Preserving Summer

I can't believe we're about to enter the very last week of summer. I'm just not ready to say good-bye to picnics in the park, morning farmer's markets and sundresses. Won't you please stay?

To counteract the reality of the changing seasons, I've been stocking up on excessive amounts of my favorite fresh herbs. Pestos, infused oils and homemade sauces lend themselves perfectly to "preserving summer".

Pesto is one of my favorite spreads to make because anything goes.

My rendition is a somewhat healthier take on a classic, as less oil and cheese is used. And, the baby arugula adds a nice spice. Believe me, there's no lack in flavor.

Bon Appetit:: Adorable DIY Place Tags

I'm falling in love with our rooftop more and more every weekend. And, I know it will be especially appealing over the next few weeks, as the summertime heat and humidity breaks and gorgeous fall weather begins to arrive.

Now, that we have our own place, I'm always keeping my eyes out for unique entertaining details. Recently, I happened across these adorable place tags and immediately fell in love. Be sure to download them HERE!

Perfectly Pale Polish

Ever since I moved to New York to work in the beauty industry, I've been obsessed with nail polish. And, weekly manicures have become a necessity, while at the same time, an indulgence.

My signature color is, and will always be, Essie's A-List. It's the most classic, award winning, cool-toned red available (and believe me, I've tried many)!

However, with that said, for the days when my red nails have chipped and I need something to get me through the remainder of the week, there's nothing better than a light, neutral polish.

I thought finding the perfect shade would be easy, being that there a million sheer, white/pink/nude colors available. But, I was wrong.

This may be a slight exaggeration, but my year-long hunt for an everyday pale polish has come to an end! I'm thrilled!

It's time to say good-bye to Mademoiselle and Ballet Slippers... And, hello to Boy Best Friend. This classic, creamy mauve is easy to apply, streak free (finally!), and looks elegant both for work or with a little black dress for a night out.

I do product development for a living and wish I would have created this lovely shade... Enjoy!

Our Beautifully White Bedroom

I've always loved the elegance and sophistication of white interiors, especially in the bedroom. This look is especially fitting for spaces with a lot of natural light, like ours. 

To accent this brightness, and add a touch of warmth to the room, we chose the Parsons Bed from Room & Board. The hand-built frame is made from bold natural steel by artisans in Minnesota (yay!). 

When it came time to choose our bedding, the Mr. and I knew exactly what we wanted: Crisp, Italian linens (and, if they could be identical to what we were pampered with in Florence, Ravello and Amalfi, that would be great)!

There were two brands under consideration: Frette and SFERRA. In the end, we went with SFERRA. The quality of the fabrics are the best of the best!

Our duvet is the SFERRA Somerset. I did a lot of research prior to making this purchase. In the end, we decided to invest in a very high-quality piece to last many years. It's unbelievably light, extremely warm and very well constructed. We chose the SFERRA Orlo Collection for the duvet cover and sheets. I love how the modern design pairs perfectly with our bed frame. 

And, for a little extra coziness, I added a textured blanket. 

The SFERRA Kingston is elegant and is available in an array of colors. This would even be nice as a throw at the end of the bed. 

Sweet Dreams!

The Organized Chef

My favorite room in our apartment is by far the kitchen! I think this is partially due to the fact our home has beautiful stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher (!!!) and the space can fit both the Mr. and I comfortably at the same time... A luxury for downtown apartments in New York City.

And, to be honest, I'm pretty sure I enjoy organizing our kitchen almost as much as I enjoy cooking in it. Here are a few simple tricks that have simplified my cooking style and made it so much fun!

1. Location, Location, Location

Storing frequently used items near the stove is essential to simplifying the cooking process. All my heat resistant tools are organized neatly in a stainless steel canister for easy access at any time. And, because I constantly taste my dishes prior to serving, I like having a jar of sea salt and a pepper mill within reach for last minute seasoning adjustments. 

2.  Be A Clean Machine

Nothing is more unappetizing than a dirty kitchen counter or a sink full of dishes. Be sure to wipe all surfaces clean during meal preparations to prevent contamination and shorten clean-up. I also load the dishwasher, as I finish using cooking tools, so I don't have to spend additional time rinsing later. 

