Words to Live by

I just pinned this up on my bulletin board at work.

"So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.

If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself."

—The Art of War, Sun Tzu


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Bedroom, Take Two

Spent Sunday sprucing up our bedroom a little. New bright yellow lights and grey and white sheets from West Elm. I'm obsessed with that store. I would buy everything in there is I had a chance (I'm already eyeing a nice big square ottoman for our living room).

Totally cozy, right?

Sophia Coppola Blanc de Blancs

Good things comes in small packages, right?

Well, this must be a modern girl's best friend (besides diamonds, of course)—Sophia Coppola sparkling wine in mini cans (it comes with a straw) How cute isn't that?! And with tastes of pear, melon and honey suckle, it's yummy too!

I think I'm going to start carrying one of these in my handbag to help me get through rough days!

Sophia Blanc de Blancs Mini Cans, $20.00 for a pack of 4

Pretty Things: Alphabet Charms

A girl here at work have these little alphabet charms and I find myself admiring them every single day. And I just found out that they come in rose gold too. I can't decide which ones I would like the most. I'm thinking an R and a C for the two loves in my life, and maybe a little flower charm too.

Helen Ficalora @ helenficalora.com

I Heart Tie Blouses

I spotted this to-die-for sheer tie blouse from Quail in the February issue of InStyle last week. But of course, everyone else loved it too and it's sold out and won't be back in until mid-March. I just love that perfect peachy pink color—and how cute aren't those ties on the sleeves!

While I was out shopping on Saturday, I found an amazing alternative at Ann Taylor LOFT (and the price was pretty amazing too—after 30% off, it came to only $34.65!) That store has a year-round sale it seems, but I'm not complaining. I think this will be perfect for my client dinner on Thursday.

L/S Lucky Blouse, Quail, $130.00

Ann Taylor LOFT, Tie Blouse, $49.50 plus 30% off

Relaxing...

...with mom and dad in bed.

A Little Lady on the Go

It's amazing how fast Campbell is growing up. I think next weekend will have to be spent child proofing the house, she is now crawling all over the place. It's more of a snake like wiggle along the floor than a crawl, but she's pretty fast when she wants to.

We also discovered that tooth number two is coming in. Not another bottom tooth but one one the top. Her teeth are all lop sided—they are all coming in on her right-hand side...she's soon going to look like a little hill billy =)

Getting Organized

What a long and crazy week! Finally on my way home to start the weekend. Rumor has it, there's a cold bottle of champagne in the fridge waiting for me at home. That for sure makes things feel a little better =)

Stopped by Container Store today—I so want to redo my closet. I love these Elfa Platinum colored open shelves with the light birch accents. Picked up the planning guide, to see if I could make it work for my reach in closet. I think there's another project in the works...









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Good Stuff: For the Home

Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Rocker Armchair, $479.00 @ designwarehousesantafe.com

Club Chair Pool, $799.00 @ CB2.com

Pantone Tins, $22.00 each @ designwarehousesantafe.com

Union Jack Cushions, 43.25 GBP each @ pedlars.co.uk

Knitted Pouf, $79.95 @ CB2.com

First Aid Storage Box, $27.00 @ designwarehousesantafe.com

Tube Chair by Plant & Moss, 100.00 GBP @ pedlars.co.uk

Here are some of my current top picks from three of my favorite websites for home stuff. I tend to love modern mixed with old stuff, with a dose of quirky. Design Warehouse, CB2 and Pedlars have really amazing stuff.

Lucky

I love surprises, especially like the news of an early snow day closing of the office today. Hurray! On a 4:19 train home to pick up my lovebug. New InStyle magazine and an ice cold Diet Coke in hand...ahhh, the simple joys in life!

All set for a snowy night at home. A nice home-cooked dinner, tons of lit candles, a good bottle of wine and the down comforter. I'm dreaming of it already.

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What I'm Wearing

Finally got to wear the dress I picked up at Club Monaco—it's been way to cold to step out with just tights until today.

On a side note, this is such a versatile dress! I have tons of dresses that I wear tops two or three times a year, but this one I can throw on to head to work, client meetings, brunch with friends, even for a dinner date—there are no limits really. (Cost-per-use is totally acceptable!) Plus it's super comfortable. Almost like wearing sweat pants.

And I found this scarf at H&M for $9.95. Best bargain in a long time.

Dress—Club Monaco Scarf—H&M Tights—Spanx

Headband—J Crew

Brights from Burberry

These bright colored clutches from Burberry are just absolutely delish! I can't decide which new color is the most amazing—they all look like perfect little pieces of Jolly Rancher hard candy. One of these would be amazing for the summer—maybe with a white lace dress and nude strappy sandals.

Bridle Patent Clutch Bag with Strap, $1,095 at Burberry.com

Killer Heels

I have been wanting these puppies since the summer—and they have been sold out for months.

