Linds-terest: Holi-daze

It's been a few weeks, so I thought it was time for another installment of Linds-terest, my wrap up of internet goodness that I'm kind of obsessed with. This week, it feels like the holidays just exploded, probably prompted by my day at the Boston Bloggers Home for the Holidays event, and punctuated by the fact that I've already started making gift tags and even purchased a few Christmas presents already. I am ON IT this year, you guys. I've even started my 2014 Christmas list Pinterest board, coming soon as it's own post. As soon as I finish my DIY pennant banner (and you know, Thanksgiving is over), I am going to Christmas the crap out of this place. So let's explore these early goodies getting me in the holiday spirit.

Anna Kendrick for Kate Spade... Again.

I know what you're thinking. That perhaps I started this series just to continuously proclaim my love for Anna Kendrick and everything she touches. And if they keep releasing videos like this, well then yes, that's exactly what this is. After her 20 Questions interview, I didn't think it could get any better, until they debuted this little ditty, "The Waiting Game." I love this because: 

A) She's as adorable as ever. 

B) She spends the majority of the video conversing with a scruffy little pup, which conveniently, so do I.

C) Getting locked out of places is a specialty of mine. 

Also, how badly do I need that hat for my Christmas card photo?

I Heart Organizing: Photography Tips

I'd like to think I know a little bit about photography, but then sometimes I read these schmancy blogs and I'm like I may as well be shooting with a disposable camera. One of my favorite bloggers, Jen from I Heart Organizing, posted her blogging photo tips, and I loved getting a behind-the-scenes peek at how she makes her home look so good (of course, the meticulously organized drawers and perfectly coordinated decor doesn't hurt either). I also discovered one of her secrets: a basic lighting kit, which is now officially on my Christmas list. 

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"Baby It's Cold Outside" by Michael Buble & Idina Menzel

Disclaimer: This is on my list this week, but just barely. I had to include it as one of my all time favorite holiday songs, but I'm not quite sure about this video. Instead of featuring the amazingly talented and gorgeous Michael Buble and Idina Menzel, there's two children I've ever seen lip synching their way through a little song and dance number that takes place in a hotel. My number one question is why, and my number two is could they have casted a pair of more mismatched children? I know that girls grow faster than boys, but that boy looks like he should still be on the playground and I would be stunned if that chick didn't already have her learner's permit. Also, they have changed the lyrics (because the song was so scandalous before with all of the unmentioned but implied sexual scenarios) to make it a little more kid friendly, and I have to wonder if this is a "what came first, the chicken or the egg" situation. Like, did they change the lyrics because they were planning on making the video with castoffs from the Disney channel, or did they cast the mini-me's because of the now family-friendly verses? Whether or not you're creeped out by this, it's still a great song by two of the best entertainers out there right now, so it's worth a listen. 

The Year of No Kardashian Kristmas Kard

Sometimes, if you're a good person and you pray really hard, good things happen to you. I'm kidding, but seriously, how excited am I that there will be no ridiculous Kardashian holiday card this year?! I will admit, there's a teeny part of me that will miss that crisp winter morning when I wake up and run to my computer to find that the card has dropped, followed by my mom and I spending a good hour critiquing it and pointing out all of the ways that the Scalera cards are superior. If you're thinking I need to get a hobby, I just need to point out to you that that is my hobby, and I don't judge you for doing macrame or whatever (that's a thing, right?). Unfortunately, all of the K's are too busy getting divorced or sparking a much heated debate about whether they have or have not had surgery to enhance their faces (or Adam's apple, either or) to take the annual family pic, which I find ironic, because I've always thought it looked like half of them were created by a Pixar animator and Photoshopped in anyway. 

