I got a little fancy today and tried the new-ish Sally Hansen salon effects nail strips (inspired by posts here, here, and here). They were surprisingly easy to apply and are supposed to last a good seven to ten days. I love the fun fishnet pattern (named 'misbehaved') and will definitely be trying some of the new designs (especially the nautical stripe).
Have you tried them yet?
After six months without a cut, I was way overdue. As much as I hated sitting still in the chair at the salon, the end result made it worthwhile.
Happy weekend!
...at my new favorite neighborhood spot (three times in two weeks)!
And it's finally Friday tomorrow!
This amazing scalloped blazer arrived in the mail today and I can't wait to wear it all over Newport this weekend. I'm so lucky for friends like Tiane who can hunt down even the most impossible-to-find items. I first fell in love with the blazer when I saw Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere wearing it last week, but of course none of the Providence or local Massachusetts H&M's had it in stock. I even sent my sister to the Georgetown location on her lunch break, but she came up empty handed. Tiane was lucky enough to get hers put on hold in Chinatown and they had one in my size, too! Looks like it was meant to be.
Have I mentioned how much I love the scalloped edges?
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!
I realized today that I haven't been sick at all this school year! It's a miracle, really, especially given all the sick, sneezing, and runny-nosed kids I come in contact with on a daily basis. I've had a few sniffles, but nothing major like strep throat, ear infections, or the dreaded stomach bug. I definitely attribute my strengthened immune system to regular exercise and a few daily vitamins and supplements (a general multivitamin, magnesium, and vitamin C). That, combined with tons of fruits and veggies and constant hand sanitizing, have really paid off this year (knock on wood!). Of course, now that I've officially pointed this out, I'll probably come down with something crazy by the end of this week (hopefully not).
How do you stay healthy?
Well, I did it. I managed to go forty whole days without a drop of coffee or one miniature morsel of chocolate. It was tough, especially the last few days when I was dying for an iced cafe au lait, but the sacrifice was worth it. It's always fun to 'break the fast' on Easter, which I did by downing two big cups of coffee at brunch and enjoying a delicious (and very strong) iced latte this afternoon. I even snuck in a chocolate chip cookie and a few oreos. All in all, I'd say it was a great day. Next year I'm definitely going to give up peanut butter (which will probably be just as traumatic as coffee).
Hope you had a relaxing Easter!
Today's dreary weather made it the perfect day for a hot cup of chowder and a side of clamcakes. M and I took a ride down to the beach and ate at one of Rhode Island's famous seafood shacks. It was nice to see the beach and hear the waves, despite all of the rain and thick fog. Here's to hoping that next time we eat at Iggy's it'll be in the sunshine after a long day spent on the beach!
P.S. I'm so excited to wake up and have a cup of coffee tomorrow! I can't believe it's already been 40 days.
If it were up to me, every night would be game night. I love playing board games, but I do tend to get a little over competitive! Scrabble is one of my favs, but I also like to play Taboo or Scattergories with a group of friends.
What's your favorite board game?
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.
I was going through some old pictures earlier when I came across this shot of my friend, Ryan, and I at Christmastime in what I think is 1986 (or maybe 1987). We were inseparable as kids and lived right down the street from each other, so we played almost every day. Nowadays, he is all grown up with a little son of his own and we only see each other a couple times a year. It's fun to look back and remember the fun times we had together and how he could make me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe (especially at inappropriate times like Thanksgiving while we were saying grace)!
P.S. I love finding old photos!
This is my new favorite scent. It's light and fruity, with a hint of citrus. When I close my eyes and inhale, it almost feels like I'm on a tropical island somewhere, which would be a nice escape right about now.
Tomorrow's Friday, right?
The past couple nights have been spent watching chapters from the newly released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It's hard to believe that the movies are finally coming to an end this summer! In related news, I still haven't spotted Emma Watson around town (she's a student here at Brown University). She's grown up so much since the first film!
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.
