Balcony Day Dreaming

Ever since Jon and I moved out of my in-laws house in 2012, I've longed for an deck/outdoor space to enjoy a meal or cup of coffee in. In our last apartment (we rented the first floor of a 2 family home), there was a small yard but the only place sturdy enough to sit with a chair was in our driveway-not exactly my dream locale.

When we were deciding wether or not to move forward with our new place, Jon asked what my favorite feature of the apartment was and I immediately said, "the deck". Given how updated and different our new place is from our old, he was taken aback by my response (he was most excited for the open concept, updated kitchen #surprise).

Since moving in on Jan 22 (the day before the 2016 Snowpocalypse), I've been back and forth to Ikea weekly picking up new furniture and accents for the new place-happily we are almost done!

You may have seen this Instagram post where I shared my new favorite tome/magazine. For $7.99 it costs less than many high end fashion mags, but it has the feel of a coffee table book and features gorgeous shots of real homes using Ikea products. On my last trip to the store, I decided that I would also pick up another one of these books titled, "Step In. Step Out.", and I did just last night!

This book details over 29 outdoor spaces, both large and small, and I am feeling SUPER inspired to dress up our little balcony for the warmer months. I'm so excited for Sunday morning pancakes on the balcony in our pjs or Tuesday night dinners with a glass of wine after work-you can bet that you'll see such meals chronicled on Instagram immediately!

I've decided to go with a "French Bistro" theme for the balcony (cue Jon rolling his eyes), which could not be more different from our "Modern Bachelor" indoor aesthetic. Keep reading for the pieces I'm planning to dress up the balcony with-all of which are super afforable!

If you have any suggestions, I'm open to hear them!! Also, does anyone have a good crepe recipe??

You can also follow some of my more elaborate outdoor ideas on this Pinterest board!

Semi Homemade Brownie Donuts

I'm feeling both accomplished and self congratulatory when I tell you that I've recently had a genius thought. I've developed my own semi-homemade lazy person's guide to making brownie donuts.

Let me set the scene for ya. 

Last Thursday (my late night at work), I ran to the market for a few last minute ingredients for dinner (baked sweet potato flautas-yum) and happened to grab a box of extra fudge brownie mix. As if the thought of Thursday night "no-reason" brownies isn't enough to make you happy, I thought that I should bake them in a donut pan that I already own. 

In the past, I've made from scratch vanilla bean donuts-my takeaway was though delicious, they were time consuming and vanilla beans are expensive ($20 for 3 measly beans). So I haven't busted my donut pan out in well over a year and a half. I was reacquainted with my pan while packing it up for our move a few weeks ago and was struck with the thought that I should make another batch of donuts in the near future. 

So, I've had donuts in the back of my mind, and a sweet tooth for just about 27 years and on Thursday, the stars aligned and I baked up some brownies shaped like donuts!

PS. Here is the donut pan that I have and love for under $10! 

Keep reading for the method that brought about these wonderful little creations! 

1. I mixed up my brownie batter following the instructions on the back of the box, opting for the "Fudgy Brownie" recipe.
2. I lightly sprayed my donut pan with cooking spray to ensure no removal issues when I was ready to eat these babies. 
3. I used the brownie box to hold a gallon sized Ziploc bag and poured my batter into the bag, thus creating a disposable pastry bag. 
4. I snipped off one corner of the bag and carefully piped batter into each donut well. 
5. I then used a small spoon to smooth the batter into the well, ensuring it stayed about even with the walls of the pan. 
6. The box suggested 35-38 mins at 325 for a small brownie pan so I baked mine for about 20 mins at 325 in my toaster oven (temps/time will vary based on your oven/toaster oven). I always err on the shorter baking side and then leave my goods in longer if needed. 
7. I tested the brownies with a toothpick and when it came out clean, I knew they were ready to cool and eat! 
8. Lastly, if you buy the Duncan Hines Double Fudge brownie mix, they provide a nice little packet of God knows what fudge drizzle that you can use to ice your donuts. 

