stress makes me shop.

I honestly cannot believe it is Wednesday. I feel like there is absolutely not enough time in the day anymore, especially with work. I feel like I blink and the day is over with. I have been trying not to feel completely overwhelmed, which has translated into me shopping...a lot. And treating myself to some Malbec when I get home at the end of the day. Ok, enough complaining!

But before I'm done, I want to know what you all do to destress. What is the #1 thing you absolutely make time for, no matter how busy you are? For me, it's not really one thing in particular -- though if I had to choose something, my answer would probably be going to bed early and getting a good night's sleep. I am trying to workout more, and read books in my free time. Both are things I used to love and seemed to have not made enough time for. I hope I can keep it up! I used to love working out and getting my sweat on, but I feel so tired 24.7 and it's time for me to get back on the horse.

Here are a few things that are helping me forget about the stresses in my life today --

I came home today to this beautiful wreath all the way from Maine! My grandmother sent me one last year as well, and I was so excited to have another this Christmas. I love the fresh balsam scent!

I needed a toner, and what better way to go than La Mer? One of the Mario Badescu products I purchased recommends that you remove it with toner. I decided on La Mer because it had great reviews on Saks. Hopefully it lives up to the hype! Do you use any La Mer products?

I also had a little surprise package from J.Crew. I had ordered this rhinestone skinny cuff awhile ago (like, months ago), and it must have been backordered. I completely forgotten about it! It was super on sale too. It is really lightweight and won't be too busy clanging against my desk all day like my metal bangles.

Hope you all had a great day!

XO

manic monday

Happy Monday!

After a ton of random purchases recently, I restrained myself for Black Friday + Cyber Monday (ok, I got a couple things last week, but didn't go too crazy). Did you guys get anything? I was so incredibly busy at work, I have any time to peruse sites for deals. Hope you all got some good deals!

When I got back to my apartment from Thanksgiving + Florida, I was happy to see three packages at my door! I got some more Mario Badescu, which I am eager to try and review for you all, especially after how pleased I have been with the other Mario Badescu products I bought awhile back.

I also got my Erin Condren planner. I love it! I got the animal print style, with leopard on the front, and zebra on the back. Too cute! I put in everyone's birthdays and cannot wait to bring it everywhere. I love how much space there is, and that the days are separated into morning, day, night. I used to buy myAgendas every year, which I love, but I wanted to try something a little bit larger. I love the font she used on the cover.

Wild! Life Planner, Erin Condren

I also ordered a couple things from J.Crew. I got a cowlneck dress in a really pretty purple, but I might not keep it. I haven't tried it on, but I think it might be too boxy. I also ordered these adorable slippers! They are super soft and have a hard bottom so I can wear them outside.

Knit Ballet Slippers, J.Crew

AB and I also started to decorate our apartment for the holidays. She got the cutest red and green plaid runner, and I bought some silver, green and red Christmas ornaments that I put in a crystal bowl. We are getting a tree this year, and I am so excited to decorate it.

That's all for now. I went to a spinning class at Equinox tonight, and I am dreading how sore I am going to be tomorrow morning. I am going to try and drag myself out of bed for yoga in the a.m..but when its gym vs. sleep, sleep almost always wins in my book!

XO

celine + sadie

via

I have always lusted after Celine's gorgeous bags, but I am literally drooling over this piece from the Fall 2011 collection (hint hint to anyone looking for a gift for me...kidding...kinda).

On an unrelated note, I am super excited that it is post-Thanksgiving so I can officially embrace all things wintry + Christmas-themed! I already broke out my Christmas Tree Aunt Sadie's candle. If any of you like the smell, this is the best candle out there! I go through at least one every year. I also picked up some gingerbread house kits for AB + me for a fun little craft sesh! Have you started decorating / celebrating yet?

XO

v

holiday gifting -- for mommy dearest

5th Avenue Glacier Park Throw, Pendleton // Locked Cosmetic Purse, Mulberry

Elysian Gold-Dipped Quartz Platter and Nostalgia Jar Candles, Anthropologie

Small Robinson Tote, Tory Burch // Knit Pocket Scarf, Hunter

Zip Leather Gloves, J.Crew // Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter, Kiehl's

Cashmere Wrap, Nordstrom // Monogrammed iPad Case, Graphic Image

I really love shopping for my mom during the holidays. I love thanking her for all that she's done for me. She is the practical type, so I like to splurge a little and get her things I know she'll love but would never buy for herself. Last year, my sister got her the cashmere wrap from Nordstrom (above, but in an eggplant color), and she loves it! I might get myself one of them this year.

I am loving the Hunter scarf! I can totes imagine my mother going on walks around the block wearing this -- perfect for keeping your hands toasty and a great way to bring your iPod, keys, or a water with you. Burberry has a similar style as well, but I couldn't find it.

Who is your favorite person to shop for?

XOXO

black friday survival look

La Garconne Bruce II Patchwork Cardigan

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Suede Satchel (how obsessed am I?! No wonder why this is an 'it' bag right now, love the color)

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring

Alexander McQueen Skull Flat

J.Brand Black Super Stretch Velvet Legging

Kate Spade Large Faceted Stud Earrings

I can't say I've ever participated in Black Friday.. but I am pretty sure the key to survival while checking beyotches left and right for the last Burberry scarf or discounted Tory flat is COMFORT. I usually wear long sweaters and leggings while I shop during the winter. They are easy to take on and off when trying things on, and sweaters are perfect in case the temperature is wacky.

