Rifle Paper Co. + Garance Doré

Have you had a chance to check out the new stationery line from Garance Doré in partnership with Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co.? It's so chic! I'm always in search of pretty notecards for those 'just because' occasions, so this weekend, I popped by their NYC pop-up to debut their line. Let me tell you: in person, this collection is even harder to resist. I splurged on the Social Stationery set, an assorted graphic set of thank you, birthday, and love notes, and a new iPhone case. I love it all!

The best part of the temporary shop was how cozy and welcoming it felt on a rainy weekend.

Do you still send handwritten notes?

PS: A video about Anna and Garance's new line.

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days? Matt and I are taking a photo class together in Central Park (like I said, I'm really trying to learn before my trip!). Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

The perfect spring bouquet.

A NoLita pop-up shop.

Mindy Kaling visits Vogue.

Behind-the-scenes with the New York City ballet.

LOVE The Office Time Machine.

Did you see this jump?

Royal dinnerware.

New word: frostage.

The end of an era.

How to take a staycation.

Wishing my dad a happy birthday today!

(Image via Pinterest)

How to beat the NYC blues

This winter has been loooong. I found myself in Times Square this week, dealing with cold temps and running late, but held back by a sea of people crowding the sidewalks with no pathway through. I saw a free cab and a clear few blocks of road, so I hopped in, thinking, it's OK. I only have about eight blocks to go. Why I thought it would be faster? I don't know. It was a rookie mistake, even though I've lived in New York for—count them—six years now(!).

Anyways, the whole experience made me think of this post I recently read about that love/hate relationship with the city that we all frequently feel. Mary Phillips-Sandy brilliantly lists the things to do (and what not to do) when New York is bringing you down. She says: 

Go for a long walk listening to whatever music you feel is good for walking in this city. But...Avoid Times Square unless you're on a side street and there's a light summer rain falling (advice I wish I had earlier in the week).

You can read the whole piece here. 

What about you? Do you ever feel like you have a love/hate relationship with New York?

(Image 1; via Kottke.org) 

Say it in French

What do you think of all the French (and foreign language) t-shirts that are popping up just in time for spring? The two options above are both from Madewell. I think they're pretty—and chic, too. It makes for a fun pop of culture with your look, don't you think?

PS—A dog sweater!

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Photography how-to

Now that my trip to France and Italy is coming up soon, I've been starting to make mini-lists to prepare. Top priority right now: Master my SLR camera so that I can come back with lots of gorgeous pics. It's harder than you think! 

Luckily, there's Skillshare, a company with classes that teach almost any skill you could ever imagine wanting to learn. I signed up for a photography course, and I love it! It's really simple, too: It's all online, with videos that teach you each step. Then, there are projects at the end of every lesson so you can practice what you just learned and share it with your virtual classmates. Really cool, right?

So, I'm brushing up on my photo skills and getting ready for my trip. Do you have any photo tips or advice?

PS—My first attempt with the SLR.

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Book Page: Cooking Up a Business

Have you read the book "Cooking Up a Business"? If not, you should! Written by Rachel Hofstetter—a former food editor for Oprah magazine—it's full of advice for food lovers with entrepreneurial aspirations and ideas. Rachel herself explains in an interview with I Want Her Job that her book should come with a warning sticker on the front: "Warning—you might be inspired to start your own business!" After reading it, she's totally right.

I'm thrilled that, tonight, Rachel is joining New York Women in Communications and the Young Professionals committee to share her own experience and entrepreneurial expertise. Tickets are still available, and it should be an incredible night. 

Do you ever feel that pang of a good idea? Or that itch to start your own business (food-related or not)? If you do, you should read Rachel's book!

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? Matt and I are going to a New York wedding—we can't wait! There's something so magical about getting married in the city, don't you think? Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Do you hand write recipe cards? These are so cute!

Ryan Gosling as cardio fantasy.

A yellow coat!

Betty Draper approved.

House tour (plus, a room with glass walls!)

How to prep for Paris.

30 ways to style your bedside table.

The coolest person on Instagram.

Travel fantasies.

Neon art.

(Image via Pinterest)

White nail polish

What do you think about white nail polish? I think it's going to be my color choice for my next manicure—but I'm not sure. I'm so pale! I can't tell if will work with my skin tone, but I think it's so pretty for spring.

According to this, I should opt for a matte or pearl shade to best compliment my skin. I love this polish from Essie or this one from Deborah Lippman.

So, do or don't? Would you try this trend?

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Doll & Em

Have you seen the previews for this new HBO comedy, called Doll & Em? It looks so good! I've always been a huge fan of Emily Mortimer, and the premise for this show sounds interesting and funny, too. In it, Emily hires her best friend Dolly to be her assistant on an LA shoot, blurring the lines between their personal and professional relationship. 

Lately, there's been a lot more shows with actors playing fictionalized versions of themselves. Episodes, starring Matt LeBlanc, is another show I love that does a similar thing. The concept there is a huge success.

What do you think? Will you tune in tonight to watch?

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An apple a day

I've never been much of a breakfast person, but lately I've been starting the day with a pink lady apple. Have you ever had this type? It is so deliciously sweet and crisp—perfect for spring. It's also changed my opinion of apples, which, to be honest, I've never really craved as a snack. Now, it's all I want! I find myself scouting the apple sections of all the green markets in my neighborhood, hoping to find a pink lady or two to buy.

With my new-found love, I've also discovered a dessert recipe I want to try for Pink Lady Crisp. Doesn't it look good?

Do you have a favorite kind of apple? What type?

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Brunch Page: Five Points

My cousin was in New York this weekend, and it was so fun playing tour guide for a day and taking him around the city. For brunch, we went to Five Points in Soho, one of our go-to spots in Manhattan. The food and atmosphere are both great: I had Eggs Rancheros, their take on the classic Mexican dish. So good!

After we ate, we did a bit of walking around—and hit up the new Ladurée shop on West Broadway for a sweet treat. Then, we hopped on the subway to Brooklyn to stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was such a gorgeous day to walk around.

What did you do this weekend?

PS—More awesome New York brunch spots here.

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The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my dearest readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm looking forward to seeing Stage Kiss over at Playwrights Horizons—the reviews are so good! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web: 

SJP has a ping pong table! (Plus, 73 questions.)

The truth about seasons.

Best photo bomb ever.

An abandoned desert movie theater.

Dissecting worry. 

Inspired by Diana.

How to say 'I do' in Paris. 

All eyes on you.

Rainy day style. (My favorite + Chuck Bass.)

My own style debut, courtesy of The Chic.

(Image via Pinterest)

A must-do eye trick

Last weekend, I popped into Caudalie for their 25-minute express facial. It's such a great treatment! I love that in under a half hour, I can leave with my skin polished and refreshed. 

I also learned something new: Eye cream is a must! My aesthetician explained how the area around your eyelids is the weakest spot on your face, and easily damaged by harmful rays from the sun. She recommended a mini-eye massage morning and night with Caudalie's eye and lip cream to instantly brighten, moisturize and remove signs of fatigue. 

Sure, it's a preventative step, but it's also a relaxing way to start and end each day, don't you think? :)

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Fashion page: Overalls

What are your thoughts on wearing overalls? I loved wearing them as a kid, and I have to admit, I'm sort of digging the idea of this fashion trend making a comeback. Plus, how cute do they look styled with heels and a striped tee, as worn by Blair over at Atlantic-Pacific? I could definitely see myself investing in a pair for spring.

What do you think? Would you wear this look?

PS: An alternate pair!

(Image via Atlantic-Pacific)

DIY page: A chalkboard paint vase

My mom and I recently attempted a small DIY project: our own chalkboard paint vases! I was super inspired by this post over at Brit + Co. We modified their design a bit, based on materials we could find, but the whole thing was so easy to make. We picked up the glass vases at Walmart, and grabbed chalkboard paint and markers at Michael's. That was all it took!

One trick: To give the vase a real chalkboard finish, rub actual chalk on the paint after it dries. Otherwise, it just looks like the glass is covered in black paint. 

The best part was dashing out to pick up colorful tulips when we were done. Isn't the finished design so sweet? With this vase on display, my apartment already feels a bit more like spring!

A pretty baking dish

I stumbled upon a darling pop-up shop over the weekend called Potager. I went inside—just to browse—and walked out with this beautiful baking dish by Riess, a family-owned Austrian company. Don't you love the eggplant color? I can't wait to use it to roast spring and summer vegetables or to serve up a delicious dish like this recipe here.

What tricks do you have for making your kitchen feel prettier?

(Images via Food 52)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! How was your week? I'm so excited for a bit of down time this weekend. I also really want to see the new Wes Anderson film, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Doesn't it look so good? Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Idina on Jimmy. (Plus, the John Travolta name game.)

An ode to kitchen light.

Stamp yo' face!

Yellow as winter antidote. 

Books you should read (if you want to).

The prettiest pasta dish ever.

Words of wisdom.

An ocean of flowers.

The cutest wedding favor.

Another reason to love JLaw.

(Image via I Dream Of)

Date night at French Louie

For a spontaneous date night last week, Matt and I decided to check out French Louie, a delicious new restaurant (from the guys behind Buttermilk Channel) that just opened in our neighborhood. The space is gorgeous! Soft lighting, hand-painted walls, tons of secluded tables—there's even an outdoor seating area, set to open when the snow finally goes away. 

I ordered the Buckwheat Pappardelle, made with oxtail ragu, broccoli rabe, and cured egg, and Matt and I split their roasted carrot and citrus salad. Both dishes were so tasty and unique. In addition to the ambiance and the food, it didn't hurt that we happened in on the restaurant's opening night: the staff was delightful and so patient as we asked a million questions about the menu.

It was only a Wednesday, but it was so nice to slip out for an impromptu break in our routine, have a glass of wine, and try a new place. Also, there's something to be said for catching up about the workday over candlelight! :)

(Images via Eater)

March Page: A toast!

A belated toast to March with this post! This winter—although long and snow-filled—has flown by, don't you think? March is my favorite transition month: the temperatures start to climb a tiny bit higher, the days get lighter longer, and we can start thinking about trading our snow boots for rain boots (in bright colors, of course). 

March is also my dad's birthday month. Red Velvet cake is his favorite—yum!

Now, you go: What do you love most about March?

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