Back to Reality

Well, my quick trip home to the DC area was filled with poolside relaxation, catching up with friends + family, good meals, and shopping trips, but it's time to head back to Rhode Island, work, and cool fall-like days that I love so much. I'm actually excited for September and everything that it entails, but not until the last hurrah of Labor Day (and the three-day weekend)! I love this shot of Union Station in DC, where I caught the commuter train up to BWI for my flight. The ceilings are so grand and ornate. 'Til next time, DC!

What's a Mangosteen?

A couple of days ago, Tiane's 365 photo was of mangosteen, a tropical super fruit native to Asia that I had never seen or heard of before. Since she's such a good friend, she brought a bag of them over to our crab feast last night and I was able to try them for the first time. I have to say that they were surprisingly tart and tasty, despite their tough exterior and slimy texture. Now I have to scout around the Asian specialty markets in Providence to track them down for myself. I love trying new things, especially when they're so healthy and packed with antioxidants.
Thanks, Tiane!

Bring on the Old Bay

One thing I constantly miss about living in the DC area are the Maryland blue crabs that I grew up eating. My mom and I ventured down to Main Avenue this afternoon to pick out several dozen crabs and have them freshly steamed for dinner. It was great to get together with my sisters and our friends and enjoy eating crabs, grilled pizza, and homemade key lime pie and blueberry cobbler. It's nights like these that make me love summer so much!

Family Fun Time

Luckily, everyone in my family's neighborhood survived Irene without too much trouble. There were some power outages and fallen trees, but the worst part of the storm definitely missed the DC area. I feel so lucky that our power stayed on the whole time. Tonight, we went out for a fun family dinner and I can't remember the last time we got together, reminisced, and laughed so hard. It was so much fun! It makes me wish that I lived closer to home!

Hurricane-d In

So I've been stuck inside for most of today, aside from a quick trip out for coffee this morning, and have been glued to Irene coverage (like everyone else on the east coast?). My cousin and I decided to try out this recipe for key lime pie, which I've been craving lately, complete with a homemade graham cracker crust. She squeezed almost an entire pound (54 halves to be exact) of golf-ball sized key limes-by choice, I offered to help-which only yielded one cup of lime juice. It was definitely a labor of love and made the final product that much more rewarding! The rest of the night is going to involve movies, popcorn, and magazines by candlelight if the power goes out! Good luck all you east coasters.

The Calm Before the Storm

Ahhh! Nothing beats relaxing poolside with my momma! We ran around this morning after my flight landed in preparation for Irene. The grocery stores and Target were completely sold out of bottled water. Hope you're taking all the necessary precautions. Be safe!

Pre-Irene Beach Run

I ventured down to South County today in celebration of my last few vacation days and summer winding down. It was foggy and overcast at first, but ended up being a beautiful (but windy) beach trip. It was also the first time I've seen kite boarders in Narragansett. I give them a lot of credit-it takes some serious strength to hang on while the wind pulls you around. Not exactly my cup of tea, but fun to watch, especially when paired with acrobatics in the air.

Crafty Cocktails

Tonight was spent out at a fun, local dive in Providence called the Red Fez. They're in the process of renovating and the downstairs restaurant has a cozy cabin feel to it. I had a delicious watermelon and feta salad with peppery arugula which paired well with their crisp vino verde. They always surprise me with their inventive dishes and individually crafted cocktails. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!

Bright Blossom

Sunflowers are such a fun, cheery pick-me-up after an especially long Tuesday at work. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be even more trying.
Is it Friday yet?

New Additions

I love these rhinestone bracelets from J. Crew. I found the bright yellow one back in May, but the color selection was limited. Fast forward to last weekend, when I was browsing the new fall collection (especially the adorable pencil skirts) and stumbled upon lots of new bracelet colors. I think the orange one is my new favorite!

Sunny Side Up Brunch

It's fun having a weekend guest because we do things that we normally wouldn't do otherwise. Most Sundays are lazy and slow-paced, but this morning I was up bright and early to throw together some homemade pizza dough. By the time the rest of the house started stirring, it had time to rise and was ready to grill. Leslie helped me prep the scallions, shredded cheese, and basil that all went on top of our grilled breakfast pizza. This recipe was such a hit (and much easier than it looked), that I can't wait to make it again!

Seaside Supper

Tonight was the definition of a perfect summer evening. M and I took my cousin Leslie down to Narragansett for the sunset and a walk on the beach, followed by dinner out on the deck of a great seafood spot. We feasted on steamed clams, chowder, and clamcakes, all while listening to some great live music. It doesn't get much better than that.