Style Crush: Olivia Palermo

Fun Story: Back in 2011 when I worked for Hanky Panky (HP) as a planning analyst, I attended a launch party for the brand. One of the founders of HP asked me to go talk to Olivia Palermo who was also in attendance because she (founder) did not know who Olivia was. To be completely honest, at that point in my life, I had never heard of OP either. I went over to say hi, to which she kindly responded and made small talk. IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN BACK THEN. Now, I'd  love to see her and have a quick chat! But at least we spoke once!

That back story leads me to today's post, my recent obsession with her. Her style skews more ladylike and feminine than I usually find myself drawn to, but I can't resist a pretty face with good style and a love for dogs. I admire how polished she always looks and that she isn't afraid to wear color and flat shoes! I always admire women of fashion that style great outfits featuring flat shoes #realistic.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 OP outfits followed by OP inspired accessories that I'm dreaming about!

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Op Picks by christabene on polyvore.com

How I Maintain My Glow

When I arrive home from work, after kissing my husband and pups, I almost immediately head to the bathroom to remove my makeup (my favorite wipes are e.l.f.'s Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes). I wear makeup everyday that I'm expected to look polished and presentable (aka most days) and on my days off and Sunday I always opt to go makeup free if possible. For me, going without makeup requires that I keep my skin in tip top condition, which requires a regular commitment to skincare and beauty products that keep me glowing.

Over the past few years, I've begun to really shift my focus from covering up acne and imperfections towards protecting and embracing the skin that I'm in. I now wear SPF 30 moisturizer every day, take off my makeup daily (I am absolutely religious about this step in my process), use a face mask and scrub 1-2 times weekly, and apply facial and eye oils nightly before bed (another one I'm religious about).

My husband, and previous travel companions can attest to how serious I am about staying hydrated and keeping my skin alight. I'm prone to fleeting fits of obsession, but taking care of my skin has become a consistent obsession of mine and sharing my routine has become a fun project for me, I'll tell anyone who will listen.

Keep reading for my skincare and lifestyle picks that keep me feeling beautiful and healthy, while maintaining my inner glow!

Promise Organic Nourishing Coconut Milk Facial Cleanser 

The foundation of my beauty routine is a stand-by facial wash, and I am still using this one by Promise Organic. [read more here] 

Once my current face wash runs out, I'm going to give Glossier's Milky Jelly cleanser a try, I'm very intrigued! 

Resurfacing Mask, Mega Greens Galaxy Pack, Moisturizing Moon Mask 

I love to indulge in a face mask 1-2 times per week. I've been alternating between Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask and Glossier's Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Moisturizing Moon Mask. 

[read more here]

Glossier Balm Dotcom, Hana Eye Oil, Aura Cacia Nighttime Baobab Oil

My nighttime routine ALWAYS consists of a couple drops of this Hana Eye Oil followed by 4 pumps of my absolute favorite Aura Cacia facial oil Last but not least, I add a liberal squeeze of Glossier's Balm Dotcom to my lips!

Caru Neroli + Immortelle Facial Toner, Vichy Eau Thermale, Lush Tea Tree Water

As someone who suffers from eczema, I am very serious about moisturizing. At times, my face feels dry after washing and/or removing my makeup and toners have become my answer to that. I love Lush's Tea Tree Water for when my skin is breaking out or feeling a bit clogged. Caru's Neroli + Immortelle toner is perfect for after working out, in the morning, and in the warmer months. I also love Vichy's Eau Thermale spray for freshening up, especially when flying. 

B12 Gummies

In addition to caring for my skin on the outside, I take a few steps to enhance my inner glow. Everyday I take a (gummy) multi vitamin as well as (a gummy) B12. ( I love gummy candies and taking gummy vites ensures that I actually do so.)

Aside from my gummy vites, I often make a body scrub from almond oil and granulated sugar (1 part oil to 2 parts sugar). 

Another favorite routine of mine is dry brushing. You can read more about it here. 

S'well Water Bottle 

What I'm about to say is not revolutionary. When I'm on my game and drinking tons of water, my skin is 100 times clearer and more radiant. I try to drink 3-4 liters of seltzer a day, if I'm home all day, it's usually more. I'm not a huge fan of flat water, so I use my SodaStream to make seltzer from filtered water and I tell myself that it's better than nothing! 

