Boardwalk and Park Place

I love board games, which probably has something to do with my competitive streak. If it were up to me, I would own a closet full of board games instead of a TV. But, since it's not totally up to me, I do have a TV, which has been tuned into football all day. Luckily, M offered to play Monopoly (probably because the Patriots' game isn't until tomorrow night). I got out to an early lead, but after a couple hours (and many house and hotel purchases), I went bankrupt and forfeited. It was still a lot of fun, though, and I wish we had game days more often. Do you have a favorite board game?
Scattegories and Taboo are my other favorites.

Building a Summer Salad

yellow + red cherry tomatoes from the farmer's market

It's taken me all summer, but I think I finally found the perfect recipes for a salad filled with fresh, local ingredients and dressed with a simple avocado-cilantro vinaigrette. I used a combination of two salad recipes (here and here) and loaded it with ripe cherry tomatoes, buttery avocado, grilled corn, cucumber, scallions, and lime juice. The result was so full of flavor I had to stop myself from eating the whole bowl!

Channeling Campfires

I'm not ready for summer to be over quite yet, so I'm milking the last few nice days and snacking on these amazing smashing s'mores from Trader Joe's. They're basically bite-sized smores: marshmallows with a graham cracker base and covered in chocolate. They're pretty perfect when warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds. No campfire needed! I first spotted them here and finally happened upon them at my local TJ's this afternoon. Hope you have a fun weekend. I'm off to enjoy take-out sushi and Sex and the City reruns with the girls!

If You Like Piña Coladas

You will absolutely love these popsicles! They've been my favorite after-dinner treat since I first tried them last week. I love that they have a creamy texture, like frozen yogurt or ice cream, but they're relatively guilt-free (like a popsicle). It's the best of both worlds!

Lusting for Fall

Is it too early to start my Christmas wish list? I already have quite a few pages in the Bloomies' catalogue marked. Hot items I'm craving for fall: oversized cashmere sweaters, riding boots, and silky blouses.

Ready for Some Football?

One of the best things about fall (aside from the arrival of the pumpkin spice latte) is the return of football, and more importantly, fantasy football! I love preparing for the draft (our league's is tonight!), competing against the boys on Sundays, and tracking the stats. For the past couple of years I've been at the top of the leader board for most of the season, only to ultimately fall out of first place. This year, I'm hoping to stay on top of the waiver wires and come in first place overall! Are you involved in any type of fantasy team?

Weekend Snapshots: Labor Day

Saturday morning Pinkberry date.


Homemade french toast muffins with cinnamon and sugar.


Ready for fall with gingham + arm party + Essie's chinchilly.


Delicious Mediterranean slate from Armsby Abbey.


Summer's last BLT with farmers market heirloom tomatoes.


Sparkly ring finger inspired by this photo.


Rhode Island themed onesies for our friends' new baby boy.


Look at the cheeks on baby Brandon!

I can't believe Labor Day has come and gone. It feels like I was just celebrating my cousin's wedding over 4th of July. I spent the long weekend with lots of grilling, fun times with friends, soaking up the sun, and getting back to some of my regular routines (now that summer is winding down).
What did you do?

Give a Hoot

I finally got to put this adorable owl tissue paper to work!

Market Fresh Dining

Today was spent enjoying specialty cocktails, craft beers, and local eats with friends at Armsby Abbey, an amazing and unique restaurant in Worcester. I enjoyed the ripest and most delicious heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil, baguette croutons, and parmesan. I love places that really take advantage of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Weekend Snapshots: Parisian Invasion

Leslie getting ready to feast on sushi at Haruki.


Shared sushi-the Mexican roll with cilantro and fresh jalapeño.


Multicolored party.


George's at Salty Brine state beach.


Leslie in the surf.


Pre-dinner beach stroll.


Rocking the gingham and chambray.


Corona and seafood make the perfect pair.


Leslie + me out on George's deck.


Sunday morning Pinkberry run. Watermelon, please!


Neon nail polish at American Apparel. Their fall pencil skirts are perfect.


Souvenir shopping at Craftland.


Amazing grilled pizza with spinach + feta at Bob & Timmy's on Federal Hill.

As I said before, my cousin was in town for the weekend in mid-August. She goes to school and lives in Paris, but spends summers in the states. This was her third year visiting Providence and we had so much fun! It's great to have visitors, because we do lots of things that we wouldn't typically get around to doing.

Some highlights of our weekend:
sushi date at haruki. hope street farmers market. pb&j pinkberry. matching bracelets. clamcakes + chowder on the beach. live music out on the restaurant deck. putting our feet in the ocean. grilling up a breakfast pizza. silly photo shoots. iced coffee runs. shopping on westminster street. bob & timmy's grilled pizza. and most important = carrying on a fun summer tradition!

Can't wait to see you next summer, Les!