and i'm outtie...

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

I am looking forward to a long weekend by the pool and hot tub, margaritas, good music and beautiful weather. Also excited for a night out on the town with my lovelies and hitting the driving range with my Dad! Hoping you too have a fabulous weekend, and enjoy the sunshine that has finally hit NYC!

image via everything fab

happy hour thursday...

This is my new favorite drink... A rather large statement considering my go to cocktail has always been a Kettle and Cranberry (don't get me wrong, this is still my go to cocktail, but I like to mix it up!) Currently, I can't get enough of Absolute Mandrin and Cranberry (yes, not that big of a change but I'm obsessed with the flavor!) Super EASY!

Ingredients

1 Cup Cranberry Juice

1 Shot Absolute Mandrin

Lime to taste

Lots of Ice

Enjoy!

PR Again... Why not!?!

I am so happy that I have finally started to take advantage of my vacation time. In the past, I never wanted to take a vacation and miss work, but that is out the window in my current position. In fact, my boss encourages me constantly to go on vacation...  so I finally am and I'm extremely grateful! I've always wanted to travel, but could never find anyone with the same desire to see the world. That all changed in the past year (going to Italy definitely made me realize what I am missing!) I'm finally ready to explore all the possibilities out there, even if that means going by myself, which I think I now have the courage to do. I am all booked and ready to go back to PR (it was just too much fun the first time and extremely affordable!) Hmmm next on the list... VEGAS, Cape Town, Thailand, Maldives, Spain, Greece, any cruise since I've never been... my list is always growing! xoxo

If you need a push to go on your much needed vacation... check out these sites
Luxury Link
Vacationist
Jetsetter
Mr. and Mrs. Smith

PS. You only live once, make the most of it...
PSS. Technically I'll be using the remaining two vacation days from last year, and than I get to start all over ;)

Simply Divine

Homemade Iced Mocha (serves 1)

5 ounces brewed coffee, cold

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon heavy cream

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon brown sugar, not packed

for mocha sugar...1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

for homemade whipped cream: (my favorite....!!!)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

Brew coffee and let cool – this can work with leftover morning coffee, or I suggest making some at night and once it cools, putting it in the fridge overnight. However you want to do it, as long as you have cold coffee, you are set!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Situated along the beautiful South Carolina coastline, Myrtle Beach is a top vacation destination. The area’s mild climate, endless entertainment options and variety of accommodations make it the perfect spot for a getaway, plus its only a short flight from New York. My family is very fortunate to have a second home there, and each summer my friends and I have a tradition of heading South for a weekend of debauchery. I was very excited to wake up this morning and see an email to the ladies reminding everyone to start planning. There is really nothing better in life than having friends and family who you have so much fun with, and no better setting than a beach and sun!

I must say going through the pictures from last year was a great way to start the morning... my friends crack me up! Cheers!

happy monday!

Adele

Some very lucky New Yorkers were treated to a concert by the amazzzzzing Adele last night at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Sadly, I found out about this concert a little too late, and not surprisingly couldn't find tickets (although hoping to pull a few strings to get tickets for the Saturday night performance!) if not, I'll just have to travel to hear her soulful voice. I still find it astonishing that such a young woman, could write such powerful and beautiful words.

we could have had it all....

have a fabulous weekend, lovelies! xoxo

finally friday...

Etiquette For a Lady

Sailing 101

My newest adventure will be taking sailing lessons out on the shores of Long Island, New York. I've been looking into Sailing lessons for some time, and very excited to have finally found a partner in crime. I'm happy to say that this summer I am officially enrolled in a Basic Cruising Course where I will learn to sail a 23-foot sailboat and once I pass that, I plan to enroll in Coastal Cruising where I will receive my American Sailing Association (ASA) Certification. I am beyond excited... I plan to one day take my skills to the islands. Yet another thing crossed off the Bucket List! xoxo

Port Sailing School

"Sometimes loving another is easy and fun, and at other times it takes more effort, especially when they are not on their best behavior. The current planetary alignment brings you to the realization that despite going through recent difficulties, you still love the person you are with very deeply and will always do so. No matter what happens, the profundity of feeling remains intact."

happy hour thursday...

