As we make our way toward the climax of the holidays, I find myself drawn to find small and simple ways to incorporate the magic of the season: festive manicures, cozy scarves, and frequent sips of a warm beverage. It should be no surprise then, that I was more than thrilled to find inspiration on how to spice up all three of these areas, in particular. Below you’ll find a unique take on the classic french tip with a red and silver holiday twist; the perfect scarf to guide you through the colder months ahead; and my personal favorite, taking the epitome of the cozy weather beverage and adding a little something to take it to a whole new level. These goodies, along with a few others are making me smile big at the moment. Here’s…
It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of my oh-so-fun “5 Reasons” post. It’s a post I like to do every so often to help get me smiling about the week ahead. Who-hoo! We all know how I just (enter sarcasm here) LOVE Mondays. And while they’re not my favorite after a productive, fun-filled weekend, they too, still deserve some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
So, as I make a consorted effort to get excited about the fact that’s Monday (again, already) and transition back into the routine of the week – I’m looking forward to the little things. I think one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard time and time again is to “always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.” If I keep this concept in mind, while consciously treasuring and getting excited about the small things in life, I can’t help but think I’ll kick Monday’s ass (excuse my French).
As they say, perspective is everything…even when it comes to Monday.
Here are 5 reasons this week will rock…
#1. After 3 MONTHS of one of the most torturously comedic cliffhangers ever, The Mindy Project is back and they’re rightfully apologizing for such a lengthy hiatus with a 1 hour spring premiere. Will Mindy and Danny finally get it together and admit they have the hots for each other after their kiss in the sky? The point is – don’t bother me this Tuesday night between 9:00pm-10:00pm. I’m unavailable.
(p.s. If someone were to ever ask me who I’d want as my famous BFF, hands down, it would be Mindy Kaling. Rashida Jones, a close second.)
#2. What will surely be a nice addition to my week? Looking for something in my purse and actually finding it. For almost a month now my now defunct make-up bag kept popping open. Every make-up brush, tube of mascara, and lipstick I carry was always in the bottom of my purse. I finally went to Target and treated myself to a new make-up bag. I can’t wait to have the pleasure of seeing the bottom of my purse again. (Hey, it’s the little things, remember?)
#3. I love pasta. I also love anything that I can come home and whip up after a long day in no time. On one of my solo nights in this week, this super simple Pasta with Fresh Tomato dish will be on my dining agenda over old episodes of Ally McBeal on Netflix. Win. Win.
#4. I’ve been hearing manicure miracles about Essie’s All in One 3-Way Glaze. This formula is your base coat and top coat in one, while strengthening and providing a high shine. Ladies claim that your mani/pedis last longer, with no chipping or dullness. An at home spa treatment this week using this new gem is in order. I’ll report back on if it’s worth the hype.
#5. A mid-week date night with my boyfriend at one of our favorite theaters, some candy for sure, popcorn perhaps, and this incredibly interesting documentary on street photographer, Vivian Maier. Finding Vivian Maier, follows the story of a nanny who secretly had a passion and talent for photography. Her photos, unearthed in 2007, shortly before her death in 2009, are making a huge buzz on the art scene, labeling her one the best photographers of the 20th century. The film delves into the life and times of a woman who clearly preferred anonymity and secrecy, while being a mystery herself. This should be a good one. Here’s the trailer:
Three more days until my winter holiday adventure begins! While I still have to get through a pretty busy week at the office and get prepped for the holidays in general, it’s hard to concentrate on anything more than my upcoming 18 day fun-filled, adventure-packed, then totally relaxed, much-needed awesome vacation. Patience is a must this week, so while I slowly make that transition from everyday life to a “vacay state of mind” there are a few things I’m looking forward to, to pass the time or finally cross off on my “to do” list. It always seems like time slows whenever you have plans you’re looking forward to – as if to taunt you with anticipation. So while the universe makes me wait another 72 hours …here are 5 reasons this week will still rock:
#1. I’m really enjoying and hoping to finish what is turning out to be a great holiday read – Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. It’s light and funny and fun! I literally do “LOL” at these completely neurotic Seattleites. I recommend it if you’re looking for an awesome new read.
#2. Attending a studio screening of American Hustle. I’m really looking forward to this one given such positive reviews.
#3. Now that I’ve secured an estimate for the damages to my car a couple of weeks back, I’m looking forward to tightening up the details this week and taking her in for repair soon! Who-hoo!
#4. I’m in the mood to shake things up on the mani/pedi front for the holidays. Thanks to Pinterest, I found some inspiration to play with two-tone nails. One night this week, will find me at home on my couch experimenting with festive colors.
#5. Last, but certainly not least, I’m starting to feel like my old self again after completing a short round of antibiotics last week. It certainly wasn’t anything life threatening, but man does it remind me to treasure my naturally good health. It always seems that you take it for granted until you’re not feeling so hot. Here’s to health!
The long holiday weekend started off on the right note (if I do say so myself). I spent my Thursday night celebrating with a girl night in. Girl night in? Yes, a girl night in. A night to be home alone and do those things that are completely girly, yet make you feel like a million bucks because you took some time to focus on you. I wanted a night to decompress and prep for the next 4 busy, but fun-filled, days off to come. This included an evening dedicated to a little self-pampering, some relaxation, good food, a glass (or two) of wine, the ultimate “girl night in” flick; followed by some reading while the iPod did its thing filling my humble abode with just the right music. By the time I made it to bed, I had completely reset from the work week and was ready for a very special weekend. Posts to come on all the labor day weekend festivities! Here are some of my tricks to the ultimate girl night in:
{DIY hydrating facial using some of my favorite Dermalogica products.}
{DIY mani/pedi. China Glaze nail polish, color: Sexy Silhouette.}
{Girl night in flick: Sex and the City: The Movie.}
{A glass of my favorite white wine, Moscato.}
{Trader Joes’ BBQ Chicken Pizza. Fresh from the oven and super yummy!}
{Current read: The Cider House Rules by John Irving.}
What are your girl night in tricks? Please feel free to leave me a comment below. I’m always looking for new ideas!
All That Glitters 