Pink Campaign For Spring

Just when I think spring is around the corner... BAM a snowy Friday like last week decides to bulldoze its way through, dashing all my hopes and dreams. So this week I'm taking matters into my own hands. In an effort to will spring into arrival with the brightest shade of Essie pink available. Literally, this color called out to me from the very first shelf spot of the color spectrum at the drug store. It's called "Good Morning Hope" for pete's sake. Looks more like Pepto Bismol to me, but I hope Mother Nature can take a hint and is unable to ignore such a blindingly bright message (yes I went there). Despite the finished product looking more like mini easter eggs than fingernails, as I type away writing this post, catching a flash of pink across my keyboard every couple of seconds, I have to say I think I can feel that warm spring breeze on its way already....

Whoa. Embarrassingly janky cuticles up close and personal.

Spring, if you get here soon I have a secret for you.

The dress too! Pink was on the brain, apparently.

Are you eager for Spring to get here already?

What are some ways you're forcibly willing it into existence? (or maybe Winter's your thing?!)

Happy Monday all.
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Snow Day!

Who else bounds out of bed like it's Christmas morning, grinning ear to ear, when they wake up to surprise snow? *anyone?* I'll pretend that I heard some mumbled uh-huhs, which is great, because I do too! Here's what New Yorkers woke up to this morning...

Looks miserable, you're probably thinking. Yes, the idea of commuting or trudging through all that, slipping and sliding the whole way, does sound like a nightmare. But my inner 5-year-old was having none of it. Excitedly pulling my sturdy Sorel boots out from under-the-bed retirement, I bundled up with every hat/scarf/mitten I own, and headed out to make the 20-minute walk to work.

Boots, are you ready?

The start of my sojourn.

 Of course, what is usually a 20-minute journey took almost 45, but I blame that on stopping to take a photo every five minutes, and not the snow. Those Sorel folks really know how to make a boot; not one slip the whole way! Naturally, I looked like a complete idiot (or tourist) the whole time. As everyone else trudged along, heads down and shoulders hunched to the wind; there I was turning into the wind, a face full of snow, camera snapping away. I'm glad no one I know was around to witness it; weird looks from passers-byes were involved.

Oh, hi there. Don't mind me.

No seat for you!

Also from the market today: Snow!

 

Buddha-Elephant remains stoic against the elements.

Sadly, according to the weather forecast it's all supposed to melt tomorrow, so I plan on making the most of it today. Lunch break snow angels, anyone? Let's go traipse around some more before it all turns to slushy snow turds.

Happy weekend everyone!
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Navel Gazing

The whole idea of writing this post made me feel silly and self-centered. Navel gazing, as my dad likes to call it. In case you're wondering, dictionary.com defines navel gazing as: "excessive self-analysis and/or self-absorbed behavior." Ignoring my initial hesitation, I thought a good ol' navel gaze never hurt anybody, right? Taking a second every now and then to appreciate, or even celebrate, yourself is positive and healthy in my book. My brief moment of self-indulgence today came in the form of an unexpected urge to document my outfit. Clearly, I am no fashion trendsetter (not hip enough!), but will admit to a deep envy of those fashionistas out there with an effortless style, and the courage to blog about it, that seems to come so naturally. Not quite as natural for this girl. So it felt good to brush off the awkward discomfort for once; replacing it with a smile of (cheesy) acknowledgment.

Embarrassingly, putting this simple ensemble together this morning involved a lot of hemming and hawing in front of the closet, a change of tops three times, and a concentrated sift through my (limited) jewelry collection for the appropriate necklace. The result is certainly not exceptional, or really blog-worthy at all, but while hurriedly rushing out the door in the usual pre-work dash, I felt a small sense of pride well up. Pride in actually following through on a silly goal I set for myself earlier in the year to try to accessorize more often (blogged about here). Pride in discovering a fresh combo pairing of an old skirt and top to create a "new" outfit. Pride in taking a moment to appreciate and document the moment. But mostly--and this is where I really feel foolish as I type--pride in being me. Silly, but true.

Not the most profound revelation, but maybe this bout of navel gazing wasn't meant to produce some earth-shattering epiphany. Maybe it's simply a reminder to recognize, however briefly, the small moments in life that seem utterly mundane on the surface, but upon deeper inspection can be truly self-revelatory in the best way. Have you had any similar moments lately? Please share! There must be other navel-gazing weirdos out there like me, right? Right??

