Mash Up!
Miley Cyrus Vs Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares To Wrecking Ball (Robin Skouteris Mix) from Robin Skouteris on Vimeo.
Another reason to get on Instagram
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| What a cute projector! |
Dating Life
Have you guys heard of this website 40 Days Of Dating? It is a totally fascinating project. Two friends Jessica and Tim who happen to also be artist and unlucky in love try committing to dating each other for 40 Days. Because they are both so creative, the website that follows these 40 days in unbelievably cool and interesting. I also got some great date ideas from them. But most importantly, I felt invested in their relationship as I got to know both of them. It also made me think a lot about dating, if you can essentially date anyone or if there has to be something there. It has gotten so much attention that the story was recently optioned for a movie! I suggest reading it from the very beginning. What is your favorite date? Here is a brief video that Jessica and Tim made about the project.
Geography Lesson
There is a lot that I wish I had paid more attention to in school. There were also things that I really don't remember ever being taught. Geography was on of those things. I just don't think that it was taught. Does anyone in the education world know if geography is optional in the lesson plans? I have mentioned this to a few people and one of my coworkers was lamenting about her same situation. She then sent me a link with a TON of fascinating maps. While they don't necessarily help with my geographically challanged mind, they are really interesting to look at. Check out the rest of the 40 Maps That Will Help You Make Sense Of The World here
Happy Friday! Hommade Snickers
There are some things on Pinterest that I wish that I didn't see. Simply for the safety of my waistline. This is one of them. Happy Friday everyone!
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| Posted on How Sweet It Is |
Packing Smartly
Ok so I know that I owe like a million posts over here. I was getting a bit in my head about writing these epic posts, about keeping up with what I am cooking or where we are going. And maybe that is a mistake. I am going to try to be more impulsive on here, when I see something cool, I will try to post it and if I feel like writing the great American novel I can do that too. More hitting Publish, less hitting Draft.
So here goes.
I saw this Travel Light breakdown on Pinterest and loved it. As a self proclaimed horrible packer, I am going to try to visualize this for my next trip.
So here goes.
I saw this Travel Light breakdown on Pinterest and loved it. As a self proclaimed horrible packer, I am going to try to visualize this for my next trip.
My summer beauty routine
After spending some time at the beach over the past few weeks, I finally have a little bit of color to my skin. Trust me, I am a lot more careful now at 31 than I was at 18 but there is no way that I am going to get through summer without attempting to be tan. I know its wrong but I just feel so much healthier when I am. So now that I have a little color, all I ever want is to put on a little mascara, a little blush and walk out the door. And now I have literally found the best blush to keep up a fairly beachy look.
This Josie Maran cheek gelee is the bomb. Since it is coconut water based (I don't know how they do it), it goes on super sheer and just gives you a flushed in an attractive way look. I actually use a brush to put it on but my fingers have also worked in a pinch. Have you tried this yet? Let me know what you think!
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| Available at Sephora |
Back in the groove
Ok, so I might still not be in love with New York right now but for the time being, I need to accept it. I need to accept a lot of thing, mostly that I have no been blogging. I have made excuses, that my home computer isn't working, that I have a new job. But that said, I just got lazy. I didn't make time. And getting into the groove is so much harder than getting out of it. I have been blogging for almost a year but the last few months, I have been resting on my heels. So with tomorrow being August....let's go!
New York in the summer....
Is really getting me down. I am having a hard time being in love with New York right now. On Sunday, I went for a run/walk in my neighborhood. It was brutally hot out and as I looked around at all the opportunities this city had to offer, all I cold focus on was that I wanted to get into a car and drive to a beach. Not wait for the subway, not take a train. Just get in the car and go. We are heading up to Cape Cod in a few weeks and I am really hoping that this will make me feel better.
Does this heat make anyone else feel differently about New York? Do you think about moving to other places?
Does this heat make anyone else feel differently about New York? Do you think about moving to other places?
Wu-Tang Clain Ain't Nothing To Sign With
My co-worker Katie sent me this link today and I had to share. Wu-Tang, R. Kelly and others performed at this years Bonnaroo festival and were assigned an amazing ASL Interpreter who basically stole the show. Check her out on Gawker for her Wu-Tang performance, I particularly liked the R. Kelly one below. Remember Lydia during Hurricane Sandy?
This ain't your McMuffin...
