13 Accomplishments of 2013

It's really crazy to think about how quickly a year flies by. Even though last NYE feels like a month ago, 2013 was a big one for me. I took a ton of leaps this year..stepped out of my comfort zone plenty of times, and definitely grew over all. Here's 13 of the biggest things I did in 2013:

one :: got into high school

two :: navigated NYC solo

three :: graduated

four :: made new friends...

five :: ...and became closer with old ones

six :: ran 2 miles without stopping

seven :: did a handstand

eight :: wore 'merica pants

nine :: made the Vineyard Vines Instagram

ten :: embraced my imperfections

eleven :: saw 3 live concerts

twelve :: ziplinned

thirteen :: launched this blog!

(Notice how the Elephants made the list!)

This was a fun post to write up! It was really fun to reflect on the entire year - something I don't know if I've ever done. It made me want to start something new in 2014. Maybe a list similar to Mackenzie's 101 in 1001! I would love to set specific goals and then record when I accomplish them (14 Goals for 2014?!)! I'm also so excited for when this season approaches us next year, and I'll have this blog to peek back at how I've grown and big things I've done!

Wishing you a happy New Year!

What are your biggest accomplishments of 2013? Biggest goals for 2014?

cheers, MGR

*My sister reminded me today that I drove in 2013. A car. Behind a wheel. Woah. Bummed it didn't make the list!

photo via

Organization Tips

Hello! Hope everyone excited for the new year to come because I am! I am having the best time in St. Louis with my baby cousin that I just haven't had the time to write. For one my resolutions this year I plan to be more organized in school, friends and family, babysitting, and blogging. I think the real reason I want to be the organization queen is because it comes with the cute labels and folders. Here are some ideas and tips to help you organize the upcoming year!

Fruit + Veggie Smoothie Recipe

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone's been enjoying their weekend..the last one before the new year. I know I've had my fair share of homemade cookies, delicious chocolates, and Reese's Christmas trees over the past week. Any one else guilty? If you are, here's a yummy and healthy fix to get back on track.

Ingredients:

- 4 large strawberries

- small handful of fresh cranberries

- 1/2 orange

- handful of fresh arugula

- heaping tablespoon of Greek yogurt

- dash of coconut water

- 1/4 cup of ice

Instructions:

1. Add fruit/veggies to your blender/juicer. For the Vitamix, I throw things in almost whole (minus stems/skins). For smaller blenders, I'd recommend chopping your berries in half and orange into quarters.

2. Add yogurt and liquid. You could use water or soy/almond milk, but I prefer coconut water.

3. Add ice.

4. Pulse, pulse, pulse!

5. Blend! Let the blender do it's job!

6. Poor into your cup of choice (I always reach for a mason jar!) and drink up!

This recipe is totally customizable! You can use literally whatever you have in your fridge..and alter proportions due to your taste. Lacking an orange? Throw in some citrus juice instead of coconut water. Like it thicker? Add more yogurt. It's really hard to go wrong here. I do different combinations all the time..and they're always delicious!

As for blenders, there's a ton of different options. My mom recently snatched up a Vitamix for an awesome deal. These things are pricey for a reason. It's literally an industrial machine that's supposed to last forever. It can turn whole carrots into juice in seconds, not to mention, it comes with an entire recipe book and instruction DVD. Insane. Not ready to bite the bullet? We were using a simple Cuisinart hand mixer prior to the Vitamix. This thing was great too. Really easy across the board, and definitely got the job done. There's tons on the market, so you can pick whichever suits you best!

Are you going to hop on the juice trend in 2014?

xx MGR

Apres Ski

sweater / coasters / socks / mug

headband / skis / boots

My favorite season is upon us! I was totally inspired on Christmas morning when my sister received the cutest ski tray..when my mom asked her if she liked it, she replied enthusiastically, "Of course, I'll save it for my ski house!" No, she does not yet own a ski house, and I don't see one too close in the future, but we can all dream, right? And now I cannot wait to spend winter weekends in said-ski house, enjoying the best part of a day on the slopes..the moment you finally take your ski boots off. Après ski!

Are you a skier? When/where is your next ski weekend gonna be?

xx MGR

Mission: Redo MG's Room

Let's do this.

My room is in quite the shambles. Mismatched furniture, makeshift window treatments, bubblegum pink walls..my oh my. I've wanted to redo it for a long time, except it never really happened. My brother moved out a few weeks ago and a few things around our house have been getting fixed up, so my sister and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to snatch up a blank canvas and start from scratch.

We haven't made any moves yet. My direction has been changing every two seconds..way too many options. I don't think I can be the person with an all pink and navy room. I don't need everything to match, I just need everything to go. In a way, that's almost harder than sticking to a distinct theme.

