Friday Five

Friday is finally here! I have been M.I.A. for a while, but I am back and feeling quite inspired. I hope everyone enjoys a great weekend. In New York, it is going to be sweltering, so stay hydrated. Here are my five favorite things for this week. Enjoy!

1. Photoville NYC -  Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront, this unique photography exhibit is made up of freight containers "transformed into temporary exhibition spaces." There are many photography styles and techniques used throughout the exhibit and it all comes together into a large, ecclectic mix that can appeal to anyone who enjoys photography. Showcasing works from amateur photographers (the "underage" section featured works by artists all under 18), student photographers and professionals, Photoville had something that could speak to everyone. The scenerey was enjoyable, the selection of food trucks were great and the workshops offered were very interesting. I went to Photoville last weekend and was thoroughly impressed. f you have time this weekend, check it out before it closes. Oh, and if you like to spend time with your dog on the weekends, Photoville is very animal friendly. There is even a dog run for your pup.

For more information click here

2. iPhone Scuba Suit - I love that I know will have the ability to take my phone in to the water with me and get some great underwater shots. While I am not a big beach person, I think this will be fun for some goofy pool images. This case is 100% waterproof, so there is no need to worry about any damage.

Available here

3. Princess Vera Wang for Kohl' - On July 9, Vera Wang will be launching her new line Princess Vera Wang - a wallet-friendly junior's line of clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories for Kohl's. While I do not usually shop in the junior's section, the video has my inrest peaked and I can definitely see myself mixing in many of the pieces. The line is will combine Vera's "vision  of playful sophistication and incorporate many of the styling elements and design characteristics for which she is best known, including mixed media and artful whimsy."

4. OPI Spotted - Because shattered nails are so "last year", OPI has released its newest top coat effect polish - "Spotted." Apparently, the polish is only available in France. It replaces the Green Shatter from the Spiderman Collection. I love the look and have found it readily available on ebay, if you are willing to pay the hefty price.

Image found on lacquernails.tumblr.com

5. Summer Berry Pizza - Have you ever eaten something and felt that all is right in the world? Well, sorry if I sound dramatic, but that is how I felt when I ate this dessert pizza. It was amazing. Every bite was perfection. We cheated and used store bought pizza dough, but the result was heavenly. Everyone should run out and get the ingredients for this pizza! The recipe can be found here.

Receipe found on DonalSkeehan.com

Take A Cue from The Kids

Years ago, when I was a tiny size 0, I did a lot of my shopping in the kids' section of the Gap and Bloomingdale's. While I can no longer fit in the clothes, I still find myself in the kids' section looking for great accessories and cute stuff for my apartment. Luckily, I have small feet and I save a lot of money buying children's shoes and sneakers! Here are some great accessories and housewares taken from the children's section, but adorable enough for any age.

Hold Me Tight Pillow Available at Land Of Nod

My Lucky Four-Leaf Mirror Available at Land of Nod

Crafty Magnet Board from Pottery Barn Kids

Hand Painted Lanterns from Pottery Barn Kids

Canvas Overnight Bag from JCrew Kids

Wandering Star Rolling Suitcase from JCrew Kids

(this is the bag I use as a carry on)

Bead and Stars Bracelet from JCrew Kids

Boho Cinched Purse from 77 Kids for American Eagle

Beach Beaded Cuff Set from 77 Kids for American Eagle

Xhilaration Watch From Target

In Search of the Perfect Summer Flat

I very rarely wear heels or wedges. Flats are my go to shoe. I pride myself on owning some pretty cute flats, but this summer I was in search of a perfect pair - colorful, comfortable and affordable. Since I walk around a lot, comfort really was the most important aspect, but they have to look good. So here is a list of flats that can be worn to for work and on my time off. They all work well for days where I will be walking around the city, shopping at a mall or playing on the boardwalk.

Betsey Johnson Brritney Flat - Available here

Madewell Bungalow Stripe Sidewalk Skimmer - Available here

                                                   

Michael Kors Meg Espadrille - Available here 

DV by Dolce Vita Diamon Sandal- Available here

Bloch London Arabian Ballet Flat - Available here

Pierre Dumas Lorna 9 Sandal - Available here

Friday Five

1. Marc Jacobs Muscle Man Doll - Back in November Marc Jacobs was featured on South Park as one of Cartman's Dolls. Well, The designer and the makers of South Park have teamed up to make an actual plush doll of Marc - exactly like the Muscle Man Marc one Cartman played with on the show. It is a limited edition and I cannot wait to get my hands on one!

Available here



2. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious - I have very thick, wavy hair. It used to be pin straight, but over the years it has taken on a nice wave. I do not like to spend a lot of time fixing my hair and in a perfect world, I would wake up each morning with waves like Giselle without ever having to do anything. Well this line from Bumble and Bumble is the next best thing. I start out with the curl conscious shampoo and conditioner and, after towel drying my hair, I work the holding foam in and I am left with gorgeous waves. No drying, no frizz, no styling required. I don't have curly hair so I cannot vouch for how it holds up on tight curls, but my hair stays put all day and night without any crunchiness, stickiness or wet look.

Available here

3. Painted Amaryllis Measuring Cups: I may or may not have a slight Anthropologie addiction. Addiction or not, these measuring cups are so gorgeous I might be inclined to cook more if I had them. There are four cups in the set: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup. They are stoneware and safe for the dishwasher and microwave.

