Easter Sweets

Easter is upon us. Last year's Easter will be hard to top, but anytime we are able to celebrate a glorious event with family is a good time to me.

 

While the Easter season has seemingly been around since pre-Valentine's Day, I am especially excited for some sweet homemade treats. Don't get me wrong Cadberry Cream Eggs and Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs are quite possibly my favorite candy's during the year, but sometimes I just crave a little baked good that screams "Spring is Here!" (fingers crossed) ... or just more Reese's Eggs (cause who am I really kidding).

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What will you be enjoying this Easter, any fun recipes or plans? 

Art of the Flat

I wear flats almost everyday of the week. While its fun to dress up in heels, they are not as reliable as the tride and true flat (plus being 5' 7'' and adding heels makes me taller than most men in my office). 

I find myself gravitating towards the same few pairs of flats in my closet, all of the neutral palate. While shoes are a great way to add a little pop to any outfit, most days black or nude wins for me.

My go-to black flats are the Tahari Veronica Flats. They are a great pair to throw on and the elastic on the back ensures no slipping. However, they are not as supportive as I would like and am looking for my next go-to.


Tahari Veronica Flats

Here are my current favorite neutral flats, which ones do you like best?

Frye Regina Flat Black | Ferragamo Varina Black

Tory Burch Caroline Flat | Sperry Top Sider Bliss Flat Nude

Jack Rogers Slim Ballet Flat Silver | Abby Ballet Flat Silver

What shoes do you find yourself wearing most often? Are you a nuetral or color girl?

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Friends! This week seemed to drag on, so I am so excited for this weekend. Here are some of my favorites this weekend! 

Favorite Home Decor: Anthropologie Sea Glass Hurricane  I don't know whether I like this hurricane better as is or with a candle lit in it. Such a great accent piece to any room! 

Favorite Sweet: Fried Ice Cream Where has fried ice cream been all my life? I had it on a whim during an office lunch and became instantly obsessed. Hot, cold, sweet, creamy, crunchy, it is perfection in dessert form. 

Favorite Kicks: Fyre Esther Ballet Flats The perfect pair of casual leather flats. The Esther's are so versatile, I can imagine them with jeans or a sundress. Plus they come in 7 amazing colors. 

 

Favorite Pooch: Goldendoodles If I came upon one of these cuties, I would probably have to steal them. They make me smile just looking at them! 

Favorite Craft: Travel Keepsake Box I love to travel. But all my trinkets and memories from my trips end up in a junk draw. This is the perfect way to store and display those precious memories all in one place! 

Favorite Brunch: Poached Egg Sandwich Poached Egg. Bacon. Avocado. Chipotle Mayo. Could there really be anything better? (And I would eat this anytime of the day) 

Favorite Quote: My To-Do List I need to print this out and look at it each day, such great reminders, it truly is a girls' guide to loving life. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! 

See my past Friday Favorites here ... Edition 1 | Edition 2 

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San Francisco Trip

While I was on my blogging hiatus, I had the opportunity to travel to San Francisco for business. I was so excited to be able to go somewhere cool (it didn't hurt it was on my company's dime either) and make my first trip to the west coast.

I spent about 5 days in the Golden Gate City in the beginning of October (great time of the year to go) and while I was in a training class during the day, I tried to explore as much as I could during the evenings and wanted to share some of my trip.

I stayed at the Kimpton Hotel. I highly recommend this cute boutique hotel, the location is great - right by the Chinatown entrance and 2 blocks from Union Square - you are walking distance to many sites as well as close to trolleys and other forms of public transportation. Plus the hospitality was great. Since I was traveling alone (although I spent time with one of my training-mates), I had a lot of questions and asked for suggestions frequently. Plus, they had a "happy hour" every day with wine and gave me lots of free treats.

I loved how funky the decor was, boutique hotels are my new favorite! 

 Hand written note with snacks and wine halfway through my trip!

I arrived in San Francisco Sunday afternoon around 2:30 and wanted to get lots of sightseeing in since it was the most time I had uninterrupted. The concierge suggested I catch the "Hop on, Hop off Tour Bus" and while I am always skeptical of these, it was actually a great value and perfect for traveling solo.

