Blah, Blah, Blah

Blah Blah Blah Sticky $3.99

Blah Blah Blah. That sums up how I have been feeling lately and I haven't had much to blog about. I overuse this phrase and can say I do own this notepad (in pink also). I love checking off the bottom "BLAH" box. I will be MIA again this week because I'm traveling for work.

Blouse: LC Lauren Conrad Floral Lace Chiffon Blouse

I did have a great Saturday celebrating my friend Lindsay's birthday that was kicked off with dinner at Blockheads in Murray Hill with Patron Bulldogs. This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants... always worth the wait.

via Instagram (Follow me - msslindsay)

Lindsay's family is originally from New Orleans and sent her a king cake from Haydel's Bakery, which took the place of late night pizza. I've never had one before... it was amazing.

As for shopping... I'm not impressed with anything lately. I'm not ready to start shopping for spring clothes. I hate this time of year clothing wise. Anyway, I never get bored of accessories. Even though customer service told me this script love ring would not come back in stock... it did! I first spotted the style on Emily Maynard and it is a much better price point ($65) than the original Sydney Evan she wore ($860). I got it in rose gold.

Forever 21 Ikat Print Scarf $6.80

Still loving ikat... recent Forever find.

Congrats to A Simple Southern Life for winning the Beads By Alyssa giveaway! :)

Friday Five

Too Faced New Year New You $29

While I was stuck inside last weekend during the storm I ordered a few things from Sephora with a Christmas gift card. I'm shocked I have waited this long to use it. This set is a great value because it includes a full size Lashgasm Mascara ($21) and Glamour Gloss ($19) plus an eye shadow and blush compact. I tried these  in another set I received over the holidays (that is still available as well) from a colleague and am hooked on both.

I received Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant cream c/o People StyleWatch to try. It's especially great for dry winter elbows and knees.

I have been on a Starbucks Refreshers kick and was happy to find them at Costco. My favorite is the Raspberry Pomegranate. 

Flowers from my Valentine! I put them in a C. Wonder Ginger Jar.

via Pinterest

When I started Vineyard Loveknots I didn't tell many people because I wasn't sure if I would stick with it. I can't believe I hit the two year mark. Thank you for stopping by!

#flowers

Lilly Pulitzer Earbuds and Pouch in Lucky Charms

Nothing like a little Lilly to spruce up your office space. Lifeguard Press sent me new earbuds. I love the case and know this will come in handy this summer for the beach so they don't get sandy or tangled in my bag.

Mobile Charger in Lucky Charms $28

Lots of cute new arrivals... I am eyeing this matching mobile charger. I'm happy I held out on getting one. Do you have one and actually use it?

I picked up some carnations while I was at the grocery store, inspired by yesterday's post! New(ish) additions to my coffee table include Equestrian Style and a vanilla bean soy jar candle from Target. I know it's almost Valentine's Day... but I am still missing my Christmas tree. My apartment seems so bare without it.

Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a set of bracelets from Beads By Alyssa. Go go go! I love my beads... don't miss out.

10 Things

I love this list of essentials from Oscar de la Renta that I read in a past issue of allure... so much so I made this graphic to print while I was snowed in. 

My favorite quote is #8. It's actually discouraged me from buying new perfume recently. I like to change up fragrances every once in awhile, but do have a signature scent. It's Abercrombie 8... old school! My other favorites of late are Bond West Side and Lady Gaga Fame. Do you have a signature scent?

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I'm inspired to go out and get some deep red carnations for an arrangement (in a blue and white vase). Carnations bring me back to my 90's dance recitals. I like how the RueLaLa Style Guide defined the flower as "The Comeback Kid" in their Valentine's Day Flower Guide:

Carnations have gotten a bad rap, but I’m not buying it. In fact, much like Carrie Bradshaw, I’m a big believer that the once-regal flower is making a comeback. And if my word isn’t enough, just look to famous fans Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik, and Martha Stewart (who’s praised their longevity). Convinced yet?

Sara and Chris

Who are these preppy people? Good guess, but this is not a Sperry ad campaign. It is my bestie Sara and her fiancé, Chris. We are each other's Maid of Honor! Sara is getting married this summer in Brielle, New Jersey. Here are a few of her amazing engagement photos taken "down the shore".

Sperry Top-Sider A/O 2 Eye in Gold Metallic $89.00 $64.99

In true Sara style, she is dressed and accessorized in J. Crew. She switched between her Sperry's and Jack's during the shoot. Loved her look!

Please check out my Beads By Alyssa Giveaway for your chance to win a set of bracelets!

Monogramaholic

If it ain't moving, monogram it. Check out How to Monogram Anything and Everything from Matchbook Magazine's February issue (Pages 42 - 50). 

Check out the rules, history and great ideas. I go by my middle name and break the rules by swapping my first and middle initial. Shh!

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This monogrammed Burberry coat is one of my latest Pinterest finds. Once I have a new monogram in the fall I'm going to go crazy.... this is on the list.

I saw this someecard gem on my Facebook feed and immediately re-posted to Ted's page.

Don't forget to enter the Beads By Alyssa Giveaway!

Beads By Alyssa Giveaway

I received these awesome bracelets from Beads By Alyssa to style. I was introduced by a colleague... loving my new arm candy! Alyssa describes her Czech glass beads as a mix of preppy, coastal and hippy.

beads by alyssa's mission is to spread the "BEad Unique" mantra to the world by expressing alyssa's quirky, cute, fun, unique, carefree, and bold personality through one-of-a-kind glass bead jewelry.

Spring Creamsicle Collection $7/each

Colors: cream, orange, pink, purple, turquoise, green

The new spring colors remind me of pieces from the Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2013 Lookbook.

She has a variety of beads that you can check out on her website or on Facebook. She frequently does shows in Connecticut as well as private parties. Place orders direct at alyssa@beadsbyalyssa.com. 

Enter for your chance to win a set (4 bracelets valued at $28) by leaving a comment below - please leave your email address if you do not have a profile or blog.

Extra entry - "Like" Beads by Alyssa on Facebook. Please leave in a separate comment below.

Giveaway ends 2/12 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be selected on 2/13. Good luck!

Weekend

via Instragram (Follow me msslindsay)

Wearing Beads By Alyssa with my Michele. (Giveaway coming!) // Crème de la Crème. Inspired by Atlantic-Pacific. // Yale. // Thali Too for lunch. // Cosmos. Stud Collar Dotted Shirt from Forever 21. // Why I love the Super Bowl.

How was your weekend? The highlight of mine was lunch with a BFF in New Haven. We live on opposite sides of the state and picked Yale as a meeting ground. Even though we didn't go there, being on a college campus brought back many great memories.

I surprised myself by not buying anything at the bookstore, like these Decomposition Books notebooks. Stationery self control.

LC Lauren Conrad Lace Mixed-Media Top $40 $16 ($24 in store)

On a shopping note... I popped into Kohl's yesterday to see if there was anything from the LC Lauren Conrad line and found some cute tops marked down, including the one above in a couple of colors. Warning... some prices are currently better online than in store.

Have a great week!