Weekend Recap

Spent the weekend in VT - last time before the official wedding weekend!  Although DSG couldn't be there since he's started classes in Ohio it was still a great weekend with my family and future in-laws!

Delicious cake tasting at 10:30am / Lunch out on the patio at our venue / Bear pup enjoying himself - such an athlete :)

Wedding DIY activities / Serious tree hauling / Yes, we actually took home a tree in my parents car / The MEN

Wedding Healthy

With 52(!) days to go I've started my wedding-eat-healthy-diet-but-not-really-a-diet.   Let's be honest if I tried to keep myself on a strict diet for 52 days I'd probably lose it and run straight for the wedding cake the second after saying I do - so that's not happening.  I’ve taken on more of a casual approach where I'm focus a lot more on portions and eating more good things and less bad things.  Fruit has been one of the biggest changes.  I've never been a fruit person but have pushed myself to start eating more of it and I have to say I'm amazed at how much I've begun to enjoy it.  That said there is definitely a difference between good fruit and shitty fruit.  Luckily I've started a morning relationship with the little street cart vendor fruit guy.  You'd think these carts on the side of NYC would have the worst choice in fruit, not true with this guy he brings the good stuff.  I get a plate full of several varieties of fruit for $3 - ridiculous in NYC standards. So if you're near 46th and 6th check out the fruit cart on the southeast corner - he makes smoothies too for $4 - win.  I'm going to go eat breakfast now:

   

Weekend Recap

The shower my FMIL and FSIL threw was wonderful.  Even though there was quite a bit of rain in the morning and the forecast called for rain all day, the sun came out and it was a beautiful afternoon (reason #350920 I cannot look at the weather forecast for our wedding day).  There were fun activities, great food and a bunch of my friends and DSG's family. It got me so excited for the actual wedding day.

Happy Friday!

This weekend is my Shower - round 2.  My FMIL is hosting it at their lovely home (which is also currently my home as I'm still working in NYC while trying to secure a job in Columbus) in Bedford Hills.  There will be delicious food and plenty of family and friends.  DSG is flying in tonight for the festivities.  I should probably decide what to wear...

May be taking a lunch break to head over to Zara and try on this lil number...

Or this one at Gap..

Happy Friday - Have a great weekend!

Wedding Wednesday

As the big day approaches I'll be joining in more often on wedding Wednesday.  This week I'm sharing my new facial beauty regiment.  Truth: my skin has never been easy to deal with, probably much because I notice the tiny little spots and obsess over them.  In effort to have that effortless glow on wedding day I treated myself to a little spree at Sephora.  So far I'm either liking or loving everything in my new routine and it seems to be paying off.  Another big change: no makeup.  I am only putting it on when there's a reason I need to as a way to reset my face so to speak.  Here's a look into my morning and night routine:

Elizabeth Grady / even better skin tone correcting lotion / truth revealed super creme spf 15 / triple oxygen +C energizing creamultimate lift eye gel / acne spot treatment / truth serum collagen booster / triple oxygen instant energizing mask / fabulous skin reviving rubberizing mask 

Cleanser/Exfoliant: I have grown up using Elizabeth Grady products - they are a smaller spa brand and I swear by many of their everyday products including the Azulene cleanser and Powder Exfoliant (not pictured).  I rotate using these, normally cleanser in the morning, exfoliant as night.  Both are very gentle and great for sensitive skin.

Lotions: SPF is very important as I have fair skin.  I love both the Clinique and Ole Henriksen lotions as they both have SPF in them but don’t feel like they do.  The Clinique Even Better lotion also works on correcting skin tone as an added bonus.  I use this every morning.  At night I go for the Bliss triple oxygen lotion - it is to die for!  Probably one of my favorite products, unfortunately it comes at a high price ($54).  I try to use sparingly, as much as I just want to coat my entire body with it, as a little does go a long ways.  I only use this at night as it so light and refreshing, perfect to put on just before bedtime.

Spot Treatment: I find Murad's works well.  It does dry out the skin so I try not to use to often and only when needed but it does seems to zap out any trouble spots quickly.

Eye Care: It's insane to think at 26 I have to worry about wrinkles coming in around my eyes but the sooner you start taking care of that area the better.  For now I use Ole Henriksen ultimate eye lift at night - the cool gel feels greats to pat on just before bed. And again a little goes a long way.

Serum: I love this correcting serum - I use of pump followed by a bit of the Ole Henriksen lotion once or twice a week in the mornings.  I can tell my skin is a lot more radiant than before. 

Bonus note: I actually got the 3 piece Ole Henriksen set as a bonus gift for being a VIB at Sephora - at what would normally be $168 I consider this one of my biggest wins, especially since I like all 3 products - Moral: sign up for the VIB program at Sephora it pays off quickly.

