Growing up, one of my mom’s favorite activities was taking us to the Gap when they were having a major sale. We would clean out their clearance section then go home and huddle around the kitchen table with our shopping bags and a calculator. We would carefully peel back the sale stickers until we could see the original prices, and add up what we would have spent at full retail vs. what we actually paid.
This was the only time I ever showed even a modest interest in math.
Last night the nostalgia flowed back as I did this again. I had time to kill before a movie, and the Gap had a sign out front that all clearance was 40% off! I didn’t have a ton of time, but I did my best impression of Supermarket Sweep and snatched up the best stuff I could find including the ballet flats that I wanted before Christmas. Two pairs in fact. Worth the wait!
I wanted to wait a few days before doing an official New Years post. I don't know why, I guess all the talk of resolutions and "new year new you" bologna was too much, but I'm ready.
In reading everyone else's New Years posts, I came across an amazing post from Mighty Girl about Esquire's "What I've Learned" section. There were some serious gems in there that have definitely helped me to look at this coming year and my attitude in a new way.
Here are some of the best quotes, followed by my favorite "Get up off your ass and be proud of yourself, girlfriend" anthem.
“Some people understand what it is to create something special, and others are thinking what they can get out of it.” -Al Pacino
“There was an incredible power that was against me. And that power, I hope I was able to use it to do something good. Power is power. It’s energy. And if you get big, big energy, you can use that in a good way.” -Yoko Ono
“People don’t remember who the critics were.” -Robert Redford
“Running from something and running to something are the same thing.”
“There’s always going to be someone smarter, prettier, nicer. It’s better to appreciate it instead of being threatened by it or defending yourself against it.” -Mary Louise Parker
“I don’t look ahead. I’m right here with you. It’s a good way to be.”
“I don’t want to impress people I wouldn’t cross the road to talk to. I want there to be a strict door policy at my club. I want to go, “You can’t come in. You won’t like this. And I don’t want you to like it.” -Ricky Gervais
Now, I dare you not to dance a little, and feel a whole lot better about yourself after this one.
Update: While we're on the subject, check out this non-resolution from Bridget from It's a Hunt Life.
"basically, i would just like to be a better person, but that's what we should all hope to be as each year flies by. complain less. love more. be more patient. take more time with the kids instead of shooing them away because i've got other things that can't wait (laundry can wait. computer can wait.). take more time to tell my husband what i'm proud of him for. be grateful for at least five new things at the end of each and every day. learn to be more like gracie (dogs really are the best teachers, aren't they?). compliment more. stress less. read more. eat well. listen to beautiful music. go to more concerts. make some delicious new recipes. write more snail-mail letters. be a better person."
In my attempt to be more financially responsible this year, I thought it would be a good idea to just write about things I want, and not buy them. Well, not buy them all anyway.
I have always been pretty cheap when it comes to clothes, and people are shocked at the finds I get from places like Target and Old Navy. So, while nursing a hangover (oh hey 2011) I put together some Old Navy Outfits. One item is $50, most are $30 or less. Can't beat that!
For those of you not familiar with Food Gawker, kiss your afternoon goodbye. You can scroll through page after page of the most beautiful food you've ever seen. Then once you click on a picture, you are brought to a new food blog, which links to other food blogs. Total Pandora's box that will suck hours out of your life, but well worth it.
I'm in full post-Christmas hangover, planning all of my resolutions that I won't call resolutions because no one keeps those. Right? Well, being more financially responsible is my "resolution that isn't a resolution". So unfortunately these insanely adorable Jonathan Adler Jet Set coasters ($48) will not be a part of my life this year (tear)...
All I want is to sit in the sun and set down a Mai Tai or a Caipirinha on one of these bad boys. Instead I'll sit at my desk and stare out the window. At dirty snow.
Erin, one of my few loyal readers commented on how long it's been since I've posted. So in my effort to get into the holiday spirit (with 2 days to go) here are some gifts that I think would be lovely to give or receive. Mostly receive.
Now it's back to hot cocoa and blasting Christmas music to try and de-Scrooge and get in the full Holiday swing with just minutes to spare. It feels a lot like cramming for a test.
My life philosophy is: Wear cheap clothes, take good vacations. I would much rather buy my sweaters at Old Navy & Target if that means there is extra money I can stash away to get out of town.
With the holidays right around the corner, it had me thinking about cocktail dresses. And, when you are babysitting on a Saturday night in Brooklyn, what else would you do but troll the interwebs looking for dresses you will never have the occasion to wear? So I took the opportunity to put together some cocktail looks with pieces from some of my favorite cheapo depots. Items range from $1 up to $100. Yes, I said $1!
Also important is knowing what drink to pair with a dress, so I made some recommendations there as well.
I don't think I have ever needed a vacation more in my entire life, and in just three days I am heading to London!
I was there about a year ago, but we tried to cram all possible tourist activities into just a few days, so this trip will be a little different. No real plans except bakeries, high tea,, and lots and lots of street markets. I can't wait to eat tons, relax, and spend some quality time with one of my bestest buds.
I will have a full report and lots of pictures when I return!
A couple weeks ago, the SOWA Open Market hosted a food truck rally. All of the amazing local food trucks in one place? I could feel my cholesterol rising as a bunch of friends made plans to meet there one Sunday afternoon. Then the heartbreak. I met my friend Lara, and we were walking over when we get the call. The lines at every truck are an hour plus, and they are running out of food. My dreams of chicken and waffles were dashed, and it was time to come up with a plan B.
If you are ever going to be in this (or any) food situation, you want to be with my girl Lara. I mean, she has a blog called Ham on a Plane. She knows and loves food more than anyone I know. Since we were in the South End, our obvious Plan B was to hit up Flour Bakery. My mouth literally just watered when I typed “Flour Bakery”.
