the little things: a glossy box review. [and looovvvveeeeeee.]

so this is mildly overdue, but i finally have tried all products in my last glossybox...just in time to get my new one!

glossybox: may 2012

the amore pacific: moisture bound refreshing hydra-gel is the perfect lightweight moisturizer. a little bit goes a long way- perfect for a low maintenance routine.

burberry: lip misting natural sheer lipstick coper no. 202: i am not really a lipstick person- though the color is neutral enough for me, i [re]gifted it to my mom. she loved it.

the marvis: whitening toothpaste is definitely something i would use again. it wasn't overbearingly minty and my teeth felt clean after brushing- even the next morning. i am also not sure that i was able to see a difference in the color of my teeth with the small amount i had.

the phyto: intense hydrating mask was great.  my hair is really sensitive in the dry weather and it tends to dry out so easily. this hair mask only took a few minutes (2-5 to be exact) and kept my hair silky smooth.

i have never used this brand, but the zoya: nailpolish in "meg" was a really easy application. the color really wasn't me- again, my mom loved the fun green, so i put it in our "share" pile. it would be a great color for the toes with something subdued on the fingernails.

i promise the next one will be much more timely.

ALSO

i just wanted to wish one of my best friends bridget a very happy birthday! bridget and i met on the first day of freshman year at penn state, and the rest is well... history. [please note that this picture is circa 2009]

bridget: i hope you have a fabulous birthday. we will celebrate soon! maybe a frozen marg is in store?

loooovvvvvveeeee,

j

a healthy meal.

last week, my cousin (check out her blog: peace love nutrition) and i made dinner for a few friends. luckily, our friend had just caught and brought back fresh sea and striped bass from the hamptons, so we had such fresh fish!

the menu:
broiled striped bass filet and sea bass (whole) with peppers and onions with fresh rosemary, lemon, olive oil and pepper
wild mushroom couscous
steamed broccoli with lemon juice
sauteed yellow squash and zucchini (in coconut oil)
kale salad
arugula

the wine:
red- pinot noir
white- chardonnay

the verdict: the meal was simple, but delicious- with the great company, even more enjoyable. the leftovers were just as amazing!


what are your favorite recipes for a get-together with friends?


j

new memories.

this past weekend, we celebrated my cousin's grandma's 90th birthday. family from all over came to celebrate grandma's birthday. it was great! filled with great company, good food and even a butterfly release.

happy birthday, grandma!


j

american gypsies.

last night along with a few friends, i went to the premiere at the hammerstein ballroom for a new show produced by a friend of mine: american gypsies. i must admit, my idea of a gypsy was stuck in the medieval times. boy was i way off. this new show on national geographic, follows the johns family and gives america an insider view to what it means to be gypsy. i was lucky enough to be able to meet a few family members last night.

i had a great time. it is always fun to play dress up (umm... bold red lip?? there is a first time for everything.) and just have fun with friends.  the show itself airs on national geographic on july 17th (tuesday) at 9pm. i'll be tuning in!

next monday, i will be flying to texas for 12 hours for a day of interviews. it is a shame i won't be able to explore!

have a fabulous weekend.

j

the best of NYC: burger and fries.

so i decided, that it is my goal, to find the best of the best of everything that new york city (and life) has to offer.  the never ending search of something more was what inspired me to start this blog.  though i have not officially moved into the city yet, i have decided to go ahead and start the search for the best burger that NYC has to offer.

my search of course, started at the original shake shack in madison square park.

the order: a single shack burger with an order of their crinkle cut fries

i got my food and ate it in the park, on the grass, under the shade. though they had seating, something about setting up shop on a blanket in the park really added to it. there are multiple shake shack locations throughout the city, but there is something special about the one in madison square park.


the verdict: the line at times can be insane- luckily i went at around 230 so it had already calmed down quite a bit- it is worth the wait. though i didn't love the fries (i am partial to sweet potato fries and it was more than enough to split with another person), the burger was great.  i love that they serve it on a potato bun. it is simple and made with fresh ingredients, made to order. maybe i shouldn't have started off with a famous burger on this hunt? or maybe it will make the search that much more of a challenge.

i was able to resist getting a shake or a concrete (frozen custard blended with toppings) at shake shack, but i was not able to turn down some italian ice from ralph's. oops. at least i walked a lot yesterday.

what is your favorite burger place in new york city?


j

the little things.

it has officially been one month since i moved back to the united states.  it has gone by so fast. am i settled in yet? no, not really. am i employed yet? no, i have been enjoying my vacation. (of course i am worried about it though.)

the feeling of doubt (if moving back was the right decision) is gone. actually, it has been gone for a few weeks now. though not everything is in its right place just yet, i am very happy with the decision i made. there are little things each and every day that remind me that this is where i need to be.

building a fire on the beach.

having lunch (complete with drinks) on the bay.

sunshine.

walks through the west village.

fresh cherries.

happy wednesday!

j

the little things

hey everyone. apologies for the lack of posting the past two days. i have been in new york city trying to get out of the unemployed situation. (as much as i love having the freedom to go to the beach whenever the sun is shining.)

speaking of, this past sunday, i had the most amazing beach day to date. the sun was shining, i was surrounded by great company and there were even a few margaritas involved. [photo below]

just a few of the little things that have made the past week so wonderful:

a light pasta with summer veggies

view of the marina and bay from our lunch table

the best beach day

the reason for the perfect beach day

a wonderful margarita 

my cat licorice

a picture of me on my grandma's table 

finding this on my phone

beautiful sunny skies in nyc

nyc cabs on park avenue

this weekend cannot come any sooner!! on friday, i will be heading up to rhode island for the weekend with a few of my best friends to celebrate the 4th of july a little early. i cannot be more excited to spend a little quality time with my loves and also get to work on my much needed tan!

what will you be doing this weekend? will you wait to celebrate the 4th?

j