February 28, 2010

Plans

Everyone makes plans. Some people plan ahead of time, way ahead of time. Some people plan their meals for the week and others their outfits for the next day, the night before. Some people plan trips for their family or dinner parties with friends. Some people plan to do this or plan to do that, but don't ever actually get those things accomplished. Regardless, in some capacity, everyone makes plans.

I like to plan ahead. Okay, I like to plan way ahead and I don't really like to even entertain the thought of what will happen if I deviate from that plan. I like to figure it out all, get everything organized and charge through my tasks. I am definitely capable of getting sidetracked or staying in bed a little too late but sooner or later I'm going to get things done. I see things that could happen years from now, mentally plan them and consider it done. If something in my life now happens to change and I know it will alter the course of all my laid out plans, I get a little nervous.

Now you're thinking, okay this girl is a little nuts but don't worry I'm thinking it too.

Is planning a bad thing? Does planning get in the way of my ability to let go and just see where the wind takes me? BIG PICTURE: will planning inhibit me from just living?

I am slowly learning that not everyone needs to plan out every detail of their life in order to succeed. Some people (and I'm just figuring out that I might actually be a little jealous of this type) can just go with the flow. WHO KNEW?! You mean to tell me that some people aren't planning their weddings and their babies and their funerals when their 22? What's that you say, they are just 'letting things happen'? I'm unfamiliar with this concept all together. Does this actually work?

By planning and organizing such a rigid schedule for my life maybe I'm missing out on some of the best things that could be happening to me or will happen to me in the future. I think I need to just let go a little bit--be more present and enjoy the day to day and the now instead of trying to plan eight years ahead.

We'll see how it goes.

February 26, 2010

Kiss

This photo makes me feel all warm on this snowy day in NYC.


(via James Turnley)

Happy Friday!

xo

February 25, 2010

Oscar Buzz: The Blind Side

Let me just say, 'The Blind Side' was the perfect feel good movie. Great story (even better because its true) that makes you feel all warm inside when its over.

BUT--as much as this post is about the movie, its really about Sandra Bullock.


(via IMDB)

(A little note for Sandra Bullock)

Dear Sandra,
I loved you in this film. You were great. No seriously Sandra, you've come a loooonnngggg way from 'Miss. Congeniality'. OH, I did love you in 'Speed' but that was in 1994 and I'd almost forgotten about you by now! You have been nominated for BEST ACTRESS and BEST PICTURE, WOAH! I've had my doubts about you Sandra but not anymore. I'm really glad you chose to do 'The Blind Side' (don't worry, if you win no one will remember you were in 'Two Weeks Notice'!) you have totally redeemed yourself in my book. You rocked it out in 'The Blind Side' and I bet your mom is real proud.
xo

February 24, 2010

Run!

Today I ran five miles.

I'll say it again, today I ran five miles.

What's that? OOHHH you ran ten miles? Oh you ran ten miles and then you saved a small child from drowning? Ohh boy and then you ran ten more? Great, seriously great--but did you hear me?

I ran five miles today.

To some, this might not be a big deal. However, to me, it feels big. It feels really big.

Why is it so big for me? Well, to put it simply, I've never pushed myself to try. Sure, I can run a few miles but every time I hit three on the treadmill I'd quit. There was no way I could do more than three. I'd walk away, not especially tired, and move on to another cardio machine or over to the weights. Three miles was plenty and there was no way I could do more.

But today, I just well--I tried. I didn't quit. I saw three on the treadmill and I kept going. I was watching the Men's Olympic hockey on the TV and was rooting for USA and I just kept going. I came up to four miles and I could have stopped, part of me wanted to, but I wasn't really tired so I just kept running. It seemed like everyone in the gym was watching the game and every time something happened a small roar erupted from the crowd and I felt the momentum. I ran all the way until five miles and JUST when I was approaching it USA scored their last goal to secure the win and so did I. It felt great--I slowed down and walked for a bit. I thought of how long I was running for and how good it felt not to quit. I thought about how much I am capable of and what it means to try.

