Wednesday, September 30, 2015

10 Items or Less

I have been a long time fan of Benefit Cosmetics, As in I started wearing it in high school over ten years ago, the products and the packaging just screamed me. I wore the same mascara and blush for six years before my sister suggested other palettes, colors and brands. These are my less than ten items you must have from Benefit! Enjoy :)

(images via benefit) 

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

A Madewell Fall





It's time for thick scarves, boots, loafers, dark shade pumps , mid length skirts and grey everything. Have you seen the Madewell Lookbook yet? I want everything, particularly the dark green skirt in the above photo. What is your favorite look this season?

(image via fashionista)

Monday, September 28, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 bedroom corners...
 a near bare back and scallop details :)
cabin in the woods.
 thank you to my boyfriend, still obsessing
over this band. 
do it yourself projects include a golden bookcase.

(images via instagram)

Thursday, September 24, 2015

School Girls

In a family of five, four of us have at least a masters degree, my mom has bachelor's degree and I'm convinced if she didn't have three kids she would have gone for a higher degree. With Ph D. in science, two masters degrees in accounting and an almost masters in library in information science, my family sounds like a bunch of overachievers. We're all independent, passionate, dedicated and I'd say hard working people. Both my siblings previous work experiences averaged out to at least ten hour days of grueling workloads. I don't see how my parents survived nearly fifteen years of college and graduate school, but I'm incredibly thankful they were there for every late night phone call and a few attempts to want to come home when school just seemed impossible.

 In our household, no is simply not in our vocabulary! While you may think that we are privileged, ridiculously smart (even though I really think my siblings are geniuses) or lucky to go graduate school, my intention with this post is not to brag or whine about our collegiate experiences. We each had defining moments, hurdles to jump and major setbacks to get to where we are now. My dad whose been a very successful and exceptional businessman for thirty years told me in his second semester of grad school, he didn't think he would make it. Both my siblings faced months of stress, struggles and late nights calling my parents questioning their worth. I wholly believe that graduate school is a testament of your strength and your willingness to keep going. And while the end always seems so far away, touching that seemingly faint light at the end of the tunnel becomes your mission.  It's a fight, it's night after night of 'I can't do this,' it's staying up until two in the morning, crying, eating maybe two giant supreme pizzas to make you feel better to just to get by. But when you're handed that paper that signifies that you are an expert, it will all be worth it. I promise!!! So for any college students, you can do it. Do not give up!!! 

  (image via smart girls guide)

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Need a Little Motivation

Need a little motivation while you're in school, so do I!!!!

Get yourself an Insprational tumbler.

Buy a pair of running shoes, get outside and clear your head.

Make a playlist and when you need a break listen to your favorite band or podcast.

When it comes to those late night study sessions get comfortable in these leggings.

Make sure to buy to Elizabeth Gilbert's newest book (and listen to the podcast)! 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

The Daily Escape

I've been to New Hampshire once in my life, I was eleven years old and I had never seen anything more beautiful (that is outside of Maine) in my life. Since I spent my summers in Maine, it was a special treat to get out of the woods and go into town. Now there isn't much to the small town that Denmark is, so going for a quick trip outside of Walden was especially exciting for me. Some of my best memories of camp include the annual hiking trip, our canoe trips and a fun day away from camp. A day to go to the movies, walk around town and eat something besides the usual peanut butter and fluff sandwiches I made myself for dinner. Even though it was was less than 48 hours away from Walden, whatever town we were in while staying in New Hampshire, all I can say is I bet it is absolutely gorgeous in the fall. 

I've never been to the East Coast in Autumn but it's near the top of my bucket list. When I went away to college and experienced my first Indiana Fall, I felt so lucky to see the Notre Dame golden dome peak through the orange and brown leaves from my dorm window. My fourth floor view was the perfect snapshot you'd see on a postcard. And it was beautiful. I can't imagine walking through the streets of small East Coast town in mid October. Where's your favorite town to visit in the fall? 

(image via yahoo travel)

Monday, September 21, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up

 blush pink, lace and grey...
 a quiet friday night in.
 quick swim and tanning session.
 a masters degree requires lots of note taking, i
 prefer to do it in style. 
last days of summer...

(images via instagram)

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunday Movie


For the kids book discussion group at the library this fall, we're reading a few classics: The Westing Game, Harriet the Spy and Wonkenstein.  I've read Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh I don't know many times, it was definitely one of my favorites growing up. I can still remember my mom getting me a spy kit and notebook, so I could do my own spy work. Since I finished it reading it for the millionth time earlier this week, I decided to watch the 90s classic with Michele Trachtenberg. What are you watching this weekend?   

Friday, September 18, 2015

Friday Morning

It feels like summer is finally over! The other day I woke up to it being sunny, breezy and sixty eight degrees, I immediately went for a morning walk to enjoy the perfect weather. I don't have much planned for the weekend since I'll be be working most of it but what I have off I'll be spending outdoors. I'm looking forward to trying out a new soup recipe I came across earlier in the week and getting cozy with my copy of the new Mindy Kaling book! What are you up too this weekend? 

(image via wish)

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Emma Watson

1. Between film projects and school, Emma went to Brown and Oxford and graduated from Brown with a degree in English Literature in 2014. 

2. Besides her breakout role in Harry Potter, Emma Watson has gone on to lead a successful acting career with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring and even makes an appearance in the hilarious In the End. 