Easy Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

If you're anything like me, you're pretty good at appearing like you've got your life and holiday shopping completely in order.

But in truth, it's Wednesday and Christmas Eve is tomorrow and you may have several people that you still haven't checked off your list.

I wanted to remind you all of a few simple DIY gifts that can be whipped up rather easily and make a huge impact on your gift recipient. In my opinion, homemade gifts can be just as thoughtful if not more so than those found in stores.

My go-to DIY for the ladies in my life:



Honey Lavender Body Scrub

All ingredients can be found in a supermarket/health food store. Fairway has all ingredients and I'm fairly confident that Whole Foods has you covered as well!

My go-to cookies:



Cool Whip Cookies

These cookies are unbelievably easy and can be customized for Christmas with red and green sprinkles or with Red Velvet cake mix instead of standard chocolate/vanilla.

My go-to Snack Gift:

 


Rosemary or Toasted Coconut Popcorn

Another fun and easy recipe:

Sprinkles Bakes' 3 ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge




*BONUS*


My go-to Subscription Services:

 

Salted

Petit Vour

Blue Bottle Coffee

The Pants You NEED for Christmas Morning

Happy Saturday!

Jon and I will be hosting Christmas morning breakfast at my mom's house for my troop of siblings. I'll unfortunately have to leave my house, which means I should put on clothing, but they'll all be in pjs when we arrive.

My solution?

These sequin sweatpants topped with a cozy and luxurious sweater.

I got them for $20 a few weeks ago, but they're on sale now for $13. Honestly, you need them! They'll also be perfect for changing into on NYE when you're sick of your too tight, too short cocktail dress!

xx
C

On Repeat

1. I can't stop listening to this song. I'm a woman obsessed. 
2. Sadly, my worst fears were confirmed by my best friend-I'll never be as cool as Lorde (who is 7 years my junior). 

Use What You've Got: Cocktail Accessory Turned Beauty Savior

Last week, I had a particularly hideous blemish looming on my cheek. Despite my best efforts to keep my hands to myself, I made a bit of a mess out of my skin. I had been keeping spoons in the fridge at work to mitigate afternoon swelling, but I was less diligent at home. While chatting with my husband in the kitchen, I had an epiphany!

I walked over to the freezer and grabbed one of the whiskey stones that lives there in perpetuity. My husband was as equally horrified as I was delighted by my bright idea. The premise of a whiskey stone is that it does not melt and water down your whiskey though your drink stays at a perfectly cool temperature. I quickly learned that a single whiskey stone is also the perfect size and temperature for soothing your skin and will not melt on your face. Obviously, you have to be sure to wash them thoroughly after using them on your blemishes and/or under eye puffiness, though I'm fairly certain that whiskey's high alcohol content will kill any face germs that may linger.

Might I also suggest a second set of stones solely for skincare purposes if your whiskey drinking partner is a bit chilly about sharing?

Glossier

I've been reading Into the Gloss for quite a while and have been excited to see the launch of their skin care products. I've always been intrigued but never took the jump. I kept seeing the items crop up on every feed that I have, and I've admired Emily Weiss's skin for what feels like forever.

Black Friday presented me with 25% off their entire site, so I took the plunge and ordered the Mask Duo Set (regularly $48) and the Balm Dotcom (regularly $12).

I try to always stay 100% truthful here, so I hope you can believe me when I say that I truly love both of the products (really all 3 considering the mask set features 2 different options).

The Balm Dotcom feels like Neosporin in consistency and also comes in a tin tube. Recently I have been applying it to my dry, chapped lips, but I also used it to soothe a cut on my brow bone. If you only purchase one item from Glossier, this is the one to nab-even better is if you can grab the coconut balm which has been sold out for what seems like forever.