P.S. Please excuse my terribly ill-suited (and dusty!) Ikea mirrors for struggling to capture a full-size human being in one frame. Typical of those two.
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A Ball Of A Time

The Blue Hill Troupe Ball. The one night a year where it's socially acceptable to act like a high-schooler and relive your Prom. Without all the awkward photo poses and untimely zits! Yes, we're talking a full-on black tie affair; tuxes, cumberbunds, cuff links, floor-length gowns, and sparkly jewels dripping from every ear, neck and wrist. Ok, so maybe more Oscars than Prom. But a good time either way!

For those unfamiliar with The Blue Hill Troupe, it's a fantastic theater organization here in New York City that produces two Broadway musicals annually with all proceeds benefiting charity. The group is made up entirely of volunteer members--regular folks with 9-5 jobs who donate their time (mostly on weekends) to build, sew, drill, stitch, hammer, sing, and dance each show to life every Fall and Spring. A truly great group of people! As a member since 2008, I've met some wonderful friends in the Troupe and while I'm not as active in it as I once was, when February rolls around any Trouper worth their salt does not miss the Ball.

So last Saturday, Kevin and I squeezed into our very best duds and headed out to the fancy-shmancy Yale Club to dance the night away... 

We look like we went to Yale, right?

 

By the end, the heels were long gone, but that didn't stop my stocking'd feet. The sign of a good night!

 

We definitely did not take enough photos throughout the night--of the Yale Club, or the dessert bar, or the fancy outfits, or anything really (too busy dancing!), but there's always next year. Note to self for 2014: bring a real camera!

P.S. If you're in New York and want to check out the Troupe's spring show, Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado, buy tickets here!
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From My Heart To Yours

Happy Valentine's Day to all you love bugs out there! In spite of the cheesy hallmark nature of the holiday, I like to think of today as just another chance to tell your family, friends and loved ones that you heart them. So get to it! XO

Photo credit: StudioDIY

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Nerdy Life Goals

For someone who doesn't do resolutions, this post sure looks a lot like a list of resolutions. However, it's really more a bunch of longer-term goals and ideas that have been taking up a significant amount of space in my brain lately and refuse to vacate. Ding ding! They must be important to me. To e-ink and e-paper they go!

My Goals:

• Travel more. Whether it's two miles away or 2,000, I want to go/see/experience it.
• Visit my family more often. These days, the norm is seeing them at Thanksgiving, Christmas and 1-2 other times throughout the year. Unacceptable! Frequent flier miles here I come.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator in my apartment building every day. It's five measly flights, yet shockingly weeze-inducing.
• Blog more often. The process of putting my thoughts to digital paper and sending them out into the ether of the internet universe has become, to my surprise, something I truly enjoy. Carving out the time is the most difficult part.
• Cook/Bake more and try out new recipes. Also something recently discovered that I'm surprised to find I love. Plus, I already have an eager taste-tester waiting in the wings with Kevin!
• Take more pictures. My older and wiser self will look back at them some day and thank me.
• Work on being less of an emotional eater and more on constructively managing anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty (hello stress eating). Embarrassing to admit, but heck, we're all friends here right? If I can't say it to the faceless, anonymous walls of the interwebs, then when can I.

These are the biggies that have been rattling around my head. More to come I'm sure. What are some of YOURS?

Thanks for listening blogosphere!

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Braving The Elements

Winter is out in full force here in New York. Yesterday peaked at a balmy 15 degrees and that was the high for the day! With such frigid temperatures driving folks indoors, it would only make logical sense to make the best of days like this spent cozily in bed in my pjs watching old episodes of Lost, right? Not for this girl! Two pairs of socks, five layers of clothing, one knit hat and mittens, and one heavy coat later, I marched out my front door determined to "enjoy" the winter season along the Hudson River by my apartment. Whelp, let's just say I didn't last long -- the gale-force winds and instant runny nose got the best of me. However, the day was beautifully clear and crisp (too crisp!) and made for some fantastic photos... Which are best appreciated from the comfort of a duvet-covered bed with a steaming mug of hot chocolate!

Other brave souls

Itty bitty Statue of Liberty off to the left...

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