The British are coming...to Brooklyn!

Um, are you guys as excited as I am that Prince William and his lovely lady Kate Middleton are here in New York this week? Better yet, they're in Brooklyn! (They have great taste, obvi.) 

Funny story: I tried to get tickets to the Nets/Cavaliers game they're planning to attend tonight. Here's how the email exchange went down with Matt.

Me: OMG, can we pretty please do everything within our power to get tickets to the December 8th Brooklyn Nets game? Kate and William are going to be there!!
Matt: Tickets are $200+. For nosebleeds.
Me: Because Kate and William are going to be there????
Matt: No. Because LeBron James is going to be there.

Oops. I may know a lot about the Royal Family, but basketball is just not my sport. ;)

Welcome to Brooklyn Kate and William! Now, the big question: What will she wear to the game?

PS: Their full schedule!

(Image via People)

1 Weekend, 3 Restaurants

This past weekend was all about good food in Brooklyn. It was mostly spontaneous: Matt and I had no intention of eating three meals out. But our Friday-Saturday-Sunday plans took us to different neighborhoods with restaurants that had long been on our list. The first, Union Pizza Works in Bushwick. Has anyone been? We had plans to see this awesome show in Brooklyn, so decided to grab a bite nearby. The pizza was delicious, the ambiance even better. They even have this cool neon sign. :) We still had two more places to go... 

Honeycomb mirror decor

In my Brooklyn apartment, there's a narrow indented corner in our living room. I moved into this place almost two years ago, but I still haven't figured out how to use the space—until now. I discovered this honeycomb mirror idea on Pinterest and love it. How cool would it be to create my own hexagon arrangement? Plus, mirrors are always a great way to make a room feel larger, a trick that's ideal in a New York-sized apartment. :) Here, a couple more examples of this fun idea...

This pattern is lots of fun—and I love how the honeycombs are placed right next to a full size mirror. Double the reflection!

The play on metallics is great in this pic. The copper and silver look beautiful together and add an elegant and modern touch to this all-white room.

OK, so what do you think? Have you ever experimented with a honeycomb mirror design?

PS: Where to buy cheap honeycomb mirrors. Hint: It's the store that has it all.

(Image 1, 2, and 3)

Running at night

With summer winding down, I've been feeling a bit panicked about not taking enough advantage of living close to Brooklyn Bridge Park. So, I've started a pattern of evening runs after work. In a perfect world, I'd be a morning person who gets out at dawn to pound the pavement first thing. But there's something so lovely and peaceful about running at night—especially with the twinkling New York City skyline as your backdrop. I'm telling you, if you cue up the right song (truthfully, I've been working out to this soundtrack a lot) and pair it with this view, it's quite empowering at the end of a long day.

Do you run outside? Is there a view you look forward to along the way? Would love to hear about it!

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! How was your week? I'm really looking forward to a couple of days off. Since Brooklyn Heights Cinema is closing (the saddest news ever!), we're planning to catch one final flick (I'm thinking this, since I still haven't seen it). Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Obsessed with this Morgan James cover.

Love this book shelf.

The cutest water pitcher.

An awesome summer playlist.

Anna Wintour takes the ice bucket challenge. 

An Instagram account for J.Crew gingham.

Tees designed for selfies.

Downton Abbey: behind the scenes.

A whimsical dessert party. So cute!

Topped toast is my fave. 

Alright, my lovelies! I'm taking next week off from blogging. See you in September! xoxo

(Image via Collage Vintage)

Bar Chuko

Do you like Japanese food? I recently tried out Bar Chuko in Prospect Heights. It was so hard to not order everything on the menu—each dish was so good. That said, it's easy to sample a lot since the menu is divided into snacks, bites, bowls, and skewers (all reasonably priced). For $2-3 a pop, the grilled veggie skewers were my favorite part. I tried the corn, the broccoli, the cherry tomatoes and the snow peas (don't they look so pretty?). As the night went on, I kept increasing my order, adding more and more skewers to try. Next time I go, I have a strategy: Order multiples of each from the start!

New Brooklyn nail salon

My latest Brooklyn discovery: This super-cute Hawaiian-style nail salon called Pau Hana. It's funny because I've never really felt like a quickie manicure/pedicure in New York is all that relaxing, until I found this place. If you close your eyes, it sort of feels like you're being whisked away somewhere tropical for an hour. It sounds silly, but the Tiki music, the turquoise wash basins, the wicker chairs—it makes a difference. 

