First Snow, 50% off Serena & Lily, and Other Apologies

I have been horrible absent lately, I know. Between the holiday (and really, my sister's puppy), and really kicking my new job search into high gear (first interview this week, already!) I have been nothing short of swamped and totally worn out. Like, sleep in till 11:30 worn out - I haven't been able to do that in literally years.

This all isn't to say that I'll be posting as frequently as I'd like to be - yet, but I couldn't NOT share this with you.

Bloomspot is offering $50 for $100 worth of merchandise from the one and only, Serena & Lily. Obviously, I am a fan, as this is the VERY girly bed my boyfriend is forced to sleep in every night (the Caroline, only appropriate given my name, no? Let's just overlook that is is "made for" little girls...):

While their bedding is notoriously expensive, I have to say that after owning this set for 3 years, and I am completely happy with my investment; no rips, tears, or stains to report (and all machine washable!). 

I do, however, have a new set on my wishlist, mostly so my poor guy doesn't have to sleep on a princess pouf. I've been eyeing the Catalina duvet for a good year (since we decided to move in) and will more than likely be replacing the master bed with something along these lines when we upgrade to a king (and my beloved Caroline will live in the guest room - wanna sleep over?):

Gorgeous, right? And masculine enough, methinks.

Unfortunately for me, I am flat broke after the Black Friday - Cyber Monday sales, but if you're even remotely considering new bedding, don't miss this deal!

That's all for now - excuse my while I go wallow in the fact that it is snowing by obsessively scrolling through cabin porn (safe for work, I promise!).

I die.

Calm Before the Storm

I'm craving the beach today. We're in the quiet lull of November which, for me, is traditionally one of my toughest months. 

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty to look forward to. From now until January my weekends are entirely booked; I'm jam packed with family, parties, food, and plenty of libations from Thanksgiving to my birthday, holiday parties and Christmas, and of course, NYE.

Still, I feel like I'm stuck in the middle; it's not pretty fall time - the weather is frigid but there's no snow, and it's not really winter. Clearly, I'm a girl who has zero appreciation for the season aside from a pretty dusting of white. 

So as Thanksgiving approaches, I'm trying to step back and be grateful for the lovely people I'll be celebrating these holidays with, the delicious food I'll be consuming (and even the extra lbs), and of course the alcohol-laden merriment we'll be drumming up...

In an attempt make sure I don't feel like this:

The holidays can be overwhelming, but I'm making it a point this year to stay afloat and enjoy them, not drown myself in stress about finding the perfect gift, who can't make it to my birthday party, and (inevitably) burning my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. In the end, we'll all float on.

Friday's Fancies: Autumn Faves

I know, I've been awful this week. Not that this is really a legitimate excuse, but if you're read Gone Girl, I don't think I need to elaborate any further.

A healthy mix of suspenseful reading (most of which was done on the treadmill, to my defense), paleo baking, and okay, a few apple, maple and bourbon cocktails have consumed my week completely.

To be honest, the book set me off into a very solid funk; I loved every second, but some of it hit a little too close to home (obviously on a MUCH smaller scale - I'm not scary, I promise!), and I knew I had to hole myself up and just finish it so I could shake the feeling. I'm happy to report that after my weeklong blogging hiatus and a 6-hour reading marathon last night, I'm done - and I actually feel like a weight has been lifted.

It's been SO long since I've been so engrossed like that in a book; as much as it was somewhat painful to go through, I've really missed feeling that connected to literature. Well done, Gillian Flynn. On to reading Sharp Objects...

But before that, how about some autumn favorites? These are the things that I've

West Elm Dishware (just bought these during the sale – I am completely smitten with the metallic polka dots!)

J.Crew Peter Pan Collar Sweater (similar) (this has become my go-to sweater; it’s so versatile but not basic and really fun)

Club Monaco Aran Knit Sweater (if I could sleep in this sweater, I would – it’s not going anywhere this winter either)

J.Crew Crystal Necklace (I picked this up at the factory and I’ve worn it at least 50% of the days since. Perfect for layering)

OPI Live and Let Die (I spent most of autumn trying to find the perfect forest green polish. This met the bill with one-coat coverage, not almost black, and gold flecks - basically, I die over it)

J.Crew Polka Dot Scarf (similar) (Oxblood & polka dots. Need I say more?)

