Best Foot Forward

Happy Monday! It's back to reality after a fun weekend. I've been anticipating this day for a while, because it's my first day on the unit as a critical care nurse after a very long orientation. Nerves are setting in, but i'm determined to put my best foot forward! I wish I could wear these cute flats to work...I'm pretty sure my feet would hate me for it, though!


shoes left to right: Target, Juicy Couture, Anne Klein, Ann Taylor

this and that

bright colored post-its that make my to-do lists a little less daunting

This week flew by, and it felt very productive. I was able to consolidate my scattered to-do lists and scratch a lot of things off of them. There's always an on-going list in my phone and the rest manifests itself in the form of scattered post-its all over my desk. This week's list was filled with lots of little odds and ends, but it still felt therapeutic to physically scratch them off and be done- sent my favorite pair of boots to the cobbler, purged my closet of heavy winter garments (i may have jinxed myself here), found my missing ipod headphones, wrote a few thank you cards, and the list goes on. Here's to hoping this weekend brings more leisure and less list making. Pictured are some snippets of my week.

3pm pick me up

unexpected snowfall that didn't wear out its welcome 

geometric wallpaper, so 80's and so loving it

A Simple Luxury

(left-right: bubble bath, privacy please, suzi sells sushi by the sea shore, passion, it's a girl)

Correctly applied nail polish is a subtle reflection of the chic wearer. It's a simple luxury that garners a small sense of control in an otherwise chaotic world. When i’m wearing nail polish there is order in my universe (or at least that’s how I feel). In vulnerable economic times, foregoing a professional manicure to save money is a no-brainer. Nail polish sales have skyrocketed in the past few years, and manufactures have been responding to the growing industry with innovative nail art products as well as edgier colors like crackle and magnetic polish.  However, as spring approaches, I will be going back to basic and opting for more subdued pink and nude tones (pictured above) in contrast to the bold colors that frequently graced my nails this winter. I can guarantee you, though, that my “subdued” phase won’t last long. I’m always falling in love with a new shade. 

Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

only four ingredients

I love rice krispie treats not only for their ooey gooey goodness, but also for the fact that I always manage to justify eating them. My thought process goes something like this, “Its just cereal. How bad can it be? It’s like I’m eating breakfast.” And that’s what I will keep telling myself, because this particular recipe is just too good to pass up.

A Horse of a Different Color

I love the Brits for their quirks. Quirks like that stiff upper lip, gossip over the garden fence, obsession with the royals, and driving on the left.  I love them for their bangers and mash, real ale, and high tea. I love them for their wool, plaid and tweed. And lastly, I love them for their scenic landscapes. Just a short walk from my place is a quiet alcove with a stream and a stone wall that reminds me of the charming British countryside. I’m planning to visit Britain this summer, but until then my hidden nook will do just bloody fine.

Blazer: Talbots, Blouse: H&M, Pants: J. Crew, Purse: Ralph Lauren (old)

Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I had some (very) ripe bananas lying around. The thought of using them to bake the quintessential banana bread less than thrilled me. Instead, I found this Martha Stewart recipe. I've never been a big fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, but when I swapped the raisins for chocolate chunks and added some banana I was sold!

this and that

This week I managed to have a few days off. It was one of those weeks that was supposed to be really relaxing but turned out to be even busier than a typical work week. Here are some things that kept me smiling.

valentine's roses a week and a half later and still thriving

a very rare sleepy (and calm) moment

peanut butter cups, enough said.

shamrock garland-a wise target purchase, and a sign that one of my favorite holidays is on the horizon.