La vie...J'aime

Guest Post at Whereabouts

2013-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm guest posting at Whereabouts Blog sharing my love of Barcelona: top 10 must dos!

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: My Brother's Graduation

2013-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

My brother graduated from grad school on Friday and it was a perfect, sunny, spring day. After we watched him get his diploma, my family and I took pictures then headed off for a celebratory dinner by the waterfront.

I wore:

LOFT dress
LOFT jean jacket blazer
Francesca's Collection mint belt - similar
Frye boots - last seen here & similar color & style
Diamond stud earrings
Ray Ban aviators

Congrats, bro!

Inspired by: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

2013-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've been following the fashions of the Cannes Film Festival and Jennifer Lawrence's Dior dress at the Catching Fire party caught my eye immediately. I loved the painterly design on the peplum and thought back to my art history days and this Picasso. Upon further inspection, it's not the exact print but pretty close. I love when art & fashion mix. The shape of the dress and pop of pink are spot-on. Here are some items inspired by her dress.

Update: The Fug Girls have a close up of the dress detail.

An Interview with Scoopsies

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am excited to feature the ladies behind Scoopsies, a ice cream company and blog, based right here in Boston. Sarah and Chloe have a mission to create 100 Scoopsies, or 100 flavors of new ice cream in one year! I love some of the unique flavors they have dreamed up: Lychee, Strawberry Rhubarb, Dirty Water Java...to name a few! Be sure to follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, and their blog - and if you are in Boston, head to one of their Ice Cream Socials and taste for yourself!

Tell us the history of Scoopsies. How did you two become friends and now blog/ice cream partners?

Sarah: Chloe and I met in the summer of 2009 at a friend's rooftop party. I remember she was just stopping by before she had to go meet some other friends at Sweetwater (a tavern in Boston that I had previously never heard of). Turned out that I would be seeing a lot more of Chloe because our mutual friend had just got me a job at Emack & Bolio's ice cream shop where Chloe also worked. Over the next three years, we became better friends but we didn't talk about ice cream ever! Then one day I went over her house to hang out and while we were just sitting around chatting the "What do you really want to do with your life" question finally came up. When I said "open up my own homemade ice cream shop" she jumped out of her seat and said "me too!" I didn't really believe her at first but then when she told me she even had a name for it (Scoopsies) I realized it was a match made in ice cream heaven.

Chloe: We started making ice cream together about a year ago. We would get together every few weeks or make flavors on our own. We had a blog (that we updated about three times) and soon decided, because we were so big on procrastinating and so bad at making plans, that we had to do a project that would force us to constantly make ice cream. That's how 100 Scoopsies came about.

What has been the hardest and best parts of your journey so far?

Sarah: For me the hardest part of the the journey has been finding time. It's not just making ice cream. Our work schedules are almost always opposite, then we have to agree on every flavor, every recipe, go shopping for the ingredients, write a post and take photos. Of course it's all worth it when someone tries our ice cream and says something like "oh my god I'm so happy right now". That is the best part of the journey.

Chloe: The hardest part of the journey is how much work and passion goes into the project--it has completely taken over our lives. There is so much work that our readers/followers don't always hear about. Just recently we made Maple Walnut, and it was so close to being perfect, we just had to make it again until it was. With 100 flavors to make in just a year, and so much to do for every flavor, going back and re-making one is a set-back, but we're so dedicated to doing it right. It is all worth it, though. Every compliment on one of our flavors, every "like" on Facebook, or a supportive tweet is so rewarding--it fuels our passion.

Who makes the ice cream? How do you make it? Any tips for making your own home-made ice cream?

Sarah: We both make the ice cream. Together we list the flavors we're interest in making next, and after we agree on 10 flavors, we will come up with recipes to try. Once in a while we can't make the ice cream together but we try to as much as we can. We're still experimenting on what ratios we like the most but all of our flavors (except vegan ice cream, sorbet and sherbets) include milk, heavy cream, eggs, and sugar. Then depending on what flavor we are making we will add other ingredients. My advice to anyone who wants to make ice cream at home is 1) READ the instruction manual that
comes with your machine. I have heard so many stories about ice cream going bad because the person did not know you needed to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before the process can begin. And 2) EXPERIMENT as much as you can. If you can think of it you can make it!

