Weekend Links

 

Happy Friday!  What are you all up to this weekend?  Our winter weekends have started to fall in to the same routine, and I have to say that I'm loving it.  On Saturdays, I take the LM skiing while Gray stays home with Daddy, and on Sunday I take the boys with me to yoga (my gym has a great daycare) and then as a reward we do something super fun in the afternoon (like Legoland, or the movies, or an indoor playground.)  It's been working great for everyone, except my husband has been looking for something fun to do with them while still being able to recover from his surgery.  This weekend we are starting "donuts with dad," which means he is in charge of getting them out the door and to the Dunkin Donuts a few blocks away.   My goal is to stay in bed the entire time... let's see if that actually happens.  I'm really hoping this becomes a thing because, man, that would be awesome.

I hope whatever your plans are that you are able to get some time to relax in.  Here are a few fun links that caught my eye, all Sunday morning in bed approved!!! xoxo

15 reasons to visit Ikea in February. 

The ultimate guide for cleaning our your closet courtesy of Vogue. 

I've been thinking so much about "meaning" since reading this article.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Warby Parker's new Spring line is out!  I'm loving the gold!!!!!

Adorable yoga mats.  

A list of the top interior trends of 2015. 

I keep hearing about icing as being the new skin craze.  This is one that I can definitely get on board with since all it entails is taking a piece of ice, wrapping it in a cloth, and rubbing it all over your face in the morning.  Apparently, Kate Moss is a fan, which reason enough for me to give it a go.  Well, that and it's free!!!

When real life doesn't look like a lifestyle blog.  I took this one to heart and left the house without making beds today, which is something I NEVER do.  The world didn't fall apart and we made it to school on time without rushing.  Mind blown.

The debate is settled, the best way to load a dishwasher.  Done and done. 

I'm more than halfway though my 35th year of life, and this quote really resonated with me.  I have a tendency to dwell and sometimes I will still beat myself up for things I said or did in high school or college!  Lately, I've noticed I've been doing it so much less and sometimes not at all.  I can't even begin to tell you how good it feels to leave it all behind. s

Taco Bell?  I've always thought of Gwyneth as more of a Rubio's fish tacos kind of girl.  It's nice to see her acting a little more human.  Oh, and sweatpants for the win!

How to outsource your life.  I loved this is list and will never ever go to the post office again. 

The new trailer for the next installment of House of Cards is out and I can hardly make it though without rewinding.  I'm SO excited, the whole "we're survivors" part gives me head to toe chills.  Netflix... there are no words for how much I love you. 

Finally, I'm really taking a break from shopping again this year, but I have been desperate need of some new white jeans, given that my old paid were pretty much yellow from so much wear.  I ordered these and could not be happier.  They are freakishly soft and the cut is perfection.  If you are on the hunt, look no further!

(Photo via this site)

Just The Tip.

It's been over a year now, since I died my hair platinum blonde and I have to say... I still LOVE it.  Like, love it.  Love with every fiber of my being.  I keep telling my girlfriend, it's like it was always meant to be this way, I'm never changing it!  Also, I'm still very content with my mid length hair.  I find it completely shocking that right now I have no desire to cut or grow it, and for someone who is never content with their hair, this is a good thing.  

Or is it?  

See, I've started to realize something about myself.  When we are in the throws of winter, I get restless.  I start needing to do something big.  Anything just to get excited.  A change is always needed.  My hair is usually the thing that gets changed, mostly because it's not that expensive, it's semi permanent, and well, it's just hair, but thinking back this is also when I started to dream of tattoos, re upholstery jobs, and tile.  Winter is cold and dark and it's so long. Yes, there are about a million things that we are so blessed with, but that doesn't make it any warmer or light any longer. 

I need to do something. 

I 've figured out what that something is.

I think I'm going to die my hair pink on Tuesday.  (gasp)

But not all my hair, just the tip.  Not even the whole tip, maybe just a few pieces painted on around the ends.  Kind of like ombre, but not that aggressive. 

Part of me (a big part) thinks this is a terrible idea.  I'm a 35 year old mother of two.  As much as I want to be Nicole Ritchie, I am not.  

BUT...

The other part of me is like, "why not."  It's just hair.  It won't be that crazy.  I'm already a little weird, and by the time fall rolls around I can just chop off the ends and be done with it.  Plus, my little sister said she would have no problem with me having in her wedding. 

Tuesday, I'm going in for my regular all over dye job and I'm going to see what my guy thinks.  For inspiration I'm bringing in these pictures of the lovely Caroline Ventura.  She did pink in a way that pink should always be done; subtle and beautiful.  I love the way it looks in this top photo.  That is exactly what my cut looks like, which makes me think this is a great idea.  

