La vie...J'aime

Weekend Scenes: Memorial Day

2012-05-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

The drive to western New York.

Grandma Recktenwald's bacon grease in a jar makes the best eggs.

Late night eats at the truck stop.

A pool game.

"The falls."

Pudding shots = genius.

Enjoying the bonfire.

Camping out.

Sweet baby Rylee.

I can die happy.

It was a fun weekend in the country! My iPhone was a casualty of the weekend, so most of my photos are lost. Luckily, I did upload some to Instagram before the incident in the waterfall... Most of these pics were taken with the Hipstamatic Disposable app; if you have the iPhone, it's a cool photo app to download.

Remembering Molly

2012-05-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sadly, the long weekend didn't kick off too well, as we had to put our dog, Molly, to sleep on Friday. After putting my other childhood dog, Cody, to sleep last year, we didn't expect Molly to have to leave us within a year and a half. She had cancer last August, and after surgery was rebounding and feeling just fine until a few weeks ago. A steadily decline since the beginning of May, Friday, we knew it was time.

Molly was always the princess, but she certainly told Cody and Barkley who was boss. Her first months with us, she hid behind the downstairs bathroom toilet in my mom's house. It was the funniest thing; we never knew why, and one day, she just stopped. Molly harassed Cody as he got older- all in good fun- and well, karma came back to her when we got the devilish Barkley last March. She taught him well in her year or so with him and gave us many great memories over her nearly 12 years.

There's something about losing a pet that gets you differently; someone once told me the worst part of having a pet is that we outlive them. That rings true now. The comfort comes knowing we didn't let her suffer, and she will always be in our hearts.

Various pics from my iPhone the last few months.

Happy Memorial Day!

2012-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hope you are enjoying the official kick off of summer like I am!

Follow my weekend fun on Twitter.

Images: all from my Pinterest via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Friday Faves

2012-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Glowing text installations @ Because I'm Addicted

Really cool; click the link for more.

Reader's home @ Desire to Inspire

The most amazing Swedish home - for sale!

Beachy Keen Guest Dessert @ Sweet Designs: Amy Atlas Blog

How cute & clever are these?!

Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding Shoot @ Style Me Pretty

So excited to see my Boston blogger friends in this beautiful shoot!

I am off to Rochester to celebrate Memorial Day and enjoy summer weather - have a great long weekend!

Portraits

2012-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

On the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, my brother asked me to do a portrait session. I've been the subject of some of his videos and photos in the past, but "modeling" (if you can even call it that) is not my strong suit. After a relaxing morning massage and going about my day sans-makeup, I decided to forgo getting dolled up and went au-naturel.

Photo 1 by me. Photos 2,3,4 by Kyle Ganson.

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Lone Star

2012-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Grilled avocado taco- highly recommend!

Mr. A's pork & beef tacos.

Maxi twinnies!

On Sunday, I met Mr. & Mrs. A for lunch at a new taco & tequila joint, Lone Star. A nondescript exterior, marked by just a single star, opens to a simple interior with cool accents like a machine-pulled series of ceiling fans, a giant, stuffed buffalo head, and an antique mirror that overlooked our corner table. The menu is simple too, and you basically order by the taco. Since the summer weather stuck around all weekend, I put on my new favorite maxi.

I wore:

The Webster at Target maxi dress
Benetton jean jacket
Old Navy rose gold sandals
H&M cross-body bag
Juicy Couture straw fedora
Ray Ban aviators

Backstage at a Fashion Show

2012-05-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Last Thursday night, two of my friends and I helped out backstage at a 2012 spring fashion show held at Bond inside the Langham Hotel. Models from Model Club, a Boston-based agency, wore clothes from Turtle Boutique and local menswear designer Scott James and had their hair and make-up done by Salon Mario Russo. I loved being behind the scenes; it was such a fun adrenaline rush when we had to change the models during the show. I have a new-found respect for Fashion Week.

Thanks to Marissa for asking me to be a part of this!

All pics by me except last two by photographer Richard Bertone.

