One of Those Perfect NYC Weekends...

I am still laughing and reminiscing (and recuperating cause I'm old) from the whirlwind that was this past weekend. The best part of the long weekend was getting to see a few of my friends from elementary/middle school including my friend Andrea, who was in town from Seattle for a few days. 

Andrea and another classmate from out of town planned a reunion since it's been a long while since we've all seen each other. But after seeing the "attending" list on Facebook, I was dead set on not going. Not knowing the backstory, it may seem a bit childish. But if you've ever had a tough time in school and been bullied (and to a physical extent,) there are just some people that you just never want to see again, under no circumstance. (Unless there is a million dollars involved...)

I was really sad to miss out, but I didn't want to miss out on seeing Andrea, so we made other plans for the day. We met up earlier in the afternoon (along with two of her friends who were super sweet!) had lunch and observed the beauty of Grand Central station (we even saw a couple get engaged!), shared macarons at Laduree, and enjoyed window shopping down a very quiet Madison Avenue.  I was really enjoying the afternoon and as fate would have it, there was a cancellation by said attendee.  I never told Andrea why I wasn't attending, but once she told me the news, the cat was out of the bag. I couldn't be happier that I could now attend the reunion, with no worries. It was so great catching up with everyone, bowling at Lucky Strike, having dinner at Sea, walking The Highline (my absolute favorite place!), and just enjoying the city on a beautiful summer night. From all the food, to the laughs, to the perfect twist of fate, I really could not ask for a better weekend to end the summer with. 

Last Minute Summer Musts...

I'm quite happy (and a bit shocked )with all that I have been able to cross off of my summer to-do list. From berry picking, to the farm, for once I have allowed myself to relax a bit , come off of a schedule, and enjoy the spontaneity of the season. With summer so quickly coming to a close, there are just a few things more that I want  to do, to finish the season off right.

Go on a picnic

S'mores around the campfire (without actual camping...)

Go to the beach. (I have not been to the beach for the summer!)

Start planning for next years trip(s)

Spend the day at the vineyards
Mystic, Connecticut
One last summer hurrah: BBQ or clam bake?

What are some things you hope to accomplish before the summer is over?

Rhode Island

As much as I thought "staying local" for the summer was going to suck, I have to say, I have truly enjoyed it! Last week, la familia and I headed up to Providence, Rhode Island for a few days, and while I wasn't sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. If you saw any of my instagrams or tweets, then you probably already know that I absolutely fell in love with the place.  (And already planning a trip back in the fall.)

Since Rhode Island was completely new to us, (and no one was in the mood to wing it...) we were really happy to learn about the tours from Experience Rhode Island, a company owned and operated by three brothers from Rhode Island. We did two tours with them, one on Tuesday with Jonathan around Providence, and another with Ted on Thursday to Newport, famous for it's historic mansions, lighthouses, and gorgeous coastline. Both days were filled with the rich history of The Ocean State, incredible scenic views, and lots of fun.

Despite my hesitance, I really did enjoy my trip to Rhode Island, and would definitely go back in a heartbeat. From the pace of the not-so-frenetic city, to the coastline, to the food*, and best of all, the time spent with family, I couldn't ask for a better trip!

*(Unlike my Maine trip, I did not take any food pictures, but if you are ever in the area, Chez Pascal, Hemenway's, and CAV  are an absolute must. Easily some of the best meals I've ever had.) 

DePasquale Plaza, Federal Hill

If you saw that video I posted on Instagram, it was taken here. If you haven't seen that video, watch it. 

Eisenhower's summer house

St. Mary's Church, where Jackie Bouvier and John F. Kennedy were married. 

One of many mansions in Newport, Marble House, the summer home to William and Alva Vanderbilt. 

The Chinese Tea House behind Marble House where Alva Vanderbilt, a leader in the women's suffragette movement, would hold rallies for women's right to vote.

Beavertail Lighthouse

I love you this much!

Trips and vacations are truly some of my favorite parts of summer. This will probably be my last one which means only one thing: summer is coming to an end! 

Shrimp Ceviche

When it's too hot too cook and I'm sick of eating ice cream, (which is never, let's be real here...) one of my go-to summer dishes is ceviche. 