3.  Know What You Own, Use What You Have

It's time to say goodbye to the "catch all" drawer. Organize your cutlery and kitchen tools so you can easily see what's in your drawer. You'll be amazed at the time, energy and money saved. 

4.  The Coffee Nook

Kitchen preparations are much easier when "like" items are stored near where you use them. Especially when it comes to making my morning coffee.

5. Clean, Organized Shelves

Organize your shelves in a neat, logical way. Doing this will maximize space and protect your dishes from breaking. I like to keep everyday dinnerware together. Pots, pans and bake ware are stored in another shelf.

6.  A Perfect Pantry

A well, put together pantry is easy to do and essential for the at home cook. I like to organize the shelves by function: Baking, Spices, Snacks. Using airtight jars will ensure products stay fresh. And, be sure to seal bags tightly with clips. I purchase mine at the container store. When it comes to spices, I like to store mine in a small, bamboo box. That way, it can easily be removed while I'm cooking.

How To:: Textured Ponytail

Well, I've officially committed to morning workouts. All too often, my alarm goes off at 6:00AM (because I think I'm going to get up and go to the gym) and almost automatically, I press snooze and go back to sleep. But starting today, those days are over (yikes, I'm a little nervous)... Who's with me?

I figure the best way to make this new lifestyle happen is to expedite my showering/getting ready routine. Especially, reducing the amount of time I spend blow drying and curling my hair.

I feel like whenever I've worn my hair in a ponytail, I've hated it. Until now!

For a simple, textured ponytail, leave it to the expert stylists at Bumble and bumble.

The Olympic Games

It's hard to believe that the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics kicks off tonight. I'm excited and a little nostalgic. I was living in South Kensington during the summer of 2005, when London was awarded the Olympic bid. Never have I seen a city filled with so much energy. Seven years later, this extraordinary event is about to begin!

Over the next few weeks, I think it's about time we celebrate the Red, White and Blue with some Olympic-themed style... Go Team USA!

{Georgetown Cupcakes in Soho have the most festive Olympic inspired treats}

{Blue suede sandals are perfect to wear while cheering on Team USA}

{These cute charm bracelets from Alex and Ani couldn't be more patriotic} 

{A stylish combination of red, white and blue}

{MAC outdid themselves with this adorable packaging}

{Decorative garland and pinwheels make any event a little more fun}

{Classy style paired with Olympic gold jewelry}

*Images via: London2012, Georgetown Cupcake, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Alex and Ani, Atlantic-Pacific, MAC Cosmetics, Martha Stewart, Atlantic-Pacific. 

Hello:: Chobani Soho

We all know the strong love I have for Greek Yogurt... 

And today, I woke up more excited than if it were my birthday! Chobani, my absolute 'go to' brand, is opening a flagship Mediterranean-style yogurt bar one block from my office! 


If you've never tried Greek Yogurt, you're missing out on a little taste of heaven! Unlike the thinner, more sugary yogurts typically found in grocery stores, Greek Yogurt has a thicker consistency because of the way it's strained. And, best of all, it's extremely low in fat and very high in protein.


That being said, it's the perfect breakfast or anytime snack, in my opinion! 


After viewing the menu, I think it's safe to say this is going to be a success. Here are a few things I can't wait to try! 

Pistachio + Chocolate: pistachios, dark chocolate, honey, oranges, and mint leaves

Toasted Coconut + Pineapple: Pineapple, Toasted Coconut, Hazelnuts, Light Agave

Peanut Butter + Jelly: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Grapes, and Peanuts

Plain Chobani + Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper, Served with Pita Chips

A Day in the Park

We were thrilled to have our first house guests this weekend! My sister and her husband traveled here from Burlington, Vermont, to spend a few days with us in the city. As they tend to be quite "outdoorsy", the Mr. and I were excited to take our visitors on an urban hike in Central Park on Saturday afternoon. 

