Friday five - back again!

Maybe it's because I had the Monday off from work or the changing of the season and month, but I cannot seem to get a handle on what day it is.   For example, I totally thought Modern Family was on last night because, you know, it was supposed to be Wednesday.  But, I was happily surprised to find out it was actually Thursday and my favorite NBC shows were all new.  30 Rock returned for it's final season... single tear!

At any rate, I think I've caught up just in time to cheer with you -- TGIF!  Turns out it's been a while since the last installment of the Friday five, so allow me to share with you things I'm totally loving right now.


1. Get ready for my most ridiculous fashion craving yet: I want a leather skirt.  And I want one that fits properly (I'm looking at you, Kim Kardashian.)  Yes, I realize it's highly impractical, but a girl can dream.

2. Love this dress for fall.  All I need are some gorgeous brown leather boots to go with it, which would be a much more sensible purchase than a one and done skirt. Since the dress is already on sale, I'll be saving some money on the first purchase, right?  #lovecolumbusdaysales

3. I've been busy checking things off my fall essentials list.  On tap for this weekend?  Getting my hands on a salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks.  Yes, please, and thank you.

4. Movie time!  After checking out the weather forecast, it looks like it's going to be a cool and damp weekend 'round these parts.  Since football will be Sunday's entertainment, Matt and I talked about catching a flick on Saturday.  If we go out, the options are The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Argo.  If we stay in, we'll probably rent The Hunger Games.  Have you seen any of those three?  Recommendations are appreciated :)

5. Soups.  All the soups!  Thank goodness cool weather will be around for months and months (seriously, I love wintertime!) so I can try a new soup recipe every week.  Most recently added to the list, and given some high priority, is this cheesy spinach soup a.k.a. witches' brew created by Annie's Eats.  Cannot wait to try this with some crusty bread!

Find some fun this weekend and enjoy fall, wherever you are! :)  Catch you on Monday...

Friday five

Things I'm totally loving right now and/or can't wait to get my hands on as soon as possible. 

1. Panera's garden vegetable soup with pesto.  Warm and so satisfying.  Matt and I have a Saturday full of errands planned and have already picked this for our lunch spot... because it's delicious and also because we have a coupon for buy one you pick two, get one free!

2. This metallic cardigan from Banana Republic.  Chunky but still feminine.  Cozy.  Sparkly.  And bearing pockets!  Could this sweater be any more perfect for the holidays?  "Could I BE wearing any more clothes?"

Never gets old, I swear.

These are a few of my favorite things!

Happy last day of work before vacation to me and, hopefully, many of you!  My morning walk was replaced by a commute from my parents' place.  What would've normally taken at least an hour only took 45 minutes AND I scored a parking spot... right in front of my office... at a jammed meter = no quarters necessary!

It's my favorite little things like this that put a big jump in my step and start the day off just right :)  Though I'm no Oprah and can't give away boat loads of goodies (appliances, cars, croissants from Williams & Sonoma... mmm), I can share some of my favorite things at this very moment!  Especially since I've always followed my mother's rule of not shopping for myself around the holidays... but there are so many good sales!  Pshhhh...

1. Holiday cake pops by Bakerella.  By now, most of the civilized world has heard of her talents when it comes to making bite-sized cake pops in all shapes and sizes.  And there is something so charming about an individual dessert, meant just for you.  These reindeer and Santa hat numbers are too cute for words.  I'd be hesitant to eat one!

2. Christmas place settings for a formal affair of sorts.  Whether super rustic just-made-by-your-friendly-lumberjack table or classy and simple, I'm a sucker for any holiday decorations.

3. This cardigan by Kate Spade.  It just oozes fun and sparkle, perfect for this time of year!

4. Grilled cheese.  Totally random but there is something so comforting and decadent about this quick sandwich.  My tip for the best cheese combination?  Sharp cheddar and Gruyere.  To die for!

5. These ankle-tie ballet flats from J. Crew.  The traditional nude pink color is beautiful, but I like the more subtle olive green.  Come to think of it, the pink would be a sweet wedding reception shoe... comfortable for dancing all night!  But, for everyday use, even if the ribbons would be hidden under jeans, I'd know they were still there and love them even more.


One Year Ago: How to: Creaming butter and sugar

Black Friday

Headed out shopping today?  Take your armor...

And check out deals at Black Friday online.  May the force be with you!  Personally, I love to check out the Neiman Marcus fantasy gifts every year.  Not that I'll be enjoying any of them in the near future, but it's fun to look.  Window shopping at its finest!  Check out the stunning Chihuly glass pool installation.  I was lucky enough to see the Chihuly exhibit when it was in Pittsburgh at Phipps Conservatory last year... just breathtaking.

What are my plans for today?  I'll be driving my parents crazy with my Christmas elf decorating routine :)  Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!  Catch ya Monday!

Working for the weekend

It's amazing, for how much I love love love making and following lists, that I haven't posted more on here. Well, let's open that can of worms today, shall we?  Things I'm looking forward to this weekend, particularly:

1. First and foremost, the weather. Oh my gosh, the weather. Can you believe it's still technically winter (okay, for one more day) and it's been in the mid 60s most days this week? Unreal.

2. Warm weather naturally means ice cream season. Yes, in March.  Ice cream season for me starts on the first 60+ degree day and goes until well... there is snow on the ground or I can't feel my fingers when I'm holding the ice cream. I've already been to Dave & Andy's twice in a week. I think it's time for some gelato on Walnut Street.  If you have never been there, I highly recommend it.  They charge by weight, not size (genius!) and have a minimum of 20 flavors every day.

3. Finally snatching up a rectangular tart pan that I've been courting for months.  And it seems that every time I get close to buying one, I think, "Nah, you won't use this that often, and you make quiches in pie plates anyway."  Well, pan, get ready to come home with me!  With asparagus season just around the corner and many recipes waiting in the wings, I can't get my hands on that pan soon enough.  Plus, I just love the fluted edges of the pan that make a pie crust even prettier and more irresistible.

4.  Some browsing the shops on Walnut is obviously mandatory since I'll already be there.  And J. Crew, you should know I'll be watching you carefully.  After offering an item like this for sale, I'm starting to question the very reason I sing your praises.  I mean, honestly, what on earth is that thing?  And in what obviously confused yet preppy-by-nature corner of your mind did you think making such a garment was a good idea?  Tsk tsk.

5. Book club meeting on Sunday to discuss A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood.  Check it out!  And I've been told that Colin Firth's performance in the movie adaptation is fabulous.

6. And, last but certainly not least, a nice little dinner date at Sunnyledge Inn.  I'll be sure to report on this little gem next week.

7. Really last, this time.  Have a great weekend and happy (early) spring!

Must.

Buy.
These.
In green plaid.