Wine Country Woman

If you know me, you know I love anything and everything cozy. Most of my decisions in life are based on what I find to be charming, cute and comfortable. The restaurants where I dine, the clothes I wear, the furniture I choose to decorate my space, the weekend activities I partake in and the destinations I most prefer are usually are dependent on the feeling they bring to me and usually that feeling is coziness.  So naturally, my favorite time of year is fall. The gray skies and crisp air, big pots of hearty soup, wrapping myself in a blanket to keep warm on a cool evening with a glass of wine, to my daily uniform of leggings, boots, and chunky scarves and sweaters...it is, in simplest form, my essence. 

There is no better way to get into the spirit of the cozy season than spending the month of September in Napa. I spent three heavenly weeks in Sonoma two years ago and fell in love with Northern California. It truly is a cozy girl's (and boy's) dream. I stayed at the Fairmont Mission Inn that fall and savored the cool mornings which turned into sunny and warm afternoons only to be chilled again each evening with the setting of the Sun. Sitting by the outdoor fire with a glass of wine and a blanket was by far, the best way to end each passing day. The only thing missing was my kitchen. 

This fall I ventured to Napa only to be spellbound once again by this amazing time of year they call, Indian Summer. Although I'm no foodie, I still had great appreciation that I would be sharing a sidewalk with Thomas Keller and would be staying just doorsteps down from two of his restaurants, The French Laundry and Bouchon, and Michael Chiarello's, Bottega. At one time, Yountville boasted the most number of Michelin Stars per capita than anywhere else in the nation which is impressive all by itself,  but even more when you know the town is made up just of one glorious street, Washington Street. The best food in the country, the best wine in the country AND the best weather?! The girl who loves fall has fallen yet again and this time for a little town called Yountville. 

My humble (amazing) suggestions: 

1. Napa Valley Bike Tour: Why hire a driver when you can pedal through vineyards and burn calories from last night's dinner while touring three or four small, family owned wineries? My favorite vacations are those which involve more than laying on a beach consuming thousands of calories worth of dairy and rum based cocktails all day. Why not ride a bike, burn some calories, and then consume delicious wine. A bike tour is also great because you won't allow yourself to drink as much (bike crashes are embarrassing and painful) and which would you prefer...get drunk, go to your room, pass out, wake up and eat room service at 11pm OR enjoy a little bicycle buzz, take a long soak in the tub, get super cute in your fall attire, eat an amazing meal at a charming restaurant across the street from the hotel, drink amazing wine, eat dessert, drink another bottle of great wine and then walk to Pancha's for a nightcap? Any argument here? Didn't think so. Next. 

2. Pancha's: What's the best way add a little balance to a town that could be named Pleasantville with it's perfect lawns, perfect restaurants, perfect cars, perfect people, and perfect visitors? Panchas. Just a couple doors past the restaurant which was twice named the "Best Restaurant in the World" is a nasty, windowless gem which could easily pass as a shed. Inside you'll find nothing more than an old pool table, a couple of ripped up couches that have been around since the glory days of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district and an odd mixture of wealthy vacationers and the town's scum. Don't forget your cash and for those smokers, a pack of cigs if you want to remember what it's like to smoke inside a public place and for the non, do forget your cashmere sweater. The biker man bouncer (Harley not Huffy) claims he has thrown out more people stumbling in after their $600 (per person) meal at the French Laundry than anywhere else. It's a must see and a landmark of filth and fun in this town of pretty perfection. 