Summer Sushi Date + A Special Visitor

I'm so excited to have my cousin, Leslie, in town for the weekend. She's been staying in the DC area for most of the summer, but flew up to Providence to spend the weekend with me. We kicked off the weekend with a few errands (buying matching bracelets) and a fun sushi date at my favorite neighborhood Japanese restaurant. I can't wait to show her around and take her to the beach tomorrow!

The Littlest Lilies

Miniature calla lilies in a rainbow of colors are definitely among my favorite flowers. They had such a fun selection at my local Trader Joe's, but I couldn't pass up the long stems of sunflowers to decorate the kitchen and guest room. Do you have a favorite flower?

Perfect Party

The Manrepeller's arm party trend has really hit hard this summer, and I'm totally a fan of the look. I have to say that this picture from Refinery 29's feature really has it all--the perfect mix of metals, texture, and femininity (and the coveted dinosaur bones cuff by Noir). I'm definitely in favor of the trend and I can't wait to keep tracking down fun bangles to adorn my own wrists.

Taco Tuesdays

Dinners involving avocados are always a hit, especially on taco night!

Film Festival

Three days, three blockbusters.

I've seen The Help, Captain America, and the new Planet of the Apes movie over the past three days. It's been pretty fun, and none of them were really 'duds'. In fact, they were each good in their own way. I can't remember the last time I saw so many movies at the theater in such a short time span! Next on my list? The smaller indie flick Beginners, starring Ewan McGregor. Have you seen any good movies this summer?

Dogs for Dinner

Impromptu summer barbecues are the best!

It's a Shore Thing

My favorite shade of the summer: the palest sea foam green of Essie's Absolutely Shore.

Flash Forward to Fall

Finding this super sparkly nail polish has made me a little bit excited about fall (but I still don't want summer to end either)!

Weekend Snapshots: Overdue

Essie's California Coral--so bright and summery!


Best cracker ever. Seriously, good little dippers for hummus or guac.


Freshly grated nutmeg going into zucchini bread batter.


Early Saturday Pinkberry run. No line!


Used local RI summer ale...


...to make a tasty littleneck clam and mussel dinner!


M's chocolate birthday cake that I slaved hours over!


New favorite summer cocktail: vodka + sparkling blueberry juice.

Oops! I'm a little overdue with this photos, but they're from a couple weekends ago when M's birthday weekend continued. We did a lot of running around on Saturday and then stayed in to cook a local seafood feast, complete with clams and mussels in a spicy Narragansett summer ale and roasted tomato broth. It was insanely garlicky (and therefore insanely good!).

I felt like I spent most of the weekend in the kitchen because I ended up baking zucchini bread for a brunch on Sunday and then M's family came over for a birthday cookout in the afternoon where we served up grilled corn and sausage and peppers. Whew! It was definitely a packed summer weekend and I can't wait to keep the entertaining going next weekend when my cousin Leslie visits!

How are you spending this weekend?

Summer Sorbet

One of my favorite treats is the summertime is sweet, icy sorbet after a warm day. M brought home this hand packed blueberry variety from a local farm and it was tasty!

Get Poppin'

My Zoku quick pop maker finally arrived today and it's so cute! I cannot wait to start mixing up some fruity pops. The hardest part is deciding which recipe to try first. Key lime pie or coffee buzz?

Beach Waves

Surf spray is one of my all-time favorite summer beauty products. It always works and is perfect for days where you don't feel like dealing with your 'do! My bottle is covered in sand because I usually throw it in my beach bag.

Post Office Goodies

There's nothing better than going to get your mail and finding not one, but two surprises! Thanks to my mom and Tiane for sending some fun stuff my way. I can't wait to check out Dexter. My little sister loves that show!

Crafty Corner

This little nook in my kitchen is quickly becoming the home for all of my project supplies. I need to find some more space before it takes over the whole island!

Breakfast in Bed

berries + pb&j toast

Finally Vacation

black eyed susans at my front door

Today is my first day of an 11 day staycation and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to relax, read a good book, have my cousin come visit, and soak up the final few weeks of summer. Hope you have a great weekend!

Quick Pops

I have all the recipes, now I'm just waiting for my Zoku quick pop maker to arrive! I can't wait to try out lots of flavor combinations when my cousin comes to visit next week!

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to my beautiful momma! I wish I could be home to celebrate with you and the girls. (Notice her arm party-so fashionable!).

Summer Spontaneity

half day of vacation + hot, sunny beach + nectarines + sand everywhere + wavy beach hair + sushi date + new friend
=
fantastic tuesday

Neapolitan Sunset

The sky this evening was so strange. First, it looked like it was going to thunderstorm, then it got hazy and bright yellow, and finally it was a medley of pinks and peaches with streaks of light (when I snapped this photo from the porch). It reminded me of neapolitan ice cream with the stripes of strawberry and vanilla. This picture doesn't even do it justice. Summer sunsets are my favorite.