Movin on Up

Loyal readers, it has been forever and I'm sorry.  A lot has been happening in our lives lately.  Namely, moving houses.  We had our house on the market for about a year and a lovely young lady finally decided she loved it and wanted to buy it.  

This may not seem like  a big deal to some, but squeezing a family of four into a 900 square foot home has its challenges.  Not to mention that if we hadn't sold this house we may not have been able to move into the house of our dreams.  

It is neither a mansion on the beach nor is it decorated in soft creams and blue-greens with white curtains that softly billow in the breeze overlooking emerald green surf in the distance.  It is however, bigger, cozy, and perfect for us.  Did I mention the parking?  It has parking (!) - which is more than I can say for the house we just sold.  

City living is great and we have soaked up every ounce we could in the 11 years since we lived there. Searching for parking, having one storage closet for a family of four and having my two year old think the bar of chocolate I offered her somehow related to the bar down the street from whence people staggered every weekend, was a clear sign to me that it was time to move on. We are in a new phase of our lives, and like so many others, are making the switch to 'the burbs.' 

Here are some pics that document our journey...

...getting ready for the big move...

...nerves before signing the papers....

...we got the keys

...our little slice of paradise (*ahhh)

...mid set-up but LOVING it so far!

...the girls get a playroom!

...almost Christmas ready...

We will definitely miss the convenience of the city - walking to restaurants, having many playgrounds from which to choose, jogging along the waterfront, great food and shopping, cultural events, museums - but as with everything, it comes with a price. Mostly, we will miss our fabulous neighbors, with whom we shared our lives and laughs.  A little walk down memory lane of our city life is necessary here...

...our waterfront walks will be greatly missed, and as my daughter put it, "especially the boat named 'Princess'"... 

...the last party with our lovely neighbors back when the weather was still warm...

...one of our favorite parks of all time.  Named after a Polish man, my husband and I lovingly referred to it as the Polish Fun Place when we didn't want my daughter to know that's where we were thinking about going. 

Walks with a view...

Friends and sidewalk chalk - it doesn't get much better than that!

For some of you the idea of the burbs may send shivers down your spine and cast fear in your hearts.  But I promise you the culture shock we are sure to experience in the coming weeks will be well worth it when our girls are able to play freely in our yard and have sleepovers in our basement.  I hope it is the house in which they will invite friends and make many memories.  

I am thrilled to begin this new journey in our lives and I am happy we are able to give our daughters a house, and hopefully, a full and happy life there filled with fun and fond memories, but more importantly love.  

Until next time, bon voyage and Happy Holidays!

Hopefully, it is spent with those you love and cherish. 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

The Best Hair Dryer in the World

I have found the holy grail of hair dryers ladies and gents.  I give you, The Rusk.  

One rare morning I was able to get a shower without my children in tow.  I rushed through the shower to hopefully dry. my. hair.  Well, friends, God smiled upon me and it came to pass that I was able to dry my hair.  There was only one snafu.  My hair dryer up and died in the middle of my blow out.  The nerve! 

And so began my quest for a better, bigger, stronger, more effective blow dryer.  After much research and examination, I decided on the Rusk W8less Professional 2000 Watt Hair Dryer.  It has changed my life.  Quite literally.  

I'm not what you'd call a 'hair girl.'  I was never taught how to blowout my hair or curl it.  I pretty much point the dryer at my head and expect to come out looking like a Victoria's Secret model.  Sadly, that never happens.  

I have fine strands of hair but a lot of them - so I have thin-thick hair?  Is that a thing?  Anyway, using my Conair hair dryer often took at least 20 min (and my hair still wasn't completely dry) and I was often left very frizzy, especially on top.  My hair is actually pretty healthy, but sometimes I looked like I stuck my finger in a socket.  I never believed the hype about expensive dryers, assuming it was all a ploy to make money.  And maybe it is. But in the off chance it's not I'm here to inform you of what has seriously changed my morning routine.  

I used to dread showering.  That sounds terrible, but with two kids under two it wasn't a peaceful time.  And forget about drying my hair.  Brush it and throw it in a wet messy bun.  Until, The Rusk.  No more frizzy, no more dread. Just pure unadulterated perfectly dry, smooth locks.  Don't believe me?  Take a look for yourself.

