Happy Friday | 11.02.18

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Happy Friday, friends! I know all I talk about is house stuff now, but dang - I am tired! So much painting, moving, rearranging, cleaning, etc. I am SO excited for some chill time this weekend to tackle some lingering projects. We got to the kitchen last night and it feels amazing to have one room really figured out. I love work, but it’s really getting in the way of my unpacking right now ;) My interests lay in the decorating part of home owning, so I am getting a little impatient, ha. Soon!

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// How to Work With Friends (*And Not Make it Weird)

// LOVING this ring and this necklace.

// Just a nice little reminder…Must Vs. Can

// I might have to make this salad this weekend

// Interesting! O'Connor, Rehnquist And A Supreme Marriage Proposal

// Hear Chris Cornell's Wrenching Cover Of 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

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Happy Monday | 10.29.18

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Welp it happened again, I missed my Friday post! So, happy monday :) I took the day off to do more home stuff - we are almost done with painting and are SO close to being officially moved in - yesssss.

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// I have no need for this, but I kind of love it

// Oo, I need to try this - The Best Use for Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (It's Not Muffins)

// I’m not over it…Brett Kavanaugh Cannot Have It Both Ways

// House project goldmine!

// Some interesting insight inside the blogger life

// GORGEOUS - I need to get to Peru someday!

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Portugal Pt. 1 - Lisbon

Hi, friends! I realized that after my Seattle trip, I didn’t post any photos, and I wanted to get better about that! These are just some of the highlights from our vacation to Portugal. You can see more on my instagram (posted photos & highlighted stories), but I wanted to share a little more info here.

We arrived on Tuesday, Sept 11th checked into our airbnb a little early. Which was great - bc it was about 90 degrees the city is HILLY…and our room was in a 5th floor walkup.

Some highlights from Lisbon:

• Our neighborhood! We had some amazing meals at: Santa Rita, Prado, Fabrica Lisboa, AO PE DA SE, Cruzes Credo. Some pics below!

• The pastel de nata *drool*

• The tile *heart eyes*

• The National Tile Museum

• Sintra (I will do a separate post for this!)

• TimeOut Market

• Ginja (a local sour cherry liquor)

• The hills! jk jk…lol but it was such a beautiful city that we just dealt with them! AND there are some free and open to the public elevators between hills/neighborhoods that were life savers

Ok, pictures!

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National Tile Museum:

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I’ll have some Sintra and Tomar photos for you soon! Check back for pt 2 & 3! <3

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Happy Tuesday 10.23.18

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GUYS. It’s been killing me to keep this secret - but Curtis and I bought a house! And we’re currently, as you read this, closing and starting the moving/painting/making it our own process. *Well, that was on Friday when I forgot to post this in all of the hectic-ness that is home buying* Wild. We really can’t get over that it’s ours, ha. Big things ahead! Obviously big responsibilty as well, but we’re ready.

And in true Christa fashion, my life is also going in a million directions, with a gals trip to Salem this weekend. (Tuesday update - SO much fun! Check out some pics & stories on my instagram) So moving will be put on hold to hang with 2 of my besties while we explore all things witchy!

And because things are crazy, no links this week. I’ll keep ya’ll updated asap! xo

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Happy Friday | 10.12.18

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Happy Friday! What a week! I’ve had plans every day after work this week, with 3 of those being work events - including something on campus tomorrow. Sunday is going to be an absolute chill day.

On a yummier note, doesn’t that kimchi friend rice look amazing?! I’m excited to really buckle down and cook again this Fall and Winter. With the cooler weather coming, it will be nice to be back in the kitchen - it was just too damn hot in the summer!

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// A Love Letter to the Horniest Woman on TV - Yes Kristen Bell & The Good Place (and my forever older gentleman crush…Ted Danson 😬)

// Amazing - Tiny Desk Concert: Leon Bridges

// I stumbled upon this spotify playlist, and I’m super into it

// This velvet jumpsuit is holiday party goals!!

