Peaks of the Week

Hard to believe 2018 is coming to a close, the last surge of activity with the holidays before falling into the doldrums of January and waiting for spring again. I suppose it's not good to think of it like that, but it's true, I'm always mentally writing off the first quarter of the year, believing that not much can happen during the dead of winter.

Of course I'm excited for the days ahead, picking up my sister at the airport later today, and then strait into the Christmas festivities with friends and family.

I mentioned earlier this month that I really hoped to get a new recipe on Cooking in Cashmere before Christmas, and happily, I did just that. If you are still up for some baking, I hope you'll check it out.

Even though I still have some boxes on never ending to-do lists to check, after today I'm going to give myself a pass and just try and enjoy the weekend.

❄︎ Payless tricked influencers into thinking their shoes were designer. Guess it goes to show how bad we are a spotting quality vs spotting labels. 
❄︎ This brie mac and cheese is going to happen... soon.
❄︎  These margaritas also sound so good.
❄︎ More on the industry of Instagram and influencers faking sponsored content to boost their egos.
❄︎ Our health care system is in dire need of repair.
❄︎ Why you can never trust restaurant reviews.
❄︎ People who steal packages off porches get what is coming to them.
❄︎ Adding to my wish list, these velvet pants.
❄︎ The new face of the child star.
❄︎ The old face of the child star!

Peaks of the Week

Last month I gave up refined sugar - an important distinction, as I still wanted to be able to eat fruit and have my teaspoon of honey in my cup of tea. For some reason October always feels like the one month of the year when I can give something up - last year it was dairy.

Once again, all the claims about my body feeling overwhelmingly better or different did not come to fruition. However I was happy that I broke my sugar dependence, and when I was hungry in the evenings rather than reaching for ice cream or candy, I had popcorn (this one, which had the least amount of junk in it I could find, in a microwave brand that also wasn't ridiculously over priced), or cheese and crackers, and if my sweet tooth needed to be sated, golden raisins.

Now, just over a week with allowing myself sugar again, everything I've had has been unbearably sweet. The Halloween candy, my Starbucks holiday drink - with half the syrup, even my favorite Lint dark chocolate bar with the sea salt. So the other night I had raisins. I guess I shouldn't complain!

❖ I whole hardheartedly agree with this author's argument to stop the cheap swag. Just this last month I got two branded blankets, two water bottles, a tote, and an orange plastic beer glass which I deliberately 'forgot' at the event. Yes, I love a good tote, but I'm at capacity. I spent actual money on a cute S'well bottle, so no I'm never going to use the cheap one with someone's logo on it. A flash drive was a clever idea five years ago, now with dropbox and google drive no one uses them. 99% of the swag I take never leaves my car until I'm dropping it at Goodwill.

❖ If you've ever dreamt of having a smart phone you can fold in half, well, you won't have to wait much longer.

❖ Tips from an expert on getting your dog to influencer status. If only I'd started an instagram for Chloe eight years ago... Though to be fair she hates being photographed.

❖ Of course there are no shortages of bloggers with their adorable pups, which admittedly I enjoy even more.

❖ Move over pumpkin pie (I've never really loved you anyway) I want these pumpkin fudge browines.

❖ Adding this coconut tandoori chicken to my must-try list.

❖  I probably wouldn't eat 90% of the food at the 70's dinner party, but my mom still has the copper fish mold and the corresponding Jello Cookbook, so maybe I should just do it. Bonus, this twitter feed confirms that the 70's were a very strange time for food.

❖ This just upsets me so much.

❖ I'm putting these cute pink velvet shoes on my Christmas list.

❖ How fun would this jumpsuit be for the holidays?

Peaks of the Week

I know I haven't written a 'peaks' post in a few weeks, but I kind of felt like I was waiting for some things to accumulate. A single week of my life just doesn't have that much interest. Though I have been trying to keep busy!

When I found out Aziz Ansari was going to be in New Haven I bought a ticket. I then had to stand out in torrential rain for over an hour waiting to get in. Overall his set was okay, but the biggest punch line was dependent on knowing who the hell Migos is. (I don't.)

I also went to a Girls Night Out hosted by The Shops at Yale, which was a good excuse for me to go to J.Crew but not buy anything because I was too busy stuffing my face with cheese and crackers. After the event wrapped up my friend and I shared a 'romantic' dinner at Harvest. Seriously, if you are in CT and haven't had dinner outside at Harvest New Haven, you are missing out. The place is just a bit magical, there were lights, live music, old movies being projected on the wall, and of course yummy food.

