Baby it's cold outside

I love Norah. This is a fun duet for a wintery night. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think...

Shifra

gloves, hats and scarves...oh my!

Why is it that I have the most expensive taste when it comes to, well everything. And the worst part is I have no money to spend on these things, so if there are any wealthy, attractive, (preferably Jewish) doctors out there reading my blog interested in being me sugar daddy, let me know, I am interested in meeting you. (Why a Jewish doctor would be reading my blog is beyond me but hey, whatever works!) Anyways, back to my expensive tastes. It’s December and it’s getting to be pretty cold outside again, so that sucks. But because of the cold weather I have been checking out some of my favorite stores for gloves, hats and scarves. Of course I am drawn to the items that are warm and comfy but comfy comes at a price. I am in love with these leather, shearling cuffed, silk lined gloves from Anthropologie but why do they have to be $200? I really love leather gloves right now, they look so classy, but does anyone know if they actually keep your hands warm and toasty? I like these too, cashmere lining and a beautiful gold zipper on the top. J.Crew you outdid yourself again. I also love hats, which is strange because I can’t wear hats (my noggin is just a wee big) but for anyone who can squeeze into these should definitely check them out. I love the trapper hats; anything fur lined for that matter just seems ideal. I’m also big on beanies that cover your ears. Not the ones that sit on the crown of your head, what’s the point? Earmuffs are pretty great too, who wants cold ears… the answer no one. These can also fit over my head (a key factor) and they don’t look ridiculous over my curly hair. I wish everyone lots of luck on finding great winter accessories, check out some of my links provided to ease your body into the winter months!

Ps. For anyone looking to find a great scarf check out the ‘snoods’ here and here. I love mine it’s great for blocking cold wind from your face and neck. And you should definitely check out the Norah Jones/Willie Nelson duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside" so great.

Shifra

Sweater + J.Crew (+ Tea of course) = comfort.

I lucked out this past week when my Aunt decided to take me out on a little shopping spree. I haven’t been to J.Crew in – I don’t even know how long- but I had been perusing the website recently and knew I needed to go and check it out in person. I am OBSESSED with my free people sweater (found here) and am always hoping to find the next best thing (or the exact same sweater from free people) hehehe. Now, when I go shopping I always go prepared. I prep myself by checking out all of the stores I am interested in going to and have an idea of what I am looking for (Yes I have that much time on my hands, no I'm not kidding). Meaning I literally write down a list of what I want, so IF I want help from a salesperson I know what to ask for.

I hate don't usually like help when I'm shopping. I got to J.Crew with hopes of finding another great sweater to add to my collection. (I had already found it online but I was hoping I would fall in love). I did. I got this beautiful sweater ‘the dream dolman sweater’ and let me tell you, it’s pretty dreamy. It’s part wool, part nylon and part cashmere. Incredible. The best part is, unlike the usual J.Crew structure, look at their usual cliental (not typically a short, curvy girl) it has the best wide arms and an oversized neck, which is so comfortable. Love, love, love is what I have to say. I also got a Chambray shirt. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Chambray shirt on, but the soft and distressed fabric is pure genius. It’s a great shirt for lounging around in as well as a great shirt for dressing up. So excited for my new purchases, not to mention my camp socks (can’t wait to wear them at camp this summer J ) along with a pretty awesome gold/turquoise necklace! I love J.Crew but they have gotten a little pricey, but totally worth it. These purchases will be around for a long time. Can’t wait to wear them all winter year long. (I mean, come on, I do live in Wisconsin)

ps. got the sweater in Black (so much better than the grey)

one more thing... of course I have to wear these with a pair of black leggings, sitting on my couch, watching my favorite episode or Arrested development (come on what did you think I was going to say?) and warm cup of Chai tea. mmmmm

oops one more... I added the picture of the woman in that beautiful dark green jacket because I want NEED that jacket. Ugh. (don't you just love that collar?!)

bye for now!

-Shifra

All i want for Hanukah... is an iphone.

