Whittling Down the To Do List

Hello, there!  Hope you had a fun weekend.  I love the first weekend in May for more than just the KY Derby (always the first Saturday in May) because, to me, it represents the official start of warm weather.  Even if there's a less than sunny day coming up, my mind stills tells me that it's Spring and it's warm.  And that makes me happy.

Know what else makes me happy?  Checking off things on my to do list. And I did alot of that this weekend, while still leaving ample time to drinks juleps and cheer on horse racing.  And come Sunday night, it felt great to settle for a 'night in' at my apartment with an unclogged sink, a working toilet, a new lightbulb in the fridge and an empty checklist.  Just in time, too, since I'm off to DC for a couple days to help a client get organized in their new home.  Remember when we were packing him up before his move?  Can't wait to show you how this project goes, too!

I might be gone from the blog for a few days while I'm away on this project but I'll be back (with good before/afters) soon enough ;)

Tell me, Appleshiners, what did you cross off your to do list this weekend?

Cozy Duds

Are you still enjoying your three-day weekend?  I certainly am.  A cozy cabin in snow-filled Vermont is a lovely way to spend a winter weekend with friends.  Whether I'm cuddling, reading or baking (everybody has a sweet tooth on vacation), I wear my favorite loungewear to keep me comfy cozy:

Snuggly thermal and sweater from J. Crew.  I love the bright orange and navy combo and the layers keep me extra warm.

These pants are so soft and flowing and more importantly, have a stretchy waistband ;)

My parents got me these for Christmas.  The shearling lining keeps my toes happy.

No cozy outfit is complete without a great blanket.  The aqua chevron pattern is classic and the blanket travels well.


Tell me, Appleshiners, what keeps you cozy and warm?


PS- While the guys were out taking late runs on the slopes, we made a batch of Caramel Witch Brownies.  So good!  I've been obsessed since I had one from Chelsea Market last week.

Quick and Easy Packing

I'm off to a ski weekend in Vermont which means...I have to pack.  And I hate packing.  I always procrastinate and then do everything I can to distract myself once I've started.  I know, I'm awful!

In an attempt to stay focused and keep timing to a minimum, I'm giving myself a few packing guidelines:

1) Think about how long you'll be gone and what type of activities you'll be doing.

2) Then prepare your outfit for the bigger events (like skiing, fancy dinner, beach, etc.)

3) Pick out two bottoms- one to wear while traveling- and add tops and layers from there.  These great composites from Miss Renaissance show how to incorporate layers for warmer, cooler, dressier or more casual outfits.

4) Keep all your travel toiletries together in a quart-sized ziploc.  Store it inside your suitcase and when you get ready to pack, you'll only need to add your makeup and hairbrush.

5) Remember- if you forgot to pack it, you can buy it when you get there.  This really keeps me in check when I'm worried if I packed enough or brought the right things.  Chances are, if you really do need something you didn't bring, you could find a place to buy it wherever you're vacationing.


Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you pack for a trip?