Cheeky Dahlias

Ever since I received the super cute invite for my bridal shower, I've been on a mission to find the perfect blushing bride to be ensemble. My shower is a ladies cocktail hour so initially I had considered buying a new cocktail dress.

M so kindly suggested that I consider looking in my own closet before I run out to Newbury street for a new dress. (Oh men...they are so practically adorable). I stumbled upon a barely been worn shimmering sand colored strapless cocktail dress from Club Monaco that is fittingly bridal. Yet I was kind of disappointed to be wearing something I already own...after all...I will only have one bridal shower.

Then the lightbulb went off. A perfect excuse to purchase a fabulously ethereal creation from Emerson Made.

May I introduce you to the cheeky dahlia?

Happy Birthday to My Lil Nugget

I cannot believe my little Ed-man is 2 years old today!

Another Hairy Gathering

I'm heading back to Chicago next weekend for one of my bridesmaid's engagement parties. I've also scheduled several wedding related appointments for myself, including a hair and make-up trial. So I've been searching through my hair inspiration folder as well as gathering new images to bring along to my appointment.

I've had a vision in my head for some time of wearing my hair up in a low loose messy bun with a low veil for the ceremony and a hair flower for the reception. I almost always wear my hair down and I think that a low updo will be boho chic and a little different from the day to day. I would like to have the option perhaps to pull my hair down during the reception if I feel like letting loose without too much hassle. So we'll see what the options are there.

I started with the first inspiration picture I had pulled...featuring Michelle Williams.

And my portfolio has evolved slightly...

via Style Me Pretty

via Style Me Pretty

Trust me...those are just a select 2 from the nearly 50 that I have collected.

I have a couple of requirements from the updo perspective that I'll be passing along as well.

1. Sustainability

I do not want to worry about pieces falling out as we frolic during the first look or walk down the aisle.

2. Modern

I want a modern fresh look - avoid at all costs the prom-style ringlets, severe pull back, or big bushy top of the head buns.

3. Me

I want to look like a fancy version of myself.

What are you hair rules? Are you going up or down?

A New Year, A New Shred

Like many brides-to-be, I started my new years with a goal in mind to be healthier, leaner, and stronger for our wedding. I'm a loafer at heart. I love laying on the couch and eating homemade chocolate peanut butter cookies or doritos with a nice glass of pinot noir. But a girl's gotta do what a girls gotta do, especially when months of bachelorette parties, engagement parties, weddings (several of our friends) and a honeymoon are just around the corner.

So I have made 3 choices that I hope to sustain over the next year. (I hate the idea of resolutions as I feel like those only last until January 3rd...so we're trying "choices" this year)

1. Take a break from the week night wine.

Now I love to a glass of wine after work to unwind. But it seems like a healthy way to cut back on those empty calories. So I've decided that I will only have wine during the work week on evenings when I go out with friends or colleagues.

2. Make healthier snack decisions

For some reason I always need to snack at work. When I'm at home, I have no problem going from meal to meal without a snack but at work around 10:30AM and 3:30PM, I become ravenous. There is always a sinful treat around the office for us to snack on, such as home made cupcakes or left-over catered lunch. In 2010, I've started bringing in low-fat instant oatmeal, Yoplait Yo Plus Yogurt, and carrots with hummus to keep my blood sugar up and satiate me between meals.

3. Get my booty moving

This is the hardest part of my healthier lifestyle. Not just because I'm a lazy bum. But my work schedule is crazy during the week. I'm often working until 7 or 8 at night and then I have to get on the bus and head home to spend a few hours with my honey before we retire for the night. Typically the last thing I want to do is go for a run outside or trek to the gym. So I decided to start at home.

I checked the ExerciseTV option through our Comcast On Demand service and found Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred episodes. Now I had read about this program on many a wedding blog but did not really believe the hype. Until now. I did my first episode on Sunday night and was almost floored by the 2 circuit.

Essentially Jillian creates three 6 minute circuits, consisting of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. This all sounds harmles...even easy in theory. Oh but think again. It is tough but worth it especially for a lazy bum like myself. I get bored easily and like to get my work out over fast and this does. But girls, you may be crying halfway through. I'm contemplating purchasing the full DVD set but I'm thinking I'll keep this going for the next week or so before I commit.

One hint, many of the strength moves require hand weights...which I clearly do not own. I have been using 2 cans of food which have been plenty of weight for this weak little chick.

What are your new years "choices"? Have you tried the dreaded Shred?

Let's Get Ornamental

One of my favorite after holiday traditions is scooping up heavily discounted ornaments during after holiday sales. After they are packed away and forgotten, it is almost like an early Christmas present when opening up the decoration box at the beginning of the next holiday season.

