Texas Bound!

We're flying to Texas tomorrow morning to celebrate my birthday (April Fools Day...no joke!) and Pilgrim's this coming Sunday. I packed my camera and look forward to sharing our dog-friendly finds with fellow pup lovers next week. Be in the status quo via Twitter and Instagram:)

See you next week!

Have a fun weekend.

It's the second week of Spring and slated to snow in New York tomorrow. So there's that. What are you up to this weekend?  We don't have anything in particular planned, but are thinking of checking out Sleep No More. I'm pumped to pack my bags and  head to Texas next week to celebrate my birthday with some warm weather and BBQ.

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A round-up of things around the web:

Ten things you didn't know about L.L. Bean.

I love these. #wishlisted

Yes!

A pretty spring dress.

Mouth watering.

This made me smile.

The Obama family may move to New York.

Mini landscape stackable rings are a thing.

Gorgeous photography.

A French girl's  beauty secret for removing make-up.

Bake an ombre cake.

100 Years of Fitness in 100 Seconds.




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Tip: Dog Friendly Charleston

Charleston doesn't need me to sing its praises.  It's a destination that has been on my radar for some time. My parents lived there before I was born, I spent some time in South Carolina as a child and knew I needed to experience it as an adult. We decided to book a trip with our Pug, Pilgrim, this past winter. A week before shipping out,  I called the B&B to confirm our reservation, which evolved into a thirty-minute conversation with the keeper. She tipped me off on the local gossip, which restaurants to book reservations and dog-friendly venues.

As the title of this post suggests, I'm going to focus on the pup-friendly highlights. We touched down in the morning and decided to explore the massive outdoor Charleston Farmer's Market ahead of our afternoon check-in time. Peppered with dogs and doting pup parents, it became clear that Charleston is a dog town. Faces would genuinely light-up when they saw Pilgrim,  lots of rubs were delivered and one girl went as far as to request a selfie with our little ham bone.

Lodging

We booked a room at the Cabell House, which I was devastated to learn had been sold and we were one of the last visitors to stay. The keeper, Randi, is in a word: amazing. I could have spoken with her all night, every night. I considered asking her to adopt us at one point. Born and bred in Charleston, she hailed from one of the original families. She showed us where the wine was and mentioned that the first floor porch is where everyone collects in the evening for a drink. She fawned over Pilgrim and when we bumped into her at Husk, she said she was heading home and would cuddle him back at the house while we were out.

Dog-friendly alternative: Wentworth Mansion.


Outdoor Excursion

At the suggestion of Randi, we drove out to the Magnolia Plantation. We were told the venue welcomes pups to roam with you throughout the grounds and donates a portion of their profits to the dog-focused charities. Although we weren't their for the spring bloom, the plantation's beauty was stunning.

As it turns out, Magnolia is considered one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the country. Pilgrim had the time of his life sniffing out the peacocks, donkeys and swamps.

View more photos on Flickr.


Dining

I could write a novel about the amazing meals we sat down to in Charleston, but Poogan's Porch resonates with me for its story and experience with Pilgrim. Named after Poogan, a dog whose ghost is rumored to linger, the Low Country menu and casual atmosphere were lovely and comforting.  

Recommended dishes: Pimento Fritters & Charlestowne Fry.

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When our trip came to an end, I wasn't ready to head home to New York. Which is an odd, unfamiliar feeling for me. I'm hoping to return soon. Between now and then, I've mastered the art of crafting pimento cheese and I'm indulging myself in episodes of Southern Charm.

View my complete Charleston album on Flickr.

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Have a breezy weekend.

Pilgrim. Cape Coral, FL | Like him on Facebook

We're home from toasty warm Florida. It's the first day of Spring. New York apparently did not receive the memo. It's dumping snow outside. 

What are you up to this weekend? Beyond potentially making snow angels our terrace, we don't have any specific goals, but I'm looking forward to reading Amy Poehler's YES PLEASE and going for a few jogs while listening to my favorite podcasts. 

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Seeing white.

I'd like this for dinner.

A good read.

Living in 90 square feet.

Puppies learning to howl. Be still my heart.

A ten minute stop-motion film has been nominated for an oscar.

