I wanna get these canvas classics for my summer bike rides.

I wrote my first post for Refinery29 today about products you can purchase whose proceeds go to help with relief efforts in Japan and spreads the message. Every action, no matter how small, counts. We are all citizens of the same planet.

(Print by Nan Lawson)

On my walk home from work today, I passed by this little globe in the window of a toy shop. I have a strange love for globes and have been wanting to buy one for a while now but I couldn’t justify the purchase because my apartment is just so cluttered. But this one in the window was just a tiny globe so I had to buy it. So far the only space I could find for it is wedged between my books on the bookshelf (fittingly next to my travel guides). I’ll de-clutter soon, I swear!

I’m dying for the opportunity to give it a little spin and see where my next travel destination will be!

In the package were these adorable kitty gloves. I’ll be extra careful not to lose these!

…and this sweet NYC necklace. It will be a constant reminder of one of my most fun days in NYC where I visited the Statue of Liberty for the first time.

Thank you, Hans!

I think they fit perfectly.

These knit “un-sweatpant” from Jcrew are perfect because I can be comfy without looking like a slob.

I like wearing them with my denim shirt

And Minnetonka boots

Now there’s really no excuse to still be wearing velour sweatsuits. Did you hear me, Steinway Street?

1) Lit by Mary Karr

2) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

3) Eating the Dinosaur by Chuck Klosterman

4) Little Bee by Chris Cleave

5) The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Net by Stieg Larsson (guilty pleasure!)

Have you guys read any of these? I can’t wait to read them. Now I definitely can’t buy any new books for a long time because I still haven’t finished this list either.

I grew up admiring my best friend’s tree that was just covered with ornaments from each year of their lives. Each ornament was different and had a memory attached to it. I’ve been trying to start that tradition for myself so that maybe in a few years I could have a really nice tree. Urban Outfitters also had this Brooklyn Bridge ornament on sale. The BK Bridge is one of my favorite structures in NYC and I’ve had so many fun walks and bike rides there with friends and visitors.

I’m up to a whopping 6 ornaments now! (counting my Grinch and I heart NYC ornaments)

I had mentioned to Bionics that my mom usually gets me the summer sausage from Hickory Farms every Christmas but that she obviously wasn’t getting it for me this year. It started out as a joke, this bad gift that my mom got me, but now I actually crave it around Christmastime. Next thing I know, I received a box of Hickory Farms summer sausage and cheeses in the mail from Bionics. It was so sweet and thoughtful and truly made my Christmas.

Gus also really loved the gift, although I think he loved the box more.

Another dear friend of mine got me these adorable (and cozy!) penguin slippers. I love wearing them and making the penguins dance. (The other night I came into my bedroom to find Gus attacking these slippers. I’m not sure where his hatred for penguins stemmed from but we’re gonna keep him away from my slippers!)

She also got me this funny penguin wine key. She must know how much I love penguins and wine!

…and this handmade vegetable soap that smells like fresh laundry washed in heaven. It’s wrapped so beautifully with a little jewel on the top that I can’t bring myself to use it.

I met Miss Brit for dinner last night and she surprised me with one of my favorite movies. Gah! I’m gonna watch it over and over and over and then hug the box after.

And of course…can I ever have enough Hello Kitty dolls? NOPE!

I hope the holidays were wonderful for all of you!