Weekend

...road tripping & puddle jumping...
...late night games & handstand contests...
...ocean breeze & crashing waves...
...7-11 fountain drinks & Rachel Ray style brunch...
...mansion touring & Max time...

Rain Rain Go Away

Please don't ruin my vacay! I'm off for the weekend. Happy Friday. Here's hoping the weather is better where you are.

Tuned In

Grant works alot. And studies even more. In our itty bitty apartment where real walls that create enclosed spaces don't exist, it can only mean one thing: I've been wearing headphones. Alot. This was Grants idea, not mine. Plugged into the back of the TV and connected to my head thru a springy cord, they give Grant the quiet he needs, and me my oh-so-trashy television fix. But we're not talking the stylish and sleek white ipod kind of headphones. No no no. These are the real deal. Big, black, padded, cinnamon buns on my ears like people used to wear circa 1993.

Anyone who knows me, knows that this simply will not do. I've been searching, and think I've found the cure for what ails me. These Swarovski encrusted headphones designed by celebrity DJ Donna D'Cruz may be just the thing. Now I can hear "Ladies, Andy...this is the final rose of the evening..." in shimmering surround sound style.

Ring In Spring

I la-la-love these Kenneth Jay Lane flower rings. A colorful Springtime flower blossoming on my right hand. The pearl centers make it effortless -- pair with a simple set of pearl earrings and walk out the door. A perfect accessory this time of year.

Buds

A recent Your Heart Out post made me long for the fields of Holland. Last Spring, I visited during peak flowering season. The most amazing display of thriving blossoms my lil' eyes have ever beheld. Pictures speak better than words here -- and if you click to enlarge, they just might knock your socks off.



Vibrant florals. Allowed to reach their full potential under the tender care of a masterful touch. Ranunculus larger than my hand. Pungent lilacs taller than me. Intense technicolor shades of every shape and size.



In the raw. In their element. Fields where flowers grow with overwhelming abundance. Intense color as far as the eye can see. Lined up in neat rows and farmed for selling the world over.

I want to live in this house. At least during Springtime.

From The Vine

One of the {few} healthy indulgences I have. Fresh from the farmers market vine-ripened tomatoes, crumbled cheese, olive oil, balsamic, and a bit of S&P. Yum.

Soled

These flats are quite simple, but incredibly comfortable. Trust me, I know a comfy flat when I wear one -- I've tried on at least 53 pair in the last month. I took a stroll in these when I got sucked into Anthropologie yesterday {bad idea}. You can buy them on the French Sole website {limited sizes}, and Zappos {free shipping}, but -- get ready for this -- they're less expensive in store at Anthropologie.

Night Show

A couple times a month, Grant and I will hear a pop!pop!pop! outside. We immediately run to the window, throw it open, peer out, and watch the fireworks display on a barge floating on the Hudson River. And yes, Lady Liberty {see her there on the right?}, is the backdrop. It's probably my favorite thing about our apartment. It's so so awesome.

Think Green

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." -- Jane Austen

Hello Blue Sky

"Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." - Hans Christian Andersen

The sun is shining for the first time all week. Hurrah! Oh happy happy weekend!

Buzz Buzz Buzz

I can just picture these lil' candy bees buzz buzz buzzing around my kitchen and landing on some springtime cupcakes. Better yet, I could bake a beehive {covered in much more frosting than the one below} to make them feel at home.

5 + 5

{5 hearts + 5 hates}

I thoroughly enjoy these blablablog tags.

i hearts

• false eyelashes
• girl/pillow talk
• chinese diet coke
• recipes centered around honey, fresh basil, fresh mint, or limes
• comfy flats

i hates

• lost keys
• poor customer service
• the wrinkles in my forehead
• altering trousers
• bad hygiene

If you want to join the fray, post {5 hearts + 5 hates} of your own. Thanks, Marta.

To the Beat of the Rhythm of the Night

Everybody...dust off your dancin' shoes. Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance premieres on Fox on Thursday, May 24 at 8 p.m. My Thursdays have been quite lonely without Seth, Ryan, Summer, Marissa, and the rest of the Newpsies. Finally, something to fill the void the absence of The OC has created in my life.

Covet

I'm quite excited for SJP's new fragrance, Covet. Apparently, it's the evil twin to her saintly premiere fragrance, Lovely. Actually, SJP says her 2 fragrances represent two sides of the same woman. So this one is more aggressive. Dirtier. Think vixen. It comes exclusively to Macy's mid-summer, with the tag line, "I had to have it!"

Weather Permitting

I've got a serious crush on this jacket and top from Bloomingdales. It's a great splash of color combination alternative to all the rage yellow right now. Don't get me wrong, I love yellow too. So does Bloomingdales. Their windows on East 59th and Lexington are filled with the most amazing collection of yellow dresses. I want all of them. If you haven't checked it out yet and you have the means, I highly recommend it.

Weather right now doesn't permit me to wear such things {blasted Nor'easter!}, but if it did, I might be tempted to buy it right now. Oh yea, and I'd pair it with some white skinnies and these amazing BCBG flats.

Rock On

These old-timey outdoor rocking chairs make me want to sip lemonade, speak real slow, and watch people stroll by. Adorned, naturally, in a floppy-brimmed straw hat and accompanied by my besties, or Paula Deen.

Burn Baby Burn

Oh little L'Occitane, green tea with mint scented candle, where are you? I've burned through almost all of my adorable tins and now I can't find you anymore. The sales clerk told me you were limited edition. Can this possibly be true? Say it isn't so.

