Mask Monday

Today was such a Monday.  Spring still seems miles away and after a crazy day filled with rude strangers, a jelly bean binge, late night conference calls and a house-hunting standstill, I was ready for some relaxation.  And a face mask was just the thing.   Today's weapon of choice, Philosphy's Purity Made Simple Deep Clean Mask.

 Promising a spa-like glow in 60 seconds, I was intrigued. It was just the sort of time commitment I could afford.  According to the directions, you are to massage a bit into clean, dry skin and then wash it off when the formula transitions from clear to white. True to it's promise, the creamy formula glides on, without any hint of exfoliation beads. It gave my ultra-sensitive skin a slight tingle (which I'm chocking up to it's deep cleaning powers) and then removed effortlessly.  It left my skin clean and fresh without being stripped and was the perfect base for applying my night serums.  I love that it is gentle enough that it can be used daily, and I can definitely see this mask working it's way into the rotation!

Have you tried it yet? 

-MC-

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Farmhouse Fresh

I wouldn't ever say that my style is country, Southern belle, sure, but never country.  When I think country, I envision barnyard animals and kitch, but lately I've been having a major fixation with farmhouse style (probably because I've been binge-watch the show I mentioned here), especially in the kitchen.  White, glass-paned cabinets, shiplap everything and the shining glory of a farmhouse kitchen, big farmhouse sinks.  Literally cannot. get. enough.  And since my apartment has a stainless steel number, I'll continue dreaming of these beauties:

Image Source: 1/2/3/4/5/6

-MC-

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Spring Showers

Every once in a while I love a nice rainy day.  It forces you inside and under the covers and is the perfect excuse get cozy and lazy.  Today's soft drizzle is effectively removing the last bits of snow and has me dreaming of spring.  Each season Mr. C and I create a list of sights we'd like to see, date spots we'd like to try, and things we'd like to do.  Here are just a few things that I'm looking forward to once spring officially gets going:

Image Source: MIMI+MEG

Image Source: MIMI+MEG

- Picnics.  I'm slightly obsessed with picnics, and this past Christmas I got the best picnic basket ever!  (Similar one here)  I'm so excited to head to Central Park or upstate with this beauty in tote.

- Baking inspiration.  I'm always on the hunt for a new recipe, and I try to create a few "Food Goals" for things I might be intimidated to try.  Currently topping the list - croissants,  these biscuits, and soft pretzels.  Bring on the gluten!

- Tennis - I haven't played, or even attempted to play, in years, but I'd love to pick up a racket again.  

-Polo Match - I've been dying to go to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic forever.  Hopefully we can get tickets this year.  I have my hat all ready to go.

-Spring Sites - Living in an apartment, I'm a bit starved for flowers.  I'd love to get my floral fix at The Orchid Show

What's on your Spring to-do list?

-MC-

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Friday Finds

TGIF!  Here is what I've been loving this week:

Image Source

Image Source

- This is probably the most gorgeous dessert.   It's basically Spring in sugar-citrus form.

-I've loved Jamie King since forever, and after reading this, the girl crush is stronger than ever. 

-This spread was total eye candy. 

- Michael Kors ads are always dreamy, but these might be the best to-date.  You can view the complete Spring Collection here; I want basically everything. 

- I begrudgingly watched this show and am now entirely addicted. The before and afters are incredible!

-MC-

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Kitchen Essentials

I was recently reading this and it got me thinking, what are my favorite kitchen accessories?  Here are 10 kitchen accessories I can't live without:

Photo Source: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Photo Source: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

KitchenAid Mixer - Honestly, how do people bake without this?  Available in a rainbow of colors with an array of attachments these mixers can do anything.

KitchenAid Pasta Attachment - I love fresh pasta, but the idea of making it was a little overwhelming.  Enter this wonder!  The three attachments let you effortlessly create angel hair, fettuccine, and sheets for lasagna, ravioli and more.  Obsessed.

Marble Rolling Pin - Another baking must-have.  The cool marble keeps dough from sticking too much, and the handles rotate on their own for easy use.  Plus I love how beautiful the natural marble is on the counter top.

Cuisinart Food Processor - A serious game-changer.  Sure, I don't mind chopping an onion from time to time, but this does the job more precise and about a million times faster.  Plus you can use it to grate cheese (hate that job!), make dough and even pull together quick dips and sauces.  (I use it for pesto constantly.)

OXO Food Containers - I'm a bit obsessed with these.  I put everything in theme - rice, pasta, cereal, coffee, sugar, flour, the list goes on.  The pop tops lock in moisture and are easy to stack inside the cabinet. 

Krups Coffee & Espresso Maker - As dedicated espresso drinkers, we use this gem daily, and I love the coffee pot option for company.

Nutrabullet - I was hot on the juicing-trend for a while, but then I read mixed messages about the real health benefits, not to mention the clean up.  We opted for the Nutrabullet since it's the best of both worlds - you're creating smoothies rather than just juices so you get the essential fiber, but the consistency is smooth and easy to drink.

Mini Food Grater - I use this cute little gadget all the time.  It's perfect for zesting, and I'm a huge zesting advocate.  I'd also imagine it would be great for creating perfect curls for chocolate...

Pizza Stone - We really like to make homemade pizza (this week was all about pepperoni and artichoke hearts with fra diavolo sauce), and pizza stones really do make a difference.  Since we can't seem to master the perfectly round pie, rectangular ones are a better fit.

Immersion Blender - This winter, we've been on a serious soup kick.  Oftentimes a recipe will ask that you blend a portion to give texture.  An immersion blender does the job of a traditional blender without the mess or the fear or spilling piping hot liquid - win-win.  

What are your favorites?

-MC-

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Designer Moment: Katie Ermilio

If there was ever a modern-classic girl, it would be Katie Ermilio.  Granddaughter of Grace Kelly's clothier, Katie Ermilio's namesake line is both streamlined and feminine.  Whether it's bold punchy jewel-tones or fresh pastels, each piece feels like something GK would approve.

Here are a few of my favorites across all her collections, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

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