LIFE AS YOU LIVE IT: November 2014

Recap November Goals

30 November 2014

 
 
Here's what was supposed to happen this past month!

ONE//
+ Stay true to my push up routine.
I only got to day 12 :(

TWO//
+ Order an extra bureau for the bedroom and get rid of the desk. 
Done and done!

THREE//
+ Do all of my Christmas shopping!
I wanted it all done by December 1st. I'm about 80% done with the shopping, and 45% done with the wrapping... getting there!

FOUR//
+ Save
Eh... still working on that goal! November and December are hard for me... but I'm getting there!

FIVE//
+ Have a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving!
Absolutely! We went to Pittsburgh to celebrate my grandparents 50th anniversary and visit family!
 
Check in tomorrow for my December goals!
post signature

Thanksgiving

29 November 2014

We spent our Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh this year celebrating the 50th year of marriage of my mom's parents, and it was wonderful!
 (In August, we celebrated my dad's parents 50th anniversary as well in Bar Harbor!)

We had family from Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Maine and Massachusetts all gather for a delicious meal, good company, and a great time!

Here's a quick wrap of our weekend with two pictures because apparently I hardly took any. Fail. 

+My family ran a turkey trot Thursday AM, while mom and I dragged our out of shape behinds on a one mile walk (that I barely survived). 

+Dinner was AMAZEballs complete with home made everything. I think it's safe to say that I had the best cheesecake of my life freshly made from the Carolina Cheesecake Company

+Friday morning we had some "cousin" pictures taken for my grandparents, and then found ourselves wondering around the hills emptying our wallets. I'm pretty proud to say that I'm about 80% done with Christmas shopping. 

+Saturday we woke up early to begin our 10 hour drive back into Boston.

 Happy faces from our sibling shopping spree! Oh, how I love these three!

If there is one thing you need to know about my family father, it is his spontaneity! You really have to give yourself a day or two before a planned trip to prepare yourself for his last minute change of plan side trips. As I type this, I'm snuggled on the couch at our ski house in VERMONT chillin' like a villain. Vermont!? That wasn't exactly part of the the PITTSBURGH game plan, but on our drive home back to Boston, a big bright light bulb went off in his head, and he picked up the NY thruway and detoured into the mountains for a night. Being here is one of my most favorite places in the country. Surrounded by mountains, snow and being slope side with a fireplace and a warm bed is definitely worth a small detour, I only wish I had my gear so that I can make a few runs tomorrow. 
via

I hope that everyone had an amazing and blessed Thanksgiving filled with good food and great company!
post signature

Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

25 November 2014


Hey Tuesday! Taking part in the second week of this three week series to share with you great stocking stuffer ideas! Last week I shared a few of my favorite things, and next week I'll be sharing fun gifts for friends and family that are under $100!


For the ladies!

Buffalo Plaid Scarf



Layered and Long Gold Bar Necklace



Swiftly Headband



Ear buds



M.A.C. Brushes


For the gents!

Personalized Wine Key



Omega Watch



Travel Kit



Buffalo Plaid Night Pants



Extra Phone Charger


Any other stocking stuffer ideas, Please share!

Hopefully everyone is prepared for Thanksgiving, and ready to pack on the pounds! 
post signature

Hello, Friday.

21 November 2014

Hey Friday! You came quickly!
 
L's family is flying in from Ohio today for a fun weekend of visits! Coming from the midwest, they're not too into the city scene, and will be heading up to North Conway to play in that wonderful and amazing town over the weekend! Everybody loves North Conway.
 
 via
 
This week wasn't very eventful at all. at all.
As I browse through my photo album, one of the more eventful activities this week was the reproduction of this amazing throwback snack! Dunkaroo dip! I really, really needed something to quench my sweet tooth hunger yesterday, and this incredibly easy snack was the perfect fit!
 
 
I sent some bears swimming in a pool of raspberry vodka dreams last night. They're currently hanging ten in the refrigerator soaking up every last ounce and looking fairly plump! 
 
 
Besides a little photo shoot of the cat (which I'll spare everyone from - except for one magazine worthy shot)... that's about everything that I have documented in the nifty iPhone for this week. PA-THE-TIC. I know.
 
model material. #crazycatlady
 
In other news, I came across this chic console table. I love the patchwork and the simplicity of it. Maybe one day when I have more floor space I can fill my place with fun stuff like this!
 
 
I know I already shared with you my Christmas list, but how fun is this hello apparel sweatshirt. I love how they paired it with buffalo check leggings!
 
 
I spoke with the owner of the store where I will be buying my Christmas tree, and he said that he will have them out the day after Thanksgiving! Whew! Don't you just love how I end up gearing every post towards Christmas? I can't help it!
 
via
 
Enjoy your weekend and stay warm!
 
Also featured on the blog this week:
2014 Christmas List
Dunkaroo Dip
post signature

Dunkaroo Dip

20 November 2014

 I found myself craving some good 'ole dunkaroo dip today, so I took it upon myself to whip up a batch of this fun throwback snack!
 
 
It's as simple as it gets.
 
1 box Funfetti cake mix
1.5 cups of vanilla yogurt
2 cups of whipped cream
 
If you have a major sweet tooth like myself, throw in a teaspoon or two of vanilla!
 

Typically, you would use the 8 oz. container of cool whip that you can pick up in a grocery store, however I had one heck of a time trying to find a place that sold that in the North End... so fancy canned whipped cream just had to do!

Mix everything together, let cool for a little while in your fridge... and then chow down using your favorite cookie!

