birthday weekend

Today ends a great birthday weekend. Yesterday, I turned 24. I think you know you are getting older when your birthday almost seems like just another ordinary day. Nevertheless, I wanted to ensure a fun-filled weekend. We headed to the Cape, and Saturday I treated myself to brand new running shoes and spent the day browsing shops and relaxing. It also consisted of consuming cupcakes for lunch along with chocolate cake and cheesecake for dinner. It was a sugar overload. 

Sunday, we had some homemade strawberry pancakes at brunch with my mom, then spent the rest of the day out on the boat with my dad. There wasn't a single cloud in the sky and the sandbar was perfect. 

      

Couldn't of asked for a better 24th or weekend spent with people I love.

fall

I can't believe Fall is almost here. Summer has gone by way too fast, it feels like just yesterday. As always, I look forward to my birthday but it still represents the beginning of the end. Until next Summer...  

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

-The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

NYC for a minute

Today I had the opportunity to travel to NYC for the day for a business meeting. Loved exploring TriBeCa for a few hours and seeing all the amazing street style that is non-existent in Boston. The view from my meeting didn't hurt also.

quaker state

This weekend we made a quick trip to Pennsylvania- and given the 6-8 hour car ride each way, it was a bit of a whirlwind weekend. Eddie's grandparents were in town visiting from Los Angeles, and we hadn't seen them since last March when we flew out there. Can't believe that was over a year ago. I know that older people say that the older you get, the quicker years go by. I definitely feel that way. It seems like just yesterday was March 2012! I am especially feeling this way due to my impending birthday this Saturday. 

Highlights of this weekend included going to my favorite antique flea market (we make sure to stop there every time when in town) as well as watching the Little League World Series (which takes place in Williamsport each year). I grabbed tons of little decorative items for Eddie's apartment and we were also able to spend time getting lunch with one of his closest friends. 

Overall it was a good trip. His family will most likely be up here again in October. Can't believe fall is right around the corner!

Girls Weekend in Boston

This weekend we had another girls weekend-- this time we me as the host in Boston! Jenni and Julie haven't been up for a touristy visit in 3.5 years, so we were long overdue. Thursday, Julie arrived and we went for a morning run followed by a tour of the Seaport and drinks at Harpoon Brewery. Jenni joined us later once her bus arrived, and after a dinner together on the water, we headed to free admission night at the Institute of Contemporary Art. The ICA is right on the water and had live music and drinks (along with the free ticket). I will definitely need to head back before the Summer ends.

Friday was a bit of a wash (literally). We stayed inside all day due to heavy rain, mainly drinking wine and watching Sex and the City. It cleared up by dinner time, and we had headed to Back Bay and South End for dinner and drinks.

Saturday, we headed over to Charlestown to climb the Bunker Hill Monument. 294 steps later and out of breath, we reached the top to view sweeping views of Boston. I try to do this at least once per year, and each time I am always heaving no matter what shape I am in.

Saturday night consisted of a taste of suburbs and College days at Mara's sister Jacey's 21st birthday party. The Dold family threw a great party and we got to meet Mara's new boy. The best part of the night (and of the weekend) was the incredible meteor shower Saturday night. It was amazing to see the sky so clearly and I caught about 10 shooting stars as we lay out. Sunday we headed back to the city to enjoy time on the beach and Castle Island in Southie.

I can't wait for another reunion either this fall or next Summer. It's hard when best friends are spread out all over the East Coast. 

yum

Today for dinner: salmon burger with homemade tartar sauce, green onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Quick and easy!

strawberry sunday

 I made strawberry pancakes this morning and forgot how simple and amazing they are. We are still on Cape, and are off to the canal for a quick run on the water then will be grabbing sandwiches with my dad and brother at the local deli, another favorite. Another great Sunday. 

20 years

This weekend I got to meet up with one of my best friends growing up, Carling. We have been BFFs for 20 years, and now that she lives in Nashville...I only see her about once a year. Our day consisted of yummy brunch, playing with a brand new puppy, and bar hopping across the Cape. It was great to catch up and hopefully I will be able to visit TN some time this fall. 

keep

I am completely in love with this site which is new (to me) called keep. It is similar to pinterest, in that you "pin"/"keep" items such as clothes, jewelry or decor that you like to your different "collections," which are similar to pinterest's boards. The difference is if you love the item you stumble across, you can keep it for later on your collection board, or you can buy it at that time. The item will be linked to the site it originated from. It is an amazing way to find unique items, and you can follow users who have a similar style to you and you'll see some great finds on their collections as well. It has already led me to discover multiple new shopping sites. Can't wait to explore keep even more!

Oh and...Follow my blog with Bloglovin

brownies galore

I am excited to be at home this weekend, house sitting for my mom and spending some relaxing time at the Cape. One recipe I always crave (and bake) when home is an amazing brownie recipe from Smitten Kitchen. It never fails to create the perfect batch of homemade bittersweet brownies. 

source: smitten kitchen

Makes 1 8×8 pan of brownies which you can cut into 16 2-inch squares (shown above), 25 smaller squares, or 32 2×1-inch bites.

What you'll need:
3 ounces (85 grams) unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
1 stick (4 ounces or 115 grams) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
1 1/3 cups (265 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt (about 2 grams)
2/3 cup (85 grams) all-purpose flour

"Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment, extending it up two sides, or foil. Butter the parchment or foil or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray.In a medium heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until only a couple unmelted bits remain. Off the heat, stir until smooth and fully melted. You can also do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Whisk in sugar, then eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and salt. Stir in flour with a spoon or flexible spatula and scrape batter into prepared pan, spread until even. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out batter-free. Let cool and cut into desired size. If desired, dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving."