Friday Finds

-Ask yourself this - are you in need of a chic-over?  

-I used to think canning was a little Pioneer Woman, and honestly, it is AND it's the best thing ever.  Applesauce was my gateway drug, and now I'm totally on board.  Check out this for canning inspiration.

- Growing up, my family has always been full of morning people.  I'm talking no alarm clock, up with the sun, annoyed that paper hasn't been delivered yet and it's 5:15, morning people.  And in true nature form, I'm gradually waking up earlier and earlier, although I still often depend on my alarm clock.  Check out the routines of these morning motivators to get see how much you could be doing while everyone else is still snoozing.  

- And while productive mornings are incredible, it's also important to go to bed early to get some much needed rest.  Case in point.  

-The East Coast has really been spoiled with our Indian Summer, but alas it is starting to cool down.  If the idea of shortened days gives you the shutters, read this.  You may just be inspired.

Happy weekend!

-MC-

Well Read: Autumn

There is nothing I love more than curling up with a good book.  Classics, biographies, chick-lit, mysteries. I love them all.  These are currently on my nightstand:

- The Knockoff - Such a fun read, especially for those whose work skews digital.

-Everybody Rise - This one has been on my list (I keep a running to-read list of my phone) for a while. I'm midway through and so far, it's a fun, light read.  The details are perfect.

-China Rich Girlfriend-  Love. Love. Love Kevin Kwan.  His books are so fun - you can't put them down!

- Girl On The Train - This NY Times standby is up next.

 What books are on your nightstand?

-MC-

Fireside Chic - 7 Ways to Up The Cozy Factor

With Hurricane Joaquin looming large, the whole Northeast seemed ready to batten down the hatches and prepare for Sandy part duex.  Translation:  Everyone headed to the grocer to load up on bread, eggs, milk and pinot noir - myself included.  Thankfully the storm headed out to sea, and we were pleasantly surprised with a sunny Sunday.  And while the day was beautifully crisp, the evening is definitely feeling like fall.  These sort of evenings have me craving a fireplace - cozy with a hand-crocheted throw, a good book and a cup of tea.  Alas no crackling fireplaces yet, but these fireside accessories definitely give the feel, if not the warmth, of the real thing. 

1. Perfect for non-working and working fireplaces alike, this screen is elegant and rustic.

2. No fireplace, no problem with this gorgeous candelabra.  

3. In keeping with the scroll-work theme, this set of fireplace tools is both functional and beautiful. 

4. An often overlooked tool, a candle snuffer expertly puts out the flame, but allows the intended scent (aka not the -just-blew-out-birthday-candles scent) to linger.  This gold duo is completely dreamy.

5.  This candle, aptly named "Library" gives instant coziness.

6. Throws are mandatory for any fireside experience, and when it comes to throws, the chunkier, the better.  These are oversize and handmade in NY.  

7.  Perfect for storing aforementioned throws, or logs, magazines, etc., this woven basket features a unique shape and organic feel.

-MC-

The Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Salad

I love to cook, but let's face it, cooking for one is tough and tricky (and for me, not too inspiring). When Mr. C. travels, you'll more often than not, find me with a simple bowl of cereal.  And while easy, it's hardly nutritious or filling for too long.  However, in effort clean up our menu after a long weekend spent at the lake enjoying every morsel of junk food, I threw together this delicious, super easy salad. True to it's name it features a little bit of everything which keeps the taste-buds guessing, but also allows for easy substitution for whatever is fresh and ready.

Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Salad

(Makes one large, dinner-portion salad)

You'll need: 

- 1 carrot, chopped

- 1/4 of an English cucumber

- A healthy heaping of baby spinach

- 1 leaf of romaine spinach

- 1 handful (approximately 5) cherry tomatoes

- 1 handful sugar snap peas

- 1/2 ripe avocado, diced

- 1 scallion, white and pale green parts only, diced

- 1/4 cup of endive, chopped

- 1/8 tsp sesame seeds

-Half a tin of tuna or salmon (if canned, drained)

- A dash of red pepper flakes

- A drizzle of virgin olive oil 

- Salt and pepper to taste

To Make:

Simply combine all the elements and top with the drizzle of oil and a dash of salt and pepper. Done and done.

This salad is a bit thrown together and that's the beauty of it.  Have radishes, throw them in.  Celery?  Sure.  A bit of onion rather than scallion, that works too.  Completely guilt-free and gorgeous, this salad is the perfect weeknight meal that easily feels like a treat.

-MC-

5 Lust-Worthy Hostess Gifts to Ensure You Get Invited Back

August is here (can you believe it?!) and it's time to squeeze every last bit of summer left.  Insist that every meal be eat outside, order one more glass (ok, two) of rose, and extend that weekend an extra day.  And while summer may be winding down, giving the perfect hostess gift is always in season.  These gorgeous gifts not only show gratitude but are sure to score you an invite to the next wave of festivities come fall.  