The previous weekend I went to see "Once" at the Ivoryton Playhouse. I love going to small venues for live performances, it's easy to just feel so immersed in the production, and "Once' was quite beautiful, and very emotional. I've actually never seen the movie, but perhaps now I will.

Last weekend I attended Meg's wedding reception, and you should check out all her wedding posts this week!

❥ Clothes are meant to be tailored, which is why everything looks better on TV.

❥ If you enjoy lentils, make this dish! (I didn't do it vegan per the recipe, but goodness it was so delicious!)

❥ I love the simplicity of this silk button front cami. Grab it now for 30% off!

❥ Even if I should be thinking about fall fashion, I love this look.

❥ Leopard is in every fall, but it really seems to be having a moment right now. This shirtdress is the cat's meow.

❥ I know I'm not shopping this month, but yay or nay on this cami?

❥ A DIY Japanese knot bag needs to be in my future - I saw one in burgundy velvet and was smitten.

❥ Cucumbers aren't supposed to go in the fridge. Who knew? Here is a list of everything else we have been storing all wrong.

❥ Remember when Bradley Cooper was on Sex and the City?! Still deciding if I want to see A Star is Born, but this was an interesting piece on Bradley.

❥ This J.Crew blouse is beautiful, and a very different kind of leopard print.

Peaks of the Week

Should you happened to have seen my Instagram posts this week, then you know I've been visiting my sister. I can't believe I'll be heading back home so soon, and I never do as much as I hope, but it's been a good trip. I was excited that I got to meet up with Jessica for lunch and outfit photos, because I've been following her blog forever and it's always such a great experience to meet a blog friend in real life.

❖ Naturally the first thing I did on the west coast was make a Target run, isn't this top cute and very Madewell esk? Also I loved the sandals my sister's roommate had, and wouldn't you know it, also Target.

❖ Darn, I'll have to save this list of restaurants to try along the Pacific Coast Highway for next time.

❖ I feel like this article about those on the creative side of the fashion industry applies to bloggers as well.

❖  Why all the vintage clothes are tiny.

❖ I need to stop wanting all the cute vintage straw bags.

❖  Oh my gosh I want this root beer float.

❖ Not to make dating feel even more dismal, but...

❖ The Oscars are now backpedaling on their attempt to be trendy.

❖ Have you watched Magic for Humans on Netflix yet? It's so fun.

❖ There will be a new Darren Star show, because lets face it, how much longer can Younger last?

Peaks of the Week

How is it Labor Day Weekend? Memorial Day feels like a heartbeat ago, and of course it still 100% feels like summer, with 90° temps and so much humidity it feels like you are waking into a sauna when you step outside. But the Pumpkin Spice Lattes are being thrust upon us all the same. Thank goodness you can order them iced, if that's your thing.

This weekend I'll be spending time with family, relaxing and enjoying the summer.

❖ Insta Repeat. Because everyone is taking the same damn photos.

❖ I found fresh figs in Trader Joe's and bought them because I was so intrigued by them. Now I just need to try out some of these recipes.

❖ Treat everyone like you'd want them to treat you on your worst days, because there is a good chance it's theirs.

❖ The $10 white tees vs the $320 white tees.

❖ I'm going to side with the feminists on this one.

❖ The author of Smitten Kitchen argues against cooking at home.

❖ In love with these mules! (But this pair is similar and half the price.)

❖ Kallie shares her tips to stop our overspending habits in their tracks.

❖ Jessica's polka dot skirt is making me feel like I need to wear mine again immediately!

❖ A blogger shares what happened when she was reported to the Advertising Standards Authority.

 ❖Anyone else planning on immediately binging Jack Ryan, because Jim?

Peaks of the Week

Inbox Zero. Since my new computer arrived and I spent the better part of two days getting everything situated and just right, I came across the password for my very first email account, which was with snet. I logged in (through Yahoo, marveling at the fact that an account I haven't really touched in eight years was still active) and looked at all the rows of emails. All from mailing lists I'd signed up for and long since forgotten about. Still they were arriving, the senders uncaring or oblivious to the fact that their begging links never got clicked. So first I unsubscribed from everything, and then deleted eight years of those emails. Which got me thinking about my current emails, of which I have three that I actively use. I started unsubscribing from everything. All the stores, all the newsletters, all the piles of click bait that do nothing but distract. I've had enough. I'm tried of hearing my email chime only to see it's Refinery 29 trying to make me think that Justin Bieber's haircut is something worthy of my attention. It was a great purge. It feels good.


