cozy reading nook

Maybe it's because is freezing in my office, or because I was awake until 2am after drinking my first coffee in two months at four in the afternoon yesterday. Such a bad idea!

Maybe it's because, even though it was beautiful when I came to work, it is now drizzling and dark.

socks, sweater, top, mug, scarf, book

Whatever the cause, I am feeling a little down and a little sleepy today.

I really just want to be someplace warm and cozy, snuggly, with some tea and reading a good book.

Don't you?

Right now I am reading The Child in Time by Ian McEwan, who you may know, also wrote Atonement. I love the way he writes. He's very wordy and a little dry, but I like that. He really gets into the psychology of the characters, too, which I love. His characters are so believable and alive.

I would much rather be in my room at home curled up with my book.

Alas, c'est la vie. I had a long weekend which I enjoyed very much, so I should just be happy with that, no? :)

-A.

what to wear while exploring

 This crazy winter weather we've been having in New York this week is making me stir crazy for summer. Especially summer in Maine. Summers exploring the countryside were the tops. It's been a while since I've got to go exploring like that and winter is not the right time of year for it, anyhow.

At least I haven't had poison ivy in recent years. That is a horrible possible side effect of exploration and last time I had it, we were legit worried I could lose my foot (no lie! I had to go to the hospital and everything).

Our vacation spot in the DR is right next door to a national park. I'm not sure if we'll be able to get into it, but I'm hoping we'll get to do some exploring outside of the resort and really hoping some of that could be in the jungle! (The truth is, neither of us is sure what to expect yet.)

one, two, three, four, five, six

When exploring, comfy clothes are a must, of course, along with good sturdy sneaks or hikers and a backpack for snacks, water, insect repellant and if you like to climb rocks and trees, probably a first aid kit! :) I love climbing on things, but I'm super clumsy.

I posted about this little backpack before. I just received it last week and I LOVE it. It'll be perfect for carrying around my camera since my camera backpack is in Maine, and is also pretty big for taking on little excursions. I like having a backpack more than a purse. It's way more practical and easier on my shoulders. I'm thinking about eventually getting this pack in different colors, since they have a million!

All of the above are examples of similar things I'll be bringing along for our trip. Luckily I've already got these things so I don't have to spend more money buying new stuff :)

Peace,
-A.

carried away

Big news you guys! Last week Tom and I booked a vacation in the Dominican Republic! We found a very reasonable deal on Groupon Getaways, so I'll let you know how that turns out. . . . We're a little apprehensive about what hidden fees might be lying in wait for us, but even if, it was still too good to pass up. Our flight, our room, our meals and all of our drinks were included for six nights!

I already made a mental list of all the things I'll need (and somethings I don't) and set out to acquire them.

So far, I've acquired a few dresses, a little backpack and sandals (the latter two I did not have before, so that's pretty legit, right? ...I know, I know. I didn't have SANDALS. There's something wrong with me).

flamingo, dress, bag, sandal, beach

Anyway.

Our vacation isn't until May . . . and yes, I'm probably [definitely] getting ahead of myself.

But you can't blame me! I've never ever been on a beach vacation before (in fact, I've never been to a beach where the water is warm!). And the closest I've ever been to a tropical paradise was Disney World. . . . And, I get to go with my guy! Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Oh, and the only time I have ever used my passport was when I was 16. I've only been to Canada (many, many times) and France (once). I'm pumped to get a new stamp in my passport. Even though, I have to get a new passport later this year.

It's the idea of the stamp, more than the stamp itself, right?

The pictures above are of Dominicus Beach, where our resort is! Isn't it beautiful? I've been trying to research things to do but it's been tough to find anything that won't cost a fortune. Luckily, Tom is fluent in Spanish so it won't be difficult to communicate with staff and locals and find out what's really neat in the area.

Anyone else been to the DR? Have any suggestions? We'll be just 20 minutes out of La Romana!

-A.

ruche love & december outfits

I've said it before (maybe) and I'll say it again: I am not a wealthy girl. But hey, I live in New York City, so I'm doing okay. I just have to find alternative (and free) ways to get my kicks. Sometimes I get mine window shopping.