Initially, ceviche freaked me out since the shrimp (or fish) is cooked not over a stove, but in citrus juices in the fridge. My mind changed after making it for myself and I quickly came to love how easy and versatile it was! Since I was in the mood for a "sweet and heat" combo, (as if last week's heatwave didn't make things hot enough!) some chopped mangoes and jalapeños* made for the perfect pairing. Served with corn tortillas, tortilla chips, in lettuce cups, or over a salad, ceviche is the perfect snack, appetizer, light lunch or dinner. 

*If you so brilliantly touch your eyes or nose after cutting the jalapeño like I did, a cotton swab doused in milk and applied to said area stops the burn and relieves the pain. That miserable, miserable pain. 

SHRIMP CEVICHE WITH MANGO AND JALAPEÑOS

1 pound of fresh medium sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup of lemon or lime juice

1-2 mangoes, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (seeds optional!)
Drizzle of olive oil
Salt and pepper

Optional: Cilantro

OPTION 1: Place the cleaned shrimp into a pot of slightly salted boiling water. Let cook until just pink, drain, and run under cool water. When the shrimp is cool enough to handle, cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, and place into a glass or non-plastic/reactive dish. Pour the lemon or lime juice over the shrimp, making sure every piece is covered. Place in the fridge for half an hour to an hour. 

OPTION 2: Cut the cleaned shrimp into bite sized pieces. Place into a glass or non-plastic/reactive dish and cover with the lemon or lime juice. Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours, until the shrimp turns pink, signaling that it is cooked. Stir every few hours to ensure that all of the shrimp is being "cooked."

Drain the citrus liquid from the shrimp and set aside. In a bowl, add the mango and jalapeño pepper to the shrimp, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle a bit of olive oil, and toss to combine. Serve immediately, or let sit in the fridge for half an hour to let the flavors meld.

I've been on a bit of an endive kick lately...

Summer To-Do List

I was getting a little nervous that summer was taking a rain check, (literally) but since the temperatures are beginning to warm up again, I am starting to think that my favorite season has not been canceled after all. This post grad period has had it's moments, but I have a feeling that my funemployment is coming to an end. At least I hope and pray to God that it is. 

With my last few weeks, maybe months of freedom, and the official start of summer just days away, I'm making (yet another) list of things I hope to do and check off this summer. (You can check out last years list here, and don't be surprised if they look similar...)

via

Make some more headway on my 25 before 25 list.
See how New York does Bastille Day.
Try macarons. Again.
Get a glimpse of Manhattanhenge.
Go berry picking.
Learn to love the local beaches.
Get an ice from Ralph's.
Check out the Rain Room at MoMA before it closes.
Relive camp days by making s'mores...Paleo-fied of course.
Go to a baseball game. (The last time I went to a Met's game, it was at Shea Stadium...)
Take a trip down the (Jersey) Shore.
Go to a farm. Befriend the animals.
Eat my way through Smorgasburg. (Can't believe I've never been!)
Start making a cookbook with family recipes.
Do something completely spontaneous/out of my comfort zone, and roll with it. 

What is on your summer to-do ? Any trips or special things planned?

The Ocean Avenue Collection by Warby Parker

If my "dressing" post was any indication, summer style to me is all about having pieces that are "ready to go" at a moments notice. With all the happenings of summer, that last thing I want to do is waste time getting ready as every second of the season is precious. 

In addition to easy pieces, I also love having pieces that represent the feel of the season and bring back nostalgia of summers past. Enter the newest collection from Warby Parker, Ocean Avenue. Inspired by Coney Island/NYC in the 1979 film The Warriors, the collection features eight pairs of eyeglasses and fourteen pairs of sunglasses in styles and colors like Cream Soda, Sea Glass Blue, and Driftwood, making them the perfect "throw-'em-on-and-go frames." Looking at the collection, I was quickly reminded of my own summer adventures, including those at Coney Island, starting the day at the aquarium, going to Nathan's for lunch, and playing games and going on rides on the boardwalk until it was time to go home. Those memories always remind me that the summer is all about adventure and embracing the moment-no matter where it is or how simple it may be-and the Ocean Avenue collection truly embodies that feeling of the season.

So whether you are spending summer near Coney Island or Coronado Island, at the beach or at work, Ocean Avenue reminds us that while an official summer break may be a thing of the past for most of us, we should act like it anyway (responsibly of course!) and live for the moment of the summer season, even if it's just a kiddie pool in the backyard.