❖ Since we are on the topic of deleting, would you delete all your old tweets? I suppose if something you put out there a decade ago could warrant being fired from your current job, it might be a good idea?

❖ These photos would be beautiful if the subject matter weren't so depressing.

❖ I usually roll my eyes at secondhand shopping tips, but I actually liked these.

❖ Wow, one person manipulated the McDonald's Monopoly game for twelve years before getting caught.

❖ Remember when screen time meant having to sit at a desk? Though to be fair, the time of my dad sharing his computer so I could create my Kid Pix masterpieces was brief before my brother and I had our own computers. I still have fond memories of my first Mac, and my second, my beloved Flower Power iMac.

❖ ThredUp's letter to Burberry, after learning they burned unsold inventory.

❖ I thrifted a pair of vintage earrings this week which actually bear quite a resemblance to this this J.Crew pair (which are on sale!)

❖ I've been scouring ThredUP for pieces from Joie, one of my favorite brands, and I'm eyeing this top.

❖ There aren't many sizes left in this adorable raffia trimmed sandal, but the price can't be beat.

❖ Sentient Coffee.

Peaks of the Week

I decided I would try to engage with comments more on Instagram this week, but since typing at any length on my phone drives me crazy, I decided to just use my laptop instead. I had an amazing discovery - the oppressive ads which show up on Instagram do on appear on the web browser version! This is probably some glitch that they will 'fix' soon, but for the moment I'll enjoy it. I know the general feeling of Instagram is inexplicably tied to viewing it on the phone - or perhaps the explanation is that you can only post from your phone? - but I can't imagine how anyone who writes those LONG captions and comments can stand doing it without a proper keyboard.

Also, I'm curious what do you use to read blogs? Ever since the death of google reader I've used Bloglovin', but I feel like I'm always missing posts; the list is always moving and shifting and I swear is adopting an Instagram algorithm. And of course the search feels lacking. I need some recommendations! 

❖ Growing up with New Haven style pizza may have made me biased, but I agree, it really is the best.

❖ There is a new recipe on Cooking in Cashmere today!

❖ I recently made the switch back to Firefox from Chrome because I really liked the built in tracking blocker and reading the articles on Pocket.

❖ Since getting MoviePass (which yes, they are ruining by the way) I've found a renewed interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and enjoyed this piece on why the franchise now spanning a decade should never have worked.

❖ The endless reboots are getting more and more unsettling. We do not need a Buffy reboot, even if Joss is at the helm, just let her rest in peace, along with my fond memories of being 14 and completely in love with the show.

❖ How people even figured out that typing nonsense into Google Translate results in weird prophetic sounding translations is a mystery to me, but they are kind of creepy and cool.

❖ Vegan tacos are becoming a thing - I could get on board with that!

❖ Apple finally released their new laptops, and naturally immediately got backlash for the top of the line processor allegedly thermal throttling. The issue has been resolved, I placed my order. I feel like this article sums up my feelings about the most recent design. I will miss my ports!

❖ I love Joie, but even on sale they are too expensive (you know, especially after dropping 4k on a new computer). Still, I'm lusting over this maxi dress.

❖ Also take an extra half off this super cute eyelet dress at J.Crew!

Peaks of the Week

Remember when I was on that episode of Extreme Cheapskates? Yeah I know, it was in 2014 and I don't expect you to. Yet for some reason, people still feel compelled to take the time out of their day to track me down on Facebook or YouTube and tell me what an awful human being they think I am.

If you weren't familiar, or have appropriately long since forgotten, during my bizarre segment on the show, the producer thought it would be entertaining to have me pretend to search obituaries for recently departed socialites with no surviving female heirs and then approach their families to ask if I could take the deceased's clothes and accessories off their hands. For the scene they'd hired an actor who was a comedian - in a previous version of my segment I was supposed to go to a comedy club on an open mike night and try to have a fashion show - and the two of us didn't seem to understand how the producer wanted us to play the scene. I started by saying I offered a service to help with estate sales, and the actor playing the son kept throwing out ridiculous lines about how he and his mom used to slide down the banister and dance in the living room á la Risky Business. After many, many, takes, we finally managed to put forth enough material that the producer could use to construct the scene in her vision - which apparently was to make me seem like someone praying on innocent families, snatching up vintage Prada.

