just because

{ Sarah Jessica Parker Fawn 100 Pump }

new beauty: hair-do's

I picked up two new products at the drugstore recently with a desire to improve my blow-out skills. Both items were less then $10, so not a break-the-bank addition to a beauty routine. Here's my report!

Marc Anthony Volumizing Blow Out Cream: You apply this to combed, damp hair - it has a creamy texture and a little goes a long way so your hair isn't weighed down - that's not the end goal after all. I then section off my hair into five sections and use a barrel brush to dry my hair. It takes more time then usual, but the end result is worth the tired arms.

Tresemme No Frizz: I use this as a finishing spray after a blow out. It adds shine and keeps any stray fly-aways in place. It's also great on mornings when your hair isn't fresh - I will pull my hair back into a ponytail and the spray adds a sleek shine.

monday music

We recently went to the Sam Smith concert when he was in town, just before he cleaned up at the Grammys. I have to admit, that after seeing him live, it's no surprise he has experienced such success, he's truly a very talented musician.
I hadn't yet bought up the rest of his album, and did so last week. Needlesstosay, it has been on repeat every since. There are so many songs on the album that haven't been released on the radio that are just as good, or even better than the radio singles. I thought I would share some of my favorites... Have a great Monday!

Restart

Like I Can

I've Told You Now

tgif

{ these tulips are a desperately needed reminder that spring is around the corner }

You know those weeks where Tuesday morning feels like it should be 5pm on Friday? It was one of those weeks... Once I realized it was going to be draining, D and I planned a date night on Friday. We're headed to a new little Italian place in the Junction and its amazing how making seemingly normal plans helped me make it through the rest of the week. I also find comfort in knowing, that even after all this time, a simple date with D is plenty incentive to keep me going :) Other then dinner at a friends tomorrow, I hope to lay low and relax after a tough week.

Whatever you have planned, have yourself a lovely weekend! xx

+ + + + +

Some useful apps

The next book I plan on reading

A sexy bra

Creative uses for leftover coffee beans

A lovely Brooklyn pad

At home chef things-to-do: master these sauces

Useful tips for a long week

I think I'm going to start taking a daily vitimin

I'm tempted to replace our couch pillows with a few of these stripes, and then some more stripes

{ childhood memory of the taste of strawberry milk }

{ a surprise treat from D}

{ we're completely hooked on Stance socks after receiving some at Christmas! }

{ summer concert reminder when this came on Songza (solo dance party ensued) }

{ addicted to my new lunch hour ritual }

{ birthday cake for my dad's birthday}

{ this weeks flavors: maple bacon and tahitian vanilla }

spring fresh

{ pretty napkins that will make any table look gorgeous}

Chapters is having a great online sale and they have lots of fresh, spring-inspired home goods. Beautiful  pieces if you need a hostess gift for an upcoming party or even better, to store away for spring and summer entertaining. 

{ ginger cocktail syrup for cocktails with gin and peaches}

{ pitcher to serve above mentioned cocktails}

{ serving board for grilled bread and garlic butter }

{ serving bowl for a lush green salad }

{ dish towel that will help with post-meal negotiations }

beach garb

{ Eugenia Kim - Lillian Hat }

As I've mentioned, I've got total vacation brain. What better excuse to take advantage of Shopbop's biggest sale of the year then with shopping for an upcoming trip! I'd love to sport any of the below pieces beachside while enjoying the sunshine and a cold drink. 

I'm curious - what are your fashion essentials for a trip to the beach??

PS. (Not-so) Fun Fact... this morning as I was looking for something, I came upon my passport and quickly opened it up. I was very surprised to find my passport is expired! I was shocked with panic which was followed by a feeling of relief - I can't imagine if I had only realized that the night before we left! I've filled out my application, gotten updated photos and plan on spending my Friday afternoon at the passport office!

{ Beth Richards - Grace One Piece }

{ Birkenstock - Madrid Slides }

{ Pamela Love - Archer Hand Piece }

{ Flight 001 Go Clean Beach Set }

{ adidas by Stella McMartney }

{ PilyQ - Cristina Dress }

breakfast inspiration

How amazing do these breakfast tartines look? As I understand it, tartine is essentially a fancy name for toppings on toast, but hey - when it looks this delicious, who cares what it's called! These would be such a fun change to our weekend morning brunch routine. I'm craving the Nutella with almond and sea salt already!

house crush

{ A very cool house in Conneticut }

pretty white dresses

{ Joe Fresh }

As of late, I'm quick to admit that I have complete vacation brain. I couldn't help but smile this morning as I realized it's March and we have only three weeks of work before we escape to Jamaica! I'm looking for a few new pieces to bring with me, and nothing is prettier than a crisp white dress with a golden tan. Here are a few lovely options I have my eye on...

{ Club Monaco }

{ Gap }

{ The Jet Set Diaries }

{ Madewell }

{ Diane Von Furstenberg }

the coolest phone case ever

{ Prynt phone case }

One of my favorite parts of having an iphone is the fun in changing up the cases every once in a while. I currently have this beautiful case, but could definitely deal with the fun of having a case that could print your photos instantly. The small photos would be so cool to post on the fridge and share with friends. I think the idea is genius!