Family Photos: Snow day adventure

Two words: SNOW DAY!!! We finally got that winter wonderland we’ve been waiting for all season. The snow has been coming down all day — in those big, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind flakes that stick to your hair and jacket. See the proof below (even Harry was covered in snowflakes)…

Thanks to my mom, who used her sheer strength to shovel a path for me…
“It’s the ends of the Earth,” as my father used to say…

There’s something so peaceful and calming about looking outside and seeing a blanket of snow, isn’t there? Are you snowed in today, friends? xoxo
 
P.S. Remember the Great Blizzard of 2011?
 
[Thanks to my mom for taking these gorgeous photos] 

Dream Home: Indoor plants

So, I was minding my own business and working at the kitchen table this morning when I looked up just in time to see the swirl of a blizzard begin to take shape. It reminded me a bit of the snowstorm we had a couple years ago, and it made me want to bust out a few of these tips.

Lately, I’ve even found myself daydreaming about those wonderfully warm early days of spring, and these indoor plants are giving me some serious wanderlust. Are you excited for spring, friends? xoxo
 
P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming up this afternoon! :)

Found: 8 ways to stay warm in the winter

Gemma Correll pretty much captured the way I’m feeling this morning. The minute I stepped outside, I was hit with that sort of windy, biting, blistery cold air that only reminds you of one thing: It’s still winter. Although this Midwestern winter has been tame compared to years past, this week brought downright bone-chilling temps — the kind that make you want to curl up on the couch and perfect your British accent while enjoying a Downton Abbey marathon (which I did…). But, we can’t hibernate all winter. So, in the name of staying warm, here are my top picks for those cold days…
1. Pow-pow mittens, $47

2. Fleece slippers, $22
3. Sunbeam electric blanket, $44.95
4. Foods like nuts, which are high in healthy fats, help the body regulate its temperature. My go-to nut? The classic peanut.
5. Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate, starting at $6.99
6. Hearty winter soup (tomato is my favorite)
7. A warm bubble bath ($9) will prepare your body for sleep.
8. LOTS of sunshine to make your soul smile — it’s free!

What do you think, friends? What would you add? Anything special on your “winter must-have” list? xoxo

Sponsor Spotlight: Peripeti

One of my favorite things about winter has always been smelling lovely scents wafting through the house. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories, so I was so excited to get the chance to chat with Kate of Peripeti. Her line of handmade soy candles, seasonal pieces and limited-edition fragrances look so calming — and Kate makes each item right in her home! Read on for more of Kate’s inspiration and her expert tips! xoxo


Keep in touch…
Official Web site: Peripeti
Browse the Etsy shop
Become a fan on Facebook

So tell me about you and your shop. What’s the inspiration behind its launch?

What started as handmade Christmas gifts has turned into a passion. I have worked as a photographer and mixed media artist for the last 10 years and wouldn’t have foreseen my branching off into candle making, but it’s been perfect for me! I honestly enjoy every aspect of candle making and experiment a lot to make sure I still have a great product because you can always grow in any creative venture. I launched my shop this year because I love the idea of home — a place that is both intimate and friendly, and my work has always been geared toward the home. In that sense, candles are a perfect addition to my art. Every home or gathering is enhanced by the right candle and fragrance, and everyone seems to love to give and get them! My candles are sustainable, eco friendly and a clean burn. I enjoy offering a high-quality product to enhance the home!

What are your tips for people looking for great online shopping deals?
I do love and believe in shopping and supporting local when possible, but I have to admit I also love the option of shopping online; it has the potential to expose so many great and talented artists and crafters. I have found so many amazing artists online and enjoy being able to support them as much as a local shop. The important thing to me is quality and supporting someone who loves what they do. There’s something very satisfying in that to me.

What are some of your favorite things about winter?
I love when the wet snow sticks to the trees; it’s very enchanting. I am a sucker for anything seasonal and really enjoy each season for what it has to offer. Whether itss activities, foods, flavors, scents…I like to enjoy it all and refuse to let winter lose the whimsy it had as a child.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I think I have two. I really enjoy making the novelty candles. I enjoy finding the original containers and offering seasonal fragrances. I enjoy the idea of an original piece finding the “right person” who likes it as much as I do! My first favorite is one of my Depression Glass pieces. I think depression glass is a part of our history and is sentimental to me to begin with, and I’m excited to have some depression glass pieces, but I love the Triangle piece. It’s definitely vintage; I can see it in a living room in the 1930s, but it also has such a modern sensibility to it as well. I also really enjoy my only green depression glass piece. It’s like an old cookie jar, both ornate and quaint, and it just brings a smile to my face. I try to make pieces and fragrances that have character and originality.

**Special offer: Kate is I’m offering 15% off with the code Isaid15 for the next three months!

NYC Diaries: Why Every New Yorker (and Everyone Else in the World) Needs a Dog

Hi, everyone, and happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was as amazing as mine. I spent Christmas with my family, turned 21 and adopted an adorable dog. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past two weeks, it’s that getting a pet changes everything for the better.
I adopted Augustus, my 1.5-year-old Yorkie (Editor’s note: How cute is he? And this coming from a cat person…), from a local breeder who said he wasn’t selling because of his limp. As soon as I saw his picture, I knew I was in love and that Augie (as I like to call him) was The One for me. He’s a tiny ball of energy, and being a dog owner has made me realize how essential it is for people to have pets.

I’m not saying that it’s all sunshine and roses. A dog requires a lot of work and time and money. But it’s sooooo worth it, and you get paid back in loads of love. That being said, here are my top 5 reasons why every girl needs a dog…

They make you happy
This one’s a no-brainer. There’s nothing like coming home after a long, dreary day and being greeted by a hyper pup with a wagging tail. Regardless of mood or level of stress, Augie always puts a smile on my face.

They love you unconditionally
Whether I’m fighting with a friend or arguing with my boyfriend, I know that Augie will be waiting for me at home with his puppy kisses. I saw a quote online once that read, “Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” And that’s absolutely true!

They find all your lost socks and shoes
Most dogs seem to have a foot fetish and an obsession with footwear of any kind. When I get home after work, I always see about five pairs of socks and some mismatched flip-flops by his bed. Adorable? Yes. Yes, it is.

They’re cuddly
I call Augie my little nap buddy because he’s softer and warmer than the cutest teddy bear. I can deal with his snoring and drooling because, like I said, that’s love.

They make you feel like a million dollars
On my worst days when I get down on myself for not looking like a movie star or having a few extra pounds on me, Augie reminds me that I’m still awesome in his eyes. After all, you don’t need to impress a dog like you would a potential suitor. A pet will accept you for who you are (especially if you have food on you).

So, do you have any pets, friends? How have they made your life better? What do you love about them? Let’s celebrate all things pets! xoxo


–By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness