Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Years Eve!

Sorry for the long hiatus - I completely unplugged last week in Florida and had the most wonderful and relaxing time with my family. I do miss my blog, though! I'm in Raleigh for New Years and then back to NYC tomorrow to start 2014. I always struggle to find a dress for NYE but this year I found one I really like. It's black and gold from Club Monaco. As far as resolutions go, I really don't have a set list like I did last year. This year I want to be the best me and go with the flow a bit more. This December has made me appreciate how fragile life is and I hope to continue to be thankful for everyone right in front of me in the new year and beyond. So here's to 2014 - make all of your dreams come true this year! 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Traditions





Thursday, December 19, 2013

Winter Break Book List 2013

I don't know about you guys, but I love to have a bundle of books to choose from over Christmas break. Below are a few I've loaded onto my kindle and can't wait to start.

1. The Signature of All Things: A novel by Elizabeth Gilbert
2. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth
4. Sweet Nothings by Kim Law
5. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
6. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Wednesday, December 18, 2013


Last week was crazy with Christmas parties and this week is crazy at work. I'm trying to finish up everything before I head down to Boca Grande until the new year! Can't. Wait.

Next Week... Heaven.
photo credit: Lulu Berner

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

2014 Calendar

I love the start of a new year. I love getting organized, making goals and resolutions and getting a cute new calendar. Below are a few of my favorites. The second one down is similar to the one that I had this year that I loved and how cute is the Paris one below?! I also really like the beer and food one and Linda and Harriett calendars can be used as postcards as well as calendars. I also wouldn't mind getting the gorgeous watercolor calendar by Sarah Hankinson - so adorable!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Health Food of the Day - Goji Berries

I don't know about you but I am going to need some serious detox after all of the eating and drinking I've been doing. I feel like I've had a holiday party every night and my body is taking a toll. As many of you know, I prefer to add good things to my diet instead of taking things out (not always the best route but gotta start somewhere!) Goji berries are gaining popularity and with such great health benefits, and Gwyneth supporting them, why shouldn't they?? Goji berries, or wolfberries, have been around a long time and are native of China. They have a sort of chewy/crunchy texture that are similar to craisins with a little more crunch (if you get the sun-dried kind). Some of the numerous health benefits include:

+Filled with antioxidants
+Compounds rich in vitamin A, C and E
+Lots of fiber to keep you full
+Contain 15x more iron than spinach
+Full of carotenoids like beta-carotene (seen in carrots) and lycopene (seen in tomatoes).
+Some research suggests goji berries can help increase metabolism and boost energy levels.


I like to soak the berries overnight and put in a smoothie with a banana, acai powder, almond milk, ice cubes and a touch of honey. They are also great on salads and in yogurt bowls. I've even recently seen goji berry infused vodka (which looks amazing...). 

If you live in NYC, try Hu Kitchen's kale salad with goji berries, which is literally kale, goji berries and a yummy dressing or try their amazinggg "mash bar." I like my mash with chocolate chia pudding, cashew butter, almond butter, puffed quinoa bits, strawberries, bananas, goji berries and chocolate syrup - YUM! Probably more calories than going to Pinkberry but at least it's healthier...

Superfood Breakfast Bowl via Camille Styles

  • 1/2 cup of quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 dried merjool dates (more for added sweetness), seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cardamon
  • 2 tablespoons pepitas
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • 1 tablespoon golden raisins
  • goji berries, chia seeds, banana and coconut flakes, to garnish
  3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, pepitas, shredded coconut and golden raisins.
  4. Cook an additional five minutes, adding water if necessary, until quinoa and soft and fully cooked.

Friday, December 13, 2013


Tree decorating, champagne and caroling at the Berners tonight...have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Holiday Mantle

I haven't gotten a Christmas tree for my apartment for the last two years because I am barely there. This year is also a shortened holiday season, with Thanksgiving falling so late, plus I'm going to Florida before Christmas so I didn't think it was worth it. I forgot how much putting up a few decorations really gets you into the holiday spirit. I went home to Greenwich last night for the Johnnie-O store party and my mom had the tree up with lights (no ornaments yet) and has started to get out our Christmas decorations up. When I have a house one day that is not the shoe box my apartment is, I can't wait to decorate a beautiful Christmas mantle like the ones below. I love how they are all infused with their own character and have fun little details. Add in a roaring fire and some Christmas tunes and you're sure to feel like Santa is on his way.

 *source unknown


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Winter White

Winter White is one of my favorite trends this season and I hate to admit it BUT Kim Kardashian is one of the celebrities that is really pulling it off... Pair a high-waisted white pencil skirt with a long sleeved white crop top or wear white jeans after labor day with a chunky sweater or if you live in a warmer climate, try a white drapey blazer with a cool mini. Add in chunky heels in black or metallic and a little jewelry and you're good to go.
1 2 4 6

Monday, December 9, 2013

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer - Naked3 Palette

I am obsessed with eye shadow so very few things make me happier than a good palette. Urban Decay has hit a home run with their new Naked palettes, which each include 12 richly hued colors. My younger sister, Lulu, has the Naked2 palette, which I prefer over the Naked1 and use every time I sleep over in Greenwich and raid her medicine cabinet. I don't know why I didn't pull the trigger and buy my own but when I heard Urban Decay was coming out with the Naked3 around the holiday season I decided to wait. And boy am I happy I waited! This rose-hued colors are amazing and sparkly and the perfect stocking-stuffer for the makeup lover on your list. I couldn't wait for Santa to bring it for me because I wanted to use it for holiday parties... 

Friday, December 6, 2013


As many of you have noticed, Metropolitan Musings has a new layout and I hope you all like it! I wanted to have a cleaner/crisper look. Does anyone feel like this holiday season has completely crept up on them?? One minute it's summer and the next everyone's buying a Christmas tree! Before we know it, it will be the New Year and so I thought I'd get ahead of the game by making a few small changes to the blog now. 

Sorry I have been MIA this week but sometimes life gets in the way of writing every day. By this point every year I have usually finished all of my Christmas shopping - I haven't started yet...nor do I know what to ask Santa for. Sometimes life events put things in perspective and it's hard to ask for things when you're so thankful for the people in your life. I got to spend time this week with a bunch of friends that I truly adore and although it was for unfortunate circumstances, we all found a way to make each other smile. 

Anyways, I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on the new layout! Excited to share pictures of the progress on my parents new house next week. They have completely redone one of the little cottages and it is adorable. My mom truly has a gift. I'm heading up to Hudson tomorrow morning (if I can roll out of bed after a hectic and tiring week). My sister, Tory, made reservations at Fish and Game, which is one of my favorite restaurants in the Berkshires. Their seven course tasting menu is truly a culinary experience and the atmosphere is cozy and rustic. The restaurant actually used to be a 19th century blacksmith shop and it has gorgeous fireplaces and delicious cocktails. I can't wait! Have a great weekend everyone! 

Above images via

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Beautiful Built-Ins

Built-ins can completely change a room. They always seem to make it seem more finished and organized and is a great solution for a small space in need of more storage. Below are some that have caught my eye recently. 

 Source Unknown

via Architectural Digest

 via Amy Vermillion Interiors



 via Domaine Home






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