Misc. Monday

Happy Monday ladies! I can’t believe I’m back to work today after a wonderful four day weekend. I almost forgot I had a job and was really disappointed last night when I realized that I had to set my alarm for 5 am this morning. Back in the swing of things today!

one.

How was that fabulous four day weekend, you might ask. Well, it was fabulous! I made it to the gym every day of the four day weekend and got my first airbrush spray tan on Thursday. Girls! This has changed my life. I think I’ll be getting one of these every ten days all winter long. Maybe every ten days for the rest of my life. I wish I’d taken a before and after picture in shorts and a tank so you could see the difference but I did not think of that at the time. Some of you asked in comments and emails that I report back and my recommendation is that you all make an appointment at a salon near you right now. Once upon a time I used to tan in the tanning bed almost every day. I even went twice a week in the winter time. But then I had to get an emergency biopsy on a spot on my leg my sophomore year in college, so now I limit it only to super important occasions and lather up with SPF 45 when I’m outside. My airbrush tan looks a natural golden shade and is very even. My advice: Be careful around your hands and feet and use the barrier lotion as directed. Most importantly, shower and exfoliate before you go and be careful around water for eight full hours. I washed my hands shortly after and I have one water droplet mark on my wrist. 

two.

A new cafe and bakery opened up close to our building. I stopped in for a vanilla chai and couldn’t resist walking out with one of these. Of course, I couldn’t eat it all by myself but I ate half and it was delicious! 

three.

On Friday I got a mani/pedi (see picture below for the pretty neutral shade I chose) and was so excited on my way home when I stopped in Starbucks and found that they’ve switched over to the Holiday cups. That means Christmas is almost here! 

four.

I did a little boutique shopping, gingerbread latte in hand, and found a couple cute accessory finds. I got a free gorgeous pashmina from my favorite boutique as part of their anniversary celebration. One thing I love about this boutique is that you get some type of free gift almost every time you shop. Earrings, sunglasses, pashminas. Love. 

five.

Friday night, Corey and I planned to have a pretty casual night with just the two of us. Of course, we met up with a few friends for happy hour first. This is the cozy outfit I wore to keep me warm – it was freezing in Hoboken and NYC this weekend! Brrr! This is the softest sweater ever and I love the argyle – so preppy and pretty with the sequins. 

Corey and I went into the West Village and had dinner at Mapamondo, a delicious Italian restaurant. We started with the Caprese, which had eggplant with the tomato, mozzarella, and basil. I loved the addition of the eggplant. 

Corey and I each chose a pasta dish, which was perfect for a cold night. I chose the Raviolini di Vedure, which was ravioli with zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms with a tomato sauce. 

Corey had Tortellini alla Panna or cheese tortellini with mushrooms and peas in a cream sauce. Yum!

six.

Corey and I had brunch and mimosas with another couple on Saturday and then I made an Ulta run. I haven’t been to Ulta since I moved here because there is a Sephora right on the LightRail and is much closer to our apartment. I prefer Ulta, though, and was so excited. I was like a kid in a candy store. The purchase I love the most:

{via}

Oh my goodness! This is the Spornite Little Wonder #111 and I first saw it mentioned on Pink Lou Lou’s Confessions of a 20 Something and kind of forgot about it until I saw it at Ulta. At under four dollars, I decided to give it a try and it really is a little wonder. I’ll have to post before and after photos later this week.

seven.

We met up with Corey’s parents for a delicious chinese dinner (some of the best chinese I’ve ever had!) and then headed home. We woke up early on Sunday and went to the gym then lounged around and had a lazy day, which was perfect. I felt so recharged and ready to get back into the swing of things today! And our apartment is spotless!

By the way, its officially my birthday week! The official day is Saturday but the celebrations start now.