The Mask Duo Set just makes me smile. The product, the packaging, the feeling of my face after-all have exceeded my expectations and I could not recommend the set highly enough. The Mega Greens Galaxy Pack is recommended for when you're feeling "dirty". With the consistency a mixture of a scrub and a mud mask, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean (without feeling dry or sensitive) after an exciting 20 minute tingle. The Moisturizing Moon Mask is recommended for when you're feeling "dry". The Moon Mask goes on in a very silky, creamy consistency. Though it feels like you're simply moisturizing at first, it does bring a more subtle tingle as it works into the skin. I'll admit that the Moon Mask gets a bit tacky and requires more work to wash it off, but the after effect is well worth the added effort.

I've been a longtime fan of Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask, but this duo set has me seriously considering a change up. I can absolutely see myself purchasing one or both masks once my set is used up. I'm officially a Glossier lover!

On a final note, I'll let you know that I was initially drawn to this set due to the very detailed approach to its packaging. The Mask Duo Set was modeled on a Russell Stover box of chocolates. If that doesn't make you want to grab a set, I don't know what will.

Check out the below video for a behind the scenes (#bts) video of the sets packaging concept.

PS. Check out MyDomaine's interview with Glossier founder, Emily Weiss here!

[Semi] Homemade Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Agave Whipped Cream

Mug (Anthropologie) | Gingerbread House Mug Toppers (Anthropologie)

Last week, I was feeling antsy, cold, and bored (the worst combination ever). I thought about going out to find a delicious, indulgent hot chocolate but I didn't want to layer up or put the pugs in their cages (they are crate trained for when we are not home). Jon offered to locate and deliver hot chocolate for me, but I didn't care enough to make him leave the house just for hot chocolate.

A couple hours passed by and my desire for hot chocolate grew and then I realized that I had all the ingredients at home to whip up my own delicious (semi-homemade) hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream!

I will admit right now that I used hot chocolate mix, I'm a HUGE fan of semi homemade treats! I used Godiva powdered hot chocolate mix and I would recommend it any day of the week. It's delicious and the flavor is very build-able depending on how rich you like your drink, not to mention the fact that it allows you to whip up a delicious beverage whenever you want. whenever. you. want.

I like to use a 50/50 mixture of steamed 2% milk (I used my Nespresso Aeroccino for this) and hot water for my drink, but you do you, boo!  After starting my kettle and prepping my whipped cream ingredients, I ran a Ciocattino (chocolate) pod through my machine to make an espresso.

Then I add the desired amount of the aforementioned miracle powder and heat until it's nice and hot, though not boiling (a simmer is the sweet spot).

While heating my liquids, I pour heavy whipping cream into a measuring glass and add a dash of vanilla and light agave. Since we only have turbinado sugar in our house, I had to find another way to sweeten my whipped cream and agave fit the bill really nicely. I personally find agave to be much sweeter than honey and it's definitely lighter/smoother in consistency so it blended into the cream beautifully, however honey will work just as well if you prefer it to agave.

A word of advice regarding adding vanilla, go lighter and add more if you want later on! For me, I want to smell the vanilla in the whipped cream rather than taste it, so a dash does the trick for me.

Once everything has been heated, I add my hot chocolate powder, steamed milk, hot water, and an epsresso into my mug. While the flavors meld together, I whip my cream and add a large dollop to the top and sprinkle with cinnamon.

I'm always looking for ways to spice up my hot chocolate, if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!



Recipe (Makes 1 serving, double if sharing with a partner):

Godiva Hot Chocolate Powder (about 2 TBSP per mug)
1/2 Cup milk (your choice of dairy/fat content)
1/2 Heavy Cream
1 Espresso
1 tsp Light Agave
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg for garnish

• Add 2 TBSP of hot chocolate powder to your mug
• Fill mug halfway with hot water
• Add remaining half of steamed/warmed milk
• Add espresso (if desired)
• Mix thoroughly
• Whisk heavy cream with agave and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form
• Top hot chocolate with whipped cream
• Sprinkle ground cinnamon/nutmeg atop whipped cream
• Enjoy!

My Closet by Numbers

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I've read about capsule wardrobes several times and have considered planning my own, but I work in a boutique that offers the coolest pieces, so I would never be able to live with 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. That being said, I really love building capsules for trips and specific events.

