Four

TGIF

I don't know about the rest of you, but my brain is already in weekend-mode making this work day already unbearable. It's been raining a lot this week in the 518 but it looks like it's finally going to clear up just in time for the weekend!

Here is what I'm loving this week:

El Charro

There is a new Mexican Restaurant in the 518 and I went there with friends last night. For those of you who know me, I could live off of Mexican and Italian food but there was not a lot of really great Mexican options in my area. Enter El Charro, I couldn't be more excited to have this readily available, plus who can resist a margarita?!

Guardians of the Galaxy

I went and saw this movie last weekend with my cousins and loved it! I'm a sucker for a good Marvel superhero movie but even if you're not a huge superhero fan, I would recommend this because it was really funny and had a great soundtrack. Definitely a great summer film and I must not be alone in my liking of this movie because it's doing great at the box-office as well.

Mackenzie Horan's Mani

I am in desperate need of a pedicure, my feet are a mess and I could use some pampering. When I eventually head over there next week when I get paid I'm going to get my nails done as well. I was obsessed with Mackenzie Horan's navy and white mani and I might ask my manicurist to recreate it for me.

C Wonder Letter Bangle

I've always been such a fan of C Wonder's jewelry. They have the perfect balance of classic yet fun baubles. Their new fall line is no exception, I'm especially loving this initial bangle in gold.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo

And They're Off!

Horse racing season is in full effect in the 518 with the majority of people in our area making a trip to Saratoga Racetrack at least once every summer. The track is a big thing in my family, my dad basically spends all his free time over the summer up in Saratoga betting on the ponies, so I've been spending summers up there since I was a little girl. Alas, as I've gotten older I spend less time there (#brokegirlproblems), but I still make sure I go up once or twice a year. I'll be heading to the track with a group of friends in a couple weeks and I've already been looking into my closet for something to wear. 

The best part about spending the day at the racetrack is it gives me the excuse to get dressed up and wear a big floppy hat. The key to dressing for the track is to dress lightly, mainly because its going to be hot outside and although you'll be tempted to wear heels, its best to stick to a low wedge or flat sandal because the ground is uneven and you don't want to break an ankle while you're there. Sporting your best Lilly Pulitzer dress is obviously ideal because there is so many beautiful bright patterns that are perfect for a day at the races, but I wanted to create a different option using a classic white dress and fun accessories.

Wedge Sandals // Peacock Belt // Dress // Crossbody Bag // Hat // Necklace // Bangle

Here are a couple other fun options that would look great while you were winning big:

Empire Waist Maxi // Halter Maxi // Strapless Pull On

Do you have any racetracks in your area?

xoxo

Wednesday Wishlist: Fall Edition

Okay, I need to get one thing straight before I begin this post. After Labor Day when all the pools start to close up and the weather starts getting a little cooler I become so sad. I love summer so much and if I could live the rest of my days in 80 degree weather I would. I'm one of those people who refuses to wear long pants from May-October and cringes when the fall collections start arriving in stores at the beginning of August (too soon!). But, in an effort to conserve money I have decided to start writing down my fall wish list in hope that I won't go splurge crazy when I finally bite the bullet and go fall shopping. 

I'm not sure about the rest of you but I have a tendency to "forget" what's in my closet and just buy things without considering if I already have something similar. Plus when the new arrivals do make their ways on the shelves I tend to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask myself "do you really need that?" so I end up spending more money than I necessarily need to. So instead of doing that this year I have decided to compile a list of things I definitely want to invest in, and focus on finding those items instead of just buying whatever is in front of me. 

Here is what's on my list so far:

1. Ripped Boyfriend Jeans -- perfect for those warmer fall weekend days!
2. Brown Leather Crossbody  - I really need to invest in a classic cross body bag that will go with anything for when I'm running errands or grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
3.  Suede Booties -- Suede booties have been on my wish list for sometime now, they are perfect for fall when it's still dry in the 518, I'm just searching for the perfect pair. I wish the ones I featured were a little more in my price range, so alas I will have to continue my search.
4. Grey/Seersucker Sweater - I spotted this top a couple weeks ago and vowed to add it to my wardrobe. It's the perfect material for fall weather.
5. Skinny Distressed Black Denim - I'm a sucker for leggings, but I'm trying to ween myself off of them and invest more in black skinnies. The distressed denim would be perfect for weekend nights out.
6. Calf Hair Clutch - Classic clutch that can be dressed up or down.

Whats on your fall wish list?

xoxo

New Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

I'm back on my recipe-game lately and I've been experimenting with a lot of fun ingredients so I'm excited to share with you a new recipe I tried two weeks ago. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love to make homemade pizza. First of all, it's so easy to make and second of all it can be a lot cheaper than ordering one at the store. Normally when I make homemade pizza I do the traditional kind with cheese, pepperoni, meatballs and veggies but two weeks ago I wanted to switch it up so I decided to make a spinach and artichoke pizza. This recipe takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare so it's perfect for a last minute dinner idea!