If my guy thinks he can do it, I'm going for it.  My husband and kids are only halfway on board, which makes me a little nervous.  It is possible that I'll chicken out, but I'm already obsessively thinking about it which means it's probably going to happen. 

You will be the first I tell.

If you want to weigh in, in the comments section I would love to hear what you think.  Do it!!!!!! is also welcome. 

You know there are going to be some pictures to follow. 

Do or Don't: Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses?

 Friday is my 11th wedding anniversary, which seems so strange to me because it feels like it was just yesterday and a lifetime ago, all at the same time.  In the scheme of things, 11 years isn't really that long, but it's hard to remember what life was like before my husband.  I've mentioned here before that we got married in Hawaii, in a VERY low key wedding (think Mai Tais, hula dancers, and flip flops) and admittedly, at the time I didn't realize how perfect the wedding was for us as a couple.  Now, more than a decade later, if I had to do it all over again there is little I'd change, and I feel like that in and of itself is pretty telling.  Our wedding was the beginning of our life together, and it was definitely a great way to kick things off, barefoot and on the beach. 

Lately, I've had a lot of time to think about our wedding since I'm in the midst of helping my little sister plan hers.  10 years ago there was no Pinterest, no wedding blogs, no tutorials on how to throw the perfect wedding, there was just The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, and your imagination.  Some would say that it was probably easier without so much information, and your guest's expectations were certainly lower, but I have to say I'm really enjoying the process the second time around, and as an old married lady, I'm loving any excuse to comb wedding websites without looking like a crazy lady. 

I told my sister from the beginning, there are two, and only two, things that I would have absolutely done differently that day.  The first was to hire a "real" photographer, and the second was my dress.  As far as the photographer goes, I have only myself to blame for that one.  I was planning a wedding 6000 miles away from our destination, and I took the first person who was recommended to me.  He came for the ceremony, snapped a few pictures, and sent me an album of about 30 of them a month later.  There were no digital files, no pictures capturing the essence of the day, and really there were very few that even had us looking anywhere near the camera.  This used to bother me tremendously, but over time I've realized that you rarely look at your wedding pictures, but still, it would be nice to be able to have one or two around the house.  Such is life. My sister headed my warning and hired a great photographer. Yes, they don't come cheap, but 10 years later I can guarantee she will be happy she did. 

As far as the dress goes, I don't really know what happened there.  We were on a tight budget and lived far away from our family.  I knew there wasn't going to be a designer gown, nor would there be some big event where I tried on dresses in front of my bridal party, so I pretty much did what you should never do... I settled.  One day after class, I went to a store that sold prom dresses and inexpensive wedding dresses, and I found one I loved that would have been $500 (a knock off of Carolyn Bessette's to be precise.)  I thought that was way to much to spend, and as I was leaving I saw a white one on the rack that was marked down to $55 dollars that fit me perfectly.  I figured I was getting married on the beach, and it was white, so whatever, it would work.  "Whatever" is never how you should feel about a wedding dress!  To this day I still kick myself and while I'm not saying you should spend a year's salary, you should definitely love your dress.  After telling this story to my sister about a dozen times we went in search of dresses and luckily found one  that she LOVES, that was also well within her budget.  It doesn't need to be expensive but you do have to love it.  I actually tossed my dress in the trash when we returned from our wedding and that was pretty much my favorite part of owning it.  (No, I'm not bitter at all.)  We had a running joke that while my sister was trying on dresses that I was only allowed to try on three just to help re-create the moment I missed all those years ago, but I'm happy to report I only tried on one veil.  Proof that I have restraint!

Had I tried on dresses, I can definitely say it would have been something non-traditional.  Every where we went there was a sea of white and tulle, and it was those few that were, gold, blush, or yellow that really stood out to me.  It got me thinking that maybe it wasn't my dress I hated but just that fact that it was a predictable white dress?  I see my friend's pictures, where they look stunning in their white gowns, and I always wonder how I would have looked, but if I were getting married tomorrow, I definitely think I would go for something a little unexpected.  I feel like if you want to go the non-traditional route, your best bet is to go for a classic shape in a pastel, or a non-traditional shape, like the jumper below, but in white.  That way it's a little unexpected but not something you will regret down the road.

What do you all think? Is a wedding the right place to try to be fashion forward, or do you think you would end up regretting it down the road?  In the end you obviously go with what you love at the time, but I wonder how many of you would change things up if you had it to do all over again?  Do tell!

The Turtleneck.

 What are your feelings on turtlenecks?  I used to loathe them.  Like hate with a capitol H.  I would leave the house wearing one, and by the time I got to drop off I would be pulling at my neck like I was being strangled.  I don't know, I just found them to be so suffocating, and even the thought of having something skin tight around my neck made me claustrophobic.  

