Wednesday, July 31, 2013

7.31.13

I cannot believe how quickly this month has flown by. It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago I was in Peru with my family. Where is the rewind button for life? Since I can't go back in time (still waiting on Marty McFly to pick me up in the Delorean... back to the future, anybody?) the next best thing is going through pictures. Between myself, my mother, brother, and Colin we have a ton! I've tried my best to pick a few highlights to share with you all. Enjoy!

The courtyard at The Grand Hotel Huanuco. Built in 1942, this hotel has been the go to place 
for my family for years. Even the wait staff remembers my dad as a toddler. 
It could use some updates but the service is still great.

My dear mom did a great job putting together the surprise party for my grandmother. 

Here I am with both of my grandmothers. Aren't they the cutest?
The birthday girl is in the middle.

The amazing firework castle that ended the party.

We spent a day at the Kotosh archeological site right outside of Huanuco. 


This hacienda used to belong to my aunt's family. 
Can you imagine what is must have looked like in its hay day?

The interior still has all the original wall paper.

We had to take a picture with this guy. 
He's dressed in the traditional costume of Los Negritos, 
which is a traditional dance that is done in Huanuco.


We also spent a day in the jungle where we got to visit a zoo, take a boat ride on a lagoon, make wishes at a wishing tree and see the famous Sleeping Beauty mountain range.

On a little boat.

The Lagoon of Miracles - Laguna de los Milagros

Making my wish.

Can you see Sleeping Beauty's profile?

Colin trying the very Peruvian dish of cuy.
* Yes, it is guinea pig. I did not, have not, probably will not ever try this dish but I hear it's very good.


Ending the trip with some Pisco and Maracuya Sours.

Are you going anywhere fun this summer? I love hearing about new places to visit!





Monday, July 29, 2013

7.29.13

Weekend Re-cap.

Does anyone else wish that there were more days in a week? Last week was terribly busy and my postings took a hit. Sincerest apologies. I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. Boston finally had some sunny days after a week of rain and it was wonderful. I spent most of the weekend doing what I love the most, organizing! I had offered Colin's mother to help clean out her basement and we finally tackled it this past Friday and Saturday. It was a lot of work and there's still more to do but I can't tell you how proud I am of it. I will be posting more about it later on this week along with some helpful tips. Colin and I spent most of our Sunday at the Cambridge Antique Market. It took us 2 hours to browse through the entire space and if we could have, we would have bought everything we saw! Four floors of antique furniture, art, clothing, glassware, etc. I can't wait to go back once we are settled in our new place for some extra accessories. Last but not least, we celebrated Peruvian Independence day with our friends and Pisco Sours. Yum!

Before heading up to New Hampshire to organize, I made sure to stop 
for some caffeine (iced chai tea) & a little treat (lavender biscuit), courtesy of Three Little Figs

Before ...


After!

The Way Way Back was way way good. 

My mother always made my family brunch on Sunday mornings, now I do it too!

This 80's designer dress was the perfect shade of vintage pink.

Oh hello, Salvatore Ferragamo Vara flats. 
Too bad this 9 1/2 pair is way too big for my size 7 feet.

I've never been much for fur but this capelet was amazing, plus it had pockets.

Novelty salt and pepper shakers, can you spot the Beavers?

Pisco Sour to top off the weekend :)

Did you do anything special this weekend? Let me know, I love comments!



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

7.24.13

Have You Heard About ... Kate Spade Saturday.

I know almost everyone is familiar with Kate Spade New York, but have you heard of their new line Kate Spade Saturday?! It launched back in February with a store opening in Tokyo and online. While the collection keeps in line with Kate Spade's love of bright colors, the best part is the price tag. Everything is priced at about 50% less than the Kate Spade brand. I finally had a chance to sit down and see what I've been missing out on. All I have to say is that Saturday's just got whole lot sweeter!

Here are a few of my favorite items:

This ring is everything I love, gold & simple. 
Also, how great are the colors on this link bracelet?

I love a one shoulder anything! And this little black dress is perfect for summer.

