Monday, November 30, 2015

Sit and Stay Awhile

Five years ago in the midst of finals, I wrote this blog post. With the comfort of chocolate covered berries, thick socks and Bridget Jone's diary playing in the background on a very cold November evening, I decided to write a blog. I had been introduced to the academic blog-sphere through a professor but somehow found myself in places like Pinterest and Tumblr before they really took off. I started following the adventures of travel, fashion and cultural bloggers and five years later, I'm happy with the experiences the blog has brought me, the people and bloggers I've met and the few times I've written for brands.

 I've been pleasantly surprised with some bloggers and disappointed with others. It's an interesting world this place of online writing, you are constantly questioning what's real and what's fake? When the people you grow to admire turn out to be completely different in real conversation, it's hard to be apart of a world filled with liars, arrogant writers and those who are entitled. To the people who have turned their blogs into careers and brands, you are awesome! But also to all the bloggers who make nothing and write for fun or make it hobby, I salute you. With this year coming to a close, there's big opportunities in my future and they do not necessarily relate to this blog (although I am working on a few projects and changes concerning the blog) but I hope to keep up with my daily writings here. I have definitely enjoyed the second job this blog has turned into and I hope you still stop by to read my ramblings. To another year, Happy Birthday Sit and Stay Awhile!!!
(image via nicole hill)

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Saturday Happy

My guy showed me this video a week ago, I've watched it at least seventy times since then. It is downright hilarious. My stomach was aching and I was crying from laughing so hard. But this guys voice, though!! What is making you happy this week?

Friday, November 27, 2015

Friday Morning

Happy Friday readers, how have you been?!! It's a four day weekend and I don't have much planned except for sleeping in, reading through about four books, enjoying the cool weather and dressing in my new scarf and hat, loving my newly decorated dress and finishing up Christmas shopping. Have an excellent weekend and see you Monday morning :)




(image via hcinva)

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Turkey Coma Movie Marathon

After you've had your third plate of stuffing and another roll, it's time to change into sweats, hit the couch and tune in to a movie marathon. My favorite line up for a post Thanksgiving feast: 

Home Alone
Problem Child
Jurassic Park Trilogy
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Christmas Vacation
Uncle Buck
Groundhog's Day
The Wizard of Oz
Indiana Jones Triology
The Santa Clause 

(image via glitter guide)

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrotts

So what dish are you making and bringing for dinner this Thursday? There are so many dishes I could talk about when it comes to Thanksgiving but one of my favorite things is glazed carrots. This Bourbon Maple Glazed recipe sounds so excellent.

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup good-quality bourbon or whiskey
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • salt and black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons chopped dill (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch piece


Directions
  • In a saute pan, add the bourbon. Cook over medium-high heat until the bourbon has reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, chopped dill and carrots. Toss to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are tender but still have a nice snap.
  • Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

(image and recipe via cooking and beer)

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Winter Coats





Between Topshop and Zara this year, the coat selection this winter season is spectacular. I love all these styles and even though I live in the desert where it hardly ever dips below 45 degrees in the winter, I want/need to step my coat game up!!!

(images via Zara)

Monday, November 23, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 strolling through the venice canals.
 make up strewn over every surface in our room.
 home sweet home.
 sunday morning treats.
a little piece of heaven. 

(images via instagram)

Friday, November 20, 2015

this week's favorites...





Homemade wreaths, wintery cocktails, decorating for the holidays and home cooked meals. How's your week been going?

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Thoughts on Getting Older

 
Today is my 28th birthday and for the last month, I've been thinking and pondering and panicking at the same time about what turning twenty-eight means to me. I'm two years away from thirty! I'm not married, I don't have kids and I'm still trying to figure out my career. The whole worrying about the biological clock ticking is a thing now and until a few years ago I had no idea what I wanted to do. I took a leap of faith, I got into to grad school to pursue librarianship (yes you have to have a masters degree to be a librarian) and I have worked my way from volunteering to being the children's librarian all while being a grad student. As much as I hate taking tests, I've always enjoyed being a student.  I genuinely love my job, it's gratifying and more than fulfilling but there's a part of me that is still searching for something more, I don't think I can only be this one thing. If you've read Eat, Pray, Love by Liz Gilbert you'll know what I'm talking about. If you could pick a word that describes the type of person you are what would you pick? Your job title, your relationship status? The first time I read her book, I instantly knew what my word was, CURIOUS (and SEEKER)! And that still remains my answer today. I've always been curious and I'm always wanting to find out more, no matter the topic. I have to thank my dad for that, we both share an extreme love for philosophy. 

But I also can't help to think that this is the time in every young person's life to start thinking about definites and forevers. And that kind of scares me. Not that I'm a commitment phobe, I've been in a healthy and happy four year relationship, but my mind is so far from thinking about a family, a mortgage and living in one place forever. There are so many other important things to me than settling down at this moment.I don't know if it's me just being me or the cosmos but I've been reading a ton of articles on this subject. About letting go of societal pressures (and even family pressure) and just being happy with yourself and not feel bad about what you want in life. If you're a woman who wants to be a stay at home mother, a working mother, an entrepreneur  or an adventurer, be who you are.  Maybe, I'm thinking way too much into this but I've finally accepted that I am who I am and for now I'm perfectly happy being an adventurous girl. 

