Since I've Been Gone

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post. I've been dealing with that thing called "life" lately and some additional stress added by parenting. I'll likely write a "Keeping it Real" post in the future, but for now I'll just say, "adulting is hard" and "parenting is really F***ing hard."

To get back into blogging I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been reading, wearing (or dreaming of wearing), and dreaming of in general.

READING
1. The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right- This pretty much sums up my philosophy on food.

2. Stop Asking About My Kid’s College Plans- An article for all parents to read

WEARING
This dress is adorable!

Bardot Ibiza Check Dress $109

I need these sunglasses...in back and tortoise. 

Quay After Hours $55

This is the perfect summer clutch. I'm seriously contemplating ordering one. 

Mark and Graham Palm Leaf Rounded Clutch $59

I got this suit for our upcoming Mexico trip, and it's fabulous! And it's on sale! (wish I got mine at this big of a price reduction...) 

DREAMING

I'm obsessed with this house. It's extremely similar to my house...but a lot bigger and a lot more $$$. A girl can dream. 

Moscow Mule Monday

I've been on a cocktail kick lately. I suffer from migraines, and as much as I love wine, I never know if even just one glass is going to trigger a headache. But one cocktail doesn't typically carry that same risk. Last summer I hosted a baby shower for a friend and she gave me these awesome copper mugs with the fixings for Moscow Mules.

 

And ever since this refreshing cocktail has been one of my go-tos. I'll even make them at home every once and a while. We have a small market a block from our house and they carry Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and limes. Add some vodka and you've got yourself a mighty fine cocktail. You can make your own Moscow Mule!



Moscow Mule

4 oz Ginger Beer

1 1/2 oz Vodka (I use Grey Goose or Belevedere

1/4 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice (I probably use more like 1/2 oz because I'm strong on lime).

 

Cheers! 

Got the Gimmies

In case you are wondering who is the winner of the Merin Designs Ketchum bag...well, you will have to read this post to find out!

I've got a major case of the gimmies (anyone else read the Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies as a kid?).  And I decided instead of exercising my Amex, hopefully this blog post will do the trick and I'll be cured (unlikely, but one can hope). It's not specific to one area...pretty much runs the gamut.

Holiday decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas...

Turkey Pheasant Wreath

Mark and Graham Preppy Plaid Napkins

Clothes for work...

5th & Mercer Long Sleeve Dress

Zara Top with Detailing on the Shoulder

And of course, for play too...day and night. 

Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot

J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt-Jacket

Trina Turk Edda Jumpsuit

If I had to just buy one thing, the blue dress might be the one...although the Zara top looks pretty cute.....

Gimmies still present.

Oh, and the winner is.....drumroll please....Dawn Keenan. Congratulations! We will be in touch!

Products We Love: Mark & Graham

It has been a while since we talked Mark & Graham over here on C & C. But, it was quickly back on my radar when my friend gave me these awesome copper cups (along with a bottle of vodka and some ginger beer) for hosting her baby shower (major props to her in the gift-giving category). 

It got me thinking...Mark & Graham is pretty much a one-stop shop for great presents. Who doesn't like a good monogram in one form or another. 

For the bride and groom, I love the idea of the everyday acrylic tumblers. 

And if you ARE the bride, every bridesmaid needs a jewelry roll for her baubles. 

Grooms, you can't go wrong with a canvas supply bag for your buddies' manscaping products. 

Did your friends buy a new home? Personalized melamine trays to the rescue. Everyone loves colorful outdoor dishware (or maybe that's just me?). 

For the world traveler, nothing's more apropos than travel accessories. 

Best friend's birthday? The Elle Bangle is the perfect everyday addition to an arm party. 

Aforementioned best friend having a baby...Mark & Graham has that covered too. These bibs are cute and practical...

And I don't care who you are, no wrong can be done with an acrylic tray. No wrong. 

So, there it is. Worse-case scenario, you've got some good "self-gifting" ideas (woe is you). Go on, get your gift on. 

Currently Coveting

My Birthday is coming up in less than a week, and as always my wish list is packed full. Here are the things I am currently coveting for the big 33!

Clearly I have blue handbags on my mind...

Mark & Graham Everyday Leather Tote $199

Gigi New York Python Indigo Teddie Tote $295

KSLADEMADE Heather Crossbody $168

And a few things that are not handbags in the shade of blue...

Hunter Gloss Short in violet $130 

Sam Edelman Petty Bootie $130

Three JNYC Eloise Dot Pajamas $114

Let's be honest, I don't NEED anything. I have more than most people dream of, but it's always good to have a wish list. 

Monogram Mecca

I love monograms. There's something so lovely about three letters placed nice and neatly together in an assortment of pretty fonts. Now that I've got a new last name, it's only fitting that I need to re-stock my collection. Enter Mark and Graham. It's basically the Mecca of monograms. Launched just last week by Williams Sonoma, this site has everything you could ever want to put your name on. Here are a few of my favorite things - perfect for guests, hostess gifts, weddings, or just because.

 

Acrylic Serving Tray - $45 - $55

Upside Down Glass Carafe - $25

Classic Hand-Blown Ice Bucket - $35

Gentleman's Dopp Kit - $78

Thin Ring Patterned Domed Glass Paperweight - $35

Grosgrain Border Cocktail Napkins - $29

Gold Chevron and Confetti Paper Placemats (set of 50) - $25

If this doesn't get you giddy for holiday shopping, I don't know what will!