friday link love. take 6.

This week was crazy busy for me. I feel like I haven't slept in days. Ever feel like every decision in your life is one big pro/con list? Exhausting.


I have really had to step back and take one day at a time, which isn't easy for a Type-A personality.

moving on...

Web favorites

I now need to organize my fridge.

I might have to become a vegetarian, or at least eat like one. 

I wish I was still 10 years old.

My best friend Madi is now making jewelry and to say that I'm obsessed is an understatement. And, they are SO well priced, it's absurd. You go girl! 

Check out her blog for pricing information and how to get your own! 

I got these new shoes yesterday and not sure I'm going to keep them. I sort of love them, but do I really need another pair of shoes?!

via

Happy Weekend everyone! 

perfume party

As the trees are blooming, and fresh flowers are everywhere, It has me itching for floral scented perfumes. I don't like scents that are too strong, or musky. I'm drawn to notes of peonies, roses and citrus. 

A few of my faves (I own almost all of them) are below. They all smell divine, but my personal favorite has to be the one I purchased in Paris, La Chasse aux Papillons (chasing butterflies). Trust me, it is worth the steep price.

Top to bottom: 

Calypso St. Barth's 

Marc Jacobs

Elie Saab

Jo Malone

L'artisan Parfumeur

Donna Karan

Now tell me floral lovers, are there any other perfumes I must try? 

Woodsy musk lovers, need not apply. 

society6

I stumbled across this gem of a website the other day, and it was love at first click.

I'll let these iPhone cases speak for themselves, and I'll take one of each please.

Psst... I'm over at Studio Swoon today sharing some Wedding outfits you will be sure to swoon over. Stop by and show Tamra (and Bella) some love! 

         

Happy Shopping! 

And, I have to end this post with a HUGE Happy Birthday to my big brother Ted!! Can't wait to celebrate when I'm home again! xo

(too hilarious not to post)

things you shouldn't stop doing...

...after you're 10 years old.

When you're younger, your life is a whole lot easier. You don't have deadlines to meet (except  maybe a diorama or two), you get to do various activities after school that you actually enjoy, and you don't have to pay your own bills.

Quite the life. 

Well, I've been reflecting on childhood, and I believe that there are 5 things that you CAN and SHOULD continue doing when you're an adult.

1. Naptime

(no this isn't Penny Lane, but she is pretty cute) via

I know, this might seem impossible for most of you out there. But, I'm a firm believer that when you can (on the weekends mostly) take a nap. Do it! It's important to recharge your batteries and clear your mind. Don't over do it though -- just 30-45 minutes should do the trick.

2. Recess

via

Get outside for at least 30 minutes each day! It helps energize the body, take in nature and clear your head. Take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner, or walk home from work instead of taking the train. It makes you feel instantly refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

3. S.S.R.

via

Sustained, Silent, Reading. Don't you love my 5th grade acronym? In our crazy lives I think it's important to take 30 minutes a day, or a at least 3 days a week to read in silence. Cozy up in your favorite chair and pour a cup of hot tea, or glass of wine (pick your poison).

4. Snack Time

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So many meals are eaten on the go, that it can be hard to stay energized. I recommend carrying granola bars, or nuts with you so you can have an adult snack time. If you're feeling more indulgent, step out of the office and grab some fro-yo. Any excuse for fro-yo, right?

5. Sit down meals

via

This sounds like a given, right? Well, i'm not talking about zapping a lean cuisine and sitting on the couch. I mean cook a semi-homemade meal, like these from The Everygirl, set the table, and enjoy a meal away from distraction. It is important to connect with those around you and enjoy your meal free from the latest episode of Gossip Girl.

I hope that some of these ideas spark the 10-year old in you. Have I missed anything?

Happy Tuesday!

weekend recap: spring has sprung!

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I had a fun and relaxing weekend around the city and enjoyed the start to spring!

Friday I drank a beer the size of my head. 

Saturday I had a deeeeelish brunch followed by a walk through Central Park.

Isn't NYC just gorgeous this time of year?