I keep reaching for this gorgeous palette.

This photo of garbage men taking a break made me smile.

Cookie Lyon's closet is for sale. I'll take the furs.

Add spending the afternoon in Williamsburg to my list of weekend activities.

Lovely spring dress.

Seven simple steps to success.

A clever way to see if your emails are being tracked.

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100 Years of Beauty: Korea

The Cut published their 4th video in the One hundred Years of Beauty series depicting popular styling of Korean women and the mid-century split to DPRK and The Republic of Korea. Given that North Korea is trapped in time in terms of fashion and technology trends, I find it surprising that North Korean styles change as much as they do. What do you think? I'm loving the vibrant lips throughout!

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 In case you missed it: Recap on my Korea trip.

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Have a sunny weekend!

We're headed to Florida this weekend for some much needed heat! I could not be more ready to transition into Spring. After a surprise 64 degrees in Manhattan yesterday, it was back to the 30 degree range today. It felt amazing to pack maxi dresses, sandals and nothing heavier than a jean jacket this afternoon. What are you up to this weekend?

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A round-up of things happening around the web:



Delicious.

A gorgeous New York loft wedding.

If I wasn't going out of town, I'd be doing this.

Team Hillary.

Florida.

The secret to better deviled eggs.

A map that tells the truth about Manhattan.

The hippo chair.

This is a game changer.

A fairytale home in Bay Ridge.

This is mesmerizing. #dogs #pittsburgh #sledding

Luscious hand cream.

Lovely colors for Spring.





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Tip: Dog Friendly Vermont

Our annual ski trip to Vermont involves good friends and our pups.  Last year, we stayed at the Paw House Inn, which is great, if you don't mind kenneling your dog (I do), your dog requires structure and you don't mind and driving 25 minutes to the slopes.  This year, we decided to look for a place closer to Killington mountain  and found the Chalet Killington.

Dog-friendly is an understatement at Chalet. As we opened the doors to stomp the snow off our boots and check-in, we were welcomed by a chorus of barks. Nearly a dozen dogs were bounding around, lounging  near the fireplace and accepting belly rubs.

To boot, we learned that the staff will happily walk your dog a few times a day while you're skiing. If your pup has separation anxiety, they welcome them to hang out at reception to greet guests.

The common areas and rooms are quite lived-in and the shower is best described as feeling as though a helicopter is landing around you, but there is something undeniably amazing about the comfort of letting your dog do its dog thing amongst other pup-loving people.

A Mexican restaurant inside Chalet which doubles as complimentary breakfast joint in the mornings. Guests have the option to grab a quick cup of coffee and bagel or request a full breakfast of eggs, hash, bacon and sausage.

If you're not too tuckered out at the end of the day, apres ski favorites Wobbly Barn and Pickle Barrel are a stone's throw away. We walked across the street for ribs the first night and decided to take advantage of the free shuttles to dinner the few nights that were particularly chilly.

We punctuated the evenings with the bottles of wine and the pup crew around the fire.


Also notable:

Outdoor heated pool & hot tub
Complimentary ski storage & slope side shuttle

Until next year.

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Everlane: Two Trousers, One Launch

Last week, I opened my inbox to find an email from Petra at Everlane. Ahead of the launch of the online retailer's first ever women's pant, select members were invited to the SoHo workshop to interact with the products and enjoy light refreshments. 

The trousers are available in two styles: slouchy and slim. Crafted from ultra light wool and lyrca, the Slim Trouser features stretch in both directions for a polished look and ease of mobility. The Slouchy Trouser has less give and hip-flattering pleats.

Above: Petra with slouchy pant to the left, slim pant to the right

Petra took her time in explaining the intricacies of both cuts and how they are designed to wear with the body. She suggests sizing-up for the slouchy pant, to allow the pleats to lay neatly across your hips. 

The Slim Trouser ($98, traditional retail $220)

The design features single darts above the pockets for a more contoured derierre.  Fitted throughout the leg and finished slits at the ankle, the pant will pair with pumps beautifully for a crisp professional look.

