Bday/Vday

Anthropologie Hobnail Pitcher/Voluspa Decorative Tin Candle in Moso Bamboo/House of Harlow 1960 Mini Sunburst Necklace/Anthropologie Arctic Stripe iPhone 4 Backup Battery/Rifle Paper Co. To My Valentine...Card

Having my birthday on Valentine's Day is great...no matter what, there's always something to celebrate! This year, I'm loving relatively practical gifts like a colorful iPhone backup battery (that hopefully I could use to juice up my iPad too), a gorgeous hobnail pitcher that I want to fill with iced water and lemon slices, and a statement necklace that is small enough for everyday wear. 

My friends are amazing and I consider them to be my Valentines along with Dude. I love this card (even though I won't get this exact one for them now that I've posted it here!) and this candle smells amazing...not too sweet and, in my opinion, the perfect little present for a pal.

Flowers, Chocolate, and Chucks

I'm feeling better lately and so, so grateful for that. I zipped out of the apartment this morning and got groceries and it was a great way to start my day. Of course, my trusty black Chuck Taylors from my junior year of college made an appearance--they often do when I'm running errands. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

Zappos

Now that I'm feeling better, I'm having fun taking a little bit better care of our apartment. (One can only have so much fun when her diet consists of ginger ale, ramen, and pain medication.) I love buying fresh flowers and got a big bouquet of white spray roses this morning. They're currently hanging out with a couple of cards (including an early birthday one from my dad, which squished my heart) and fabulous Jonathan Adler zebra coasters that we just got from my cousin. 

While picking up practical groceries (if toaster waffles count as practical) this morning, I couldn't help but snag some Valentine's Day chocolate. I love how it looks in this Kate Spade bowl we got for our wedding. 

Also, I am rekindling my love for Pandora Classical Radio--it's amazing, soothing, and really good for when I want to be productive!

Snow Day

Starbucks VIA® Caffe Mocha (Also available in Vanilla Latte)/ Vera Bradley Throw Blanket in Jazzy Blooms/ The Square/ The Act of Killing/ Old Navy Patterned Trouser Socks 

Here are some of my current favorite things for making this chilly and snowy weather a bit more enjoyable. The two documentaries are not for the faint of heart (graphic/violent content) but they are definitely worth watching. 

Hope everyone is staying safe and warm! 

Good Distractions

Aside from my mom's visit in the middle of the week, I have been spending lots of time bumming around the apartment and recuperating. Lots of books. Lots of Netflix. Overall, (knock on wood) I am beginning to feel like a person again. Dude and I had dinner with my mom at J. Paul's and Rosa Mexicano (the Chevy Chase one), and I was so happy that my pain was minimal and I could focus on the awesome food and even better company. Dude and I both ordered from the Rosa Mexicano Restaurant Week menu and it was perfect...we got guacamole, the skirt steak, and espresso flan that was not too sweet, came on top of a thin brownie, and was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time.

via Barnes and Noble

I read this excerpt on Huffington Post and I have a feeling the book is going to be hysterical. I downloaded the nook free sample and have a feeling I'll be buying whole thing soon.

I can't stop watching American Horror Story on Netflix. It's pretty disturbing but really fascinating. On a completely superficial note, Kate Mara is really good in it (although behavior-wise, at least where I'm at in the series, she's pretty terrible) and I keep catching myself coveting her heavy eyeliner and stick-straight hair.

To calm my mind and take a break from making bracelets, I got this cross-stitch stationery kit when I went to Urban Outfitters with my mom. I've never done it before but it comes with instructions, so I'm feeling pretty positive.

Wishing everyone exactly the kind of weekend you want--calm, crazy, or somewhere in between. 

Let The Sun Shine In

To paraphrase Officer Rhodes in Bridesmaids, sure, we've got some stuff. It's Monday. It's cold. I'm recovering from an unexpected surgery and IT. HURTS.

What day better than today, in that case, for an interlude of color and fun and things on sale?

I adore this print and these items from Lifeguard Press are so cute and affordable. I don't care that I am 27 years old; I totally want to be the girl with the Lilly calculator!

thermal mug/pencil pouch (doubles as small makeup case)/calculator

Some of my favorite ladies have birthdays in January, and one of them is receiving one of these necklaces. I love the combination of the semi-precious stone, tassel, and pretty packaging--and the 50% markdown sure doesn't hurt. The cherry quartz one is definitely my favorite, and I think the turquoise one would look marvelous on my best pal A. 

onyx/rock crystal/garnet

turquoise/cherry quartz

It never hurts to be grateful, and I am so lucky to have so many people who bring joy to my life. Between the check-ins, the empathy, and the comic relief, my friends and family are just the best and make my less-than-stellar medical situation all the more bearable. 

I hope everyone has a great rest of the day that's punctuated with some color, fun, and happiness of your own!

My Kind of Neutrals

I can never resist a great bag or pouch, and I love these prints--one of them may make it onto our very slowly progressing gallery wall. 

left/middle/right

left/right

Arm Party Additions

Less expensive Chan Luu Bracelets in soft, sweet colors and cool textures? Count me in. 

Eggshell Combo Spike Cuffs/Periwinkle Crystal Cuff Bracelet On Brown Leather/Grey Heart Medium Beaded Bracelet/Love Medium Beaded Bracelet/Pink Heart Medium Beaded Bracelet