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24 Delightfully Festive Ways to Do Your Nails for the Holidays on Buzzfeed

I am a self-proclaimed nail art addict. I'm not a reenact entire scenes on your fingertips kind of girl, but I do enjoy a subtle ring finger bling. So when I saw this entire post on Buzzfeed filled with holiday-inspired manis, I clicked immediately, ready to do some serious Pinning to my Nailed It! board. I was a little turned off by some of the more elaborate ones (especially anything involving French tips... the year 2001 has come and gone, people). I mean, I don't like nutcrackers in my home and I certainly don't want them on my fingertips, especially if it requires more than one finger to complete the scene. My favorite has to be the plaid/sparkle combo, which probably existed before last weekend but I feel in some way is inspired by my ensemble for the Boston Bloggers Home for the Holidays event.

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"Toast Talk" on A Piece of Toast

This has absolutely nothing to do with the holidays, but I read this post recently and I just thought it really hit the nail on the head with how women treat each other today. I have to admit, A Piece of Toast is a blog I have on my reader because so many other people seem to be obsessed with it, and I kind of never got what the big deal was. In my usual skimming, I noticed that this wasn't a fashion-related post, and I stopped to take a look (which is weird, because usually the site of a lot of text has the opposite effect on people). I don't want to give it all away, because I really think that this is something that should be shared and read, but it's about a new show that I'm obviously watching (House of DVF on E!) and their very free-flowing use of the word "bitch" in this week's episode. 

via

Now I'm not a total prude, but I just really don't think that profanity is an effective means of communication. My friends used to make fun of me in middle school because I refused to repeat swear words, not because of any strong convictions I had about what these words meant, but more because I always thought that people that used an excessive amount of profanity couldn't think of a more intelligent way to articulate their feelings. Obviously, I've grown up a bit, and admittedly let out an occasional four letter word here and there, but it's not anything that I feel shows any signs of class or intelligence. 

I was shocked at Diane von Furstenberg's repeated use of the word "bitch," right to the face of Kier, one of the contestants (who I don't particularly care for, but that's a whole other debate of whether or not she is rude versus watching out for herself and not making friends with the other girls). Frankly, I'm more confused as to why she agreed to be part of this show in the first place. I mean, I love reality television, especially when it's centered around an industry that I'm interested in, but I just thought DVF was so far above this. I also was envisioning it to be a behind-the-scenes look at one the world's most exclusive fashion brands, not a competition between eight barely qualified women for a position that may or may not actually exist.

Didn't mean to leave things on a heavier note, but what is a blog for if you can't share your feelings on an issue, amirite?

~L

I'm Gonna Make This Place Your Home for the Holidays

When you live on an island, your excursions are carefully planned but infrequent. So when I first got the email from Alison and Kate about the Boston Bloggers Home for the Holidays event, I figured there was no way I could make it work, and I filed it away in one of my many email subfolders (because even though it’s been a year and a half, I still can’t bear to delete my beloved Boston Blogger communication). I’ve been suffering from some major blog FOMO since I moved to Nantucket in 2013, and every time I get the notice about a meetup or workshop, I cry a little bit inside knowing that there’s no way I can go.

But the more I thought about, the more I was determined to make it work. I mean, it was a Saturday, so it would be possible to get to the city somehow. Only snafu? My previous commitment to work at the museum until midnight the night before. With fifty fourth-graders. The only solution would be to leave on the 6:30 AM boat on Saturday morning, which would require a 5 AM wakeup. But hey, for the chance to reunite with my Boston Blogger ladies and the potential for other off-island adventures immediately following (Panera, Target... need I say more)? Sign me up.

I’m so glad I went, because I had the best time. With all the craziness I feel I have in my life on a day to day basis, I had been feeling very neglectful of my little blog that I used to spend so much time on. It was invigorating to get back in that mindset and be excited again about the prospect of being inspired to write once again.

