Happy New Year!

I have a good feeling about 2013. While 2012 was completely amazing...

I married  the most wonderful man I could have ever imagined, we visited seven beautiful countries, were homeless for a month by the waves of Sandy (I'm truly warmed by our amazing friends and family that took us into their homes or offered), enjoyed good health, jogs and wine.

I'm excited to enjoy a gorgeous four-course dinner at Harry's and pop the Veuve Rose my husband brought home this evening!

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Rose Gold Buckle Bangle

Pave and rose gold? What more could a girl ask for in a bracelet! By designer Michael Kors, this bangle is perfect for stacking with your other favorite pieces. Purchase at Macy's.

Lightening Bolt Hot Shorts

With New Years right around the corner, it's time to firm-up those resolutions.  I'm not particularly looking forward to my gym being crowded with the ever popular get-into-shapers for the next few months. These lightening bolt roller derby shorts are a great way to show the folks in the treadmill queue that I mean business! Check out the full collection at Australian-based HellcatClothing.

Anchor Charm Bracelet

If you have a winter holiday planned, this anchor charm bracelet would be a great accent piece to your bikini and white capris packing list! (J.Crew)

Merry Christmas!

Great Gatsby Trailer 2

 

I've been looking forward to seeing Baz Luhrman's Great Gatsby since I saw the first trailer months ago. The second trailer is even more tantalizing!

Safety Not Guarenteed

 

 My husband Netflixed Safety Not Guaranteed. I vetoed it, until I Googled the trailer. Pacific Northwest! Indie!? Am I rubbing off on him? Sure seems like it. Great flick. Check it out.

Richer Poorer Socks

I rarely wear socks, but when I do, I love fun patterns. Richer Poorer has some great designs for women and the men in their lives. I'm digging this pair! View the full collection here.

A Pug's Christmas in New York City

Adorable. I cannot wait to spend my first Christmas in New York City (Really! I've always flown home to be with family) with my husband and our Pug, Pilgrim.

Artsy Grid Sweater

Albeit time to embrace holiday cheer, I can't help but think boat shoes, legs hanging over the side of a sail boat and this Artsy Grid sweater from Forever 21. A cheap thrill at $18.

Leah Lerner Totes

A simple every-day tote is a must have for every lady. I discovered Leah Lerner in the Etsy Blog's Featured Shop section. The Tel Aviv-based artist crafts these lovely totes by hand! Read more about the start-to-finish here and peruse the vibrant collection available for purchase here.

At $90, the totes are budget friendly. Which color would you choose? I'm leaning towards the champagne and black with a pop of pink pouch.

Emerald Green Picks

Color maven Pantone has named Emerald green the Color of the Year for 2013. I must admit, I saw this coming with scads of Emerald on the shelves of clothing stores on Champs Elysses Paris in October! Here are my top picks for this lovely shade:

Lucite Gem Necklace from ShopNestled.

Crochet Boot Cuffs from LumiStyle.

Silk Blouse with bow neckline from vintage shop Pintuck Style.

Victorian Deco Nouveau Bracelet from Willow Bloom.

Vintage wedding cake bowl from All the Best Vintage.

Vintage French Shot Glasses

You probably have too many shot glasses already, but should you seek a little uniformity, this set of circa 1950's checkered tequila tossers from France is fun and unique. Purchase from England-based Thrifters shop.

Recycled Orchestra

 

This is inspiring. 

 Found: Max1e6

Brooklyn Internets

This funny tee from from frank & jan would be great rolled up and stuffed in your nerdy brother's stocking. While on the subject of the Brooklyn Internets (Nets), did you see this adorable woman ask Jay Z who he was on the subway?

The Loving Story

Premiering on February 14, The Loving Story documentary looks excellent.

Gingerbread Brownstone

A few weeks ago. I volunteered with Free Arts to make Christmas art projects with under-served kids. Without fail, the gingerbread house station is always the most popular. I'm amazed by the designs that some of the kids envision. Give them a few years and I'll bet we'll see a gingerbread brownstone like this one from Kitchen Table Scraps. Check out the how-to guide here.

Georgie Hunter Melon Coat

The only thing missing in this photo is a brown bag with a baguette peeking out. By Georgie, the Hunter Melon coat is perfect for running weekend errands in style.

Purchase at Amazon.

via The Blush

Rose Tattoo Vase

Fresh flowers perk up every room! My sweet husband brings them home randomly and always something different. A good vase is important in a home. I love this rose tattoo vase by Kosta Boda. We received two bowls from this collection as wedding gifts and the crystal is stunning.


Purchase at Bloomingdales.

Lowe Cape Town Self Portraits

Low Cape Town re-imagined iconic photos to create this amusing set of photos throughout history. The Sailor, Royals and Churchill are my favorites!

via It's Nice That.

