2.24.14

Words to live by ...

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Happy Monday! Let's do this!

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?

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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. 

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

2.14.14

Happy Valentine's Day!

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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!

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!

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).