Wednesday, January 23, 2013

{Under The Weather}

Hey Peeps! Sorry for the lack of posts this week - I am not feeling well at all. It's never a good time to be sick because I have so much that I need to get done, but my body is forcing me to relax and simply get better. I hope to be back to my usual self tomorrow - but until then if you have any remedies for how to break a fever and how to stay awake for longer than 20 minutes - please share.
out-sick
Jessica

Monday, January 21, 2013

{Trend Report: Black and White}

While out shopping over the weekend, the black and white trend is hitting all of the stores. Not exactly re-inventing the wheel with this “trend,” as it is pretty standard combination year round, but we’ll be seeing a lot of black and white this spring and summer. Being that the majority of my wardrobe is neutral in color, I fully plan to embrace this trend - and here's how I plan to get started...
BLACK AND WHITE
BLACK AND WHITE 2
jacket | chambray shirt | belt | pants | boots
Jessica


Friday, January 18, 2013

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

{Borrowed DIY: Homemade Body Scrub}

The cold weather and dry air this winter has really taken it's toll on my skin. No matter the amount of lotion that I apply all day long, my hands, face, and especially my feet have been extremely dry. I found this homemade body scrub recipe last night that includes ingredients that we should all have around the house - the salt and sugar will exfoliate, the honey will soften the skin, and the olive oil will moisturize. Tonight when I get home from work - I plan to whip up this concoction and see if it does the trick. I'll let you know how it goes!
homemade-sugar-and-salt-body-scrub-via-vmac+cheese
\\recipe via vmac+cheese\\
Recipe:

Step One: Mix together ¼ cup each of coarse sea salt and sugar

Step Two: Mix in 1 tbsp of honey, and 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil (preferably organic)

Step Three (and this is optional): Shake in a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make the scrub scented. 6 drops of the oil should do the trick!

Step Four: Stir together until the mixture looks like wet sand, then scrub away. Be sure to use the mixture within a half hour or so to prevent the sugar and salt from dissolving.

Enjoy!
Jessica

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

{Bite: Mary's Fish Camp}

When I left Raleigh, one of my girlfriends gave me a gift certificate to Mary's Fish Camp as it is one of her favorite restaurants to go to when she comes to the city. This weekend my sister and I decided to try and it out and let's just say it definitely did not disappoint. Check out my full review below:
Mary's Fish Camp
Mary's Fish Camp - 2
Like I mentioned above, the restaurant is tiny so they definitely try to get you in and out. This 'please be considerate' note is at the bottom of each menu to provide you with a reminder that 'while we want you to relax and enjoy your meal, just remember there is a line outside the door waiting to eat as well'. I dig it. 
Jessica

Monday, January 14, 2013

{Golden Globes: Best Dressed}

So did you watch the Golden Globes Red Carpet last night? My sister and I were glued to the TV, with wine in hand, judging each dress on a scale from 1 - 5 as they walked down the carpet. Overall I was a little underwhelmed with many of the choices, but the 4 that stood out to me are shown below, with Kerry Washington being my favorite. She is definitely one of my top girl crushes, and I just loved her look from head to toe. 
Golden Globes
Golden Globes 2
So who were your favorites? I'm looking forward to watching Fashion Police tonight to see what Joan Rivers and team thought...
Jessica

Friday, January 11, 2013

{TGIF Peeps!!!!}

Weekend Plans 1.12.13
link lovin
- I so need this for my new bar cart, don't ya think?

- Love love love this space. I could totally make this work!

- Lime Sorbet Margaritas, yes please!

- How to include superfoods into your diet!

- I don't think these are on my plan - but....but....they're baked!

Enjoy your weekend loves!
Jessica

Thursday, January 10, 2013

{word}

I was looking at Pinterest last night (what else is new) I saw this post and it really made me stop and think about how true this is of my life. I am always running, always busy and because of that, many aspects of my life suffers. 
busy

While I didn't make any New Years resolutions - other than working on my work-life balance, I plan to make time for the following things:

  • Phone conversations with friends (my best friend is getting married, 2 of my childhood friends from preschool are having her first babies - texting just won't do). While carving out an hour of my day seems impossible, I must make time for this.
  • Working out. Sleep is a beautiful beautiful thing - I cherish it immensely. But this girl has to get to the gym (preferably in the mornings)
  • Eating right. It's easy (especially in New York) to eat crap food - it can be delivered to your door in a just a few minutes. I need to take the time to research recipes, make grocery lists, and plan my meals. 
  • Working on my brand. Meaning my blog and restarting my jewelry line. These are the most time consuming things in my life, but the things that I literally could do 24/7 without ever getting tired of them. 
I just need more time - and need to stop the glorification of busy. What about you? Do you find yourself being overly busy and never having the time to do the things that matters most?
Jessica

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

{Hollywood Glam Bedroom}

I got this chandelier from Santa and I absolutely love it. I plan to hang it in my bedroom to give my tiny space a bit of Hollywood chic-ness. Who says you can't go big in a small space?
Hollywood Glam Bedroom
I love this mirrored lingerie dresser chest and I think that it's just wide enough to fit in the space between my bed and the radiator. On top of the dresser chest I plan to add a small tray to place my everyday jewelry on, along with a good smelling candle - like diptyque.