I am on a constant search for the most functional cosmetic case. This might be the one to end it! 
* This print is pretty cute but there are other available prints and solid colors

Last but not least, this weekender is just pulling at my heart strings. Look at all the compartments! 
Plus, you can design your own. The mint & striped one is my own creation. Love. It.



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

7.23.13

One of the reason's I started looking at blogs is because of Pinterest. This website has stolen multiple hours of my life and you know what? I'm not even angry about it. It is my go-to place to find new recipes, inspiration for home decor, gift ideas, DIY ideas, etc. Sometimes the ideas turn out great and sometimes not so much. Last night was one of those great ones. Using this recipe as my inspiration, I turned to Trader Joe's to help me out. I have to say it was pretty delicious. Here is my similar (and a bit easier) version of a Mango Strawberry Salad:

Ingredients:
  • 1 bag TJ's Les Salades du Midi Sorrento mix
  • 2 cups cubed mango (about 1 container TJ's fresh Mango Slices)
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 chicken breast, cooked & chopped into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios
  • 1/4 cup TJ's Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup EVOO
  • S&P
Steps:
  • Put the salad, fruit, nuts, and chicken in a large bowl
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake the vinegar and EVOO with S&P until well mixed
  • Poor dressing over salad and mix!
  • Makes about 4 servings
  • * If you want to save some salad for the next day, don't add the dressing! Put just the salad in a container with a napkin or piece of paper towel on top (it will absorb any extra moisture & keep your salad from wilting). I promise it really works!
Beautiful flowers, another reason to love Trader Joe's.

Fresh ingredients.

I love when salads are colorful.

This vinegar is delicious and apparently, has many uses. 
I can't wait to see what else I can use it for.

Let me know if you end up using this recipe!





Monday, July 22, 2013

7.22.13

Weekend Re-Cap.

Burlington, VT. What a beautiful place to be! Although I truly love my own alma mater (LMU), I can't help but feel like I missed out on that college town feel. Burlington has it. Obviously being on the water is a huge plus but I became especially partial to Church Street. Filled with shops, restaurants, street vendors, and performers, you can easily spend a few hours just walking up and down this promenade, taking in all the sights and sounds. As I mentioned before, we traveled to Burlington for the Vermont Brewers Festival. Held on the waterfront, this festival was great for both beer aficionados as well as foodies. If you get the chance you should definitely try to go!

The boardwalk, with swinging benches to enjoy the view.



Walking into the tents.

The boys quickly set up a plan of attack.

Everyone got their own complimentary tasting glass.

A few of the tents I visited. 

I found this bachelor walking around with a literal 'ball and chain' that his groomsmen had made him wear for his bachelor party. Maybe I should add this to my wedding gift ideas?

The sun setting.






Thursday, July 18, 2013

7.18.13

Happy almost friday!

Tomorrow I am off to Burlington, VT for the annual Vermont Brewers Festival. It has been a little over a year since I moved to Boston (adjacent, aka Somerville) and still have not been to Vermont. This is almost ridiculous since my roommate (Colin) went to Champlain College and speaks very fondly of his college town. Well, the wait is over. Even though I'm not a huge beer drinker I'm excited to try everything and to do it while enjoying a view of beautiful Lake Champlain. With any trip, this means I need to pack accordingly. Here is what I'll be wearing while I learn about craft beer:

I found this light weight dress at Target the other day. 
The print is fun and the airiness will be perfect under the sun.
Speaking of sun, I will definitely be packing my Panama hat

Oh, Sam Edelman, how I love you so. 
I own these Gigi sandals in 4 different colors, obsessed much? 
*I just know that Patty is rolling her eyes and asking herself where my wedges are.

To help keep my hands free for all the beer and snacks, I will be wearing my Tory Burch Robinson Mini. I debated for a while before buying this guy at the beginning of summer but I am so glad I did. 
It is the perfect size and it goes with everything.



I discovered Gorjana jewelry a few years ago while working at a boutique in my hometown. I love their stuff. I wish I had this little wrap bracelet to wear.

Last but not least, I would not be my mother's child if I didn't have at least a little bling on. This necklace, also Gorjana, would be excellent. I have a similar one that I will be wearing. 

I'll make sure to take pictures to share! Enjoy your Thursday.