thursday finds

via

I'm cutting out early (again) this week to head up to the Catskills to meet my dad and step-mom for some good old-fashioned camping! Ever since our vacation in Napa and Jackson Hole, I've been craving to be around some nature again. Hiking, kayaking, swimming, and hanging out by the campfire. It sounds so idyllic no?  

While I'm away, leaving you with a boat load of finds. These are all the links I've saved over the past three weeks. You've got your work cut out for you...

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I'm pretty certain Al has lost several hours to this. 

An interesting article I read while in San Francisco.

If we were staying in the city this weekend, we'd go to this.

Chrissy Tiegen's Piperlime Picks

My kind of 30 under 30.

And my kind of Top 10.

A fun quiz. I got Mediterranean (?)

This exists.

New favorite tumblr.

A new take on yoga. Now there's some serious balance! (I would totally injure myself doing this.)

Glad I found a guy who knows this.

Couldn't agree more. Comte for all!

Love the bold patterns and colors in this home.

10 things about my girl Emily Post (more EmPo inspiration here, here, here, and here).

Speaking of etiquette, YES to this.

So many Royals related things - This poor kid, this back flip, this cool Korean, this great article, and THIS cover.  You can bet that Al's head is basically exploding.

Enough baseball. LOOK AT THIS CORN! Making this ASAP.

Fascinating piece on Kim K.

I have a feeling this will become my latest lip obsession.

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Whew! If that doesn't keep you busy while I'm camping then I don't know what will. Wish me luck! Off to the land of the s'mores!

vive la france!

Happy Bastille Day (or rather Joyeux Quatorze Juillet)!

I'm still working on our Weekend Recap post, but thought I'd wish all you Francophiles out there a Happy Bastille Day. I fell head over heels for the land of food, wine, and style last summer. Our time there was spectacular. Take a look back at our France trip if you'd like. I could reminisce about it all day long.

Day 1:  Paris

Day 2:  Paris

Day 3:  Paris

Day 4:  Paris

Day 5:  Provence

Day 6:  Provence

Day 7:  Provence

Days 8 & 9:  St. Tropez*

*And yet again this reminds me of how I need to conclude our France Recaps with our final two days in St. Tropez. Mayhaps I should squeeze that in this week. Eek!

Hope you had a great weekend. We had a blast, but are worn out!

P.S. I can't think of Bastille Day without thinking of Bastille. ☺

{photo by moi!}

friday finds

Happy Friday!  How adorable is this ^^ photo?  I'm using it to pretend that New York City is still in a pretty white blanket of snow and not it's actual state of brown slush.  I have a quiet weekend planned - Al got called to Chicago at the last minute for work all weekend so it will be a lot of me and Lily Girl catching up on girly things - you know - reading the giant pile of magazines on my desk, going to Sephora, and checking out the new J.Crew spring stuff. Important tasks.  (Don't worry Al, we still miss you!)

While I'm off being productive sans-husband, check out what I'm loving this week from around the web:

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This is why I love HONY.

Whether you call this city your home or you're coming for a visit, this is incredibly helpful and informative.

This is one of those, "why didn't I think of that?" ideas.  Def going to try it out for our next big event. (via PureWow)

This video is all over the place this week.  I can't get enough of it.  A reminder to enjoy everything this world gives us.

In New York this Saturday? Go here.  (CHEAP GOOD WINE!)

Funny tumblr.

Even funnier tumblr.  This is still my favorite episode.

What beautiful illustrations.

Things to know before you go to Paris.

We definitely need this for our gallery wall. 

You know, I think I'd be very happy in this darling cottage.

I didn't know anything about Peggy Guggenheim before reading this article.  What a character!

This made my heart melt.  They should start a charity where people can donate to help do this in their local communities. 

Coffee connoisseur?  You'll love this.

Leaving you with this.  It's like he read my mind.

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Have an awesome weekend!

xoxo,

K

P.S.  Things you might have missed:  'Always go to the funeral' and How to do Valentine's Day at home.

{image source}

friday finds

Happy Friday!  This week flew by thanks to the three day weekend.  Any plans this weekend?  We have a few birthday parties to hit up and have talked of going to a museum (I am heartbroken we are a week late to see this).  Other plans involve baking (unsure what, does anyone else get the itch to bake sometimes?), reading, and trying to get Lily to walk outside in all this snow (more is coming tomorrow, yikes).