This past weekend, I went to Boston to visit some of my closest friends from college. If you follow me on Instagram, you can see that I had a total blast. The icing on the cake was on Sunday morning, before I left, I visiting Flour Bakery in Cambridge. I had been there once before, nearly 3 years ago with the same friends before a road trip and had been dreaming of their egg sandwich ever since. It was everythign that I dreamed of and came home wanting more. Which is why I was so pumped to see that it is featured on the Flour Website which even has an instructional video. I haven't made it yet, but totally am trying to come up with an breakfast party excuse to serve this. YUM!
I want to see this movie.
About a month ago, my parents went to see this movie and ever since then, I have been dying to see it. (How is a movie going to show up in Montclair first...?)
It's on my summer list. Along with This Is The End, White House Down (I know) and The Kings of Summer. What is on yours?
Sibling Love.
My older sister Maya and her family recently moved back to the town that we grew up in. They have just had their second sweetheart baby and were running out of space in their Park Slope apartment. 75% of me was happy for them. I knew that it was the right move for them and the house that they found is perfect. But it also means that I could no longer jump on the M63 bus and be at their house in 15 minutes. Ok, so I will be honest, their new town, Montclair is only 12 miles away. And we have a car so it makes it even easier.
A few years ago, my younger sister Rachael and I lived together for a year. It was during that time, all three of us were able to see each other whenever we wanted which was pretty often. Now Rachael lives the life we all want to live in the cornfields of Ohio, swimming, biking and doing college admissions. And I realized that for the first time in a long time, all 3 of us live in different states.
Then a few weeks ago, Maya sent around this article by the ever awesome Frank Bruni about the importance of siblings. It really hit home for me. At this point, we have all never been this physically far from each other. But at the same time, we have never been closer. Rach emailed us dinner suggestions last night, I will probably see Maya this weekend and in July, we will all get to hang out together in Cape Cod. But I am now so sure that regardless of where we all live, we will always be close.
A few years ago, my younger sister Rachael and I lived together for a year. It was during that time, all three of us were able to see each other whenever we wanted which was pretty often. Now Rachael lives the life we all want to live in the cornfields of Ohio, swimming, biking and doing college admissions. And I realized that for the first time in a long time, all 3 of us live in different states.
Then a few weeks ago, Maya sent around this article by the ever awesome Frank Bruni about the importance of siblings. It really hit home for me. At this point, we have all never been this physically far from each other. But at the same time, we have never been closer. Rach emailed us dinner suggestions last night, I will probably see Maya this weekend and in July, we will all get to hang out together in Cape Cod. But I am now so sure that regardless of where we all live, we will always be close.
Why I look forward to the subway
I have recently fallen hard for a new (to me) podcast Uhh Yeah Dude. Though is has been around for 7 years, I only now have joined the bandwagon and am totally hooked. And with 300-plus episodes, I am no longer on the subway running out of things to listen to. The two hosts Seth Romatelli and Jonathan Larroquette (yes, his father is of Night Court fame) spend an hour reading, talking and making fun of topical new. This description hardly does it justice. All I can say is check them out.
Here is a little more information about the duo and podcase on Reverb.
Here is a little more information about the duo and podcase on Reverb.
Tonight for Dinner
Since the summer is here, Paul and I have been super busy. With him traveling more for work, my dinner routines have turned more to the cereal, stir-fry and occasional take out. With tonight (and I think the remainder of this week) we will both be home for dinner and I plan on making this Vietnamese Pork Chop that I spied in last months Bon Appetit. This just looks like the perfect summer food. Maybe we will even sneek up to the roof and dine alfresco. What are you making these days? Any summer recipes that are must tries?
I need your help
Paul and I are going to wedding this weekend in Pennsylvania. It should be a blast and since it is one of Paul's friends, I am excited to see a group of people that we don't get to see all that often. I am wearing this black peplum dress that I picked up from Anthropologie and really love (though just a heads up, I am totally not wearing it with those tights or shoes-- I think that I might go with these that I picked up this fall)
But here is where I need your help....what jewelery do you wear with this dress? I have never rocked a peplum before and don't really know if a necklace works with the neckline. So fashionistas out there..help!
But here is where I need your help....what jewelery do you wear with this dress? I have never rocked a peplum before and don't really know if a necklace works with the neckline. So fashionistas out there..help!