3. Day trip up north: Chances are if you are in Napa you've got a rental car so take full advantage of this beautiful part of the country by taking a road trip north to the redwoods and over to the coast. 

a. 29 North through St. Helena and Calistoga 

*Stop at Beringer Estate for beautiful pictures of the grounds and gardens (free if you say you are going to the gift shops) 

b. Continue on to the funky river town Guerneville and stop at Armstrong National Park to see all the beauty of the Redwoods. 

c. Head to the Coast Highway (1/PCH) and drive along the Pacific then head to Bodega Bay

*Stop at the church which is in the unforgettable scene from Hitchcock's, The Birds 

d. Continue to Bodega Marina and head to Bodega Head where you will stand on cliffs overlooking the beautiful ocean and it's large waves 

*Stop at Spud Point Chowder Company and have lunch on picnic tables outside the tiny restaurant overlooking the marina 

**Three words-Salt Water Taffy-essential for the ride back

e. Head towards Sonoma and end the day with a sparkling wine tasting at the beautiful Domaine Carneros winery in Napa-Cheers to an unforgettable day in Northern California! 

f. If you are up to it, backtrack 15 minutes (worth it) and head to Sonoma Plaza to enjoy a glass of wine at the Ledson Hotel (only six rooms and gorgeous lobby) and then eat at one of the many restaurants in the square, The Girl and the Fig is a favorite. 

4.  Wine Time: Helloooo, this is why you would be vacationing in wine country! There are over 700 wineries in Napa ALONE. To tell you where you should go would be impossible as we all have different ideas of what makes a good tasting experience so the only thing I can say is do you research. If you like the big names that most of us recognize like Sterling and Robert Mondavi then stick to highway 29 and if you are looking for smaller, family owned wineries where you get a tour from the owner himself and he introduces you to his children then head up the Silverado Trail. The roads run parallel and one is the main road and other is more...off the beaten path. If you like candle lit caves and tasting wine right out of the barrel, head to Del Dotto (Napa) and sip in the dark. If you like beautiful views looking over rolling hills of vineyards go to Artesa Winery. Figure out what you like whether it's the actual tasting, the beauty of the estate, the view, or sitting outside and listening to music and then research, ask the concierge, and ask locals (they want you to have a great experience in their town)! 

5. Relaxation: Give yourself at least one day of relaxation whether at the hotel spa (hot stone massage, yes please) or lounging at the pool. Indulging is exhausting and you need one sunny afternoon to relax sans a map, your boots and camera. 

6. Bed, Bath and Beyond: Most hotel rooms serve two purposes; a place to sleep and a place to get ready. My time in wine country has shown me that my favorite hotel rooms are those which feel like I am staying in someone's guest bedroom. All the rooms have the rustic charm that most hotels lack. These rooms boast candles, pictures (not of people...creepy) in frames on dressers, canopy beds and best of all....fire places. Over the course of this trip, I have made the realization that fires are not only appropriate on a cold, winter's evening, but are also just PERFECT on a sunny morning in bed while eating my chocolate croissant (OOC-out of control) and drinking my vanilla (bean not syrup...to die) latte from Bouchon Bakery, in the afternoon while I do some work or write in my bed, and of course. in the evenings while I sip on a glass of wine and read in bed. Who knew?! Now this girl does... and just like cake, there is NEVER a wrong time to enjoy a fire. 

As September comes to an end so does my time in wine country, but the icing on the cake after three weeks of work?! When work wraps my boyfriend is making his way here and we are going to eat, drink and enjoy the first of many fires that fall and winter will bring. Cheers! 

October 1st, 2011

I beg your forgiveness…once again (pp-pretty please). I have set a new record for the longest amount of time not writing…shame on moi. I really don’t understand why I let myself do this, because every single time I finish writing I think, God that felt good. I wonder what my life would be like if I were to ignore some of the other things that bring me such pleasure instead of ignoring my blog…probably not as fun. Listed are few of my most pleasured and treasured, which at times I enjoy more than I should (in no particular order)…shopping, manicures, eating out, talking, happy hour, wine, all accessories, kissing, vodka, make-up, staring.

That’s enough.

Pre Wedding:

As you know, my sister got married and I was the maid of honor (huge deal). I was completely freaked out that I was going to be an emo wreck while delivering my big speech….buuuuut….it turned out okay (itwasamazing).