I walked home the long way from the gym, down into the subway and I headed back home. I was really proud of myself. If I can run five miles, surely I can do more. And maybe, I could do some of those other things that you know--I haven't even tried yet but have convinced myself I can't do.

This blog, like my running, is a work in progress. I'm finding my footing and seeing where it can take me--And even just trying feels like an accomplishment.

February 21, 2010

Home

Took off a few hours early from work on Friday to come back to visit my family for the weekend. Since moving to NYC this past August, I haven't made as many trips home as I would have thought. This trip, however, made me think of home in a different way.

Its kind of a strange feeling, I am realizing, as you get older and go away to school and out into the world to come back 'home'. Although this big white house is the place where I fell off the stool and needed stitches in my chin and its the same house where I've always had Christmas dinner--it feels different, as an adult. I'm sure this happens to almost everyone but it's just becoming a reality for me now. Is my 'home' still my 'home'?

I find myself feeling a little bit like a guest here. I don't have the same power as my sister, who lives at home. She has her messy (so messy, I mean--I would share pictures but it would scare most of you) room and cabinets full of her favorite cereal. She has her friends plastered in pictures all over her wall.

What is that all about by the way? High schoolers love having a million pictures of their friends. She has huge frames that say things like 'FRIENDS FOREVER!' and 'LLADDDIIESSS'. I don't understand.

But me? When I come home--I mean sure my mom will make my favorite dinner or my dad will let me use his car but nothing here is really mine anymore.

I guess the hardest thing to swallow sometimes is how much I have changed. I am different than I was in all those pictures framed of me in the hallway, so how could I expect everything here to stay the same?

People move and grow, rooms get painted a new color or turned into a spare bedroom. Maybe what my idea of 'home' was as a little girl has changed but here, with my family, will always be home no matter how old I am.

I think this idea of home and family is also in my head quite a bit more today, not only because I happen to be laying on my couch with my dog, but also because last night I watched 'A Family Is A Family' on HBO. This short documentary put together by Rosie O'Donnell about what family means is adorable, thought provoking and truly touching. These kids melted my heart. If you can, I'd recommend seeing the film in its entirety but this clip gives you a good feel of what its all about.


(via HBO)

February 18, 2010

Oscar Buzz: An Education


Gorgeous film--seriously, go see it today.

What's that you say? Its Thursday and your working and you don't have time to see a movie today because you have that thing due at that time and Greys Anatomy is on tonight and you have to watch because your DVR is almost at capacity with 50 hours of the 2010 Olympics? Okay fine, thats what I'd say too.

But I saw this movie Sunday afternoon with my friend Becky and it was beautiful. It has great music, great acting and a seriously chic wardrobe. Makes you want to move to Europe, get bangs and drink a bottle of wine. So, if your asking for my opinion (and clearly you are) try and squeeze this movie in over the weekend. I loved it.

A little late

An addition!



Look how gorgeous this little leather pouch is AND made in Boston! I'm sold. Perfect for holding my cell phone, keys and metrocard so that I don't have to search through my backpack like a goon for them. Because people, trust me, I am a goon.

February 17, 2010

Bags: Have and Want

I'm going to be doing a bit of traveling over the next few months and I'm on the hunt for new bags (and a few more of my favorites) for my endless amount of things! and items! and purchases! Whether its a trip that only lasts a few hours or one that requires an airplane or a train--heres my bag round up both haves and wants:

WANT




Loving this bag by Moop Big and sturdy--It seems good for everyday use or a day trip (and its organic!)

HAVE and WANT MORE







These colorful gems are my absolute favorite and I could use 5 more! Made by Flip & Tumble, they have a million uses. Not only do they carry my groceries, my lunch and my books BUT they roll up into a cute ball and can be tucked away until you need it.

WANT (in my dreams!)


Would love this gorgeous leather bag from J. Crew for a quick trip. It would probably fit a small umbrella, my make up case and plenty of snacks. Is there anyone out there who wants to buy it for me? I would take good care of it! No? Okay. There is always ebay.