Chloe: Ditto that! :)

What are Ice Cream Socials and how can folks attend?

Sarah: The Ice Cream Socials are for groups of people to come try our ice cream. We don't have the capacity to sell our product right now. We're really still in the learning process right now. However, we want to get feedback and celebrate our accomplishments as much as possible. So every 20 flavors, we are inviting people to come out and try some ice cream. Our last ice cream social was more of a test run, and we invited a small group of friends. But our next ice cream social will be June 30th at the Great Scott in Allston, MA. For this event people will have to buy tickets but it's open to the public. The details haven't been sorted out completely but we plan on having live music as well.

Chloe: We added the Ice Cream Social component as a way to share and celebrate our most recent flavors, but also as an extra challenge. We told ourselves that we'd try to take it up a notch with each Ice Cream Social. We'd start small and just invite our friends, eventually include the public, and ultimately involve investors and local ice cream shop owners. Our ice cream has to be tasty enough to share with these people, and we need to be able to produce our product in high volume. Our Ssocials ensure that we do this, and also give our followers an opportunity to try some Scoopsies!

What are your favorite ice cream flavors (Scoopsies or other brands)?

Sarah: Choosing favorite flavors is really REALLY hard for me! It all depends on the brand. For example there's a dairy farm/ice cream stand near my hometown called Peaceful Meadows. They make one of my all time favorite flavors, M&M, but I have never liked another brand of M&M. Other favorite flavors include Herrell's malted vanilla, Van Leeuwen's hazelnut, and J.P. Licks coconut almond chip, YUM!

Chloe: I worked at both J.P. Licks and Emack & Bolio's (Boston's best ice cream) before Scoopsies, and I love so many of their flavors. Emack's Black Raspberry is a go-to for me, as is "Bleeding Heart" (formerly known as Raspberry Truffle). Toscanini's in Cambridge makes a really rich Dutch Chocolate that is absolutely scrumptious. But Scoopsies trumps all of these with our Banana Chai and Dirty Water Java. :)

What is next for Scoopsies?

Sarah: We're not sure what's next but we're hoping to start selling soon! We're thinking of either biking around with chest freezers full of ice cream or maybe even an actual ice cream truck! Then hopefully we can make enough money to open up a store front within the next 2 or 3 years!

Chloe: A priority of ours is to start getting our ice cream out there! A small-scale delivery service is definitely in the works. It would also be nice to start selling our ice cream at farmer's markets.

Friday Faves

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Rainbow Feet @ Honestly WTF

Rainbow shoe art? Sure, why not!

Gatsby @ Paper Fashion

Beautiful Gatsby-inspired drawings - I've become a bit obsessed since seeing the movie.

Succulents @ The Aestate

Lots and lots of succulents!

Neon rope coasters @ House of Earnest
Fun DIY for outdoor summer parties!

Bohemian House Tour @ The Nautical Wheeler
So inspired by the eclectic mix of colors & furniture.

Have a nice May weekend!

#CandidlyNicole Video Series

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Have you watched Nicole Richie's new web series on AOL ON #CandidlyNicole? It's a short video series based on her most popular Tweets (@NicoleRichie). I've always liked her style and follow her on Twitter & Instagram. This series makes me laugh - the second episode where she visits a florist, based on her Tweet: "daises are desperate", is my favorite so far.

Check out the first 3 episodes here.

Brief San Francisco Trip

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to San Francisco for a 3-day work event, and it's my first time visiting this city since I was 15. I won't have alot of time but hoping to explore for a couple hours when I arrive. Any suggestions on must see places, shops, eats? I am staying here.

illustration by Kevin Dart via A Cup of Jo

365 Days Handlettering Project by Jana Miller

2013-05-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

Last week I stumbled upon Jana Miller's 365 Days Handlettering Project. Started on March 27th, Jana has posted a new design each day with a short description on each. A few of my favorites...

Isn't she talented? Be sure to follow along the rest of the year!

Weekend Scenes: Celebrations

2013-05-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

It was a wekeend of celebrations for my birthday, Mother's Day, and my mom's birthday today- Happy Birthday, Mom!

Birthday blooms from my dad & step mom.