Quick Reminder: I had two speeches that I wrote and had to choose from (gotta have back up people, huge moment). The first, I wrote in my head while laying down in the back of a cab in Curacao because I was a hungover disaster. The second, I wrote on my flight to Paris. I thought FOR SURE the Paris speech was the one, but I recited it to my mother 5 days before the wedding and her reaction was, “Welllll…..we can work with it”. Really? Like I don’t have enough anxiety at this point…. I mean don’t worry about the fact that the wedding is 5 days away and I have been a wreck about this since the age of 12, no worries…I’ll just come up with a third speech, let me get my pen. Anxiety level 8

Two days later after trying (unsuccessfully) to write a third speech, (completely made up funny stories to tell, but embarrassed because my sister and her husband would know I was lying) I told my mom there was a second speech that I wrote months before the Paris speech and would read it to her just to see if we could work with it. After I read it she said, “That’s it.” and so that was it. Anxiety level 5.4

The speech was finished, now I just had to memorize it (ef). And so for the next 5 days I recited it over and over and over. I said it while driving, brushing my teeth, in the bath, it took place of my nightly prayer. I said it ALL the time. The frustrating thing about rehearsing a speech is when you mess up, you totally let it mess you up because you can. When I would miss a word or draw a blank I would pause, curse, hit my dashboard, kick the tub, stop entirely…and then curse some more. Three days before the wedding I went to my best friend’s house to recite it to her and I completely blacked out. Could not remember any of it, not even a little. Although she was super sweet and supportive, I could tell she was worried, very worried for me. Anxiety level 9.8

Once the wedding festivities started I did not have much alone time, actually any at all. Wednesday we had a family dinner where we stuffed welcome gift bags for the out of town guests and put frames in pictures for the rehearsal dinner. Thursday I was running around with my mom, we had the rehearsal dinner, and then went out with the wedding party. Friday we had bride/bridesmaids mani/pedis, bridal luncheon, dinner and drinks to welcome all the out of town guests, and Saturday obvi I was preoccupied.

The Wedding:

Getting Dressed: Makeup, champagne, hair, girl talk, scones and fruit...FUN!! Anxiety 3
Wedding: Nervous wreck about my big moment and being ugly and emo while walking down the aisle...WWPD-What Would Pippa Do? ( Speech temporarily off the mind) Anxiety 8
Pictures: Realized wedding was over and next up was reception aka SPEECH (omfg) Anxiety 13
Trolley: No longer talking to anyone...just staring at my bouquet Anxiety 19
Cocktail Hour: Conversing with people while blacked out (nerves) Anxiety 30

After we were seated at our tables I looked up at the best man and when I saw him, had to laugh...he looked just miserable as I felt. Across the table he sat there staring at his full plate of food and looked as though someone told him his dog had been run over. In the middle of my laughter the planner approached the table and asked if we were ready. When she gave me the microphone I shed all nerves and in a matter of minutes that speech was signed, sealed, delivered! No memory lapses, no hesitations, no blocks, and no cursing…it came out just as I had intended all along (THANK YOU GOD). Anxiety Level.... None, Nada, Gone, Zero, Free, I love life, I love everyone, Peace on Earth, Happiness and good health to all!!

Post Wedding:

Two days after the wedding I went to Naples, FL (MOH’s need a honeymoon too!) for work. My dad and I whined on the phone every single night for a week about how we were suffering from PWS (post wedding syndrome). It was by far the best day of my life. There is something incredibly special about being in one place with every single person you love and care about. After the high always comes the low, but in this case it was just getting back to reality after spending a couple months on cloud “I do”.

Now that I am so confident with my public speaking skills I am thinking of switching to a new line of work….

Lady Politician-I’ll be the first elected official sponsored by Tory Burch

Professional Speaker-I’ll find a topic later

Talk Show-Move over Ellen, it’s time for “Brittany in the Morning”

Professor-I mean, I WAS the TA for a human sexuality class at IU (Kinsey Institute, pretty major)

Pastor Brittany- What if your pastor was a nice, young girl with great outfits and fresh messages to keep Sunday service interesting? I think PB could bring in the masses! **Sidenote**When I was in middle school I wanted to be an undercover nun for a year. I really thought it would be interesting to go behind the scenes and see what really goes on in the life of a nun (I'm pretty sure my vision at the time was was much more Lifetime-esque; drama, affairs, and murder).

