Happy Friday | 03.16.18

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Happy Friday! Have I told you I'm going to Seattle next week? I'm heading out on Tuesday for a design conference and will be there for a week! SO excited! I'm hoping to grab dinner with my cousin who lives out there, meet up for a concert with an old friend from high school/college, and then Curtis will be joining me for a long weekend. We're going to do one day of hiking, one day exploring the city and one day going on a whale watch :)

Feel free to send over any recommendations!

xo

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// I'm not exactly sure where we'll be on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" movement, but I'm going to be at least showing my support via social media. If you are looking for some amazing art to help express and support, download some of these Refinery29 posters. 

// The Most Beautiful Public High School in Every State in America - some of these are unreal! 

// 11 Little Mental Health Tips That Therapists Actually Give Their Patients

// Love this teeny-tiny NYC apartment

// Just a general PSA - have you watched Love on Netflix? The third and final season just released and it's amazing! The episodes are short - you can really cruise through :) 

// Loving this home trend

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Colorado

Finally some colorado photos! Here are some pics and deets about our trip :)

Denver & Boulder - Thursday & Friday: 

• Denver Biscuit Co.

• Thrift stores and coffee in Baker

• Denver Beer Co.

• Red Rocks

• Voodoo Doughnut

• Avery Brewing Co.

• Colorado State Capitol

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Keystone Saturday - Monday: 

Until next time Colorado! You are always too good to us <3 

Happy Friday | 03.09.18

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Well that was quite a storm! A little later in the afternoon than we all thought, but intense all the same. We hosted our Whiskey Club group that night and some winter warriors walked over to our place for snacks and drinks! It was lovely to have company on such a snowy evening.

My friends Lauren, Brittany and I are getting together on Saturday for some sort of day trip to celebrate Lauren's 30th birthday! #ladiessssss

And if we're feeling up for the trip, Curtis and I might head up north somewhere to go skiing on Sunday while there is still some fresh snow! 

xo

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// These are stunning! Photographer Luca Tombolini captures the surreal perfection of the desert

// Just purchased these - fingers crossed they fit well. They're gorgeous! And they are a very similar and more affordable dupe to these beauties! 

// As always, a great reminder to slow down sometimes and do what you want in life...Why My Dad's Sudden Illness Made Me Rethink My Entire Life

// Not like a buzzfeed type of quiz, more like a Briggs Myers test for designers - pretty cool! What Type Of Designer Are You? 

// Very intrigued by this recipe...

// The Last Supper, A Provence Self Portrait by Ann Street Studios

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Etsy Round Up // March 8

Looks like I only browse Etsy on snow days ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Definitely feelin' the plant life right now. Spring come soon!

Sun Ring

Nature Babes Patch

Hello Kitty Garden Notepad

Blooming Poppies Towel

Lemongrass Eucalyptus Mineral Bath Soak

Houseplants Housewarming Card

Happy Friday | 03.02.18

What an icky day! I don't know why I'm surprised, early New England spring is always unpredictable and usually rainy. But I believe it is going to pass soon and we'll have a rain free weekend! We are going up to Great Barrington on Saturday to visit with a friend, which will be fun. He's one of those wild friends that you know will take you on some crazy adventure. 

I will post some Colorado pics sometime next week, we had such an awesome time!! Skiing with all of our friends was such a great experience and I was pleasantly surprised by our trip into Boulder. I already knew I loved Denver, but I was worried Boulder was going to be a little too hippy for me, and it ended up being very similar to West Hartford Center and Burlington Vermont, but with outrageous mountain views! Photos to come :)

// PSA: Watch the new season of Queer Eye on Netflix asap!!!!! I had never seen it before but we were getting so many recommendations to watch it. It ended up being the perfect evening show during our trip with all of us hanging out. 

// Some spring clothing items I'm eyeing...Black and White Gingham Mules, Free People Torn Up Jumper in Ocean Blue, Delicate Hoop Earrings in Gold, Floral Wide Leg Pants, and a nostalgic Gap logo denim baseball cap. 

// This is jumping the gun a little bit (considering I don't have any kids...) but this article on parenting teens was really sweet and a good reminder of how to look at life from a different angle. And as always, I just have to say, the comments in any Cup of Jo article are some of the best parts, so take a moment to look through some of those as well! 

That's all I got today, I wasn't on the internet much last week! Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend xo 

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CT to CO

Another year, another trip to Colorado! Since my brother moved out there in the summer of 2015, I've been lucky enough to make a couple visits. It's been fun to experience the state at different times of year - in late summer when I helped him move out, then in March where Curtis made his first trip. It was warm enough to go on beautiful hikes and we loved visiting with Nick and his gf Molly. And then last year I was able to visit in the winter and ski the West! It was my first time skiing in the Rocky's and I knew I had to bring Curtis out to experience it! 