The Olympics Go Vogue

2012-05-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

I am loving the cover story and spread in the June issue of Vogue celebrating the Olympics this summer. Annie Leibovitz captures the juxtaposition of the athletes taught forms & model Karlie Kloss's lithe body. Tonne Goodman's styling is perfect....Ryan Lochte's abs are too.

Who else is excited for the summer Olympics?!

Friday Faves

2012-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend is all about enjoying the warm weather and packing. Two weeks from tomorrow, I move into my own place down the street from my current apartment; my first time living alone! (more to come on this)

Have a good weekend and here are some faves.

Take me to the ocean @ Elements of Style
Loving these mason jar cookies! @ Sweet Designs: A Blog by Amy Atlas
Living In: Empire Records @ Design*Sponge
Really amazing hanging wedding centerpieces @ Ruffled
Eerie & beautiful photos @ Haute Design

Image via Cape Cod Collegiate

PS: I am still in shock over last night's Grey's Anatomy.

Favorite Beauty Items Under $10

2012-05-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

Favorite Beauty Items Under $10 by laviejaime featuring Maybelline beauty products

I am always interested to hear people's favorite beauty products, especially when they don't break the bank. Here are my go-to faves that I have narrowed down over the years of trial and error - each under $10!

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers: I have 3 colors in my bag constantly - Strawberry, Caramel, and Rhubarb. Adds just the perfect amount of color and moisture, plus it feels so light with that signature Burt's mint.

Q-tips: I use for any and everything like fixing make-up blunders, blending concealer, you name it. Whoever thought of Q-tips is g.e.n.i.u.s. (and rich).

Evian Mineral Water Spray: I initially used it for work travel hydration and now I spritz myself every morning. It's a nice wake-up call!

Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara: The best when I cannot justify Dior Show.

Burt's Bees Facial Towelettes: I look forward to taking off my make-up as the smell of these wipes is so nice!

Orly BONDER Basecoat: The best I've found. One bottle lasts me forever too.

What are your under $10 favorite beauty items?

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Gloucester Daytrip

2012-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

We went up to Gloucester for Mother's Day Sunday, which also happened to be my mom's birthday ("double special fun day!" - in her words). It was a cloudy drive up, but the sun broke out by noon, becoming perfect to beach walk & hunt for sea glass. Lunch at Latitude 43 of seafood - where I had a very delicious "Mediterranean Moscow Mule" - with a marina view capped off the afternoon.

I wore:

LOFT gray t-shirt
LOFT white shorts
Starfish scarf c/o Fresh Produce - been loving this piece lately!
J.Crew sandals
H&M cross-body bag
Fendi aviators - cheap cheap from Nordstrom Rack.

Photos by Kyle & me.

Tiffany RUBEDO

2012-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

This year, Tiffany & Co. is celebrating their 175th anniversary. I've been wearing Tiffany since I got the ever-popular Elsa Peretti Open Heart necklace and Return to Tiffany chain bracelet as a teen. To celebrate the 175th anniversary, Tiffany & Co. has created a new metal called RUBEDO™ that is a unique metal "marrying the richness of gold, the brilliance of silver and the warmth of copper."

This exclusive jewelry line will only be sold in 2012! I perused the website and found my favorite splurge & save options.

Splurge: Tiffany 1837 Cuff

Save: Tiffany 1837 Bar Pendant (wish list!)

Thanks to Tiffany & Co. for sending me information on this new metal and for this chic, silver thumb drive!

Weekend Scenes: Birthday

2012-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Birthday dinner at Rosa Mexicano.

Enjoying the delicious cucumber sangria.

Mini ceviche taco.

Birthday chocolate cake & wishes.

Thank you to all my friends and family for a fun 27th!

Friday Faves

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for the birthday wishes yesterday! After a busy week, I am looking forward to a weekend of celebrations for me and my Mom. Check out some faves to cap off the week! TGIF :)

Rustic wedding invitations featuring succulents...yes, please! @ Oh So Beautiful Paper
Pretty place settings @ The Sweetest Occasion
"Story of my life"- this just makes me laugh @ B*tch in the City
Cute DIY Instagram journal @ A Beautiful Mess
Behind the scenes photos of the Met Gala by Jamie @ From Me to You

image

27

2012-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today's my 27th birthday. This year, my birthday marks the same age my mother was turning when she had me. I was an early birthday present for her - born on Friday the 10th & her birthday on Monday the 13th. I am very aware of the fact that at my age now, my mom was becoming a young mom. Hard to believe!

