Holidazed

[Photo Credit--www.treehugger.com]

Finals week is finally here, and instead of feeling festive and cheery, I am feeling stressed and anxious. Only 4 more long, dreadful days until I am home. As important as it is to study, it is equally as important to take meaningful study breaks. Call your mom, talk to your sister, watch your favorite show, do something to take your mind off whatever it is you are cramming. It's crucial to give yourself a break--you will get less burned out that way! No matter how small the countdown gets, I have to remember to stay motivated these last few days. A couple of Arizona Green Teas and Sour Cream and Cheddar chips just might help, as well.

Friday Five: Study Break Snacks!

[Photo Credit--iberkshires.com]

1. Cheez Its

2. Orange Juice

3. Pretzel Crisps

4. Famous Amous Chocolate Chip cookies

5. Bananas

Hello Kitty in the Friendly Skies

[Photo Credit--www.savingadvice.com]

Constantly traveling back and forth between the East and West Coast can be exhausting and draining. However, if the planes I flew in were this cool, my travel laments would decrease by...100%. While this EvaAir Hello Kitty Airplane only flies between Asia, I say bring it over to the U.S.A. for some air time. Hello Kitty tickets, airplane seat covers, and food utensils and napkins--tell me, what is better than that when you are stuck on a non-stop flight for over 6 hours? This is purrrfect. :)

The Weather Outside is Frightful?

December 9, 2009

December 10, 2009

Yesterday morning I woke up to 2 inches of snow and pouring rain. While the rain turned the snow to slippery slush and the wind blew through my clothes and stung my skin, it looked like winter was finally here. The field was blanketed in white, the trees were perfectly frosted, and the tops of buildings and dorms were lined with snow. A cup of peppermint hot chocolate would have been the cherry on top.

However, by the end of the day, the plow had cleared the streets and sidewalks and the rain had officially made the snow slush, if it hadn't already melted. "More snow tonight?" we all thought...well, we couldn't have been more wrong.

The morning of Day 2 of "winter" had clear, blue skies with sun and a fresh green field. Only a couple of piles of snow were the only traces of winter. Maybe I'm just not used to this New England weather, but I'm definitely missing Seattle weather--where the grey skies don't budge for months and there is constant rain or a phase of snow. All of this unpredictability makes it hard to plan ahead and decide on what to wear in the morning! I guess I can be thankful for no rain today since my boots are still drying and my umbrella is out-of-order thanks to the cruel wind. Though I do love the snow, I'm hoping I don't see any more of it until I am landed safely back at home and fully equipped with gloves, scarves, and dry boots.

Stay Warm for Less!

          [Photo Credit--www.barneys.com]                              [Photo Credit--www.jcrew.com]

As the weather gets more bitter and the winds start to pick up, stay warm with a cozy knit hat. No matter how many layers you wear or how many scarves you wrap around your neck, you won't be as warm as you could be. I never used to be a hat-wearer, but after my parents bought me a chunky knit hat, I am obsessed with how well they actually work. Walking back from my math class at 8:15 PM in the dark, freezing cold night, I am thankful for my hat keeping my head, forehead, and ears warm. 

While there are many different hat options, neutral colors can go with any outfit, but colored hats will add that extra oomph to your outfit. To stay warm for less, find hats that look cute, but don't break the bank. Browse stores with pricey hats, remember the style, and find a lower-priced version of it. Some great stores for lower-priced versions of clothing and accessories are Express, The Limited, J.Crew, and Gap, to list a few. 

This week's Stay Warm for Less features Tracy Watts's Hand Knit Toque Hat, coming in at a $150 pricetag. For a similar look but for much cheaper, check out J.Crew's Metallic Aran Isle Hat for only $30!! Don't spend more than you have to this winter--staying warm and looking chic is possible even in the coldest of days.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

The shining Christmas tree is finally up in New York City, and it is as stunning as ever. As I walked around Rockefeller Center yesterday, I weaved my way through gift-bearing boyfriends and parents, trying to keep my candy-colored umbrella above me as a shield from the snow. I love the idea of people from all around the world coming together to see such a spectacular sight.

Tim Burton Exhibit at MoMA

[Photo Credit: vogue.com]

Tim Burton Exhibit showing until April 2010, seriously check it out. A neverending gallery of sculptures, sketches, paintings, costumes, and videos he has created and produced. He is genius.

The Friday Five!

[Photo credit--Golf Digest Magazine]

1. Golf Digest's January Issue...perfectly unfortunate

2. Catching up on shows--Gossip Girl, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, 90210, 30 Rock, Family Guy, Curb Your Enthusiasm

3. Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo

4. Mint Candy Apple Essie Nail Polish--to keep up with the holiday spirit

5. Earl Grey Tea with honey

The Holidays are Officially Here

[Photo Credit--www.makeandtakes.com]

There are 22 days until Christmas is here once again! In all of the days leading up to Christmas Eve and ultimately Christmas day, trees are decorated, carols are sung, snowflakes fall, presents are wrapped and sealed with love, and the apple cider is poured. 'Tis the season to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the spirit in floating in the air.

This holiday season, I am most looking forward to:

-spending time with Graeme
-spending time with family
-puppy and kitties
-candy canes
-twinkle lights
-peppermint hot chocolate
-sitting around the fireplace
-snuggling
-snowflakes
-love

Counting down the days...