My Favorite Things for May & June

The weather is finally getting warmer and outdoor markets are popping up around Boston faster than the flowers! I'm still running around (now on purpose) and trying to soak in as much of the spring as possible.

1. Neewer // Running Waist Bag 

I typically don't run with a phone. I like being able to run without my technological ball and chain. That being said, I recently decided to get back into running. To take my mind off how out of shape I felt I started listening to podcasts on my iPhone. I am a finicky runner so much so that having anything in my hand or on my arm throws me off balance. I LOVE this belt from Neewer. I can barely tell its on, it holds my phone and my keys and its water resistant. I actually have no idea what I look with it on, but the who goal of exercise is to make yourself look like a fool in the most exhausting way possible, right?

2. My "La Vie en Rose" Station on Pandora

I first heard La Vie en Rose when I was watching Sabrina staring Audrey Hepburn. The song has been one of my favorite songs ever since. The playlist based on this song is one of my favorites to listen to when I am lounging on the porch or cooking a fun dinner.  In addition to the Louis Armstrong version of La Vie En Rose, there are songs by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin and a bunch of non-lyrical french songs that I love.

3. Birkenstock // Gizeh 

Until about a month ago I thought of Birkenstocks as sandals for hippies and people with foot problems. I was right! But I finally tried them on and they are rarely off my feet. These are actually kind of cute and stylish. Do your feet a favor and ditch your normal pavement slappers for these cork cruisers. If anyone pokes fun, just tell them I made you do it. 

4. Cusinart // CPB-300PK Compact Blender

I am not a very healthy eater. I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, and while I'll eat fruit if it's cut up and prepared, I'd rather snack on carbs in almost any form. Enter this blender. I have been drinking a banana a serving of fruit and kale/spinach every day for the last month or so. These individual cups with lids (lids set them apart) are the perfect vehicles for sneaking the greens into my smoothie is perfect. Sometimes I even throw them into milkshakes. I've also started adding ground up flax seeds which are not only a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but also provide another way in which I'm turning into my mother. 

5. Baggu // Standard in Hot Pink

I have been carrying reusable bags to the grocery store since I was in college. They carry more than the average grocery bag and are environmentally friendly as well. I like this fold up bag from Baggu because it doesn't take up a lot of space in my work tote, but it's always there in case I need to grab some groceries on the way home.

Things I Can't Wait to Wear this Spring

Last weekend in Boston we had a mini heatwave. Temps above freezing had my hopes up. Then the mercury dropped and I had to dig my coat out of my closet. I can't wait until the 70 degree days start in Boston. I already know what I'm going to wear.

Spring Scarves

1. Lilly Pulitzer- Murfree Scarf

I can't wait to swap out my heavy wool scarf for my Murfree. I bought mine last summer and I can't wait to wear it this spring. The silk/cashmere blend and the classic Lilly patterns are perfect for spring in New England. 

Sunglasses

2. Spy Optic- Beachwood

It's been overcast in Boston for far too long. I like Spy Optic sunglasses as opposed to a high fashion brand because they are designed for a rugged lifestyle. I am not a very delicate person so these can hold up for me.

Shorts

3. J. Crew- 3" Chino Shorts

Pants are overrated. Shorts are where it's at. I cannot wait until I can wear mine. J.Crew 3" chino shorts are the best. The fit is great and they come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. I have 10 or so pairs and I can't wait to add more!

Sandals

4. Jack Rogers- Navajo

I love my Jacks. They are the longest lasting flip flop I've ever owned. The first pair I bought 5 years ago is still going strong. Like the J. Crew shorts these also come in a rainbow of colors and you can even customize your own.

Turquoise Jewelry

5. Target- Turquoise Inlay Earrings

I subscribe to certain personal guidelines when it comes to fashion. One of those guidelines is that turquoise should only be worn in the summer. My mom brought me back a bunch of turquoise jewelry from a trip she took to New Mexico in January that I have been itching to wear.

New Neutral Nail Polish

6. Essie- Cocktails and Coconuts & 7. Essie- Resort Fling

I'm over the drab and boring winter nail polish colors. I'm ready to try out these two colors from Essie's resort '14 collection. It's hard to see but Cocktails and Coconuts has a subtle shimmer to it, which should look great under the summer sun.

Bobbi Brown Beach

8. Bobbi Brown- Beach Perfume

This is my absolute favorite smell, although its not quite right for the colder months. Its equal parts beach sand, sunblock and coconut. Its the exact smell I grew up with on the beaches of New England. It's hard to capture the exact smell of an environment but Bobbi Brown did and I love her for that. This perfume just makes me happy.

On the Hunt: Comfy, but not Frumpy Sweatshirts

Through my time in college I had never gone out of my way to purchase sweatshirts, or any athletic clothing for that matter. Years of playing on multiple soccer teams, swimming and running track (as well as attempts at lacrosse, tennis, basketball and diving) had left me with a closet full of hoodies, warm-up pants and enough t-shirts to fill a goodwill.

Now that I am done with college, wearing those reminders of my once illustrious athletic career, feels awkward. I've slowly started to replace some of the oversized athletic garb haunting my closet, with grown-up and more fashionable sweatshirts that actually fit!

On the Hunt: Get Down

Its freezing out! If you haven't purchased a winter jacket yet its not too late. There are still many styles available and most of them are on sale! Here are a few things to look for when buying a down coat:

• Not all puffy coats have down fill. Make sure you check the tag to ensure the coat's fill is down feathers or waterfowl, not polyester or other materials.
• The higher the loft, the warmer the down. The British website, Gear-Zone , has a great guide to understanding the different types of down.
• Make sure the jacket has water resistant properties. Down is warm when it is dry, but as soon as it gets wet it is not longer effective as an insulator.