Happy Easter!

Easter Card

Weekend Wear - Welcome Spring

When the warmer weather finally decides to grace us with it's presence I know I will be breaking out some of my favorite spring items that always include my beloved denim jacket to throw over a summery dress. That AG jacket was by far one of my best investments, it has the perfect amount of stretch to keep the look of the jacket fitted instead of boxy and the color pairs so well with other blues. This is key seeing I wear tons of navy come Spring. I love that little white dress below for it's knee length hem. Not everything needs to be a mini to be attractive. This flowy dress will translate well into many looks through the spring and into summer with a thong sandal and fedora. What are you dying to break out of your closet come warmer weather???

Diane von Furstenburg "Hanovar" Scarf // French Connection "Annie" Dress // AG Robyn Denim Jacket // Kors by Michael Kors Vivian Wedges // Ray-Ban Classic Aviators // Bauble Bar Drop Earrings {style steal} // Annabel Ingall "Isabella" Tote {DNS favorite}

Happy Friday!

I hope you all had a great week! While I was lucky enough to have a relatively low key week, yesterdays visit to the dentist has me geeling blah! I'm a gigantic baby when it comes to the dentist & was actually sedated for yesterdays visit. withought going into all the humiliating things that took place after the appointment I'll leave you with the calming ocean print below and hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow we are off to Connecticut for a fun night out with my sister and her husband. Then Easter with the rest of our family at my brothers on Sunday. Living away from where we grew up always means I love heading home but I am already dreading the drive back to Boston and even worse, work on Monday AM - blah! What are you're plans this weekend???

 I just love beautiful prints of the ocean as art in the house, this round ocean print is gorgeous with it's dim lighting and dark seas. The entire Etsy shop of photographer Tricia McKellar is chock full of stunning ocean images along with other appealing landscapes.

Check back in tomorrow for a Spring Weekend Wear!

Pretty In Pastels

Last year I purchased a dress very similar to this one in black but of course the clever designers over at Calypso changed the hemline and suddenly I cant stop staring at it thinking I need it in my life...again, perhaps this time in the pretty peachy color below and definitely with that box clutch! I am loving peach & aqua together in the summer and I feel like every piece in the outfit below could be worn over and over in so many different looks. Now I just need somewhere to wear the dress too so I can justify the purchase..perhaps our two year wedding anniversary in Newport where I wore the black one last year!

Calypso St. Barth Dress // Stella & Dot Bangles & Earrings // Sam Edelman Sandals // One By Kayu Clutch

Thirsty Thursday - Blueberry Vodka & Meyer Lemonade Spritzer

As long as I can remember, I have favored sweet and fruity cocktails like pomegranate prosecco punch or grapefruit margaritas which explains a lot of the inspiration for my recipes on this new Thirsty Thursday weekly series. So while I dont like to discriminate against any delicious cocktail I want to invest in recipes that I find appealing and believe are crowd pleasers. So without further adieu -  enter todays tasty beverage; Meyer Lemonade and Blueberry Vodka Spritzer.  Blueberry's and lemons flavors compliment each other so well its often used in a plethora of recipes why not take this fab pair and create a delicious cocktail??? I know I know,  it's not summer yet or even above 50 degrees here in Boston but this cocktail is heaven in a cute mason jar and I know you will love it! I chose meyer lemons for their sweetness instead of the traditional tart lemon and used simple syrup instead of sugar for the lemonade because in my opinion it distributes more evenly throughout the cocktail without having the sugar sink to the bottom of your glass. A special fun twist I did for this feature was the blueberry ice cubes - the night before I froze some fresh blueberries in cute bendable ice trays for garnish. Check out all the details below to recreate this cocktail in your home. 

Meyer Lemonade

1 cup simple syrup 

1 cup fresh squeezed meyer lemon juice 

{about 6 lemons}

3 cups cold water 

Blueberry Vodka & Meyer Lemonade Spritzer Cocktail

1 oz blueberry vodka {I used Stolichnaya Blueberi}

1 oz meyer lemonade

4 oz club soda

4 blueberry ice cubes

Enjoy!

Brand Crush - Aritzia

I have said it before and I will say it again, NYC has the best shopping in any city. As the warmer weather approaches and I am literally sick of every single thing in my closet. I am seriously coveting some major refreshers in the wardrobe department. Enter Aritzia - a new to me store available in a few locations throughout Canada, the US and of course in New York City's Soho and Midtown neighborhoods. What I love about this retailer {mind you I haven't yet been to their store} is the price point along with the design. It's on trend but not overpriced. The fashions are unique and not copied from other popular brands. The best part is that it's a one stop shop for your closet offering everything from lingerie to outwear to shoes. 