3. At the age of 15, she was the youngest person ever to grace the cover of Teen Vogue. 

4. In her spare time, she writes poetry and loves to paint and draw.

5. If you haven't seen or listened to her speech on gender equality, here you go. 

(image via only the best)

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Music Lounge



When it comes to anything music related I always go to my boyfriend first. If I'm needing inspiration, looking for a new artist or in the mood to learn about the history of rock n' roll or a particular band, it's at least a two or three hour conversation. He's pretty passionate, he's always excited to talk about emerging artists or wanting to go see a show. We've been together for a little over three years now and I'm still blown away listening to him. His extensive knowledge is incredible to say the least. I mean he has a degree to back up his love for music, so he's an excellent guru. A few weeks ago he introduced me to the group - PVRIS and it's all I've been listening too. I highly recommend checking out their page, buy their EP and become addicted like me. 

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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Rules of Fall (Part III)

1. Make sure to shop for everything pumpkin flavored at Trader Joe's this fall season. A few of my favorites include the pumpkin macaroons and pop tarts!

2. Get creative and make your own fall inspired garland. I recently made this one for less than $10 at Michael's. 

3. Indulge in soups like this one, it is a family favorite in the O'Brien household. 

4. Stay in, cuddle by the fire and read a good book

5. Now that it's the end of summer, get rid of a few things while you are hauling out all your autumn decorations from the hall closet. 

(image via just imagine)

Monday, September 14, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 a little blog love in the house...
 the new regular, shrimp jalapeno pesto :)
 fall accents in the bedroom...
 skinny jeans, grey wraps and my favorite bracelets.
palm tree skies...

(images via instagram)

Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday Mornings

Happy Friday lovelies, what have you been up too all week? Although I've kept busy, it's been kind of a long week. In the middle of learning a new library, getting comfortable with a whole new staff and my energy levels being somewhere in between exhausted and hyper from my strict diet, excessive exercising habits and writing my paper, I seriously cannot wait to sleep in this weekend. I'm loving this window partition in the bedroom!!! What are your plans for the weekend? See you all Monday morning :)




(image via boligliv)
  

Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Librarian Suggests

What have you been reading, listening too and watching lately? Since I have my book club right around the corner, I hunkered down and read about four books in the past few days, I have to say Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai is fantastic and an absolute for tweens to be reading right now. I also read The Westing Game for the fifth time and it's still just as good as it was when I was growing up. As far as my adult reading list, I'm currently finishing up Self Help by Lorrie Moore and We Should All be Feminists by Chimamande Ngozi Adiche. A book of essays and a TED Talk converted into fifty page booklet, these library staples for empowering women. What I'm listening too: My guy introduced me to PVRIS and I cannot stop listening to them, Lyndsey Gunnulfsen's voice is incredible. Download and become obsessed like I have. And as you all know I'm watching nothing but Gilmore Girls right now, so please get into the show already :)

(image via lush home)

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Girl Crush



Clearly Lorelai and Rory are the stars of the hit show Gilmore Girls, but I have to say Emily Gilmore may be one of the greatest television characters ever created. And Kelly Bishop kills it!!! Whose with me that Kelly may be the star of this show?! 

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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Home Projects and Updates





I do not know about you but I am always up for updating, changing, wanting to move furniture around or work on something in my house. Now that we are transitioning into the fall season, I have a few projects in mind. A few painting jobs, incorporating more grey and white furniture, deciding on prints for a much needed gallery and working with the 'less is more' mantra throughout my home. What are you working on right now?

(images via apartment therapy)

Monday, September 7, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 weekend reading material and fresh blooms...
 chinese take out and movie kind of night...
 laps and reading a highly recommended book 
of essays from a coworker...
finally tackling this beast....
hints of fall throughout the house.

(images via instagram)

Friday, September 4, 2015

Friday Morning

What are you plans for Labor Day Weekend? I wish I could say mine would be a little more exciting but my main priority this weekend is organizing and putting together the first part of my portfolio. It's going to be a long weekend and since I've been walking/jogging all week I'm hoping to get in a few hours at the pool and get a little bronzed.  Have a great holiday and if you are taking a vacation, relax and enjoy it!





(image via french by design)  


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Want. Need. Read


On the hunt for the perfect boyfriend jeans

Obviously needing this on vinyl now that I have a sweet record player. 

So I can take it everywhere I go. 

Finally a cookbook by my favorite cook and writer, Ruth Reichl

About to start the highly anticipated book of the summer.   

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Lemony Kale Salad with Parmesan Crisps

Since I'm on a strict diet that includes no sugar and very little carbs, I've been trying to find recipes so that my lunch is more than just almonds and cheese. This kale salad sounds so refreshing to me, what do you think? 

 Ingredients:
  • 5 tablespoons aged parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 head lacinato (dino) kale, stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 2 fried poached or sunny side up eggs for serving
Instructions: 
To make Parmesan Crisps: 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
Grate 5 tablespoons worth of aged Parmesan cheese.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 Measure 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and place it in a pile on a baking sheet. Repeat for remaining cheese. 
Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until browned or crispy. 
Allow Parmesan crisps to sit on the hot baking sheet a couple of minutes before gently peeling the off the parchment. Use your hands to break the Parmesan crisps up into small bits for adding to the salad. 

Prepare the salad:
Add the raw (or blanched) chopped kale to a medium-size serving bowl. 
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard and salt until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the kale and toss until everything is well coated. 
Add the Parmesan crisps and served wit ha poached, fried or sunny side up egg. 

(image and recipe via the roasted root)

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Tis the Fall Season





Leopard loafers, knitted chunky sweaters, olive green and plum everything, long think scarves, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, dark lips, dark nails and a golden smokey eye, five layers of sweaters and coats, navy blue and black from head to toe and d'orsay flats...these are just a few of my favorite fall things.   

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Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Bernadette Marie: 1. Trained and completed two degrees, an AAS in Communication Design and BFA in Textile S...