On My Wishlist: J.Crew

I'll take one of each of everything that J.Crew is selling this holiday season. Seriously, I have a sick obsession with that store, and can't go in (or shop online) without wanting everything. It's amazing how such simple pieces can make a girl so happy. And the anchors...don't even get me started. That cozy scarf is definitely at the top of my list this year.

anchor key ring, polka dot snood, xoxo note cards, pink duck boots, anchor phone case,
flannel pajamas, glitter clutch, anchor scarf, tartan shirt 

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love that we dedicate a whole day to stuffing ourselves with turkey, but more importantly, reflecting on our lives and being thankful for all that we have. I'm thankful for my amazing family, who always loves and supports me; for my friends who always make me smile and laugh; for my boyfriend who I love dearly; for having a roof over my head, and warm bed at night, especially after all that happened a few weeks ago with Hurricane Sandy; for my amazing job, that allows me to do what I love, and live the dream that I've always dreamt; and of course, for my pup, who I know will always love me know matter what! I'm also thankful for finding these delicious pumpkin pie cupcakes on Pinterest...they were a real hit on our dessert table!

Ingredients:

24 Nilla Wafers

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup applesauce

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup brown sugar

15 oz. pumpkin puree (small can)

2 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350* and line cupcake tins with wrappers. Place a Nilla Wafer in each cup.

2. Combine eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Stir in sugars. Add pumpkin puree.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add this mixture to the other mixture and stir until combined.

4. Fill tins and bake for 17-25 minutes. 

5. When cake is cool, add whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top. 

Enjoy!

Wardrobe Wednesday

I fell in love with this tee back in July when I attended the American Eagle Holiday Preview. I'm a HUGE penguin lover, and this shirt was obviously screaming my name ever since (and so was this jacket that I just bought online with a 40% discount! ahh!). I was lucky enough to receive it as a gift from the PR girls over at AE, and couldn't wait to style it. I paired it with these amazing plaid wool pants from J.Crew (mine are grey!), a super structured black blazer, and my favorite black suede pumps, for my Monday look. I loved the way it came out, and can't wait to play around with this tee some more. Seriously, how cute is it?!

On My Wishlist: Kate Spade

I love gift giving. There's something so exciting to me about watching a friend or a loved one open up the gift that you hand selected just for them. Maybe its the satisfaction of knowing that you got them something super special and that they're going to oogle over, or maybe its the joy of seeing the smile on their face when they see what's inside the pretty little wrapped up box. Whatever it is, I'd much rather give a gift than receive. Especially if it comes in a Kate Spade box. Who wouldn't want to find one of these under their Christmas Tree, or by the Menorah? I know I would (like that super cute tote--wink, wink)!

bangle, purse, gloves, tote, watch, shoes, coin purse, note cards 

Sporty Spice

Women all over the world are uber obsessed with their pilates classes and yoga retreats, pumping iron at the gym, and spinning-their-way-thin at SoulCycle (including yours truly), so it's no surprise that sportswear inspired RTW is making it's way onto the runway and into our closets. Take the Milly Spring '13 show. So many of the looks resembled sportswear with meshy fabrics, windbreaker jackets, and color-blocked patterns. So when browsing Tommy Ton's blog, Jak & Jill, recently, I was thrilled to see the abundance of sneakers, sweatshirts, and active pieces, mixed with heels, jewels, and the like.

all photos courtesy of tommy ton's jak&jill

On My Wishlist: Moto Boots

I always have a hard time coming up with a realistic holiday list because the things that I really want are usually splurge items...and I'm one of those people who won't settle for anything less. But this item is one that won't break the bank...entirely.

I've been on a hunt for the perfect moto boot this season, and think I've finally found one with the perfect about of edge and hardware. These Vince Camuto boots are screaming my name! I'm not really into studded boots, and I'm definitely not into anything too crazy. I'm craving a pair that on the simpler side that will look great with a cute pair of jeans and a chunky sweater, but that will also look killer with a pair of leather leggings. These are them. Any takers?

Pretty Smitten

I had a serious obsession with the case that was on my iPhone since the day I ordered it. It was navy and white stripes with a grey "M". So me. And it was actually the inspiration for my bedroom in my apartment. Classic and nautical, but still girly. I thought I would never take that case off my phone, until I stumbled up this amazing brand, Pretty Smitten. I was literally smitten with all of the fun iphone and ipad cases and lucite trays. Between the polk dots and leopard print, I was in heaven! Or at least I thought I was, until I set my sights on this baby. Clearly I was sold, and haven't regretted it since.

anchors away!