I generally do all my holiday shopping in December, after searching online and making a game plan/extensive list of where to stop + what to look for. Now that I am an Ebates fanatic, I may do most of or all of my shopping online (if I can!). There is just something I love about being out in the stores, carrying a million bags, and drinking a latte while its snowing outside, so I may change my mind :)

Whatever you'll be wearing, please be safe! And score some good bargains!!!

Link up with {av}, or just hop on over and check out the other Black Friday ensembles.

XOXO

i'm back!

hello, lovely ladies! I am back from a brief blog hiatus. I have been in Naples, Florida with my sister. i cannot wait to catch up on all i've missed. I have so many posts to read in my Google Reader!

I do have some life updates for you all... mainly,

My sister found a wedding dress! It is gorgeous. We went shopping today and found THE dress. I don't want to reveal too much just in case her hubby-to-be stumbles on lamb loves, but my mother and I were soo happy that we could be a part of the experience! She has looked a little bit on her own, and we went to two boutiques and were able to find her perfect dress. I can't wait to see her in it one her wedding day + share it with you all!

Since I couldn't share a picture of her dress, I posted one of my favorite pictures of us together!

Well, that is really all the news I have. But.. I also purchased this:

Burberry 'Colette' Wrap

This has been on my wishlist for eons.. I finally bit the bullet and bought it from Nordstrom! It was oddly way cheaper on Nordstrom's site, which I have no idea why. It was $75 more expensive at Bloomingdale's, and even more at Saks. I bought it using Ebates and got a ton of cash back as well, which made it much more worth it! It is described as 'lightweight' on Bloomie's, but it is actually very thick and warm. I am pleased with the quality. Last year's version was the classic plaid on both sides. I am happy I waited until this year, because it is like two wraps in one!

I also joined Equinox last week. Since I've been in FL, I haven't been, but I cannot wait to go! Do any of you gals go there? I can't wait to try out their classes, they all look amazing! I haven't been able to box in forever, and they have a lot of boxing classes here, in addition to Pure Barre, which I've wanted to try!

I got my haircut on Saturday at Safar Coiffure on Newbury Street. This is my second time and I really am pleased with how they cut my hair. I just got a trim -- no major changes. Historically, I am the worst at getting my haircut. I generally wait to get my haircut until my ends are in desperate need of some TLC, and since I don't color my hair, I can procrastinate if I want. My goal is to go every three months. They used this Kerastase Volumactive Mousse which I really loved. I had previously blogged that I wasn't uber-impressed with Oribe's Maximista, and I definitely prefer what they used Saturday. I will definitely be using purchasing this mousse.

What have you gals been up to?

XOXO

b&bw haul

I don't think I have been in Bath & Body Works since I was 11, but I had a strong desire to buy scented hand sanitizer from them this year. Plus, a coworker of mine has the most delicious smelling apple lotion, so I knew I had to give this place another chance (and, she brought me in my own apple lotion, so sweet!). I went in a couple of weeks ago and I must say, I went a little apeshiz and bought a ton of stuff.

First of all, do any of you guys have Wallflowers in your home? I bought one for my bedroom, and I love the scent I put in, Fall Leaves. I am bummed that this is not a year-round scent! It is amaze. It is cinnamon-y but not too sweet. I can't wait to see how the other scents are! I bought a bunch of refills, including Fresh Balsam, Cranberry Cider, Cranberry Pear Bellini, Autumn Apple, Country Apple (most likely the same as Autumn Apple, but there was no stopping me filling my bag!), and Exotic Coconut. There are a lot more options on the site too, including a Stress Relief scent that is right up my alley.

I also got some pocket hand sanitizers to keep in my bag and at my desk. I really wanted the large sanitizer with the pump nozzle, but they didn't have any which I was bummed about. I settled with getting more pocket sized ones than any normal person would ever need. I got a few of each, including the Fresh Market Apple, Fresh Picked Strawberries, Caribbean Escape, Island Escape, and Sweet Pea.

Last, I was excited to see that they also carry C.O. Bigelow products, since they are owned by the same company. I got this awesome lip balm in cocoa butter and coconut butter. They are basically the same exact thing, but I really wanted to try the Mango but they were sold out!

Do you shop at Bath and Body Works? What are your favorite products?

XOXO

pinterest wednesday

Here are some favorite pins from this week from my 'style' board.

Happy Wednesday!

Follow my boards here.

Link up with Michelle here.

XOXO

holiday gifting -- for the chef in your life.

"Berry and Thread'' Casserole Dish, Juliska

Countertop Grill, De'Longhi + Salad Chopper and Bowl, OXO

Utensil Crocks in Cobalt and Cherry, Le Creuset

Electric Cheese Grater, Cuisinart + Herb Mill, Microplane

Stackable Chip Trays, Sur la Table + Odor Rub Away Bar, Amco

1 // 2 // 3

Recipe Cards + Journal, Anthropologie

There is nothing I love more than shopping for loved ones during the holiday season. I am going to be posting more holiday gifts ideas -- please let me know if you have any more ideas for the type of recipients you're shopping for! I have a few more set up that I can't wait to share. For now, though, here are some great kitchen-related gift ideas. A lot of them would be great for a work swap as well. Now that my sissy is engaged, I have been looking at all the fun kitchen items out there for her registry, hence the inspiration for this post. On a more selfish note, I really want the potato chip cooker AND that salad chopper. I die.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? What is on your Christmas list this year?

XOXO