For The Love Of The Weekend Getaway - Quebec City

When it comes to birthday celebrations my husband and I always enjoy to give one another a little getaway to truly remember the occasion. We strive to be creative in the selection of our destination, where we dine and what we do while there. My husband has truly taken me by surprise with amazing trips for my birthday such as Paris or a fun filled weekend in NYC so I knew some spoiling was necessary to return the favor, never mind the fact that he totally deserves it.  John loves a road trip so it was easy to eliminate hopping on a flight, I also knewI wanted to satisfy his love of history, architecture and cuisine all in one weekend. After a bit of research Quebec City seemed the perfect fit. Our little adventure is detailed below. 

When we travel we always opt to stay in a boutique hotel versus a big brand chain. We chose the lovely Auberge Saint-Antoine conveniently located in the old town. One of the best parts of this hotel is that it was built on one of Quebec's richest archeological sites which is fully protected and boasts exquisite artifacts displayed throughout the hotel in very modern ways. 

we sipped sangria & had snacks at the hotels cafe artifact while a little work was conducted 

we dined in the hotels amazing restaurant Panache on our first night, it was truly beautiful & everything was super delicious, the wine was my absolute favorite...still bummed I forgot to take note of its name

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We strolled around the surrounding neighborhood of our hotel and was amazed by the prettiness that made up this historic city.

Le Frontenac

Our room was supposed to have a river view, instead it was of this. Luckily on our last night the beast left and we enjoyed the water view for a bit. Note to self, don't visit during cruise ship season. 

What the view would have looked liked without the beast 

{even though it still is peaking it's bow in it the photo}

When we travel we are quite the loungers. We generally don't leave the room till lunch time and take full advantage of all hotel amenities including the slippers & robes. 

On my husbands birthday I surprised him with a dining experience to remember at La Tanière. A restaurant that truly was unforgettable. I chose the twenty course "revolution" menu which entailed a four hour evening of some of the most interesting and unique cuisine that either of us have ever had. Think duck confit served in a cotton candy egg roll, salmon on top of a beach, margarita with salt "air", smoking desserts, uni in sea urchin and so on. It was such a fun night, I highly recommend going!

The following day to say we were full was quite the understatement, so instead of a full lunch we stopped in for onion soup at the very stylish L'Ature. 

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On our way home we decided to do one last site seeing visit at Montmorency Falls. 

After the waterfalls we stopped in an old church turned restaurant where we indulged in Canada's famous dish poutine. Since it's ridiculously bad for you, we split the mound of calories but still cleaned the plate like good foodies that we are. 

please pardon the iphone photos - I wasn't in full tourist mode carrying around a proper camera 

Weekend Wear - Mixing Prints & Textures

Earlier this week I purchased the tweed blazer below at my local J.Crew fall fashion event. I have been dreaming of wearing just as it is laid out below and hope that this weekend brings some cooler weather so I can enjoy being cozy and comfortable strolling around town with my main squeeze. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

J.Crew Tweed Blazer // Barney's New York East West Tote // Marais USA T-Strap Flat // A.LC. Breton Striped T-Shirt {seen here & here} // Nocturne Damino Necklace // Victorias Secret Denim // Nars Lip Pencil in Cruella

Seeing Double

I have noticed a bit of a trend this fall in my shopping habits that is a tad new to me. Everything that I have purchased and loved I have purchased again in another color. While some may think this is a pretty stale way to build a wardrobe, I think of it as I buy what I like and if the style works why not indulge in more then one color if it. The only issue I have since noticed is that my entire wardrobe is black white & grey. A few of my favorite purchases this season are below and I am curious to ask, am I the only person who buys two of their favorite items or would you rather have more of varying styles in your fashion repertoire?

Helmut Lang is the the founding father of the asymmetrical hem. I bought this dressed up sweatshirt jacket in gray and black and they have been on heavy rotation ever since.

I love a wrap top, I find them flattering on my large bust and this neckline was low enough to show a little bit of skin but not low enough to make me self conscious. I clearly needed in every color available. Black & white available here & blush available here.

My friend Amelia showed me this scarf and I quickly loved it in every color and the favorable price point. The navy {sold out online} & the gold were my favorites.