It was a gorgeous afternoon, and my brother-in-law's first time ever being here, so we certainly saw the sights! We entered on West 72nd Street, right at Strawberry Fields. This tranquil section of Central Park was named after one of the Beatles' best-known songs, "Strawberry Fields Forever." Strawberry Fields was officially dedicated on October 9, 1985 – the 45th anniversary of Lennon's birth. Yoko Ono worked with landscape architect Bruce Kelly and the Central Park Conservancy to create a meditative spot. The iconic black-and-white mosaic was created by Italian craftsmen and given as a gift by the city of Naples. Based on a Greco-Roman design, it bears the word of another of Lennon's songs: Imagine.


Next, we headed North East toward The Reservoir. Officially named the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in 1994, the Reservoir is famed for the 1.58 track that encircles the 106-acre body of water. This favorite jogging spot for a number of other influential people covers approximately 1/8th of the Park and hold over a billion gallons of water.


As we walked South, we found the Central Park Boathouse, packed with people renting row boats and eating lunch outside. We stopped on the bridge to enjoy beautiful view!


It was a lovely day! 

Lucky In Love:: Wedding Welcome Bags

After a wonderful weekend away, the Calgary Stampede has come to an end and the Mr. and I have returned home. No surprise here, my favorite event was surely the rodeo... Even though it rained for almost the entire afternoon! Yet, despite the rain, we had a great time cheering on all the cowboys in our attractive yellow rain ponchos. Hmmm, I don't think I've worn one of these for about 20 years. The last time had to have been walking around Disneyland with my family as a little second grader. Wow, do they work though!

Being back in Calgary, during such a festive time for the community, reminded me of how we tied the city's traditions into a few wedding details. We welcomed our guests visiting Canada with themed Welcome Baskets for a true taste of the New West. Inside each bag, we included a small note to greet our family and friends.

Many people attending our wedding planned to stay for several days to enjoy Calgary and the gorgeous mountains nearby. As there is so much to see and do, we also included a newsletter from us, detailing our favorite places and restaurants.

And, of course, no welcome bag is complete without snacks. We packed ours full with Minnesota's famous caramel corn, white chocolate cowboy hats from a local chocolatier, homemade snack mix and a bottle of artisan soda.

Finally, for a little more fun: Canadianisms. I mean, it's always good to be fluent in local lingo!

Country Time

There are many perks to living in the city. But sometimes, what I look forward to more than anything else, is some quality time spent in the country. Fortunately for us, the Mr. grew up in Alberta, Canada, so open farmland and the Rocky Mountains have become our 'go-to' whenever we need a little downtime.

I'm packing my bags as I write this post because we're headed to Calgary tomorrow. However, this trip may be a little less relaxing than usual: it's that time of year... Stampede!

While there's so much to enjoy, the event I'm most excited for is the Rodeo. The first time I attended, I was a little nervous to watch, but by the end, it was the best time ever! And, part of the fun is dressing up in full Western attire. My cowboy hat and boots are all set!

{Denim skirt and cowboy boots: country classic style}

{Every time I attend the Stampede, I always want to leave with a horse}

{Who's excited for Beef on a Bun? Yum, I can't wait} 

{Lake Louise: one of the pretties places I've ever been}

*Images via pinterest

Cold Brew Iced Coffee

A refreshing iced coffee is one of my favorite morning treats during the summer. And, surprisingly enough, it takes very little effort to make at home.

The secret to the perfect up: cold brewed concentrate.

I like to follow THIS recipe, from the NY Times. It yields two generous cups and tastes delicious with a little splash of cream and sugar.

Be sure to use good quality coffee. My personal favorite is Black Cat. It makes a difference, trust me.

Happy 4th of July

I woke up this morning extremely surprised, and relieved, to see bright blue sky and sun, because all week, rain had been forecasted. And, while it's seems a little strange to celebrate Independence Day in the middle of the week, it's also kind refreshing.

The Mr. and I plan to enjoy our afternoon at a rooftop BBQ with some friends and watch the fireworks later this evening over the Hudson River.

Happy 4th of July!

DIY:: Picnic Blanket

Well, I should have been writing my own post last night, but instead, I spent my time admiring all the other creative types out there! It's amazing how many great ideas you can come across, just by exploring a few blogs. 

