Everyone listening? I have announcement that I’m so excited to be sharing with my blog readers! Remember how I was sitting on a big decision about a month ago? Well at the time I decided to say no, to just stay put and idle for a bit, but it seems like as soon I as made that decision, I was (fortunately) faced with a new opportunity to think about.

Well, the second time around was a bit easier of a decision, and a few weeks ago I accepted an offer for a new job at a social marketing agency in Boston. I could not be more thrilled about this opportunity! I gave my official notice last week, and after almost two years with this company, today will be my last day in the office. While I’m incredibly sad to say goodbye to my coworkers, I’m excited to start something new. I’m excited to be pushed, to be challenged, and to be in a role where I can continue to grow as a marketing professional.

There were a lot of really fab, awesome things about this job (including a super short commute), but I have a hunch that my new gig will be even better.

I’ll be sure to share an update with you earlier next week, but in the mean time: wish me luck, friends!

Earlier this month the boyf turned 27, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to buy him the perfect gift, no matter how early I happened to find it.  For reasons I just can’t seem to understand, he’s been wanting to join a boxing club, or at the very least, take a few boxing lessons for as long as I can remember. So months and months ago when a LivingSocial deal popped up offering one month of unlimited boxing at the Ring Boxing Club down the road, I knew I had to snag it for him. We already had Christmas gifts settled, and decided a nice dinner out together would be best for a shared Valentine’s gift, so the next appropriate celebration was his birthday.

He was, thrilled.

I had no doubt that he’d love the gift itself, but what I loved most was the chance to gift wrap. I’ve been finding lots of inspiration in beautiful packaging lately, my absolute favorite blog being Oh, Hello Friend. I love the way most of her images use Kraft paper and often layer things like lace and ribbon and fabric and paper. And she has a brilliant way of incorporating natural materials like robe and yarn.

Check out some looks that inspired me:

Images on Pinterest here, here, here, here, here and here.

Since I pretty much wore out the all metallic look at Christmas with my gold wrapping paper, I was excited to try out this more organic look with Kraft paper, blue gauze ribbon and a layer of gold rope. A quick trip to Paper Source and I was ready.

I definitely had fun picking out the paper, gauze ribbon and cord, but am less happy with the final product than I had hoped. Oh well, you live and you learn. Next time I’ll be sure to pick out more texture, and to fill more of the space with fun labels and accessories. What are some of your favorite ways to wrap gifts?

Despite the spring like temps and bright sun, Boston has been pretty… dark lately. Tuesday evening there was a major transformer fire in the middle of one of Boston’s busiest commercial areas. Dark toxic smoke poured through the city streets for hours and as a result of the fire, power was lost in a number of surrounding neighborhoods, leaving over 20,000 without power in Back Bay, the South End and Kenmore. That’s a whole lot of businesses – hotels, restaurants, stores, offices – and homes left without power.

Fortunately, my office building (which only lost power for about 12 hours) reopened this morning and we returned to business as usual. But the streets and blocks all around us still remain lights out. Over 24 hours later.

That’s a shot of the Prudential Center on my walk home from work tonight. If the photo looks familiar, it’s probably because I’ve shared a few photos of Boston at dusk from the same vantage point.

Only difference is that tonight the view’s as dark as can be. Looks a little eerie, no?

As if the unseasonably warm temperatures and abundant sunshine weren’t enough to convince me that spring may in fact be upon us now, I went ahead and painted my nails with a warm (not pale), yellow nail polish.

It has literally been hot the past two days in Boston (like need to walk on the shady side of the street hot), so I threw open the apartment windows, broke out my new sunnies and spring jacket, and painted my nails The “It” Color by OPI in an attempt to embrace the change. I’ve been loving the look of yellow nail polish on other people lately, so as the sun came out, on when the polish, and guess what: I’m in love.

And here are a few of the looks with yellow nail polish that I’ve been loving on Pinterest.

Yellow nail polish photos on Pinterest here, here, here and here.

Yup, I’m in love. At least with the yellow nail polish. The warm weather has been nice, but I’m not so sure I’m ready to say goodbye to winter.  There’s no telling whether this warmth is here to stay, but if it is, I have to admit I’m a bit sad that winter has come and gone. Fortunately I was able to pull off a number of amazing weekends at Sugarloaf and one hell of a ski trip to Utah, but I’d selfishly like to squeeze in a few more days of skiing before spring is here to stay.

What about you? Are you pumped to welcome spring or sad to see winter go?

Sometimes, a meal like this just feels right, doesn’t it? French toast, fresh berries and a cold beer.

No, I’m not drinking a beer before work on a Monday. This is what the boyf and I whipped up for dinner last night. It was a long weekend for both of us, he was exhausted, I was sick and we were both seriously craving breakfast for dinner. We were out of eggs but a quick run across the street and we were ready for french toast with fresh berries. And a beer on the side, of course.

How often do you make dinner for breakfast? I feel like a lot of people will turn to eggs for dinner when in need of some good comfort food, but how many of you make things like french toast, or pancakes?

Sometimes it just so hits the spot. Especially on a Sunday.

This weekend I traveled to New York City with three of my best friends to join the soon to be bride at her first wedding dress appointment. Although we spent both nights at her condo in Connecticut, we certainly got our fill of New York during our day trip into the city on Saturday.

After a girl’s night in on Friday – complete with take out and wine, nail polish and tabloids, and a chick flick and cuddles on the couch – we woke up early on Saturday and drove straight to the train station in Fairfield. Once in the city we were all business. We made endless coffee shop stops, popped into a number of stores for some shopping, and most importantly we ushered the soon to be bride to her very first dress appointment.

