sparkles of life

Movies 101

2012-01-30T06:30:00.005-05:00

KBW and I are taking a Wednesday night movie course where we get to see screenings of films before they get released. Needless to say, we are obsessed and love it! I can always count on KBW to find the best movie classes!

(Pictured above - Faye Dunaway and her Oscar the morning after the awards show)

Scalamandre

2012-01-29T05:20:00.003-05:00

Outside of my apartment I walk by this store filled with paint, window treatments, and wall paper. I must admit, I stare longingly at the pink Scalamandre bamboo wall paper dreaming of different ideas and uses for it. While many people recognize their zebra pattern, I have find myself drawn to the bamboo and floral patterns.

A Holiday

2012-01-28T06:05:00.001-05:00

I need to plan an adventure!

Garden Graffiti

2012-01-27T06:56:00.002-05:00

I think I might have to show style of graffiti this to my mom - it would be perfect for our house! I even found a how to for her to look over. Upon further research, I read mixing yogurt, water, and live moss in a blender, painting it on a wall and spritzing it with water everyone once in awhile works as well. Apparently the moss will grow in the shape that you painted it with!

I wonder if either of these would work!

I Listen to Everything

2012-01-26T05:50:00.000-05:00

Recently, in the office, we have been listening to this music website as an alternative to Pandora. I love it!

Society Social

2012-01-25T06:34:00.003-05:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect bar cart and I am loving the ones from Society Social! I love how they are bringing back the art of the bar cart.

Bonus - they have Kaftans!

Bert Stern

2012-01-24T06:46:00.000-05:00

As everyone knows, I love fashion photography, especially from the 60's. I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that I am particularly fond of Bert Stern.

Without My Cell Phone...

2012-01-23T06:09:00.003-05:00

I would not be able to:

1. Tell you the date and time
2. Find my way in the dark
3. Wake up in the morning

I think I need to rely on my phone less...

Mission: find some fabulous time pieces!

Smythson of Bond Street

2012-01-14T05:38:00.000-05:00

In case you are not familiar with the famous books by Smythson of Bond Street (est 1887), you should know they are the most perfect sizes and have traditional gold binding and a grain leather cover. Witty phrases and fun colors are the main attraction. To me, Smythson brings back many memories, mainly of Christmas morning and my dad. I refer to my yearly notebook as my "brainbook" as it is filled with my thoughts, notes, to do lists, and quotes.

30 Day Beer Diet?

2012-01-13T06:14:00.001-05:00

No, not a 30 day cleanse - this guy is going on a 30 day beer only diet! Ok, and water, but that doesn't really count. When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke or maybe one of my cousin's friends. I honestly don't know how you can function that long on just beer. One can only imagine the damage being done to his liver and kidneys. The juice cleanser in me is shuddering (and fascinated) whenever I read one of his entries!

I wonder what his hangover is going to be like!?

Grocery Shopping

2012-01-12T05:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was day 3 of my first cleanse this year and I decided to go to the gym and then to the store to buy yummy foods to snack on tomorrow - obviously the cleanse momentarily made me insane. What on earth was I thinking? Not only did I make it about 7 (generous) minutes into my workout and have to stop, but I went wild in the store! Thank goodness I stuck to fruits and veggies (and maybe some cheese and rice cakes)!

One weird thing I noticed was my lack of hunger while preparing my lunch for tomorrow. Perhaps I may need to extend this cleanse!

Truffle Popcorn

2012-01-10T05:35:00.000-05:00

Why not make some truffle popcorn tonight? This is one of my favorite snacks, the main reason is because it is so easy to make and tastes amazing!

Things you will need:

Popcorn

Truffle Salt

A Drink

Your best friend

All you need to do is make the popcorn, sprinkle on some salt, and some good conversation.

PBR

2012-01-09T06:45:00.002-05:00

PBR - short for "Professional Bull Riding" came to MSG this weekend, and I'm excited to say I went to my first event. Let me tell you, it was an interesting crowd that showed up. It was lots of fun and definitely something I never thought I would ever experience.

This Year I Resolve To...

2012-01-05T06:50:00.000-05:00

Have Monthly Museum Trips

Learn to Cook

Go to Paris

Expand Horizons

Sport More Sparkle

January 1st!

