Founders’ Day Feelings
Posted on October 19th, 2015
During my involuntary digital vacation, I missed a post about a mini personal holiday: Founders’ Day! Zeta Tau Alpha was founded in Virginia on October 15, 1898, so Zetas worldwide rejoice on the same day each year. Now that I’m an elderly alumnae, Founders’ Day makes me particularly nostalgic. My sorority experience was atypical in some ways and quintessential in others, and it meant the world to me.
Positive interpersonal relationships are a crucial contributor to happiness, and joining ZTA provided me with an automatic connection to over 100 amazing women at my school. I know, I know– you can make friends and meet people in any of the infinite organizations your college has. But I think there are two things that makes joining a sorority unique.
Sororities are a one-stop-shop. Want to volunteer? Meet cute boys? Have study buddies? Raise money for an important cause? Network with professionals in your desired industry? Try new restaurants? Make friends with girls in other years, majors, and dorms? Go apple picking? GOOD NEWS because joining a sorority supplies literally all of this (and more!). I was not aware of any non-Greek organizations at my school that provided such a comprehensive extra-curricular experience.
The second is more a matter of opinion, but hear me out. Everyone says, “the bonds you forge with your sisters are unlike any other, they’re forever, they’re so deep…” We’ve all heard these sappy speeches, and I’ve thought a lot about whether that’s true and what makes people say that. Because yes, you take vows pledging to support them, but those don’t have to be more than words, and you can meet nice girls that you grow to love anywhere. What was special for me was the way these relationships started out. When you join a sorority, your sisters work under the starting assumption that they love you, you love them, and that you will be best friends. Elsewhere in life, you approach with caution– we all do. But when you approach with love instead, beautiful things can happen.
Example: This summer, I moved to Seattle and didn’t know anyone except my (now) fiance. I heard that one of my sisters who had been in a different class was moving to Seattle, too, and even though we hadn’t been super close at school I just kind of assumed she would be my best friend here. And she is!
I’m lucky that Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy is particularly special (breast cancer education and research), and that the size of the sorority means that our national support network is one of the best. But mostly I’m just grateful that ZTA connected me to the women who made college fun.
Happy Founder’s Day! In honor of our founder, the lovely Maud Jones Horner… May the Mauds be ever in your favor.
A Brief Bloggie Break
Posted on October 14th, 2015
My 70 month old computer conked out a few months ago, so I’ve been trying to blog from one of Ian’s spares… which is now also failing me. We have plans to solve this problem quite soon, but in the meantime…
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye. I think I’ve always been a Kurt. Which Von Trapp are you? Kindly report back.
Until next week! Or maybe sooner?
Totally {Apple}Sauced
Posted on October 13th, 2015
If you didn’t go to an apple orchard during the fall, did fall really even happen?
You go for the photos.
You go for the food, and to find your perfect pumpkin.
But a funny thing happens when you’re at an apple orchard. And before you know it, you’re leaving with 40 apples. Each.
If you’re not looking to go on an all apple-and-peanut-butter diet between now and Thanksgiving, may I suggest homemade applesauce?
Homemade applesauce is a perfect dish for me: sounds impressive, but isn’t at all– albeit a little high maintenance. I can relate. My mama has been making homemade applesauce for years, so nothing says home to me like the cinnamon-y smell of applesauce on the stove in the fall.
The recipe itself is flexible, but goes a little something like this:
Ingredients
~8-10 apples
~1 tablespoon of cinnamon
~2 tablespoons of brown sugar
~1/2 a cup of water
Dash of pumpkin pie spice
Notice every ingredient is listed with a tilde– applesauce is an art, not a science. Your preparation will vary based on the type, size, and sweetness of apples you use. But it’s foolproof!
Peel your apples and remove the cores. I usually peel them about 3/4 of the way because I like the texture of some peel, and I chop them into quarters.
Chuck everything into a big pot. Confession: I splurged. When I was home for a wedding earlier this month, I got majorly envious of my mom’s Staub pumpkin cocotte. Ian and I were at Sur La Table on Sunday morning… the sun was shining on Elliot Bay, it was a perfect 61 degree fall morning, and I just couldn’t leave without it. Three hours later it had applesauce in it, simmering away on the stove. I made soup in it last night, and it’s the centerpiece of our fall tablescape.
Anyway. Back to the food. I keep my stove on l0w-medium (about a 4) and stir the apples every ~20 minutes, but the applesauce can take as much as two hours to cook down. Don’t start this right before you leave the house! If it seems like the apples are burning, add more water. And feel free to have a heavy hand with the cinnamon!
The finished product is just so homey and good. I love it most hot right off the stove over a small scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Total autumnal nirvana.
Enjoy!