Let's not even pretend to consider the logistics of me actually doing this successfully. But that is the magic of reality tv. It's on your screen, and you take it at face value. I feel like the most compelling argument for this is that when the show premiered and my friends and family came over to watch it, they knew full well that 99% of the show was fabricated. Yet when the next segment started, a man was depicted to use mouth wash then spit it back into the bottle. Everyone cringed and said they couldn't believe someone would be so gross. I looked at them and said, yeah, well he's probably not.

There is one more bone I have to pick with my haters, why contact me through Facebook or YouTube? Why not come to my actual blog? I need the traffic!

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant! This week was wasn't too bad - nice weather, which involved sitting on the deck devouring a couple books, Before The World Opened by C. Fardoe and First Comes Love by Emily Giffin; a fun blogger dinner on Wednesday, and a relaxing weekend to look forward to.

❖ First Instagram wanted to be Snapchat, now it wants to be YouTube. Now users can upload hour long vertical videos. The thought alone makes me cringe.

❖ Which American Girl Doll had the best cookbook?

❖ This article might make you think twice before you place your next Amazon order.

❖ How being a matchmaker ruined this woman's dating life.

❖ This cute off the shoulder dress is on clearance at Loft - but not the petite sizes, because Loft doesn't think short people deserve discounts too.

❖ The world is changing to become more instagrammable.

❖ East Coast vs. West Coast.

❖ My sister and I might be on opposite sides of the country, but we both bought each other the same card.

❖ Sunscreen in a translucent powder you can easily stow in your purse!

❖ A Kickstarter for bluetooth earbuds that are earrings. Woah.

Peaks of the Week

Kayu Piñata Fringe Tote

 
When I decided to start doing "Peaks of the Week", it wasn't just so that I could share fun or interesting articles and things to buy, it was to force me to reflect on the week and actually talk about what the good parts were. So far I've pretty much failed to abide by that. That said, the actual peak of my week was when a groundhog ran into my office. I keep the door open when it's nice out, so it's basically always been an invitation for the chipmunks to run in, but this is the first time I've ever seen a groundhog. He was really cute, he disappeared for about five minutes, then came running out covered in cobwebs (I blame the cleaning people, they consistently do a poor job). I managed to snap a photo of him as he peered in.

Other than that, I finished season two of Santa Clarita Diet, and it was so good. I love that they managed to find a way to have Nathan Fillion's character return, and if the concept of Drew Barrymore as a zombie doesn't appeal to you, I urge you to give it a try anyway. The comedy is so good, and the half hour episodes zip by and leave me wanting more.

❖  In case you missed it, a raccoon's accent up a skyscraper went viral on Twitter.

❖ When Anthony Bourdain defended an 88 year old food critic's review of Olive Garden, and then went on to help her publish a book.

❖ Adorable bucket bag in white leather and straw.

❖ Some influencers are overstepping when it comes to what they expect to be gifted.

❖ I've been thinking I want to learn how to do weight training.

❖ I'm not sure if I like that Instagram is more shoppable, or am coming to resent that everyone is just trying to sell me something.

❖ This recipe for Tahini and Halva Brownies has definitely peaked my interest.

❖ Another red and white floral dress - I have a problem.

❖ This might make a ponytail look chic, but it's still a $630 hair tie.

❖ I'd all but forgotten about Chicane, but when Running to the Sea turned up in my Discover Weekly, it turns out that 21 years later, they are still making music, and I still like it.

Peaks of the Week

I'm just going to say it, it has not been a very good week. The weather for the first week of June has been less than stellar; Apple didn't announce any new hardware, so I'll have to wait until September; work has been painfully slow and I've mostly been alone, so the days have really dragged; Kate Spade died, and it makes me sad to learn how unhappy she must have been; and I've wasted far too many hours searching for a hat I don't need.

It's just another quest in an endless pursuit of 'the magical item that is going to change everything'. I know hat is a hat and wearing it will not make my photos come out better, nor will it make my blog more popular, find me a new friend, boyfriend, or job. It will keep the sun off my face, because it's a hat.

