Post Update:

Thanks to Lisa and Betsy for pointing out that my lovely sheep sweater is a remake of one Princess Di wore. It makes me love it that much more!

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One of my favorite purchases from my trip to Scotland. It’s not really my style (i.e. cutesy, not black, patterned, and not appropriate for work), but I fell in love with it when I saw it at a little shop in Edinburgh. Every time I wear it I think of Scotland and the cold, blustery day Lar and I went shopping. I can’t remember the name of the shop where I bought the sweater, but I remember the guy working behind the counter was super sweet. . . and dressed exactly like Captain Jack Sparrow – I kid you not!

I feel it’s unfair to name a post “Scottish Sheep,” without including a photo of the incredibly cute Blackface Highland:

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Gah! Look at their wittle faces! And there’s millions of them in the highlands – easily outnumbering the human population in Scotland.  See why I love Scotland so much? And why Lar moved there against my wishes? And why I can’t blame her for it?

Outfit details: sweater from a shop in Edinburgh, H&M black turtleneck, Blank cords, and H&M boots.

I’ve got to be honest that the two times I’ve worn this sweater out in public in the states I’ve gotten some stares. Apparently a 28 year old wearing an over-sized sweater with a sheep pattern isn’t typical. It felt so normal when I bought it in Scotland (they’re more into patterns there). Maybe I’ll try wearing it with this black mini to make it more grown up, less cutesy. Then again, maybe I should just embrace the cute factor. I mean, I did use baby talk in this post – eesh!

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Dearest Lar,

What was the name of that shop? I can’t believe I can’t remember it. All I can remember is that it had a name that made it sound teeny-boper-like. Have you been back since we went last month? Is Captain Jack Sparrow still working there?

I hate that you’re sick! Make sure you’re eating enough. Even if you have to skip the cleanse for a few days until you’re feeling better. Hell, go crazy and eat a cookie! Maybe it’ll make you feel better – as long as it’s gluten free 🙂

xoxo,

Cath

Warning: This post is not for those of you who have resolved to simplify your lives and buy less in 2012. It’s a pretty materialistic post filled with items that I’ve recently bought.

Now that you’ve been warned, let’s get started. I find that I miss Lar even more now that I’ve gone to visit her in her new home. How do I overcome my sadness? The healthy way. I buy things!

Well, this first item is actually one thing I didn’t buy: red embroidered tea container from a tea shop in Marais. We met up with my friend Celine who lives in Paris and who I haven’t seen in 7 years. It was so wonderful to see her and on top of that, she took us to her favorite tea shop and bought me this beautiful tea container.

Here’s what the tea container looks like open – so elegant! I bought some delicious loose-leaf, rooibos tea for it, which also happens to be something I can drink on my cleanse because it’s decaffeinated.

What are those lit-up white paper bags, you ask? Luminaries from Paris! They’re from a store called Merci to be exact.  I will tell you all about that great store in another post  – or maybe Lar will, she has all the photos on her camera 😉

But I digress. Back to the luminaries. I wish I could take credit for discovering them, but it was really Mark, the super-sweet owner of the apartment in Paris we rented, who should get the credit. He had them lit on the dining table the first day we arrived and they seemed so magical. So when I saw them at Merci, I snatched them up.

One of my favorite purchases from Paris is this copy of Northanger Abbey I got at Shakespeare and Co. It’s not one of my favorite Austen novels, but look how it opens!

It’s a Flipback Book! I wish they sold these in the states. My whole library would be nothing but Flipbacks. The size is perfect for carrying around in my purse and reading on the metro.

Two of my favorite nail polishes right now: TopShop nail polish in Sketch (gift from Lar) and Essie’s Limo-Scene, yep, that’s its name.

Last, but not least, my zebra scarf from Swish in Edinburgh. It reminds of this wallpaper.

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Dear Lar,

Just got my copy of Crazy Sexy Diet in the mail today. I don’t think I’ll ever completely give up meat and dairy, but it’s already inspired me to be healthier.