So here we are, one day away from being back in CO! We are going out with a couple friends who also haven't experienced the mountains, so I'm very excited for them. We will have 2 full days in Denver with Reg (best friend and former co-blogger at G&M), Curtis, Nick (brother) & Molly (brother's gf). Our close friends Emily and Joe who recently moved out to Boulder, and then our other hometown friends Andrew & Renee will be joining us on Friday as we all head to Keystone. 

I'll be posting on my instagram here, and I'll probably post a little recap here after as well. I love a good vacation post :) Incase you're interested - here were some from past trips - Denver, Palm Springs & Joshua Tree, Portsmouth NH, Vermont Pt 1 & Pt 2, Germany, Tudor City NYC, Italy, New Hampshire. 

Can't wait! (My brother Nick in the photos below) 

Happy Friday | 02.16.18

How was your Valentine's Day, everyone? Ours was delicious and we had so much fun blasting this Spotify playlist on our drive to and from Chicopee! On a totally different note -  I can't believe I didn't update you on meeting Curtis's parent's pup, Dino! He was the sweetest guy, so well behaved and so ready for love! He wasn't treated well at his previous home, so it's absolutely wonderful that he has such an amazing permanent spot now! I didn't post any photos on social media (yet), but when I do - you'll know :)

Happy Friday! xo

// Did you see the gorgeous Barack and Michelle Obama portraits?! 

// Always open for hair suggestions! The Most Popular Haircuts Around the Country

// My dream retirement situation: Bestie Row: 4 Couples Built These Tiny Houses So They Could Live Right Next to Each Other

// Speaking of architecture, This Architect Couple Lives in a Spaceship - awesome home tour!

// Did you hear that L.L.Bean has changed their Lifetime Guarantee Policy? I have feelings both ways, because I have heard a lot about people abusing the system. I am a little disappointed thought (I guess mostly in myself for missing the window), because I have a rain jacket that is only 4 years old that I've only warm probably 15 times that the liner has shredded and I was going to go last week to replace it and forgot...so now I'm stuck with a disappointing product that is outside of the exchange date. Boo! 

// I've been a fan of Helen Levi's work for awhile now (on the early days of instagram), The Cool-Girl Ceramics We Can't Get Enough Of

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Happy Monday | 02.12.18

I forgot to press publish on Friday, oops! So Happy Monday :)

As a former blogger, all I am seeing is "Gifts for Him/Her on Valentine's Day"... and am SO happy to not be making gift collages right now :) I'll stick to simple Llinks for right now. Speaking of Valentine's Day, Curtis and I have never been super fans of it, but we do love to eat - so we are going out to dinner. BUT, it's not some fancy romantic dinner, it's to a German restaurant in Springfield haha. Having German grandparents and family, we eat German cuisine for holidays and I love it! I'm lucky that Curtis also shares that love, so he was excited to try out a new German spot! If you are unfamiliar, Springfield, MA has quite a few great, authentic German Restaurants. We've been to The Haufbrauhaus and Student Prince, and will be going to the Munich Haus next week! Prost! 

// One of my favorite coffee spots, Dom's, is on this list! The Most Beautiful Coffee Shop in Every State in America

// How to Travel the World While Working Full Time - yes, please! 

// I take astrology with a grain of salt, but I do find it fun to read my horoscope and I do relate to being a Sagittarius (traveler, always tried & hungry ;)), so when I recently came across Astro Style, I wasn't sure what to think. I enjoyed reading my horoscopes and clicked around the site a bit. I came across their "Numerology" page and decided to find my number. And I have to say, it was pretty spot on! I also did a couple other people in my life and also found those to be pretty darn accurate. I guess all I can say is, test it out, see if you can relate and enjoy the ride! 

// I was VERY sad (and angry and frustrated) to find out that the 2 sweet owners of Deco Nails (my favorite nail salon) in Avon are scheduled to be deported next week. I've signed a petition and have read into how else I might be able to help. If you are local, you can help as well. 

// UGH. This artist put Trump quotes on sexist ads from the 1950s and it’s frighteningly realistic.

// Although my hair is brown, I do have some lighter pieces from my last balayage, and I kind of want to try this! 