The Blackberry Champagne Cocktail:

4 blackberries, quartered

1/4 cup Triple Sec

4 sugar cubes

Angostura bitters as needed

1 bottle Champagne, Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine, chilled

In a small nonreactive bowl, combine the blackberries and triple sec and let stand for 15 minutes to let the fruit macerate. Place 1 sugar cube in each of 4 Champagne flutes and add 1-2 dashes of bitters to each. Spoon 4 pieces of marinated blackberry into each flute. Top with Champagne; serve immediately.

Serves 4.

ps. I can't wait to go back to Paris!

Living the Good Life!

Life is difficult, life is unfair, life is challenging and sometimes painful. And life is so very good. There are frustrations, tragedies, disappointments, setbacks, heartbreaks, and absurdities. The simple joy of being outweighs them all. Life is good, because within its realm, anything is possible. Life is good, because no matter how far you fall, there is always a way to climb back up again. You can complain, fret and worry about all the problems in your life, but you’ll be wasting your time. Or, you can choose to focus on why and how life is so good, and on what you can do to take that goodness and make it even better. Not only is life good, it’s uniquely good for you in your very own way. The possibilities for expressing your purpose are limited only by your imagination. Remind yourself often of the great and wonderful value that you already, always have. Life is good, and in this moment that’s bursting with possibilities, life is yours.

— Ralph Marston

happy.

this picture just makes me smile! have a fabulous weekend everyone. xoxo

I couldn't resist posting both of these.

etiquette for a lady

happy hour thursday... (one day early!)

Since I will be relaxing in the sun with no Internet access, I didn't want to miss out on posting my Happy Hour Thursday, especially with this weeks drink being one of my favorites!

Did you know that the birthplace of the piña colada was Puerto Rico?  This cold, creamy drink made of pineapple juice, rum, and coconut cream has been the official drink of Puerto Rico for decades.  I ran across this tidbit of information as I was researching my trip to San Juan.

Pina Colada

Ingredients:

•48 Oz. Pineapple Juice - Canned

•15 Oz. Coconut Cream

•10 Oz. Water (If you use ice and a blender, you don't need the water)

•Rum to taste

•Maraschino cherry or pineapple chunk for garnish

Preparation:

It doesn't take much to find a Piña Colada mix at your local grocery store, but if you want to do it the way Puerto Ricans do, follow these steps:

1.Mix the pineapple juice and coconut cream

2. The secret is not to mix this blend with ice, but rather to freeze the mix, stirring occasionally until frozen or to use an old-fashioned ice cream maker to freeze the mixture.

3.Pour rum to taste in a glass and add the frozen mix to serve.

4.Garnish with the cherry or a pineapple chunk (or both).

And enjoy an authentic 'Rican cocktail, courtesy of the people who invented it!

Interesting...

Hat Head!

Lately I've been having a serious hat obsession! I think it may be an item that I need to start collecting. There are so many different types and for so many various occasions. Aside from them being fashionable, I also appreciate that they protect my face from the sun - added bonus! My fav style is the classic fedora. I love Eugina Kim's designs, but they tend to be pretty pricey. May have to splurge one of these days!

Welcome Andrew James...

Congratulations to my brother Mike and his wife Aija on the newest addition to their ever growing family. Andrew James was born on Cinco de Mayo - May 5th. He is the tiniest little man and as cute as a button. He is also almost identical to their first son Patrick- pure blond hair and amazing blue eyes!

Best of Luck to them! xoxo

Feeling Blue...

I am in love with all things ROYAL BLUE! I can't wait to purchase these jeans...

1.Melanie Auld Designs Hilary - Blueberry $200

2.Zara Patent Leather Ballerina $49.90

3.Catherine Malandrino Draped silk-chiffon dress $495

4.Essie Mezmerised $8

5.Zara Coloured Plaited Belt $15.90

6.Zara Platform Sandal $109

7.Rag & Bone Low-rise cropped skinny jeans $155

8.Tory Burch Robinson Slim Card Case $85

9.Vitamin A Twisted Bikini $170

happy monday!

finally friday...

newly obsessed...

this will be mine.

Fine Art America

happy hour thursday...

