Sheer, light, breezy, not usually adjectives to describe a piece I might reach for in the winter months. Yet, when this leopard maxi skirt arrived at my door (for the second time, I ordered the regular first but then had to exchange for the petite), I was excited to wear it. While I'm not a huge fan of the half slip, I can see how it might be nice in the warmer months - though not a plus in February. I originally added black tights so I wouldn't be freezing, but was daring and removed them for the sake of the photographs.
Being chiffon, the skirt moves beautifully, and the dark leopard easily lends itself to a winter look, and I'm versioning it with even more rich chocolate browns and creamy colored knits until the earth thaws. Then it will be all sleeveless tops and sandals for the summer.
The Rundown Rib Knit SweaterH&M Leopard Maxi SkirtBanana Republic Booties"Calixta" Cole Haan similar Croc Embossed Leather BagLoeffler Randall Signet RingSashi Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Happy New Year!
I'm not very good at resolutions. If you asked me what I wrote about on January first last year I don't think I could tell you. This year, if I were to resolve to do anything, it would be to find more confidence in myself and to stop allowing my life to be ruled by fear. While it's one thing to acknowledge the problem, it's another to actually do something about it. Additionally, I need to find a new job, and also shop less (obliviously). What are you looking forward to in 2019?
The Rundown Cashmere Turtleneck Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar Black JeansGap Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar Booties"Calixta" Cole Haan similar
It's the first week of November. The avalanche of holiday content has already started, and just like years past, I feel like I will become buried in it before I have a chance to appreciate it, or contribute my own. But that isn't important.
What I feel is important right now is to focus on what I have to be grateful for. To stop worrying about how I fit into this world and take a moment to thank the people who love and appreciate me, just as I am.
Thanksgiving often gets steamrolled by Christmas, and for whatever reason, family drama (at least in my house) always seems to flare hotter on the day of giving thanks than the day of giving gifts. But my crazy sister booked a last minute flight to spend Thanksgiving with us, I'll see my nephew and niece, cook with my mom, and just maybe find one moment to reflect on the importance of family, and how fortunate we really are. I hope you can do the same.
And then comes all the shopping. It is a crazy world we live in.
The Rundown Camel Sweater DressBanana Republic Booties"Calixta" Cole Haan similar Bucket Bag"Johnny"Danse Lente Double O-Ring BeltExpress Necklace Vintage Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Clearly I'd forgotten just how comfortable these flared jeans are, as this is the first time I've worn them since possibly last April. That sounds bad. But all those fall and winter days I could have been wearing them I was caught in the monotony of cycling through the same four pairs of skinny jeans. There's a lot of my closet which went unworn over the last two seasons. It's about time to get reacquainted with the rest of my wardrobe that isn't "really old grey sweater" and "really old white sweater", which I've essentially been living in all winter, and these past couple weeks of "spring".
Not that the chill is gone from the air, but when the sun is shining, and the wind isn't blowing, it almost feels like spring. I was hoping to do an outfit post with this fun blouse before it was totally sold out, but considering it was discounted to $15, it's no surprise the stock quickly dwindled. I was on the fence when it came to the zhushed up sleeve trend, trying on tops and thinking "but I don't want to be a pirate", however since they have inundated the stores I suppose it was inevitable that I'd eventually come across one I liked, that doesn't make me feel like a pirate ;)
The Rundown Ruffle Sleeve BlouseAnn Taylor Flared Denim Gap similar Booties"Calixta" Cole Haan similar Round Rattan BagEtsy Silk Floral ScarfAnn Taylor Gold Ball StudsKohl's Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Couture Curator"Essie
Over the weekend I attended a honey tasting at Red Bee Apiary in Weston, CT. The beekeeper, author and honey sommelier, Marina Marchese first gave us a background on the honey bees and how she found herself trading city life for farm life after her first experience being around a hive.
Honey bees aren't native to the United States, and Marina's bees are Italian. The worker bees are all female, and don't stray much more than four miles from their hive. Because of that fact, farmers can plant four miles of a specific flower which will result in the bees creating a honey with a distinctive flavor profile.
Four our honey tasting, we tried Orange Blossom honey, which is floral, fruity and rich in vitamin C with goat cheese, rosemary, and mandarin. I really enjoyed this pairing, all the flavors worked well together, sweet, tangy, savory. Of course I love goat cheese, so I might be biased.
Then we sampled Blueberry Blossom honey, which is fruity and a good source of antioxidants with brie and blueberries. Even though I'm not the biggest blueberry fan, this was delicious too.
The darkest and most unusual honey sampling was the Buckwheat honey - robust and a good source of iron, the smell was unlike a typical honey and it reminded me a lot of molasses. We sampled it with a piece of dark chocolate and almonds.
The most common honey, clover, was presented in a different way, in its crystallized state. The Creamy Clover honey that would take longer to melt on the tongue presented an amazing sensory experience and paired with shredded coconut was like eating the most delectable dessert.
Finally we sampled raw Gold leaf honeycomb, another unique way to enjoy honey with bits of the honeycomb.
Marina also uses the honey and beeswax to create skincare products, which we got to sample in the second part of the event. The balms are so moisturizing and I got a sample of the lip balm and body oil to take home. Because it's been so cold and dry lately, these are just what I need!
Honey is such a unique product, it can offer some health benefits, especially if you have honey from your local bees, as it can help reduce seasonal allergies. Now that I know all the work that goes into creating honey, I understand why it's referred to as liquid gold, and I really enjoyed experiencing all the different varieties of honey. I also happily brought home a jar of honey from Marina's italian bees, and I'm excited that I can enjoy it every day!
