Le Weekend

Ah, Monday. Even though today and this week will be a drag, I only have ONE week of classes left. Boy, am I glad for that! I'm also glad that in between stuffing my face, I got all of my assignments for the end of the semester done over Thanksgiving break. Nothing beats having a stress-free and relaxing weekend. 

My little glitter Christmas tree from Trader Joe's, 

A shopper on my trip to BJ's, who not just sang, but danced downed the aisle to a Jessica Simpson Christmas song.

A taste of New England: Lobster Rolls made from scratch and BBQ chips from Trader Joe's (so. good)

Marry You: the only song I like from Bruno Mars, which I actually heard first on Glee.

Finished A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, a must read for the travel lovers/Francophiles. 

Sunday Funday: Tea and the New York Times. A Sunday tradition.

One thing I noticed this weekend was how truly excited I am for the holidays. Is it possible for someone to love and loathe the holidays at the same time? That's been me in the past years, but for some reason, this year feels different. I can't wait to share my 12 days till Christmas posts with you next week! 

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun for the first holiday weekend?

My friend Gabriella

Everyone, say hello to my absolutely FABULOUS friend Gabriella. Gab and I go to school together and met last year in an awfully boring Philosophy class. From day one, I was kind of obsessed with her style; in a sea of sweats and slop, Gab's style stood out for being super chic, while also being laid back and school appropriate.

As we had more classes together, we got to become friends and realize we had quite a bit in common: a love of fashion, shopping, ASOS, and Blake Lively, amongst other things.

To pick just any one thing that I love about Gabriella's style is extremely difficult. So I will share my top three:

1. Splurge v. Save: 
Some of Gabriella's favorite stores to shop are ASOS, H&M, and Century 21, further proving looking great, doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. Which leads into the splurge...

2. Investment Pieces:  From a statement watch to a fabulous Chanel handbag, Gabriella invests in the classic, timeless pieces that, take her from season to season. 

(FYI: Her handbag collection makes me sick, especially her navy Balenciaga. Amaze.)

3. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!: Whether its a great scarf or a stack of bracelets, those little touches make an already perfect look, absolute perfection. 

[Top to bottom, L-R] Gab finishes off a simple day look for shopping, with a classic Chanel handbag. 
A gold statement watch serves as fashion and function.
 A classic coat and a chunky knit infinity scarf are paired with the season's best accessory: a Starbuck's red cup.

So there you have it! Up there with Alex Curran, and Hilary Duff, is my friend Gabriella, one of my style inspirations. Show Gab some love (or else...just kidding) and have a fantastic first weekend of the holiday season! 

Getting into the holiday swing of things...

The tree at Rockefeller Center is lit, and it is December 1st! I am officially allowing myself to get into the holiday spirit and fully embracing holiday decorations, movies, red cups, and music. What I will never embrace is this song. God help me and you if I have to hear that song.

Anyway.

I bought this sweater back in September awhile ago when the Gap was having a 40% off sale. I had fallen in love with a similar one in July from H&M (right before vacation), but I couldn't justify buying a sweater in the summer. Plus, the Gap one is MUCH nicer. 

I was obviously attracted to the sparkle, but in the back of my mind, I just knew it would be perfect for the holidays. I felt crazy buying such an item so early, but since it was on sale, and depleting in stock quickly, I bought it and kept it hidden until now. 

Even Ke$ha's jeal

I really can't wait for Christmas. For starters, other than Fleet Week and Fashion Week, Christmastime is one of the few times NYC is bearable for me, and that I actually enjoy being here. Add in time with family and friends, and loads of merriment, and you have my absolute favorite holiday.

So here's to enjoying all the most wonderful time of the year has to offer! 

The Green Smoothie

In a very strange way, the thing I look forward to most after the holidays, is the almost mandatory detox. What better time is there to recharge and cleanse? I am by no means hardcore about it, just no carbs, most dairy, sweets, wine, and, sigh, coffee for a few days. In its place, I eat lots of fruits and veggies, Red Mango, green tea, and the green smoothie.

I've only recently started drinking green smoothies, because I was hesitant as to how or what they would taste like. After much debate, I finally gave it a try, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! The combination of the fruit with the greens definitely helps it from tasting too green. Most importantly, I absolutely love how they work. Almost instantly I feel more energized, less bloated, and overall much healthier. 

My basis for my green smoothie is always spinach (for my green), ginger and the juice from one lime.  Once I have those in the blender, I'll add in any other fruits that I have on hand, that I think are beneficial to my body's needs at the time. For this particular smoothie, I added papaya (great for cleansing your system) and pineapple. Thrown into a fancy glass, you forget its good for you.

While I tend to drink it periodically, I think I may up my green smoothie intake as the cold and flu season draws near. Can't go wrong with all those extra antioxidants!

What do you do to recharge your body?