I also have a slight obsession with all things Jonathan Adler. If you are nearby a Jonathan Adler store, I implore you to go check it out. It will make you swoon and want to move in immediately. Love Love Love.

So in perusing the web for some fun new ornaments for 2010, I "stumbled" upon the Jonathan Adler site and found these gems.

Pop Menagerie Giraffe Ornament

Original $28, Now $19.20

Adler Dove Ornament

Original $28, Now $19.20

Peace & Love Ornament

Original $48, Now $38.40

A Christmas Recap Quickie

Our Christmas was wonderful.

We took a cheesy picture or two

Santa brought us all fantastic presents

We drank one (or a few too many) white russians on Christmas Eve

We spent a wonderful weekend in New York with my famiglia

We saw one of my favorite broadway shows...which was beyond amazing.

I cannot wait for next year. Our first official Christmas as a married duo.

How was your holiday?

Happy Happy Holidays!

Well, we're off to the FIL's for a Christmas celebration and then heading down to NYC to spend the weekend with my family. I'll be back on Monday with lots of fun pictures.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season! xo

Christmas Morning Comfy Chic

Christmas morning is spent in pj's at my parent's house. We always looked rumpled, fresh out of bed and ready to dive into presents. Yet spending the first Christmas away from my parents has brought me to an outfit dilemma. After all, I want to be comfy at my FIL's house but also pulled together. Luckily there are 101 sales going on right now. How's this for a comfy chic Christmas morning outfit?

Linen Rayon Aztec Indian Print

Original Price $71, Sale Price $48

BCBG Max Azria Drape Neck Sweater Dress

Original Price $248, Sale Price $147

Splendid Scrunched Leggings

Original Price $59, Sale Price $29

Coconuts Virginia Boot in Gunmetal

Original Price $99, Sale Price $79

The Tail of the Broken Prong

via Martha Stewart Weddings

Okay so that would hardly be a very riveting tale but that is exactly what I found today as I innocently folded my hands in my lap during a rather dull meeting. I felt a small shift in the side stone of my ring almost like a loose tooth feels when you are little. I looked down to examine my baby and lo and behold one of the prongs was missing on the setting of that stone.

Bummer huh? Well to M's credit after I called him in a panic, he observed that it would have been a much bigger bummer if I had not noticed the missing prong until after the stone too was missing. So off to the lovely jeweler my ring goes for a quick repair. It's funny though how it almost feels like a missing limb. I never realized how aware I was of the ring at all times. Throughout the afternoon, after I had locked my ring away in my desk drawer for safe keeping, I would have a near start when for a split second I would think my ring had fallen off of my finger.

All's well that ends well though I suppose. I'll feel much better when that ring is back on my finger.

Let It Snow

I love the first big snowfall of the season. As much as I miss Chicago, there is nothing like a Boston blizzard. A Nor'Easter as they say around here. It's 15 inches and counting! Last night we enjoyed a low key movie night (Bad Santa) and a Snuggler (hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps) while the snow fell. And then we took Eddie out for a romp in the snow this morning.

Love.

I Love Shooooes

Some may say that I have a slight problem when it comes to shoes. I simply say that it's nice to feel passionate about something. Some may think it is sad to be passionate about shoes. I say it is actually quite fabulous. As you know, I'm on the hunt for wedding kicks. I know I always write about how obsessed I am with wearing Christian Loubs on my wedding day but I think every girl should dream of such delights.

Something blue perhaps?

How about ruffles?

Who can say no to sparkles?

While none of these beauties are in my future, I think I may have stumbled on an equally gorgeous pair that are narrowly in the margin of my price range. During my last minute Christmas shopping yesterday, I sauntered ever so casually by the Barney's shoe department and spotted a pair of perfect CL's that were more than half off. That's the absolute beauty of the Barney's Winter Sale. I decided to sleep on it before taking action but I have not been able to get them off of my mind. So after M and I manage to dig ourselves out of the 2 feet of snow that this Nor'Easter has dumped on Charlestown, I'll be making my way over to check yet another "difficult" task off of my wedding to-do list. I promise to post pictures!

Wrapped Up

I'm wiped after a rather productive evening. It began with a homemade eggplant pasta dinner, which took much longer than necessary and kind of ended up tasting like pasta with canned tomato sauce. Oops. Then it was on to a wrapping marathon. I finally received the last of my parents presents in the mail today (ah the love of online holiday shopping) and I need to ship out the Chicago present package this week. My mom, dad, and younger brother will be the lucky recipients.