I window shop on Ruche quite frequently. I already think about one day having cause to purchase one of their really lovely and affordable wedding gowns. That's a long way off, though, of course :) but a girl came dream...

Their day-to-day stuff is equally as magnificent though, which is why I love them so much! Here are two outfits I picked out with items I found exclusively at Ruche! And here they are:

Clockwise, from top right: necklace, purse, skirt, shoes, top

I am dying to add that plaid skirt to my wardrobe. I recently became aware of how excellent midi skirts are. Mini skirts are great. Maxi skirts are lovely. But midi skirts are the tops.

Clockwise from top right: clutch, earrings, dress, shoes, shawl

And, I never thought I'd have a place in my heart for faux fur, but I also just really, really adore the Paddington shawl. It just looks so classy and soft and comfy and warm and . . . well, you get the idea.

I can imagine wearing the second outfit to a really fancy dinner or a really fancy show, after having worn the first outfit during the day, visiting bookstores and holiday markets and drinking coffee and eating scones.

Mmm... scones.

What's your favorite shop at which to gaze longingly through the window (or computer screen)?

-A.

six more etsy shops to love...

Here are six more Etsy shops to fall in love with. I think the one I'm most excited about is number 4. These coats look lovely and they're very reasonably priced. Unlike the metal stag head. Not to say it's overpriced--you can't put a price on art--but $6500 is just a smidge out of my price range. 

1. Dolan Geiman 2. Foxberry Hill 3. Leanimal 4. Luckystore829 5. Marry G Knit & Crochet 6. Old Box

It's still pretty cool though . . . and it's always fun to look! 

Peace & love, 

-A. 

gift ideas: online shopping

1. cast iron barn owl 2. carnivorous creations dome terrarium kit 3. owl planter 4. green peony burlap wreath 5. Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar

Christmas can be a stressful time for me. Isn't it for everyone? Holidays are tough! There is so much to be done, and you're under so much pressure to also appear to be enjoying yourself while you do it.

For me the stressor is trying to find an affordable gift for everyone that they will actually enjoy. I'm REALLY good at picking out gifts for myself (I can't be the only one!) but I am awful at picking out gifts for others. I think and think about it all year but I have trouble getting into the minds of others to come up with something they might want, without them just straight up telling me.

So this year, I'm starting a little early. Like, right now. I already picked up one thing for my niece. Here a few gift ideas I've come up with for my other loved ones. And I still couldn't help myself when it came to picking out those owls! Even though in our family, owls are my thing.

Loved ones take note, these are not your actual gifts! Just preliminary ideas ;) No spoilers.

Where do you turn for gift inspiration?

Peace & love, 

-A. 

six etsy shops to love

My day job leaves me with a lot of free time between tasks which is great most of the time. Sometimes, though, it's hard to find things to do. Luckily there's Etsy! 

One of my favorite pass-times is window shopping on Etsy. There are so many wonderful shops with really really beautiful products made by super talented people! Here are a few of my most favorite shops! 

(Clockwise from top right): 1. Unitedthread; I love this shop so much. Michelle Morin's colorful bird and floral paintings are inspirational and one of these days I'm going to make one a nice home in my room! Visit her shop and her blog! 2. Whitlock & Co. makes the most beautiful "curated pillow covers handmade in the woods of North Carolina." 3. By Csera; What can I really say? I. Love. These. Cases. I am hoping to procure one for Christmas . . . we shall see! 4. Rosella Resin; Jessica and Gwynne Burgess' Rosella Resin was a featured shop on Etsy back in 2012. I, however, have only had the pleasure of discovering them recently. Their rings and bangles are just to die for! So beautiful. See for yourself! 5. River Luna; These prints are simply gorgeous. They are also whimsical and they just make me so happy when I look at them. 6. Last, but definitely not least, Wit & Whistle; Amanda Wright's cards are too funny. She's such a clever gal and her blog is just as entertaining. It can be found here. She was a featured seller, also in 2012, here is her interview!

Peace & love,
-A