Check out a few of my favorites are below.

Tops // Skirts // Dresses // Shorts // Jackets // Accessories

crispy prosciutto & black truffle popcorn

My husband is a bit truffle obsessed. When we dine out it's pretty safe to say any item on the menu that has the rare ingredient in it, he's ordering it. Since truffles are incredibly expensive and are hard to come by I thought I would create a snack for my man with truffle ingredients that are easily found in your grocer. I selected both black truffle salt and black truffle butter. Combining the two gave a rich but not overpowering flavor to the plain popcorn. I added the crispy prosciutto for another layer level because lets face it, everything is better with prosciutto. Not only does this snack taste like heaven, it is super easy and quick to make, double win! Its elegant enough for entertaining and can even be topped with a little grated parmesan for some added flavor. Enjoy!

Flowers, Shopping & Wine

I love love love to arrange flowers!I can't think of anything that is more calming than working with such beautiful things to create something to enjoy for your home Working with our floral designer for our wedding was definitely one of my favorite bridal experiences along with a brief summer gig working on a Preston Bailey event which taught me everything I needed to know about sewing Orchids. So you can imagine my excitement when my friend Amelia invited me to join her at an event that included shopping, wine, cheese and flower arranging - total bliss. Oh and the best part is the fee for the evening went to a charity very close to my heart - double win!

The affair took place at the lovely North End boutique Acquire. This cozy boutique was filled with so many wonderful decor items for the home or office I couldn't stop snapping away. I was blow away with the beautiful styling of the store which really shouldn't be a surprise since the owner Nikki is a super talented interior designer. Some of my favorite items in the store are featured below. 

I would love to decorate an office for my husband with the globe & those industrial lamps. Also, do you recognize that orange feather art from The Glitter Guide feature of Colour-Bloc?

Those little gold raw edge dishes made the prettiest art display. I would love this mixed in with a gallery wall. 

My absolute favorite item in the store would have come home with me if I had space in our apartment. I always tell myself to buy things as I love them for a future home but it's so hard when you don't know what that space will look like. I still think I could find a lovely spot for this beauty in our home. 

The floral design portion of the evening was hosted by the darling Kor Floral. This talented designer taught us tricks of the trade and provided us with the proper floral tools and lots of beautiful loose blooms to create our own masterpiece to take home in a Acquire vintage vase. 

My Creation

As we were leaving he fun evening, we were given some extra flowers which I took home & created an additional arrangement for my bedside table. 

Thank you Acquire & Kor Floral for hosting such a lovely evening!

Weekend Wear - Easter Edition

Instead of the usual weekend wear post I thought I would give some inspiration on a stylish Easter ensemble for the entire family to coordinate with this weeks Easter photo-shoot. After-all who says getting a new Easter dress has to stop when you are no longer a kid?! The subtle floral dress will definitely get you through the holiday and can be utilized over and over for bridal and baby showers & summer weddings!

French Connections Spring Bloom Dress //  Bauble Bar Oval Studs // J.Crew Valentina Pumps // Givenchy Clutch // J.Crew Ludlow Trousers // Faconnable Polo Sweater // J.Crew Suede Shoes // Paul Smith Belt

J.Crewcuts Floral Dress // J.Crewcuts Glitter Purse // J.Crewcuts Glitter Shoes // J.Crewcuts Belt // J.Crewcuts Chinos // J.Crewcuts Gingham Shirt // J.Crewcuts "Driving" Loafers 

Spring Wish List

While it still feels like the winter here in Boston, the calendar says it's officially Spring! I know I am jonesing to spend more time outside and not have to be bundled up like a toddler everyday. I also have been wanting a major refresh on the wardrobe adding in my favorites warmer weather hues of white, navy, and nudes. I however wouldn't be true to myself if my spring wish list didn't include one all black ensemble like that beachwear below. I love the loose tunic style dress that looks chic without being over the top glamour on the beach. What is on your Spring wish list???

White Diane Von Furstenburg Thailia Crocheted Dress //  Elizabeth & James Toni Nude Sandals // Oliver Peoples Sunglasses // Urban Posh Stack-able Rings // One By Primary Navy Python Clutch // Jagger Edge IPhone Case // Calypso St. Barth Tunic // AG White Denim // Antik Batik Rhinestone Sandal // J.Crew Capri Sandal // Ray Ban Over-sized Wayfarers in Tortoise // Alloy Black Tankini // Christopher Kon Allison Tote // Vix Christy Cover-up {here too}

Check out more Spring Inspiration from other fabulous bloggers over at the lovely Long Distance Loving!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!