I took Toby to his first obedience class and he was great! He did such an amazing job paying attention. I can’t wait to call you on Skype and show you what we learned.

Miss you like crazy!

love, cath

Ah, my winter trip to Europe. I had hopes that I’d be prancing around Paris and Edinburgh looking like Carrie Bradshaw in high heels and cute winter coats. Well, in reality, my outfits were more Michelin-man meets wannabe hipster:

I spent more time outside walking along the city streets, so this was pretty much my uniform: Eddie Bauer puffer, skinny jeans, boots and some sort of head covering. The puffer was a bit warm for Paris, but it was perfect for my day trip to the highlands.

These were my two hat options that I packed: a knitted Eugenia Kim turban and my faux-fur H&M hat that makes me look like I belong in the Russian army.

I’d like to give you a whole spiel about how great it was to pack so efficiently (I fit everything into a carry-on-sized suitcase and small backpack!), and it was to some extent, but next time I’m bringing a bigger suitcase, packing more than two pairs of shoes and switching my puffer out for a nice wool coat. Or maybe I’ll just take a page out of Lar’s book and pack a handful of great pieces – she looked so chic (see photo below) and only packed a backpack for Paris.

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Dear Larbar,

It’s true, you looked so chic in Paris with your Primark coat and Hunter wedges. It totally inspired me to try to dress better.

This is my all time favorite photo that Troy took of you and Dexin:

I’ve already started saving up for my next trip to come visit you!

love, cath

I’m trying really hard not too get too excited about my upcoming trip until I’m done with my final exam next Monday, but I can feel the excitement bubbling up. I also can’t help but get excited this time of year. I love the whole hype that comes with the holidays – even the dreaded gift giving/buying part. I blame my giddiness on my mom. She knows how to do Christmas decor right and would decorate our house top to bottom every year.

She’s toned down the decor a bit since Lar and I have moved out, but she still does makes the house look amazing every year. Here’s just a taste of some of our mom’s holiday decor this year:

See what I mean about her decorating skills? Who wouldn’t love the holidays with a mom like that?!

I spent the weekend finishing a paper, making holiday gifts and going on the Decatur Candlelight Home Tour – it was no Edinburgh Castle tour, but it was fun! And of course Troy and I stopped by Ale Yeah for some beer on Sunday, because, you know, we can.

Outfit details: Sweater from Lila in Inman Park, Alternative tank, Blank cords, Mango boots and Asos purse.

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Dear Larbar,

I love seeing photos of you at the Castle! I definitely visited it when we were studying there, but I can’t remember if we went together. I love the little chapel that’s there – the oldest building in the city. It’s so cool to step out from the chapel and see the whole city.

Only a week and a half left!

love, cath

I’m so glad it got a little chilly in Atlanta today. Earlier this week it felt like summer and that’s just not right when Thanksgiving is just a week away. I know I’ll be cursing myself next month when I’m freezing my butt off in Paris, but right now I can’t wait for the colder, holiday weather.

I ran into Cameron of Atlanta Street Fashion the other day and he was sweet enough to take this photo:

Outfit details: New York and Company sweater, secondhand jacket from Lar, Blank cords and Frye boots.

Last weekend Troy and I went out with some friends to Murphy’s for brunch. The company was awesome and the food was delicious.

Now you might ask why my friend Chloe has a piece of food over her face in the photo below. Well, she’s an uber talented food blogger that likes to stay anonymous, but I wanted to include this photo because I love her outfit.

And just because Lar hinted for me to include photos of my place, here’s a sneak peak. I’ll take some more photos later – once I’ve cleaned up a bit 😉

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Dear Lar,

I can’t believe Christmas/fairy lights are so expensive over in Scotland! But don’t worry about decorating for us. I already love what you’ve done with your place and can’t wait for the next blog installment.

I made Chess Squares tonight for a holiday party at work and they remind me so much of you. Let’s make them when we’re in Scotland together. I would say that we should make them in Paris, but I think we’ll have plenty of pastries to eat there!

Love, Cath