it rained on our parade!

We left the apartment psyched to try Paradou (OK, maybe I was just psyched. Paul had no idea where we were going) only to find out it's temporarily closed! So we went to Pastis instead and I'm so glad we did! If you live in the city and you haven't been there yet for brunch, DO IT.



















THEN, we did the farmer's market thing, stocked up on cheese, ingredients for the strawberry & watermelon mojito I gave you the directions to yesterday (completely worth trying) and other yummy picnic treats, came home and packed up the picnic basket. Literally, the minute we stepped out of the apartment, torrential downpour out of frigging nowhere. BUT, you can't cry on vacation (it's another rule), so we had one inside instead and Otis got to come.




All in all, a picnic indoors might have beat the one we meant to have outdoors. AND I found a use for that desk drawer I found outside. Here's another recipe (if you can call it that) that I just grabbed from Saucy's Sprinkles' blog that I made for the picnic: Raspberry and Chocolate Chips.


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out to finagle this and it was delish!

life isn't always a picnic, but today can be . . .

I think because it's summer and so beautiful outside, I literally lose it when I'm stuck indoors. This past week I was in a funk (in a woe is me type of mood), so I decided to do something about it. I'm pretending I'm on vacation this weekend. You should try it too.

This weekend I'm doing all the things I always wish I did but never do, packed in one weekend without tiring myself out. No cleaning. No obligations. No exercising unless it's yoga (I esp. love this one). No worrying about money (OK, maybe just a little bit), but you get the idea.

I have a Summer Friday today (off of work), so this is why I get to start early (don't hate me). Paul and I are going to brunch at Paradou because I always say I'm going to go but always end up in visiting the staples. Plus, going over to the west village is like traveling to me. I am always on the East side for whatever reason. And after, picking up food at the farmer's market because damnit, I want to go on a picnic!


Really? Why the hell not? There's a West African band playing at sundown in Prospect Park tonight, so this is perfect.

I think I'm going to make this:

Strawberry & Watermelon Mojitos




I have other ideas for this weekend, but I'll let you know about that later because Paul wants to kill me know for taking forever to leave.

And really, when you're on vacation, there's no need to plan.

What are you doing this weekend?

I want, I want, I want!

I LOVE this bikini top from Free People! I think I may need to purchase this for the Honeymoon (and hope I still like it 8 months from now!) I love this color, but I think I would pair it with completely different bottoms, like this one from Victoria's Secret (on sale for $21!)

will you wear this spoon?

I love these spoon rings! Maybe I can't afford all five right now, but how cute would it be to go in on it with four other friends? Friendship rings, anyone?

cute lil indoor herb garden

Who needs a real garden when you can have a cute little indoor herb garden in tea cans?? (Right my fellow apartment dwellers?) This little DIY project is self explanatory. Fun little project for the weekend. Pick some mint up from the farmer's market and bam, mojitos all night long! I'm just saying . . . someone should do it!

Unfortunately, I have zero sunlight coming in my apartment windows, but if anyone else decides to copy this idea, send me a pic!

a dream loft

Can you imagine ever leaving this? This dream loft just happens to be in Brooklyn, but I think one day I will make my bedroom look somewhat like this.

kNOT the hardest hairstyle

I admire those people who can manage cute hairstyles. Am I the only one who hasn't mastered the side braid?? I have a feeling there may be more challenged hairstylists out there, so I've decided to post an easy alternative (the knot braid).

Here’s how to get this very uncomplicated knotted ponytail:

TOOLS:

-light holding styling mousse

-comb

-small clear elastic

-large bobbypin



INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Apply a light holding styling mousse all over from roots to ends for texture and separation. Hair can be damp or dry. (If it’s dry, be sure it’s a light holding mousse or you could end up with a strong holding mess.)

2) Separate the hair over your shoulder into two pieces. The piece from the back should come forward and down (see photo).

3,4) Using your girl scout skills, tie hair into a simple knot.

5.) Secure the two ends together using a clear elastic. Once it’s in there, slide it up underneath the knot to conceal it.

6) I like to throw a bobby pin in there for extra security.

7) Back comb the ponytail a little for texture and then comb through it with your fingers to settle it.

Tip: Once the steps are complete, tug on it and mess it up a bit. This look is better when it’s a little disheveled!

Closet mirrors

I have a closet. It does the job, but I can't walk into it. If/WHEN I do get one, I'd like to set mirrors of varying sizes on the floor like this! A girl can dream though . . .

And here we go . . .

Hi there! And thanks for checking this blog out! It was a random move creating this, but I figure I'm always looking around for new design ideas, DIY projects, and other pretty things. Why not share?

I plan to post often, so I hope you'll come back! It'd be nice to know someone is listening!

-V