This black cherry yogurt was the sunshine in an otherwise grey and dreary day. It was so worth it. Good thing I remembered to shred today!
at Rhode Island's famous New York System. Maybe not the best food option, but good people watching nonetheless.
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?
By now you've probably all seen the American Apparel leather carry-all pouch on at least one of your favorite blogs. The first time I saw Bee from Atlantic-Pacific photographed with hers, I was smitten. Its simple, versatile shape and bold colors are the perfect complement to so many outfits (and the $50 price tag is completely justifiable). I love carrying a clutch when I go out on the weekends because it forces me to whittle my typically overstuffed bag down to the bare essentials.
Taylor from Curly in the City has a great DIY for the clutch, but since I don't have a sewing machine, I've been pleading my mom to make one for me (and waiting patiently for Taylor to open her Etsy shop, whichever comes first!). I just saw on Twitter that American Apparel has finally restocked the bags with a slew of fun new colors for summer. I'm thinking of snatching one up in buttercup (a bright yellow) and maybe even stone (a pale grey). In the meantime, check out some of my favorite bloggers and how they've styled the carry-all.
Carolina at Fashion Squad
Bee at Atlantic-Pacific (especially love the tied-on ribbon in the first photo!)
Taylor from Sterling Style
Kelly from the Glamourai
Do you love the clutch as much as I do?
I don't normally buy groceries at Trader Joe's, but when I popped in this afternoon to pick up a few items, it made me reconsider my shopping habits. We only have one location in Rhode Island and it's sorta out of my way (i.e. more than 10 minutes), so I don't usually make it a priority to go. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection of organic produce, vitamins, frozen fruit, peanut butter, and most surprisingly, the prices! It was noticeably cheaper than shopping at Whole Foods. Also, they have a lot of products with fun packaging and at least twelve varieties of hummus, both pluses in my book. One tip though, don't buy a bag of sesame honey almonds and then open it on the way home. I couldn't stop snacking on them! I can't wait to go back and stock up when I have some more time to explore.
Do you have a favorite Trader Joe's product?
Check out my new Monday evening pastime: clipping coupons! I saw a lady in front of me at the grocery store shave over $37 off of her total with a stack of coupons clipped from weekly circulars. I want that to be me (but not in the over-the-top Extreme Couponing way)! It doesn't hurt to clip a few coupons and save a few bucks.
Do you go through newspapers and clip coupons?
Remember way back when your mom packed your lunch every day? I really miss that! Imagine how much time I could save in the morning if I didn't have to worry about what to pack for lunch. One of my favorite things to find at snack time were Teddy Graham crackers! For some reason they always remind me of childhood. I was always a fan of the honey flavor (chocolate, too!) but now they have fancy flavors like cinnamon and chocolate chip. Nostalgic snacks are the best!
What was your favorite lunch box treat?
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.
I think breakfast has to be my favorite meal of the day. I like that it can be something hot or cold and sweet or savory. During the week, I stick to basic egg whites with turkey bacon or some fruit or maybe even a bowl of cold cereal. On the weekends when I have a little more time though, I like to make elaborate and leisurely brunches like a spinach and feta scramble or even pancakes for special occasions. That avocado toast looks pretty tasty, especially with an egg over easy.
What's your breakfast of choice?
images via we heart it
Take a peek at a few pretty pastels (and some fun extras) I wish would find their way into my closet this spring!
Shoshanna ruffle shoulder romper
Kate Spade coin purse
asos Jovanna scalloped dress
J. Crew deerskin moccasins
EmersonMade little blouse
Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air nail lacquer
J. Crew ruched bandeau tank
What are you coveting this spring?
I wish my mom were here and we were baking cookies together in my kitchen. I love spending time in the kitchen with her. After all, she's the person responsible for showing me the ropes. And cookies always taste better at home, when baked in a rowdy kitchen with too many people involved.
It's hard to believe that just a month from today I'll be back home for my littlest sister's college graduation. I cannot wait!
coffee and chocolate.
And more specifically, how I'm going to celebrate by incorporating them back into my life in just over two weeks. Sixteen more days and counting!
all images via we heart it.