When they put the word “holiday” in the title, they were serious. This was a full-on seasonal extravaganza, which I appreciated because it forced me to think about the impending merriment that I have been horribly procrastinating on the last few years (case in point: I bought every single one of Steve’s stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve in Hyannis while I was waiting for him to get off the boat, because I’m like the most thoughtful wife ever). We were lucky to have Wayfair host the Boston Bloggers at their offices in Copley Place, which I arrived at approximately thirty minutes late (but still stopped for a photo, because you know, without it, I was never actually there), which I thought was really good timing for someone that had to take a two hour boat ride and then drive from the Cape.

i have arrived.

I was immediately greeted by an immaculately decorated office full of beautiful furnishings… and no bloggers in sight. Because they were all in the keynote presentation that I had missed half of. Oops. I snuck into a free seat and promptly evaluated my swag:

getting my bloggy swag on

The speakers, Heather Armstrong and Christiane Lemieux seemed to be having a general conversation about the blogging process and how to balance this with your life. I wanted to follow everything they were saying, but I was already so distracted by the session schedule that I had trouble focusing on the discussion since I had entered halfway through.

After that, I embarked with group Mistletoe to our first stop, DIY Pennant Banners with members of the Wayfair team, Shelby and Lindsey. The minute they mentioned that this craft was the hit of the Alt Summit, I was like GIVE ME THE BURLAP. They had precut various colors, fabrics and shapes, and we could pick whatever our hearts desired.

In addition, there were strings, ribbons, paints, stencils – everything we needed to make our own masterpiece, perfect for blog holiday décor photos. I decided that mine would say “Merry Merry,” one of my favorite but not universally known holiday messages (it’s from a page in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where the Whos are having their feast –it’s hanging in the background). Unfortunately I ran out of time and only made it through one “Merry,” but since I was freehanding it with black paint, I decided I would finish it up at home.

Next we moved on to the highly anticipated Tabletop Decorating session with Abby Larson, the creator of Style Me Pretty, aka, the Bible. You may recall I met Abby once at a signing for the Style Me Pretty book (she did too! She either has an amazing memory or is just perpetually nice to stalkers), and this talk did not disappoint.

With the help of a plethora of Wayfair accessories, volunteers designed their own holiday tablescape and the rest of us spectators gave them a thumbs up or thumbs down (we were kind, plus they did a great job). She also provided us with some great tips and tricks for photographing your holiday décor, which if I decorate more than a week ahead of time this year, I intend to put to use.

After that, we were treated to lunch by Kitchensurfing, who made us gourmet grilled cheeses (I went with the bacon + duck confit variety) and soup and I died a little bit.

As we nibbled, Alison held her own “fireside chat” and talked to us about how to balance your life with your holiday blogging schedule. I don't know if you can tell, but she's pretty much about to deliver a baby, so the fact that she did all this work and looked cute doing it is a testament of how awesome she is.

Next I was excited to move onto DIY Gift Tags with Kate, as I had seen her little creations on everyone’s Instagrams that day and knew that we were in for a treat. Under her amazing craft tutilage, we constructed our own gift tags from the likes of paint swatches, shower curtain rings, burlap, stencils, etc.

My mom was so excited about this that she immediately creeped our local Walmart paint section and snagged handfuls of holiday-colored paint chips and we continued the craft session for the next two days. As you can see, I was quite efficient and proceeded to make enough tags to give a present to basically everyone I’ve ever met. You’re welcome.

Our last session with our group was SEOAwesome with a few of the Wayfair techies that really knew their you know what (and obviously get extra ten points just for that name). I have been so inconsistent with just regular blogging things, that getting into all of the analytics that go along with having a successful blog is not something that I’ve really delved too deep into yet. I liked this session though, because even though everyone else there seemed like they were light years ahead of me, our presenters did their part to cover the basics without clearly talking down to the more advanced bloggers in the group. I didn’t even take any photos during this session because I was so obsessively taking notes on every single thing they said and I didn't want to miss anything. 

Finally, all of the groups convened once again for the final event, Menu Planning with Jeremy Sewall of Island Creek Oyster Bar, Lineage, and Row 34 (none of which I’ve ever been too but I now have an inexplicable craving for). 