If you don't know me personally, you are probably unaware of my love for Apple products. The sleek design of my MacBook Pro, the apple logo and the simplicity in design is just the beginning. I had planned on getting an iPhone as soon as I was scheduled for an upgrade. I was unfortunate enough to have a slight altercation with the Verizon representatives, I will never back down, it was their fault. The very smart (insert sarcasm here) representative was nice enough to let me know that after my Blackberry white screened in July, right after my birthday, that I would only have to wait until November 5 to get a new phone; as I was ready for an upgrade then. To my dismay, he forgot to mention that it was November 5, 2012! I, of course, was not too pleased with the wrong date he gave me and proceeded to fight discuss with the Verizon representatives an alternative plan so they could comply with my demands request at receiving the iPhone 4s. I only had to speak with four representatives to get the same answer four different times which was, there is no way in hell you can get the iPhone 4s. The only way for me to get it is by waiting until the early upgrade, July 5, 2012. Not to mention that my 22^nd birthday is July 6, 2012 which is when my Blackberry took its life (in 2011) … so you’re telling me I have to wait a YEAR to get an iPhone. NO WAY. Let’s just say I was not too happy. The benefits of having an iPhone are endless. The apps that could get me through my somber days, a camera that wins awards, a music collection to sing my heart out, an app that tells me where I can catch the bus, the unlimited pins I could look at on my walk home, even what jobs are available after graduation not to mention Siri and so much more, all that lies ahead, if I ever get an iPhone. So whoever picked my name out of the hat at Thanksgiving, or whoever reads this and just feels bad should do one thing and one thing only…because all I want for Hanukah is the iPhone.

ps. I want it in black (but of course would take it in white)

the way to my heart... chai

In the Jewish religion, Chai pronounced with that thick, throat wrenching, cchhhh sound means “to life”. Chai is life, but I’m talking about my delicious, throat warming, chai tea. On the occasional Monday morning I may feel the need for a quick pick-me-up, which really means a desperate need for my grande chai tea latte with nonfat milk and a shot of espresso. However, while I was perusing the aisles of the local grocery store I was pleased to find Tazo Chai Tea Latte Concentrate. This was a gift from G-d. Not only is it delicious, it’s only $5! What a deal. I was able to make a handful of delicious iced or hot chai tea drinks, which saved me more than a few trips to Starbucks. This has simply added to my love for chai and the best way to combat the cold weather of Wisconisn.

The Fall

Summer has come to a close, and although I have not posted to my blog in quite some time I was thankfully reminded by a few of my new favorite blogs that the present is always a great time to complete new and old goals. I had a goal last year to post regularly and with the excitement of summer, new friends and changed attitudes my blog was put on the back burner for some time. My 'creative mode' however has not slowed down, in fact, I have felt a surge of creativity from this summer which caused me to reflect on my blog and my ideas for posts. Questions came to me, do I want to interview people, take pictures of myself, or continue on with how my blog has been for some time? So many questions and so many answers, but no conclusion.

As I looked at a few of my favorite blogs for some advice or inspiration, I realized I loved the aspect of a 'mood board', an array of images that describe my mood, my likes; images that I get excited, almost giddy for. So maybe I'll try something new, or maybe I'll continue on with what my blog has been for the past year. Looks like you will just have to wait...

In the meantime, if you are looking for a little inspiration or a reminder of how incredible the season of fall is, take a sip of a pumpkin spice latte, sit back and listen to my favorite playlist, a mixture of Cat Stevens and Norah Jones's album The Fall. I will be back soon, more determined and more focused on what I want this blog to be. Check back soon

with much love,

shifra

Feathazzz

Feathers are always a popular accessory in the warm summer months, the natural aesthetic a feather embodies goes so well with any summer wardrobe. The feather is a great representation of nature, music festivals and other celebratory events that take place between June and August. A big trend this season are feather hair extensions, it seems like everyone has one or is getting one and I am happy to say that I have them as well! They are very versatile ranging in colors, lengths and types of feathers. You can really personalize them anyway you choose, I went with a more natural color theme, green, brown, tan and orange. The feather extensions stay in your hair for as long as 3 months and you can straighten them, curl them; whatever you're style is. Check out my roommate's and mine!

If you live in the Madison area and want to get feathers, check out Funky Feathzzz...this girl is awesome and reasonably priced.

Feathers aren't just in your hair though, feathers have been showing up everywhere in clothing and jewelry; becoming a staple piece in everyone's wardrobe. Here are a few feather inspired pieces that I have added to my summer wishlist!