Colors, patterns, textures..I want it all. My sister got me two little things from Design Darling that I cannot get enough of..and I think I want them to be the center of inspiration around my new room.

Elizabeth Mayville print

Leopard trinket tray

Eep! Aren't they the cutest?! My sister got the print framed..with a navy matte. #swoon.

So now I'm thinking navy, turquoise, with pops of yellow and pink, and plenty of acrylic and white lacquer. I simply cannot get enough. Now onto picking the best paint color, perfect bedspread, and a great headboard. Stay tuned for room updates..I'm oh so excited!!

What's your favorite part about your room?

xx MGR

PS: Keep up with my new room on Pinterest!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone is safe and sound and staying warm. This year my family and I are heading to St. Louis tomorrow, but will spend the actual holiday here in New York. Hopefully everyone got what they want from Santa and is taking in the true meaning of the holiday!

Artwork by CMK

How are you spending Xmas?

ho ho ho, CMK

Christmas Tunes

Merry Christmas Eve!! I bet most of you are either hard at work over the stove or not-so-quietly taking up space in the kitchen while your mom is hard at work over the stove. Which ever your doing, you're in need of some Christmas jams. Here's what's currently playing in my kitchen (via my brothers sick new Jam Box!).

"Fairytale of New York" // The Pogues
"Happy Xmas (War is Over)" // John Lennon
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman / We Three Kings" // Barenaked Ladies
"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" // Bruce Springsteen
"The First Noel" // Crash Test Dummies
"Auld Lang Syne" // Barenaked Ladies
"Christmas Lights" // Coldplay
"O Holy Night" // Celine Dion

What are your favorite Christmas songs?
xx MGR

PS: Stay tuned for later - CMK and I might come at you with an outfit post!

Instagram Snaps

Haven't you heard? We've joined Instagram! And in my opinion, we're totally taking it by storm. I'm having a ton of fun sharing quick little pics with you guys! Pst..Follow us to keep up! I thought I'd keep Sunday low key and share some of my favorite posts so far!

Shoes of the day, my dog looking insanely cute (and very merry!), CMK in need of some inspiration, and a quick shot of MetLife..#ADayInTheLife

Are you following us yet? Shoot your username towards us and we'll follow you back!
xx MGR

Weekly Roundup

I guess these posts are usually done on Fridays, but well, sometimes it's fun to bend the rules. Here's some of the things I loved this week!

one // The Carrie Diaries

Oh. My. Goodness. I started this a few days ago and I cannot stop. Lucky for me, the first season is SI-ON (streaming instantly on Netflix, duh) so I've been spending every minute of free time cramming in a few episodes. Can we talk about how much I'm loving some of the wardrobe picks? Maybe an upcoming post?

two // Christmas Tunes

Pretty self explanatory. Pandora is kind of the best thing ever when your iTunes is in limbo and you're in dire need of some holiday jams. I think my ultimate favorite Christmas song is "God Rest Ye Marry Gentleman / We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies...and part of me is kinda loving The Crash Test Dummies' version of "The First Noel." CMK and I were pretty shocked (and quite giggly) when we heard this for the first time a couple weeks ago..we're a bit young to be familiar with the band. But, well, I'm kinda getting into it.

three // The Elephants on Instagram!

Haven't you heard? We're on the 'gram! And I'm oh so excited. Sharing quick little pics during the day is so fun! I've had my personal Instagram for almost two years, but unfortunately I'm a little shy to post pictures of my outfits or fun Amy Stone-esque shots with my peers, so a blog Insta was in order. Are you following us yet?

four // Blanket Scarves

Julia Engel's plaid Zara blanket scarf was all over my Tumblr and Pinterest last winter. My sisters pointed it out to me thousands of times..it was something I needed in my life. My brother, being as awesome as he is, gave me the same one for Christmas. It seems like they're the biggest trend this year, and selling out left and right. Well, my trusty friend has been heading into the brisk city with me all week, and we simply can't get enough of each other. Not only are these guys insanely adorable, coming in a plethora of plaids, it's definitely the warmest thing I own!

What were your favorite things this week? 

xx MGR

Outfit :: Winter Formal

I'm back!! Finals are finally over! So apparently (I only learned this a few weeks ago), my school celebrates the end of exams with a winter formal. I was pretty excited when I heard this - an excuse to wear a party dress? Please and thank you!

I wore: Anthrolopologie Lille dress // Anthropologie beaded belt (similar) // Isola suede pumps (similar)

Beaded belts are totally my new favorite thing. My mom pulled this idea out of her back pocket when I tried on this dress (I was tad skeptical at first, I'll admit). I tried on soo many belts and it was impossible to choose! We picked this one because the band almost perfectly matched the dress..but it would've been hard to go wrong.