Until I figure out my new career path, I will continue with life on the road. Since my last post, some of the highlighted trips have been Seoul, Berlin, New Orleans, and three weeks cruising the Caribbean. I finagled my way to a second row seat at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week-Berlin, and it was a DREAM. Brittany in Berlin-Coming soon.

Paris is for Lovers

Relationship problems? Go to Paris. Need to bring back the romance in your relationship? Go to Paris. Looking for love? Go to Paris. I am convinced that the city of love could make a gay fall in love with a straight and the other way around. It's that romantic, yes. Everywhere you turn people are kissing...parks, bridges, the metro, sidewalks, cafes, bathroom lines...everywhere. The city oozes romance, you feel it the minute you step out of your airport cab and you can not escape being swept up in the midst of it all. It's the most romantic place...ever.

Being in Paris with the person you love is, in the simplest form, a treat. I do understand that a trip to Paris is not realistic for all people (It's not for me!) but I promise, with all of my hopeless romantic heart, that it will be worth all the energy and effort put into saving enough money to make this dream become reality. Listed below are my suggestions of what to do while in the city of love.

1. Montmartre-Love. Love. Love. Take the steep steps up to this magical little section of the city. The streets are filled with artists, vendors, and people, both tourists and locals, many of who are standing outside of quaint bars having a mid day drink. While you are up there, walk around Sacre Coeur...there is a small park with a beautiful view of the city on the backside.

2. Cafe Lunch- Enjoy an extra long lunch (complete with wine) on the patio of any one of the city's cafes. Don't forget to wrap up lunch with a cigarette (why not, it's Paris!) and an espresso.

3. Luxembourg Park-Busy and beautiful, take a stroll through this park that is filled with people reading, writing, and relaxing. Children line up to purchase ice cream from vendors, teenagers play frisbee and soak up the sun with friends, and lovers lay in the grass. Partake in the action or observe while passing through...either way, it's a must.

4. The Latin Quarter-Quintessential Paris with it's quaint streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and shops. This charming part of the city is one of my favorites and has a constant buzz at all hours of the day. Once my boyfriend left town I changed hotels and stayed here for a week. I roamed the streets night and day, falling in love with the city each and every time.

5. Pere -Lachaise Cemetery-I came here once I was by myself in Paris. If you find old cemeteries to be enchanting and beautiful, this is the perfect place to wonder alone. It's almost entirely shaded by large trees and the grave stones date back hundreds of years. Turn on your music and get lost in your thoughts and in the maze of dated beauty.

6. Eiffel Tower- My boyfriend informed me that were were not going to the Eiffel Tower because it was "SO touristy". I found this to be absolutely hilarious. I quickly brought him back to reality and made him realize that he was not quite the local he thought he was after spending a whopping 10 days there. I did not care to take the time (since we only had a couple of days) to go up in the tower, but wanted to get there to do a quick couple of pictures that would go on my bookshelf. Paris pictures are forever and a picture or thirty three with the ET in the background is without question, a must.

7. Ile de la Cite- The birth place of the city, this small island is situated in the middle of Paris and is home to Notre-Dame Cathedral. The most memorable part of the trip was sitting on the bank of the Seine with my boyfriend, sharing a bottle of wine and a cheese sandwich, while watching the river boat cruises pass by slowly. It was a perfect hour and a half that we sat there and talked about how amazing it was that we were there sharing that moment together. A true "thank you God" moment. Head to the tip of the island and you will find a small shop that sells bottles of wine (twist off and they supply the cups) and snacks **Suggestion-If you are with your lover, bring a metal lock. At the top of the stairs there is a bridge where people write or etch their names and the date on a lock, secure it to the bridge, and throw the key in the river (ugh, isn't that SO romantic?!).