Here's what I'm loving from the internet this week.  Lots of good stuff!

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All about herb storage - The plants, not my father, who is named Herb. 

Genius.  This is why I like Serious Eats.  Ideas to change your life.

A new take on my favorite cocktail, the Negroni.

Loving the new Food Network site redesign.  Looks cleaner and fresher!

Something fun to do this Sunday in NYC.  Yum!

Fashion brands to watch this year.  Snaps for Ann Taylor.  Big fan of their work-wear.

A new way to separate egg yolks.  This looks so fun! (Thanks Piper!)

Another fun cake topper for you brides-to-be.  I guess I'm on a cake-topper kick?

Made me laugh (read the comments). 

Adorable and educational science project.  Certainly makes me think twice about my produce.

This will take up the rest of your afternoon.

This ain't your grandma's dinner theater.

And leaving you with the most helpful tool for your work since excel.

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Happy weekend!

xoxo,

K

{image source:  Chamade Vintage French Photos}

friday finds

The last two mornings when I was just starting to wake up I thought it was Saturday.  Pretty much the worst realization ever once I discovered that it was not, in fact, Saturday.  But finally! Saturday is almost here.  And we have a three day weekend!  (And I have a wretched head cold.)  We have very few plans other than to rest, see a few movies, and I need to finish this beast of a book.

While I'm hibernating, check out what I loved this week from around the web: 

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We'll be checking out a few flicks on this year's list of Oscar nominees.  What are your favorites?

The history of the studies of coffee.  #scienceprobs

Cute and funny cake topper for any of you newly engaged kids.

Kourtney Kardashian's home.  I like some of it.  Some of it makes me dizzy.

Looking for inspiration to work out more this year?  Watch this.

Yep.  This is adorable.

How good is your vocabulary?  I scored 20,600.  What did you get?  (via Cup of Jo)

Go to Paris this year.  Here's why.  As if you needed more reasons to go to Paris.

I've been a little sad all week hearing that the world lost a sweet boy last Friday. In Memory of Sam Berns.  If you haven't yet, watch this (on HBO On Demand if you have it). And stay tuned for my team page for the Progeria Research Foundation for Sam's friend, Zoey.

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Have a lovely weekend.  I'll be back on Tuesday!

xoxo,

K

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friday finds

Happy Friday!  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for this is whole polar vortex thing to be, as Kristin Cavallari would say, DUNZO.  Just checked the weather and things are looking up (despite this morning's wet snow/rain) so I'll stop complaining.  I mostly wanted to use DUNZO.

Our calendar is full for Saturday and empty for Sunday.  Just the way I like it.  Happy weekend to you!

And check out what excited me this week:

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A little nod to home with this guide to Kansas City from Matt Baldwin (of Baldwin Denim). 

Adam Platt's Where to Eat 2014 aka This Year's To Do List (Love the part about giving up his anonymity.)

Whoa.  Is this true?

THIS.  Yes.  I must.  A good Valentine's gift (hint, hint, Al). ;) 

This wedding seems like a scene from a dream.  So soft and romantic.

I would totally eat from The Burrito Box.  It can't be any worse than gas station frozen burritos, right*?

But I can't eat from The Burrito Box every day, so I guess this beautiful winter salad will work for non-burrito days.

Daydreaming today of being here.

I WANNA GO TO FARM CAMP! <stomps foot and pouts like child>

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Have a cozy weekend!

xoxo,

K

*I eat gas station frozen burritos.

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2013: a look back

{sunrise in Mexico}

Oh hello!  We are on our way back to New York today after an amazing time in both Kansas and Mexico.  Recaps to come, but for now I thought I'd kick off the new year with this fun list of questions. I saw these floating around on tumblr and I thought it would be a great exercise to recap our year...

1: What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

Traveled to France, got promoted, grew the blog (big woop for brands asking me to sponsor posts!).