Dream Jeans
I know that I owe you guys a lot more blog posts. My computer at home is on the major fritz and work has been so busy that finding the time and place to get here hasn't been easy. But when it comes to letting you know all about a sale, it seems worth it. I have recently found the Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans from Madewell. I love their fit, the colors the come in (I have them in this Olive color) and how they aren't too hard on the wallet. They were the perfect pair in Paris,dressing up with wedges or down with my loafers. And now, they are on sale. Trust me, they are the bomb!
All of Madewell sale is now 20% off. Did you find anything else? PS This isn't a sponsered post from Madewell, just a hey, I love these jeans and I love you guys type of thing.
All of Madewell sale is now 20% off. Did you find anything else? PS This isn't a sponsered post from Madewell, just a hey, I love these jeans and I love you guys type of thing.
Steak Night!
So I have a new grocery shopping habit. I have signed myself up for the Fairway email. Initially my reason was so that I was entered into a $1,000.00 Fairway gift card giveaway. But since I didn't win that, or powerball (what the what!) I thought that maybe I would unsubscribe. Until I noticed that this weekly email sends me what is on sale for the week. Two words: Game Changer. I know go in with not only a weekly plan but also know that I am getting the most bang for my buck. You can check out the sales here for your own local store.
This week the bang came in the shape of a sirloin steak. And at 5.99 lb, we totally pulled a JD and Turk.
This week the bang came in the shape of a sirloin steak. And at 5.99 lb, we totally pulled a JD and Turk.
One last Paris note
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| Seen here |
Ok, so I know that I have only done a mixed job on my Paris recap. Since we have been back, my computer won't seem to hold a charge so getting the right time to blog has been tricky. But I made a commitment and I will follow though. So that said, I do have one last (probably not) Paris tip. I am sure that many of you are familiar with Design Sponge, the mother ship of design blogs. Well they also happen to do a really great recap of things to do in cities around the world. I went there to read up on Paris which led me to Anne, blogger in her own rite at Pret a Voyager and wait for it....tour guide in Paris, which I booked right on the spot. Once I booked the tour, Anne sent us a questionnaire of things that we would be interested and from there tailored the tour to our wants and needs. We met up with her on Monday and had an awesome time. She gave us a lay of the land, explained the street signs, subways and gave us an inside scoop on the best of the hood. I am still dreaming of these pistachio chocolate pastry wheels that she introduced us to. I felt after a day spent with her that I had a much better sense of the city layout and what was worth checking out. If you are ever in Paris and need some help, I highly rec
ommend reaching out to her. Merci Anne!
TGI-This weather on the weekend!
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| Weekend Calendar Seen on Saturday.com |
What about you? Any good plans for the weekend. I know that I owe you all some more Paris thoughts and idea and maybe even sharing the story of my evening/morning with Jake while my sister gave birth.
When it rains, it pours! (But in a good way)
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| Seen on Little Lovely Beauty |
Last night I got a really cute text message from my friend Margaret. She said "Between Paris and nephew number two, I would say its a damn good month!" Good Lord, thank you Margaret! I am the type of person that cannot always see the positive and when you pointed it out like that, it was as Oprah would say, my A-ha Moment. This May has been one for the books. New job, Paris, Birthday and the best brand new nephew I could ask for. And the best part is.....it's only halfway through!
How is your month going? Do you have a favorite month?
What we did!
While traveling with Paul, I have learned a lot about both of us and
how we operate and how to work as a team. I enjoy research. I read
blogs, magazines, papers to get an idea of what interests me (and
keeping Paul in mind). I then present these ideas to Paul and we go from
there, picking out things that he likes ...from my already gathered
list. He can totally go and do his own research if he wants but more
often than not, this is how things end up working. I will be honest, at
first I felt like I was doing all the work without him but we talked
about it and he pointed out that I actually enjoy doing it and in the
long run, probably works out better so I made my peace and planned it
out.
Since we were there for a whole week, I may leave some things out but if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Also, I would love to know how other people plan vacations. Here are just a few pictures, with more to come!
Since we were there for a whole week, I may leave some things out but if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Also, I would love to know how other people plan vacations. Here are just a few pictures, with more to come!