Yet I search, during all the in-between time on my phone. The late hours when I should be sleeping, the early ones before I'm ready to face the day. Trying to find the perfect hat, at the best price, and with free shipping. If only I could channel that energy into a more constructive activity. One that will actually elicit the changes I want, rather than just becoming another thing in an overstuffed closet.


❖ Cee published her second book, Before the World Opened, and I can't wait to read it!

❖ How social media is changing the way we adopt dogs.

❖ The makeup we love comes with a 90% markup.

❖ I'm just as guilty of ogling over the tiny houses as the next person, but one thing they are always devoid of is daily living, which might not be all it's cracked up to be.

❖ Everything really is click bait, and it's nuts.

❖ We really are truly distracted.

❖ Alissa's call to action for bloggers to give more consideration to their content.

❖ Who wears the pants.

❖ Influencers work seven days a week, with no paid vacation, and the constant pressure to be creating new content and stay relevant, or risk losing it all. Are we surprised they are getting burnt out?

❖ Kimberly talks about finding balance with her blog.

❖ A history of yearbook trends. I guarantee there are plenty of 'wuz ^'s in my middle school yearbook.

❖ Potential 'magic' hat.

❖ Alternate potential 'magic' hat.

Peaks of the Week

Photo by Courtney of Live Lovely Photography

I can't believe it's nearly the end of May, and Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. My sister is home for a few days, and it's so good to have her around. She of course is still asking me to move to California with her.

I think I'd better get to writing up my summer bucket list - these weeks have flown by this year and summers always seem to go even faster. What is at the top of your list for this summer?

I hope if you celebrate, you are enjoying the long weekend, and here is what I'm loving this week:

❀ Hit the snooze button this weekend, you'll live longer.

❀ Going to a picnic this weekend? Bring this pasta salad and you'll be a star.

❀ The windows are finally open, and more and more bugs are turning up in the house. I woke up to a tiny spider in my bed - eek! Here are eight plants to keep spiders out of your home, but also consider they might actually be doing some good there too.

❀ How succulents went from frowned upon to beloved.

❀ One more super cute dress at TJMaxx (because I can't help myself).

❀ When we just go too far to seem perfect.

❀ Who gets the credit for inventing avocado toast?

❀ So many good memorial day weekend sales!
    40% off at Ann Taylor - I love this off the shoulder top.
    50% off at J.Crew Factory - still searching for that perfect gingham dress?
    40% off at Banana Republic - I've got my eye on this black straw fedora.
    Stop by Julie Vos for the Memorial Day sale section - discount is graduated.

❀ This would be such a cute Memorial Day outfit.

❀ I really want to go on this vespa tour through Italy, anyone want to come with me?

Peaks of the Week

Sometimes I just have to face the facts, and buy more hangers. I hate buying more hangers because I see it as a sign of defeat, that I have failed to enforce the one-in one-out rule. However, the twice daily migration of a pile of clothes from bed to chair and back again caused me to reach my breaking point. The Rachel Comey sweater I bought last month was another story. Knits need to be stored in drawers, not on hangers. My hand was forced to do a mini sweater purge or suffer the sweater languishing on the back of my chair for the next five months. At last I can breath easy, the clothing purgatory eliminated. For now.

I should be thankful a clothing pile was the biggest stressor in my life this week - a huge storm hit the state on Tuesday night and many of my fellow Connecticutians have been without power since, not to mention all the destruction of the downed trees. I saw so many crazy instastories!

Anyway, here is what I loved this week:

❀ Our affinity for the 50-mm lens.

❀ I legit failed a research paper in high school because I refused to put two spaces after a period, and I stand by that decision.

❀ Every self help book I've ever read boiled down into one article.

❀ Loving this adorable scallop hem jacket.

❀ Last semester a course was offered at Yale on how to be happier, which got such a huge attendance they had to move it to Woolsey Hall. Here's how it changed the students. (Also the course is being offered for free online for anyone to take!)

❀ Women are saying LuLaRoe is a pyramid scheme.

❀ Alissa's post about adopting her dog - awwwww!

❀ With this logic, I signed up for Movie Pass.

❀ Rosé All Day sangria - yes please!

❀ I love the Moroccan inspired bedding from Target's Opal House line.

❀ Lauren took photos under the same magnolia tree as I did!

Peaks of the Week

Happy Friday! I have Cinco De Mayo plans for the first time ever this year, thanks to my local blogging community. Hopefully I'm feeling better by Saturday because right now I'm sniffling. This week flew by again, but I managed to get photos with my beloved blossoms a few times before they started fading.

