I’ve come to a disturbing realization: I drink way too much coffee.  I blame the office environment (because surely it can’t be me.)  Working in an office, you start to develop this Pavlovian reaction to the smell of coffee.  So much so that even when a pot of fresh coffee isn’t brewing, your mind plays tricks on you, it’s 3:00pm and you’re exhausted, and you could swear you smell coffee.  So you make a pot.  And have your third cup of the day.  Or when you’re out shopping, you make at least two visits to the mall’s Starbucks counter.  (In shopping’s defense, shopping can get really tiresome.)

So I’m trying to kick the habit.  Or at the very least, curb the addiction.  I’m at a quiet roar right now with a lame-o one cup of coffee in the morning.  And I still cheat, because who am I kidding, three glasses of iced tea at lunch packs plenty of caffeine.  But I’m trying to limit that too.  I swear I’m suffering in the office most of all.  The pots of coffee keep on getting brewed, and some days, I still go for cup number two.  All suggestions are welcome.  I love tea – but most of the teas I love are packed with caffeine (green and black tea).  And the idea of chamomile tea puts me to sleep just thinking of it (also, it reminds me of a spa, and since I’m generally nowhere near a spa, I’ll spare myself the wishful thinking).  I’m trying a box of decaf earl gray right now, but it’s not quite doing the trick.  I like Starbucks’ passionfruit tea – so good – and caffeine free – but I’m spoiled and only like it on ice (the green straw is not half bad either … I’m a straw slut), so that’s not always going to work.  Any thoughts or tips for kicking the caffeine habit (or tricking myself into thinking I’ve gotten my “fix”)?

Original Image via Cheetah is the New Black

I’m still in the running to be the next Rimmel blogger (vote, vote, vote) and this turn around, I styled a Regal Look for a Royal Wedding.  I loved the idea of this next Rimmel look instantly: for one, I’m obsessed with all things wedding, and a chance to see a Royal Wedding, well that would just fulfill all of my Princess Diaries dreams!  For my fifth Rimmel outfit I wore a Max & Cleo bow-topped gown, my beloved Alexander Wang Freja booties (because I always have to add just a little bit of edge), and a fluffy white lace headband (it was the closest thing to a crazy Royal Wedding hat that I could come up with!)  I’m also wearing Rimmel Stay Glossy in “Non-Stop Glamour” paired with “Always Lovely.”

Disclosure: I have been compensated by Coty US LLC (Rimmel London US) for making these statements regarding its products.

Contest Rules (Complete rules here)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. You must have Internet access, a valid email address, Facebook account, Twitter Account, Instagram account and Pinterest account to participate. Contest ends 11:59 am ET on 1/4/13. Only open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who received a non-transferable invitation directly from Glam Media and Coty US LLC to participate in this Contest. Void where prohibited. See complete Official Rules [Will send Link to Official Rules page] for full details including eligibility restrictions, method of winner determination and prize limitations. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. In participating in this Contest, you are providing your information to Coty US LLC and not to Facebook.

{Photos taken by my oh-so-talented sister, Rowan.}

My fourth look in the series for the Rimmel London Challenge is the Smart Look – “the perfect look for afternoons at the coffee shop with a good book.”  This is probably one of my favorite looks because it’s relaxed and comfy but still cute.  I snatched up the leopard pajama pants at our local Zara — they were the last pair and I nearly dragged them from the salesgirl’s hands.  The top is a newly gifted piece from Pickwick & Weller (and I’m obsessed … so soft.)  I went for a pop of color with Rimmel’s Stay Glossy in “Treasure Hunt” – a sparkly bright red gloss – and probably one of my favorite colors in the Rimmel Stay Glossy line-up.  (Read all about the series in my first post!)  And of course:  Vote.  Vote often.  And let me know what you think of my look!

Disclosure: I have been compensated by Coty US LLC (Rimmel London US) for making these statements regarding its products.

Contest Rules (Complete rules here)

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. You must have Internet access, a valid email address, Facebook account, Twitter Account, Instagram account and Pinterest account to participate. Contest ends 11:59 am ET on 1/4/13. Only open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who received a non-transferable invitation directly from Glam Media and Coty US LLC to participate in this Contest. Void where prohibited. See complete Official Rules [Will send Link to Official Rules page] for full details including eligibility restrictions, method of winner determination and prize limitations. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. In participating in this Contest, you are providing your information to Coty US LLC and not to Facebook.

{Photos taken by my oh-so-talented sister, Rowan.}

I’m not sure why, but today, I’m dreaming of Paris.  It’s been almost two years since my last encounter with that incredible city.  Nevermind the crowds of tourists or the supposed French attitude (which I personally think is chic and very Parisian and therefore, a-okay with me), I simply love the city.  We also visited Paris in the dead of winter and maybe I’ve seen too many old movies, but I loved the grey haze, the thick coats, and the hot coffee breaks (plus or minus a macaron) that were entirely necessary every mile or so.  Is there a city you dream of?

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