Blizzard 2015: Juno

Good Morning (ish) !

It has been FAR too long- we have had quite a few things going on lately so we have been in survival mode- just getting through day to day, which unfortunately meant the blog fell off the list.

However I am happy to say we are back on track and have adjusted (ish) to our new schedule! Monday morning was both of our first days so getting showered, ready (in real clothes!!) and out the door was challenging to say the least!  Just as I felt like we were streamlining the process we got a snow day today- not complaining at all! In my new position I am no longer considered an "essential employee" so today I am here, desperately trying to warm up before having to brave the cold again.

This morning when I woke up and looked out the window I could not think of one reason in the world I ever wanted to move back here. It is cold, there is snow on the ground until April, shoveling is your cardio, and oh wait its FREEZING! I knew I had many reasons as to why we left our jobs, home and friends in DC to move back here, but suddenly I was at a loss.

Then the doorbell rang, it was my Dad (who is an essential employee) dropping off a snow blower, I looked at the stairs and realized my brother and sister in law (who live next door) had already started shoveling! I instantly became overwhelmingly grateful and realized the most important reason we moved back here is the family support we have! With a little perspective I realized the snow really is beautiful, my husband and dog were both loving being out there and that being cozy inside is likely one of my favorite things.

So I realized exactly why we moved back, Boston is home for all the reasons tangible and unexplainable!

Although talk to me again in April when there are snow covered Tulips! 

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday- long weekends really are the best!

Oliver came home on Thursday after what felt like the longest two and half weeks ever! I was so happy to have him back. Thursday night we went to a fabulous dinner at Porcini's which is one of our favorite spots, we actually had our rehearsal dinner there so every time we go back it's a fun little reminder of an amazing time in our life! :) I am not sure Oliver was really even awake the whole time at dinner, the poor guy didn't know what time of day it was after traveling for the previous forty hours! I went with a causal look for dinner and paired my favorite monogram necklace with this beautiful necklace Oliver brought home from Australia :)

Friday we woke up early, dropped Clovis off at "doggie daycare" and hit the slopes! We had the best day skiing! I learned how to ski last winter and have been absolutely hooked! Oliver is a great skier he learned when he was only four in the Alps (totally normal right?). He has been the most patient teacher, but I am definitely catching up in terms of skill!

Friday night we had dinner plans with one of our favorite couples. Ashley & I have been friends since we met in college taking a summer class, and we became instant friends. I can always count on her for a great time, but also for the tough stuff too - a rare find in a friend! We love hanging out with her and her boyfriend, and they had friends who recently moved to town so they came to dinner as well. By the end of the night it was like we had all known each other for years, what a great time! I was so excited to wear my faux fur for dinner paired with this super cute Loft blouse & of course my new necklace from Oliver!

Onto the where. We decided to go to Precinct Kitchen & Bar - I am absolutely in love with this place! It is inside a hotel but the building itself is an old Boston Police Precinct- hence the name. Their menu is all "traditional Boston" fare, amazing cocktails, and all nestled in the cutest setting. They have vintage BPD photos and decor, as well as the most gorgeous outdoor patio. I actually went out there just to check it out despite the frigid temps, it is safe to say I will be back there soon, and most definitely when that patio is open!

Saturday I got see a friend from DC who was in Boston visiting family, it is always great to see her! We headed over to The Local for lunch, I love this place (I blog about it all the time!), so I wanted to show Erin what it was all about. It is one of the few places in the area that reminds me of the DC foodie scene. Lunch was super casual so I went for flats, boyfriend jeans & the cutest Zara sweater!

Clo got his second haircut Saturday afternoon in preparation for getting fixed next week! My sweet boy has had a rough few weeks with his preop visit where they found an ear infection, having his Dad gone, and now getting fixed. However we will be back on track soon and if plans work out he will be starting Advanced Puppy class in February!

Saturday & Sunday night I worked overnights rounding out the end of my night shift schedule as I transition into a new role! :)

Sorry for the super long post, we just had so much fun this weekend it was a blast to recap! I have also recently started an Instagram just for the blog where I have been posting outfits of the day & other fun things so follow along @passthebubblyblog 

Nothing to wear...

I am the queen of the "I have nothing to wear" I think we can all admit we have said this before, maybe some of us more than others. When I actually put the time in to scour my closet 99% of the time I have the Goldilocks moment, "this one is just right"

Here is the 1% to that- work attire. I have always worn scrubs & dansko's to work, mostly of the time I enjoy the fact that I don't have to think about it just get dressed and go. Also I enjoy the fact that when something spills or splashes on said scrubs because it always does, I don't stress over it. However as I transition into this new role I will be wearing dress clothes primarily, with occasions when I am participating in direct patient care that I will wear scrubs.

I have looked through my closet in preparation, I have some of the basics- JCrew Winnie pants, blazers in several colors, blouses, and a few flats. What I see when I look through is probably two full weeks worth of outfits, which means it is time to do a little shopping! :)

I want to add a few more basics such as brown flats, a work bag, a few more pairs of pants, and then some skirts and shift dresses. Here are a few examples of things I love!

