Thursday, February 27, 2014

2.27.14

Style ... Paper Dresses

I know what you're thinking, "uh, paper dresses?"No, I promise I have not gone crazy and yes, this is real. If you're like me, you probably had a box of dress up clothes that consisted of scraps of fabric and my mom's discarded clothes. Instead of a box of ratty old stuff, 4 year old "Mayhem" has a closet full of beautiful dresses made from, you guessed it, paper. This fun DIY venture began when Mayhem's mother Angie suggested her daughter begin using paper for her fashion creations as a way to save her own clothing from the little one's hands. In the past 9 months, this mother-daughter duo has come up with designs inspired by characters, red carpet gowns, Project Runway, and Mayhem's imagination. Just look at what they've done:










If you want more information about Mayhem and Angie, check out this article.
If you want to see their latest and greatest creations, head over to their Instagram or website.








Tuesday, February 25, 2014

2.25.14

Latest Loves ...


1. // Kristi Kohut print (beautiful colors, I can't stop looking at her work)
2. // Zara dress (perfect for spring, if it ever comes)
3. // Catbird pearl earrings (love the modern take on a classic)
4. // J.Crew cocoon coat (I already own it but this color is amazing)
5. // Alexander Wang purse (actually, it's been on my list for years)
6. // Metallic cow hide (I need my own office for this)



Monday, February 24, 2014

Friday, February 21, 2014

2.21.14

This Weekend, Why Don't You ... 

Celebrate National Margarita Day!

I just found out about this (thank you, Vmac + Cheese) and I strongly support it. Mexican cuisine ranks high on my list, so naturally margaritas are right up there too. Lately, I have been experimenting with blood orange flavored everything. So far my favorite (and very easy concoction) has been tequila with San Pelligrino Aranciata Rossa. Oh, my yum. Since National Margarita Day should probably be shared with friends, here is a recipe that will make a pitcher of Blood Orange Margaritas. Now who wants to come over and share said pitcher with me?


PS. If you are in the Boston area, I highly suggest you make your way to the 
Painted Burro in Somerville and order their cucumber margarita. It is the bomb. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

2.19.14

Weekend Recap ...

Happy Wednesday! I know I'm a little late on this post but Monday was a holiday so that's my excuse! This weekend we FINALLY made it to Neuva York (New York in Spanish). I say finally because this was our third attempt. And well, third time really is the charm. We got to see old friend's of both mine and Colin's, make new friends, and try new places. It was lovely, even if it was cold. The best part was that I got to cross off a few places on the ongoing list I have of things to do there (I now have one for 5 different cities). My friend Laura will be there in two weeks and I am reeeally hoping to be able to meet her so that we can cross off a few more together.

My love affair with NYC started when I was 19 and participated in a summer session at NYU. I went without knowing anyone and I felt so brave and ready to take on the city! I remember feeling very alive and for a moment, I strongly considered transferring colleges so that I could stay. It's been 7 years since that crazy, wonderful summer and while I no longer think I could live there, I do still appreciate the feeling I get while walking along those streets. It's really unlike anything else.

A few details from the weekend:

Stay: The Lexington  (great location)

Visit: Eataly // Chelsea Market // 9/11 Memorial // Times Square // White Horse Tavern (fun fact, Jack Kerouac used to frequent here, among many other poets)

Eat: Sevilla // Clinton Hall // Preserve 24 (go for brunch, get the chorizo hash) // Num Pang (best sandwich I have ever stumbled upon, and blood orange lemonade - OMG)

 Wonderful set up at an antique store we ducked into

Eataly 
(I. Died.)



9/11 Memorial

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market





Monday, February 10, 2014

2.10.14

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! This weekend Colin and I checked out a couple of local breweries. I've never been a huge beer fan (Bud Lights in college don't count) but both Colin and his brother have introduced me to a whole new world of craft beer. I have to admit, if given the choice I'll still choose a glass of champs or cider, but stepping out of my comfort zone is good for the soul, right? I think that's written on a poster board somewhere... Either way it was awesome, plus we go to meet the people behind these small breweries and hear all about how the beers were developed. Added bonus, they are located right next to each other!

Night Shift pretties. 

Labeling.

The list at Idle Hands.

Took me a second to figure out their logo, but I got it!

Happy Campers.


 Did you do try anything new this weekend? 
Let me know!




Friday, February 7, 2014

2.7.14

This Weekend, Why Don't You ... 