J.Crew's Valentina pump has been a long time favorite style of mine. I first purchased in the patent leather leopard and this season I couldn't resist the oxblood and calf hair leopard for the perfect combination of comfort and style. I literally can walk in these all over the city with zero pain.

A classic striped t-shirt is an essential in every wardrobe. I loved this soft jersey tee so much that the navy & the grey both were an easy purchase. I could live in this item.

Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet is stretchy edgy fun bracelet that I love in both silver & gold.

I love a tie neck top paired with denim and great pumps. I purchased this blouse in black & white but loved this more affordable option available at H&M. 

Sale Time with Banana Republic

The other day I popped in Banana Republic for a few basics like my favorite tank top and was totally impressed with their new fall line. Banana was always my go to for professional work styles but with my most recent visit I was loving so much more then their classic professional pieces. I picked up this coat and a great pair of ankle zip denim {I am obsessed with anything zippers} and this dress for an upcoming baby shower. With the shop more save more, I saved mucho dinero! Check out other favorites from the new fall line available now. 

open cardigan // cape // leather top // plaid top 

striped dress

blue dress // white dress // tweed dress 

clutch // scarf // boots // necklace

{sale is online only}

Snack Time - Asian Tuna Tartare

My husband has been traveling this week which generally means I don't do a whole lot of cooking. I however do not want to indulge in crazy amounts of take out {well thats a lie, I would love to but my rear is big enough} so I thought I would whip up one of my favorite snacks and luckily since we make tuna so often {I know my husbands presentation is better then mine}. I had everything in the house. It's a super easy, quick snack that sounds far more impressive then it actually is. Oh & the reason the "sip" is missing is because I just stuck with what I had in the house and sipped my favorite Sauvignon Blanc instead of making a cocktail but if I had, I bet this sake cocktail would have been a great pairing! 

Check out all the delicious details below. 

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Japanese mayonnaise

{regular mayonnaise will work but japanese mayo is a more seasoned version}

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon sriacha 

1 sushi grade super frozen tuna fillet - thawed

{found in a seafood department, ask the fishmonger for the sushi grade} 

1 garlic clove

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 container microwaveable sticky rice

1 ripe avocado

Directions

mix wet ingredients in bowl & grate the garlic into, stir to evenly blend

cube the tuna steak avocado and put into wet ingredients to marinate

microwave sticky rice and let cool, with wet hands form the sticky rice into petite patties to hold the tuna tartare for serving. Top the rice patties with the tuna & sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

Enjoy!

Cash or Credit - Rose Gold

Growing up, silver was all the rage. Everything I had to adorn my wrists, lobes and neck had to be silver and nothing else. As I got older I appreciated yellow gold more and more as I felt it worked with my fair complexion and as Tina Fey calls it "yellow hair". Now everywhere I go I am spotting more and more accessories in a metallic blush color. I have always thought rose gold was super pretty, especially in a tricolor combination with white and yellow gold, but this pinky hue doesn't need it's older sisters around to make it stand out. Check out some of the ways to incorporate this trend into your style with some fabulous rose gold accessories with similar looks but at two very different price points. 

Fossil Boyfriend Chronograph Watch // Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Watch

Zara Blush Tone Pumps // J.Crew Mirror Metallic Pumps

Michael Kors Pyramid Stud Earrings // Gemma Redux Rectangle Earring

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair Bag // Loeffler Randall Rose Gold Water-snake Wallet 

Shanna Murray for West Elm

Fall is officially here and with the cooler weather comes the preparation for the holiday season. Yes, can you believe I am mentioning the holidays! I first shared my complete admiration for Shanna Murray when I became obsessed with her decorative decals and again when I just saw her most recent collaboration with West Elm. Just take a gander at the sweet statements and recipes artfully painted on the platters, tea towels, coasters and plates. Such a thoughtful gift for a house warming or just because.

Platter

Plates

Coasters

Pie Dish

Towel

I Want Candy...