A few weeks back I saw a girl wearing this vest/ turtleneck hybrid over a flannel shirt, and I picked one up for myself.  Ever since, I have been wearing it every.single.day.  Seriously.  Over gym clothes, over sweaters, over other turtlenecks, and even for a recent girls night out, over a button down with leather pants.  I swear, on these colder days, I almost feel naked without something on my neck now.  As much as I try to remember, I always seem to leave my scarfs at home, and I've been really enjoying not freezing all day long (novel concept I know.)  Of course, I'm now obsessed and have been scouring sales on the net to add to my modest collection.  Below are a few of my favorites.  

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Am I crazy, are turtlenecks really just so chic, or I have I finally been brainwashed by the crazy New England Winters? 

P.S. Bonus points will always go for the girl with the hair tucked IN to the turtleneck. 

P.P.S. Same goes for a necklace over, see second to the last image. 

YM 2014 Gift Guide: For Him

Husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers... I always feel like they are the hardest people to shop for each year.   Most of the men in my life either want nothing, or instead they want something super precise.  For years, my father bought his own gifts from all of us, usually for a specific sport he was in to, and when it came to my husband, I would grab him a few things that I thought he would love, only to end up returning 90% of them because I somehow missed the mark.  Over time I fell like I've gotten a little more tuned in to what each of them like, and for the past few years I have to say I've done pretty well with the acceptance/ return ratio.   For those of you who are still looking for the perfect gift for the man in your life, here are a few ideas to help you finish off your list.  Most of these are things my husband loves so if your man is having you send these back... blame him ;).

For the bearded man in your life, a little oil to help him keep his fur nice and soft. ($15-25 ) The bonus is that it makes him smell like he just got done chopping wood in the forest.  (Um, yeah, my husband is never allowed to shave his beard.  Ever.)  Funny enough there is a new phrase out there for all these men who are looking a little more "outdoorsy" these days.  Enter the lumbersexual. Le swoon. 

Beer seems to be back, and in a big way.  I feel like every day there is a new craft brewery popping up on every corner, and as my closest friends know, I much prefer a cold beer, to any other alcoholic beverage there is. The key word is cold, and let me tell you, my husband and I take this very seriously.  We have a little ritual around here of having one beer a night, and we are constantly remind each other to put them in the freezer right around the time the boys go to bed. When one of us forgets (me) it becomes the sigh heard around the neighborhood.  These little ice cubes which keep your beverage cold from beginning to end would be the perfect gift for the beer drinker in your life. ($25 for two). I think we both need to make sure we ask Santa for these this year. 

I got my husband this flannel, which comes with a built in down layer, for his birthday this year, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't taken it off since.  Seriously, I have to sneak it away to wash it.  He is constantly raving about how it is just the most perfect layer on cold days, and great on warmer days on it's own.  It's stylish enough that I let him wear it out to dinner (I mean, it does go with the beard) but also comfortable for just lounging around the house.  ($170)

This iPad stand is absolutely perfect for the techie man on your list.  A perfect fusion of function and form,  great for home or office. ($50)

I absolutely love these buffalo check pajamas, which are perfect for pretty much any man on your list.  I'm pretty sure this is just about the last thing they would buy for themselves, but you know they will wear them every day.  Bonus points go to those who can snap a picture with multiple generations wearing them on Christmas or New Years day. ($50 with 30% off with code GIVETHIS)

Both the LM and my husband are obsessed with these socks by Stance. They come in just about as many patterns and colors as you can image, and add just a little something to whatever they are wearing that day.  I prefer the super wild ones, but they make more conservative ones as well.  Made of super soft material, these would make a great stocking stuffer. ($12)

This one is a no brainer for me, since all the men in my life are surfers, but I have to admit I too love this bi-monthly, reader supported magazine.  This would be great for any of the adventurers on your list, and the covers are always so stunning, you won't even mind when he leaves them all around the house. (Please tell me that my husband isn't the only one who does this?) ($15 for single issue, $66 for a subscription)

I know, I know, I include a T-shirt from one of my favorite stores, Saturdays NYC, on my list every year, but I just can't help it... they are just so cool. Every time I'm in the city, I pick up one for my husband, and they are always the ones he loves the most.  This year I'm loving this cool print which would be great under a flannel, a blazer, or on its own. ($40)

I feel like every man needs a great pair of slippers, and these hard soled ones can actually be worn out of the house on the morning dog walk or coffee/paper run.  Again, something he probably wouldn't buy for himself, but you know he will love. ($110)

This is what my husband is getting this year, and let me tell you, the kid could not be more excited. For any surfers in your life, this is pretty much the coolest gift you can give.  It's basically a fit bit for the ocean, telling the user everything they need to know from their session.  Things like how many waves they caught, how long they rode, how many miles they paddled, and it hooks up to an iPhone to give more specific details and even a GPS tracker of all the waves they rode.  Forget the iWatch, this is where it's at. ($400)

Finally, for the man on your list who loves raunchy comedy, this series from Comedy Central is pretty much the funniest thing we've ever seen.  Seriously, I've never laughed so hard.  Seasons 1-3 are available on DVD or streaming, and trust me, he will love it.  Caution, this is some R-rated material, just be ready. ($15)

YM Gift Guide 2014: For Her.