Here are some of my favorite cases from the site...get your credit cards ready!

Hunter

I'm not a fan of winter at all. I would gladly leave all the snow and festivities behind, if I could trade them in for constant sunshine, the beach, and nice cold margarita. Wishful thinking, I know. But if I had to choose something that I liked most about winter, I'd have to go with the dark colors that I get to wear...and hockey season too!

It's hard to justify wearing plum purples and wine reds in the middle of summer when whites, brights and fun patterns are all the rage, so winter is the perfect time to tone down my wardrobe. I love greys and blacks, but a nice alternative, and a perfect way to throw some color in the mix, is with darker shades of your favorite summer colors.

One of the colors that I'm totally into right now is hunter green. I've never been a big fan of green (it tends to remind me of Kermit), but a darker shade, like a jade or hunter, usually fits the bill. And the best part, it looks great with just about every skin tone and hair color. Redheads, blondes, brunettes...check, check, check!

topshop top, 3.1 phillip lim jacket, j.crew sweater, hunter boots, coach notebook, opi nail polish,
tibi dress, giles & brother bracelet, marni shoes

Friday Happiness

taken from here

The past two weeks have been what some might call an emotional roller coaster. The devastation from Hurricane Sandy still lingers even though many of us have tried to regain a sense of normalcy, but with a nor'easter hitting the East Coast the other night, and cold temps settling in, it seems as though we are in the rough for the long haul. Trying to stay positive through power outages, snowstorms, and jam packed commutes has tested my limits, but with Friday finally here, I'm happy to say that I think I'm on the road to happiness recovery. Getting back into my apartment will hopefully help too, since I've been out of Hoboken for over two weeks now. I'm anxious to get back, and can't wait for the familiar smell of my grapefruit Nest candle. That's the new smell of home...

Small bits of happiness...

-we didn't plan that, i swear!-

-playing in the leaves after hurricane sandy came through...with no power what's a dog to do?-

-when all else fails, go to the drybar-

-the holidays have arrived at georgetown cupcakes!-

-a little love from our pre-halloween fun-

On My Wishlist: Black Bag

A girl can never have too many handbags, and while I patiently wait for this one to magically show up on my doorstep, I've set my sights on this gorgeous Tory Burch satchel. I love how structured and simple it is, but it still has an edgy look to it, which makes it look worn and not too prissy.

With the holidays quickly approaching (I better start saving my pennies for present shopping!), I've started scoping out what my absolute favorite things are this season, and will share them with you each week. Fingers crossed that Hanukkah Harry brings me something special this year ;)

Exercise Your Right

Jersey Strong

Its no surprise that Hurricane Sandy tore through the East Coast early this week, and destroyed so many people's lives and homes. Some may beg to differ, and maybe I'm being biased, but New Jersey seemed to take the hardest hit, leaving almost 85% of the state without power, some without food and water, and so many with only memories left of their cherished lives. I don't have a house down the shore that got washed away, my apartment wasn't destroyed by the horrible floods in Hoboken, and I was lucky enough to have food and hot water, but I was still affected just the same. My family and I were without power for a week, living each day with hope that our power would be restored, and our cold home would soon be warm again. In my 24 years, I've never seen anything like what our state has had to endure, like it has this past week. From rationing gas like we did in the '60s, to town-wide curfews to prevent looting, our leaders have been doing the best that they can, with the worst circumstances, in order to get us as close to normal as they possibly can.

Normalcy is something that many won't ever have again, though. Even though the Jersey Shore has gotten a bad rap over the past few years, it is a special place for so many here in our state. The damage will take a long time to repair, and so many of our beloved boardwalks, surf shops, restaurants and homes were lost in the storm, some even washed out into the ocean. If you haven't seen the pictures, I suggest that you do. I've never seen anything so devastating, but again, maybe I'm being biased.

I know that many of you were not affected by Sandy, and may not understand the tragedy that the East Coast is going though, but I ask that you think about those of us who have. New Jersey has a long, hard road back to recovery, and we need as much help as we can possibly get.  If you are willing and able to help, I ask that you consider donating to the Red Cross to help those in need. It is as simple as texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by heading over to iTunes.com/redcross. I did.

I am proud to call the amazing state of New Jersey my home. I will always be Jersey Strong.