A few of my favorites from the collection include...

Dutch in Newsprint Grey

 

Beckett in Driftwood

Jasper in Orange Fizz

 

Preston in Sea Glass Blue

Jules in Ginger Lemonade

Roosevelt in Chocolate Soda

To see all the frames, head on over to Warby Parker, and as always with every pair of glasses that is purchased, a pair will be given to someone who needs it. (Can't express how much I love this program!)

Disclosure: While I was contacted by Warby Parker regarding this post, the views and opinions of the collection are all my own. 

Gold

Outside of the summer months, with the exception of a single watch, gold is not something I typically wear. But once the weather does warm up, the few gold pieces I do have are put into heavy rotation. From hoops, headwraps, and aviators, I love the way these golden details compliment my summer wardrobe. And a tan, of course! 

(Random side note: Gold is also one of my favorite songs on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' The Heist/ the inspo for a few of the the pieces currently in my shop.) 

images via: one/two/three/four/five

p.s. I've hit so. many.  a few technical difficulties in this blogger to wordpress switch, so yeah, taking a bit longer /more effort than I anticipated. Doesn't help that technical things drive me absolutely mad...

Flat Espadrilles

Along with sandals and flip flops, my favorite summer footwear would definitely have to include espadrilles. (I also just really love saying espadrilles.) Heeled and wedge versions have always been a staple, but in the last two years, I have really grown to love flat pairs as well. They instantly "summer-ize" a basic tank and shorts, and best of all, they are super comfortable, perfect for walking around. Given that my knee is in the process of healing, flip flops (and the lack of support) are currently a no-go, unless it's to the nail salon or the beach. Till then, flat espadrilles it is. Not that that's a problem or anything...

ASOS / Old Navy (more colors here) / American Eagle / Soludos

Summer Skin

If you couldn't tell from yesterday's post, I have summer on the brain. And if May goes as fast as April did, in just a few short weeks the weather will be warming up nicely and summer will be (un)officially here. #cantwait

To get ready for bare leg (and arm) season, I've been doing a bit of prep. You see, no matter how much I try to moisturize and limit the amount of scalding hot showers I take during winter, once spring rolls around, my skin still looks dull, dull, dull. Thankfully, with the help of a few of my favorite skincare products, once the weather warms up, I will be ready for my favorite shorts and skirts. That is once I buy them...

Daily: Lavender soap from Trader Joe's

This soap was an impulse buy last summer as I saw "lavender" and "France" on the label, and was immediately transported back to Provence. It's become a staple since it's not just moisturizing, but the little bits of lavender in the bar offer a gentle exfoliation on a daily basis. And of course it smells amazing.

At Night: Bio Oil and Palmers Cocoa Butter

I have been using Bio Oil and Palmers interchangeably for old scarring and yes, stretch marks. I really can't tell which one is better, but I do know they work and are really moisturizing. I love using Bio Oil as my nighttime moisturizer as I wake up with the softest skin ever.

Weekly: Trader Joe's Lavender Scrub

Have you picked up on the fact that I love lavender/skincare products from Trader Joe's? My favorite scrub ever. Super moisturizing and incredibly effective. 

Weekly Occasionally: Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Mist

With no time for a lotion, I first used this tanner right before graduation last year. I've kept a backup supply ever since. Even though it is a spray, it's super easy to apply and looks very natural as well. Also, thanks to Chelsie, I now know it come in a lotion as well!

Daily: Lubriderm Daily Moisture with SPF 15 

Can I be honest? My use of sunscreen is sometimes abysmal and relying on the minimal SPF in my lotions and face products is just not enough! I got the bejesus scared out of me last summer in Bermuda when I learned that the UV for the day was listed at 10 or very high and I had ZERO sunscreen on. I've been making a conscious effort to protect my skin as much as I can, and have starting incorporating lotions with SPF, until the heavy duty sunscreen is needed for the summer sun. While I love my summer skin products, nothing beats having healthy skin to put those products on to begin with. Amiright?

What are some of your favorite spring/summer skincare items?

Summer Travel

Is it too early to be thinking about summer travel? I hope not because it is all I can think about at the moment. There are so many things I love about summer and travel is definitely one of them. 

