SF.

I managed to escape the polar vortex that is New York and head out to sunny San Francisco for a much needed change of scenery. It is a city I had been dying to visit (especially since my big brother has lived there for six years now and from what I can tell, has no intention of leaving). I could go on and on about my trip, but I managed to post my five favorite San Francisco finds--believe me narrowing it down was no easy task! After just four says filled with drip cup coffees, outdoor markets, beach walks and beautiful sunrises, I can see the west coast appeal.




{Tartine- An absolute MUST if you are in SF. Best croissant I've had...wait in the ridiculously long line if you must!}

{Painted Ladies--yes, the Full House houses!}

{Toes in the Pacific Ocean- a big check off the bucket list!}

{Golden Gate Bridge}

{Twin Peaks, I mean look at that view...}

  

I must admit, I find rolling hills and sandy beaches paired with year round warm weather and a contagious laid back attitude a rare yet unbeatable combination. I can't wait to head back!



Dulce de Leche Bars.

I have a serious weakness for any and all things caramel. Whether it is swirled in ice cream, baked into a cupcake or simply wrapped and topped with sea salt--when done right, there is nothing better than caramel. So naturally when I laid eyes on a jar of milk caramel dulce de leche I knew I had to put it to good use (though I would have happily eaten it straight from the jar). Using this recipe, I whipped up some heavenly bars filled with brown sugar, toffee, dulce de leche...need I say more?.....



Golden Globes.

Happy award season! The Golden Globes kicked off what is about to be a long line of fabulous award shows--even better, fearless fashion and never before seen designer looks! Here is a peak at my favorites from last night. Whose look did you love?

Resolutions.

With a new year and a refreshed outlook I am taking a positive approach to crafting my new years resolutions by focusing on trying new things rather than dwelling on what needs to be fixed.  I was inspired by Lauren Conrad's questionnaire so feel free to answer the questions below in your own words for resolution inspiration. When you take time to write your resolutions down, I find you are more likely to actually achieve them.  I wish everyone a healthy, adventuresome new year. Good luck!

A bad habit I'm going to break:

Late night sugar binges

A destination I'd like to visit: 

Prague

I'm going to work harder at: 

Calling (not texting!) friends and family far away

A project I would like to finish: 

Photo books from my college years 

A class I'd like to take: 

Culinary Classes & Soul Cycle 

I'd like to spend more time doing: 

Exercising (outside!) & Reading    

A food I want to eat more of: 

Raw fruits and veggies

I want to wear more: 

Jewelry, I always forget earrings! 

2.0.1.3.

Looking back at 2013 I am exceptionally grateful. In just twelve short months, my life managed to change rather drastically. After graduation, moving to New York City, spending time in Colorado, landing my dream internship, starting a new job, celebrating my golden birthday and endless travel in between, I cannot help but feel extremely blessed. While I often feel my life is pulling a million directions at once, days like this (in sunny Florida no less) allow me to take a minute and appreciate the wonderful and unexpected things that have come my way. I hope everyone has a happy New Year! I look forward to what 2014 has in store--if 2013 was any indication, I have high hopes! Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Little Christmas

  

A week ago I arrived in Maryland and the holiday spirit was overwhelming. My family was all in one place (a rarity considering we live on different coasts at this point in time) and I was ecstatic to be home with old friends. While the week flew by way too fast, we still managed to cram in all our favorite traditions. Highlights included our annual Christmas Eve celebration, gingerbread house decorating, a tacky sweater party, trips to the movies, naps by the Christmas tree, favorite restaurants and more! I left Maryland with a heavy heart, but with wonderful memories and a renewed urgency to get our next family trip marked in the books!

{Christmas brunch complete with mimosas while still in PJs}
  

HOLIDAY HINTS:

Each year I look forward to decorating my sugar cookies and intricately wrapping presents--I'll let you in on a few secrets and tips to make both stand out. The trick to beautiful cookies, without all the mess and frustration, is icing them with a squeeze bottle! I purchased mini ones from Michael's so that I could have a variety of color icings to decorate with. As far as wrapping goes, I always enjoy a present that is almost too pretty to unwrap. After all the outside is what you see first! This year I incorporated hand cut snowflakes, glittery wrapping paper, homemade gift tags (courtesy of Style Me Pretty) and large bows.



{William & Sonoma Sanding Sugar Sprinkles make your cookies glisten!}

 

 

Hopefully my Christmas touches inspire you for holidays to come. I wish everyone a merry merry Christmas!

Christmas Comes In All Sizes

Today, I'm sharing a link I recently stumbled upon and love. With Christmas around the corner I am sure most people have their trees up and decorations in place. However, it is my first year living in NYC--in a tiny apartment nonetheless--and I have noticed many people opt out of putting up trees due to their small spaces. For the girl who counts down the days until her family trip to a tree farm in rural Maryland to hand cut the perfect tree, I find this devastating. Therefore, I wanted to share with you a couple of nontraditional ideas, creative Christmas trees for tiny homes! Even if you don't want a real tree taking over your living space, it is never to late to add a little Christmas cheer to your cozy apartment!

{apartmenttherapy.com}