❀ Yesterday was the first day the mercury rose into the 80's this year, and I literally came down with a cold. I wish I had a Chinese auntie to make me this soup.

❀ I've spent the last year and a half trying to find a natural deodorant that actually works. Schmidt's (three different formulas), Sway, Piper Wai, Jason, Lavanila, all with their claims to be better than the others have been lies, and I finally gave up and went back to Dove. At least I know I'm not alone.

❀ The number of trials a recipe goes through to get published by America's Test Kitchen truly makes you appreciate how much thought and effort goes into each one.

❀ Curious to see if the re-cut of the reboot of Arrested Development will be any better, or if I should just continue pretending it doesn't exist. Maybe I'll watch it this weekend and see.

❀ If only we all had the kind of influence Ms. Markle has.

❀ Playing the Instagram game. And also why I'm not a fan of stories.

❀ When imagining how life without anxiety would be, is in fact hilarious. 

❀ Going to give this gingham maxi and this gingham skirt a try, along with these striped culottes and this jumpsuit.

❀ Ashley's Amsterdam guide is making me wish I could plan another trip there. I can't believe that was 9 years ago...

Peaks of the Week

This is my fourth post this week. That feels pretty big to me right now since over the last six months I've only been posting three times, and sometimes one or two. I partly attribute it to my current experiment in laziness - I haven't washed my hair all week. I don't know about you, but I hate washing my hair. I feel like it's the biggest drain on my time, without say, the satisfaction I get when I devote an hour to painting my nails. While I'm not sure how much longer I can exist on dry shampoo, I've enjoyed the freedom my dirty hair has bestowed upon me.

Spring finally feels like it's arrived, which means the cherry blossoms are blooming. It's my favorite part of the whole year, and I'm happy I got to Wooster Square yesterday during the golden hour to snap some photos. It's so much better during an off time, especially for tripod photos! Though I really need to look into a long distance remote for my camera (if such a thing even exists). It's very persnickety about how far I can be and I feel like I can't always get the exact shots I want. While I was wandering around I noticed a house (actually a condo) for sale right in Wooster Square that I wish I could afford. For those views of the blossoms, I'd take it in a heartbeat!

❀ Flickr was bought by SmugMug and right now promises not to takeaway anything we love about Flickr (like the affordable pro membership) and only make it better. Before I started the blog I was a much more active member of the Flickr community, photo groups with weekly prompts inspired and propelled me to take more photos, and of course the Wardrobe Remix group was one of the sparks that led to this blog. I'll I can say is that without my photos on Flickr, this blog would be a whole lot of blank space.

❀ Paris in China. The sincerest form of flattery?

❀ Cee's post on having nothing to wear certainly resonated with me.

❀ Stacy London's year of going broke was such an honest, vulnerable piece.

❀ After reading this article about how Disney's forthcoming streaming service could potentially disrupt or even destroy the movie theater industry, MoviePass, a subscription service for movie theaters seems like the perfect solution. Naturally the studios hate the concept and feel it devalues their content. However, current movie prices cause me to keep my distance from theaters and MoviePass would drastically change that.

❀ Pigeon cams (before drones were a thing).

❀ Families who fled Trump's America, how long is the nomadic dream sustainable I wonder?

❀ Not all cashmere is created equal.

❀ Dani got the prettiest photos with the D.C. Cherry blossoms, and now I'm thinking I need to pull out my floral pants.

❀ I love this Crochet Cami Dress at the Gap, but I'd actually want it as a nightgown, is that weird?

❀ What it's like to work at the Museum of Ice Cream.

❀ This week I've been listening to Other People's Pieces by Chilly Gonzales. For me, the standout track is the rendition of Weezer's Damage in Your Heart.

Peaks of the Week

This week I simultaneously thought that it was dragging along, while also going to quickly. Nothing on my to-do list got scratched off, and I consistently could not fall asleep, most nights resorting watching The Office until finally drifting off around 2 a.m. When does life stop feeling like a game of catch-up?

After trying to figure out something to wear for brunch last Sunday, I feel like I'm overdue for a closet clean out. That should be easy since half of it is still hanging over various pieces of furniture in my room. (Though I jest, the likelihood of a closet clean out happening this weekend is probably 20%.) I ended up wearing my new button fly jeans and my old 'Cheers' collector tee from J.Crew factory - photos should be up next week.