On the bed, you can't have pillows in my opinion - so I want to add a couple of these fur ones to accompany this pillow I also received from Santa.  I will be replacing my black and white striped rug, for this lovely shag carpet to warm the space up. Lucky me the space is so small that I can order the 4X5 and it fits perfect in the space between my bed and the closet - completely covering every inch of the floor.

Finally, I am purchasing this picture (40X30) of The Supremes and hanging it on the wall for a big punch of fabulousness. I saw this picture when I stayed at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego and fell so in love with it that I had to buy it. I can't wait for it to arrive all framed and purty.

So what do you think?
Jessica

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

{Bite: Five Napkin Burger}

I decided to start a new weekly post called bite which will consist of reviews of all the restaurants that I explore here in New York. I've got to try so many amazing restaurants since I've been here - so amazing that I need to share them with you. So come along on my food tour through the city - and enjoy:
Five Napkin Burger
Starting on Sunday I am going back on my journey of a healthy life and body. While I have certainly enjoyed eating my way through New York - it shows - and it's time to get back on the healthy train! From time to time I will splurge, but hopefully moving forward you will be seeing a lot more healthier choices in my bite column.
Jessica

Monday, January 7, 2013

{Ooo Weee It's Cold Outside}

For the last 5 winters I really haven't had to worry about cold weather gear because I lived in North Carolina and while it does get cold there, the cold up here in New York just doesn't compare - and I'm sure it will only get worse. While I'm walking in the city, the parts of my body that gets cold the most are my hands, head, face, and ears - so I'm on the hunt for some new gear. Below I've put together a few coats and hats that I would love to buy as cussing all the way to each destination I walk to isn't keeping me any warmer...
Winter coat and hat mix 1
Winter coat and hat mix 2
Winter coat and hat mix 3
Black wool coat: Black Fedora / Fur Hat / Burgundy Knitted Slouch Hat
Burberry Trench Coat: Rag and Bone Hat / Black Beanie / Black Floppy Hat
Black Puffer Coat: Mustard Knitted Slouch Hat / Black Bucket Hat / Knitted Fox Pom Hat

Stay warm out there!
Jessica Signature

Friday, January 4, 2013

{TGIF Peeps}

Weekend Plans 1.4.13
link lovin
- If you live in the New York area and want to attend Ann Hamilton's installation, click here for details.

- I didn't make any New Years resolutions (other than the promise of visiting more museums, buy a piece of art, plan a vacation, and text less call more) but I love these...

- A coat that turns into a sleeping bag for the homeless. I would love to buy several of these to hand out to some of the homeless in NYC. I tend to see the same people each day and can't imagine having to survive in this cold. So love this concept...

- Boot stuffer DIY - love love love...

- All of my favorite things - beet, arugula, and goat cheese grilled cheese - mmm mmm mmmm....

Enjoy your weekend loves!
Jessica Signature

Thursday, January 3, 2013

{How To Dress A Plaid Shirt}

I have slowly embraced the plaid trend back into my wardrobe only because I think my Catholic school uniform scarred me for life. I remember getting off the school bus and sprinting home so that my friends that went to public school and didn't have to wear a uniform wouldn't make fun of me. Now {clearing throat} years later - I think I've overcome my hate for plaid and am ready to mix and match it with items that are currently in my wardrobe:
How to dress a plaid shirt
1. I have this striped dress from J.Crew and have yet to pull it out this winter. While browsing Pinterest I saw this picture and had one of those "why didn't I think to put those together?". Now I have a new outfit and didn't have to pay a dime for it.

2. I love this sweater and hoping to buy it this weekend. It's sold out online {J.Crew} but they have them here in the stores. I love the idea of pairing the plaid shirt under this sweater...

3. Plaid shirt + boyfriend jeans +

4. Camel wedge booties = the perfect casual weekend outfit

5. You could even add a graphic tee underneath for a little warmth and personal style

6. Finally, you can't go wrong with a chunky cream sweater - it goes with everything, especially plaid - a great way to tone it down a little.

What do you think? Have you embraced plaid back in your wardrobe?

{1 similar | 2 | 3 | 4 similar | 5 | 6}
Jessica Signature

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

{New Year - New Decor}

Since forever, I've always taken down my Christmas decorations on New Years Day. It's a bittersweet day - bitter because it officially ends the Christmas holiday season, sweet because it's time to start anew.  Yesterday while putting things away I had a thought to pull out a tray that I purchased at the flea market a few years ago (it has been folded and tucked on the side of my couch) and make it into a bar cart. For those of you that have followed my blog over the years, you know that I have been endlessly searching for a bar cart. Unfortunately, all of the carts that I've seen and fell in love with have been way too big for the small space I have. After having a decorators epiphany, I decided to see if my tray would fit into the space and lucky me - it fit! 
Bar Cart
Bar Cart 2
Obviously I need to add more alcohol, and find some fun glassware to set out - but for now, I think it works. What do you think?
Jessica Signature