december weekend.

I know it's not over yet, but this season already feels too short. It was snowing through our kitchen door on Saturday afternoon (a problem that has thankfully already been fixed by our amazingly attentive super), but the white lights and Christmas tree smell made the apartment feel especially inviting. Trekking home from a friend's birthday in Queens with frozen hands and soaking feet in the midst of the ridiculous storm was a hilarious adventure. Nothing could bring me down this weekend; I wish this perfect cozy/cold combination could last forever.

apartment tour: bedroom

After living in our Brooklyn apartment for three months, it’s finally feeling like the cozy home we wanted. The layout is a bit unusual and, especially with only one closet in the whole apartment, it’s been a challenge to make everything fit without it feeling cluttered and random. There are two living spaces separated by French doors, and a teeny little room off to the side. We thought about making one of the larger spaces our bedroom, but opted to keep those more guest-friendly and make the teeny room our bedroom. Even with just the bed and one side table, it’s a tight squeeze, but white bedding, simple artwork and the sun beaming in from Bergen Street keep it bright and airy. It’s quickly become my favorite little nook in the apartment. 

snapshots of summer.

Admiring this crazy-beautiful sky after the last sunset in Aruba.

Now that it's nearing the end, I realize that this summer was a pretty perfect one. Immediately after school let out there was one thing after another to enjoy. It started with an extra long visit from one of my closest Cleveland friends, followed by trips to Georgia, Aruba, Virginia and Philly, and is now winding up with a few inspiring weeks at work and a big move this weekend (eek!). Though with the start of the school year and the packing/unpacking that's looming over me it doesn't feel like there will be much time in the coming weeks to reminisce, I'm ready to do my best to get posting again! Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last couple of months and I'm looking forward to sharing more soon!

What are you going to remember most about this summer? 

love, m

Playing dodgeball with my students on the last day of school. 

Sharing a much needed glass of milk after accidentally chewing on the spiciest pepper ever (and watching T fail in his attempt to prove I was overreacting about the spiciness.)

Laying on a raft for a week straight at a friend's heavenly river house in rural Virginia.

Relaxing by the campfire with my canine bestie in the Georgia mountains.

anniversary date.

A few weeks back, T finally decided to bust out a long-awaited secret date in honor of our one year anniversary. I quizzed him for days... Is it a show? Dinner? Some sort of class? Does it involve food? What could it possibly be if it doesn't involve food?! We met at the train and upon seeing him with a bottle of wine in hand I was even more perplexed. Turns out we were headed to Paint Along NYC for a BYO painting class! Despite his initial anxiety about being the only guy in the class and mine about being the absolute worst painter ever, all fears were put to rest after a few other guys showed up and the wine started flowing. It was a perfectly fun anniversary date and we're both happy with our artwork. 

Perfectly white canvas. So much pressure.

Classy wine spill.

Even though everyone does the same painting, there's definitely still room for some artistic freedom.

T, the minimalist, opted for a slender bird and three dainty flowers. 

My inner artist saw a portly bird surrounded by several flowers.

Have you been on any fun dates recently? I'd love to hear! 

love, m

one year.

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of my first date with T. We went to an unpretentious little dive bar on the UWS where he immediately charmed me with his sense of humor and subtle Southern drawl. Most impressive, however, was that it was a hot summer night and he was sweating significantly more than I was (not an easy feat)… I knew he was a keeper. It took me a while to convince him to hang around, but ever since I did he’s been a supportive and steady presence by my side. I’m so happy and lucky and thankful. 

T's got a secret date planned for tonight and then we take on the Five Boro Amazing Race tomorrow. This weekend is gonna be a good one. 

What are your plans?

love, m

the days i eat my lunch for breakfast.

Mornings are not my strong suit. Most days my alarm goes off at 5:30 to remind me to continue snoozing until 6:07 when I fly out of bed just in time for my 6:15 departure. Thankfully, I've learned to shave some seconds off of my morning routine by skipping my regular breakfast of Raisin Bran or oatmeal and instead eating my packed lunch on the train. At least twice per week my entire lunch is gone before 6:30 AM. 

This goes surprisingly well for most of the day. A multi-course breakfast complete with a sandwich, yogurt, chips and usually a piece of fruit and/or cookies holds me over for most of the day. The problem is that when I get home from work I'm ravenous. 

That's where this salad comes in. Here's my go-to dinner when I'm too starving to cook or wait for take-out. And since pretty much everything on this salad comes from cans, jars or bags, it's easy to keep these items on hand. Lettuce, corn, black beans, tortilla chips, salsa and avocado... delicious, filling and quick.

What do you make for dinner when your stomach is seconds from eating itself? (I need some more ideas to add to the rotation!)

love, m. 

the perfect in the day-to-day.

Southern breakfast buffet in Memphis (at Shoney's, no less.)

Despite being an “adult” for several years now, I really struggle to handle the never-ending tasks associated with daily life. I spend a significant amount of time feeling overwhelmed and anxious about staying on top of work, cleaning, errands, bills and everything else that every other adult also has to worry about. Recently, I've realized that while I’m constantly trying to check things off my list (usually so desperately that I don’t actually get to check anything off), I don’t stop to appreciate the things that bring me more happiness and satisfaction than actually finishing my grading or cleaning the bathroom. One of my main motivations behind this blog is to remind myself to stop and enjoy those little things. Here are a few from the past couple of weeks…

A cancelled flight and extra night in Nashville meant more bonding time with this little lady.

Summer essentials from one of J.Crew Factory's irresistible sales.

A recent dinner favorite: Jen's Apple and Gorgonzola Pizza

Lovely NYC night enjoying this perfect pour.

Have a wonderful week!

love, m.