Well, as a result of the blooming flowers and changing temperatures, I'm suffering from a bad head cold. But thanks to Christin, I made this Garlic Tea, that made me feel leaps and bounds better - at least temporarily. 

I leave you with Penny "Hoarder" Lane. She couldn't decide what toy to play with, so she passed out. #doglife

Have a great week! 

Oh, and of course I watched Mad Men. I live for this show. And Jon Hamm. So sexy.

friday link love. take 5.

This was me last night. I'm a little tired today, but on a complete Hunger Games high.

And i'm not even a little bit ashamed. 

Fun reads this week.

Tips to juggling our crazy lives.

Pretty maps used as art. 

Cutest baby announcement. 

I drooled over this recipe. I will make it ASAP.

Hope you all have a great weekend! 

kate spade obsessed

There seems to be a theme this week. I'm obsessed with kate spade and their entire spring collection.

To continue my love affair, I'm over at The Hudson Diaries sharing ways to accessorize for spring. 

P.S. it's my sister's blog, so show her some lovin'! 

Here is a little preview. 

via

watch out michael kors

...there is new competition in town! 

I'm talking about the new Kate Spade watch collection. 

I'm obsessed.

Usually designers come out with a few designs to see if the public likes them...not Kate Spade. They just came out with tons of new watch designs and I'm visioning so many arm parties it's insane. I want one of each style. and NOW. 

Which one is your fave? Since I've been craving pastels lately, I love the mint green band. But really, I wouldn't say no to any of them.

Images via

Happy Shopping! 

summer vegetable salad

This semi heat-wave has me craving fresh veggies and easy recipes. I pinned this pasta salad a few weeks ago, and finally made it.

It. Was. Delicious.

And, it was SUPER easy to make. 

And, if you're not sold yet, it yielded enough for several dinners and lunches.

recipe via

Ingredients

Bowtie Pasta

1 Red Onion

1 Red Pepper

Zucchini (I used two because I love them)

1 bunch of parsley

1 broccoli head (sliced small)

1 Cup of Feta cheese

Vinaigrette

1/4 cup veggie oil

1/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp Oregano

Minced Garlic

Salt

Pepper

1. Cook pasta as directed and let cool

2. Cut up veggies and set aside

3. Combine all vinaigrette ingredients and set aside

4. When pasta is cooled, combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least an hour for all the flavors to blend together

5. Serve and enjoy :-)

Drooling yet?

weekend recap: chicago

Happy Monday lovelies! 

I'm back in NYC after a long break in Chicago. It was so nice and relaxing to be home -- especially during a serious heat wave! 

Friday my friend Liz was in town so we were very touristy.

Lunch at Barney's.

Drinks at Trump Tower.

Architecture Tour.

I went out for St. Patrick's Day all day Saturday. Seriously. We started at 10:30am, and closed the bars. Possibly my favorite holiday to celebrate in Chicago. 

And Sunday Miss Penny Lane got her first bath! Isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen? I miss her terribly.

Have a great week! xo

happy st. patrick's day!

Wishing you all a green and gold weekend! I'll be in Chicago drinking green beer, wearing green pants, and celebrating my Irish heritage.

And yes, I will be watching the Chicago River dyed green. YES.

Have a happy weekend! 

Random musings

It's Thursday.

It's beautiful in Chicago.

I'm happy.

Here are some random musings.

copenhagen: color inspiration

On my recent trip to Copenhagen, I was blown away by the use of color -- it was EVERYWHERE. 

And not just the pretty buildings you see in magazines. They have open flower markets in the streets, and fresh flowers in every store, restaurant, bathroom - you name it. There are fresh flowers.

I was in love.

I decided to pull some of my favorite pictures that had pretty colors, and match them to some of my favorite interiors.

1. Flower Inspiration Photo

How I picture it inside...

2. Yellow Building Inspiration

How I love yellow. In bedrooms!

3. Green Building Inspiration

Some favorite uses of the color (can you tell I love green lately)?

4. Water inspiration (since Copenhagen is surrounded by canals)

Some navy blue interiors.

Can I go back already? Please?