Linen and Things

I've been investing in a lot of linen dresses this summer. Despite the fact that they're a pain in the butt to iron, they're super lightweight and comfortable. Plus they are the perfect amount of "dressy" I'm looking for in a summer dress. I ended up wearing this dress on our last night in Cape May. It was perfect for walking around town and I was able to pick up some last minute items before we packed everything up and headed back to the 518.

I've been getting a lot of use out of my new striped bow bangle that I picked up at the outlets during Memorial Day weekend. Kate Spade always has really fun conversation pieces when it comes to jewelry and although at first they can be pricey, if you just wait a bit they almost always have a sale (or if you're lucky like I am you can head to your local outlet and pick up plenty of pieces for under $20!). Some of my current favorites is this mint bangle, this octopus ring and these gold seashell earrings.

Dress // Sandals // Sunglasses

Bag, Michael Kors (similar options here)

Belt Akira, old // Bracelet

xoxo

New Recipe: One Pan Balsamic Mustard Chicken with Veggies

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

I need to get back on track with my eating. Lately my appetite has been out of control and I haven't been eating the healthiest of meals so I'm back in the kitchen looking for easy to make options that are less pasta and more vegetables. Luckily, there are plenty of light dishes that pack the flavor. Todays dish is no exception and can be made in one pot for easy clean up. 

**Note: chicken needs to marinate overnight, so you will need to do some preparing the night before**

Ingredients:

• 1 package of chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1 bundle of red potatoes
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup of baby carrots sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1lb asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil and a good shake of salt & pepper.
2. On a cutting board, place chicken breasts and pound them out so they thin a bit (this step can be skipped if you don't mind thicker chicken, I just prefer my chicken thin).
3. In a large Ziploc bag, pour liquid marinade and chicken breasts. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator. 
4. The next day when you're ready to cook, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
5. Coat a large cookie sheet with nonstick spray and place potatoes (cut in half), tomatoes, carrots and olive oil on a single layer of baking sheet, season with garlic powder. Top with chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place in oven and cook for 30 minutes. Add asparagus during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
7. Enjoy!

xoxo

Nautical Wear

Another week, another Monday...

I'm writing this post on Sunday since it's quite cloudy so my plans of sitting in the sun have been squashed. It's probably for the best though because I can sit here and get a ton of blogging done for the week and I can't enjoy Harry Potter Weekend on ABC Family (am I the only one who watches this every time it's on TV, I can't get enough). 

Side note: I'm looking for some advice from my readers for products to use that can replace ironing. This morning when I woke up I set aside all the outfits I am going to wear to work this week and then ironed all of them so I don't have to do it later this week. While I was doing it I realized how much I despise ironing clothes and was looking if there was any alternative. I've hear some people use steamers, but isn't that still the same difficult process and does it really work as well as an iron does?Hoping you all can give me some products that can eliminate ironing from my weekly routine. 

Anyway, I've still have a few outfits lined up from my trip to Cape May that I can share with you this week. Basically my entire Cape May evening wardrobe that I packed involved some type of nautical stripe. This eyelet top I'm wearing is actually a tee shirt but the front eyelet design makes it look dressier than it actually is.

Skirt // Top // Sandals

Sunglasses Kate Spade Outlet (similar option here)

Bag Kate Spade, old

Jewelry, all old

xoxo

Sunday Thoughts

Happy Sunday!

It's quite cloudy here so I've traded in my bathing suit for a pair of comfy shorts and the Harry Potter Marathon on ABC Family. It's probably for the best, I'm able to get a jump start on the work week so I'm rested and ready for when Monday comes.

Hope you are all having a relaxing Sunday!

xoxo

Weekend Links

TGIF

I can't wait for this work week to be over. The first week back in the office after vacation is always the hardest, right?