2: Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

(A reminder of last year's resolutions.) As for eating better, we really did a great job until about November.  Since then, we've been eating like we're on vacation.  So ready to feel healthy again.  I still use two spaces after a period and I’m convinced that’s now an unchangeable trait.  I am a little better at being on time, maybe an increase of 25% but I'm still not up to ALWAYS on time.  We did great “going” to church for the first six months, but then went through our summer slump and never got back on it.  Working out twice a week still is a hilarious concept to me; one that was never reached 2013.  Here’s to starting fresh this year…

3: Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, apparently everyone I’m friends with on Facebook had a baby or got pregnant this year.  It’s funny to see the stages of life via social media.  A few years ago it was all engagements, then weddings, then houses, then babies.  We have done the first two – house and baby still pending. ;) 

4: What countries did you visit?

France (Paris, Avignon, St. Tropez - yikes! I still need to blog about St. Tropez!), UK (just the LHRairport), Mexico.

5: What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013

More patience. 

6: What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Continuing to blog despite being massively busy at work.  It seems silly, but those of you who do it know how much time, thought, and creativity it takes and how some days it just seems like you took off way too big of a bite.  It really is such a great outlet for me to feel like I'm doing something else with my brain.  I'm happy I kept it going, even if some days it felt like this little site was on life support.

7: What was your biggest failure?

Getting in a rut.  Or, rather, not getting out of it.  I had a month or so this fall where I couldn't seem to kick my negative attitude.  It was one of those times where I couldn't see the good in anything and I struggled.  I’m happy to report I’m out of that funk and look back at it as an opportunity to learn how important it is to find happiness in even the crummiest of times.

8: Did you suffer illness or injury?

I’m convinced I sprained my wrist in Mexico.  But I’m a bit of a hypochondriac about sprains in general so Al has been ignoring my complaints completely.  Oh, and I had that rough bout with the flu in January for about a week.  Awful, awful thing.

9: What was the best thing you bought?

Maybe that chalkboard table runner paper.  I also used it for wrapping paper this year.  Oooh or maybe the Lily wrapping paper (you'll see it in my Christmas recap).  And also my black booties and green coated jeans from Madewell.  Both got a lot of play this winter. 

10: Whose behavior merited celebration?

Jennifer Lawrence, Al - he has a great attitude even though he works 16 hour days, and Ina Garten (always).

11: Whose behavior made you appalled?

Miley, Kris Jenner.  Ugh to both of them.

12: Where did most of your money go?

Thanks to Al’s extensive budget (he keeps a crazy excel budget and notes every dollar we spend and to what category it belongs), I can tell you that we spent the most this year on eating out (we had some pricey, but exceptional meals this year. God bless Blue Hill), and vacations (again, so so worth it).  

13: What did you get really, really, really excited about?

France (do you see a trend here?), Mexico with my family, Christmas in Kanas, Friendsgiving, Stone Barns Farm.

14: Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

a.) Happier

b.) Fatter – I’ve been pretty much eating like calories don’t count since Friendsgiving.  I need to reintroduce myself to the treadmill this year.

c.)  ha.  Do people really answer this?  I’ll say richer – in that I feel over the past year my life has grown in richness exponentially.

15: What do you wish you’d done more of?

Worked out.

16: What do you wish you’d done less of?

Work.  

17: How did you spend Christmas?

With my dad and Melanie,  in Lawrence with snow on the ground.  Joined by my sister, step-sister, step-brother, a french bulldog, a labrodoodle, and a grate dane.  Oh, and Mel’s amazing biscuits and gravy.  It. Was. Spectacular. 

19: Did you fall in love in 2013?

Yes.  Over and over again with my sweet man.

20: What was your favorite TV program?

As you know, we’re big TV people.  Shows we binge watched:  Homeland Season 1 and 2, Downton Abbey, House of Cards, The Wonder Years, Al went on a huge Wire kick, Orange is the New Black.

21: What was the best book you read?

I really grew to love The Interestings, although in hindsight I dislike the ending (although, I always dislike endings that don’t go the way I think they will).  Fell in love with this cookbook as well.  Currently entangled in the life of Theo Decker in (the extremely long tale) The Goldfinch.

22: What was your greatest musical discovery?

Not caring generally too much about music and not having a car in which we listen to the radio, I’m sad to say that most of our musical discoveries are songs we come to know months after they became popular.  Al joked the other night that we are now the category of people who think the 'Now That's What I Call Music' CDs' are current.

