So Pretty is as Pretty Does.

Nov 26

A non-Thanksgiving Post

Spending time with people you love, participating in traditions, eating tons of food. Pretty perfect, right? I, like many of you, love Thanksgiving. My husband and I are lucky enough to have two Thanksgivings each year. The first is celebrated on Thursday with his side of the family and our second feast is with my crew on Sunday. And, while there are so many gorgeous decorating ideas and presumptuously sumptuous recipes out there to try, I am just not feeling it this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so thankful for the chance to spend time with those I care about. But to be honest, the holidays are stressing me out. So, you may see posts in the near future about a fantastic cheese board I’m putting together or my continual journey to make the perfect pecan pie. But today, the day before thanksgiving, I’m simply sharing some photographs I’ve taken of street art. Because, a little distraction can be pretty nice during the holidays, and is certainly something for which I’m very thankful.

{independent alley gallery, Istanbul}

Nov 24

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Tea Time {ginger + lime + nutmeg}

From the start of September to the end of April, I’m continuously searching for ways to stay warm. Maybe it’s my low blood pressure, my slightly below average body temperature, or maybe I’m part reptile. Regardless of the reason, I require teas, soups, blankets, and wool socks to be administered on a regular basis. My current go-to tea is a spicy and soothing ginger, lime and nutmeg blend. In addition to warming you up, this tea is also great for digestion – something that will surely come in handy with Thanksgiving only a few days away.

Nov 22

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Thirty books {to be read before 30}

I haven’t read nearly enough books considered to be either classic literature or socially revolutionary. There are so many. A few months ago, I enacted a plan to address this issue. Naturally, the plan involves a list, a few rules (as well as loop-holes), and a self-imposed deadline. Today, I’m sharing the 30 books I want to read before I’m 30.

Nov 20

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A little lippy

After going to my annual mole check at my dermatologist’s office I thought it only appropriate to go to my local beauty store and re-up on my 30 spf daily facial moisturizer. Complete no-brainer, I walk to my tried and true cream, grab it from the shelf and start making my way to check out. Then, I gaze over toward cosmetics and I am reminded of the many battles fought and subsequently, lost in the lipstick aisle. Maybe it was the urgency of my dry lips from these cold winter days or maybe I was feeling really confident because all my moles were given the okay (Get an annual mole check!), but this time, I decided I would find both a bright lipstick and a nude lipstick, forever breaking free from being a tinted balm only kind of girl.

Nov 19

A weekend spent digging holes {the story of a fence}

This past weekend my father and my husband installed a fence at the back of our property. I’m not great at digging holes or carrying heavy things so I sat this one out and instead fed them à la The Pioneer Woman. Regardless of my actual contribution, I’m thrilled to have the fence so I wanted to share their work. Also worth sharing, a meal from this weekend, a fantastically delicious and simple paleo lasagna (link to original recipe below).