I’m not exactly what you would call the “menu planner” in my household, but I enjoyed learning the correct way to shuck an oyster and how to deconstruct a lobster (which I surprisingly haven’t learned on Nantucket). He also has a gorgeous new cookbook out that would convince any non-chef that they could easily throw an entire dinner party of New England favorites made from scratch. Also he brought oysters for us to eat, so yeah, he wins. 

After that, it was time for everyone's favorite - cocktail hour. Bloggers + wine = a damn good time. 

or i guess anyone + wine, but still. this is a fun bunch.

Speaking of wine, our libations for the evening were provided by the new Andegavia Cask Wines, which I was very excited to find out had a major Nantucket connection, meaning that they are available at multiple retailers on the island. Since these fun little packages hold four bottles in one convenient recyclable container, it's idea for picking up a few (red and white!) for holiday gatherings. 

i thoroughly enjoyed the sauvignon blanc, but that's no surprise.

I spent the rest of the time catching up with some of my favorite bloggers, like Sara of Forever and a Recipe (who got married!) and Emily of Shell Chic'd (who got engaged!). And since we live our lives on the internet, a selfie was necessary. 

I saw one of the attendees on Twitter saying that they were going to dress "festively comfortable" for the event (whoever you are, you're brilliant and I'm sorry I didn't immediately follow you - please identify yourself!), and I would say that all of us that showed up in plaid were totally on the same page.

l.l. bean ain't got nothing on me, Natalie & Susan

I also spent an unhealthy amount of time exploring the Wayfair office and snapping photos of my favorite areas. It may be my new favorite place. Can I just move in there?

And because they are so amazing (and know the way straight to a blogger's heart) there were gifts. Yep - those presents under the tree weren't just for show. 

alana of the good girl gone blog is very excited about her cheese board.

Because I had my car with me and I am a child at heart, I chose one of the biggest bags and was pleasantly surprised to fine a gorgeous blue pillow that already matched the color scheme in my living room (coincidence? Or is Wayfair just that good?). 

downside: it made me realize how dingy my other pillows are. yikes.

Love this look? You can get your own (it comes in two colors, and it's on sale!) here. I'm already thinking about getting a second one and doing a full update for the couch. I mean, most of the ones I have are from Home Goods circa five years ago, and that orange one is technically an outdoor pillow. #bloggersecrets

It even got the Schooner seal of approval (i.e., he's not ripping it apart, so we have a win). 

All in all, it was such an amazing day, and I'm so thankful that I got to be there. If you just can't get enough of this event (and obviously, I can't), check out the official photos from Third Eye Chic on her blog too.

Thank you to all of the people that were involved in making this such a great experience for all of us bloggers!

~L

P.S. I've had a lot of questions about my outfit (which I love, so keep 'em coming!), so I had to share my official #ootd pic:

I have to admit, I was really stumped on this one. There was no official dress code, but knowing that when you go to these events that it's at least half-full of fashion bloggers, you gotta dress to impress. Also you're not only representing yourself, but your blog too. Since I would be heading their straight from the boat with no time to ravage a Forever 21 or something for a last minute item, I had to call in the big guns, which meant texting my fashionista friend Sarah frantically at 10 P.M. the night before with crazy selfies I had to take standing on a stool in my bathroom because I broke my full length mirror. She gave me some super helpful recommendations of things that I already had, and together, we came up with this. I was so flattered to get complimented many times that day by all these people who have style that I am in awe of. So thank you! Also, here are the outfit details:

TJ Maxx top (circa 2 years ago, similar here) / NY & Company skirt (I feel bad that so many people asked me where to get this, but it's literally from like four years ago. This is the only one I could find online that wasn't $400) / Express tights / Sears booties (old, similar here) / ILY Couture necklace / Forever 21 bow (old, similar here) / Ink Revival nametag (they did all the amazing calligraphy for the event!)