I've seen capsule posts with anywhere from 37 to 12 pieces and that made me wonder how my closet actually adds up. I like to think I'm fairly normal in the amount of clothing that I own, accessories and jewelry is where you'll notice my vast collection of nonsense that not every woman owns. I would say that my shoe count is a bit lower than your average woman, I just completed a HUGE purge and have agreed not to replenish. My husband (who is reading this and is laughing about how much shit I actually own) would disagree on all accounts, but he's entitled to his own incorrect opinion.

The calculations below represent only my new purchases for the fall season (which I'll pair with existing pieces), I switch between Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Also, I store my basic leggings/tanks/tees in a dresser, so those aren't included either.


Tops/Blouses: 7
Jackets/Blazers: 4
Sweaters: 5
Bottoms: 4 (3 pairs of jeans/1 pair of black pants)
Dresses: 4 (3 shift dresses trimmed w leather/1 wrap dress)
Skirts: 2

GRAND TOTAL: 26 pieces

26 doesn't sound unreasonable to me, but I wouldn't know what "reasonable" is if I walked into it.

My Newest Skincare Commitment

This is about to sound completely ridiculous, but I have not had a consistent face wash since I switched over completely to cruelty-free products. I've managed to squeak by using samples, products in my Petit Vour box, or even using my husband's face wash (sorry, babe). It's just that I haven't found anything that I love enough.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll admit that I only wash my face in the morning while in the shower, so that has also contributed to me stretching out all the samples, etc. At night, I use my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE elf Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes (I'm totally serious when I say that I buy them 2 or 3 packs at a time to ensure I never run out). Even after years of reading that it's not enough to simply use towelettes to clean your face, I've persevered.

That is, until last week. I was in CVS picking up a prescription and in the mood for a bit of a pick-me-up when I wandered into the "Natural Beauty" section when I stumbled upon this Promise Organic Nourishing Coconut Milk Facial Cleanser. I grabbed it for about $8 and then went home to use it (after using my beloved towelettes).

It smells amazing and leaves my face feeling toned and fresh (not dry and tight), and I've loved incorporating it in my routine!

After washing with my Clarisonic, which I dusted off after several months of neglect, I like to roll on some of this serum in my lines (yes, they're starting), followed by an around the eye massage with this eye oil, topping it all off with a generous slather of this facial oil.

*I'm going to add one more little note here. I have a theory that part of my distaste for actually washing my face at night, aside from laziness, is the mess that it leaves in my tiny bathroom. I tend to get a bit overzealous with my face washing and splashing a la a face wash commercial and then everything is soaked. I started washing my face in my much larger kitchen sink and it's a much more pleasurable experience (and quite a bit tidier as well). I'm hoping that by coming forward with my story, my bravery will inspire others to wash their faces outside of the shower.

A Seasonal Update

Early in September, I made a deal with my husband. The deal was that I was going to purchase a bag and pair of boots that I was MADLY IN LOVE WITH (to the tune of a few hundred dollars-no small purchase understandably) and in exchange, I would not be purchasing another pair of shoes or bag until January 1, 2016 (you can bet your top and bottom dollar that I have a pair of shoes picked out for my new year purchase).

This deal was made in conjunction with a desire to have only things that I LOVE in my life. For me, it was a bit nerve wracking to think that I would not bring another bag or shoe into my wardrobe until the new year, but honestly, it's been freeing. Now, I don't even waste time looking at new bags/shoes because I feel really fulfilled with what I have. As an undiagnosed shopaholic, I'm very surprised to be sharing these words, but I think this could become a new way of life for me. I experienced the same feeling of freedom when I stopped eating meat and started purchasing only cruelty free products. When your choices are limited, it's so much easier to a. make a decision and b. stay on track with clear cut yes/no "rules".

Novel concept: buying 1 pair of shoes and 1 bag per season to freshen things up and to ensure you only buy what you love. I highly recommend giving it a try!

You're probably wondering what shoes and bag I grabbed, right?

