Wednesday, December 25, 2013

12.25.13

Merry Christmas to you and yours.


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

12.17.13

Escape to ... Juan Dolio

Tomorrow I am off to spend Christmas with my family in the Dominican Republic. I'm pretty excited to see the sun again and maybe get a bit of color. I've never spent Christmas on the beach but I guess there's a first time for everything. The only thing is - we've never been to the little town of Juan Dolio. We have no idea what's in store for us! Either way, I'm excited to report back about what we find... STAY TUNED! 



Monday, December 16, 2013

12.16.13

Weekend Recap ... 

The last few weekends have been filled with holiday cheer. First we got our tree and dressed up our home. And then ... just when I think I'm ready to head back to the golden state, New England pulls me back in with it's snow-covered beauty! We got our first snow storm of the season on Saturday and it was completely magical. It was also pretty cold but it was worth it to watch the city become a real-life snow globe. I realize that I have described myself as a summer baby, but there is something about snow that makes me feel like my insides are glowing. When we moved here last year, Colin would laugh at me as I sat by the window to watch the snowflakes come down. You'd think I'd never seen snow before! Regardless, if you have the chance to play in the snow this year, take a second to yourself to appreciate the beauty.

Colin likes to call this our Kris-size tree.

Mulled Wine. This recipe was excellent!

Tree decorating spread.

Before we hit the ice and my inner Michelle Kwan came out.

Warming up inside this cute Beacon Hill cafe.

One more because it's Christmas time and I like this guy!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

12.18.13

Words to live by ...

Whether you are in the last leg of final exams (like myself), working over-time so you can enjoy the holidays, slashing your to-do list down, or just trying to keep warm in this crazy weather, just remember:


Friday, December 6, 2013

12.6.13

 Around Town ... Daddy Jones

Every so often my friends and I take a break from grad school to check out new places or new-to-us places. I drove by Daddy Jones for almost a year until finally walking in. Being a wine girl, I didn't try the cocktails but let me tell you about the food. The menu is made up of Greek specialties and they're all pretty fantastic. If you're looking for a relaxed, cozy atmosphere for a girls night, I would recommend this place.






Wednesday, December 4, 2013

12.4.13

Weekend Recap ... Still Recovering

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The holiday season seems to have snuck up on me yet again and I wish I had a pause button. Actually, I wish this was next year when exams won't be coinciding with all my fun. But, c'est la vie. Here's a little recap of our Thanksgiving trip to California.

Patty has been redecorating our home and I am obsessed with our new red door.

Colin was put on Bloody Mary duty.

See that smile? 
That's how I know he's still my baby brother.

Dad and us.

This table has seen many a dinner.

Dad played bartender ... This is mom's sampling.


Kinda loving the new Bay Bridge.

Cousins. They literally light up my life.

Tried to walk off the turkey along the new Bay Bridge. 
Definitely bringing bikes next time!









Friday, November 15, 2013

11.15.13

Cheesy Pasta Bake.


You know those days when all you want is some warm, gooey, cheesy, comfort food? For the last three days, that is all I have wanted. Probably because it's about 32 degrees outside and I'm cold! To fulfill my need I went back to my trusty "favorites" file (aka Pinterest board) to look for inspiration. This Creamy Caprese Pasta dish jumped out at me. I headed to Trader Joe's and realized two things: 1. I really needed some more veggies in my life, and 2. I didn't really have the time to stay completely true to the recipe. I re-worked it and ... oh. my. god. It completely hit the spot and the left-overs are even better! I promise you will love it.


Note: I didn't actually make this because homework took over 
but Colin jumped right in and followed my directions to a T. 
(Love him)

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. whole wheat pasta (I used fusilli but penne is great too)
  • 1 jar of your favorite vodka sauce
  • 6 oz. fresh mozzarella cut into cubes
  • 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved 
  • 10 oz. mushrooms (I used baby bella)
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
  • Parmesan cheese
Steps:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Boil water and cook pasta according to directions
  • When pasta is done cooking, drain and keep in pot
  • Add in mozzarella, veggies, and basil
  • Add vodka sauce to your liking (we used the entire jar but you can use less)
  • Mix everything and pour mixture into a large pre-sprayed baking dish
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly - 5 minutes before it is done, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top
*** Serves 6









Wednesday, November 13, 2013

11.13.13

Have you heard about ... SHOPbymonika.

Blogging has been a great way to hear about new things, such this cute little online shop. I first heard about The Doctor's Closet through Glitter Guide. I very quickly realized how much I love Monika's eye for aesthetics. When I saw she was opening up her own little pop-up shop I knew I'd probably love everything. And I do. The shop literally just opened last Friday and already items are selling like hotcakes! Below are a few of my favorites:














Monday, November 11, 2013

11.11.13

Weekend Recap.

This weekend was filled with friends, good times, and NO photos. What?! As much as I love my phone, sometimes I hate that I bring it out as often as I do. Imagine my surprise when I sat down to write this and realized - I don't have any pictures to go with my post! Instead of being disappointed, I'm actually quite happy that I was having such a good time I completely forgot about my little device. What could have possibly made me forget, you ask? Well for starters, my new favorite restaurant, Dalí. Colin and I had date night there on Friday and even though we waited for 45 minutes it was completely worth it. Decor - amazing. Sangria - great. Patatas bravas - excellent. Rabbit - mouth watering. The list goes on. Additional cool factor, this is Boston's first ever tapas bar and has been open for 20+ years. Next up was watching a big college football game with die-hard fans. LSU vs Alabama to be exact. For about 2 hours, I almost convinced myself that I was part of the LSU alumni crew. Geaux tigers. Sunday consisted of yet another football game, the 49ers. Even though we didn't win, I was so happy that my friends trekked their way to The Point just to support me by watching the game.