2012-01-01T06:16:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Now, for some tips on avoiding a hangover via New York Magazine Grub Street

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:13:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T06:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas Eve!

Don't forget to reread the always classic Christmas poem Twas the Night Before Christmas

Yelle

2011-12-23T06:03:00.000-05:00

The other week I got to go to a Yelle concert with two friends. We danced to our two favorite songs, Que Veux Tu and A Cause Des Garcons and got to meet them - making it officially a successful night!

Stocking Stuffers

2011-12-22T06:12:00.000-05:00

I know mine will be filled with candy canes and other fun treats!

What will yours be filled with?

Build A Better Bar

2011-12-21T06:09:00.002-05:00

Some things you may need:

1. Coasters

2. Whiskey Rocks

3. The perfect ice bucket for some bubbly

4. Vintage Liquor bottles

5. A fabulous bar cart

"Why only limit happy to an hour?"

W.C. Fields

Craving Snow!?

2011-12-20T06:21:00.002-05:00

I kind of want it to snow so I can flaunt my snow boot collection! But then I think about the treacherous ice and long walks to work and wonder if it is worth it...

Bonus - we would have a white Christmas!

The Pen, Paper, and Palate

2011-12-19T06:28:00.000-05:00

I think one of my favorite things I did this fall was go to an Irish Pub and enjoying yummy drinks and enlightening conversation. I was lucky enough to attend a panel with the following authors:

As a bonus, Frank Delaney, author, BBC host and Booker Prize judge, was the moderator!

We all know I'm an avid reader, which is why I was thrilled to meet everyone! I think authors are some of the most interesting people in the world.

Morning Walk Reflections

2011-12-16T05:58:00.001-05:00

In a previous post, I vowed I would take the long way home and walk to and from my apartment to the subway furthest from me. While I may not have many options on exploring, it for sure has been beneficial in waking me up and giving me the time in the morning to mentally prep for the day. Now that is is getting colder I find myself working extra hard to motivate myself. Please note, I actually have been doing this every day!

Long Island City Adventures

2011-12-15T06:52:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a fun weekend activity I suggest getting lunch at Sage General (yum!) and then looking at MoMa PS1. Yummy food and a little bit of culture - what can be more perfect!?

Pooch Presents

2011-12-14T06:40:00.001-05:00

If I had to buy a present for a puppy, which I do, I would get:

1. Keihl's Cuddly Coat Shampoo

2. Henri Bendel Bow Bowls

3. C.Wonder Striped Dog Leash

C. Wonder

2011-12-13T06:33:00.000-05:00

If you have not yet stopped by C. Wonder, you should. It is filled the the brim with girl trinkets and dog toys!

(Hint for boys - one stop holiday shopping!)

Union Square Christmas Bazaar

2011-12-12T06:24:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago AEB and I strolled through the Union Square Christmas Bazaar looking for some fun presents. We loved the tea and herb stand and I am very envious of AEB's new fur hat!

Note to self - treat myself to one!

Surgery

2011-12-05T09:52:00.004-05:00

Going in for surgery today!

I have everything I could possible need for my recovery:

Magazines

Books

Movies

December Goal: Staying Active

2011-11-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

In order to balance out the Christmas celebrations, I plan on taking my workout routine up a notch. Things I will be reintroducing include:

1. Yoga

2. Pilates

3. The Rowing Machine

Bonus - my horoscope says this is the time to get back in shape!

Recreating the Creative Energy

2011-11-26T06:46:00.001-05:00

I never really do well when I am just sitting around doing nothing - I love to be active and am at my best when something is always going on. I plan on signing up for a class (or two) this winter to amp up the creative energy I have been lacking. I am officially on the lookout for fabulous art and French classes!

The Dry Dar

2011-11-25T09:12:00.001-05:00

I wish they had one of the Dry Bars in Palm Beach for me to try while I took a break from the working world. I guess I'll have to pop in when I have a spare moment while in New York...

New York

2011-11-22T10:07:00.003-05:00

Will be back in Town tonight!

I had an eventful trip to say the least...more about that later!

