Confetti Cooks // Guacamole

If there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I have a serious love affair with mexican food. I personally think every holiday should be celebrated with a margarita and if I could convice my family to trade turkey for fajitas at Thanksgiving, I'd be a very happy girl. 

Luckily for me, I married a man who makes a mean batch of guacamole. He's shared with both friends & family, and we all agree that it's his specialty. After we enjoyed his recipe as an homemade appetizer last Friday night and then again for lunch Saturday, I convinced him to document his recipe for me so I could share. Scroll down for (in my opinion) the best guacamole on this side of the Mississippi. 

Ingredients: 

2 avocados

1/3 tomato, chopped

1/4 onion, chopped

1 jalapeño, de-seeded & chopped

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 lime, juiced

dash of chipotle chile pepper

dash of sriracha

salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1) mash avocados with lime juice, add garlic

2) stir in remaining ingredients, mix well

3) serve with your favorite tortilla chips & enjoy!

Wrap it Up

One of my favorite trends this winter has been the blanket scarf/cape phenomenon. The reason? It is highly functional in freezing temps, providing both an extra layer and the feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket by the fire. Side note - caution on wearing to work, as falling asleep by your imaginary fire due to extreme coziness is usually frowned upon. 

I found this scarf during Zara's amazing end of the year sale for under $30 (which is sadly now sold out) and scooped it right up. With it's bold colors and oversized style, it's proven to bring new life to an outfit that seems to be constantly on repeat.

 zara scarf, similar from topshop / j.crew tee / gap jeans / j.crew belt / forever 21 hat (similar) / shinola watch (borrowed from the husband) / bp bootie / old clutch (similar)

ps - apologies for the blurry pictures, we're doing it Tim Gunn style and #makingitwork.

shop the post: 

Sunday Browsing vol. 28

Call me boring, but lately all I've wanted to do once Friday rolls around is hang at home and go to bed early. Luckily, the husband hasn't objected (yet) so I got to spend another weekend hiding from the cold. 

During my non-hermit hours, I managed to try a barre 3 class with some girlfriends and go see Selma. If you haven't seen it yet, please do yourself a favor and go. It was beautifully done, eye opening, and beyond moving. If you've seen it, let me know what you think.

One positive outcome of living in hermit-ville is there are plenty of links to explore & share, here are my faves from this week:

• to decorate: I wanted just about everything in this budget friendly decor finds post by Erin. 
• to listen: 5 podcasts to listen to post-serial if like me, you're experiencing withdrawal. 
• to eat: I'm making this recipe for mushroom poblano posole verde for the first time tonight & I'm pretty excited. It looks amazing.
• to shop: after doing a little window shopping at nordstrom last night, I added this, this and this to my online cart to sit in shopping purgatory until I save a few more pennies.
• to (outfit) inspire: this look is the perfect marriage of menswear & playful if you ask me. 
• to gift: check out boxfox's collection of adorable, curated boxed gifts for all of your girlfriend celebration needs. Even better, the company was started by 3 young women who are recent college grads. #girlsruntheworld.
• to emulate: crossing my fingers that this tutorial will magically make my hair look just like sienna miller's. A girl can dream.

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Wanderlust Wednesday // NYC Travel Guide vol. 2

Last month, the husband and I jetted off to New York City for our second annual NYC anniversary trip, see last year's recap here. Although most of our time outside was spent under umbrellas (hence the lack of photos), we still managed to explore new-to-us parts of the city and, of course, eat like there was no tomorrow.

If a trip to the most magical place on earth (okay, subject to personal preference here) is in your future, below are a few ideas of what to eat, see & do. Let me know your NYC faves for our trip this year!

To Eat:

Asia Dog - If you're a fan of hotdogs (& who isn't?!), Asia Dog cannot be missed. Nestled in a small shop in Nolita, hotdogs are topped with fresh, innovative flavor combinations. Don't forget the Korean Yam Fries.

Egg Shop - By far the most adorable place I have ever eaten brunch, egg shop is a solid choice for your morning meal. I got the avo & egg sandwich and the husband chose the egg shop b.e.c.  Oh, and the hash browns, seriously amazing.

