Compulsive Blog Post

There's a couple things I like about winter here.  And maybe I can say that now because winter really hasn't even started yet, but as I sat eating my breakfast and drinking my coffee this morning I did realize these two appreciations.  I've noticed that Norwalk has an abundance of sunshine during the winter.  I always picture my mornings getting up in Arkansas - the cloudy chill of a winter day to great me.  Here Mr. Sun makes an appearance almost every day.  However, this will not stop me from taking Vitamin D supplements all winter because alas the only time I get to see the sun is on the weekends (hate you daylight savings).  That brings me to my second appreciation: I love how the sunlight cascades across my apartment.  That has to be a number one requirement for me when I live somewhere - well lit.  This morning the sun burst in over my living room lighting up my tv (my closest friend Netflix calling my name) and my little mini Christmas tree (presents waiting to be opened with my family on Skype later today).  It makes getting up early on a Sunday morning enjoyable.  I have not fully opened my home to the outside world by opening the blinds yet because my head still hurts from last night's play.  Sorry Mom and Dad, I don't go out that often, but when I do I somehow revert back to the fish I was in College..

Because my head and liver hurt I was more than happy to whisk myself across the street to my coffee shop for a little hangover cure.  Yes it is now MY coffee shop because I go there at least twice on the weekend and they have updated the decor with one of my favorite objects.  I grabbed a coffee, rye bagel with a side of peanut butter and a biscotti for later :).  (It's Christmas time - desserts aplenty right?)

I performed a little test to see if I could bring nut butter into my house again.  Apparently not :).  I ate that apple only because I still at PB left after I finished my bagel.   My impulsive nature does present some challenges :)  I am impulsive in many ways (job in CT 1500 miles from home - SURE, buy a $500 plane ticket for a one night trip home to surprise two of my best friends - SURE, eat the entire stock of Peanut Butter - OF COURSE!)  It is good and bad :)

One tasty compulsion

Now if only I could impulsively get out of this chair and go do something more productive with my Sunday.. Like try to finish another season of How I Met Your Mother? :)

December in New York

This same time last year I was slowly packing boxes, having lots of "lasts" with friends (although really there turns out they were not "lasts" at all) and preparing for my trip to visit my sister in France.  It was great to spend time during Christmas in Europe. Every city is festive, cold and centered around a Christmas Market.  I think that was my favorite part about my trip to France - I mean besides getting to see the sis of course ;)

That's one of the reasons I am feeling festive about living so close to New York City during December.  I've been in the city during Thanksgiving and January - I've seen the window displays, lights and trees.  But there's something special about the weeks leading up to Christmas.  I can't say I like the hustle and bustle so much but I can certainly deal with it for some hot apple cider, winter cheer and rosy cheeks :)

So this Sunday I went into the city to do some Christmas shopping.  I found a couple really good catches for an "alternative to retail" experience.  Most of the stores REALLY do it up in terms of "retailtainment" and decoration for the holiday.  While I had to stop in at Bloomingdales (wow!), I scouted out two Holiday markets as well - hoping to get a taste of last year's European Christmas.

Columbus circle was my first stop.  It was amazing how such a small area can turn into what seems like an endless maze of shops and goodies.  There was a lot of handmade jewelry, winter hats and natural soaps/skincare products.  There was also a lot of apple cider :)  And chocolates and baked goods and tea too.  Although it was cold I didn't feel up for apple cider - would have made the shopping a little easier.  What I really missed was Vine Chaud!  mmmmm  I also tried a sample of something called Peppermint Magic Bar and I almost bought the entire stock!

I got terrible pictures..but all I had was my phone and my fingers were cold.

The second place I went to was awesome X 3.  Craftacular put on by Bust Magazine, a kind of power to the females cultural mag.  It was $3 to get in and wander through 2.5 rooms of vintage lovers heaven.  I know several of my friends who would have LOVED it..and therefore I was kind of overwhelmed with Christmas gift ideas.  Paralyzed is more accurate..  I bought one item from a couple who makes sugar and sea salt body scrubs - espresso body scrub.  My bathroom smells like espresso chocolate now..not gunna complain.  Naki Nagi is the company.  It was pretty cool to see so many hand made creations and the people who have been able to make a successful living at some level out of them.

Clocks, Door hangers, light switch covers and frames

Mason Jar Christmas Decoration

Cool Necklace

Little green worlds

I think I might be going vintage for Christmas - much  more unique and fulfilling way to shop.  Either way,  my train home may not have been coming from Paris but I certainly had the spirit in me.  Until the kid across the aisle threw up all over the train...yah.... oh well :)