Cake pops

I'm curious — have you ever tried a cake pop? I had my very first this week and was so impressed! These delightful creations pack all the best parts of eating cake into a tiny, bite size treat. New York Cake Pops even offers a full menu of flavors to choose from including vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet. What a clever idea for a baby shower or wedding favor! Or maybe they're just a good thing to have on hand the next time you need a last minute sugar fix. :) 

(Images via New York Cake Pops)

Maine getaway

My dear readers, I'm back! Took a few days off for a long weekend in Maine — an amazingly refreshing getaway before I start my new job this week. I haven't been to Popham Beach in five years, something I find hard to believe considering I used to spend the majority of my summer weekends there as a kid. I got in lots of beach time and time with my family including my sister Alyssa who was visiting from the West Coast! Above are a few shots from the trip. Hope you enjoy!

More about Maine here and here.

You go girl!

The expression above may be a personal favorite of mine, but I also love the look of the letterpress stationery it appears on from Seattle-based designer Danielle Bellert. Such originality and color, don't you think? There's lots more to choose from at BDR Studio, Danielle's online Etsy shop. Do you have an expression you'd love to see on a card?

(Via Urban Scarlet)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday my dear readers! What do you have planned? I'm looking forward to a bit of relaxation and fun. There are so many things on my summer to-do list, I don't know where to start. This weekend, I'm hoping to check out a performance by Jeannine Hebb at Caffe Vivaldi in Greenwich Village. If you haven't heard her music, you should definitely pay a visit to her site. She's fantastic! Wishing everyone a lovely weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

What's your number?

Take a trip to paradise. 

The kettle can wait.

A clever gift for kids.

The summer salad I made this week. 

What to bring to Paris (I love this stripey headband!).

Fall in love. 

Bear aware!

Summer obsession: orange pants.

Early fall temptation.

Beach art — I love this one and this one. 

Where I'm going next week!

Paper yo-yos.

A toast to new beginnings.
 
(Image via Lyla & Blu)

Graphite nail polish

This fall, will you rock dark and silvery polish on your nails? Get a jump start on testing out this trend by picking up Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite, available this month. I love the consistency of this shade — it goes on smooth and appears on your nails exactly how it looks in the bottle. Plus, the sparkles! What a great way to add style and flair to your look. 

(Via Refinery 29)

Holy guacamole!

To me, there's nothing more summery than freshly made guacamole. How delicious do the avocados above look? Yum! Do you have a favorite recipe for making your own guac? What secret ingredients do you use to punch up the flavor? Check out a couple of the recipes I'd like to try here and here. Also for you, some tips from the king of Mexican cuisine himself, Rick Bayless. Enjoy! 

(Image via Lyla & Blu)

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend dear readers! I must admit — the 4th of July is hands down my favorite holiday. There's nothing I love more than a gorgeous fireworks display. It's so magical and summery and beautiful, especially when timed to patriotic music like the 1812 Overture! What do you have planned for the weekend? I'm celebrating my friend Anthony's wedding in Massachusetts, and visiting my family too. I hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A pilgrimage to Pizzeria Bianco. 

Deep breath.

A woman's right to Choo's. 

Julia Roberts by the numbers. 

Black and white.

DIY toilet paper owls. 

It's a book! 

More from the Jazz Age.

The perfect BLT. 

Because everyone loves to hula!

A summer hat I want. 

The best indoor pool EVER. 

Pedicure required.

The great outdoors. 

What the duck? 

(Image via New York)