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| The first few days, we just would get lost and wonder around the amazing streets, totally getting into feeling Parisian. |
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| On Monday, we actually went on a tour (more to come) and got a much better sense of the layout of the city. |
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| We ended up skipping the Louve all together and instead did the Musee D'Orsay which is much smaller. Both of us really liked the space (an old train station) |
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| And of course a picnic at the Eiffel Tower |
THIS IS WATER
I will return soon to the scheduled Paris talk but I came across this video and it was simply too good to wait. As a graduate of Kenyon, maybe this hold some special meaning to me, or maybe it is just simply special. Let me know what you think.
Paris-- Our Apartment
As you all know, we had some last minute changes to our apartment in Paris. I can only think that it was a blessing in disguise since we ended up in a really great place. Below are some pictures of it and while it was incredibly cute and nice, it was more important in a great location. We were one block from the Metro (aka Best Public Transportation Ever) and on Sundays and Thursdays, steps from an amazing market in Bastille. Since Paris is so walkable, I am not sure there is a bad location but really, if you are going, check out The Marais. Here are a few pictures of the apartment from the listing. (Also remember that I negotiated the price, something to keep in mind for the future!)
Bonjour!
Hello hello! Well Paul and I are back from am pretty amazing trip to Paris. I cannot wait to update all of you, share pics and tips of what we did...and didn't do.
I am just getting a little caught up on my regular 9-5 so it may take a bit but I promise I will do it! With pictures too. Get ready!
I am just getting a little caught up on my regular 9-5 so it may take a bit but I promise I will do it! With pictures too. Get ready!
A little more info about Caviar and Quarter!
Caviar and Quarters
Twitter: @slofia
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Email: Sofia@caviarandquarters.com
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Twitter: @slofia
Instagram: caviarnquarters
Subscribe and get posts emailed on a silver platter!
Email: Sofia@caviarandquarters.com
www.caviarandquarters.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CaviarnQuarters
Guest Post: Sofia of Quarters and Caviar
My name is Sofia and I thought I would help Maddy out while she is on vacation in Paris. It's all April showers here in the Midwest and a spring break is exactly what I need. However with a few weddings coming up later this year, I don't have the cash handy to spend on getting away for a few days. That doesn't mean that I can't relax. I am planning a staycation of my own, so I can re-energize before the buzz of busy summer schedules kick in. I thought I would include a few helpful sites, which might make trip planning easier or save you some cash.
• Try to plan for a vacation so you are traveling in the off season. For example, I have been to Provincetown, MA for a relaxing getaway a few times and it's always been in March, October or beginning of September when tourist season is winding down. Prices drop dramatically when it's not peak tourist season. The same room I have stayed in, is usually $145 during peak season, but I have only paid $45- $65/night because I have planned my trip during the off season. Yes it's not as hoppin and warm during the fall or winter, but I still had a great time and saved over $100/night on a play to stay. Sometimes Paris in the springtime is just what you need, so this isn’t always the best option for everyone.
• Also take a look at Airbnb if you are adventurous and want a different experience altogether like Maddy did.
• Bring your travel accessories with you. A neck pillow can be a life saver, but you don't need to pay $25 at the airport gift shop for one. At Target you can buy one for $12.99.
• Check out sites like Kayak and Airfarewatchdog so get the best airfare deals. Try to wiat until Tuesday or Wednesday for the lowest deals. Also remember to clear out your history cache before researching deals as well.
• Sign up for coupon sites for the location you are traveling to well in advance. Sites like Travelzoo, LivingSocial or Groupon have local deals and just because you aren't a local doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them. I went snorkeling for $18 in Catalina Island last year by using this idea. It would have cost $38/person for a guided tour including a waterproof camera and gear, which for 4 people adds up, but by purchasing this deal, we were able to afford it for the same price as a movie might cost. Just remember to read the fine print and the expiration date before buying. Also call the vendor directly to make sure they have availability during the time you are planning on using the deal.
• If you are staying in the US and renting a car, Gasbuddy is a great site, which allows you to compare nearby gas prices before driving up to the pump. this is also helpful, when you need directions to the nearest gas station. It's a free app you can use on your phone or on your computer.
• If you are traveling overseas, visit Oanda to get the skinny of the currency exchange rate, so you get more bang for your peso
• If you can’t afford to travel right now, but just need a break from the monotony. See if there is a local hotel with spa services nearby or even included in their amenities. You could book a night and not have to worry about making your bed, get a mani/pedi or some spa services like a body scrub or massage and a nice brunch. 24 hours off line and some nice alone time is sometimes that all you may need, without having to travel.
Hope you have a great time on vacation where ever you end up going.
