Diving In

In my attempts to find a free workout (that isn't running), I took the recommendation of some friends and checked out the indoor public pool in my Capitol Hill hood. Now, swimming is one of my favorite parts of the day and my muscles are letting me know it's great exercise!

Each day, I can tell my form is coming along (thanks to some super helpful tips from my fellow swimmers!) and I feel so peaceful in the water. Best part - the pool is right next to Eastern Market, my fave spot!

Making the Bed

We desperately need new bedding, and I think this Target comforter set may be good a start!

Right now, we live in a sea of beige - the result of moving into my BF's former bachelor pad. Moving in together can be a challenge, but it's definitely worth it, and I know we will make it stylistically our place over time.

Any tips on integrating stuff into one apartment would be appreciated!

The Prippy Gift Guide... Butternuts Variety Pack

I love unique brews and appreciate clever packaging, so it was an absolute delight to discover Butternuts Beers & Ales at the Philly Craft Beer Festival a few years back!

Butternuts makes a fantastic variety pack featuring four of their tasty beers, and I plan on giving it to my boyss for some instant Christmas cheer!

There's a Library... In the Laundry Room

For the first time in five years, I have the luxury of a washer/dryer in my apartment. No more hauling bags down the street to my teeny, tiny laundromat! No more fighting spider-cricket hybrid critters in the basement! No more I say!

But is it weird that I kind of miss the ritual?

When I lived in the West Village, I would put my laundry in, then walk to the White Horse Tavern and have a Guinness with Doc (the bartender) , then switch it out and have another brew before going home. I loved it! It became my laundry tradition and Doc would even play timekeeper for my load switches!

Yesterday, there was a fabulous article in the NYT looking into basement laundry room libraries. The story really highlights the sense of community that goes along with shared laundry facilities and city living. LOVE it!

I Love My Bean Boots

Prippies love'em some L.L. Bean! It's practical, and comes with a lifetime guarantee that Prippies go crazy for!

The best part about the temperature dropping, is that I can start wearing my knee high Bean Boots with dresses! I can remember my friend's mom wearing the loafer Bean Boot, with matching socks and turtlenecks... whatever's your pleasure, I guess!

Rather than opting for the Tory or Marc version, consider going for the original classics and saving yourself some Christmas money!

The Prippy Gift Guide... Sweet Lips

Tokyo Milk makes delicious and unique lip balms that leave your pucker smooth for hours, and won't break the bank ($12)! My favorite is Candied Violet, which is sweetly floral without overpowering the senses.

With its beautiful old world apothecary packaging, this balm makes for a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your girls at the office!

The Prippy Gift Guide

I'm so thrilled to put together the first ever Prippy Gift Guide! For me, the perfect gift is something that the recipient never knew they wanted (or needed!), but absolutely makes them smile.

Happy Holidays!