The Shirley Temple

2011-11-19T05:43:00.001-05:00

Just think of the satisfaction one must feel when knowing that, even after you’re gone, people will still be heading to their local watering hole and asking for you by name…

The Shirley Temple (also known as one of my favorite drinks - since the age of 3) has many different many stories and rumors swirling about its origin, but it’s most commonly said to have been concocted by a bartender at Chasen’s in Beverly Hills for then underage film star Shirley Temple in the 1930s. Love!

Mr. Turk

2011-11-18T06:36:00.000-05:00

I am obsessed with the Mr. Turk line that Trina Turk has. I was window shopping with Patty the other day when we discovered a small rack in the meat packing store! I secretly, or not so secretly now, want to get theplaid jacket all for myself!

"To Go" Food Favs

2011-11-17T06:32:00.000-05:00

Since I've been exploring the city more I recently discovered two of my favorite restaurants, Cipriani and Serafina's, have wonderful "to go" places set up in very convenient (for me) spots. Not such a new discovery, but a must stop is Balthazar in Soho. All have yummy sandwiches and salads

ordering hint - Cipriani has some of the most amazing oatmeal ever!

Palm Beach To Do

2011-11-16T10:29:00.004-05:00

Currently working on my Palm Beach To Do List...

1. Relax by the pool

2. Shop: Lilly, Stubbs, Vintage

3. The Spa

Parsons

2011-11-15T06:53:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I joined Patty at the Parsons Expo because I have been considering going back to school...of course the only program I was interested in takes 18 people!

I must get to work on my portfolio!

The Glass House

2011-11-14T06:39:00.001-05:00

Completed in 1949, Philip Johnson's Glass House (located in CT) is an iconic modernist structure and inspiration for all. I was reminded of how much I love it when I saw an Assouline book in one of the W hotel lobbies about it. How amazing would it be to live in here like Philip Johnson did his whole life?

Bunny Williams

2011-11-09T06:18:00.000-05:00

I love her style!

Take the Long Way Home

2011-11-08T06:02:00.000-05:00

Recently I have found myself spending more and more time only in the areas that I am comfortable with and know. While this is great, as I now have some great go to spots that I know will be fabulous, I am getting lazy and not taking advantage of my new home. Hence my new mission - to walk home and to explore the city in it's entirety!

Bean Boots

2011-11-07T06:54:00.001-05:00

As I make the mad dash to get to work in the morning, I see a surprising amount of people wearing winter boots. I suppose it is almost the time of year where I get to show off my winter boot collection too! My Bean Boots, a wardrobe staple, are still my favorite ones.

Happy November

2011-11-04T17:21:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it is already November!

Oatmeal

2011-11-01T05:37:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite thing to have for breakfast, aside from green juice of course.

Yum!

October 31st

2011-10-31T07:35:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween!

The Grand Bazaar

2011-10-29T06:57:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to see the special edition images Assouline posted last week of the Grand Bazaar. I am dying to add this book to my collection! I love the vibrant colors and exotic ikat pattern on the covers!

The Sultry Speakeay

2011-10-28T07:20:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been reliving my obsession with the Prohibition Era, which means I have been frequenting speakeay's in my neighborhood. I was speaking with a friend and she told me they are becoming more and more popular in New York.

Recently I have been spotted at the Bathtub Gin, which is a very dark, yet fun place to meet a date. It is easy to imagine yourself going back in time when walking in, that is until you see the modern wallpaper.

*If you are like me and love the Prohibition Era, be sure to order one of the gin drinks - you are at a speakeasy! Also, be sure to check out the Ken Burns Prohibition film that was on PBS.

The High Bun

2011-10-27T07:33:00.000-04:00

The High Bun, also known as my signature hairstyle, is extremly hard to perfect and is best done as soon as you wake up in the morning, without a mirror.

i provided the above image in the event you need a visual "how to".

How to Tie a Bow Tie

2011-10-26T06:18:00.000-04:00

For all my boy cousins...who need all the help they can get...

The Devil's Dictionary

2011-10-25T06:27:00.001-04:00

I admit it, sometimes people need a "cheat sheet" when it comes to my vocabulary so here is a sneak peak at my dictionary:

Town (n.) - Manhattan

ex: I am staying in Town for the week and plan on heading out to the Country for the weekend.

