Homemade Almond Milk

I recently became interested in almond milk when I had tried it incorporated into a smoothie.  It provided a creamy yet slightly nutty taste that really enhanced my snack between meals.  About six months ago, my fiancé decided to invest in the powerful Vitamix - the dynamo of a blender that can purée/ liquify just about anything in a moments time and let me tell you we have gotten a lot of use out of it from healthy green juices to silky soups.  One recipe that I wanted to try was homemade almond milk, which turns out to be so easy and less expensive then the store-bought counterpart not to mention much tastier.  Continue for more...

Christmas in July

Do you know that phrase Christmas in July?  I am personally into this idea, not for receiving gifts but giving gifts to loved ones.  I recently partnered with Uncommon Goods, the fabulous on-line retailer that is chock full of unique items including amazing gifting options for anyone on your list any time of year, to send a gift to someone that I love.  As many of you know my sister just had a baby and I am an auntie, I am quite obsessed with my nephew.  I was able to see him recently on my trip to Vermont and I didn't want to put him down.  I miss him so much!  I am surely going to be one of those aunts that spoils their nieces and nephews, and to get started I decided to send him a little present from Uncommon Goods.  When I was a child we played toys for hours, unlike a lot of kids today, constantly being tuned into an iPad or screen.  I wanted to send him something that all children like, so I sent him these Nursery Rhyme Blocks.  I am sure that he will love them for days to come.  Below are just a few of my favorite picks for spoiling other loved ones in your life during the summer months.  Continue for more...

I Love This Look: Folded Dress

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  We really enjoyed the cooler weather here in New York, it felt very refreshing compared to last week.  I am sad to report that my camera had an unfortunate accident and broke, yes, I am devastated, since my weekends typically involve photography. I am going to have to get a new camera body an expense I wasn't anticipating, luckily I have a few posts ready.  When it comes to dressing for work in late summer, easy and effortless is the way to go.  I love this look because it is so chic, yet can transition easily after work hours when dinners or happy hours are on the schedule. I hope that everyone has a great week!

Topshop Strapback Slip Dress / Loeffler Randall The Lock Clutch

Topshop Regina 2Part Sandals / Sheriff&Cherry D-Frame Sunglasses

Image via Stockholm Streetstyle

Little Bits of Happiness

(The wedding cake that I made - red velvet with buttercream and dotted with yellow Vermont wildflowers)

(A stunning view of New York)

Room to Outfit:: All White with Bits of Color

Something is so calming about an all-white bedroom with hints of color.  This bedroom is from an interior featured in the August issue of Architectural Digest and something has drawn me to it, perhaps it is the navy accent or the color on the wall.  Below is an outfit that has been inspired by this room.  

Topshop White Burnout Floral Skirt / Erdem Carmen Floral Printed Top

Bruno Magli Navy Bow Heels / Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer in Gold

MAKEUP FOREVER Acqua Cream in Gold

Image via architecturaldigest.com 

A Weekend Away:: Pawlet, Vermont

I think it is funny how life takes you on a winding path.  You might now know it about me, but my family moved to Vermont from Ohio when I was a freshman in high school and let me tell you, as a teenager, I hated every minute of it.  It was too small, there was nothing to do, the nearest shopping mall was thirty minutes away or almost two hours away (if you wanted a real mall, you know that is very important to a teenager).  When I graduated from high school, I high-tailed it to New York City, I traded the Green Mountains for tall city sky scrapers and never looked back. It has been nearly twelve years that I have been away and a recent wedding brought me back up there on different terms - I found myself relishing in the beauty of the rolling green hills, the wide-open spaces dotted with mountain springs and the field upon field of wildflowers.  I felt fortunate to be able to share a place that didn't really have that great of memories with my fiance and our (beyond happy) dog.  I hope you enjoy these photographs from Pawlet, Vermont and Mount Equinox in Manchester, Vermont.  Continue for more...

(A rustic barn)

Strawberry Hand Pies

When it comes to summertime berries, I definitely do not discriminate - blueberries, raspberries, currants and strawberries are some of my favorite things about summer.  Whether you pick your own, or swing by your local farmers market, these beauties are available and at their peak.  I recently picked up a pint of strawberries at the market and decided to incorporate them into individual pies, one of my favorite things to make these days.  I love creating person sized desserts, something about them is enduring, as seen here and here. Instead of making small tarts I settled on the hand pie, a hybrid between a pie and a pop tart.  The exterior is slightly sweet, thanks to the sanding sugar, while the inside has a strawberry jam-like goodness.  Continue for more...

I Love This Look: Leather Shorts & Denim

I hope that everyone had a fantastic weekend!  Vermont was truly wonderful, a little time away from the city to recharge my batteries. I have photos to come this week of our little country adventure, but in the meantime, I stumbled across this look that I just love - it combines two of my favorite staples, leather and denim.  This look is the equivalent to one of my favorite winter looks. I hope that everyone has a great week! 

Topshop Leather Shorts by Boutique / Splendid Cotton Tee

Moto Light Blue Denim Jacket / Rachel Comey Putter Boots

Image via Stockholm Streetstyle

My Wedding Inspiration

(A lot of rustic elements with greenery)

It has been a few months now since we have been engaged and I have definitely begun Pinning all of the images that will make our special day 'ours'.  We haven't set a date or a location but there are certain things that I would love to incorporate, here are just a few images from my board.  You can follow my other wedding musings here.  Speaking of weddings, I am off to Vermont for a wedding! I cannot wait to get out of the city and I am eager to take on my first baking commission - about 130 red velvet cupcakes and a red velvet wedding cake - photos to come! Have a wonderful weekend!