Its claim to fame is its infrared drying technique, which dries hair from the inside out.  It also uses ceramic and tourmaline to heat the hair.  Ceramic heats more evenly than other materials used in cheaper hair dryers and tourmaline, a mineral, produces negative ions helping to break up the water molecules,leaving you with shiny, luscious hair.   Learn more about the difference between ceramic, tourmaline, ionic (a third type) dryers, here. 

The Rusk claims to cut drying time by 40%.  I scoffed when I read this but figured, 'Hey, I need a hair dryer and mine broke, so why not?'  Boy am I glad I shelled out the $80 for this one.  

If I don't feel like styling my hair, but just want to dry it so I don't have to leave the house and enter the freezing cold with a wet head, it does so in literally about 7 minutes.  Let that sink in a minute.  I shower, I get out, I brush my teeth, put in contacts and put on make up, then I dry my hair.  It is still really wet, and somehow this life-changing hair dryer dries it in 7 minutes.  One time I had to battle with my two year old about time out and then dry my hair - 5 minutes to a dry head people.  Five minutes! (said in the voice of the guy who runs the Santa display in the movie Elf)

Do yourself a favor and put it on your holiday wishlist.  You'll thank me.  Sephora, Ulta, Amazon - they all carry it.  Although I think it's the cheapest on Amazon at $64.  And if you gift this to the lady in your life, you will get her out the door and on to the party or the game much faster.  It's in your best interest too, gents.  

I actually look forward to doing my hair now.  Thank you Rusk.  I wish I could say they paid me to write this review, but sadly they did not.  I'm just in love with this hair dryer.  I still can't believe I'm saying that.  Who am I?  In love with a hair dryer? It changed my life?  Sheesh.  Maybe I need to get out more!  

Happy drying my friends!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne~

Winter Coats

Got an email from Lord & Taylor advertising their 50% off coats sale so I had to pop this post up before it was too late.  Sale ends tonight (10/14) at midnight. Get shopping! :)

MK Asymmetrical Zip Walker Coat, $150 I like it in navy.  The asymmetrical zipper adds interest and makes it more trendy.  

Photo courtesy of www.lordandtaylor,com

Vince Camuto Bib Accented Puffer Coat, $165 Double zipper, double the warmth.

Photo courtesy of www.lordandtaylor,com

Calvin Klein Wool Blend Faux Leather Trim Asymmetrical Zip Coat, $160  Love the leather at the elbows and the heathered look.  

Photo courtesy of www.polyvore,com

Marc New York Marc Andrew Chevron Quilted Coat, $150 Love that it cinches in at the waist, but the downside is there is no hood.  

Photo courtesy of www.polyvore,com

Gents, it's your turn...

Calvin Klein Marc New York Marc Andrew Zip Up Twill Jacket, $137.50  Pretty sure Channing Tatum wore a similar jacket in Step Up.  If he wears it, it can't be a bad idea. 

Photo courtesy of www.shopstyle.com

Ralph Lauren, Knit Collared Pea Coat $175 Nothing beats a man in a pea coat. Love the button detail on the shoulder.  Husband, if you're reading this, you should treat yourself.  Buy this.

Photo courtesy of www.lordandtaylor.com

Bundle up!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Fall Fashion

Dark blues, grays, reds, garnet, aubergine, metallics, and black and white, these are of the colors of the fall 2014 season. 

White pumps - I've wanted a pair forever and I think we will be seeing a lot of winter whites and neutrals this season so they'd come in handy. I'm saving up for these...

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

White Manolos.  Did you hear those angels singing?  Aaaaaaahhhhh

Bucket bags - I mentioned these in an earlier post but these are still in. Get it cheap here since the trend probably won't last.  $29.94

Photo courtesy of www.oldnavy.com

Saint Laurent - always classic, this brand is about to blowup mainstream style soon.  It's the new Louis. $1850.00

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

Over the knee boots - Not just for Pretty Women anymore, these are edgy and sultry if done correctly. Keep everything else toned down and covered up. 

Topshop Unique Boots , $314.  My favorite blogger wore them to fashion week and I think they are quite stunning.  (Check out my other favorite bloggers on the 'Check It' tab up top).  

Photo courtesy of www.pinterest.com

{H&M}
Patterned Skirt $29.95 I have a thing for stripes.  

Photo courtesy of www.hm.com/us

Fine Knit Sweater $24.95 Comfy and cozy. I'm trying to work on accessorizing lately so I've been interested in plainer items that I can add interest to with jewelry, shoes and bags.  

