happy weekend time

Happy weekend! Get out there, enjoy the sunshine and have some fun.

Here's a happy tune to get you in the mood. Dedicated to my Daddy who hearts Otis.

(image courtesy caps love)

toppers

Do you wear hats?

My chic pal L and I were contemplating this very question as she purchased a most adorable topper from Anthropologie last week as a gift. We determined that most people "like" hats, but few actually purchase them for themselves (unless you're heading to the Royal Wedding, of course).

As summer and beach adventures approach, I'm feeling like a hat might be just the ticket. New York Mag's recent article "The No-Hands Parasol" has me interested. The article says "out with the fedora" and in with the wide-brimmed floppy hat.

This straw number pictured with the article would make even the most basic beach get-up pretty. Bonus? Major skin protection from the sun.


I like this saucy straw number spotted in The Millinery Shop's Etsy store.

I heart how the brim slants down over one eye. How mysterious! Very Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

(images courtesy new york mag and the millinery shop)

P.S. The lovely L just scored a new hat of her very own. How adorable is she?

pops of color

It's sunny and nearly 80 degrees. Spring has finally sprung here in NYC and gorgeous colors are popping up all over.

Check out these tulips outside our building:

Currently obsessed with the notion of accessorizing with bright bursts of colors that echo what's happening outdoors.

Pining for this stretchy mulit-colored bracelet from Oliphant,

this robin's egg blue shade for nails,

this pom pom scarf from Antik Batik (spotted via the neo-traditionalist)

this giant patent orange clutch and

these "sour lemon" tie-up sandals.

(images courtesy oliphant, teen vogue, net-a-porter, polyvore and j. crew)

paper goods

I got some REALLY great news at work today that's left me with a bit of pep in my step. It's been one of those grand days where the sky feels like the limit...like anything can be acomplished as long as you're willing to work for it.

Loving the simple advice on this "a good reminder" print by sugar paper spotted in Matchbook Magazine (obsessed).



Also loving this Sincerely note set,


this vintage typewriter birthday card and



this simple, but moving, Mother's Day card.

(images courtesy sugar paper)

funny silhouettes

I heart traditional, old fashioned silhouettes (see here), but I'm also REALLY enjoying Pat Langton's simple silhouette art (spotted via a recent Daily Candy tweet).

Aren't these funny?

My favorite, by far, is laundry day for Batman.

(images courtesy thaeger)

5 Ingredient Fix

Do you guys watch 5 Ingredient Fix on the Food Network? It's become one of my new favorites.

Since I'm never home when it's actually on, I had a bit of a mini-marathon on Saturday morning catching up on old DVR-ed episodes.

First and foremost host, Claire Robinson, a Memphis, Tennessee native turned New Yorker, is adorable.

Her simple dishes are perfect for whipping up after a busy day at work. They require a few ingredients (hence the show's name) and tend to be pretty simple to prepare.

She also stays true-to-her-roots by preparing a ton of Southern-inspired recipes from a much more hip, much less Paula Deen, perspective.

For example, how delicious does her Green Tomato and Vidalia Onion Gratin recipe look?

Tomato & Vidalia Onion Gratin

Ingredients

1/4 lb. bacon
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 large Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
4 large green or firm under-ripe heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
6 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the cooked bacon, along with 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat; pour the fat over the breadcrumbs and toss to coat.

Add the onion rounds to the skillet in batches and cook, without breaking the round slices apart, until there is some golden color, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.

To assemble the gratin, overlap the green tomato slices in one row in a large baking dish (9 x 11).

Next, make a row slightly overlapping of the partially cooked onion rounds, being careful to keep the slices intact.

Repeat steps until all tomatoes and onions are used; season tomatoes and onions heavily with pepper and lightly with salt.

Crumble the bacon over the vegetables; sprinkle the grated cheddar over the top followed by the breadcrumbs.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly; if the top is getting too brown, loosely cover with foil. (Yield 4-6 servings)

Perfect for warmer weather and perfectly Southern.

P.S. Claire has a really rocking cute pup named Newman.

(images courtesy iwproductions, poptower, my wooden spoon, the food network and food network humor)

naugh(tea)!

Stop it!

This skinny dipping-themed cup and saucer by Esther Horchner cracks me up.