HAVE and LOVE


Since the popularity of this blog is such that I need to take my laptop with me EVERYWHERE (Hi Mom!)--a case is necessary. I've had my Built case for a long time and I seriously love it. Not only is Built totally well made but also is design saavy too. I don't have this exact model but would love a few extra storage compartments. They also make an awesome lunch tote. I used to own said lunch tote until my birthday of last year when salad dressing from my lunch leaked everywhere and made my bag smell so horrible I had to throw it out. Needless to say, next year I'm totally buying myself lunch on my birthday.
(via Uncrate)

February 15, 2010

Oscar Buzz: Up In The Air

On New Year's Day I went to see 'Up In The Air'. Nominated for Best Picture this film is understated but strong. The story of a travel savvy business man who jets from place to place and has seen the world but doesn't have a 'home'. The movie highlights the importance of having a connection not only to someone else or a family but also a home.



Other important things to note about this film:
1. I saw it a long time ago and things are blurred for me. Were there little blue men? Football players or Inglorious Bastards? I have no idea at this point its all kind of mixed together.
2. George Clooney = Smoking hot
3. Vera Farmiga (plays opposite GC) is gorgeous. If I look even 1/4 as good as she does when I'm her age--I'll be damn lucky.



Stay tuned for the rest of my insightful (and becoming more and more delirious!) reviews of these Oscar noms.

Teeny Baby

This photo makes my heart melt.


(via keithdavisyoung via LMD)

February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and made the most of any time you got to spend with your mates! My weekend was filled hearty meals and sweet treats!



Friday night Becky and I headed to S'MAC-Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese for a little post work week meal and beer! We both ordered the 'Lite' that has veggies mixed in. I have to say, it was yummy. Not something I could eat everyday but definitely hit the spot.



James took me for a late night treat at Cafe Lalo where we snacked on sorbet and cupcakes! Crowded and a little noisy but had a HUGE selection of confections and pretty French inspired decorations that would lure me back again.





I had to babysit on Saturday night but killed some time in Union Square at the Farmers Market (one of my favorite NYC spots!) I picked up a loaf of banana bread for a morning treat but couldn't help check out the flowers. If I hadn't been on my way to babysit I would have grabbed a few of these cute pots to bring home with me!



My Sunday (and Valentines Day) was filled with organizing and baking and laundry! I managed to sneak in a movie (more on that later!) and clean up my room a bit. Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

PS It looks like I'm getting a visit from a Valentine after all! xo

February 13, 2010

Oscar Buzz!

Last year I tried to see all the films nominated for 'Best Picture' and almost succeeded with the exception of 'The Wrestler' which I actually only watched for the first time a few months ago.

This year, I am on the same mission! Luckily, living in NYC, all the oscar nominated films being shown locally which makes my adventure a bit easier.

Last friday night, James and I went to see 'Hurt Locker' at Quad Cinema in Union Square.



A powerful movie (directed by a woman!) which follows an army bomb squad on their dangerous missions while in Iraq. It was a good mix of personal narratives about each character and suspenseful scenes involving crazy bomb scares. I really liked it--it felt real. I might not have seen this film had it not been nominated (I'm more of a drama kind of gal) but I'm glad I did.

Stay tuned for more oscar buzz!

February 11, 2010

Adam

If your in the market for a cute flick to watch at home while hanging with your Valentine, I have a suggestion!



'Adam' is a seriously heartfelt movie that made me laugh and smile for days afterwards. A thoughtful romantic tale of two real people just trying to get by with what they were given. Wouldn't consider it to be a 'chick flick' more of a boy meets girl story of a different kind but your male counterparts could be leery. If thats the case, you can inform them that this movie also has an awesome soundtrack--a little preview below! enjoy! xo

Olympics: 2010

I am just a weeee bit excited about the Opening Ceremony tonight! Seriously kind of love the Olympics. I can remember watching figure skating as a little girl and staying up way past my bed time to see who got the gold! I had a Nancy Kerrigan poster hanging in my room and although I wasn't very graceful on the ice, I loved to watch and pretend.