Confession, I am a HUGE candy ADDICT {Exhibit A & B}. Give me gummy, taffy or pretty much anything sugar coated and you have won a place in my heart.  I can pass by chocolate, cakes, ice cream and avoid the temptation of a taste no problem but if you dangle some sweet gummy bears, swedish fish or laffy taffy in my face I will pretty much revert to childlike tactics till it's in my possession. With all of that said, you can imagine my extreme bliss when I stumbled upon Sugarfina, a company dedicated to confections to not only taste good but also super pretty to look at. I adore their stylish take on the clever packaging {i.e the bento box}, using seasonal ingredients and of course their custom treats for your special event. To say my online shopping cart is overloaded during the writing of this post is a tremendous understatement but hey, it's research right??? Check out a few of my favorite treats below!

How adorable is the styling of these candies. I am completely smitten with the displaying of chocolate covered berries in a farmers market basket, such a whimsical take on the traditional candy dish.

How cute are these bento boxes!? One of each please. 

This tasting bento of all adult flavors is screaming buy me Heidi!!!

Candy & Cocktails combination, ummmm - yes please!

NEED these olive painted almonds for my bar cart. Perfect for entertaining and serving martinis. 

The most adorable gift sets for every occasion

Finally the crème de la crème and something that will certainly be on my Christmas list to Santa - The Tasting Club, where you get a new sample sent to you every month! I die.

Boston Fashion Week

Boston Fashion Week is coming and one thing I am particularly excited about is the flash fashion show hosted by the 19th Amendment. What is a flash fashion show you ask?  Basically it's taking fashion to the streets and instead of having a closed event with only a certain amount of people get to attend, there will be three shows in different parts of the city at different times displaying fashion right on our Boston sidewalks. Check out the details below for more information!

more event details here & here

Beauty Round Up

Morning friends, hope you all had a great weekend! I am sharing a few of my favorite beauty products below. I know I can't live without mascara or lip gloss, I never leave the house without them but I have to say I generally need a lot more then those two products to get me through the day without looking like an old lady. Check out my must haves and do tell me your favorites, I love trying new products!

Lips - I am a full fledged lip gloss addict. I can't get enough of the stuff. I must put it on at lease one thousand times a day and new shades of gloss & lipsticks are my all time favorite to shop for. While my everyday color is a velvety nude shade {aka the color "sex machine"} from Nars topped with a MAC creamy gloss in "Right Image". I love the Trish McEvoy Sweet Berry pencil for going out at night, as seen on my fb cover photo, my nighttime lip care is always with L'Occitane's moisturizing lip balm.

Eyes - I am not huge on wearing a lot of eye make up everyday. I however cannot walk out of the house without my favorite black mascara. I usually save the eyeliner in a dark purple shade and a neutral eyeshadow palette for evenings out or special occasions. 

Skin - Aging is a bitch, these "unwrinkle" pads help me feel better about those pesky lines. I use them every night before bed and moisturize with this afterwards {not shown}. Neutrogena's make up remover pads are seriously the tops. I can't live without them, they remove my make up and give my skin a dewy glow. Before I start any of my make up a good concealer and tinted moisturizer act as my base. For my everyday bronzer, I fell in love with Victoria's Secret baked bronzer, I go with the lightest shade and love the little bit of shimmery gold it has in it. My blush hasn't changed in years, "dame" from MAC is mine forever. 

Tools - The beauty blender is seriously my favorite tool. I use it to blend the tinted moisturizer and avoid any creases or lines along the jaw line. Everyone needs one of these little nuggets. While the blender takes care of the wet make up applications, bronzers and blushes are applied with this little set. I store all my favorite products in a cute pouch for easy packing and throwing in my everyday handbag.

Weekend Wear - The Classic White Shirt

When it comes to wardrobe staples a classic white button down shirt is almost always mentioned but often is not is where to find this key item. Enter "the icon" shirt {which is finally back in stock & on it's way to me}. The reviews on this shirt completely sold me on it and I know I will be getting a lot of wear with it through all the seasons. I especially love pairing it with other wardrobe essentials like a great blazer, pumps and of course something leopard.