1. Flowers are always a winner and you can never have enough roses.  This Landeau bouquet is available in a variety of hues to match her style.  

2.  What better way to say "Cheers" to summer than these anchor ice trays?!

3. Ideal for the home chef, this recipe journal is as practical as it is beautiful.  

4. The perfect little something to accompany the traditional bottle of bubbly.

5.  Candles can be tricky, but if you know your hostess well enough to be able to sniff out her style, they are a truly thoughtful gift.  Every time she lights it, she'll be reminded of you!  Le Feu De L'eau Candles are shaped by water and couldn't be more decadent.  Extra points if accompanied by these gorgeous Apothecary Matches.  

What's your favorite hostess gift to give or receive?

-MC-

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Friday Finds

TGIF! Here are a few finds that I've been loving this week:

- Girl crush confession - I'm a bit enamored by women who seem to have it completely together.  I'm talking about the women who have run 5 miles, in flawless sportswear, cooked an amazing breakfast, pulled together Instaworthy lunches in their spotless kitchens all by the time you've had to wake up and drink an espresso.  This amazing piece in Business Insider sheds some light on how some people seem to get more done.  

- As an HGTV enthusiast, I love the idea of scoping out secret gems at flea markets, but in reality I'm often overwhelmed.  Check this out for how to best upcycle those vintage finds. 

- Speaking of vintage, these retro kitchens were ahead of their time.

 - It's never to early to think about adding staple clothing to your wardrobe.  This jacket is incredible. 

- Adding a scarf is an easy way to infuse extra oomph to a simple outfit.  This easy-to-follow gif breaks down the looks. I'm obsessed with the bow-tie for work and the head wrap for weekends. 

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Laundry Luxe - 5 Dreamy Laundry Rooms

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Busy weekends hiking and beaching mean a week of playing laundry catch-up. And while mountains for laundry definitely isn't pretty, laundry rooms certainly can be.  White and gleaming with a place for everything, these laundry rooms are totally and utterly lust-worthy, especially while you're waiting for that last batch to finish the spin cycle.

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Apartment living isn't always (ever?) conducive to a glamorous laundry room, but you can infuse a little luxury into your laundry routine with these squeaky clean accessories:

-MC-

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Friday Finds

Some weeks, the word crazy just doesn't seem to do it justice.  And after a relaxing trip to the Caribbean (more details on that soon), heading back to reality felt especially well, real.  In the midst of playing catch-up on life, these 5 things have caught my eye:

Social Media Formulas - Want more IG likes?  Apparently there is a method to the madness.   Check it out. 

There is a serious sale happening here.   The sample sale in the city was nothing short of mania, but I'm still swooning over this and this.

Summer is all about fresh produce.  Consider this your farmer's market cheat sheet.  Current obsession - fresh plums.

This bag has everything for the warmer months - clean, streamlined design, perfect handles and a touch of monogram.  Perfection.

Newly discovered and totally enamored -  cutest gift idea for every occasion.  

Happy Weekend

-MC-

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Sips: Iced Latte

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Mornings are my favorite part of the day.  It's calm and quiet, and I get to perch at the counter and leisurely read the paper, check out my favorite blogs and drink my coffee, totally unhurried. It's probably the most relaxing part of the day and, for me, helps start the morning off on the right foot.  

Having coffee prepped and ready to go is key, and, not surprisingly, we've been all about iced lattes.  Espresso (my favorite is Cafe Bustelo) instantly cooled and then later poured over iced and topped with cold milk.  Perfection.  (The key to any iced coffee treat is to avoid pouring the hot liquid over the ice.  No matter what you do, the ice will melt, and it will dilute the flavor.)

While I love iced lattes day to day, they don't really lend themselves to a crowd.  In that case, bring on the Iced Coffee!  This recipe from The Pioneer Woman is easy and makes enough for 24 servings.  Consider your next brunch handled.

-MC-

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Style Edit: Chunky Knits & Shorts

My favorite evenings are spent near the water (pool, ocean, lake, you name it).  However, as the sun goes down, I'm the first one to feel the chill in the air.  Balance the drop in temperature by pairing chunky knits with shorts for a polished, yet cozy, feel.  Keep the look relaxed by layering over-sized sweaters (much more chic than just a plain sweatshirt) with tailored shorts (and make sure they are still visible underneath to avoid any of those is-she-wearing-pants situations).  Pair with strappy sandals or Sperrys, and you're set.  Here are few pairings that I can't get enough of:

Look 1: Sweater/Shorts, Look 2: Sweater/Shorts, Look 3: Sweater/Shorts

-MC-

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-MC-