Training Dogs to Drive Cars

Be good to our canine friends. They are intelligent and emotional beings!

Sequin Rhino Shirt

Headed to weekend brunch with friends and not sure what to wear? This sequin rhino sweatshirt should would look great with a bellini. Purchase at J.Crew. They are presently offering 30% off and free shipping with the code WISHLIST.

nOir Spiked Stud Earrings

A bit of edge, a little more sparkle...it's hard to resist these nOir Spiked earrings! Available at Bloomingdales dot com.

Wishlist

While watching Parenthood this evening, a lovely familiar song came on he soundtrack...Pearl Jam's Wishlist. You know you're from the Pacific Northwest when you remember a lesson plan featuring Eddie Vedder's work in college! I have fond memories of seeing the band play in Seattle and Vancouver, as well private charity showings of solo Eddie Vedder in Seattle!

Rose Lace Tunic Dress

I'd like to hit up every holiday party on my list in this pretty tunic with rose lace detail! At $78, it's a steal. Find it at Hot Mama.

Two Piece Wine Chiller

I'll admit I've been known to drop an ice cube or two into my glass of wine(insert snickering from my wine snob friends). This two-piece wine chiller from Brookstone is the answer! Chilled, but not diluted, you're good to go. Purchase here.

Benefit Fine One One

Oh, how lovely! Birchbox has the exclusive on Benefit's new Fine One One- a double duty lip and cheek stick. Does it get any better than watermelon, champagne and coral? Check out the video demo:

Kaleido

Well, I certainly do not -need- any more entertaining platters, but isn't Kaleido fantastic? This set of trays can be pieced together to act as dividers or used separately.  Think summer berries and assorted nuts. Or perhaps a desk organizer. Color code those paper clips and post-it notes! More details at Buisjes & Beugels.

Gold Nails

With the holiday season upon us, it's time to add a little shimmer to the beauty routine. Gold amps up everything! I set out to find a great shade of polish (I have been ambitiously attempting to manicure my own nails from time to time) and found Gosh Gold. It's pretty and easily applied. A steal at $7.50 (Duane Reade, 40 Wall Street).


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Naked 2

After a few of my gal pals instagrammed their affection for for Urban Decay's Naked 2 palate, I decided to take the $50 plunge. And. It's.So.Worth. It. For myself, my typical palate purchase involves me falling in love with a few shades and the others remain ignored. Naked 2 is extraordinarily versatile. Each earthy tone in matte or shimmer is complimentary. The brush included is beautifully designed an expertly applys the colors to the ridges and curves of you eyes!

Chuao Choclatier

I discovered Chuao Chocolatier through Birchbox. I was wee disappointed that they were currently out of stock and decided to order the bars direct. I selected the maple bacon, potato chip, salted chocolate crunch and fire cracker. The California-based shop had these puppies delivered to Manhattan in just a few days and well-packed with insulation to protect them.

My husband and I nibbled on the salted chocolate last night with a glass of wine and I have to say: this is some -good-chocolate. I brought some into the office and my colleagues are loving it. I think the next bar we'll open will be the maple bacon!

Psst...if you sign-up for their email list, they gift you a free bar with your order!

Image: Le Petit Monde, San Diego Half Marathon

Love Birds

Oh, how sweet! I love this delicate bracelet from New York-based shop greenduckweed. Check out the full collection at her Etsy shop.

New York Mouth

I'm big on sending gift baskets, especially those which source local products. New York Mouth organizes fun and tasty New York themed baskets from pickles to chocolate and even  beef jerky. Check out the yummy collection here.

Build Your Block Pillows

From the Lower East Side to Williamsburg or even Bed Stuy- you can build your own little city street on your couch. Purchase here.

Jon Stewart- Sandy's Aftermath

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

I don't know how I missed this, oh wait...I had no power in my SoPo apartment :) Super funny. (via Gothamist and NY Times)

Greyhound Tee

Iced coffee, iPad, this slouchy Greyhound print tee. Sounds like an ideal morning at your favorite cafe to me! From Brooklyn-based Nicola Armster, there are plenty more cute prints and lounge pants to boot! Check them out at her Etsy shop.

Cold Picnic

Crafted from brass and white bronze, this versatile bangle from Cold Picnic would be gorgeous with a simple sweater dress or jeans and your favorite booties.

Olive Clothing

Oh, I want! I need! How cute is this striped tunic with elbow patches? Found at Olive Clothing, which is packed with fun and lovely pieces worth taking a tour through.

Everlane Cashmere

I've expressed my love for the small shop Everlane in the past, but I'd like to revisit with some exciting news: holiday Cashmere has been added to the shop! Within moments of the email  announcement, I found myself clicking through the high-quality, well-priced line. I treated myself to a hat and scarf for my every day use through the chilly season. Check it out here.