Now, its the skiing that truly amazes me. I close my eyes as they race down the hill or fly off a jump--that is some seriously scary stuff. Although, come to think of it, I pretty much had my eyes closed during the 2008 Olympics when Michael Phelps won by the tip of his finger! I guess the Olympic Games are a little too down to the wire for my liking! BUT its about the rush.

Ryan McGinley recently did a shoot for NYT Magazine about the upcoming games and took some pretty amazing shots of the athletes in the midst of their sport. He captured the moments with style (as usual) and they came out incredible.






(via NYT via JWT)

Beauty

Could she be more lovely?





(via fashiongonerogue via LMD)

February 10, 2010

Ideas!

Despite my affection for this love fest of a holiday, I have no plans to expect any big bouquets of roses or breakfast in bed on Sunday. I got a Valentines Day card in the mail today--from my mom. You can all see where this is headed.

BUT, lucky for you, I happen to have a few Valentines Day surprises up my sleeve for those of you who ARE expecting to be swept off your feet and need to give a little something too! Making a meal or a treat for someone you love is a gift itself so get in kitchen if your looking to impress!

First off, I'd get my hands on a sweet card like this one. Etsy is chalk full of AWESOME handmade cards and pretty much anything else lovely you can imagine. You can never go wrong with a sweet note!


(via upup)

Then, if your in charge of dinner I'd make this because well--I have been DIEING to make this for forever and would love for someone to tell me if it tastes as good as it looks. The Pioneer Woman has yet to disappoint me and so I am betting this is heavenly.


(via The Pioneer Woman)

If dessert was on your list of things to bring, BRING THESE. DO IT. TRUST ME. Valentines Day doesn't have to be about truffles and hand dipped strawberries, it can be about Oreos too.


(via smitten kitchen)

(PS: I am all about equality so if your making the dinner and scraping together some homemade Oreos you better be sure he or she is bringing the wine and something for you too! xo)

February 9, 2010

Hold On Me

Zooey Deschanel is not only a style icon BUT she has a seriously lovely voice. This sweet love song gets me every time.


She & Him-'You Really Got a Hold On Me'

Part Two!

I couldn't resist posting the second part of this series a bit early; this one titled "Does He Love You?" written by Pasha Malla of TMN. For some reason these articles stayed with me ever since I discovered them last year. Not only did they make me laugh but they felt very real. Everyones ideas of love and even Valentines Day for that matter, are different. Had a debate today with some co-workers about this holiday and while some claimed it to be 'totally made up!' others, like myself, had a space in their heart reserved for such a sappy day. Call me a sucker but a good love story gets me every time!

My favorite section of this article reads, "If the first time he meets your parents he talks for the entire dinner in that weird, overly enunciated, slightly high-pitched voice he uses for phone interviews for jobs he never gets—what you assume he thinks sounds polite but just comes across as effete and pitiful, and also somehow British—and when it’s time for good-byes outside the restaurant he hugs your mom a little too long and shakes your dad’s hand a little too vigourously and thanks them—again—for “the splendid meal,” smiling, smiling, and then as your folks drive away in a flash the gaiety sags into total, annihilated exhaustion—he loves you, the poor guy. Parents are hard!"

Read the whole article here.

February 8, 2010

How do you know?

If you don't already know The Morning News, then you are seriously missing out. This totally thoughtful, funny and interesting 'news source' is a must read. In keeping with my Valentines Day posts, I have to share a truly witty article about what else--but LOVE!


Photo by Cortnie Dee

The article, titled 'Does She Love You', is one mans take on that ultimate question of how do you know?!

My favorite section reads "If she hides your shoes when you’re late for work, and from a supine position on the couch plays “Hot/Cold,” and, finally, after 15 minutes of you ignoring her screaming, “Boiling! Burning up!” every time you stalk angrily by the dishwasher, gets up, flips it open to reveal the shoes, sitting there among the plates, and hands them over with a kiss and a giggle, and then laughs some more as you tie your laces in a silent rage: She loves you."

Read the whole story here and check back tomorrow for TMN's answer to "Does He Love You?"

