Cans and Plans

So much has happened since my little blog hiatus since June. I finally moved into my apartment, which is adorably tiny (many DIYs to come!), today marks my one year anniversary at my first position in the big kid world, M and I are about to celebrate two years, and some of my old friends have invited me to help out with their non-profit, combining two of my greatest passions. My life feels a little bit like the juggled photo below, but I feel like I can't go wrong when I'm doing what I love with whom I love.

If only I looked this glam while working my tail off ;)

photos via pinterest

xoxo

An enormous gift.

(photo of my kitchen chalkboard used for shopping lists, etc, anddd where I channel my inner 1st grader for each holiday)

"Thanksgiving is about the bounty of this great land, and the plenty that ingenious and hard-working people have been able to create. With this plenty, America has saved the world from two world wars, invented medicines, technology and production techniques that have lifted living standards massively.

Other countries have smart people that have done good things. Other countries have resources. Other countries have been around longer, but none has been as generous, or had a more positive impact on the world, than America.

Being an American is an enormous gift. The freedoms and widespread prosperity we enjoy are unique and desirable. That’s why millions of people from all over the globe not only desire to live in America, but actually risk their lives to live in our land. More importantly, Americans are not leaving America to go anywhere else in large numbers at all. Despite recent high unemployment, no country provides the combination of opportunities, protections, freedoms, or living standards that America does."

An excerpt from What's So Special About America,

Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist

So Thankful for my amazing friends and family, the love and many blessings from God, and this beautiful country!

Happy happy Thanksgiving!!

xoxo

Winter Uniform.

I think sweater dresses are my favorite fashion trend of 2011. Who would've thought a dress could be so warm and comfortable, yet still so chic!? Refinery 29 covered some of the fashionable favorites, and I just purchased the first dress below in navy blue - I wish I would have bought one in every style! I think this will be my new winter uniform.

one.two.three.four

xoxo

A day to celebrate.

Happy birthday to my love and partner in crime :)

We're heading to Naples for a long weekend. We haven't been there since our final Spring Break trip almost two years ago, so we're pumped to head back, just the two of us! Last year poor Michael had a sub-par birthday that didn't feel like much of a birthday at all, so I think this little getaway will be the perfect celebration!

Bring on the sand and sun.

xoxo

Signature Blue in La-La-Leather

The Tiffany's catalog came in the mail yesterday and I had no idea they were branching into the world of leather.

My jaw dropped at the beautiful purses and gloves.

Tiffany blue has never looked so beautiful! So beautiful that I have to remind myself of how often I lose my gloves, so that they'd never be worth the $245 a pair. Ouch!

It's fun to gaze, at least :)

photos via Tiffany's

xoxo

Button, Toggle, Snap

One of the greatest parts about the fall and winter seasons is the plethora of coats,

and right now I'm loving J.Crew's winter collection...

I'm slowly building my collection, because you can never have too many ;)

Next on my wish list? Navy with toggles!

xoxo

'Been talking 'bout the way things change

I'm late to discover but can't get enough of The Head and The Heart - perfect for this cool and windy fall Sunday night.

xoxo

Style Inherited

My grandparents recently moved out of their home after decades of ownership. The walls have seen them raise 8 children, welcome 23 grandchildren, and host countless Christmas', Easters, St. Patty's day celebrations, and every other party you can think of. We smashed grapes in the backyard, bottled wine in the basement, talked for hours around the long wooden table, and listened to stories that taught us how to live better. True to form, we said goodbye to the house with dancing, wine, Irish whiskey, and Christian blessings. I couldn't help but snapping a few shots with my iPhone before the movers took their house away. At 80 years of age, their style is still one to watch. From the printed chairs to the silhouettes, I will miss it all!

xoxo

Make a...

Happy 11/11/11!

Dare you to make your wish come true this weekend.

DO IT!

xoxo

Hangin with the Sun

I used to have tons of sunglasses. And then I kept them in various places that caused me to step, sit and smash all over them. As I replenish my stash, this stylish storage will be of great use for my sunnies!

Hows that for alliteration :)

.nerdalert.

Check out the full DIY at cupcakes and cashmere

xoxo

Feels like...

Snow started falling yesterday. November snow that still requires an umbrella, so I felt a bit like this smiley girl, windblown and all!

This bluesy weather always leaves me cozied on my couch, and brings me back to my blog.

Hoping to be a bit more attentive this time around. Thanks for staying with me :)

xoxo