This weekend I have another blogger event, and I'm really hoping some cherry blossoms pop - who knows with this crazy weather!


❀ This article sheds light on dog auctions, and reveals that not all rescues are 'rescuing' in the manner we believe. Just another reminder that we can't simply put our blinders on and think "pet store bad, rescue good".

❀ How did I not realize Nordstrom didn't have a store in New York before? But there is going to be one now, and they believe they've got what it takes to open retail when so many others are shuttering.

❀ When sundaes on dessert menus feel like cop-outs instead of evoking nostalgia. Of course the only nostalgic sundae for me would be the Friendly's Cone Head, with an entire bowl of reese's pieces on the side, from that one time they forgot them on the bottom and generously overcompensated.

❀ Skydiving as a cure for depression? Something to ponder.

❀ When your wealthy socialite friend turns out to be a fraud.

❀ Forget strenuous exercise for better brain health - just stand up.

❀ Can you Imagine going through some of the 14 million photos at the Library of Congress? Seeing the history of the country like that must be amazing.

❀ Polyvore was acquired by Ssense earlier this month and without warning the whole site was shut down. Naturally fans are upset, myself included as I have over 100 sets linked to old blog posts. They let you download your content, but the sets are all square (ugh) and all 600px wide (ugh ugh). Now have I have to go through my archives and fix old posts because I don't want broken images on my site. At least it isn't nearly as bad as what Photobucket did to their users.

❀ Since macrame bags are in again, if I want to partake in the trend then it has to be a vintage one. I really love this bag, but with shipping costs it comes to nearly $70. Kind of hard to justify when there are so many other bags for less than half that cost, like this one, or this one.

❀ J.Crew Factory's flash sale ads haunted me on instagram until I placed an order for these pants, this top, this cami, and this bodysuit (had to hit that free shipping minimum).

❀ Loving Whitney's simple spring outfit!

Peaks of the Week

Happy Friday! This weekend is a busy one for me - breaking my rule of only one plan per weekend - I'm attending an insider event at LuLu The Face Company on Saturday, and then going to brunch at The Place 2 Be on Sunday. But that does mean I'll have stuff to blog next week, yay! Haha.

❀ It's been 10 years since The Office's Dinner Party episode, I enjoyed this look back on it. And while we're on the subject, how do you not love John Krasinski?

❀ New Haven made this list of cities and states which will pay you to live there. It's probably one of the few places where my dream of owning a giant old Victorian home could become a reality, with an equally good chance that it would be squished in-between neighbors, as many homes were built before zoning laws. Though if I could have this house, I wouldn't care. Isn't it completely breathtaking?

❀ Loved this answer on Quora with regards to choice overload.

❀ On growth.

❀ Target, how do you always have so many cute things, like these scalloped leggings and this striped dress?

❀ I do wish it was easier to make new friends, but according to this study, you've got to log 200 hours of quality time with a person within four months of meeting them, or you'll probably never be friends.

❀ How do you not love when a dog and cat are BFFs who hike and camp and have an instagram with the aesthetic of Sarah Vickers?

Peaks of the Week

I've been in a bit of a blog funk, well, more like a life funk that takes the blog along with it. Every Friday I think I'm going to have a productive weekend, shoot outfits, write posts, and then it slips by in a blur. I've been wanting to write more, but I feel like I just can't find my voice.

To check in on my goals for the year, now that we are already a quarter of the way through, I've applied to two jobs, I didn't hear back from either. I've read four books (still on track for one a month), but the current two I have checked out have already been renewed once and I've barely touched them. One definite success, a Monday night yoga class I've attended for the last three weeks.

❀ April marks the start of cherry blossom season. In D.C. the trees hit their peak blooms yesterday. There is even a pop up cherry blossom themed bar, which I would love to see! Blooms in Connecticut are still about two weeks out, and hopefully I'll get to Wooster Square at the peak, which I missed last year.

❀ Caitlin shared her stay at the Gilded Hotel in Newport, RI, and first of all, now I want to go there, and second, I now have lots of home decor inspiration. Thankfully Target just launched Opal House and now I can get a jewel toned velvet chair and whimsical wallpaper on the cheap.

❀ I will probably never be a light packer, but I suppose it does offer this idea of freedom while traveling. We are in so many ways, tied to our stuff.

❀ I do not need to add anything new to my closet, but these bow slides are just darling.