Linds-terest: Tricks & Treats

In an attempt to get back on the blogging bandwagon, I thought it time to start my own little series to inspire me to write even when there's no award shows or Kardashian divorces to comment on. I used to have my Mall Madness Monday posts, in which I would share my weekly favorites from traipsing through the runway of retail that was my former place of employment. But since I am no longer trapped within the confines of shopping plazas, I needed to find some other form of inspiration. 

So what do people do on Nantucket with nary a chain store or outlet in sight? Why, take to the internet, of course. I decided that I need to expand my horizons past just shopping, though, and do more of an overall round up of all my online favorites for the week (or two, whatever). I'm thinking of aiming around five or so, but it could be more or less depending on how easily influenced I am that particular week. 

So starting off with a bang, or should I say, a boo, since it's almost Halloween. But only a few of these things are bump in the night-worthy, and the rest? Just more of everything I cant get enough of. 

PS, the name came from my mom, who upon the discovery of the timesuck/craft shaming that is Pinterest, said that I should have thought of that myself and called it Linds-terest. And that's the reason why I'm not a millionaire. Cheers!

Anna Kendrick for Kate Spade 

I have long been under the impression that Anna Kendrick is a national treasure and deserves nothing less than having her face added to Mount Rushmore. Even if you don't think she's pretty (you're crazy) or you hate all her movies (blasphemous), I dare you to watch this 20 questions interview from the Kate Spade blog and not immediately fall in love with her. Also, she's the star of their holiday campaign, so yeah, I'm going to need everything.

The Most Fashionable Pumpkins Ever

Every year, I pin all these amazing photos of super crafty, no carving needed pumpkins, and they NEVER happen. In 2013, I was all about glittery chevron. Seemed totally attainable. I even bought ten miniature gourds that sat on my shelf for so long that they dried themselves out and basically became maracas. So when I stumbled upon these last week, I was sold. And by sold, I mean I admired them and thought about making them and put no real effort into any of it. I mean, pumpkins inspired by all the major players in the fashion industry? As Rachel Zoe would say, I die. While I love them all, pumpkin Karl Lagerfeld is my favorite. I only wish there was an accompanying model of his cat. 

via domaine

"I Know I'm Not the Only One" by Sam Smith

Besides projecting a sound that can only be described as baby angels crying tears of joy, Sam Smith's other greatest contribution to the world right now is this beautiful but soul-crushing music video. Since I like to know the kids are into these days, I do watch the MTV music video channel (it exists, but only in the 200s on Comcast) while I get ready in the morning and that's where I discovered this gem. It stars Dianna Agron from Glee looking as flawless as ever as a neglected housewife, and the hot yet approachable Chris Messina from The Mindy Project as her philandering significant other (who I would hate, but then I remember that it's really difficult for him to contain his hotness). I feel so many emotions when I watch this - pain, heartbreak, empathy, anger, but most of all, I just really need the tutorial for her eye makeup. 

In the Heart of the Sea Trailer

Shameless plug: I spent an exhausting but incredibly exciting two days this month working with Warner Brothers for a two-day long lead press event at the museum that I work at. I KNOW. It took every fiber of my being not to Tweet, Instagram, skywrite or use whatever other form of communication available that I could find and tell the world about this before it was happening. Instead, I just had to let it eat away at my insides that the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Ron Howard were going to be walking around on the same stretch of land that I live on, traveling the same halls that I do everyday, etc. Since they have long come and gone, I can not only breathe, but acknowledge that this in fact actually happened and I was a part of it. So when the trailer came out shortly after, I watched it forty-seven times and sent it everyone I know. It won't be in theaters until March 2015, so you have time to not only read Nat Philbrick's amazing book that it's based on, but you could probably even get through Moby-Dick too (which was inspired by these true events, all from our little elbow of sand). Be sure to check out the official Facebook page, where they will be posting all kinds of tid-bits prior to the film's release, including some promos shot at my work (featuring our authentic whaleboat)!