Sale Away
Posted on October 12th, 2015
Big shopping weekends are overwhelming. Everyone has something to offer, yet I often walk away with nothing– combing through the deals is time consuming, not to mention the domino effect. I worry if I get one thing, I’m going to get them all! But this weekend I actually did the leg work and rounded up a more manageable, bite sized sampling of sale offerings. Below are the 10 items you should actually consider pulling the trigger on today– and they’re all at least 40% off.
This Kate Spade dress has the most darling back– and it’s $220 off!
If the pink is too much… try the blue or black with this one. Dressed up or down, you’ll look fantastic.
I picked up these suede wedges during the Labor Day sale, and I cannot get over how comfortable they are. I have already submitted an official request for more color options.
Can’t stop won’t stop wearing striped tees. Here are two classic options for $15. One // Two Begging to be layered with quilted vests!
From a fall wedding to summer soirees next year, you need this classic navy maxi— currently 1/4 of the original price!
An exquisite Nanette Lepore LWD for all your Panhellenic/Rehearsal Dinner/Dreaming of Summer needs.
A subtle Halloween candy bowl, West Elm style.
Burgundy is everywhere. Be on trend while looking classic with a button back sweater.
Last and definitely, most certainly not least…
Yesterday, Ian and I were walking at Pike Place Market and hopped into the Sur La Table flagship. And left with the best impulse purchase ever. Have already used it once (more on that tomorrow), and it’s doing double duty on my fall tablescape!
But add to cart quickly– many of these deals disappear at midnight!
Tips for a New Chapter in New York
Posted on October 8th, 2015
One of my best friends (hi Lexi!) moved to Manhattan yesterday, and I have a lot of emotions about it. Of course, I’m bummed about not overlapping with her– living in a new city is always so much easier and more fun when you have a built-in buddy. And it causes me– yet again– to reflect on my decision to move away. I’m still 100% sure I did the right thing, but as with any situation in life, it’s not always so cut and dry as it might appear.
But now is not the time for me to rehash my personal turmoil. This is Lexi’s time, and I want to do everything I can to support her through this transition. So just for you, Lexi, I have put together a list of 10 tips that are sure to lead you to success in New York. Well… just for you and everyone else who reads this blog.
1. No cabs. Setting this as a no-exceptions rule for yourself is the easiest way to save money in Manhattan. I didn’t take cabs last year (except to and from airports, or when I could expense it to my company).
2. Pack extra shoes in the winter. Those salty streets will stain your leather riding boots and shred your flats, so I recommend changing footwear when you get there. I wore these duck boots (in pink!) every day last year.
3. Step away from the abandoned chair. You know that cute printed armchair on the sidewalk around the corner? It has bedbugs. In fact, the cuter a piece of abandoned furniture is the more likely it is that its owner is simply getting rid of it to spare their apartment. Bedbugs are not a joke.
4. Put your cute crossbodies in storage. New York is all about long days out of the apartment, and you’ll need a certain set of supplies. Phone charger, the aforementioned shoes, a book for the subway… I bought this tote soon after moving to the city last year, and carried it all fall and winter.
5. Reservations required. You’ll be hard pressed to find a good restaurant with a wait under an hour if the first time you think about Friday dinner is 7pm on Friday. I relished browsing restaurant menus weeks ahead of time in anticipation of a special dinner two weeks down the line! Embrace it! Note: brunch places don’t generally take reservations. Sarabeth’s is still worth it.
6. Pizza, please. When your food budget is low at the end of the month, you’ll do better buying a filling $2 slice of cheese pizza on the corner than going to the grocery store.
7. Manis & blooms. Few things are actually cheaper/more accessible in New York than in other parts of the country. Take advantage of cheap manicures (but tip well!!) and flowers at every bodega.
8. Surround yourself with real people. It’s awesome that there are so many diverse, strong types in New York… but it can be overwhelming, too. Stay grounded by appreciating hot dads taking their kids to the park on the Upper East Side on a Saturday, or grab drinks with a familiar face on a just-because Tuesday.
9. Plan your time. Everything in New York takes longer than you think it will. Running to the grocery store for that bag of flour you forgot? The checkout line will probably be 20 minutes. Google Maps estimates it will take you 35 minutes via subway to get to brunch downtown? Leave 50 minutes before you’re meeting your friend.
10. Look up. You live in New York– it’s magical! Appreciating the magnitude, beauty, history, etc. of the sights you’re lucky enough to pass every day doesn’t make you a tourist. It makes you grateful.
While New York is its own beast, a lot of this applies to starting out in any major city. Always an adventure… but therein lies the fun!
Look Like a Fox While Sweating Like a Pig
Posted on October 6th, 2015
It seems designers may be in fact realizing that this workout culture could be here to stay. Unlike so many things that doctors originally think may be necessary for living a healthy lifestyle but then they say may not be so important after all (I’m looking at you, eating breakfast and also smoking), no one really seems to have anything bad to say about fitness.
