Words to Live By

On an oh-so-busy Monday, it's always a good reminder to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the little things.

MC Outdoor Adventures

I'm not what someone might call "super outdoorsy", but since Mr. C definitely is, I try to at least look the part, to a degree...  And now that the weather is starting to thaw (finally, sort of!), I'm prepping myself for Adirondack hikes, trips to the lake, and other nature pursuits.  Here is what I'll be bringing to the great outdoors:

Image via Asos

- A Windbreaker - You know those people you see who can throw on a long-sleeve shirt and a scarf and be warm?  I'm not one of them.  This year in effort to not freeze after five minutes, I've developed a serious anorak crush.  I like that you can layer and bundle, but still look pulled together and not too prissy.  I just picked up this one from Asos.  It's lightweight and breathable, plus it's long for maximum wind-going-up-the-back-of-your-shirt resistancy and has a hood.  I'm in love. 

Image via Sperry

- Sperrys - Super comfy and water-resistant, Sperry Top Siders offer the perfect hybrid between style and function.  They offer endless varieties of colors and textures to choose from to fit any style.  I'm a bit of a purist, so I'm opting for the classic shape with perhaps a hint of metallic.  Although these coral beauties are definitely a possibility as well.  I haven't graduated to hiking boots yet, but who knows.  Is there such thing as a stylish hiking boot?

Image via LLBean

- Canvas Tote - I love the idea of quick and easy packing for a day trip or long weekend; however, when heading outdoors, a roller suitcase just feels out of place.  This large zipper tote (second from the left) from LL Bean is my new favorite thing.  While these canvas totes are made to last and super sturdy, I especially love the zipper and the monogram.  

See you out there!

Friday Finds

This week has certainly been a busy one!  Here are a few great finds I've recently discovered:

- With Summer vacation on the horizon, check out how to travel in style.

- I love a Bronte sister classic.  Recently I'm all about Wuthering Heights. Oh, Heathcliff.

- A how-to guide on creating Instagram-worthy vingettes.

- How clean is your home, really?  Check out this site for achieving a seriously healthy clean.

- My India Hicks style crush continues.  Here is a look into her stylish childhood home.

MC Indulgence: Red Door Spa

This past Christmas, Mr. C gave me the perfect gift, a complete spa day at the Red Door Flagship Spa in NYC.  This past weekend, I finally scheduled my day of pampering with my mom.  It was the perfect Mother-Daughter day!  From the moment you walk in, it's a completely indulgent experience.  You're welcomed and enter into a series of hallways that brings you to the Ladies Locker Room.  It's all white and nude tones, without feeling cold or medicinal, and you're given the most plush robe ever.  (Where do they get those?!)  Afterward you're escorted into the waiting room that feels both relaxing and chic at the same time, decorated in slate tones.  As we sipped on lemon-water, we were called in for our treatments - massage (lovely), facial with eye contour (incredible, especially with the diamond micro-dermabrasion!), manicures (I opted for Essie's Fifth Ave, after all when on 5th) and makeup touch-up.  It was the most wonderful afternoon and definitely a do-again!  Check here for available spa packages.

Image via RedDoorSpas.com

Image via RedDoorSpas.com

Image via RedDoorSpas.com

Friday Finds

Here are a few things things I'm loving this week:

- Everyone wants to achieve that chic French Girl Look.  Consider this your cheat sheet.

- Serious morning motivation. #Iwokeupthisway  Time to start body brushing.

- This Easter floral arrangement.

- Sales here mean never going home empty-handed.

- I like low effort, big taste meals for during the week.  This one is an absolute favorite!

Enjoy the weekend!

Currently Reading: The Ghost of Mary Celeste: A Novel

I heard about this book a while back in the Times, and finally got my hands on it!

MC Foot Notes

I love heels as much as the next girl, but when the weather gets warm, it's all about flats. Nothing says summer weather like espadrilles.  Flat, but totally beachy-chic, these rope sandals instantly add a dash of Mediterranean without looking out of place.  In fact, they tend to look like you  are heading to some envy-worthy beach locale!  

Image via Ralph Lauren

Originally designed for foot soldiers in the 13th century, espadrilles have evolved (in materials and comfort, I'm sure!), but kept their roots with their natural-colored soles and easy-to-walk-in design.  This season, I'm especially loving those in bright, poppy colors or fun patterns.  One word of caution when shopping for espadrilles, look at the inner portion of the shoe and see if that part also features the rope.   While this does pay homage to the shoe's traditional feel, this can irritate after a bit.  Instead look for those that feature some cushion for maximum comfort.  

Floral Forecast

Nothing is more welcoming or uplifting than fresh-cut flowers.  Bold and bright or pale and demure, a well-place bouquet instantly breathes freshness into a room.  However, after a few days, the bloom may be, quite literally, off the rose.  Extend the life of your next arrangement, even by just a day or two, with a few easy tweaks.

- Change the water daily.  Seems easy, but it's also easy to overlook.  Just think about how your skin would feel without water for a day.  Enough said.

- Trim the stems everyday.  Be sure to cut them on an angle, preferably under a running faucet.  I like to use kitchen shears for a precise cut.  Be sure to remove leaves after they start to look limp.

- Add a pinch of sugar.  Flowers need food to stay alive.  By adding a bit of sugar to the water, which is drawn up through the stem, you're giving the flowers the energy it needs to bloom.

- Drop in a penny.  The copper in a penny helps ward off bacteria, which can cause flowers to die more quickly. 

- Switch up the vase.  As the arrangement gets smaller and the blooms get wider, switch out a tall vase for shorter, rounder one.  This play on proportion makes the flowers look artfully full.

- Keep flowers out of the elements.  Seems a bit counter-intuitive, but freshly cut flowers do best when not in direct sunlight or excessive wind.