--
Caviar and Quarters
Thank you so much Sofia!! I am having a little trouble with some links but should have it fixed shortly!
• Try to plan for a vacation so you are traveling in the off season. For example, I have been to Provincetown, MA for a relaxing getaway a few times and it's always been in March, October or beginning of September when tourist season is winding down. Prices drop dramatically when it's not peak tourist season. The same room I have stayed in, is usually $145 during peak season, but I have only paid $45- $65/night because I have planned my trip during the off season. Yes it's not as hoppin and warm during the fall or winter, but I still had a great time and saved over $100/night on a play to stay. Sometimes Paris in the springtime is just what you need, so this isn’t always the best option for everyone.
• Also take a look at Airbnb if you are adventurous and want a different experience altogether like Maddy did.
• Bring your travel accessories with you. A neck pillow can be a life saver, but you don't need to pay $25 at the airport gift shop for one. At Target you can buy one for $12.99.
• Check out sites like Kayak and Airfarewatchdog so get the best airfare deals. Try to wiat until Tuesday or Wednesday for the lowest deals. Also remember to clear out your history cache before researching deals as well.
• Sign up for coupon sites for the location you are traveling to well in advance. Sites like Travelzoo, LivingSocial or Groupon have local deals and just because you aren't a local doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them. I went snorkeling for $18 in Catalina Island last year by using this idea. It would have cost $38/person for a guided tour including a waterproof camera and gear, which for 4 people adds up, but by purchasing this deal, we were able to afford it for the same price as a movie might cost. Just remember to read the fine print and the expiration date before buying. Also call the vendor directly to make sure they have availability during the time you are planning on using the deal.
• If you are staying in the US and renting a car, Gasbuddy is a great site, which allows you to compare nearby gas prices before driving up to the pump. this is also helpful, when you need directions to the nearest gas station. It's a free app you can use on your phone or on your computer.
• If you are traveling overseas, visit Oanda to get the skinny of the currency exchange rate, so you get more bang for your peso
• If you can’t afford to travel right now, but just need a break from the monotony. See if there is a local hotel with spa services nearby or even included in their amenities. You could book a night and not have to worry about making your bed, get a mani/pedi or some spa services like a body scrub or massage and a nice brunch. 24 hours off line and some nice alone time is sometimes that all you may need, without having to travel.
Hope you have a great time on vacation where ever you end up going.
--
Caviar and Quarters
Thank you so much Sofia!! I am having a little trouble with some links but should have it fixed shortly!
Madewell Dress
I really hope this dress ends up in my luggage. It's even called the Bistro Dress. Just saying.
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| From Madewell |
That's what she said
Do you speak another language? Did you have to take it in school? If I could have worked harder and paid more attention in one class it would have been French. I actually took it in school for a number of years but I still only know the SUPER basics. And while I have been trying to practice this week, I am realizing how dumb I sound. But you know what, it's ok, I am just going to try my hardest and sound like a fool! Because no matter how badly it sounds, French is a language that sounds magnific!
Blogger seems to be having some trouble uploading pictures right now, but I will update when I can!
Blogger seems to be having some trouble uploading pictures right now, but I will update when I can!
Pack it up, pack it in
Confession. I don't own roller luggage. I sometimes see the convenience
of it but often times it doesn't come
in a cute pattern or style. And I
only roll in style. Ha! But then I started looking around and there are some pretty cute, patterned and bright bags. Here are a few of my favorites. What about you? How do you roll...when it comes to luggage?
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| Missoni for Bric's seen here |
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| I saw this on Gilt a long time ago and pinned it. Any help? |
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| Tumi Voyager seen here |
Hiccups in Paris
On Saturday morning, I woke up to this email:
Just to refresh you, we leave on Friday for our trip. Sure, I knew I needed to work on making a pack list, and a few more plans for later in the week but finding a new place to stay wasn't on my to do list. But then it went straight to the top. We knew that we still wanted to stay in the Marias area and while picking the apartment, I had made a list of a few other options. Since the trip was only a week away, those were all snapped up so I had to keep searched. I had few requirements. I wanted a place that had great reviews and in our price range....and if it could be charming and cute, well even better. I stayed calm until I got an email saying that we didn't get another apartment we had tried to get. With what felt like slim options, I did something that I have never done. I approached one of the apartments that was out of price range (and incredibly cute) and asked if she would be willing to bargain. I figured that a less money is still more than nothing. And she was totally game. She asked what our max budget was (I just used what we had paid for the origianl apartment) and she accepted.