My favorite part is the organic nail polish they stock. The brand I tried is called Zoya and—I'm not kidding—my manicure (in Jolene) is still chip-free after seven days! 

Do you have a go-to nail spot? What about it helps you relax?

More summer manicure ideas here and here.

(Image 1, 2)

Roller skating

When was the last time you put on roller skates? For me, I think it was when I was in third or fourth grade—until last week. Brooklyn Bridge Park just opened up a new roller rink on Pier 2, and it's pretty awesome. The only problem is this: I'm terrible. It was so hard for me to remind myself to lean forward (not backwards) to stop moving, and I miss the confidence and fearlessness I had when I was a kid. It was awesome to see the other skaters—mostly between the ages of 4 and 10—barreling around the rink. Then again, I'm pretty sure when they fall, it hurts a lot less. ;) After about 30 laps, I started to get the hang of it again, but that was that. 

I might have to make it a regular thing—and hopefully, my skills will improve with time. :)

More about the Brooklyn Bridge Park expansion here.

Farmer's Market in Brooklyn

Come August, the only thing I want to snack on are heirloom tomatoes. I'm so lucky that there are two farmer's markets within walking distance from my apartment with table after table of fresh garden picks. This weekend, I went to both—making a single serving salad for myself on Saturday (with olive oil, balsamic, and a sprinkle of sea salt) and a large salad on Sunday (with burrata cheese and basil). It's so fun to see the different varieties that each place has. Saturday's market had a lot more Cherokee Purples and Green Zebras, while Sunday's market had more red and yellow varieties (like the Speck Roman tomatoes, pictured above).

Do you have any go-to recipes for heirloom tomatoes? Would love to hear!

PS: More heirloom tomatoes here and here.

Calligraphy practice

My grandmother Jane on my dad's side was always incredibly artistic. She did a lot of oil paintings—mostly of the pretty beaches in Maine—but she was also a calligraphy pro. Her illustrated, hand-written poems hang on so many walls in my home. I've always had an interest in it, but had never really pursued it. When I saw that Paper Source was offering a class for beginners, I immediately signed up.

It was so fun! There were only eight of us in the class, which made it easy to get lots of one on one time with the teacher and really learn. It was also really cool to see the other students' calligraphy styles—everyone had their own take on the practice strokes. I like that calligraphy requires you to piece each letter together. For example, did you know that to write an R, you use four separate strokes?

I was also impressed at what a difference the type of pen you use makes—and how quickly my hand would start to cramp up from writing. It's harder than you think!

I'm practicing with these pens for now before I graduate to pen and ink, which is apparently much more challenging. (My teacher recommended this pen as a middle ground.)

What do you think? Have you ever tried to learn this writing style?

Brooklyn Pizza Tour

My love of Brooklyn pizza has gotten very serious over the last year and a half since moving to my new 'hood. Even better, I've gone on many a pizza taste test with my pizza-loving pals Dominic and Shannon. This weekend, our efforts will continue with a visit to a relatively new joint called Emily's in Clinton Hill. I can't wait!

In honor of the occasion, I thought I'd pay homage to my top five Brooklyn pizza spots. Of course, Emily's has a real shot of nudging someone off this list—but they'll have to work very hard to do it. ;)

Here goes:

1) Di Fara: I call this destination pizza. Even though I live in Brooklyn, it's a hike on the subway. I've actually been twice, but only after renting a car each time. This pizza is life-changing, from the sauce to the olive oil and hand-snipped basil leaves.

2) Speedy Romeo: Great pies and great service. That's a tough combo to find. And despite being a backdrop for the recent season of Girls, I've still never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a seat. Impressive.

3) Roberta's: The Bee Sting isn't on the menu anymore, but this specialty pie is my go-to order here. It comes with honey. Need I say more? Plus, the backyard bar area illustrates Brooklyn at it's best.

4) Paulie Gee's: Delicious pizza, but an even better late night scene, given that Paulie himself visits the tables to check in and make sure your pie is perfect.