This was my favorite find of the evening, by far! I'll surely be making this for upcoming afternoon get togethers in Central Park. Because, let's be honest, if you're going to have a picnic, you should probably have a stylish blanket. 

*Image and video from Design Love Fest

Sunday Supper:: Farro Risotto With Wild Mushrooms

Sundays are all about relxing and enjoying time at home before the start of a busy week. And, for me, it's the perfect time to try slightly more time consuming recipes that just aren't possible to make after a long day at work.

Many of these inspirations come from Martha Stewart's Cooking School. This is one of my favorite cookbooks because each dish is representative of a culinary technique, which Martha thoroughly explains to the 'at home chef'.

Today, the Mr. and I were in the mood for "healthy" comfort food, which, made it a great time to try risotto made with farro. Farro is an ancient Italian grain packed with many more nutrients than traditional rice and pasta. It's slightly chewey and has a very rich, nutty flavor.

To start the recipe, I made a quick vegetable stock. If I've learned one thing from this book, it's to always make your own, and never use canned. For the stock, prepare:

1 celery stalk, cut in half lengthwise
1 medium carrot, cut in half crosswise
1/2 small onion, peeled
2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
7 cups water

Combine stock ingredients in a 4-quart stockpot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting to keep stock hot, but not evaporating.

In another 4-quart pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Add 1/3 cup diced onion, and cook until transluscent, 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat if onion begins to brown. Add 1 cup farro to the onion mixture and cook for another two minutes.

Add 1/3 cup dry white wine to the pan, stirring just until absorbed. The farro should be glistening, but not dry. Using a ladle, add 1/2 cup hot stock to the rice. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, at a moderate speed, until about three-quarters of the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. This process should take 25 minutes, exactly.

When the farro has finished cooking. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. Allow to melt. Then, stire in 1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley and salt and pepper, to taste.

Ciao Bella

So, the Italians are advancing to the Euro2012 Cup finals and my sister-in-law is pursuing her culinary degree in Parma. Let's just say, Italy has been on my mind recently! 

After our wedding last year, the Mr. and I vacationed in Florence, Capri and the Amalfi Coast for more than two weeks. It was the most luxurious and memorable trip we've ever experienced. We're looking forward to going back someday to celebrate a milestone anniversary!

As we arranged our honeymoon, we separated the planning by city, so at each stop, one of us would be surprised. My husband was responsible for our weekend in Florence and he certainly outdid himself! 

{Walking through the garden to the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze}

We flew to Italy, from London, for a long weekend stay in Florence. As we arrived at our hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, I felt as though we were approaching a castle. Which in fact, we were.

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze occupies a 500 year old Palazzo, surrounded by the largest private garden in all of Florence. Everywhere we looked, the attention to detail was flawless. Even down to the 'congratulatory spread' that welcomed us to our room. After a full day of traveling, the fresh fruit, champagne and Italian red wine couldn't' have tasted better!

{Congratulatory bubbles to celebrate Mr. and Mr. Schneider}

While we both had been to Italy in the past, my husband and I had never been to this magical city together. Prior to our trip, we had grand plans of sightseeing and taking in everything the romantic city had to offer. However, that all changed when we arrived at our hotel. The grounds were so breathtaking and relaxing, we only left the Four Seasons once, to have dinner near the Ponte Vecchio.

During our stay, we splurged and enjoyed two days at the Spa. The space was calming and beautiful, and the perfect place to relax after a week full of celebrations and recent jet setting. We were even greeted with hibiscus tea and a chilled, perfumed towel, prior to our appointments. Leave it to the Four Seasons to highly exceed all expectations!

{The most luxurious trip to The Spa at The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze}

After our mornings at the Spa, we enjoyed walking around the estate. The private gardens had much to be admired. With gorgeous Italian fountains and sculptures situated along the trees and flowers, I felt as if I was exploring an outdoor museum.

September was the best time to visit Italy because the sun was shining every day. And, it was especially hot in Florence. Perfect weather for relaxing afternoons by the pool and treats of Pistachio gelato. 

Wise Words

*Images via Pinterest