Last but certainly not least, Sunday was also Patty's birthday. Even though I could not be with my beautiful mama, I know she was showered with love (I know this because her friends have literally taken her out almost every day for the last week!). Cheers to you, Mom!

(This was taken in April when she came to Boston to visit. Isn't she the cutest?!)

Friday, November 8, 2013

11.8.13

Have you heard about ... The Little Market

If you haven't heard about The Little Market, you most certainly have heard about one of its founders. Lauren Conrad (LC to those who religiously followed Laguna Beach and The Hills) and Hannah Skvarla have teamed up to bring this online shop, featuring artisanal work from women around the world. Their goal is to help these women share their traditional skills with a broader audience while also helping them earn a living for themselves and their families. I chose to spotlight The Little Market particularly because they feature products from my native Peru. You should definitely check it out, they have some beautiful holiday decor right now!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

11.6.13


On My Mind ... Pajama Party

Hello, November it's so nice to see your cold weather again! As temperatures drop (you know to the 30's and 20's), there is nothing cozier than sleeping in beautiful pajama sets. I just can't get enough of them. I used to defer to the college uniform of a T-shirt and sweats until Patty saw me. She took one look at me and gasped. At the time, I had a boyfriend and her actual response to me was, "I'd rather you go to bed naked then look like that in front of your guy." Did your jaw drop? Ya, mine did too. Regardless, I have embraced PJ sets with open arms!


Pajamas

Clockwise from top: Bowden // J. Crew // Jack Wills // Eberjey // Topshop

* Collage made with Polyvore

Monday, November 4, 2013

11.4.13

Weekend Recap.

Another beautiful fall weekend. If you didn't already know, apple picking is one of the best things about the fall season. This year, we weren't able to do any actual picking but we still got to enjoy plenty of apple cider, apple cider donuts, and other seasonal treats. Also, there's nothing better than walking around, surrounded by beautiful New Hampshire views.


Sometimes I can't believe places like this exist.


Jams and butters with the cutest packaging.

Flavored honey sticks.

Getting lost in cornfields. 



What's your favorite fall to-do?

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

10.29.13

Weekend Recap.

Finally, a weekend all to myself! With midterms being over, I jumped at the chance to go to Nantucket. I know what you must be thinking, "summer's over." But friends, Nantucket is not only for summer. We had the best time hanging out on the beach (bundled up), watching seals swim by, going to a clam chowder contest (to be repeated), and walking around the beautiful downtown. At times it was freezing but we also got a good bit of sun in - which we enjoyed while wearing scarves and jackets, ha! Here's to another beautiful New England fall!

When we arrived we found that the house was stocked
 with great props, obviously we went for the hats.

When we found out there was a clam chowder contest we beelined it there 
and tried about 10 different kinds. No complaints about any of them.

Happy clam chowder tasters.


Most beautiful beach day.


A fire to keep us warm.

I wish this picture would have come out better, 
but how great is this Lilly Pulitzer covered Jeep?




Friday, October 25, 2013

10.25.13

Not Your Nonna's Spaghetti and Meatballs.


The other day I was in the mood for a "light" meal but had no desire for a salad. Don't get me wrong, I love salads but sometimes they just don't cut it as a dinner. Per usual, I referred back to Pinterest for some inspiration. Looking through my boards, I came across one of my favorite recipes. I realize turkey and spinach meatballs don't sound amazing, but they are! Since I was not feeling like pasta, I began scouring for alternatives. I thought about the whole spaghetti squash situation but I didn't feel like putting in the work in addition to the meatball making (so lazy!). That's when I came across zoodles. Zucchini Noodles. I was SOLD. Most of the recipes I saw seemed fairly simple so I went rogue and decided to make them the way that seemed right to me. Topped off with some good ole Trader Joe's pasta sauce, the meal turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.






Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground turkey meat
  • 5 oz. fresh spinach (the original recipe called for frozen but I prefer fresh)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • S & P
Zoodle Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 tbsp. EVOO
  • Your favorite pasta sauce
Steps:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients using your hands.
  • Roll meatballs (about the size of golf balls) and put them onto a parchment lined baking pan.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes (mine usually take 40).
  • While the meatballs are baking, wash your zucchini.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, peel your zucchini to make the "pasta." Stop when you hit the seeds!
  • In a medium pan, heat the EVOO over medium high heat.
  • Add zucchini ... Only cook it until it becomes slightly tender - about 3-5 minutes. Just like pasta, you don't want it to get mushy.
  • To serve, put about 3/4 cup warmed pasta sauce in a bowl, add zoodles, and meatballs! YUM.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

10.23.13

I finally did it.


Thats right, I finally pulled the trigger and bought my long sought after bar cart. I am literally giddy with excitement and canNOT wait for it to get here. To help pass the time (and when I'm not studying for midterms), I have been making a list of bar cart essentials. Mom, if you're out there, you can start my Christmas list now!


Metallic glassware to add a little jazz.

How cute is this bar tool set
I've never seen one like it!

 Coasters that say it for you.


Silver tray to keep things tidy.
(I know, I know, my OCD is out of control!)

Loving the shape of this wine rack.


Cocktail Book because my bar tending skills are non-existant.


I can't wait to show you all once I get it together!