01.08.15

New Year Favorites

Happy New Year!

Things have been a little quiet the past two weeks on here as I took some time “off” from my day job and blogging to spend the holidays in Florida with my good friends and family. The R&R was much needed and while I was so sad to leave sunnier skies and 80 degree weather, I am so excited to kick off another year of H&T. Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading.

If you haven’t already noticed the “facelift” H&T got for Christmas this year, I hope you like the new layout. Be sure to subscribe to get all the latest posts and updates in your inbox too.

I thought I would start off the year by sharing some of my recent favorites – I often share many new items on my Instagram so one of my goals this year for the blog is to update you here too!

First up, Barrington Gifts new monogram stripe collection – OBSESSED. I have a few of their totes and I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive when I wear my Black Watch Plaid one and I can’t wait to get one of these new beauties in the mail very soon. Below are a few of my picks but there are several colors, stripes and patterns to choose from to make it your own. AND for all my mommy-friends – it comes in a diaper bag version too (your welcome).

 

Maybe it’s the fact that I went from laying out poolside recently to trekking through the snow in Georgetown during DC’s first snowfall this week – but I’ve been eyeing lots of new rain and snow boots alike recently too. How cute are all these? I love them all but these might be my absolute favorite.

 

To go with the boots – fun socks, patterned leggings, ear muffs and hats, of course! I’m guilty of stocking up on all these this season for lounging, bed and arctic weather days.

Thanks to my barre obsession, I justify all my new workout gear purchases accordingly.  (I take classes at Barre Tech 6-7 times a week now and have noticed such a big change in my arms, thighs, abs and overall strength! H&T readers also get 10% OFF with BarreTech10 so be sure to join me in class soon if you live in the DC area.)

And last, but certainly not least – beauty picks to get your new year started! Not shocking, Drybar tops my list plus yours truly received my very own Buttercup for Christmas this year (best.gift.ever.)

 There you have it – hello 2015! Stay warm everyone, it was 9 degrees last night in DC!

12.20.14

12 Days of Lisi Lerch Giveaway + Holiday Look

I promised you one more giveaway before Christmas and it’s finally here!

I am thrilled to be teaming up with Lisi Lerch for their 12 Days of Lisi Lerch celebration as part of their series with several other of my favorite blogger friends. We have each styled pieces from their collection and one lucky winner will also receive a pair of these button earring beauties!

These earrings are perfect for holiday looks like the one I styled below. I’m a big fan of midi skirts again this season, pom poms, girly red pumps and of course, oversized (dare I say “blanket”) plaid scarves. I must also admit, I’ve worn the earrings numerous times this season already a few different ways. They would also be darling to dress up jeans and a white-tee. Don’t you think?

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12.18.14

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Today I am heading down to Florida for 11 whole days to spend time with my family and friends for Christmas. I am looking forward to some sunshine, lazy days and all the traditions that Christmas brings at my house. Most importantly, setting out milk & cookies with my youngest sister who is only 10 years old on Christmas Eve (or more recently, wine & cheese as I’ve convinced her Santa enjoys that too).

Now for all those who wait until the last minute to shop (I won’t judge, I plan to finish my shopping in Florida too), below are some stocking stuffer picks from yours truly.

I also must include a special shoutout to three recent favorites of mine that are perfect for stockings as well.

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12.11.14

Weekend in Richmond

The past few weeks I have been traveling and on the go nonstop. It seems like there has barley been enough time to breath between Thanksgiving and the Christmas season this year let alone Christmas shop for all those on my list. Phew!

After Thanksgiving in Florida, I flew back to DC and then headed to Richmond for the weekend to celebrate one of my close friend’s weddings. Everything took place in the Downtown Richmond area and I was lucky enough to be hosted by the Omni Richmond for the weekend.

For those of you who haven’t been to Richmond before, the Omni is in the perfect location downtown close to the train station, restaurants, bars and businesses. And while Richmond is less than two hours from DC, I felt southern hospitality at its finest upon walking in the lobby.

Not only was the staff incredibly friendly and accommodating, there was also a gorgeous fireplace and Christmas tree in the lobby to welcome you. After a very exhausting traveling day full of planes and trains, I checked in and settled into my room. To my very happy surprise, I was upgraded to a top floor king suite that was more like the size of an apartment than a hotel room.

I quickly indulged in a glass of wine and cheese plate in my room before heading off to kick off wedding festivities.

The next morning, I had scheduled brunch in bed a la a menu card that I left on my door the night before and it showed up right on time. Fresh coffee, an assortment of beverages and of course, perfectly scrambled eggs with cheese plus fresh fruit. Absolutely delicious!

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12.10.14

Champs & Cookies Decorating Party

This time of year can be very overwhelming with holiday parties, gift exchanges and events galore (not to mention you still have to find time for Christmas shopping). It can also be a little daunting when you decide to play hostess to your own friends and family. This year, instead of hosting my favorite things party or big holiday party, I decided to put together a small “Champs & Cookies” get together at my house with the help of my good friend, Brie of Monumental Sweets.

This best part about this idea is that it can be a super last minute party to plan with friends and family and requires little-to-no prep work aside from the baking (thanks Brie!).

The concept was simple  – growing up, we both went to so many “cookie decorating” parties at school, friends’ houses and family’s that we decided to take this idea and make it a little more “grown up” (aka add toasting).

Brie took care of the sugar cookie recipe because she’s a pro – but you could also do this with break and bake dough too. We baked the cookies ahead of the time and used frosting, sprinkles and other toppings for decor. We set up an assembly line of sorts with plates, decorating stations and bubbly glasses. Full disclosure: my cookies did not turn out quite as pretty as the pro’s!

The champs was poured and N’SYNC + Justin Bieber + Michael Buble and a little Mariah Carey Christmas tunes played in the background on repeat (those are completely optional music choices although I would recommend them strongly).

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