5) Fornino: You know my love for this place runs deep. This spot is all about pizza with a view. What slice won't taste great when it's enjoyed next to the Manhattan skyline under pretty globe lights? :)

Honestly, it was tough to narrow the choices down—and I'm totally open to debate. What is your favorite Brooklyn pie?

(Image 1, 2, 3, 4)

Sunday at Smorgasburg

Matt and I count ourselves lucky that Brooklyn Bridge Park is a short walk from our apartment. But we're even luckier that we are close to Smorgasburg, too! It's a summer ritual of ours to wake up, have a leisurely morning at home, and then head over and see what's cooking for lunch. 

This past weekend, we tried the truffle french fries (with lemon garlic aioli) from Home Frite, and the infamous ramen burger. We'd ordered the ramen burger before when it was being served at a restaurant in our 'hood, but it was much better coming straight from the source. We snagged a picnic table underneath a blue umbrella, and kicked it for a bit—our own pseudo BBQ. The perfect Sunday!

How was your weekend? Did you get outside in the sunshine?

PS: More Smorgasburg.

Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been closely monitoring this Cherry Blossom map, updated daily by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. I noticed Friday that the trees lining the Cherry Esplanade had gone from "pre-bloom" to a combination of "pre-" and "peak-bloom." My Saturday plans were made! 

We couldn't have picked a more gorgeous day to visit. It was 70 and sunny with clear blue skies. We timed it to arrive right when the Garden opened, which meant it was a lot less crowded than usual. The Cherry Blossoms were spectacular—and so fragrant. It was so nice wandering around (and checking out the pretty tulips, too!).

Have you been to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden yet this year? If not, now's the time to go: The Cherry Blossoms only bloom for about five weeks!

Spring tulips

Tulips are always my favorite part of the change in seasons from winter to spring. This week, I popped by my local florist in Brooklyn to pick up an arrangement for my new vase. Usually, she works her magic and puts together a beautiful assortment of whatever blooms are in season at the time. But when I asked for tulips, she explained: They're brilliant on their own! She's right, don't you think? 

What's your favorite flower for spring?

PS: More flowers here and here.

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)

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)

Crepes, Brooklyn-style

When I was in Paris, I had a nutella crepe every. single. night. We stayed in St. Germain des Pres, and there was a creperie that stayed open past midnight located right beneath the apartment we rented on Airbnb. It became my late night fix, and the sweetest way to end each day. 

Fast forward to now—in Brooklyn—where a creperie just opened on my block. I'm talking footsteps from my apartment. The only thing they serve? Crepes. Judging from my time in Paris, I'm doomed. ;)

What's your favorite way to eat a crepe? I love nutella and strawberries. Yum.

(Image 1, 2)

Channel Beyoncé at Brucie

I'm all for staying in on Valentine's Day and avoiding the pricey prix fixe menus that pop up at every single dinner spot in New York, but Brooklyn restaurant Brucie may be changing my tune. The tiny (and delicious) eatery just unveiled a Beyoncé-themed special menu for the holiday. The best part: You can order a la carte. Dishes include Jay-Ziti and I am Pasta Fierce—there's even a starter that's called Blue Ivy. 

Will you stay in or go out this Valentine's Day?

(Image 1, 2)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? This is hard to believe, but Saturday marks one year since I made the move to Brooklyn. Crazy, right? Time definitely flies. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Designer names 101.

The perfect red.

For the swimmer in your life.

The most sparkly bridesmaid ask.

A case for matching PJs.

Duchess Doolittle!

Signs we're over winter, a la Frozen.

Weekend wordspiration.

How to make guacamole without a recipe.

A genius tip for organizing your clutches.

Titanic, revisited via Jonah Hill.

A winter walk

My devoted readers know: Brooklyn Bridge Park is my favorite spot in my new neighborhood, snow or not. Over the weekend, Matt and I decided to go for a quick hike and test out the new SLR camera(!) I got for my birthday. Nothing beats a winter sunset in New York. My toes were icicles by the time we made it up to Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar (the spot we chose to warm up), but it was completely worth the walk. A bonus: We got to check out the newest section of the park!

We learned something, too—the park's suspension bridge in the winter wind shakes. A lot. :)

Hope you enjoyed the snowy weekend!

More Brooklyn Bridge Park here, here and here.