Friday Five: Holiday Candles

My heart is 100% in Christmas/Holiday mode. I'm definitely on team "Thanksgiving can be Christmas-y!" Unfortunately, there is much debate in society on what is appropriate so I'm holding off decorating (really because the BF isn't around until this weekend to help carry the tree in). I have allowed myself to sneak in a little holiday scents via candle. It's so refreshing coming home to an apartment filled with a little winter-y, holiday spirit. These are my absolute favorites!

Ralph Lauren Holiday Classic

{instantly reminds me of childhood Christmases... although I think my mom had the potpourri #80skid}

 Voluspa Branche Vermeil

Nest Holiday Candle

Thymes Fraser Fir

{Whole Foods sells them in cute, gold jars but I can't find them anywhere else!)

 Jo Malone Roasted Chestnut

Friday Five

Just a few things that have made a life a little better in recent days ...{or months}


1) Lemon Water
I had heard about the glories of lemon water before and started to give it a try. It's quite honestly been perfect. Soothing, sweet and quite easy to turn the kettle on, wash my face, brush my teeth and pour a cup of water.  It has plenty of other health benefits that Wellness Mama discusses here.

2)Laura Mercier Lip Glace
About 6 months ago a friend convinced me to splurge Laura Mercier's lip glace. I was in NYC and need a new neutral ASAP. She claimed it would be worth the $28 price tag and I have to say it is.
Winter in notoriously dry and having returned from a 2 week trip to the midwest, I was on a pretty heavy chapstick regimen, but was loosing the little guys everywhere. I'd often just have to turn to my Lip Glace and it seemed to work just fine. It wasn't until I brought out my Chanel lipgloss that I truly noticed the difference. I wanted a bright for NYE and turned to Tocade. My the end of the night my lips were basically peeling off. It was not pretty by any means. In that moment I realized what I had in Merciers Glace, not only a fun gloss but a powerful moisturizer for every day use. I went back and bought several shades, my favorite for everyday use is Blush.

3) Yummie Leggings
Tummy taming and a solid quality legging? Yes. Please.

4)Amazing Hairdryer
I finally got my fan-cay hairdryer for Christmas! My finger dry time is down to 10 mins, 30 mins for a blow out! Cannot get better than that. If you have thick hair, or blow dry daily I cannot stress how much you should invest in this!

5) Wunderlist
For some reason when I updated my iPhone, the Reminders app crapped out. I downloaded Wunderlist to keep my random daily thoughts and reminders and shopping lists together. I do my best thinking on public transportation in the morning and its great to have this guy handy to write things downs and set deadlines.

I Heart New York!

I spent my 2007 summer interning in New York City and absolutely fell in love. The energy, the architecture, the people, the culture...I don't know where you can get much better. I've been back a few times since and when my friend, A, asked me to join her for her Birthday trip I was happy to oblige!

We stayed at, the historic, Union League Club in Midtown and had this gorgeous view of the Empire State Building from our room!

Since we both have friends that live in the City we spent Friday night on our own. I was able to meet E and our other former roomie L for some Tapas in the West Village. After E and I spent time in Spain we continued our Tapas crawl in SF so extending to NYC was only necessary.  Tertulia was delicious, so quaint and the staff (although they were skeptical about our ability to finish our Paella) was very nice.  It is unfortunate the SF dinner culture just isn't the same.

Maintaining our west coast time schedule, Saturday we got a bit of a late start. We adventured briefly to the Union Square Farmer's market, on to the East Village for Brunch and then Soho for some shopping!  

Saturday night all of our friends joined us at Sfoglia on the UES for A's Birthday Dinner! Again, such a delicious, quaint, but non-pretentious place. Honestly, the BEST sourdough bread I've had in my life...even after living in SF for almost 6 years!

Sunday we ate the most expensive salad's of our life at Bergdorf's and then continued our Shopping adventures. I had unfortunately come down with cold, so was lacking a bit of energy. We found our way to Ralph Lauren on Madison and after a glass of champagne everything was magically better!