Oscar de la Renta Slideshow on Style Me Pretty

The fashion world lost an icon earlier this week with the passing of Oscar de la Renta, a true artist who was known for everything from award show wear to beautiful bridal gowns. So of course, the wedding bible that is Style Me Pretty put together a beautiful online gallery of some of his greatest nuptial works, from trendy to traditional. Me? I'm always partial to a large bow. 

via style me pretty

That's it for the first installment. Not sure exactly when my next post will be, but I'll be on the prowling the web this week in search of new finds (and I mean that in the least To Catch a Predator way possible).

~L

You Got the Write Stuff

Last weekend, I had one of those weekends that you look forward to for days and then you blink, and BAM! It's over. While any gorgeous weekend on Nantucket is a gift from the weather gods as a way to repay you for the worst winter ever, these few days were especially noteworthy for me as it was my first Nantucket Book Festival. I missed it last year, and so I was really looking forward to get my book nerd on all weekend long. 

Nantucket is famous for having a festival of some kind almost every weekend from May until August. Unlike many of the others, most of the events during Book Festival are totally free, which is great, because if there's anything Nantucket is known for, frugality is not one of them. 

But about the festival. Guys, it was amazing. Seriously. As someone who has loved reading for pretty much my entire life and writing almost as long, it was so inspirational to hear from all these different people who are from all different parts of the country and walks of life that are all joined by this common thread. Prior to the festival, I picked up a program to determine which programs would be the most worthy of my time. Turns out, the answer was all.

seriously, I wanted to clone myself so I could go to everything. 

Since I appreciate a good theme and always try to dress for the occasion, I planned out my #ootd and accessories for the weekend accordingly.

h&m denim jacket / forever 21 top / j.crew skirt / payless heels / ily couture bracelet / kate spade clutch

l to r: kate spade pencil necklace / forever 21 typewriter necklace / scrabble earrings  / kate spade book clutch

On Friday night, I started the weekend off with the Opening Kickoff: Reading in my Writing Life with Geoff Dyer, Ben Fountain, & Dani Shapiro at the Unitarian Meeting House. The event began with the Young Writer Award, in which they gave out prizes to the best writing submissions from a contest among local students. I got a bit nostalgic for my early days, entering writing contests and submitting pieces for my school's literary magazine. It remember what it was like when I discovered that I loved writing and that feeling that I got at a very young age when I was sharing my stories.

All three authors talked about how reading is directly related to their lives as writers. Dani Shapiro gave what I thought was the best advice that evening, which is that you should start every day with good words in your head. She wasn't implying that you needed to read a chapter of War and Peace before breakfast. It was more about how beneficial it could be to all of us if the first words we saw in the morning weren't the subject lines of our email or the collective unimportance of A.M. Facebook statuses (which I am often guilty of both of). It's about setting the tone for your day, and how much more positive your outlook can be if you start it off inspired by something. Immediately, I knew I would be showing up for her session the following day- I couldn't wait to hear more. 

The next day, I woke up bright and early, and while I didn't start my day off with any inspirational prose, I did step outside my comfort zone with a little 8 A.M. yoga. I know, right? It's like, who am I anymore?

Since we're sharing, I'm not going to lie- the main reason I signed up for this session is because it was free and I figured it would probably be the only time I would ever get to work out at the super schmancy Westmoor Club. But as an added bonus, the class was being taught by yoga instructor/author Sara DiVello, who I loved hearing her story about leaving the financial corporate world after thirteen years to pursue her dream to teach yoga. She teaches yoga at a few places in Boston and if you're in the area, I highly recommend taking a class with her, especially if you're an inexperienced yogi like myself. I had to skip out slightly early to make it to the next session I wanted to attend, but I made a mental note of her book and the subsequent signing later that day and promised myself I would go back and pick it up. 