The Icon Shirt by Rochelle Behrens // J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer {here too} // Frame Skinny Denim // Warby Parker Magnolia Frames // Black & Brown Leopard Belt // Ann Taylor Hattie Suede Pumps // Gorjana Chaplin Crosshatch Studs // One by Ampersand Tote 

The British Are Coming

Correction, the British are here and they are looking good! When I studied abroad for one glorious summer back in my college days I was completely blown away by the fashion forward styles of the people of the UK and specifically in London. To say I did a bit of shopping while there is quite the understatement. While that time of life is tucked away back in my memory the incredible style from British designers is oh so relevant. I am totally loving this round up all from across the pond. 

Karen Millen

belt // scarf // pants // biker boot // sweater // clutch // ring // top // jacket // pumps {$99!} // dress

Cambridge Satchel Company & Hunter

Black  & Brown Satchel's // Boots {here too}

Reiss

dress // cuff // blouse // clutch // sandal // leather top // peach jacket // clutch // skirt // sandal 

Ted Baker

coat // scarf // iphone cover // tote // earrings // cardigan // skirt // pumps // dress 

Sip & Snack - Buffalo Style Meatballs & Beer Cocktail

Boneless buffalo wings are a favorite indulgence of mine. I love the combination of the spicy sauce along with the cooling blue cheese. I however do not enjoy the calories that the snack has in it. I always have tried different "buffalo style" recipes to mimic this famous dish without the guilt but this by far has to be the closest I can get to the real deal and what goes better with this snack then an ice cold brew-ski. Well my version is a little more feminine with extra lime flavor that I find uber refreshing with this hot dish. 

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey {I used all white meat}

1 egg

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 a finely minced onion

2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce {I used Franks}

10 celery sticks

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing 
{my husband doesn't care for blue cheese so I do half ranch and half blue cheese}

Directions

Mix ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs & onion in a large bowl. Form into small round balls. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. When out of oven dunk the meatballs in the buffalo wing sauce & serve with celery & blue cheese. 

Lime - Beer Cocktail

{makes two cocktails}

2 bottles Mexican beer {I used Corona}

1 bottle limeade {I used Simply Limeade}

1 lime

Directions

Mix beer & limeade in a pitcher, pour over ice or serve chilled and garnish with a lime slice.

Bottoms Up!

Oh Canada

The car is packed with way too many clothes and snack and we are venturing to Canada, Quebec City to be exact to celebrate the love of my life's birthday. I can't wait to give the man that makes me smile everyday lot of little surprises that I have planned but mostly I am excited to have him all to myself for a few days before he takes off for work travel again.  I will likely be sharing some photos on instagram so if your interested come visit me there & say hello!

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It's looking like Quebec is going to be a great deal cooler then here in Boston which has me on the hunt for comfy cozy sweaters to pair with jeans & flats for exploring this historic city. A few of my favorite styles for sweater season are listed below.

Theory Lace Back Sweater // Joie Amari Sweater // Madewell Cable-knit Sweater // By Malene Birger Striped Sweater // J.Crew Merino & Leather Tunic // Rebecca Taylor Zipper Pullover

Boutique Crush - Twelve Chairs

Last week I attended the opening of a fabulous little boutique located in the trendy Boston neighborhood known as the South End. Twelve Chairs is a home furnishings boutique that also offers interior design services. The cozy shop is filled with perfectly curated home decor and unique gifts. I was completely smitten with every single piece in the space and wound up buying a few hostess gifts for our quick trip to Vermont as well as some everyday paper goods for our own use. I however have been dreaming of the lush sheepskin throws to replace the one we have on our couch so I think I will be heading back to the shop asap to stock up on some bigger ticket items. Take a look below at some of the photos I snapped in this super stylish boutique and if you are local, make sure to pop in!

The display for the Rifle Paper Company cards was so beautiful. 

I was loving their mix of patterns and textures on all the furniture. That lovely little chair below totally was giving me a Missoni vibe. I would love two of them in an office for comfy meetings. 

How awesome are these painted floors and stairs. Such a clever way to disguise old damaged floors.

This chalk piggy bank is such an adorable gift for kids big and small. 

Soothing scented candles, vintage style recipe card holders & adorable kitchen papers. 

lots of whimsical framed art & modern covers of old classic reads

Those sheepskin throws are the softest thing I have ever touched and those bright pink pillows would be perfection for a pop of color in a neutral room. 

Big thanks to my friend Amelia for inviting me & introducing me to such a city gem.