Available here



4. Special K's Real Women - Just as Dove did a few years ago, Special K is using real women of all shapes and sizes in its new ad campaign. They ads emphasize how we feel about our bodies rather than how we look. Body confidence is key to this campaign. Special K intends to inspire women to eat healthy and focus on how you feel rather than what you will lose. Currently, the campaign is running in the U.K., but hopefully it will come to the United States.

5. Red Velvet Waffles - Go ahead. Spoil dad and the rest of the family Sunday with this amazing recipe.

Taken from Taste and Tell Blog

Summer Reading List

I am the first to admit this - I am a nerd. I love to read. Actually, I prefer it to almost anything else (anything except shopping). Each year before school ended for Summer break, we would get a list of books to read for the next school year. Most people groaned. I was happy. New books! I have continued on with my own personal summer reading list each year. Last year, I completed the Modern Library's 100 Best Novels. No, I was not a shut in. I had read a good chunk of them over the years, so I was able to finish up the list without spending my entire summer with my nose in  a book. This year, I picked a mix of books to satisfy all of my interests. There is some YA, classics, short stories, fiction, biography, art and fashion. Please note: Mr. Grey did not make the cut. Sorry ladies!

The Kissing List -  A series of interlocking stories about the love lives of several women.

Available here

The Great Gatsby - I have read this many times before, but I have to get in one more reading before the movie comes out. Plus, this book is the perfect go to for fashion ideas and inspiration. The costumes in the upcoming movie version are going to have a huge impact on the fashion world.

Available here

The Year of the Gadfly - The basic description of this book grabbed me right away - A young news reporter communicates with the ghost of Edward R. Murrow and investigates a secret society at a New England prep school. It seems like it will be full of mystery and silliness.

Available here

Advanced Style -  My friend and I joke around about something we like to call "granny style." The ability to mix and match fashion as an elderly woman fascinates me and I am constantly trying to understand how some women can mix sequins with polka dots and look amazing. I can only hope to be as fashionable and glamorous as some of the elderly women I see walking in NYC. This book will serve as an inspiration for my twilight years.

Available here

The Paris Wife - This novel the story of Ernest Hemingway, his "starter wife" Hadley and their life in Paris. As the book unfolds, we see that life during the Jazz Age in Paris might not be meant for a young couple starting out.

Available here

Frida: A Biography of Frida Khalo - Khalo's work and life have always intrigues me. I hope to learn more about her creative process, how she handled her heartache and physical pain and what inspired her.

Available here

Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life - This controversial biography mentions Chanel's drug use, lesbian affairs and German lover during World War II. Intrigued yet? No other designer had as much influence in women's fashion as Chanel and this book gives an in-depth look into her personal and business life.

Available here

The Innocents - Adam and Rachel have been dating for twelve years and are about to be married, but all of that changes when Rachel's cousin, comes to town.

Available here



The Best American Short Stories 2012 - This collection of short stories features a wide variety of new writers, acclaimed authors and everyone in between. This year's collection is said to feature stories that represent what is going on in the world today.

Available here

Flirting in Italian - Four young girls experience all the Italy has to offer - cute boys, ancient art and beautiful surroundings - along with uncovering a family mystery.

Available here

Friday Five

This week flew by and I could not be happier. I have a packed schedule this weekend - volunteering at the MoMA, BBQ with friends and family and celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday with brunch. So to kick off the weekend, here are my favorites for this week. Have a great weekend and enjoy the sun!

1. Trina Turk for Banana Republic: California native, Trina Turk, has brought her signature Palm Springs style to Banana Republic with a line of colorful clothing and accessories. The items in this line are adorable and perfect for summer. Filled with punch colors, these pieces will add a bit of glamour to your summer wardrobe without the usual hefty price associated with Turk's designs. Oh and the bracelets practically beg to be stacked!!

Shop the collection here

2. Cindy Sherman at the Museum of Modern Art: Cindy Sherman is a genius and a pioneer for women in photography. This is the last weekend to catch her retrospective at the MoMA and I highly recommend going to see it. The show spans her career from her early series of  Untitled Film Stills to her present work. This show is truly a must see for photography lovers.

3. Big Apple BBQ Block Party: For the 9th year, Madison Square Park is hosting the Big Apple BBQ Block Party, featuring amazing BBQ food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Rack & Soul and more. Admission is free and plates of food are only $8 each. The Party starts on Saturday, June 9 and lasts until Sunday.

For more information click here

4. Monet's Garden at the New York Botanical Gardens: Claude Monet was an avid gardener and his love for gardening was evident in his paintings. Monet even hinted that flowers might have been the reason he became a painter. From now until October, the New York Botanical Gardens will have on display rare artifacts from Monet's life, as well as paintings, one of which has never been exhibited in the United States before. Photographs of Monet's garden at Giverny are also on exhibit. The Conservatory features gorgeous plants, including Monet's beloved waterlilies.

For more information click here

5. Watermelon Sangria: I am known (well in my family) for making an awesome red wine sangria. This recipe calls for white wine and watermelons. It is the perfect summer drink for BBQs, summer parties or anytime you want something refreshing. I plan on making a batch this weekend.

Gifts for Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner. There are a lot of great ways to show your appreciation for dad, so I decided to compile a list of great things I think any special father in your life would like. There is no shortage of novelty items or ties, but sometimes dad deserves something a little more memorable. Take a look!

Print from HairBrainedSchemes

Nut and Bolt Cuff from Giles & Brother

Yankee Stadium Seat

Vintage Colors Watch from G-Shock

Bobba Fett Helmet Cuff Links

Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer

Fedora from Gap

Bulleit Bourbon

Scuba Mask with camera by Liquid Image

Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting - Recipe here

Nothing is better than a home baked present!!!