I may be biased but my dearest best friend looked drop, dead, gorgeous. In every, single, dress. Her consultant Jill (who was also her college roommate) did an amazing job pulling dresses that fit the soon to be bride’s shape, and shared such a wide variety of styles so that she could really get a sense of all the possibilities.

Simply put, the experience at Kleinfeld Bridal was ah-mazing. I’ve been in a number of bridal stores (during my sister’s wedding dress search), but Kleinfeld Bridal is like no other. The dresses were absolutely jaw dropping (obviously), the atmosphere was stunning, and the consultants were, well… just like they are on the show! No Randy sighting, but between all of the other consultants and the lingering camera crew, we felt like we had our fair share of ‘celebrity’ sightings.

Following the dress appointment we met up with a few more girlfriends for a delicious brunch at Markt Restaurant on 6th Ave. Finding a wedding dress at Kleinfeld Bridal definitely deserves a celebration with your friends. Or at least we thought so. Mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys, yes please.

When we were beyond full and buzzed from brunch, we jumped on the train and went back to Connecticut for another night of chick flicks and vino and Thai takeout before all parting ways this morning. What a weekend we had. Road trips and girlfriends and a day in the city might just be my new favorite remedy for a stressed out head and heart.

Enough from me, what’d you all do this weekend? Send me a link to your weekend recap!

This morning I’m heading into New York City with three of my best girlfriends to do a little wedding dress shopping at Kleinfeld! No, not for me. For my long time best friend who was proposed to this summer. I’m so honored to be a part of her wedding, and dress shopping at Kleinfeld is one heck of a way to kick off our wedding party responsibilities.

I haven’t been to New York since July when I visited Ashley in Brooklyn, and boy, am I excited to be back. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend planned!

Last month I finally accepted the fact that I was in desperate need of a clothing cleanse, and decide to clean out my closets and dressers. Since then, I’ve tried, (I’ve really, really tried) to be more critical of my clothes and to refrain from constantly shopping. If I haven’t worn it over 6 months, I probably don’t need to keep it, and if I see something in the store that I like, I don’t have to buy it.

I’ve also started to re-imagine some of my favorite pieces. I definitely have my go to tops, my favorite sweaters and my always perfect little black dresses, but more often than not I re-wear those pieces the exact – same – way. Boring, and routine. I know. So this season, I’m going to make a serious effort to begin wearing my all time favorite pieces, in new ways. I’m not talking about anything crazy, but since I now have less options to turn to in my closet, I’ll have to start wearing my most basic pieces more often.

Here’s a look at two basic blouses from H&M. Both are super cheaper and have tiny details that actually make them stand out (hello gold buttons).  Each outfit includes the basic white or cream blouse, but I think they’re made for different occasions and send off totally different vibes. For a casual Friday I’d pair a sleeveless cream blouse with my darkest skinny jeans, a (barely noticeable) snakeskin belt and nude flats. Composed, classy, and simple. For Saturday errands I’d take a similar top, but tuck it into bright or pastel color jeans. The jeans add an awesome pop of color and give the whole outfit a more relaxed look.

Tucked in Blouse by whitneyprior featuring five pocket pants

It’s the most basic piece of clothing a girl can own, but a light colored blouse will go a long, long way. I can see either of the tops above worn with your go to jeans or boyfriend jeans, a pencil skirt for work or a short, feminine circle skirt for a more flirty look. The possibilities are endless with basic blouse tops like these, so I hope you’ve stocked up on a few slightly unique styles. If the two steals from H&M don’t do it for you, here are a handful of equally gorgeous, and slightly more pricey options.

Top row: Joie Marru Top / Vince Silk Tank / Joie Mystic Blouse
Bottom row: Vince Placket Tunic / Vince Cowl Neck Sleeveless Blouse / DVF Karin Blouse

So I think you get it, I love me a basic white blouse. Love, love, love. Now who’s up for sharing their favorite piece of clothing, and showing me different ways you wear it?

Little side story for your Thursday afternoon. One time, in college, I bought a goldfish and it died less than a week later. I may or may not have killed it while trying to change it’s water in my dorm sink using a kitchen strainer and a large ladle. Just a few hours later poor Mr. Fish was belly up in a bowl.

What’s the point? Well, since that rather traumatic mothering experience, I’ve tried to stay clear of owning things that require attention. Things like pets, small children, and real plants. But I suppose this is growing up. Because I recently purchased a real, live, plant. One that is planted in real dirt, not glued into a plastic base. And one that requires a few essentials like sunlight, and water. Someone, please alert the press!

I’ve always loved the way greenery brightens a room, but until now have relied on fake, plastic plants. I have faux potted plants on our new desk, and a large faux tree in the corner of our dining area. Plants make a room come alive (quite literally) while still feeling cozy and rustic and I heard they even make you happier. Here’s a look at some amazing rooms that have totally gone green.

Photos on Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

So here goes my first venture into indoor plants. Assuming all goes well here, I can’t wait to start replacing my fake plants with more real guys! Anyone have tricks for keeping plants alive?

Let’s just say, that a 2 hour time change in the middle of the work week after a 5 day vacation filled with skiing in the Utah mountains, is not easy on the body. Or mind. After an incredible trip of hard skiing at Snowbird and Alta in Utah, I’m back to reality this morning. And it sucks.

So while I regroup and remember how to function as an adult in the real world, I’ll share with you some of my favorite Instagram pictures from the trip. Expect a real recap of my vacation another day. Maybe tomorrow.