This place is insane. I have never had ANYTHING that came out of this place that did not blow my mind. Amazing cookies, cakes, sandwiches, and a sticky bun to die for. Like, I would really lay down and die for this little ball of heaven. It’s been featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” and “Throw Down”. Bobby Flay is a super fan. No big deal.
By the time we got to Flour, Lara and I were ready to pass out. Neither one of us had eaten yet, saving all the room in our stomachs for chicken and waffles. We couldn’t wait got our sandwiches, so we started with the sticky bun. Sticky bun as an appetizer. H-E-A-V-E-N. You can try to make them yourself, but I doubt anyone could be as successful. I mean, they marinate them overnight in the sticky "goo" and then baste them in it once they are done. Don't try this at home. Just go to Flour! Here is a before and after.
Then it was time for lunch. In my opinion, a true friend is one who likes to get two things and share. Love this Lara. We got the roast beef and the tomato, basil, mozzarella. Let me start by saying that they are made on house made bread. MMMMMMMMM!!!! The roast beef is topped with horseradish cream and the most delicious fried onions. The TBM was grilled to perfection on nutty bread thats almost a little sweet. Deeeelish.
To wash it down, no ordinary drink would do. Of course Flour makes their own fresh raspberry seltzetr. What else would you expect?
After we devoured everything else, it was time for dessert dessert. The sticky bun before lunch was not dessert, don't get it twisted. That was breakfast. Dessert was a house made "oreo" and a chocolate chunk hazlenut cookie. For the record, this "oreo" was also featured on Food Network. This place is no joke. The faux-reo was divine. Cakier than the packaged variety with a buttery delicious filling. The chocolate chunk hazlenut cookie was kind of like if you made a jar of Nutella magically crunchy, and mixed in a little butter. It is by far one of the best cookies I have ever had (outside of this masterpiece)
So if you couldn't tell, I thought this meal totally sucked. Kidding. Bummed I missed out on chicken and waffles, but the day was totally redeemed by Flour. I can not recommend this place enough. I bet my bottom dollar that you won't be disappointed. You might gain a couple L-Bs in the process, but well worth the weight.
1. Any responsible office calls for responsible shelving, and this guy does the trick! It’s simple and classic, and would look great crammed with magazine files and storage boxes. Tactfully crammed, not Hoarders crammed.
2. I’m a sucker for a modge podge of art or pictures. I have one on my wall, which I should probably show you some time. These three pieces are from three different places. First is the stunning Couture print from ZGallery. It makes me want to go play with my make up right now! Next is this precious silhouette of two friends from West Elm. I love it to bits (and could totally replicate it for less than $1). And finally, Boston pride courtesy of Ork Posters. If you have pride in somewhere else, you should still put Boston on your wall. But if you insist, there are other options.
3. You may ask… where will you put a throw pillow in an office? Easy peasy. On the chair, piled on the floor as cushions, or on the desk instead of your laptop. They add personality and charm. Gotta have em. Plus, this one looks like an E. I’ll take it.
4. & 5. Time to get down to business. You need a desk and a chair.
The desk is from West Elm. The color is unique, and adds tons of character to the room. You could pick a more neutral tone, but that would be responsible.
Now to park your fanny. This chair is modern and looks great with the clean lines of the desk. It looks way expensive, almost like a white Herman Miller, but at a fraction of the price.
7. Baskets are a touchy subject. It’s easy to be country kitschy. At the same time, you need somewhere to stash your stuff. These are modern, and the weave on these is thick enough to hide your Us Weeklys.
Some people can go to the mall and legitimately window shop without spending a dime. Not me. The closest I can get is looking at home décor purchases online, knowing that I literally have nowhere in my shoebox apartment to put things, so I can't buy them.
But, if I were to suddenly have a living room to design, this is what it might look like!
1. I first spotted this lamp over on Copy Cat Chic. Which by the way, if you haven't checked it out, check it out. They find more cost effective versions of beautiful beautiful things. This lamp is from Overstock.com, but it’s high end step sister is available at Potterybarn, for twice the price. Given the choice, I will always pick the same thing for less money. Call me crazy.
2. My first instinct was to pick all Boston based art, but I decided to branch out. These vintage prints are all from Art.com and there are plenty of cities to choose from. I think the simple silver frames look great on the cool grey wall. Speaking of… the paint is Behr’s silver screen.
3. I am a total sucker for a console table. Don’t know why, I just love em. I found this Avington console table at Target on the cheap. I think it just sounds fancy to own a console table. And I want to be fancy.
Bring on the mood lighting. This little yellow stunner is from CB2. It adds a nice pop of color and helps create a yellow theme without being too aggressive (in my humble opinion)
3. The heavy hitters! I am obsessed with getting a grey couch lately. Grey is neutral, but a bit different. Once I have a living room, expect to see this guy in it. I visited a Z Gallery on a recent trip to Atlanta and sat in this bad boy and let me tell you… marshmallow! And since it is called the Nathan Sofa, I would call him Nathaniel at all times. Obviously.
I added This Way And That Pillow from Anthropologie to break it up. And let’s be honest, I can’t imagine any room without something gorgeous from Anthropologie.
And now for the true canary. I die for this Gerber slipper chair. It’s bold but not obnoxious. And at $254? Gimme a break.
And finally a rug. Because my mother says you always need one. I found this one over at West Elm. It’s neutral enough that you could re-purpose it in other rooms, and with any color palette. I’m still poor enough to think this way. Oh, I can’t wait for the day that I’m a baller and don’t have to make responsible decisions.