We had a half day (kinda) today. We went in late and spent the morning in one of the most beautiful churches in NYC doing Lessons and Carols. I was definitely moany and groany about going into school today, but it turned out to be really fun.

Are you going to try a beaded belt for your next holiday party?!
xx MGR

We're on Instagram!

A little late to the party? Only a tad...

Join in on the fun!

Hashtags, and likes, and follows, oh my! Instagram, are you ready for us?

Leave your username below or shoot us a message on Tumblr and we'll follow you!

Cheers, MGR & CMK

PS: We're on Twitter too!

Take Me Away

Brr! Today in New York it is snowing and freezing. I can't wait for summer to come back again and to be tan and warm... but that will all have to wait till June when MG and I get jobs (what!?) Lately, I have been suffering from the wonderful yet awful disease of wanderlust. I have been dying to go some place new for a long time, but just haven't had the time to do it. I went to Paris when I was 11, but I want to go again to take it a bit more seriously, or just maybe to eat more macaroons!
      One place I have just been googling, pinning, and daydreaming about is London! I am dying to just stand outside Buckingham palace or take a walk in the park and accidentally bump into Kate and George and exchange telephone numbers (ha!) I think the real reason I want to go away so badly is that it is so cold here in New York.

Gifts!

Christmas is so close and I just got Mary her present (What could it be?)Well if you haven't gotten a gift for someone here are my gift guides for her, for him, and for the little ones.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10//11//12//13//14//15//16

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10//11//12//13//14//15//16

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10//11//12//13//14//15//16//17//18//19//20//21

What is on your wish list?

xx, CMK

Braid Away

Let it Snow! I am trapped in my house so I am forced to do my homework :( The upside to being trapped is that I don't have to change out of my yoga pants. Today I thought I would talk about one of my favorite things! Braids! I just love the way they look instead of the classic straight hair. For winter formal, I wore my hair in two braids crossed in the back and it was a hit. Also, I was the only person with her hair up (Go Carol). Here are some of my favorite braids.

If you want to try one of these go to this site they have tutorials for amateurs, like myself.

Do you have a favorite braid?

Cheers, CMK

TGIF + Links

Happy Friday Everyone! I am resigning to my desk for the weekend to hopefully finish my art project. Also, I shall be purchasing a gift for Mary (Any suggestions?) Here is whats on my radar this weekend.

One// Rack It Up

Featured on College Prepster's blog she talks about Rack It Up, which is the new Pinterest except for clothing. It is very addicting and very hard to stop once started. You can follow users and add your favorite pieces to your closet. Also the site notifies you when one of the items in your closet is one sale. Follow me!

Two// The Fault in Our Stars

If you have not read this book you should. This book changed the way I think and is one of the best books I've read in my life. Once you start reading The Fault In Our Stars you will not be able to stop that is how good the book is. I suggest you buy it at once.

Three// Kate Middleton

I mean who doesn't love the Duchess of Cambridge! She always has the best style and sometimes the average citizen (that's me) can get some of the pieces she wears. She is always smiling, happy, and is really down to earth. Also she looks great on top of it! Love this outfit she wore to Nelson Mandela movie premiere.

Four// Bean Boots 

This is at the top of my wish list right now! They are just so cute :)

What's on your radar?

xxx,

CMK

Stocking Stuffers

Two Weeks till Christmas Everyone! My mail has been packed with christmas cards, which is one of my favorite things about the holiday. I am so excited to just be able to relax and get out of town. Another part of Christmas that I love is stocking stuffers. I don't exactly know why I have passion for things that fit in a giant sock. It may influence my love for miniature sized candy and travel cosmetics. Here are some of the knick knacks I love!

Nail Polish: 1//2//3//4//5

Stationary: 1//2//3//4//5

Socks: 1//2//3//4

Etc: 1//2//3//4

Do you agree that the best gifts come in the smallest packages?
xx CMK

Finals Week Must Haves

Hello, hello! It's that time of year again...

Here's just a gentle warning that you probably won't see me signing off for a week or so. I'll be dedicating the next 9 days to studying my butt off...and in my usual fashion, I totally forgot to write up drafts to publish while I'll have my nose in textbooks. So CMK's got the reigns all to herself! And this is goodbye for now...

Thought I'd share some of the things getting me through this last push:

Popcorn? Pretty random..but it's my go to snack!

Don't miss me too much! I'll be dedicating study breaks to Tumblr..stop by!!