8. Hemingway Bar, Ritz Carlton- Paris is all about indulgence and extravagance. One of the big indulgences during our time in the city was heading to the Ritz after a romantic dinner and having drinks at the Hemingway Bar, where Hemingway spent a great deal of his time while in Paris. We sat in the cozy, intimate bar and talked about our trip while sipping $45 dirty martinis. Ridiculous? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The Ritz Carlton Paris is one of the most famous hotels in the world and to have the opportunity to be there and spend time in the most famous bar in Paris is a definite must...especially if you, like dream world Brittany, enjoy putting on a dress and heels and pretending for a couple of hours that you can afford a standard guest room that costs around $1000 a night. Oui, Oui!

Paris is love and love is Paris, so go. Follow my list of suggestions and there is no doubt that you will leave in a cloud of love. What happens after Paris? There are no guarantees, but the romance is worth the risk so soak it up and have a little too much champagne along the way!

*Suggestion-Always be sure to get a couple solo shots with the Eiffel Tower. Remember, you are on an absolute love high in Paris and when you get home reality does settle in and things may not work out. You will always want a Paris picture for your bookshelf, so out of respect for your future spouse, get some sans the lover.

BG on a Wednesday Night

Yesterday morning I woke up in my dress and heels, on a mattress with no sheets, which was in a loft with no furniture. I thought those days were over and it was a rough reminder that I am no longer 20 years old. No, I was not in a crack den. The apartment belongs to a friend's boyfriend who moved in the day before he left for Nepal where he is currently (see what a difference a little explaining can do??). The upside of the morning was stopping for breakfast at Rooster. Service was slow, but the food (breakfast #7) and my chai tea latte were amazing. It was everything this girl's body and soul needed...besides a long soak in the tub and some sleep, which came very shortly after.

Good Evening...

Wedding- My one and only sister is getting married on October 1st. This is a very big deal and I am very nervous. I am nervous, not because I have a problem speaking in front of crowds, but because I am an incredibly emotional person.

*Side note- A highly recommended therapist once said to me, "Brittany, you are very emotional and that means you are probably a very good sexual partner". I was 17 years old, had just come from tennis practice, and had never been to a therapist. He also told me I had nice legs. That was my first and last time with him or any other therapist at that...besides our family therapist but that's a story in itself.

Wedding continued- My nervousness for this wedding stems from the fact that not only am I very emotional, but so is my sister, mother, father (most emo of all), aunt, uncle (big tough guy, total basket case), both grandmothers, and all great aunts. Needless to say, I come from a family of emotionally charged people and I've got to get ahold of mine before my big, shining moment! MOH Mission: Find a way to drain the ducts.

Option one: Drink a lot of champagne- Could make me even more emo...too risky.

Option two: Take a Valium- Could make me emo-less...no go on the V.

Option three: Fake Laryngitis-9th grade, World History, Doc Holiday...first oral presentation ever. Throw in some popular junior and senior guys and you've got one intimidated young lady. About to vomit, I approached Doc's desk and informed (whispered) to him that I, for some reason, had lost my voice?! CLEARLY he would understand that I was unable to give my oral presentation that day and postpone it until next period. Did he? No. What did he do? He took my report from my hand and, as I was sure going to rip it up, went over to the podium and read my entire 6 page report to the class. That afternoon Doc Holiday gave me a whole new confidence that I took and still run with. Lesson Learned: If you believe you can get away with something, chances are you will. However, can not pull this at my sister's wedding. Ironically, one of the guys I was so nervous to speak in front of will be in the audience. Full circle, people.

Everyone keeps telling me that if I recite my speech over and over again that the speech will just become words and the tears will stop, but every single time I say it in my head I start to cry....every...single...time. In my car, in cabs, on planes, in the mirror, in the bath, in the kitchen, in my bed...everywhere. I wrote my speech on my flight to Paris (Yes that felt glamorous to say) and I was literally sobbing (actual noises) while typing it out. I am ninety three percent positive the woman next to me thought that I was writing my fiances' eulogy (no, I am not engaged, but it was that intense).

Final Decision: Going eau natural. No booze, no pills, no faux illness. Natural is better and even if it takes me a box of tissues and some pride (ugly crier). Cheers!