What are your go to work pieces? Do you have a favorite bag or shoe? I would love to hear your ideas!

Third Stitch Fix

Okay it seems super quick I know- I didn't get my second Stitch Fix review on the blog right away. However I got my third fix last week and I am super happy! I feel as though this fix is much more on track with my personal style.

I did a bit of updating to my profile since my second fix, using the resources on the site to maximize my profile. I also had to do a bit of updating because I am starting a new job very soon (yay!) where I will no longer be wearing scrubs full time. I feel really lucky to have the best of both worlds, I will be wearing scrubs while I am in clinic however I will also be wearing dress clothes too.

SO this fix included some "work pieces" which definitely added more variety to the mix. I also changed my profile so I do not receive jewelery or accessories as regularly. I have so many accessories and really love buying them when I come across them so I didn't feel like I needed to get that in my fix. Considering you get five pieces per shipment I felt it was better to get clothing versus accessories I was less likely to keep.

Here is the low down on the five pieces I received this time...

This skirt is the 41Hawthorn Walt striped skirt. I really liked this but I decided to send it back because I didn't feel like it was work appropriate. The fabric is super clingy - maybe a bigger size would have been better?  I liked the look but it wasn't right for me personally.

 

 This dress is also 41Hawthorn and I loved it! I struggled as to what to do with this one, actually holding me up in checking out till the very last minute! Ultimately,  I decided not to keep it because it was a big snug on me, I actually would have preferred a bigger size in this one. It was on the higher end of what I would normally spend however I would have splurged if it had fit better. 

This sweater was easily the worst piece I have gotten in a fix and I seriously contemplated not posting this photo, but to be honest about my fix I decided to so here it goes... I think this is meant to be a "cropped" sweater however I am pretty short so on me it wasn't cropped it was just plain awkward. I also am pretty honest with myself on trends and there is no way I could ever pull off a crop top even if it were the appropriate length. It very quickly went into the return pile!!

I had requested a blazer in this fix, so I was happy to see that I got a variation on a typical blazer (for which I have several). However this style didn't work on me very well, I think the length of it was great for dresses or skirts but the flowing lapels didn't flatter my shape.

Lastly, the piece I did keep was one of my most favorite pieces!  I just realized as I am writing this that I have kept the shirt/blouse from every shipment I've gotten, but this is seriously my favorite! I love the fit, I think it will look great with a blazer for work and will transition to after work easily! Keep an eye out for an outfit post with this new piece! You can also stay in the loop with my outfit of the days posts on the blog's Instagram @passthebubblyblog :)

Overall I am way happier this time! I have schedule my next fix so that it arrives just before my birthday and requested party attire so I will make sure to keep you all posted! :)

Engravable Ideas

Planning our wedding was so fun- blending our different styles into a cohesive day which represented both of us was something of magic. When the topic of first looks, first dances and the ceremony came up Oliver fell clearly on the non- traditional side of things, except for one topic- me changing my name. He felt wholeheartedly that we should have the same last name, whatever that was he wanted to make sure that was the case.

I loved my last name, I was a Collins girl through and through, but for that man I made the switch. So I became k.m.r- it was a change for me for sure. Oliver helped to soften the blow by buying me a few pieces with my new initials- he knows me too well!

I have since embraced the change, monogramming everything I can get my hands on, tastefully of course :)

Here are a few of my favorite pieces, and something I feel every girl should have, especially a new bride! If you know any ladies in your life who are newly minted Mrs, Mama or just someone who would enjoy a personalized piece think about adding these to their collection!


I love the Stella & Dot engravables because there are multiple options, you can do a single letter, a traditional monogram (remember your last name is the center letter- mine would be KRM) several font styles, and they have multiple metals. I also love them because they are SO quick, usual monogramming takes about 4-8 weeks and this is much faster, from when I placed my order to when I received it was 8 days, for an inpatient girl like me that was heaven!

In this photo I am wearing the Signature Engravable Disc Necklace in gold, and with the "script" font. There are three options for chain length I am wearing it on the longest length in this photo. I also love the Signature Bar Necklace.

This is a great twist on a "traditional" monogram, typically you will see the scripted lettering, however I love that this is a modern twist with block lettering! 3-4 week processing time for Nordstrom so make sure to plan ahead! :)

Lastly, another necklace I own personally and absolutely love from Celebrity Inspired! Mine has our anniversary date on one side, and our initials on the other side. I think this is a perfect gift for anyone. You could do an important date, symbols, initials. It can be totally customized to whatever you would like and the Etsty shop owner Lena is amazing! She was super patient, and got the order to me in a very timely manner!


There are countless other monogrammed options for gifts, but these are just a few of my favorites!

Do you have any personalized pieces you love?

Weekend Recap & the cutest J. Crew sweater!