We saw all the major sights including Chinatown, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood, Fisherman's Wharf, Civic Centre, Little Italy, Painted Ladies (Full House traditional row houses), Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and more!

The best part of the tour was the Golden Gate Bridge, it is not super close to the downtown area so it was the only time I could experience it. We stopped on both sides for photo ops and even drove over it, it truly is a sight to be seen.


Driving over the Golden Gate


The Golden Gate Bridge was even more stunning in person!

Monday, I walked the hilly streets to Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower. It is one of the highest points of the city and provides great views of San Francisco. Afterwards, I met up with one of training classmates for dinner in ChinaTown.

Amazing views from Coit Tower

Tuesday, I made a trip to Union Square for some shopping! They have every store you can imagine, its a shopper's dream!

Then I went to the Embarcadero (definitely go during the day) which is right on the water, with views of the Oakland Bridge. The Embarcadero is a cute little market that is bustling with restaurants and shops with unique products. During the day, they have stands set up outside with artists and craftsmen with great products. I wanted to get my sisters something from my trip, but we hate touristy items, so I went Friday afternoon and got us name bracelets from a vendor here, he made them custom in front of you!


The Embarcadero at night

I ended up being able to meet up with my boyfriend's college roommate for dinner and drinks in San Francisco, its always nice to see familiar faces plus he was able to give some great local suggestions. We met at Waterbar, a really hip restaurant with a great atmosphere and great views. They have a huge selection of oysters and great seafood.


Waterbar

Wednesday, I walked to Fisherman's Wharf (caution, very touristy) and walked around some of the shops before I headed to Ghiradelli Square! I knew I had to pick up some of the famous chocolate as well as indulge in the hot chocolate (a must). Then I ate McCormick's for some great seafood and views of the bay.


Views from the Wharf


Chocolate Heaven

Thursday was my classmate's birthday so she picked a seafood restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf for dinner. I do not suggest eating at the Wharf, the food was sub-par compared to the rest of my meals and service left something to be desired. The best part about that night were our trolley rides (again a must, and if you can stand on the outside one trip).


Powell & Mason Sts. Trolley


Posing on the trolley! 

Friday, after participating in a little Embarcadaro shopping, I walked to the famous Lombard Street aka crookedest street. This is a hike, but its a cool must see.

The one thing I wish I had done was an Alcatraz tour. My uncle suggested I do a night tour, but unfortunately you have to book those in advanced and not knowing my schedule I missed out on the opportunity. Additionally, I would loved to have walked around some of the neighborhoods but did not feel safe venturing that far by myself at night.

Have you ever been to San Francisco? What was your favorite part?

Calling all iPhone Gals!

Happy Hump Day! Although I thought yesterday was Wednesday all day long, I am happy to have made it half way through the week. Yesterday, I ran across the cutest golden retriever puppy as I loaded up my car for work and decided from that moment on it was going to be a good day, and it was! Sometimes you just have to remind yourself to put a smile on everyday!



About two weeks ago, I bit the bullet and bought an iPhone 5 (I know I am about 2 years late on this). Now I am a PC girl through and through, the only apple product I own is a five-year old iPod mini and I work in IT, so I was a little apprehensive at first about making the switch from Droid to iPhone.

But I have to say, I am loving my new phone. I think the best part is that I can group text with all my girl friends, and its all on iMessage (complete with emoji's of course). However, I am still learning some things and would love some suggestions!

First, I am in need of a case! I have no idea what to get. I originally thought I would want a slim otterbox but now that I have seen the plethora of options I am totally clueless.  All I know is I want it to be somewhat protective and cute, of course. What products do you love?


    

Additionally, I would love App suggestions. Currently, I have the basic apps... social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), games (Flow Free, 94 seconds, IconPopBrand, Candy Crush), and of course, Google Maps. What are some other Apps great apps?

     

What do you love about your iPhone, I would love any and all suggestions! 

