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Tag Archives: Spring


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Hats on Parade

OK- here we go- DERBY WEEKEND… AND a fun post to get us back to lighthearted blogging around here. I’ve never been lucky enough to attend the Kentucky Derby- but lets just say its extremely high on my bucket list- if for no other reason than to have an excuse to get my extreme prep on and to buy a most ridiculous hat!

derby hats

I’ve decided to round up a few of my favorites from around the web- full disclosure that some of these are OBSCENELY expensive. But you know it would be worth it. I”m having a hard time deciding between the red feathers and the GIANT blue bow as a favorite…

Derby Hats Galore!

And as an added bonus, one of my coworkers gave me his favorite recipe for a Mint Julep so I’m sharing it with you here. What really sets it apart I think is the minted simple syrup- so worth the extra effort! I hope you make several this Saturday because, I mean- can you really drink anything else on Derby Day???

Proper Mint Julep

mint-julep

  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
  • 1 oz. of minted simple syrup
  • 2 bunches of Kentucky Colonel Mint (crucial – not spearmint or peppermint)
  • 1 thoroughly chilled julep cup

Minted Simple Syrup

First, make your simple syrup. In a heavy medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stir together 1 cup of sugar and one cup of water until dissolved.  Increase heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, add 1 bunch of Kentucky Colonel mint leaves, and let steep for 15 minutes.  Strain through a cheese cloth, bottle the syrup, and refrigerate 3 hours before using.  This will keep for up to 1 week, so you can prepare it ahead of time.

Making the Mint Julep

Add 1 oz of simple syrup, then 1 cup of the crushed ice, then 2 oz. of Woodford Reserve bourbon, and a splash of water.  Add enough of the remaining crushed ice to almost fill the cup.  Stir well and garnish with a sprig of Kentucky Colonel mint.


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April Wishlist

WHY IS IT STILL COLD??? Seriously- I can’t believe how chilly its been lately! Spring is supposed to be warm! Or at least sunny. I’ve gotten neither. I’m supposed to be running in a 5k next weekend and my training has been seriously derailed by the weather. Its super windy and cloudy… maybe this is why my April wishlist is on the edgy side (for me at least).

April Wishlist
  1. This Skull Bracelet would look cute on its own OR stacked up with other bracelets
  2. Madewell has ELEVEN different washes of chambray shirts this season. Such an easy breezy Spring look!
  3. I love the unique shape and mix of materials of this Felix Rey clutch
  4. Tortoise frames in a classic shape- these Ralph Lauren Sunglasses have to get some use in the sun sooner or later!
  5. J.Crew came out with a great line of watches this season- especially this vintage-esque aviator watch
  6. I don’t know if I’m “cool” enough to pull off this parka jacket- but I’m in love either way- added bonus that it converts to a vest!
  7. I can’t never own enough Bloch flats. They are a ballet shoe company which means they are SO soft and comfortable.


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Easter Recap

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I am exhausted today after hosting my first real dinner party in my apartment yesterday! It was really fun to pull out the fancy tablecloth and set a proper table, and of course to spend the day cooking! And then eating!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because it signifies the true start of Spring. So I really wanted to celebrate that! I tried to keep things fairly simple, but of course ended up going a little overboard. The table was a theme of blues, pinks and greens. I folded the napkins into cute rabbit ears and used hard-boiled eggs as placecards- then used napkin rings to prevent them from rolling off the plate. The result was whimsical but elegant:

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For the food, I probably bit off a little too much to try to cook AND serve in my tiny kitchen. I went with a nontraditional choice of Brisket over an Easter Ham- but it ended up being a huge success. And everyone LOVED the chocolate Mouse- with freshly made whipped cream and raspberries.

The Menu

White Lillet Cocktails

Frisee, Radicchio and Fennel Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Braised Brisket with Bourbon Peach Glaze

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Mustard Mashed Potatoes

Chocolate Mousse

As you can imagine we were STUFFED by the end but it was all so worth it and the festivities lasted late into the night. Once everyone had gone I had a little time to unwind- finishing up the wine and tidying up the kitchen. I’m not gonna lie that the triumphant feeling at the end of the night is very addictive- I can’t wait until my next excuse to plan a party.

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Waiting for Lambs….and a March wishlist

Welcome March! This has to be my one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE months of the year. While it is probably biased by the fact it is my birthday month, who ISN’T with me in celebrating the change of seasons? Its actually light out when I leave work, I’m pulling warmer weather clothes back into the rotation, I can walk around the city in flats (read: FINALLY-not snowboots!!!), and of course- I’m starting to see green and flowers again. They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb- lets hope for lots more lamb then lion!

In celebration of the warmer weather I put together this quick wishlist of spring-y, pastel items that are currently catching my eye. Cough cough if you are my family – these would all look wonderful tied up with bows on the 25th!!!

March Wishlist
  1. It might be warmer, but its not 80 degrees yet. This Burberry Trench will always be a Spring classic.
  2. In love with these bangles from Margaret Elizabeth. Wear one alone or stack a few different colors together!
  3. Another Classic. You can’t go wrong with a striped oxford from Ralph Lauren.
  4. I have an adorable pair of green tweed Charles Philip Shanghai slippers-seriously the most comfortable chic shoes! I’m eying these for a more springy look!  Butterflies!
  5. Gorgeous colors, a delicate print, what DON’T I love about this scarf from Athena Procopio??
  6. While Diptyque’s Feu de Bois has been burning all winter, its time for a change. Enter Mimosa.
  7. The quilted bag trend never seems to go away. I love the color and size of this Marc Jacobs one.
  8. Again. Just because it’s warmer doesn’t’ mean I can completely ditch the sweaters-the colorblocked colors on this J.Crew cardigan make me extra happy.

 


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Late-Winter Party Looks

Who knew February/ March was such a busy social season? Nick and I have a bunch of parties coming up in the next two weeks- but no complaints here- I love a good excuse to go shopping and get all dressed up! The tough thing is- its a hard season to dress for. Glittery Christmas dresses are starting to look silly, but so is wearing a full out Spring look. You also never know if the venue is going to be too warm or too cold- and dress codes start being all over the place if it starts snowing. To avoid being too casual or too dressy, a long sleeved cocktail dress is always a good go-to.

I’m in love with all four of these looks- the first two styled with a classic vibe and the second two more ELECTRIC- and each is wearable right into warmer weather. (They are all lightweight materials) Which is your favorite? Any tips for dressing up when its AWFUL outside?

Winter Cocktail Looks

Keep an eye out on twitter and instagram to see what I actually pick! Spoiler alert: it won’t be the $900 Missoni :(

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