 Admittedly, this list should probably be titled "my favorite things, and everything else I really, really, really, want" but I happen to think that there are more than a few ladies who would also feel the same way, so below you will find my picks for the lovely females in your life.  All sure to bring lots of oohs, ahhs, hugs, and gratitude. 

My girlfriend turned me on to this incredible lingerie line, and had been raving about this bra for months before I decided to get one for myself.  Once I got mine, I could see why, and immediately ordered another.  As far as bras go, it is just about the most comfortable thing ever, and it has just the right touch of sex appeal, which when you consider there is no push up, clasp, or under wire makes it all the more impressive.  Whether it's for your sister, mother, or girlfriend, whoever receives this gift will be one happy lady. ($76-84)

It turns out that I have been a very good girl this year, and a little elf (me) spent the better part of a week tracking down one of these hard to get bags, so Christmas morning is going to be very exciting in my house!  Every website keeps saying these is going to be a big release again in December, so if you are looking for an incredible gift for one lucky lady, this is it.  You can keep your jewelry, my heart will always lie in fine leather goods. ($460)

For under 100 dollars, there is no better gift out there for a glasses wearer than a gift card to Warby Parker.  Who doesn't love a new pair of specs, and this is one way to get her to think of you every day of the year.  ($98, includes frames, prescription, anti-glare, and anti-scratch.)  Bonus, each gift card purchase comes with their new book!

I keep seeing this coat everywhere, and I have to say I'm in love. The wool, the faux fur hood, the over sized length... perfect all around.  I'm pretty sure that any lady who lives in a cold weather climate would be more than happy to find this under her tree. ($365 and %30 percent off with code MerryMerry)

Speaking of cold, a friend of mine owns this amazing knitwear company, and I pretty much am obsessed with it all, the turban especially.  Her pieces are incredibly made, and beyond stylish. (from $75)

I picked up these shoes earlier this year after blowing out my old ones, sort of on a whim, and I have to say I will never go back to a traditional running shoes.  These are perfect for the gym rat friend on you list, as they are designed for people whose main workout is done inside a gym.  While you can run in them, they are really for the boot camp, spin, zumba, etc... crowd, and I have to say they really do make a difference in your workout.  Unlike a traditional shoe, these are almost like aqua socks on the inside, with a light casing on the outside.  They are breathable, allow you to better grip the ground, and weigh next to nothing.  In short, they are awesome. ($100)

For the working girl on your list, I absolutely love this glam pencil set.  A chic way to dress up any office and to help her start the new year a little more organized than the last. ($48)

If I had a favorite thing on this list, these pajamas would be it.  Soft, flirty, and oh so comfortable, these are what I plan to wear to bed for the rest of my life.  ($55 and %30 percent off with code Merriest)

 If you are looking to give a gift that is pure luxury this year, this brush is it.   Year, after year, I see this brush on every one's list of "must have" beauty products, but I have never been able to justify the cost for myself.   For those of you looking to really spoil someone, look no further than this iconic hairbrush. ($90-200)

For the fashionista on your list, this coffee table book featuring over 100 photographs from Mario Testino of Kate Moss, spanning decades, would be the most incredible gift.   I missed the showing of this at the MFA when it was in town, and I regret it to this day.  Here is the perfect way to gift a little piece of fashion history.  ($40)

Okay, so this one is probably more of a dream present for just about anyone, but I had to include them because to this day these Valentino flats are pretty much the best material gift I have ever received.  My incredible, and generous girlfriends, gifted me a pair of these in peacock blue for my birthday last year, and I have surprised even myself at the amount of times that I've worn them.  They are beyond stylish, so comfortable, and really do go with almost everything.  Most days, I can barely make it out of the house without receiving a complement while wearing them, and if you are looking for a gift with a real wow factor, look no further. ($650-795 depending on color and finish)

Finally, what girl doesn't love a great watch? This rose gold one is perfect for layering, and is casual enough for everyday wear.  Perfect for those on your list who are always running a little late.  You know who you are!  ($175)