We took it easy that afternoon. After a quick nap we ventured to a Jewish deli near by our hotel for some much needed Matzo Ball soup and, of course, pastrami on rye. We strolled the streets of midtown for bit and enjoyed a cup of tea at the acclaimed Starbucks :) It was the perfect evening to end our fantastic weekend.

We had a few hours to burn on Monday and we decided to head back to the UES to hit the stores we missed Sunday evening (Lilly Pulitzer!) and I was able to stock up on some Black and White Cookies before heading off to the airport!

Recent Obessions

While I was away I  discovered some new/ re-discovered some old things lately and can't get enough of them!

Cosabella - Never Say Never Thong
Does anyone else have the problem of finding a panty that they really like, buying a bunch and then a year later when you go back to re-stock they're discontinuted or "re-styled"?  Needless to say that just happened to me with my favorite Honeydo style. Holding back a minor emotional breakdown in the Bloomingdales intimates section I wandered over to the Cosabella table. I'd seen and heard about them before by the One-Size-Fits-All thing kind of weirded me out. I decided to see what the hype is all about and it's official. I LOVE THEM! I'm going back for more tonight!

Schick Hydro Silk
I got this razor as a free sample with one of the purses I bought to take to Europe. I had made it my travel razor, and I remember thinking it was great on vacation because I only had to shave my legs twice a week as opposed to everyday normally. I kind of forgot about it, but I rediscovered it when I was home for Christmas. Even after spending 6 months packed away under my bed it still worked amazingly! I've officially made my Venus my "travel razor" and this lady has a permanent place in my shower!

LaLine Vanilla Patchouli Room Spray
A couple of years ago I stumbled upon the Laline store on Chestnut and their amazing vanilla patchouli scented jar candles. Unfortunately,  for some reason, they no longer make the candles but they do still have the scent in room spray. I had bought a couple a while ago, but they got lost in the mess that is my nightstand drawer. I was organizing this weekend and found them! I like to spray a little on my sheets after I make my bed and then scent seems to last a little longer.


Fresh Popped Popcorn
There is just something satisfying about popcorn made on the stove. I don't know if it is because its lighter or crunchier but it is so much better than bagged. I made my first batch of kettle korn last weekend and it was a success, but my favorite toppings have to be truffle oil and parmesan!

Origins Check and Balances Face Wash
I used this all through college and into 'real life', but I switched last year when I started to get acne, which I'd never had in my life. I immediately assumed I needed something tougher to tackle that job. After several dermatologist visits, 2 prescriptions and every face wash that contained some sort of salicylic acid I've come back to Checks and Balances. Everything I tried either left my face dry and peeling, turned my sensitive skin into a plump red cherry or, oddly enough, made my face super shiny.
Checks and Balances leaves it clean feeling and moisturized without all the irritation! I did start using their Out of Trouble mask and have been very pleased at how well it controls my breakouts (and smells good too!)!

November Goals

Well it's finally November. Just 2 more months left in the fabulous year of 2012. October was a little hectic for me with work, out of town visitors, brunches, boys being their ridiculous selves, Fleet Week and the Giant's World Series chaos it literally flew by (and I only managed to squeeze out 1 blog post).

So I made my #1 goal for November to get my act together, organize my life and make some goals for the month! We'll have to wait and see how they pan out, but I have to start somewhere and, if anything there will have to be a follow-up post (contributing to Goal #6)!

#1) Be More Positive

One of my favorite things about myself is my sarcastic, and somewhat cynical, sense of humor. While, I wouldn't really think of myself as a "Debbie Downer" I do think those abilities stem  from a more pessimistic view of life. I've started to notice this, outside of my sense of humor a lot lately. Whether it's being sad about feeling like I have no control over my life, to getting up every morning and dreading the people I will encounter on public transportation, it's all becoming exhausting. So I've decided to put it in writing to remind myself to think out side of my usual tunnel and notice the positive things that are happening!