Make Mulled Wine

All this snow is making me want to stay inside, watch movies, and drink something warm. While tea and coffee are very good choices, wine is my buddy. I have tried many a wine (I did live less than an hour away from wine country for most of my life) but not until this December did I try mulled wine. What a delicious surprise! As with most new culinary adventures, I depend on my good friend Ina Garten to guide me. Her mulled wine recipe was very easy and perfect for these cold temperatures.

Mulled wine makings - doesn't it look pretty?


Happy Friday!
PS. Don't forget to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony tonight!


Thursday, February 6, 2014

2.6.14

Style ... Surviving Snow Storms

When I found out I was moving to Boston, one of the first things I did was buy a parka. I didn't know much about New England, but I did know that there was no way I was going to make it through the winter without one of these bad boys. It is probably the single best "moving to Boston" purchase I made. Now in my second year, not only do I know the importance of a great parka but I also know the essentials that make winters bearable.


1. // A great parka: Wherever you get it from make sure of this - it should be long (legs can get very cold, very fast), have a hood, have removable fur (for a little flair), and be fitted (it helps keep the warmth in).
2. // A cozy knit sweater: Unbeknownst to me, I had/have a huge love of warm, fuzzy sweaters. Colin can't stand them (one of the weird fashion issues he has) but honestly, there is nothing better than putting on a slightly over-sized cozy sweater. When it's especially cold, I layer tanks or shirts under.
3. // Cashmere lined gloves: I know cashmere sounds a little indulgent but let me tell you, it's necessary. I have two pairs of gloves, a random pair I bought one day when I forgot my good ones at home and my good ones. The randoms have become the gloves I use to clean snow off my car and my good ones, they're the ones that keep my fingers warm and toasty. 
4. // A thick scarf: I love this snood in particular because it's warm and covers my entire neck area and sometimes half my face - also necessary when the wind picks up. (I also own the matching beanie which is just as cute but sold out now or else I would have listed it too).
5. // Fleece-lined leggings: Leggings lined with fleece. Enough said. 
6. // Tall snow boots: I have a pair of short Sorel's and while they are wonderful, sometimes the snow is just piled way too high and my pants/socks get wet. When this happens I switch over to a sturdy pair of rubber rain boots. If you want to cover your bases and only invest in one pair, I suggest a tall pair.

I hope this information helps those of you out there 
who are headed to colder weather (ahem, Samantha). 


Sunday, February 2, 2014

2.2.14

Gift Guide ... Valentine's Day

When I was little, everyone gave each other Valentine's days gifts. Of course, this was usually because the teacher said we had to. But still, it was so nice to receive little somethings from your peers. Now that I'm older, Valentine's day is an excuse to remind my nearest and dearest that I'm thinking about them and how much they mean to me. Since I can't send everyone a gift, I have narrowed my list down to: my boyfriend, my mom, my dad, my best friend, and my brother. After a lengthy search, I have found a few things they may like, along with appropriate cards. Hope it provides some inspiration for your own gifts!


1. & 2. // For my love: This Mr. Boddington's Studio card incorporates my feelings, a little mush, and a nautical theme, perfection! The One Night Stand Potion incorporates Colin's love of anything sweet and his love of making well-crafted cocktails.

3. & 4. // For my Patty: Mom and I fell in love with Paris many years ago. What a better way to say I love you, than in French? I've sent her macarons before, but these are just too cute with their take on old school Valentine's day heart candies.

5. & 6. // For my dad: He lives in Peru now and I think appreciates receiving snail mail as opposed to email. I love this card's vintage feel. My dad's biggest thrill in life (other than his kids, of course) is traveling, thus this wonderful travel guide by the New York Times (by the way, there are other versions, with various destinations).

7. & 8. // For my best friend: Laura and I were in a sorority in college and that experience meant so much to both of us. Our symbol was an arrow, thus this very perfect card. This Breakfast at Tiffany's sleep mask is so amazing, I could use one myself! What girl doesn't want to feel like Audrey Hepburn?

9. & 10. // For my brother: I've been so jealous of his musical abilities my whole life, but I also love to celebrate his talent. This card covers that. As with most little brothers, I've watched my own play countless video games. I don't know about Nick, but I definitely love him more than video games.

11. // Last but not least: People often say, "don't forget about yourself!" - I rarely do. How unique is this tortoise shell clutch? (I have a feeling Patty may barter with me for it).

Happy gifting!