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

House Guests and Antler Accents

We had a house full of guests a few weeks ago when my mom, aunt, and sister visited Providence for a long weekend. It was so nice to have some of my family come into town and gave me the opportunity to show them some favorite shops and restaurants around Providence. The highlights were a great sushi dinner in Waterplace Park, vintage shopping Downcity, brunch at Nick's on Broadway, and having friends over for a nice home cooked meal on Saturday night. Although it was a quick trip, we still managed to squeeze lots of fun and laughs into a short amount of time. My mom and aunt even helped me hang up the antlers that my dad hand-painted for the apartment. I can't wait for them to come back!


tuna sashimi


red dragon roll


yellowtail + jalapeno sashimi


trio of antique antlers hand-painted by my dad

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler

Happy Mardi Gras! When I was growing up, my grandma would have a traditional Fat Tuesday pancake dinner every year and it was so much fun. She would decorate the table with brightly colored masks, feathers, and beads, and we would feast on flapjacks, sausage and bacon, eggs and fruit syrups. It was always a highly anticipated occasion for me and my sisters.

I decided to put my own spin on the tradition this year by whipping up a batch of sour cream pancakes (using this insanely delicious recipe) and served them up alongside sausage patties, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and fresh squeezed blood orange mimosas. The best part was the real maple syrup (something that I rarely splurge on). The planning and shopping were just as much fun as the finished meal, and who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?






Remember last year, when I gave up coffee and chocolate for Lent. Yeah, that was pretty crazy. Well this year, I've decided to take it one step further and give up sweets and alcohol. I'm also going to try and make it a nightly habit to write something that I'm thankful for down in a journal. Wish me luck!

Do you celebrate Mardi Gras?

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!

Welcome, Weekend!

Is it just me, or did this week inch by at the slowest possible pace? Don't get me wrong, I was still super busy, but the pile of paperwork on my desk never seemed to get any smaller. Nevertheless, it's Friday and I couldn't be happier. On deck this weekend: lots of cleaning in preparation for my mom, aunt, and sister coming to visit next weekend! I've already spent tonight reorganizing the kitchen cabinets and purging my fridge of expired take out. I'm hoping to get lots done tomorrow morning so I can treat myself to one of these polish jobs before a sushi double date night (my fav)! Sunday is going to be spent getting M fitted for a tux for his sister's upcoming nuptials, meal planning and grocery shopping, and hopefully some leisurely coffee and lounge time.
What are your fun plans for this weekend?

images via tumblr and we heart it

Nailed It

I love nail polish and trying out different manicures. Two of my favorite sites to go for inspiration are ...Love Maegan and the Beauty Department. Lately, I've wanted to keep my nails subtle and neutral with a little pop of color here and there. These are some images from my Pinterest boards that I may try this weekend. I am especially lusting after that new shimmery purple Nars color, diamond life. What kinds of nail trends have you been trying? Do you have a favorite nude or neutral polish that I should try?

Holiday Photo Mash Up

Here are a few photos from my vacation this past week. I crammed in as much as possible and enjoyed celebrating both Christmas and my birthday. Even though I wish I had a few more days to relax, I'm feeling recharged and ready to take on 2012!

Mood: Inspired

Do you have a mood/inspiration board somewhere in your home? It's something that I've been wanting to put up for a long time now, but just haven't gotten around to actually doing. I'm thinking that this might finally be the year. I always find myself saving scraps of mementos (movie stubs, matchbooks) and tearing striking photos out of magazines. I think it would be helpful to recognize themes in things that I find appealing, whether it be design, fashion, or even certain colors.

If you have an inspiration board, how do you use it and how often do you change it?

all images found via Pinterest

Reach for the Stars

I was looking back at this list from last year's 30 day blog challenge, and although I kept many of my resolutions, there's always room for personal growth. This year, I hope to simplify and de-clutter my life. I've accumulated so much stuff over the years and I really need to become more organized. So that's my big, overall goal (along with completing lots of little household projects).



In addition to paring things down, I'd also like to reconnect (and stay connected) with friends and family members, especially via snail mail. I get so much joy out of a hand written card or care package, so I'm going to try and pay it forward more consistently.



I hope to curb my senseless spending (coffees, impulse check out puchases, magazines) and be able to invest in at least two classic pieces that I save for throughout the year.



Finally, I want to try to have a more positive approach to everyday occurances. It's so easy to get caught up in the latest gossip or whine about inconsequential events. I'd rather channel my energy towards something that makes me or those around me happy.



As always, I want to keep learning more about myself, accept challenges, eat more vegetables, and see more of the world. Definitely some broad goals for 2012, but I'm excited nonetheless.

What are your resolutions or aspirations for 2012?

all images found via Pinterest.

And That's a Wrap

Well, Tiane and I made it!

365 photos in 2011.

Time for 2012. Are you ready? Pour a glass of bubbly and toast to a new year!