Cupcakes and Cashmere

New Year Thoughts

January 3rd, 2013



I’m torn about New Year’s resolutions. They’re promising in theory, but usually turn into these unrealistic challenges we create for ourselves. Instead of embracing the upcoming year with energy and enthusiasm, I end up dreading my new pledge to hit the gym and eat more vegetables. Besides the statistics that show how few people follow through on their resolutions (it hovers around 10%), I’ve decided to take a different approach this year. I want to start the year on a positive note – one that celebrates and rejoices in the little moments instead of focusing on changes that need to be made. So here are a few of the things that I’m looking forward to doing this year:

Light candles with dinner. Climb back into bed on the weekends without feeling guilty. Plan a vacation. Wear high heels to brunch with friends. Spend more time outside. Be nicer to myself. Eat breakfast for dinner. Rearrange furniture. Visit more museums. Host monthly game nights. Take cooking classes. Hear more live music. Go to the movies, if not just for the popcorn/soda/candy. Buy our first piece of art. Declutter, constantly. Plan surprise date nights. Take day trips. Speak more Spanish. Less text messages, more calls.

And with just a slight shift in perspective, I’m much more excited about the year to come. It’s going to be a good one, I can feel it.

Croque-Madame

January 3rd, 2013

There’s almost nothing better than a classic ham and cheese sandwich…unless it’s topped with a fried egg. When it comes to comfort food, the croque-madame (or monsieur, if you omit the egg) might be the pinnacle example. The richness of the Mornay sauce, saltiness of the ham, and the gooey egg yolk combine perfectly to create an exceptionally rich meal. I’m clearly not a big believer in New Year’s diets and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a cold January morning than with one of these sandwiches (recipe here), preferably washed down with a Bloody Mary.

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Spotted Coat

January 2nd, 2013

Free People Coat, Celine Sunglasses, T by Alexander Wang Top, J.Crew Skirt, Louboutin Booties, Alexandra DeClaris Clutch

We went to a wedding on New Year’s Eve and I wore a simple long-sleeved dress that I’ve had for a while (seen here). But since it was black, and approximately 98% of the attending women wore the same color, I wanted something to punch it up a bit. I bought this leopard faux fur coat for the occasion and it worked out perfectly. It was warm enough for a chilly evening and the leather paneling and swingy shape make it playful enough to wear during the day.

 

Two Thousand Twelve

December 28th, 2012


2012 was a great year. It sounds almost juvenile to say, but it was my favorite one yet. There were personal milestones (our wedding) and professionally (my book becoming a national best seller) with a lot of special little moments that I’ve loved sharing with you along the way. I’m so grateful for all of your support and I’m excited about even bigger things to come in 2013. Happy New Year. xx