Wish me luck, MGR

Snow Day

I have always been a fan of the first snowfall especially when school is cancelled! Today I plan on catching up on reading, sleep, and Gossip Girl. This is definetly my go to outfit on a snow day when I have to go out.

I have an obsession with all of the fun and patterned socks at J.Crew! Hope everyone enjoys the view today (and possibly a day off)!

How are you spending the day?

xx CMK

Christmas Spirit

J.Crew flats // vineyard vines skirt // J.Crew turtleneck

Tonight CMK and I will be joining our friends to celebrate Noel's birthday. I'm oh so excited! We're having dinner at her beach club, and it just so happens to be their Christmas celebration. I may not go sit on Santa's lap or decorate a gingerbread house, but the overall spirit is getting me so excited!

Yesterday I realized I had absolutely nothing to wear! I've had this tartan number tucked away in the back of my mind ever since it went live... So from our lunch table, my sister dialed up the vineyard vines store, bought this skirt over the phone, and we had our other sis pick it up. Thanks Kaitlin! We all decided it would be so adorable with a turtleneck and flats. 

Doesn't it just exude Christmas spirit? Not to mention, CMK, my sisters, and I all spent yesterday evening decorating sugar cookies (some are lobster shaped!) and blasting Christmas music. It was so fun! My sisters and I wrapped up the evening with a snug-fest watching Free Willy. #yes

What are you doing to get into the Christmas spirit?

xx MGR

Chic Sneaks

Who hasn't heard the term chic sneaks yet? I know I have! They're all over the place and I'm a tad bit obsessed... I'm currently loving these throwback New Balances that seem to be popping up on men and women everywhere (leave it to J.Crew).

I adore them on everyone else, but I don't see myself pulling them off. A safer alternative? Vans and Supergas and Converse, oh my!, have been all the rage lately. I've deemed these comfy-cute kicks "the city girl's Sperry's." And now everyone wants 'em.

I was a little apprehensive at first, but now I can't get enough. More often than not, I ditch ballet flats and go straight to my Supergas. Running around in sweats, spending a casual day in jeans, or even rocking a cute skirt, I love them with everything. They're so much easier to wear than I would ever think! Here's some of my current favorite options:

// gray Supergas {$65} / cord lace Vans {$60} / white Converse {$50} / camo Vans {$55} //

Are you a Vans, Converse, or Supergas kinda girl?

xx MGR

Psst.. Have you been wondering why I'm going sock crazy lately? Because they look oh so cute paired with my new Supergas..try it out!

Pups on Pups

Puppies are my favorite things in the whole entire world! I cant get enough of all their little faces. I can't even get over my black lab, Bernice! We even have a Pinterest board dedicated to all those fluffy faces. Here are some of the cutest pups on the internet.

It's just so fluffy!

 Patriotic Pup

Hey there, Hank!

The famous Teddy

Bernice, my babe!

I just can't get enough of these little guys and girls! Don't they do a great job at ringing in the weekend?

Are you a cat person of a dog person? We're only a tiny bit biased!

Woof,

CMK

Seven Top Tracks :: Vampire Weekend

I'm a huge Vampire Weekend fan. That could either be super expected or super surprising..you choose. My sisters have been listening to them ever since I can remember (which is crazy because they only debuted 5 years ago!). After months and months of their songs gracing my ears, I finally decided to ask what the heck an Oxford Comma was. So thanks, Kaitlin (my oldest sister and avid Vampire Weekend listener), for teaching me the definition of my favorite form of punctuation (I'm a raging supporter) and introducing me to this band.

So I went in kinda blind. But let's be real, I think I was only ten. I knew all I needed (and still need #IMO): I liked the songs! And what I remember to be very shortly after my discovery was the launch of just about the best ad campaign I could ever wish for:

It doesn't even need an explanation. I seriously loved The Hilfigers with all my heart. And obviously, it was fitting that my new favorite band was apart of it! It pretty much reaffirmed my love of the music, and added a whole new element to the band: they were the preppy music, and at the time, I will admit, I was slightly obsessed with being preppy. (I now understand that that was a predominant factor under which the band marketed on from the start!)

And so it began. My love grew with every new song I discovered, every interview I watched.. And it kind of exploded this spring when Modern Vampires of the City released. Just the album cover alone had me hooked.

Are you a fan of popped collars, tartan, and rolled up corduroys (in fewer words..the Hilfigers)? Then you're probably a fan of Vampire Weekend. 

Here's my top tracks:

one: "Oxford Comma"
two: "Diane Young"
three: "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"
four: "Step"
five: "Holiday"
six: "Cousins"
seven: "Unblievers"

Are you a Vampire Weekend fanatic? If A-Punk's the first song in your iTunes library we can totally be bff's!
xx MGR