Go Team!

Benji's rooting for the Mustangs today in his Mascot pom pom scarf. Congratulations to all bowl-bound teams!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Happy Birthday to The Canary Diaries!

One year ago today I started this blog as a way to catalog things I like (and Benji's antics of course). Thank you for reading!

My first post was a recipe, so as a nod to that post below is a recipe I just love. It's perfect for a game day breakfast too, so it is especially apropos today.

Regan's Scones

Preheat oven to 450 F. Sift together in one large bowl the following:
1 3/4 C sifted all-purpose flour
2 3/4 t baking powder
1 T sugar
1/2 t salt

Cut into these ingredients until the size of small peas using a pastry blender (or in my case, two knives--note to self, get pastry blender):
1/4 C cold butter

Beat in a separate bowl:
2 eggs
1/3 C cream

Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour the liquid into it. Combine with a few swift strokes. Handle the dough as little as possible (this is totally serious, the first time I made these, I did not follow this rule and it did not end well). Place on a lightly floured board. Pat until 3/4 inch thick. Cut into diamond-shaped scones. Brush with the reserved egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 15 minutes.

And, voila, scones!

xoxo
The Canary Diaries

Benji Wednesday: One Last Gift

There was one more gift under the tree for Benji on Christmas morning. Her name is Elsie and she's two months old. Benji wants to know where the gift receipt is.

Happy Boxing Day!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and for all of you Brits a Happy Boxing Day! I hope the above outfit (via Refinery29) provides some inspiration for any Boxing Day festivities you might attend.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Merry Christmas!

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprended it not."

John 1: 1-5

Merry Christmas!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Benji Wednesday

Merry Christmas from Benji!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

I Love...

This super cute bottle holder. Thanks, M!

Get a similar one here.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Happy Christmas Week!

Happy Christmas Week to you! This week is full of work, last-minute gift getting and wrapping and a few fun get togethers. I wish I were wearing this fabulous Oscar de la Renta dress out and about like the lovely Lake Bell in January's Town & Country. Isn't it amazing?

Hopefully this week will also be marked by some baking. I've been wanting to try this recipe from Martha Stewart and, of course, I love a good batch of chocolate chip cookies around Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful, festive week!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

I Love Reese to Pieces!

I've been a big fan of Reese Witherspoon ever since seeing Legally Blonde way back in 2001. Her style, her attitude, her poise, she's just cool. So I loved Who What Wear Daily's amazing "Alpha Mom" gift guide featuring Reese, and amazing gifts she might like.

Such cute picks. Yes, please to all of it! And, is anyone else as excited as I am to see How Do You Know? this weekend? Also a fan of the Lauren Conrad "Working Girl" edition. How great is that yellow coat?

xoxo
The Canary Diaries

Crafting: Succulent Wreath

I just love this succulent wreath from the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. Here's the how to.

Only eight more days!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Benji Wednesday

We had every intention of getting some shopping done last weekend, but instead....

Only 10 more days until Christmas!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

On My Christmas List...

This book by Mad Men's costume designer, Joy Bryant, to both assuage my weekly MM withdrawls and give me insight on how to look like this...

Photo via Access Hollywood.



Left My Heart...

I was fortunate enough to visit San Francisco this past week and really enjoyed my first visit to the city. A few quick phone snaps....

Can't wait to return!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries



Foxy Lady

I am totally loving the fox tails that have been showing up on the bags of some very stylish ladies of late. They are so fantastically boho...and I'm hoping very faux!

Photo via Refinery29

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

An Ode to Rue

Rue magazine, how do I love thee?

If you have not yet signed up for their newsletter, I suggest you do so asap. Issue Two was completely amazing. In no small part due to the awesomeness of the spread below--it makes me want to break out the fondue and martini glasses.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Gift Week Part Three: Sister

Sisters, be they blood related or just close friends, are probably the most fun to shop for because it is so fun to pick out things you would like and know that they probably will too. I am lucky enough to have an amazing sister who is way cooler than I could ever hope to be. She's always game for fun and has a sweet shoulder to cry or laugh on. For my sister, my forever friend.