Green Monster seats for my bday!

Gorgeous night for baseball, and the Sox won!

Friday night drinks & dancing with my brother and friends!

Saturday night dinner at Blue Ginger.

Mother's Day bloody Marys.

Mom and me, pink twinnies...Barkley couldn't resist posing!

Thanks to everyone I love for a great weekend! And thank you all for the birthday wishes!

twenty-eight

2013-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's my 28th birthday! Yikes, I can't believe I am 28...

Looking forward to celebrating this weekend with family & friends. And a happy early Mother's Day & birthday to my mom!

calendar image edited by me

Best of Met Gala 2013

2013-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Fashion's finest came out to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Monday night for the annul Met Gala. This year's exhibition and theme is "Punk: Chaos to Couture". Let's talk about how they did...

Best doesn't fit the theme but I really like it: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Best black & white: Gwen Stefani in Maison Martin Margiela

Best I don't know why I like this alot but I do: Ashley Olsen

Best mini & color: Kate Bosworth in Balmain

Best cut outs: Jessica Alba in Tory Burch

Best pattern (stripes!): Chanel Iman in J. Mendel

Best dressed couple: Diane Kruger in Chanel and man-candy Josh Jackson

Best dressed all around...

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon

Chloe Sevigny in Proenza Schouler

Sienna Miller in Burberry

Emmy Rossum in Donna Karan Atelier

And then there is Madonna, in a category of her won...she rocked it.

Madonna in Givenchy Haute Couture

Who were your best (and worst) dressed?

PS: More great shotes from People Mag, candid arrivals from Refinery 29, and quotes from the carpet at The Cut blog.

pics via People

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: A Trip to Union Square Donuts

2013-05-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

A Saturday morning trip to the lumber yard (more on that to come) wasn't complete without sustenance... from donuts. We made a stop at the newly re-opened Union Square Donuts in Somerville. Yum, yum... I wore:

with my donut buddy

Madewell chambray shirt
Gray no-name maxi from Second Time Around
NY & Co. faux moto leather jacket - this year's version
Scarf & fedora from Target (last year)
Francesca's Collection cross-body bag - tote version
Ray Ban aviators
Old Navy black flippy floppys

Chocolate chipotle: the star of the show

If you are in the area, I highly recommend a stop at Union Square Donuts!

Mini Leather Necklaces

2013-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

How cute are these mini leather necklaces by Jee Bags? The line is designed by Netherlands-based Janneke Peters and are 21 euro each. I'd layer one with other pendants or necklaces of my own. Or, I'd layer 2 or 3 of these in different colors. It'd be the perfect gift for your mom or BFF, with a cute note inside. Now I just need to find a site that ships to the US!

images via fresh fashion designers

spotted via Bliss Blog

Girl Most Likely

2013-05-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the new trailer for Kristen Wiig's next movie, Girl Most Likely? I just watched it, and it's on my list to see this summer. Kristen is her usual quirky self, but have I mentioned how much I love Annette Bening? If you haven't seen The Kids Are Alright, put it in your Netflix queue ASAP.

Friday Faves

2013-05-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

smiley jalapenos via A Beautiful Mess

Have a great margarita (and mint julep) filled weekend! Here are some faves...

I more and more want a chalkboard wall @ Little Blue Deer
Yes, I am turning into my mother too.. @ Thought Catalog
An inspirational, Kentucky Derby shoot planned by my pal, Lauren Wells Events @ Style Me Pretty
A refreshing drink and unique spin on the Arnold Palmer @ Julip Made
Pretty flower napkin DIY @ A Daily Something
Some budget friendly tips from Boston Bloggers & yours truly! @ Be Frugal Blog

Herb Markers: To Buy or DIY

2013-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

For my Houzz Ideabook this month, I rounded up a list of 20 herb plant markers for gardening this spring. Creating a mini herb garden has been on my to-do list and finding all of these cute markers has gotten me inspired!

Check out my full Houzz Ideabook here: 20 Unique Herb Markers. Or, if you are feeling crafty, here are two DIYs posted last week:

DIY Clay Plant Markers via The Sweetest Occasion

DIY Ceramic Tag Plant Markers via Design*Sponge

Do you have an herb garden?

PS: Some gardening wise words from Ms. Hepburn.