#2) Finish 1 Book

For the last year...and maybe longer I've been starting books and not finishing them (except for the 50 Shades of Grey series all of which I finished in 1 month). I currently have 5 partially read pieces of literature sitting by my bedside and I'm vowing to finish 1 by the end of the month.  My re-reading of The Great Gatsby seems to be the best contender, but Fitzgerald's The Love of the Last Tycoon is close behind. I do still have Decision Points, Let the Great World Spin and MWF seeking BFF as well. So many choices!

#3 Workout 3x a Week

With the start of the Junior League active year, the school year and work swinging into full production. I have had zero time to work out. Exercising has always been more efficient for me to do after work and now my weeks are jam packed full of extra-curricular commitments. Since it's not coming easy I'm going to have to make more of an effort to get myself out of bed in the morning and off to the gym. Classes are most motivating for me and I was doing Bar Method for a while this summer. I loved every part of it except for the "I already worked out today so I don't have to do cardio." that got stuck in my head. I'm looking into BurnSF a cardio and pilates studio not too far from my house. I keep reading that us 20-something gals need both Cardio and Toning to keep our slowing metabolisms up and I'm trying to find the best way to do that. Stay tuned.

#4 Be More Budget Conscious

Apparently with all the craziness of October my credit card got a little crazy too. I have a budget outlined, but it's always kind of worked itself out. I guess I'm going to have to start paying more attention to it. Any good apps or tool tips would be appreciated!!

#5 Get Christmas Shopping Done

Now that it's November is officially the Most Wonderful Time of The Year in my book. As much as I love (zero-sarcasm there) spending December weekends in the decked out stores it's always stressful (see dreading of crowded public places in Goal #1) and December goes by so quickly. I'm hoping to be a little more crafty this year; pinterest as so many amazing things, but all those things mean I need to start early! I'm hoping to ready for crafting, baking and/or wrapping by the end of the month!

#6 Blog 2x a Week (at least)

I always get great ideas for blog posts, but never actually sit down to write them! I'm hoping Goal #6 will give me the motivation to make the time, write them out and entertain you lovelies with my oh-so-fabulous life (read sarcasm).

Fall Wish List!

To most people Fall means cozy sweaters, chic riding boots, light jackets and maybe a Pumpkin Spice Latte. To San Franciscan's fall means summer. The midwest girl in me can still dream right?

Ralph Lauren Black Label Slim-Fit Cable Cashmere Sweater in Evergreen

Can I please just get one in EVERY color? Would it be weird to sleep in it too? It's just soooo soft.

Tory Burch 'Elina' Riding Boot in Coconut
I have a pair of RL boots, but they're heeled and I'm starting to feel a little hookerish every time I wear them.

 J. Crew Perfect Shirt in

 Buffalo Check 

I've been purposely avoiding the lumber jack shirts, but I may have to suck it up for this one...

The North Face 'Nuptse' Quilted Down Vest

Was debating between this and the Patagonia, but I decided I liked the wider quilting.

LL Bean French Sailor Shirt 
My mom has one in every color (still)  from the 80s!

The J.Crew Lady Jacket in Double Serge Wool

Absolutely love the pink and the navy, but the gray and the black would definitely make a great investment. Choices. Choinces. 

Angora Crewneck Sweater from The Gap 

The cashmere crewneck t-shirt has always been a wardrobe staple, but I'm seeing the style pop up everywhere this fall! It's perfect for the chilly(er) weather of California winters!

Uggghhh I can't wait for it to be winter and therefore be cold enough to wear these fabulous finds!!

Snaps for the Gap! {finally}

The Gap has always been a good stand-by for your classic t-shirt and jeans. In high school (so 10ish years ago) I shopped there a little more often for tops and sweaters. Since then, however, I think their main collection fell off the....runway? a little bit. We all remember that multicolored. horizontal striped crew neck sweater from the 2007 holiday collection. All I remember after that is a series of different types of white button ups, that also came in black. Maybe they amped up their designs or maybe it's just because 'classic' is back in style, but I absolutely LOVE Gap's fall collection (and apparently stripes).