In true capitalist spirit, some of my favorite fashion retailers are getting in on the action. Lilly Pulitzer and Trina Turk launched their activewear lines several months ago, and recently, Tory Sport (thanks, Tory Burch) debuted, too. It’s classic, simple… I’m in love.
Rumor has it we can even expect Kate Spade activewear soon? I’m picturing striped tanks, polka dot leggings, and sweatbands with bows on them, but only time will tell…
I am a firm believer that you’re more likely to do things if you feel cute doing them, and this ranges from going out for a Friday night drink to a 3 mile run. You need cute workout gear. It’s for your health. It’s basically a medical expense. But that being said, you might not need to spend Tory Burch Sport (or even Lululemon) prices for them. Below are my suggestions for getting the Perky Suburban Mom On Your Way to Yoga look for less:
Striped Lululemon leggings are great, but this Zella option is 59% of the cost.
Pleated tennis skirts are always classic. Tory’s is $115, but Boast adds a little color and saves you $30.
These leggings from Chikum are half the price of the Lilly Pulitzer lookalike. Plus imported from Canada = fancy.
Trina Turk vs. Forever 21. Who knew?
The substitution can apply to basics too. Skip the $42 Lululemon tank, and pick up the Zella version while it’s on sale. Both are cropped navy leggings, but these are $118… I would rather pay $38. As much as I like my Nike pullovers, I have to admit this jacket may even be cuter.
You get the idea. So flaunt your fitness, spandex life! You, too, can look like you just left Equinox while you’re on your way to Crunch.
Note: Knowing there are more affordable options out there does not prevent me from wanting to recommit to my tennis game so I can justify buying this dress and sweater. Maybe next summer…
$200 Jewelry Challenge
Posted on September 29th, 2015
I have given some people the impression that by working at Nordstrom, I am a professional shopper. The reality is I am an analyst who is very strategic about how to make the best possible use of my discount, but I am always willing and excited by the opportunity to use my internet browsing talents and affinity for efficiency to help those in need. My friend Anna mentioned last week that she was looking to do a little accessories revamp. She came to the right internet browser.
The selections I made for Anna probably make sense for a lot of you all, too. Anna is a law student at Berkeley (I’m SO proud of my fiercely intelligent friend!), so she has lots of occasions where she needs to look put together but doesn’t have a limitless budget. But as you’ll see below, $200 can go a long way if you know where to look.
To make the most of $200, I’m focusing primarily on necklaces and earrings. Rings, bracelets, etc., are absolutely wonderful finishing touches, but things happening closer to your face are doing more of the work in your daily interactions.
Pearl Necklace— I’ve recommended this piece, countless times, but it’s because it’s really that good! And on sale. If you haven’t already pulled the trigger, today is the day.
A little bling– Whether you’re feeling fancy at your hump day meetings or at Saturday cocktails with your girls, this one is only $30 and pulls any outfit together.
Gold Links– Bubble necklaces were cute but not exactly timeless… but I don’t think gold links are going anywhere. Have you seen Chanel purse chains? Exactly.
Pearl/Gold Cuff– Pairs with each of the necklaces above!
Gorjana Studs– I first was introduced to Gorjana jewelry through my Rocksbox subscription, and I love these studs– again, will work with all of the pieces shown above.
Gold/Pearl studs– The combination of materials here allows you to dress these up or down, and pair them with gold or pearl jewelry. I have a couple of Kate Spade earrings of this variety, and they’re the ones I wear most.
Bonus Bling: These Kendra Scott studs came in my Rocksbox last week. Fabulous. And still neutral enough to work with a lot!
All of the essentials, and you almost stayed in budget. Well done! As with all things in fashion, there is always more you could do, but when budget and simplicity are the name of the game these will never fail you! What other pieces do you think should be included in a $200 roundup?
Florals for Fall
Posted on September 22nd, 2015
Every spring as the ground is thawing and people begin to do things other than watch Netflix and eat carbs, my heart is warmed by the arrival of floral clothing. As I walk by J. Crew in my Barbour and boots, I seriously and illogically consider the floral frock in the window. But then about two weeks pass, and I’m grateful I didn’t get the dress. Spring florals often end up looking fussy and too delicately feminine. I am a girl and I do whine a lot, but I wouldn’t otherwise say I am either of those things.
Fast forward to last week, when I saw Grace Atwood completely killing it in this dress.
It flirts with the line between floral and abstract print in just the right way. Professional, but fun. I love it!
So it led me to think about more opportunities to incorporate florals into a fall wardrobe. After all, I get flowers from the market every week of the year– why shouldn’t I wear them year-round, too?
One // Two (reminds me of Rifle Paper) // Three // Four // Five // Six (I see you, LC) // Seven // Eight
If you’re perusing the Kate Spade surprise sale this week, you might also notice this bag as an option for incorporating a little flower power in your life.