Happy Monday! This Monday feels a bit worse than usual, maybe because it's the first full week after all of the Holiday celebrations? I need an extra shot in my latte today!

My weekend was the perfect mix of relaxation & celebration! I have been battling an awful cold, I got it just after Christmas and I thought I was turning the bend but it hit me again last Tuesday pretty hard, which also happened to be the day Oliver left for Australia for two whole weeks! I am warning you now please excuse the "bathroom selfies" I am seriously missing my photographer/husband..subtle hint for him to come home early ;)

After generous doses of NyQuil/DayQuil I finally felt better so Saturday I had a lunch date planned with an old friend. I hadn't seen her in so long so it was amazing to catch up on life, love & real life jobs! We went to The Local which I know I have mentioned before it is one of my absolute favorites in the area!

Saturday night I headed over to my cousins house for drinks (my cousin is one hell of a bartender as well) &

appetizers. We had an absolute blast hanging out and catching up! My cousin and her partner just bought an amazing apartment in Boston- I have serious real estate envy every time I walk in the door!

Case in point, that fireplace and woodwork is original to the house and we are talking over 100 years old...amazing!!

For a hostess gift I spiced up the usual bottle of wine gift with this awesome bottle coozie and corkscrew. I found these at J.Crew Factory just after the holidays and bought several. I loved the Polka Dot & Chevron mix and so they did they!














On the topic of J. Crew we can talk about my outfit, it is pretty much head to toe J. Crew! I got this sweater for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I like the fit, it isn't super fitted but it is short enough that I think the boxy look is really flattering! I also love the little sparkle along the neckline. The pants I have raved about before, they are the Winnie Pant and I am absolutely obsessed with them! You can get both of these items on sale for an extra 40% off with the code EXTRA40!

The flats are old from Gap, I love them at really like the pointy toe. Here are a few other similiar styles: Gilt: Elyse Pointed Toe flat, Steve Madden: Elusionl  use code SMFREE50 for free shipping!

Second Stitch Fix Shipment

I was SO excited to get my second Stitch Fix shipment, I timed it so that I would get it just before the Holiday's so I would (hopefully) have lots of sparkly fun things to wear to all of the parties and big events.

For those of you who don't know about Stitch Fix read my blog post about it here and all about my first shipment here. 

Okay so on to my second delivery- like I was saying I was jazzed about it coming and quickly very deflated once I opened the box. Here is why...

I received a jersey wrap dress which was incredibly low cut, I tried it on with a tank top but it was still much too low, the stylist even made note of how low it would be and advised me to put a tank under.  It also was jersey material so it clung in odd places- not flattering at all. I would totally understand the mix up however I spent loads of time making my profile very specific, linking up the blog, Pinterest & they have my measurements- I am not a good body type for a jersey wrap dress, so I sent it back!

I did however get a pair of black leggings- plain but definitely versatile. I would have kept them but they were just WAY too small- like not even on a skinny day were they going to get over my hips- small! I also got a pretty cardigan it was open, crocheted in a gold tone. I really liked it but I had several other similar sweaters so I sent it back.

Lastly, the only thing I did keep from my Fix was this silk top. I loved the fabric and the fit, I thought it was super cute- just an easy piece to throw on with jeans and boots!

I have to apologize for the quality of these photos, they were taken with my iPhone as my camera man is in Australia for two weeks! He totally needs to come home and take pictures for me, clearly I am not good at the "mirror selfie" 

Overall I guess the wrap dress was my biggest complaint. I was disappointed, mainly because I had asked for holiday attire, something with a sparkle and the only thing that came close was the cardigan and even that was a stretch. I do however think this program is worth it so I signed up for another Fix and it should be here soon.

I read a few of the tips on their site about how to optimize your shipments so I fingers crossed!

If you are interested in setting up a fix you can use this referral code to get yourself started!

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4261374

Ringing in 2015 & Resolutions

Happy New Year!

I can't believe 2014 is done & dusted, it certainly did fly by! 2014 was so good to us, we moved back home, added the sweetest pup Clovis to our family, as well as one niece & the best sister in law I could have possibly asked for!

This year already had such great things in store for us- a new job for me, our first nephew (coming in June!) and I am sure many memories!

I am not one to make crazy resolutions, mostly because I find it difficult to stick to them. However when I thought about what I wanted out of 2015 one word came to mind, happiness. It was that simple. I just want to be happy. I have every reason in the world to be grateful and happy. There are always things you want, or things you wish you could change, but learning to not let that take away from my happiness is what I hope to change.

This year I plan to make the most of moments no matter how small. Appreciate the many blessings I have in my life, and spend less time & energy on things that don't make me happy. I always envied people who would say they just don't do things if they don't make them happy. I thought I could never do that, but the truth is I can. The changes can be large or small, but overall it is doable and I plan to make it happen! :) 

What are your New Year's resolutions? How do you find happiness in your daily life?