25 February 2013

Nine Ways to get through March

I'm definitely a summer girl.

I like sailing, beaching, sun-kissed skin, and shorts. For me, this time of year--after the holiday season, after Valentine's Day, but still wintertime--can be slightly depressing. At times, I feel like I've forgotten what it feels like to be able to wear shorts and a t-shirt.

How can we get ourselves through this "winter slump?"


Summertime Inspiration

1. Take a vacation. This is obviously the most effective way to revive your inner summer. Visit those Florida relatives, even if it's just for a weekend.

2. (Ladies), invest in a good bronzer. Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about winter is having to deal with pale skin. My favorite bronzer is Nars Bronzing Powder in Casino. It works like a charm and leaves no streaks.

3. Buy flowers for your home. Bright colors = happiness.

4. Get out and do something! Walk your dog, go to a lacrosse game, take a trip to the aquarium. Keeping yourself busy is key.

5. Make a summer inspiration board. Mine is above.

6. Hit the gym. Swimming is probably the best possible cure for the winter blues, but any workout will leave you feeling more energized and better all-around. Plus, when it finally does get warm, you'll have a hot body to show off.

7. Make yourself wake up early. Sleeping in can make your more depressed. Plus, waking up with the sun means you'll have more exposure to sunlight throughout the day.

8. Spend some time outside, even though it is cold. Your body cannot properly absorb Vitamin D if you do not expose yourself to sunlight.

9. Become a germ freak. There's nothing more depressing than being sick and cold. You can also avoid getting sick by increasing your vitamin C intake and drinking Emergen-C.

Hang in there! Spring is so close!

12 February 2013

Currently Coveting: Nautical Jewelry

Sailboats, anchors, sailor's knots, blue crabs...what more could a Maryland girl want?

Nautical Jewelry


08 February 2013

The Annapolitan's Rules for Monogramming

"If it's not moving, monogram it." - Reese Witherspoon

While this is a nice idea and a cute quote, I can't say I agree entirely. Don't get me wrong; I'm obsessed with monogramming--but we've got to stop somewhere. Too much monogramming can be extremely tacky. I've compiled a list of practical vs. impractical things to monogram. These are strictly my opinions.
Monograms

Practical:
  • Backpacks, boat bags, clutches, wallets, luggage, makeup bags, jewelry rolls
  • Phone cases, phone chargers, laptops
  • Water bottles, tumblers, mugs, flasks, wine glasses, koozies
  • Headbands, belts, croakies, cufflinks
  • Oxford shirts (a small breast or pocket monogram ONLY; never monogram the cuff)
  • Necklaces, bracelets, keychains
  • Pens, clip boards, planners/agendas
  • Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, towels, robes
  • Kitchen trays
  • Wall decorations in home, doormats
  • Stationary, thank you notes
  • Dog collars/leashes (with your dog's initials, of course!)
Impractical:
  • Earrings (unless done very tastefully--CAN be tacky)
  • Cars (for some reason, I just don't think it's practical to monogram cars)
  • Shoes
  • Shirt cuffs (pretentious and tacky)
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Dresses
  • Bowties
Things I'm on the fence about:
  • Sweatshirts, cardigans
  • Hats
  • Norts
  • Rings
  • Scarves
The Annapolitan's guidelines for monogramming:
  • Monogram things that are unexpected, like a headband or a water bottle.
  • Don't double letter. You don't want to be wearing five things with your initials on them at once--that's not tasteful or subtle. We get it. Your initials don't have to be on EVERYTHING.
  • Wait until you're married to start monogramming linens and housewares you're going to have for a long time--towels, sheets, pillowcases, kitchenware. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of stuff that has your maiden name on it.
  • Monogram with discretion. Stick to time-honored traditions. If you have a suspicion that something is tacky, it probably is. Keep it classy, tasteful, and subtle.
  • Monograms always go with pearls, seersucker, or chevron.
Monograms II

The Annapolitan's favorite things to monogram:
  • Buy a headband from Lululemon and have it monogrammed. There is a stand at the Annapolis mall near Victoria's Secret that monograms anything and everything.
  • Order some custom monogram stickers from Etsy.com and put them on water bottles, planners, laptops, phone cases, etc.
  • I love these monogrammed wallets from Tuckernuck. They're subtle and tasteful.
  • It is traditional to monogram stationary and thank you notes. There are tons of styles of Etsy.com.
  • Buy a wooden letter (or letters!) from the craft store and cover them in scrapbook paper using Mod Podge. You can buy the letters at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I used pages from an old Lilly Pulitzer agenda, and mine came out great! The letter can be used as a door or wall decoration.
Monograms III


Oh, and one more thing: Cupcakes should always be monogrammed.