A party sash to throw over an LBD for an impromptu party (from J. Crew)

Essie nail laquer in the perfect red (Russian Roulette) and....

a festive green (Pretty Edgy) available at Essie

Don't forget to throw in a gifted mani/pedi for good measure

Cheeky champagne glasses for a New Year's Eve celebration--to be filled with sparking cider, of course!

Juliska thread and berry collection in pink, for her very grown-up apartment

Love you, Sister

xoxo

The Canary Diaries 

Benji Wednesday: Gift Week Edition

So what will be under the tree for Benji come Christmas morning? Well, he'll be sharing a new bed with his brother. Something like this will fit the bill, monogrammed with both their names of course from Orvis.

He'll also be unwrapping a few new Mascot collars. We especially love the Old School Repp style.

And, in the way of clothing, Benji is hoping for the sporty trench at right below from Rover.

Photo via Refinery29.

Benji, as many of you know, was dropped off at the SPCA. I don't know many things about him as a result. What I do know firsthand is that the dogs there need your help, and because Christmas is a great time to give as well as receive, we will be giving to both the SPCA and The Humane Society. I hope you'll give to a cause close to your heart this holiday, too.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Gift Week Part Two: The Men in My Life

When I was 10 I briefly toyed with the notion that I might be a tomboy. After a day spent tossing a football around, I decided it wasn't for me. However, I do appreciate the adventurous spirit and zest for the outdoors that so many of the men in my family posses. With my brother, father and husband in mind herewith are my picks for the men.

Yeti Coolers. Apparently not even a bear can rip this thing apart. Yes, that's right, a bear. Get one here.

L.L. Bean's vests--a favorite in our house is the Wind Challenger Fleece Vest

 A fly fishing trip for the boys. Enough said.

Custom boots from Luskey's

Stocking stuffers from Orvis, such as the shave soap and multitasking money clip

xoxo
The Canary Diaries

Gift Week Part One: Mom

I am absolutely a shopaholic. I say that not out of pride (that's so early 2000s, right?), but out of realization. I just love the thrill of a great purchase. So, like any true junkie I love the Christmas holidays, because shopping is not only okay in December, it's encouraged. Thus, this week I devote The Canary Diaries to the sport of shop.

To begin? My wonderful mom who goes to New York at least 24 times a year, loves her children no matter what and inspires me to be a better person every day.

Kate Spade's mittens

The Hermes Scarf History & Mystique available on Amazon

Hug salt and pepper shakers from the MoMA store

A year of fresh flowers from her favorite florist--ProFlowers has a great online ordering process

A DVD of her favorite broadway musical

Health-concious stocking stuffers from raw food guru Hail Merry

 Love you, Mom!

xoxo
The Canary Diaries



Window Shopper

Two equally amazing NYC wintery window displays to get you in the mood for some shopping!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Sweet Suitcase

Reason # 357 I wish I were Gwyneth Paltrow... 

 a monogrammed Louis Vuitton Pegase suitcase from the Mon Monogram collection sent to her gratis! Also, she probably gets amazing Coldplay seats.

Photo via Goop. If you don't subscribe, get on it!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Benji Wednesday: Feline Confusion

Benji's Thanksgiving was wonderful too. We ate lunch at my parent's house. They have three dogs and two cats, so there's never a dull moment! On our walks in the neighborhood Benji is on high alert any time he sees a cat within ten yards, but on Thanksgiving he was remarkably calm with my parent's cat, Tiger (far right above). I'm pretty sure he thought Tiger was a dog. Either that, or he made a Thanksgiving exception.

xoxo
The Canary Diaries

Happy December!

 I hope you had a restful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Mine was full of great food and family. Now the pumpkins have been sent to the compost and a beautiful Christmas tree is on display in our den. Christmas season is surely here, but before we say goodbye to fall completely. One last street shot that epitomizes my favorite season...

This photo sublimely illustrates the reasons why I love headbands, yellow and autumnal accents. When thoughtfully selected, they are beyond.

Now, let's all follow the lead of this darling girl and grab a gingerbread latte! Happy December!

Photo via Unabashedly Prep.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries