Like just about anyone, I believe that foods that are non-messy to eat are wonderful for car trips, and as I was going to be traveling about 1500 miles over this Christmas break... I knew I would need nourishment.  If you have been following this blog long, you know I love pies of any kind, but particularly hand pies for my adventures of the house (For instance).  I have been on a kale kick this whole season anyway, thanks to the delicious kale salad at Rustik by my house, so when I saw this recipe for chicken and kale handpies by Martha Stewart I knew exactly what my roadtrip food would be.  They turned out well though next time I will probably use a different crust and put cheese the pies as I found the crust to be a little difficult to work with.  

The flavors of these pies melded together perfectly though, and kept me full through my long drives.  The only other thing that I did different from Martha was the fact that I prefer the half moon shape because I feel like you can get a better seal.  Also, they are a little smaller which is helpful to me who likes to only eat a little at a time. 

On another note.  My resolution for this blog is to get back into posting everyday.  I will try my best to do so, but am not promising anything.  What I ask of you is to let me know what you would like to see: style advice, recipes you want me to try, anything... just comment or shoot me an email and let me know! Thanks and Happy New Year to you all!

I am completely in love with clutches by Olympia Le-Tan.  They are the perfect mix of whimsical and intellectual.  I love that she took classic books and incorporated them into fashion.  It is such a cute idea to look as if your only accessory for a night out is a good book.  The embroidery is so well done and beautiful as well as the colors.  I can not even begin to decide which one is my favorite.  Lucky for me the price is a little steep for me to ever imagine spending on a purse, so I don't have to decide.  What do you think about them?  What book would you like to have? Be sure you check out the adorable video of her creations coming to life.

Guys. I finally have internet.  After 8 different technicians came to my house, 8 different times in the span of a month, I finally have internet.  It was nice not having internet or tv to distract me during my first few weeks here, and I think that it allowed me to work on my house.  So far, I have painted 3 rooms and have most of the main floor completed.  I still am lacking ideas for my office and my basement.  Any suggestions?  They are very much blank canvases.  The house is good though, and so is life in DC.  I have not had much time for making friends yet, but I have been trying to do as much fun things around the city as I can, even if it is by myself.  I am ready to get back to updating... as soon as Sandy moves on her way.   In the meantime here is what I have been up to lately:

I have love moose since I was a little girl, and so when my mom asked me to paint her one for her cabin in Maine, I was excited.  I could not wait to get started, though the only moose I had ever drawn was a cartoon and very small.  This canvas she bought was huge, so my excitement soon became panic.  I procrastinated getting started for a few days until I realized I wouldn't get it done if I didn't start right away.  I decided to go for something a little silly, as I often do, so my "mistakes" in proportion can be called artistic license.  Anyway, this is how it turned out and I thought I would share.  

*if you ever need something painted, feel free to contact me.

I have always loved the site I want to be her because it lets me see people's personal style and be inspired by them to make outfits of my own.  I like the idea that you get to know a little bit about these women with just a few basic questions and a single picture.  It is something that I think is empowering for women to because women's friendships always have this stereotype of being toxic, and this is something that is so much the opposite of that.  I would ask any of these girls to brunch... and steal their outfit

How much do you love these Seinfood posters?  I have been an avid Seinfeld fan practically my whole life, and it has been one of those things I could pretty much watch with any of my siblings.  We didn't always agree on TV, but it was one thing that brought us all together.  I could (and have) watched each episode over and over because it holds up.  I also just think the minimalistic style of these posters is beautiful, and they make me smile. I am a little surprised that there wasn't a poster for "the big salad" in there...  Are there any that you think should be there that aren't?

Like any shop-o-holic will tell you, there is an adrenaline rush when you find a great deal.  I love to be able to find high quality items, that fit well, last long, and don't cost me an arm and a leg, yet even for seemingly simple things it is difficult to find that.  Enter Everlane.  They are one of those stores that strip down all the fluff of marketing and filler pieces and only make a few items well.  I love their box cut tees especially.  I think it is super fitting that they started with making such a classic thing as a t-shirt because the mark ups on fine fitting tees are absurd.  James Perse is one of my favorites but with the pricetag, it's not something I could fill my closet with.  I am impressed with this business plan, and mainly because they created a business that they wish already existed... which is the way to do it if you ask me.   Of course, they make other things besides t-shirts, like bags and belts, which are equally cute. Go. Explore. Fill your Closets.

1. Smoking Slippers

2. Leather

3. Digital Prints

4. Burgundy

5. Tuxedo Jackets

1. Setlist- (free)  This is one of those apps that is such a great idea for anyone who likes music and live shows.  I always seem to be the girl who finds out one of the bands I wanted to see played in my city... last night, and I want to be the girl who knows about the shows before they happen.  That is where this app comes into play.  It syncs with your Rdio playlists and lets you see where the artists are playing near you.  Genius.  I am planning already...

2. Social Impact- (free) This app uses the GPS in your phone to map out socially responsible businesses near you.  While it may not be the sleekest design it is very usable, and I give two thumbs up to anything that makes being socially responsible easier.  It is a good way to find new places, and do a little good in the meantime.  

3. TeuxDeux- ($2.99) This app is well aesthetically pleasing and well designed.  I know the $3.00 seems a bit steep, and there are probably some that are the same concept, but they will not be as well designed as this.  I like things better if they are nice to look at... pens, toothbrushes, apps, peopl... uh... no just inanimate objects.   Plus, the designer of it, SwissMiss, has a great blog full of neat things, and supporting her keeps that going. yayy!


What are your favorite apps these days?  Is there any that you would recommend?

Last week while I was in Maine, I took Beans kayaking.  It was so fun to be up there with my dog who had not yet been.  I know most people don't think dogs remember places they go, but they don't know Lua.  I have had this dog for 4.5 years now and I have never seen her anywhere where she smiled so much.  I think she thought that she was in heaven.  Every day she would wake up and run around the woods and jump in the lake.  It was incredibly cute to see, and I only loved my dog more after the trip.  I won't go on any more as to not become even more the proud mother/creepy dog lady... but here are some pictures