(image via style and cheek)

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Winter Tree Snow Globe

Looking for a wintery home do it yourself project this weekend? This Anthropologie inspired snow globe is perfect and pretty easy. Happy Hump Day :)
 
Here is what you will need:

Jar (a good shape and size for your trees)

Bottle Brush Tree (You can buy them at Big Lots)

Buffalo Snow or any type of faux snow that you can find.

Glue Dots or hot glue.

Instructions: 

First, remove the lid of the jar and glue the tree to the bottom of the lid…

Place a small amount of snow in the jar. Make sure not to fill it too much. You only need enough to cover the bottom of the tree once turned.


Carefully place the tree back into the jar and screw on the lid…

You've just made a snow globe in under five minutes! 

(image and instructions via whipper berry)

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Top Five





I grew up in a house thinking that everyone drank ice tea at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Unlike many of my peers, it wasn't until college when I started drinking alcohol. My parents were strict about high school parties and to be honest, I never had an interest in getting drunk. It was way more entertaining watching my classmates make complete fools of themselves at high school parties. Once I went to college, I definitely got my fair share of alcohol and the unfortunate consequences of being caught and drinking underage. After two or three weeks of downing cheap beer at dorm parties, it was either give it up all together or go for something that actually tasted good. Post undergraduate, I became a fan of wine and the cocktail. These are a few of my favorite cocktail books.

(images via amazon)

Monday, November 16, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

in my own little reading corner.
 a friday night in with a glass of rose and amy odell.  
 an evening stroll. 
 take out includes panang chicken, steamed 
veggies and spring rolls. 
welcome home Hermione. 

(images via instagram)

Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Grammarist

Not many people know I grew up being terrified of speaking or performing to the public. Yet, my childhood was filled with dance recitals, theater/piano performances and presenting twenty minute to half an hour long presentations in college and my masters program. And because of the trauma of screwing up, I never missed a note in a piano recital, a line in a theatrical performance or a step in a dance routine. I know I've fumbled over a few words presenting my senior thesis to my professors and peers but for the most part, I've always come out of the experience feeling happy with the end result.  As Children's Librarian, all I do is host programs, events and read to a decent sized audience in story time every week.You're probably wondering what does this short story have anything to do with today's grammar lesson?! As someone whose been on the other side of the stage many times, I'm wondering if you all know the difference between a podium and a lectern because so many people get the two confused. So on with today's lesson! 

A podium is a slightly raised platform that a public speaker or conductor stands on so that he may be seen. A podium is also a low rise which functions as a pedestal or foundation. The plural form is podiums or podia, either is correct. Podium comes from the Greek word podion  meaning foot of a vase.

A lectern is a tall stand with a top suitable for holding a book or notes for a speech. Lecterns are common in classrooms, churches and auditoriums. Due to the confusion between the words podium and lectern, a lectern is often incorrectly referred to as a podium, especially in North America. Lectern first appears in the fourteenth century as lettorne or lettron, from the medieval Latin word lectrum, which in turn comes from the Latin word legere which means to read.

...and in case you're still confused here is an image :)

(image via uppercase)

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Saturday Happy

What the hell is hygge, you ask?! Only one of my favorite words, although I'm pretty sure I pronounce it wrong when I say it out loud. In case you want in depth explanation of the word, this article breaks it down. What's making you happy this week? 
(image via alameda point)

Friday, November 13, 2015

Friday Morning

Happy Friday everyone, how has your week been? I'm cold, tired and over this flu season, whatever your plans are, keep warm and have a good one. I'll catch you all on Monday :)




(image via etsy) 

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Decorating for the Holidays





When it comes to decorating my home during the holidays, I stick to only a few shops that is if I'm not working on a do-it-yourself project. AnthropologieWorld Market and West Elm are my go to. I know it may be a bit early for getting in the spirit of Christmas but I'm already watching holiday movies, drinking hot apple cider and shopping for new ornaments for my tree. These are super cute and fun, I want to buy all the West Elm ornaments. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Leading Ladies

Five Things To Know About Jenna Lyons:

1. Attended and graduated from Parsons in 1990. 

2. Jenna started sewing in the seventh grade. One of her first designs, "The Watermelon Skirt" changed her life and opened the door for her love of fashion. 

3. She is the reason that J.Crew has turned into a cult brand. She has also worked for the company as the creative director and president since 2008. 

4. Although she's insanely busy (like she attends 10-18 meetings a day), her weeknights sounds pretty casual and similar to mine. She watches Girls and reads a ton of magazines. 

5. She landed her first job at J. Crew when she was 21.  

(image via rebel)

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

A Little Bohemian









When it comes to defining my sense of style in interior design and home decorating, I'd say modern but with a soft touch. I like light colors and lots of plants and flowers. Very much like the homes in a Nancy Meyers film. But I also like incorporating a little bit of Bohemian in my home (and in my wardrobe). I love what three girls did with their home in Oakland. 

(images via apartment therapy)

Monday, November 9, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 checking out the sunset pacific hotel. 
 saturdays are for sister dates...
 what's on my nightstand.
 about to get turnt up.
an excellent la weekend...

(images via instagram)

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...