My darling readers, it's Friday! I'm so thrilled it's the weekend—and also feeling a little nostalgic. It's my last weekend living on the Upper East Side. Then, it's off to Brooklyn for me! In tribute to the last five years, Matt and I have planned a UES-style send-off with plans to hit all my favorite neighborhood spots. Depending how productive I am with packing, I will share pics from the weekend next week. In the meantime, wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
Rockwood residency. Yay!
Would you wear a black bow?
New York in the rain.
Peek-a-boo purple.
I heart these cards.
The details count.
What to wear in Central Park.
Grilled avocados.
Illustrating Paris.
(Image via Pinterest)
I stumbled across this idea thanks to Joanna over at A Cup of Jo: Chocolate chip cookies made by the serving. So clever! As a girl who once bought a roll of slice and bake cookies and made them one by one, one night at a time, this recipe is designed for me. The ingredients are simple, and it's a smart idea for pulling together a quick—and tasty—treat.
Too much effort for two cookies at a time? I'd love to hear what you think.
Also, the great cookie catastrophe.
(Image via No. 2 Pencil)
In celebration of the short week, why not splurge on something pretty? I'm obsessed with all the jewelry in Elephantine's Etsy shop. If you haven't checked it out before, go today—she's having a mid-winter sale! These fraulein earrings are my favorite—so lovely and delicate. They're the perfect bright spot on a cold, January day.
(Images via Etsy)
A couple of weeks ago, some friends of mine hosted game night. Read: Dinner (and plenty of wine) followed by a little bit of friendly competition. :) We played Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, and a new game called Cranium Party Playoff—it was a hoot! It got me thinking about the games I used to play all the time as a kid. You'll laugh, but two of my favorites were Mall Madness and Mystery Date (we borrowed the original version from my next door neighbor's house). Looking back, both games were quite absurd, but I loved them all the same.
What games did you play as a kid? Are there any that you still play now?
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Happy Friday, my darling readers! How was your week? I'm so ready for the weekend, especially one that's three days. :) What do you have planned? I'm excited because Matt's family is in town—it's always so fun to play host in a city like New York! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
Another reason Amy Poehler is a goddess. (Plus: Tina Fey on Twitter.)
The luckiest girl in the world.
An inspiring tee.
Music to my ears!
Date night tips.
Kiss the cook.
The St. Regis, Italian-style.
Museum staff.
Mooning.
Pause for pretty (earrings).
(Image via I Dream Of)
In the midst of a busy week, a quick reminder to smile: Remember, tomorrow the weekend begins! :)
(Image via Pinterest)
When you go out to eat, do you snag a restaurant matchbook on your way out the door? I clearly do. As I begin packing up my apartment for my big move to BK, I am amazed at how many matchbooks I have picked up over the years. Useful and a good thing to have on hand? Absolutely. But these matchbooks are also a fun way to remember the special memories that happened at each place.
For example, Eastern Standard—in Boston next to Fenway Park—served up my favorite cocktail, and is where I celebrated turning the big 2-5. NIKO—a swanky sushi spot in Soho—is where I toasted my good friend's engagement with champagne. And Quality Meats—a stylish Midtown spot—is where I had my first meal with my new boss. Every one of these matchbooks means something to me. Will I carry them with me to Brooklyn? Yes!
(Image via Instagram)
Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday night? It made my day to see Ben Affleck take home the award for Best Director. And not just because he's a Boston guy. His work on Argo was exceptional, and as a director, he's a real talent. Did you see the film? What did you think?
Watch Ben's full acceptance speech here.
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How do you keep track of the recipes you try and love? I'm pretty old school about it, jotting down step-by-step instructions on index cards and clipping those cards together to store all in one place. But I'm about to upgrade: After seeing these adorable recipe cards from Rifle Paper Co., how can I not? They are beautifully designed and clever, too. Plus, the heirloom recipe box gives storing them a vintage feel. I'd love to have this wooden file in my kitchen, ready to pull out anytime I decide to cook.
What's your method for recording recipes? I'd love to know!
More recipes here and here.
(Images via Rifle Paper Co.)
Happy Friday, my darling readers! What's on tap for your weekend? I'm packing, couch shopping, and more. Lots to do, so little time to do it in before I move! The biggest question is this: What on earth do I do with all the magazines I have saved? :) Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
Apartment glamour in Paris.
Good birthday news for Kate.
Treat yourself!
Starry, starry sweater.
Good advice.
A clever way to say thanks.
Portrait of a (Downton) lady.
Resolutions I can get on board with.
Why a lash curler is amazing.
(Image via Note to Self)
What do you do to warm up during the winter? Sadly, my New York-sized apartment doesn't include a fireplace, so I focus on the next best thing: Flannel pajamas. The pair pictured above was a Christmas gift from my sister (she got me this pair in red, too!)—and I love them. They are cozy and stylish, but lightweight enough that you don't overheat while sleeping. The perfect pair! :)
More winter here and here and here.
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Woo-hoo! The mid-season TV shows are starting to premiere. :) Downton Abbey, Smash, there's even a rumor—courtesy of Jon Slattery himself—that season 6 of Mad Men may air sooner than we think.
What new (or returning) show is on your must-watch list this month? Ah, good television—the best guilty pleasure ever!
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Trust me: This recipe for Balsamic Roasted Winter Squash and Wild Rice Salad is perfect. Courtesy of the New York Times, I stumbled across it about a month ago, and I'm so thankful I did. Something magical happens when squash and balsamic vinegar mix. Place it on top of arugula with a bit of wild rice, and you'll find one of the most delicious—and satisfying—recipes you've ever tried. The toughest part is chopping up the squash. :)
Do you have any fun, new go-to winter recipes to share?
More cooking here and here.
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This is a little bit belated, but happy January, my darling readers! The holidays came and went so fast—I was home in Massachusetts, relaxing and catching up with family and friends. We even got snow! :) And now, I have some big news for the new year: I'm moving to Brooklyn! It's definitely an exciting change, but hard to believe I'm leaving the Manhattan apartment that I've lived in for the past five years. That said, I can't wait to move to a new neighborhood, and one that not only has a Trader Joe's, but Brooklyn Bridge Park, too. There's no better place to see the Manhattan skyline at night!
As 2013 begins, I gave some thought to a few things I'm looking forward to this year:
1) Settling into my new apartment—and a new borough, too.
2) Running another 10K in Central Park.
3) Visiting my little sister in California, and hopefully planning another trip across the pond.
4) Taking French lessons.
5) Finding even more time to write!
What are you looking forward to the most this year? January might just be one of my favorite months—there's nothing better than a fresh start. Plus, you get to wear cozy (and cute) winter hats, play in the snow, and fantasize about a warm weather escape. So, cheers to a wonderful and bright new year ahead—and thank you for continuing to read and keep up with my blog!
xx
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