Hogwarts Express (n.) - 7 Train

ex: I take the Hogwarts Express to work every day.

The Bitch (n.) - Palm Beach (aka one of my favorite destinations)

ex: Mom, this dress would be perfect for the Bitch.

Frontier Justice (v.) - What happens when you don't agree with me

ex: Henry, have you ever heard of Frontier Justice? Yes? Then why on Earth are you tormenting your sister?

Dreaming of Paris

2011-10-24T06:14:00.002-04:00

After meeting with the girls and Ryan last week (as well as seeing Alex) I have my favorite modern old fashioned city on my mind - I need to go to Paris!

*It being Monday might have something to do with this as well

Creative Energy

2011-10-23T07:25:00.000-04:00

I feel myself getting inspired by my surroundings and interactions with people again. I must go an pick up some art supplies so I can put my inspiration in a book!

Party Planning

2011-10-22T06:54:00.000-04:00

This picture is inspiring me to plan my next party - too bad I don't have the table to set my kate spade shoes and pick candles on! I suppose I will have to settle for a cocktail party so I can at least wear my shoes...

Ok, so recent events have also inpisired me to plan a couple of parties, namely meeting up with my Parson's Paris friends, house parties, and meeting one of the most intriguing characters i have ever spoken with in my life.

Friends and Family Discounts

2011-10-21T19:24:00.003-04:00

Don't you love it when there is a Friends and Family promotion running? I do, especially when it is at Kate Spade! It's running today through Sunday (until midnight!) with a 30% discount...I'm for sure checking it out!

Betty and Veronica

2011-10-21T06:49:00.000-04:00

My Dad was very generous and donated a fabulous decoupage of Betty and Veronica for the decorating cause for my apartment. It fits right in with our bright decor!

Hopefully we will not end up in something like the incident above!

Harney and Sons

2011-10-20T06:19:00.002-04:00

I am forever grateful that my cousin NJM introduced me to the Paris tea from Harney & Sons. It is so yummy and comes in the most adorable white and royal blue tin box!

Recently, I spent an afternoon gossiping and snacking on nuts and cheese while enjoying my tea with CMR at the tea room down in Soho. It's a must if you are looking to catch up with friends!

Breakfast With Tiffany's

2011-10-19T07:54:00.002-04:00

While I am not able to enjoy my breakfast every morning at Tiffany's like Holly Golightly, I do enjoy my breakfast with Tiffany's fun dessert plate and mug... thank you Dad for getting me the most perfect present ever! Next item on my wishlist - the tea cups!

On a side note, if you love love be sure to check out the what makes love true site Tiffany has!

Fall Lifestyle Revamp

2011-10-18T20:10:00.005-04:00

I am currently embarking on a 5 day cleanse (currently on day 2!) and let me tell you, it is not that easy! I am for sure experiencing some of the detox symptoms but I can only imagine how great I am going to feel after completing it! Maybe this cleanse is the reason why all my post ideas involve food (or meals...). I must get back on track!

Things I hope to accomplish while cleansing:

1. Jump-starting a new, healthier diet

2. Living a healthier lifestyle - AEB, I am still planning on Laduree dates and yoga sessions!

3. Save some money and lose a few lbs while I am at it!

the book list

2011-10-06T07:11:00.000-04:00

when i was moving in you can only imagine the anxiety i had about deciding on what books to bring...well, i ended up bring all of them (oops!) and i plan on adding these to the collection:

barbie

allure

it's all about the dress

hello october

2011-10-05T06:14:00.000-04:00

"aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring." - Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's

i'm so happy it is finally beginning to feel like fall!

happy october!