May Day

2013-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy May Day 2013! It's the start of a fun month to come for me with lots of celebrations & birthdays (including yours truly on the 10th). In preschool, I have great memories of making a Maypole- which at the time just meant dancing around a pole with friends & ribbons. The tradition spans generations and cultures, with various meanings and tributes.

If you want a DIY for this weekend, Martha Stewart teaches you how to make your own Maypole: DIY Maypole.

image from Pinterest & original

Weekend Scenes: Syracuse

2013-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my boyfriend and I - we'll call him DC as this is his blog debut(!) - went up to Syracuse for a little getaway. He also graduated from Cuse, so we enjoyed showing each other our hangouts and had a trip down memory lane. The weather was gorgeous... a change from my normal trips in February for basketball games.

Visiting my sorority.

Hanging in the quad.

A must visit: Mother's Cupboard for the infamous frittata breakfast.

One of the many souvenirs.

Make Your Own Margaritaville

2013-04-29T09:15:00.000-04:00

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, what better time to fire up the blender and make some margaritas!

The Necessities: blender, tequila, lime, margarita glass

Add-Ons for special recipes: with salt, margarona, avocado margarita, pink grapefruit margarita, spicy jalapeno margarita

What is your favorite margarita recipe? Do share!

Wasting away again in Margaritaville...searching for my last shaker of salt...

Friday Faves

2013-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's already the last Friday in April? Where has the time gone? After a whirlwind 5 days last week, this week felt like it was all about picking up the pieces. Our city is slowing getting back to normal, and I am thankful for that! I am off to Syracuse this afternoon for a mini escape and to pretend I am in college. :) See you Monday, and here are some faves of the week!

An almond milk latte I need to try @ Channeling Contessa
Some inspiration for a farm-to-table dinner party @ Style Me Pretty Living
This DIY necklace is on my to-do list @ Honestly WTF
A perfect addition to the classic caprese salad: strawberries @ Artistic Odyssey
A compilation of pictures from Italy. Just 'cuz. @ Style Me Pretty

image from my Pinterest via BuzzFeed and originally from Tikkido

Unique Meatball Recipes

2013-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite, easy options for making dinner is meatballs. My friend, Mrs. A, gave me a recipe that her mom gave her. It's simple with classic ingredients (meat, breadcrumbs, Italian seasonings) and tastes delicious with any sauce or pasta. I've found myself Pinning several unique meatball recipes- most of which don't use red meat, oddly- and want to give them a try.

Buffalo Wing Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs- I made these. SO good.

Goat cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Japanese Chicken Meatballs- something by Gwynnie/Goop I actually want to make.

Moroccan Meatballs

Slow cooker Italian Meatballs

Thai Turkey Meatballs

Do you like cooking meatballs? What is your go-to recipe?

Lobstah Season

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Lobster season is quickly approaching, and while I enjoyed my first lobster roll of the year in Maine a couple weeks ago, I am loving these printed pieces for fashion & home decor. You'll be channeling your inner New Englander with any of these!

PS: A classic Friends moment.

Feet Up

2013-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Kelly Wearstler | when I went to Brimfield

I knew I recognized these Kelly Wearsler bronze legs from somewhere...

Lately Loving

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yankee Candle's Golden Sands scent: a new favorite to make my apartment smell warm & summery.

HGTV's Flea Market Flip: obsessed with and inspired by this show.

image

Taylor Swift's '22': a fun, carefree song that reminds

me of being twenty-twooo oo ooo.

A new addition to my living room: a vintage chair from Boston shop Twelve Chairs. My first "adult" furniture purchase!

What are you loving lately?

Friday Faves for Boston

2013-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

It seems only fitting that today's Friday Faves should be in honor of the Marathon Monday bombings and some of the "good" things that have come out of tragedy...people standing together, rivalries being cast aside, and genorosity at it's finest. Boston Strong.

Donate now at The One Fund
Shop & give back on Rue La La with the Honoring Boston t-shirt
A nice segment from The Daily Show
New Pats WR Danny Amendola pledging to donate for every pass received & dropped next season
And if you haven't seen this video...wow, just wow.

images via Boston.com, The One Fund, Rue La La, by me on 4/15 evening