Easter For Two

Easter is one of those holidays that if you live away from your family it's a bit hard to travel for. A long drive home after a full day of events can be exhausting. If you have to sacrifice time with the family it doesn't mean you have to miss out on putting together an intimate Easter for you and your special someone. Whether you are hosting a party of two or four, below is some inspiration to get your table decorated with ease and of course lots of style! 

Fresh flowers brighten every home, I chose to arrange my own centerpiece of  yellow tulips, yellow rannunculus, white hydrangea and aster. I chose a solid white round vase for displaying. 

I chose a classic Bellini for the cocktail of the day. Its super easy & always delicious. 

Easter is always a blast when you have little ones to watch hunting for eggs and opening their baskets. So we wouldn't want to forget treats for them. I created little to go candy bags along with a "Bellini mock-tail" {lemon lime soda & peach puree} for their sipping.  

A cheese platter is always a crowd pleaser for snacking. We adorned ours with fresh figs drizzled in honey, cranberry hazelnut crisps, Maytag blue cheese, french brie and a six month old manchego. 

Other snacks included deviled eggs, one filled with shrimp and the other was the traditional recipe. Quinoa stuffed tomatoes for a healthy appetizer and of course Carrot Cake for dessert. 

A hand painted monogrammed hard boiled egg lets your guests know their spot to sit at the table.

Williams-Sonoma Nest Chargers // Williams-Sonoma Bunny Napkins {available in store} // Black Ink Bellini Glasses // Water Glasses - Homegoods // White Vase -  AC Moore // Easter Stickers // West Elm Gold Flatware // West Elm Mercury Glass Votives // Custom Happy Easter banner - Etsy - Ninj & Ninj // Williams-Sonoma French Stoneware Dishes // Egg Dish // Anthroplogie Farmers Market Basket // Anthropologie Aqua Egg Crate // Glassine Bags // Slate Cheese Board // Cheese Knifes 

**all styling by Dooley Noted Style**

A BIG Thank You to my friend & photo-shoot photographer Kristin!

Take Me Away

Do you see a common theme below - yep, it's warmth and crystal blue seas. It's pretty safe to say I am over winter. Dressing up daily in my ugly uggs and a jacket that looks like a down comforter has lost its appeal. While I love that this is a less busy time of year, {who the hell wants to be outside in these arctic temps} I think winter loses it's cozy luster after the holidays. As of late my day dreaming about sunshine on my skin and my tootsies in the sand has been a bit out of control. Maybe it's my instagram feed of everyone and their mother taking a vacation that has me longing to get away.  Some of my wish list travel destinations range everywhere from a desert mountain retreat in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to a private hut over the pacific to the lux island of St. Barth where we honeymooned. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go???

Kasbah Tamadot // Four Seasons // Christopher

Inspired

Last week I attended an event in Boston's charming South End neighborhood. I attended with my friend and fellow blogger Amelia from Colour-Bloc and while we both were excited for the evening we weren't quite sure what the evening would entail as the invitation simply state cocktails & conversations. The event was hosted by Kate of  Pluck PR & Carats & Cake {who also featured our wedding on their new& fabulous inspiration site} Emily of mStarr Event Styling and Sofi,owner of the most wonderfully cozy boutique Olives & Grace. 

This evenings event came at the perfect time for me. Since my current contract at my day job is ending at the end of April I have been toying with putting resolution # 8 and #13 into action . I have always had a dream to work for myself but I am definitely afraid to take such a risky leap of faith. I have to say the evening was beyond my expectations and just what I needed. I met so many wonderful  hard working independent women who were there to network, make friends and encourage other woman to take the same strides they did in their decision to venture on their own and become successful business owners in the Boston area. The guest list included everyone from an artisanal pasta maker, designer bridal salon to wedding photographers. There wasn't competition, or sizing each other up. It was a room of people wanting to help each other be the best we can be by supporting one another, isn't that amazing! It seems like such a simple concept of women helping women, but rarely the stigma that females are all drama was absent in this room of ladies. I left feeling  excited about the future instead of scared {an emotion that has been plaguing me on many levels lately} which I have to say felt pretty amazing! 

Check out some of the images from the evening below. 

A small sampling of goodies available at Olives & Grace. 

A gift box I made for my man. He opened before I really got a chance to photograph. What can I say, the man loves gifts, especially ones that include beef jerky, chocolates  bacon brittle, truffled caramels and ginger syrup {for cocktails of course}.

 

The gorgeous flower arrangements were created by the talented Becca of Petal Floral Design & the tasty confections were courtesy of Mayflour Confections. All products were purchased by me at Olives & Grace. Straws by mStarr Event Styling.