J.Crew Classic Pave Link Bracelet (I finally broke down and bought this lovely piece – it’s the perfect addition to my wrist party)

Zara Ankle Booties (I never, ever thought I could rock 4 inches in the daytime, or more importantly, be comfortable doing it. These are also the perfect ankle height; they show enough skin to keep an elongated leg line)

Butter London Wallis (This olive-y gold foil polish surprised me with how much I love it. It’s so unique and absolutely perfect against almost any fall tone)

Death’s Door Gin (I’m a gin fanatic; I’d been a Hendrick’s girl for some time now, but my local spirits shop introduced me to this citrus-y, spicy, organic malt and there may be no turning back…)

Club Monaco Trench (This trench was my biggest investment of the season (at almost 45% off) and I don’t even remotely regret it. I have been hunting for the perfect trench of literally YEARS, and the tight, yet stretchy double-weave cotton, leather accents, epaulets, buckle wrists and slim fit are complete perfection)

Head over to {long distance loving} for more autumn goodies!

Friday's Fancies: Bonfire Beauties

The temperatures in the Northeast this week have been nothing short of frigid, and lighting candles in front of the TV when I get home from work just isn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve been dreaming about fireplaces ever since our trip to Vermont when we fell asleep to a crackling fire every night.

I’m obsessed to the point that I’ve been trying to convince the boy that we need to invest in a gel fireplace. Real warmth, no vent needed: genius, right? Might have just skyrocketed to the top of my Christmas list, if for no other reason than I’m dying for a mantle to hang stockings on…

Fleece | Spur Boots | Toggle Coat | Fair Isle Sweater | Fair Isle Leggings | Faux Fur Snood | Olive Jeans | Winter Boots | Tartan Blanket | Ankle Boot | Mittens | Acorn Studs | Cable Beanie

These super warm and admittedly holiday-inspired (I’ve already started listening to Christmas music…don’t judge me) make me desperate to find a bonfire this weekend – or even a REAL fireplace (ah, the woes of renting) to curl up with my new book (obsessed after two chapters!) in front of this weekend.

Throw in a hot toddy or some spiked mulled cider and you’ve got my recipe perfect winter night. Okay, fine, and some freshly-baked cookies too.

Get cozy with more fireside looks over at {long distance loving}!

Wednesday Wants: BaubleBar & Essie

The new BaubleBar & Essie collab is seriously the culmination of my life's biggest obsession: costumer jewelry and nail polish.

Nail polish has become my shopping kryptonite in the last year or so. I mean, my collection has more than doubled since I posted it. And if my instagram is any indication, I am always, always, always in the mood for a new, fun mani. I'd be lying if I said I didn't change my polish 3 times a week. Insane, I know.

Evidence of this deadly duo; new Butter London polish plus new arm party additions of this and this:

So when I saw the announcement of the new collaboration on Grace's blog, my wallet immediately started crying. Of course, I want every shade from the new Essie line, but if I had to settle on one, it would be "Leading Lady" - the glittery ruby is perfect for the holidays.

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A festive mix of gold, red and holiday sparkle, no?

For $50, are you really gonna hate on that arm party?

Didn't think so.

Which Essie combo would you choose?

Friday's Fancies: Sweater Season

I've finally pulled out my sweater bag for the season; this year, I'm more excited for the cold weather for some reason - and it doesn't hurt that all of my sweaters smell of wintery cedar (from my moth-hole-preventing cedar chips, of course).

Being holed up in the apartment for three days last week got me into a cozy groove. That being said, I was PJed up all day, and my pajamas could use a little more glamour. Or maybe even some "real" clothes in the form of a cozy sweater to cuddle up in...

If I had it my way, this is how I wouldn't ridden out Hurricane Sandy:

West Elm Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover | Ralph Lauren Cable Wool-Cashmere Circle Cardigan | Ralph Lauren Cable Buckle Cardigan | River Island Faux Fur Snood | Topshop Ombre Faux Fur Vest | L.L. Bean Fisherman’s Cardigan | Scott Nichol Fair Isle Socks | Diptyque Feu De Bois Candle | UGG Cable Slippers | Williams Sonoma Gold Banded Double Old Fashioned Glasses | Maple Sherry Bourbon | J.Crew Saturday Pant | Illume Balsam & Cedar Footed Candle | Brentwood Originals Faux Fox Fur Pillow | Brass Fireplace Matchstick Holder | Vintage Classic Novel Boxed Set | Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Fur Throw

Because really, what’s more cozy than a roaring fire, Christmas tree scents, a class of bourbon, cable knits, fur, and a good book? In my mind, not a whole lot.

Get your cozy on with the rest of this week's Friday's Fancies over at {long distance loving}!