**I use a pizza stone when I make homemade pizzas and I highly recommend this one. However, you can always use a large cookie tray when making this pizza as well if you don't have one**

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 packages of pizza dough
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3/4 cup spinach basil pesto (they sell it by the jar at your local grocery store--see picture below)
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 can of artichoke hearts drained and chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Rub olive oil over the pizza stone so it is lightly covered (I just use a paper towel to spread it around, you don't want it too oily or the dough will be too slippery to stay put).
• Stretch pizza dough so it fully covers the stone. (Chef Tip: take the pizza dough out of refrigerator 1 hour prior to making this so it's room temperature, it makes it easier to stretch).
• Chop garlic into tiny bits and spread over pizza dough.
• Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving 1 inch around plain for pizza crust.
• Wash spinach under sink and dry off with paper towels and drain artichokes from can.
• Top pizza dough with spinach, artichokes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
• Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on the top.
• Remove pizza from oven and cut into slices.
• Enjoy!

Do you prefer homemade pizza or delivery?

xoxo

Carry On

Many of you will be vacationing somewhere fabulous this summer and often times, flights are involved. The perfect carry-on bag is lightweight and has plenty of room to store needed materials. Personally when I travel I always bring a backpack because it's hands free but I completely understand the desire to have a purse instead so a large Le Pliage Longchamp is also a great option because it is very roomy. I have a huge fear of checking a bag (I went 7 days in Costa Rica with just using carry-on luggage---thank god for large Vera Bradley duffles that can be shoved in all airport overhead compartments), but for the rest of you who don't have the same fears as I do, I wanted to provide a checklist of things you can/should pack in your single carry-on bag.

The List

The Bag:

• Either a backpack or a large Longchamp

The Information:

• Passport
• Boarding Pass
• Wallet (with license, money, credit cards, etc)
• Copy of Flight Itinerary
• Hotel and transportation information

The Entertainment:

• Books
• Magazines
• Headphones
• iPad/Laptop

The Extra Comforts:

• Neck Pillow
• Ear Plugs -- You never know when a screaming baby makes an appearance

The "Just In Case":

• Clean Tee-Shirt
• Clean pair of undies and bra (especially if you're checking a bag--- luggage gets lost more than you know!)
• Phone Charger
• Any prescriptions you might need
• Camera - In case you see any chances for photo opts before you get to the hotel

The Freshen Up Neccessities

• Minimergency Kit & Toiletry Kit - for when you need to freshen up after you get off the plane
• Sunnies - for when those dark bags under your eyes won't go away

What do you put bring in your carry-on?

xoxo

Sunday Thoughts + A Weekend Recap

Boy, do I love weekends in the summer. I just wish they would slow down a bit and last a little longer. Not going to lie, I'm having a bit of a panic attack over the thought of having only 3 more weekends before Labor Day. You may have to drag me away from the pool crying before I allow it to close for the winter. Anyways, if you couldn't tell it was a beautiful weekend in the 518 (85 degrees and sunny just the way I like it). 

Here is a quick recap:

• Friday night after work I took a ride up to Manchester Vermont for the night. They were having a sidewalk sale at their designer outlet stores and I wanted to see if I could scoop up any deals. However, I was actually really disappointed in their selections. Most stores put out a rack of clothing and thought that was sufficient enough to call a "sidewalk sale." Plus most of the stores only have their leftover summer clothing in weird sizes left, it definitely felt very picked over. I'm looking at it as a blessing in disguise since I spent so much money last weekend in Chicago.
• Saturday was a pool day, got to bake in the sun for a good 5 hours which was nice.
• Saturday night I laid low. I got to catch up on some of my deadlines for this week and work on some posts for you all. Then I rewarded myself with a viewing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I'm reading book 6 (really moving along in the series) and I'm now re-watching all the movies after reading the books for the first time.
• Today is going to be another beautiful day out, I'm excited to get outside again.

What did you do this weekend?

xoxo

Weekly Outfit Recap

Happy Saturday! 

I hope you're all having a great start to your weekend. I for one am looking forward to sleeping in and spending some time outside. This week there was crazy weather in the 518 and I never knew exactly what to wear. One minute the sun was shining and the next it was thundering and lightning. Luckily its supposed to be beautiful the next two days so I can break out the shorts and bathing suit!

Top Express (old) // Skirt J Crew (on sale!)

Buckle Bangle C Wonder // Striped Bracelet J Crew (old)

Dress Michael Kors (old, but available on eBay)

Gem Bracelet C Wonder (old) // Green Bangle Kate Spade (old)

Skirt Banana Republic (old) // Tee J Crew Factory 

Necklace Loft (old) similar // Bow Ring Kate Spade // Bracelet ?

Skirt Talbots // Top Francesca's (similar)

Gold Bangles Wantables Box // Exclamation Bangle Kate Spade (old)

Top Club Monaco // Skirt J Crew Factory // Necklace Talbots (old)

Green Bangle Kate Spade (old) // Buckle Bangle C Wonder

What was your favorite outfit you wore this week?

xoxo