23: What did you want and get?

Time with my Al and our extended families.  Bernice the Camera.

24: What did you want and not get?

A sick pack.  Abs, not beer.  The beer is partly what prevented the abs.

25: What was your favorite film of this year?

Argo

26: What was the best thing you made this year?

Probably the roasted shrimp with feta.  Or the seafood gratin.  Both were simple, yet elegant and very satisfying.  Both from Ina, of course.

27: What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Travel and leisure.  Verbs – not the magazine.

28: How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Ask Ashley and Jolie and do what they say.

29: What kept you sane? 

Al, Lily, Sleep, Wine Nights

30: Who did you miss?

My sister. Every day.  I find myself constantly wishing she was next to me so we can laugh at all the funny moments of life together.  She's also really good at snugging. 1,200 miles apart sucks.

31: Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

Take time for yourself.  Find the good.  And these 28 things.

32:  A quote that sums up your year.

"It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are." - James Mackintosh

Wow.  What a year.  Feeling very fortunate.  Wishing you a enlightening 2014 full of happiness, silliness, and lots and lots of snugs.

xoxo,

K

gift guide: for the lady

If you recall, I've already confessed to my tardiness with all things Christmas this year.  For those of you who haven't finished you're shopping yet, here are fifteen things any lady in your life would love to receive.  I've even gone as far as to check that none of these are sold out or on back order (yet). Surely you'll be able to cross a few off your list with these ideas...

City Prints - These adorable illustrations are available in just about every city.  From Florence to Kansas City to Paris to Minneapolis.  A cute way to remember where you're from or where you've been.  And a great addition to a gallery wall or an office.  $30 - $35

Sperry for J.Crew Snow Boots - If it is going to snow this winter as much as it has in the past week, we had all better think about our footwear.  Functional + a cute pop of color.  A must-have to last for many winters to come.  $150 (30% off with code GIFTNOW)

Crystal Block Ring Trio - I love these stacked on a pointer finger.  Adds a cute edge and detail to an everyday look.  Funky, but cute.  Just how I like it.  $32

Angora Beanie - A luxurious touch for outerwear.  I tried this on in store-and it made even my awkward shaped head look cute.  Everyone needs a winter hat, and a chic one at that.  $69

Pave Link Bracelet - Looks a lot like the J.Crew one I've coveted for the past year, but at about half the price.  Beautiful all on it's own, or layered with others.  I'm obsessed with it, to be honest.  $69 (use code HOLIDAY40 to save 40%!)

Agate Box - I've been a fan of agate for a while (mostly thanks to this post).  This would be beautiful as a jewelry box on a vanity, or to hold small goods on a desk.  Or even on top of a stack of books on a shelf.  I'm in love.  It's also apparently one of Oprah's Favorite Things this year!  $39 - $63

Three Herb Wreath - This isn't your average holiday wreath.  Leave this up near the kitchen for both decor and function.  You can pick the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves and use them in your cooking all year long!  Genius!  $48

Holla Door Mat - This makes me smile every time I look at it.  No better way to great your guests, if you ask me.  'HOLLA!' $50

Monogram Leather Cosmetic Bags - I'm from the school of you-can-never-have-enough-cosmetic-bags.  I use them for everything - make up, manicure supplies, coupons, camera accessories, you name it.  I love the lux look of these and the very non-lux price.  (Also great as bridesmaids gifts for all you engaged ladies).  $18 - $28

Marc Jacobs Dot Fragrance - My friend Jolie got me on to this scent.  She wore it when she lived with us for two weeks and Al kept talking about how good she smelled. Ha!  It's a clean scent and not too floral.  And I love roller balls to shove into my bag for a touch up when I'm on the go.  $22

Pocket Umbrella - Similar to socks and underware, umbrellas should be gifted every Christmas.  I lose at least one a year.  This size is perfect for keeping in your bag at all times and the print is just adorable.  $26 (30% off with code GIFTNOW)

Bonjour Print - I know I already featured a print, but I love this one so darn much.  I love it propped up on a bedside table so every morning you can wake up with a little French flare. $35

Keepers Cookbook - This is the number one cookbook (or any book, for that matter) on my list this year.  The subtitle says it all "Two home cooks share their tried-and-true weeknight recipes and the secrets to happiness in the kitchen".  Anyone who cooks, even a little, will like this one.  $17

