New year, new you, right? Eat cleaner! Work out more! Become a DIY wonder woman who is simultaneously present, mindful and gracious! One scroll on Instagram, and we're inundated with so many #lifegoals that it can be positively overwhelming. So much so that our resolutions can be so lofty that they are unattainable and, ultimately, unfulfilled. This year I'm tackling a series of small resolutions that I can weave to my routine in a more realistic way. Here are three of my resolutions for 2016:
1. Edit. Now is the time to edit your closet and evaluate what you have (and what you need). I'm a classic clothing hoarder. If it fits, I keep it even if I haven't worn it in forever or ever... Apartment living does not take kindly to this habit. If you don't like/haven't worn an item in years/doesn't fit/ is stained, ripped or otherwise damaged, evaluate whether it should be tossed or donated. It's not doing anything just sitting there taking up space. (I'm forcing Mr. C to do this too!) This clears up valuable real estate in your closet so you can take a hard look at your wardrobe. What do you really need? What do you need to stop buying? If your favorite items need some TLC, now is the time. Make your wardrobe work for you!
2. De-clutter. A sub-bullet to the editing process but this time applied to my inbox. If my inbox is organized, my mind is calm. (Am I alone here?) Over the course of the year, I have signed up for a seemingly infinite amount of newsletters. Everyday I'm faced with sales, discounts, reminders, shop nows!, don't forgets and more. Go through these, reduce the frequency of emails or better yet, unsubscribe. Want more news/discounts/reminders later? You can always re-subscribe with no hard feelings. An organized inbox is a happy inbox.
3. Make myself accountable. I'm all about the whole "Be a Better Person" resolution, but this is vague and ultimately not that helpful. This year, I'm holding myself accountable for specific "ways to be better" - working out 2-3x per week, floss daily, blog weekly. Write it done and make it happen!
What are your resolutions for 2016?
-MC-
Orange Crush
Photo Source: HGTV
Have you seen the new HGTV Dream House yet? (If not, check it out here.) It is seriously dreamy! Located on Merritt Island, off the coast of Florida, this year's Dream Home completely embodies modern seaside chic with calming blues and whites peppered with nautical nods. However what I love about this house, unlike so many seaside-inspired styles, is that it's less shabby chic and more sophisticated island glam. One of my favorite rooms in the space was the tangerine guestroom. Decked out in varying juicy shades of orange, it felt cozy and upscale at the same time. Check it out:
Image Source: HGTV
Image Source: HGTV
Image Source: HGTV
Image Source: HGTV
Ready to move in, too? Here are a few easy ways to incorporate this punchy color into your home (ocean view not included):
A Holiday Magnolia Moment
Image Source: Pottery Barn
This past weekend, a few girlfriends, my sister-in-law and I took part in our annual holiday tradition of seeing the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. It was spectacular - the dancing, the music - it's truly an incredible #NYCMoment. This year we caught an early show, and we continued the festivities with a celebratory high tea at the Saint Regis. The tea list was extensive and each brew was served in personal kettles along with seemingly endless treats that started savory and then turned sweet. And while the treats were scrumptious, we couldn't help feasting our eyes on the stunning decor - endless rows of magnolia leaf garlands wrapped around banisters and draped around pillars. It was serious eye candy! So simple and elegant, magnolia offers a southern belle twist on traditional holiday greenery.
Here are few ways to style it:
Image Source: Victoria Magazine
Image Source: Cuphalfful.sf.blogspot.com
Image Source: Veranda
Image Source: Martha Stewart
Image Source: Traditional Home
Happy Holiday Decorating!
-MC-
Flu Fake OUt
Photo Credit: Health
Do you remember 100 years ago when I was writing? I know, I barely recall it either. Life got busy, as it does, and then cold season happened. In a big way. Coughing, nose-blowing, voice gone, the works. It's one of the busiest times of the year, so I pumped myself full of antibiotics and Airbourne and tackled 6 events in 2 1/2 weeks. I wasn't contagious (thank you very much amoxicillin), but I still wasn't feeling (or let's face it, looking) so hot, BUT I was able to fake it. Here's how:
- Wake Up Early. I know, I know, this sounds crazy when you're feeling lousy. Listen, sleep is important, especially when you're not feeling well, but you know you always feel the worst when you wake up and when you go to bed. Wake up even just 10 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself time to pop a couple of Advil and get the worst part over. You'll likely be moving a little slower than usual so adding that buffer will keep you on time.
- Heat It Up. Hot water with lemon, hot tea, hot showers. Embrace them all. Those extra couple of minutes are clutch here. It's amazing what some hot water can do!
- Damage Control. If you were blowing your nose like I was, you're bound to be red and raw. Opt for a super nourishing moisturizer to keep dryness in check. This one from VMV Hypoallergenics was my go-to (with this one at night for extra healing). Spot treat redness with a tinted green concealer and then top of with a nude tone. Curl your lashes and add an extra layer of mascara to your top lashes to open up your eyes. Skip the lipstick since lips will likely be dry (another beautiful side effect), but add some color to your cheeks. Look for a cream formula for a dewy, well-rested, so-not-sick look.
- Pull It Together. When you're not feeling well, there is the tendency to want throw on yoga pants and call it a day. However I'm a big believer in "If you look good, you feel good, you do good." And if there was ever a time when you need to do good, it's for a work function with your favorite magazine! (Here's looking at you Vogue.) Go for high impact, low maintenance pieces. A no-fail LBD with a blazer, cashmere turtle neck with stand out accessories or a simple leather skirt paired with an chunk knit make it look like you put in effort, plus give you the cozy factor. Double win. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I feel like my hair never looks good when I feel sick. I don't even try to force it to do anything, I simply pull it back in a simple pony or bun. One less thing to worry about.
-Drink More Fluids. But for real. Not only will you chase away that cold quicker, but your skin will thank you before AND after your sick spell.
Here's to feeling better, faster!
-MC-
Friday Finds
Photo Credit: KevinJCafaro
-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
Image Source: Pinterest
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
Image Source: David Kitz for Summerland, Vogue
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-
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-