There is certainly something to be said for florals set in fall’s richer color palette– these dresses are striking just the right balance. I love both of these dresses Mollie picked out at Nordstrom.
Who knows? Maybe florals for fall will be groundbreaking.
Football to Fiancée in 60 Seconds
Posted on September 21st, 2015
It’s a funny thing to live through moments that you’ve dreamed about for years. It’s not uncommon for people to fantasize about finding The One, and once you have, you pretty much can’t wait for that moment when you can share with the world your plans to be together indefinitely and eternally. While I believe firmly in my completeness as an individual, I also recognize my strong preference for going through life with a partner. For the past (almost) six years, I’ve had such a partner in my life. He has supported me and (more importantly) challenged me through all sorts of twists and turns. Being with him makes 100% of all things better.
On Saturday, Ian made it abundantly clear that he, too, treasures our partnership and does not want it to end. Before he could even finish asking me to be his wife, I said yes.
So that’s all I’m going to say about that.
……obviously not. As if I don’t want to tell everyone in the world about my incredible proposal and show them my stunning ring. As if I haven’t already forced the story on 2 Starbucks baristas and 1 doorman today.
We were in the Los Angeles area for the weekend visiting three of our best friends. Saturday evening we were planning on beach time in Malibu before a going away dinner for one of said friends. Alexander and Ben were meeting us on the beach, but Julia rode with us. Once we paid our exorbitant parking fee, we saw Alexander in the parking lot. “This way,” he said, “Ben found us a spot.” We found Ben next to the water, but he wasn’t alone when we got there. Behind him was a Hawaiian-shirt wearing band. I have been to many beaches, but never one with a band.
So suspicious. But all three (sneaky, scheming) boys assured me it was just a quirky LA thing, and because I do in fact think LA is strange, I believed it. Kind of. Cautiously.
We had big plans for the beach outing: I love football but my spiral throwing skills are pretty abysmal. Ian had bought a football so we could practice. We got out the football and started playing catch while the band played some of my favorite songs in the background. Which I’m sure was just part of the quirky coincidence, right?
“Helen,” Ian said, “You’re doing it all wrong.” (Very tactful and gentle, that one. But also, in this case, correct.) “Come here and let me see your fingers.” I walked towards him and gave him my throwing hand– my left one– and noticed his hands trembling as he fixed my grip on the football. And that was the moment I knew.
“Yup,” he continued, “the problem is definitely your fingers. Let me fix them…”
Honestly, I was too overwhelmed to perfectly remember every word he said in the two minutes that followed. But the image of him reaching into his pocket and getting down on one knee is something that will be permanently lasered into my memory.
The next thing I knew, I had a beautiful ring on my finger, the band was playing our song, and I was dancing with my fiance.
Conveniently, Alexander is also a photographer, so he managed to make us look pretty decent even though we got engaged while wearing bathing suits. (I’ll get over it) (At least my nails were done)
We headed to the beautiful Malibu Beach Inn for dinner, where we witnessed a beautiful sunset, drank champagne, and ate peach and blueberry cobbler. Also other things. And just when I was exhausted from all the happy tears… Ian checked us into Shutters in Santa Monica. For those of you unfamiliar, just know that the aesthetic is so on point the staff all wear Vineyard Vines and my room was littered with ginger jars.
We have abundant blurry candids, but I’ll spare you.
And so the sun sets on the best weekend surrounded by the best people and so, so much love. Next summer, I will become Mrs. Nightingale.
Procrastination Station- September 16
Posted on September 16th, 2015
Let’s start with Start!
These days, much of my life inspiration comes from two sources: 1) Watching TED talks 2) Reading blogs. I think a heavy dose of real life inspiration would be AH-mazing. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what my big life passion might be, and I still have only the very vaguest of ideas (which is okay!). But I’m itching to attend the inaugural Start Conference in San Francisco to continue the exploration! If you’re local and/or can go, please Facetime me in for all the sessions.
Real talk: it really bugs me when marketers utilize buzzwords while fueling ignorance. There are so many mixed messages swirling around the food industry. Matt Teegarden wants to step in provide a positive voice for the science, and I love how he’s going about it. He’s encouraging consumers to think critically, and I love it!
The fashion photo gallery from the recent Swedish royal wedding is incredible. Something for everyone: fake tans, a “who wore it better?”, tiaras, babies, geriatrics…. Do you think I’ll be overdressed if I wear this to my cousin’s wedding next month?
We are so excited to be headed south for a weekend in Los Angeles! We’re still finalizing our itinerary, but I’m definitely using this Wall Street Journal piece for inspiration. I love all of their weekend guides. Can’t wait for some warm sunshine!
PS Anyone have LA travel tips?