Genius

OK, who's the bathmaster 2000? An elevated fireplace next to the overflowing bathtub? Yes, please! Talk about the ultimate luxury. Now all I need is a glass of sparkling juice, soft background music, rose petals, and some dancing panda bears. Actually, I could do without the panda bears. That's a joke about demanding high-yield clients that probably no one {except me} will get. This brilliant idea must get filed away in the book of things to do. A relaxing bath sounds soooo good to me right now. It's the end of a long week. Check out more sweet bathrooms here {Yes, I read Business Week--I'm a nerd}.

April Showers

I've tried with all my might to ring in Springtime weather, and it's not working. With that in mind, I thought I'd post something more weather appropriate. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I have this umbrella and I lalalalove it! I've got a thing for bell-shaped umbrellas and the yellow accents on this one channel warm weather and happy thoughts.

This is such a hip rainy day jacket. Since the model obviously doesn't need it in that pacific paradise, I'll take it.

My wellies are the one thing I can't live without. Though a bit kitschy, these are fun, casual springtime wellies.

With all these April showers, I'm counting on loads of May flowers!

A Big Apple

If I had this Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, I would wear it every single day as a reminder that I live in the big apple. Plus it's pretty, and I'm a showoff. I'm gonna peruse the streets this weekend and see if I can find a 'replica' from a street vendor for $20.

Happy Thoughts

Pinkberry. This is what is going to get me through NY summer. If it ever gets here. This is seriously the most amazing stuff. And my new favorite treat. It's not sweet like you might expect. It actually tastes like yogurt---plain or greek maybe. If anyone comes to visit me, I'll take you there...probably twice in the same day!

Spring In My Step

Though the weather isn't reflective of my mood, at least my shoes can be. These, from Aldo,are my latest obsession. As a city dweller, I'm a huge fan of stylish flats, and the white sole reminds me of my much-loved boat shoes. If they were less expensive, I'd get one in every color. For now, I'll get yellow.

Sugar High

We went to dinner at a fabulous French restaurant for Olivia's birthday. The meal was magnificent, but we couldn't contain our excitement for the dessert {we'd heard of it's existence, but needed to confirm for ourselves}. It did not disappoint. It was a giant glowing dome of sugar! Inside the dome was a delicious chocolate cake with candied kumquats and vanilla bean creme anglaise. The cake was amazing, but the glowing dome of sugar was the highlight of the meal.

XOXO

Crane's is having a heart-warming contest right now. It's celebrates the art of the handwritten note, which I happen to adore. You can send in a description or copy of a handwritten letter you have received. The winner gets a $500 stationary 'wardrobe' for all their handwriting note needs. Too bad most of my cherished notes are at my parents house. I'm certain I could scrounge up a few winners. More info here.

What A Gem

I'm falling in love with this jewel-toned living room from Domino. Something about the blue couch really grabs me. I may be changing the original direction for my living room again.

Ducks In A Row

Actually, I think they're chickens. But you get the idea. Since we had guests from out of town, this visit to the chocolate factory was part of a treat-filled weekend. Actually, every weekend is a treat fest regardless of visitors.

Springtime

Spring has not sprung here--due to frigid temps--it's been planted. We took a stroll through Rockefeller Center. It hardly seems fair to be bundled up in a winter coat while enjoying the only signs, so far, of Spring. Rockefeller is one of my favorite areas of the city, anytime of year. I love how it's gussied up like a nice, neat package.

Peter Cottontail

This is by far my favorite Easter decoration. Though I'm not the ultimate Martha Stewart fan, I have to say that these bunny-fold napkins are something I could really get in to. Get directions here. To finish things off, I'd get a big ceramic bunny, spray paint it white, fill a vase with creamy white tulips, and call it a day. I've got a thing for clean, crisp tables. Hap Hap Happy Easter!

Make Air, Not War

You've heard of hair bands, but what about air bands? This is so so awesome. And no, it's not a joke. I love their stage names: The Rockness Monster, Bjorn Turoque, and Hot Lixx Hulahan. Check out their website to see if they're making a stop near you! Another sweet site is www.airguitarusa.com. Enjoy.

Live!

For all you curious cats, Heritage 1981 is up and running on the worldwideweb. Interesting selection. I've seen a few of their pieces at the F21 store here in NY, but never really got a feel for them until now. Check it out here. Apparently it's being run off the F21 website.

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

Just 4 more days until Easter. This is actually a craft you can do with your children, but I just couldn't resist! I'm really hoping that Easter will bring Spring into full swing here in NY. I think it is highly unnatural and unreasonably unfair to have to endure Winter this long. Here's to thinking happy thoughts and warmer weather!

Say Cheese!

This is the latest and greatest addition to my list of party essentials. PolaroidInstant Camera. It is non-stop fun times. Though it requires a minor investment, the fun lasts forever! It gives your guests a piece of the action to take home immediately and hang on the fridge. Digital is cool, but Polaroid is awesome {remember the excitement/fanning of the photo, waiting for it to develop?}. Bonus feature: everyone looks good in Polaroids. I think they are a bit more forgiving. See below for pics of last weekends Polaroids on my as yet un-wallpapered and therefore boring fridge. {I'm gonna wallpaper eventually, I just wish Nick Olsen was my BFF}.

Chubby Bunny

Ok, all you Peeps fans...perk up your bunny ears! Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop {ultra delicious-can't get enough of it-I could live on it alone} has covered the oh so delicious Peep in their nectar of the gods chocolate. Chocolate covered Peeps!

What's that you say? You don't live in NY? Not to fear, you can order them right here too. Even if you aren't a fan of Peeps, Jacques chocolate just might convert you! It's that good.