Photo courtesy of www.hm.com/us

Boucle-yarn Jacket $39.95 Always classy, boucle jackets dress up any outfit in an instant.  Pair with a silk shirt or a graphic tee and jeans to keep warm and add interest to your outfit.  

Photo courtesy of www.hm.com/us

{Piperlime}
Gilberta Pump $180.00 Schutz heels - Reasonably priced, reminiscent of Manolos, I'm adoring their shoes.  Classic and hopefully comfortable (!) these are on my wish list.  I love the Burgundy Nubuck and Deep Ocean colors.  (The color pictured below is the Scarlet Nubuck.)  

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

Gorjana Shimmer Bar Bracelet $64.00 I LOVE simple, gold jewelry.  

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

Kelly Wearstler Sima Ring $150.00  A thicker band than I'd normally choose, but with its ridging and sparkle I just can't help myself.  

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

{Tiffany's}
T Smile Pendant Necklace $900 Simple and beautiful.  Not to mention you'll be wearing a smile all day long.  (Get it? Hehe)

Photo courtesy of www.tiffany.com

{Francesca's}
Quilted Strip Ponte Legging $44 The 'Closet Purge of 2013' got my leather leggings.  I'm probably too old for them anyway, but these are a decent alternative.  

Photo courtesy of www.francescas.com

{Lulus}
Navy Sweater $49  Another cozy sweater waiting to be accessorized. There's nothing I love more than curling up in a big warm sweater in the middle of winter.  

Photo courtesy of www.lulus.com

Benchwarmer Plaid Infinity Scarf $18 Plaid scarves are going to be all over this season so get yours now. 

Photo courtesy of www.lulus.com

Darling Halle Beaded Shift Dress $87  A body-skimming dress with a little sparkle? Count me in. 

Photo courtesy of www.lulus.com

By the Boucle Black Jacket $81  Edgy like a leather moto jacket, but the boucle classes it up like Chanel.  

Photo courtesy of www.lulus.com

{J.Crew}
Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat $350  J.Crew coats are always really well-made and well worth the expensive price tag. 

Photo courtesy of www.jcrew.com

{South Moon Under}
Free People Graphic Stone Tee $98  Everyone needs a little rock'n'roll in her life.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

Free People Teddy Bear Sweater $128  It's called the teddy bear sweater? I can't think of anything more charming.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{Aldo}
Cervarezza, $90 Love that these have a lower heel. 

Photo courtesy of www.aldo.com

Prigorwen, $130 Cute leather booties you can wear with a dress or jeans.

Photo courtesy of www.aldo.com

{Target}
Xhiliration Black Quilted Skirt, $17.99  I totally owned a million of these skirts back in the '90s, but alas, here they are.  They happen to be flattering to my body type so I can't say I'm upset that they're back.  But I tried this one on and definitely felt 12 again...

Photo courtesy of www.target.com

Oversized Plaid Scarf $16.99 Looks just like the Zara one from last season (that I never bought!) but at $16.99 you cannot let this one slip by.  Really, I mean it.  I didn't.  

Photo courtesy of www.target.com

{Express}
Faux Fur Trimmed Puffer Coat, $158  I went on a purge-the-house binge last winter and got rid of my warm puffer coat.  Now I see the winter looming and totally regret that decision. I'm looking to get this one.  

Photo courtesy of www.express.com

Textured Cocoon Coat, $208 Also in the 'Purge of 2013' I got rid of my favorite pink wool coat.  I'll have to re-buy that too!  H&M has a cheaper version for $60, here.

Photos courtesy of www.express.com

{J.Crew Factory}
Classic Button Flannel Down, $49.50  Love the way this looks with lighter wash jeans and nude heels. 

Photo courtesy of www.jcrewfactory.com

{Nordstrom}
BP Fair Isle Sweater, $54  I used to have one that I really loved but got rid of it. Two of my college roommates had sweaters that I loved just like this so I may have to get it just for old times sake. 

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

{NastyGal}
Fall Back Scarf, $40 I missed out on the Zara one that looks just like this (and is ten dollars cheaper!) so I didn't waste a minute when ordering this.  Hurry! *Update: I got a confirmation email and then a day later got a 'Cancellation' email.  Out. of. stock. Definitely buy the Target one I listed above if you're interested.  

Photo courtesy of www.nastygal.com

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~