❀ Modern science has changed a lot about what it means to be alive, this article leaves me feeling very conflicted and sad.

❀ Even though I haven't been dating, I already decided on an over-corrective post-breakup rule of no more guys in the restaurant industry.

❀ You might think after all the egg salad consumed this week (from a dozen easter eggs) I'd be tried of egg salad, but now I want to give this recipe a try.

❀ Crystals for people with low expectations of crystals. Yup, that's me.

❀ If you need a dose of puppy, Diana's poodle just turned one year old!

Peaks of the Week

❖ Yet another nor'easter rolled through this week. No one showed up at work but me (not uncommon) so I got to have music on all day. My Discover playlists on Spotify have been good lately, giving me little gems like Stranded by Flight Facilities.

❖ This week we celebrated Pi Day. While I like to celebrate with pie,  it's far more mathematical side is quite interesting, as we have uncovered 22 trillion digits of Pi, with no end in sight.

❖ My mom's birthday cake came out really well, and the two of us had it polished off by Wednesday night. This meme pretty much sums it up.

❖ Thankfully we had a Chocolate Lemon Pie waiting in the wings. (We are allegedly cutting back our sugar intake after Easter my birthday.)

❖ I feel like I was off the market when online dating really exploded and somehow became more normal than meeting people in real life. I've never actually tried it, and after reading this article, I have even more reservations.

❖ Apparently what was a subtle creeping of 80's fashion has now become a full blown invasion. I for one have no desire to wear anything involving giant shoulder pads or print mixing in primary colors. Though I might have a soft spot for a statement belt.

❖ We share a lot of our lives online as bloggers, and for some, death too.

❖ Sam shared some adorable gingham pieces under $100 in anticipation of spring. I can't choose between this Target skirt or this J.Crew Factory one.

❖ This article about our nation's obsession with home renovations brought up some good points, and it does kind of feel like we are losing some of our individuality on a quest for clean white spaces. Admittedly I'm just as guilty for idolizing white kitchens.

❖ E's structural handbag is making me swoon.

Peaks of the Week

I had been toying with the idea of starting this Friday summation type of post since the start of the year, but quickly realized that I could not cobble it together at 9 p.m. on Thursday night, and it would in fact require advance planning during the preceding week. My intent being to create a space where I might write a bit more, and perhaps touch upon the progress of the goals I set out for myself two months ago. Truthfully, other than exceeding my reading goals, no other advancements been made. But anyway, here is what I loved, lusted after, or otherwise enjoyed this week:

❖ My peak of the week was attending a blogger event at Jack's Bar and Steakhouse in New Haven, I got to sample lots of yummy food and drink, catch up with some of my favorite bloggers, and be introduced to a great restaurant I might not have otherwise tried.

❖ Last fall I saw Lo Moon when they opened for Phoenix at College Street Music Hall and while it was the first time I'd heard them, I was instantly hooked. These past four months felt like a long time to wait for their debut album to finally be released, but it's every bit as good as I'd hoped. Start at the beginning, or jump ahead to 'Real Love' first, either way, I promise it will be on repeat.

❖ I might be late to the party, but I'm kind of smitten with the Selena Gomez for Coach collection. While I've always proclaimed my love of vintage Coach and snubbed anything new they've done, I'm loving the take on a classic bag with contemporary flare.

❖ There is no reason for this dress to be in my closet, but I want it in my closet. I'd also love a pair of button fly jeans.

❖ I'm having a springtime crush on this combination of blush, olive, and grey.

❖ Courtney's post on "Looking out the Window Syndrome" really hit home for me.

❖ The only events I watched during the winter Olympics were figure skating, and I thought this article about skating costumes and why so few wear bodysuits was interesting.

❖ I really enjoyed Krystal's reflections on blogging now vs. blogging back in 2009. She posted a link to what her blog looked like in 2010 and the moment I saw her old header I really felt like I'd just taken a step back in time. I immediately had to punch in my own url and get all nostalgic over 2011 Chic on the Cheap.

❖ What if all stats and metrics were removed from social media? Would it feel like more than just an endless comparison game? This New Yorker article discussed such an experience after a installing a browser extension which removes all the metrics from Twitter.

❖ Chloe is now 18, and The Pain of Loving Old Dogs resonated with me.

I'd love to know if you'd like to see more of this kind of post in the future, and I hope you all have a great weekend!