Sonia Kashuk Brush Set - I loved Sonia Kashuk's brushes for many, many years. They're very good, especially for the price.  And a ten piece set in a fun gold color?  Um yes, please. $30

Slate Cheese Board - From one of my places for gifts - the MoMA store, this cheese board is simple and elegant.  A piece of slate ready for your cheeses, crackers, and cute chalkboard labeling.  $32

If you don't know what to buy for the woman in  your life after that, then I'm not sure what to tell you.  Something for every one on your list, I think.  And for any family members reading, I'll be happy with any of the aforementioned suggestions.  :) 

Happy shopping!

xoxo,

K

P.S.  This year's gift guide for the hostess.

P.P.S. Last year's gift guides:  for the lady, for the gent, for the hostess, for the pooch, for the stocking.

{polyvore image by me}

weekend recap

How was your weekend? It was a sleepy little weekend for us.  Which is good, because staring next weekend we're pretty much on the go until 2014.  Here are a few pictures...

Friday night was panini night.  Ham, swiss, and dijon this time.  And afterwards, I went to bed.  Seriously - at 10pm.  I know, I'm a party animal.

Saturday morning we brunched at Revel for our friend Kyle's birthday.  I love their little garden patio.

No birthday brunch is complete without Veuve.

A little afternoon stroll through the West Village.  It's still pretty even with the dead trees.  Just look at that light.

After watching a tough loss for the Jayhawks, we decided to hibernate the rest of the night. Scrabble + prosecco is how I much prefer to spend my winter Saturdays.

^^ Her little hand on my hand.  Melts my heart.

Sunday morning Lily helped me decorate for Christmas.  We didn't go full force this year, but I did pull out our little skinny baby tree to put in our window.

^^ three good things:  Christmas tree + pup + Love Actually

Our ornament addition this year:

^^ Yes, I added sparkle to that photo.  Obsessed.

Sunday night we got dolled up to go to my birthday dinner at Gramercy Tavern.  It's been on my list for as long as we've lived here, and it didn't disappoint.

A birthday negroni.  I love when they have those big square ice cubes.

And look!  We found a bottle from the region we visited in France!  Chateauneuf-du-Pape!

After that, I stopped taking photos of our meal because I was devouring every last morsel. But I did snap one of this cute little coconut cake they brought us.  Personalized and everything. So cute.

An excellent birthday meal with even better company.  Thank you, Al!

Hope you all had a sweet weekend!

xoxo,

K

cheers and thanks

Hi Friends!  I'm buried in emails - both work-related and Cyber Monday- related.  I'll be back tomorrow with our Weekend (and Friendsgiving) Recap.  But in the meantime, I wanted to share the toast I wrote and read at Friendsgiving.

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

K

Once in a while it is smart to remember

The good that exists not just in November.

The big moments of life and the little ones too,

They are what make us unique, me and you.

So this year I’m thankful for the following things,

I hope you don’t think I’m just rambling…

I’m thankful for our families, those far and near

For the health and happiness they’ve had this year.

Kansas and New York City you’re both on the list,

As our homes past and present we could never forget.

I’m thankful for France - Paris, St. Tropez, and Avignon,

What an incredible vacation - the memories live on.

I’m thankful for our jobs, though they work us to the bone.

They let us live this great life in this city we call home.

We give thanks to the people who make our daily lives better -

The cabbies, the doormen, those picking up litter.

And those home and abroad who protect this great nation,

We thank you and praise you for your service and dedication.

To the things and people that keep me smilin’ -

Cheers to cooking, Wine Nights, and Ina Garten.

Thanks to the friends that circle ‘round this table,

Your support, laughter, and dance moves make us all the more able.

Don’t worry readers, my list is just about over,

Just a pup and a boy to discuss further.

To the dog who stole my heart, I can’t put it in rhyme,

Just how much better life is with Lily all of the time.

And finally to the man who is hard to forget,

His wit and his height, and his Lisa Loeb bit.

Al you make this life worth living.

It is you whom I’m thankful for most this Thanksgiving.

So let us raise our glasses in hope and cheer,

For another unforgettable and incredible year.

♥