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Etsy Round Up // Feb 7

Why not browse these fun items from Etsy on your snowy/sleety day, friends! xo 

Château in the Mountains Patch

Face Mists

Pink Ladies Screen Printed Shirt

3 Print Set - Desert Flowers

2018 Lunar Calendar / Moon Phase Calendar Screen Printed Poster

Candied Ginger Vegan Handmade Artisan Soap

Happy Friday | 02.02.18

Well that was some unexpected snow this week! Or maybe I just wasn't really paying attention  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ haha

Either way, it's Friday and I'm at the printer today because UConn Magazine's Spring 2018 issue is on press! It will be hitting mailboxes in mid Feb :)

We're having a pretty chill weekend which is going to be nice! We will be having some people over to "watch" the Super Bowl, aka eat and drink and hang out haha. We're New Englanders so I guess we are rooting for the Patriots? #idontreallycare  

// Speaking of the Super Bowl, and Fargo (we finished Season 2 & 3 this month!)...Visiting Minnesota during the Super Bowl? Don't 'Fargo' us, man

// And the last Super Bowl related post...Super Bowl snacks! Thinking about some of these goodies...Pretzel Dogs, Classic Potato Skins, Tater Tot Pot Pie Casserole, Red Beans & Rice Nachos

// I need to get at this DIY before spring - I am so into cute embellished mules! 

// The Ultimate Guide to Retro Font Pairing

// I have been eyeing Glossier products for awhile now, but it's just so hard to pull the trigger since it's all online. I found this review to be SO helpful! I'm thinking I might have to make a purchase soon :)

// The Worst Decor Trend From The Year You Were Born

// I haven't had cereal in ages, but this looks like a fun new spot!

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Happy Friday | 01.26.18

How adorable is that puppy?! Curtis's parents actually just adopted a 5 year old Australian Shepard and I am dying to meet him!! Our schedules haven't aligned yet, but I am determined this weekend to make it happen. 

xo

// It's so interesting to see all of the 2018 projected design trends in one spot. Going to have to start some new projects! 

// Speaking of design, the creators of the beloved magazine Kinfolk have created a new magazine called Broccoli, a magazine created by and for women who use cannabis. It obviously has creative and thought provoking design. I wonder if I can get my hands on one in Denver or Seattle (which I will be visiting this spring!) 

// Loving all of these Refinery29 celebrity Beauty Evolutions! They're so fun! So far loving the Cardi B, Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez & Katy Perry. They have SO many, check them out.

// I'm always on the hunt for more house/office plants - preferably ones I won't kill - and this list has some cute ones I might have to search for! 

// Ever since we've been getting our Marley Spoon dinners, I've become very interested in white beans (they use them frequently in their recipes). I definitely want to make these 2 recipes soon – Skillet Bruschetta with Beans & Greens and Cheesy Mashed White Beans With Kale, Parmesan, and a Fried Egg.

// This might both seem a little obvious and a little heavy, but I think it's a great reminder to step back a bit and figure out what social media means to you - How To Have a Healthy Relationship With Social Media. 

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Happy Friday | 01.19.18

This week FLEW by! Having Monday off, and then a snow day on Wednesday might have done it...:) We're hanging with some friends tonight to play some board games and are hoping to finally get around to starting our wedding thank you notes this weekend. Fun times ahead ha. I hope your weekend is much more enjoyable than that! xo 

// Did you guys see Lady Bird? It's still one of my top movies this Oscar season! This behind the scenes about Greta Gerwig's directorial debut is so sweet. 

// Amelie Mancini is one of my favorite artists, and her house tour is just a lovely as I would have expected. 

// I know I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, but I bought a new swimsuit for this summer! Very excited about it! American Eagle has great suits and always has amazing deals - like the one I got on this top and these bottoms. 

// For all my Hartford peeps – Hartford Restaurant week runs from Jan 22nd-Feb 4th. Get out there and try some new places, they're so delicious. 

// I don't recall being anxious as a child (it's more of an adult thing for me, cool...), but I think it's good to be aware of how kids are feeling, and how they might not be able to express that. This article was very informative and I hope I can remember these someday if I am experiencing this as a parent, or an adult around children in general. 

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Happy Friday | 01.12.18

Happy rainy Friday :) Today is my Opa's 88th birthday! We will be celebrating tonight at The North House, which none of us have been to yet. We've heard good things! I have Monday off, and so does Curtis so we are looking forward to find something fun to do around Hartford.

Anyway! Here are some light-hearted Friday links. Enjoy!

// Have you guys seen the new Chobani branding? It's GORGEOUS and I absolutely love it. BUT...I'm not sure it's quite right for everyday day consumer yogurt. 

// I read somewhere about using leather wipes for keeping your boots fresh throughout the harsh snowy/salty New England weather - very interested in trying that out! Anyone ever try it?!

// Can I be friends with them, plz?!

// Are you guys watching The Crown? I still have to start Season 2! This side-by-side of the cast vs person they are playing is pretty great. 

// But is it even a Happy Friday post without a Cup of Jo article?! 