Now I wouldn't recommend waiting until the last minute to find a place to stay, especially those who like to sleep at night instead of worry if it will work out, but it is good to know that it can be done, and for a deal!
What about you? And last minute problems that turned out for the best?
Just to refresh you, we leave on Friday for our trip. Sure, I knew I needed to work on making a pack list, and a few more plans for later in the week but finding a new place to stay wasn't on my to do list. But then it went straight to the top. We knew that we still wanted to stay in the Marias area and while picking the apartment, I had made a list of a few other options. Since the trip was only a week away, those were all snapped up so I had to keep searched. I had few requirements. I wanted a place that had great reviews and in our price range....and if it could be charming and cute, well even better. I stayed calm until I got an email saying that we didn't get another apartment we had tried to get. With what felt like slim options, I did something that I have never done. I approached one of the apartments that was out of price range (and incredibly cute) and asked if she would be willing to bargain. I figured that a less money is still more than nothing. And she was totally game. She asked what our max budget was (I just used what we had paid for the origianl apartment) and she accepted.
Now I wouldn't recommend waiting until the last minute to find a place to stay, especially those who like to sleep at night instead of worry if it will work out, but it is good to know that it can be done, and for a deal!
What about you? And last minute problems that turned out for the best?
TGI-Cape Cod Potato Chip
Maybe it's because my heart and mind is in Boston today (Amy, I really hope you can still come this weekend) I snagged a bag of reduced fat Cape Cod Potato chips during lunch. Makes me so excited for summer and snacking on these at the beach. Simply the best there is!
Have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend!
News on News
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| Big stack of Sunday papers from here |
What about you? How do you get your news? Is there something I should be checking out? Do you have a daily read?
The Bike Share Is Coming! The Bike Share Is Coming!
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| Where I will be picking up my bike! |
You can either purchase a 24-hour, 7 Day or yearly membership (all for a pretty reasonable price). Once you purchase your share, you will get either a three-digit code or a key for annual members that unlocks your bike. And off you go, using the bike for however long you have allotted yourself, returning the bike to any of the stations around the city. With the weather getting warmer by the day, this could not come a better time. Time to pick out a badass helmet!
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| A map of all the stations. Initial roll-out is a much smaller group. Seen here |
Keys Please
A few months ago I lost my keys. I did all the usual steps, retracing my steps, emptying every pocket, calling Madison Square Garden since I swore I had them at the Knick game. But alas, I never found them. And it irks me today. I have made do, getting a new cute key chain but in all honestly, never loving it. And then I saw there. How funny and cool are these old school style key tags that also make it super easy finding you keys in an over-stuffed bag? Have you ever lost your keys? Did I ever tell you that I once threw away my wallet? I then searched and searched for it all day. I woke up in the middle of the night and said THE TRASH! I went outside and boom, there it was. Pretty lucky.
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| Seen on 3 Potato Four |
TGI- Bruno Mars Valerie Tribute to Amy Winehouse at the VMA
One night when my younger sister Rachael and I lived together, we totally got sucked into watching the MTV Music Awards. We basically just ripped on everyones outfits and made somewhat rude comments about the evening events. And then came Bruno Mars. It was the year that Amy Winehouse passed away and he was to do the tribute for her. Initially we were reluctant (Rachael had cried when Amy died) but the longer that it went one, the more Bruno won our hearts. We both ended up crying and laughing, loving everyone moment of his performance. It's the type of video I back for seconds and seemed like the perfect way to wrap up the week. Enjoy!
Quick Dinner Suggestion
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| Image and Recipe from Stacey Snacks |
Belmont Tavern Chicken Savoy: (adapted from Saveur)
1 3–4-lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cloves garlic
1⁄3 cup finely grated pecorino
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 cup red wine vinegar
Heat oven to 500F˚. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
In a small food processor, finely chop together garlic along with pecorino, 3 tbsp. of the olive oil, oregano, and thyme. Set herb paste aside.
Heat remaining 1 tbsp. of oil in a 12" cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over with tongs.
Using a spoon, smear the chicken skin with the herb paste.
Transfer skillet to oven and cook until well browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Remove skillet from oven; pour out fat. Add vinegar while the pan is still hot; spoon vinegar sauce over chicken. Transfer chicken to a platter and pour vinegar sauce over it.
