Baby it's cold outside...

Now that I work upstairs from a mall I often find myself wandering through stores during my lunch breaks. This has proven to be a real test of my self control because J. Crew and Free People are my kryptonite.

On one of my most recent wanderings a sales woman (who was EXCELLENT at her job) almost talked me into a $400 Barbour coat. 

I've been eyeing that Barbour pretty on a couple of my favorite bloggers recently and her "it's so warm" pitch nearly had me pulling out the ole credit card. Sadly I have no business spending that much on a coat no matter how much I love it and I left empty handed. (Till next time J. Crew sales lady! I'll be the girl shopping the sales section.) 

I've been jones-ing for a new coat ever since though SO what's a girl to do but spend what some might call too much time researching some more affordable alternatives.  

While none are the perfect Barbour, I'm quickly falling in love with these too. If it's going to insist on being so cold out, I might as well look cute while shivering - ya know?

Get This: 1. Curator Coat from Madewell 2. Field Parka from Madewell

3. Factory Skirted Dress Coat from J.Crew Factory 4. Parka with Hood from Zara

5. Factory Tipped Peacoat from J.Crew Factory

Other: Factory Button Glittens from J.Crew Factory ^. Factory Pom-Pom Hat from J.Crew Factory  

^. Factory Furry Earmuffs from J.Crew Factory  ^.

Club Belmont's Christmas Tree

Since Saturday marked the official first day of December and there was light snow fall we decided it was the perfect winter day to get Club Belmont's Christmas Tree.

Last year we had a magnificent small fake tree because the thought of dragging in a tree bigger than us seemed like a lot of extra work. But thanks to our new roomies a real tree was to be had this year!

So we packed up the Jeep with whoever was available (four out of six ain't bad!) and as many holiday tunes as Pandora had to offer and we were off to cut down our own tree!

Oh yes, we're no wimps buying precut trees over at Club Belmont, we cut those bad boys down Griswold family style. (note: I was somehow allowed the honor of carrying our tree saw - basically a lumberjack now)

After several laps around the lot lost in our indecision we finally found the perfect one to bring home with us. We each took a turn cutting it down and it's a beauty!

Just got to decorate it and make it look like Christmas exploded in our house now, at least it smells heavenly in the meantime!

Club Belmont's tree drying off in it's new home - welcome friend!

Wait...Next Week's Thanksgiving??

My fancy, snow free garage! I think I'm in love...
And he plows the driveway - win!

Last week I let my fear of snow get the best of me during the Nor'easter which may or may not have ended with me purchasing two winter coats, new gloves, and splurging on a garage spot for my car this winter.

What's up fear induced spending!

Now that it's forecasted to be up to 67^o today I feel rather silly butttt I'm pretty sure I'll be pleased to pieces when I don't have to dig my car out every morning in January. (muahaha all you suckers with shovels, you may have saved money but I'm not crying over my snow covered car)

Also, you may have already heard the rumors but apparently Thanksgiving is next week...what??

I feel so underprepared for the holidays this year and I'm mildly stressed about their arrival. I need to get into the Thanksgiving spirit people! And what better way than perusing the Food Network website for inspiration? Maybe I'll try and impress my mom this year and bake a dessert!

Here are the recipes that seem to have the perfect ratio of not too intimidating/look amazingly delicious:

Paula's Pumpkin Cheesecake



Paula's Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping
(sans Pecans - those things are my nut allergy's worst nightmare!)



Barefoot Contessa's French Apple Tart