Plants and Other Projects

There have been lots of DIYs happening around here. I feel like with summer right around the corner, the porch has been the focal point of my efforts. I started by sprucing it up with a cute iron table and teal chairs set and planted a few pots of fresh herbs. So far, I've managed not to kill basil, mint, and cilantro. They're actually bright green, thriving, and fully edible! I also have a strong affinity for succulents, and have been pinning away creative ideas for terrariums and little displays with them. Over the weekend, I took a cue from the Beautiful Mess blog (so many cute ideas over there!) and prettied up some plain old terra cotta pots for my new succulents. It was a super quick and budget-friendly way to add some fun decor to the porch. Plus, I'm happy to report that M and I have enjoyed dinner al fresco three times this past week. See, there are so many benefits to revamping the porch! Now I'm on the hunt for some fun paper lanterns or little strings of lights for nighttime ambiance.

What have you been up to?

DIY terra cotta pot painting on the porch

acrylic paint + foam craft brush + miniature terra cotta pots

first, add a coat of white paint as a base

then, paint the rest (or part) of the pot a different color; allow to dry completely

fill the pot with some pebbles at the bottom, then top with soil and succulents

the pale yellow pot is my fav!

citrus fruit for fresh squeezed margaritas

bright orange ranunculus from the farmer's market

I love how perfectly symmetrical they were when they began to bloom!

juicy watermelon that went into a salad with feta cheese and mint

leisurely Sunday brunch at the Armsby

trying a bright lipstick for the first time-Spellbound by Cover Girl

Life Lately...

There's been some serious downtime around here since returning from San Diego. Between the time change and getting back into the work routine, my weekends have been reserved for leisurely brunches, walks in the fresh springtime air, and catching up on my favorite blogs. I've also been trying to tackle some of the recipes that I've been pinning for months. Among my new favorites: Pioneer Woman's cold brewed iced coffee (liquid gold, if you ask me), Taza's puffed pancake (which I've been justifying as breakfast during my 40 days of no sweets + alcohol), and the best homemade salsa ever. Seriously, I am not exaggerating when I tell you this salsa comes together in under 5 minutes and will make your taste buds incredibly happy (and leave you craving a frosty margarita). Make all three recipes and tell me they're not amazing.

How have you been enjoying these springlike temps?


puffed pancake right out of the oven


...and with a drizzle of real maple syrup


home-brewed iced coffee (in its sludgy mid-brew state)


fun, springy polishes


my favorite orangey-coral hue by Chanel

Keeping it Low Key

Blankets, more Chicago trip research, and playoff hockey are all in the plan at my house tonight. I'm really liking the warm, sunny days and cool nights. It finally feels like summer!

Poker Face

It's another Friday, which means another game of poker here at the apartment. The sound of clinking chips is actually starting to grow on me. I'm busy itinerizing (is that even a word?) the weekend, because that's what I do. I foresee at least one trip to the movies, lots of time spent outside in the sun, morning jogs on the boulevard, some Pinkberry, and maybe the beginning of an herb garden on the porch. Oh, and of course lots of grilling!

What fun things do you have planned for the holiday weekend?

After-Dinner Treat

I celebrated the second consecutive day of sunshine and temps in the mid-70s (my plan from earlier this week has paid off!) with a little treat from Eskimo King. I've driven by this place countless times, but never actually stopped to try anything. Boy, have I been missing out. They have over 300 flavors of soft serve! I kind of panicked after reading the first 25 choices, so I stuck with one of my favorites: coffee. It's a good thing this place isn't in my neighborhood.

Fighting the Rainy Day Blues

It was chilly and dreary all day today. It's really starting to feel like summer will never come to New England. I've decided that the show must go on! I fought the rainy day blues by grilling up some turkey burgers for dinner. Maybe if we act like it's spring the sun will finally shine for a few consecutive days.

Here's to hoping!

Cocktail Time

'Tis the season for grilling and sipping margaritas!
I love this time of year.

There's No Place Like Home

I recently returned from a fun-filled four days at home where I celebrated my sister's graduation with family, spent lots of time relaxing, and enjoyed good food and laughs. Long weekends can be perfect for rejuvenating and coming back with a fresh perspective. Check out some of my snapshots from the trip.


Early morning flights are my favorite.


I always do the crossword puzzle while in flight. Thanks to my bf I knew the answer to this Star Wars clue.


Congratulations to my little sister!


I was obsessed with these suede cotton candy pink pumps. I need a pair of my own!


Me in the car on the way to the commencement ceremony.


Cupcakes from Baked and Wired served as the perfect sugary treat.


Baby Jackson joined the festivities and wowed me with some of his new tricks.


My mom had tons of little fresh flower arrangements all over the house. So pretty.


My sister and I shared sushi takeout after her long day of work on Monday.


Some of the first roses to emerge in my grandma's garden.


My favorite fruit in the whole wide world!


On the hunt for the perfect patio set for the porch. These chairs are definitely in the final running.


Perusing the rainbow of zippers at the fabric store for my new clutch.


My mom and I checked out a (new to me) New Orleans-style bakery in the neighborhood.


Cards with regional names were used to call you up when your order was ready.


We shared a French press coffee and a plate of warm beignets. They were amazing.


Enjoying my coffee.


Stained glass window art in the cafe.


I loved the decor, especially the glass window panes and vintage mismatched shutters.


Pretty turquoise necklace on display at my sister's store.


Waiting in the airport to head back up north.

The weekend could not have been more perfect (except for the fact that I lost my voice for 36 hours due to out of control allergies). I enjoyed every minute, especially the sunny, 75 degree weather! This trip really made me miss home. I can't wait to plan my next trip later this summer!

On Deck

As much as I love my nail effects, I'm thinking I may need a little mimosa in my life this weekend (in the form of Chanel's punchy new polish). The forecast for DC is sunny and warm and I honestly can't wait to celebrate my sister's graduation!

What's your current go-to nail polish shade?

In Bloom

Spring has finally sprung (and for real this time)! Temps today were pushing 70 and it felt amazing. I'm all kinds of excited for summer!

Neighborhood Happenings

I took a walk around the neighborhood this afternoon and it seems like spring has finally arrived! Although it was still blustery, there were lots of people out with their kiddies at the park and walking their dogs on the path. I can't wait because in just a few short weeks, the farmers' market will open up right down the street from me. There's no better way to spend a Saturday morning than strolling around with an iced coffee and scooping up fresh, local produce, cheese, and other goodies for the week.

Showering Babies

I love sunny, springy days spent celebrating with friends and gawking at an overload of teeny, tiny baby outfits! Don't these cookies make the perfect party favor? I loved the blue ribbon ties and miniature pacifier charms.

Contemplating Colors

The warmer temperatures today have me craving a bright, punchy manicure for the weekend! I've narrowed it down to my top three shades but can't seem to make the final decision (surprise, surprise!).

Which one is your favorite?

Puddle Jumping

These boots were so necessary today. It's been raining cats and dogs!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho!

It's off to work I go (on a Saturday)!

Working on the weekends is definitely not ideal, especially when there are clear skies and warmer temperatures outside, but once in a while it's not so bad. There are definitely some perks to being in the office after hours: wearing jeans, having tons of peace and quiet, and speedy computers! Hope you're all enjoying your Saturday. I'm going to make the most of my afternoon just as soon as I finish up some paperwork.