I Party With Gatsby

Let's start with the morning after and work 

our way back through time.

What was left of our evening last night with Gatsby:

The Ladies and Gents

                               

Nick Carraway for the evening

The Eyes of TJ Eckleburg

The Getup

My talented design team (aka mom and aunti shar shar) made this bracelet for me, modeled after the one in the Tiffany's Gatsby collection. I'm working on getting them an Etsy store. Would you buy one?

The Booze

The Glam

The Invite

The Preparation

A girl could get used to this.

My project for tonight: Black Bathroom

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Wardrobe Inspiration

Black on Black + Statement Necklace

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A comfy knit sweater over a sexy black dress +  Tights

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Layers + Fun Color + Messy Bun

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Must Have: Floor-Length Sweater

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All the time to waste time

We've been in quarantine for days (thanks Hurricane Sandy), and there's been nothing else to do besides veg and waste make the most of my time.

I've been pinning my face off. I'm completely obsessing about new home projects and what I want my next apartment to look like. We're looking again tomorrow, but there's still one place I can't get out of my mind (but it's not available yet). So in the meantime, I'm planning . . .

There's a balcony, so I'm using this as inspiration:

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There isn't exposed brick (which I reaallly wanted), but I just came across all these faux brick wall projects, and I think I can do it. Theirs came out really good I think!

Get the tutorial here

I want softer colors in my next living room.
Maybe something like . . .

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The kitchen cabinets are white with a light-colored wood trim, and I'm not crazy about this. I think I'm going to ask if I can paint them black. I'm a renter, so this is a long shot, but I'd like to think I'm improving it and the next tentant will be pleased.

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Let me remind you that I live in New York City, so space is a major issue. I find this rather helpful though:

Wish me luck.

DIY Pumpkin Vase

My roommate found this easy-peasy and amazing DIY project for a pumpkin vase. Take out the carving tools and say goodbye to Mr. Jack-O-Lantern.

What we used:

-1 medium sized pumpkin

-Sharp knives and/or carving tools

-Mason jar or another small vase

-Fall flowers

1st step: Carve out the top of the pumpkin as you would in creating a jack-o-lantern

2nd step: Clean out  the seeds and insides

3rd step: Place your Fall flowers inside a smaller vase. You can cut the stems according to the height of your pumpkin.

 4th step: Voila! Enjoy your new festive Fall decor. 

Fall Treats

Hello lovelies! HAPPY FALL! This season has been insanely busy and I’ve realized it’s been many, many weeks since I’ve posted. Forgive me. The time has gotten away from me and it’s been a struggle to embrace a change in season...

On that note, I am TOTALLY taking advantage of Fall - the crisp nights, the insane fall foliage, the cider, pumpkin beer, tights, tall boots, and a giant oversized sweater.

Here is proof! I carved my first pumpkin in over 10 flippin’ years. See, I’m embracing it. I swear.

And, so my Fall list continues. I’ve made a few treats, some healthy and some not so healthy. We’ll start with the NOT so healthy. 

Salted Pretzel Marshmallow bars. Not to toot my own horn, but these may be the best dessert I’ve ever made. 

If you like salty & sweet (it’s my favorite combo) you will LOVE this. Get the recipe from the Food Network here.  The mix of pretzels with chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow... um, mouthwatering.


And onto the healthy! I read in an article (isn’t that how a story always starts?) that Fall is like New Years for women. We all make resolutions: to get healthy, to quit bad habits, etc. It goes hand in hand with a new school year, hence, new year, new you! I have been feeling that way lately and definitely still working off the Summer BBQs and margaritas. So here is one of my favorite healthy Fall recipes that include PUMPKIN!

Pumpkin Overnight Oats in a Jar. Evolved from Skinny Taste.

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Mix all of the ingredients below and refrigerate overnight. It is seriously SO yummy and SO filling.

-1/4 cup of steel cut oats

-1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
-1 sliced banana 

-2-3 scoops of pumpkin puree (skinny taste calls for pumpkin butter, but I love the puree!)

-1 tbsp cinnamon

-1/2 tbsp pumpkin spice

-1 tbsp flax seed

-ice 

DELISH! 

What are your favorite Fall recipes? 

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"Maybe...you'll fall in love with me all over again."

"Hell," I said, "I love you enough now. What do you want to do? Ruin me?"

"Yes. I want to ruin you."

"Good," I said. "That's what I want too."

Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

One day, I will have . . .

Stone-covered shower walls

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Sliding doors + Factory window wall

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Kitchen with opening to outside bar

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An entry way like this (color and all)

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Just dreamin', don't mind me.

Relish the Fall

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Take a drive and see the foliage

What I mean to say to myself: Stop being cheap and lazy. So what you don't own a vehicle? Rent a car for the day. Take the damn train. Just get out. Explore the countryside around you.

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Make out in comfy sweaters

Preferably by the fireplace, next to a glass of wine or bourbon. It's true, I don't have a fireplace . . . yet. Looking for one in my next apartment, but if that doesn't work, (again, get off your ass) and go to a bar or restaurant that has one . . . and make out.

Perfect a Hot Toddy

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Skinny Spiked Cider (according to Shape.com) is only 100 calories, 1 gram sugar. Ingredients: 2 oz. Voli Orange Vanilla, Ginger ale (sub. club soda, Orange wheel for garnish. Directions: Pour ingredients together and stir. Garnish with orange wheel. That's it? I can do that.

Host a Hearty Dinner Party

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I wish I had more room in my apartment to host a holiday party, but a dinner party will certainly do! Maybe I don't have a fireplace . . . or a dining room table, for that matter, but I can put pillows down around my coffee table. Done! Now doesn't that seem cozy?