// Why My Husband and I Sleep in Separate Beds

// How to Dress Like a Celebrity

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Happy Friday | 10.05.18

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Happy October! :) I couldn’t resist the skateboarding ghost lol

I’m off to NH with one of my gal pals, Brittany, for a weekend up at the Farm. We’re excited to get out of town and chill a bit. Some of my family will be there and we’re planning on hiking Mt. Monadnock on Saturday and bopping around Peterborough on Sunday.

Hoping the foliage will have started to turn! 🍂

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// These Countries Have the Best Work-Life Balance in Europe

// Dear dads: Your daughters told me about their assaults. This is why they never told you.

// lol - yes to most of these…21 Things That Almost All White People Are Guilty Of Saying

// Woah – This 90-Year-Old Lady Seduced and Killed Nazis as a Teenager. She recently passed away, and there was this article written about it as well.

// Thoughts on the Dunkin’ Donuts to Dunkin’ switch?

// One of my favorite beauty bloggers posted this great 5 min make up tutorial with drug store products - and she’s hilarious haha enjoy :)

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Etsy Round Up // October 4

Patterns, textures, and colors - oh my! Happy shopping :)

Cairn Studs

Wall Hooks

Trans Pecos Quilt

Rose and Chartreuse Ceramic Mug

Sierra Tile Decals

Kilim Square Pouf

Happy Friday | 09.28.18

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Holy crap it’s almost October! Not upset about it though, fall is my favorite season :)

We started watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine in Portugal and are very excited for a chill weekend full of binge watching and lounging.

Have a great weekend xo

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// How to Become a Bra Girl

// This house is gorgeous! Vermont is so magical - this place would be a dream. Here are some before & after pics as well.

// Have you ever heard of the persimmon seed winter prediction test?! A work friend was talking about it and I had to look it up. Weird!

// The Responsibility of Influencers

// Everything You Know About Obesity Is Wrong

// UGH — Brett Kavanaugh and the Cruelty of Male Bonding

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Happy Friday | 09.21.18

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I’m back! We had a wonderful, wonderful trip, but I am happy to be home. We are jumping right into the weekend with a fundraising brunch to benefit The Judy Dworin Performance Project organized my our good friend Brittany, and then heading to Farm Aid (hence the vintage Willie pic :))! SO excited!

Enjoy your weekend xo

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// What Pinterest Taught Me About Myself

// 20-Minute Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

// Sad to hear about Mac Miller’s passing - have you seen his Tiny Desk Concert?

// This is fun! Rare Pink Subtropical Bird Seen In Milford And Stratford (as in Connecticut…)

// Woah - have you seen this bridge?

// Super fun Brooklyn home tour

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Happy Friday | 09.07.18

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Happy Friday, friends! I'm signing off until the 21st – Curtis and I leave for Portugal on Monday for our 1st wedding anniversary! We are staying in Lisbon for the first 4 days, with a day trip to Sintra, and then we'll be driving into the country for the remaining 4 days. We are SO excited :) You can follow along on my instagram, chrrrista_ct. 

See ya'll in a bit! xo 

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// Speaking of Portugal...Here's Why it Seems Like Everyone is Going to Portugal Right Now. We felt this when we went to Iceland back in 2009, and then Joshua Tree in 2015...travel trendsetters ;) jkjk 

// “There’s a war in my brain between having a minimalism and maximalism style. Half of me wants to be Georgia O’Keeffe and wear simple linen dresses all day; and half of me wants to be Iris Apfel and cover myself in patterns and jewelry. I sit somewhere in between" Never has a fashion quote resinated so true for me haha...A Week of Outfits: Marti Esther

// The truth about growing up

// Ugh - Serena Williams Won't Be Allowed To Wear Her "Black Panther" Catsuit At The French Open

// So cute haha - 13 Female Celebrities on How They Spent Their First Big Paychecks

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Etsy Round Up // September 5

Here we are again - another month flew by! 

Linen Jacket

Orange Blossom Toner

Gold Mudcloth Pillow

Organic String Bag

Canvas Weekender

Tawnie Earrings

Happy Friday | 08.31.18

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Happy Friday! Happy 3-day weekend! It's been a crazy week, and I have some fun news to share in a bit! But other than that, just chugging away at the magazine which goes to print next Thursday...then we have the wedding of our dear friends, Emily & Joe, that weekend...and then we leave for Portugal on Monday! Ah! I don't understand how fast time can fly sometimes. Anywho, have a great Labor Day weekend! xo 

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// Love this idea - Anytime Cookies

// The olive oil! The bottle! The woman behind the brand! And the taste! My friend Lauren wrote this piece, and I got to try a bit of the oil - so amazing! 

// Your End of Summer CT Bucketlist 

// Still figuring out how to make this happen someday... A Dreamy 1962 Airstream Trailer Wallpapered with Florals 

// Did you guys watch the Sharp Objects finale?! I read the book about 5 years ago and forgot who the killer was...ah! This is a great final episode & show recap from the NY Times, and this is another great one from Vanity Fair -- *spoilers* only read if you've finished watching!

// 7 Things All Impossibly Chic People Have At Home

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Spotify Playlist Graphics

Guys, did you know you can add any photo to any of your personal Spotify playlists?! I found out from another designer friend, and it has been a game changer! I created 2 graphics for my 2 favorite playlists and intend on making many more...

The Good Stuff

Cowboys Blues

Happy Friday | 08.24.18

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Happy Friday! I took today off because it's move in day at UConn - woof. It's so great to have the kids back on campus, but it's a real shit show of a day getting to and from the office, so I decided to skip out. The best part is I have another friend who is playing hooky and we are going to have a pool day! And as usual, a jam packed weekend of fun ahead :)

Enjoy yours! xo

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// That car. that beach. that dress! 

// YUM - Spicy Their Curry Noodle Soup

// A documentary about mountains, narrated by Willem Dafoe & soundtracked by the Australian Chamber Choir...yes, please! 

// Some Critics Say the Biracial Actors in Crazy Rich Asians Aren't Asian Enough—But I Call Bullshit

// Aerosmith's original tour van found in the woods 40 years later

// Anna Coleman Ladd Made Masks For World War I Veterans Who Suffered Face Injuries

// How to Shop for Vintage Rugs

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Happy Wednesday | 08.15.18

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It's going to be a Happy Wednesday week, because today is my Friday!! I'm off to our 7th annual friend beach hang out in Old Lyme. Here are a few old G&M posts about it - 2016, 2015, 2014, Peach Bellini & our beloved corn salad. SO excited!

Have a great rest of the week :) xo 

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// A friend of ours is going to Peru in October and was telling me that she snagged a res at Central, #5 on the Worlds Top 50 Restaurants list! We went to Attica in Melbourne, #32, on our honeymoon and it was outrageous. 

// I Gave Up Plastic for One Week and It Was Very Eye-Opening

// Are you guys MoviePass subscribers? We are and boy has it been a rollercoaster ride! I still think 3 movies a month is a great deal for $10, so I'm not too worried yet. We honestly have seen less than 3 movies a month anyway, so I'm think it will work for us. You can read a bit more about it all here. 

// I know this is knit picky...but also amazing! Someday if/when we have a house of our own - I am coming back to this post! 14 Designers Share Their Favorite Shades of White Paint

// Seeing The O.C. Cast Then and Now Will Make You Feel Things

// I love hot lunches! 10 Fast & Practical Hot Lunch Ideas from The Kitchn

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Happy Friday | 08.10.18

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Friday again! I'm off to a fun lake weekend away for a good friend's bachelorette! And the best part is - 80's dance party Saturday night - in full costume :):) Going to be a blast! 

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// From one of the O.G. bloggers, Oh Joy!, Things I Learned Through My Life Coach That Might Help You, Too... I also clicked on her Why I Got A Life Coach article, and the part that really caught me attention was when asked the difference between a therapist and a life coach she said "in my mind, a therapist helps you with the past and things from the past that might be holding you back, causing anxiety, or whatever other things have happened in your life that may be affecting you...they help you find the root of the problems you are having. Whereas life coaches focus on the present and the future...you now and getting to be where you want to be, how you want to be in the future. They are meant to help you achieve the life that you want for yourself."