Shopping Haul

So I may have gotten a little carried away this weekend. My shopping ban is officially over. Let me preface with the facts that ... 1. Spring is coming and I have yet to have been in the working world in the months of March-mid May. 2. I had a stellar coupon to Banana Republic (Friends and Family Sales are my jam). 3. I made it an outing of sorts with said friends and family.

When I got my BR coupon, I called up my Aunts to have a "girls shopping day." My aunts both have 2 children each in the 6-9 year old range, so it is difficult to coordinate schedules, but I am so glad we did. I typically prefer to shop alone, but sometimes you just need that little bit of help to weed through all the pretty things.

Geo Lace Top in White | Lace Overlay Shell
Blue Jacquard Dress (out of stock)
Sloan Slim Ankle Pant | Silk Pintuck Blouse

Let me just tell you, I liked everything I tried on, and I tried on about 12 items (I could not find a picture of the skirt I bought). And don't even get me started on the great Mad Men Collection, unfortunately that is never on sale and out of my price range.

Sunday, I planned a girls day trip to Williamsburg with my two besties. Friday, we checked the weather (rain all day) so we decided to make it an outlet and The Cheese Shop trip. I forgot how dangerous the outlets are. Plus I had extra amo with my BR and J. Crew coupons.


Sylvia Patent Wedges


Linen Cotton Mini

Do you ever have super shopping weekends? Have you found some good buys recently?

Friday Favorites

Hi friends, it is Friday, and this week I have a serious dose of TGIF! Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I am planning on some girl time with my aunts and a day trip to Williamsburg with my best girlfiriends, we all know girl time is the best time!  

I am here with another Friday Favorites! I loved doing the last installment, as it allowed me to purge all my great finds and ideas!

Favorite Quote: Travel Sometimes the excitement of traveling brings the anxiety of the unknown. This was something I dealt with on my trip to Paris, and the gorgeous part is not letting the unknown take you over. I always find trips bring me realization as well as the fun travel experiences.

Favorite Splurge:  David Yurman These diamond accented 18k rose gold morganite button earrings are to die for.  I could never justify their pricetag, but if these were in my collection they would be on constant rotation.



Favorite Party Idea:  Waffle Bar what a fun, new, creative idea! Anything that involves food and making your own creation is perfect to me.



Favorite Print: Sacre Coure  Combination of two of my favorite things, cute prints and Paris. After seeing Sacre Coure in person, this is such a fun twist on an elegant building. Plus I actually like that it is not as "well known" of a Paris sight.

Favorite Carolina Cup Dress:  Lilly Pulitzer Joslin Dress With horse racing season right around the corner, I am dreaming of pretty dresses and floppy hats. While I have never attended Carolina Cup, I am living vicariously through my sister who is a junior at Clemson.

Favorite Sweet:  Mint Chocolate Fudge With St. Patrick's Day this weekend, I might have to make this sweet treat in celebration!

Favorite New Blog Find: Young House Love This adorable Richmond based family (I am dieing to know what neighborhood they live in) took a blah house and has turned it into fabulous. While they have a lot of house renovation projects, they include great design ideas and tips great for anyone!

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

Layering Jewels

When I saw this photo on Pinterest, Layering in Gold, I fell in love. Everyday I wear rings and earrings, but I typically stray from necklaces. But a simple necklace, or two, can add dimension and fun to your outfit.

Lately, I have been trying the statement necklace trend. Bold pieces that make an outfit. However, in some instances, especially the working world, a bright pink bubble necklace just doesn't mesh. Therefore, I want to invest in some dainter pieces that can add some understated pizazz.

Adina Necklace

Sometimes you just need a punch of color. 

Libby Layering Necklace

This would add dimension to any pairing, perfect all around layering necklace! 

Dogeared "Love is a state of mind"

I love the idea of personalizing your layer to include your state!

Some other great inspiration pictures... 

Here are the two that are in my shopping cart. Pretty sure I will make them mine very very soon!

Piper Necklace in gold


Demi Layering Necklace 

Do you layer necklaces? What are your favorite necklaces to layer together?