(image courtsy of like cool)

sweet sunday song

(image courtesy lightning_hero)

Standing on the moon

Where talk is cheap and vision true

Standing on the moon

But I would rather be with you

Somewhere in San Francisco

On a back porch in July

Just looking up to heaven

At this crescent in the sky

--from "Standing on the Moon" by The Grateful Dead

The hubs has always loved The Grateful Dead.

I wouldn't say I adore them quite as much as he does, but the above referenced song makes a pretty perfect soundtrack for this sunny Sunday afternoon...

dapper dudes

dap·per

adj a: neat and trim in appareance; b: very spruce and stylish

A very important note to all you gentlemen out there...never underestimate the power of bow ties, a great haircut and the right pair of shades.

(images courtesy lyrique discorde, abc neckties and magnificent bastard)

oh, hello perfect spring dress!

If I buy you, will you promise to make me look this good (aka skinny)?

(images courtesy shopbop)

taken by trees

We've nearly survived Monday which feels like a quite an accomplishment now that it's back to the grind following a wonderful escape down South over the weekend.

I'm finding it a bit hard not to miss the chillaxed pace, the lovely people and temperatures in the 90's during the homestretch of this Monday afternoon.

The dreamy song and video "My Boys" from Taken by Trees is seeing me through. Warm weather and sunlight through leaves? That's what I'm talking about.

float on

(image courtesy of Grainyman)

Wow. Isn't the above photo gorgeous? The notion of floating peacefully combined with the pic's calming color palette leave me instantly relaxed.

Planning to purchase and hang in our bathroom. How lovely would it be to glimpse this scene from a warm, relaxing bubble bath?

Speaking of relaxing, I heart this no frills list of 50 Ways to Cope With Stress (spotted on Miss Moss). Some very necessary advice, if you ask me.

there's always room for a bar!

It never ceases to amaze me how creative city dwellers can be with their itsy bitsy living spaces.

Currently feeling inspired by this enviable bar area...over the radiator! Talk about making your space work.

This lovely little cocktail station is nicely contained on its refined tray!

(images courtesy walking around where the sidewalk begins, decor8)

I'm definitely keeping this idea in mind as we search for new digs.

Also making appearances in my dream cocktail nook? These old fashioned champagne glasses,

a vintage monogrammed bottle opener,

and this funny bird martini shaker.

Cocktails, anyone?

(images courtesy the wedding party, etsy and this next)

skintastic

This weekend when I found myself experiencing a mini-facial at the Laura Mercier counter in Bloomingdale's, I was mildly panicked at the amount of dough I would feel guilted into shelling out following my "session."

The good news? The mini facial was amazing. The even better news? I walked away with only two of the products. Hooray for willpower (and carefully saved birthday gift cards).

So far, I've become so obsessed with both of these purchases that I must insist any of you readers with sensitive skin march right out and pick them up for yourselves.

First up, Laura Mercier's One-Step Cleanser.

This miracle worker glides onto skin to remove even the most serious make-up jobs (including mascara). Apply and massage into dry skin, then rinse away. Your skin will be super clean, but still hydrated. Lovely!

Second, Laura Mercier's Perfecting Water Moisture Mist.

This toner is unlike any I've ever used before. Instead of relying on cotton balls or pads to apply, this hydrating toner is actually sprayed onto the face and decolletage. Quite refreshing!

(images courtesy laura mercier, bloomingdale's and sephora)

a grand day

The past few months at work have been killer. It seems that I've hardly had a moment to catch my breath, much less, spend any quality time with the girls.

Today, under bright blue, sunny spring skies, we nipped that whole situation, immediately, in the bud.

Brunch at Peels (which included a Jason Schwartzman sighting-score!),

fantastic chats, a stop at Pinkberry and an afternoon showing of the wonderful documentary Bill Cunningham New York? Yesss.

(images courtesy zagat and esquire)

Even though the sun was out, NYC is still a few weeks shy of bare leg weather. I kept things springy in the chambray shirtdress below, red orange lips and a bright green scarf.

A grand day, indeed. Thanks again, gals ; )

spring flats

It feels like spring has finally sprung, and I'm madly in love with these Belle by Sigerson Morrison Captoe Flats.

Though I heart the hot pink gold combo, I'm forcing myself to stop buying this season's trendy hot pink. No more allowed!

That being said, this nude and silver combo is just the ticket. Done and done!

(image courtesy bloomingdales)