Valentine's Day in La Jolla

I can't believe how quickly my week in California passed by! I got back to Providence last night and am definitely still on west coast time. Here are some snapshots from last Tuesday, which was spent exploring la Jolla. I think this was definitely one of my favorite days of the entire vacation. La Jolla is so picturesque and the weather that day was nearly perfect. I enjoyed spending the entire day with M, something that we haven't been able to do in past years.


I started off my morning with a blowout at the Drybar in Del Mar.


The perfect beachy cosmo-tai, which made me feel like a celeb!


We found out what all the hype was about at In-N-Out (so good!).


Lots of pretty Valentine's flowers for sale in La Jolla.


Clear blue skies and an intricate mosaic on the front of a church.


Hearts decorated all of the boutique windows.


Arcade building at sunset.


Gazing out at the Pacific in my favorite scalloped blazer.


La Jolla cove and Torrey Pines in the background.


A breathtaking California sunset and red + pink balloons.

The day could not have been more perfect and relaxing!

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!).

Wonders of WaterFire

One of the best parts about summers in Providence (in my opinion) is WaterFire. It's a unique, free event that takes place in Waterplace park with lots of local food vendors and live entertainment. We walked around for a while tonight, and my favorite part by far was the park decorated with illuminated blue stars. They were so magical and looked like they were suspended in midair. I can't wait to go again next month!

Birthday Love

{flashback photo from a frigid Redskins game in 2009}

Happy "Larry Bird" Birthday to my partner in crime, the photo-dodging, makes me laugh 'til I cry, silly-serious, supportive, loving, infamous M. I heart you-lots.

America's Pastime

Wrigley was even better than I had imagined. There's so much nostalgia and I can't believe how magical of a place it was. Definitely one of my favorite parts of visiting Chicago so far!

Mother Monster

She is everywhere lately. Is anyone else listening to Lady Gaga's new album on repeat like me (especially at the gym!)?

It's the New Post-It

What am I talking about? Pinning, of course! Erika Domesek (the mastermind behind PS-I Made This...) tweeted that exact line earlier today and I happen to be in total agreement. Yes, Pinterest is completely addicting, but it's also a great way of cataloging all of the amazing photos that you see on blogs, recipes you want to try, design inspirations, and wish lists for items you're lusting after around the web. I'm still getting the hang of how to use the site and organize my pin boards, plus finding new people to follow (like Maegan, Taylor, and Emily). You should definitely check it out and give it a try! It's so much fun.

Beauty Loot

I made the mistake of setting foot inside Ulta this afternoon. I seriously forgot how amazing a store it is. It's basically a giant drugstore that only carries hair care, makeup, and beauty products. Anyway, it's great and probably a guy's worst nightmare so I'm glad I didn't drag M with me over the weekend. I managed to make it out with only minor damage. I picked up a bottle of Big Sexy Hair shampoo, which I've never tried but have heard good things about. I also got a new, summery scented Philosophy body wash (coconut frosting), and of course, I had to get a couple of nail-related goodies. I finally found the leopard print Sally Hansen nail strips, so they were a must. They must be the most popular pattern because they're always sold out no matter where I go. Last but now least, I decided on a bottle of Essie's Tart Deco polish, which is a fun orangey-melon hue that I can't wait to try on my toes.

Sometimes a little impromptu shopping trip is the best way to start the weekend!

Sublime Saturday

Any day that involves a walk around the neighborhood and a chocolate fro-yo cone is a-ok in my book. Throw in bento boxes for lunch and an afternoon of Gossip Girl on dvd (how cute is Dan?!) and I'm pretty much in heaven.

Hope your Saturday was just as relaxing and low-key as mine.

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!

Breezy Bayou

I spent the morning devouring beignets and French press coffee with my mom at this adorable establishment. Now I'm off to do some retail damage in Georgetown. I kind of don't want to get on my plane tonight.
Can you blame me?

Fiesta, Fiesta

I love Cinco de Mayo. It's basically just a fun excuse to drink margaritas and have some tasty Mexican food (but do you really need an excuse to do that?!). This year, instead of fighting for a seat at the bar of one of my favorite tacquerias, I opted to throw a little at-home fiesta. It was low-key but delicious and a nice way to kick back after a long week. I made these grapefruit margaritas, which were really refreshing and not at all syrupy sweet, and tried this fajita recipe for the first time (amazing). The pairing was spot-on, especially when some homemade guacamole was added to the mix.

Let's just say we'll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo all summer long at my house!

Sushi Night

...at my new favorite neighborhood spot (three times in two weeks)!

And it's finally Friday tomorrow!

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!

Lunch Box Treats

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?

Springtime Lusts

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?