Cheers to my 27th year bringing my first time living by myself in my very own apartment, more travels to places new & old (back to Florence in November!), and surprises around every corner. :)

Happy birthday to me & an early happy birthday to my Mom!

image from August 1986 | age 15 months old

The Met Gala in Sketches

2012-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am loving these sketches by Lucky Magazine's John Jannuzzi of some of Met Gala attendees from Monday night. My favorite is the one of Emma Stone; too cute! I only wish he had sketched Mrs. Claus, aka Kirsten Dunst (was not a fan!).

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Kristen Stewart (can't believe she's smiling) in Balenciaga

Dakota Fanning in Louis Vuitton

Lena Dunham in Wes Gordon

PS: Can I just say how much I heart Lena Dunham...if you are not watching GIRLS, you should be!

Cartoons via LuckyMag | Photos via People

Style Crush: Chloe Moretz

2012-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have a major style crush on Chloe Moretz. I cannot believe she is just 14 years old! Favoring statement making pieces with minimal accessories, I can't wait to see her style evolve.

in Stella McCartney | Valentino | unknown

in Christopher Kane

in Dolce & Gabbana

in YSL

in Kenzo

images via InStyle.com

Marco Island

2012-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Arriving to this view from my room!

Shell hunting

Outfits in the flesh.

Enjoying the sunset on Sunday night with co-workers.

Mini key lime pie!

Another walk on the beach.

I match the floor!

Bye bye, Marco Island.

Friday Faves

2012-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's the weekend, no better reason to :)

Enjoy yours and here are some faves:

Equestrian pictures in honor of the Kentucky Derby @ Habitually Chic
Really cool exploded flowers @ Because I'm Addicted
I'd love any of these bookshelves in my home @ exPress-o
Cinco de Mayo in a box! @ You are my Fave
Pretty inspiration in citrus and sky @ The City Sage
Amazing Spanish wedding @ Ruffled

image

What Blogging Means to Me

2012-05-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Coming up on my 3rd anniversary of this blog -June 3- I sometimes can't believe it's been 3 years. Other times, I think, it's been just 3 years? Really? During these three years, so much in my personal life has changed, yet so much has stayed the same. In thinking of potential anniversary posts, I've begun to reflect on what this blog & blogging really means to me...

A creative outlet.
A written voice.
A community of new friends.
A learning experience.
A humbling experience.
An exciting experience.
A source of inspiration for when I have none.
A pain in the butt.*
A time sucker.*
A reminder of reality.
A dream.
Just plain fun.

What does blogging mean to you?

* I mean these in both the good and bad ways.

Image from my first blog post.

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Florida work outfits

2012-05-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Usually my work trips are just for a one-day conference, but this one is three days, which means three outfits. I forced myself to not bring anything extra and fit into 1 small suitcase--usually no easy feat for me! Here are my outfits.

Shoes:

Nine West nude wedges - similar
Nine West 'Newby' platform sling back
Tory Burch yellow 'Reva' - similar
Tory Burch black patent 'Reva'

Outfit #1

Ann Taylor ruched dot top
Ann Taylor LOFT white cropped pants
Old Navy black cardy
Nordstrom BP yellow studs
Shoes: Tory Burch yellow flats

Outfit #2

Ann Taylor pleated collar white shirt
Ann Taylor navy pocket skirt - love!
Necklace via Style'N giveaway
Shoes: Nine West nude wedges or platform sling backs with different jewelry

Outfit #3

Ann Taylor dress - last seen here
Nordstrom BP white blazer - last seen here
Starfish cuff - in gold in silver.
Vintage nautical charm bracelet from Habit
Shoes: Nine West platform sling backs

Outfit #4 - night

J.Crew gold brocade top
J.Crew silver & gold belt
Francesca's Collection black pleated, midi skirt
Amrita Singh gold & ivory bangles
Gold studs from Italy (not shown)
Shoes: Tory Burch black patent flats or Nine West nude wedges

PS: follow my travels on Twitter!

