Friday Finds

This week has been jam-packed with work, birthday celebrations and travel; these are the things that have caught my eye and will make you want to take pause:

- Having grown up with these guys, this made my week!  And honestly all I can think of is how their skin looks so great.

-Maybe this is a little crazy, but I read cookbooks like novels - in bed, over coffee - I just love them!  I recently ordered this one, and it came this week.  Needless to say, I can't wait to make everything, and I'm probably going to need a biscuit cutter.  Bring on brunch!

- Staten Island Chuck has me geared up for Spring, and obviously that makes we want these and these. 

- Home decor + obsessive zillow stalking = some of my favorite things.  This house is off-the-charts amazing!

-I've really trying to be good about washing all my makeup off at night (yes, even eye makeup).  I've rediscovered this gem and have fallen in love all over again.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Kitchen Crush

Image Source Above

I don't know about you, but when I watch a movie, I'm often struck by the set as much as the story, and no one does it better than Nancy Meyer with the gorgeous-beyond-gorgeous kitchen in It's Complicated.  Open and airy, yet warm and inviting, I love how she combines color and texture for a Southern California meets French Bistro look.  Needless to say, I want to move right in!  

Here are a few ways to channel the look:

Images: White Dishes - Glass Coffee Maker - Brass Pendant Lights - Meyer Lemon Tree - Simple White Dish Towels - Copper Kettle - White Ceramic Cake Plate - Wooden Bowl

-MC-

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Snow Day Essentials

If you're on the East Coast, chances are you were working from home today due to the weather aka Blizzard2015.  Check out these Snow Day Essentials for keeping warm in style.

1.  Moscow Mule Set - Perfect for a wintery cocktail post-working hours.  Love the copper details. 

2. Cozy Footwear - I'm obsessed with these ballet-flat inspired slippers.  (Can't find the link now, so let me know if you know where I can direct!)

3. Inspired Scents - Love, love, love Lafco candles!  This one combines sea mist, bergamot, cucumber and jasmine. 

4. Chunky Knit Throws - We always have one on-hand - the bigger, the cozier, the better!

Stay warm!

-MC-

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Friday Finds

I love the bronze goddess look as much as the next girl, but come January bronze doesn't seem to fit in with the frigid temps.  This week I've been obsessing over achieving that dewy, just-in-from-the-cold look.  Currently crushing on her luminous complexion.  (Hint: Lots of moisturizer.)

While the word "resolution" can seem intimidating, "healthy habits" seems like an approachable alternative.  I really like these kitchen habits for the new year.  #2 and #8 are goals around here!

Even if you're not looking to redecorate, how can you not be inspired by these beauties?

Winter makes me want to hibernate in the apartment, but this class would be worth braving the cold for. 

I've been drooling over this for over a month!

-MC-

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Fireplace Crush

On these chilly evenings, I'm seriously missing having a cozy fireplace and curling up with a good book (or a Bravo marathon). Here are a few dreamy fireplaces to keep you warm on this Sunday night.  Cheers to a great week!

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-MC-

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Friday Finds

I'm not a huge New Year resolution fan, too much pressure!  However, I do think the New Year is a great time to hit the refresh button and reflect on the past year and gear up for the one ahead.  Here a few things that I'm hoping to incorporate into my routine.

- A Mini Detox - I love Gywneth and am a huge fan of her healthy, yet mindful recipes.  Here is her detox-how-to.  While I'm not going all in (a girl needs her coffee), I definitely plan on peppering a few of her dishes into my weekly mix.  It's all about balance!

- De-clutter - With all that holiday cheer often comes some holiday clutter.  After we pack away all our ornaments and attempt to vacuum up all the pine needles (Fact: This is impossible), I want to go through and reorganize our cabinets, drawers, and closets and do a nice healthy purge.  Check these out for home inspiration.  I'm obsessed with this one and this one.

- Read More Hard News- I'm absolutely guilty of skimming over the harsh global news in flavor of the lighter pieces.  I'm going to make an effort to read a few more world happening pieces.

-Get More Involved - For Real.  Putting yourself out there, whether volunteering or just trying a new class, is hard.  I'm determined to be better at this.  First up, this class.  

-Run a 5k - To be totally transparent here, I'm not a runner.  Don't like it, don't really do it.  Ever.  But I think local races are so fun to watch; it's such a high just being a part of it!  After watching my mom participate in a few triathlons (she's incredible!), I thought it would be fun to do a 5K, my gateway drug to active living.  I've rallied my brother and Mr. C to also join to make it a family affair (and help me not back out).  Here goes nothing!

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2015!

-MC-

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December Inspirations

Cozy blankets and roaring fires.  Image Source: Pinterest

White and Green.  Image Source

Fair Isle.  Image Source: Pinterest

Put a bow on it.  Image Source: Pinterest

All plaid everything.  Image Source: Pinterest

A holiday-ready kitchen.  Image Source: Pinterest

This holiday season, I'm leaning towards simple, natural decor with lots of greenery for a cozy and rustic feel.  I love the idea of taking a few holiday elements and incorporating them in the kitchen!

-MC-

Object of Desire: Desk Decor

Today I was introduced to the most beautiful desk accessory maybe ever - Rablabs Kiva Platters.  Combining naturally gorgeous stone with precious metal finishes, these platters add a stylish, unexpected flurish to any table.  Available in a variety of stones (think Crystal, Rose Quartz and Japser) with silver and gold edged finishes, these elegant display platters are scratch-resistant, have rubber feet to protect table surfaces and measure approximately 10" x 13".  Here are just a few of their dreamy options:

-MC-

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Friday Finds

This week was a short, jam-packed one - think early morning bake sessions, impromptu dinner parties and play catch-up from the holiday weekend.  Here are a few things that have caught my eye this week:

- I think we all have a somewhat awkward part of our home to decorate.  You know that seemingly random alcove, that almost-room that isn't quite big enough to be a true room, but isn't a closet, that tiny desk area...that can barely fit a desk.  (For me, its a single built-in shelving unit with super deep shelves.)  Consider your decorating nightmares solved with this. 

- Don't you love when you rediscover a beauty product?  Today I found an old nail polish that is the perfect pop of red, Pepperoni Red in fact.  I think it's discontinued now, but Aperitif and Fishnet Stockings are also at the top of my red list.

- I really find sample sales intimidating - all these women clamoring over clothing and accessories.  This week I braced myself for one at C. Wonder one.  It was pretty tame (by sample sale standards, and I was able to pick up a few holiday prep gifts.  (They are coming up before you know it!)  Stock up on a few little things (like these) for upcoming get-togethers. 

- These dreamy built-in shelves.

- We recently had She-Crab Soup, and I've been thinking about it ever since.  Next food challenge has been chosen.  This recipe looks like a winner.  

- MC-

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A Wallpaper Moment

Do you ever notice that once you read something, you seem to see it everywhere.  Consider it trending, even if it's only happening to you, in your own head.  I was recently reading T-Magazine's A Narrative Thread and the next thing I know, I'm attuned to all things wall paper.  As a friend mentioned her quest for affordable options over drinks, I got to thinking that maybe wallpaper is one those items you should have in your home by the time you're thirty, like a true piece of art and plants that require care.  Here are a few I've recently discovered: 

Image Sources Metallics Fresco Blooms Latice Stripes Ikat

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