Happy Feet

I've always shied away from sneakers as anything other than athletic footwear, but lately I've had a change of heart. While I despise the high-heeled high-top look, I love a classic and colorful sneak. Plus, if you're doing a lot of walking, they're so much better for your feet than unsupportive flats, sandals or (obviously) heels.

P.S. How funny is it that all of these girls are still posing as if they're wearing stilettos?
P.P.S. How to style your sneakers via Harper's Bazaar.
P.P.P.S. My interview with a reformed sneakerhead.

Incredible Edible Eggs

via Eat Live Run. 

I've been on a big egg kick lately. Scrambled, soft-boiled, poached—you name it, I want it. They're just so easy to make and comforting in their warm gooeyness, not to mention cheap and fairly healthy. These are my current favorite eggy dishes, plus a few I really want to try.

 via Oh Joy!

via No Recipes.

via Lingered Upon.

via A Cozy Kitchen.

Snow Days.

Apparently we moved to Boston just in time for one of the snowiest winters in recent history. Overall, I've considered this a good thing, because if it's going to be ungodly cold out, I'd like it to at least look pretty. We just got another thick frosting last night with another scheduled in a few days. I'm working hard to retain the wonder while looking forward to the long thaw.
{All photos taken in Boston's South End on my walk to work on my iPhone.}

Pink Stuff.

Gender stereotypes be damned. Pink still has such a strong pull on me. Happy Valentine's Day.

{All images from my Pinterest. I was too lazy to link each one.}

The Charleston Connection

I'm loving our New England adventure, but I'll be honest: Sometimes I miss Charleston. The little Southern city that was our home for seven years is known for getting into people's bones, and I don't think I escaped its reach. I'll have to start planning another visit to the Lowcountry soon. {Photos by me.}

Cram It In: Eurotrip in One Bag

To save money on our upcoming trip to Europe, we bought tickets that only allow for one carry-on. The entire trip spans 10 days, but I'm not worried about fitting everything into a small, easy-to-carry bag. (This one pictured, by the way, I just got from Forever 21 for $35.) It doesn't hurt that we'll be staying in apartments with laundry facilities (through Airbnb).

Without further ado, my tips for fitting everything you need for Europe in one bag:

• Wear your heftiest items on the plane: Your jeans, a trench coat (for any chilly/drizzly days), and your heaviest shoes.
• Think black for bottoms. One pair of skinny black jeans and a skirt can get you through the entire trip. Bonus: Black camouflages dirt.
• Clothes should be in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Not only will you fit in with the chic locals, but you'll have a lot more outfit options.
• Find a pair of cute, classic shoes that you can walk in for miles. Make sure they're broken in. Wear them everywhere. Bring a lightweight pair of sandals for dressier occasions. 
• Scarves double as blankets on airplanes and trains, they perk up even the most basic outfit, and they take up almost no room in your bag.
• Leave your big everyday purse at home and carry a small cross-body bag with only the essentials. For me, that's money, my camera, my phone, and lip balm.
• Undies: Bring a lot. More than you think you'd need. You really don't want to run out of these. 
•  I hoard toiletry samples (the ones that come in little packets, not bottles) throughout the year because they're so light and easy to pack. I also use the makeup remover wipes to avoid spillage/liquid restrictions on flights.

What you should leave at home:

• Heavy guidebooks (bring your phone instead)
• Impractical shoes (you'll only wear them once or twice anyway)
• Your laptop (if you can help it)

P.S. Rick Steves' guide to the most useful travel apps. 

Don't get S.A.D.

Winter has always depressed me a little, even when I lived in Charleston, where the winter months are sprinkled with beautiful 70-degree days. So it's a little shocking that (knock on wood) I have yet to feel those winter blues here in Boston, where I'm trudging through the most brutal winter of my life. What gives? I guess I've finally figured out a few ways to make the most of it. Here are my tips.

1. Get outside. Yes, it's cold, but bundle up and head out for some fresh air and vitamin D at least once a day. I'm convinced that my 15-minute walks to and from work are a big part of my improved mood.

2. Get cookin'. Pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on some music, and work your way through a favorite cookbook or all those recipes you've been pinning. I've discovered a treasure trove of cookbooks at my library, and I've been downloading them on my Kindle, too. Currently reading Gwyneth's new one.

3. Escape reality. Catch up on your magazines, read a book (I'm in the midst of reviewing this one), and binge watch your favorite TV shows. We've been watching True Blood, Justified, and Downton Abbey.

4. Plan a trip. Give yourself something to look forward to, whether it be a mid-winter weekend escape or a you-survived-the-season reward.

5. Dress for it. You may look like the Michelin Man with all those puffy layers, but you'll be warm and happy whether you're lounging in slippers and sweatpants or traipsing around in snow boots.

P.S. I was in the middle of writing this post when I noticed Cup of Jo's post on the same topic. Great minds.