tied down

Holiday travel usually leaves me in two mindsets- really happy to see family and friends who live near where I grew up, and dread of traveling during the busiest travel days of the year. Let's face the sad fact that airports, train stations, and even highways are full of people who only travel on major holidays - which is enough to make anyone who has a passion for travel cringe. Since I moved further from my family a few years ago, I spend lots of time traveling for the major holidays - in which I have found it's worlds easier to pack light, which is aided by my favorite travel bag - my Vera Bradley Duffel. I can stuff everything in here, as well as control how much I bring with me (bigger bags, mean you have to carry more - which is heavier). I've taken this bag all over the world from Europe to the Caribbean, and it's always served me well.  The added bonus is the fun colors make it a snap to spot your bag on the carousel at baggage claim.

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?