I just couldn't believe my luck when I found these at a Rock and Republic sample sale for 60% off, and they had my size. I think it was just meant to be.

Red suede platforms...I would say these would be perfect for Valentine's Day, even if I spend it at home in my PJs!

New from Hunter

Browsed around the Limelight Marketplace during lunch today. Wow, it's even more amazing than I first thought. Little wine bars, ice cream/cookie shops and one of a kind stores (there are a few brand stores too). The architecture is just amazing! If you are in Manhattan, you just have to stop by (20th Street and 6th Avenue).

Hunter Wellingtons have a store there and they just got new stuff in for spring. I had no idea they made all these different styles.

Top picks: The Summit Apres Ski Boots, $495.00, and the Watling Lace-up Full Knee Boot, $175.00, (I love the soft white, but I would put some cute red laces on them!)

Time to Let Go

Spent Sunday afternoon sorting through cabinets and throwing out tons of stuff. I wish we weren't so lazy and actually organized a garage sale (mostly because I simply hate waste)—we have so many duplicates! Who really needs two toasters and three coffeemakers? The pile of stuff to donate is taken over half the garage at this point.

Well, I was finally ready to stop being so sentimental and let go of one of my (useless) collections—Martha Stewart Living magazines from 2000-2005. Bye bye. All gone. Welcome spaciousness.

Do you guys have any secret totally useless collections taking up room? I'm dying to know!

Zero Degrees

Brrrrrr. Woke up to zero degrees Fahrenheit outside and no hot water. Can it get any worse?? Thank god I had this little ray of sunshine next to me in bed. Who wouldn't love waking up to that cute little face!?

Frugalista Fab

Just spotted these absolutely yummy heels for Spring. I adore both the red/orange and the black beige combo—I might just have to get both... I think these could be my perfect summer heels—and they are a bargain!

Nine West, Stylin Platform heels, $89.00 @ ninewest.com

Favorite Things: Clarins

Right now, I'm totally sold on all things Clarins. Rich bought me all these products for Christmas (I hope he was trying to send me a message!) and they are amazing. The Beauty Flash Balm is absolutely amazing, and the Gentle Foam Cleanser makes my face feel super clean. I'm yet to try out some of the other stuff, so maybe Saturday morning beauty day is in order... I'm hoping that on Monday I'll look at least ten years younger!

Get all their stuff at clarins.com and most department stores.

Winter Wonderland

This is what it looked like driving to the train station this morning. I love snow and there is another storm moving in for Tuesday! I just wish I was in my ski boots instead of in the city.

Nice Denim.

Perfect color. Perfect rise. Perfect fit.

Madewell Denim Midi Shorts in Tide Pool Wash=Perfect Summer (and Winter) Shorts, $59.00 @ madewell.com

Wise Words

J Crew for Spring

Some things are just not meant to be...at least for today. Spotted these two looks at J. Crew last night, and I decided that I love them so much that I would stop by the store on 5th Ave. today for some retail therapy. (Not that it's shorts weather anytime soon, but...) Plus, that Utilitarian jacket from Club Monaco has been a bee in my bonnet for the past week.

Well, just my luck, the J. Crew store on 5th was closed for renovations and the Club Monaco jacket ended up being a disappointment. Overall the style was pretty cute. Maybe a little bit too much wide for my taste, but the biggest downfall—the pockets that I thought was leather, were actually faux leather. I really wouldn't have minded paying the $300 for it, but for pleather!!

Treated myself to that cute looking dress that I saw last week. For the record, even if it was pricey for what it is—I still love it! I saw this really nice camel colored cashmere zip-up cardigan, but the $348.00 price tag did not agree with me...maybe it will go on sale soon =)

Golden Globes: Highs and Lows

I think I have managed to make my final picks for the Best and Worst at the Golden Globes this past weekend. Absolute favorite must have been Olivia Wilde in Marchesa. I'm in love with this sparkling creation. I just want to put it on and dance all night long.

TOP FIVE

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa. Delish.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé. Wa wa woom.

January Jones in Versace. Bringin' sexy back.

Jennifer Lawrence in Louis Vuitton. Heavenly ruffles.

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci. Picture perfect.

Beyond salvation...

Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood (I'm speechless. Plain madness.)

Julianne Moore in Lanvin (A wrinkly cheap hot mess)

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein (This is some weird flesh-colored sheath. Yuck.)

A Walk in the Park

Ended up going for a long walk at Caumsett nature preserve and stables instead of sledding yesterday. It was such an amazing day, just below freezing and sunny—not a cloud in the sky. All bundled up and with hot blueberry soup in the thermos, made for a surprisingly warm walk. Tons of people were out riding on the trails—maybe this summer I'll be back in the saddle again. I just have to find a good place to go riding on the north shore. And we managed to get some nice pictures too.

Tomorrow, the good, the bad and the ugly of the Golden Globes.

Good night kids!