Bar Virage - We stumbled on this bar for a nightcap, where it instantly won my heart by playing every song that made middle & high school dances awesome. Bonus - their cocktail music is as good as their music selection.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters - after seeing stumptown all over my fav blogger's instagrams, I of course had to check out the hype. We stopped in on the way to Chelsea Market and I was immediately captivated by the 40's inspired decor and friendly service.

Cook Shop - I could go on and on about this place, but what you really need to know is they have the best huevos rancheros known to man. Visit before or after Chelsea Market, and don't miss story (scroll down), located next door.

Maison Première - hop over to Brooklyn to expereince the dimly-lit, New Orleans' inspired oyster bar and cocktail house. We completely screwed up their weekly happy hour ($1 oysters 4-7pm Monday-Friday & 11am-1pm Saturday-Sunday) but enjoyed the oysters just the same.

Northern Spy Food Co. - if you can't tell by now, I plan my vacations around brunch. Northern Spy is a West Village gem, with a comfort-food inspired brunch menu. I didn't get to, so please try their Fuji Apple Mimosa and report back.

To Experience:

Chelsea Market - we spent a rainy morning wandering through the market and were easily entertained, browsing everything from books to jewelry to the endless restaurant menus. My favorite was the artists & fleas section, which features booths of varying vendors.

Story - this, by far was my favorite find of our trip. Story is a concept retail space located right around the corner from Chelsea Market that completely changes themes, or stories, every 4-8 weeks. We visited during the "home for the holidays" concept but it has since changed to "well-being". All the products are perfectly curated and the staff is beyond friendly, definitely mark this down on your must-visit list.

MoMA - I'm not going to lie to you, this wasn't my fave. Mainly because during our trip I realized that I'm not cultured and have 0 appreciation for the arts. Sad, but true. However, even I was impressed by the sheer volume of art housed in one building. So I cam image that if you do appreciate art it would be pretty fantastic.

A few other things we enjoyed - gawking at the beautiful holiday windows, visiting the tree at rockefeller center and shopping in soho.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Like most, I tend to gravitate towards a style or two that fit well within my comfort zone. For dresses, I usually gravitate towards an a-line or shift, almost always in a vibrant color or two. 

I surprised myself when I added this dress to my cart while shopping zara's sale, since it is neither in the silhouette or color palette that I usually befriend. Something about the muted paisley print and baggy fit persuaded me to embrace my inner flower child, so I grabbed my floppiest hat and channeled my woodstock-attending father. 

zara dress (under $20!) / urban outfitters tights / vince camuto booties / similar hat from nordstrom & asos

shop the post:

Sunday Browsing vol. 27

After a crazy week at work, this weekend was exactly what I needed. Friday night was spent at home with the husband, making dinner and falling asleep on the couch at 9:30 (#wild&crazy). Saturday turned out to be full of errands and chores but ended in the best way possible, a girls night and slumber party. Perfect combination of productivity and relaxation if you ask me. 

I plan to spend the remaining hours of my weekend soaking in as much relaxation as possible, I hope you get to enjoy the same.

A few links I'm loving this week:

• to watch: usually my favorite part of an awards show is the fashion, but I was absolutely blown away by common's acceptance speech. 
• to be shocked: the return of the ugg boot. say what?! okay, I may still be wearing my pair from high school to & from work. #yikes. 
• to enjoy: my friends and I spent some time singing & reminiscing this weekend thanks to the nostalgia machine. best.website.ever. 
• to read: I found this article on how I resolved to help friends dealing with death to be both sobering and enlightening, causing me to think very differently on the subject. It's a must read in my opinion.
• to be amazed: these 53 colorized photos from history are seriously awesome. 