2011-10-03T07:35:00.002-04:00

this weekend i spent most of my time representing my company at the Food Network Wine and Food Festival. I never realized how much work it is to talk to people and be on your feet all day long....the plus side is that I got to meet so many people and try so many yummy things!

on the hunt

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

the search for the perfect nightstand and lamp is on!

currently checked off my list:

a rug

vanity/desk

and mirror

grace potter

2011-09-28T07:06:00.000-04:00

this past weekend i ventured over to the grace potter concert with the girls and we had so much fun (even though the only song i know is the paris song). but whatever, grace potter puts on a great show and had such a great energy on stage!

breakfast epiphanies

2011-09-27T08:24:00.000-04:00

i've been reading...

to future generations

Gov. Christie vetoes 'shore' tax-credit

blueprintcleanse opens up in L.A.

yelling 'fire' on a crowded runway

how the office got its manager

luxury straws

2011-09-26T06:16:00.000-04:00

i was shopping today with my parents and had a field day when i spotted these silver straws at tiffany. i especially was a fan of the ant straw. what is perfect about these strawsis that i can't bite them to little bits like i do with every other straw! if i were in the position to spend $250 frivolously, i would totally have gotten one...or 5!

design sponge

2011-09-23T06:11:00.001-04:00

now that i have my new apartment i have been scouring books and magazines for decor inspiration. imagine how excited i was to see the new design sponge book out?

other essentials include:

elle decor

and

the domino book

wheels & dollbaby - clothes to snare a millionaire

2011-09-22T06:46:00.000-04:00

i'm susally not into the pinup type of clothing but i must admit i am obsessed with some of the dresses, skirts, and tops!

i am partial to the ballet skirt and the holiday in st tropez dress

BPC in LA

2011-09-21T20:24:00.001-04:00

such exciting news!

the biggest loser

2011-09-21T06:09:00.001-04:00

the biggest loser has started again! i'm excited! are you?

start spreading the news

2011-09-20T07:40:00.003-04:00

i have finally moved into my new apartment in Town! next thing on the list is orrdering champagne and macarons for my housewarming party!

*sidenote: now that i am finally in and have time to blog again you can expect regular updates/blogspots!

it happened so fast

2011-09-08T06:32:00.001-04:00

things i loved about the summer:

1. summer birthdays

(once again, happy birthday to all by beautiful friends and family members)

2. the beach

obviously…

3. weekend getaways

who doesn’t love last minute jaunts to palm beach?

4. Visitors

Peter, Alex, and Dude – you must come visit again...stat!

5. ball games

perfect on a warm summer night

6. celebrations

the 4^th of July is one of my favorites!

7. apartment plotting

COH and I are excited to live together

8. discoveries

who would have thought that tourists could teach you things about your town…

9. mind and body treatments

cleansing with CMR and going to the spa was just what I needed

10. arnold palmers

my drink of choice during the summer

the calm before the storm?

2011-08-27T17:48:00.002-04:00

everyone always talks about the calm before a big storm but i don't know about that...it seems like everyone is tense and frantic! but maybe they are referring to the weather because that is surprisingly calm.

i'm nervous about the storm because it is hitting 10 miles from my town and i am surrounded by water and the tides with the new moon are crazy!!!

i will be sure to keep you posted (as long as i have internet and power, which is seeming more unlikely by the hour...)

snail mail

2011-08-03T06:17:00.000-04:00

while i love the convenience of email, texting, and the phone i still love a good letter! thank goodness for friends like katrina who prefer this mode of communication as well!

mini muse: jean shrimpton

2011-08-02T06:29:00.000-04:00

love her style!

winnie the pooh

2011-08-01T05:21:00.000-04:00

pooh and i relate on many levels, the main one being our love of honey!

i recently saw winnie the pooh with my little brother and i forgot how much i love winnie the pooh, while it is a remake of past winnie the poohs (i would know as i have seen them all!) i still highly recommend it.

happy birthday caroline!

2011-07-31T08:13:00.000-04:00

happy birthday to my favorite sister!

note to self:

2011-07-30T12:43:00.000-04:00

stop by :

1. that yummy french bakery and nick and johnnies

2. groovy palm beach / dixie highway

3. stubbs and wooton

4. lilly pulitzer

5. the beach

yoga

2011-07-30T07:08:00.000-04:00

i have recently started yoga in order to improve my flexibility...so far i have not been sucessful, but hope springs eternal and one day i will be able to touch my toes!

travel plans

2011-07-29T05:39:00.000-04:00

will be popping down to palm beach for the weekend to celebrate the birth of CIS and for HHS to start golf camp! i will be relaxing on the beach and going to the pool...i'm not the best at golfing and i'm not allowed to just drive the cart (or so my dad says...)