Enjoy!
Gut check
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| HUBBA HUBBA. Plus they design and build AMAZING kitchen. Image seen here |
If you ever come over to our house, snuggle on the couch and turn on the TV, I would bet good money that the last channel to be on would be one of the following. ESPN. Food Channel. Bravo. And my personal love, HGTV. Oh boy, do I have it bad for HGTV. My #1 celebrity crushes are no joke, The Kitchen Cousins. I can throw down for hours with some House Hunters, Income Property, Love It or List It, you get the gist. I have now moved on to dreaming about buying a run down place and fixing it up (with the help of Kitchen Cousins for course) to the point where I scroll Trulia. But as Paul points out, part of my problem is that all the work on these shoes is neatly finished in a 1/2 TV show. Sure they show some bumps but I often have no clue what that means.
Until I came across Renovation Dairy on Apartment Therapy. This series follows 4 couples, in various states, as they renovate their kitchens. It breaks down each couples inspiration, budget, demos and progress. I have come to live vicariously through them and also feel like when I do ever find a run down mess in the need of love, this does provide a little more knowledge. What about you? Have you ever done home renovation? How did it go? Is anyone else out there totally into HGTV?
Prime Time
Do you use a primer? Do you think it's a scam?
Sorry for the totally girly post!
Spring Has Sprung...
My plants on there other hand need some work. This weekend here in New York, you could really for the first time feel the change it weather. Was it warm out? No. But-- it wasn't cold either. And the sun beamed, in a way like it was telling you, hold on a little longer, we are getting there kid. And when we do get there, I want to be ready with my window box. Here is it's current state. YIKES!
Ok, so I know that this is a scary image but in my defense, I haven't touched this thing since last year. And our Jade plant is thriving so it isn't as though I have a completely black thumb, I would more call it, pale green. I just need a little help and direction. I have done basil and rosemary in the past which did fine and I did use it when I could but I wouldn't mind stepping out of my comfort zone. I am not sure how many varieties I should try considering this box isn't the largest in the world. So readers, any of you have any ideas? When should I start planting? Or am I late?
Ok, so I know that this is a scary image but in my defense, I haven't touched this thing since last year. And our Jade plant is thriving so it isn't as though I have a completely black thumb, I would more call it, pale green. I just need a little help and direction. I have done basil and rosemary in the past which did fine and I did use it when I could but I wouldn't mind stepping out of my comfort zone. I am not sure how many varieties I should try considering this box isn't the largest in the world. So readers, any of you have any ideas? When should I start planting? Or am I late?
TGI-DOLLY
A few weeks ago, Dolly Parton launched her official Tumblr page and I cannot get enough of this woman. Below are some of my favorite images but I really recommend you checking out this site. She is such a special woman that just seems to radiate love. Also have you ever heard of the Dolly Parton Imagination Libary? My sister Maya told me about it after she signed my nephew Jake up for this free book subscription and I think it is amazing. As the website explains:
" Dolly's vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income. Dolly’s Imagination Library became so popular that in the year 2000 she announced that she would make the program available for replication to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it locally. Since the initial program launch in the United States, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gone from just a few dozen books to nearly 40,000,000 books mailed to children in the United States, into Canada and across the proverbial pond into the United Kingdom!"
" Dolly's vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income. Dolly’s Imagination Library became so popular that in the year 2000 she announced that she would make the program available for replication to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it locally. Since the initial program launch in the United States, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gone from just a few dozen books to nearly 40,000,000 books mailed to children in the United States, into Canada and across the proverbial pond into the United Kingdom!"
What a woman!
An incredibly moving performance after the jump!
Art Supplies
Paul and I are lucky enough to have a second bedroom in our apartment. It's a really nice size room but since no one lives in there...except for my shoes, it can sometimes look a little dull. As I was looking for ways to spruce it up (on a pretty tight budget) I came across the website Land of Nod. You all might know them already since they are the little sister of Crate and Barrel and have some seriously cute bedding for any size bed. But guys, they also have really great art! And for pretty reasonable prices. Here are a few of my favorites.How do you pick art for your house? When I was little I desperately wanted my parents to have professional pictures of us all around the house like I would see in other homes. They never went for it, instead opting for art. Some of it I have really come to love....except for the tapestry in Rachaels room. I hate you.
What do you think? What do you hang on your walls? Where do you buy art?
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