Time Management

I sat at our windows last night watching the swirling flakes come down - I'm like a little kid when it comes to this. I love how peaceful it is and that it can transforms a city over night. This morning there's still snow, not fully melted, on roof tops. It's beautiful. I wish it would stay longer.

This week I focused on better time management. My arms and legs are sore from push-ups and lunges, I've written letters and Valentine cards and managed to read in the mornings. These are things I told myself at the start of the year (but didn't claim were resolutions, because those aren't that cool anymore and are a little too risky) that I'd work on. It feels good to be diligent and keep my word. I get so fed up with myself when I don't do the things I set out to, and sometimes it's simply the difference between sleeping in that extra hour or "quickly" hopping online to check e-mails.

I'm sure some of you, especially the moms, are thinking "you lucky duck!" I know a little kiddo added to the mix will require a whole new level of determination and self discipline, but that's precisely why I want to get myself in order. Sometimes when I read other bloggers I can't believe how much they do. They're like super women - especially the ones with kids.

So what's your secret?? ;-) Do you have rules for yourself, like no internet before lunch or waking up an hour early to read? I'd love to hear.

Isn't my husband dapper?

Michaela Rae

Midweek Weekend

Today and yesterday have been my "weekend". I've loved my late mornings cozy in bed, big breakfasts and lots of reading. I also went on a tea date and shopping on Regent and Oxford Street (although largely unsuccessful, it was still fun/amusing to roam the 3+ level H&M, Urban Outfitters & TopShop).

And here are a few things that've been making me feel peaceful and creative this midweek weekend.

Links: here, here, here and here.

Watching episodes of Sophie Dahl's cooking show

Listening to this

Oh, and I just finished booking a Valentines getaway to Bath! Ever been? I'd love your tips on places to visit, especially restaurants and cute cafes. We'll obviously be hitting up the Roman bath, Jane Austen Centre and Abbey. You can definitely anticipate a blog all about it.  Michaela Rae

Winter Wardrobe

As many of you know, I'm a Florida girl through and through. Even when I moved from Florida it was to Southern California where I enjoyed incredible weather and became even more spoiled. I still haven't spent an entire winter in a place with freezing weather. Now that's about to change and I've been working to put together a new type of wardrobe - one that will help me survive my first "real winter." Here's how I've done so far...

My first pair of heel boots (Kohls) 

Gloves (Forever 21), Sweaters (Target)

Gray boots (Charming Charlie)

Three long sleeve shirts, scarf (one of many), leggings, tights & felt cloche hat.

Hats, gloves and a headband/ear muff thingy.

Oh, and I got this (horrible picture quality, I know) winter coat for Christmas last year. Can't wait to wear it again.

This isn't everything, but you get the idea. OOOHHH, for cold weather, scarves, not needing to wash my hair because I'm wearing a hat, hot drinks & fire places. I'm going to like this.

What are your favorite winter wardrobe items? And what do you consider winter necessities?

Michaela Rae

Check out the other Try New Adventure Thursday posts. :-)