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3 Easy Winter Looks with Warby Parker

one: pair your favorite midi skirt from spring with a graphic sweatshirt, style with a few fun accessories. {nasty gal backpack, h&m sweatshirt, timex watch, vince camuto booties, warby parker glasses, front row skirt}

two: extend the life of a graphic tee into winter by layering with an oversized flannel and a chunky statement necklace. {topshop jeans, sincerely jules tee, bauble bar necklace, vans shoes, maybelline lipstick,  zara top, warby parker glasses}

three: go monochromatic with an all grey look. Grey's not dominate in your closet? Try white (yes, even in winter!) or channel your inner New-Yorker with head-to-toe black.  {j.crew turtleneck, warby parker glasses, sole society shoes, revlon lipstick, topshop vest, topshop jeans}

If you're challenged in the eyesight department like me, you know that the struggle to find attractive and affordable eyewear is real. Luckily, Warby Parker solves both of those problems. I've been a fan of the brand for awhile now, purchasing my first pair a year ago. If you haven't heard, Warby Parker is an online glasses provider that allows you to try on up to 5 pairs at a time (for free!) by shipping them right to your door. 

I'm excited to help announce the release of Warby Parker's spring collection, featuring some seriously awesome eyewear. I included three of my favorites above but the collection is full of 16 amazing options. Inspired by ocean, the new frames feature deep blue hues that are not only wearable for everyday but will undoubtedly add interest to any outfit. I have to say though, the clear acrylic are my fav frames, that just scream cool-girl vibe. 

I'd love to know, are you a Warby Park fan? Check out their new collection & let me know your fav!

Sunday Browsing vol. 26

Guys, if I'm honest, the first work week of 2015 killed me. I think I took my time off during Christmas & New Year's a little too easy and I was catapulted back to reality in a very serious way. Clearly my body was not pleased with the change either, because I ended up with a cold that required me to cancel a few plans this weekend.

Not to fear though, I think I'm on the mend and looking forward to watching the Golden Globes tonight, 3 cheers for awards season! I'm behind on watching all of the nominated films, so I will (of course) be focusing on the red carpet. Any predictions?!

And of course, a few links to keep you extra cozy today:

• to drink: 8 green smoothies to try during your 2015 kickstart. 
• to beautify: I was amazed reading about the endless benefits of gelatin capsules (sounds weird, just trust me & check it out), has anyone had these? I am 100% intrigued. 
• to know: 7 surprising ways to score on etsy #genuis.
• to read: why being nice is the best thing you can do of your career. Call this a serious breath of fresh air.
• to write: 10 best calendars to organized in 2015. Also love al of these beautiful options.
• to brunch: this recipe for sprouted french toast casserole will no doubt be accompanying me on a chilly weekend morning in the near future. 

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8 Healthy Recipes for 2015

After two weeks of complete indulgence, the first week of January has been spent slowly trying to get back into routine & back to eating healthy. For the last two years, I have made a personal commitment to try and eat at home when possible (don't worry, I never pass up brunch) since it's really the only way to know what's actually going into my meals. 

I figured there's a good chance I'm not the only one who went rouge on Christmas cookies this year, so thought it would be fun to share my favorite recipes. All of meals above I have cooked multiple times and have been deemed favorites in my house. PS - follow me on pinterest to keep up with my latest recipe finds!

Goat Cheese Turkey Meatballs & Pesto Salad - This is a staple in our house, especially during the summer, it is beyond delicious. I usually double the Pesto Salad Recipe for leftovers throughout the week.

Sugar Snap Pea & Carrot Soba Noodles - This is one of my favorites to make after an indulgent weekend, since it is packed with vegetables. The recipe includes a homemade ginger-seasme sauce that doesn't disappoint.

Tortilla Soup - I am a sucker for any food that is mexican-inspired, and this soup takes the cake. It's my go-to soup for sharing with friends, in fact we make it so much that I'm pretty sure I have the recipe memorized.

Honey Whole Wheat Banana Bread - A great use for any sketchy-looking bananas, this bread doesn't have any sugar or butter but lack taste. It's a favorite for me to enjoy with my morning tea!

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes - These pancakes are completely guilt-free, easy to make (only 6 ingredients!) and are the perfect remedy for a cold weekend morning.

Tomato Pesto Frittata - This is a go-to for weeknights when the husband & I get home a little late since it's quick, easy to make and turns into great leftovers. Also a great option for a weekend brunch!

Avocado & Sweet Potato Tostada - This was dinner last night, during which we decided it was our absolute favorite. Bonus? It's incredibly easy - as long as you can fry an egg you're good to go. Just trust me on this one and try it out - don't forget to top with a little chipotle tabasco!

Black Bean Soup with Chorizo & Lime - A go to for #soupsundays, this recipe is packed with flavor and doesn't take too much time to whip up. The added bonus is you're left with extra Chorizo to fry up with your weekend eggs.

Any recipe favorites? Please share, I'm always looking for new things to try!

Loving Lately // Turtlenecks

Even though I know trends can be cyclical, there are a few that I never guessed would have come back in style. On the top of that list? Turtlenecks. 

Sure they have great utility (neck protection during a polar vortex) but the scars that my 90's youth left just seemed a little too deep. Today is a new day though, because lately I can't get enough of the clothing I had once sworn off (I just ordered this on major sale). 

Here are a few ways to style the turtleneck trend. PS- click on the icons in picture above the shop the post (all are under $100)!

• Mock & Belted - Pair a skinny belt with a mock neck knit for a look that works from weekday to weekend. 
• Boyfriend Borrowed - size up on a chunky turtleneck and grab you favorite pair boyfriend of for an effortless look.
• Classic & Layered - a tissue thin turtleneck is the perfect piece to layer under you favorite vest, blanket scarf, or blazer. 

What are your thoughts on the turtleneck trend?

Mondays With a Side of Cardigan

This is the Monday of all Mondays. The first Monday of 2015 and the first (real) Monday back to work after the holiday break. To put it simply, I'm not ready. After two weeks of smooth-sailing half-work, I am convinced that everyone should still follow a school schedule - spring break followed by summer break, who's with me?!

Maybe I should resolve to have a slightly better Monday-'tude in 2015? 

A n y w a y s, right before break I picked up this bright, geometric cardigan to accompany cozy days this winter. Since it's unlike anything I have it my closet, I'm excited to experiment, but figured I'd play it safe for the first go-around - pairing it with fail-safe chambray & my current denim fave. 

urban outfitters cardigan (sold out) / old top, similar at madewell / zara jeans / french connection bag / vince camuto booties / baublebar necklace (loving this necklace, on sale!)

shop the post: 

Sunday Browsing vol. 26

Every Sunday morning that I get up & put the finishing touches on this post, I am baffled by how fast the weekend went. This weekend was no exception, as we had family in town, and spent the majority of our extended break hanging out with our adorable niece, all while sneaking in episodes of serial. #addicted. 

Okay, we are 4 days in, how are new year's resolutions going? If I'm honest, I haven't set any yet (see last year's here), but it's something I plan to do in the next few days. After all, I'm a sucker for anything that requires a list.

Here's a few links to enjoy this Sunday:

• to wear: Krystal of This Time Tomorrow has single-handedly convinced me that fanny packs are back in (see evidence: a and b), who's with me?! Get a look-alike here. 
• to brunch: words cannot express just how much of a brunch-freak I am, and by brunch, I mean huevous rancheros. I almost jumped for joy with I stumbled upon this recipe. 
• to listen: it's no secret that I'm a huge Kanye West fan (still can't get over this performance). His new song released on New Year's Day might surprise you - it's a sweet, soft ballad written from his mother's perspective. 
• to shop: if you haven't checked out nordstrom's sale, be sure add it to your Sunday to-do list #dealsondeals. I just picked up this coat that's 65% off!
• to laugh: the most horrifying trends of the early aughts. All I can say is guilty, guilty on so many accounts.

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A Confetti New Years

Happy 2015! Can you believe another year has flown by? Call it another classic case of #yourmotherisalwaysright - time really does move faster the older you get. 

The husband & I spent last night ringing in the new year with dear friends that we don't see often enough, which got me thinking just how blessed this past year has been. Don't be fooled, between the celebrations there has been tired-eyes, frustration and some heart-break, but all in all, I feel completely fortunate to be living this life. 

So, let's get this 2015 party-started, shall we? I don't know what 2015 has up her sleeves, but you best believe I will be sharing it with you on this corner of the internet. Wishing you only the best!

h&m dress / urban outfitters fleece-lined tights (total game-changer!)  / vince camuto booties / old clutch, similar from french connection

Here's to another 365 days of ridiculousness, just the way I like it!