Weekend Recap: I Love Boston

I'm.

In.

Love.

With.

Boston.

Seriously. I had the best weekend with two of my best friends, and enjoyed as much of the city as possible given the early Nor'easter storm. We had lunch on Newbury street at a stereotypical Boston seafood restaurant. I don't like seafood, but I did enjoy the surroundings and had delicious brunch food.

We then attempted to walk around but the freezing temperatures and rain weren't the most ideal conditions. My friend happily drove me all around the city including the charming Beacon Hill Area -- where I will live one day (when money isn't an object...?) and through Cambridge, MIT and Harvard. I felt super smart just driving past Harvard.

Warner: You got into Harvard Law School?
Elle Woods: What? Like it's hard?

We ended the weekend at a post-college Halloween house party. I've been nostalgic for college lately, so it was the perfect way to feel like someone of 21 again...sigh.

My friend Austin went as a character from Boardwalk Empire, I went as a make-shift Mouse (not my best costume), and Adam went as a ladybug -- hilarious.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend, and have a wonderful Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Silly Penny Lane at home in Chicago. I think she's saying, "come visit me sister!"

I Think I'll Go To Boston.

Another weekend, another jet-set. I'm so excited to be taking a half day today to head to Boston! I haven't been since I was little -- 99% because I can't stand the Red Sox, and 1% because I had no reason to go. Well, I still hate the Sox, but now two of my best friends live there.

I finally have an excuse to enjoy the charming cobblestone streets, pretend I'm Elle Woods at Harvard, and drink one too many Sam Adams.

As I pack for my weekend, I can't help but hope that Boston looks just like these beautiful pictures I found. Oh, and the song Boston by Augustana is seriously stuck in my head right now.

Don't these streets take you back to the 1700s? Gorgeous.

Boston Gardens are a must I hear

Definitely going to check out Quincy Market

Hopefully I'll make it to the Sam Adams Brewery

Happy Halloween weekend! I still have no idea what I'll be, but I'm secretly hoping my guy friends want to dress up as Three Blind Mice...maybe...

SPOOK-tacular Cocktails and BOO-tiful Tablescapes

Today I'm excited to be linking up with Breakfast at Toast for Halloween Week! I decided to share some of my favorite Halloween inspired cocktails, and spooky tablescapes.

Growing up my Mom would theme our dining room table for any and every occasion. My personal favorite was always my sister's Birthday table; October 26th is the perfect excuse for a BOO-tiful theme.

Below are some of my favorite ideas, thanks to Pinterest and Polyvore.

Happy Halloween! I'll be blogging about my upcoming weekend jet-set to Boston, as well as sharing some of my potential costume ideas. Be sure to check back tomorrow!

makeup makeover

First, I must wish my sister a happy happy happy birthday! I love having her in NYC with me and don't know what I'd do without my big sees, bestie and voice of reason.

On another note, it's that time of year when I'm starting to bore of my same ole' make-up routine. I'm currently lusting for a new lip color and DIE for the Tom Ford peachy/red. The question is...will it look good or awful? Hmm.

I did however, thanks to Birchbox, discover a fabulous new Mascara called "blinc". It is waterproof, smudgeproof, allergy proof, war proof, famine proof...okay maybe not the last two, but might as well be! It is SO amazing. Note: when you remove it, it may seem like your lashes are coming off, but it's just the super cool layer that goes over your lashes. Phew!

C'est la Vie

In honor of Travel Tuesday, and my favorite blogger/childhood neighbor Alex over at Things That Sparkle I dedicate today's Travel Tuesday to her upcoming Paris jet-set.

I was fortunate enough to have lived in the city of light for four months during my Junior year of college -- c'était parfait. I fell in love with the winding cobblestone streets, the corner crêperies, and the food. Oh the food. I could dedicate an entire post to the food...which, I probably will do in the near future.

For now, I bring you an off the beaten path version of my city. From shopping to eating, these are things you MUST do à Paris. Allons-y!




1. Ekyog - amazing "organique" boutique with the comfiest knits you'll find anywhere.

2. Diwali - scarves, scarves and more scarves. Need I say more?

3. Art Macaron - hands down the BEST macarons I've ever had. Better than, yes, Ladurée, and Pierre Hermé. Seriously.

4. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte - steak frites with a super secret sauce recipe that will have you satiated for days.

5. Le Soufflé - an entire restaurant devoted to a Parisian specialty - soufflé. You'd be a fool to not try the chocolate dessert soufflé. C'est magnifique!

6. Musée de Carnavalet - an ancient Hotel Particulaire in Le Marais. Best part? C'est gratuit (it's free!)

7. Place du Tertre - the old artistes square in Montmartre with breathtaking views of the city, amazing coffee shops and that certain je ne sais quoi!

8. Cemetaire de Père Lachaise - one of the most beautiful parks/cemetaries. Even cemetaries in Paris are beautiful. And, if you're a history buff like me, you'll find several of your favorite writers and musicians resting peacefully here.

Bon voyage!

She said YES!

After MONTHS of secrets, my brother FINALLY proposed to his amazing girlfriend! We all knew it was coming, and it was nearly impossible to keep the secret. He took her to Beaver Creek and proposed after a 2 hour hike. Awe. He then had a private cabin in the mountains with champagne and a catered lunch by the Ritz. Are you crying yet? I am.

Well, after the surprise engagement, he continued to surprise her by flying out my parents and hers. Tears? You bet.

