Peace Out, 2013

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I don't even think I can put into words how relieved I am that 2013 is allllllmost over. It has seriously been one of the toughest years of my life, if not the toughest. I am so ready to just move on to the new year and the new possibilities and to forget this awful year.

If I was an introspective, deep person (spoiler: I'm not), I'd reflect on what I've learned or how I've grown...but I honestly cannot think of anything good that happened in 2013, other than getting little Oscarcat. I guess that shows you where my head and heart are, right?

Here's hoping that 2014 is far better!

Bb.

I've recently totally upgraded my hair-care regimen. I almost always use drugstore shampoo, conditioner and styling products, but after getting my hair cut at Bumble&bumble salons a few times and always having amazing hair afterwards, I decided to invest in some new products.

My hair is very thin, very fine, and very silky. It has pretty much no natural texture except sleek, but I'm prone to frizz and static (especially in the winter). I don't want to say this is the best my hair has ever looked...but right now it's looking pretty great. Shiny and healthy and less frizz than ever!

A few of my favorites:

prep. styling mist: this is a definite must-have for me. My hair is very prone to tangles, even after conditioner, so this serves as a detangler and "base" for styling. It's also incredibly lightweight so it feels like I don't have anything in my hair...except my hair is softer and smoother. It's basically like having your best hair ever. Obsessed.

thickening hairspray: another must-have. I spray this liberally on my roots before I blow-dry and it gives my hair just enough body. Not "big hair" by any means, but naturally fuller-looking hair. It also gives my hair the teensiest bit of grip, which is good when I want to pull pieces back with bobby pins--they don't fall out!

hairdresser's invisible oil: like I said before, my hair is incredibly prone to static. In order to combat this, I run just a touch (about a dot the size of a pencil eraser) through my ends which helps a lot. My only con with this oil is it's a verrrrrry thin line between just enough oil to keep static away and so much oil my hair looks greasy. However, I've found that a few shots of dry shampoo are helpful if that happens!

surf spray: if I want texture, this is what I go for. It makes my hair a bit clumpy, so I don't like to use it if I'm wearing my hair down and straight, but it's perfect for an updo or a braid or anything where I need a lot of grip.

I know these products are on the pricey side, but in my experience, I'm far happier with these than anything cheaper that I've tried. I also get the Bb emails so I try to time my orders when they have a good sample-with-purchase offer or free shipping to get more bang for my buck. The products do last a long time though!

This and this are on my to-try list!

Santa Pups!

these pups are the cutest little things! dyingggg. #iwantapuppy

Merry Christmas friends! Here's to having a great day filled with family, great presents, good food, and a restful holiday! Oscar and I will be snuggling for most of the day but I plan on indulging in some peppermint ice cream as a nod to the holiday. Then we'll be packing to head home!

Have a great day!!!

Her.

I randomly went to the movies the other night (we saw the new Hobbit movie...I slept through about 1/3 of it...) and one of the previews was for the new movie Her. I'm actually a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I was tearing up through the entire preview.

Basically the movie is about a guy who falls in love with a computer/operating system thing...it sounds bizarre and weird, but the movie is so sweet and touching. It's obviously a commentary on how fully integrated technology is with our lives, but also brings up the possibility of falling in love with someone you've never met face-to-face.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie, but I don't know if I'll be able to watch it in the theater! It might be one that I wait to see at home so I can pause it/watch by myself.

Black & White

Normally I love color, but winter makes me crave neutrals, specifically black and white. I cannot tell you how many days I've gotten dressed without thinking and have put on an outfit consisting solely of all black, all gray or a mix of the two punctuated by a white tee. How boring, right?

In order to spice up my boring monochromatic winter preferences, here are a few black and white pieces that would be both fun and interesting...

Zara Two-Tone Bucket Bag: This would be such a fun interest piece with an all black outfit!

Anthropologie Rococo Tee--I'm obsessed with the detailed pattern of this top, the fact that the look can totally change depending on what color tank you wear underneath, and the price (under $100, when it looks far more expensive!)

Ruche Manor House Coat--So crisp, so clean, so tailored. I love collarless, ladylike coats.

Ruche Rightly So Striped Skirt--Anthro had a skirt similar to this a while back that I loved but never bought...this is a lookalike for a fraction of the cost! This Annie Griffin skirt is very similar as well!

J Crew Tipped Boy Shirt--Not the first time I've mentioned this top because I just love it.

J Crew Diamond-Print Minnie Pant--Perfect with a black sweater and black boots, a white tee and black ballet flats, a brightly colored top and sparkly shoes...

 Anthropologie Marrakesh Booties--Definitely a bit out of my comfort zone and a little crazy...but I love them! With black Pixie pants and a crisp white tunic they'd be super cute. Also available in a smoking slipper that's a bit more of my normal style :)

What do you think? I used to think black + white together was too much of a harsh contrast, but now I love how crisp it is...

Chocolate & Peppermint

**Apologies for being AWOL over here...things are hectic at work, I've been dealing with some relationship drama, and basically just haven't been in a blogging mood. Sorry!**

There isn't much I love more than the combination of chocolate and peppermint. Thankfully, the holiday season is the season of pepperminty goodness, so I'm in heaven right now.While I personally think peppermint treats are just great year-round, they're especially great for holiday gifting--festive AND yummy!

Here's a few peppermint/chocolate treats that I'm dying to make and eat...

Peppermint Patty Brownies--How Sweet Eats: you could so easily make this a bit more festive by tinting the white mint layer with food coloring...or just make as-is. These sound phenomenal.

Homemade Oreos--My Kitchen Addiction: So these aren't pepperminty, but you could sub peppermint extract for the vanilla extract in the filling and make homemade peppermint Oreos! Yummmm.

Peppermint Crunch Truffles--Bakers Royale: Three ingredients so you (and I) have no excuses for not making these.

Peppermint Ice Cream & Hot Chocolate Affogato--A Couple Cooks: Oh man...this looks and sounds amazing. I'd probably double the mintyness by using peppermint hot chocolate, but you could do this in so many ways: caramel ice cream w/ plain hot chocolate, coffee ice cream w/ caramel hot chocolate, vanilla ice cream w/ cherry or caramel hot chocolate...the list is never-ending.

Peppermint Hot Fudge Sundaes--Martha Stewart: Peppermint. Hot. Fudge. I'll just take a jar of that and eat it plain, thanks.

Chocolate-Peppermint Cake--Martha Stewart: Said to be rich, fudgy and brownie-like...which are all good things and exactly how I like my chocolate cake.

Homemade Peppermint Patties--Oh Nuts Blog: SUPER easy. Yum.

Also on the list: Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Private Selection Mint Hot Chocolate, and York Peppermint Patties (of course!). Mmmm!

Beach, Please.

I am drained. I've been on a year-plus-long "real" job search that's been totally disheartening and discouraging, I work 7 days a week at two different jobs, I haven't had a vacation in over a year...I am totally depleted of all sorts of things: enthusiasm, inspiration, happiness, motivation.

The only thing I have on my Christmas list (other than these boots, of course) is a 3 week beach trip with no phones or internet, no schedule, no work, nothing other than relaxing, soaking up sunshine and recharging. Doing things because I want to, not because I have to. Eating a normal dinner at a normal time, instead of cereal at 11:15 because I got home too late from work and put other things (like feeding the cat and washing clothes) ahead of eating. I'm tired of working on things until 2 am when I realize that I should probably get a few hours of sleep before I have to be up for another day of stuff...I want to be able to go to sleep at a decent time and not feel guilty.

Basically I want to spend 3 weeks at the beach living life like Oscar does.

all photos from this Pinterest board