February 7, 2010

Week O' Love

I have always loved Valentines Day. Whether single or all coupled up--it just makes me smile! So, in the spirit, expect some cupid related posts this week starting with this fun print.



Print by Dylan Fareed

(via Swiss-Miss)

Sleepy Monday


photo by Wing Poon

(via la familia abrazada)

Weekend Wanderings

Went back to CT for the weekend for a little reunion of sorts. There was dancing and eating and laughing and all the great things there should be when your with old friends!



We all went to BAR--a great bar with homemade beer and even better pizza! If your ever in New Haven it is a fun spot in the evening for a drink or an afternoon snack.



We don't get together as often as we should so it was fun to get caught up on everyones stories!






We danced and danced and danced. Hope your weekend was filled with fun and friends xo!

February 3, 2010

Toughing it Out

This whole "cutting out sugar and caffeine" thing hasn't really been THAT hard except for a few key things.

Coffee. Coffee. OOHHH coffee, how I miss you. I miss your energy and your sweetness. I miss you in the morning and in the afternoon. However, is it just me or have I been sleeping better without you? Was my lack of sleep or good sleep your fault? I think its too early to tell. All I know is that this week I am tired but I have slept well. I think my new plan is to enjoy my coffee on the weekends and not during the work week. It cuts way down on my caffeine intake and also gives me something to look forward to!

Treats. For anyone who knows me, even just a little bit, you know that I love treats. Not only do I enjoy consuming them but I also enjoy making them! Anything from crumb cake to peanut butter cookies--I would eat it. Luckily, with the holidays being over, my temptations for these kind of sweets remain few and far between. But, that pretty bag of chocolate chips in my cabinet is calling my name. They are longing to be made into a delicious bit of goodness. However, I think I'm gonna stick this one out--At least through next week, see how I feel and then go from there.

This week has been all about fruit salad. Kiwis, to be exact. Kiwis are the most underrated fruit around. They might take a few extra minutes to peel but they are so so worth it.


(more refined photos coming SOON!)

It does take work to make a little bowl of fruit ahead of time but my breakfast is so satisfying and any ADDED sugar from my cereal choices are gone! (Sidenote: I do know that fruit contains sugar. It is natural so I dig it.)

This is by no means a complete diet makeover, nor do I think I actually need one but it is kind of interesting to see how certain ingredients can effect you in so many different ways.

This little jar below currently resides on my bedside table for sweet emergencies, it has just occurred to me that I should move it.

February 2, 2010

Chocolate

I've given up sugar for a bit. It isn't easy for me as sugar is, well--delicious! But, for a variety of reasons, I'm cutting way way back. But chocolate, with its pretty wrapping and its local feel, might just be my weak spot. Scrumptious and pretty.






(via A CUP OF JO)

February 1, 2010

Habit

Sometimes it seems like everyone is NYC is moving as a pack. Whether it be waiting for a train door to open so we can all scurry down the stairs and spill onto the street or whether we are waiting for an elevator in the crowded lobby of a skyscraper--people move in packs. Everyone here is coming and going all. the. time.

Its easy to get lost here. Lost in the shuffle, lost in a crowd or just plain lost. For me, it has been increasingly hard to pull myself out of the daily masses and remember that I am just one person or better yet, an INDIVIDUAL! Who knew! Although I travel on the same train schedule as millions of others and although I am part of an institution with over 10,000 employees--I have my own daily routines, interests and habits.

One of my new favorite blogs reminds me everyday how different we all are. It is a collection of photos posted daily by invited guests that show small clips of their life--intimate little moments that remind me that we each have our own story. The photos make me smile and the words give me a glimpse into someone else's life that I may otherwise not have known.


"he linked his warm little arm through mine, told me how good he was at counting. leaned his head against my shoulder and began to count. quietly but with such confidence."


"it gets dark just a little bit later now, just a tiny bit later. it's not much but I'll take it."


"I've been dreaming of airports lately. of road trips and foreign countries. of unfamiliar geographies."


(via habitblog)

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