Coach SHADOW Crossbody 

Donald J Pliner "Volt" Boot 

*Editor's Note: In the end I returned the boots. I loved them, but I had a really hard time pairing them with pants that I already own due to the higher piece of leather around the ankle in the front. With the whole philosophy of having only items that I love, I had to let them go. I loved them, but I wasn't going to wear them. In their place, I purchased a pair of custom Adidas sneakers that I will be sharing soon!

Love x Style x Life

I'm not entirely sure how Garance Doré came into my life, but somehow she found her way. First, mentioned as the other half of one Scott Schuman (aka The Sartorialist), then as a blogger/illustrator, and most recently as an author.

I had seen through several of her instagram posts and also a feature on The New Potato that she had written a book on everything-life, style, love, and French-ness-basically all things Garance.

To be completely honest, I had admired her from afar, never really diving too deeply into her blog, but always enjoying it and her instagram posts whenever they came across my screen. That being said, I am now a huge fan!

I loved her book! It felt to me like the love child of Alexa Chung's It, and Caroline de Maigret's How to be Parisian Wherever You Are. I was in Barnes and Noble with my husband a couple weeks ago and I happened to see Love x Style x Life on a table and I began flipping through it, immediately liking what I saw, so I did what any sensible person did, I went on my Amazon app and ordered it for $12 cheaper with Prime Shipping (guilty of #ShowRooming).

It arrived exactly 2 days later as expected and I devoured it within a week. I wouldn't really call myself a francophile, but I definitely appreciate the mythical French Woman's approach to life and style, I also have an insatiable desire to be more European, regardless of country, just more European, so I was hooked immediately by her promise of "style through storytelling" aka attainable je ne sais quoi,  and I'd say she definitely delivered.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in finding your personal style, while simultaneously hanging out with Garance Doré.

A Little (Long) Note

Recently, I've been the quietest that I've ever been on Novelty. My husband jokes that each of my posts opens with, "It's been a while. . ." and I can't really say that he's wrong.

In my absence, I've been debating wether or not I wanted to keep going with Novelty, something that I debated with Samm while on our brunch date. Then I received an email from Hover, my domain host stating that my domain was coming up for renewal in 90 days, I could either renew and keep going, or cancel and let go of Novelty. I chose to renew and keep going, for now. . .

Officially, I've decided not to decide. I'm not sure how long I'll keep going or what this blog will eventually become. For now, I have a few more posts in my head, and I want to get them out-wether or not they're my last remains to be seen.

The past few weeks saw a shift in the seasons and in my life and I've been on a kick of cleaning, organizing, and purging. I have a pretty serious case of "nesting" without the related pregnancy. I feel so much lighter and in control of my life and I would recommend ridding your life of everything that brings you less than "joy" (I'm planning to read Ms. Kondo's book ASAP), I promise, you'll feel renewed.

In place of blogging, I've been enjoying mid week days off (I work on Saturday and I'm off on Wednesday) and I've been devoting each day off to a single purpose. For example, one day was filled with "maintenance" doctor appointments, another day saw me running errands to 10 different locations, while one saw me tying up loose ends in the morning and indulging myself in the afternoon. If you have PTO or the ability to schedule yourself a Wednesday off, I highly recommend that as well, it breaks up an otherwise monotonous schedule and allows you to breeze through errands and shopping while everyone else is working-you truly can't beat the "playing hooky" feeling that it brings.

With all of the above being said, please see below for some recent life snaps to bring you up to date. Also, get ready for some fun new posts, probably on a schedule of 2-4 posts per week, keeping up with 5 posts weekly has proven too great a task for moi, I'm a delicate orchid after all!

xx
C

We attended Caitlin and Brian's picture perfect wedding in Maine in September.

Later in the month we had dinner for Michael's birthday at Fish in Ridgewood (delicious).

My best friends and I spent a beautiful fall day at Warwick Valley Winery and were lucky enough to witness the engagement of our friend Lisa to Joe!!

Harry is just as fuzzy and sleepy as ever, while Piglet still fights to keep her tongue in her mouth.

I dressed as Rosie the Riveter on Halloween to hand out candy while at work!