// One of my favorite illustration styles - 27 Packaging Designs That Feature Pen & Ink Style Illustrations

// We've been in search of a double hamper, and this one is so cute! We are getting a World Market in Weha :):) 

// What Happened When I tried to Play Men's Soccer

// Just good life advice...5 Signs It's Time to Break Up With Your Doctor

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Etsy Round Up // August 8

Some items catching my attention these days...

Display Birch Plywood Pegboard 

Blackberry Agenda Pad 

Kate Earrings in Blonde 

Cotton Rope Trivet | Coffee Pot Trivet | Coaster | Hot Pad 

Toilet Paper Holder 

Hippy Hair - texturizing salt spray 

Happy Friday | 08.03.18

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And just like that, it's August! Crazy! I'm off to Boston on Sat morning to have a chill visit with Reg - face masks, baking, watching movies, drinking wine...yassss. And then I'll be home for about  2 seconds before turning back around and driving up to Tree House Brewing for a really fun UConn event! I have not been yet, but I love their beer! Gonna be a good one :) 

Happy weekend xo 

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// It's so great to see a home that is brightened up and updated without major costly renovations - Before & After: A 1990s Suburban Home Gets a Colorful Makeover. It gives us little guys hope on finding a first home without breaking the bank on making it personal! 

// It's long, but it's worth it - How an Ex-Cop Rigged McDonald’s Monopoly Game and Stole Millions.

// Guys, this recipe looks amazing...Masala Chai Crème Brûlée

// Maybe not for me walls, but definitely for inspiration! Channel Georgia O’Keeffe’s Visions of Hawaii With These Wallpapers

// I still have a fair amount to see - maybe this weekend! 65 Romantic Comedies We'll Always Love From the '80s, '90s, and 2000s

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Happy Friday | 07.27.18

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Happy Friday! It's been quite a day already...woke up to a bat in our apartment, and then spotted a massive leak in the ceiling at work in my bosses office (who is out today!) 

Luckily we have a more chill weekend - we'll be up in New Hampshire for my family reunion. It's so fun to see the family and my favorite place and just do a whole lot of nothin. Play some games, swim, pick some blueberries, grill, catch up with family who live far away, camp, have a fire. I could go on :)

Have a wonderful weekend yourself! xo 

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// One of my favorite blogs, Advice from a Twenty Something, just started a new blog that is going to be right up my ally soon – Advice from a Thirty Something! 

// I'm finally getting around to seeing some summer movies! We saw Leave No Trace last night and it was beautiful. Going to see Mamma Mia tonight (YAS) and hoping to see Incredibles 2 and Sorry to Bother You in the next week or two.

// Two great home tours on Design*Sponge! One from a colorful Tasmanian beach house by Frankie Ratford, the creator of The Design Kids, and then on the other end of the spectrum, a moody mountain cabin in Southern California. 

// These are spot on! What Would Sex and the City Look Like in 2018? The Show Writers Plot Out 6 Episodes.

// lol this is cute - Maybe the Secret to Embracing Your Flaws Is Renaming Them

// Love this first-hand review of starting a home garden. Every year we talk about it and never seem to get it done. Someday...

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Happy Friday | 07.20.18

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This week FLEW.BY! And the weekend is going to as well! We have the wedding of our good friend, LP, this weekend and are so excited! We are tasked with bringing all 32 pies to the wedding, which is going to be an adventure :) 

Enjoy your weekend! xo

ps. Don't those flan popsicles look amazing?! You can find the recipe on the image credit link below. 

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// My favorite blogger is back with my favorite series of hers - Motherhood Around the World: Parenting In Other Countries! This summer she started out with France. Check them all out here! 

// 12 Things You Might Not Know About John James Audubon

// Dolores Huerta on Why Unions Matter

// 86 Sex and the City Outfits That Will Live On in Our Fashion Dreams Forever

// How Wilco’s Bassist and His Friends Turned a Berkshires Motel Into a Dream Summer Getaway

// Basket life! Gal Meets Glam talks about where she finds the best baskets. I've had amazing luck at Goodwill &  places like Brimfield. 

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