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Etsy Round Up // Jan 18

I guess I missed one other thing just as much as Friday links and monthly moodboard - my Etsy Round Ups! Here are my favorites for January...

Macbook Flower Decal

Collection of Boho Vintage Straw Wall Weavings Baskets

Rainbow Deskpad

Buffalo Plaid Lunch Box

Mesh Glitter Star Socks

Moon phase bracelet

Happy Friday | 01.05.18

Holy crap it's cold out there! At least there is some snow to make it pretty :) and I thoroughly enjoyed my snow day yesterday! Curtis and I finished The Handmaid's Tale last week and Godless this week. I had been dying to watch The Handmaid's Tale since I read it a couple months back and the show was just as horrifying and enveloping as the book. Godless was a bit of a disappointment to be honest, but I have a soft spot for the 1800s/1900s West, so I eat up anything in that era. With crazy cold temps this weekend we'll most likely dive right into another show...we've been meaning to watch Season 2 (and 3!) of Fargo.

// Dying over this John Denver skiing music video

// Getting my haircut tomorrow and hoping I still have enough courage to get the fringy curtain bang I've been eyeing for months! Check out what I've pinned as reference.

// My favorite beauty YouTuber (and instagramer) with her 2017 make-up faves

// Design*Sponge did a bunch of 2017 round ups, this and this one being my two favorites! 

// lol - Examples of Toxic Femininity in the Workplace

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Happy Last Friday in December!

How is it going to be 2018 next week?! Seriously this year has FLOWN by. Probably because I was planning a wedding for most of it...haha. Now that the wonderful day has passed, life has slowed down a bit, but we rushed right into the holidays, so here we are, days away from 2018! 

Curtis and I are off to a fun 90's themed dress-up NYE house party with some friends that we are pretty pumped about. If you don't know this about me, I love.love.love to get dressed up for themed parties/halloween/events/you name it. So I am going to hit up Goodwill on Sat and find the perfect outfit :) Wishing ya'll a fantastic NYE and a happy & healthy 2018. xo

// Pretty into my recent discovery of Dazey LA (amazing tees!) and their Boss Blog! 

// The Hotel We Want to Stay in in Every State

// What an amazing gift - definitely need to remember this for next year!! Or anniversary...

// We made these Korean beef tacos recently (in the crock pot, not the instant pot), and I want to tell everyone about it! SO good! 

Stay warm out there, friends!

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Happy Wednesday | 12.27.17

Welp, already falling off the wagon! What was I thinking starting this all up during the holidays...

Well, I'm at least here with some links after an awesome Christmas! This was my first Christmas as a Mrs., and Curtis and I had our first Christmas morning just the two of us! It was really nice to wake up next to him (rather than in my twin bed at home...), and we opened a couple more gifts together lounging on the couch before heading out to Canton & Greenwich for the day. 

I hope you had an amazing holiday! xo

// The #1 was pretty expected, but the others were a fun surprise! The 10 Most Instagrammed Cities of 2017

// #WokeCharlotte

// I honestly thought this was going to be a clickbait type of article, but was pleasantly surprised with how useful this actually is! I have had my fair share of tiny apartment sinks...

// Cup of Jo, one of my favorite blogs, with her favorite posts of 2017

// This just made me giggle - How to Spike Martinelli's Sparkling Cider at Your Wholesome Family Gathering

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Happy Friday | 12.15.17

And I'm back, trying to stick with it :) Yesterday was my birthday and I had a lovely day! I had some morning treats, our holiday UCPEA (union) lunch, a delicious dinner with Curtis at Sayulita in Glastonbury and then drinks with all my besties at our neighborhood bar. I'm heading to NYC this weekend to hang with some dear college friends and it's going to be so.much.fun! 

// This laptop cover is gorgeous

// A great idea for instant (well maybe like 10ish mins) deliciousness 

// This week like...

// Cute DIY

// Gray Malin’s tips for perfect smartphone holiday photos

I guess that's it! xo

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Just sharing...

One of the most unexpected things I miss from running Gardenias & Mint was our Friday round up posts. I guess I'm on the internet A.LOT. and I come across so many things that I just want to share. So I figured why not start a Friday round up again :)

// Women Are Supposed to Give Until They Die

// The Silence Breakers

// The Unspoken History Behind a Surname

// What's Kevin G from Mean Girls up to today? Living his best life as a calligrapher.

// This Is What ‘Self-Care’ REALLY Means, Because It’s Not All Salt Baths And Chocolate Cake.

// Ryan Gosling not eating his cereal is still one of my favorite things on the internet

// Your “Stranger Things” Character, According to Your Zodiac Sign

I also miss making monthly moodboards, so keep an eye out for some of those. Happy Friday <3