Monday, April 30, 2012

Weekend Update - 4/30/2012

{a step up (literally and figuratively) from my old place}
Made it safely through the move to the West Village this weekend. Recognizing I've resided here a whole two days, I don't think there could be another neighborhood on earth more perfect for me. It's not because the subway is close or there is a gym nearby...but that there are seven (count 'em, 7) ice cream joints within a less-than-one-block radius from my door step including gelato, gelato pops, frozen yogurt, soft serve goat's milk, regular ice cream...you get my drift. But really could not be more obsessed with my area, building & the people that live in it, actual apartment, etc. Such a nice change. Posting will be light as I'm off to Charlotte for work the remainder of the week and didn't manage to get ready once much less take any outfit pics the last couple days. I expect to be fully up and running next Monday though. Have a great week! xo.
{flowers instead of trash outside my building...a welcomed change}

{I look forward to sipping vino outside this corner cafe}

{Victory Garden: my new favorite soft serve spot which is right next to...}

{my new go-to coffee shop, Prodigy Coffee}

{one of the many cute Italian places down the block}

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

These lemon raspberry sandwich cookies were definitely one of the more laborious recipes I've ever tried but when I saw them on Martha Stewart, they looked too good not to try. Of course, hers look much better than mine but we can't all be Martha.






Ingredients


1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions


1.Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside. Whisk together both flours, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.

2.Put butter, sugars, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, mixing well after each addition. Cover dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes.

3.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cold dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Transfer dough on parchment to a baking sheet; freeze 10 minutes.

4.Using a fluted 1 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out dough; transfer to prepared baking sheets. Reroll scraps, and cut out (you should have 40 rounds). Bake until pale golden, 10 to 11 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool slightly on sheets on wire racks. Transfer cookies to racks to cool completely.

5.Place jam in a small bowl and stir in remaining tablespoon lemon juice. Spread 1 teaspoon jam mixture on flat side of half of the cookies, and sandwich with the remaining cookies. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Unfilled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days; filled ones are best eaten the day you assemble them.



Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Fresh

Zara Jacket (similar) & Booties | J. Brand Jeans | H&M Men's Scarf (similar)




It's that time of year when I want to dress for Spring but have to layer jackets like this one, chunky knit scarves (men's like this one give you more to work with) and booties for when mother nature throws us 50° curve balls like the last couple days. This proved to be the perfect combo for a group birthday dinner at Sala One Nine this weekend. These jeans might be the softest pair of pants I've ever owned. I may or may not have fallen asleep in them later that night.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Weekend Update - 4/23/2012

Today's 'Weekend Update' is dedicated to my apartment as this is where I spent the last two days in there entirety before a crazy week of work travel and finally moving on Friday. Here are a few photos, some of which I've posted about before (here and here), of some of my DIY design projects including:

- Hammering antique upholstery nail heads into a plain-jane ikea couch
- Making shelves out of tossed & found pieces of wood and Home Depot brackets
- Putting as many pairs of shoes / glasses / purses on display as possible as a space saver
- Replacing white plastic cabinet knobs with glass ones from Anthropologie and hanging wall paper on cabinet doors
- Replacing the really ugly and horribly placed light fixture with a pretty chandelier in the middle of the room
- Vintage Harpar's Bazaar magazine covers in frames
- A simple string of lights on the patio

Looking forward to having this move over with and embarking on a whole new set of home improvement projects at my new place. Stay tuned!








Friday, April 20, 2012

Packin' Up

As excited as I am to be moving from the East to the West Village exactly one week from today, I am equally dreading packing up my apartment this weekend. You would be shocked how much stuff one can cram into 280 sq ft. Have fun for me this weekend!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Gone Fishing

Forever 21 Dress (similar here) & Oxfords (similar here and love these) | H&M Hat (similar here) | Zara Purse (similar here) | Express Jacket (similar here)



Today I commend you, H&M. For finally realizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to jugheads like yours truly (thanks, Dad) and making small, medium and large hats. While waiting patiently in line for this dress last week, I went to set this panama hat atop this watermelon of mine and by God it fit. For a split second I was flattered thinking my head had shrunk but then looked at the tag that read: 'Size L.' Needless to say I've been wearing it around proud as punch to not be stuffing it on this noggin of mine...I even bought another the other day so I have a back up. I paired it with this polka dot dress (similar here) and my favorite old oxfords (thinking of replacing them with these) for a muggy, summer-like day last weekend.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Coachella Fashion Faves

H&M bustier {similar here and other cute ones here, here and here} | Topshop shorts {similar here and here}

Blessed are the Meek Dress {similar here and here} | Crossroads Kimono {similar here} | Jeffrey Campbell lucite heels


Anthropologie Denim Romper
True Religion fringe vest (cheaper option here) | Shop PR dress (similar here) | Vintage boots (similar here) | Michael Kors sunnies

Juicy Couture Cherry Print swimsuit {similar here} | Denim cutoffs {similar here and here}

Iron Maiden t-shirt


Mens blue oxford | Denim cutoffs {similar here and here} | Floppy straw hat {similar here} | Flip flops | Necklace

Striped jeans | Alexander Wang sandals

Red dress {similar here}

Floppy hat
pic sources: Refinery 29, Harper's Bazaar and NYMag

Crop tops and cut offs, fringe and komonos...here are a few of my favorite looks from Coachella weekend 1.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Something Blue

H&M Dress | Zara Jacket & Bag (similar) | Nine West Heels | Forever 21 Jewelry




You have no idea the blood, sweat and near tears after almost missing my flight last Thursday that went into securing this dress. I saw it on Monday, made daily trips and phone calls to 4 different H&M stores and about 2 hours before I was supposed to fly out for a wedding, finally got it. If any of you are in this same predicament and call a store looking, start off by saying it's part of the the 'Trend' line and giving them the SKU 068306. I absolutely love the electric blue color (also comes in neon yellow), the fit/material couldn't be more flattering and it's only $49.95. Unfortunately I failed to get a photo of my favorite part of this dress...the sheer covered deep scoop back.  I recommend to anyone needing a fun new spring / summer dress.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Weekend Update - 4/16/2012

Heading back to the big city this morning after a whirlwind wedding weekend at home. The day started off rainy and cool and luckily cleared up right before the ceremony and reception making for a really pretty night. Her dress/hair/jewelry, the rustic decor at the reception which consisted of lots of burlap, mason jars, old milk crates and doors/windows...everything was perfect. Was so nice to catch up with family and old friends and get a much needed dose of the Midwest. Now back to the grind. Have a good week everyone! xo. 


















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