A recipe for French 75 popsicles

Matt and I have been on a real Popsicle kick lately. It's seems to be the best—and fastest—way to beat the heat! Now, thanks to a recent gift of Popsicle molds, we've decided to attempt to make our own. This recipe for French 75 Popsicles—which includes champagne, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup—caught our eye. It sounds so yummy and refreshing, right?

We're going to give the recipe a try this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes!

(Images via Reclaiming Provincial)

Why children's books matter

As I mentioned last week, my mom was in town for a visit over the weekend. Before seeing Matilda: The Musical on Broadway, we decided it only made sense for us to pop by the New York Public Library's special exhibit, "The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter". We were so glad that we did! The show brings all the classics to life, with first editions, audio recordings, playful displays and more. The moment I walked in, I felt instantly transported back to my childhood, and nostalgic for all the books I devoured as a kid. Charlotte's Web, Mary Poppins, Where the Wild Things Are, Winnie the Pooh—these are just a handful of the books you'll get to revisit. It's on display through March 2014, so you have plenty of time to make the trip and check it out.

What was your favorite children's book growing up? In fact, the one I loved the most wasn't featured at the NYPL. I loved Dorrie and the Blue Witch by Patricia Coombs. 

(Images via Books 4 Your Kids)

One week, three movies

Other than Frances Ha, Iron Man 3, and Monsters University, I haven't seen too many movies in the theater this summer. But that's about to change this week. I mentioned Blue Jasmine before, but The To Do List and The Way, Way Back are two more coming-of-age summer flicks that I can't wait to see. In addition to the impressive reviews—and terrific casts—I love the pool-side, carefree charm of each one.

What about you? What summer films are on your must-see list?

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The weekend is here!

My darling readers, the weekend is here! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm excited because my mom is visiting from Massachusetts, and we have quite the weekend planned. Most exciting, we're going to see a couple of Broadway shows, which is definitely a treat. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Meeting Rachel.

Royal china!

Ode to Saturday nights.

Namesake cocktails.

An office, in progress.

Paris nostalgia. (Plus, a new book that's tres chic.)

A lavender festival.

Prettify your bar cart.

Morning glow.

A playlist for July.

(Image via Pinterest)

Insta-salads

With the way the temperatures keep climbing, the only thing I've been craving lately is a fresh—and inventive—salad. That's why I am completely obsessed with Sarah Yates' Instagram feed and the mouth-watering salad pics she posts. Seriously, how yummy do the combinations above look? Notice that all three salads include a favorite ingredient of mine: avocado. :)

Just in case you want to create these lunch or dinner options yourself, Sarah has posted the recipes here on her blog, A House in the Hills.

What do you think? Will you try any of these? If you have a yummy go-to salad recipe, I'd love to hear!

More summer salads here and here and a sad desk salad here.
 
(Images via A House in the Hills) 

Baby Cambridge is here!

At last, the Great Kate Wait is over! Such exciting news to welcome the Royal Baby and the future King of England to the world. Did you follow all the coverage yesterday? Kate and William both looked so genuinely happy when introducing their son on the steps outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London. What a joyful moment in time—and one that was so exciting to watch.

I'm looking forward to hearing more news about the Royal couple's first few weeks at home with their adorable baby boy.

Hard to believe it all started here! Funny enough, my friend Shalah now shares her birthday with the Royal Prince.

(Images via People)

Breathing space

This past weekend, I snapped this photo of the Nashua River—a place where I spent a lot of time as a kid. I've gone canoeing here, swimming, and hiking along the water's edge. It's such a peaceful and serene spot, and one that I definitely took for granted growing up.

The contrast between New York City and a place like this is astounding when you think about it. I feel lucky to have access to the best of both worlds!

Where do you go to get away?

More snaps from the weekend here.

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days? I'm looking forward to starting my next book, relaxing, and finding creative ways to beat this New York City heat. :) Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Jenna Lyons' Brooklyn brownstone.

Winery report. (Plus: Loca Linda rosé.)

Pretty pillows!

A funfetti macaron.

Tips for a hot commute.

Love Aubrey Plaza. (Will you see her new movie?)

Lemonade stand DIY.

Best friends with iPhones.

Summer fruit slush.

Keep cool!

(Image via Pinterest)

The best recipe for lemon macarons

With this New York heat wave, I'm constantly on the hunt for something refreshing to sip or eat. Macarons are perfect for summer and such a sweet, light bite. Especially if the flavor is lemon! Leave it to Rue magazine to provide an easy recipe so that you can make them yourself. Learning how to make my own macarons is something I've wanted to try for a while now—despite my limited ability when it comes to baking.

What do you think? Would you give this recipe a whirl? 

(Images via Rue)

The Great Kate Wait

Like the rest of the world, I'm on pins and needles waiting for news of the Royal Baby to hit. It's such an exciting occasion! My mom keeps reminding me of how she spent the whole time she was pregnant with me watching Diana, and waiting to hear news that Prince William was born. 

There's something so lovely about the tradition of it all and the fact that Kate and William will introduce their baby standing on the same hospital steps where Charles and Diana did 31 years ago.

Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Royal Baby? What do you think his or her name will be? (Play the guessing game here.)

More Royal posts:
- Royal Baby Watch
- Baby Bump Love
- Baby on board!

(Image 1, Image 2)

Kitchen essentials

I keep playing around with different ideas for wall art in our new Brooklyn kitchen. Something about these Etsy prints caught my eye. I love that they feature ingredients that can change and enhance the flavor of any dish. Basil, lemon, garlic—they're all favorites of mine. I think it would be great to hang these in a group in our kitchen near the stove.