(Delicate lace details)

Kitchen Crush:: Farmhouse Chic

This month's decorating magazines are really killing it - from Lonny, Elle Decor to House Beautiful, I really want to move into each of the interiors featured.  This kitchen really caught my eye, unexpectedly though - typically I prefer an all-white kitchen with a lot of marble, but there is something about this one that I really loved.  I love this shade of blue and how the wallpaper really finishes it off.  I also love the 'farmhouse chic' quality of the sink, faucet and pot rack.  Here are just a few of my ideas to create this look in your own kitchen.  Continue for more...

Petal by Petal:: The Dahlia

The dahlia is one of those flowers that says, summer is here and in full swing.  These hearty blooms come in a multitude of colors and sizes that will please any floral palette that you might have.  I picked up these rich ruby beauties at the Flower Market here in New York  and was enamored by their hypnotic shade.  Continue for more...

Room to Outfit:: Emerald Green & Floral

I have developed a strong liking towards floral prints paired with darker shades like rich navy or deep emerald.  I recently stumbled across this interior on Pinterest and just fell in love with the moody green walls, the innocent floral printed wallpaper and the dark brown chairs. What do you like to pair your floral prints with?  

ALICE by Temperly Heron-Print Jumpsuit

Sophie Hulme Envelope Mini Floral Print Shoulder Bag

Madewell The Louie Sandal

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Wild Rose

Interior image via here

Fishkill Farms & Cherry Clafouti

For as much as I love living in the city, I also love escaping from it.  A day in the country is something that is definitely not over-rated, being among green grass, swaying fruit trees and a refreshing breeze is something that everyone can benefit from.  Recently we ventured to Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, NY - you might recognize this farm, it is where we also go apple picking (post here), this time though, it was cherries, tree upon tree of beautiful ripe cherries.  I could have picked every last piece of fruit off of every tree, but it was nearly 100 degrees the day that we went, so I decided to stop after a few pints full.  Upon returning home the question of the day became, what to do with all of these cherries? I decided to make a Cherry Clafouti, the delectable French dessert from the Limousin region of France.  This dessert has a rich vanilla custard and is surrounded by the sweetest and juiciest cherries, also this recipe could not be easier. Also, just a little blog note, now you can Pin directly from my photographs! Continue for more...

Little Bits of Happiness

 (The Brooklyn Botanical Rose Garden in full bloom - heavenly)

(Brunch at Maison Premiere - the decor is fantastic)

Inspiring Interiors:: The Perfect Side Chairs

Have you checked out the new issue of Lonny?  It is their travel issue and it is fabulous!  Flipping through the issue reconfirmed my need for two comfy, yet sophisticated side chairs.  About six months ago, I came across two navy French parlor chairs at Housing Works Thrift Shops here in New York, but I hesitated, but then a trip back to the store revealed that I was too late, they were gone.  I am still thinking about them (sigh) anyways, my search has begun again.  Here are some of my picks, I am gaga over any bergere chair.  Continue for more...

Guest Post MadeByGirl:: Blueberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble

I am very excited because today I bring you my new site! This has been a long time coming and I couldn't be happier with the results! I worked with the wonderful Victoria of Vivaleur and the blog vmac + cheese and I think the result really captures the essence of the blog.  

On another note, I am guest posting over on MadeByGirl sharing a summer dessert recipe for Blueberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble.  Head on over to check it out or continue for more!

Hand-crafted Beauty:: Savon de Marseille Soap {I HAVE MOVED TO ROSE &IVY JOURNAL!)

To discover more beauty, please visit Rose & Ivy Journal by clicking here!

I have long been a lover of bars of soap and I will be the first to say that liquid shower gel has never been in my beauty repertoire.  During college I worked at a beauty boutique that sold many luxurious soap brands from France and it was there that I really fell in love with bars of soaps from brands like Prè de Provence  and Claus Porto.  One of my favorite types of soap is Savon de Marseille which is a luxurious soap that has an olive oil base and is infused with French green clay.  Savon de Marseille has a storied history and has been around since the 1600s, it is typically made with water from the South of France, French olive oil and clay and is left to dry in the breezy Mediterranean air. This soap is loved because it is incredibly gentle and can be used on all skin types, especially sensitive skin and can be used on the face and body.  This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and the result is pure luxury - it is gentle on my skin and the clay is great at removing impurities that summer weather can bring.  Once finished, you will be left with a lot of soap, so it makes an amazing gift to give just because.  Continue for more...

I Love This Look: The Maxi Dress

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and had a wonderful 4th of July here in the U.S.  I really enjoyed  the time off from this space, I really needed to unplug and just enjoy the summer.  But I missed you guys!  Summer is in full swing here in New York and the past few days have been around 90 degrees with sweltering humidity, but I am not complaining, I was cold for far too long.  You can definitely survive the heat with the right outfit and the maxi dress is the perfect solution - it is light and breezy, yet still super chic.  I love this look spotted outside the Fall couture shows currently taking place.  I hope that everyone has a great week! 

Suno Organza Maxi Dress

Topshop Figaro Cross Strap Sandal

Marni Textured Shoulder Bag

Illmasqua Lipstick in Plunge

Image via Stockholm Street Style

Under the Blossoms & A Little Break

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! I am going to keep this short today, since I have decided to take a one week break, given that this is a short week due to the July 4th holiday.  Find me back here next Monday!  Also, I'd love it if you would follow me over on Bloglovin' (you can follow here) since Google reader has sadly come to an end; you can also follow my adventures on Instagram, here.  Have a great week and a happy holiday if you live here in the United States! Until then, I leave you with a stunning editorial from Vogue Japan, where model Bette Franke is enveloped by an endless bunch of cherry blossoms.