i'm actually really excited to go because i have been craving a palm beach trip!

watermelon

2011-07-28T05:46:00.000-04:00

my go to fruit during the summer is watermelon! you can't go wrong with it and everyone loves it! (except the pesky black seeds...) i recently had an amazing watermelon juice that i am going to have to attempt to recreate! i had it at le pain quotidian...

watermelon

agave

mint

lemon

(they added in cucumber, but i don't like cucumber so i will not be including that in my drink!)

i also am going to freeze it, so i will be sure to tell you how that goes!

gilt city

2011-07-27T05:57:00.000-04:00

i admit it, i have an addiction to gilt city (referred in correspondance between my dad and i as "guilt city"). honestly though, how can you resist the great specials and new ideas you can find!?

i'm always checking the website at 10am every monday, wednesday, and friday!

henri bendel

2011-07-26T06:26:00.001-04:00

my go to store for all thing involving accessories henri bendel happens to be having a sale! i will be stopping by and picking up a few pieces to add to my collection!

they also have these really fun and colorful scarves that i like to give as gifts to friends.

le pain quotidien

2011-07-25T06:56:00.000-04:00

my new breakfast spot has the best french bread with jam and is the most probable reason for my weight gain...

i might have to make this my new sunday ritual with CMR!

(and go to the gym right after)

breakfast epiphanies

2011-07-20T05:55:00.002-04:00

some articles and websites that caught my eye yesterday:

1. the leisure dive - is this real or photoshopped? looks somewhat painful...

2. john galliano interview - considering the scandals revolving around him this past year, it was interesting to read this article and interview!

3. kind newsstand vendor - a lighthearted and uplifting story...something similar happened to me (i left my cell phone in a cab and someone returned it to me!)

4. snow leopard population on the rebound - such exciting news, one of my favorite animals happens to be making a comeback in Afghanistan!

5. some fun optical illusions - the sidewalk installation is really cool to look at!

happy reading!

throw out 50 things: clear the clutter, find your life

2011-07-14T06:34:00.000-04:00

i am taking this book to heart! i have so much stuff and not enough room! i don't know why i need all of my old magazines, random, pieces of paper, and the list goes on from there. i can't wait to declutter my room so it can finally get back to normal! ok, relatively normal BUT still, i am making a huge step by even thinking about getting rid of things. last year there was no chance i would have gotten rid of a single thing!

magazine must reads

2011-07-13T05:51:00.001-04:00

i'm not sure if i have admitted this to you guys yet, but i'm a total hoarder. if you have read my blog at all this little fun fact probably does not come as a shock.

anyways, one of the many things i like to ...ahem... collect are magazines. not the trashy gossip rags, but the fabulous french ones (and american vogue and haarpers, occasionally vanity fair and now that i think of it elle decor...). i thought i would share with you my must read list:

1. l'officiel

2. vogue paris

3. harpers baazar

4. elle decor

5. national geographic

the list goes on but i don't want to bore you!

the nook

2011-07-12T06:22:00.001-04:00

for my birthday my fav sister caroline got me the nook and i'm obsessed! now i can read all of my embarrassing books in public and not worry about hiding the titles and covers!

mini muse: elsa peretti

2011-07-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

love her spunky style that translates into her jewelry line

happy july!

2011-07-01T06:36:00.003-04:00

i don't know what you think but this summer is flying by!

boy approved presents

2011-06-30T05:50:00.003-04:00

i am constantly nagging my cousins for gift ideas because i find that guys are impossible to shop for. there are a billion reasons but the main ones include:

1. i do not keep tabs on the latest "it" gadget

2. i don't think like a guy at all therefore am unable to relate

3. generally the only things we have in common are a love and food and that fact we are human

needless to say, men in my life usually end up getting socks and underwear but please don't fret! while the idea might be unoriginal, i like to spice up wardrobes with glam cashmere socks and colorful (in more ways then one) underwear.

anyways, back to the topic on hand, DOM shared with me an idea for gifts (he is either hinting the i need to pick up something for him or he is finally giving me ideas!) so check out this clothing brand as it is guy approved.