What do you have hanging on your kitchen walls?

PS—Paris postcards.

(Images via Etsy) 

Fete Paradiso

On Friday, I mentioned Fete Paradiso, a giant Parisian festival brought to Governor's Island to celebrate Bastille Day. A quick five-minute ferry ride over, and we were there—transported to a small (and shockingly un-crowded) outdoor party, straight out of Midnight in Paris. The coolest part was the old-school carnival rides that were set up for party-goers to ride. The mini-roller coaster (pictured above) was from the 1950s, while the bicycle-propelled carousel was from 1892.

After sundown, the night carried on—with live bands, dancing, food, champagne and more. The most amazing part was being on Governor's Island after dark. I had no idea, but fireflies do exist in New York. In fact, venture out to Governor's Island at night and you'll spot thousands.

Did you celebrate Bastille Day? Would love to hear what you did!

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend, my darling readers! What's on tap for you in the next couple of days? I'm looking forward to going out to Governor's Island for Fete Paradiso, a French carnival and real-life throwback to Midnight in Paris (read the review by PureWow). Wishing you a relaxing weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A summer jumper.

Macaron sparklers.

Inspired by lavender.

Make your own burrito bowl.

A pink flamingo baby shower.

The perfect desk organizer.

A floaty blue dress.

Vinaigrette's secret weapon.

Steve Martin lost his wallet.

Do you wear a beach hat?

(Image via Pinterest) 

Summer sandal series

A pedicure is one of my favorite summer indulgences—and gorgeous strappy sandals make it all the more fun to put perfectly polished toes on display. That's why I love this Instagram feed by the ladies over at Glitter Guide. Among other summer-inspired shots, they always capture summer feet that are ready for all things: the beach, the pool, or just lounging around.

Inspired to do the same, I snapped the pic above of my own feet, pounding the sizzling pavement in New York. It's not as glamorous a locale as a hot and beachy spot, but it will have to do for now!

Snap a photo of your own summer feet, and share a link to the pic in the comments below.

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Kayaking on the East River

Ever since I moved to Brooklyn, I've been looking forward to going kayaking on the East River. Over the long weekend, I finally did it! It was slightly risky to bring my iPhone out on the water with me, but I couldn't resist since I knew how incredible the views would be. That said, every time a giant ferry or speed boat went by, I crossed my fingers that my phone would stay dry as we navigated the choppy water. 

It's true what they say: The water offers the absolute best look at the city. If you're in Brooklyn this summer, I highly recommend you give this experience a try.

PS—Don't you love the selfie I took of me and Matt? :)

Before Midnight

Have you seen Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and—the latest in this trilogy—Before Midnight? I only recently discovered this film series starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, but was instantly hooked. I love that it takes a look at a relationship at different stages of life. First, when this pair is in their 20s (Before Sunrise); second—10 years later in real time—when they are in their 30s (Before Sunset); and finally, another 10 years gone by, when the pair is in their 40s (Before Midnight). The series captures the romance of good conversation—and the magic of meeting someone and feeling a spark with them out of thin air.

Now that I've seen the first two films, I'm going to watch Before Midnight this week. How about you? Will you watch these films?

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Strawberry basil lemonade

For anyone who spent the past weekend in New York, you know: It has been hot in the city. Ice cream is usually the best cure for climbing temps, but this weekend, I discovered an even better antidote: Strawberry basil lemonade. I was in Brooklyn Bridge Park when I found it, made fresh by a company called Lizzmonade. It was delicious—the basil and strawberries help prevent the sugary lemon juice from tasting too sweet. Try this recipe from Food 52 and make it yourself. As a garnish, fill your glass with thin slices of strawberries and basil leaves. Yum!

(Image via Kitchen Meets Girl)

Enjoy the long weekend!

My darling readers, cheers to a short week! What do you have planned for the 4th of July? I have to admit that it's my favorite holiday. Mainly because of the fireworks, but I also love that it's the unofficial kick-off to summer in New England. I'm taking it easy this weekend, and very psyched to have a New York staycation planned. Wishing you a terrific four-day break! Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

An awesome wedding toast.

Grown up topsy tail.

4th of July: From day to night.

Love salts.

Sparkler cupcake toppers.

The art of summer.

Rachel Khoo's picnic ideas.

Macarons in New York.

For those who love tabbouleh. Yum!

A red, white and blue wedding.

(Image via Pinterest)

Rosemary's Baby

As I mentioned Friday, over the weekend, I watched Rosemary's Baby at the Film Forum. Terrifying? Completely. But in such a smart and entertaining way. I kept thinking of Woody Allen's Manhattan Murder Mystery while I watched. Both films so brilliantly capture the fear of apartment living in New York: After all, how well do you really know your neighbors?

Aside from the film's plot, I love Mia Farrow's hair. First the bob, then that iconic pixie cut by Vidal Sassoon. Needless to say, when I got my hair cut later in the weekend, I was completely inspired by her bob!

Have you seen Rosemary's Baby? What did you think?

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Would you wallpaper your apartment?

Since my Brooklyn apartment is completely unpacked, I've been starting to think about little design flourishes that won't break the bank. I love this temporary wallpaper from Hygge & West. It's so brilliant! Every time I go to invest in something nice for my apartment, I hem and haw—mostly because that's the problem: It's most likely a temporary spot. But this pretty wallpaper is the perfect solution. A way to add color and style—without messing with my security deposit.

What do you think? Would you try this out?

(Images via Hygge & West)