heather & olive

Oh, hello. It only took me a month, but I'm back with a new design, site and hopefully a little more dedication. Now that I'm more settled with the new job I've been craving a creative outlet--one can only color in an adult coloring book for so long. So, if anyone is still reading this, thanks. I promise I won't fall off the radar (again) when life gets bumpy.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas--I'll be back in 2016!

...in pics:

Saturday morning I ventured to the mall. I usually do 95% of my shopping online, but I was completely behind the eight ball this year which resulted in a frantic mall trip. There were certainly deals to be had, but I downed a martini at 11:00 A.M. because the crowds were a bit much.

My sister hosted a family gathering Saturday night to celebrate her birthday (which is actually today--happy birthday, Mer!) and I can't get enough of my niece--she is an absolute riot and she bonded big time with Hudson, who is the sweetest dog of all time. And all of the food my sister prepared was DELISH.

My dad came over on Sunday and installed new molding and baseboards in the kitchen. I put on some paint, and I think my kitchen is finally done--I'm hoping to host a housewarming party in the new year.

I went for a hike with my dad this weekend, and finally used the panoramic feature on my phone.

There aren't any ornaments (just my gold pinecone garland), but I've been loving my big, fat tree.

Someone has been exceptionally lazy most mornings. I have to drag her out of bed.

via goop instagram

I've always considered myself to be more of a vanilla person when it comes to cake, but Beatty's Chocolate Cake (via here and Barefoot Contessa At Home) has made me reconsider--the frosting is so, so good (I think it's the coffee that takes it to the next level), and the cake itself is so densely chocolately...I'm definitely adding this to my list of go-tos when it comes to dessert.

It's boxwood overload at my house thanks to to Trader Joe's and their $9.99 wreaths. I've been spritzing them with water daily and I'm hoping they last until Christmas.

I made a chocolate cake for Thanksgiving (along with my annual sweet potato contribution), and I think it's a new favorite.

My parents and I went up to Maine and took lots of walks by this cool house--you can't get more oceanfront than this.

I had a really nice Thanksgiving and long weekend. My parents hosted, and everything was delicious. Friday, my mom and I headed up to Maine to do a little shopping (and I was able to cross a couple of people off my list)--we went out to eat, ran a Turkey Trot in the rain on Saturday, took some pics for my Christmas card and enjoyed some strong Manhattans by the fire. It was super low key and relaxing and a perfect recharge for the upcoming holiday craziness. Happy December!

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Oh, hello. Once again, I didn't mean to take such a blogging hiatus, but life got in the way. August was a bit of a doozy of a month--MET and I broke up and then I was laid off. I was supposed to have a job all lined up, but then that fell through and I was faced with a bit of a "WTF AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE" meltdown, but I'm happy to report things are on an upward swing. I started a new job in October that I absolutely love so far, and I'm seriously happier than I've been in a while.

I've missed my little blog, but I'm thinking that a refresh might be in order.

Stay tuned.