This is the first year of the inevitable holiday trade off that includes me not spending Christmas in Chicago. Last year, I spent Thanksgiving with M's family in Philly while he joined me in Chi-town for Christmas. This year it was the reverse. Though I have to admit I am being a bit more spoiled than he was about spending the holiday away from mia famiglia. It's tough not having our families in the same area which would allow for the eve / day holiday split. Instead one of us does not get to share in the holiday traditions, comforts, and joy of our family. Now don't get me wrong, I love M's parents but as most of you can probably relate, it's just not the same.

Looking on the bright side, we'll be heading to New York City the day after Christmas for a weekend trip with my peeps. So I guess I should stop whining.

Oh, and I finished up the night with a second try at baking my mom's famous Mint Meringues. Fingers crossed they turn out. If so, I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

Haute Couture Me

So sorry to anyone who is out there and by any chance still checking in on little old CB.  After a cross country move and a life devouring first six months at my new job, I am finally rejuvenated and sadly missing my daily fashion outpourings.  So hopefully we can start anew...just as those resort collections hit the store fronts.  

Haute Couture Me

I have made the drive between Chicago and Boston several times in the past few years mostly during school breaks. But this is the first time that it is for real. For serious. If you will. I am officially moving to Boston after two amazing years in Chicago it is time to do this. Aside from having an apartment with the boy for the past month and recently getting the job of my dream...it has not felt real until this point. So while sitting in a hotel room with my mom (she rocks and agreed to drive with me) in Syracuse I am kind of in a weird limbo zone. So I apologize for not updating as frequently as I normally do over the next few days as I/we get settled. XO.

A Match Made in Mani/Pedi Heaven

I have finally nailed down the PERFECT mani/pedi colors (no pun intended.) I have been really wrestling with finding the perfect opaque pinky color for my nails and after having a spa day with my mom last week I found the one! Of course both are Essie colors (seriously the only nail polish that people should use) and it is called Mini How High. Slap a coat of Fishnet Stockings on the toes and voila. A fantastic mani pedi combo is born.

Under $101: Best Friend's Birthday Party

So next week is my best friend's birthday party and we will be celebrating with a fun dinner with all our girls. I wanted to pick out a new and funky outfit for this occasion as it will be one of the last get togethers before I move to Boston. My quest for a party outfit under $101 is below!

2’’ Hoops
$4.99

Rocker Girl Necklace
$4.99

Wide Patent Waist Belt
$4.99

Lux Floral Deep V Kimono Dress
$19.99

Oh Deer! Mae Heel
$49.99

Finished off with a pop of yellow and now I'm in business for just $84.95 courtesy of Urban Outfitters!

Please Forgive Me!

Oh has this been crazy week. My apologies for being so neglectful. Not only did I give my two weeks notice at work this week but I also flew out to Boston to interview for a fabu job. We will have to see how that goes but in the meantime the wheels are really in motion. I am actually doing it!

Still I wanted to post this picture of newly wed Rebecca Romjin in this drool worthy LBD. I promise to be better this week.

Deliciously Diptyque

I am an odd beauty junkie. I love finding those products that look vintage-y and obscure. That was part of the reason I first fell for Diptyque candles and soaps. I realize now that this fabulous Parisian line is really popular and not as rare as I had believed originally. But after smelling the deliciously rich Gardenia Candle I was hooked.

Founded by three friends in 1961, the line specializes in candles, soaps, and L’eau des Toilettes with scents ranging from herbal to floral to spicy. I got my mom two of the soaps for her birthday and she was hooked instantly as I was. There is something about these French products that are just totally enticing.

The line is a bit on the pricey side but I believe it to be worth it. You can find the candles and soaps at most high end department stores, I pick up mine at Barney’s Coop. The Beauty Habit has a trio set of the candles for just $80 here

Oniomania: Shopping Addiction

After another fruitful trip to Forever 21, I decided to search for "shopping addiction" on Wikipedia.

Oniomania (from greek onios = "for sale" : coined by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin) also known as shopping addiction or shopaholism, is the compulsive desire to shop.

Although not a DSM-IV recognized disorder, oniomania has recently received increased media attention. Similar to other compulsive behaviors, sufferers often experience the highs and lows associated with addiction. The purchase generates a mood of satisfaction for the addicted, seems to give their life a meaning and lets them forget about their sorrows. Usually back at home the feeling of a personal reward has already gone. To compensate, the addicted person goes shopping again. The bought goods will be hidden or destroyed, because the person concerned feels ashamed of their addiction and tries to conceal it.

The so-called shopoholics have not learned yet to cope with conflicts. Women in particular want to fight their unhappiness with their appearance by buying clothes, make-up and jewellery, men tend to buy technical equipment or computers instead.
Social conditions also play an important role: Buying is socially accepted and is supported. Credit cards facilitate the spending of money as well as mail orders via catalogues or the internet