THEN, to top it all off, my sister and I, and her two brothers flew out Friday morning to continue the surprises. I think her knees are still weak, and it's Monday. She is the most amazing person, and I'm SO excited to get another big sister.

We had the most amazing weekend at the Ritz Carlton (lucky me!) and now I'm back to work, but feeling very blessed and refreshed.

Here are some pictures of my perfectly fall, mountain weekend getaway.

Vail Village -- reminded me of my trip to Interlaken, Switzerland



My Dad and I did not pack the right shoes for the spa -- but my sister did.



Engagement celebration dinner at Kelly Liken -- Top Chef finalist.



She made a custom menu -- amazing.



First course -- arugula and pear salad.



Dinner -- gypsum beef with bbq tomatoes and other goodness. woa.



Dessert -- her famous sticky bun sundae w/ homemade cotton candy. HOLY MOLY.




And here is what the puppy was doing back home in Chicago. Silly dog.






Happy Monday!

Friday Fancies

Ever since I laid eyes on Jonathan Adler's soho boutique, I knew it was love. I made the wrong decision of walking in, and walking out without my paycheck. Oops! Can you blame me? It was the chevron carpets....and the metallic wallpapers...and the retro dining sets...

Okay. I'll stop fantasizing about my future home...after I share my Friday Fancies.

I'm drooling over his detailed metallic ceramics and mod pillows. However, my wallet can probably only afford a new planner. Sigh.

Happy Weekend! What are you all up to? I'm thinking I'll get lost in the East Village in an attempt to find affordable alternatives to my Jonathan Adler cravings.

jonathan adler by jrosinus on polyvore.com

Color Block

On a recent retail therapy trip to Bloomingdale's, I splurged on a pair of deep purple Paige jeans.

I'm. In. Love.

They brighten up my wardrobe, and there are so many ways to wear them. I wasn't big on color blocking until I tried it for myself, and now I'm hooked. I highly recommend you go try on a bold pair of pants, and strut with style. Seriously. Go...now!

What's your favorite way to wear these amazing purple pants!? I think I'm loving the neutral colors for running errands, and the patterned options for a fun night out.

purple jean options by jrosinus featuring flower shirts

hot child in the city

I just discoverd Polyvore. Needless to say, it was love at first click. The things this website can do for us bloggers is amazing. I created this template titled, 'hot child in the city'. Now if only I could manage to snag every piece...especially the sparkly top and the red suede Louboutins...

hot child in the city - red by jrosinus featuring skinny jeans

Vince sparkly shirt
€367 - my-wardrobe.com

Mango skinny jeans
€45 - placedestendances.com

Christian louboutin heels
$895 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Alexander McQueen clutch handbag
€700 - montaignemarket.com

Gilded Lily Goods earrings
$40 - pinkmascara.com

Good Glowing Blush
$8 - meetmark.com

Chloe Chloe Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz.
$110 - couture.zappos.com

Sort and the City Desk Organizer
$30 - modcloth.com

Background Brushwood Wall Art - Wall Sculpture - Home Accents - Home...
$109 - homedecorators.com

PiP Studio Set of Four Pink Cappuccino Cups and Saucers
£57 - liberty.co.uk

3016F - dotted rectangle: Impress Rubber Stamps
$9.75 - impressrubberstamps.com

Travel Tuesday

Today is my first, and certainly not last, post dedicated to Travel. I now claim Tuesday to be Travel Tuesday.

I was bitten by the travel bug at a young age, and have had the opportunity to travel to many unique places. Now that I'm a 9-5 gal, my vacation time is limited, so I must plan accordingly.

I have the first week off after New Years Eve, and I'm dreaming of an exotic - albeit inexpensive (maybe?) vacation. Here are my current thoughts on a destination:

1. Iceland (cold and unique)



2. Morocco (I would get lost in the markets)



3. Los Angeles (inexpensive to get to, and my bestie lives there)



4. Paris (an old favorite, and my happy place)



Where would you go out of these places? Each place is so unique, and all have their pros and cons...now if only money weren't an option...sigh.

My obsessions

My Grandmother, Meggie, passed away when I was very young, and my memories of her are unfortunately a bit faint. However, over the course of my life without her, my mother and Grandpa have generously given me various vintage items from her closet. Every day that I wear something of hers, I feel close to her, and I know that we would have been the best shopping buddies. Below are some of the gold jewelry items, and my most recent gift - a vintage cross-body Louis Vuitton.



Bracelets



Gucci Watch



Bow and knot earrings



Ruby and smokey quartz rings



Half butterfly necklace




Hope you enjoyed my vintage items as much as I do. What vintage items have you inherited?

To get you through Friday...

One of the greatest commercials ever created. It never aired...I wonder why. For all those moments where you don't have a pen in a meeting, when the copier is broken (again), and when you just don't want to work.

Enjoy!

TGIF - Friday Fancies

via

I hope everyone has had a fabulous week! If you're like me, you were ready for the weekend on Monday morning. I've been browsing through so many lovely blogs lately, and a personal favorite of mine Bijou and Boheme posts about her "Friday Fancies", and I thought It was just fabulous. So today, I start my first offical Friday Fancies post.

Lately I've been craving beautiful floral arrangements. I try to keep my Pinterest browsing to a minimum during the week, but it's just so hard when you find images like this...



via

or this...first time I've ever liked carnations!



via

and who doesn't crave a pink room with white arrangements?!



via

What kind of floral arrangements do you fancy? I dream of the days when I have my own florist who hand delivers arrangements weekly...sigh...

Happy weekend!