remember this post from 4 years ago?  as i hoped, those manolos became a great staple in my work wardrobe.  i wore them multiple times a week every year since i bought them.  however, after numerous trips to the cobbler to replace the soles and the heel taps, i finally realized that they were beyond resuscitation.

i went to the bergdorf goodman the day after christmas to see if i could find replacements, and i have literally never witnessed such utter chaos in my life.  this includes being in a train station in india.  grown women were hoarding shoes in shopping bags and under their chairs (assuming they could even find a chair to sit in), and shouting at each other and the salespeople.  i somehow managed to find the below in my size, bought them as quickly as i could, and got out without looking back.

i then decided that it would be a good time to see the tree at rockafeller center, which was probably the only place in new york more insane that bergdorf goodman that day.  i clearly lost my mind.  worth it for beautiful shoes at 75% off?  likely not.  but i do love them, and hope they will last at least another 4 years.

also, as an aside, how has it already been almost 5 years that i have had this blog???

ina garten never does me wrong.  whenever i want a recipe, whether it is for the perfect chocolate cake or a show stopping dish to impress company, her cookbooks are always my first stop.

this mushroom lasagna has been one of my favorite recipes to make when i am having company, or for any special occasion.  despite the number of dishes it requires, it is not that difficult to prepare and can be made in advance.  and despite varying the recipe slightly from time to time, it always turns out delicious.

below are a few shots from my holidays.  i had a blissful week off between christmas and new years, and spent it wandering around new york city, catching up with friends, and of course, lounging around the house.

happy new year everyone – hope your 2017 is amazing.

love this pink macaron ornament

beautiful ornaments from anthropologie that we used as tree toppers

the last remnants of yet another cup of tea

so excited to bust out this sugar paper + target planner

i was lucky enough to spend my birthday at the enchantment resort in sedona, arizona.  it was, hands down, one of the most awe-inspiring places i have ever been to.  the hotel is nestled within the beauty of the famous sedona red rocks, and the services, included activities, food, and overall environment ensured that i never wanted to leave.

the door to our casita

casitas set within the rocks

the view from our balcony

the view from the top of the resort

breakfast at one of their wonderful restaurants

their acai bowls look like ice cream

wildlife in one of the many trails that connect to the resort.

i am already scheming to find out how i can go back.

there has been so much written about the importance of using organic skincare and makeup products, seeing as your skin actually absorbs everything you put on it.  while i admit i have not done a full overhaul of my routine (there are products that i love that are not organic), below are a few of my favorites currently in rotation.  with these, i don’t feel like i am sacrificing anything in terms of performance.

{pictured from top:  rms luminizer, drunk elephant vitamin c serum, rms powder, one love organics cleansing oil, and herbivore botanicals face mask in the center}

still dreaming about the california sunshine.  here are some more snaps from my trip.

manhattan beach at sunrise

dinner at farmshop

afternoon jog

acai bowl for breakfast every.single.day.

i just got back from what was hopefully my last work trip to california for a while.  i stayed at the lovely shade hotel on manhattan beach, and had the best time.  work trips are not nearly as glamorous as they sound, so it is such a treat to come back to such a lovely room and a hot bath.

all i packed for 6 days, including work out clothes.  more on the bag later.  🙂

sorry i wasn’t able to take a picture before my clutter exploded everywhere.great drink set up.my favorite feature.  the bathroom has walls that can be opened or closed, so you can watch tv from the tub.  or retain your privacy if you prefer.the same view with the sliding doors closed.i packed 1 black skirt, 2 cream tops, and 2 black dresses, and a gray cardigan (not pictured).  this was more than enough to make all the (non workout) outfits i needed for the week.only three pairs of shoes for the whole trip.  i would normally wear the sneakers on the plane, but since i had enough room in my suitcase, i packed them and wore the pink chloe flats.

to celebrate a friend’s birthday, i recently trekked out to williamsburg to learn how to make the famous momofuku birthday cake.  best part?  the constant tasting.  oh, and the 6″ cake we each got to take home.

for those of you interested in the class, fair warning that you don’t actually bake the cake.  the class teaches you how to assemble the cake.