The Slouchy Trouser ($120, traditional retail $280)

Structured with two darts at the back pockets and wider legs, the pant will pay compliments to your favorite pair of loafers, but can also be dressed up with heels. Although Petra suggested I size up for an accented slouch, I found that my actual size was more flattering for my figure. She agreed and even suggested that I may consider sizing down based on my narrow hips.

Above: Myself in the Slim Trouser.

*Please excuse my pile of winter layers dominating the photo, there was a sloshy six inches of snow layering Manhattan the day I visited the showroom* 

I loved both cuts, but I found myself having a stronger connection with the slim fit (likely because I already own similar styles).  What do you think? The pants are now available on Everlane dot com and with one-hour delivery via Everlane Now for those located in Manhattan.

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Have a sparkly weekend!

Hello weekend! What are you up to? We're keeping it low key ahead of our upcoming trips (to highly desired shorts appropriate locations). A trip to the natural history museum, a few good workouts and a friend's birthday brunch will do just fine.

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A round-up of things happening around the web:

Meet the super-sized Pit Bill.

The likely cause of addiction makes a tremendous amount of sense.

Live the Bill Murray life.

My holy grail hair product for volume. To boot, it smells amazing.

The Iditarod is relocating due to lack of snow.

The appeal of investing outside the city.

Pup fitness.

Another kind of March horoscope.

This is my favorite thing in my kitchen.

What $4100 can rent you in NYC.

Delicious.

Lock your doors.

Your pup knows when you're telling a fib.





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Glossier: The Complete Product Line

Skin care is something that I wish I had paid more attention to before I entered my mid-twenties. I was a Clinique 3-Step system and tanning bed ("For a healthy glow!") girl throughout my teens and college. After moving to New York from the Pacific Northwest, I discovered these things called seasons that weren't all skin-loving, fresh dewy air.  Over the years I became a product junky, determined to discover the best serums, night moisturizers and primers.

When one of my daily reads, Into the Gloss, launched a beauty line, I immediately purchased the Phase 1 Set. And then the limited edition metallic eyeliners. And clearly, when the masks were introduced, I hopped to. 

The products are packaged in baby pink bubble mailers and come with branded stickers to personalize your balm, sprays or iPhone, if that's your thing. The bubble mailers have become a travel staple for me. I toss my face mist, under eye masks and other essentials for combating stale airplane air. 

Phase 1 Set ($80)
The four-piece system includes Glossier's signature Priming Moisturizer, Balm Dotcom universal skin salve, Perfecting Skin Tint (available in three shades) and the rose-scented Soothing Face Mist.

I find that I reach for the Soothing Face Mist and Balm Dotcom daily, sometimes more frequently. The Soothing Facial Mist multitasks to moisturize my Beauty Blender and Balm Dotcom keeps my lips supple in the below freezing temps (that don't seem to be letting up any time soon).

The Priming Moisturizer is buildable and luscious, but it doesn't have SPF. Lately, I've been relying on primers to provide sun protection while I work my way through my winter staple Caudalie Premiere Cru lotion.

The Skin Perfecting Tint provides extremely light coverage. It's a product I feel that I'll reach for more during humid summers or maybe not at all.  Time will tell.

All items are available for individual sale, which allows you to restock items you use more frequently, or narrow down to what works for you.


Mega Greens Galaxy Pack ($22/ 3oz)
If you drink green juice like I do, you will appreciate this face cocktail which features a powerful team of white kaolin clay, superfruit antioxidants and leafy greens to draw out impurities and decrease inflammation. I'm occasionally guilty of going to bed without washing off my make-up. When I wake up feeling puffy and stressed, I apply the mask and leave it for twenty minutes while I'm making tea and plucking items from my wardrobe. After rinsing, my skin is dewy fresh.

Moisturizing Moon Mask ($22/ 3oz)
The Moisturizing Moon Mask is my new HOLY GRAIL. If I had a storm shelter, I would pack dozens of containers of this mask next to the canned goods. The powerhouse recipe includes sweet almond oil, honey, lemon extract and licorice root to plump skin and restore elasticity. My skin drinks up the opaque cream shamelessly and without abandon. I wipe the slight residue off after 20-30 minutes to reveal a youthful rosy cheeked glow.


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