BELATED 4TH OF JULY

Hope you all enjoyed your 4th! I was a bit disappointed that the holiday landed on a Wednesday this year. It threw off my work week (I am assuming everyone else's too), and I would have much rather had a three day weekend. I spent the day here in New York with Chanelle. We enjoyed our usual feast at Smoke Joint (see a previous post here) in Brooklyn, made amazing homemade sangria, and of course I had to contribute some fruit pizza. It was a weird feeling not being with my family back home for the 4th, but it was my first time seeing fireworks in the city! We got a great view of the fireworks from the rooftop, and it was a relaxing day spent with good company.

ST. PATTY'S PHOTO DIARY

 St. Patrick's may just be my new favorite holiday. I remember my grandmother would always be decked out and accessorized in everything St. Patty's. I woke up to a text from my mom saying, "Wear some green for Nanny." Although I probably would not measure up to how she would be celebrating, I did enjoy the day to the fullest. And, I wish I would have had some brighter green to wear. There's always next year for that though! The morning started off with coffee of course, but this time with a hint of Baileys. Yum! The Baileys did not end there- it snuck up in some other things throughout the day (and night). Chanelle and I ventured out to the grocery store and loaded up with everything to make Guinness cupcakes. Our first experience ever making them. And it is safe to say, we are huge fans now. We followed the recipe that Breann posted, and it did not disappoint. Chocolate cupcakes with a splash of Guinness, gnache made with Baileys, and Baileys icing.. hello, heaven!

After spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen baking away, Chanelle and I went out searching for some Irish pubs in Brooklyn. We wanted to avoid the craziness that was taking place in Midtown. I enjoyed fish n' chips for dinner and then went on to enjoy some real Irish drinks. Thank goodness I am a huge Guinness fan. Oh, and did I mention that this year was the only year that St. Patty's would fall on a Saturday while I am in my twenties? Good thing I enjoyed it!

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS

Well, this year was a bit different than any other Christmas. I spent Christmas Eve working (for eleven hours, if I may add). It was not the typical Christmas Eve I was used to. Christmas Day, however, was a bit more fun! Here are some random shots I took throughout the day. I spent the afternoon in Harpers Ferry with my friend, watched Christmas Vacation, had a cup of coffee in my Christmas mug from Paris, and just enjoyed time with family and friends. My brother and his new wife were in Canada with her family. This is the first year I have not spent Christmas with him. But.. it's a good thing I have two brothers, haha. My oldest brother and his wife came over for a little celebration and of course to partake in our Christmas tradition.. cinnabons! I look forward to it all year! My sister-in-law got me the best gift ever, Belgian waffles. I got addicted to them while I was in Europe last year, so I was one happy girl when I unwrapped the box!

Now, it's almost time for NEW YEARS!! 

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HOLIDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO

Yesterday, I spent my Sunday morning preparing brunch for my friend Brianna and I. Sadly I only got photos of the table and not of our outfits! We hardly have time to spend together because of the crazy schedules we have had so it was nice to relax and catch up. On the menu was bacon and spinach quiche. I used this recipe, and it turned out quite tasty! On the side, I served a little salad tossed in balsamic. We also had fruit and coffee (duh). Now that college is over and I have time, I have decided I want to cook more. It's always been something I enjoyed, but never could find the time. Now, what should I make next!?

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CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE DESIGN HOUSE

As promised, here are some more pictures from my Saturday spent over in Lucketts. The Design House was having a weekend event before closing down until February! So happy I made it over there. They had the most amazing decorations that started even from the outside. I enjoyed a fresh donut and hot apple cider from a little truck that was set up in front of the store. Probably the best donut I have ever had.

I also had the chance to meet the author of Gourmet Gifts, Dinah Corley. Oh, and her adorable little dog Fanny too. Dinah signed a book for my aunt, which I will be giving to her for Christmas. I thought it would make the perfect gift! I may just have to steal it from her though; I already see so much I want to make! She was giving out little samples of butter cookies that she made, and I must say they were delicious! You can check out her website and blog here.

P.S. - There are many more photos to share with you. Lots and lots of Christmas inspiration to come!

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'TIS THE SEASON

Happy December! 

I cannot believe this month is already here, which means it's almost Christmas time. Crazy, right? As I said before, some holiday inspiration would show up from the antique store I visited a few weekends ago. See my previous post here. Cannot wait to find some time, go chop down a Christmas tree, and start decorating! It's such a happy time of the year. Christmas will be even better this year since I will be free from the worries of college life. Only a few more weeks until I say goodbye to college and earn my degree. Woo hoo!

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