Day 6: Read more books

I found this book at a local bookstore and couldn't resist!  I have to admit, towards the end of 2015 I found myself reading more.  I was reading before bedtime, and not just from an eReader but from actual real books!  It felt more soothing to hold paper and read a non-electronic screen to help ease me into bedtime.  For book club this month we are reading The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Safak.  Hopefully it'll re-introduce me to the poetry of Rumi and make for some lively discussions!

Other books on my to read list:

Fiction

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion 

The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern

Euphoria by Lily King

Bollywood Bride by Sonali Dev

Non-fiction

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

House on First by Julia Reed

Building Moral Intelligence by Dr. Michele Borba

Day 3: The key to Tiffany's

Though Christmas may have past, the warmth of the holidays still lingers on. As does the glitter of it as so many towns and business every year seem to lengthen the holiday season into the new year. I myself am still drawn to this seasons offerings from Tiffany's. The keys are such a timeless addition to the collection. Not to mention the charms which add a sense of playfulness to such a legendary jewelry store.  Visit tiffany.com for prices and availability.

Day 1 of 2016

One year ago I started this project, not knowing how it would go.  My goal was to make a journal, or catalog if you will, of the creative and lifestyle ambitions in my day-to-day life.  I wanted to make note of the small changes in my life, something that over the course of a year you can't really appreciate or sometimes even remember!  I especially like that it is a quick catalog of my frequent recipes, and I can easily access them from wherever I am.  

How was 2015 for me, you might ask.  As my toddler would say, "It was great!" (This is his typical response for everything).  I fine-tuned a few of my go-to recipes, and though my health and wellness initiations were at times short lived, I lost just over 10 pounds.  I traveled to cities I'd never been before like Prague, Vienna, and Hong Kong.  I also traveled to some of my favorite cities like New York, Paris, and Hyderabad, India.

So here we are at the start of the a new year.  I'm going to try to divide my categories into the following, alternating through them.

1.  Recipes (Knives and Whisks):  I will continue to provide easy to make recipes, that aren't too indulgent, and including dinner, entertaining and snacking options.

2.  Health and Wellness:  this will continue to include fitness, and living well tips.

3.  Style and Beauty:  I'm going to try to work on this section.  Many things when it comes to style and beauty I gloss over because I feel like it is redundant.  And style is so subjective, everyone has their own personal preferences.  I don't want to impose my sense of style over someone else's.

4.  Home decor and organization:  after reading the book about the KonMarie method, I'm going to try to implement it this year!

5.  Literal:  I started a local bookclub, and will be logging my favorite reads through that.

6.  Travel:  again, I'm going to try to focus on this more, maybe shifting my travel writing to this blog.

Here's wishing you health, wealth and happiness in the new year!

Day 365: One line a day journal

Happy New Year!  We made it to Day 365!  It's been quite a year, and starting a new year, I bought this little book to make personal notes one line at a time. 

Have you ever thought of writing a status update on Facebook, but decided against it for various reasons?  Sometimes it's because you don't want to humble brag, or over expose yourself.  But what if you want to just remember a random thought or occurrence?  I often thought of writing my statuses down in a journal, but never got around to doing it.  That is until I found this journal.  It is basically a five year record where you can write one line a day.  The beauty of it is that you can start on any day, and each year you pass that day you will see what you wrote exactly one year ago.  It's like a low-tech version of the Timehop app.  Plus, the high quality paper, gold embossing, and binding makes it something special that you want to keep around for a while!

One line a day book, $10 on amazon.com

Day 361: Travel tote

With the amount of traveling I do, it's important for me to have my carry-on travel bag ready to go at all times.  After many many trips, I have easily ruled in and out the staples needed for both long and short flights.  

First off, is the bag.  My fuschia Longchamps 'Le pliage' (size large) is my go-to because it is lightweight, durable, and can hold quite a bit.  Not to mention it can fold up so that I can keep it in my luggage if I decide to use another bag on my return trip.  

Inside I have my wallet (and passport of course if I'm flying international), cell phone, ear buds, sunglasses and kindle.  Sometimes I carry my iPad, though I prefer to read on flights.  I have snacks such as a Kind bar or lara bar, and always some form of chocolate.  After passing through security I buy a big bottle of water to keep me hydrated en flight.  

I keep my skin hydrated as well with what I call a power pack for flights.  It includes a Burt's Bees chapstick (coconut and pear and currently my favorite), a L'occitane travel size hand cream, and Jurlique skin balancing face oil.  I also carry Systane eye drops if my eyes feel dry.  Along with a small compact mirror and hair ties, these items go in a small make-up case. which makes them easy to find in my large tote.  

Add a magazine and scarf, and I'm ready to go with plenty of space for other items I find along the way!  Duty free anyone?

Items pictured:

Longchamps 'Le pliage' tote, large, $145

Ray-ban wayfarer, $140

kitsch hair ties, $9

Whittaker's coconut block, $13.99 on amazon.com

(this is from New Zealand which is why it's so pricey)

Kind bar, dark chocolate, nuts and sea salt

 Jurlique skin balancing oil, $50

Burt's Bees Pear and Coconut Lip Balm, $3.29

Systane, $10

P.S.  Sometimes, the best things to pack in your carry-on are souvenirs from previous trips.  I love getting magazines from different destinations, such as this Vogue India I picked up at the airport in Hyderabad, and the silk scarf I found at a bazaar in Abu Dhabi.  

Day 359: Merry Christmas to you and me!

Don't you love it when you find a shopping bag hidden away in your closet that you'd forgotten about?  It's like receiving a present from your past self!

I came across this bag today, and it had two finds from one of my favorite homestores, Zara Home.  The silver wood paneled frame is timeless and elegant, and the bird in a birdcage hook is more decorative than useful with it's faux antique finish.  Since these were not needed, and more fun purchases it truly felt like a gift!

Day 350: Cold weather package

As the temperature goes down, and a chill sets in the air, we all want to take care of our skin.  Here are a few products that are sure to help get through the winter months:

1.  CO Bigelow Lemon Cream body wash and body cream

Feel extra pampered by layering these two luxurious products.  The body wash has a subtle lemon scent which is invigorating on those cold winter mornings.  It contains lemon oil and extract, as well as sunflower oil to moisturize skin.  Liberally using the ultra moisturizing and skin brightening body cream post shower helps lock in the scent.  Great for dry skin, it has shea butter and has been a favorite since 1870.  Found at CO Bigelow retail shops and certain Bath and Bodyworks stores.

2.  JR Watkins Sugar and Shea Body Scrub (Coconut Milk & Honey)

Heaters tend to dry out skin, and this scrub will not only make skin feel renewed, but also leave it extra soft.  Containing sugar, shea butter, and coconut oil, this scrub is a great way to exfoliate and moisturize gently during the winter months.  Found at Target stores.

3.  Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme

There is nothing worse than dry, cracked and calloused feet in the winter!  This foot creme is the ultimate product to protect your feet from the elements.  Use this on your feet at bedtime, cover with socks, and let the creme work it's magic.  With coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and a hint of peppermint, this is a must have for feet.  Found at Target stores.

4.  Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

This face cream is a favorite for many.  It's non-greasy and light consistency makes for a great overall moisturizer.  Use it in the morning before make-up for all day wear, and at night.  You won't regret this splurge!  Found at Kiehl's shops and fine department stores.

Not only are these great for yourself, but also as gifts for the holiday season!  Enjoy, and don't forget to stay hydrated, too!