Weekend Links:

• I highly recommend you check out J Crew's clearance section of their website. They've had some fabulous deals with everything in their sale section and additional 40-60% off with the code SHOPSALE. I was able to pick up this skirt in soft petal for $23 and this lace up tunic for $17! 
• Speaking of sales, it's never too early to start looking at fall items. I was able to score this Top Shop faux fur vest during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.
• The Hunger Games series is coming to an end and the new trailer was finally released!
• Did you check out my post on the best places to eat in Cape May?
• Last Thursday was National Hot Dog Day and it had me googling different ways to jazz up the dogs this summer. Here are a list of Easy Topping Ideas.
• I'm headed to Chicago in less than two weeks so I loved Liz from Sequins & Stripes Chicago Summer City Guide!

xoxo

My Favorite Things To Do In Cape May, NJ

Can you tell I'm still a little bitter that I'm back in the office and away from the beach? I'm already day dreaming of my next chance to watch the waves from the comfort of my beach chair. Today I'm talking about some of my favorite traditions to take part in when I head to Cape May every year with my family. If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation that won't break the bank, I definitely recommend heading down there for a few days.

The Beach

Do I need to explain this one? The beaches in Cape May are super clean and not as crowded as it's sister beaches in Atlantic City and Wildwood. The water is warm enough to swim in while still cooling you off from the summer heat.

Horse & Carriage Ride

This was always one of my favorite things to do when I was growing up. I recommend doing it after dinner because those afternoon rides are way too hot, but at night it's a nice relaxing tour through the town. Your tour guide will give you fun information about Cape May that isn't boring like a typical tour and you'll get to hear some fun history including a ghost story or two.

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

This is one of the few stores I always make a point in visiting every year. It's a magical winter wonderland that offers so many cute ornament and Christmas decorations. It always feels like Christmas in July when I walk into this store and I make sure to pick up an ornament for my tree (plus a souvenir for loved ones).

Enjoy a Cocktail

Vacation is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself, right? We always make sure that one day we leave the beach a little early and grab a few cocktails before dinner. The Grand Hotel pool bar makes a tasty pina colada!

Paw Prints at the Washington Street Mall

I always feel so guilty leaving Misa behind every year so I make sure I stop in Paw Prints, a store for dogs in Washington Street Mall. They make a ton of adorable dog treats along with plenty of toys to take home to your pooch. Misa always gets spoiled from my guilt when I return.

View the Victorian Homes

Despite coming to Cape May for over 20 years, I'm still in awe at some of the homes around town. Cape May has the second largest collection of Victorian homes in the US and you won't get bored of viewing the bright colors and intricate details that go along with them. Each house is personalized to make them one of a kind. If I ever hit the lotto, I am buying a beach front one ASAP.

xoxo

Neon Lights

So I know this neon green is not for everyone, but I for one cannot get enough of this skirt. I've already worn it 3 times in the two weeks since I purchased it. At first I was concerned at how versatile a lime green skirt would be but I quickly realized there are so many ways to wear it. I even wore it to work this week with a black blouse so believe me when I say neon can work in even the professional environment. 

Can you tell it was super hot and hazy when I took these photos? My camera kept fogging up from the heat! I'm not complaining though because I would prefer 90 degree weather over the snow any day of the week. I wore this outfit while we grabbed dinner in Washington Square, Cape May one night last week. I was looking for something light and comfortable, but something that would still show off my tan, haha. 

Since coming back from vacation I've had a mixture of business and pleasure. I'm slowly getting back into the swing on things in the office, sigh, I wish I could vacation permanently. Last weekend I had to say goodbye to my friend Nicole who is getting out of the 518 and moving down to Charleston SC to be closer to her siblings. It's going to be tough without her here, but I am looking forward to having a permanent place to stay whenever I decide to board a plane to SC, especially when the Albany winter becomes unbearable. I also got the chance to go see Trainwreck this weekend, which I have been looking forward to seeing for quite sometime. The movie was hilarious and Amy Shumer is someone I wish I was friends with because she is both outrageous and incredibly relatable. It's a great movie to go see with all your girlfriends because I'm sure a few of you can relate to Amy's antics. 

Top // Skirt // Sandals

Bag Michael Kors (similar option here)

Sunglasses, Kate Spade (similar options here)

Gold Bangle // Other Bangles, old

Necklace Ann Taylor, old 

xoxo