The Military Button Academy Blazer

The bright blue (and I swear I saw it in red in the store) color of the Military Button Academy Blazer adds a little fun to a classic shape! Paired with a Green Gingham button up or just a classic white one it would look clean, crisp and together!

Slip into either of these loafers for an added fun touch (especially the pink!)

The Nautical Stripe has been something I'm, personally struggling with. It looks absolutely adorable on other people, but for some reason every time I try on a shirt or a dress all I can think of is prison. I may have just gotten over that fear with the  Nautical Shift Dress! It looks super cute with a cognac belt and jean jacket. Perfect for the (warmer than normal) San Francisco falls!

Their 'We <3 Outfits' Section has tons of cute ideas!

I could probably pull of my entire fall wardrobe from this collection!

Currently Crushing...

Lots going on this week and that means lots of things to love!

Febreze AntiMicrobial

I've always been a fan of Febreze, but that obsession may have just reached a new level with Febreze AntiMicrobial. There is just some peace of mind that comes knowing my running shoes not only smell good, but are also free of any microscopic critters

Ashley Brooke Designs Blog! 

Ashley Brooke

Ashley (self portrait on the right) is a fun, sassy southern gal with great style and a passion for good stationery and homemade popcorn (not microwave ladies).  Her blog has everything from recipes from her weekend baking adventures to style and career advice. She's also an amazing artist and sells her custom stationery and wall prints on her website. The Princess and the Tweet would look PERFECT  as a part of my office collage wall! She also does a, free, monthly calendar download that are always adorable. The August one is currently the desktop on my blackberry!

Home Design Magazines

I have been eating home design magazines alive (as well as pinterest and tumblr). I've been in super nesting mode lately...I even bought a dining room set. Talk about adult. I'm kind of freaking out!!

Avicii Levels Video (yes, I know it's old)

 I feel like this has been me all week and I'm so excited it's finally the weekend so I can let my crazy dance lady out!!

Toss Totes!

In order to motivate myself to run yesterday, I decided Chestnut street would be my destination. What's more motivating that shopping right? I probably would have gone over anyway, but this way I get a workout in too!

One of my absolute favorite shops (probably in the city) is Toss.  They're known primarily for their fun, colorful tote bags, but their shops also carry a lot of preppy home decor and clothing. It's one of the only places in San Francisco I can find anything Vineyard Vines.  Their bags are adorable and can be used for anything from grocery shopping to a weeklong vacation!
Some of my favorite styles:

Newport Overnighter

Bar Harbor Tote

Expander Tote in Portofino

Their beach and market totes are great too and then come in SO many preppy colors and patterns. You can even purchase a stick on embroidered monogram to personalize it (I have an 'A' one on my computer).

I am very excited about their new canvas line that you can order monogrammed!! This one is definitely on my wish list for fall!

 

If you're not lucky enough to live out on the west coast, they also have an online store here with all there bags and some fun accessories! Happy Shopping!

Trina Turk for Banana Republic

Trina Turk just came out with a fun, summer collection for Banana Republic. I love Trina's classic shapes, but whimsical and colorful patterns and designs. They are perfect for summer.
Here are some of my favorites!

 

 Her bright pink and orange Swirl Tunic dress is perfect for a day at the office or a Saturday morning Farmer's Market adventure!

 

This one shoulder silk cocktail dress reminds me of backyard pool parties! It also comes in Coachella Print.

I LOVE this pink, silk tie halter! Would go beautifully with a light navy cardigan. I absolutely must find these  patterned shorts! I couldn't find them on the website, but maybe that's because everyone else wanted them too?

 

She was also able to do a line of fabulous accessories. 

The turquoise clasp on her Tomato box clutch adds that elegant yet fun element I love about her stuff.

And how fun is that enamel cocktail ring!?