Chic In NYC

So... I love visiting NYC, but I can honestly say that I couldn't live there. However, if I ever felt the need (and had the money) to get an apartment in the city to stay in during my visits, this is what I would want it to look like...

This is the apartment of Vogue staffer, Devon Radziwell. I love everything about it, especially the exposed brick. It adds so much warmth and character to the space. I could just see myself hosting a huge dinner at that gorgeous table for some good friends, then sitting on the comfy couches while drinking champagne and laughing the night away. And you know how much I adore white bedrooms! That bedroom is so simple, yet elegant and classic. Love.

Images via Vogue

Fried Potato Rings

I didn't have time to whip up anything last weekend, so I thought I would share a recipe that features an ultimate weakness for me-- the potato.

Me and potatoes have a deep relationship. I LOVE potatoes! I love both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes. I like them baked, mashed, hashed, smashed and most of all, fried. I am the girl that will go through a drive-thru and only order french fries. So you can imagine how I felt when I found this recipe by Jenny of Spoon Fork Bacon...

I've heard of an onion ring, but never a potato ring. Genius. I would demolish these in 5 seconds flat. Gosh my mouth is watering...

And aren't those photos amazing?? Jenny is an amazing food stylist. You can see more of her gorgeous work here. Be sure to check out her blog for other incredibly delectable recipes and amazing photos!!

Faux House Hunting

One of my favorite things to do on a beautiful fall Sunday to do is to go faux house hunting. My parents and I used to go for long drives after church on Sundays to look at homes. We had the perfect house, but always enjoyed looking at others. I remember sitting in the back seat of the car saying, "I want that house!" every two or so houses we saw.

Yesterday was beautiful here and a perfect day to do some faux house hunting. I had to work yesterday, so I did some late night house hunting on Pinterest. Here are some homes that I found and love...

I'm from the south, so any home with a big porch has my heart...

That house just looks warm to me. I love the clean lines and the cozy colors...

This is my home in the Hamptons. It just doesn't know it yet...

I think I would consider buying this house without seeing the whole thing. Isn't just that part gorgeous? Loving the double front doors...

I could pin on and on, but I gotta get my rest so that I can work to be able to afford a house like any of those one day! I hope you have a great Monday!

xo, 

Rustic Relaxation

In the fall, I tend to favor rustic spaces over anything else. They are incredibly warm, earthy and relaxing to me. I'm hoping for at least 5 seconds of relaxation over the weekend. I have been insanely busy with work this week and will be throughout the weekend. The bags under my eyes are getting larger by the day. Cucumbers are definitely on my grocery list...

I hope you have a relaxing and happy weekend...

xo, 

Images here

Crystal Clear {My Home Office}

Remember this post about the new knobs that I purchased?? Well I finally installed them! I installed the larger ones in my master bath. I'll do a post on that later. Today, I wanted to show you what I did with the smaller knobs....

I planned to install these in my kitchen, but my cabinets are too light and the knobs just disappeared. So I found another place for them in my home office. 

If you missed original post on my office, it's fine because the pictures were a hot mess! Here are some better pics... 

 The desk came with oil-rubbed bronze knobs. Nice, but normal. I thought the crystal knobs would give it a little more zhush and add some sparkle. I also thought they would look great against the dark wood. 

The crystal knobs clearly win right?? Here is the new look...

It's such a small change, but it makes a big difference to me. The desk now has a little more style and personality, which I love. The knobs sort of remind me of diamond earrings and who doesn't love those??

I am actually in here working today. I'm wearing a t-shirt and some comfy pajama pants. My hair up in a clip and the is window up. Max is freshly groomed and is curled up on the chair. He looks happy. I must say that I am, too.

xo, 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

My favorite type of food in the whole wide world is Mexican food, so naturally my favorite soup is chicken tortilla soup. A great friend of mine gave me a cookbook that has the absolute most easiest recipe for this soup. Once the temperature dropped below 70, I had to whip this up. Here is what you need and what to do:

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced

1 tablespoon of chili powder
2 teaspoons of kosher salt

6 cups of chicken stock

2 cups of frozen corn, thawed

2 fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (makes it spicy!!)

2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken

Juice of 2 limes

1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped

In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, chipotle and chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onion softens. Add the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add the corn and simmer for another 5 minutes. 

Turn off the heat, then add the tomatoes, chicken, cilantro and lime juice. Get a big bowl, ladle a few ladles of soup, top it with more cilantro, tortillas (I actually like mine on the side and use them for dipping) and maybe some diced avocado.

How easy is that?? I think you'll like it...

Linking up with Tasty Tuesdays and The Lady Behind the Curtain!

Image by me

Recipe derived from Food Network Favorites

Babies, Brownies & Bridesmaids

Hi there! How was your weekend? Mines was great! I went to Pilates,  had a 2 hour lunch on a patio with a good friend, errands, worked, etc, etc... Here are a few highlights...

I got one of the two diaper cakes completed...

I so enjoy making these cakes for baby showers. This one is going to be shipped to Florida. I have never shipped any of my cakes before, so I am praying that it makes it there in one piece!

After I finished the cake, I made some good ol' Duncan Hines fudge brownies. Simple and quick. I ate a few of the corners (I love the crunchy corners) and did some food styling...

I started dabbling with food styling shortly after I finished my photography class. I never thought I would put time into making sure that a scoop of ice cream was perfectly round or that the edges of a brownie were almost straight. Call me crazy, but I find all of that to be quite therapeutic...

I snuggled on the couch Saturday night and watched Bridesmaids. That is the funniest movie I have seen in a LONG time! I was literally rolling on the couch laughing. I am so thankful for the power of laughter and downtime. I needed it. 

How was your weekend?

xo,

I'd Pay Money...

via

I would pay money to spend the weekend in that bedroom. So pretty... It's no secret that I love white bedrooms, but this room really had me at those antique mirrored closet doors. Love them...

What's on your weekend to-do list? I've got two diaper cakes to make, but the first thing on my list is to see Bridesmaids. I still haven't seen it! I'm definitely in need of a good laugh. From what I hear, I won't be disappointed...

Happy weekend!

xo,