M – It’s a date! I LOVE nothing more than a good ol’ fashion snow day! There is little more dreamy than the thought of awkwardly bundling up and trudging out the door to be greeted by a blanket of fluffy white and the smell of fresh snow. (I literally have been finding myself lying in bed and dreaming of waking up to this fantasy!)

But until that day comes, let’s just skip the first part and focus on some fireside activities. I’m thinking a couple rounds of Oh Hell! and the NYT Sunday Crossword (I have plenty saved up!) Let’s not forget the cocktails…I recommend The Purgavie. I might be a tad bit biased, but it is delicious and the perfect antidote to the cold outside!

Flannel optional, but oh so cozy!

I’ll bring the firewood. xoxo S

There have been years when I’m really organized and have managed to wrap baked treats in individual cellophane bags and gift them to co-workers as a nice gesture. I didn’t say I do this EVERY year, I said there have been years when I have done this…or maybe year (singular).

In the event you have a more buttoned up and thoughtful co-worker than you, what do you do? Stock up a few (I hate to say it) grab bag type items  to have on hand when said co-worker greets you with a neatly wrapped fresh baked cookie (damn you!) and a happy holidays smile.

Here are my picks:

You know how your pens always seem to walk away? This set are filled with hilarious faux businesses such as Verdant Fields Nudist Camp, and Springfield Sexual Addiction Camp–From PERV to PERFECT in just 10 days.

See Jane Work is an awesome site for office gadgets and organizational tools for the inner nerds in all of us. This little kit is perfect for your co-worker to slip in their desk drawer and they’ll thank you each time they reach for it.

Did I go too nerdy for you guys?

x

I will be the first to admit it; growing up in the 80s had some great perks! Who doesn’t get nostalgic for some vintage Madonna, scrunchies and AquaNet?! But at some point it is time to leave that magical decade in the past, which isn’t easy for some. I think this boombox says welcome to the new millennium with a nod to the glory days.  Plus, think of all the countless opportunities for Say Anything reenactments. And if you really want to get into the Holiday spirit, don’t forget to add this classic Christmas jam.

D – I agree, laughter is most definitely the best medicine. I also think treating oneself to some lovely lacey things can make everything feel a bit perkier (no pun intended). Like the below festive set from Journelle…

As the end of the year closes, like many others I am hopeful that the new year brings new positive energy and all good things. You know when you have a girlfriend you adore that is going through a rough patch or healing from a terrible break up? What do you gift her this holiday season?

Don’t laugh but I believe in the power of humor as a pick-me-up and when all else fails, copious amounts of wine. Here are my picks for this damsel in distress:

It says, “you are as pretty as a princess” and “This certainly is a magical mirror.” I think every girl deserves to hear that on repeat occasionally.

Okay, maybe this one is selfishly  because I want/need a friend that owns this. And I envision belting out a group rendition of this after copious amounts of wine.

To luck and love in 2012,

xD

Spring! I’m so happy to see you again…

What did everyone do this weekend? 

I treated myself to a mani/pedi and chose this pretty Silken Cord color

and then had a delicious brunch with Molly at this city standard

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By the way, this weekend I watched the movie The Romantics (twice). I liked the story line but really loved where they shot the movie. After seeing the beautiful house Cia sent and then the gorgeous locations they used in the movie, I think a New York weekend trip is in order. Maybe right before the hustle and bustle of the summer crowds?

Perhaps visit The Old Field Vineyards where the movie was filmed…

Making a pit stop at the store at Catapano Dairy Farm 

And maybe wander around the surrounding areas…

sigh…

Hello friends. 

Someone turned a year older this weekend and even though the sniffles got in the way of a bday celebration Saturday night, Sunday the husband and I had a great afternoon. 

First, we met up with Cia for brunch at Mile End….totally forgot to take pics but I’m sure Mrs. C. has some.

We lazed around the house until about 3 and went to one of my favorite places to indulge in some hot chocolate and treats…

Then roamed aisles to feel like a kid again, ignoring how old I turned…

and headed home with this gorgeous sky promising warmer days ahead!

I’d really love to have a little house. A place where we can all escape for long weekends of wine, talk, laughter, and relaxation. This fishing cottage in the Catskills just might be my dream come true. How amazing is this place?

It is so chic and modern, but comfortable—like someone actually lives there.

I’d love to have long dinner parties at this table that end with rowdy games of scrabble or charades.

Would you two and your lovely husbands be my first house guests?