 
Enjoy!
post signature

FRIDAY!

14 November 2014

It came to my attention that I was a no-reply blogger and have been for basically my entire blogging career. Blogger fail. I always wondered how everyone had the blogger profile page and how I got stuck with Google+... well things have changed people! Thanks to the wonderful Samantha over at It's all in the details she shot me an email directing be over to Sarah's site where she walks you through step by step on how to fix no-reply bloggers caused by Google+. Thank goodness.. I am now in the blogging 21st century! Google+ just go away. Thanks Samantha and Sarah! 
 
Check it out... I'm cool now.

We had out "Friendsgiving" dinner the other night complete with a pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls and a disgusting and less than sweet pumpkin pie.
 
 
I once again rented a zipcar and had another traumatic episode of driving in the city. What should have been a 10 minute trip from the North End to Cambridge took 40 minutes. FORTY MINUTES! I had my brother and L navigating for me in the back seat and seem to remember some tears and other demands... "I have an idea, why don't you two grow some brain cells and use them to help me get to Cambridge". I really am a pleasant person. The stress of driving a car I don't know on streets I don't know in a high traffic area at night clearly is a stressful situation for me. The sad part is... I can find my way around the city on foot or public transpo by the back of my hand... but the second you put me behind a wheel, all hell breaks loose and the tears start to flow. So embarrassing.
 
So to follow up with the above story, I went to Cambridge to pick up the IKEA Aneboda wardrobe. It's the perfect size to stash away all of our junk not to mention it matches the rest of our extremely white room. As you can see I was Captain Helpful the official photographer for this exciting event. 
 

Before

After
I love the height that it brings to the room as well! 

Natasha posted this list last week, and I instantly printed it out and have revamped my gift planning. I'm getting there - about 30% done!
 

Hopefully everyone has a great weekend and stays warm, we're playing with the 30's today! Brr!
 
post signature

FRIDAY, PIE Day

07 November 2014

Just kidding... Pie day is going to be on Sunday this week.
 
We had our first snow of the season on Sunday. Had it not been snow/rain and actually stuck it certainly would have been worthy of its own post...
L and I were noshing on our weekly eggs and toast when I looked out the window and saw little flakes! You can bet your bottom dollar I hauled it up to the roof deck to get the full effect.
 
 
With snow in the air, it was due time to whip out the hand knit wool socks and cuddle with the cat.
 
 
We sold that desk that was in out bedroom on craigslist the other day and are now searching for a replacement storage option that is tall with doors and can hide everything. 
What are your thoughts on the IKEA Bergsmo PAX system?
 
 
The first present has been wrapped and is patiently waiting for a tree to go under. Oh Prince Postale, please let me know when your trees comes in!?
 
 
I just bought my second pair of fall boots from UrbanOg, and once again, I couldn't be happier. I bought a pair of tall riding boots from them last year, and they came flannel lined, good quality and went the entire fall and winter seasons without a single scuff. Score! I wanted a pair of booties, so I picked out these ones, and am so far (after one day), once again impressed. Did I mention they were only $30!?
 
 
Okay.. this is where things get weird. I bought a baby fiddle leaf fig back in September, and have been obsessed watching it grow. Every time a new leaf starts to grow, I feel the need to tell the world. Sorry not sorry.
 

See it starting to sprout!?

 It's the biologist in me, I can't help it.

Moving on... I have a hugely insane collection of wine corks. I am running out of space to keep them, but don't have the heart to throw them out. Any thoughts?

  This is just a very small portion of them!
 
I hope you have a very wonderful and hopefully long weekend!!

Also featured on the blog this week:
November Goals
Mr. Craig and His List 
post signature

Mr. Craig and his list!

05 November 2014

Hi my name is Kaylie, and I'm addicted to Craigslist.

I have used Craigslist to find apartments, jobs, and most recently.. furniture!

 I HAVE BOUGHT:

Wing Back Chair - $40
Originally - $200
Transportation Cost - $Zilch
I paid $40.00

 Long story short, this guy ended up on the street for trash pick up after a bad paint job done by yours truly.


IKEA Floor Mirror - $100
Craigslist - $40
Transportation - $27.00 (Zipcar)
I paid $67.00




IKEA Floor Lamp - $40
Craigslist - Free
Transportation - $4.20 (MBTA)
I paid $4.20




IKEA Brimnes Dresser (2) - $110 each ($220 for both)
Craigslist - $90
Transportation - Free
I paid $90.00


Overall items that I have bought from Craigslist I have spent: $201.20
Overall amount that I saved not going to the retailers: $358.80


 I SOLD:

Target 9 cube organizer -$40
Craigslist - $25
Transportation - Free/Pick up
I lost $15.00

Wooden Desk - We got it for free
Craigslist - $40 (+ the sweet lady wanted to give us an extra $40 to help her carry it up the stairs, we only took $20)
Transportation - $8.40 (MBTA) to get to Brighton and back to help her move it
We made $51.60

5' x 8' Rug - It was gifted to me
Craigslist - $50
Transportation - Free! The lady picked it up!
We made $50.00
 
Overall amount I have made selling items on Craigslist: $86.60

Total amount spent and returned: ($201.20 - 86.60) = $114.60!
Not bad considering that you're factoring in big pieces of furniture including 2 bureaus, a desk, lamps, a rug, a chair, floor mirror, and an organizer! 

Any other Craigslist junkies out there!?
Such an easy way to find fun pieces for so much less!
post signature
 
site design by designer blogs