Guest post: Eva Longoria's Guacamole with Baked Tortilla Chips

2012-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

With Cinco de Mayo just a few days away, my friend, Emily, of Simply Gourmet in Southie, shares this yummy home-made recipe!

Last September I was in Las Vegas for work and a group of us went to Eva Longoria's restaurant Beso.

Beso is located in City Center right off of Aria hotel and it is a Latin inspired steakhouse. I was really excited because I have heard great things about Eva's guacamole recipe and luckily it did not dissapoint.

Her recipe is very simple the only difference is that she uses lemon juice instead of lime like typical recipes. I'm a huge lemon fan, so I knew this was going to be right up my alley.

So in honor of Cinco de Mayo, here is my take on Eva's Chunky Guacamole recipe. Try it out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

Thank you Jaime for asking me to do this guest post!

**I have scaled the original recipe down. 3 avocados makes plenty!**

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

3 ripe avocados
2 medium ripe tomatoes
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 small lemons, about 4 tablespoons
2 teaspoons salt **I used sea salt**
1 package flour tortillas
Olive oil

Pre-heat your oven to 375 F. Brush both sides of your tortillas with olive oil. Cut into quarters.

Arrange on a baking sheet. Season with salt.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

In the mean time...seed and dice your tomatoes.

Dice your onion.

Chop your cilantro.

Scoop out your avocados. Save the pits - you can put them in the guac later to keep it from browning.

Mix everything together with the juice of 2 lemons until it is the consistency you like. Season with salt and pepper.

How easy was that?

Thanks again to Jaime and happy Cinco de Mayo! Now get me a margarita...

Me too!

My Favorite Apps

2012-04-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

As an iPhone and now iPad owner, I am always downloading new apps and love to read about others' favorites. I thought I'd share mine, and please let me know yours! In no particular order...

iPhone

Captio -The easiest way to send yourself an email.
Voxer - A walkie-talkie app that I use with my roomies.
Traffic.com - I always check the traffic before leaving work. It's very accurate.
Shazam - The easiest way to find out what that new song is on the radio.
Instagram - This is obvious.
Hipstamatic - My original favorite photo app. I love the vintage quality of the photos.
IMDB - I watch the newest trailers and look up actors/actresses.
Comcast Xfinity TV - You can set your DVR from anywhere!
Spotify - This is my go-to for music listening these days.
Cuptakes (iPad too) - These aren't called "wallpapers for girly girls" for nothing.
Slice - This app organizes & tracks all of your online purchases, and alerts you of status & delivery.

iPad

Flipboard - The best way to view all my Twitter, Google Reader, Instagram, and other feeds.
Draw Something - So fun, so addicting.
Words with Friends (iPhone too)--One of my favorite apps on both devices.
Read it Later | Pocket (iPhone too)--An easy way to remind yourself to read something.
The Collection - This app is for the New York Times fashion & style section and The Cut blog.
Kindle - I am not a fan of reading on my iPad, but when I forget my Kindle, this app comes in handy.
HBO GO--Love watching my favorite new and old HBO shows on this app while traveling.

image via Pinterest

Friday Faves

2012-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

I feel like this week flew by as quickly as this picture. I am off to Marco Island, Florida Sunday-Wednesday for a work event. I have a couple posts scheduled, including a guest post. Have a nice weekend and enjoy these faves!

a fun, springy color combo in food & fashion @ Coco + Kelley
cute backyard bbq party favors @ A Beautiful Mess
an ode to Billy ball flowers @ The White Library
I'd love to try these individual key lime cheesecakes @ Val So Cal
bright Bobby pins captured @ Vanessa Jackson

Art by Julia Denos

2012-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Ever since I saw fellow Boston blogger Noelani's redesign of her blog, Mon Petit Chou Chou, by Jessica Sutton & Julia Denos, I can't stop looking at Julia's cute, playful drawings. I am planning on getting my own place when my lease is up this summer; one of her pieces framed (this or this) may be my "apartment warming" gift to myself.

images via juliadenos.com