I hightailed it back into town for Writing the Creative Life, Part II (I missed Part I due to yoga) at the Atheneum, where I got to hear Dani Shapiro and Katrina Kenison share their process about writing, specifically memoirs. I was mostly interested in this because I feel like blogging is almost memoir style writing, and I always debate myself on how much detail I should go into about real people and real scenarios, and they both spoke about dealing with that. The biggest point I took away from it is that relationships with people are always more important than anything you will ever write, but how you want to approach that fine line is ultimately up to you. 

Next I attended Emerging Writers: A Conversation with Michael Schulder. There was a whole thing here about stealing books that I didn't quite understand but was supposed to be a good thing. The best part about this session was being introduced to four really cool writers that all came from completely different genres: Molly Antopol, Cynthia Bond, Tim Horvath, and Anthony Mara. They all shared their many different words of wisdom about the craft, and how you always want your readers to feel like that they time they spent reading your book was worth it. I didn't pick up any of theirs this round, but as soon as I finish the ones I did purchase, these are next on my list. 

This is where you know my love for the written word runs deep. At 4 PM, there were two conflicting events that I really wanted to attend: From Page to Stage, a music & performance themed session, and Books, Bubbles & Bites with a food writer + free champagne at Cru, one of the hottest restaurants on the water. My friends were set on the Bubbles, but me? I followed my heart and went with the books. And I'm so glad I did, because it's where I was first introduced to Megan Stielstra, who I immediately fell in love with and plotted ways in which I could convince her to be my friend (I started by purchasing her book of essays, which I thoroughly recommend).

By this point, I was so full of inspiration and words but majorly lacking in nourishment, so I headed home to recharge and grab dinner before heading out for the evening's final events, which grabbed my attention immediately when I saw them on the schedule: Authors in Bars and Book Fest Open Mic. Both are exactly what you think they would be - all the super cool people I had just been listening to during the day, who were now in front of me in line at some of the island's local bars and restaurants. And they were so nice and approachable, it was almost like being around celebrities except for the were totally appreciative of you fanning all over them. I didn't take any photos of the actual people that I chatted with (too busy fanning), but just to prove that we were there, here's my friend Claire at the bar with everyone's empty glassware. 

Most of the festival's events were packed into the busy Saturday schedule. There was a brunch on Sunday with Jodi Picoult that sold out pretty much immediately (and was also more than my husband would ever allow me to pay for things I don't eat, like eggs) and a pig roast at Cisco Brewers (which sounded fun, but wasn't really my scene). Plus, I was kind of mentally exhausted from the day before, and I just wanted to relax and soak in all that I had learned in the last twenty-four hours. I did venture downtown to some of the signings of people that I wanted to meet and didn't get to the day before, and then spent the rest of my afternoon alternating between chapters of my new lot of books (I couldn't decide which to read first, so I simultaneously read them all). 

The weekend closed out with the only session that I actually paid for (and with a $20 price tag, it was totally worth it). It was a panel at the Dreamland Theater called Books to Film, featuring seven authors whose works have been or are currently being adapted for the screen, either in film or television. Between Ben Fountain, Ben Mezrich, George Pelecanos, Nat Philbrick, Lisa Genova, Chris Seufert and Jodi Picoult, this easily could have been a marathon event, but alas, it was only an hour. I picked up a lot of juicy info, like the fact that authors really don't make all that much money for selling the rights, and that they have literally no say in what happens to their story (as Picoult so eloquently put it, "writing a book is like having a child. You tend to it, you nurse it, you try to give it a good life and hope that it grows up to be something great. And sometimes, your baby turns into a prostitute"). 

And just like that, it was over. Of all of the festivals this island has to offer in the high season, this was by far my favorite and the most accessible for the average Nantucketer. I left invigorated, inspired, and just ready to read and write as much as I possibly could (in addition to my healthy Real Housewives schedule, of course). 