Rapunzel's Room

If you know me, you know that I love my things. I love to be surrounded by my books, pictures, candles...all of it. Since I travel so much, any time spent at home is absolutely precious and I spend lots of it in my cozy bedroom. It's on the fourth floor of a very old building that used to be a schoolhouse in the 1800's. I have a little corner room which is, by far, the coziest room I have ever lived in and I am absolutely in love with it. Upon my arrival next week I have a project that I am so very excited to get started on...a beautiful vanity. A place where I can display my jewelry, perfume, makeup, and also get ready for evenings out on the town. I am thinking all things antique...table, seat, mirror, and lamp. As usual, my inspiration for the room is Anthropology...the soft femininity of shabby chic decor is just so romantic, soft, and inviting. Come, Tuesday I will be perusing Antique Row, Cherokee Street in Saint Louis, and am beyond excited to search for the perfect pieces to put together this special addition to Rapunzel's Room.

An Eye On the Sky

And, I'm back. Forgive me for my absence, I got a little wrapped up in a world I often visit and occasionally forget to leave....but I'm officially grounded and it feels nice. A quick peek into my little world these past few months...

Home- I survived my 68 day tour of the island of Curacao. The following I will never again take for granted: My bed, Starbucks, family happy hour, cloudy days, having a kitchen, my car, Target, trees (non palm), fall/winter clothing, and soup...big pots of soup (especially making it).

Paris- I could never insult my trip by simply including it in an entry, Paris deserves its very own...more to come on the trip of love.

San Francisco- This magical place has not left my heart nor my mind since last October. I fell in love, left, and will be making my way back. I mean, a city where a girl (or a boy) can wear leggings, boots and scarves almost all year?! Heaven! I envision a charming, shabby chic, cozy apartment (I've looked on Craigslist, realistically I would be in a rat den), market Saturday's prancing around town, picking up groceries, and taking pictures with my serious, photography girl camera that I will get this year for Christmas (*Mom/Dad Nikon d300s*), outdoor concerts, and wine country Sundays! Ugh...die, die, die at the thought of it and will be reborn when life in SF is no longer a dream, but my very own Anthropology-esque reality!

St. Lucia-Call me Caribbean Queen, because I am back! Four weeks here and nine in Curacao mean this little lady has spent THIRTEEN weeks on the beach JUST this year. If I don't see the Sun, sand, or a strawberry daiquiri for the the next twenty, you will not hear a complaint from me! (I will be home on Sunday, I will be home on Sunday, I will be home on Sunday)

Wedding- My big sister is getting married on October 1st. This is a huge deal because:

1. She is my only sister.
2. I am the MOH (Maid of Honor, daaaaa...I googled it about a year ago)
3. This is probably the one and only time I will be an MOH (Little bit bratty/Little bit flakey)
4. I have not been in a wedding since my big debut as a flower girl at the age of five. I was stunning.
5. Speech. Speech. Speech. This has been on my mind since the age of thirteen when I was informed that all MOH's give a speech.

Just to emphasize, this wedding is a very big deal (in my world). I will keep you posted.

Lastly...

Fall. Is. Coming.

Lavender Dreams

I'm rarely home. I don't mean that figuratively, in the past year I have spent over 240 evenings in hotel rooms and while they were all very nice, they never quite captured the comfortable feeling of home. I quickly figured out that it's up to me to create my own unique living space out of each hotel room I visit.

Here are some of the things that I never leave home without...

1. Ugg slippers- It doesn't matter if it's the Ritz Carlton, my tootsies touch the hotel room floor as often as my tongue does.

2. Lavender candles- They smell sensational and soften the room, creating a calm and cozy oasis which is so often needed while working long days on the road.

3. Eye blinders- I've been an advocate since the age of 12 and have gone through the cute (Limited Too), the high tech (Sharper Image), the sexy (Victoria's Secret), the sassy (Aria Spa...RIP my absolute favorites...left them on a plane), and am now back to using my old, ugly yet comfortable and reliable blinders (Walgreens roughly 8 years ago) but I won't be needing them much longer because I am thrilled to share that I have found a website that has replicas of the eye blinders in the picture above (Holly Golightly -Breakfast at Tiffany's) and I am currently on the wait list to get some (eek!) pretty blinders= better beauty rest and sweet dreams!!

4. Framed pictures-Everyone has pictures in their bedroom, so why wouldn't I have them in my hotel room? Being on the road can have it's lonely moments and seeing the faces of those I love reminds me of who I have to get home to! (I upload and have printed at Walgreens/Purchase clear, plastic frames from Walmart for only $1.00) **Programs over two weeks**

5. Wine opener-A glass of wine while soaking in a bathtub full of hot water and bubbles is the only way I can unwind both mentally and physically after a 17 hour work day...I finally learned to pack one after wasting money and precious "me" time on transportation to the closest gas stations/grocery stores/Walgreens.

6. HB (Head Blanket)- I have this cream, fuzzy blanket that I sleep with every single night. It's an amazing fluff of love that I start out snuggling in between my cheek and the pillow, but end up literally wrapping my entire head/face with it while asleep. ***ONLY USED WHEN SLEEPING ALONE*** ( Same as when you wear your not so sexy, beyond comfortable, super worn in jams....always...alone).

7. Personal computer- I always travel with both my work and personal laptop. It's a total drag lugging around two computers through airports constantly, but well worth it. For me, my computer is an extension of my life....it houses all of my pictures, my web cam, and most importantly, my music.

8. Nail set/Polish-A gel mani lasts me three weeks at the most and resort spa mani/pedis can be super pricey (Not worthy while my social life is on pause) so while on long programs I do my own nails. You learn, trust me.

It's currently 10:49 PM on the island of Curacao and as I write this I am laying in bed on my 64th night in this hotel room. I'm listening to Adele and about to blow out the lavender candle on the bedside table that has been lit for well over three hours. Before I do, I'll glance once more at the picture beside it (My family on the night of my sister's engagement), I'll then grab my HB and hope to drift off to a very sweet place I've been missing, a place I call home...sweet dreams!

April Showers Bring Sassy Outfits

Most people despise the rain. I on the other hand, LOVE it. To me, there is nothing cozier than looking out the window and seeing dark, ominous clouds lurking overhead. I then pray to the rain gods to open the sky and let it pour. Besides feeling cozy when the weather is dark and dreary there is one other reason I have a love for spring showers...and fall showers...and summer showers...and winter snow, okay so any precipitation...I love it because I get to bring out my beloved Hunters!

Whether I am headed to an art fair, a festival, market, or a concert, I use any excuse to wear my boots (Just to clarify when I actually have plans I prefer the downpour to take place while I am getting ready so that when I leave the house it's not raining, but just wet enough to justify the fact that I am wearing rain boots). I always pair the rugged boots with a feminine item such as a floral print dress or a flowy peasant top. As much as I love all things pretty, I am not an overly girly dresser. You can find me in a lace dress with ballet flats never, but always with something much grittier such as distressed cowboy boots or Frye motorcylce boots. Also good to know... Hunters can be paired with almost anything (No floor length dresses please). I have worn them with leggings and a long sleeve flannel shirt in the winter, tiny denim shorts, a white tee, and a Cardinals hat at a baseball game, a super short lace dress to the Napa/Sonoma Food and Wine Festival and many other ways...they are my go-to boots that look cute with absolutely everything. So bring on the April showers! You can find me prancing around town in my wellies, jumping in a puddle or two along the way.

***If this happens to be a dry spring and you are longing to wear the boots just say, "Thank GOD the weather turned out nice! So happy it didn't rain after all." It works every time, I swear.***

A Dose of Sass...

Just like you shouldn't wait for an occasion to open a bottle of champagne, you shouldn't wait for a run in with some money or a rich man to pamper yourself and your surroundings. Every lady deserves a little luxury and this bathroom, while simple, becomes a sassy sanctuary once adorned with a chic chandelier.