Masks: These are 2 new buys for me.  I like both but don't know if I would spend the high price for them again.  The oxygen mask is super easy and quick and feels very refreshing while the rubberizing mask really feels like it really goes deep into your pores, removing any dirt and bacteria.  Quick note for the rubberizing mask I only use half the package for 1 use which makes plenty.  This way you can get 12 uses out of the kit instead of 6.  Also, don't let it dry to for long, you want the mask to dry to a rubber consistency not completely dry so that it turns white (this makes it a lot harder to remove).

So there you have it - hopefully this will all pay off in 2 months!

It's Coming..

 Chilly mornings, pumpkin spiced lattes, boots and cozy sweaters, pretty trees - I could keep going on forever on the reasons I love fall.  I went for an early run this morning and felt the first hint of a chilly morning.  Don't get me wrong it's still absolutely summer and I'm loving it, and I'm actually hoping for a little extended summer so that when 10/13 rolls around it will be that just beginning of fall kinda crisp chilly but yet warm weather (yes temperature can be crispy). I haven't even be able to glance at any fall lines that are coming out with all the wedding projects to do, but I plan on taking an afternoon sometime in late September to put down all things wedding and prepare for my favorite season. Two absolute musts on my list:

 

Polka Dot Silk Blouse / Chambray Top

Life Update

No, I haven't given up on blogging, but the past 3 weeks have been some of the most difficult/crazy weeks of my life, that said I know it could be worse so I'm am grateful for every day we get closer to the big day - as of today it's 2 months away and it seems like just yesterday I was saying 'yes'.  So back to life, right now DSG is already out in Ohio while I'm living up in Westchester with my FILs as I'm still working in NYC and trying to find a job out in Columbus.  So I am basically living out of suitcases while trying to finalize the wedding, find a new job and keep on top of everything at my current job - not the easiest of tasks.  Honestly, while there is so much to do over the next 2 months and I love planning all the wedding stuff and am having a lot of fun with our DIY projects, I really cannot wait until the day after the wedding when I realize I am married to my best friend and can go back to just life.  We have a great apartment in Columbus that I am so excited to spruce up but I know I just won't have the time to before the wedding.  So we'll kinda be camping in our new place until things settle down.  I promise to start posting a little more on pre-wedding things (I started my beauty regiment that I'll share later this week) and once the wedding is over I'll have some fun wedding posts as well as a large amount will be dedicated towards apt before and afters.  For now here's a sneak peak of the new place and what we're living in as of now:

Yes, that would be DSG thumb in the upper left corner - such photo skills he has :)

Mulberry Project

Last night I met up with my friend who was visiting from Cali and a few other girls at Mulberry Project.  If you live in NYC you need to go here.  Granted you most likely will not find it unless you are going with someone who's been there before - the entrance has no sign whatsoever and the place is down a set of dark creepy stairs but once you enter magic happens and I'm not talking about their food (which was delish) but it's the cocktails that are the highlight.  You know when you think you can be a really creative bartender and make something with no recipe and just a bunch of fun ingredients and you fail – that does not happen here.  These bartenders are magicians, seriously.  Yes they have a drink menu that I’m sure is fabulous but if you go you go for the Bespoke Cocktail - choose your liquor (vodka, gin, tequila etc.), flavor (sweet, sour, spicy ginger or spicy Thai chili) and ingredients which range from honeydew and cucumber to mint and basil and everything in between.  They take your choices and create the most delicious cocktail I’ve ever had.  Between 5 of us with 2 rounds each there must have been at least 8 different concoctions and all were amazing.  My 2 were - vodka, ginger spicy, with watermelon and vodka, Thai chili spicy with watermelon and cucumber.  Yum.  Amazing.  Go now. 

End of my blabbering. 

Happy Friday!

Adventure

With my 4th move since college coming up, and to a state I never thought I'd be living in, the adventurous part of me is getting really excited!  When else but in your 20's can you just pick up and move!  I've been lucky to experience life in Boston, Chicago, Stamford (CT), NYC and coming up next Columbus!  What a way to start our marriage in a new and exciting city that I have never been to and DSG has only been to once!  I can't wait to see what Columbus has in store!  Adventure here we come!

Weekend Recap

Just a bit late - but I did have a great weekend even in the midst of mass chaos of planning how to move/plan a wedding from Columbus.

 Some wedding DIY projects/afternoon tennis

Fun pool time

Wine tasting/BBQ/ best dessert ever - Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream with strawberries in brown butter yum

Heading west!

I'm terribly sorry for the radio silence over the past few days. We were thrown for a bit of a loop when DSG found out last thursday he was accepted into (little drumroll):

Orientation starts 8/9 so we are in a mad dash to try and figure out what happens next.  Tricky thing is we still have a wedding to finish planning and as of Friday less than 3 months to do it in!  Our lease it up this month which works out pretty nicely but there is still  lots to do! Let's review - my 2 bridal showers (I'm that lucky to have my mom and FML throw me one), a friends bachelorette in Miami and wedding in CT, pack up our NYC apt, move out, find a new apt in Columbus, move in, finish up things at work in NYC, find a new job in Columbus, start said job, finish wedding planning, and get married - the "I can do this" mantras are in full gear :)  

Who knows anything about apt hunting in Columbus?

