To&From Magazine Classic Man's Birthday Gift Guide

I don't know about you but I wasn't quite finished with the weekend when I woke up today. If you're in the same boat, perhaps you can benefit from a little online shopping this week. I had the pleasure of contributing to Meg and Katie's gift guide magazine, To&From, along with many other fab bloggers and tastemakers!

Their quarterly magazine is on it's third issue for the spring and includes gift ideas for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and all your other spring time festivities. You can do your shopping directly from the magazine, too! By clicking on the objects you will be directed to the website were the object is available for purchase.

I curated gifts for that classic man in your life who just doesn't need another tie. He will, however, need some staples to get him through the spring and summer like a ball cap to wear to baseball games, travel gear for using that paid time off, new reading material, a lightweight multi-use button up shirt, and even objects for his home (a map of his favorite city or monogramed whiskey glasses). The guide is Gman approved including his favorite moisturizer, champagne, and flip flops.

Happy shopping!

Weekend Recap: Magazine Launch Party

Last Saturday night I hosted a launch party in celebration of my magazine. I decided to host the party at my own home to go along with the theme of "Exploring Home". What does home me to me? Being able to share my private garden with family and friends.

My mom and two of her sisters were in town for Easter weekend and since one of them was a contributor for the magazine, I thought it would be lovely to have the party with them here. Luckily most of the flowers in the garden were in bloom (except the Cherry Blossom! boo) so I only needed to add a few bouquets to round out the decorating. Flowers are always my indulgence when entertaining! Even if I just have overnight guests, I love the excuse to bring some color and freshness to my home.

The party was a grand success - wine flowed like water, great conversations were had with old friends and new, and I felt so special! Towards the end of the party, people were purchasing the magazine and asking me to sign it for them. I've never done something like that before and I felt like I really made it in the world! I was slightly embarrassed to do it, but so happy that I could take a chance on a new venture and have such dedicated support from my friends and family. You all give me the courage to do it again! Cheers!

I also want to give a special shout out to my friend Liz Nunziato. I had this whole toast prepared, but my mind went blank when I went to speak. Liz is one of my dearest friends and a very talented graphic designer and artist. I call her sensei as she taught me how to use InDesign and gave me a crash course in the graphic design and publishing worlds. I literally could not have done this magazine without her guidance and hard work taking my ideas and making them a reality.

PS - Order a copy of Issue One: Exploring Home here.

my family!

my beautiful friends

Shoe Love: Tis the (spring) season

From top down: Quorra ballet flat, Lilian suede low wedges, Janey Liberty print flats, Everly Liberty Art Fabrics pumps 

Although the weather isn't very telling (its still chilly here!), spring is in the air. Today, I wanted to showcase some of my favorite spring shoes that are also conservative enough to wear to a religious service or event as this week is both Passover and Easter. I had to look no further than JCrew. They are nailing it this season! Now I only need to decide which one will put the right spring in my step. Pun intended.

Shoe Love: Canvas Espadrilles

Don't you just love these striped canvas espadrilles? Totally gets me excited for the warmer weather. These are worn by my neighbor Christine and she let me in on a little secret - they're only $16.99 at Target! Find 'em here.

Weekend Recap: Green beer and cherry blossoms

After a busy Saturday morning of running errands, Gman and I decided to blow off our plans for the afternoon. Instead we celebrated St. Patrick's Day and the arrival of spring with a mini picnic under the Cherry Blossom trees.It was hot, but breezy, and the soft, constant chatter of other picnickers was so peaceful that Gman dozed off. I was tempted to do the same.

On our way home we decided to pop into a bar that was serving green beer. Let's just say the celebration train had left the station. We were a little late to the party, but it was fun having a beer none-the-less.

I haven't published any What I Wore posts in a while, so here's what I wore for a day of relaxing celebration. I'm wearing a go-to button up blouse and that fab Clare Vivier handbag goes with me everywhere. My legs made their first appearance this season! It was liberating not to wear tights.

Yep, spring's here.

I'm so glad it's finally spring. I love watching the flowers bloom and the city come alive with restaurants opening their windows and picnics in the park. But I'm not sure which is worse - allergies or allergy medication. It is seriously hard to get out of bed when I feel fatigued as soon as I wake up. Not to mention the itchy eyes, throat, and skin. Do you suffer from allergies? Any coping mechanisms?

Wardrobe: Dublin and Glendalough





necklace, jeans, jacket, umbrella, wellies, top, bag

While Gman and I were in Ireland it was cold and rainy. We went in March and got the impression from the people we talked to that this type of weather was pretty normal for most of the year. Dressing for the rain, especially when living out of a tiny suitcase, can be challenging. But it's important because having wet feet and trying to tour a city is no fun {blisters and whining abound!}.

I recommend a leather jacket and some wellies to stay warm and dry. As you know, I love my Hunters but I was recently introduced to this company, Joules, through numerous blogs. I love the feminine details on their rain boots, like these flowers. Wellies would have been perfect for our trek out to Glendalough too - that peet moss is muddy and would ruin most shoes {I wore some like this}.

Dublin is a casual city so this look could easily go from running around all day to listening to live music at a pub in the evening. Generally speaking, I like to add bits of ladylike elements to my rainy day look - the rain makes me feel flustered and frumpy. Well, except for the one rainy night in Paris...

What about you, how do you dress for the rain? Do you find it frustrating or exciting when your travel destination is rainy?

Shoe Love: a touch of pink

Shultz via Piperlime

I wish I saw these babies when I was prowling for the cruise! I love me a nude heel and can't stand how the subtle detail of the thin sparkle strap and a little pink add some real sass. I just might need these in anticipation of Spring 2012...

Wardrobe: Cherry Blossom Inspired



Dress JCrew, bracelet Anthropologie, watch Michael Kors, blouse Marc by Marc Jacobs, trousers Citizens of Humanity, shoes Chloe, bag JCrew, sunglasses Michael Kors, trench Zara

Since the Cherry Blossoms are out, surely spring is finally here?! These soft, romantic looks would be great for walking around DC (or anywhere!) while checking out the darling blooms. Of course I can only dream about going bare legged anytime in the near future. So the trousers might be a better choice while we are still waiting for warmer weather...