This time last year I had just accepted a new job, traveled to Hilton Head, SC for a good friends wedding (and had an absolute blast meeting new people and driving golf carts!!), and also planned a last minute (flight booked the day before) vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC with a fabulous friend of mine (that included dancing on counters, late night drinks, and lots of laughing!)... I was just happy! I'm glad to say... that I'm just as happy and ready to do it all over again. Who wants to go with?!?!? :)

Fresh Grapefruit-Campari Cocktails

3 cups fresh grapefruit juice (from 4 grapefruits)

2 cups club soda
1 cup Campari

1/2 cup Simple Syrup

Ice cubes

Garnish: 3-inch-long grapefruit-peel twists

Pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish each with a twist. *serves 8-10.

Just Because

what girl doesn't love a bouquet of peonies ... xoxo.

Briermere Farms

One of my absolute favorite things to do is take a long, quiet drive out to the East End of Long Island to a little farm stand called Briermere Farms. I cherish the times that I can just jump in a car, blast my country music, be alone and just think. This weekend will be the first trip I've made out there since October, and I can't wait. Briermere Farms is known for their delicious pies, my favorite is the Apple, however my friends and family love the Rhubarb and Raspberry Pies.

Briermere also sells herbs, jams, and pastries... clearly, I love them all!



Taking Chances

I must say that for the past year I've been really happy with all of the chances I've taken and the decisions I've made... but every now and than I have to remind myself of the sayings below...

Take chances. Take a lot of them.

Because honestly, no matter where you end up and with whom,

it always ends up just the way it should be.

Your mistakes make you who you are.

You learn and grow with each choice you make.

Everything is worth it.

Say how you feel. Always.

Be you and be okay with it.

Lost and Found

All good things evenually come back to you... and I am completely overjoyed that after 8 months, my Double Dove Necklace has returned! This is my favorite necklace that I accidently lost a while ago, and it has been missed dearly! Luckily, someone very important to me never gave up on my necklace and found it this weekend. The Dove is an emblem of peace, and hope... two attributes that everyone should carry with them.

xoxo

Pretzel Rolls!

I've been dreaming about Pretzel Rolls ever since I had them in Houston, TX... they are just little balls of deliciousness! My friend Kristen over at The Perfect Wife introduced me to the website How Sweet It Is and I am obsessed! (definitely check out their site - their recipe today is Crispy Margarita Chicken Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa!) I was browsing the site the other day and came across heaven. The perfect recipe for Pretzel Rolls!! I haven't made them yet, but plan to this weekend to serve as hamburger buns :) Enjoy!

Ingredients

•1-½ cup Warm Water (110°F)

•1 package (1/4 Oz. Packet) Active Dry Yeast (not Quick Rise Yeast)

•2 teaspoons Sugar

•4-½ cups Unbleached All-purpose Flour

•2 teaspoons Kosher Salt

•4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted

•¼ cups Baking Soda

•1 whole Egg, Lightly Beaten

•Pretzel Salt, To Sprinkle On Top

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water and the yeast and let rest 5 minutes until foamy.

Add the sugar, flour, salt, and butter; mix with the dough hook until thoroughly combined. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Cut the dough into 18 pieces (2 ounces each). To shape, take a piece of dough and start forming a round, smooth ball by pulling the sides to the center and pinching to seal. Place, pinched side down, on a counter and lightly cupping your hand around the dough ball, rotate your hand in small circles lightly rolling the ball around the palm of your hand.

Place the ball on the baking sheet pinched seam side down, with at least 1” between each roll. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled.

Preheat oven to 425°F and place oven racks on the lowest and middle positions.

In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a low boil. Add the baking soda and lower heat to a simmer. Put the rolls into the poaching liquid, seam side down. Poach for 30 seconds then carefully turn the roll over in the liquid. Poach other side for 30 seconds then remove with a slotted spoon to the same prepared sheet pans, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining rolls.

With a pastry brush, glaze each roll with the lightly beaten egg, making sure to coat all sides completely. Top each roll with a sprinkle of pretzel salt. With a sharp straight edged knife, cut a slash or “X” in the top of each roll.

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

etsy love

Pretty hand-dyed scarves with lovely colors from Dear June on Etsy-- perfect weight for spring

happy monday!

looking forward to the summer months when I can just run around and play. xoxo