My KeepCup

If you know me personally, or just follow me on Pinterest, then you know that I have an attraction to a gorgeous cup of fair trade coffee (ahem, just check out my coffee&tea board). I believe that enjoying a hot beverage (like coffee or tea) should be an experience, rather than just a habit. If you really take the time to enjoy the processes of grinding grounds or steeping tea, these seemingly normal actions can become lovely little rituals during your day. Having a classy travel mug to keep them in makes these moments even more glorious. 

Enter my trusty, right hand companion, KeepCup:

It may come as a surprise to you all, but I didn't really start drinking coffee regularly until last year... my senior year of college. Actually, I vividly remember making a mental note when I was younger that I never wanted to depend on something like coffee every single morning like so many adults did... well, here I am...

I began my quest for the ideal to-go mug after the plastic one I had became stained after so much use. Being a young professional, I decided that I wanted to upgrade to a travel mug that was edgy, aesthetically pleasing and functional. Since I am trying to live a life with as little unnecessary waste as possible, I also wanted something that I could take with me while I was out and about so I wouldn't have to use as many disposable containers.

my week in objects (mostly).

Once again, my poor little blog has been neglected for a few months. I was dealing with the same mystery illness as before, on top of piles of work and MBA courses... but not to worry! I am feeling  much better now and am finally getting back to my normal self. So much better, that I may even start working out again (because apparently I'm up for another 10 miler in April?!).

Anyways, here are five little things that made my week:

1. this iced mocha. 

(for keeping me going after work and onto a 3 and a half hour night class.)

2. these hints of spring. 

(for making me even more excited for warm weather.)

3. this cozy, wool sweater.

(because it still fits even after shrinking a bit in the wash.)

4. this coffee and cupcake date.

(because we've been besties for 9 years, and it's always so good to get together when I'm home.)

5. this snoozy lap cat. 

(because she kept me company on the couch when I wasn't up to doing much else but napping and schoolwork.)

my week in objects (mostly).

five little things that made my (hectic) week:

1. this adorable, glass travel mug.

(because I love everything that KeepCup stands for and was happy to purchase such an adorable and necessary accessory to keep on me at all times.)

2. this practice partner.

(because what better way to be distracted from your yoga flow than a yoga cat? #namaste)

my week in objects (mostly).

This week's post is different than most (and also belated) as I've been on the road due to the holidays! I'm spending some quality time with family in Washington, D.C. and it has been absolutely wonderful!

So here are five little things that made my week: 

1. this selfie. 

(because I love getting to hang with my cousin, Galla, who keeps me young.)

2. this displaced window.

my week in objects (mostly):

Five little things that made my week:

                                                     1. these Frida Kahlo-themed gifts. 

(because they were such a lovely surprise from a friend who knows me well.)

                                                               2. this banana bread. 

22 things that make your 22nd birthday different from your 12th

Although I don't remember exactly what I did on my 12th birthday, 10 years ago, I'm quite sure that there was singing, running around, and cake involved. I just celebrated my 22nd birthday with a trip home, before my grad school classes start, and spent it running errands in my hometown, chilling on the couch, and having dinner with Mom and Dad... and it was a great day!

Isn't it crazy, what a difference 10 years can make though? I found that long chats with friends, free coffee, quality time with family, and a bonus birthday dinner are all I need to have a special day... and I am so thankful for that.

Anyways, here are 22 things that make your 22nd birthday different from your 12th: 

1. You will be 40x more excited for your birthday if you know you will be able to sleep in
2. Your birthday is no longer an excuse to "get out of all responsibilities," though you may still be able to slack a little bit
3. You probably still have to work, unless your birthday lands on a weekend or a holiday, or you just happen to get incredibly lucky or are gutsy enough to ask for the day off

7 Hours in the airport: Tips to pass the time

It is always a daunting task to figure out how to pass the time in an airport, whether you are traveling with a very long layover, or if you are like me and just happen to get to the airport 7 hours before your flight even boards (since that's the only time I could find a ride). The fact of the matter is that you are trapped in an enclosed space, surrounded by strangers and likely filled with anxiety over whether or not your flight will be delayed or your gate will be moved. 

When I was dropped off at the airport at 2 pm, and my flight to go home was not scheduled to leave until around 10 pm, and the airport only offered 45 minutes of free wifi, I knew I would have to work to keep my spirits up. 

Here are just a few tips on how to pass the time while alone in an airport, from recent, first hand experience:

1. Grab some coffee - I knew I was in for a long afternoon, so I found the nearest coffee place and treated myself. 
2. Catch up with a friend - My best friend recently moved to Chicago, so I found a semi-quiet spot to sit and chatted on the phone with her for an hour! 
3. People watch - There are so many interesting people crossing paths at the airport. I happened to sit in a spot right by a people-mover, so I had fun watching people literally pass by me for hours. 
4. Dive into a book - I bought Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, to put on my ipad, and got just about half way through!
5. Window shop - There is always a wide array of interesting shops in the airport, so take a look and see what you find. 
6. Explore the other terminals - Use the time before your flight to really stretch your legs. 
7. Listen to your favorite playlist - Tune out surrounding passengers and airport sounds with your go-to playlist. 

What do you do to pass the time?

Pinterest Find Friday: #4

After successfully making a trip back home to NY for the week, I have spent my days hanging around my hometown and chilling at home! Now that is what I call a vacation.

Here are some of my favorite finds this week, including a new take on coffee and homemade breakfast classics:

Pinterest Find Friday: #3

It's time for another Pinterest Find Friday! I have been so busy this week, that I have been moderately slacking on my pinning... which may be a good thing. Here are some great finds from this week!

Pinterest Find Friday: #2

I am trying with all my might to get into the habit of posting interesting Pinterest finds every week since I love the social media platform and what I find there. Sometimes, re-pinning a post is just not enough and you just have to find a place to rave about what you have found...: