2014 wasn't one of my best years, it was stressful for the most part with a few good events sprinkled here and there. I'm not sorry to see 2014 go and I pray that 2015 isn't as hard on me. But such is life and the key to living with these dramatic ups and downs is resilience. I'm working on building mine up. It's taking a lot of prayer, a lot of wine and a whole lot of retail therapy.

Is it safe to say that it's beginning to feel a lot like Summer?  The past few days have been in the 80's.  I'm not ready for the heat actually, I was a little caught by surprise! So time for an emergency pedicure for sure, a little faux tan is also in order and thankfully I got a head start with my hair.  (It was a big decision, highlights or ombré?) I went with the ombré - I felt if I waited any longer it would be out of style. Growing my hair out came with its disadvantages, like not having enough for the latest hair trends.  But I was finally there. So here I am blonde tipped, soon to be sandal ready and a bit more bronzed.  

Sheesh... It takes a lot to be Summer ready! 

Isn't it something how when the sun is out, birds are chirping and flowers are blooming how much happier everyone seems to be?  In the midst of the big thaw, it's nice to take some time to slow down and get a breath of fresh air.  The hubs and I had our moonroof open today, it was the first time since last Summer.  It felt so nice to take a drive and let the day take us wherever it pleased.  It was so pleasant out I can almost smell the tanning spray and the salty air of the beach.  Yes, friends, it's almost time for flip flops and casual sundresses.... for sun-kissed skin and loose braided hair.  For Cool drinks by the pool, ice cream on the boardwalk, sand in your toes....Summer is on it's way along with everything we love about it.

However, I know there will be some ups and downs in the temperature in the meantime...the weather loves to tease (It's so mean)... So! Here are some Pinterest pics to get you by until then...

Six more weeks of snow (or so that's what's his furry face said).  Did anyone doubt that?  The way this winter has been shaping up it would astonish me if we started to get early Spring weather.
Polar Vortexes, massive snowstorm after massive snowstorm.... I like the change of seasons like the next gal but I would not mind if next Winter took a year off the next time around.
I'm tired of Uggs...it's time to start wearing Manolos again!

I saw this on Pinterest and instantly felt giddy.  Ever have one of those days that just makes you feel less than (put noun here)? Well me too. Some days it's other people, some days it's your health, others it's just being a girl...I try to not let the blues take up residence in my head for too long.  Some powerful words of encouragement always do the trick. Fortunately for me I have a great husband, a wonderful mom and friends to remind me how trivial these things that get me down can be.  And when I need a quick pick me up, I find motivating images and phrases to give me a little boost.  So far, this latest one may be my favorite.  I hope it makes you feel good too.

A new year to better ourselves, a new year to make and meet new goals.  A new year to try new things, create something beautiful and make new memories.  I'm kind of glad to see 2013 go, it had its challenges, though I am not new to those.  I have emerged stronger and wiser from this year.  I am not going to be gullible and think that 2014 will be without some downs.  I will look forward to the ups though.  I promise myself to remember to be grateful for what I have, things can change in an instant.  I promise myself to be content with the now, whatever it is I am doing in that moment and with what I have.  Life is precious and so many don't have the chance to enjoy it.  I promise myself to see the funny in everything I possibly can, and to try to see the silver lining among the darkness.

 I have off from work this week, so naturally it's flying. I'm hoping to cram in as much as possible during my free time.  Go to a restaurant I haven't been, see some friends, and one funny dude in particular. I'm talking about Ron Burgundy of course. James Marsden is in the movie to boot? The perfect way to end the year 2013 I say. Speaking of ending 2013, these are some of my Instagram shots and my nifty statigram video. It was easy as pie to have made. Statigram does it for you, emails it to your inbox and voila! Your moments captured in a cute little package. Check out mine here!  Make yours at Statigram.com too.

Today my mom turns another year older and though she is not a fan of aging, (I mean who is?) I have to say she is handling it quite well.  Don't ask her how old she is though, my mom is very "a lady never gives her age" and till this day lives by that.  She doesn't look her age though.  Even with the stress of life, and trust me we have had some doozies, people can't believe she has a grown (ahem...moi) daughter.

Of course she has those moments of "I should have done this" or "I wish I had done that" but she still has goals of crossing a lot of those things off her list. That's why I love her zest for life, how she demands nothing short of the best and how much she opens up her heart. She is my voice of reason, my go to person for life advice and my cheerleader.  What else could a daughter want?