While I would normally be in midst of planning some sort of trip for the season, things are a bit different this year. As hard as it is for me to admit, this is still my situation, and as much as I would love to be prepping for a cruise or other weeklong destination vacation, right now, the chances of that happening are slim to none. Instead, this summer will be all about day trips and weekend getaways that are close to home and satisfying to my wanderlusting soul.

L-R: Maine, Cape Cod, Long Island Wine Country, Montauk

Since my sister lives in Maine, this one is a no brainer. Besides the scenic views, and shopping at L.L. Bean, what I am most excited about for this trip is the food!  As "the foodiest small town in America," you better believe I want in! Bring on the good eats, and of course, lobster.

When I think of the quintessential summer destination, Cape Cod is usually the first place I think of. Since I didn't get to make it up there last year , I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can make it happen this year. Sun, sand, and Sperry's. 

Staying close to home, visiting the wineries on Long Island is also on my list. It wasn't until a few summers ago did I even realize that LI even had it's own little wine country to begin with! What better way to spend a summers day than with a delicious wine and a cheese platter? 

FUN FACT: One of the wines served at the Inauguration luncheon this past year was from a LI winery! 

Also on Long Island and on my list is Montauk. While many go for the weekend, Montauk is one of my favorite places to go for a fun-filled day trip since it's so easily accessible by car (and even train!).

Where are you headed or looking to go this summer? What are some of your favorite destinations that are close to home?

Summer To Do List

Summer. Without a shadow of a doubt, the season is in full swing. Besides the heat, what isn't there to love about this wonderful season? The BBQ's, the longer days, the carefree outfits and laid back atmosphere, it's all just wonderful. With the exception of vacations, I typically don't like to do too much planning as I feel that summer is a time to embrace spontaneity. However, there are a few things that I hope to do:

• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (on a not too hot day of course)
• Visit (for the first time) The Guggenheim
• Explore NY in general. One thing going to school in Brooklyn Heights taught me is that there is so much of NYC that I still need to explore. 
• Be a tourist for a day. Statue of Liberty and all. 
• Make the most of summer produce from the Farmer's Markets.
• Improve on my photography. (I haven't picked up my camera in weeks...)
• Visit New England and DC.
• Revisit and (try to) perfect macarons (see here for my failed first attempt.)
• Finish redecorating my room (finally put pictures up, making progress).
• Make a grilled pizza. 
• Pick back up learning Italian.
• Catch up on some reading.
• Embrace the season in its entirety
  

Speaking of reading, thank you for all of your responses via comments and Twitter per my last post on e-readers. After spending about a month weighing the pros and cons, I decided to go ahead and purchase the Kindle Touch. I started to regret it after I opened the box, but after downloading a book last night, I can say I truly love it. As someone mentioned to me "reading is reading" (thanks Hannah).

So tell me, what are your plans for summer? Reading anything good? 

Summer Shopping List

Summer is right around the corner and like every season, there are a few items I just can't wait to add to my wardrobe. Besides denim shorts, tees, and maxi's, these are the five items I will be picking up for the warmer months:

[Featured]: TUNIC: The Webster at Target $29.99, ESPADRILLES: ASOS $13.92, DRESS: American Eagle $49.99 BLAZER: Ralph Lauren, NAIL POLISH: Essie $8

1. Tunics: When I shop or browse online, I noticed I  have been gravitating to tunics in bold, fun prints. I imagine them simply with a pair of shorts and a flat sandal for a casual day out. 
2. Flat espadrilles: Espadrilles are the footwear of summer. Lots of walking make a flat pair an essential for my summer wardrobe.
3. Lace/crochet tank dress: I love the LWD (little white dress) for summer. I like the idea of one that is crochet or lace (that's not too heavy) for a simple summer look. My favorites are this lace dress and this crochet dress from American Eagle and this crochet LC Lauren Conrad dress from Kohl's.
4. Navy blazer: I love the nautical look and have always wanted a navy blazer with gold hardware. I think I will pick up this one from The Webster at Target.
5. Essie nail polish: Hello. My name is Alyssa and I am (severely) addicted to Essie nail polishes. It seems that every time I go to to Target, I can't help but browse (and often buy) a new polish. To make matters worse, I just found out that Macy's is now carrying Essie as well. I am owning it and adding these two new colors (Going Overboard and Cute as a Button) for a fun pop of summer color.

What are you looking forward to purchasing this season?