Wedding Wednesday

This Friday marks 3 months until the big day.  We still have lots on our to-do list including Welcome Bags.  I think these are great for destination wedding and am looking forward to creating ours!  Issue is there are so many options as to what you can inlcude it's easy to have these become expensive very quickly.  What do you think make a good welcome bag?

Capellini with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

I tried out this new recipe on Friday night since DSG needed a hearty meal before the big test on Saturday.  It was so simple to put together but looked like it could totally be served at a Italian restaurant.  And despite working at Food Network my cooking skills are not the best, so believe me when I say anyone can pull this off.  The best part - it was delicious and since I didn't use butter and only a bit of oil it was a bit more on the healthy side. 

Here's all you need:

Capellini or your favorite pasta

Olive Oil

Cooking Spray

1 pound of shrimp clean and deveined

Fresh basil

Dried oregano

4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 package of cherry tomatoes cut in half

Parm cheese

Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Bring large pot of water to boil and cook pasta accordingly to direction being sure to cook until just al dente.

2. Season the shrimp with 1/2 - 1 tsp of oregano, salt and pepper.  I also used a herb mixed of rosemary and dried garlic.

3. Heat skillet and spray with cooking spray, sauté shrimp 2-3 minutes each side.  Be sure to not overcook.

4. In another skillet heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and sauté garlic until slightly brown. Add tomatoes, reduce heat to med-low and sauté another 5 minutes.

5. Once pasta is done drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.  Add pasta and shrimp to garlic and tomatoes and stir well adding desired amount of pasta water.  At this point I also like to use a spoon and smash up some of the tomatoes to allow their juices to incorporate into the sauce.

6.  Serve with parm cheese and torn fresh basil.



Weekend Recap

DSG took the GMATS this weekend - 2 months of non stop studying and no drinking is finally over!  The test was Saturday afternoon so Friday and Saturday morning I tried out some new recipes, one of which I'm saving to share tomorrow

Power breakfast Sat am before the test

I've been trying a bunch of smoothie recipes, this was a dessert version with some homemade whipped cream.

My new obsession for any meal - wheat toast, raw almond butter, flax seed and banana - yum!

Lemon and mint water in my new mason jar :)

Mason Jar Frenzy

It's well known that the use of mason jars in home and wedding decor is huge right now.  I will be using them throughout our wedding weekend and hope to bring a little twist to the classic ideas.  I just picked up 4 mason jars at a local dollar store (they we're $2.50 each - still a good deal) and am already itching to get them incorporated into our apt somehow!  There's still 3 months until our wedding, I'm not just letting them go unused until then!  Here are some of my favorite uses:

Classic flower vase

This could be the solution for my goal to grow my own herbs

Cake in a mason jar - yes please!

Storage

Great way to drink more water, and I love the idea of adding things like fruit or mint

Pretty homemade gifts

It's insnae the number of uses these simple pretty jars have. I was planning on selling the mass amount I bought for the wedding but may need to rethink that..



4th Recap

                                      

 Cheers! / Raw Bar deliciousness / Gorgeous view down by my sister's apt / Lounging at the Park / Classic NYC Scenery / DSG taking a study break

Such a fun day - although it was hot, like I needed to take a ice cold shower when I got home kinda hot.  Of course none of the pics of the fireworks came out to well - guess that's a sign I need an upgrade from my iphone camera.

Hope you all enjoyed the 4th as well!

Happy Birthday America!

Even though it's a Wednesday, today is still one of my favorite holidays!  For the first time I will be experiencing the 4th in NYC and am so excited.

On a completely different note did you know it's estimated that over 150 million hot dogs will be consumed today.

Happy 4th Everyone!

Summer Entertaining

One day I hope to entertain like this:

On the water, BBQ, fun table settings - what more could you want.  The perfect way to celebrate America.  Seeing as there's no rooftop on my building I will be heading down to my sister's place in Battery Park tomorrow.  We have a fun recipe that we'll be trying out - I'll share if it goes well.  In the mean time enjoy all the preperations for the 4th!

Weekend Recap

One of the hottest weekend I've experienced in a while...

Happy Hour by the water

Plenty of sun in Central Park

Lots of iced coffee

I also picked up one of these candles while shopping with my future sister in law Sunday afternoon.  It smells delicious - I will be lighting it all week long even if it is 95 degrees out.

Happy Monday!

Summer Handbag

It's not a secret that I'm in complete need of a new handbag. I have been looking for months maybe close to a year.  This purchase seems like such an investment so I want to make sure I choose the right one.  That said - I'm committing myself to getting one this weekend. I think kate spade will definitely be where I find a winner such pretty colors:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

...did I mention all 4 of these are on sale!



Summer Lunch

One of my favorites and so so easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients: cubed watermelon, rough chopped basil and feta.  Mixed together and you have a fresh summer salad.

Enjoy!