Brooklyn, 1980

Almost another year gone and while scary, I try to think about what I can do to make sure my year was worthwhile.  Like go somewhere I really love or haven't been.  Make sure I Spend time with people I love.  Laugh a lot more and not to sweat the small stuff.

It has actually been quite a lovely week, I am trying to live in the moment, laugh as much as I can and reflect on all the good things in life.  I have a sense of peace and tranquility.  I got a nice little boost and feel like I've got a little extra sparkle in the reserve tank.  Not to say everything has been peaches and cream but for some reason I'm just going with it. Whatever it is.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week as well!

Image via Pinterest

Sometimes amidst a world of cruel people- it is quite difficult to live your life repaying with kindness.  People can leave you feeling disgusted, vindictive and hopeless.  However hard it can be, I struggle through and try to live my life loving my neighbors, turning the other cheek and forgiving continually.  I know there are still good people in the world.  People who help when there is a tragedy, people who show support to strangers when it is needed, people who have a love of animals and of the planet.  I know they exist...you hear about them, they are out there. With all that, it is still very hard to remind yourself of the kind people when all you hear about is the evil in them all the time.  Senseless violence, hate crimes and abuse leave you wondering how awful can people be? 
I believe strongly in you reap what you sow.  People will pay for what they do- one way or another.  So in the meantime, I am doing my best to try to focus on the good.

 

Image via Pinterest

Love Anthropolgie?  Wish you could adorn your home with all their vintage inspired quirky decor?  Me too.  Sometimes I bite the bullet and go for it, a lot of times they have great stuff on sale.  In the meantime though- you must check out Target's new line Threshold.  It's a less expensive version of Anthro, West Elm and Pottery Barn all smashed together.  A little bit of this and that.  Prices are still Target-like but details are quite impressive.  Target does it again- they are really on top of things!  P.S. though- some items are available online only and if they are glass and fragile you will pay a HEFTY shipping charge as I unfortunately learned.  (Two initial coffee mugs were going to run me $34 bucks in shipping...-no thanks).  So just be aware- check out all the home aisles carefully, you may find a gem among the spoil.

Nothing like a non-commitment purchase.  A trend is not something you want to spend a lot on.  On top of which Spring is pretty much non-existent these days.  Hello 2 weeks and then Summer?  So trying out new looks can be daring and a waste if you spend a lot and it will just sit in your closet.  Take it from someone who knows...(My friends and family benefit frequently from my shopping habit.)  So- if I were going to buy a few things to update my look this Spring season and keep it budget friendly- this is what I would buy...ahem:

February flew and I spent most of my time indoors partly because it was freezing and my poor lungs could not take it (asthma anyone?) and also partly because of many hours at work. But I did manage to do a little online shopping and a little night time sipping (wine please)!

These are my latest loves and finds...

It would be a little presumptuous to wear big florals and bright blooms just yet.  After all it is 28 degrees here in the North East today.  We are still flirting with snow showers and the wind chill is bitter.  However, before we know it - the time will be appropriate for dresses, maxis and jeans all in...

...wild, bold, seemingly fragrant blooms.  Here's what you will need:

I never thought I would love another gadget more than my IPhone, until I got an IPad that is.  Partly because there are apps that are only IPad friendly (Hello Anthro) and secondly because beautiful pictures are bigger and even more beautiful on my IPad.  My latest addiction (which is gaining on Pinterest) is a new app called Maven.  Did you ever want one central location for all of your favorite blogs, articles, and pictures? Well Maven not only shows me what it thinks I would like but creates a whole array of fashion yumminess for me to sink my teeth into.

It all starts with a few questions to get a feel for what you like and before You know it- You are in heaven.

Check it out on your IPad when you can, until then here is a sneak peek:







What's your Maven?

Xoxo
Michelle

So as much as I wanted to start 2013 with a bang, I sort of started it with a booo.... The Flu to be exact.  I am not going to let it get me down.  I spent a good five days down for the count and that's quite long enough.  So after days of continuous soup, all kinds of juice and tylenol, I was ready to open my eyes again and actually well- sit up.

I knew I was on the road to recovery when I finally checked my IPad  for my new Lucky Magazine and did some virtual window shopping. And in between tissues, this is what got me amped up and out of bed.  Bring on the up coming 2013 shopping season.

This is my kind of juice:




1. The bold wear with anything necklace    2. A new pair of Sunnies   3. The must have watch  4. The wedge sneaker is still hot   5. A bright pair of designer slingbacks   6. The itty bitty shoulder bag