(knives and anything having to do with the outdoors made the cut as well, but i know nothing about these so i avoid purchasing them like the plague)

amusing online articles

2011-06-29T06:04:00.000-04:00

ok so while i have been taking a break i have been scouring magazines and websites and picking my friend's brains for inspiration. here are a few articles i have found to be amusing and entertaining. i hope you to as well!

1. jonathan adler in nymag

cait told me about this article because we all know i love him and this article made me love him even more! we share a love of cookies before bed time...

2. mens perspective on girls fashion

i found this while reading the NYT style section on the website...i laughed pretty hard because i can see my cousins doing the same thing - taking over the conversation and making it about what they want to discuss!

3. versace for h&m

i think this could go either way...what do you think?

4. for all tumblr users

just an FYI!

5. ancient beer

i don't know why anyone would want to even consider trying it or be surprised that it was deemed too salty to drink!

hello sunshine!

2011-06-28T06:47:00.003-04:00

between my birthday celebrations, work, being in town, and scrambling for time in the country i think i finally found the perfect balance to my crazy schedule! so get ready for some more regular posts.

see you soon!

happy birthday to me!

2011-06-22T06:45:00.002-04:00

happy birthday to me!

(hopefully i won't be too tired to celebrate for the rest of the week!)

summer spinning

2011-06-21T06:58:00.001-04:00

i don't know about you, but when i go to the gym by myself i usually do a half-hearted cardio routine and maybe a couple of weights. (my former trainer would have a heart attack reading this) i would watch (in horror) everyone sweat in a cramped room with as many stationary bicycles that would fit. well, all of this changed one day at 6am!

i spontaneously attended my first spinning class... i found myself doing extreme cardio while incorporating push ups in between hills (and listening to crazy techno). what helped was my instructor inspiring (and yelling) at us to keep moving. let me tell you, i am converted and i totally get the addiction now!

planning the perfect picnic

2011-06-20T08:13:00.001-04:00

now that it is summer i am forever planning things to do with friends and something i can't wait to plan are summer picnics! things you must have for a successful picnic include but are not limited to the following:

1. fabulous friends

2. yummy food

3. the perfect picnic basket (complete with a red and white checkered blanket)

4. a playlist that inspires dance

5. a chilled bottle of bubbly

happy father's day

2011-06-19T20:05:00.002-04:00

happy father's day daddy! i love you so much!!

must have kitchen gadget

2011-06-19T08:35:00.001-04:00

ok i will admit it...i am that person who stares at the tv watching the infomercials (and falls for the gimmicks) but i have found one that i am obsessed with and i use it almost every day! it is the magic bullet, which is uh-mazing!!! it makes amazing raw soups and delish smoothies in like a minute, not even!

just in case you were interested, i got a great deal on it at price club! be sure to check it out!! (my aunt ran to the store immediately after talking to me about it!)

itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polkadot bikini

2011-06-18T06:21:00.002-04:00

in case you don't know the famous song (and can't see the picture of the bikini) i want to let you know this post is about the bikini...it's summer and i mean how can i avoid talking about one of my favorite summer accessories?? anyways, i read up on the bikini (i will admit, i was totally reading matchbookmag and was inspired to do more research) and thought i would share with you some interesting facts and a fun quote as a bonus!

1. the bikini is named after the island Bikini Atoll, which was the sight of a nuclear test. (the name was chosen because of the explosive effect it had on anyone who viewed it!)

2. the 1963 movie beach party was one of the many beach inspired films from the 60s to popularize the bikini

3. sports illustrated featured a bikini clad model for the first time ever in 1964

4. louis read's original bikini consisted of only 30 square inches of fabric. (he also was originally a mechanical engineer who happened to try out bathing suit design)

5. "statistics are like a bikini. what they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital"

- Aaron Levenstein

strapless bras

2011-06-15T10:17:00.003-04:00

now that it is summer i find myself always reaching for my strapless bra and, of course, journelle is spot on with things that are important in a strapless bra (and they give some good suggestions as well!)

happy birthday dana!

2011-06-14T06:41:00.000-04:00

happy birthday to one of my oldest and best friends!

happy birthday grant!

2011-06-13T06:53:00.000-04:00

happy birthday to one of my most wonderful friends!

(even though i know you don't read my blog and never will)