I thoroughly recommend that if you love books and you can escape to Nantucket for a weekend, you hop on the Hyline and get out here next June. I know I'll be there with bells on.

~L

Bow Wow Wow Yippee Yo Yippee Yay

Sigh. Once again, I've taken a bit of a blogging hiatus. And this time it was for good reason, not just work is busy/I'm tired/max capacity DVR (although those are all things that are often happening at any given time in my life). This time, there have been a few obstacles getting in my way of sitting down at the keyboard. One obstacle, mainly.

Notice anything different about this #ootd photo?

I know, that necklace is fab, right? I have it in two colors.

Oh and also, THE DOG.

That's right. After years of wanting, months of deliberating, and only minutes after meeting, Steve and I have gained one very furry family member. Meet Schooner, our half Maltese, half Yorkie pup (also known as a Morkie). 

Let me back up a bit. I have always wanted a dog. Scratch that. I was more of a cat person, until I developed a horrible, debilitating allergy when I was a teenager. I couldn't imagine my life without a pet, so I though I should get a dog someday that was the size of a cat. That began my obsession with Yorkies. I mean, they were just so cute! Like a tiny adorable Ewoks. Recently, Steve and I spent some time dogsitting a Maltese, and she was so great, not to mention, both breeds have hair instead of fur. I thought a Morkie might be a perfect little mix. 

I always thought it was super cheesy when people said this, but sometimes, the dog really does pick you. When we walked into the room, he immediately came to life and looked at us like, "you're here for me!!!" Later, after we were on our way home with him, Steve told me that he knew the minute he saw him that we weren't leaving without him. Within a matter of hours, we were on our first boat trip together back to Nantucket, wondering what this new life would have in store for the three of us. 

Like every major decision we've had to make, we mulled over names for a long time. I had always imagined I would have a girl dog, so when we ended up with a boy, I was lost on what to call him. After Steve suggested a number of Star Wars characters/Bruins players that I quickly vetoed, we threw out the idea of a nautical name. After all, he does live on Nantucket. We spent the entire boat ride researching different nautical terms, trying to imagine us calling it out to him as he runs to us across a beach. 

It only took us 24 hours, but we finally settled on Schooner. We liked that it wasn't a name that a human would necessarily have, but it wasn't so ridiculous that you would be like wtf. Plus I thought Schooner Scouras had a nice ring to it. 

That was three weeks ago, and there have been ups and downs. I've never owned a dog before, and Steve's dogs that he grew up with were perfectly trained before he was even born. Schooner is very sweet, but he is a puppy through and through. We have spent pretty much every waking moment that we are not at work playing with him, feeding him, walking him, attempting to train him, and cleaning up after him. Poor guy was thrown off a bit when on his third day with us we had a massive snowstorm with 98 mile per hour winds. Needless to say, that leaves little time to document the adventures of Schoon-man (one of the many nicknames I now have for him - I will spare you the more schmoopy ones). Except on Instagram, of course. 

Notice that I'm only in one photo. Why, you ask? Well with an energetic guy like this to chase after, I find there is very little free time to try to make myself presentable. I've totally slacked on my #ootd pics these past few weeks, because when you come home and someone needs to go outside and is jumping on you and is like oh my god why did you leave me all day I hate you and love and I'm not quite sure what I feel but I HAVE TO PEE, snapping a few iPhone pics seems a little low on the priority list. 

I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, because I do love the little guy. It's just a learning experience for all of us, and I'm deathly afraid of not training him correctly and being one of those people with that obnoxious dog that jumps on everything and barks at anything that moves. Is this what it's like having a child? Just constantly questioning whether or not you're raising a productive member of society? But you know, without the peeing on the floor and stuff? (Scratch that. I hear kids do that too.)

So here's to the newest member of our little family. Please pray to whatever higher power you believe in and the Dog Whisperer for us and a successful training period (however long that may last). 

Also, less of this would be great. (At least the shoes were unharmed.)

our first casualty.

~L (and Schoon)