Good Sunday morning!

Today’s serenade is from one of my all-time favorite local bands, Far Too Jones. The song is called Blown Away and I thought you might like it (I sure do!) I chose this band to serenade you with today because Nick and I attended their reunion show over the weekend, and it was awesome. There’s something really special about being in a room full of people who share your passion for a little-known band, and you’re all singing along to songs that most of the people you know have never heard.

This Week’s Top 5 Awesome Things

1. Music Shows. Obviously! Like I said, it’s pretty magical to see a band sing your favorite songs when you never thought you would ever get to see in person.

2. Choices: I have to complete an internship for my program and a friend reminded me that I have choices so if one organization doesn’t work out then there are others in my field of interests.

3.  Easy-ish Exams. I had a biostats exam this week and after a lot of studying and anxiety, it was actually easier than I thought. Much easier. I may actually pass it after alll!

4.  Cuddles.  I wasnt feeling well on Friday so I spent the majority of the day cuddling with the pups. Best Day Ever.

5. Greasy Food. Sometimes you just want some yummy, greasy food. We hit up one of our favorite restaurants for “The Pile” which is french fries covered in cheese, fried chicken, jalapenos, gravy and cheese sauce, and comes with a variety of dipping sauces. It definitely hit the spot.

My Week According to My Instagram

Doing homework

Studying coffee-shop style

Newest member of the family: mom-in-law’s dog, Sammy

#OOTD: Dog hair is my favorite accessory!

So close to perfecting my café con leche

Have a great week, everyone!

After three days of frigid temperatures with snow and ice accumulation, the sun came out and it felt like spring. I was so excited that my bare legs made an appearance. But I added the boots because it was still in the 50s, so let’s not get crazy. I love these boots but they’re not great for everyday casual. Also, this skirt is sequined chevron. Sequined. Chevron. Two awesome trends in one, AND I bought it on sale. Winning all around.  I wore this outfit to dinner. It wasn’t a fancy dinner but I wanted to dress up without going overboard and this is what I came up with. I’ve worn this color combo recently but when you find something that works you should stick with it!

This top is special because it’s mostly white but it has this gold trim around the neckline AND it has navy stripes aroundthe sleeves and bottom. You’ll see more of it later, I promise!

I’m a little ashamed to admit that this is my first trench coat. How is that even possible? It was love at first sight, though, because of the adorable flair at the bottom. There’s something about a trench that feels so classy and grown up so it’s about time that I have one. Spring is going to be so much fun this year!

I’m linking up with More Pieces of Me | On the Daily Express | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Perfectly Coutured | Everyday Fashion and Finance | Living in Color | The Totally Awesome Blog Hop | Simply Lulu Style (where I’m featured, yay!) so be sure to head over there to check all of the other amazing bloggers!

Top: Banana Republic | Cardigan: Old Navy | Skirt: Banana Republic | Belt: Old Navy | Boots: Banana Republic | Trench coat: Banana Republic | Necklace: Francesca | Earrings: Target

There’s a new model on the blog today! Welcome to the first Menswear Monday where Nick showcases his great fashion sense. I’ve been trying to get him on the blog for a while and all of your kind comments finally convinced him!

This is a great everyday outfit. He wore  it to the office and then to dinner and ice cream on the weekend, so it’s great for day-to- night. His socks have the same blue and purple combo as his gingham shirt.

The socks are purple and blue which coordinate with the purple and blue check in the button up.

Everything except the socks are from Banana Repulic. The socks are Brooklyn via Trunk Club.

Goood morning! Today I’m serenading you with the song I’ve had stuck in my head all week: ‘Next in Line’ by Walk the Moon. I discovered it in a playlist made for running because I’m back to training for a 5K in April. I was on the treadmill when I heard it and immediately decided it was my jam. Mostly because I drive a stick shift 😉

 This Weeks’ Top 5:

1. Discovering awesome dive bars. We discovered the coolest dive bar downtown that was tucked away and fairly unknown. The bartenders were extremely knowledgeable and the spirits were delicious.

2. Catching up. I was able to catch up on some assigments, which is a huge relief, and I reorganized my home office so that I can continue to be productive. Wish me luck!

3. Surviving snow driving. Nick and I got stuck driving in a snow storm. That’s a scary thing in NC where we aren’t exactly prepared for winter weather. With my good driving skills, Nick’s awesome wisdom (he guided me the entire time) and a little luck, we made it home safely and only within in hour. I felt so bad for other drivers who got stuck on the interstates for hours.

4. Getting snowed in. After we made it home safely, we were snowed in for a few days.  It was the good kind of snowed in because we didn’t lose power, we had plenty of food, and had no where we had to be. The dogs were miserable though, and wouldn’t go for their walks because they’re big divas.

5.  Ice cream dates. We kept Valentine’s Day very low-key and went out for pad thai, some wine, and finished off with ice cream from our favorite place, The Parlour. They make their ice cream by hand, use local ingredients whenever possible, and rotate seasonal flavors. Photos below!

Photo(s) of the Week:

I took this photo on our ice cream date. Yummy ice cream, sexy husband. Doesn’t get much better. Below is the photo of the ice cream parlour we love so much.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Since it’s a day for love I wanted to share one of my favorite love poems, dedicated to my Valentine, Nick.

Pausing by Lady Lee Andrews. Illustration by Nicolas Thomassin

Lady Lee Andrews is a Puerto Rican poet and her husband is a French artist named Nicolas Thomassin. They own a few little shops in Old San Juan; one is the cutest little coffee and art shop called The Poet’s Passage and the other is  Mi Pequeño San Juan, where they mold and hand paint replicas of historical buildings and doors in Puerto Rico. (I bought a door for myself as a souvenir; it’s adorable)

Nick and I visited the coffee shop every day when we were on our honeymoon. It was just one of the many reasons I fell in love with Puerto Rico. I bought this illustration and a book of poems by Ms. Andrews at the coffee shop before we left.

When I think of love, I think of sitting on the white, sandy beach in Puerto Rico with my brand new husband, eating mofongo and drinking Don Q (the real Puerto Rican rum). This poem takes me back there and makes me fall in love all over again.